Lawrence "Herman" Merfeld

Lawrence J. “Herman” Merfeld, 84, of La Crosse passed away at home on May 3, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born at home on May 3, 1940, to Bernice (Spah) and Henry P. Merfeld.

Herman graduated from Logan High School in 1958. He worked a few different jobs, including bar tending and foundry work, before starting employment at Norplex (Isola), from where he retired.

Herman was united in marriage to Mary J. Kimball in 1962.

Herman is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary; his four children, Paula (Jay) Wirth, Peter Merfeld, Lisa (Joe Pfiffner) Merfeld, and Tracy (Tom) Hunt; his siblings Paul “Pickle” Merfeld, Francis “Obbie” Merfeld, David (Sue) Merfeld, and Kay Vigdal; his grandchildren, John Merfeld-Hengel, Jordan (Shay) Benedict, Eric (Chelsie) Hemmele, Jesse Nokken, Alex Hemmele, Jeremy Nokken, Alison Hunt, Christopher (Brittany) Nokken, Paige Hemmele, and Alanna Hunt; his great-grandchildren, Max, Theo, Ivy, and Delilah; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Thomas Merfeld, and his sisters Mary Margaret, Corky Lounsbourgh, and Geri Billis.

Herman avidly enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, bowling, softball, traveling, and playing cards, including a good game of poker with family. He was known for his generous, good-humored nature and often lent a hand to relatives and friends with yard and home construction improvements over the years.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 15, at 9 a.m. at Herman’s lifelong parish, St. James the Less Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Fr. Robert Letona will officiate. A luncheon will immediately follow Mass and be held at the Onalaska American Legion Post, 731 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska. The burial will be a private ceremony for immediate family following Mass.

Herman loved flowers and plants and would be honored most if you plant something for yourself and think of him as it blooms. Memorial donations can be made to St. James the Less Parish of La Crosse, WI.

The family wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful hospice nurses and staff from Gunderson Health System who assisted with Herman’s care.