Charlotte Harriger

Charlotte M. Harriger, 97, of Empire, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, under the thoughtful care of Maple Valley Nursing Home.

Charlotte, lovingly known as “Char,” was born on October 30, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At a young age, her family moved to Empire, where she grew up, attended Empire Schools, and graduated from Empire High School. During her schooling, she met the love of her life, Versel Leroy Harriger. The two were married on October 26, 1947, in Empire and shared a loving marriage while raising three wonderful children together.

As a young woman, Char worked at the historic Old Orchard Inn on Big Glen Lake and later as a telephone operator. Eventually, she and her family built and operated Harriger's Restaurant, where she became known for her warm hospitality and exceptional homemade cooking. Known for her ability to make the best Blueberry pie in the area. During the years when more than 300 servicemen were stationed at the Empire Air Force Station, many found their way to the family restaurant. Char welcomed them with home-cooked meals, kindness, and a caring spirit that made the Harriger's Restaurant feel like home.

Char enjoyed a full and active life. In her spare time, she loved bowling, playing bingo, fishing, especially ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and enjoyed knitting items for family. She was a devoted member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, a Lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary and was an active member of the Empire TOPS chapter. Even during her time at Maple Valley Nursing Home, many of her fellow TOPS members faithfully visited her, a testament to the friendships she cherished throughout her life.

She also enjoyed collecting owls, delighted in the beauty of butterflies, and held a deep and abiding Catholic faith that guided her throughout her life.

Above all else, Char treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother. Her kindness, generosity, unwavering faith, and welcoming heart will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Char is survived by her children; Danny Boon (Marion) Harriger, Diana Mayme (Harriger) Deegan, Kristen (Robert) Harriger-Shimek; grandchildren, Debra Catherine Deegan, Danny Skip Harriger, Micah Deegan, John (Michelle Arnold) Harriger, Melissa (Brent) Lalomia; great-grandchildren, Alison (Jake) Stricker, Ashley Harriger, Tyler (Kyleigh) Harriger, Beau Harriger, Carter Harriger, Anthony Lalomia and Zachary Lalomia and 4 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Versel, her sister Donna (Denny) Gilbert, Jean (Denny) Plowman, Gerald Denny.

A visitation will be held on Thursday July 16, from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m., with the rosary prayed at 7 p.m., at St. Philips Neri Catholic Church in Empire. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday July 17, with visitation at 10am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation be made to the St. Philips Neri Catholic Church.