Harold A. Gohlke

ENDEAVOR – Harold A. Gohlke, age 79, of Douglas Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Riverwood Senior Living, in Wisconsin Dells.

Harold was born on December 18, 1944, in Wisconsin, the son of Arnold and Esther (Phillips) Gohlke. He married Barbara Sue Bates on September 19, 1964.  She preceded him in death on May 22, 2020.  Harold loved living on the farm, where he raised pigs, beef cattle, and cash crops over the years. Shortly, after he and Barb wed, he started driving a bread truck for BakeRite, which he did for over 18 years. He loved interacting with the people on his route and was known to be quick witted. If someone would ask him, what is free?  He would respond with “Water and advice, and my advice is don’t drink the water.” After Bake Rite closed, Harold drove a school bus and did other odd jobs for a few years, until he and Barb purchased the Chicken Inn, in Endeavor.  Harold worked the evening shift cooking up burgers, serving beverages, and shooting the bull with customers. Through hard work and determination, he separated the gas pumps from the restaurant and built the Gohl Post, the first, and only, convenient store in Endeavor.   Harold enjoyed working at the store, chatting with locals as well as the travelers off the highway. He was always willing to lend a hand or a few bucks to those in need.  He was dedicated to the community of Endeavor, volunteer firefighter and a long-time member of the Endeavor Lions Club.  After Harold sold the Gohl Post, he enjoyed cruising around his farm on his Gator or a tractor, chasing his dogs, watching westerns, and hanging out with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always quick with a joke, or a story, and his facial expressions were legendary.

He is survived by his children, Tracey Wilson, Sheri (Daniel) Rylicki, and Jon (Kimberly) Gohlke;  nine grandchildren, Bethany (Logan) Ackerson, Debra (Ryan Meisel) Wilson, Palmer (Abbigail) Gohlke, Emma (Jacob) Brevik, Kolton (Tessa) Gohlke, Kendal (Kayla) Gohlke, Jeremy (Madison Jordahl) Rylicki, Natalie Rylicki, and Audrey Rylicki;  nine great-grandchildren;  his brother, Marlin (Joy) Gohlke;  sisters-in-law, Carol Gohlke and Linda Drew; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara; his brother, Gale Gohlke; and his nephew, Dennis Gohlke.  

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage. Private inurnment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established by the family.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Croix Hospice and the Memory Care staff at Riverwood Senior Living for their care and support.

Rest in Peace Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend.  We love you and miss you.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.