Obituary: Paul R. Labetzke, Jr.

Paul R. Labetzke, Jr., age 88, of Rantoul, died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Willowdale Health and Rehabilitation Center in New Holstein.  He was born September 17, 1937 in Appleton, son of the late Paul & Esther (Schwalenberg) Labetzke, Sr.  On June 6, 1964, he married Joyce L. Jentsch at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul where he was a lifelong member.  

Throughout his entire working life, Junior farmed in the Town of Rantoul, but whenever time allowed, he would get out to enjoy the great outdoors.  If he wasn’t hunting or fishing, he could be found in the Northwoods at their cabin on the Wisconsin and Michigan border.  Nothing brought Junior more joy than entertaining friends there where he could showcase his amazing cooking skills.  His time in the kitchen wasn’t just creating home cooked meals, he also excelled at making delectable Christmas cookies each and every December.  

Junior forever was out looking for a great deal.  It was not unheard of for him to search advertisements, and then drive for miles and miles in order to save money on items that he was in need of, or even things he didn’t know that he needed.  

Survivors include his wife: Joyce; his beloved 4 legged companion: Lacey; a sister: Janice Keitel; his nephews; his siblings-in-law: Jeffrey & Marie Jentsch; his close friends: Gale & Janice Lemke, Mike & Shari Loose; his best shopping buddy: Jim & Janet Ohlsen; and Lisa Loose who had been his dear caretaker for the last year.  He is further survived by cousins, other relatives and friends.  

Junior was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law: Clarence & Caroline Jentsch; and a brother-in-law: Daniel Keitel.  .

Funeral service will be at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton with Rev. Mark Krueger officiating.  A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 am until 11:45 am on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available at wietingfuneralhome.com for those wishing to watch a livestream or archived recording of the service, view a memorial video, or see photos of the flowers and gifts given to the family.