Lloyd Harnisch Obituary

Lloyd L. Harnisch

December 1, 1944 - August 29, 2025

Lloyd Harnisch, 80, of Menomonie passed away peacefully and met Jesus on August 29, 2025.

Lloyd was born December 1, 1944, to Louis and Marion (Schaefer) Harnisch. He graduated from Menomonie High School in 1962 and went on to study Agriculture at UW–Madison.

On May 15, 1964, Lloyd married Ruth Ann Stephens. Together, they farmed in the town of Spring Brook outside of Menomonie where they raised their four children on a busy and well-loved dairy farm.

Lloyd was known for his hard work, soft heart, generosity, and loyalty. He took great pride in farming, especially working with his John Deere tractors to provide for his 120 dairy cows. He enjoyed the excitement of tractor pulls and, after selling his herd, turned his attention to four draft horses. He found joy in giving wagon rides to family and friends and driving in local parades. A collector at heart, Lloyd also enjoyed collecting antique tractors, including toy models, as well as classic cars. Beyond the farm, he served his community with dedication as a member of the Menomonie School Board.

Music was another passion that became central to Lloyd's life. Inspired by barn dances his grandfather once hosted, Lloyd dreamed of creating a place where family, friends, and neighbors could gather. In 2006, he built Grandpa Lloyd's Horsebarn in rural Elk Mound which quickly became a hub of music, dancing, and potluck dinners. Musicians of all kinds were welcome on the stage and at age 60, Lloyd joined them by learning how to play guitar, singing, and playing alongside others. Hundreds came through the Horsebarn doors as strangers and left as friends.

Above all, Lloyd was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Ruth Ann; his children, Shelli (Nick) Pathos, Ken (Kim Huber) Harnisch, Mark (Shar) Harnisch, and Angie (Jon) Spaeth; and his nine grandchildren, Brooke and Andrew Pathos; Kapri, Canyon, and Laredo Harnisch; and Rachel, Jake, Kaden, and Ella Spaeth.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Arleen (Ron) Bryan, Joyce Holzhueter, and De Wayne Harnisch; and three grandchildren, Mikayla, Kaleb, and Dakota Harnisch.

Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, September 15, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Olson's Funeral Home in Menomonie. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 16, at 1:00 p.m. at Amy Chapel (E9882 370th, rural Eau Claire) followed by lunch.

A Celebration of Life will continue afterward at Grandpa Lloyd's Horsebarn (N3287 730th Street, rural Elk Mound) with music, dancing, and a community jam session in his honor.

To celebrate Lloyd's lifelong love of farming, a tractor caravan will travel from Amy Chapel to the Horsebarn after the luncheon. Friends are encouraged to bring a tractor to drive in his memory.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Care Partners Memory Care, Heartland Hospice, and Allison Triebold for the exceptional care and the joy they brought Lloyd-especially through his time with Rock Steady Boxing, a program supporting those with Parkinson's.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com