Edward Fred Backhaus, Age 93, passed away peacefully on January 25th, 2025, at Hospice Home of Hope Fond du Lac surrounded by his loving family.
A Celebration of Life for Edward will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with Rev. Traci Maass officiating. A visitation for Edward will take place at church on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment will follow the service at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville.
Edward Fred Backhaus was born March 29th, 1931, in the town of Scott, Sheboygan County to Herman and Elsie (Zettler) Backhaus.
He attended grade school in Washington County. He farmed in Ozaukee County 1951-1963, then moved to Dodge County in September 1963 where he continued farming until May of 1971. He joined the City of Mayville as the Street Supervisor within the Street Department. He worked for 23 years for the City of Mayville and retired in 1993. Edward was a member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Mayville and was married to Janice Rosenthal on October 7th, 1950. Edward & Janice were married 66 years. Edward and Janice raised 5 foster children and their 5 biological children. Edward loved camping and fishing on Lake Michigan. In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting pheasants and deer with sons and grandsons. Ed was active in his church where he was part of the finance group and did maintenance for the church. His favorite place to be was in his workshop (called Grandpa’s workshop) doing repairs and building anything with his woodworking skills. If you needed it, Grandpa could build it. He was most proud of a later in life project which was rebuilding his International Super M49 Tractor.
Edward was survived by his children Donna (Don) Finke, Theresa; Dean (Sue) Backhaus, Mayville; Daniel (Terry) Backhaus, Mayville; Darwin (Janet) Backhaus, Mayville; Diane (Scott) Schalinske, Rhinelander; Special Niece Karen (Jerry) Schraufnagel, Mayville. Grandchildren include Scott (Michelle) Finke, Mayville; Kristy (Darren) Gourlie, Oakfield; Dean Jr (Terra) Backhaus, Oakfield; Ryan (Janel) Backhaus, Mayville; Paul (Lynn) Backhaus, Slinger; Tammy (Tim) Casper, Mayville; Michelle (Jason) VanEgeren, Greenleaf; Stacey Fisher, Beaver Dam/Mayville; Troy (Carrie) Schalinske, Eagle River; Travis (Sam) Schalinske, Wisconsin Rapids; Matt (Amy) Pritchard, Juneau; Tyler Pritchad, Oak Grove. Great Grandchildren include Allessandra & Jake Gourlie, Weston Finke, Isabelle & Cameron Sabby, Isabella & Easton Backhaus, Lexi Backhaus, Kyleigh & Covyn Casper, Brett, Caden & Callie Schalinske, Ryleigh, Teagan, Allie, & Harper Pritchard, Austin, Dana, & Sydney Van Egeren, Mason Ashbeck, and Jax & Madi Coates.
Sisters-in-laws include Joyce Scadden, Dousman; Elaine (Ken) Brockhaus, Burnett; Nancy (Jim) Degnitz, Fredonia. Nephews include Jim (Nancy) Gentz, West Bend; Mike (Heather) Brockhaus, Hartford; Brad Brockhaus & Andy (Linda) Degnitz, Waldo. Nieces include Heidi (Rex) Miller, Pewaukee; Lori (Joe) Kowalkowski, Myrtle Beach; Judy (Dave) Loken, West Bend; Patti (Joe) Bingen, Richfield; Jenny (Rick) Fielder, Kewaskum and many great nieces & nephews.
Edward was preceded in death by his wife Janice in 2019, his parents Herman & Elsie Backhaus, in law’s Wesley & Lorraine Rosenthal, brother Ray Backhaus, sister Laverne Gentz, brothers-in-law Willis Scadden & Elroy Gentz, sister-in-law Pearl Christian, niece Holly and her husband, Bob Gassner, foster son Randy Pritchard.
Edward’s family would like to thank the staff at SSM Hospice Home of Hope for their outstanding care and creating a wonderful place for him in his final days. Dad left us peacefully while being led into God’s arms into God’s Garden.
Memorials may be directed to St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Mayville, WI, General Fund.