Louis Zahalka

Louis J. Zahalka, 81, of Muscoda, died on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the Boscobel Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 4, 1931 in rural Richland County, Wisconsin on the family farm the son of Louis E. and Agnes (Ruzicka) Zahalka. He graduated from Muscoda High School in 1949. Louis then served his country in the Marine Corps until 1954. After returning home he farmed with his brother Henry and sold Renk Seed Corn for 25 years. On July 19, 1958 he married Wilma Pursell and they continued farming until 1992. Louis and Wilma retired to Ferryville for 2½ years before returning to Muscoda for the remainder of his life. Louis enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, dancing, playing cards, doing jigsaw puzzles, gambling, ball games, and his fish fries. He was a member of American Legion Post 85, Holy Name Society, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, all of Muscoda.

Louis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Wilma (Pursell) Zahalka, son Michael (good friend Dee White) Zahalka of Sheboygan, WI, sister Anna Halverson of Mount Horeb, WI, brother and sister-in-laws, Betty Leggett of Fort Worth, TX, Marge Pursell of Madison, WI, Marilyn Pursell of Rock Falls, IL, Marvin and Kathleen Pursell of Rock Falls, IL, John and Naoma Michaelis of Madison, WI, Eleanor Moriva of Beloit, WI, along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, brother Henry, brother-in-law Oswald Halverson, father and mother-in-law, Clifford and Norene Pursell, brother-in-laws John Leggett, Eugene Pursell, William Pursell, and Richard Moriva.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery with military graveside rites provided by the Muscoda American Legion 85. Friends may call at the Godager Pratt Funeral Home on Monday, April 16, 2012 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary to be prayed at 5:00 PM. Friends may call again at the Godager Pratt Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 10:00 AM until the procession to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 10:45 AM. The Godager Pratt Funeral Home of Muscoda is assisting the family with their arrangements. Online condolences can be made at prattfuneralservice.com.