Obit: Dern, Anton H. (1945 - 2013)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Dern, Hubing, Freiberg, Pire, Wanta, Struble

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 11/27/2013

Dern, Anton H. (7 December 1945 - 21 November 2013)

Anton H. Dern, 67, of Wisconsin Rapids, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at his residence.

Anton was born Dec. 7, 1945, in Neillsville to Arthur and Ruth (Hubing) Dern. Anton’s first wife, Cherylee Freiberg, preceded him in death in 1973. Anton then married Mary K. Pier June 28, 1975, in Janesville. Anton was an English teacher and American history teacher at Mead Elementary in Wisconsin Rapids, and then at West Junior High in Wisconsin Rapids, where he taught English until his retirement in 2006.

Anton loved sports since he was a child, including baseball, basketball, bicycling and tennis. He was a member of Bob’s Tennis Club. Anton also served as a coach at West Junior High, coaching tennis, basketball, golf and softball. He was a member of the Lincoln High School “chain gang” for varsity football games for many years. Anton also had a passion for cars since childhood, including all types of cars. He was a member of the Model “A” Club and the Mustangs.

Anton is survived by his wife, Mary; two children, Anna (Bradford) Wanta of Tampa, FL, and Benjamin Dern of Milwaukee; one granddaughter, Avery Wanta; and one sister, Carla (Dean) Struble of Amherst.

Anton was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life was held at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers a memorial in Anton’s name will be established at a later date.