EDWARD A.G. HEMPLEMAN , age 86, of Altoona, WI, formerly of Thorp, passed away peacefully on Friday June 5, 2026.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Monday June 29, 2026 at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp.  Rev. Stanislaus Michael Antony will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church on Monday at 9am until time of service.

     Edward “Ed” “Sonny” was born on May 16, 1940, in Eau Claire, WI, to the late Edward and Lillian (Hagen) Hempleman.  He graduated from Thorp High School and then served in the National Guard.  After that he went on to truck driving for the lumber yard, doing custom crop work, and farming in Thorp.  On May 15, 1965, Ed married Donna Mae Karshbaum at Lima Catholic Church, rural Durand.  Together they raised a family on a dairy farm in Thorp.  The farm was a home away from home for all their nieces and nephews every summer and the gathering place for relatives year-round.

     Ed was known for his joyful spirit and love of life.  He was always on the go, never missing a chance to make a new friend.  When he wasn't working on the farm, he found peace in fishing and great enjoyment in playing cards and bingo.  Farming was truly in his blood, and one of his greatest sources of pride was his large garden, which reflected the care and dedication he brought to all he did.

      Ed leaves behind his children: Deb (Rick) Hanson, Gary, Brian (Sarah), James (Diana), Lisa (Nathan) Payton; daughter-in-law, Carrie; grandchildren: Douglas, Linsie (TJ), Bradley (Morgan), Amanda (TJ), Melanie, Aiden, Laura, Violet, Ernie, Alex, McKenzie (Nick), Lance, Saharra, Damian (Katelyn), Olivia and Addison; great-grandchildren: Justus, Ansley, Kase, Brecken, Lincoln, Lynnlee and Ember; sister-in-law: Joanne Karshbaum; brother-in-law: Richard Oldenburg; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

     He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his son, Jason; his parents; father and mother-in-law, John and Edna Karshbaum; sisters: Jean, Carol and Nancy; and brothers-in-law: Bob, Don, and Jim.

     The family would like to thank Dove West and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care given to Ed.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Croix Hospice in Ed’s name would be appreciated.