Henry F. Meverden

Henry Francis Meverden, 87, Wausau, died peacefully Monday, November 6, 2023, under the care of Interim Hospice at Mount View Care Center, Wausau.

Born July 31, 1936, at Wausau Hospital to Clarence and Theresa (Beck) Meverden; Henry was the 10th of 20 children.

After graduating from Birnamwood High School in 1955 he proudly served three years in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic stationed in the U.S. and Korea. In 2019, he was thrilled to take part in the Honor Flight alongside his brother, Dennis.

Henry married Donna M. Radke on September 24, 1960, at St. William Catholic Church in Eland, WI. They recently celebrated 63 years of marriage.

He worked at Cloverbelt Co-Op in Wausau before continuing his career as a serviceman, Customer Engineer, and Division Marketing Manager at Wisconsin Fuel & Light Co., Wausau, where he worked for 34 years, retiring in 1997.

Of his many talents, he most enjoyed making and repairing things for others. He had a knack for fixing anything with a motor or engine and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1069, Wausau Noon Kiwanis, and Wausau Elks Lodge #248. He took great pride in being the former commander of V.F.W. Burns Post #388 and a member of the V.F.W. Honor Guard. As a longtime faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and later Church of the Resurrection, he could often be found helping the custodians with projects and repairs.

Henry was always proudly in attendance at his children's and grandchildren’s music and sporting events. He annually looked forward to Pelican Lake and Canadian fishing trips, as well as deer hunting season with friends, relatives, and grandchildren. He enjoyed cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers, and supporting Newman High School athletics. He cherished opportunities to visit with friends and family at Chet & Emil’s, listen and dance to polka music, and share a chicken dinner. One of his favorite days of the week in the summer was Monday after lawn mowing, stopping with Dean and Steve for a hard-earned cold one.

Henry was a man of great kindness, laughter, love, and service to others. He always had a smile on his face and a joke or story to tell. He never complained. Never missed a meal. And he always saved room for a slice of Donna’s pie.

Henry was the best dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend that we could have ever asked for.

Henry is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Mike (Kelly), Jane McMullen (Patrick O’Reilly), and Sara (Mike) Kaffine; grandchildren, Patrick (Brooke) Meverden, Jennifer (John) Reuteman, Zachary Kaffine (Zoe Thelen), Samuel Kaffine, Isaac McMullen, and Alex Kaffine; great-grandchildren include Augie and Archie Meverden, and Mac Reuteman.

Surviving siblings include Irene Ruenger, John (Helen), Dennis (Sharon), Rose (Charlie) Radke, Carol (Ed) Resch, Tom (Sandy), Betty Meverden, and Barbara (Doug) Praslowicz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Irvin (Alicia), Robert (June), Elnora, Irma (Frank) Martin, Eugene (Anna), Ruth (Chuck) Tafelski, Dorothy (Dan) Sekorski, Raymond (Rosie), June (Vilas) King, William, and Mary; and brother-in-law, Ray Ruenger.

The funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Church of the Resurrection, 621 Second Street, Wausau, celebrated by Rev. Tom Lindner.  Visitation will begin on Friday, November 10 at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau.  On Friday there will be a V.F.W. service honoring Henry at 6:30 p.m. and the Knights of Columbus will lead the Rosary prayer at 6:45 p.m. to conclude the evening.  Visitation will continue on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Burial will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park with military honors accorded by V.F.W. Burns Post #388.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Memorial donations may be directed to V.F.W. Burns Post #388 or Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of The Garden, Aspirus Palliative Care, Mount View Care Center, and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the care that Henry received.