Lucille Lautenschlager

Lucille “Lou” Edna Lautenschlager, age 93, of Sheboygan, passed away on Monday, March 5, 2012 at the Sheboyan Senior Community. She was born January 20, 1919 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and was the last surviving sibling of the nine children of Adam and Anna Marie (Befus) Lautenschlager who emigrated from Jagodnaja Polyana, Russia and resided in Leoti, Kansas and Oshkosh, Wisconsin . Lucille attended and graduated with honors from Oshkosh High School in 1936. She continued her education at the Oshkosh State Teacher’s College, took courses at the University of Wisconsin Extension, and graduated from Lakeland College in 1967 with a BS in Elementary Education.

On June 15, 1940, Lucille married Reuben Lautenschlager. They moved to Sheboygan and here she devoted her time and energy taking care of her family and home.

In 1967, Lucille began a career in education, starting with substitute teaching and finishing as a fourth grade teacher at Cooper Elementary. She retired in 1987. During the summer months she enjoyed traveling on the road in the family camper and taking extensive trips with Reuben to Europe, Asia, and Africa. After retirement, Lucille volunteered her services as docent and handwriting teacher at the Heritage School Museum. She also volunteered at the Homespun Shop and Mead Public Library. Reuben preceded her in death on January 5, 1992.

Survivors include her children, Jack (Marjorie) Lautenschlager of Geneva, Illinois, Mark (Judy) Lautenschlager of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Anne Lautenschlager of Sheboygan, and Beth (John) Olson of Ft. Collins, Colorado; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers and sisters, Adam, Esther, John, Elsie, Annie, Liz, Rose, and Evelyn.

Visitation for Lucille will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday April 7, 2012 at Ballhorn Chapels. Rev. Howard Fintzen will officiate. Entombment will follow at Garden Terrace Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name for the Bookworm Gardens located at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Campus.

The family wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Sheboygan Senior Community staff, St. Nicholas Hospital Home Health and Hospice staff, and Rev. Howard Fintzen for their supportive care of our dear mother who was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church.