An American Hero Passed Away

Published: October 19, 2007, 1:03 am

Arthur H. Ferge, an American Hero and World War II Veteran, passed away this week. He is Uncle to my Ex-wife, Ann, and will be greatly missed by those who loved and knew him in life. My sons, Jamie and Bradley, just knew him as Uncle Art and loved him dearly.

Peterson Kraemer

Wausau Daily Herald

Wausau Daily Herald - Posted October 18, 2007

Arthur H. Ferge

Arthur H. Ferge, 85, 5609 Ferge St., Schofield, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born May 2, 1922, in Schofield, son of the late August and Nettie (Hartson) Ferge. On Jan. 19, 1946, he married Clara Lawrence at Peace United Church of Christ, Schofield. She survives.

Arthur retired in 1984 after working 34 years at the former American Can Co., now known as Lignotech USA Inc., Rothschild. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II in the 8th Infantry Division, 28th Infantry Regiment, and saw combat in the European Theatre of Operations. Arthur was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, ETO ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars, Normandy Campaign Award and was entitled to wear the French Croix Degwerre Award. Besides being a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post No. 388, Wausau, he was also a member of the American Legion Montgomery-Plant No. 10, the Battle of the Bulge Northern Wisconsin Chapter No. 1, the 28th Infantry Regiment Reunion Organization, charter member of Last Man's Club and the 28th Infantry Association Black Lions. Some of his hobbies included fishing, hunting and going to his cottage. He also enjoyed gardening, carpentry and, above all, spending time with his family who he loved dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Clara, Schofield; daughter Marilyn (Thomas) Benishek, and granddaughter Nicole Benishek, both of Schofield; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Evelyn, Jenny, Jessie, Eleanor and Margaret; and one brother, William.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at Peace United Church of Christ, Schofield. The Rev. Larry Treece will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, where full military honors will be conducted. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, and again from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the church.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Aspirus Cardiac Telemetry, Saint Clare's Hospital and Dr. Grim for their wonderful care of Arthur.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the VFW Honor Guard Post No. 388, Wausau, or to Peace United Church of Christ, Schofield.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

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