Walter Wiebke

Walter “Walt” George Franklin Wiebke

Walter “Walt” George Franklin Wiebke, 80, of La Crosse passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 19, 2020 in the house he personally built, from complications of leukemia
Walt was born on January 17, 1940 in Chicago Heights, IL to Clara (Bergsrud) and Walter George Wiebke.

He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1958. Walt enlisted in the US Army in 1964 where he earned the rank of Buck Sargeant and received the expert rifle badge. He was then stationed in Germany where he met Lisbeth Hertlein. They were married on January 9, 1965 in Boxdorf, Germany. They returned to the U.S. to settle in La Crosse and raise their family after his honorable discharge.
Walt worked as a mechanic for over 35 years for Erikson Bakery, which became Sara Lee, retiring in 2002. He was an avid gun enthusiast and trap shooter, and enjoyed the company of his second family, fellow members of the La Crosse Rifle Club.

Walt is survived by his three daughters Barbara Miller, Stephanie (Benjamin van Leeuwen)Wiebke, Jennifer (Matthew) Garson; two grandsons Lucas and Benjamin Miller, his brother John Wiebke, nephew James Wiebke, niece Victoria (Lee) Morris, along with numerous relatives and in-laws from Alaska to Germany as well as special friends Monica and Brad Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 50 years, Liz and his nephew John Wiebke.

Family and friends may call at the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave South on Thursday Sept. 24th from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. with military honors at 6:00 p.m. by Post 52 of the American Legion. The family would like to thank Gundersen Hospice for their expert care.