Earl A. Wohlust

Earl Allen Wohlust, 86, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, May 8, 2021. He was born in South Milwaukee to Earl Wohlust Sr. and Adeline Schultz. Earl was raised in a Polish-German family who were hard working people who loved to share a drink, conversation, laughs, and dancing. He graduated from Cudahy High School, played trumpet in the Drum and Bugle Corp, and then served in the United States Army. 

Earl attended Madison State University and worked for Farmer’s Mutual Insurance and later American Family Insurance as a claims adjuster. It was in Madison where he met the love of his life, Mary Margaret Smith. They were married April 11, 1959. She preceded him in death on October 29, 2013.

Earl and Mary moved to Fond du Lac shortly after they were married. Earl went on to get his realtor’s license and worked in real estate for approximately 40 years. He partnered in the real estate business first with Ralph Damm and then Bob Zwicker, but eventually went on to run his own business – Wohlust Realty Inc. and partnered in rental properties with good friends, Ken Wochos and Bob Evans.

Earl and his wife, Mary, were active in the Fond du Lac Community and were always busy volunteers. Over the years he was involved in the Optimists, Elks Club, Noon Rotary, and the Yacht Club. Earl served as Board President for both the YMCA and the Fond du Lac Board of Realtors and served as Trustee for the Elks Club and for St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Earl loved being outdoors and being active. He enjoyed playing volleyball and racquetball, and in his later years went golfing quite often with friends. Earl was a boater and loved swimming and skiing. He took his kids on many hiking, biking, and exploring adventures. Earl even parachuted for the first time at the age of 55 with his son, Tom and son-in-law, John. 

Music brought joy to Earl – he sang for years in the church choir and was also part of the South Shore Chorale. He became a regular with his friends, Ron Ahrens, and John Oberg, at Gino’s Italian restaurant on Monday nights. Referred to as “The Elm Acres Trio” these gentlemen would sing a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to anyone who was at the restaurant celebrating a birthday. They spread birthday cheer and joy over the years as they serenaded people and wished them well. 

Earl will always be remembered as a kind and generous man with a big heart and a sweet soul. He always put others before himself and would not hesitate to give people the shirt off his back. Earl was a good and true friend to many, a loving husband, and an encouraging and supportive father and grandfather. 

He is survived by his three children who thought the world of him, Sarah of Beloit, Margaret (John) of Fond du Lac and Thomas of Fond du Lac; his beloved grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, Katherine (Austin), Cocoá-Shanell, Kyle, Tyler; and special great-grandchildren, Markia and Kyle. He will be lovingly remembered by many relatives and good friends. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and his two sisters, Patricia and Judith.

Visitation will be held 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Community Church, N6717 Streblow Dr. in Fond du Lac. A Memorial Service will follow, beginning at 4:00 P.M. with Pastor Ken Nabi officiating. Cremation has taken place.