Lucille “Lucy” Mae Hesselberg of La Crosse, formerly of rural Sparta, peacefully
passed on to her new home in heaven on July 29, 2023 at the age of 96. She was
welcomed at the gate by her beloved husband, William, dear son, Gary, and her
sister, Ulamae Langrehr. At the time of her passing, Lucille resided at Riverside
Transitional Care for 6 months due to complications from a broken leg.
Fish Creek Valley was her home for much of her life. She was the daughter of Cora
and Lester Knudtson. Lucille spent her formative years with her Grandma and
Grandpa Weinke. She loved them dearly and many of life’s lessons were learned
from them.

Lucy, alongside her husband Bill, built a life of farming in the Fish Creek Valley for
41 years. She valued that life with every fiber of her being. Bill and Lucille were
united in marriage June 26, 1945. He passed away on February 22, 1986. After his
passing, she continued to farm with her son Bill for a time, until deciding to sell the
dairy cows. She remained in her home, until it was sold in 2002, and built her new
home amongst the pines, on a portion of her farm land

If there was ever a question about the history of someone or something, Lucy had
the answer. She had such a great recall for events and was usually the first person
anyone would call to find out, because we all knew that Lucy would remember!
There was hardly a topic that you couldn’t talk about with Lucy. She always took it
upon herself to learn about nearly everything and always had a logical, thoughtful
opinion about it. Creating memory books was one of her favorite pastimes. She
made sure to include photos, poems, prayers along with accomplishments in her
books.

Everyone was comfortable in Lucille’s company as she made sure they had what
they needed to feel that way. Her keen sense of humor and quick wit kept us
laughing through our happy tears!
In addition to her husband, son and sister, Lucille was also preceded in death by
her daughter-in-law Daisy (Dee).

Survivors are her children, Alan of Cape Coral, Florida, Catherine (Gary) Arneson,
of La Crosse, and Bill of West Salem. She will be greatly missed by 10
grandchildren, (Gary’s children), Scott (Tracy), Jason (Amber), Nicole (Jeff) Norton,
Erin Snyder, Kerianne (Jason) Rice; (Alan’s children) Alexis and Todd; Cathy’s step-daughter, Alicia Arneson; and (Bill’s
children) Chelsea, Abby, and Bill. Lucy is also survived by her 12 great
grandchildren and 4 great, great, grandchildren. In addition, she leaves behind 6
loving Knudtson sisters, Lillian Malzacher, Doris Miller, Joyce Falkowski, Mildred
Clark, Carol (Ken) Huber, Sherry (Rod) Pederson. Many nieces and nephews are
mourning her loss as well as the entire Hesselberg family.

Special thanks to her dear friend and neighbor, Jan Langrehr, for her friendship and
support over the years. Also thank you to all the caregivers who truly loved and
adored Lucy, especially, Emily of Gundersen Hospice care, and Michael of
Riverside Transitional care.

Funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bangor,
WI at 11am on Thursday, August 17, 2023. Visitation will be from 9:30 until the time
of service. Committal will immediately follow the service at Rockland Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bangor,
Gundersen Foundation – Hospice, or Sunshine on the Trail, Bangor.

Lucille came into this world with nothing, on August 17, 1926, left peacefully,
fighting the good fight and finishing the race.
I am so proud, honored and humbled to be your daughter. We love you! You will
remain in our hearts forever.