Harland G. Semke

Harland G. Semke, 93, of La Crosse and formerly of rural Coon Valley, received the crown of life that God had promised through faith in Jesus Christ Thursday September 24, 2015. He had been a resident of Hillview Health Care Center the last 3 years. Harland was born May 30, 1922 the son of George and Ida (Kotzke) Semke in rural Coon Valley. He was baptized at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chaseburg and confirmed at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. He attended Victory School on North Ridge. Harland was united in marriage to Helen Gronvold on June 30, 1949 at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Lord blessed them with three children, Kevin, Jerene and Karl. The couple farmed the century Semke home farm on North Ridge, rural Coon Valley for many years. Harland enjoyed farming and doing custom work for area farmers. He was a faithful, lifelong member of St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church where he served as council president and treasurer, the cemetery board, and Luther High delegate. He was a member of the Coon Valley Lions Club, the Vernon County Farm Bureau, Washington Town Board and the La Crosse County Holstein Breeders. In retirement he was employed at Jerry's Place and Baus Catering.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Helen; son Kevin (Ellen) Semke and daughter Jerene (Jim) Beitlich; a daughter-in-law Ann Semke; 8 grandchildren, Kyle (Tamar) Semke, Nathan (Heidi) Semke, Erin (Bailey) Brueggen, Leah (Thomas) Kriewall, Jacob (Rachel) Beitlich, Bethany Beitlich, Matthew (Kylie) Semke and Elisabeth (Bryce) Grams; 9 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son Karl; a brother Vernon Semke and 2 sisters, Bernice Dummer and Lorraine Sweeney.

Harland loved his family and was always proud of their accomplishments. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. Blessed be the memory of Harland Semke.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday September 29, 2015 at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chaseburg. Rev. Steven Oldre will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 until service time. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Memorials may be given to St. Peter's Lutheran Church or Luther High School.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Hillview Health Care Center for the compassionate and loving care that Harland received.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth

in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

a�"John 3:16