Everett G. Wilbur, age 76 of Menomonie, WI passed away at his home early Friday morning September 9, 2011 surrounded by his family while under hospice care.
Everett is remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He led a full life, had a great sense of humor, loved meeting and getting to know new people, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
|
|
|
|
Everett was born on August 13, 1935 in Edson, WI, the first of five children born to Loyal and Mary Wilbur. He lost his mother at age 7 and for 4 years lived with aunts and uncles. At age 11 he joined the family of Lionel and Pauline Hillman of Menomonie and was given the gift of a second family. He attended Louisville Grade School and graduated from Dunn County “Aggie” in 1953. After working on the farm throughout high school and the two years following graduation, he moved to Milwaukee and was a Supervisor at Harley Davidson for 11½ years. While in Milwaukee he also owned and operated the “Lucky 13” Bar before moving back to the area. He worked briefly at Freitag Landscape Center before transitioning to the Armour Meat Packing Plant. After he had been with the company for 15 years, Armours closed their doors and Everett moved on to become the Building and Grounds Supervisor for the Town of Seymour. After retiring in the year 2000, he was elected to the Seymour Town Board and served for 2 1/2 years. |
| |
|
|
Everett married Velma Haugrose of Ellsworth, Wisconsin on July 2, 1966. They spent 45 years together and were blessed with two wonderful daughters, and two amazing grandchildren. Together they loved the outdoors and enjoyed many years camping on Lake Superior.
Everett’s life revolved around family, friends and community. He liked to fish and had a passion for hunting deer, turkey and small game. Some of his favorite memories are from the 48 straight years he spent deer hunting in Drummond, Wisconsin with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Packers, Brewers and NASCAR. Over the years he coached youth basketball and girls softball and played softball himself until age 62. He followed local high school football and basketball and as an annual ticket holder for the State Boys Basketball Tournament, spent many years making the trek to Madison for full weekends of basketball. He loved watching kids excel at sports and would often make a point to “catch a game” and cheer on those he knew.
His “love for the game” extended into three years as Vice President for the Seymour Ball Club and countless hours volunteering alongside many others to see the Seymour Ball Complex become a reality back in 1974. He was humbled many years later when a field was named in his honor.
He spent 25 years as a Volunteer Fire Fighter and Fire Warden for the Town of Seymour and served four terms on the St. Bridget’s Church Council, the church he and Velma have belonged to since 1971.
After retirement and 33 years in Eau Claire, he and Velma moved back to his hometown of Menomonie where they’ve resided since 2004. In Menomonie, he enjoyed Thursday afternoon card games at Dean & Sue’s and Friday nights at the Red Cedar Raceway.
Everett is survived by his loving wife, Velma and daughters, Denise (William) Bernier and Stacey Wilbur. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Prestyn and Isaac, five sisters, Leona (Bill) Markowski (Eau Claire), Lorrane Radack (Eau Claire), Joan (Ed) Brenner (Corona, CA), Cindy
(Rod) Larsen (Elk Mound), and Kathy (Dave) Wagner (Balton, MA); four brothers, Earl Wilbur (Ellsworth), Richard Wilbur (Eau Claire), Lonnie (Jan Smith) Hillman (Hayward) and Jan (Laurie) Hillman (Menomonie), as well as many nephews, nieces, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Loyal and Mary Wilbur, foster parents, Lionel and Pauline Hillman, his daughter who died at birth, and two brothers, Jim Hillman and Allan Wilbur.
Everett loved life and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:30 am on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at St. Bridget's Parish Church, 2801 N110 Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 with Fr. Victor Inbaraj officiating. Visitation will take place on Wednesday September 14, 2011 from 5-8 pm at Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 and an hour prior to the services at the church Thursday morning. Prayer services will begin at 8 pm to conclude the nights visitation on Wednesday evening.
Private family inurnment will be at a later date in the St. Bridget's Parish Church Cemetery.
Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckienhulke.com.
|
|
|
|
