Wallace “Wally” Garbisch

Wallace (Wally) E. Garbisch, 87, Granton, died peacefully at Wells Nature View Assisted Living in Marshfield on Feb. 7, 2025, with his loving wife of over 66 years, Patricia (Pat), by his side. Wally was bom in Granton, on March 25,1937, the son of Edward and Emma (Retta) Garbisch.

As a young man, Wally served in the National Guard for almost seven years. During that time, Wally met Pat, the love of his life, on a blind date, and they married on Aug. 30, 1958. They purchased their farm on Granton Road in 1960, right across the road from where Wally's parents, Edward and Emma, farmed and raised their three boys (Wallace, Orville, and Gary).

Wally and Pat farmed for almost 45 years and raised their family on the farm (Cindy, Lori, Cheryl, and Mark). Wally not only milked cows and raised heifers on the farm, but also had pigs, chickens, ducks, bunnies, and even a horse for a while. He always had a loyal farm dog to herd the other animals and accompany him during his work on the farm — from the barn to the hay fields. In 1960, Wally also began driving bus for the Granton School District. During his 56 years of driving school bus, he drove at least 550,000 miles (accident free!) and drove a few families in the Granton area for three generations. Wally was surprised with a school-wide assembly to honor his retirement from bus driving in 2016.

Wally was very active in the Granton community as he volunteered for many things, such as helping with concessions at the ballpark, FFA Alumni events, and Sportsman's Club events. He volunteered coaching over the years, too, mostly as a 4-H softball coach for the Romadka 4-H. For nearly a decade, Wally also coached his family in their participation in the annual Family Feud softball tournament at the Granton ballpark. Wally enjoyed not only playing sports, but also watching the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers; however, his favorite people to watch play were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Wally enjoyed taking Pat to polka dances and dinner theater shows with their good friends, including Jerry and Lila Schmitz. At home, Wally enjoyed Pat's cooking, playing cards, shaking dice, and a lot of ice cream. Outdoors, Wally enjoyed his garden and spending time 'Up North,' at a cabin where he would spend a week each spring and fall fishing — mostly pan-fishing. He even gained the title 'Caretaker' at the cabin, as he had a hard time just relaxing and always had to be fixing something, it seemed.

Wally is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Pat; children, Cynthia King of La Crosse, Lori Gallagher of Marshfield, and Mark Garbisch (Ruth) of Granton; son-in-law, Tim Steinbach of Granton; grandchildren, Nick Sachs of Wisconsin Rapids, Amanda (Jeremy) Tabin of Wausau, Jamie (Dawn) Gallagher of Granton, Matthew (Tera) Steinbach of Stanley, and David (Emily) Steinbach of Granton; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Jr. and Angelique (Nick), Abigail and Kelsey (Jamie and Dawn), Kaynen and Kroix (Matt and Tera), and Kate and Lexi (David and Emily); sister-in-law, Sharon Garbisch; and many nieces and nephews.

Wally was preceded in death by his father, Edward; mother, Emma; brothers, Orville and Gary; daughter, Cheryl Steinbach; father-in-law, Wilford; mother-in-law, Etta Martin; sisters-in-law, Marian Kraus and Jeannie Garbisch; brothers-in-law, Adolph Kraus, and Jimmy and Vernal Martin; and many other extended family members and cherished friends.

The funeral service was held at the United Church of Christ (UCC) in Neillsville at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, with a burial and reception following. Visitation opportunities included 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Gesche Funeral Home and from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the United Church of Christ prior to the funeral service, both in Neillsville.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Wally's family.

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