Edmund J Statz

Ed Statz, age 89, of Neillsville, WI died Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation Center.Edmund John Statz was born on November 20, 1921 in Alma Center, WI the son of Maximillian and Theresa (Langreck) Statz. He attended school in Alma Center, and then in 1937 he and his family moved to Neillsville, where Ed worked various jobs. On October 9, 1942 he entered into active duty with the United States Army and served in World War II and was awarded the Silver Star, which is the third highest combat military decoration for valor in the face of the enemy of the United States. He was honorably discharged from the Army on December 27, 1945 and returned to Neillsville to farm with his family. On September 2, 1950 he was united in marriage to Helen Hart in Alma Center. For over 40 years they farmed, pulped and raised their family on the family farm just north of Neillsville. In 1995, their son, Charlie took over the farm and they moved into Neillsville. Helen died in 2000.Ed was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Haugen-Richmond American Legion Post #73 in Neillsville. He enjoyed traveling, dancing, roller-skating and going to the casino.He is survived by nine children, Paul (deceased) (Sandra) Statz of Madison, WI, Cathy (Stan) Hellenbrand of Middleton, WI, Michael (Elsie) Statz of Park Falls, WI, Joan (Michael Merritt) Statz of Pittsville, WI, Angela (Jeff) Luchterhand of Alma Center, WI, William (Kathy) Statz of Neillsville, WI, Agnes (Jim) Erickson of Neillsville, WI, Charles (Karen) Statz of Neillsville, WI, Karen (John) Barger of Fitchburg, WI and Debra (Travis) Berg of Neillsville, WI. 33 grandchildren, 13 Step-grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 24 step-great grandchildren. Ed is also survived by one brother, Anton (Beatrice) Statz of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, two sisters, Leona Kraemer of Marshfield, WI and Dolores Schmidt of Neillsville, WI.He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, a son, Paul, one grandson, Allan Seif, one great granddaughter, Chelsea Statz, his parents and two brothers-in-law, Verland Schmidt and Wayne Kraemer.The Mass of Christian Burial for Ed will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant will be Rev. Varkey V. Joseph. Music will be provided by Ronald Resong, organist, Rita Kuchenbecker, soloist and St. Mary's Choir. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, with Military Honors accorded by the Neillsville Veteran's Council. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a 7:45 p.m., Rosary Service, Friday, October 7, 2011 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, and from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8th at St. Mary's Catholic Church.Honorary Casket Bearers are: Nicole Renz, Jessica, Jasmin, Jade, Bridget, Ashley, Amanda & Megan Statz, Bonnie Albrent, Denise Venzke, Jennifer Garves, Allissa & Allison Erickson, Michelle Flicek, Jill Averill, Jody Kaduce and Marisa Lattimer.Casket Bearers are: Robert and Bryan Hellenbrand, Dale, Douglas, Dallas and David Seif, Jason, Jaime and Justin Luchterhand, Adam, Andrew, Anthony and Alex Erickson, Wade, Kent and Heath Hatlestad, Eric & Christopher Statz, Nathan, Preston and Brady Berg.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Edmund's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456