Edmund G.
Wafle
Edmund G. Wafle, age 80, formerly of Mauston & Oakfield, passed away on April 27, 2023.
Ed is survived by his two sons: Mark (Nicole) & Matt (Meredith); four grandchildren: Vienna, Dayne, Drake, Alice; four brothers & sisters: Veronica Nemitz, Laurence (Francie), Pat (Diane), Carolyn “Suz” (Bill) Wafle-Guenther; long-time friend Sue Becker, former wife Mary Sue Wafle.
Ed is preceded in death by mother Marcella, father George, and sister Joanne Grosklaus.
On June 9th at Holy Family Catholic Church in LaValle a celebration of Ed’s life will occur with a visitation from 9:00 – 11:00, followed by an 11:00 memorial service. In lieu of flowers please direct desired resources to the Oakfield Recreation Association, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Ed was born on the family farm April 21, 1943. Upon graduating from Mauston High School in 1961, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966. Completing his service to his country, he graduated from UW- LaCrosse in 1970. Ed worked for Farm Credit Services for 30+ years as a loan officer and appraiser in the southeastern region of Wisconsin. Ed had a passion for building relationships within the farming community and took great joy in helping farmers finance their dreams.
Ed was always looking for ways to serve his community. Ed was elected to the Oakfield School Board from 1983 to 1996, serving as President for a number of years. He was also heavily involved in supporting sporting teams from coaching to membership in the Oakfield Recreation Association & Booster Club. Ed regularly attended and volunteered in various roles at St James Catholic Church. During his free time he could typically be found working in his garden supplying the entire neighborhood with produce.
Upon his retirement, Ed returned to the Mauston area and continued to serve his community. He contributed to numerous organizations in various roles including the LaValle Telephone Cooperative and Holy Family Catholic Church. He was elected to the Juneau County Board of Supervisors in 2007 where he focused primarily on financial and natural resource-related projects through 2021. Ed was a nature lover, spending significant time clearing trees and brush from his property, manicuring his wildflower prairie, ensuring the birds had plenty to eat and taking frequent trips to state and national parks. He loved attending his grandchildren’s activities, helping family and friends whenever possible, and enjoying a cold beer when the work was done.
A special thank you to the staff at Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center and The Grand Hills Castle for their loving care.
Ed positively impacted so many people and organizations during his lifetime of service, he will be greatly missed.
Ed was one of the best of us in Mauston’s class of 1961, and I was always glad to see him at our reunions. I am not at all surprised to learn here that he was always giving back, from military service to community services of many kinds. I am sorry he’s no longer with us and wish for comfort to his children, grandchildren, and other family and friends.
My condolences to the Wafle family and all those who were inspired by the kindness of Ed Wafle. In our world today, we don’t often come across someone who has such a gift for listening, expressing genuine interest in others and sharing his time. I will miss interacting with Ed during a summer cookout or related activities. But I will remember the many times he set aside to play golf, talk about current events or just enjoy a cold beverage on a sunny day. Ed inspired many with his dedication to others and his leading by example to slow down our lives and genuinely enjoy time with friends and family. God Bless him.
My condolences to the family
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My sympathy goes out to Ed’s family and to Sue. We had some very good times together hiking, boating, golfing, dining and just talking smart. Ed was a wonderful friend and we feel honored to have known him. His friends will miss him. Rest in peace, Ed.
Our condolences to Sue and Ed’s family. Ed and I were roommates in the Air Force in Alaska. A great guy! Lots of good memories since as well. He will be missed by all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Wafe, his family, friends and Sue B at this difficult time. It was a privilege for us to be part of his well-lived life over so many. years. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him. RIP, Old Friend!
Dan & Sue McCauley
My sympathies to Ed’s family. I worked with Ed for 15 years at Farm Credit. He was a great co-worker and a great man who loved his family. May God bless Ed and his family.
Our hearts are with Mark and Matt and their families today and moving forward. I am proud to have known Mr. Wafle. The story of Oakfield can’t be told without him based on the hours he committed to volunteering and cheering kids on along the way. Genuine is the word that comes to mind. Rest in Peace Ed.
My condolences to the family. Ed and I worked together for about 25 years. Above Ed’s door was a sign that said, “Money like Manure is not useful unless spread around”!! Ed was a man that knew what to say and when to say it. The appraisal staff have said countless times when ponding an issue….”what would Ed do”!! His wisdom and knowledge were relied upon by the staff until his retirement. Rest in peace Ed.
Ed was one of the good guys and we are saddened by his passing. My condolences to the Waffle family and friend Sue. I have fond memories of playing golf with Ed and Sue and I hope to meet Ed again on the first tee in heaven. My wife, Carol, and I were classmates with Ed all through high school. Ed always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. We will miss him.