Obit: Stichert, Willis P. (1928 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org    

Surnames: Stichert, Rothenberger, Breseman, Haessly, Coleman, Griesbach, Krasselt, Serchen

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 02/11/2012

Stichert, Willis P. (6 MAY 1928 - 6 FEB 2012)

Willis P. Stichert, 83, of Chili, died peacefully on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at his home.

Private services are planned with no public visitation. Burial will be at the Yolo Cemetery in the town of Fremont.

Willis was born May 6, 1928, in Marshfield to William and Lillian (Rothenberger Breseman) Stichert. He attended Chili Grade School and Granton High School. Willis married Arlene Mae Haessly at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hewitt.

As a young man, he worked in the grain fields of the Western states. He subsequently enlisted in the Merchant Marines with home port of Duluth, Minn. For the next 10 years, he served aboard large cargo ships on the Great Lakes, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. He often told stories of his adventures on Lake Superior and the Great Lakes system.

In 1953 he returned with his spouse and young family to his home community of Chili and founded Stichert Lumber and Roofing Co., managing and remaining active in the business until the time of his death. Additionally, he established a logging enterprise which was a consistently recognized supplier to Consolidated Papers.

Willis also had a great interest in Belgian draft horses, developing the breed, showing at the local and state fairs, participating in local and regional parades. One of his greatest joys was his repeated participation with his Belgian hitch in the Circus World Parade held in Milwaukee and Chicago. He was a long-time member of the Belgian Draft Horse Association.

Known as "Willie" to many acquaintances, he enjoyed traveling the rustic roads of Wisconsin, meeting new people, selling for the family metal roofing business, or attending local and regional auctions.

He is survived by Arlene; his mother-in-law, Helen Haessly; his children, Paul (Janet) Stichert, Chili, Renee Coleman, Marshfield, Dana (Denise) Stichert, Willis Jr. (Cindy) Stichert, Ann (Jeff) Serchen and John Stichert, all of Chili, and Mary Stichert Fried of Minocqua; his grandchildren, Ben and Wade Stichert, Sara (Craig) Griesbach, Eric (Tammy) Stichert, Ryan and John Coleman, Kate (Adam) Krasselt, Damon, Dylan and Dara Stichert, Rachel and Ellen Stichert, Craig and Emily Serchen, Jaclyn, Jacob and Joshua Fried; step-grandchildren, Beau (Jena) Serchen and Brant Serchen; and four great-grandchildren, Owen, Lillian, Avery and Ella.

He is also survived by a sister, Virginia (Malcolm) Hanson of Westboro; nieces and nephews.

The family extends deep gratitude to caretaker and special friend Judy Hineline, Ministry Home Hospice, Pastor Dan Schoessow of Christ Lutheran Church-Chili, and his many friends for their kindness and support.

Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy in Willis' memory may do so to Christ Lutheran Church-Chili. A memorial gathering and open house in celebration of Willis' life will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 6 at the Stichert Warming Shelter, W1487 Pinecreek Road, Chili.

"Death is not extinguishing the light; it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come." — Rabindranath Tagore

Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.comfor your convenience.