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Obituary

Harold H. Kiehne

July 28, 2015 | 2 comments

Born Dec. 13, 1921, in Holt, Minn., to Ludwig (Paul) and Marta Kiehne.

The fourth child and only son, Harold grew up in Melrose Park, Ill., with six sisters. He graduated from York High School on June 6, 1941, and was drafted on

Dec. 1, 1942, into the Army 47th Tank Battalion; earning the Grade Sgt. Tank Commander and SSgt Platoon Sgt. He also served in the E.T.O. Harold spoke some German which earned him the nickname “Kraut.” He was awarded the Silver Star for capturing 40 German soldiers and the Purple Heart for his combat injuries.

Harold met his wife Joanne Rodenbeck while attending Elmhurst College in Illinois. They were married Sept. 11, 1948. They lived in Addison, Ill., where their first three children were born: Jan, Lisa and Gary. Harold worked for Hartford Insurance as the first non-lawyer claims adjuster with workman’s compensation and personal injury claims on the south side of Chicago for 6.5 years. He transferred to La Crosse, Wis., to operate a regional office in 1957.

His son Paul was born in La Crosse in 1964.

Harold was an avid golfer and played for many years into his late 80s. He retired from the Insurance business after 37 years. Harold and Joanne owned and operated the Ten Mile House Restaurant on Hwy. 14 for a number of years. Harold was very involved in the 14thArmored Divisions Reunions locally and nationally. His leadership skills were used to organize golf tournaments and the auto body shop association. He was instrumental in attempting to get a larger dog park in La Crosse. Harold also enjoyed designing and building many projects including the current residence, a pontoon boat, a number of kayaks and many other projects, including an ice sail boat that he once sailed across Lake Onalaska so fast that he never got in it again and dismantled it.

Harold and his sons Gary and Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing and building projects together for many years. He had many hunting and fishing buddies over the years and, of course, he always had a German shorthaired pointer for hunting and companionship. Joanne always said, “He came with a dog, and he’ll always have a dog.”

Harold could fix and repair anything—sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. He always had a large garden, inheriting a “Green Thumb” from his father who was a farmer. He volunteered his time speaking to local school children about living thru the depression and World War ll. Harold and Joanne and their children were active in their church life at St. Johns UCC for many years.

Harold is survived by his wife Joanne; his dog Duke; his sister Eleanor of Illinois; his children: Jan (Terry) Werner of La Crosse, Lisa (Gregg) Garner of Rochester, Minn., Gary (Barb, deceased) Kiehne of La Crosse, Paul (Linda) Kiehne of Phoenix, Ariz. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Brett (Michelle Jerome) Werner, Bryan (Amanda) Werner, Chris Garner, Anna Garner, Paul Kiehne, Korin (Dan) Sackman; and great grandchildren: Aelyse, Ava, Annyka, Thatcher and Skyler Werner.

The family would like to thank the hospice team from Saint Jude’s, Char and Jo anna, for the wonderful care given to Harold at the end of his life.

A gathering of family and friends will be on Sunday, August 2, 2015 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm with a remembrance service at 2:00 pm at the Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. Military honors will follow the service.

His family will plant a tree in the name of Harold Kiehne in honor of his love for the outdoors. Please make donations to the: Woundedwarriorproject.org

Condolences

2 Comments

  1. Mark, Nancy and (Mike) Halverson

    We are so sorry to hear of Harold’s passing. Mike is going to miss jumping into the truck to be with his buddy(Duke), and to search for the dog treats that Harold always had on hand. We have never met anyone who was more passionate about different subjects. Harold had his opinion and wasn’t afraid to share it with anybody. His love of dogs was apparent with his desire to make a more suitable dog park in LaCrosse. This man was a treasure, and we’re pleased to have known him! We’ll miss you Harold

  2. Donald and Denise Sackmann

    Our deepest condolences for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
    Donald and Denise Sackmann Family

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