RICHARD C. LAHER

Richard C. Laher, 78, of Medford passed away on Friday, May 26 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield under palliative care, surrounded by his family. Richard was born on January 21, 1939 to Arthur and Dorothy (Rothamer) Laher in Medford. He graduated from Medford High School in 1957. He was united in marriage to Ethel Brandner on May 23, 1959, she survives. After school in 1957, Richard worked at Weather Shield. In 1967 Richard and Ethel moved to the family homestead and farmed until 1978. He then went on to be self-employed at R&E Manufacturing until his retirement in 2000.

He lived life for his family, nothing was more important to him. He took pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In retirement he spent many hours of enjoyment doing woodworking projects such as building barns, horse stables, machine sheds, doll houses, plant stands and any other idea someone had in mind.  He enjoyed gardening, going to the casino, polka dancing, and watching the Brewers and Dodgers.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his children, Rodney (Jody), Gary (Jan), Rick (Julie),  and Kent (Dawn) Laher, and Rhonda (Bryce) Kelley, all of Medford; grandchildren, Robin (Ryan) Kraschnewski, Jesse (Megan), Jeffrey (Kayla), Derek (Dana), Trevor (Heather), Marissa, Kendal, Carson, and Jon Laher, Grace and Brigham Kelley; great-grandchildren, Ryder, Restyn, and Rylan Kraschnewski, Knox and Jozlyn Laher, and Dylan Laher. He is also survived by his siblings, Lavelle (Roger) Auby of Stoughton, WI, Fred (Lucy) Laher of Pueblo, CO, and Edwin (Mary) Laher of Medford; brother-in-law, Pat Nelson of Chandler, AZ. He is further survived by many other family and friends.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dan Laher, and sister Nancy Nelson.

A Funeral Mass for Richard will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 31 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, with Father Phil Juza and Deacon Joe Stefancin officiating; burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 30 at Hemer Funeral Home from 4:00 P.M. until the time of a prayer service at 7:00 P.M., visitation will continue on Wednesday, May 31 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M. Robin Kraschnewski, Jesse Laher, Jeffery Laher, Derek Laher, Trevor Laher, Carson Laher, Jon Laher, and Brigham Kelley will be serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in honor of Richard can be given to his family, for designation at a later date.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com