Claire Lavern Kurschner, 87, of Prairie Farm and most recently a resident of Almena, passed away on December 29, 2025, surrounded by family.

He was born on March 13, 1938, to Harold and Clara Kurschner. He grew up in Prairie Farm, where he was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and later became a member of the United Lutheran Church. He was raised with the values of faith, community, and hard work values that shaped his life.

After high school, Claire married and ventured into the working world, exploring a wide range of tradesman and labor jobs. He was always learning and never shied away from long days or demanding work. During these early years, he lived in Rockford, Illinois, continuing to develop the hands-on skills and resourcefulness that would come to define him.

Claire met and married Joan on September 14, 1967. Together they settled in Janesville, where Claire began his machinist career. What started as a job soon became a passion. Entirely self-taught, he became a highly skilled, well-rounded machinist and eventually opened his own machine shop, his first owned business, where his creative and problem-solving mind truly thrived. He later owned and worked in machine shops in Janesville and at Tri-City in Beloit. In the early 1970s, Claire and Joan returned to Prairie Farm to be closer to his family and try his hand at farming, although farming wasn’t one of his favorite ventures.

During his years on the farm, Claire often joked that buying himself a hammer was the worst good idea he ever had, as it launched him into a long-running “side job” in home construction. He spent countless late nights building and remodeling several homes across Barron County, which added construction to his ever-growing list of self-taught and mastered crafts.

One of Claire’s greatest gifts was his ability to fix just about anything. This skill was used throughout his entire life, whether in his businesses, his church, or while helping family, friends, and neighbors. He was always the one trying to fill a need, solve a problem, or lend a hand. If something was broken, Claire could fix it and often improve it.

In the late 1970s, he purchased the Kurschner homestead, where he lived until selling it in 2022. Claire ensured the homestead, which had been in the Kurschner family name for over 125 years, would remain in the family by selling it to his cousin’s family. The property served as the cherished gathering place for Memorial Day reunions for more than 80 years, a tradition he was immensely proud to continue.

Never one to stay in a single lane, Claire explored several sales and marketing ventures and eventually partnered with his close friend Bob to start a successful commodity trading and futures business based in downtown Chicago.

He served on the school board, participated in United Lutheran Church council leadership, drove a school bus, and remained active in organizations such as the Moose Lodge.

While many begin to slow down later in life, Claire chose the opposite path. In his mid-70s, he began a new full-time career with the U.S. Postal Service, working with pride until his retirement at age 77. His life embodied the phrases he often repeated: “You’ve got to work hard for what you want,” and “living life in the fast lane.”

In the moments he allowed himself rest, Claire enjoyed mowing the lawn, tending his large garden, and occasionally making homemade wine or bread. He especially loved working on projects with his grandchildren, sharing his knowledge, skills, and quiet wisdom along the way.

He is survived by his wife, Joan of Almena; daughters, Kelly (Darren) Bliese of Balsam Lake, Sheila Townsend (Steve Winchell) of Janesville, Cheryl (Dave) DeJong of Glenwood City and Vicki (Dave) Rowlett of Rockton, IL; sons, Michael Sampson of Prairie Farm and John Sampson of Almena; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Nelda Hale of Prairie Farm; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. To Claire, family was never divided by birth, marriage, or blending—they were all simply his.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Debra and Brenda; his parents; brothers, Donald, John and Steve; and daughter-in-law, Darlene Sampson.

His words of wisdom, his steady support, his kind heart, and his example of a life lived with purpose will be deeply missed. Claire’s legacy will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

A Celebration of Claire’s life will be held during his birthday month in March of 2026. Burial will be at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in the Town of Dallas.

Last Update: Dec 31, 2025 10:04 am CST