Keith H. Thoftne

THOFTNE, Keith H.

Keith Henry Thoftne, 82, passed away on January 30th, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on September 12, 1931, to Kermit and Borghilde (Hestetune) Thoftne at their farm home in Vernon County. In 1950 he graduated from Soldier`s Grove High School and volunteered for the armed forces in 1953, serving 18 months in the Korean Conflict with Co. D 34th Infantry Regiment as a heavy vehicle driver.

On April 14, 1956, he married Joanne Aylsworth in Soldier`s Grove, WI, at the North Kickapoo Lutheran Church where he was also baptized and confirmed. He had been employed by Dolly Madison Dairies/Marigold Foods, retiring in 1992 as Sales Supervisor after 28 years of service.

He was an avid car fan and could name the make, model, and year of cars dating back to the early 1900`s. He found more enjoyment in an older car in mint condition than a new car off the showroom floor.

He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, having served as a Deacon and usher. He was also a member of the Traveler`s Protective Association since 1969, having served a term as State President of the Wisconsin Division as well as Secretary of the Treasury of Post 0 in La Crosse. He was a member of the American Legion Post 336 in Onalaska and was honored on Mar 15th, 2007 as a 50 year member. He will forever be remembered as a very compassionate and generous man, always willing to help those in need.

He is survived by his wife Joanne; daughter Susan (Steven) Shuda, La Crosse; sons Chuck (Julie), Onalaska, Kermit (Sherry), and Peter, La Crosse; nine grandchildren, Michael Shuda, Kristin Shuda, Leah Thoftne, Sarah (Aaron) Bradle, Bobbi Jo (A.J.) Worden, Joe (Grace) Skiles and Brian Skiles, and Courtney and Jordon Amundson; three great-grandchildren Landon Bradle, Ben Skiles, and Avery Skiles; sisters, Beverly Wedig, Aitkin, MN, Ruth (John) Kellogg, Stoddard, WI, Kay Johnson (Chris Jepson), Viroqua, WI; brothers, Don (Debbie), Janesville, WI, George (Cindy), Boscobel, WI, Jim (Bonnie), Soldier`s Grove, WI; as well as his aunt Ginger Thoftne, Soldier`s Grove, WI, and many nieces, nephews, and lifetime friends Rev. Milan Davig, Elling Davig, Doral Olson, Chuck Smith, and his little buddy Max.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bud (Arden), his dear grandson Brian Shuda, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 5, 2014, in Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St. La Crosse, Wis. Rev. Erik Fieg will officiate with burial with military rites be the Struck-Klandrud Post 336 Onalaska American Legion in the Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7:00 PM Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Family and friends may also call from 10:00 AM until the time of services in the church on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, La Crosse, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, or Logan High School – Brian Shuda Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes-Nelson Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com

Keith’s family would like to thank Dr. Jack Udell and Gundersen Lutheran Hospice program for their wonderful care and support.