Willard “Spud” L. Sasse, age 92, of the Township of Larrabee, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, October 29, 2016.
Willard “Spud” Louis Sasse was born January 20, 1924 in Antigo, WI to the late Benjamin and Olga (Hoffmann) Sasse. He was a graduate of Clintonville High School where he was active in many sports, especially basketball. After graduation, Spud enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country during WWII. He served aboard the U.S.S. Otus as a Gunner’s First Mate, and was later chosen to attend Senior Gunnery School in Washington D.C. After the war ended, Spud was united in marriage to the love of his life, Fae Hedtke at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville on September 21, 1946. He was a lifelong member of St. Martin and faithfully served as an usher, elder, and as a church trustee. Spud also served his Lord and Savior outside of the walls of St. Martin in his daily work at Borden’s Creamery, Wisconsin Power & Light, and as a machinist in the tool room at the F.W.D., retiring after 23 years. He also ran his own fishing bait business on the side. Spud loved the outdoors and was never shy in sharing his vast knowledge of hunting, fishing, or trapping. After retirement, he spent a lot of time in his garden and made countless bottles of wine from many different fruits. Spud was well respected in the community and by family and friends; he was also a man who accepted everyone. He was loved and admired by anyone who knew him; he will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Fae; daughter, Kathy (Gary) Herritz, Warrens, WI; sons, Don (Nancy) Sasse, Billings, MT; Bill (Linda) Sasse, Caledonia, WI; grandchildren: Amy Sasse, Katie (Jason) Rasoul, Josh (Darlene) Herritz, Sarah (Mark) Zurawski, Laura Bauer, and Parker Sasse; great-grandchildren: Seth, Chelsea, and Nolan; siblings: Merritt Sasse, Clintonville; Gladys Du Mee’, Marion; Betty June Millard, Clintonville; and Mary Ann Romberg, Marion As well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Spud was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Edward, Earl, Lesley “Tut”, Allen “Al”, and Arlen “Tiny” Sasse.
Funeral services will be held 12 p.m., Thursday, November 3, 2016 at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville with Rev. Christian Burg and Rev. Vilas Mazemke officiating. Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville with military honor rites conducted by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, and at the church on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.