Edward P. Wiersgalla, 70, of Eau Claire died unexpectedly Saturday, December 12, 2009, at Luther Hospital. Ed was born in Arcadia, WI, on July 19, 1939, a son of Paul and Arlene (Gunderson) Wiersgalla. An entreprenuer at heart, Ed at the young age of ten, started his first business by mowing and raking leaves on the upper west side of Eau Claire. As a young boy growing up in Eau Claire, He and his neigborhood buddies enjoyed many moments exploring the wonders of the Chippewa River. As a young High Schooler, Ed's first place of employment was at the Farmers Store in downtown Eau Claire, and he enjoyed the memories of those days for many years. Ed graduated from Regis High School in 1958, and enlisted in the US Army in 1959. He served in the USA TC Core of Engineering specializing in plumbing. He was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany and it was there that his lifelong love for German Hospitality would begin. While stationed in Germany Ed traveled through Europe and his passion for traveling had developed. He received his honorable discharge on May 16, 1961, and returned to Eau Claire. Ed married the love of his life, his precious, Stephanie C. Rossato on May 5, 1962, in Eau Claire. As a Master Plumber, Ed has owned and operated Wiersgalla Company which has provided Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning services in Northwestern Wisconsin since 1969. For over 40 years he served on various boards, including the Eau Claire Chippewa Falls Builders Exchange and Joint Apprenticeship Board. He was a Past President of the State WPHCC and donated his time to many different community and religious organizations, including Boy Scouts. Ed loved to volunteer and one of his favorite past times was to ring the bell at Christmas time for the Salvation Army. He was a member of VFW Post #7232 and American Legion Post #53. Over the years Ed and Stephanie enjoyed traveling the world together where they met and befriended many people from around the globe. Over the years, they hosted foreign exchange students from many different countries. Ed had a huge heart for people and never turned down his giving hand for family, friends, or an unknown stranger. He enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and played an active role in each of their lives. He had many different hobbies and past times over the years including watching the Packers with the guys at Milwaukee Burger Company. Ed will be remembered by many for his wisdom, humor, wit and charm. Ed is survived by his beautiful wife, Stephanie; two sons, Paul Wiersgalla of Eau Claire, grandchildren; Mackenzie, Alexander and Dominic. Daniel Wiersgalla (Paige) of Eau Claire, grandchildren; Katherine Estrada (Nick) Caroline, Daniel, Nicolas, Daughter, Christina Wiersgalla of Eau Claire, grandchildren; Alyssia, Gabrielle, Andre; Special host daughter from El Salvador Susaa (William) Fuentes, son Alceides; three sisters, Pat (Wayne) Fischer of Spooner, Jeanne Corwin and Judith (Stephen) Schilling both of Eau Claire; sister-in-law, Rose (Warren) Hotchkiss; two brothers-in-law, John (Louise) Rossato and Guy (Rebecca) Rossato all of Eau Claire; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.Ed was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Andrea Christine Wiersgalla; his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Guido and Antionietta Rossato; and brother-in-law Gary Corwin. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 18, 2009, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 322 Fulton St., Eau Claire, with Father William A. Dhein and Monsignor Edmund Klimek celebrating the Mass. Private burial with military graveside honors will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorials be directed to the Salvation Army, 2211 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire, WI 54701, Good News Jail&Prison Ministry, 728 2nd Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703, or Eau Claire Shrine Circus, P.O. Box 1367 Eau Claire, WI 54702.

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