Sigismund Semrau

Sigismund “Sig” Semrau was born on July 26, 1942, in Lipno, Poland, to Adolph and Martha (née Guse) Semrau. On the same day, he was welcomed into the Christian faith through an emergency baptism performed at his home. While only 4 yrs old, Sig, accompanied by his mother and half-brother Ewald, heroically fled communism by crossing the East German border. In 1948, they were reunited with his father in Hanover, West Germany. At the age of nine, in 1952, the family emigrated to the United States, finding refuge and a new beginning in West Virginia. A year later, in 1953, they settled in Wisconsin, where they continued to build their life together.

Sig confirmed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on April 14, 1957, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newville, Wisconsin, with the late Pastor Walter Zank officiating. He graduated from Waterloo High School in June 1961 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966. On July 26, 1969, Sig was united in marriage to Linda Giese at Immanuel Lutheran Church (River Church) in the Town of Theresa, with the late Rev. Otto Schreiber officiating.

Sig dedicated over 30 years of his career as a Phlebotomist, serving at both the Hartford and Beaver Dam Hospital. Sig faithfully served as an usher at St. John’s Church and was a devoted member of the choir for several years. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of playing on the church’s dartball team. Sig had a deep passion for landscaping and gardening. Together with his beloved wife, Linda, he cherished attending polka dances; a joyful tradition they shared for many years. Above all, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He treasured every sporting event, concert, musical and additional moments spent with his children and grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of his life.

Sig is survived by his children: Heidi (Dale) Weiss, David (Julie) Semrau, Eric (Elizabeth) Semrau, and Jonathan (Tracy) Semrau;
grandchildren: Brittany (Adam) Freund, Natasha (Adam) Kleinke, Miranda (Cody) Legas, Garrett Semrau, Alexus (Justin) LaMonte, Paige Semrau, Treyton Semrau, Ali Semrau, Chloe Adia Semrau, Olivia Semrau, and Harper Semrau; great-grandchildren: Evelynn and Jace Freund, Gracelynn and Barrett Kleinke, Lincoln and Briggs Legas, Liam LaMonte.
He is also survived by his brothers: Hartmund (Robin) Semrau and Wolfgang (Sharon) Semrau and their families, his in-laws: Larry (Sylvia) Giese, Lloyd (Karen) Giese, Loren (Shirley) Giese and Leroy (Cindy) Giese and their families, as well as many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Linda; his parents, Adolf and Martha Semrau; his in-laws, Clarence and Loretta Giese; and his half brother and sister in-law, Ewald and Lylas Semrau.

A funeral service for Sig will take place on Friday, May 23, at 12 noon at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the service at noon at the church. Interment will take place at St. John Cemetery in Mayville.

Memorials may be directed to the St. John’s Lutheran School “Childcare & Youth Center Capital Campaign”.