Earl M. McIlquham

Earl M. McIlquham, 96, of Anson, Chippewa County, WI, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 22, 2026.

Earl was born on April 30, 1929, in Chippewa Falls, WI to William and Elsie (Cutsforth) McIlquham. He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1947. Earl married the love of his life, Lois (Siddons) on October 11, 1950, at Trinity United Methodist Church. They celebrated 65 years of marriage before Lois’ passing in 2015.

Earl was raised on the family farm with three sisters and a brother. He and Lois went on to raise their four children on the same family farm. As Earl himself would tell you, “I farmed my entire life.” He kept his own children, and many neighborhood kids busy on the farm, where they learned to work and play.

Earl’s hobbies in life were of many; he was happiest when holding a fishing pole or gun. He looked forward every year to the annual Canada fishing trip spent on a houseboat with never less than a dozen family and close friends. His boat always brought in the big fish. Earl’s game hunting harvested a great many stories along with countless trophy racks. He did his best to pass on his skills to as many as he could.

A lifelong traveler, he always wanted to see what was over the next hill. He never wanted to miss an adventure, often telling his family, “Don’t ask me to go along unless you want me, because I’m not going to say no!” There were trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Arizona, California, Dakotas, Wyoming, Nebraska, just to name a few. No grass ever grew under his feet.

When Earl wasn’t traveling, he was in nature or having a good visit. Earl enjoyed time spent in his garden and picking berries. He was fascinated by nature and was able to find beauty in everything. He was always up for a good game of cards or dominos. Earl could start up a conversation with anyone and genuinely enjoyed all people. With a grin on his face, a glint in his eye he could deliver an unexpected statement or tease that made you laugh.

Earl took great pride in his family and how they enjoy time together. One of Earl’s greatest gifts to his family, friends and neighbors was a slice of heaven that is lovingly called “The River”. Many good times, laughter, memories and bonds have been made there.

Earl was a member of The Knights of Pythias and a lifelong member of the Anson Methodist Church.

He is survived by his daughter, Ann (Dan) Crogg of Cadott; son, Brent (Shirley) McIlquham of Chippewa Falls; daughters-in-law, Jean McIlquham, of Chippewa Falls and Pam McIlquham of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Lisa (Nate) Forster of Menomonie, Christopher (Marissa) McIlquham of Phoenix, Russel (Mary) McIlquham of Chippewa Falls, Darla (Josh) Crogg of Bloomer, Denise (Seth) Eder of Chippewa Falls, Brian Crogg of Cadott, Amy (Joe) Turner of Chippewa Falls, Charlene (Brandon) Colvin of Chippewa Falls, Molly (Mike) Funes of Chippewa Falls, and Beth McIlquham (Nick Mason) LaFarge; sisters, Ruth Robinson of Eau Claire and Helen Anonich of Rice Lake; great-grandchildren, Carter, Graham, Cameron, Vienna, Ben, Lucy, Bianca, Mac, Violet, Wyatt, Weston, Wayde, Addison, Ada, Marie; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Rogge, Carolyn Meinen, Loris Siddons, and Beverly (Albert) Rogge; brothers-in-law, Larry (Jackie) Siddons, Dale “Tom” Siddons; a very close friend, Bob Wilson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois; sons, Lee McIlquham and Glen McIlquham; brother, Stanley McIlquham; and sister, Phyllis Normand; in-laws, Lois (Stanley) McIlquham, Jim Anonich, Bud Normand, Keith Robinson, Dolores “Dode” (Cliff Frederick) Felix Larson, Connie and Dick Kinderman, Jack (Ginger) Barb Siddons; Lloyd Siddons, Roger Meinen, and Jerome Rogge.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Chippewa Falls, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Paul Messmer will be officiating. The interment will be in Copp Cemetery, Town of Anson, Chippewa County Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family which will be donated to a charity dear to Earl’s heart.