Wilbur J Black
Wilbur James Black, age 91, passed away December 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Wilbur was born at home in the telephone office in Arkansaw on January 15, 1934, while his parents were living there. He was the oldest child of Raymond and Rose (Hengst) Black.
At the age of seven, Wilbur moved with his family to the farm on Chase Hill, a place he would call home for the rest of his life. He attended school locally and graduated from Elmwood High School in 1952. Farming was not just his occupation—it was his calling—and he devoted his life to the land, caring for his farm with pride, perseverance, and responsibility.
Wilbur’s Catholic faith was central to who he was. A lifelong member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church, he faithfully served his parish and lived out his beliefs through quiet dedication and service. He was a member of the Catholic Knights Organization for most of his life, and at 50 years of membership he was honored with a gold rosary—an award he treasured deeply. He also served on the St. Henry’s Parish Council for two years.
In addition to his church involvement, Wilbur was active in agricultural organizations throughout his life. He served as an AMPI delegate and director, sold milk to Blair Creamery for many years, and was a member of the Wisconsin Farmers Union and Pepin County Farm Management. He sold his dairy cows in August of 1995 and retired, though his connection to farming never truly left him.
Above all else, Wilbur was devoted to his family. He is survived by his sisters, Norma Chilson and Delores Hermundson; his nephew Curt (Shana) Chilson; nieces Kim (Mark) Unser, Kelly (Scott) Kuehl, and Sandra (Warren) VanRanst; Lori Chilson and Steve Baumann; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Anna Hartung Black and Anton and Mary Falkner Hengst; his parents, Raymond and Rose (Hengst) Black; his sister Carolyn Smith; his brother Daniel Black; a sister Audrey, who died in infancy; brothers-in-law Richard Chilson and Walter Hermundson; his nephew Christopher Chilson; and his niece Karen Baumann.
Wilbur will be remembered as a man of deep faith, steady character, and quiet generosity—a lifelong farmer who loved his land, his church, and his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the values he modeled every day.
The family would like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to the staff at Plum City Care Center, Jane Poeschel, and Dr. Rucker for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Wilbur. Your dedication and support meant more to our family than words can express.
Funeral Mass will be 11:00AM Saturday, December 27, 2025 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Eau Galle with Rev. Jerry Hoeser officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 10:00AM until the time of services at the church on Saturday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.