Emil Herman Netzler, age 100, of Iola, died Saturday, October 25th, 2014 at Wisconsin Veterans Home, King; where he had been a resident.
Emil was born in Town of Sharon, Portage County, Wisconsin on January 12, 1914, the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Damask) Netzler. He worked as a farmhand in the Waupaca area, then traveled to Milwaukee to work in various factories including Lindman, Halvorson, A.O. Smith, Ladish Drop Forge and Schlitz Brewery. Then he started as a carnival ride operator and owner in North Carolina with his brother Felix. His rides included a speedway, tractors, kiddie ride boats, air planes, trains, satellite and moon bounce. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces at age 28 in February 1942. He worked as a motor pool dispatcher in the United States for three years and then was deployed to India (where he was so proud to say he deer hunted) in the same capacity supervising over 100 men. He was honorably discharged in March 1946 to resume his career as a carnival ride owner and operator. He married Evelyn Mae Christianson on April 14, 1950 in Waukegan, Illinois. She preceded him in death on Feb 1, 2007. For three years in the early 1960’s, he owned the Corner Bar on Main Street in Iola. In 1976, he retired from the carnival after a total of 37 years. After retiring he spent his time gardening, hunting and fishing. He was known for his large beautiful gardens on the corner of Mill and Pine streets in Iola where he resided until November 2010 when he entered Iola Living Assistance. He resided there until September 2012 then resided with his daughter Darlene and son-in-law Mark. Emil was currently living at the Wisconsin Veterans Home for the last two months. Emil was an avid Packers fan, a member of the Iola American Legion Post 14 and a member of the Northland Lutheran Church. Emil also received a letter of commendation reconizing his 100th Birthday and his service to the United States of America.
He is survived by his son, Harold (Michelle) Netzler of Rockville, Illinois; daughter, Darlene (Mark) White of Iola; grandchildren, Dean Netzler and Jaime White. Emil was preceded in death by nine bothers: Harry, Henry, Ed, Lawrence, Simon, Felix, Chester, Bill and Leonard and four sisters: Irene Netzler, Helen Carmody, Marie Gutho and Regina Anger.
A Funeral Service will be held at Northland Lutheran Church, Iola, Wisconsin, at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27th, with Reverend Dan Somers officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. Voie Funeral Home, Iola is assisting the family with arrangements.