Edward M. Pospychala (Poskie), age 96, of Baraboo and formerly of Rhinelander, died Sept. 18, 2016 at Oak Park Place in Baraboo. He was born Sept. 14, 1920 in Rhinelander to Martin and Louise (Platteter) Pospychala. Ed graduated from Rhinelander High School and attended one year of the University of Wisconsin Extension. He married Maxine Smith on June 8, 1943. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army and spent 28 months overseas in North Africa and Italy. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant and was proud of his military service. For 43 years, he was employed by the Rhinelander Paper Company in the Sales Service Department.
Ed was a member and past Quartermaster and Adjutant of VFW Post No. 3143. He served on the Board of Directors of the Ripco Credit Union for several years, including during the construction of the office building. He enjoyed the outdoors, particularly fishing and hunting in his younger years. As an avid golfer, he was a member of the Rhinelander Country Club for over 50 years and celebrated a hole-in-one off the 5th tee. He was member of the Nativity of Our Lord Parish.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maxine; daughter, Judith Jones; brothers, Sy Poskie and John Pospychala; and sisters Lucille Petta and Dorothy LeBrun. He is survived by his daughter, Jean (Dennis) Olsen; four grandchildren, Melissa (Eric) Leuck, Betsy (Michael) Yakes, Kristin Jones and Andrew Jones; and four beloved great-grandchildren Caitlin, Jillian, Robby and Colby; son-in-law Dan Jones, as well as other relatives and friends.
The visitation for Ed will be held on Tuesday, Sept.r 27, from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church with Fr. Randy Knauf  and Dn. Ron Bosi officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors being conducted by the Ray Rousseau V.F.W. Post 3143 Rhinelander, and by two representatives from the United States Army. In honor of Ed, memorial contributions may be given to Nativity Catholic Grade School or to the Rhinelander Area Scholarship Foundation.
Edward’s family would like to extend a thank you to Dr. Thomas Rex Flygt, St. Clare ER department, Oak Park Place care givers, Recovery Health Therapy and Agrace Hospice care givers staff.
Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Celebrating lives and healing hearts. All are invited to light a candle, sign the guestbook, leave a photo or an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com