Gregory Earl Pernsteiner

Gregory (Greg) Earl Pernsteiner, 96, of Medford, died peacefully at Aspirus Care & Rehab in Medford on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Greg was born May 24, 1928 to Anton & Mary Pernsteiner. The 8th child of 13, he grew up on the family dairy farm in Medford, the homestead which he would later take over and raise his family.

Greg attended Holy Rosary Catholic grade school and Medford Senior High. He joined and served in the Army in Germany in 1951 where he drove truck for the medic division.

His marriage to Anola Sersch took place at the Church of St. John in Marshfield, Wisconsin on November 6, 1954. They took over the family farm in Medford in 1956 – raising their 11 children there. In November 2014, they celebrated 60 years of marriage together.

He worked as a foreman for the Soo Line Railroad while also operating the family farm. He also built a sawmill and enjoyed woodworking as a hobby.  

Greg and Anola enjoyed gathering with friends to play cards, attending weddings and birthday celebrations and socializing. Family meant everything to Greg, so much he was always asking who was coming home to visit each weekend. He knew and kept track of who called for his birthday or Father’s Day, even later in his life.

Greg loved fishing, woodworking and wood carving, gardening, and walking in the woods on the farm. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida with family to fish and get out of the cold winter weather.

Greg was strong willed and had a love of life which explains his many years of living independently. He never showed pain even while dealing with congestive heart failure for many years. The day before he passed away, he looked each one of his children in the eye to acknowledge how much he loved them – offering closure and letting them know it will be ok.

Greg’s family appreciates the wonderful care provided by the staff of Aspirus Hospital and Care and Rehab facility in Medford during the final week of his life. The social workers and caregivers were very compassionate, caring and considerate.

Greg is survived by his loving children: Karen (Daniel) Arrenholz of Bloomington, MN, Steven (Jennifer) Pernsteiner of Inverness, FL, Mark (Gail) Pernsteiner of Colby, Christine (Jon) Olson of Medford, Kurt (Kathy) Pernsteiner of Cross Plains, Karla (Lonnie) Willaby of Hudson, Scott (Sharon) Pernsteiner of Eau Claire, Terry Pernsteiner of Fond du Lac, Michael (Aimee) Pernsteiner of Altoona, and Todd Pernsteiner of Palm Springs, CA. He is also survived by his son-in-law Ed Acker, 33 grandchildren, and 42 great-grandchildren. 

Greg was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Anola; eldest daughter, Barbara Acker; grandson Caleb Arrenholz; siblings; and in-laws.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 13 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford with a Catholic funeral mass to follow at 11:00 a.m.  In honor of Greg’s service to his country, military honors will be provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team immediately following the service at the church.

Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in the town of Little Black with a luncheon to follow at Holy Rosary Catholic School cafeteria.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that financial donations be made to the Holy Rosary School Student Tuition Assistance fund.

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