Obit: Gumz, Herbert G. (1935 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Apfelbeck, Blasel, Erickson, Fink, Gumz, Lueddecke, Purgett

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 5/15/2014

Gumz, Herbert "Herbie" G. (8 NOV 1935 - 13 MAY 2014)

Herbert "Herbie" G. Gumz, age 78, of Dorchester, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield, with his family by his side.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 16 at Peace United Church of Christ in Dorchester. Burial will be held in the Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 4 until 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Dorchester, and from 10 a.m. until time of services on Friday at the church.

Herbie was born on November 8, 1935, the son of Herman and Martha (Blasel) Gumz in the town of Holton on the family farm.

He attended Bruckerville Grade School and Dorchester High School. After high school, Herbie spent six years in the National Guard. he took over the family farm in 1957. Herbie also sold Dairyland Seed for several years and was their top salesman.

On June 1, 1957, Herbie was united in marriage to Mary Alice Erickson at Peace United Church of Christ in Dorchester.

He enjoyed farming, hunting, snowmobiling and playing cards with family and friends. In his later years, Herbie enjoyed sightseeing and reminiscing about years past. He especially loved spending time with his family.

Herbie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Alice; seven children, Dean of Dorchester, Sandra (David) Lueddecke of Abbotsford, Donna Purgett of Owen, David of Eau Claire, Rodney (Dawn) of Edgar, Daryl (Patricia) of Loyal and Kurt (Lori) of Dorchester; 21 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two sisters, Janet Fink of Colby and Doris Apfelbeck of Medford, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mark; a brother, Lester; and an infant sister, Dorothy.

Herbie's family would like to thank all the medical staff for their assistance with his care the past several years.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.