Charles L. Birkenholz

Obituary:

Charles Lee Birkenholz age 83 of Gilman died Feb 23, 2025. Charles was born May 10, 1941, at home in Donald, WI, to the late William Lee and Dorothy (Harris) Birkenholz. He graduated from Gilman High School in 1959. In September 1961 the 32nd Infantry Division Soldiers from the Wisconsin Army National Guard were alerted to an impending call-up and then ordered to report to active duty at Fort Lewis, Washington on October 15, 1961 for the Berlin Crisis. After nine months of service Chuck Birkenholz married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Wry on August 25, 1962 at St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in Gilman.

They farmed for 27yrs then sold the cows and ran a hunting preserve for 20 yrs, which was called BIG ROCK HUNTING PRESERVE. They raised pheasants, chuckers and quail which were released for hunting.

Chuck spent a lot of time in the woods cutting dead trees down and cutting and splitting firewood. In the spring he made maple syrup which he gave as a gift to friends. He also kept the fire going in the cabin for family members during the deer hunting season.

Chuck is survived by his wife Dorothy his children Lee Birkenholz, Dana (Shane) Hartzell, Bernard (Lila) Birkenholz, all of Gilman, Carrie (Eric) Johansen, Pardeville, WI, Ryan Birkenholz, Holcombe, his 12 grandchildren: Brandon Birkenholz, Eau Claire, Shantel Hartzell and fiance' Kyle, Onalaska, and Reannon (Brandon) Milas, Boyd, Morgan Birkenholz, Gilman, Maverick Birkenholz, Colorado, and Montana Birkenholz, Boyd, Cami, Levi and Bodie Johansen, Pardeville, Cloey, Payton, and Ryder Birkenholz of Holcombe, One Great Grandson, Cash Michael Milas, Boyd, his two sisters, Sonja (Milford) Lechleitner, Chippewa Falls and Diane Fischer, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Lee and Dorothy Birkenholz, a daughter Tammy Jo Birkenholz, a sister Karen (Marty) Huhn, a brother in law Kenneth Wry a sister-in- law Geraldine Wry, brother-in-law Bruce Wry, brother-in-law Galen Wry, brother-in-law, Ronald Wry, an infant brother-in-law Larry Wry, a sister-in-law Kathi Cassada, and nephews, Jed Thorgerson and Jeff Webster.

A memorial mass will be held at 11AM on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church-Gilman with Father Joseph Stefancin officiating. Inurnment will follow with Military Rites in the Donald Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 until time of service.

Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family with arrangements.