Obit: Laufenberg, Bernard (1930 - 2014)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Laufenberg, Ruth, Mayer, Gillis, Abendroth, Simonson, Gilmour, Oliver, Frazee, Spiegel, Viner, Stephenson, Famiyeh

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co, WI) 1/15/2014

Laufenberg, Bernard (15 November 1930 - 8 January 2014)

Bernard Laufenberg, 83, of Alma Center, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls under the care of Black River Memorial Hospice. He was born Nov. 15, 1930, in Alma Center to Godfrey and Octavia (Ruth) Laufenberg. Bernard was united in marriage to Dorothy Mayer, daughter of Tony and Georgia (Gillis) Mayer, Aug. 25, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fairview.

He farmed for many years in the South Alma area, did some custom work and cut pulp wood. Bernard was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and a Knight of Columbus member since 1958. He was on the church board and a trustee, also the sexton of St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, co-op director and member of a bowling team. Bernard and Dorothy moved into Alma Center in 1990. He enjoyed playing card, going to the Casino, telling jokes, going on trips and teasing his offspring.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy; children, Cathy Abendroth of Holmen; Michael (Debbie) Laufenberg of Hixton, James (Beth) Laufenberg of Black River Falls, Bernard (Patricia) Laufenberg of Hixton, Peter (Jo Ann) Laufenberg of Alma Center, Caroline (Allen) Simonson of Humbird, Theresa (Randy) Gilmour of Warrens, Anne (John) Oliver of Alma Center, David (Tara) Laufenberg of Alma Center, Duane (Pam) Laufenberg of Alma Center, Mary (Eric) Frazee of Fairchild, George (Tia) Laufenberg of Hixton and Nicole Laufenberg of Rosedale, IN; 30 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brothers: John and Ronald Laufenberg; sisters: Teresa (Bruce) Spiegel, Ruth (Harland) Viner, and Louise (David) Stephenson; sister-in-law, Sue Laufenberg; and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rose; granddaughter, Kari; parents, Godfrey and Octavia; both grandparents, brother, Edward; sister, Dorothy; son-in-law, John Abendroth; sister-in-law, Helen; nephews, Paul and David; and nieces, Miranda and Maryann.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Alma Center, with Father Emmanuel Famiyeh officiating. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Alma Center. Family and friends were invited for visitation Friday, Jan. 20, 2014, from 3 p.m. until 6 p. m. with a rosary beginning at 5:45 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Family and friends were also invited for visitation, Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the mass at the church.

Memorials may be given to Black River Falls Memorial Hospice.

Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home of Hixton assisted the family with arrangements.