Ted Lahner#22 in your program, #1 in our heartsFebruary 13, 1936November 21, 2007\r\nTed Lahner born to John and Ruth Lahner in Eau Claire, WI, passed away November 21, 2007. Ted was the 9th of 11 children. He was raised in Eau Claire and graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1954.\r\nTed grew up loving sports of which he excelled tremendously. His accomplishments were acknowledged untold times in high school and throughout the years that followed.\r\nIn high school Ted played football, baseball, basketball and ski jumped for the Flying Eagles. He was captain, played running back and quarter back in the undefeated season of 1953. In baseball he batted over 400 and played on the 9-1 baseball team of 1954. He won the Central US Championship and many more while skiing for the Flying Eagles. He won the Jr. Class title in 1952. He finished high school and was recognized for his outstanding athletic achievements by being selected Eau Claire's Male Athlete of the year 1954. \r\nTed went on to compete in softball, baseball, and ski jumping. He played professional baseball for the Milwaukee Braves in the Texas League where he was voted the All-Star shortstop. His pro playing years were cut short by military obligations. He played fast pitch softball for 30 years and was well recognized as a great hitter, base stealer, and short stop. He played on 9 state championship fast pitch teams, receiving many defensive player and best hitter awards. He won several national ski tournaments in the U.S. and Canada.\r\nTed was inducted into the Wisconsin American Softball Association Hall of Fame, Eau Claire Ski Jumping Hall of Fame, and the Eau Claire Old Abe Athletic Hall of Fame.\r\nAfter retiring from competition he gave much time coaching, officiating, encouraging other young athletes and attending sporting events that he loved. He was an avid sports fan with a deep appreciation and love for athletics and a champion of the underdog.\r\nHe served his country honorably in the National Guard from April 1, 1959 until his honorable discharge on July 3, 1962.\r\nHe worked for the City of Eau Claire from 1965 till his retirement in 1998. He started working in the Parks and Recreation Department and later transferred to the City Street Department where he was a City Street Supervisor.\r\nIn his later years, Ted especially enjoyed golfing and hunting with his sons and brothers and rooting for the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers.\r\nOther treasured moments were spent camping with his family, long drives in the country, taking long walks, picking wild flowers for his wife and picking more blackberries and apples than anyone could eat. His faithful dog Jade was often at his side. Ted's smile, quick wit, and charm will be sorely missed.\r\nHe is survived by Elsa, his wife of 48 years; children Erik Chase, Kim Brewis (Jon), Scott Chase, William Lahner (Denise), Ted Lahner Jr. (Pam Plank), Lynette Lahner, and Doreen Lahner; 27 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; Sisters, Gloria Larabee, and Elaine Leirmo; brothers Derald Lahner, George (Puck) Lahner, Kenneth (Juicy) Lahner; and by his special friend Jade.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth; infant daughter, Vallie Ann; brothers, Jerome (Rib) Lahner, Donald (Sonny) Lahner; and sisters, Alyce Smith, Eileen Thompson, and Teresa Fialkowski.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2007, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home with Erik Chase officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington. A luncheon will be held following the funeral service. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home where there will be a public prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.\r\n

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