Eugene Ervin Bobholz, 83, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2017, at his home of 51 years in Friesland, Wisconsin. Eugene was born May 15, 1934, at his parents’ home in the town of Randolph. Eugene was the son of Ervin and Frances (Fralick) Bobholz.
He graduated from Cambria High School in 1953 where he excelled in sports, especially baseball as an ace pitcher. This led him to coach his children in the Friesland Little League and church league softball later in life.
On February 14, 1959, he was united in marriage to Janice (Katsma) Bobholz.
Eugene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Friesland for all of his life. He served on the church council and taught Sunday School during those years. Eugene was also the janitor of Trinity Lutheran Church for close to 50 years. One of his duties was to count the people as they came in the door on Sunday mornings, so he became the unofficial Sunday morning greeter.
Eugene hauled milk for Tesch’s Cheese Factory, as well as worked at the Friesland Feed Mill. He then found employment at Sears in Beaver Dam in the paint and tool departments for a number of years until they closed. After a year at Montgomery Ward in the paint department he decided to go into business for himself as Gene’s Handyman’s Service. He did painting and carpentry jobs throughout the area. If you took a drive with him he would point out to you house after house that he had done some sort of work on. He always had work and he loved his job. He gave two nephews, a sister-in-law, and his daughter summer employment. His friend Ron Christian worked with him at times as well. Gene was forced into retirement when his health started failing. He also enjoyed being the janitor of the Farmers and Merchants Bank for over 19 years.
Eugene is survived by his wife Janice; daughter, Gloria (John) Leystra; son, Randy (Doris) Bobholz; six grandchildren, Cassie (Brandon) Bendall, Michael Rurup, Marc (Amanda) Bobholz, Sarah Rurup, Rachael Leystra, and Samuel Gene Leystra; three great grandchildren; sister, Eleanor Hacht of Randolph; brother-in-laws, Dale (Susie) Katsma, Jon (Laurie) Katsma, Wes (Karen) Katsma, along with many nieces , nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Elmer Hacht; sister-in-law, Bonnie (Katsma) Smit; mother and father-in-law, Hans and Stella Katsma; grandparents and special Aunt, Lillian Krinke.
A special thank you to Hillside Hospice and their wonderful nurses for their care and compassion, as well as Ericka, Luppe, and Lola (his favorite) for their help with his care these last few months. A special thank you to Pastor Plagenz for the frequent visits to the house.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, July 24, 2017 at the Friesland Cemetery for his family and church family with Pastor John Unnasch officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Friesland towards a new bulletin board or to the Columbia Humane Society.
.Monday, July 24, 2017
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Friesland Cemetery
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