The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Harold Frank Kobin

Harold Frank Kobin, age 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was called to the arms of his Savior on Monday, March 3, 2008, at Appleton Medical Center. He was born to Frank and Ida Kobin on February 11, 1922, in Crandon, Wisconsin. Harold was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Crandon.

He was awarded a scholarship to attend Stout Institute in Menomonie, Wisconsin. When he was a Junior there, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces where he served his country as a flight instructor for three years. Upon his honorable discharge, he resumed his studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education. During his college years he was a member of the Stout basketball team.

In 1944, he married Lillian Iverson. During their marriage they were blessed with six children: Jill, Jeffrey, Terry, Mark, Peter and Billy. In 1960 his wife and infant son, Billy, were called home to their Lord and Savior during childbirth.

After Harold graduated from college, he and his family moved to his hometown where he was hired as an Industrial Arts teacher. He also coached basketball, football and baseball. After six years, he was offered a teaching and coaching job at Kaukauna High School. During his years there, he coached football, cross-country, basketball and started the boys’ tennis team. During Harold’s years in Kaukauna, he also worked as the head of the boys’ summer recreation programs and coached American Legion baseball. Through his teaching and coaching, he touched the lives of many young people. In recognition of his contributions to athletics, he was inducted into the Kaukauna Athletic Hall of Fame and the Fox Valley Tennis Hall of Fame.

In 1955, he contracted Bulbar Polio, which left him with paralysis, affecting his respiratory system. He was one of the few people who survived this type of polio. Because of the disability this caused, he could no longer teach Industrial Arts. He was then offered a job at Kaukauna High School as a Math teacher, which he accepted and was employed there until 1978 when he was forced to retire because of his respiratory disability.

In 1966, he married Barbara Zahn. In 1968, they were doubly blessed with twin daughters, Jami and Jodi. In 1981, the family moved to Appleton. While living in Kaukauna, they were members at Trinity Lutheran Church where Harold served on many church boards. When living in Appleton, they were members of Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church.

In 1985, Harold underwent a permanent tracheotomy due to his bout with polio. In 1998, he underwent open heart surgery where he endured five bypasses. His health continued to decline until his passing.

Harold is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Barbara and his seven loving children, Jill (David) Miller of Appleton, Jeffrey (Jill) Kobin of Grafton, Terry (Sandra) Kobin of Mequon, Mark (Linda) Kobin of Appleton, Peter (Jean) Kobin of Cedarburg, Jami (Thomas) Greshay of Appleton and Jodi (James) Frailing of Appleton. He is further survived by 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Gregory (Danielle) Miller and their children, Christopher, Angela, Justin, Brandon and Bailey; Kristen (Jordan) Geurts and their son, Isaac; Stephanie (Joshua) Schedler and their children, Kylie, Teigan and Malik; Brett Miller; Lindsey and Benjamin Kobin; Michael and his son, Trevon Kobin; Sean Kobin; Rochelle Robinson and her daughter, Alyse; Noah (Brenda) Kobin; Lexie Kobin, and Connor (fiance Stephanie) Kobin; Andrew, Daniel and William Kobin; Hunter and Erin Greshay; and Joshua and Jordyn Frailing. Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Estelle Zahn; sister-in-law, Kathryn (John) Elliott; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Preceeding Harold in death were his parents, Frank and Ida Kobin; his sister, Hazel Kordick; his wife, Lillian Iverson Kobin and son, Billy; several aunts, uncles and cousins; his mother- and father-in-law, Peter and Mary Iverson; brothers-in-law, Norris and Herb Iverson; sister-in-law, Pearl Schultz; and his father-in-law, Walter Zahn.

The Christian Funeral were at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008, at Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church, 930 East Florida Avenue, Appleton, with Rev. Benjamin Berger officiating. Interment was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Kaukauna. The family wishes to thank the staff at Appleton Medical Center and the ThedaCare Hospice for their gentle care of Harold during his last days.

Our Dad was not only a father, but also a mentor, teacher, coach and friend. He was a wonderful example of a Christian family man. He was loving, forgiving and provided guidance when we needed it the most. Despite the trials he endured during his life, his faith remained strong. He leaves us a legacy of that faith, hope and trust in our Lord and a commitment to each other. We will treasure his memory always and look forward to seeing him again in heaven.

- Jill, Jeff, Terry, Mark, Pete, Jami and Jodi

"When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration

And there proclaim: My God, how great thou art!"

John Charles Gretzinger

John Charles Gretzinger, age 78, of Spring, Texas passed away Friday, February 29, 2008 at Park Manor Nuring Home after a long illness. He was born in Crandon, WI on August 8, 1929 to John and Mathilda (Peterson) Gretzinger. He was the ninth of ten children and was educated in Crandon and Clintonville.

At 18, John moved to Kenosha and was employed by American Motors – Chrylser Corporation. He retired at age 48, after 30 years, to spend time with his family and to move back to Crandon. John and his family raised Christmas trees on his farm in Pella, selling them in Kenosha each December until his retirement.

John enlisted in the United States Army September 14, 1948. After serving three years in Japan as a Personnel Clerk/Typist and assisting in opening the American Embassy, his tour of duty was extended for a fourth year in Korea. Sgt. John Gretzinger was honorably discharged June 1, 1952.

He met and married Marcella Bocek on February 14, 1953. They were partners and soul mates. Together they had three children, Maryann (Mrs. Craig) Langnes of Spring,TX, Charles (Diana Mantay) of Franksville and Michael of Spring, TX. John was the loving grandfather to Michelle Gretzinger (Mrs. Ed) Hill, Charles (Myra) Gretzinger, Jason (Jennifer) Langnes, Lisa Langnes (Mrs. Jeremy) Geagan and of seven great-grandchildren, Marcella (Millie) and Ryan Gretzinger, Kate, Carter and Claire Langnes, and Jackson and Emma Geagan. John’s happiest times were working in his garden and yard. Fishing, hunting and watching Green Bay Packer games were some of his favorite hobbies. He spent many hours playing cards and doing crossword puzzles. John and Marcella traveled often, with Las Vegas being their favorite destination. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and close friends. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, Patsy Shay Post #3309 and UAW Local 72. John belonged to St. James Parish in Spring, TX. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by his wife, Marcella; children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Brownell and Delores Geske; two brothers, Frank and William Gretzinger; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Dorothy Keller, Ann Sipple and Mathilda (Tillie) Plummer; and two brothers, Roy and Earl Gretzinger.

Funeral services were held in Crandon on March 10, 2008. Interment took place at the Crandon Cemetery with the VFW Honor Guard in attendance.

Glen F. Smith

Glen F. Smith, age 100, of Wausau, died Sunday February 24, 2008 at his home.

He was born March 7, 1907, in Crandon, son of the late Frank and Elizabeth (McHale) Smith. On August 24, 1926, he married Surilda Faulkner in Crandon. She preceded him in death in 1975.

Glen worked as a bus driver for the City of Wausau. After "retiring" he again drove bus for the Marathon County Commission on Aging. He had a life-long love of horses and owned many throughout the years. He liked riding them and having them shown at the fair. He enjoyed drives through the country and visiting with friends. He also was very active throughout his life. He still mowed his lawn and shoveled his snow at 100 years of age. He took great pride in keeping his lawn, car and himself in great shape. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his daughter, Florence Kapinsky of Wausau; a grandson, David (Jean) Kapinsky of Wausau; a great-granddaughter, Sheila (John) Quinette of Franklin; two great-great-grandchildren, Hailey and Austin Quinette.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Surilda; a granddaughter and her husband, Jamie and Michael Curley; a son-in-law, Steve Kapinsky; and a brother, Ray Smith.

The funeral mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 28, 2008 at The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Wausau. Rev. Gerald Pehler OFM Cap. presided. Burial was in the Crandon Cemetery.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street in Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com.

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