Lafe A. Duberstein

Lafayette “Lafe” Alvin Duberstein On Monday, June 3rd, 2019 Lafe Duberstein, loving father, grandfather and friend, peacefully passed away at his home in Northland, WI at the age of 90. Lafe was born on May 6th, 1929 in Marathon County by the late Hazel(Williams) and John Duberstein. Lafe was an Army veteran, he served in the artillery division in Germany shortly after WWII. During his time in the military he married Eleanor Lahr, they had their first child and lived in Germany while he served there. After his time in the military,  he moved to Kenosha, WI and quickly got a job driving truck across country for ARCO Auto Carriers. After 27 years of employment Lafe retired from truck driving and decided to support himself and his family doing hobby farming and growing ginseng in Iola, WI. During this time, Lafe had 6 children with his first wife, Eleanor Lahr (Farrell). April 1st, 1995 Lafe married Betsy Behnke in Northland, WI. She preceeded him in death in 2001.   Lafe loved country living including raising animals, gardening and wood working. He often frequented the Merde Sawmill and enjoyed the camaraderie of friends there.   Lafe had a positive outlook on life which kept him youthful till the end. He often shared stories from his younger years with everyone and anyone who wanted to listen. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, siblings and friends. He especially enjoyed working on vehicles and tractors with his nephew David as well as going out for a good BBQ or a big plate of pancakes with strawberries and a whip cream smiley face.    Lafe had a wonderful celebration of his 90th birthday at Northland Ballroom on May 4th. He was so happy to see everyone that came to help him celebrate and gave out many hugs.   We will miss you dad, miss the hugs, the reminicing, the time we spent together, but  will look forward to the time when we will wake up from our long nap and meet again. Love you dad... Lafe was preceded in death by his wife Betsy, Stepchildren; Sandra(Doug) Felton and Heidi(Thomas) Budzinski. Parents Hazel and John Duberstein,  brothers and sisters: Verna (Julius) Gacke, Catherine (William) Merryfield, Jacob "Jake" (Dorothy-"Dotty") Duberstein, Max (Lola) Duberstein, Mary (Lloyd) Klatt, John "Johnny" (Vivian) Duberstein,Emil (Violet) Duberstein, Lucille (Joe) Keller.   He is survived by his children Joe(Jane) Duberstein, Donald(Linda) Duberstein, Jeff Duberstein, Nancy(Eric) Melum, Mike(Cheryl) Duberstein, Steven Duberstein, Stepchildren; John(Doreen Behnke), Betty(Bradley) Bembenek, siblings Charles "Chuck" (Margaret) Duberstein, Julius (Joyce) Duberstein, William "Billy" (Carol) Duberstein, Carol Jean (Dale) Hintze, 21 grandchildren Scott, Kurt, Keith,Emily, Aaron, Melissa, Dana, Jennifer, Karl, Kayla, Sara, Jamie, Megan, Zeke, Tricia, David , Nicky, Brandon, Holly, Eric, and Megan , and 19 great grandchildren.   A celebration of life will be held at 12-noon on June 15,2019 at the Peplin VFW in Mosinee Wisconsin.