Donald Edward Lageson

Donald Edward Lageson, age 86 of Blanchardville died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at the Saint Mary's Hospital in Madison. He was born on February 14, 1925 in rural Blanchardville to Edward & Helga (Berg) Lageson. He grew up with his family on the family farm and worked on the farm as he was going to school. He attended the Blanchardville grade and high school, graduating in the class of 1943. Donald then farmed with his parents and his brother George on the Lageson homestead farm. He was married on June 2, 1957 to Kathryn JoAnn Steketee in the Old York Lutheran Church in rural Blanchardville at night after an archery shoot. They bought the Orville Kiel farm in Blanchard Township, Lafayette County, Wisconsin. They continued farming that farm until around 1985. Donald and Kay still live on the farm to this day. Donald's greatest love was his family and his farm, but he also loved Norwegian food, eating limburger cheese, hunting and fishing, growing flowers, bird watching, playing baseball in Blanchardville area home talent baseball, spending time in Winter, Wisconsin, playing cards at Husie's in Blanchardville, Wisconsin sports, having meals at Lady Dawn's in Blanchardville (his daughter's sports bar) and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Donald is survived by his wife, Kay Lageson of rural Blanchardville; three daughters, JoAnn Trumble of Monroe, Dawn (Daniel Kicmol) Lageson, of Blue Mounds and Blanchardville, and Jacqueline Kay Best of Albany; four grandchildren, Jami (Scott) Lundell of Dodgeville, James (Amanda Baertschi) Trumble of Belleville, Samantha (David) Venden of Oregon, and Hillary Best of Albany; three great-grandchildren, Lexi, Thomas, and Laci Lundell; three sisters, Jane Rupnow of Blanchardville, Betty Schmidt of Madison, and Ruth (Oscar) Vamstad of Blanchardville; sister-in-laws, Vivian Lageson and Rosella Lageson, both of Blanchardville; and many nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers, Doyle, James, Glenn, Erling, Robert, George, and William; and two sisters, Eunice Larson and Jean Trumpy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Blanchardville Lutheran Church in Blanchardville. Rev. Mark Gruner of the Pecatonica Lutheran Parish will officiate. Burial will be in the Old York Cemetery in rural Blanchardville. Friends may call on Friday night, February 10, 2012 from 4:00 until 9:00 PM at the Blanchardville Lutheran Church. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.