Milton G. "Pudge" Bahrke, age 93, passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2018, at his home in Allenville surrounded by family. He was born on March 2, 1925, in Allenville, son of George and Clarice (Helgeson) Bahrke. He lost his mother at the age of 8 and his father at the age of 14. His lifelong appreciation of education was evident since the time he left home to live with a family in Neenah so he could attend and graduate from Neenah High School.
He met his wife Marcy Herbst in 1944, and they were married on June 15, 1946. He admired how her parents, Anton and Margaret Herbst worked tirelessly on their farm to provide for their family. Milton and Marcy had five children before she preceded him in death on March 14, 2016.
In 1947, Milton started a fuel oil business serving homeowners, farmers, and industrial accounts. When he retired in 1988, he still had original active accounts. He was truly a "Jack of All Trades" – electrician, plumber, carpenter, painter, car repairman, fixer of all things – for his family and anyone in need. Where he learned it? We don't know, he just did it! Milton belonged to the Vinland Volunteer Fire Department and loved traveling with his family.
Milton is survived by his two sons, Douglas Bahrke and Dennis (Debby) Bahrke; and three daughters, Marianne (Donald) Fauk, Susan Kay (Jay) Konetzke, and Terri Lou (Jack) Richardson.
Along with his children, his survivors also include seven grandchildren: Tamara (Ed) Stander, Derek Fauk, Samantha and Harrison Bahrke, and Benjamin, Kate Lou and Lauren May Konetzke. He is also survived by great-granddaughter, Katarina. Also surviving him are his brother, Harold Bahrke; his sister, June (Raymond) Breaker; sister-in-law Mona Bahrke; brothers-in-law, Donald (Donna) Herbst and Arden (Ellen) Herbst; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his brother, George Bahrke; sisters, Gladys (Wilmer) Borchardt and Leone (Bob) Vorpahl; sisters-in-law, Carol Bahrke, Arlette (Jim) Lee; brother-in-law, Harold (Nancy) Herbst; and many special friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, June 1, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Dr., Winneconne. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Fr. Jerry Pastors officiating assisted by Sister Pam Biehl. Inurnment will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Town of Poygan. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Milton's name.
To our dad and our grandpa: Bye bye, I love you, Be safe.