Earl Wondrash

Earl Wondrash, 83, of Wausau, entered into eternal life on April 5, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by loving family.

Earl was born on September 27, 1937, to the late James and Erna (Mundt) Wondrash in Manitowoc, WI. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc in 1956. He married Judith Lutze on November 3, 1956, in Valders, WI. She preceded him in death on April 6, 1991. He married Carol Luedtke in 1992 in Wausau. She survives.

Earl retired from Wisconsin Public Service after many years serving as an electrician/lineman. He was an avid musician who spent many weekends singing and playing in various polka bands on his clarinet and alto and tenor saxophone. Earl was best known for singing “The Laughing Polka.” Earl was never at a loss for words or a good joke. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, loved to travel, and enjoyed playing golf, cooking, and grilling. He was very proud of his children and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Vicki (Nathan) Eberhardt, of Kronenwetter, Susan (Daniel) Krueger, of Wausau, Tim Wondrash, of Brooklyn, Kay (John) Greve, of Appleton, Jodi (Shane) Strohl, Omaha, NE. He is further survived by 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; two step-sons, Kip and Kurt (Julie) Luedtke; and two step-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judith; and infant sister, Verna.

Funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2021, at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church – Wausau Campus, 2822 N. 6th St, Wausau, WI, 54403 (the former Salem Ev. Lutheran Church.) Pastor Kevin Schnake will officiate. Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. on Friday at the church. Earl’s service will be live-streamed and made available for future viewing on his obituary page at www.brainardfuneral.com.

Family and friends are invited to a committal service held at 12:00 noon on Monday, April 12, 2021 at Knollwood Memorial Park, 1500 State Highway 310, Manitowoc, WI, 54220.

The family wishes to thank Heather at The Garden Apartments and the Palliative Care Unit nursing staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their kind, compassionate care.

Brainard Funeral Home - Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com.