Robert “Lefty’ Woelfel
1933-2025
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Robert “Bob” “Lefty” Woelfel, passed away at the age of 91, surrounded by loving family. Known for his infectious optimism and knack for stirring up lighthearted mischief, Lefty left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Born in Chilton on Aug. 26, 1933, Lefty graduated from Chilton High School in 1948 where he made his mark as a boxer and football player. After a brief stint working locally in a welding shop and with the DNR, Lefty joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953. He served as a radio operator in Wiesbaden, Germany, where he was often recruited to play football with Allied Forces across Europe.
Returning stateside in 1957, Lefty continued his passion for football at UW Oshkosh until he transferred to the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in Forestry in 1960.
His career as an industrial forester took him to Upper Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, where he met the love of his life, Rita T. Kress, now deceased, in Medford. They married in June 1963 and together raised four children, who, along with their families, were his greatest pride and joy:
• Charles (Chuck) and Lisa (Bortz), grandsons, Drew (17) – Wausau; Nick (Calley) Bortz – La Crescent, Minn., Sean (Shawnna) Bortz – Onalaska.
• Jeanne and Giovanni Angiulli, grandchildren, Francesca (20), Robert (Robbie) (17) – Wausau.
• Chris and Kelly (Glanding), grandchildren, Alexia (9), Genevieve (7), Xavier (5) – Houston, Texas.
• Heidi and Neal Sutrick, grandchildren Jack (22), Kolby (11), Emily (9) – Hubertus.
• Marianne Lang, grandson Heiko - Neumarkt, Germany.
Lefty worked in Upper Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, residing in Medford, Ladysmith, Amasa Mich., and Tomahawk. He finished his career in Park Falls, retiring from Flambeau Paper Co. in 1994. During his time in Park Falls, Lefty was actively involved in his community, serving on the Price County Board and Park Falls School Board, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.
In 2018, Lefty and Rita relocated to Wausau to be closer to their active grandchildren, where Lefty became a well-recognized figure at school events, known for his love for sports and words of encouragement. He served as a role model, inspiring his grandchildren to become responsible, compassionate individuals and to contribute positively to their community.
Lefty loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, biking, cross country skiing, and gardening. The Park Falls home he built on the Flambeau River was his special haven, raising and roaming with his Britney Spaniels, while Nutterville became a favorite relaxation spot when in Wausau.
Lefty also enjoyed having a beer or two in the company of friends, neighbors, his extended family, including his siblings, Betty (Dave) Ludwig (Chilton), Millie (Ray) Markowski (Green Bay), Dick (deceased) (Dee) Woelfel (Batavia, Ill.), Susie/Mary (deceased) (Dale) Depies (Chilton), Joe (Carol) Woelfel (Chilton), Paul (Sandy) Woelfel (Chilton); as well as his Kress sisters-in-law and their families, Ann Marie (deceased) (Medford), Helen (Jack) Ziehlke (deceased) (Medford), and Leona (Gene) (deceased) Gebert (Medford).
The legacy of Lefty is one of joy and positivity, making the space around him a better and happier place. There’s only one Lefty and we were lucky to have him in our lives.
Funeral services will take place at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Marathon on Friday, May 30. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree in honor of our forester.
Paid Obituary 169410
