Obituary of Alta Lee Daven

Alta Lee Daven, age 82, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Sunday, November 4, 2018 at Atrium Post-Acute Care in Wisconsin Rapids.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids.  Rev. Kevin Ader will officiate.  Burial will be at Port Edwards Municipal Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.

Alta was born September 28, 1936 in Black River Falls, WI to Robert and Gladys (Hayden) Staples.  She married John Daven Sr. on March 10, 1956 in Madison, WI.  He preceded her in death on March 7, 1994.

Alta enjoyed being a homemaker.  Her family was the center of her life.  She enjoyed having her children and grandchildren over whenever possible to play games such as Phase 10, Trivial Pursuit, Rummy, Yahtzee and Kings Corners.   She also enjoyed playing bingo and winning prizes to share with her great-granddaughter. You would rarely leave Alta’s home hungry, as she was known to make lunch for just about anyone who would come to visit.  Christmas cookies could be found in tins throughout her home around the holidays.  Alta was an avid Packer fan.  She had a special relationship with her sisters even though they were miles apart. They kept in touch with weekly three way talks on the phone. Alta enjoyed spending time with her sisters when they visited, frequenting special places and traditional spots.

Alta is survived by her children: Jeff (Marjorie) Daven, Port Edwards, Mike (Deb) Daven, Wisconsin Rapids, Bob Daven, Wisconsin Rapids, and John (Sherry) Daven Jr., Port Edwards; grandchildren: Jeffrey Daven Jr., Port Edwards, Sara (Marc) Novitzke, Wisconsin Rapids, Maxwell Daven, Wisconsin Rapids, Eric (Brittney) Daven, Wisconsin Rapids, Brooke Daven, Middleton; great-granddaughter, Emma Novitzke; sisters: Lois Frisch, Arizona and Deon Dallman, Virginia Beach, VA; bonus sister, Judy Shepard, Wisconsin Rapids; and sister-in-law, Lee Staples, Mankato, MN; and special friends: Marcia Schmidt and Elaine Lobner.  She is preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Agnes Staples and husband, John Sr., brother, Jim Staples and nephews, Nick Frisch and Jimmy Dallman and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Daven family would like to thank Atrium Post-Acute Care (especially Joyce, Ashley and Bridget) in Wisconsin Rapids and Heartland Hospice for the excellent care given to Alta.