Floyd Flora

Floyd A. Flora, 81, Wausau, passed on August 30, 2016 at 6:00 a.m. at the Aspirus Hospice House.

Floyd was born September 29, 1934 in Ladysmith, WI. Floyd's parents were the late Floyd M. and Dorothy F. Flora of Ladysmith. Floyd was united in marriage on October 15, 1955 to Benita T. Sorenson of Stevens Point, WI.

During Floyd's lifetime he wore many hats, as he would say, in addition to his teaching and coaching career. Early in his life, his work experiences included: lifeguard, janitor, paper mill sales, police officer, and later served summers as a conservation warden, boat sales, and special needs swimming instructor. After retiring, Floyd volunteered at the Wausau Hospital driving the EZ Rider for 8 years.

Floyd's 32 year teaching career began after completing his undergraduate degree in Physical Education at UW-Stevens Point. He taught elementary physical education for 10 years within the Wausau School District, and then during and after completing a graduate degree in Guidance and Physical Education at UW-La Crosse spanning four summers. He taught an additional 20 years at John Muir Middle School. There, he served as the coach for the Boy's Basketball and Track and Field teams. Floyd also coached the UW-Marathon Campus Women's Basketball team for 9 years. One of Floyd's most rewarding roles was teaching swimming to special needs students and was nicknamed by his students "The Pool Guy." Floyd loved teaching and was always an advocate for the students.

Floyd enjoyed remodeling and improving an old, 10 acre farm they bought in 1964 out in the Town of Maine. He and his family raised a variety of animals at the farm for the benefit of his children. He also had many other interests over his lifetime that he enjoyed with his family that included working on cars, fishing, hunting, sailing, helping his son Bruce with his sign business, and woodworking. Floyd always enjoyed time with everyone in his family. After retirement he spent much of his time with his grandchildren.

Floyd is survived by his wife, Benita; and five children, Eric (Donna) Flora of Arroya Grande, CA, Bruce (Cindy) Flora of Wausau, WI, Christy Schweiss of Menominee Falls, WI, Lee Flora-Fochs of Wausau, WI and Guy (Michelle) Flora of Wausau, WI. Floyd has nine grandchildren that include Cara Flora, Matthew (Mia) Flora, Jesse (Keena) Flora, Hailey (Conner Monk) Feltz, Hayden Feltz, Julie Schwiess, Erin (Zach Westberg) Flora, Jill (Jeremy Patton) Schweiss, and Chandler Fochs. Floyd has two great-grandchildren, Noah Flora and Emmy Flora. Floyd has two nieces, Vicki Born and Janelle Wittrock; and nephew, Scott Girard

In addition to his parents, Floyd was preceded in death by his sister, Caroll J. Girard; brother-in-law, Jug Girard; and son-in-law, Jonathan Schweiss.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 402 N. Third Ave., Wausau, on Saturday, September 10, 2016. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

Any donations in memory of Floyd should be sent to the Wausau Humane Society as he loved his dogs.

The family would like to thank the Aspirus Hospice House for the professional and thoughtful care they provided Floyd and his family during his short stay.