Obituary of Donald George Berkholtz Sr.

Donald George Berkholtz Sr., age 84, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Monday, August 14, 2017.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vesper, WI.   Rev. Doug Schalow will officiate.  Burial will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery at Seneca Corners.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services on Thursday at the church. 

                     
Don was born March 12, 1933 in the Town of Hansen, Wood County, WI to Edward and Alma (Meitner) Berkholtz.  He married Viola Gebelein on August 1, 1953 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vesper, WI.  They were blessed with 64 years of marriage and six children.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955.

Don was employed as a locomotive engineer with the Georgia Pacific Mill until his retirement.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He was an excellent cook and was known for making the best pies.  Don loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed being the one in charge of putting up the family Christmas tree and hiding the kid’s Easter baskets.  In later years, Don loved watching old Western movies and Brewer games and playing Sheepshead.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Viola; five children: Allan Berkholtz of Wisconsin Rapids, Daniel (Kathy) Berkholtz of Vesper, Peggy (Damon Nowicki) Berkholtz of Wisconsin Rapids, Bonnie Linzmeier of Wisconsin Rapids, and Donald “Tiger” Berkholtz Jr. of Wisconsin Rapids; grandchildren: Heather Berkholtz, Dani (Jay) Harper, Craig Berkholtz, Matthew Berkholtz, Jaime (Michael) Robinson, Briana (David Hunter) Linzmeier, Andrew (Erica Livernash) Linzmeier, and MiKayla Berkholtz; great-grandchildren: Gavin Berkholtz, Madelynne Berkholtz, Cheyenne Harper, Dakota Harper, Jameson Regalia, Morgan Livernash, Henry Linzmeier and Ezra Linzmeier; two sisters, Edna Omernik and Elaine Rosplock.  He is preceded in death by his parents; son, William Berkholtz; brother, Lawrence Berkholtz; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Hilda Gebelein; brothers-in-law: Joe Omernik, George Rosplock and Roger Gebelein; son-in-law, David Linzmeier; sister-in-law, Irene Berkholtz; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clarence and Adeline Lobner.