Harlan H. Friske

Harlan H. Friske passed away on April 7th, 2026, with his family by his side at Norseland Nursing Home at the age of 92. Harlan was born October 3, 1933, in Mauston, Wl, to Henry and Helen (Eberhardt) Friske. He spent his childhood and teenage years on the family farm, working in the fields, the large family garden, and helping with the cows. Harlan graduated from Kendall High School in 1951. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and proudly served his country from 1952 to 1956, spending two years in Osaka, Japan. Following his time in the service, he and a few "Kendall boys" headed to Janesville to work at General Motors and Parker Pen. It was about this time that he met Leona (Myhre), and they were married on June 25, 1960. They made their home in Janesville, raised three daughters, and were married for 65 years.

In 1968, Harlan started working for the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Chemistry & Physics Department. He enjoyed working with the graduate students and a variety of projects. Harlan worked there until his retirement in 1994. After retirement, Harlan and Leona moved to Viroqua to be closer to family.

During their time together, Harlan and Leona enjoyed summer fishing trips to Canada, winter trips to Florida, vacationing throughout the U.S., and spending time with their grandchildren. Some of Harlan's fondest memories were of the entire family vacationing together in Cumberland, WI.

Harlan was a longtime member of the English Lutheran Church, where he served on several committees and volunteered countless hours. He was a man of strong faith and loved his Lord and Savior.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Leona; daughters, Julie (Tom Peterson) Weiser, Jane (Wade) Zernicke, and Jody (Jon) Hill. He adored his grandchildren, Emily (Joey Johnson) Weiser, Erin (Cole) Schnitzler, Kallie Weiser, Luke (Ashley) Zernicke, Jacob (Kate) Zernicke, Caleb Zernicke, Alex Hill, Gracie Hill, Olivia Hill, and great-granddaughter, Alma Schnitzler.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Charlane Gibney; sisters-in-law, Mary Ghelf, Sonya Bohland; and brothers-in-law, Wayne Ghelf, Merlin Bohland, and Ronnie Buckles.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the English Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Viroqua Cemetery, with a lunch to follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the English Lutheran Church or to the Recreation Department at Norseland Nursing Home. 

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Norseland Nursing Home for the loving care Harlan received.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua is serving Harlan's family.
123 W Decker Street
Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 637-2100