Eldred E. Haehlke, 74, Athens, died Sunday, December 9, 2012 under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice, peacefully at his home.
He was born January 27, 1938 in Wausau, son of the late Edward and Florence (Fiedler) Haehlke. On May 14, 1960 he married Nancy Balz at St. John Lutheran Church, town of Rib Falls. She survives.
Eldred was proud to have been able to carry on the tradition of farming on the family farm which started around 1876 in the town of Hamburg. He also grew ginseng for almost 30 years on the land on which he cared for so much as well.
As a man of few words he always took great pride in caring for his family, most especially his wife Nancy. Eldred loved to sing, whistle and listen to the radio as often as he could but whenever possible he would take the time to cherish the time with his family. He and Nancy loved to travel throughout the world and some of their favorite destinations, included South America, Australia, Germany and many other worldly destinations but his final trip with Nancy to Alaska was one which he waited for, for many years.
Besides taking immaculate care of the family farm Eldred loved to spend time in the woods and in his younger years he and Nancy loved to go snowmobiling.
Eldred proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps., serving overseas in Puerto Rico and was a Corporal (E-3).
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Haehlke, Athens, four children, Mark (Robin) Haehlke, Wausau, Cheryl (Harold) Schoessow, Marathon, Perry Haehlke and Evan (Carrie) Haehlke, both of Athens, seven grandchildren, Ryan and Paige Haehlke, Beth (Josh) Calmes, Brittany (Adam) Skic, Hunter, Alyvia and Ayva Haehlke, four great grandchildren, Paityn, Jaidyn, Brooklyn and Morgyn Calmes and two sisters, Arlyn (Eldorn) Heise, Edgar and Marlene (Robert) Schlag, Merrill.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one half brother, DuWayne Brandt; and his step-father, Harry Brandt.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. The Rev. Andrew Alberts will officiate. Burial will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, town of Hamburg. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Eldred’s name.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the kind and courteous staff with Ministry Home Care Hospice for the outstanding care they showed Eldred during his time spent with him and also a special thanks to Dr. Mercier and his nurse Julie for everything they did for Eldred.