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Ancel Highstrom 04/16/2016

Ancel Merle Highstrom,  of New Richmond WI, passed away on Saturday Apr 16th at the age of 96.  Ancel was born in Gloster, Miss, to Alex and Agnes Highstrom in 1919.  Soon after the family moved north, first settling in New London, Minn, where Ancel spent several years.  When Ancel was nine they moved to Burnett Co, Wis.  There the two parents and eight children, struggling through the depression, lived in a variety of houses around the town of Siren.  
In June of 1943 Ancel married a neighbor and childhood sweetheart, Ruth Tjader. He was home  on an eight day leave from the Army before shipping out to Italy.  Fighting in Italy over the next two years he saw heavy action, was wounded three times, and his WWII experiences would shape his personality for the rest of his life.
Post war, Ancel and Ruth began a life together; having children and trying to make a living.  He formed a business partnership with his childhood buddy Gordon Tjader who happened to be the brother of his wife Ruth.  Gordy was married to Ancel’s sister Della.  The business, Tjader and Highstrom, formed by two Tjaders and two Highstroms, would prosper over the years; first as a tree trimming company and eventually as construction firm that buries underground cable.  Today it centers out of New Richmond and operates all around western Wisconsin.
Ancel was a spiritual man whose deep faith influenced all he ever did or said.  His life passions were numerous: his wife and kids, his friends,  travel, his business, his lake home in Siren,  his love of birds and flowers and yardwork, playing harmonica, his Swedish relatives, his war buddies, the deer shack, his cars, First Baptist Church, playing games, climbing trees, his bond with beloved daughter Kay,  and especially doing things with his grandchildren.  
Ancel was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents, and siblings Myrtle, Ray, Vi, Murlin, Waldo and Virgil.  He is survived by his 5 children: Rick (Joyce) Highstrom of Siren, Lynn (Bump) Peterson of New Richmond, Mark of Napa Cal, Lori (Don) Stephens of Hudson, and Kay of Hudson.  Surviving also are his sister Della Tjader of New Richmond and sister- in- law, Gerlyn Erichsen of Siren.  He has 12 grandchildren scattered about the country, several great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 
Services for Ancel were held on Thurs April 21 at the First Baptist Church in New Richmond.  The service began at 11 AM followed by a light lunch.  There were two visitations both at the church;    Wednesday evening from 4 to 7 and also on Thursday one hour prior to the service.  Following the lunch there was an Interment  at the Lakeview Mudhen Lake cemetery at 3pm.  The cemetery is six miles west of Siren Wis on Highway 70.  There he was interred next to Ruth, his wife of sixty years.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond

1 Comment

  • Nick Jilek Posted January 5, 2021 1:00 am

    Ancel was a true hero. My friend Gary Miller and I had the privilege of visiting with Ancel several times. I hope and pray his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren.

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