LISA HARMER

LISA HARMER

     Lisa Joan Harmer, 65 of Black River Falls, WI, passed away Sept. 12, 2023, at Mayo Medical Center in Eau Claire.

Lisa was born Sept. 7, 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, 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 2002. 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; 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; and 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; stepfather Eugene Rodenberg; and her brother, Eric Engebretson.

     Funeral services will be held at Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls Friday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. Reverend Terry Marg will officiate. Friends and family are invited to visitation from 1 to 3 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 5 p.m.

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.