Edwin Hempfer

Edwin J. Hempfer, 91, of the town of Rib Mountain passed away on Friday, March 1, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born September 6, 1921 in Hogarty to the late Joseph and Martha (Ackerman) Hempfer. Ed helped his parents on the family farm until he was called to duty during WWII. He served in the U.S. Army with Harbor Defense. Ed moved to Wausau and worked at D.J. Murray and later drove truck for Lemke Cheese and Pacific Fruit Co. On March 15, 1952, Ed married Clara Greene in Pine City, Mn. While living in Rib Mountain they raised their three children, Bob, Ron and Sandy. Clara worked for Rolfson Insurance and Ed worked for the Marathon County Park Dept. until retiring in 1983. They both enjoyed watching the Brewers and playing cards, especially Sheepshead, Pinochle and Schmier. Ed had a gift for music and loved playing his concertina, harmonica and guitar. He was an avid coin collector and loved treasure hunting with his metal detector.
Survivors include his children, Bob and Ron of Rib Mountain, Sandy (Ed) Cveykus of Kronenwetter, four grandchildren, Beth, Shanna, and Brent Cveykus and Callie Hempfer, great granddaughter, Tianna Cveykus, sister-in-law, Margaret Hempfer of Hogarty and brother-in-law, Milton Kreager of Wausau.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Clara, one brother, Ralph and five sisters, Doris Shank, Hazel Hempfer, Ella Strassman, Helen Kreager and Sophie Wagner.
The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. 9th Ave, Wausau. Father David Rybicki will officiate. Entombment will be in Holy Angels Mausoleum at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ana Holiday for the care and compassion she gave Dad while at St. Clare's Hospital and to Carla MacDonald and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Service for the kindness and help they gave Dad and our family.