Florence Ellen Selonke, 89, of Hawkins, Wisconsin, passed away on June 27th at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, after a brief four-day battle with heart failure.

Born on July 12, 1936, in Rosholt, South Dakota, to Harold and Clara Busse, Florence moved with her family to Rusk County in 1936. She was a proud graduate of Ingram-Glen Flora, where she was class valedictorian.

On June 11, 1955, she married Leon Selonke in Ingram, Wisconsin. Together they farmed for over 40 years before retiring. They enjoyed traveling, including trips to Germany and England to visit their son Paul, and attending Leon’s Korean War reunions across the United States. Leon preceded her in death on June 1, 2004.

Florence was deeply involved in her community. She served as secretary for the board at West Lake for many years and as secretary for the Legion Auxiliary in Hawkins. A devoted member of St. Mary’s of Czestochowa, she was known for her love of crocheting — creating afghans for each of her nieces and nephews, as well as many baby blankets.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leon; son Paul Selonke; parents Harold and Clara Busse; brother Henry Busse; and sisters Mary Lou Bisson and Dorothy Overbye.

Florence is survived by her son Philip Selonke of Hawkins, WI; daughter Ellen (James) Hoyt of Hawkins, WI; grandchildren Jennifer L. Hoyt and Fredrick P. Selonke; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on July 8th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s of Czestochowa in Hawkins, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Sunil Thumma and Deacon Craig Voldberg officiating. Burial will follow at Ingram Cemetery in Ingram, Wisconsin.

Florence will be remembered for her loving spirit, dedication to family and community, and the many handmade gifts she created with care.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.