Grace Thalacker

Grace Alice Thalacker, age 93 of Westfield, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage.

She was born October 27, 1919 to Edward and Nellie (Long) Kanneman. She graduated from Westfield High School and Waushara County Normal School, and taught elementary grades in Endeavor and Coloma.

On June 14, 1942 she married Arden Thalacker. They operated a dairy farm in Westfield and were also in partnership with the Schultz-Thalacker Funeral Home. In the early 1960’s they built and began operation of Thal-Acres Golf Course. Grace managed the food service in the club house, where Friday night fish fries were popular. They enjoyed several winters in Fort Myers, Florida.

Grace was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was church organist for over fifty years, retiring in 2008. She was also a member of the Ladies Aid, choir, and senior group.

She enjoyed bowling and golfing until she was in her late eighties. One of her greatest joys was being able to sink a long putt when she was golfing with her daughters.

Grace is survived by special friend, Les Neubauer; two daughters, Nellene (Ken) Mittelsteadt of Madison and Jana Tipton of Seattle WA; three sons, David (Jeanne) of Wisconsin Dells, Mark (Joyce) of Inver Grove Heights MN, and Richard (Cyndi) of Westfield; 4 grandchildren Tari (Steve) Lust, Kevin (Brenda) Mittelsteadt, Bill Thalacker and Abigail Thalacker; and five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Madelyn, Jackson, Emily and Max Mittelsteadt; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arden, son, James, an infant son, Carl, as well as her parents, brother, Lyle and sister, Carol.

A funeral service for Grace will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Westfield on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gary H. Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Westfield East Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home in Westfield and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.


Please take a moment to view the online guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Grace with her family.