Willis B. Fernholz

Willis B. Fernholz of Onalaska went to eternal life on March 20, 2021.

He was born in Arcadia, WI to Bernard and Clotilda “Sally” (Haines) Fernholz on March 22, 1931.  He graduated from Arcadia High School and went on to Winona State University, earning a degree as a biologist.  He married Charlotte Jane Schaffner on October 22, 1955.

Willie worked for the Wisconsin DNR for 35 years, earning the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee Award for his achievements in preserving the river.  He was instrumental in purchasing land through the DNR, preserving it for public use.  Willie proudly served our country in the U.S. Army and the Wisconsin National Guard for over 40 years, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major.  Willie took much pride in his children, teaching them to hunt, fish, camp, canning vegetables from his garden and making his own venison sausage.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte; son, Harley; and his siblings, Cleon "Choker" Fernholz and Carol Zepp.  Survivors include his three daughters, Valerie (Joel) Behrens, Wanda (Ken) Thorson and Kate (Mark) Squier; four grandchildren, Brandon (Jodi) Behrens, Breanna (Scott) Martin, Libby (Erik Kahl) Thorson and Ben (Ashley) Squier.  He is further survived by six great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 23 ^rd , at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1031 Main St., in Onalaska, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.  Msgr. Steve Kachel will officiate.  Burial, with military honors, will follow at the Onalaska City Cemetery.  Guests are asked to wear a mask or facial covering and to be mindful of social distancing guidelines while in attendance.  Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no luncheon served.