Full Obituary

     It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Willard "Willie" Lobacz, a beloved husband, father, son, and friend, who left us too soon in the early morning hours of May 14, 2026.  Born on November 3, 1977, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, Willard's life was one filled with love, laughter, and dedication to family, farm and the land he cherished so deeply.
     Willie is joining the following in death; Wife: Breahan Lobacz, Grandparents: John & Marion Lobacz and Leo and Carol Hawkey. Uncles: Ernie and Richie Lobacz and Joseph Hawkey. Cousin: Simone Lobacz.
     He has left the following loved ones behind to carry on his legacy: His parents, Kenny and Linda Lobacz, Daughters and best friends, Lily and Lydia Lobacz.  His “old lady” and faithful partner, Kayla Woeltge, Brothers Kurt, Luke and Jake Lobacz, Nephews Kyle Lobacz (who he loved as a son), Garret Lobacz, and Blake Lobacz and his wife Breanna and their children Waylen and Wrenlee.  And the newest addition to our family, Leo Lobacz (6 mo.) son of Kyle Lobacz and Mariah Roseno.
     Willie was the 2nd born son of Kenny and Linda Lobacz, who instilled in him a deep respect for nature and the value of hard work.  He graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1996, a tradition that continued with both of his daughters receiving diplomas there.
     Willie's life and legacy are rooted 4 generations deep in the rich soil of his family's multiple farms and fields throughout Withee.  He was raised between his family’s cattle and crop farm, and his grandma and grandpa's dairy farm.  At 17 Willie purchased his grandma's farm, which he had been running for a few years to help care for his Grandma and her cows in her last days.
     In 2002 Willie and Breahan were wed, and shortly thereafter gave birth to their first daughter Lily (2003) and then Lydia (2006).  Together they ran their farm and raised their children until September 2014, when tragedy struck their beautiful lives.  The loss of their wife and mother, Breahan.
     Those who knew Willard best remember him as an honorable, kind, and protective man whose family always came first.  His love for them was unwavering and will live in their hearts forever.
     An avid outdoorsman, Willie spent a great part of his time in the woods or on the black river, always by his best friend and loyal companion, a border collie named Bear.  Together, they embarked on countless adventures, from four-wheeler rides to go cut and split wood (his absolute favorite chore) as well as mushroom hunting (he was always the first of us to find the morels) to tracking and chasing any animal they could see, from cats to coons.  Willie loved to take long rides with Bear, Kayla & the girls and shine for deer.
     His passion and skill for fishing led him most often to the bank of the Black River, where he spent countless hours with family, creating memories that will be cherished forever.  In February of 2013 he was the state record holder for largest crappie!  Willie's skill with a bow was legendary and anyone who has seen his multiple bucks mounted around his home can attest to that fact.
     Willie was an inventive thinker and skilled craftsman.  He never met a machine he couldn't fix or re-design to suit his needs and as such has been the family’s go-to man when a piece of equipment would break down.  He was an artist at heart whose creativity knew no bounds; whether it was a shed or bedroom furniture for one of his girls, a tree burl, or a forgotten relic in a junk pile, he had the unique gift of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.  Willie will be deeply missed, but his joyful, contagious laughter and ruthless sense of humor will never be forgotten by anyone who was fortunate enough to know him.
     In accordance with his family's wishes, a private burial ceremony will be held.  There will be a celebration of life held at a later date where extended family and friends can join to honor his memory.  As we say goodbye to our dearest Willie, we find comfort in knowing that his spirit will forever be with those he loved and his presence can be found during a walk in the woods.