Audrey L. Hartleben

Audrey L. Hartleben, 91, of Wittenberg, died peacefully on Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, at Homme Home of Wittenberg, surrounded by her family and under the care of LeRoyer Hospice Services, Antigo. Audrey was born June 12, 1930, in the Town of Wittenberg and was the daughter of William and Margaret (Long) Drews. On Oct. 17, 1953, Audrey was united in marriage to Milford “Mike” Hartleben in Wittenberg. He preceded her in death on Oct. 28, 1998. Audrey was a lifelong member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wittenberg, and served on many groups within the church. She was employed at Homme for the Aging as a night shift CNA for 20+ years and later transferred to the laundry department for five years before retiring. Audrey was famous for her homemade bread, buns and cinnamon rolls, along with her “signature” dishes of squirrel and pan-fried trout. She loved to read. She could always be found with either a book, knitting needles or a crochet hook in her hands. She loved to make doilies and share her pieces of art with family and friends. Other enjoyments in her life were playing cards, bowling and watching “Jeopardy.” Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, and she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Audrey will be missed by her children, Dale (Marge) Hartleben, Rick (Diane) Hartleben, Bruce (Joy) Hartleben, Peggy (Joel) Hartleben, Greg (Lynn) Hartleben and Lisa (Bill) Steebs; grandchildren, Adam Hartleben, Lindsey (Luke) Neibauer, Nathan Hartleben, Jamie (Brad) Allar, Carrie (Kane) Niswander, Michael (Kim) Hartleben, Brad (Corianna Wilhelm) Hartleben, Jessica (Justin) Olson, Justin Hartleben, Kaylee (Chris) Benson, Jason (Yio Watho) Hartleben and Erin (special friend Kolton Krolow) Steebs; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Patsy (Darvin) Pieper and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, William and Margaret Drews; husband, Milford “Mike”; brother, Roger Drews and many brothers and sisters-in-law, Everett and Arlene, Wesley and Lizzy, Morris and Valeska, Harvey and Marie, Roger and Dorothy, Wilford “Mertz” and Marcella, John and Shirley and Olive and Herbert. The funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wittenberg. Rev. Sharon Fox Bogen will officiate. Burial will take place in Forest Home Cemetery, Wittenberg. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, and will continue on Friday at the church, from noon until the time of service. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.