Henry Rubenzer

VISITATION:

4 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 3 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and

12 - 1 p.m., Wednesday, November 4 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 412 S. Main St., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

1 p.m., Wednesday, November 4 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 412 S. Main St., Chippewa Falls

Henry G. Rubenzer, 72, of Chippewa Falls, died peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family and while under the care of Mayo Clinic Hospice.

He was born May 20, 1943 in the town of Eagle Point to Angeline (Goettl) and Henry "Hank" Rubenzer, one of 13 children. He graduated from Cadott High School in 1961.

Henry served honorably in the US Army, and served another eight years in the Army Reserves.

On May 23, 1964, Henry married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Kay Hickethier in Cadott. They have spent 51 wonderful years together. They resided in the Chippewa Falls area, where Henry first worked at Scholl's Distributing for several years, then worked as a custodian for the Chippewa Falls School District for many years until his retirement.

Henry will be most remembered for his musical talent. He could pick up and play any instrument, but mostly stuck with the string instruments when playing in the many bands he performed with. Over the years, he played with the Rubenzer Hot Shots, Al's Polka Pals, Loose Ends, Happy Harmony and the King's Countrymen. They played all over the Midwest, performing at weddings, dances, nursing homes, schools and other venues.

He was also a talented artist. He enjoyed painting, lettering and calligraphy.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Rubenzer; two daughters, Amy Rubenzer, Sue (Lewis) Yetter; three grandchildren, Brady and Brooke Wilder, Austin Yetter, all of Chippewa Falls; a brother, Pat (Karla) Rubenzer; sisters, Mary (Ike) Bowe, Catherine (Bill) Woodcock, and Ann (Erv) Purdeu, all of Chippewa Falls; sisters-in-law, Marlene Rubenzer of Jim Falls, Connie Rubenzer and Irma Blizek , both of Chippewa Falls; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Pretty.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Marv, Thomas, Val "Sam", Ralph and Daniel; and two sisters, Henrietta LaSage, and Bernadine "Chic" Hanley; a sister- in-law, Gladys Rubenzer; brothers-in-law, Bob LaSage, Jerry Hanley and Rene Blizek.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, November 4 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls with Fr. Justin Kizewski officiating. Burial will be at Little Drywood/St. Anthony's Cemetery in the town of Arthur, following the lunch.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday evening at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls with a prayer vigil led by Sister Yvonne Heiss at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated in Henry's honor and may be designated to the Greenhalgh Memorial Music Foundation, c/o Community Foundation of Chippewa County, 404 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls or to Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls.