Harold G. Altenberger
September 21, 1927 - April 03, 2020
Obituary
DEFOREST/MONONA - Harold G. Altenberger, age 92, of DeForest, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020, at St. Mary's Care Center. He was born on Sept. 21, 1927, in Merrill, Wis., the son of Erwin and Bertha (Burgener) Altenberger.
Harold graduated from Merrill High School and then proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a medic. He married the love of his life, Joan Bartosch on Dec. 3, 1949, in Merrill, Wis.
He worked in the lumber sales business from 1953 until retirement. Harold co-owned Mt. Horeb Lumber Company for many years. He retired as a Sales Manager from Brunsell Brothers Lumber & Millwork after several years of employment.
Harold was a member of East Side Businessmen's Club for years when they lived in Monona. He and Joan enjoyed many events at the club with their friends and families. He also was a member of St. Olaf’s Catholic Church in DeForest.
He enjoyed fishing, especially in northern Wisconsin, wood working, playing cards and traveling. A favorite memory was traveling to Hawaii seven times with his wife Joan. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose favorite pastime was spending time with family and enjoying large family get togethers.
Harold is survived by daughter, Leah (Mike) Martin; two sons, Harold J. Altenberger and Greg (Cynthia) Altenberger; seven granddaughters, Renee' (Chris) Altenberger-Ebert, Rebecca (Matthew) Brown, Amy (Robin) Li, Michelle (Luis) Acosta, Lisa Altenberger, Erica Martin and Allison (Nick) Behrens; four grandsons, Jason (Misty) Altenberger, Matthew (Holly) Altenberger, Scott (Michelle) Altenberger and Troy Martin; 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ervin (Barb) Altenberger and James (Fran) Altenberger; brother-in-law; John Slominski; cousin, Ernie Weisskopf; sister-in-law Ruth Bartosch; nephews and nieces; and many other friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; son, Steven Altenberger; and two sisters, Jean Slominski and Joyce Lang.
A private service for the family will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
You are loved and missed but are now an angel in heaven with Mom and Steve.
Memorials may be made to SSM Health St. Mary’s Foundation - Madison, Emergency Response Fund (COVID-19) in memory of Harold G. Altenberger. The website can be found at: https://www.ssmhealth.com/donate/st-marys-foundation-madison
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
AF
Amy Fowler
Other •
I have many good memories of both Harold and Joan but my favorite would have to be his story about when he worked at Findorff and met Frank Lloyd Wright and watching Mr. Findorff aggressively escort him out! That and the vegetables in the table leg story. Although I'm going to miss him severely, I am happy that I was able to tell him in advance that when the time came, I would miss our visits but remember him fondly. He's with his beloved wife again in Heaven I am sure. Thank you to Harold J., Greg, and Leah for sharing these two people with me. They were both so proud of their family. They will always be in my heart.
TH
Terry Hanson
Other •
I am so terribly saddened to learn of Harold's passing, he was a spectacular man! Harold was one of the first people that I got to know when I started working at Brunsell's in 1986. His kindness, warmth and great sense of humor won me over immediately. I was always so amazed at his wealth of knowledge and his ability to problem solve. Rest in peace dear man. Wishing you all as much peace as possible during this most difficult time.
SF
Steve and Linda Fanta
Other •
Steve and I were very sorry to see that your dad passed away Greg. We are keeping you and the entire family in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time, when celebrating a life well lived needs to be done on-line instead of with a big hug in person. Wishing you all peace and love.
RW
Roger White
Other •
So very saddened to hear of Harold's passing.
I had the pleasure of working with Harold @ Brunsell Lumber.
We was a mentor to me and taught me a few of the tricks of the lumber business.
He was a good man and will be missed by all that knew him.
TF
Tammi Alexander, Badger Honor Flight
Other •
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Harold Altenberger. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on October 13, 2012.
RH
Roger Hamilton
Other •
I cherish the fond memories of visiting the Altenberger household from across the street on Roigan Terrace. Mr. Altenberger was very genuine the last time we spoke at Steven's memorial service.