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Gilbert A. Wischnack Obituary – 05/30/08


Gilbert A. Wischnack, age 95, of New Germany, died Friday, May 30, 2008, at St. Mary’s Senior Living Center in Winsted.

He was born July 28, 1912, in Hollywood Township, the son of Gustav and Elizabeth (Kohls) Wischnack. Gilbert was baptized Aug. 25, 1912, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hollywood Twp., New Germany by the Rev. Theodore Rolf, and confirmed by Rev. Theodore Rolf at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany March 28, 1926.

Gilbert was married to Mildred A. Will April 24, 1935, at St. John’s Lutheran Church parsonage in Norwood Young America by the Rev. W. P. Kraemer.

A loving husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and great-great grandpa, Gilbert was an active member at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany, where he belonged to the Lutheran Laymen’s League, and played on the dart ball team.

He served on the school board for St. Mark School, and was also the supervisor for Camden Township.

Gilbert enjoyed working outside with his flowers, and was employed at Homedale Nursery and Waconia Tree Farm. He also worked at the Sugar Beet Factory in Chaska.

Gilbert and Mildred moved to New Germany in 1977, where Gilbert was treasurer for the city of New Germany.

Some of the activities he enjoyed were fishing, especially ice fishing, planting and taking care of a garden. Gilbert was a fan of watching the New Germany Dutchmen Baseball team, and he loved playing cards and listening to old tyme music. In his younger years, he cut wood with his uncle Herman and his sons.

Gilbert was involved in dairy farming until he moved to New Germany.

He was a charter member of the New Germany Senior Citizen’s Group.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav and Elizabeth Wischnack; sisters Verona Briesemeister and Alice Zellmann; and a brother, Marvin Wischnack.

He is survived by his loving family: wife Mildred; children and spouses Gerald and Angie Wischnack of Green Isle, Vernetta and Robert Schwichtenberg, Phyllis and Donald Schwichtenberg, all of Waconia, Ron and Geri Wischnack, Milan and Elaine Wischnack, Thomas and Monica Wischnack, all of Norwood Young America, Genoa and Dennis Henning of New Germany, and Kevin and Connie Wischnack of Annandale; 24 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Gilbert is further survived by a sister, Ardis Lehrke of Norwood Young America; sister-in-law Luella Will of Finlayson.; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral service was Sunday June 1 at 3 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in New Germany with the Rev. Allen Holthus officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Visitation was Saturday, May 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, with a chapel service at 7:30 p.m., and continued Sunday for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Casket bearers were Gilbert’s grandsons: Gerald Wischnack Jr., Bruce Schwichtenberg, Daniel Schwichtenberg, Ronald Wischnack Jr., Nathan Wischnack, Thomas Wischnack Jr., Jeremy Henning, and Nicholas Wischnack.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; Online condolences available at www.johnsonfh.com.

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