Harold Hilbert Hemker

Harold Hilbert Hemker, 75, of Onalaska, passed away Wednesday June 22, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born on November 21st, 1940 to Hilbert H. and Mildred O. (Anderson) Hemker of Barre Mills, the second of five sons. He graduated from West Salem High School with a perfect attendance record for all four years, where he excelled in sports, lettering in baseball. He went on to serve his country in the Air Force for four years.

Upon returning to his hometown following his military service, he began his career at W.A. Roosevelt Company where he was well known and respected for his knowledge of electrical supplies and sales. He gave nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the company before retiring in 2002.

It was here that he made many lifelong friends and met his future bride, Bonnie. He married LaVonne (Bonnie) J. Simenson in 1964 in LaCrosse. They were later blessed with two children, Jean and Todd. Throughout his lifetime he had a passion for sports, especially baseball, bowling, football, and golf. He excelled to the point of having a perfect bowling game and being club golf champion, and scoring two holes in one.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Bonnie, who passed away in 2003, and his step-son Lyle VanDeveer. Harold is survived by his daughter Jean (Richard) Cole and son Todd (Soyeon Kim), and two grandchildren, Kendall and Simon Cole. He is further survived by two brothers and their families, Robert (Carol) Hemker and Ron (Cheri) Hemker, and an aunt, Bernice Roellich, as well as many much loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and companion Mary Schmitz and her family (son Chris Werner and daughter Danielle Werner Stitt and her children Christian and Isaac.)

In addition to his wife, Bonnie, Harold was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Calvin and Donald Hemker. Harold’s family is very grateful and appreciative of the very compassionate care given to him by members of the Mayo Clinic care and hospice staff nurses, especially Sarah and Jenni. Thank you for going above and beyond your duties to help make Harold comfortable and keep his spirits high in his last days. Additional thanks to Jamie from Social Services and Mayo Hospice staff, Dr. Mark Beahm and Heidi Strainis for all your efforts.

Harold was a kind and gentle soul who enjoyed life and had a deep affection for his family and friends. Sharing moments and memories with the special people in his life always brought a smile to his face. You will be dearly missed and may you rest in peace.

Family and friends may call Tuesday, June 28th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Schumacher Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse. Rev. Scott Skogen will officiate.