HAL L. BIRKHOLZ Mr. Hal Birkholz of 1st Ave. in Grafton passed away Wednesday October 19 2011 at his home following a courageous 2 year struggle with cancer. He was 73 years of age. Hal was born in Cheeseville (Town of Farmington) on July 16 1938 son of Leroy and Edna Hedrick Birkholz. The family moved to Fredonia a short time later. After graduating from Port Washington High School in 1955 Hal attended Lakeland College and studied accounting. Mr. Birkholz was united in marriage with Nancy Krick on September 10 1960 at St. Mary Catholic Church Lake Church. The couple settled in Port Washington before moving to Grafton in 1968. Hal was a Cost Accountant for Tecumseh Engines in Grafton. He retired as Chief Cost Accountant in 2000 after 37 years of loyal service. Hal was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. An avid golfer and traveler Hal also enjoyed refinishing furniture reading mystery novels attending horse pulls and rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Nancy and their three children: Tim Bopper (Betsy) Birkholz of Town of Fredonia Scott (Monica) Birkholz of Town of Cedarburg and Sandy Birkholz of Grafton. He is further survived by 2 grandchildren: Kyle and Nicolette 1 brother Mel (Carol) Birkholz of Port Washington brothers-and sisters-in-law: Adrienne Birkholz of Rhinelander John Krick of Jackson Gloria (Ralph) Schmit of Port Washington and Walt Wildhagen of Yorba Linda CA. He is preceded in death by his parents brother E. Terry Birkholz and sisters- in-law Linda Wildhagen and Debbie Krick. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 4PM on Tuesday October 25th at St. Joseph Catholic Church 1619 Washington St. Grafton. Father Michael Barrett will officiate. The following day he will be interred at St. Joseph's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the CHURCH on Tuesday from 1:30 - 4PM. Memorials are suggested to the National Cancer Institute or the American Lung Association.