Harry J. Stoltz

Harry Stoltz, age 95, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully Friday, March 6, 2026 at The Waterford in Wisconsin Rapids.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM with a sharing of memories at 6:30 and rosary service to follow at 7:00 PM at Ritchay Funeral Home, 1950 12th Street South, Wisconsin Rapids. On Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 AM, a visitation will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 6190 Chapel Rd, Wisconsin Rapids (Township of Sigel), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. Burial rites will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery following the services.

Harry was born December 31, 1930 in Stevens Point to Joseph and Agnes Stoltz. He married the love of his life, Joella Rekowski, on July 3, 1951 at Sacred Heart Church in Polonia. After helping his parents manage the family farm in Big Falls, Harry and Joella relocated to Wisconsin Rapids in 1956, where he found a job delivering fuel oil to rural customers. He then found a job at Consolidated Papers as a forklift operator - a role he enjoyed for 33 years, during which he took only one sick day. He picked up other part-time jobs working at a cranberry marsh, and a landscape nursery.

Harry's real love was farming. In 1962 he bought the "round barn" farm in Wisconsin Rapids (Sigel). He operated the farm for the next 62 years, raising beef cattle, a single milk cow, pigs, and chickens. He was a skilled carpenter, building play gyms, forts, picnic tables, and a toboggan slide for his children and grandchildren.

Harry and Joella were blessed with almost 75 years of marriage, during which they raised six children. Harry was a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. Harry was a hardworking, humble man who was always willing to help a neighbor. He could get along with anyone and was loved by his family, neighbors and co-workers. He coined the phrase, "A good day is getting your chores done."

Harry's other passions included following the Brewers, playing the accordion, polka dancing, giving family hayrides, and hosting musical jam sessions and gatherings of family and neighbors at the family farm.

Harry was a faithful member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Sigel. His faith was the bedrock of his entire life.

Harry is survived by his wife, Joella; his children, Paul (Julanne) Stoltz of Wisconsin Rapids, Stephen Stoltz of Eau Claire, Frederick Stoltz (Nadine) of Milwaukee, Vernon Stoltz of Lorton, VA, and Rebecca (Keith) Meyer of Little Chute; his grandchildren, Jordan (Tracy), Daniel, Matthew (Erin), Gabe (Lexi), Collin (Hannah), Leah, Harrison (Leah), and Aidan; his great-grandchildren, Hadley, Nico, and Felix; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and half siblings, Harry is preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Lou Stoltz, and daughter-in-law, Loretta Stoltz.

Special thanks goes out to the caregivers at River Run Assisted Living, The Waterford, and Heartland Hospice.

Memorials may be made to any charity of your choosing.