Herman Plahetka

Plahetka, Herman Joseph COTTAGE GROVE - Herman Joseph Plahetka, age 97, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on March 7, 1912, in Reedsburg, the son of Joseph and Anna (Mrzana) Plahetka. Herman was united in marriage to Vivian Skuldt on Jan. 15, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa. They later purchased their home in Cottage Grove where they continued to live and raise their family. Herman chose a career in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator. In his early years he worked on building the Alaska Highway and in his later years, as a crane operator in Wisconsin. He was a 53 year member of The Operating Engineers Local 139, as well as a member of the Zor Shrine, Masonic Lodge 143, Yahara Fishermans Club, and the National Rifle Association. Herman had many interests, including hunting, fishing area lakes and Lake Michigan, spending time at the cabin in Tomahawk, playing cards, gardening and reading a good book. No one enjoyed the rising of the sun through the trees in the morning, or the setting of the sun on a lake more than he did. Herman would often say after a hunting or fishing trip, that bringing home game was a bonus, it was being with friends, the outdoors and all that nature had to offer that he really enjoyed. Herman is survived by his wife, Vivian; son, Alan (Shelly Armstrong) Plahetka; daughter, Dawn (Jody) Blumenstein; five grandchildren, Alana Plahetka of New York, N.Y., Austin Plahetka of Madison, and Travis, Taylor and Tori Blumenstein, all of Poynette. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna; infant son, Michael; and three sisters, Geneva, Margaret and Lavonne. Private services will be held. I lived a full and happy life with no regrets. Now its time to say goodbye and God bless you all. Well miss you Dad. Al, Dawn and Mom Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com