Charles Lee Birkenholz

1941-2025

Charles Lee Birkenholz, age 83, of Gilman, died Feb. 23, 2025. Charles was born May 10, 1941, at home in Donald, to the late William Lee and Dorothy (Harris) Birkenholz. He graduated fromGilmanHighSchoolin 1959. In Sept. 1961 the 32nd Infantry Division Soldiers from the Wisconsin Army National Guard were alerted to an impending call-up and then ordered to report to active duty at Fort Lewis, Washington on Oct. 15, 1961 for the Berlin Crisis. After nine months of service Chuck Birkenholz married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Wry, on Aug. 25, 1962 at St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in Gilman. They farmed for 27 years then sold the cows and ran a hunting preserve for 20 years, which was called BIG ROCK HUNTING PRESERVE. They raised pheasants, chuckers and quail which were released for hunting.

Chuck spent a lot of time in the woods cutting dead trees down and cutting and splitting firewood. In the spring he made maple syrup which he gave as a gift to friends. He also kept the fire going in the cabin for family members during the deer hunting season.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his children, Lee Birkenholz, Dana (Shane) Hartzell, Bernard (Lila) Birkenholz, all of Gilman, Carrie (Eric) Johansen of Pardeeville, Ryan Birkenholz of Holcombe; his 12 grandchildren, Brandon Birkenholz of Eau Claire, Shantel Hartzell and fiance’ Kyle of Onalaska, Reannon (Brandon) Milas of Boyd, Morgan Birkenholz of Gilman, Maverick Birkenholz of Colorado, and Montana Birkenholz of Boyd, Cami, Levi and Bodie Johansen of Pardeeville, Cloey, Payton, and Ryder Birkenholz of Holcombe; one great-grandson, Cash Michael Milas of Boyd; his two sisters, Sonja (Milford) Lechleitner of Chippewa Falls and Diane Fischer of Montana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Lee and Dorothy Birkenholz; a daughter, Tammy Jo Birkenholz; a sister, Karen (Marty) Huhn; a brotherin- law, Kenneth Wry; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Wry; brother-in-law, Bruce Wry; brother-in-law, Galen Wry; brother-in-law, Ronald Wry; an infant brother-in-law, Larry Wry; a sister-in-law, Kathi Cassada; and nephews Jed Thorgerson and Jeff Webster.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church-Gilman with Father Joseph Stefancin officiating. Inurnment will follow with Military Rites in the Donald Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family with arrangements.

Paid Obituary 165256