Wilbert Pomplun

Wilbert O. Pomplun, age 85, of Ripon, WI, formerly of Wautoma, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2012, at Michalene’s in Ripon.

Wilbert was born on August 12, 1926, in the Town of Deerfield, Waushara County, the son of Albert Ernest and Martha Alvina (Groskreutz) Pomplun. He was united in marriage to Alice L. Schwanke on January 10, 1951, at Trinity Lutheran Parsonage in Wautoma by Pastor Martin Rose. Alice preceded Wilbert in death on December 13, 2008. Wilbert served in the 45th Quartermaster Company of the US Army as a truck driver from September 25, 1950 to July 24, 1952, stationed in Japan and Korea.

He lived in Wautoma where he loved the outdoors and worked as a pulp cutter/logging contractor for over forty years retiring in 1985. The Fox Valley Chapter of the Society of America Foresters presented him with an outstanding performance award in the category of logger/contractor. He had the reputation of honesty, hard work and long hours maintaining his logging operation.

Wilbert moved to Russell Manor Apartments in Ripon where he was employed as a maintenance man for sixteen years. At Russell Manor he did excellent and beautiful work with painting the walls and varnishing the doors. Alice and Wilbert also had beautiful flower beds all around the manor. He was very active and faithful in Messiah Lutheran Church as an usher and trustee. He did lots of painting and up keep for the church. Faith was very important in his life. Wilbert moved to Michalene’s in August 2010, when he needed more assistance and care. Wilbert and Alice loved to go on trips and travel. He had many friends where ever they went. Wilbert loved country and polka music, playing cards, sightseeing and visiting old friends.

Survivors include his daughter, LaVerne Pomplun of Oshkosh, WI; sisters, Elizabeth (Dick) Winkler of Montello, WI and Margaret (Gilbert) Bittleman of Westfield, WI; one brother, Lavern (Mary) Pomplun of Berlin, WI; caregiver, Beverly (Ronnie) Krueger of Berlin, WI; sisters-in-law, Lucille Bartel and Laurine Pomplun and brothers-in-law, William Deuel and Robert Bartel, along with other relatives, nieces, nephews and everlasting friends. Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Alice; two brothers, Walter and Marvin Pomplun; two sisters, Delores Deuel and Gladys Hoeft and brothers-in-law, David Daye and Edwin Hoeft.

Visitation for Wilbert Pomplun will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012, from 5 – 7:00 pm at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr. Ripon, WI 54971 and again on Saturday, January 28, 2012, from 9 – 11:00 am at Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Mayparty Dr. Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for Wilbert Pomplun will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 11:00 am at Messiah Lutheran Church in Ripon. Reverend Bryan Fritsch will officiate. Interment will take place at Wautoma Union Cemetery in the Town of Wautoma with full military honors. Memorials may be directed to Messiah Lutheran Church, as the church meant the world to him.

Beverly Krueger would like to thank the staff of Michalene’s for all of the loving care they gave to my Uncle Wilbert Pomplun. He was truly blessed to have found such a special place. A thank you to Heartland Hospice for their special trips to care for Wilbert and all the work everyone has done in Wilbert’s last months of his life.

Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send on-line condolences.