Harriet Hulsether

Harriet Hulsether died peacefully in her sleep on September 9, 2014 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua, Wisconsin. She was born on December 7, 1929 in Frederic, Wisconsin, sixth child of Reuben and Ruth (Hane) Wedin. Her childhood in the woods and farmland of northwestern Wisconsin was formative, as was her education at the Round Lake School, Frederic High School, Superior State Teachers College, and Lutheran Bible Institute. On August 11, 1956, she married Charles Hulsether at Zion Lutheran Church, Trade Lake, Wisconsin. A gentle, compassionate, and inquisitive woman, Harriet was an avid reader, fine seamstress, and spirited conversationalist. As a life-long learner, she listened faithfully to public radio, kept abreast of public events, and advocated for social justice and the elimination of world hunger. One of her greatest loves was music, which remained with her to the end. Professionally, Harriet was a teacher: Her first teaching job was in the two-room school at Bass Lake, Wisconsin, and early in her career, she also taught in Amery, Wisconsin and White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Harriet was a non-traditional college student before it was commonplace, returning to complete her B. A. at Wartburg College in 1969 at the age of 40. She taught fourth grade in Nashua, Iowa, and finished her teaching career in the North Crawford, Wisconsin School District. Harriet was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. As a choir director and member, Sunday School teacher, and event organizer, she was a faithful support to her husband, Charles, in his work as a Lutheran minister. Together, they lived and served in Williams, Iowa; Elvira, Iowa; Nashua, Iowa; Kanawha, Iowa; and Mount Sterling, Wisconsin. As a strong singer and caring presence, Harriet was a regular addition at the Bethel Home when Charles was the chaplain there. She and Charles made Viroqua their home in 1996. Harriet is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charles; three children: Mark (Anne McKee), of Maryville, Tennessee; Sue (Steve Hanson), of Viroqua; Sara (John Brugge), of Madison; six grandchildren: Lucia Hulsether, Mark McKee, Douglas Hulsether, Dominic Brugge, Mariah Hulsether-Brugge, and Joel Hulsether-Brugge. She is also survived by two siblings: Walter Wedin, of Golden Valley, Minnesota; Carolyn Wedin, of Frederic, WI; two sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and five siblings: Florence Swanson, Vivian Swenson, Kenneth Wedin, Ruby Wicklund, and Eleanor Erdman. The family thanks Dr. Paul Bergquist and the staff of the Bethel Home for their loving care of Harriet through the years. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bethel Home and Services, ELCA World Hunger Appeal, or a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. The Rev. Margaret Eiben Hoversten and Pastor Julie Wollman will officiate with burial in the Castle Rock Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 p.m until 7:00 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St., (Hwy. 56) in Viroqua and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.