Harold W. Spahn

Harold W. Spahn

November 14, 1934 - January 18, 2024

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Obituary

MIDDLETON / ASHTON - Harold Spahn, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. He was born on Nov. 14, 1934, in Ashton, Wis., the son of Joseph and Josephine (Wagner) Spahn.


Harold attended St. Peter’s grade school and graduated from Middleton High School in 1953. Harold married Elizabeth “Betty” Ziegler on Oct. 23, 1956. They settled in on the family farm in Ashton, where they farmed and raised 12 children.


When it came to farming, Harold was very innovative. He was one of the first farmers in this area to use no-till planting. In his free time, he enjoyed being a KC Clown in parades and at local events for many years, where he made many lifelong friends. Harold was a member of the local Knights of Columbus. In addition, Harold enjoyed being a part of several card clubs and trips to Ho-Chunk.


Harold is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Leo (Kathy), Louie (Rita), Jean (Jim) Greiber, Ken (Judy), Judy, Janet (Scott) Boruff, Jackie (Brad) Williams, Joan (Tony) Smothers, Joe (Jenny), Jason (Amy) and Jill (Craig) Abegglen; 29 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Barbara Brouner, Elaine (Harry) Acker, Tony (Elaine) Ziegler, Mary Ann Sveum, Pat (Dan) Thielman and Larry "LZ” Ziegler; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


Harold was preceded in death by his parents; son, William "Bill"; grandson, Matthew Williams; brothers, Melvin (Bertha) and Leonard Spahn; sisters, Theresa (Vincent) Acker and Rosina (Frank) Niesen; in-laws, Alphonse (Elizabeth) Ziegler, Evelyn "Evie" (Werner) Ziegler and Clem Ziegler; nephews, John Ziegler and Michael Brouner; and nieces, Eileen (Acker) Bouquet, Linda Acker and Patty (Acker) Dean.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7121 County Road K, Ashton, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, with Father Scott Jablonski presiding, followed by burial at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Knights of Columbus Father Inama Council 3924. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761


Events

23
Visitation
Tue Jan 23, 2024 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
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24
Visitation
Wed Jan 24, 2024 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Peter's Catholic Church (Ashton) • 7121 County Rd K, Ashton, WI 53562
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24
Mass of Christian Burial
Wed Jan 24, 2024 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Peter's Catholic Church (Ashton) • 7121 County Rd K, Ashton, WI 53562
Get Directions
24
Graveside Service
Wed Jan 24, 2024 @ 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery • 7121 Co Hwy K, Ashton, WI null
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Harold
KB
Keith & Deb Boruff
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With our deepest condolences
JB
Janet Boruff
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Dad We are so glad you were able to get out the last couple of weeks to enjoy what you loved, sitting in front of a black jack table. Thanks for the memories of clowning with you in parades and also trying to beat you playing “Dad in the Ditch” We will forever love you and miss you. REST IN PEACE DAD Love and prayers Janet and Scott
JE
Julie M Esser
Other •
Thank you for giving me a New Holland pocket knife, so I could help cut hay bales for the cattle, even though I almost cut my finger off with it. You were certainly one of the hardest workers I knew. I sure hope you have found a great card game in heaven. You deserve it! Don't worry. We will close the gate! Julie M. Esser Close the Gate By Nancy Kraayenhof For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head, Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed. Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended, Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended. You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son, Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done. A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way, The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day. Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine, Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time. You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow, Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now. Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait, Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.

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