Dean A Herfel

THORP - Dean A. Herfel, age 63, of Thorp, Wis, passed away suddenly on Thursday Jan. 5, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a short battle with lung cancer.  He was born on Sept. 9, 1959, in Madison, Wis., to Gerald and Yvonne Herfel. He was the third of four children.

Dean’s love of farming started at a young age, helping his father and others in the area. Shortly after graduating from Mt. Horeb High School in 1977, he married Lois Schwoerer and over the years took over farming from his parents. While married they had 2 daughters.  After divorcing he met Mary Uptegraw, and they had a daughter and son.  In 1995, he married Pamela McDougal where they had a son, and he gained another daughter.  They stayed on the farm until moving to Thorp in 2019, to help his daughter and son-in-law on their farm.  While living in Thorp he became a recovery specialist for Organic Waste Connections.

During his farming years, he enjoyed going to cattle sales and auctions, playing in many baseball, euchre, and bowling leagues.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gambling, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.

Dean is survived by his wife, Pam; children, Casey (Michael) Wehrli, Leah (Ryan Huston), Megan (Tristan Swartz), Jeremy, Tyler, and Sheena Emerson; five grandchildren; and siblings, Dave (Loretta), Diane (Roger) Westfall, and Dale (Jerrilyn).  He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Yvonne.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 500 N. Eighth Street, Mount Horeb from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023. Funeral services will be private.

The family would like to thank Aspirus Wausau hospital for their care, guidance, and support.  He was truly loved by all and will greatly be missed.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077