Phillip Joseph `Phil` Wedekind

Phillip J. "Phil" Wedekind, age 93, of Baraboo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at St. Clare Hospital after a brief illness, with his family by his side.

Phil was born on December 2, 1932, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the son of Henry and Mabel (St. Clair) Wedekind. He graduated from Baraboo High School and remained a lifelong resident and dedicated servant of the community he loved.

On July 11, 1953, Phil married Shirley Walker. Together they shared a loving marriage and built a family that remained the center of their lives until Shirley's passing. Their union was a lasting example of devotion, faith, and commitment.

Phil proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for 36 years with honor and distinction. A passionate outdoorsman and lifelong hunter, he was instrumental in establishing the Hunter Safety Program in Sauk County, helping educate generations of young hunters in safe and responsible outdoor practices. His dedication to conservation, mentorship, and the hunting tradition created a lasting impact that continues today.

His commitment to service extended throughout the Baraboo community. Phil served on the City of Baraboo Common Council and numerous city subcommittees. He was a proud member of Forty & Eight, the Baraboo Elks Lodge, the American Legion, the Honor Guard, and Pheasants Forever. Through his military service, civic leadership, conservation efforts, and volunteer work, Phil touched the lives of many and left a legacy of commitment, integrity, and service to others.

Above all else, Phil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He found his greatest joy in spending time with family, sharing stories, supporting those he loved, and creating memories that will be treasured for generations. His strength, wisdom, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Phil is survived by his children, Timothy Wedekind, Thomas Wedekind, James (Lisa) Wedekind, and Janet Walrath, all of Baraboo; his grandchildren, Christopher (Stacey) Stanley, Matt Stanley, Kyle Stanley, Shane (Alina) Wedekind, Ryan Wedekind, Briana (Kyle) Stepp, Audrey Wedekind, and Brandon Walrath; and his great-grandchildren, Deacon, Elena, Rhys, Charlie, Sophia, Nolan, Nora, Emmalee, Isabelle, Sophia, and Alexandria.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Wedekind; his parents, Henry and Mabel Wedekind; his daughter, Sandra Stanley; his sons-in-law, Daniel Stanley and John Walrath; his brothers, Victor, Arthur, John, Edward, Robert, and Henry Wedekind; and sister, Francis Alley.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo. Visitation will also be held at the church from 10 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the Mass to immediately follow. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Phil's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of St. Clare Hospital for their compassionate care, kindness, and support provided to Phil and his family.

Phil's legacy of service, dedication, and love for family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.