Magdalene Eva Handel,

Handel, Magdalene Eva OREGON – Magdalene Eva (Laufenberg) Handel, age 87, died peacefully at her home on March 15, 2012, surrounded by family following complications from pancreatic cancer. On this beautiful Spring day our sweet, gentle, calm, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away. Always beautiful, always committed to family, she was her family’s biggest inspiration, confidante, and source of reassurance as they all sought challenging, fulfilling lives of love and family. Magdalene was born June 3, 1924 in Highland, Wisconsin, the beloved daughter of Elmer and Mary Laufenberg. Married October 6, 1951 to Wilfred L. Handel , a native of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin; together they raised 5 children; four daughters, Donna Marie married to Othmar Vorburger of Oregon, Wisconsin, Mary Virginia (Ginny) married to Charles Sowieja of Merrill, Wisconsin, Joan Kay married to Wayne Fletcher of Hubertus, Wisconsin and Susan Margaret Benjamin married to Stuart Olkes of Madison, Wisconsin and one son, Patrick William married to Erin O’Donnell-Handel of Madison, Wisconsin. Magdalene and Wilfred were blessed with 11 grandchildren, Bradley Joseph, Monika Ann, Lisa Marie, Renee Louise, Alex Charles, Emma Noelle, Dina Marie, Adam James, Madeline Quinn, Connor Patrick and Aidan Charles. For both Magdalene and Wilfred, children and grandchildren were the joy of their lives and their reason for living. In 1959, Magdalene and Wilfred moved their family to Oregon, Wisconsin finding a small farm and catholic grade school. As her children grew older, she began working for the University of Wisconsin Departments of Physical Education, Economics and Housing. She retired from the University in 1990. Magdalene was a member of the Oregon’s Town and Country Women’s Club, serving as secretary, and the Oregon Women’s Card Club. Those who knew Magdalene will undoubtedly be reminded that she was a devoted Catholic giving generously of her time and energy to the betterment of her church and faith. She was a long-time active member of Holy Mother of Consolation Church, taught religious education for many years, sang with the church choir and loved the many friends she made in her church events. Magdalene is survived by her sister Mary Jean Wienkes of Highland; brother, Wayne (Pat) Laufenberg of Eau Claire; Surviving her is her sister Mary Jean Wienkes, Highland: Wisconsin, her brother Wayne (Pat) Laufenberg Eau Claire, Wisconsin, her in-laws, Leo and Betty (Handel) Ryan and Ione Handel and her many beloved nieces and nephews. Awaiting her in God’s Kingdom are her husband of 50 years, Wilfred, Her sister Beverly Ann Crocker, her parents, brother-in-law Claire Wienkes, in-laws Lawrence and Barbara (Handel) Sutter and Joseph (Bud) Handel. A Mass of Christian Bural will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CHURCH, 651 North Main St. Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 with father Gary Wankerl officiating. A visitation celebrating Magdalene’s life will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St, Oregon from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m on Monday, March 19, 2012 with a praying of the rosary at 4pm. Visitation will also be at church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Memorials on Magdalene’s behalf may be made to Holy Mother of Consolation Church in Oregon to celebrate her love of her church. Heartfelt thanks to those who cared for Magdalene and gave her last years much joy and support included: Father Gary, her dear friend Sharen Buell, her physicians Drs. Adam Balin and John Hamilton of the Dean Clinic, many nurses and providers at St. Mary’s Hospital and her gentle caregiver and companion, Justyna Palka. A Design for Living – Lord, let me bring a little grace, To every dark and gloomy place; Let me rejoice that I can give, Some splendor to the life I live. A little faith when I am tried, A little joy where I abide. A touch of friendship now and then, To mark my comradeship with men. Lord, let me bring a little mirth, To all who share my days on earth; Let something I have said or done, Remain, when I have traveled on, To prove the (wo)man I tried to be, And Make men glad they walked with me. A flower, a smile, a word of cheer, Make these my gifts from year to year. Lord, let me carry where I go, Some little joy to all I know, Let these into my life be wrought, A little faith, a little thought, A little mirth, a little grace, To glorify the commonplace. – Author Unknown Lord, let some splendor shine, To mark this earthly course of mine. GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE 1358 Hwy. 51 (608) 873-4590 www.gundersonfh.com