Edward Thalacker

Edward “Ed” Gilbert Thalacker, age 75 of Harrisville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the Montello Care Center in Montello, WI.

Edward was born April 5, 1942 on the family farm in Harris Township, Marquette County, WI, the son of Gilbert E. and Eleanor (Schauer) Thalacker. He was a graduate of Westfield High School and Waushara County Teachers College, teaching 4 years at Fontana on Geneva Lake School before returning to get his teaching degree from UW Whitewater. He married his high school sweetheart Jean Fullmer in 1963 and they had two children, Laura and Jeffrey. He received a Master of Science degree in 1972, was a public school teacher at Marshall Jr High in Janesville, WI and taught Earth Science at Elkhorn Middle School for 14 years. While there Ed also served his community as an EMT and Captain of the Elkhorn Ambulance and Rescue Squad from 1975-1980. He was an original organizer for an annual campout taking place on his family property in Marquette County with old teacher friends that has continued for almost 50 years now.

In 1982, Ed decided to return to Marquette County.  He built a log home on family property in Harrisville and settled there with his wife Jean and daughter Laura, while working at Brakebush Brothers from 1982 -2008 in positions in Human Resources, Safety and Employee Orientation and Training. At home, he was an avid hunter, fisherman and conservationist, taking great pride in the upkeep and enjoyment of his home and pond. He also enjoyed woodworking, his miniature horses, being an active member of the Marquette County Historical Society and playing with his grandchildren. In 2008, Ed retired from Brakebush Brothers and his wife Jean passed away that same year.

Ed married Nancy (Lewellyn) Thalacker in 2010 and they were able to travel together all around the country, including Alaska, which Ed declared was the trip of a lifetime. He enjoyed attending Nancy’s performances with the Sweet Adelines and was an avid Badger and Packer fan. Ed was conservative in his political beliefs and unafraid to share them. He loved to learn and was very interested in science, news and history, especially WWII. He was able to acquire several valuable artifacts and constructed several displays for the Marquette County Historical Society, and was instrumental in moving and reconstructing the Riverside School on Society grounds. He loved to search for treasures at rummage sales and to collect.

Ed is survived by his wife, Nancy (Lewellyn) Thalacker; his daughter, Laura (William) Ahrens; step son, Todd (Cindy) Lewellyn; two grandchildren, Rhiannon and Bronwyn Ahrens; three step grandchildren, Thomas (fiancée, Megan Messenger) Lewellyn; Nicole Lewellyn,  Bridgette (fiancé, Michael Peters) Lewellyn; three step great grandsons, Tanner Lewellyn, Dillion Martin, and Tyler Peters; one sister, Raeann Parafiniuk; other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene Thalacker; sister, Claire Maxey; 1st wife, Jean (Fullmer) Thalacker; son, Jeffrey James Thalacker and step son, Brent Lewellyn.

A memorial visitation for Ed will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Montello on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 12:00 noon with Pastor Jeff Radley officiating.  A luncheon will be held at the conclusion of the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Marquette County Historical Society and Trinity United Methodist Church. The family also wishes to thank Montello Care Center and Agrace HospiceCare for their excellent care.

Please take a moment to view the online guestbook.  Send your condolences or share a memory of Ed with his family & friends.