Herman C. Sobottka Jr., age 90 of Meridean, died Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Milestone Senior Living in Eau Claire under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Herman was born on November 26, 1931 in Durand. He was the son of Herman C. and Forrest (Adams) Sobottka Sr. They lived and farmed around the Durand area. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Germany for two years. Herman married Greta H. Bauer on July 17, 1956 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima in Durand. Herman worked at the Creamery in Durand and the Pope & Talbot Paper Mill in Eau Claire. They moved to Meridean in 1960, where they raised their family and Herman resided until June of this year when his Parkinson’s forced him to move to Eau Claire.

Herman enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking care of his home property, hunting, fishing and golfing. He also liked to watch the Packers, the Brewers and going to his grandchildren’s school events.

Herman is survived by his wife of 65 years, Greta; children, Charlie (Patti) of Durand, “Mary” Sue (Mark) Bradley of Wausau, Rick (Diana) of Colorado Springs, CO and Patty (Wayne) Thomson of Wausau; 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson, two brothers, Emery (Doris) of Ames, IA and Van (Ramona) of Knapp; brother-in-law, Harold Bauer of Mondovi; sisters-in-law Diane Kuhnert of Altoona, and Rose Linda Abramovich of Durand; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Lonny Bradley and two brothers, Fred and Jim.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:00AM Thursday, December 30, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Falls with Rev. Timothy Welles officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00PM-7:00PM Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

The family extends their appreciation to the staff at Milestone and Heartland Hospice for the care provided.  A special Thank You to Nurse Missy from Heartland who held a special place in Herman’s heart and provided love, comfort, and care these last three months.

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

Condolences

1. Barb Gibson December 28, 2021, at 5:30pm

   My Sympathy to Greta and Family. Herman, God Bless You and Peace.

2. Cleo & Darrel Gibson December 27, 2021, at 4:47pm

   Our Prayers & Sympathy to you Greta and
   the families for the lost of Herman. God Bless.

3. Mike & Doris Bauer December 27, 2021, at 9:42am

   Our sympathy goes out to Greta and family. We have so many special memories of our Meridean neighbors.

4. Brian Gabriel December 23, 2021, at 8:12am

   You have our deepest sympathy. Such a good person and good neighbor. Brian and Norma Gabriel

5. Thom Rutherford December 20, 2021, at 9:24am

   Sobottka Family: Sorry to hear of the loss of Herman! He and Brother Fred worked for Lakeside Butter Co. in Durand for many years. My father H.O. Rutherford was the manager., Hard work BUT also many good memories of them!!! Thom and the Rutherford Family.

6. Chuck and Rosanne Reckin December 20, 2021, at 9:23am

   Our sympathy to Greta and the rest of Herman's family. May memories of good times give you comfort and peace.

7. Pam Scott December 19, 2021, at 7:21pm

   Gretta and family, Thinking of all of you at this sad time. He is definitely at peace now. We will be at Rhiels on the 29th. Sending hugs to all ….. Pam and Jim Scott

8. Joanne ‘McRoberts’ Hovey December 18, 2021, at 11:26pm

   Sympathy to the family.

9. ED NELSON December 18, 2021, at 3:06pm

   My sympathy to Greta and family, so sorry for your loss.

10. Nadine Schuh December 17, 2021, at 11:21pm

    Greta and family, I am so sorry to hear of Herman's passing, I hope your sorrow will be lessened by thinking of him enjoying Christmas in Heaven.

11. December 17, 2021, at 9:57pm

    I lived not far from them when we were in high school. Sorry to hear OF his death. I graduated from high school with his brother, Emery

12. Vicci Hutter Rosenberg December 17, 2021, at 6:17pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss. God bless

13. Fred & Sandy Sobottka December 17, 2021, at 5:48pm

    May you be comforted at this difficult time with those special memories of Herman's love, laughter & family.

14. Jean Parsons December 17, 2021, at 5:44pm

    Greta and family, I only met him a few times but he was a wonderful man who loved his family dearly. He will be missed❤️

15. Colleen and Randy Weiss December 17, 2021, at 4:47pm

    Sympathies to all of you.

View More Posts ( # )