Vilas ‘Max’ Joseph Cihaski, 84
Vilas “Max” Cihaski, 84 Birnamwood, was called home by Jesus on December 15, 2016. He was born in Hatley on April 14, 1932 and was the youngest of eight children born to Maximilian and Helen (Czech) Cihasky. Max attended grade school in Norrie and high school in Wittenberg.
On August 9, 1967 he was united in marriage to Shirley Siegharter in Pine City, Minnesota.
Max was a radio mechanic in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict 1951 to 1953. He was honored for his service when he was accompanied by Wayne Clark on the Honor Flight in 2014.
He served on the Wausau Police Department for twelve years and was Wausau’s first motorcycle patrolman.
Max and Shirley operated a bar in Birnamwood for ten years. He worked for Wick Agricultural Buildings as a service repairman until his retirement. In 1976 they moved to a small farm in Norrie where he could raise his Appaloosa and most recently Paint horses and a variety of stock including bison, Texas Longhorns, Watusis, Scottish Highlanders, & Belted Galloways. Max played drums with many area bands including the Polka Partners, (Second Edition) and Louie Zdrazil. He was a member of St. Philomena Catholic Church and the American Legion 341. Max was the Town of Norrie chairman for many years as well as a Ginseng farmer. For the past few years he has enjoyed spending his winters in Arizona at his home in Maricopa with his wife, Shirley. He looked forward to visits from family and friends but was anxious to get home in April for the opening of turkey season and to be reunited with his horses. He enjoyed being outside, riding his utility vehicle, cutting wood, deer hunting, mushroom picking, gardening, caring for his horses, playing cards, watching his grandchildren compete in sports and sharing garden produce with family, friends and neighbors. He was always available to help out his family and friends. Max was rarely idle and often needed to be told to take a break.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of 49 years; children, Tammy (David) Fischer, Birnamwood, Val (Jennifer) Cihaski, Wausau and Valinda Brooks, San Antonio, Texas; Grandchildren, Morgan, Kalvin and Macey Fischer, Birnamwood, Megan Cihaski, Wausau, Mathew Cihaski, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jessica (Wade)Bronnel, San Antonio, Texas; Great twin granddaughters Kennedy and Bella Bronell; sister Florence Wildes Eden, Wisconsin and mother-in-law, Ada Siegharter. He is also survived by other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Lisa Cihaski, his father-in-law Joseph Siegharter, brothers Bernard and William, and sisters Marcella Greenwood, Eleanor Long, Sally Hentchel and Caroline Aro.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 5pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Birnamwood. Fr. Anthony Ibekwe will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by the Darling-Gunderson American Legion Post #341 following the Mass. Visitation will be held from 3pm until the time of services at the church. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
We are thankful for the care and guidance we received from Aspirus Oncology staff, especially Dr. Rezazadeh and nurses Betsy, Marty and Victoria.
Dad–time to rest in the hands of a Father who loves you very much. We will miss you, but know we will be together again soon. We love you!