Joseph M. Handrick

Joseph M. Handrick 86, Box 3, Evergreen Terrace, Dorchester, died Monday January 26, 2004 at St. Joseph Hospital Palliative Care Unit. He was born September 18, 1917 in Halder, son of the late John and Elizabeth (Salzman) Handrick. On March 30, 1937 he married Grace A. Krause in Athens. She preceded him in death May 8, 1988. Joseph was raised by his grandparents and was proud of the fact that he was self taught in reading and writing. From the age of 14 on he did odd jobs for area farmers. After marriage, the Handrick's moved to Wausau and he was employed at Lintec. Later, they owned and operated a dairy farm in rural Abbottsford. After they sold the farm, the Handricks owned and operated the Owl Club, Athens as well as Handrick Trucking. Their trucking motto was, "Watch us, we're loaded half the time". They sold the tavern business after 16 years, and Joseph then concentrated on the trucking venture. He was elected Marshal for the Village of Athens. After his retirement from the trucking business and from being Marshal, he served as Village Constable and worked for the Athens Green Thumb Project. He enjoyed camping, fishing and socializing. As a man who could make something out of nothing, Joseph often was found tinkering with different projects. Among others, the Handricks were active Charter members of the A & H Snowmobile Club. Survivors include his children, Evelyn Barkow, Medford, and her children, Russell, Lori and Joanne; Jean Kramm, Gillett, and her children, Tammy and Scott; Gary Handrick, Athens; Sharon (Andrew) Schueller, Sheboygan Falls, and their son, Jeremy; Mary Jo Handrick, Amberg, and her daughter, Amy Jo;13 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, Erika Jo, who completed the five generation circle on July 10, 2003. A special friend, Olivia Westphal, Colby, eight brothers and sisters, Loretta Drewek, Wausau, Merceda (Lee) Smart, Abbottsford, Donald Riehle, Rib Falls, Betty Kohl, Athens, Leroy (Doreen) Riehle, Edgar, Mary Jane Seliger, Edgar, Clement Riehle, Abbottsford and Leonard (Karen) Riehle, Colby. Besides his wife and parents, Joseph was preceded in death by a son, Mark Handrick, a brother, William Riehle and two sons-in-law, Marvin Barkow and Lyle Kramm. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 31, 2004 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at the Athens funeral home. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com Joseph will be remembered as a man who cherished his family and will be greatly missed.