August 31, 2017 – West Bend, WI – Willard C. Rosenthal, 94, lifelong resident of West Bend, went safely home to his Savior on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Cedar Ridge. Willard was born on January 26, 1923, the son of the late Erwin and Verna Rosenthal (nee Boettcher).
After leaving his family’s farm, he began working at Decorah Dairy where he met his future wife, June Lemke. They were married on June 26, 1948 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church on Pleasant Valley Road.
Willard retired from the Gehl Company after 40 years of service. He enjoyed raising animals, woodworking, and gardening. Willard was a life-long member of St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church.
Those Willard leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 69 years, June; daughters, Lois (Ed) Spreeman of West Bend, WI and Janet (Steve) Wierschke of Wrightstown, WI; son-in-law, Tony Haag II of Amasa, MI; grandchildren, Matt, Phil, Nate (Meagen), Amanda (Jordan), and Jon (Alyssa) Spreeman, Tony (Gerri) Haag III and Mandi (Dan) Schneider, and Alicia (Eric) Ulm, Jolene, and Aaron Wierschke; great-grandchildren, Carlyle and Logan Spreeman; and sister, Audrey Rosenthal of Chili, WI. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Haag; and brothers-in-law, Louis and Paul (Pearl) Lemke.
A Christian funeral service for Willard will be held on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 4930 Beaver Dam Rd., West Bend, WI. 53095. Willard’s family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. The interment will immediately follow the service at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Memorials in Willard’s name are appreciated to St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church or WELS Christian Aid and Relief.
Willard’s family would like to thank Cedar Community Hospice for their care and support.