Lawrence Pierschalla

Lawrence "Larry" J. Pierschalla, 87, Wausau, died Saturday, September 16, 2017 at home surrounded by family, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born June 3, 1930 in Hatley, son of the late Joseph and Anna (Fulkowski) Pierschalla. Larry married Rosemary A. Knippel on September 13, 1952 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, on July 31, 1997. Larry was an extremely proud member of the US Army/Air Corp and then the US Air Force, serving for 24 years, from 1947 to 1971, many of these in the intelligence field, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was awarded the Bronze Star for "Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations in Combat" during his service in Korea. His military career took him and his family to many bases around the country, only settling back in Wausau upon receiving orders to Vietnam. He loved telling stories of his many adventures in the service of his country. Any subject of discussion could easily turn to stories of Korea, Vietnam, Japan, or any number of places he was stationed, always filled with great detail, always interesting. His days as a paratrooper, jumping from planes (over 120 times by his count), earned him "Jumpmaster" status, another accomplishment he took great pride in. One landing was described in his jump log as "Rough as a Cob", he gave no explanation to us, just a chuckle and grin. After retiring from the military he was employed at Wisconsin Fuel and Light Co as the gas meter repair technician. He and his family also became the owners and operators of the Rothschild Roller Rink(Rothschild Pavilion) from 1971 to 1979. Roller Skating was in his blood from the days he and Rosemary skated at the same rink and his love of skating was passed down to his children. Upon retiring from the gas company, he and Rosemary spent many years tending to their yard, once earning an award from the City of Wausau. After Rosemary's death, he became involved in helping his elderly neighbors with yard work, snow shoveling, home repairs, and auto repairs. Again taking great pride in providing assistance to those he could, never realizing that the list of the elderly included himself, he continued this practice to the end. He was a loving Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his children, Barbara Pierschalla, Austin, Texas, Steven (Deborah) Pierschalla, Granger, Indiana, Karen (Ralph) Acker, Rib Mountain and David (Lori) Pierschalla, Weston; grandchildren, Tina (Troy) Radtke, Emily Schultz, Rosemary Acker, Kristen (Jake) Whalen and Kevin (Hannah) Pierschalla; great-grandchildren, Rayanne Teige and Clara Mae Radtke; sister, Jean (Arthur) Nitzsche, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents and wife, Rosemary, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael on June 25, 2002. Larry's family would like to thank all the wonderful people with the Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and the staff at Aspirus Hospital for their help and support. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter, at which time Larry and his son, Michael will both be laid to rest. Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Dudley Post No. 10, Wausau. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com