WAYNE H. STAHLKOPF

May 22, 1935 - June 6, 2022

Posted

HILLSBORO - Wayne H. Stahlkopf, 87, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, died peacefully in his home on June 6, 2022 with his wife and son by his side.

He was born on May 22, 1935 to Myrtle and Harold Stahlkopf in Beaver Dam. After Wayne’s parents divorced, Wayne and his mother moved from Horicon to Juneau when he was in the 6th Grade. There Wayne met his best friend for life, almost like a brother, Neil Kohn.

Wayne graduated from Juneau High School in 1953 where he played all sports; baseball, basketball, football and city baseball. As money was tight, Wayne set pins until he was old enough to work for Neil’s father at Beaver Ready Mix and then the County during the summers. Wayne obtained his Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education from UW Stout in 1957.

On August 17, 1957, Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Joan Homberger. They both began their teaching careers in La Farge in 1957. Wayne taught industrial arts and math until 1963 when he became La Farge Middle and High School Principal.

In 1968 Wayne and Joan adopted their son, Mark and in 1969 their son, Dan was born. Tragically they lost Mark in a car accident in December 1969.

Wayne became the High School Principal in Hillsboro in 1975. It was then sadly, Joan developed cancer and after 21 years of marriage, she passed away on November 25, 1978.

In the aftermath of this sad and difficult time, Wayne developed a special friendship with the Elementary Music Teacher, Dorothea “Dory” Anderson. Their friendship led to a beautiful marriage on October 25, 1980 and they were together for 42 years.

Because of his love for sports, he was an avid bowler until his real passion for golf started in 1960 when Spring Valley Golf Course was opened by the Heding family and they became lifelong friends. At Spring Valley, Wayne played many years with Herman’s Landing in which he was known as “The Commadore.” He loved all who played on the team.

In 1994, Wayne took early retirement after 37 years being an educator. He and Dory traveled to many states, golfing in many of them. Wayne taught Dory the game of golf and enjoyed that game for many years together until his health deteriorated. Then the last 16 years were spent going to Cornucopia, Wisconsin, where the Fo’c’sle and the Hilden family became our family. It was our Heaven on Earth.

During his years of education, he was a member of the Wisconsin Administration Association. He loved his life as an educator, the many students, teachers, administration (from Hillsboro and other schools) were always in his heart. Foremost he loved his family and friends. Dan, Tracy, Ethan and Will were the highlight of his life along with Dory. He was so proud of his son, Dan and the life he has.

Thank You to Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Croix Hospice, Wendy Salisbury (thanks to her she could have Wayne at home) and Jeff for his many visits. And to the many caring friends, family and former students and teachers who gave Wayne the last couple weeks of his life Joy.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Dory; son, Dan (Tracy); grandsons, Ethan and Will. His very best friend, Neil Kohn; plus, many families and friends he loved. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan; son, Mark; Mother and Fathers and stepfather, Henry Heuer.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Funeral services will take place on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at the Hillsboro High School at 1:30 p.m., with Rev. Alan Tripp, Rev. Isaac Fleming and Rev. Aaron Thompson celebrating. Visitation at the High School will begin at Noon. Following the Funeral, a Celebration of Wayne’s Life will continue with a gathering at the Hillsboro Brewing Company in Hillsboro. Interment will be later at the Juneau Cemetery in Juneau, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to “The Stahlkopf Scholarship” or the St. Joseph’s Memorial Foundation in Hillsboro.

The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com

Picha Funeral Home