Harold E. "Harry" Hurda

Harold "Harry" Hurda, age 82, of Menchalville, WI, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Harry was born in Prairie du Chien, WI to James and Rosalia (Sprosty) Hurda on June 1, 1943.

On October 21, 1967, Harry married his first love, Darlene (Parizek), and together they built a beautiful life rooted in family, hard work, fun and laughter.
Harry dedicated his life to his work, his community, and his family. He began his career working assembly for American Motors in Kenosha from 1964-1966 and then at Manitowoc Equipment Works/Kelvinator in Manitowoc from 1966-1969. He also worked at Hidden Valley Ski Resort, where he made snow for the ski slopes and he would talk about riding snow shovels down the hill at the end of his shift. He served in the U.S. National Guard from 1965 to 1967, and due to an injury was honorably discharged. In 1969, Harry became Barn Manager at the Francis Creek branch of Wisconsin/American Feeder Pig Co-Op and shortly after was promoted to Production Manager. He later worked as Production Manager at Midwest Livestock/Feeder Pig Division, where his dedication and strong work ethic were widely respected.
Harry's second love in life was farming. In 1980, he and Darlene purchased their farm in Francis Creek, WI. Harry devoted himself to a lifelong career in farming. Harry cash-cropped, raised beef and later dairy until 2008, when he sold the farm and retired. Retirement didn't slow Harry down-he continued working on neighboring farms part-time until 2025, doing what he loved most.
Harry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. He was a humble man with a quick sense of humor, a sharp wit, a love for Allis-Chalmers, who took meticulous care of his home and land. Harry enjoyed attending the annual Tomah tractor pulls for almost 40 years, collecting Allis-Chalmers toy tractors and semis, going sucker and smelt fishing, making homemade liver sausage, cutting wood and cooking Whitelaw wieners on the brush pile with his kids in the back 40, going on casino bus trips, and last but not least drinking a Busch.
Harry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Darlene; their four children, Brian (Sam) Hurda, Jodi (Terry) Reis, Steve (Misty) Hurda, Andy (Selena) Hurda; Grandchildren: Dakotah Hurda, Rachel Reis, Trevor Reis, Amber Hurda, Mackenzie Lesjack, Heather Lesjack, Brittany Lesjack, Ashley (Javier) Camacho, Danelle Burt, Erik Burt, Micayla (Jameson) Dabeck, Brienna Becker, Wade Becker and AJ Becker; Great-grandchildren: Babette, Jaden, Leo, Milo, Sephora, Elighana, Natalya, Milanya, Giovanni, Kaleb, Maddox, Braxton, Kylie, Madilyn, Mya.
He is further survived by nine brothers and one sister, Roger (Marie), Ralph, Arnold "Butch" (Chrissy), Larry, Loren, James "Jimmy" (Marilyn), Brad (Pat), Thomas (Nancy), Darlene (Miguel) Portillo, Bernard "Bernie" (Heidi) and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents; sister Marcella Mezera, brothers Donald and Clement "Clem" Hurda; brother-in-law Clarence "Smokey" Mezera, sisters-in-law Shirley "Shirl" Hurda, Mary Hurda, Judy Hurda; and other loved ones who now welcome him home.
Harry's family wish to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Kellnersville EMT and first responders, the staff at Bellin and Froedtert Hospitals, especially the cardiac and oncology teams, and Unity Hospice for their compassionate and attentive care.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Francis Creek on Friday, November 28th, beginning at 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, officiated by Father Leo. Harry will be laid to rest at Knollwood Cemetery, with a celebration of his life to follow.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Funeral Home of Kellnersville, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.