Thomas L. 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.