Lisa Joan Harmer age 65 of Black River Falls, WI passed away on September 12 th , 2023 at Mayo Medical
Center in Eau Claire.
Lisa was born on September 7 th , 1958 in Black River Falls, the daughter of Joan Engebretson (Stien) and
Victor Engebretson. Victor passed when Lisa was an infant and after Joan remarried, Lisa was raised by
her stepfather, Eugene Rodenberg.
She married Thomas Drangstveit at age 19 and they had one son, Danial Thomas. They were later
divorced.
On June 24 th 2006 she married her current husband, Paul Harmer. Lisa cherished her role as mom to
Danial and stepmom to Paul’s daughters Tori and Olivia. They lived in Black River Falls and later moved
to Lower Lake, Merrillan.
Lisa graduated from Black River Falls Senior High School in 1976. She then attended Western Wisconsin
Technical College where she earned her certificate and license as a hair stylist. She worked at Pine View
Care Center as a hairstylist for many years. Here she found her passion for working with and assisting
the elderly.
That passion led her to pursue a degree in Nursing, which she earned from Western Technical College in
Lisa first worked as an RN at Black River Memorial Hospital in the Medical Surgical Unit and
assisted with medical transfers to area hospitals.
Later in her nursing career Lisa accepted a position at Family Heritage Care Center. Here she was back
doing what she truly loved and that is caring for the elderly.
Finally, she moved to Dove Healthcare in Osseo where she worked in the rehabilitation unit up until she
retired in 2020.
Lisa was a talented singer, pianist and painter. She won many honors and medals at regional and state
solo and ensemble competitions. She loved painting winter landscape scenes, many of which she would
paint onto saw blades.
Lisa is survived by her son Danial Drangstveit, daughter in-law Allissa and grandchildren Violet and Odin.
Sisters Susan Johnston and Cheryl Roca-Mas and brother Craig Rodenberg. Also surviving is Lisa’s
husband Paul, stepdaughters Victoria and Olivia Harmer and grandchildren Eiljah and Ruby Greening.
Nephews Adam and Casey Engebretson and nieces Erin and Emily Rodenberg. Great-nieces Megan and
Mayla Engebretson and great-nephew Ryan Engebretson.
Lisa is preceded in death by her mother and father Joan and Victor Engebretson, step-father Eugene
Rodenberg and her brother Eric Engebretson.
Funeral services will be held at Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls on Friday, October 20 th at 3pm.
Reverend Terry Marg will officiate. Friends and family are invited to visitation from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00
p.m.
A graveside memorial will be held at a later date.
A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion, Black River Falls at 5pm.
Gifts and memorials may be directed to the Jackson County Animal Shelter.
The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-2231
Personal Message to friends and family
I have been truly blessed all my life to have such loving caring friends and family. Through the ups and
downs, you have all been there. Dan; I could not have asked for a better thing to happen in my life than
to have you as a son. I am so proud of you and will love you always. Allissa; you have been like a
daughter to me, and a light to my life. Tori and Olivia; I have always thought of you as my own. I love
both of you with all my heart. How lucky I was to meet your dad and have you as part of my life. To my
grandchildren; you are all such a blessing. I have enjoyed seeing you grow up to be fine individuals.
Finally, be kind and all love one another. Do not be sad for me at this time but celebrate the joy that all
of you have given me in my lifetime.
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