Posted: Tue 3:05 PM, Jul 17, 2012
Funeral Home: Schmidt & Schulta
Wilmarth A. Thayer, 97, Wittenberg, died Monday, July 16, 2012 at Homme Home of Wittenberg.
He was born July 21, 1914 in the township of Elderon, the son of the late W. Lawrence and Johanna (Nehring) Thayer. Wilmarth was united in marriage to Eleanor Petersen on June 1, 1940 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. She preceded him in death on September 20, 2005.
Wilmarth graduated from Wittenberg High School and Marathon County Normal School in Wausau. In 1948, he received his bachelor's degree from Central State Teachers College in Stevens Point and in 1959, his Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in guidance and administration. Wilmarth taught and was a guidance counselor for over 56 years, starting in one-room schoolhouses in the Town of Reid, Norrie and Hatley, to Wabeno, Wittenberg and finally Bowler. Wilmarth was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wittenberg. He was also a member of many area, statewide and national organizations in his profession, including Phi Delta Kappa, in which he remained active after his retirement.
Wilmarth is survived by children; Sharlene Hatcher, Fox Point, Dr. Cedric (Cindy) Thayer, Manitowoc and Crystal Loonsfoot, Omro, eight grandchildren; Danielle Loonsfoot, Debra Buntrock, Mark Hatcher, Beth Uhlig, Jesse Thayer, Casey Thayer, Ashley Uhlig and Marissa Thayer, two great-grandchildren; Amanda Arndt and Nora Holm, one great-great granddaughter; Ava Arndt.
In addition to his wife and parents, Wilmarth was preceded in death by a daughter, Leatrice Eileen in 1941 and son-in-law; Bill Hatcher.
The funeral service will be held at 11am, Friday, July 20, 2012 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. Rev. Michael Larson will officiate. Interment will be in Evergreen Rest Cemetery, Elderon. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 4pm until 7pm at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg and again on Friday, at the church from 10am until the time of service. The family guest book and condolences are available at schmidtschulta.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Wilmarth's name to the charity of your choice.
