Willibald "Willie" Wedam

Willibald (Willie) Wedam was born in Lusnizza di Bagni (Lussnitz), Italy on July 1, 1926 and died at home in LaValle, Wisconsin on March 31, 2021.  He was the older of two children; his father was a carpenter and his mother worked in a restaurant.  As German-speakers, the family was patriated to Austria in 1939. He was drafted into the German army at the age of 16 where he served as a translator. After the war, he married his childhood sweetheart, Christine, in 1949.  Before emigrating to the U.S. in 1952, Willie completed his master’s certificate in blacksmithing which gave him the skills to become a tool and die maker and eventually start his own business, Decimal Die and Engineering in Skokie, Illinois.  Christine and the two older children Elfriede (m. the late Robert Lammers) and Christine (m. José Rosario) followed in 1953 and two more children were born in the U.S., the late Robert (m. Sharon Selldin) and Elisabeth (d. Sterling Scott).

Willie and Christine retired to LaValle in 1988 where he enjoyed fishing, boating, gardening, observing nature, and gathering with friends and family.  His children and grandchildren knew him for his patience, generosity in all things, craftsman talents, and service to others.  He took much pride in their varied accomplishments. He leaves behind three children, seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. He died at home surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services for Willie Wedam will be held at the Advent Christian Church in LaValle at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 10, 2021 with Rev. Richard Johnson officiating.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 10 from 10:00 am to 12 noon at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg.  Burial will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery, LaValle, following the service.  Memorials of remembrance may be sent to Wounded Warriors United of Wisconsin or International Red Cross.

Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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