Obit: Laufenberg, Fern J. (1923 – 2009)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Laufenberg, Flood, Hanby, Wilson, Steere, Brantner, Ennis, Hodge, Dioka, Hanenberger

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) April 8, 2009

Laufenberg, Fern J. (18 May 1923 – 3 April 2009)

Fern J. Laufenberg, 85, of Hixton died Friday, April 3, 2009, at the Grand View Care Center, Blair.

Fern was born May 18, 1923, in Brockway, Jackson County, to parents Ross and Atha (Flood) Hanby. She married Gilbert Laufenberg May 24, 1941, in Black River Falls. Together, they farmed in Alma Center and Hixton areas for many years. They lived in Hixton for the past 32 years and, prior to that, they lived on their farm near Alma Center. Fern and Gilbert spent their winters in Fort Meyers, FL, for 20 years.

Fern was a member of Saint Mary’s Altar Society of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Alma Center. In addition to family and farm activities, Fern enjoyed going fishing and camping in their motor homes. Gardening and canning were annual activities for Fern. She had a talent for baking the most delicious apple pies. She also greatly enjoyed dancing, and it was not unusual for her to spend the day baling hay and then get dressed up to go dancing in the evening. She also enjoyed looking stylish and always wanted to look her best by dressing fashionably and having her hair and makeup done.

She is survived by her husband, Gilbert; four sons, Roger (Ruth) Laufenberg of Hixton, Larry (Wendy) Laufenberg of Hixton, Gilbert (Anita) Laufenberg Jr. of Dahlgren, VA, and Donald Laufenberg of Hixton; four daughters, JoAnn Wilson of Hixton, Diane (Dan) Steere of Black River Falls, Nancy (Chuck) Brantner of Alma Center and Debra Ennis of Hixton; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren besides many other relatives and friends.

Fern was preceded in death by an infant son, Jerome; a great-granddaughter, Kaila Hodge; two sisters, Vi and Eva; and three brothers, Ron, Harley and Richard.

Funeral services for Fern J. Laufenberg will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Alma Center, with Reverend Father Jude T. Dioka officiating. Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Alma Center. Friends called at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. parish rosary and may also call one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.

Casketbearers will be Adam Brantner, Matt Brantner, Rick Hanenberger, Chris Laufenberg, Donald Laufenberg Jr., Garrett Laufenberg, Jason Laufenberg, Mike Laufenberg and Travis Wilson.