Friday, December 13, 2024
Herbert “Herb” F. Jach, age 84, of the Town of Harrison, Wis., passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024.
Herb’s spirit lives on through his son, Michael (Cheryl) Jach; his daughters, Therese (Tim) Winter, and Kris (Steve) Peeters; his sisters, Susan (Bill) Stevenson, and Poky (Florence) Fox; his grandchildren, David, Eric, and Timothy Jach, Christian Hoganson, Tricia Karaba, and Hannah Penca; and his grand-dogs, Arlo and Max; along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, and six great-grandchildren. Herb is also survived by his lifelong friend and the mother of his daughters, Genevieve (Gen) Pond.
He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert E. Jach; his mother, Eleanore (Schroeder) Jach; and his brother, William “Bill” Jach.
Back in his Custer High School days, Herb was the Michael Phelps of his time, shattering the 1957 city and state breaststroke records. Post-graduation, he didn’t hang up his Speedo but took his talents to the golf course, becoming a league regular at Inshalla Country Club. As a founding member of the Ojibwa Bowhunters Club in New Berlin, Wis., he once bagged a prized 9-pt buck. Bear hunting and fishing in Canada? Check. Bowling, darts, and pool? Triple check. Oh, and he dabbled in taxidermy – why not? In 1979, Herb made his grand entrance into Tomahawk. He and his wife, Gen, moved to the Harrison Hills and took over what’s now the Winding Trail Bar & Grill. From Herb & Gen’s Country Tap to Herb’s Turtle Soup Bar, the place became legendary, especially for its homemade snapping turtle soup, chili, and burgers. And a word to the wise: don't ask for something that’s not on his "very limited" menu. "This ain’t Burger King; you get it my way, or you don’t get it at all!" Herb famously quipped. Herb could often be found napping behind the bar, surrounded by patrons, a crate of yellow onions under the pool table, and the trap-shoot game in full swing. It was also your go-to spot for the Sunday morning paper and polka music, post-church. St. Augustine's could’ve installed an offering basket right there! While Herb will be dearly missed by all who knew him, he'd want you to know he was ready to meet his Fred Bear in the sky. He'd fished the gills, spun the tales, swam the laps, hunted the prey, and sipped the Knob Creek. Now he's rejoining his dear pal, Bob Heinrich, and Clyde, his furry companion, to carry on those traditions.
A celebration of Herb's life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Generations Funeral Home, at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow at Winding Trail Grill & Bar, located at N10002 County Rd. B in Tomahawk.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.
