Edward "Toby" Coldwell

Edward "Toby" Coldwell, 88, of Wausau, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Toby was born in Wisconsin Rapids on May 29, 1935, the son of Frank and Gertrude Coldwell.  

He grew up in Port Edwards where he attended both the grade school and high school, where he played Varsity basketball and football.  Toby graduated from high school in 1953 and attended UW Madison for a year before transferring to Ripon College.
In the summer if 1953, Toby met Darlene Griswold when they had a blind date at Skyway Ballroom.  The two dated for three years and were married in the fall of 1956.  They welcomed their first son, Jay the following year.   

In 1958, Toby graduated from Ripon College with a bachelor's degree in psychology and economics.  He also served 2 years as a 1st Lt. in the US Army in Portland, OR.  In April 1960, he joined Employers Insurance of Wausau and spent 5 years in Kansas City, MO, as a group health representative for that region.  During his time in Kansas City, two more sons were born into their family, Jim in 1961 and Jon in 1963.  By January 1966, Toby became a sales rep in Waterloo, Iowa and in June 1969, he came to the home office in Wausau as a sales coordinator and educator.  A few years later, he became Asst. V.P. of sales.  He worked for Wausau Insurance for 35 years, retiring in 1995.

Toby and Darlene, had a wonderful retirement, enjoying their cottage on Hiawatha Lake, and traveling the continent in their motor home.  Unfortunately, Toby spent the last three years in memory care.    

It has been Toby's dream to perpetually endow organizations within Wausau, that give back to the people within the community, such as the Boys and Girls Club.  It has been a blessing for Toby and his family, to see that dream come to fruition.   

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Darlene Coldwell; three sons, Jay and Donna Coldwell, Jim and Sheri Coldwell, and Jon Coldwell; grandchildren, David and Jenna Coldwell, Joe Coldwell, Ruth and (Andy) Heinzl, Geno Callham, Kelly and (Caleb) Turbett, Jessiann Coldwell, and Chris O'Flyng; great-grandchildren, Rory, Aria, Corban, Knox, Presley, Clara, Evan and Aiden. 

A funeral service will take place on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Helke Funeral Home in Wausau.  A visitation will run from 10:00 am until the time of services at the funeral home.  A private family burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Chapel.