Obit: Selz, John P. (1935 - 2013)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Selz, Bergmann, Kizewski, Pralle, Strauss

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 10 Oct 2013

Selz, John P. (8 FEB 1935 - 4 OCT 2013)

John Patrick Selz, age 78, joined God's Heavenly Kingdom on Friday October 4, 2013 at the House of the Dove Hospice in Marshfield.

John was born on February 8, 1935 to Herman Selz and Justina (Bergmann) Selz of rural Humbird. He was tenth of twelve children. After graduating from Fairchild High School, John attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked briefly for the DuPont Chemical Company in Clinton, Iowa before returning home in 1959 to manage the family farm. Originally settled by descendants of the Bergmann family, the Selz Farm has been in John's family for over 125 years.

John wed his beloved wife, Marianne Kizewski on February 2, 1957 in Wisconsin Rapids. She was at John's side when he died just as she has been for 56 years. Together they raised three devoted children: Pamela (Scott) Selz-Pralle of Humbird, Michael Selz of Tempe, AZ and Sue Strauss of Atlanta, GA. John also took great pride in his grandchildren: Ryan, Jessica and Nicole Pralle.

Throughout his life, John contributed generously to his community and especially the dairy industry. A strong advocate for progressive dairying and the Holstein industry, John served as President of both the National Holstein Association and Wisconsin Holstein Association. He also served on the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors, Purebred Dairy Cattle Association Board, The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, the U.S. Animal Health Association Board and the University of Wisconsin Board of Visitors. His incredible insight and leadership earned him many prestigious honors including the WI Holstein Distinguished Breeder Award, World Dairy Expo Dairyman of the Year, WI Agriculturalist Award the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Award of Distinction, and the UW-River Falls Top Agriculturalist Award. Though, his proudest accomplishment was breeding and developing a high type and high production herd of Joliam Holsteins. John loved talking cows and crop farming even during his waning days of life on earth.

John was also devoted to his community and proud of the rich history of St. Joseph's Catholic Church-Fairview of which he had served on the Parish Council and on the Cemetery Board. He was an active 4-H leader and also served on the Osseo-Fairchild School Board, Mid-Wisconsin Bank Board, Advisory Council to then Rep. Steve Gunderson, CVTC, and many other civic organizations.

John will be remembered for his insightful intelligence, progressive foresight, dry sense of humor, and his commitment to family, community, agriculture, and the Holstein industry. He has left an indelible footprint on the hearts and minds of many especially his children and grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Agnes (Gordon) Zimmerman, Philomene (Maurice) Harmon, Eileen (Edward) Payne, Sr. Clarita Selz - OSB, and Margaret Guarascio; and brothers Herman (Lillian) Selz, Werner (Betty) Selz and William (Adelia) Selz. He is survived by siblings Germaine (Leonard) Vertnik, Joseph (Janet) Selz, and Edward (Frances) Selz.

Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. Saturday, October 12 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church-Fairview. Visitation will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta on Friday, Oct. 11 from 4 to 7pm and again on Saturday at 10 am until the service. A prayer vigil will be held at Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to establish a memorial scholarship in honor of John with the WI Junior Holstein Foundation. John was the first chairman of the Wisconsin Holstein Jr. Activities Committee and a long-time advocate of developing Wisconsin's Holstein youth.

online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com