William "Wade" Neufeld

William Wade Neufeld of Antigo passed away on October 15, 2021 at the age of 89 under the loving of care of the Rosalia Gardens staff. Wade was born on February 22, 1932 in Antigo, the only child of Paul and Julia (nee Wade) Neufeld. He married the love of his life, Maureen Hogan, on July 16, 1956 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Green Bay. She preceded him in death in 2004. He is survived by seven children, Mary of Antigo, Paula (Vince) Wagner of Madison, Teresa and Jane of Chicago, Tim (Cathi) of Stevens Point, Katie of Milwaukee, and Jeff (Betsy) of Antigo. Nine grandchildren, Michael Wagner, MD, Benjamin (Jessi) Wagner, Elizabeth (Andrew) Hicks, Virginia and Julia Neufeld, Molly, Maggie, Danny, and Andy Neufeld. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Julia, his in-laws James T. and Evyleen Hogan and grandson, Charles Wade Neufeld. Wade attended St. John Catholic grammar school, graduated from Antigo High School in 1950 and attended St. Norbert College in DePere, WI. Wade began his career in the retail business in Chicago where he was employed by Florsheim Shoes and Baskins Department Store. He returned to Antigo to manage the Family Shoe Store with his father, a family business that opened in downtown Antigo at the height of the Great Depression in 1932. It remained in the Neufeld family until it closed in 1996 after 64 years in business. When retired, he was employed by Lakeside Pharmacy where he fancied himself the front-end social coordinator. In his position he tormented every customer in a Packer jersey within his line of vision. Some would say that was part of his charm. Wade was devoted to Maureen and his family. He loved the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Notre Dame football, Direct TV (with the sports channels) and Frank Sinatra. He was always current with local, national and international news and sports and was an avid reader of history, politics and an occasional mystery. Wade was committed to improving his home town; including being an Antigo Red Robins booster, involvement in the Antigo High School Band Parents Association and serving as the Chamber of Commerce President. He was instrumental in starting Little League in Antigo. Wade was also active in the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus and the Jaycees. Wade served the St John parish community on the Finance Committee and as President of the Parent Teacher Association. He was an assistant flag football coach for the St. John's boys 5th and 6th grade championship team. Besides the births of his 7 children, the Chicago Bears 1985 Super Bowl Championship and the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series in 2016 were among the highlights of his life. Wade looked forward to annual trips to South Bend with Fr. Charlie to cheer for his Fighting Irish. He enjoyed early morning coffee at Table 7 in the Dixie Lunch and mid-morning coffee with the Koffee Klub at the Elks Club. He and Maureen enjoyed cocktails with Bridge Club Groups 1 and 2 including whatever tom-foolery and shenanigans ensued. The Neufeld family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rosalia Gardens, including Aspirus Hospice, for caring for him with love, dignity and a sense of humor that matched his own. Wade's family would appreciate that those in attendance wear a mask. Chicago Bears masks will be available to those who may have forgotten to bring their own. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Wade's name to Rosalia Gardens, 519 Flight Road, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409 or All Saints Catholic School, 419 Sixth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409. A Mass of Christian Burial for Wade will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 5:10 PM at St. John Catholic Church as a tribute to Wade establishing the 5:10 PM Mass time. Reverend Charles Hoffmann will officiate. Visitation will take place at the church prior to the service from 3:00-5:10 PM.