Harriet L. Tomter, 87, of Whitehall, passed away Friday, September 18, 2015 in the Gundersen Tri-County Care Center in Whitehall

Harriet was born October 4, 1927, in the town of Northfield, Jackson County, WI to Melvin and Olga (Hagen) Larson. She graduated from the Whitehall High School in 1945. On November 30, 1946, Harriet married Harold Tomter in the Upper Pigeon Creek Lutheran Church in Northfield and they were together for nearly 69 years.

Harriet worked at the bank in Osseo from 1945-1946 and spent the next 21 years as a farm wife in Pigeon Falls. Harriet and Harold then moved to rural Whitehall and she became secretary to the principal at the Sunset Elementary School from 1968 until her retirement in 1990. Harriet's care and concern for the students was typically more maternal than secretarial.

Harriet was a member of the Pigeon Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church (now Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls), and served as president of the ladies aid, was a member of the council and taught Sunday school for many years. Harriet was a former member and president of the American Legion Auxiliary, was active in the Farmers' Union and the Democratic Party. She was an advocate of gun control, stem cell research, protecting the environment and helping those in need.

Harriet was an excellent decorator, seamstress and cook and she and Harold loved to dance. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and was able to take two trips to Norway in 1993 and 1997. She and Harold also did extensive traveling throughout the United States.

Harriet is survived by her husband, Harold; her four children, David (Eden) Tomter of Scott, Arkansas, Gary (Connie) Tomter of Lodi, Mary (Patrick) Halama of Whitehall and Jon (Karen) Tomter of Onalaska; 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Harriet was preceded in death by her siblings, Verna Kolden, Amy Boardman, Doris Harnisch, Winifred Burt and Mike Larson; all of her in-laws and a nephew.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls with burial in the Pigeon Creek Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery both in Pigeon Falls. Pastor Mary Ann Bowman will officiate.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Harriet requested memorials in lieu of flowers which will be donated to the food pantry and other local charities.