Harold Garves

Harold A. Garves, 86, Rhinelander (formerly of Wausau), died Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau.

Harold was born September 1, 1928 in the Town of Pine River to the late Henry and Bertha (Hartwig) Garves. He proudly served in the US Army from 1952-54 and was stationed in California attaining the rank of corporal. Harold married his lifelong friend, Alice Ramthun, on September 17, 1955 at St. Stephen's United Church of Christ in Merrill. Together, the couple raised two daughters; Patricia and Karen. Harold worked for the Marathon County Highway Department for 34 years driving snowplows and working in the Maintenance Department. He was also a member of the local AFSCME chapter.

Harold was a gentle and quiet man. He enjoyed fishing with Alice every chance they got, reading several newspapers each day and listening to Gene Autry and polkas. One of his greatest passions was working in his garden and tending to his flowers, he had a special "green thumb" for growing. Another love in his life was animals and he had a very special way with all of them. Harold enjoyed feeding the birds and grew a close bond to his feline companion, Punkin.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife, Alice; daughters, Patricia (David) Schwede of Birnamwood and Karen (Rick) Langbecker of Wausau; grandchildren, Jennifer Schwede of Birnamwood, Cari Schwede of New York, Eric Schwede of Birnamwood, Justin (Shannon) Langbecker of Merrill, Sara Langbecker of New York and Ashley Langbecker of Wausau; one great-grandchild blessing soon to come; sister, Betty Kuhnert of Wausau; his furry little friend, Punkin the cat; and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Earl Pfaff; and brother-in-law, Robert Kuhnert.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 18 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Wausau. Pastor Mary Jo Laabs will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of services at the church on Wednesday. A grave side service will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Easton. American Legion Post Montgomery Plant Post #10 will be rendering military rites at the cemetery. Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign the family's guestbook at helke.com.

The family would like to thank the Physicians and staff at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital and the staff of Merrill DaVita.