Leo Van Rixel

Leo "Bud" Van Rixel 76, Mosinee, died Friday September 12, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born January 20, 1932, in Milwaukee, son of the late Leo and Margaret (Gehl) Van Rixel. On November 18, 1950, he married Mary "Kitty" Garski in Stevens Point. She preceded him in death April 30, 2007. Bud retired from Evinrude Outboard in 1975 and then moved to Mosinee. Along with his brother, Leonard, they then opened a bulk transportation company. He continued his truck driving career and retired a second time from American Wood Fibers. Fond of Country & Western music, Bud was a musician and enjoyed playing in several area bands. Bud loved spending time with his grandchildren and in his younger years, he enjoyed racing motorcycles. Survivors include six children, Daniel (Cynthia) Van Rixel, Waukesha, Michael (Linda) Van Rixel, Fort Pierce, Fla., Joseph Van Rixel, Mosinee, Linda DeLuca, Port Jurvis, New York, Mary Kay Van Rixel, Edgar, Leo John (Michelle) Van Rixel, Mosinee, 13 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, three siblings, Judy (Howard) Schultz, Phillips, Art (Eileen) Van Rixel, Northern, Wis., and Thomas (Janice) Van Rixel, Marathon. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Van Rixel Jr. and his siblings, Leonard and Dawn. Funeral services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday September 16, 2008 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services at the Sixth Street funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com