Brian Thalacker

Brian Duane Thalacker, age 66 of Ellsworth died Friday, April 7th, 2023. Brian was born on February 21, 1957 in Eau Claire; the son of Duane and Lorraine (Schuh) Thalacker. He attended Lindgren Elementary School prior to graduating from the Ellsworth High School in the class of 76’. He was united in marriage to Toni Cheesebrough at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ellsworth in 1983 and together they raised Aaron, Travis, Jill, and Joseph.

Brian began working for the Ellsworth Creamery in the late 1970’s. He was there in 1983 when then Governor Earl declared Ellsworth the ‘Cheese Curd Capital of the World’. With Brian’s help, along with other employees, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery began retail sales of cheese curds in grocery stores in 2004. Brian’s dedicated employment spanned forty-five years and he was proud to say he worked at the Ellsworth Creamery. He would retire in 2022.

Brian was in his glory when he was able to enjoy the outside, whether hunting or fishing. Taking the boat to a favorite honey hole in a northern Wisconsin lake or jigging through a hole in the ice, he loved the tranquility fishing brought him. A fish fry with some of his keepers was his reward. He also looked forward to fall when deer hunting would open. He loved the thrill of the hunt and spending time with family and friends in the process. Of course, frying up some back straps was the prize he could hardly wait for. But deer wasn’t the only chase, as he also hunted squirrels, turkey, and pheasants. Moreover, he has great memories of fishing trips to Canada and Alaska.
Brian’s family was his everything. Hunting and fishing were important, but they became most memorable when he could share these experiences with his family. He was so proud of his children and their accomplishments and encouraged as best he could. Furthermore, it brought the greatest smile when he could experience his grandchildren’s achievements through school events or sporting games. He was the optimist trying to lift up spirits of those around him when feeling down or challenged. Family gatherings with food and laughter, playing cards with relatives, teaching target practice to the grandkids, and just spending quality time with his family at home brought him great joy. He was an ardent Green Bay Packer fan who anticipated Sundays and one for the win column as well as getting his hands dirty in the garden.

Brian will forever be remembered by his loving wife Toni Thalacker; children Aaron (Mieko) Larson, Travis (Katherine) Larson, Jill (Jason) Matthys, Joseph Thalacker; grandchildren: Tyler, Evan, Alex, Carleen, Clara, Lance, Cecelia, Charlie, Everett, and John. He is further survived by his siblings: Duane (Dianne) Schuh, June (Don) Merta, Audrey (George) Matzek, Janet (Keith) Anderson, Brad Thalacker; as well as many nieces and nephews. His parents and brother Mark have preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Brian’s life will be Saturday, April 15th from 2pm to 4pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family to carry on Brian’s passions in life.

Cremation and Celebration of Life have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com. 715-273-4421