Harry Earl Hunter

(Harry) Earl Hunter, 85, of West Salem, WI and formerly of La Crescent, MN died on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at his home in West Salem. He was born on July 18, 1929 in Richville, MN and lived most of his life in La Crescent. He was the son of Harry and Ella (Mahlke) Hunter of New York Mills, MN. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1947-1951. After leaving the Marine Corps he farmed for a short time in Northern Minnesota. He married Elaine Hanebuth in 1955. He graduated from the Radio Broadcasting Program at Brown College in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1957. In 1958 he started a 38 year career as a radio announcer for WKTY radio in La Crosse, WI. He was known best as a farm broadcaster and radio personality. He was extremely well read. He enjoyed public speaking (especially sharing jokes and anecdotes with his audiences), playing cards and family gatherings. He served on numerous boards, committees and service organizations throughout his life, including the Church Board and serving as Sunday School Superindendent of First Ev. Lutheran Church, and later in a leadership position at Messiah Lutheran Church, both in La Crescent.
He is survived by his wife Elaine Hunter of West Salem, WI, his children Alan (Heike) Hunter of Onalaska, WI, Sharon Mellem (Al Diede) of Parker, S.D., Dirk (Carol) Hunter of Onalaska, WI, Brad Hunter (Jen Bury) and Todd Hunter both of La Crescent, MN and Mark (Kim) Hunter of West Salem, WI, eight grandchildren Melissa & Austin Hunter, Katelyn (Joram) Smith, Ken Mellem, Zach & Kelly Hunter, Mikaela & Molly Hunter, sister-in-law Anna Hunter, brothers-in-law Marvin (Bonnie) Hanebuth and Donald (Sharon) Hanebuth. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth Hunter, sister and brother-in-law Lorraine (Hilding) Pearson all of New York Mills, MN.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 31, 2014 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 825 Jonathan Lane, La Crescent. Pastor Matt Lorfeld will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Toledo Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, 111 S. Oak St., La Crescent on Thursday from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.