Wilbert Wayne Proksch

Wilbert Wayne Proksch, age 82, passed away October 17, 2023 surrounded by his family. Wilbert (known as Wilby by many) was born September 9, 1941 to Leonhard and Freida (Baudler) Proksch. Wilbert attended Grandview School through eighth grade. He was confirmed at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Stoddard in 1955. Later he graduated from Central High School in 1959. He then fell in love with his wife Sandra (Sandy) while playing at the Old Legion Hall in Stoddard. He invited her to the dance floor and the rest was history. Wilbert and Sandy were united in marriage in 1962. Together they had three children. Wilbert and his family were the fourth-generation dairy farmers on the Proksch Family farm, in Proksch Coulee, for 34 years. Following farming, Wilbert continued his work career at Chart in La Crosse for 15 years until retirement. He played a key role as a board member on the Coon Valley Farmers Telephone Co from 1985-2009 while serving as the President from 1999-2008.

Wilbert had a strong love for music. He was a naturally talented musician from playing piano at the young age of nine without a single piano lesson. He played on multiple TV and radio shows as a young boy. He continued his love for music as he would milk the cows early and head out to play a part in multiple polka bands where he added to the band with the saxophone, trumpet, and clarinet. For many years he attended his son Paul’s many stock car races at the La Crosse Speedway and other area tracks. His love for sports continued as he spent countless hours talking about sports and attending a few Major League Baseball games.

Wilbert is survived by his wife Sandra of 61 years; three children: Paul (Jeni) Proksch, Kathy (Brent) Johnson, and Karla (Chris) Yanske. Grandkids: Nicholas (Amber) Yanske, Erika (Kevin) Trussoni, Alyssa (Todd) Sanwick, Alex (Maya) Johnson, Kirsten (Christian) Berra and Luke Johnson. Great grandchildren: Evelyn and Emersyn Sanwick, Paisley and Avery Yanske, and Rhett Trussoni. Sister: Elaine (Bill) Zierke and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Leonhard (Freida) Proksch; his brothers Donald (Rose) and Ralph (Judy) Proksch, and a nephew Robert Proksch.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Stoddard. Pastor Silas Schmitzer will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM and again on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.