Obit: Humke, Paul H. (1926 – 2019)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Humke, Rajaofera, Sheets, Richmond, Zimmer, Toburen, Jackson

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 20 Feb 2019

Humke, Paul H. (7 NOV 1926 – 10 FEB 2019)

Paul H. Humke, 92, Greenwood, peacefully passed away on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at the Clark County Rehab & Living Center, Owen, with family by his side. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, rural Greenwood. Rev. Asafa Rajaofera will officiate and burial of cremains will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of service.

Paul Howard Humke was born on Nov. 7, 1926, on the home farm near Greenwood, to George H. Sr. and Lelah P. (nee Sheets) Humke. He was raised on the family farm and received his education in the Greenwood area, graduating from Greenwood High School in 1944. After high school, Paul remained on the farm helping his father. He married Rose Caryl Richmond on Nov. 16, 1963, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, rural Greenwood. They purchased his family homestead in 1964 and farmed until the barn burned in 1971. Paul then worked for Greenwood Homes, which later became Stratwood Homes. In 1976, they sold their Century Farm and moved into Greenwood. Paul later worked as a cheese maker for Greenwood Milk Products, Hemlock Cheese Factory and Elmdale Cheese Factory. In 1991, he began working for Clark County, delivering Meals-on-Wheels, until retiring in 1999. During his retirement, Paul enjoyed several bus tours to various states. He also spent time doing what he could to help others with assorted tasks, such as lawn care, cleaning eve troughs, painting and repairing things. When his health declined in 2017, he moved to the Clark County Rehab & Living Center. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, where he previously served on the Consistory Board, sang in the choir, and for 30 years served as custodian and groundskeeper. Many Saturdays were spent as a family mowing the church lawn and two cemeteries. Paul had many interests, but especially enjoyed deer hunting, family vacations, listening and dancing to waltzes and polkas, watching sports, singing, telling jokes and making people smile, putting puzzles together, and making latch hooks. His greatest love was his grandchildren and family.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Rose Caryl, of Greenwood; his children: Kurt (Amy) Humke of Greenwood, Todd (Tracy) Humke of Portage, Joel (Jennifer) Humke of Rochester, Minn., Dale (Cheri) Humke of Oshkosh, and Tina (Scott) Zimmer of Greenwood; 11 grandchildren: Kassandra, Aarica, Karson, Austen, Makela, Camryn, Thomas, Allison, Brody, Blaire and Leah; one brother-in-law: Jerald Richmond of Greenwood; one sister-in-law: Betty Horn of Greenwood; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: George Jr. (Valerie), Irvin (Shirley), and Harvey (Betty); three sisters: Ruth (Delmar) Toburen, Verona (Robert) Jackson, and Jeanette (Glenn) Horn; and his in-laws: Guy (Laura) Richmond, Norman Horn, Herbert (Lila) Horn, and Myrna Richmond.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. 

Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.