Obituary: Blanche Janice (Pautz) Wasmuth

Blanche Janice (Pautz) Wasmuth, age 90, formerly of Brillion, passed away at Wayside Parkview Estates on Saturday, January 13, 2024. 

Blanche was born on August 6, 1933 in the Town of Rantoul in Calumet County, daughter of the late Elmer and Hilda (Bartel) Pautz.  She grew up on the farm with six siblings and when asked about her life she often said “I’m just a farm girl”.  Blanche was a graduate of Chilton High School Class of 1951.  After high school, she worked at the Hansen Glove factory in Kiel and the Borden’s Cheese factory in Plymouth until she met her husband Dale Wasmuth of Plymouth.

She married Dale Wasmuth on August 2, 1958 at St. Peter’s U.C.C. in Kiel.  Blanche and Dale enjoyed 58 years of marriage before his passing on November 1, 2016.  Blanche’s life followed Dale’s grocery career with A & P living in Berlin and Rosendale, meeting many friends along the way.  Blanche was a stay-at-home mom, raising three boys.  In 1978, Blanche and Dale purchased their own grocery store in Reedsville, Dale’s United Foods.  It was then that Blanche worked side-by-side with Dale for 21 years, retiring in 1999.  Upon their retirement, they built their dream home on Deer Run Golf Course in Brillion.  

Over the years, Blanche enjoyed going to dances with Dale, couples’ bowling, fishing trips to Canada and Washington, and spending time at their cottage on Long Lake.  She enjoyed listening to polka music, tending her flower beds and plants (she grew the most perfect tomatoes).  During her retirement, she was able to enjoy time with her family especially caring for her twin granddaughters.  Blanche has been a member of St. John St. James Lutheran Church in Reedsville for over 45 years.

Blanche is survived by her sons: Michael and Carrie (Kiekhaefer) of Brillion, Randall & Jenny (Wendland) of Wayside, and Brian Wasmuth of Reedsville.  Her grandchildren:  Tracie (Wasmuth) and Jonathan Kusowski, Ty and Courtney (Kenneke) Wasmuth, Lexi Wasmuth and special friend Adam Hietpas, Whitney Wasmuth, and Jami Wendland.  Her great-grandchildren:  Violet, Ruby, and Baby Kusowski, Easton, Ellis, and Emerson Wasmuth, and Jameson and Jeno Costello.  Brother and sister-in-law: David and Sue Pautz, Sisters and brother-in-law: Jeannette Maurer, and Vernice and Earl Krueger, Sister-in-law:  Barb Pautz, Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law:  Roland and Margie Wasmuth.  Many nieces and nephews also survived.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws William and Martha (Wittkopp) Wasmuth, her husband Dale, Brothers and sister-in-law:  Lester and Ethel Pautz, Norman Pautz, and Leroy Pautz, Brother-in-law:  Daniel Maurer, Sister-in-law:  Lois Wasmuth, Nephews:  Donald Pautz and Wayne Pautz.  

Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday (TODAY) January 18, 2024 at St. John – St. James Lutheran Church in Reedsville. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Thad Flitter. 

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday (TODAY) January 18, 2024 at St. John – St. James Lutheran Church of Reedsville from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 6:00 p.m.

Blanche will be laid to rest at Knollwood Mausoleum alongside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her name.

We wish to thank Dr. Srinandan Guntupalli and the Bellin Cancer Team, Unity Hospice, and especially the staff at Wayside Parkview Estates for your compassionate care during Blanche’s final months of life. 

The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.