Roberta E. Channing (Rands)

Roberta E. Channing, age 86, passed away on January 23, 2022 at Chippewa Manor. She was born in New Auburn to Lester and Wealthy (Petersen) Rands on August 21, 1935. She married Charles Channing on February 21, 1952. After owning the Hi-Way Café in New Auburn, she continued her love of cooking and serving others by working at many restaurants in the Chippewa Falls area. She lived up to her motto: “Good Food, Good People, Good Service.” Bert enjoyed watching the Packers and Badgers, visiting the casinos, and especially baking. Her greatest joy was gathering the whole family. There was always plenty of food, fun and lots of laughter. She claimed “The more the merrier.”
She is survived by her daughters: Roxie Gravunder of New Auburn, Sandy (Jeff Haavind) Channing of New Auburn and Cindy Olson of Cornell; sons: Danny (Mary) Channing of New Auburn and Terry Channing of Chippewa Falls; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, special friend: Mona Klinger, many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Lester and Wealthy; sons: Thomas and David Channing; siblings: Linda Rands, Lester Rands Jr, Iona Black, Robert “Bud” Rands and Ramona North; sons in-law: Dale Gravunder and Ricky Olson; granddaughter: April Olson; special friend: Jerome Hartman
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the St. Jude’s Church in New Auburn with visitation an hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Catherine’s Cemetery at a later date. Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family. Please wear your favorite hat in honor of Bert.