Vincent Anthony Statz, 95, of Chippewa Falls, town of Seymour, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 21, 2025, at Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire.

Vince was born to Wolfgang and Elizabeth (Dohm) Statz of Seymour on April 11, 1930.

Vince married JoAnn (Marek) Statz on August 25, 1953, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Cadott. They were blessed with ten daughters and three sons.

Vince graduated in 1948 from McDonell High Catholic School in Chippewa Falls, and after graduation he attended the St. John’s Seminary, but chose a secular life. He was then drafted October 26, 1951, into the US Army 40th Infantry Division of Civil Affairs, where he served his country overseas in the Korean War. He humbly received two Bronze stars, a Combat Infantry Badge, and two Overseer Bars. Vince was honorably discharged on July 25, 1953. While serving, his parents wrote to him saying they were ready to retire and asked if he would like to purchase the family farm. Vince wrote back yes, and after they were married, he and JoAnn farmed until 1995. 

Vince was dedicated to the land and, after 42 years of dairy farming, he and JoAnn envisioned that the property be converted into a sanctuary for endangered monarch butterflies. In 2018, their vision became a reality. If you ever visited Vince, you almost certainly were treated to a ride on his John Deere Gator and a tour of the farm’s transformation. His son Phillip and his family have taken over stewardship of the land.  

Vince was loved by his family and his many friends who will miss his sense of humor and gift of story telling. As one of the youngest of fifteen children, Vince enjoyed playing practical jokes on his older brothers and sisters. Vince loved to bowl, play cards, square dance, and roller skate, and even met JoAnn at a roller skating rink in the town of LaFayette. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and spent many happy hours on his property fondly nicked named ‘The Funny Farm.’ In addition to farming, he carried on the family legacy of woodworking -- building homes, furniture and intricate grandfather clocks. 

Vince is survived by two sons, Charles (Jennifer) Statz of Three Lakes, and Phillip (Cristi) Statz of Chippewa Falls; nine daughters, Elizabeth (John) Erickson of Spring Valley, Catherine Statz of St. Paul, MN, Sandy Statz of Ecuador, Nancy (Carlos) Leon of Brookfield, Diane (Jeff) Brostrom of Lacey, WA, Renee (Rakesh) Sreenivasam of Seattle, WA, Barbara (David) Krause of Cedarburg, Jacqueline Statz (Dan Hoerl) of Middleton, and Pamela Statz (Justin Graham) of Portland, OR; one son-in-law, David Carroll of Takoma Park, MD; 26 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Vince was preceded in death by his wife JoAnn; one daughter, Patricia Statz; one son, Timothy Statz; his parents; and his fourteen brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Monday, July 28, 2025 at St. Bridget’s Church in the town of Seymour. Rev. Daniel Sedlacek will be celebrant of the funeral Mass with interment in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services at Noon on Monday, July 28, 2025 at St. Bridget’s Church.

Vince’s family prefers memorials to the Beaver Creek Reserve (beavercreekreserve.org), and the Chippewa Falls Recreation Committee (2175 E Park Ave. Chippewa Falls, WI 54729).

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for Vincent A. Statz were held at Noon Monday, July 28 at St. Bridget’s Church in the town of Seymour.

Rev. Daniel Sedlacek was celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment was in the church cemetery. Military rites were conducted by the Eau Claire VFW Post #305 with Taps played by Adam Hoerl.

Music during the Mass was provided by Judy Brist. Eulogies were given by family members. Readings were given by Emmalee Krekelberg and Claire Brostrom Smith. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Kaitlin Mckenna. Gift bearers were grandchildren.

Casket bearers were Caleb Carlson, Connor Erickson, Evan Hoerl, Oliver and Samuel Krause, Ryan Sreenivasam, Ben and Carter Statz.