John H. Abt Sr

John H. Abt Sr. 80, Wausau, died Tuesday, January 29, 2008 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Mount View Care Center, Wausau, following a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born July 3, 1927 in Ringle, the eldest child of the late Steven and Alma (Dahlman) Abt. He supported his parents and family by working on the family dairy farm before leaving to serve in the Korean War. He returned from Korea to marry his waiting fiancee, Julie Mae Davis, the love of his life. They were married on October 29, 1952 at The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. She survives. In 1949, he began a 38 year career with the Marathon County Highway Department, retiring as Assistant Road Superintendent in 1988, at the age of 61. John and Julie lived in Wausau, where they raised eight children and have enjoyed 14 grandchildren and one brand new great granddaughter. He was a member of The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. John was a veteran of the United States Army and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post #388, Wausau. For many years, he was an active member and served as President for his union (AFSCME) and also served Marathon County as an expert witness. He loved to ice fish, drink cold beer with family and friends, watch the Packer's and Brewer's and often expressed his love and loyalty to his country. Survivors include, his wife of 55 years, Julie Abt, Wausau; eight children, Jerome (Jan) Abt, Eau Claire, James (Diane Fischer) Abt, Rib Mountain, John Abt Jr., Wausau, Debra (Steven) Bobert, Wausau, Jeff (Mary) Abt, Kronenwetter, Dawn Abt-Perkins, Waukegan, Ill., Diane (Scott) Goree, Wausau and Denise Abt, Milwaukee; 14 grandchildren; one great granddaugher; two brothers, Edward (June) Abt, Viroqua and Robert (Barbara) Abt, Ringle; one sister, Doris (Bill) Small, Anaheim, Cal.; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral mass will be celebrated 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 1, 2008 at The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Gerald Pehler OFM Cap. will preside. Entombment will be in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post #388. Friends may call Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services, all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to thank the staff at Mount View Care Center and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their care and support over the past few years. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com