Obit: Lau, Herbert J. (1929 - 2019)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Christianson, Joiner, Krauter, Lau, Loos, Smorynski

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, WI) 1/21/2019

Lau, Herbert “Herbie” J. (6 MAY 1929 - 19 JAN 2019)

Herbert “Herbie” J. Lau, 89 of 209223 County Road E (formerly M636 County Trunk E), Stratford entered eternal life into the waiting arms of his Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 19, 2019. He died peacefully in his own home after a brave and courageous battle with cardiac disease.

Herbert was born on May 6, 1929 in Stratford, Wisconsin to Wilhelm and Henrietta (Krauter) Lau. He attended Timlin Grade School in Marshfield from 1935 to 1943. Herbert was a 1974 graduate of the Mid-State Technical College Welding Program in Marshfield. He was married to Stella M. (Joiner) Lau on June 25, 1955 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Town of McMillan.

The couple owned and operated a dairy farm in the Town of McMillan for 25 years. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage together until her death on September 8, 2004 resulting from a brain aneurysm. Herbert served in the Army 31st Division as a first cook and was honorably discharged in 1953.

He was a very industrious man and often times held down several jobs simultaneously. A partial listing includes employment with Cloverdale Cheese Factory, Roddis of Marshfield, Nash Motors in Milwaukee, Jac-Trac Snowmobiles in Marshfield, Sears Roebuck in Chicago and H & S Manufacturing, where Herbert was cheerfully employed for 40 years and retired from H & S at the age of 83 years old. H & S held a very special place in his heart, as did the time he spent working at Fred Barr’s Minkery in Greenwood. During his many years of employment at Barr’s Minkery, Herbert also served as a cook for the other men who worked there. Herbert enjoyed being with his family, hunting, fishing and making wood in his leisure time. He was a life-long member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

He is lovingly survived by four children; Peggy (Steve) Christianson of Marshfield, Patti (Jim) Smorynski of Plover, Pam (Mike) Loos of Marshfield and David Lau of Stevens Point; six grandchildren (Nathan, Nicole, Ashley (Seth), Jenna, Erin, Austin) and four great-grandchildren (Mya, Makoy, Aubryanah and Jordee) along with the great-grandson he took into his life, Gage.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents Wilhelm and Henrietta, wife Stella, grandson Eric, six brothers (Hugo, Adolph, Willie, Laverne, Dennis and Walter) and four sisters (Tillie, Lydia, Doris and Bertha).

Herbert J. Lau had a thoughtfulness, kindness and love for his fellow human being that was unparalleled. He was one of those people who would “give you the shirt off his back.” We personally witnessed more acts of giving, kind words and thoughtful gestures from Herbert towards his fellow man than we could ever possibly recount here. As a man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend he was simply the best! There will never be another man like him! He taught us so much! He made everyone whose life he touched feel better and richer for having known him. He worked very hard and he played even harder. He enjoyed life, laughed and made others laugh even harder. He was loved by so many and he loved them back. His deepest passion was helping, giving and caring for all people. Well done good and faithful servant. We will forever love you and we will all miss you so much!

A special thank you to all who made our father’s life so happy.

A service and a meal to follow at the Eagle’s Club will be in honor of our loving father in the Spring or Summer. This will be announced.

Herbie’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer.

Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com  to share your thoughts and condolences.