Harlen Eugene Avery

Harlen Eugene Avery, 97, of Chetek, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at “Just Like Home” assisted living in Chetek.  He was born on September 27, 1918, to Jacob and Clara (Wiese) Avery, on a farm in Town of Sumner, just north of Chetek.  Harlen married his Sweetheart Shirley Ganske, in 1951, and they welcomed their son Tom in 1956. Harlen and Shirley were blessed with 52 wonderful adventure filled years together.  He lived his entire life in Chetek, and was a member of the Chetek Lutheran Church since 1925. Harlen was devoted to his family and friends, his Community, Church and Country and found many ways to show it throughout his life. He believed in volunteering his time, and did so, well into his 90’s.  He served on the Church Council, Veteran’s Service Board, as a Boy Scout Leader and Council Member, Civil Defense Officer, and with the Bulldog Boosters.  He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, as Tech. Sgt., Master Mechanic, stationed in the Pacific, and took part in the battle of Okinawa. Harlen joined the American Legion and was a member for 70 years and served on the firing squad for 65 yrs.  He worked several different jobs during his life, Farm Implement mechanic, Standard Oil Delivery Service, and 20 years with the US Postal Service in Chetek, the last 10 yrs. as Post Master.  After retirement, Harlen continued to work part time for Bob Anderson, building and restoring buggies, Popcorn wagons, pedal cars and numerous interesting projects. He loved making things and was a skilled carpenter and welder.   Harlen loved sports, was an avid Baseball player in his younger years, and loved fishing and deer hunting with his family.  Harlen will be remembered by many as a wise mentor, a big man with a big heart, a smile always on his face and a twinkle in his eye.

Harlen leaves to celebrate his memory: son, Thomas (Susan) Avery, Chetek; grandchildren: Jacob (Jamie) Avery, Mondovi, WI and Andrea Jo Avery, Sheboygan, WI; great grandchildren: Maddy, Molly Jo and Maggie Avery,   many nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Shirley and his brother Wayne Avery.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Chetek Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be held at the Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home on Friday, January 15, 2016 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. and the again on Saturday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.  Military honors will be rendered at the church following the service by the Chetek American Legion Post 179.Please join the family for lunch and fellowship in the church fellowship hall following the military honors. Harlen will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in the spring.