Hans Breitenmoser Sr.

Hans Breitenmoser Sr., age 82, of the town of Scott, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 19, 2021 in the loving company of his family. He was born on October 31, 1938 to the late Hans and Julia (Wilde) Breitenmoser in Krinau, Switzerland. Hans graduated from high school, served in the Swiss Army, and was a tenor in the local yodelling club.

He farmed with his parents and was also involved in the family's bar and restaurant. While working at the restaurant, Hans met the love of his life, Margrit Giezendanner and the two were married on May 21, 1964 in Switzerland. In 1968 they immigrated to the United States where they bought a small dairy farm west of Merrill. Hans and Margrit were appreciative of the generosity of neighbors as they lent equipment and advice to get the family and farm started. The farm soon grew due to their enthusiasm and strong work ethic. In 2014 when a barn fire devastated the farm, Hans was once again very thankful for the generosity of the surrounding community. Though he was a lifelong farmer, Hans also had other roles including making and bagging feed for local farmers at Consumer's Co-op Feed Mill in Merrill. He was elected to the Pine River Cheese Co-op board, and later the national board of Foremost Farms, USA.

Hans was a strong-willed man who believed that if you work hard, you deserve to play hard. He had an enormous optimism and couldn't help but see opportunity even in challenges. He loved a good party, enjoyed visiting with family and neighbors and made new friends everywhere he went. Hans loved to travel and always looked forward to the next spontaneous trip that he and Margrit would embark on.

But above all, Hans loved his family and thought the world of his grandchildren. Over the years, Hans became 'Gramps' to nearly everyone who knew him and will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Hans is survived by his wife: Margrit Breitenmoser, daughter: Dorly (Joe) Dahlke, son: Hans (Katie) Breitenmoser Jr., all of Merrill, grandchildren: Mitchell (Samantha) Dahlke, Mackenzie (Brent) Points, Karina (Zach) Burmiester, Grant (Jamie) Dahlke, Bennett and Johanna Dahlke, Maggie, Abby, Charlie, Calvin and Lilah Breitenmoser, great grandchildren: Cally, Casey, Clara and Colby Points and Henry Burmiester, sisters: Heidi (Ernst) Breitenmoser, Elsie Zwingli and Maya Sturzenegger, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law: Ernst Sturzenegger.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2021 from 9 am until 11 am at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. It will be followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor Ryan Hawley and the burial will take place in St. Paul's Cemetery in the Town of Scott.

Social distancing and masks will be mandatory. The service will be live streamed for those who want to attend virtually. The link can be found under his obituary on the funeral home website and will begin at 11am.

Gramps had an enormous capacity to see the importance of investing in our youth. In this spirit, please consider a donation to the Wisconsin Farmer's Union (specifically for the Camp Program) in lieu of flowers. He thought very highly of Kamp Kenwood and valued their philosophy that “education is the cornerstone of a better future for rural communities”.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.