Harold G. Wohlfert
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 06, 2018 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. Janet Ruark will officiate. Interment will be at the Davis Corners Cemetery, Town of Jackson, Adams County, Wisconsin.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home.
Harold was born August 8, 1930 in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin to Harley and Laura (Nemitz) Wohlfert. He was a devoted community leader, firefighter, self-made engineer, tinkerer, friend, creative, tireless, dedicated, above standards, focused, smart, honest, inspiring, respectful, skilled, caring, challenging, trustworthy, valuable, tireless, and above all else a good neighbor, these are the words we use to describe Harold. Harold started out life in the village of Grand Marsh moving to his home on 6th Avenue with his parents when he was a young child. He helped his father on the farm raising silver fox and mink, milking cows and basic farming. During his school years, he proved to be quite the inventor using the telephone line to send Morse code messages back and forth with a friend. He also attached a motor to a bicycle to create his own motorbike to travel around the area. He was a charter member of the Adams-Friendship FFA.
As a young man, he loved doing things in the community and was a member of the Grand Marsh Serenaders singing, putting on plays and playing this stump fiddle which he built himself. He worked independently installing silo unloading systems, barn cleaners, and Menard buildings. People far and wide remember Harold as the to-go-to person for help to solve problems. He continued running the farm installing and running irrigation and raising vegetables since the ‘70’s until his death.
He was an instrumental part of a group of men that created the New Chester Volunteer Fire Department after the McGinnis Lake Fire in the late 1960’s. Harold was an officer of the Grand Marsh Area Development and was a major leader and supporter of the Corn ‘N Tater Festival for 55 years, from getting everything ready to running the Steam Boiler, making sure everything ran smoothly. When the Grand Marsh Congregational U.C.C. burned in 1979, along with fighting the blaze, saving the bell, he helped rebuild the church. He worked with his neighbors when tornadoes hit the area, clearing brush, checking on people, and clearing roads. Not only did Harold love his wife, Shirley, he loved and was very devoted to his community. He will be missed by many.
He married Shirley Boettcher on August 1, 1992 in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Laura Wohlfert.
Survivors:
Wife: Shirley Wohlfert of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin
Step-son: Karl (Toni) Boettcher of Adams, Wisconsin
Step-daughter: Kristine Boettcher of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Good Friends: Barb Morgan of Grand Marsh and Gary and Linda Bula of Grand Marsh
He leaves behind many dear cousins and many close friends in the community whom he called his family.
Special thanks to the New Chester 1st Responders, Marquette County Ambulance, and Mile Bluff Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Grand Marsh Development Corp or the New Chester Volunteer Fire Department.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and
further information.
Shirley, Words can not begin to describe Harold’s gentle soul. I find comfort in the great memories of the fun visits to see Great Aunt Laura and Harold. I hope your great memories comfort you too.
Shirley and family.
I was so saddened to hear of Harold’s passing. What a wonderful man and he has done so much in all these years for our Grand Marsh Community. Harold will be remembered and missed by so many. May God wrap his arms around your family and bring you all comfort, and help you through this difficult time. Rest in Peace Harold…..
My sincere sympathy to Harold’s family, and to the entire Grand Marsh area.
He was a kind, generous, unique man. I have many happy memories of time spent with Harold & Shirley.
He did so much for so many people, including me and my family. He will be greatly missed for a long time.
I always enjoyed Harold’s visits and discussions when he came into my CarQuest store. He always seem to give me some insight into a car or truck that I previously didn’t know. His impact on Adams County and Grand Marsh was significant. He will certainly be missed.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
May you rest in peace Harold I wish I would of known you like my family knew you but at least I get to hear all the great stories you told R. I. P. Harold you will not be forgotten
Shirley, may Harold’s love and the memories you two enjoyed comfort you as the sadness deminishes. The day we heard Harold was marrying you and witnessing your wedding brought us great joy. The best comes to those who wait. Shirley, you were Harold’s best! As cousins who grew up with Harold and Great-Aunt Laura, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Harold was one of a kind, you never heard a cuss word come out of his mouth and I knew Harold since 1949. I was in his company until 1977 when I left Wisconsin to go on my own adventures. I remember him bringing his mother Laura to all of our family functions in New Port, WI. She would bring her lemon pie. (which me and my siblings would affectionately call rubber pie). I remember when my sister Colleen got married and at the reception; which was held at the curling rink across from Badger army ammunition plant. Harold went over to pick up a curling stone and said now “isn’t that the biggest potato masher you ever did see”. Harold was one of the few people that my father (Samuel Guildner) never had a disagreement with. In my journey in the ski resorts and oil fields in the Western US and 35 years in Alaska. Harold’s advise really helped me through life. I always remember him for his since of humor and expertise. Shirley even though I’m not sure if I ever met you, my prayers will always be with you, and I can assure you that you will some day meet him in heaven again. With loving memory Steven Guildner, Fairbanks, AK
There are no words to describe looking such a wonderful man. His dedication to every involvement was impeccable. I worked with Harold on quite a few fire scenes over the last 14 years, he has taught everyone so much. Thank you for your service Chief, you have 1 last ride with all of us, then you may rest in peace. Keep us safe my brother, ad we will keep you in our hearts
RI Chief, We’ll take it from here…
Shirley – our thoughts & prayers are with you. Harold was a kind, gentle man that loved the simple things in life. I fondly remember visits with Aunt Laura & Harold, the farm and the Corn N Tater festivals. Of course, the trips to Grand Marsh had to be scheduled as Aunt Laura & Harold were always busy with something at the church or in the community. He will be missed by many here on earth, but I’m sure he was greeted by a multitude in heaven where he is alongside Aunt Laura lending a helpful hand in his new community.
So many memories…Harold graced every corner of Adams County and was literally the heart of Grand Marsh. If something was going on he either was a mentor in it or was involved in some way shape or form behind the scenes. Absolutely one of the smartest,kindest men I have ever known.
My Grandpa Rykiel used to have morning, afternoon and night chitchats with him…they would sit around and just shoot the crap.He would just walk right in and sit down like he was family…he literally was….to everyone. He will be missed! Shirley,Karl and Kristine our sincere condolences to you all. What a mighty angel the heavens recieved!
So sorry for your loss he was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed
Harold was definitely the back bone of Grand Marsh. If it was meant to be he was in the front lines. He accomplished a lot in his years and for that we are grateful. RIP Harold.
Shirley, we extend our sympathy to you & your family for your loss. I remember how your face lit up as you talked about getting married to Harold. I was very happy you both found someone to walk through life with, no matter how long that would be. You brought Harold a lot of joy, and gave him a spring in his step. I’ve known Harold since moving to the Grand Marsh Area in the mid 60’s. Until I read his story here, I didn’t realize he did so much. You couldn’t keep him still for very long, so it’s not surprising that he had such a varied life. I’m sure many of those who lived in the area have lots of stories to tell about how Harold helped with this or that project. He was the very life of Grand Marsh, and will be missed by all. Very big shoes to fill, for sure. He will always have an affectionate place in our memories of him. ~~~~Sandy & Bill Swaney <
Shirley, we are so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. We know it is a great loss to you and all that were touched by his friendly good neighbor helpful type of living. After so many years without a mate, your marriage to Harold was just what was needed to fill the emptiness in his heart that he had for so many years. As cousins of Harold, Howard, Donna, and myself always looked forward to stopping at your farm and enjoying the latest update of the farm and community activities he was involved in. As a very young boy, I always marveled at Harold’s abilities to not only fix but to redesign what may be necessary for something to work more efficiently. His dad’s mechanical abilities and his mothers love to be helpful within the community were all picked up by Harold as a young boy and became his own contribution to the community and society. All of us that have known Harold or participated in events that Harold helped organize and accomplished have been blessed in one way or another. He will be dearly missed.
SORRY TO HEAR OF HAROLDS PASSING SINCERE SYMPATHY TO FAMILY FRIENDS GRAND MARSH FIRE DEPARMENT AND COMMUNITY A MAN OF MANY TALENTS AND BIG HEART
Dan Gurin
R.I.P.HAROLD , Thank you for all your years of service to the community , you will be greatly missed ! Our most deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to your family .
R.I.P.HAROLD , Thank you for all your years of service to the community , you will be greatly missed ! Our most deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to your family , he will be missed .
To the family of Harold, I am very sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. He was a good friend and classmate from my high school days of the late 1940’s. among other classes we took a class in Radio from the teacher Elton Davis. We learned how to build one tube radio receivers and learned the radio Morse code in that class etc. He was a very friendly guy and well liked by all our class mates. He will be missed. You have our sincere condolences
So sorry for your loss. There are many memories I have of Harold. He will be missed.
ALWAYS HELPFULL-ALWAYS A GENTLEMEN-R.I.P. HAROLD
RIP Harold. You were a kind and gentle man greatly respected and cared for.
Thank you for all your years of service for the community you spent your lifetime caring for.
Our condolences
Michael and Pamela DeLambo
With Love and My sympathy to Shirley & Karl & Toni & Kristine . God give you Comfort during this hard time . Harold was a Good Friend to me and my Family , He always had so many Helpful Ideas and stories Of Grand Marsh and all the People of the Past ! RIP dear friend .
You will be missed. Rip . Harold was a great man.
Harold was an incredible friend to my grandmother, Mary Raschke. He was a significant influence in my life growing up along with my brother, sister and the Bula kids. He witnessed and assisted with rescuing Robby from the big oak in gramma’s front yard as a fireman and the baptism of many cats as an “assistant pastor” to us kids. He let me pick the green color that he used on the triangle acres letters that are on his shop. He shared stories of his fox ranch and gramma would share stories about her mink ranch. Many good picnic lunches we ate after taking the journey from grandma’s house to Harold and Laura’s by way of the tractor. Years of good times at Corn n’ Tater. So many memories, it’s impossible to mention them all. Harold was a great man and his contributions to and the love he had for the Grand Marsh community will be missed and never forgotten.
Shirley it is a very sad day for every one who new Harold god bless
Shirley it is a very sad day for ever one who knew Harold Me and Denise send our sympathy sorry for your loss
Shirley, I am so sorry to hear about Harold. I remember when you and Harold got married. So happy you had those years together. You have my deepest sympathy.
Shirley, our thoughts and prayers are with you. I don’t remember a time without Harold and Jerome remembers snowmobiling with him in the 70s. He will be missed and remembered by many.
We are so very sorry to hear of Harold’s passing . Growing up in grandmarsh I can remember Harold well and looked forward to seeing him around he will be missed he was a man you could listen to for hours . May he RIP
We will forever remember and miss Harold.
No words can say how much he meant to both Dennis and
myself and the fire department and the whole community.
Our condolences to the all the family.
Dennis and Mary
Shirley with our deepest sympathy.
May warmest thoughts of sympathy help
in some small way. To ease your loss
and sadness as you face each coming day
May Harold RIP. Sorry on your loss
sorry for your loss Harold will be missed