Herbert Mathew Statz

CROSS PLAINS-Herbert M. Statz, age 91, passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at his home surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on November 16, 1919, in Roxbury, the son of Allie and Kunie (Annen) Statz. Herbert was a veteran of the United States Army having proudly served his country in Patton's Third Army during World War II, where he received three Battle Stars. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Elizabeth Esser on February 6, 1940 in Fort Atkinson. She preceded him in death in 1974. On August 7, 1982, Herbert married Mary Donovan at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madison. In 1949, Herb founded Statz & Harrop Painting and Decorating, a third generation company still in operation today. He also created Scenic Enterprises, a land development company. He built several large housing projects in Cross Plains including park land. Herbert was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post No. 245 of Cross Plains. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed the great outdoors. Herbert is survived by his wife, Mary of Cross Plains; his children, Sandy (Eric) Nelson of Middleton, Jerry (Sandee) Statz, Mary Lynn "Mutzy" (John) Dahlk, Michael (LouAnn) Statz, Linda (Jerry) Roberts, Larry (Marilyn) Statz, Steve "Toody" Statz, all of Cross Plains; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Passini; three step-children, Mary Elizabeth Scharmer, Steven Scharmer, Michael (Dorris) Scharmer, all of Florida; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; a sister, Veronica (Donald) Harrop; a brother, Norbert (Patsy) Statz and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. In addition to his first wife, Dorothy Esser, he was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Richard Statz, a grandson, Craig Statz; three sisters, Bernetta Grosse, Dorothy Frutiger, Doris Statz; two sisters-in-law, Marion (Don) Green, Kay (Jim) Shaw; a brother-in-law, Greg (Mary) Esser; father and mother-in-law. Peter (Elizabeth) Esser and father and mother-in-law, Stanley (Evelyn) Donovan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes Street, Cross Plains, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, with Father Thomas Kelley presiding. Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, January 24, 2011 and also on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the St. Francis Xavier Endowment Fund."Death leaves a heart ache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.""Dad, you'll never be forgotten, we'll always love and miss you." Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Francis Xavier Endowment Fund. Cemetery: Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, January 24, 2011 and also on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes Street, Cross Plains, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, with Father Thomas Kelley presiding.