Stella Cecil (Severson) Haunschild, age 99, of Iola, WI, formerly of Greenwood and Mondovi, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Living Oaks Assisted Living in Iola.
She was born on March 8, 1919 in Dover Township, WI to Ole and Goldie (Bidney) Severson. Stella grew up in Bennett Valley just outside of Mondovi. She was united in marriage to Harlan Haunschild on October 28, 1939. Together the couple farmed in Mondovi and Loyal and raised four children in Greenwood, WI, where they owned and operated Haunschild Implement. In addition to homemaking, Stella worked at the Dairy Bar and as a bookkeeper at Branstiter Bros in Greenwood. Harlan passed away on July 15, 1981. Stella was a longtime member of Central Lutheran Church in Mondovi and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greenwood. She also was a member of bridge leagues and played high spades. In her spare time she enjoyed playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, sewing, quilting, and fishing with family. Stella was a cook and baker extraordinaire and had a special fondness for flowers, especially the roses that she grew herself. She loved her family and especially enjoyed all of her grandchildren, who knew her as “Super Grandma”. She will be remembered as a gentle, caring soul and constant mother hen; always concerned about the well-being and happiness of her family.
Stella is survived by her four children: Mary Ann (David) Zilz of Iola, Marilyn (Thomas) Maruca of Dayton, NV; Dale (Luann) Haunschild of Hudson, and Jon (Sue) Haunschild of Greenwood; nine grandchildren: Kristin (Gary), Mike (Mollie), Jim (fiancée Libby), Jennifer, Clay, Lesley (Tim), Shelley (Jeff), Kari (Aaron), and Beth (Chris); 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Sherman (Barb) Severson of Arcadia; sister-in-law, Gloria Severson of Mondovi; brother-in-law, Gene Swanson of Hayward; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; parents, Ole and Goldie Severson; five siblings, Thomas (Joyce), Oscar, and Stanley (Shirleen) Severson, Lillian (Joe) Anderson, and Kathleen Swanson; and son-in-law John Kruse.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Central Lutheran Church in Mondovi with Pastor Rolf Morck officiating. Burial followed at the Severson Cemetery in Dover Township. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home, Mondovi assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.kjentvet-smithfuneralhome.com