Obituary of Herbert Rueben Wachholz

Herbert R. Wachholz Age 88, of Friendship, formerly of Spencer, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 14, 2016. His funeral service will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spencer. Pastor Rebekah Tarras and Rev. Terri J. Skildum will officiate. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery in the Town of Brighton. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Tuesday from 9:30AM until time of services. Herbert Rueben Wachholz was born September 11, 1927 in Spencer, the son of Henry and Linda (Andre) Wachholz. He was a 1945 graduate of Spencer High School. On the anniversary of his baptism, October 9, 1954, Herbert was united in marriage to Leona Marie Stuhr at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield. Together they farmed the homestead just north of Spencer first owned by Herbert’s great-grandparents. After selling the farm in 1970, Herbert was employed as a metal fabricator at Berg Equipment in Marshfield. He also served as the assessor for the Town of Brighton for over 20 years. Herbert was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church serving many years on the church council and, together with his wife Leona, as custodian. He was a certified assessor and member of the Wisconsin Association of Assessing Officers and Wisconsin Towns Association. Herbert enjoyed the sights and sounds of the outdoors. He loved watching and listening to the birds in his backyard. He saw great beauty in white, puffy clouds as they floated across the sky. Herbert also enjoyed a daily bowl of ice cream especially when accompanied by a homemade cookie. The flavor made no difference; he loved them all. And even when full from supper, he found room for a handful of plain M & Ms kept in a bowl next to his chair. Herbert loved spending time with his wife and family. He was an incredibly patient man and always found time to help a child whether family or friend. Herbert was a man of deep faith and possessed a unconditional love for his Lord and Savior. Survivors include his wife Leona Wachholz of Friendship; a son Richard (Debra) Wachholz of Friendship; a daughter Lynette (Carol Bartig) of Shoreline, WA; three grandchildren: Erin (Ryan) Spaeth, Ryan (Jillian Langer) and Katie Wachholz; and a great granddaughter Amelia Spaeth. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Norman, Maynard, Rev. Edward, and Donald; three sisters: Edna in infancy, Gertrude, and Irma. This gentle, peaceful and loving man will be greatly missed. Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer is assisting the family. Visit http://www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com/ to share thoughts and condolences.