Aleta Hirsbrunner

Aleta “Leta” Mae Hirsbrunner, aged 98, born on November 10, 1927, in Darlington, WI, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, at Sienna Crest Assisted Living, with family by her side.

Beloved daughter of Fredrick and Grace (Poppa) Colbeck, Leta was a lifelong resident of Darlington, with a brief period in Soap Lake, Washington from 1951 to 1957. She was a graduate of Darlington High School, Class of 1945. Before her marriage, Leta was employed by Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company, later worked at Craig Hardware Store, and was a teller at First National Bank in Darlington. Throughout her life, Leta dedicated herself to serving her community, volunteering at election polls for many years and delivering Meals on Wheels. She was a longtime member of Immanuel United Church of Christ (IUCC), actively involved with the Women’s Guild and the church council. Leta treasured time spent golfing, bowling, playing cards, and cheering on the Badgers and Packers. Leta especially cherished any moment she could spend time with her family; it was truly those moments that was the light of her life. 

 She was united in marriage to Arthur LaVerne Hirsbrunner on December 9, 1947, at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington. They shared many happy years together until he preceded her in death on February 27, 2007.

Aleta is survived by her children, Susan (Clarmont) Mortensen of Mission, Texas, and Thomas (Anne) Hirsbrunner of La Crosse, Wisconsin; her grandchildren: Timothy (Angie) Mortensen, Eric (Kristin) Hirsbrunner, Melissa (Matt) Cox, and Joanna (Erik) Olsen; and her great-grandchildren: Addyson Hirsbrunner, Aleta Mortensen, Maya Mortensen, Thomas Hirsbrunner, Alexander and Charlotte Cox, Lucas Hirsbrunner, Lander and Paxton Olsen, sister-in-law: Shirley VonGlahn, Eric and Melissa’s mother Jana Hirsbrunner and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Art, her parents; her sister Dorothy (Earl) Andrews and her brother Joseph (Lanitta) Colbeck, her brothers and sisters-in-law: Lois (Fred) Gierens, Viola (Rudy) Steger, Ruth (Frank) Ruf, Rosemary (Bob) Edwards, Midge (Swede) Swenson, Wanda (Russell) Jacobson, Bob (Arlene), Paul (Pat), Fritz (Rosie), and Ed Hirsbrunner and brother-in-law: Harold Staver.

Leta’s family fondly remembers her kindness, dedication, and joyful spirit. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Immanuel United Church of Christ. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed immediately by the funeral service at noon with Pastor Dana Caldwell officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemtery.  

The family extends their gratitude to the caregivers at Sienna Crest Assisted Living & Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial in Leta’s name.