Hal Robert Goeldner

Hal Robert Goeldner, age 67, of Alma, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at his home. He was born on September 3, 1946 in Winona, MN a son of the late Ronald and Addie (Reick) Goeldner. Hal attended Alma Area Schools, graduating from Alma High School with the class of 1964. He then went on to Buffalo County Teachers College. After he did his student teaching in Gilmanton, Hal taught for a few years in Beloit, WI. On October 7, 1967 Hal was united in marriage to Diane Weiss at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mondovi. To this union, three sons were born. Diane preceded Hal in death on October 23, 2010. Hal began a long railroad career with the Milwaukee Road, SOO LINE which became CP Rail. Hal worked at several depots to include Winona, Red Wing, a very short stint in Chicago, Superior, WI and finally along the Canadian border in Portal, ND. Hal worked on the railroad until an unforeseen disability forced him to an early retirement in the late 1990’s. Hal was a charter member of the Alma Rod & Gun Club and a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Alma. Hal was a man who, without question, loved being outdoors. He was very adept at trapping and selling pelts, fishing for walleye, checking his setlines, sitting in a duck blind or hunting for geese. Hal would enjoy tying his own jigs and flies, making spinner baits and fishing poles. Hal’s family will remember him for his always present attention to detail when making a lure or fishing pole. In his later years, Hal enjoyed watching cooking shows and performing culinary (experiments) experiences for his family to enjoy. Deep inside, Hal had a gracious, giving and loving heart. His family was his life, especially his grandchildren who would always enjoy a good game of “thumb wrestling”. Hal will be sadly missed by his two sons, Jason (Mary) of Sugar Camp, Wis and Mathew (Andrea) Goeldner of Alma; grandchildren, Dakota Yarrington of Eau Claire, Zachary and Morgan Goeldner both of Alma, Roland, Claire and Phoebe Goeldner of Alma, Erin (Nathan) Hobbs of Ironwood, MI and Ian (Krissy) Anderson of Rhinelander; three great grandchildren, Korben, Braeden and Lydia; his only brother, Ronald (Judy) of Alma; also by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents and wife Diane, Hal was preceded in death by his son, Jacob Goeldner. A memorial gathering and service will be at St. John Lutheran Church, Alma, WI on Friday November 15 at 3:00PM until the service at 5:00PM with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating. Inurnment will be at Alma Memorial Cemetery. Talbot Family Funeral Homes/ Scenic Rivers Cremation Center assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com.