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Jack A. Ganzemiller

Jack A. Ganzemiller

Jack Arthur Ganzemiller passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Pepin Health and Rehab. He was born June 18th, 1930 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Howard and Louise Ganzemiller.

In his early teens he moved to Speedway Indiana. Jack had a love of music, and was a talented musician. He was a drum major for his high school band and played several musical instruments. He played in dance bands throughout his high school and college years.

He graduated from Speedway High School and completed a 5 year Cooperative Engineering program with Allison Division and General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan.

Jack interrupted his college studies to enlist in the US Air Force where he was a flight crew chief. After he completed his degree he was hired by Allison in Speedway where he also worked as a fire/rescue official at the Indianapolis 500. Jack continued his education at Purdue University where he met his future wife, Judy on a blind date. They were married December 7, 1958 and made their first home in Speedway. After the birth of their first child Kathy they decided to return to Purdue where Jack earned his Master's Degree in Industrial Management. Their second daughter Kristina was born in 1963, the same year Jack was hired by Stout State University. In 1967, twins Kurt and Karen were born.  After several years at Stout, Jack initiated the Field Experience Program now known as Cooperative Education. He then became program director of Business Administration until his retirement in 1989.

Jack spent 30 years as a Paid-On-Call member of the Menomonie Fire Department. It was a big part of his heart. As Jack faced the challenges of aging, many of his most vivid memories were of his emergency activities, the people he helped and the friends he made along the way. Jack always believed in volunteering and neighbors helping neighbors. It was with this belief in mind that he organized the Dunn County Medical First Responders.

Jack was the recipient of many awards over the years, which recognize his time and the talent he imparted to others, including the Distinguished Teacher at U.W. Stout, Menomonie Chamber of Commerce Good Neighbor Award, American Red Cross Chippewa Valley Fire/Medic Hero.  In 2011, the Paid-On-Call Firefighters of the Menomonie Firefighters Association established the annual Jack Ganzemiller Distinguished Service Award to recognize current or retired Menomonie Firefighters who have embodied Jack’s qualities of courage, leadership, dedication and mentorship. A Jack Ganzemiller Fire/Medic scholarship is also awarded annually at the Chippewa Valley Technical College.

Jack and Judy spent many years traveling the US by train and riverboat, and enjoyed spending winters in Port Aransas,TX.

Jack believed in giving back to people, and also cared for the environment. He planted large vegetable gardens and countless seedling trees.  He loved being outdoors, caring for animals and taking photographs.

Jack is survived by his wife Judy, children Kathy (Charlie) Wendt, Kristina (Kurt) Stellpflug, Kurt (Alessa) Ganzemiller and Karen (John) Utley, grandchildren Amy (Teal) Warthen, Aaron (Jen) Wendt, Alex and Kerstin Ganzemiller and Wyatt and Whitney Puent, Kyle (Tess) Stellpflug, Chad Stellpflug and Morgan Stellpflug, great grandchildren Catcher, Shiloh and Canyon Warthen and Braxton Wendt, sisters and brothers in law Chuck (Glenda) Payne Cindy (John) McMahan, nieces, nephews and an extended family of Winter Texans.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and son-in-law Albert Puent.

A time of remembrance will be during the hours of 11am-2pm at the Town of Dunn Hall N2713 Highway 25, Menomonie, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 15th.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to the Jack Ganzemiller Fire/Medic Scholarship at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire or to the Dunn County First Responders.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

  1. Sarah and Sallie Ward

    We were saddened to hear about Jack's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.

  2. Ralph and Donna Dahl

    Dear Judy and Family,
    We were so sorry to hear about Jack. We have many memories of him in just the short span of time we knew him. He was truly a sweetheart. Our daily thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  3. Jim Guenther

    I am sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He lead a long and productive life. Jack was one of my advisors when I was an undergrad, and I have fond memories my Business Environment Class as well as others. My sympathies to all during this time of morning.

  4. Ralph and Donna Dahl

    Judy and family,
    So sorry to hear about Jack. What a great guy he was. We have great memories of you both even we have not known you over a long period of time. Our daily thoughts and prayers. Ralph and Donna Dahl

  5. Josh & Becky Pratt

    Karen (John) - We were very sorry to hear of your father's passing. He sounds like an amazing man who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family.

  6. Hugh & Sarah Williamson

    As one who later followed Jack into the position of Business Program Director, I truly appreciate the work he did to provide Stout students with on-the-job career training. His contributions were invaluable and always will be remembered. Prayers for hearts' ease for all who love him.

  7. Howard D. Lee

    Jack was very professional and reinforced high standards. Besides his responsibility teaching he also served as a coop coordinator to many business students. His leadership at the time business administration was expanding is his legacy.

  8. Mary Hopkins-Best

    Judy, Kris and Jack's entire family, I was so sad to hear of Jacks passing but heartened to read his obituary. What an incredible legacy! I know that he lived life to the fullest- what a gift. Holding all of you in our hearts.

  9. Marie connolly

    Dear Judy and family,
    I was blessed to have been taken in as an extended family member by the Ganzemiller family.i will always remember Jacks visits,camera in hand,enjoying his vanilla ice cream,making us laugh.the list goes on just as his memory will continue to light up our sad days.may your faith sustain you through these trying days!
    Love,marie

  10. Kathy and Roger Larsen

    We are saddened to hear about Jack's passing. He will be missed by his Dunes Family,especially by pool,camera in hand & watching for the birds! Sending Gods Love & Strength to you and Family at this very sad time. Our sympathy,Roger & Kathy Larsen

  11. Willard and Carmen Tripp

    Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Jack will always be a fun memory of our time at Port A and in WI.

  12. Lynne Tanner

    Our deepest sympathies go out to Karen and her family. What a wonderful obituary and such a wonderful man. May you find comfort in remembering someone so special.
    Platteville School District

  13. Stan Johnson

    Judy and family,

    Jack was a wonderful colleague during his time at Stout. His work as program director for Business Administration lives on today in the many graduates from the major. He had tremendous foresight into the needs of students.

    I truly enjoyed working with him and have many wonderful memories of our time together.

    Stan Johnson

  14. Mike and Joyce Eastman

    We're so sorry to hear of Jacks passing. Will always remember him with a camera in hand at Port A. Prayers lifted to heaven! May peace be wit you Judy!!

  15. Judy burley

    Judy and family wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories of Jack to hold forever in your heart!

  16. Orval and Cois Bartley

    Please know we are keeping you in our prayers. Sending our heart felt sympathy and understanding to you and your family. Jack was a sweet and special man who will be missed by so many.

  17. Art & Connie Hall

    Judy, we were sorry to hear of Jack's passing. It reminded me of our first meeting when I found out that he was an engineer at Allison's in Speedway where I later spent my career. This always made me feel a little closer to Jack. We wish you the best in the near and far term future.

  18. Steven Statz

    I was just a young teenager when I first met Jack. Our family started our business next to his property off Cedar Falls Road in Menomonie. I remember when He tagged a buck there, He was quite happy and that is my memory of Jack. Rest In Peace "Happy Hunter"!

  19. Nancy Teakell

    Judy and family, May God hold you in the Palms of His Hands and bring you Peace and Comfort. Love, Nancy T2

  20. Quentin Popp

    On behalf of all of the Sand Creek 1st Responder who Jack Halpes tremendously to get organized. Our condolences!

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