Earlene E. “Lippy” Pichler, age 76 of Durand, was welcomed into the gates of Heaven on December 10, 2014 after a courageous two year battle with cancer.

Earlene was born on January 25^, 1938 in Pepin County to Earl and Lila (King) Clark. As a child, Earlene attended the Oak Center School near Arkansaw. Many stories were told of her getting to school with a horse and cart. She graduated from the Arkansaw High School in 1956. After high school, Earlene moved to the Twin Cities and worked at Montgomery Wards. She was known to bring home gifts to her siblings on the weekends. Earlene married Gerald Pichler on April 30, 1960 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lima. Together they raised three children during their 23 years of marriage. She had several jobs throughout her lifetime, which included Aussie’s Dry Cleaning and Chippewa Valley Hospital and Care Center. Gerald passed away on September 27, 1983.

Earlene enjoyed crocheting, gardening, doing puzzles, baking and preparing for her favorite time of year, Christmas.  She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her “second family”-the Fedie’s.

Earlene spent the last months of her life lovingly cared for by Doug and Marianne Van Stedum and their staff at the Durand Assisted Living. A special thanks to each of you for your love and encouragement. A heartfelt thank you to Aunt Karleen for all you have done. Thanks also to Dr. Perez, Dr. Mary, Mayo Cancer Center and Hospice and many others along the way.

Earlene is survived by her children; Kelly Bentley (Keith) of Hobson, MT, Kevin Pichler of Durand, and Kari Bauer (Tony) of Fall Creek, 10 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and another one on the way, three step grandchildren, two sisters; Kathy (Bruce) Stafford of Arkansaw and Karleen (John) Heitman of Nelson, three brothers; Ken (Marie) Clark of Alaska, Bill (Ann) Clark of Arkansaw and Dick (Tessie) Clark of Kentucky, her parakeet and companion; Ezmerelda, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; Earl & Lila, stepfather; Ed Weber and son-in-law; Scott Bauer.

Funeral Services will be 11:30 AM Monday, December 15, 2014 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima, rural Durand. Rev. Paul Bosco will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Douglas and Sharon Bauer December 18, 2014, at 10:07pm

   Earlene was a very sweet person. Our sympathy to the family. She is walking streets of gold now.

2. Patti Blount & Avonelle Lamphere December 18, 2014, at 9:33am

   I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Earlene. She was a very nice lady to talk to when she came in the library. Sympathy to the family on this loss.

3. Janine Endl December 16, 2014, at 4:40pm

   Kari and family: We wanted you to know how sorry we are for your loss. I loved working with your mom and Michelle wants you to know how much she thought of her.
   Take Care. Janine, Rick and Michelle Endl

4. Rosemary E Carlisle December 16, 2014, at 3:26pm

   My deepest sympathy to all the family. You are in thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
   Earlene was a fine lady and will be missed.

5. Paula Smith December 15, 2014, at 11:55am

   Kari and family so sorry for the loss of your. Mom its hard but try to cherish everything that she ment to you and the family I'll keep you in my. Thoughts. Always..

6. Jane Grippen Jafferi December 15, 2014, at 9:26am

   It was a blessing to help care for Earlene at Marianne & Doug's. What a sweet and special lady she was, and she will be greatly missed!

7. Jeff Bauer December 14, 2014, at 12:41pm

   I knew Earlene for decades. She always had a smile and just a great lady and a perfect person to be friends with.
   She will always be remembered.
   Jeff

8. Mike & Doris December 13, 2014, at 10:17am

   To the Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

9. Kelly Verrall December 12, 2014, at 7:05pm

   My prayers and thoughts go out to your family. Rest in Peace Earlene.

10. wayne moser December 12, 2014, at 1:01pm

    i worked with earlene for over 20 years. I never met a more dedicated hard worker than Earlene. can't remember how many times i heard "quit complaining and get back to work" but it was probably thousands of times. She even forgave me for hiding a dead mouse under a rag on her press. heard some strange words out of her mouth and i was surprised how high she could jump. Of course she got even with me for the mouse thing. That was Earlene. She was a special person. She will be missed

11. AMY December 12, 2014, at 11:45am

    To Kari, Tony and the Family-
    We are very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. We will keep her and all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
    Amy (R&R Campground)

12. Carolyn (Kothbauer) Peterson December 12, 2014, at 10:57am

    Kevin, I am sorry to hear your mom passed away. It's not easy to lose a parent, especially around the holidays. Try to keep the good memories flowing around the table at Christmas dinner and bring laughter into your hearts. Moms are so special that way. They are with us long after they have left this earth. Take Care.

13. Ken & Mary Lynn (Knutson) Smith December 12, 2014, at 5:41am

    Deepest sympathies to the family. We did not know Earlene while growing up in Durand but became more familiar with extended family through her brother, Ken (2d cousin), as we combined research regarding family trees. My grandmother, Susan (Clark) Smith was Earlene's (and Ken's) aunt. May Earlene rest in peace.

14. Valerie Beranek (and crew) December 12, 2014, at 4:35am

    Oh Kari, we all thought about you during the day and our hearts go out to you. Blessings and prayers to your family. If you need anything, please just let us know.

15. Samantha Hovey (VanNorman) December 11, 2014, at 8:47pm

    I'm so sorry to hear of Earlene ' s passing. You and your family are in my prayers. She was always such a happy person! I loved seeing her at the Fedie Farm.

16. Linda and Dewey Gotliebson December 11, 2014, at 6:14pm

    Sorry to hear about your Mom.

17. Julie Webb December 11, 2014, at 4:28pm

    Family of Earlene, You have my deepest sympathy.
    You had a wonderful woman to love and respect. I got to know her at Handy Mart and she was a very hard worker. You all take care and God will bless you all. you all be in my prayers.

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