Harvey E. Zubke

Harvey E. Zubke, 89, passed peacefully to his eternal home on Friday, July 13, 2018 at Athenian Living, Athens under the care of staff and Ministry Hospice. He was born October 31, 1928 in the town of Johnson to the late Herman and Dora (Ewan) Zubke. As a young man, he fell in love with Marjean Halverson, Medford, who he married on August 6, 1955 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Town of Holway. Harvey was a devoted husband who loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A quiet and gentle man, he continued to work on the family farm for over 30 years. He was also a skilled carpenter, founding Athens Builders with his cousin Jack and working there until his retirement. Harvey was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and school, holding various church and School Board positions. He was a member of the church choir and especially enjoyed playing the saxophone as part of the Old Timers Band, Trinity's Polka Band and "The Relatives" Band, which was made up of various family members. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, hunting, fishing and, along with his wife Marjean, was an avid Packers, Badgers and Brewers fan. In the past few months, you could often find him snoozing in his recliner while a Brewers game aired on TV. Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Marjean Zubke; children, Kevin (Karen) Zubke, Cheryl (Ken) Zettler, both of Athens, and Beth (Jim) Franson, Pittseville; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Lester (Bonnie) Zubke of Wausau. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, Rev. Mark Schwalenberg officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 12:30 until the time of services, all at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Burial will be in the Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Harvey's big smile brightened the day of everyone he met and showed us that "it can take a moment to meet someone, an hour to like them, a day to love them and a lifetime to forget them." The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Athenian Living for their excellent care and support this past year, as well as Ministry Hospice for their care these last few weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to the Trinity Lutheran Choir and Altar Guild. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com The song is ended, but the melody lingers on . . . Irving Berlin