Obit: Mantik, Jerald Matthew (1939 - 2013)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Abitz, Armstrong, Arndt, Carroll, Clark, Everhard, Frank, Heldt, Heller, Huss, Lecheler, Mantik, Paulson, Peissig, Stanley, Setterman, Shidell, Wildberg

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 07/10/2013

Mantik, Jerald Matthew (12 APR 1939 - 6 JUL 2013)

Jerald Matthew Mantik, age 74, of Abbotsford, was called home by his Lord on Saturday evening, July 6, 2013, with his wife and children by his side, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Jerry was born on April 12, 1939 on Hillcrest Dairy Farm near Milan. He was the first son of Fred August and Emilie Pauline (Paulson) Mantik. Jerry attended Dixon Country School a mile from their home and graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1957.

Jerry married his sweetheart, Carolyn Mae Heldt. For the first 10 years of their marriage, Jerry and Carol farmed on Highway 29 near Athens. During this time, Jerry also drove school bus for Athens schools and worked at the Frankfort Cheese Factory. In 1968, with their seventh child on the way, they bought Hillcrest Dairy Farm from Jerry's father, Fred. There, Jerry and Carol raised their seven children.

Throughout their married life, Jerry loved to have fun and spend time with family and friends. With Carol at his side, they organized many events including family gatherings, musical events and billiard and card parties. He had many hobbies during his lifetime, including bowling, playing cards, softball, and attending ball games of his grandchildren. He sponsored many softball and bowling teams at the Milan Softball Diamond and Duke's Bowl in Abbotsford. He was an avid sports fan and could always be found listening to Brewers and Packers games. Jerry was the cornerstone of his family and a true inspiration to all. God and family were his priorities as he led by example every day.

On June 30, 2000, Jerry fainted while driving his motorcycle between two of his farm properties.

The ensuing accident left him a quadriplegic for the rest of his life. After this tragic event, Jerry became even more of a blessing to each life he touched, living out his faith by displaying constant love for his family, and constant joy and faith in his Lord. He continued to enjoy each day of his life - never failing to encourage others along the way. Whether you were a close friend or someone Jerry just met, he always wanted to talk and learn about your life.

In addition to his wife, survivors include seven children, Terrence (Delores) Mantik of Kiel, Rock Mantik and Gloria (Donald) Everhard, both of Medford, Peggy (Jerry) Stanley of Miles City, Mont., Pamala (Mark) Wildberg of Ogema, Penny (Larry) Lecheler of Abbotsford and Kimberly (Craig) Heller of Athens; four sisters, Nancy (Bruce) Armstrong of Madison, Ruby (Don) Peissig of Atlanta, Ga., Gloria (Gene) Setterman of Wausau and Sally (Mark) Arndt of Medford; and friend, Robert Clark of Abbotsford.

Jerry is further survived by 19 grandchildren, Miriah Mantik, Kendra Mantik, Jeremiah Mantik, Melissa (Patrick) Carroll, Donna Mae (Trevor) Huss, Danny (Teagan) Stanley, Dianna Stanley, Nikole Wildberg, Macy Wildberg, James (Betsy) Lecheler, Emilie (Andrew) Frank, Brian (Paige) Lecheler, Kimberly Lecheler, Penny Lou Everhard, Robbie Everhard, Carolyn Everhard, Dalton Everhard, Nathan Heller and Kristin Heller; two great-grandchildren, Paxton Jerry Huss and Connor Thomas Carroll, and two great-grandchildren on the way.

Jerry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Otto Matthew and Ida Belle (Shidell) Paulson and Michael and Elise (Abitz) Mantik; his parents, Fred August and Emilie Pauline (Paulson) Mantik; one infant brother, Glenn Oliver; and two infant granddaughters, Mindy Marie Wildberg and Miranda Sue Mantik.

Friends and family are welcome to celebrate Jerry's life on Saturday, July 13 at 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Medford. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, July 12 from 4 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery near Milan.