After a valiant fight against Parkinson’s disease, Edward Bernard Altmann, who was 80 years old, passed away in a calm and serene manner on March 15, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center. He was surrounded by the affection of his family the entire time. Ed was born in Auburndale, Wisconsin, on August 2, 1943, and entered into a marriage with Lois Weiler on August 22, 1964. His steadfast faith, his devotion to his family, his enthusiasm for his business, and his love of experiencing the outdoors and traveling were the defining characteristics of his life.
After receiving his diploma from Auburndale High School in 1962, Ed began his lifelong career in construction by enrolling in a carpenter apprenticeship program at Mid-State Technical College. This was the beginning of his success in the construction industry. In 1982, Ed joined forces with his wife, Lois, to form Altmann Construction Company, which has remained a family-owned and operated enterprise up until the present day. Leadership, dedication to high standards, and a devotion to safety in the workplace were all traits that he displayed throughout his entire life.
Ed was a strong advocate for the need of education and mentoring within the construction business. He was also a leading influence behind the merit shop carpentry apprenticeship program that was established in Central Wisconsin. Ed, who was a very involved part of his community, was a member of a number of different organizations and clubs, such as the Wisconsin Rapids Serra Club, the Bull’s Eye Country Club, the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), and Safari Club International (SCI).
In addition, he was a fervent advocate for Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, the Catholic education system in the surrounding area, the development of priests, and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC). In addition to his wide range of interests and pastimes, Ed’s enthusiasm for life was clear to see. As he traveled the world and indulged in his passion for hunting, he took his cherished wife on innumerable excursions together.
Spending the weekends at their cottage in Eagle River, where they were surrounded by loved ones and nature, was a common practice. Ed, a devoted sports fan from Wisconsin, found great pleasure in going to the games of his favorite Wisconsin high school, college, and professional teams. Ed’s most important duty was that of a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He treasured all of these roles.
His parents, Bernard and Apollonia (nee Ashbeck) Altmann, as well as his in-laws, Thomas and Lucille (nee Remitz) Weiler, as well as his sisters Anne Marie Warmka and Helen (Art) Helminiak, his brother-in-law Jim Jacunski, his sister-in-law Therese Ubrig (nee Weiler), his niece Casey Weiler, and his nephew Randy Brock, all passed away before him. Lois, his devoted wife of 59 years, and his three children, Tom (Colette) Altmann, Tamela (Jeff) Meyers, and Tonja (Todd) Fritsche, as well as eight grandchildren, Mitchell (Ryleigh) Altmann, Morgan Altmann, Matthew Altmann, Sarah Meyers, Colin Meyers, Skylar Fritsche, Nolan Fritsche, and Adalia Fritsche, are among the members of his loving family that he leaves behind.
His brothers Dale (Donna) Altmann, LeRoy (Leiann) Altmann, Clifford (Janice) Altmann, and Larry (Gwen) Altmann, as well as his sister Rhonda (Terry) Richardson, as well as his aunts Barbara Ashbeck and Dolores Hoffman, as well as a large number of cherished grandparents, cousins, nephews, and nieces, are among those who are left behind after his passing. The faith, calm generosity, work ethic, sense of humor, and humility that Ed possessed will continue to spark a multitude of lovely memories and amusing stories from those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in Wisconsin Rapids will be the location of the visitation that will take place on Thursday, March 21st, from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon daily. From twelve o’clock in the afternoon, there will be a Mass held in honor of Ed’s life. The Reverend Alan Guanella will preside over the funeral services. Following the conclusion of the funeral mass, traditional burial procedures will be performed at Calvary Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Associated Builders and Contractors Apprenticeship and Training Trust Fund, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, or Assumption Catholic Schools. These organizations are all dedicated to Ed’s development
