Edward B. Woletz, of Eau Claire, passed away on March 20, 2012 at the age of 91. Ed was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on October 4, 1920 to Frank and Marie (Bauer) Woletz. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Eau Claire Senior High. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, and served in Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Saipan. He rose to the rank of Sergeant Major. Ed was very proud of his military service and in April of 2011, he had the privilege of participating in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C which recognizes those who served our country in the armed forces. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army he started his career with the R.W. Scobie Insurance Company, retiring as Executive Vice President in 1985, after 41 years. His hard work, honesty, humor, and integrity "your handshake is your word" earned him the respect and friendship of many. Ed married Frances Mozina on September 13, 1952, in Milwaukee and together they raised four children. They were a good team and brought much laughter to others. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic and a sense of humor. Ed was an avid outdoorsman; he never missed an opportunity to hunt or fish and passed that passion on to his children. He particularly loved fishing the mountain lakes and streams outside of Silver Gate/Cooke City, MT; which he did until he was 87 years old. Ed was a true extrovert, he loved meeting people, getting to know them, and learning their life stories. It seemed that everywhere Ed went he would run in to someone he knew and if he didn't he'd strike up a conversation with a stranger and become fast friends. He had a quick wit and was always at the ready with a joke or funny story. 2007, Ed was diagnosed with lymphoma - cancer never knew such a determined adversary. He battled every "speed bump" that the cancer put in front of him and remained positive and hopeful throughout his illness; he was an inspiration to all. True to his nature, he loved getting to know the staff at the Marshfield Cancer Center and the Sacred Heart oncology floor. He most likely knew where every staff member was born and raised. (And if he didn't get to know that about you it was probably because you didn't work that shift or were out on vacation.) Ed is survived by his four children, Thomas (Gail Beaver) Woletz of Eau Claire, Paul (Joyce) Woletz of Medford, WI, Charles (Jean) Woletz of Seattle, WA, and Beth (Gerry) Gunderson of Minneapolis; eleven grandchildren, Michael, Suzanne, Samantha (John) Kellner, Katie, Kelli (fiancée Josh Bills), Kim, Ben, Joey, Sam, Sarah, and Rachel; one great grandchild, Audianne; sister-in-law Mildred of Eau Claire; brother-in-law, Alfred (Elaine) Mozina of St. Francis, WI; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances M. Woletz (Mozina); sisters, Mary, Delores, Stephanie (Sister Leonissa), Anne (John) McNabb, Margaret (Fred) Clark, and Agnes (Alfred); his brothers, Frank (Trudi/Martha), Lou (Mary), Joseph (Elois), and John; and great grandchildren, Thomas and Michael Kellner. The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Dean Delmastro and the staff of the Marshfield Cancer Center and Sacred Heart oncology and cardiac floors and Father Klimek for their unending compassion for our dad. We would also like to thank Ceil Marshall, who provided daily support and care for Dad in his last months. You were our angel. Visitation will be on Monday, March 26, 2012 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 322 Fulton St., Eau Claire with Father William A. Dhein and Monsignor Edmund Klimek officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent directly to the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment, C/O Friends of Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 or St. Francis Food Pantry, 1221 Truax Blvd., Eau Claire, WI 54703-1468.

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