MSGT Emil A. Custer

Emil Custer, age 84, passed away at his home in Appleton on Friday, January 9, 2009. Emil was born in Chilton on April 16, 1924, the son of the late Albert and Rosalia (Saxer) Custer. On October 5, 1950, Emil married the former Jacqueline Demler in Chilton; she preceded him in death in April of 1988. During World War II, Emil served as a member of the United States Army, and was stationed in the Pacific Theatre with the 198th AAA Battalion as an anti-aircraft gunner. Following his active duty, he spent more than twenty additional years in the Army Reserves, retiring as Master Sergeant in 1968.

Emil was an entrepreneur and business owner. He started Stockson Oil Company and Lakeview Camping and Heating in Stockbridge, and also worked as a machinist at Brillion Iron Works for many years. He was also a farmer, a logger, and a 4-H leader. Emil was a member of the American Legion – William Hostettler Post 128 in Stockbridge, Lions Club, Rainbow Club, and most recently ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) at the Appleton Retirement Community. Emil always enjoyed the company of good friends and good company, and for many years he and Jackie played cards with their regular circle of friends. Some of their very best times together were spent enjoying their company.

In 1971, one of Emil's dreams came true. He and Jackie bought a farm and moved the family to the country. He simply loved his farm. It was there that he could hunt, walk, explore, raise cattle, log, or just putter around in the shed. He was always happiest when spending time at the farm.

Emil will also be remembered by all for his excellent woodworking skills; he created many fine pieces of furniture, picture frames, quilt racks, and bird houses. Even the loss of his eyesight couldn't prevent him from creating woodcrafts.

Emil is survived by five children: Steven (Sue) Custer of Franklin; Debra Pitsch of Racine; Kathryn (Butch) Gerhartz of Stockbridge; Richard (Sandy) Custer of Appleton; and Jean (Steve) Jacob of Sherwood; thirteen grandchildren: Craig, Aaron, Steven II, Suzanne, Julie, Bob, Megan (John), Greg, Garrett, Tanner, Steve, Mike, and Sarah; ten great-grandchildren; three sisters and a brother: Hilda (Reuben) Duchow of Marshfield; Elmer Custer of Madison; Alice (Ernie) Ammon of Monroe; and Myra (Robert) Daul Chilton. Emil is also survived by his wife's brothers and sisters: June Bostwick of California; Richard (Ann) Demler of Silver Cliff, Wisconsin; Martha Little of Jackson, Michigan; Jim (Freia) Demler of Chilton; and Beverly Schoenung of Chilton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jacqueline in 1988, a brother Albert Custer, sisters Ida (Buddy) Behnke and Jenny (Reuben) Koffarnus; by Jacqueline's parents: James and Anastasia Demler, and by several in-laws.

The funeral liturgy for Emil will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, N341 Military Road in Sherwood, with Fr. Kenneth Frozena officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the hour of services. Full military honors will be provided by the members of the American Legion – William Hostettler Post 128 of Stockbridge. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established to honor Emil's memory.

Emil was a loving and devoted husband and father, a caregiver to us all, and especially to his wife, Jackie, during her illness. Dad, thank you for everything, we will miss you and love you always.

Wichmann Funeral Home
Tri County Chapel
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
920 831-9905