Lawrence "Sam" Rebman

Lawrence “Sam” S. Rebman, 90, Wausau, died Saturday, May 8, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Sam was born February 23, 1931 in Bear Creek, WI to the late Lawrence Joseph and Helen Marie (Stanton) Rebman.  After several years of college he served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War.  Sam married the love of his life, Claire Zebuhr, on August 27, 1955 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Allouez, WI.  The couple was blessed with 7 children.  He was a very good provider for his family working for Wisconsin Public Service for 39 years beginning in De Pere then Sheboygan before settling in Wausau.

In Sam’s own words, he could be “grumpy at times” but he was also a very generous and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who had a very good sense of humor in his own way.  His grandchildren affectionately called him “Papa Sam”.  Sam enjoyed staying active heading up to the family cabin to hunt, fish and trap while also finding time to garden at home.  For many years, he enjoyed working out at the Y and was an avid runner participating in several marathons.  In his later years, Sam enjoyed meeting with friends at the Red Apple for breakfast for a good start to his day.

Sam was also very active in his local community serving for many years as the Police and Fire Commissioner, serving on the Wausau Water Utilities, and Board of Directors of Citizens/Associated Bank.  He also was a member of Lake Wausau Granite, Elks Club, Eagles Club, Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post #325 in Goodman, WI.

Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Claire; children, Catherine Rebman, Lawrence (Linda) Rebman, Russell (Christine) Rebman, Bernard Rebman, Maggie Burk and Charles (Kathy) Rebman; grandchildren, Sara, Paul, Cassie, Cory, Brianna, Bettina, Jacob, Samantha, Kristopher, Michael, Ashley, Alex, Rachael, Heather and Justin; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Helen Garrity and Hubert Rebman; and extended family and friends.  He is preceded in death by his daughter, Theresa O’Connell; and siblings, Nonnie, Roger, Bill, Bob, Jerry, Mary Lou and Tom.

Visitation for Sam will be from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 16 at Helke Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4:00 PM.  There will be a private family Mass of Christian Burial for Sam at a later date.  He will be laid to rest at Restlawn Memorial Park, Town of Texas.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a future charitable donation in Sam’s memory.

Sincere appreciation goes to Dr. Adedayo Onitilo and the staff of Marshfield Clinic and Tina RN and the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassionate care for Sam and his family.

In Sam’s own words, “Be happy!”