Herman R. Pernsteiner
1943-2025
Herman R. Pernsteiner, 81, of Colby, formerly of Medford, died Monday, May 12, 2025 at The Waterford of Colby while under the compassionate care of St. Croix Hospice. Herman was born Oct. 12, 1943 in Medford to Herman and Evelyn (Ecklund) Pernsteiner. He graduated from Medford High School in 1963. Herman served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 7, 1963 until his honorable discharge on Oct. 20, 1966.
In 1967, he married Carole Siira. They started out their life in Milwaukee and then shortly thereafter moved back to Medford to be near his family. Together they had two daughters and later divorced.
In 1986, he then married Diane Hartl (Grinker) and he helped raise his step-daughter Holly. Herman and Diane were married for nearly 24 years and later divorced.
Throughout his adult life, he was an avid runner, participating in many marathons throughout the state, earning himself many medals and trophies that he proudly displayed at his home. He also competed in snowshoe and ski races, always pushing himself to the limit. Later in life, he switched to daily walks, which he always enjoyed with a dog or two by his side on the land he loved in Perkinstown.
Following his military service, Herman worked as a mason for several years. He then worked for Tombstone Pizza in various capacities, taking an early retirement from there.
Even after retirement, Herman continued to contribute to his community in many ways. He worked atthelocalrecyclingcenteraswellasahomehealthcare aide where he was a caregiver for many homebound, disabled and elderly people. He also was very active in the Medford community, volunteering for places like Ruby’s Pantry and other civic organizations. He was a member and past president of the Medford Lions Club and was a member of the Medford American Legion Post 147.
A man with a huge heart for people and animals, he also volunteered at the Taylor County Humane Society, and helped the police department pick up strays or lost pets. He loved the animals so much that he started a hobby farm that consisted of many animals that he ended up taking home from the humane society. His love for animals also extended to birds and he often brought his birds to area bird shows. He also housed geese, ducks, peacocks, along with homing pigeons that he would release at weddings and funeral services. His heart will always be with his animals and the love he had for all of them.
He was proud of his daughters and grandkids and would often be seen sitting on the sidelines of wrestling, soccer, and football games, cheering on his grandsons.
Survivors include his two daughters, Tina Schultz of Wausau, Shelley (Brian) Nelson of Abbotsford; special friend, Janis Liske of Colby; step-daughter, Holly (Rod) Metz of Medford; siblings, Arthur (Judy) Pernsteiner of Las Vegas, N.V., Karen (Harry) Frosch of Medford, Richard (Diana) Pernsteiner of Marquette, Mich., Peter (Kathy) Pernsteiner, Edward (Cindy) Pernsteiner, Timothy (Carol) Pernsteiner, Patricia “Patti” (Steve) Deml, all of Medford; grandchildren, Taylor (Dylan) Kislow of Wausau, Colton Nelson (fiancée Kailee Lien) of Boyd, Kyler Nelson of Dayton, Ohio, Logan Nelson of Boyd; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sonin-law, Henry Schultz. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford. Military honors provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team will immediately follow the service.
Visitation was from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may go to the Taylor County Humane Society in Herman’s honor.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 168822
