Thomas Harkner

Thomas L. Harkner, age 85, of Millston, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and under the compassionate care of St. Croix Hospice.

Born on April 27, 1940, in Sparta, Wisconsin, Thomas was the son of William and Grace Evelyn (Treat) Harkner. A fourth-generation member of a cranberry-growing family, he developed a deep connection to the land from an early age. He attended the one-room schoolhouse in Millston, later going on to Black River Junior High and graduating from Black River Falls Senior High School in 1958.

After graduation, Thomas returned to the family cranberry business, where he dedicated many years to continuing the legacy. On June 23, 1962, Thomas married Judith Elizabeth Steine, and together they built a home on the family marsh, where they raised their three children—two sons and a daughter. Thomas was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his grandchildren and great-granddaughters brought him immeasurable joy. He had a deep love and devotion to them, cherishing every moment spent together.

Thomas was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling to Canada and Montana. He treasured the quiet days spent at his cabin on Lake Holcomb. A lifelong adventurer, he also loved snowmobiling, especially the annual snowmobiling trips with family and friends that became a cherished tradition. Additionally, Thomas was an enthusiastic trap shooter and Harley Davidson rider, though the years eventually led him to more cautious activities.

Thomas was a dedicated member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council. He was also a lifetime member of the Millston-Knapp Sportsman’s Club. His service to the community extended to his time as a member of the Black River Falls School Board, the Board of Black River Memorial Hospital, and the Millston Town Board. Thomas was also a past member of the Millston Fire Department. He was well-known for his warm personality, and his Thursday afternoon card games with friends were a beloved tradition.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judith; his children, Jeffrey (Elisabeth), Marianne (Troy) Torkelson and Joel (Kimberly); his beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth (Tyler) Kiel, Sydney Harkner, Thomas (Kate) Torkelson, Aaron Harkner, Lauren Harkner, Caroline Harkner, Seth Harkner, and Jackson Harkner; his great-granddaughters, Hattie Elaine Neville and Elyse Jae Kiel; his sister, Jean Overlien; his sisters-in-law, Gert Harkner, Rita Ann Bernette, and Joan Yeskie; and a brother-in-law, Gregory (Becky) Steine. He is also survived by many extended family members, friends, and neighbors who will miss his kindness, generosity, and steadfast presence in their lives.

In addition to his parents, William and Grace Evelyn Harkner, his stepmother, Violet (Linder) Harkner and his parents-in-law Spencer and Verna Steine, Thomas was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard, Bruce, and William Treat Harkner; his brothers-in-law, Stanley Bernette, David Hansen, and Dennis Yeskie; his sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Hansen and Lavon Harkner; and his nephews, Scott David Hansen, John David Hansen, Timothy Harkner, Brian Harkner, David Harkner, and William Craig Harkner, as well as his nieces, Sue Ann Harkner, Barbara (Harkner) Harrison, and Kathy (Harkner) Heath.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 am at Evangelical Lutheran Church, with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Becky of St. Croix Hospice and Britoni of Home Instead for the exceptional care they provided. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jackson County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, or to the St. Croix Hospice Black River Falls branch.

Thomas’s legacy of hard work, dedication to his family, and service to his community will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him. May he rest in peace.