Edward Fred Backhaus

Edward Fred Backhaus, 93, passed away peacefully on January 25, 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, Feb. 3, at 2 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, Feb. 3, from 12 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Inurnment will follow the service at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville.
Edward Fred Backhaus was born March 29, 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 from 1951 to 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 7, 1950. Edward and Janice were married 66 years. Edward and Janice raised five foster children and their five 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 of Theresa; Dean (Sue) Backhaus of Mayville; Daniel (Terry) Backhaus of Mayville; Darwin (Janet) Backhaus of Mayville; Diane (Scott) Schalinske of Rhinelander; special niece, Karen (Jerry) Schraufnagel of Mayville; grandchildren include Scott (Michelle) Finke of Mayville; Kristy (Darren) Gourlie of Oakfield; Dean Jr. (Terra) Backhaus of Oakfield; Ryan (Janel) Backhaus of Mayville; Paul (Lynn) Backhaus of Slinger; Tammy (Tim) Casper of Mayville; Michelle (Jason) VanEgeren of Greenleaf; Stacey Fisher of Beaver Dam/Mayville; Troy (Carrie) Schalinske of Eagle River; Travis (Samm) Schalinske of Wisconsin Rapids; Matt (Amy) Pritchard of Juneau; Tyler Pritchad of Oak Grove; great-grandchildren include Allessandra and Jake Gourlie; Weston Finke, Isabelle and Cameron Sabby; Isabella and Easton Backhaus; Lexi Backhaus; Kyleigh and Covyn Casper; Brett, Caden and Callie Schalinske; Ryleigh, Teagan, Allie, and Harper Pritchard; Austin, Dana, and Sydney Van Egeren; Mason Ashbeck; and Jax and Madi Coates; sisters-in-law include Joyce Scadden of Dousman; Elaine (Ken) Brockhaus of Burnett; Nancy (Jim) Degnitz of Fredonia.; nephews include Jim (Nancy) Gentz of West Bend; Mike (Heather) Brockhaus of Hartford; Brad Brockhaus and Andy (Linda) Degnitz of Waldo; nieces include Heidi (Rex) Miller of Pewaukee; Lori (Joe) Kowalkowski of Myrtle Beach; Judy (Dave) Loken of West Bend; Patti (Joe) Bingen of Richfield; Jenny (Rick) Fielder of Kewaskum and many great nieces and nephews.
Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Janice, in 2019; his parents, Herman and Elsie Backhaus; in-laws, Wesley and Lorraine Rosenthal; brother, Ray Backhaus; sister, Laverne Gentz; brothers-in-law, Willis Scadden and 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.
Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is caring for the family. www.Koepsellfh.com