Wilfred Handrich

Wilfred “Bill” Handrich, age 95 of Berlin, passed away on March 30, 2019. He was born at home, north of Poy Sippi in the Town of Bloomfield, Wisconsin on August 17, 1923. The son of Martha (Sattler) and Frederick Handrich, Bill was baptized and later confirmed at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Poy Sippi and attended 1st thru 8th grade at the Brushville one-room school. In 1941, Bill graduated from Berlin High School, where he was active in athletics and other clubs and activities. After high school, Bill attended Oshkosh Business School while continuing to work on the family farm. In 1946, he met Shirley Radtke, while she was visiting a friend on a weekend trip to Poy Sippi. It was love at first sight. Bill and Shirley dated for over a year until they were joined in holy marriage on August 23, 1947 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New London. After marriage, they made their home in Berlin, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed 71 beautiful years of marriage together, until Shirley went to be with her Lord and Savior just a few short months ago. After Business School, Bill went to work at the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Berlin for four years. As a man who enjoyed meeting new people, Bill became a licensed insurance agent with New York Life in 1951 and opened a small office on S. Pearl Street in the back of O’Connell’s Clothiers. Bill attained his CLU Designation in 1961 and continued with New York Life until he retired from the company in 1977. The following year, Shirley also became a license agent and they established the Handrich Insurance Agency, serving the area communities for several years thereafter. While continuing their insurance business, Bill started a “new career” as a sales representative for Rockie International Publications, an advertising publication business, based out of St. Cloud, MN. With Rockie, Bill traveled Wisconsin, doing what he loved – selling and meeting people. He eventually purchased the business and was the sole owner/operator until his full retirement in 2009 at the age of 86! Over the years, Bill also drove school bus for Mascoutin Transportation, was a sales rep for Valley Soft Water and helped Shirley with her Billboard paper route. Many local people will remember that Bill and Shirley also owned a Popcorn Stand, which they operated with their children for 10 years in various downtown locations. Bill was also involved in many civic organizations in Berlin. He helped organize the Kiwanis Club and was it’s 2nd president, served on the Public School Board for 17 years, belonged to and was president of the Alumni Association and belonged to the Berlin Chamber, serving as president in 1965. He also served on the Sewer & Water Commission for 12 years, as well as the Berlin Park and Rec Board, and was an active member of the Rotary club. Since 1948, Bill and Shirley were members of St. John Lutheran Church in Berlin, where they were very active as well. He and Shirley joined the Sunday Evening Couples Club, sang in the choir for over 40 years and bowled on the St. John League. Bill was Chairman of St. John Congregation three different times, served on the School Board and was very instrumental in getting the gym built and the bleachers installed in the school. Bill was very involved in his children’s sports, activities and interests. In his younger years, he enjoyed taking his sons, Mark and Gary, trout fishing in the hills of Poy Sippi and having them involved in managing the family farm. He was instrumental in managing Gary’s band “The Poor Boys”. He was also a proud supporter of Steve in “The Boomba’s Boppers” and at his various WISS Radio events. He never missed Jodi’s dance recitals and was her biggest fan during her time as a Green Bay Packer cheerleader. He was very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren in their accomplishments. He was a lifelong, avid sports enthusiast – first as a ball player himself, then as a coach, referee, manager and sponsor. Over a span of 50+ years, Bill sponsored softball and baseball teams for Men and Women in the City of Berlin and his home is full of beautiful trophies won by the Handrich teams. He coached St. John basketball teams for 11 years, while his three sons were playing and then became a WIAA Basketball Official at the grade school and high school levels, earning special recognition for 30 years of officiating. Bill enjoyed watching all sports – particularly, the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. He was privileged to attend hundreds of games over his lifetime, including the famous “Ice Bowl” Game, wearing just his overcoat and dress shoes! In addition to the Packer games, he and Shirley cheered on the Badgers at the Rose Bowl, visited Brewers Spring Training several times, attended the World Series in 1982 and many other milestone games. Bill has been a Packer Season Ticket Holder since 1982. He and Shirley hosted Packer tailgate parties for over 30 years, where the highlights always included his delicious Old Fashioneds and dancing the jitterbug to the Packer Band in the parking lot. Bill was a proud, generous family man, a mentor, supporter and leader. He always made it a priority to attend every game, concert, activity, recital and special event. He and Shirley enjoyed seeing their extended families, rarely ever missing a party, graduation, wedding, or celebration opportunity. Bill was a dedicated, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He worked tirelessly to support his family, was a dedicated, faithful servant to church and community, and a strong and honest man. Bill always gave people strength and encouragement in life. Bill is survived by his sons Gary Handrich of Homer, AK, and Steven (Gail) Handrich of Oshkosh; one daughter, Jodi (Steve) Berry of Westland, MI, grandsons Tracy Handrich and Blake Berry; granddaughters Jennifer (Corey) Klettke and their children Jessica and Isabella, Stephanie Handrich and Jordan Berry. He is further survived by many dear friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Radtke) Handrich, his parents, Frederick and Martha (Sattler) Handrich, sisters Ethyl Regel and Fern Kolpin, son Mark “Flash” Handrich, daughter-in-law Pamela Handrich, and other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Wilfred Handrich

August 17, 1923 - March 30, 2019