Earl W. Uecke

Earl Uecke, 99, of Wausau, passed away on April 18, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was born October 5, 1923, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to parents Edward and Magdalena (Thomsen) Uecke. Earl enlisted in the armed forces in 1942 and served under General George Patton as a PFC in the Signal Motor Messenger Company in Germany during WWII. After returning from the war, Earl attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he earned his BBA degree in accounting and met Ruth Bernard, whom he married in 1947.

Earl began working with the tax department in Milwaukee. He transferred to Wausau and then transitioned into banking. Earl’s family grew as did his role in the community. In 1960, he was named Wausau’s outstanding Young Man of the Year. His work took him to Escanaba, MI, Fort Dodge, IA, and finally back to Rothschild, WI, where he ended his career as President of River Valley State Bank.

A man of strong faith, Earl was always active in his church and devoted his life to serving others. Beyond being asked to be the treasurer of the organizations he was a part of, he supported various school activities and volunteered as scoutmaster, Little League manager, PTA volunteer, choir and Fun Band member, to name a few.

Anyone who knew Earl would agree he was full of life, love and laughter. He was a man of integrity, an animated storyteller and an eternal optimist. He always found people interesting and was there with a quick joke or a silly song. He loved bible study, traveling, tinkering on projects, golfing and spending time with family and friends. He was one of a kind - truly a treasure - and will be dearly missed.

A loving father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather, Earl is survived by his children Sandy (Bruce) Melco, Gary Uecke and Tammy (JC) Estensen; grandchildren Christopher Uecke, Laurie Ruesch, Lacey Melco, Christian and Gunnar Estensen; and great grandson Jordan Ruesch. He was preceded in death by Ruth, his loving wife of 72 years; sons Terry Jon and Denis; and grandson Hunter Melco.

A visitation will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10am-12pm at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 N 6th Street, Wausau, with a funeral service beginning at 12pm. Rev. Steven Gjerde will officiate. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church. Burial at Pine Grove Cemetery will be Monday, May 1, 2023, at 10am with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to the Terry Jon Uecke Memorial Fund c/o DC Everest High School, 6500 Alderson Street, Weston, WI 54476.