| Notes |
- Otto C. Kolpack Jr., 85, of Bowler, died on Sunday, July 27, 2014, following a courageous battle with Lewy Body dementia, at the Homme Home of Wittenberg.
He was born July 21, 1929, the son of the late Louise (Fuhrman) and Otto C. Kolpack Sr. in Tigerton and grew up in Bowler on the family farm.
Otto graduated from Bowler High as valedictorian in 1947 and was known for his love of team sports, especially basketball. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Following graduation, he was drafted into the Army, serving his country proudly in the Korean War, earning the Bronze Star. He returned to the U.S. and continued his education in Madison earning a Master of Science degree.
He began his career at Bowler High School as a business education teacher. He later became principal and then administrator of the Bowler School District, retiring in 1989. He loved the many students and teachers he worked with over his long career.
Otto had a strong love for both faith and family. He was a lifelong member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bowler, serving many years as treasurer.
He married the love of his life, Sally, and they enjoyed nearly 55 years together. He was the loving father of one daughter, Jane (Jon) Brainard, Wausau; doting grandfather to Aimee Miller, Hudson, and stepgrandson Christopher Brainard, Florida; great-grandfather to Ethan and Julian. He is also survived by one brother, Robert Kolpack, of Bowler; exchange students, Marisol (Eduardo) Almendarez, Miami, Florida, and Dirce Santos, of Nashua, New Hampshire; sisters-in-law, Janet Pogrand, Little Chute, Joanne (Clay) Erickson, Waukesha, Sharon Weyenberg, New Mexico; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mary Jane (Edward) Striker, and one brother in-law, James Weyenberg.
Otto enjoyed spending time at the cabin on Echo Lake, originally owned with his bowling buddies The 5, where many hours of fine fishing and card playing was had. His interests included fishing, hunting, bowling, working in the woods, producing maple syrup, reading a good book, gardening, a good picnic and, most of all, spending time with family and friends.
He was active in many civic organizations and a member of American Legion Davenport-Lang 414. He was a former board member of the Homme Home of Wittenberg and later a guardian for many individuals residing there and at the Cady Home in Birnamwood. He was instrumental in bringing Teacher Corps and distance learning to the Bowler School District.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Peace Lutheran Church, Tilleda. The Rev. Dennis Creswell will be officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Tigerton, with military rites conducted by the American Legion. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home Wittenberg, and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family guestbook and condolences are available at schmidtschulta.com.
Words cannot express our gratitude to Debbie, Heather and Jane for the love, care and compassion provided to Otto and his family over the last years, allowing him to remain in his beloved home on Kolpack Lane for as long as possible. Additional heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Homme Home for the care received by Otto in his final days.
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1929 - 2014 (85 years)
