OBITUARY for ROBERT “BOB” “LEFTY” WOELFEL
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, Robert “Bob” “Lefty” Woelfel, passed away at the age of 91,
surrounded by loving family. Known for his infectious optimism and knack for stirring up
lighthearted mischief, Lefty left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Born in Chilton WI on August 26, 1933,
Lefty graduated from Chilton High School in
1948 where he made his mark as a boxer
and football player. After a brief stint
working locally in a welding shop and with
the DNR, Lefty joined the US Air Force in
- He served as a radio operator in
Wiesbaden Germany, where he was often
recruited to play football with Allied Forces
across Europe.
Returning stateside in 1957, Lefty continued
his passion for football at UW Oshkosh until he
transferred to the University of Michigan,
where he earned a degree in Forestry in
1960.
His career as an industrial forester took him to Upper Michigan and Northern Wisconsin,
where he met the love of his life, Rita T. Kress, now deceased, in Medford Wisconsin. They
married in June 1963 and together raised four children, who, along with their families, were
his greatest pride and joy:
Charles (Chuck), wife Lisa (Bortz), sons Drew– Wausau WI; Nick (Kaylie) Bortz, Sean
(Seana) Bortz – Onalaska WI
Jeanne, husband Giovanni Angiulli, children Francesca, Robbie – Wausau WI
Chris, wife Kelly (Glanding), children Alexia, Genevieve, Xavier – Houston TX
Heidi, husband Neal Sutrick, children Jack, Kolby, Emily – Hubertus WI
Marianne Lang, son Heiko – Germany
Lefty worked in Upper Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, residing in Medford, Ladysmith,
Amasa (MI), Tomahawk. He finished his career in Park Falls WI, retiring from Flambeau
Paper Co in 1994. During his time in Park Falls, Lefty was actively involved in his
community, serving on the Price County Board and Park Falls School Board, and was a
member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.
In 2018, Lefty and Rita relocated to Wausau WI to be closer to their active grandchildren,
where Lefty became a well-recognized figure at school events, known for his love for sports
and words of encouragement to his grandkids. He served as a role model to his grandkids,
leaving them much to aspire to.
Lefty loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, biking, cross country skiing, and
gardening. The Park Falls home he built on the Flambeau River was his special haven,
raising and roaming with his Britney Spaniels, while Nutterville became a favorite relaxation
spot when in Wausau.
Lefty also enjoyed having a beer or two in the company of friends, neighbors, and his greater
family living near and far. The legacy of Lefty is one of joy and positivity, making the space
around him a better and happier place. There’s only one Lefty and we were lucky to have
him in our lives.
A Funeral Mass took place at The Church of the Nativity in Marathon, Wisconsin on Friday,
May 30 th . A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Anthony of Padua in Park Falls, Wisconsin
on Saturday, August 16 th . Interment of urns for Lefty and his wife Rita, who left this world on
Dec. 25th 2022, will take place immediately following the Mass at the Fifield Forest Home
Cemetery.
