Waeffler, Willard W.
 

Wisconsin State Journal
Madison, Wisconsin
April 23, 2008

EVANSVILLE–Willard W. Waeffler, age 96, died Sunday, April 20, 2008 at Stoughton Hospital.  He was born Sept. 27, 1911, on a farm in Wheaton, Minn., the son of Gottfried Waeffler and Louisa (Isely) Waeffler.  He moved to Monroe, at age 15, where he graduated from high school.  After one and a half years of college, he traveled for the Carl Marty Cheese Co. and spent several years as a sales representative in the Philadelphia, New York City, and Pittsburg areas.  Willard married Josephine Voegeli on Oct. 16, 1937 in Monroe.  She preceded him in death on Oct. 9, 1994.  In 1940 he started a home delivery business in Menomonee Falls.  He came to Evansville, in 1943, and purchased the former Ice Cream and Locker Plant, changing the name to Swiss Family Smokehouse, where he developed the first all beef summer sausage made in southern Wisconsin for wholesale trade.  His products were shipped to specialty stores in 11 states.  He was a pioneer in venison sausage-making, becoming one of the largest plants in southern Wisconsin.  After 34 years in business, he sold the smokehouse and retired in 1977.  He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church since 1945, served two terms on the council, and sang in the choir for 40 years.  Willard also was the first inductee into the Janesville Bowling Association Hall of Fame.  He won the Philadelphia doubles title in 1936, was runner up in the Wisconsin State Match game championship of 1945, and was five time winner of the J.B.A. scratch event.  He loved to play golf.  His most recent accomplishment was shooting his age of 84, the first time that was known to be done by an Evansville golfer.  He is survived by three children, Rosemary (Myron) LaRowe of Reedsburg. Willard James Waeffler of Wauwatosa. And Thomas (Jean) Waeffler of Madison; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; four sisters; and his daughter-in-law Alexandra (Lovejoy) Waeffler.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 24^, 2008.  at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, Evansville, with the Rev. Bob Schaefer officiating.  There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services.  Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery in Evansville.  Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at the WARD FUNERAL HOME. 130 South 5th St., Evansville.  The family suggests memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church, American Lung Association and the Salvation Army.

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