Harry W. Kaner, age 92 of Eau Galle, died Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Our House Senior Living in Menomonie.

Harry was born February 28, 1926 in Chicago, IL. He was the son of Emil and Francena (Weinzirl) Kaner. As a child, Harry lived and attended St. Rita’s parochial school in Chicago during the school year but spent his summers in Wisconsin on the Weinzirl farm located between Eau Galle and Elmwood.

Harry was drafted into the Army in 1944 where he served in Europe in the 101^st Airborne Division as a paratrooper until the end of WWII. After the war Harry worked a few years at factory jobs in Chicago but his dream was always to move to Wisconsin.

On Aug. 30, 1950 Harry married his sweetheart Viola Russell who grew up in southern Indiana. They lived and worked in Chicago for several years and had a son Billy. In 1956 they packed up their baby and the rest of their meager belongings and moved to Wisconsin to begin their new lives as dairy farmers near Eau Galle.

Together they created a successful dairy farm making a good living with a herd of 28 milking cows.  They had a family of five boys, many neighborhood friends and a beautiful farm that is still in the family today.

Living on the farm in Wisconsin allowed Harry to pursue his true passion which was the outdoors. He loved fishing Dead Lake and the Chippewa River, ice fishing the backwaters of the Mississippi River and the many lakes of Northern Wisconsin with his brothers Rich and Clarence. He enjoyed squirrel hunting, mushroom hunting, cutting wood and looked forward to the deer season every fall with his boys.

Harry is survived by his sons, Dave (Judy) Kaner of Rosemount, MN, Bob (Monica) Kaner of Menomonie, Joe (Barb) Kaner of Roberts; grandchildren, Adam (Samantha) Kaner, Andrew (Chris) Kaner, Ross Kaner, Blake Kaner, Kyle Kaner, Natalie Kaner, Sara (Nate) Sojka, Matt (Laura) Kaner; great-grandchildren Harper Sojka, Henry Sojka; sister Rita Collins of Nampa, ID; brother Rich (Nancy) Kaner of Rice Lake, WI and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Viola in 2000, sons Billy in 1957 and Jim in 1993. Also brothers John, Clarence and Roy Kaner, sister Mary Magnuson; parents Emil and Francena.

The family would like to thank St Croix Hospice for all of the comfort they provided to Harry during his final days. We would also like to express a special thank you to the staff at Our House Senior Living in Menomonie where Harry has resided for the past 15 years while still participating in many family and outdoor activities including his love of fishing and deer hunting. He lived it well until his final day.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Thursday June 7, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. James Kurzynski officiating. Burial will be in Clearview Cemetery outside of Eau Galle.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Condolences

1. Gladys V Waller June 14, 2018, at 7:18am

   Just read that your father passed away. My sympathy to you. May God hold you close to him in his loving arms always.. Gladys Waller

2. Gary Borgmeyer June 11, 2018, at 3:43pm

   Well done good and faithful servant enter into your Fathers rest.Gary and Sandii.

3. Michael Potter June 7, 2018, at 8:06am

   To the family of Harry Kaner
   My condolences go out to you all. He was a very special man. I did a bible study at Our House the last three years and Harry and his smiles would always sing along.
   A year ago Harry asked Jesus to come into his heart and from that time on he knew for sure where he would spend eternity.
   I will miss him at Bible study but know will see him once again in heaven. Would love to come to the services but just had surgery on my foot and cant get along very well.
   God bless you all.

4. Dianne Kaner (the Chicago Kaners) June 7, 2018, at 6:47am

   Uncle Harry: you will truly be missed; so glad we had a chance to spend time with you last fall reliving some great memories of times past. Now you're in the company of your beloved Vi; and my mom and dad; along with many others. Hope the fishing is good. Bob; Joe; Dave and families; you were a great comfort to your dad; and it was wonderful you included him in so many family activities; I know he always looked forward to times spent with all of you; we're praying for you. Love you all, Dianne

5. Susan Spaulding Whitsett June 6, 2018, at 2:11pm

   Bob, Joe and Dave,

   So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I remember him as a kind man and so very full of life. My father, J. R. Spaulding, will be sad to hear this news. He thought the world of Harry. We all did. Wishing you guys peace and grace as you go through these difficult days.

   A cousin,
   Susan Whitsett

6. Sharon And Richard Young June 6, 2018, at 7:07am

   Our sincere condolences to everyone in the Kaner family. Your dad was a true outdoorsman and loved by many of us. Harry will always remain in our memory.

7. Mary Melkonian June 5, 2018, at 10:30pm

   All our love to family so far from Idaho. Uncle Harry I will miss your beautiful blue smiling eyes and your quiet nature. Be well and happy on your next adventure. Your sister RITA sends her love and prayers. Until you meet again. All my Kane cousins I am so sorry for your loss. Much love and happy memories

8. Brittany June 5, 2018, at 9:52pm

   Harry was a very sweet and caring man. It was a blessing to have the chance to work with him and get to know him. I will never forget that beautiful smile and hearing all his stories.

9. Pamela J. Fuhrman June 5, 2018, at 9:17pm

   So sorry to hear of your loss. May your treasured memories give you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
   Sincerely Pamela Fuhrman

10. Rick & Joyce Holiday Minton June 5, 2018, at 7:53pm

    I have many wonderful memories of Uncle Harry. I always especially loved his huge smile! Prayers for all the family.

11. Chuck And Pixie Wolf June 4, 2018, at 6:36pm

    The passing of the last of mom and dad's neighborhood friends. Our daughters always called him the fish man as he would drop off a 5 quart pail of fillets every once in awhile. Rest in peace old neighbor.

12. Dan and Kathleen McCardle June 4, 2018, at 5:33pm

    Our sympathy to the family. Harry was a neat guy!

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