Obit: Meihack, Ronald George (1929 – 2016)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Meihack, Wetzel, Zank, Tavener, Wathke, Gilbert, Schmootz, Biebert, Trunkel

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 27 Aug 2016

Meihack, Ronald George (3 JAN 1929 – 25 AUG 2016)

Ronald Meihack, age 87, of Neillsville, WI died Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Ronald George Meihack was born on January 3, 1929 in Marshfield, WI the son of George and Sarah (Wetzel) Meihack. He attended St. John's Lutheran Grade School and Neillsville High School, where he was named the outstanding senior basketball player. He graduated in 1946. After graduating, Ron, along with working, played for the Neillsville Green Hornets; a city basketball team. In December of 1950, Ronald enlisted into the United States Army. He was stationed at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin, Fort Riley in Kansas, Camp Polk in Louisiana and Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He was honorably discharged in December of 1952. On June 9, 1956 Ron was united in marriage to Betty A. Zank, whom he had met at a dance at the Silver Dome Ballroom. His career included working for the A&P Store, the American Stores and the Neillsville Milk Products, before joining the Clark County Forestry and Parks Department. He worked there for over 20 years before retiring in 1990. Along with working, Ron, Betty and family also owned and operated The Penguin root beer stand from 1964 to 1978. In retirement, he and Betty enjoyed traveling. They did a cruise to the Panama Canal and several cruises to Alaska.

Ron was a lifelong member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. He had a quirky sense of humor and was an avid sports fan who never missed his children's school sporting events. He enjoyed watching the Wisconsin Badger football and basketball games and never missed a Green Bay Packer Football game.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, three children, Scott (Coleen) Meihack of Jemez Springs, NM, Lori (Mark) Tavener of Incline Village, NV and Lynn (Joseph) Wathke of Fall Creek, WI, two grandchildren, Monica (Vince) Gilbert of Albuquerque, NM and Alyssa Meihack of Reno, NV, one great grandson, Brentyn Schmootz of Albuquerque, NM, a brother, Marvin (Patricia) Meihack of New Ulm, MN, a sister-in-law, Eileen Zank of Neillsville, two brothers-in-law, Bill (Sue) Zank of Neillsville, WI and Richard (Marie) Zank of Red Wing, MN and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Ruby Meihack, two brothers in infancy and a special cousin, Evelyn Walk.

A Memorial Service for Ronald will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 2, 2016 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Timothy Biebert will officiate. Music will be provided by Judy Trunkel, organist. Military Honors will be performed by the Neillsville Veteran's Council. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 2, 2016 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Ronald's family with Funeral arrangements.