Phillip J. Traxler

Phillip J. Traxler, age 83, formerly of Baraboo, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, February 10, 2025 at the House of the Dove Hospice by Compassus in Marshfield, WI after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Phillip, the son of Eugene and Josephine (Lindsay) Traxler, was born on July 29, 1941 in Baraboo. He graduated from Baraboo High School in 1959. At an early age Phil loved to tinker and build things. He built his first hot rod at the age of 12, raced go-carts, and loved his fast cars. He officially started working for the family business, Baraboo Asphalt Company Inc. at the age of 14. He often told of driving equipment for the business at the age of 10 and driving dump truck before he was old enough to have a driver’s license. On August 18,1962 Phil was united in marriage to Paula Huebner. Phil and Paula spent 43 years together until she was called home to the Lord. Phil had a great sense of family, faith and adventure. Phil was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo and when he moved from the area still watched St. Joe’s Mass on TV. His free time was filled with volunteering, canoe trips, fishing, hunting, motorcycle riding, golfing, woodworking, bowling and more. Most of these adventures were shared with his family and extended family whom he cherished. He was always excited to share his finished woodworking products with family and friends whether it was
a picture frame or furniture.

After retiring from Baraboo Asphalt in 1994, Phil and Paula enjoyed many travel adventures including having their picture taken in front of every United States capitol on their Goldwing motorcycle except Hawaii where they rented a Harley Davidson for the picture. They were members of the Sauk County Two Wheelers and enjoyed many Sunday afternoon rides. They also completed the Three Flags Motorcycle Tour multiple times which travels 2100 miles between Mexico and Canada over Labor Day weekend. Phil loved taking pictures and sharing stories when he returned from his travels. Phil also shared his talents along with his brother-in-law Jay Anderson, his “left hand” and “bookkeeper”. They spent many hours working on projects for family, the Baraboo Boys and Girls Club, and St. Joe’s school. They called themselves “Hazben Construction” and the “bookkeeper” never sent out a bill.

In 2007, Phil married Joan Jansen of Marshfield. His sense of adventure continued as they set out to and completed their goal to play tennis in every state. They were able to visit friends and family along the way as well as attend a few professional tennis tournaments which they enjoyed immensely. Together they wintered in Florida, and enjoyed playing golf, tennis and pickleball as much as possible. They made wonderful friends and are very thankful for their time in the sunshine. Phil and Joan also spent much time traveling between Wisconsin, California, and Canada to see their combined grandchildren play sports, perform in shows, graduate, help move in and out of dorms and apartments, go to weddings and more. Grandpa Phil loved watching all the grandkids grow up and find their way in life. He was very proud of all of them. He didn’t hesitate to encourage, advise and help whenever he could, and it was welcomed and appreciated.

He is survived by his children, John (Heidi) Traxler, Laura (Brad) Lois; grandchildren, Jedediah (Hilary) Traxler, Jameson (Ally Ring) Traxler, Claire Lois and Grace Lois; great granddaughter, Nora Traxler; sister, Jolene (Bill) Crowley; brother, Jerry (Barb) Traxler. He is further survived by his wife, Joan Jansen and her family Michael (Judy) Jansen, David (Angie) Jansen, Julia (Bill) Huberty; grandchildren, Olivia Jansen, Jenna Jansen, Brooke Jansen, Matthew (Edith) Huberty, William
(Madison) Huberty, Mitchell (Kylee) Huberty, Marshall (Carianna) Huberty; and great grandchildren, Harvey Huberty and Brooks Hubety. He is also survived by many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, distant relatives and dear friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo with Father Luke Powers presiding. Visitation will be held at church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Phil’s name to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 310 2nd St.  Baraboo, WI 53913, and/or the House of the Dove Hospice House, 1000 W 11th St. Marshfield, WI, 54449.

The family would like to send their gratitude to all Compassus nurses and caregivers and the Hospice team at The House of Dove for their care and compassion of Phil and his family.