Obituary: Wilmer Julius Anschutz

Wilmer Julius Anschutz, 87, died Friday, December 29, 2017 at his home in Baileys Harbor, Wis. Wilmer was born Feb. 13, 1930 to Arthur and Hattie (Peterson) Anschutz in Baileys Harbor, the youngest of three sons. He graduated from Gibraltar High School, Class of 1948, in Fish Creek.

Wilmer served in the Army from 1954 to 1956, he was stationed near Bordeaux, France as part of the maintenance division. Before leaving for France, he married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Finley, on March 27 at Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Baileys Harbor. Together, they raised five children, enjoying life on Kangaroo Lake.

He owned and operated Anschutz Plumbing and Heating along with his four sons and his daughter. He enjoyed a long career in plumbing and remained in Baileys Harbor for his retired years. Wilmer was a family man and everything he did was for his family. He was an inventor, craftsman, photographer and writer. He enjoyed researching family history and in his later years, he spent his time reminiscing and writing stories of the history of early Door County.

Wilmer is survived by his sons and their spouses, James (Barbara), David (Penny), Todd (Lesley), Thomas (Laura), and daughter Mary Elizabeth. His grandchildren, Benjamin, Erin (Kevin) Bosman, Brett, Paula, Ian, Kayla (fiancé Kirk Schleicher), Brynn (Kollin) Orthober, Tracey (Jason) Rockwell, Shawna, Lily and Lucyan brought him much pride and joy, as well as his great-grandchildren, Jacob, Aidan, William Anschutz, Rita Bosman, Kolton Orthober, Keira Clark and Abel Rockwell.

Wilmer was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ellen who passed away in 1991, his parents and 2 brothers, Lloyd and Roland.

Funeral services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11 am with luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name.

His family would like to thank the Nursing staff of Unity Hospice – Gwen, Laura, Patty, and Cindy, Casperson Funeral Home, and all of our extended family and friends in the community for their thoughts, prayers and continued support during the last few months.