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Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Obituaries for Wednesday, October 17, 2007

By Tribune staff

Gordon Dale Meyer

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Gordon Dale Meyer died peacefully in his sleep Oct. 14, 2007, in The Woodlands.

The son of James and Pearl Meyer, he was born June 22, 1927, in Red Wing, Minn. In 1945, Gordon graduated from La Crosse Logan High School as valedictorian of the senior class. He served 18 months in the Army during World War II before attending Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., where he met his wife, June Beckes. He graduated magna cum laude in 1951 from Carleton, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and served as captain of the football team and president of the student body.

Gordon worked in sales and marketing for Kimberly Clark Corp. for 35 years, retiring in 1986. During that time he served in various positions in New York, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Georgia. After retirement, he and his wife lived in Falmouth, Mass., and Panama City Beach, Fla., before moving to The Woodlands in 2005.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, June; four sons, Stephen (Linda) of Austin, Texas, David (Betsy) of The Woodlands, Douglas (Julie) of Waunakee, Wis., and Gregg (Barbara) of South Easton, Mass.; his daughters, Susan Smith of Woodstock, Ga., and Christine (Stanley) Nix of Morris, Ill.; his daughter-in-law, Shelley Meyer of Hermosa Beach, Calif; and Deane and Anna Lou Beckes of Highlands, N.C., and Beverly and Don Miller of Panama City Beach, Fla. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Gulfview United Methodist Church, 232 Rose Lane, Panama City Beach, Fla. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Falmouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to VistaCare Hospice Foundation, 4800 North Scottsdale Road, #5000, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, or Gulfview United Methodist Church, 232 Rose Lane, Panama City Beach, FL 32413.

Harold R. Benedict

SPARTA, Wis. — Harold R. Benedict, 93, of Sparta died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Congregational United Church of Christ, with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, both in Sparta. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today, with a 7 p.m. Order of Eastern Star Service and Masonic Rites, at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. to time of services. Online condolences may be offered at www.lanham-miller.com.

Benjamin Brewster

Benjamin Brewster, 88, of La Crosse died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2007, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Center in La Crosse. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Bethany Evangelical Free Church in La Crosse. A full obituary will be provided by Dickinson Family Funeral Home.

Karsten Walker Burt

WEST SALEM, Wis. — Karsten Walker Burt, infant son of Terry and Cara Burt of West Salem was born and passed away Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home in West Salem. Burial will be in Neshonoc Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of services. A complete obituary will follow.

Junior ‘Stretch’ F. Graham

Junior “Stretch” F. Graham 82, of La Crosse made his final trip home on Oct. 12, 2007, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in the arms of his wife, Vivian.

“Stretch” was born April 30, 1925, in Madison to Sydney and Olive (Druliner) Graham. “Stretch” served with honor in the U.S. Army, re-enlisted in the Army Air Corp, (later the United States Air Force) during World War II and was part of the Berlin Air Lift. He married Margaret Blanche MacDougal in 1950, and they later divorced. He married Vivian Nelson, in La Crosse, where they shared nearly 30 years of devotion and interests.

He was an active member of the American Legion for 59 years, holding many post positions over the years and became commander of Post 417 French Island for two years. For years, he was also a member of the Post Color Guard, which was a special honor for him.

“Stretch” was a member of the Voiture 830, 40/8. During his 10-plus active years, there were very few times when the loci left the shed that “Stretch” was not aboard, taking part in so many festivals, school functions, weddings and special events. “Stretch” was also an active supporter of the Boy Scouts for the many years his sons were members.

“Stretch” was able to see so much of this world while serving in the military and working heavy construction after his discharge. He worked heavy construction in Alaska, Greenland and the Middle East. He worked the eastern seaboard for many years doing bridges and tunnel work. After seeing so much of the world and having the choice of living anywhere, it is fitting that he made his later life in La Crosse, which he truly believed to be “God’s Country.”

“Stretch” is survived by his wife and companion of 29 years, Vivian; five children from his union with Blanche: David (Marilyn) Graham of Milton, Del., and their children, Erin and Michael; Ann and Steve Kisielnicki of Burtonsville, Md.; Tom and Ruth Philbrick of Lanham, Md., and their children, Megan and Alexandra; Diane Merkel of Hyattsville, Md., and her children, Katie, Heather and Patrick; and Jay (Cara) Graham of Woodbridge, Va., and their daughter, Jennifer (Jim) Talbot of Manassas, Va. He is further survived by his two sons he shared with Vivian, Ryan (Nichole) Graham of Albany, Ga., and their children, Chase, Evie and Jesse Graham of La Crosse. He leaves behind two brothers, Dean (Ev) Graham of Sun Lake, Ariz., and Roy (Etta) Graham of Naples, Fla.; he is further survived by his mother-in-law, LaVerne Nelson of Mandan, N.D.; brothers-in-law, Herb (Doris) Nelson of St. Louis, Tom Nelson of Delton, Mich.; and a sister-in-law, Jean (Robert) Schutt of Buelah, N. D. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is also survived by his constant companion and personal therapist of many years, Belle, his beloved bull dog and his two special blessings, Madison and Landon Dyck.

“Stretch” was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Olive; his father-in-law, Archie Nelson; and uncles, Vene Graham and Howard and Morris Druliner.

“Stretch” lived a remarkable life and leaves behind a wealth of information and memories for his family and friends.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 809 Gillette St., La Crosse. The Rev. David Baldukas of Olivet Lutheran Church will officiate, and burial, with military honors provided by French Island American Legion Post 417, will be in French Island Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until services.

Ruth Halverson

WEST PRAIRIE, Wis. — Ruth Halverson, 95, formerly of West Prairie, rural Viroqua, Wis., died on Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at Hillview Health Care Center in La Crosse; where she had been a resident since February 2002.

She was born on Nov. 24, 1911, at West Prairie to Allan and Bertha (Johnson) Halverson. She was baptized on Jan. 7, 1912, and confirmed on April 25, 1926, at North West Prairie Lutheran Church, where she was a lifetime member. Ruth graduated from Viroqua High School in 1930. She moved to Chicago for a short time and then returned to West Prairie, where she and her brother, Alfred Halverson, operated the West Prairie Store for many years until it closed. Her faith drove her daily life and she leaves a legacy of church and community service that for many years contributed to the well being of West Prairie and those who were fortunate enough to be a church member or pass through the West Prairie (Halverson) Store. For the many years, she shared propietorship of the store with her brother. She probably, and humbly, failed to note what the store really was during those years: a nonprofit social service agency, more than a business. She graciously served gallons of coffee each week, shared her prize baking goods with all who entered the store and ministered with quiet empathy — listening for many years over the coffee table. She was Sunday school superintendent and teacher for many years. Although she rarely left the prairie for vacations, she looked forward to the annual escape and hard work of serving with the Vernon County Fair. Ruth loved baking pies and spending time in her gardens before taking the morning trek across the road from the family homestead to the store.

Ruth is survived by a sister, Helen Felde of West Prairie; and a brother, Fred Halverson of North Branford, Conn. She also contributed much to the lives of her two nephews, David (and his wife, Toni) Felde of West Prairie, and Robert (and his wife, Martha Steele) of Decorah, Iowa; two great nieces, Tiffany (Pete) Rahn and Kathryn “Kate” Felde; two great-nephews: Jackson and Brandon Felde, who all benefited from her grandmotherly love and care; and other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Inga Little and Aleda Halverson; her brother, Alfred Halverson; two brothers-in-law, Bob Little and Lee Felde; and one sister-in-law, Edith Halverson.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at North West Prairie Lutheran Church with Pastor Grant M. Van Lishout officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. today, Oct. 17, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua, Wis. Friends may also call at the church after 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Lillian Harris

POSTVILLE, Iowa — Lillian Harris, 83, of Postville died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at Good Samaritan Center in Postville following a brief illness. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. Burial will be in Postville Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Schutte Funeral Home in Postville and 10 a.m. to services Friday at the church.

Mildred C. Haverly

WEST SALEM, Wis. — Mildred C. Haverly, 92, of West Salem died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

She was born March 1, 1915, in Wadena, Minn., to Hans and Malvina Kirkeng. On Nov. 2, 1935, she married Karl Haverly Sr. in La Crosse County, and he preceded her in death on Feb. 3, 1982. Mildred and her husband owned and operated Karl’s Tavern in West Salem during the 1950s and 1960s. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved to cook great meals for all. Mildred also loved to crochet and play cards. The past 10 years, she had a crippling arthritis but never ever complained, always having a smile on her face.

Survivors include two sons, Karl (Arleen) Haverly and Larry (Charlene) Haverly, both of West Salem; five grandchildren, Cheryl (Brad) Low, Jeffrey (Terri) Haverly, Pamela (Jeffrey) Kiesling, Todd Haverly and Natalie Haverly; eight great-grandchildren, Kolton, Ethan and Austin Kiesling, Braxton and Brendon Ghelfi, Erika (friend Matt) and Samantha Haverly and Janelle (Daniel) Rice; five great-great-grandsons, Carter, Tyson, Alex, Landon and Peyton; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Presbyterian Church of West Salem, 625 W. Franklin St., West Salem. Pastor Stephanie M. Steiner will officiate. Burial will be in Neshonoc Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of services. Memorials are preferred.

Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements.

Olive ‘Aunt Mae’ Hoffmann

LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Olive “Aunt Mae” Hoffmann, 82, of La Crescent passed away peacefully Oct. 15, 2007, at Onalaska (Wis.) Care Center. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at Apostolic Church, with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service at church. A complete notice will appear in Sunday’s Tribune. Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes and Cremation Services are assisting the family.

Harold Lenth

POSTVILLE/FARMERSBURG, Iowa — Harold Lenth, 91, of Postville and formerly of the Farmersburg area, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2007, at Good Samaritan Center in Postville following a brief illness. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Farmersburg. Burial will be in Postville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Schutte Funeral Home in Postville and 10 a.m. to services Thursday at the church.

Thelma Leubka

POSTVILLE, Iowa — Thelma Leubka, 103, of Postville died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo, Iowa, following a brief illness. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Schutte Funeral Home in Postville. Burial will be Postville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m to services Saturday at the funeral home.

Wilber ‘Jerry’ Martin

Wilber “Jerry” Martin, 80, of La Crosse and formerly of Montgomery, Ill., died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at Bethany-Riverside Nursing Facility in La Crosse.

He was born April 14, 1927, in Elburn, Ill., to Claude and Ethel (Eastabrooks) Martin. Jerry was a 1945 graduate of Elburn Community High School, and because he enlisted in the service, his mother had to go through the commencement line to receive his diploma. Jerry served in the U.S. Navy from May 1945 until August 1946 as a Fireman Second Class on Treasure Island in San Francisco. In 1947 and 1948, he attended Business Administration at Metropolitan Business College in Aurora, Ill., and then three quarters at Eastern Illinois State College in Charleston, Ill., where he received high honors. On Nov. 25, 1950, he married Muriel Everett in Aurora, Ill., and they would have celebrated 57 years of marriage this year. Jerry was employed with Western Electric in Montgomery, Ill., as an accountant, quality control, personnel manager and as chief of labor relations, totalling 27 years, before retiring in 1984. Jerry and Muriel then lived in Arizona for a short time and then returned to Illinois. In 2000, they moved to La Crosse. Jerry was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in La Crosse, where he founded the Lay Speaking School. During his working years in Illinois, Jerry was active in many civic organizations, especially the United Way. He also was a member in good standing at the Elk’s Lodge in Wickenburg, Ariz., and the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse. Jerry enjoyed playing pool and as a BCA pool league member, he played in many La Crosse area pool leagues.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Muriel; three sons, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Martin of Freeport, Ill., William (Marsha) Martin of Glen Burnie, Md., and David (Dawn) Martin of La Crosse; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandsons; one brother, Lawrence (Bea) Martin of Elburn, Ill.; one sister-in-law, Adele Martin of Gulfport, Miss.; many nieces and nephews; and his good friend, Bishop Rev. Jonathan Keaton of Lansing, Mich.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Paige; two brothers, Russell Martin and Clifford (Peg) Martin; and his favorite cat, Willie.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at Wesley United Methodist Church, King and Eighth streets, La Crosse. The Rev. Don Iliff will officiate. Military honors will follow the service at church by the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse and the U.S. Military Funeral Honors Program. Entombment will take place at the Historic Mausoleum at Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse, with a private family service on Monday. Friends may call at Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the W.J. Martin Lay Speaking School at Wesley United Methodist Church, La Crosse.

Timothy Keith McDowell

OCEANSIDE, Calif./La CROSSE — Timothy Keith McDowell, 46, of Oceanside and formerly of La Crosse, died on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, in San Diego.

He was born in La Crosse on July 25, 1961, to Fritz and Mae McDowell and graduated from La Crosse Central High School. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Tim was employed by CVS Pharmacy for 20 years, as the health care manager in Carlsbad, Calif.

Two months and one week before Tim’s death, he was diagnosed with MDS, which is a disease that attacks the blood cells. He fought a brave battle for survival and did not complain.

At age 4, Tim accepted Jesus as his Savior through the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Romans 6:23; For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Our prayer is that all would come to know Jesus as their Savior. Tim’s lifestyle did not always reflect his faith, but near the end he reconfirmed his faith with the Lord.

Tim loved to play the piano and he toured two summers with the Continental Singers, playing the piano and singing. He also played the piano at many of his nieces and nephews weddings. Tim loved to come back to Wisconsin to vacation with family and attend First Evangelical Free Church.

Tim will be missed by his parents, Fritz and Mae McDowell of Onalaska, Wis.; a brother, James and Sheryl (Erdmann) McDowell of La Crosse; three sisters, Stella (Terry) Schams of Tempe, Ariz., Mary Ann (Gil) Maple of Edina, Minn., and Janice (Dave) Nelson of Leesburg, Fla.; special friend, Ralph Siller of Oceanside; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at First Evangelical Free Church, 1950 Hwy. 35, Onalaska, Wis. Committal services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, rural La Crosse. Friends and family may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse.

In lieu of flowers, Tim requested that memorials be sent to First Evangelical Free Church, Child Evangelism Fellowship or Arrowhead Bible Camp.

Roy W. Messling

CASSVILLE/PRAIRE DU CHIEN, Wis. — Roy W. Messling, 70, of Cassville and formerly of Prairie du Chien passed away Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at the Veteran’s Medical Center in Tomah, Wis., after a battle with cancer. Memorial Services will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at Garrity Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to services, with military rites at 4 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Private family interment will be held at a later date.

Stuart M. Miller

WINONA, Minn. — Stuart M. Miller, 65, of Winona passed away Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Stuart was born in Winona on Aug. 28, 1942, to Esther and William Miller. He married his life partner, Sheryl Kogon, on Aug. 7, 1977, in Winona.

A true scholar, Stuart graduated from Winona Senior High School and went on to earn a degree from Winona State University in biological sciences. He later earned a master’s degree in plant pathology from Arizona State University. He graduated from Winona State University in May 2007 with a nursing degree and was scheduled to take his state boards this month.

An active member in the Winona community, Stuart’s actions often spoke much louder than his words. He was extremely proud and instrumental in getting the first charter school opened in his beloved community, Winona. Stuart served on a variety of local boards, including: the Winona School Board, chairman of the Human Rights Commission, the Planning Commission of Winona, the Winona Workforce Center and the Morrie Miller Athletic Foundation.

He was part owner of William Miller Scrap Iron and Metal Company.

During Stuart’s youthful days at Winona State University, he was an accomplished swimmer. A true lover of learning, Stuart was an avid reader. He loved to have a good political debate among friends and voice his strong views as he deemed necessary. Stuart was a deeply religious man and active member of the Congregation Sons of Abraham Synagogue in La Crosse.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Sheryl; daughter, Jessica (Michael) Weeden of Frederick, Md.; sons, Asher of Minneapolis and Josh of Winona; brother, Jerry (Susan) Miller of Winona; mother-in-law, Henny Kogon of Winona; brother-in-law, Chuck (Paula Leonhauser) Kogon of Los Angeles; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Stuart was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Morrie; and father-in-law, Leonard Kogon.

Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, Oct. 18, at Dickinson Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 1425 Jackson St., La Crosse. Interment will be at the Jewish Cemetery in La Crosse. Rabbi Saul Prombaum will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Stuart Miller Nursing Scholarship c/o Mr. Jim Schmidt, Winona State University, Winona, MN 55987.

The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to the staff of St. Marys Hospital of Rochester and Winona Health for their excellent care.

Fran Molon

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. — Fran Molon, 88, of Prairie du Chien died Monday, Oct 15, 2007, at Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa. There will be no services. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Thornburg Hanson Funeral Home in McGregor is assisting the family.

Edson ‘Ed’ P. Osley

Edson “Ed” P. Osley, 88, of La Crosse died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at Bethany St. Joseph Health Care Center in La Crosse.

He was born Nov. 16, 1918, in Melrose, Wis., to Clarence and Minnie (Olson) Osley. He married Helen (Hanson) on June 26, 1948, at South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church.

He served 39 months in the South Pacific during World War II and had belonged to the Neil S. Lewison American Legion Post 439 of Melrose for over 60 years. He was also a member of the Eagles Club of La Crosse, Engineers Local 139 and Retirees Local 139.

In addition to his wife, Helen; he is survived by a sister, Youlanda (Stanley) Craig of West Salem, Wis.; three brothers, Delaine (Ruth) Osley of Melrose, Wis., Dale Osley of Cataract, Wis., and Doc (Betty) Osley of La Crosse; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and a sister.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse. The Rev. Liberty Lausterer will officiate, and entombment, with military honors provided by the Melrose American Legion Post, will be in Garden of Peace Mausoleum at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, rual La Crosse. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of services.

Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Charles Joseph Sanders Sr.

Charles Joseph Sanders Sr. of La Crosse completed his journey here on earth and began his eternal life with his Lord and Savior early Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. We celebrate his life as living testimony of his love for Christ.

Charles was born Feb. 10, 1920, to Joseph and Helen (Corn) Sanders. He spent his early years in rural Wisconsin and moved to La Crosse in his teens. He graduated from Central High School and attended La Crosse Vocational School. He married Neava Lorraine Anderson on May 30, 1941, at Bethany Evangelical Free Church of La Crosse.

Chuck spent a large part of his life as a truck driver for A.J. Sweet Co. of La Crosse, delivering fruit and vegetables to small towns in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. He met many people in his travels and loved to entertain us with stories of the places and people he met. Even after retiring from driving truck, he kept up with the people he had met. He also worked at Montgomery Ward and later worked as a used car salesman. Dad loved talking to and meeting new people, he seemed to have a connection with people in every walk of life. He loved to share his love of Christ and what a difference He made in his life.

Chuck shared his love of cars, motorcycles and NASCAR racing with his entire family. Many happy hours were spent riding and talking about riding the motorcycles he had owned over his lifetime. How he loved telling these stories.

Chuck’s real passion was in working with the Gideons and sharing their message with young people as they passed out Bibles at high schools and college campuses.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sidney; wife, Neava; infant son, Dennis Michael; and son, Charles J. Sanders Jr.

He is survived by his brothers, Ralph (Jackie) Sanders and Roger Sanders, Kenneth Sanders; sister, Bess (Mark) Fjelstad; sister-in-laws, Iris Anderson, Nancy Anderson and Eloda (Art) Nelson; his daughter, Sherry (Gene) Lundak; son, Neil (fiancee Mary Revels) Sanders; and daughter-in-law, Judy Sanders. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Larry (Tracey) Anderson, Terry (Laurie) Anderson, Janell (Kevin) Panek, Johanna (Mike) Defenderfer, Charles III (Joanna) Sanders, Judd Sanders, Jason (Chastity) Sanders and Kevin Sanders. He also has 20 great-grandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at Bethany Evangelical Free Church in La Crosse. The Rev. Corey Sateren will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 809 Gillette St., La Crosse, and 10 a.m. to services Friday at the church. Burial will be at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery in rural La Crosse.

The family requests that any memorials be given to the Gideon Society.

Vivian Silver

RANDOM LAKE/LA CROSSE, Wis. — Vivian Silver, 89, a resident of Random Lake and formerly of La Crosse died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007, in Random Lake.

She was born on Aug. 23, 1918, in La Crosse to Otto and Belle (Stidiford) Ristow. Vivian attended Coleman Vocational School. She married Benjamin Silver on Oct. 2, 1943, in Caledonia, Minn. Vivian had worked at the La Crosse Rubber Mills, Exchange State Bank, La Crosse Brush Co. and Farley Sausage Co. She was a longtime member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where she served as treasurer for the United Methodist Women for many years and played piano for the church. She was also a very experienced knitter and contributed many items to church bazaars. She will be very much missed by her children, and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter, Sheila (Fred) Panke of Onalaska, Wis.; a son, Thomas Silver of Random Lake; five grandchildren, Jeffery Panke, Kevin Panke, Tania (Ryan) Noll, Tina (Aaron) Bialzik and Tara Silver, 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Grace Silver, Betty Silver and Dorothy Silver, all of Iowa; and her special dog friends, Mojo and Rascal. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben, on March 7, 2000; her parents; and two brothers, Alvin and Thomas.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. Pastor Doris Simpson will officiate. Burial will be at Bayview Cemetery in Necedah, Wis. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:30 a.m until time of services.

Anastasia ‘Stasia’ V. Smith

WINONA, Minn. — Anastasia “Stasia” V. Smith, 85, of Winona died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, at Sauer Memorial Home in Winona. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home in Winona. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with a 7 p.m. Eagles Auxillary service, and 1 p.m. to services Friday, both at the funeral home.

Patricia A. (Schumacher) Tanner

MADISON — Patricia A. (Schumacher) Tanner, 65, of Madison passed away Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 at her home following a strong and courageous battle with breast cancer since 1997.

She was born Dec. 31, 1941, in La Crosse, the daughter of Joseph “Bud” and Edna (Smolek) Schumacher. Following high school graduation, Pat moved to California, where she met her future husband, Ed Tanner. After Ed passed away, Pat moved back to the La Crosse area, later settling in Madison. She loved life, family and friends, and gave her time and talents by crocheting afghans for her family. She was a volunteer for RSVP since 2001, crocheting close to 400 caps a year for cancer patients and newborns at Meriter Hospital.

Pat is survived by a brother, Ron (Vicki) Schumacher of Holmen, Wis.; three sisters, Gloria Biesen of La Crosse, Carol (Roger) Forer of Coon Valley, Wis., and Ruth (Paul) Fairbanks, Klamath Falls, Ore.; many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Sara; and a very dear and treasured friend, Janie Peck.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and a brother-in-law, Jerry Biesen.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Mary Mother of the Church Parish at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse, with the Rev. David C. Kunz officiating.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to HospiceCare and Community Living Alliance of Madison.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison assisted with arrangements.

Joseph ‘Joe’ Sylvester Theisen

Joseph “Joe” Sylvester Theisen, 89, died peacefully on Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, after a long battle with cancer, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse.

Joseph was born on May 13, 1918, in Caledonia, Minn., to Nicholas William and Gertrude Alice (Howard) Theisen. He graduated from Loretta High School in 1936. Following graduation, he worked at Birnbaum’s Grocery. There he learned to make his famous sauerkraut, pickles and horseradish.

One night at an Avalon Ballroom dance in La Crosse, the young red-headed Joe Theisen gazed up the stairs at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He experienced love at first site and decided that this was the woman he would marry. He asked the young nursing student, Margaret Konter, to dance, and the rest is history. Joseph and Margaret Konter married on Sept. 1, 1941, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Arcadia, Wis. They were together until Margaret passed on Oct. 21, 1999.

During World War II, he served with the U.S. Army 33rd Division in Morotoi, New Guinea and the Philippines. Joseph remained connected with his military roots throughout life and was a member of the VFW Post 1530, Thomas Rooney; and American Legion Post 52, Roy L. Vingers.

After World War II, Joe worked as a carpenter out of Local 1143, United Brother-hood of Carpenters and Joiners Union. He remained their brother for more than 60 years.

He owned and operated the Coulee Superette in Onalaska, Wis., and later Theisen’s Lumbar Company in Stoddard, Wis. He retired from Prudential Insurance company after 20 years as an agent. Joe was always a very active fellow. He enjoyed fishing, sports (especially football), pool, traveling and playing cards. Joe especially enjoyed spending time at the Harry Olson and Southside Senior Citizen Centers in La Crosse.

In addition to his parents and wife, Joseph was preceded in death by his son, Robert Paul; his brother, Francis H. (Norma); and his sister, Sr. Gertrude Ann (Mary Alice) Theisen.

Joseph is survived by three sons, James P. (Shirley) of Port Townsend, Wash., Joseph M. (Carol) of Sparta, Wis., and Thomas N. (Roxanne) of La Crosse, two daughters, Kathryn M. (Phillip) Niesen of Money Creek, Minn., and Trudy A. (Francis) Mara of Baraboo, Wis.; grandchildren, Jeffrey J. (Tina) Theisen, Gregory A. (Laurie) Theisen, Todd J. (Sara) Theisen, Timothy G. (Tracy) Theisen. Joel C. Theisen, Nichole L. (Antonis) Balosopoulus, Sean F. (JoJo) Theisen, Eric A. (Wanda) Theisen, Matthew J. (Kim) Theisen, Isaac T. Theisen, Laura M. Niesen, Cynthia R. Niesen, Katrina L. Mara and Kyle F. Mara; stepgrandson, Robert Tooke; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Joseph is also survived by his sisters, twins Patricia C. (Joseph) McCormick and Teresa E. (James) Pretasky.

Joseph Theisen was a lively, happy soul who never lost the youthfulness and wonder that most of us try to recapture throughout our adult years. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at St. James The Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia St., La Crosse. The Rev. Roger Scheckel will officiate. Visitations will be Thursday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. S, La Crosse, and one hour prior to Mass at the church Friday. Interment will be at French Island Cemetery.

The family of Joseph Theisen wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of The Bethany St. Joseph Care Center for the compassionate care they provided throughout Joe’s long illness.

Edward Herman Zimmer

Edward Herman Zimmer, 73, of La Crosse died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born on March 22, 1934, in Spring Lake, Wis., to Edward and Anna (Seipel) Zimmer. Ed joined the Brothers of St. Pius X in 1953 and made religious profession in 1955. His ministry included working at Holy Cross Seminary, farm work at the Brother’s farm in Colby, Wis., catechetical teaching in various parishes of the diocese, and maintenance work at Viterbo College, where he shared his talents for nearly 30 years. Ed attended the Diocesan Catechetical Training Program and became a certified catechist. He also attended theological programs at Loyola University in Chicago and Siena Heights in Adrian, Mich. After his retirement in 2002, Ed participated in the Holy Trinity Parish outreach program as a eucharistic minister to the patients at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Ed had many friends and was greatly loved and admired by all.

He is survived by two sisters, Marie Zimmer of Milwaukee and Norrita (Gary) Parsons of Sunrise, Fla.; four brothers, Cyril Zimmer of Elmwood, Wis., Alfred (Audrey) Zimmer of Mondovi, Wis., Bernard (Delores) Zimmer of Greendale, Wis., and Leonard (Ruth Ann) Zimmer of Waukesha, Wis.; one aunt, Anna Seipel of Elmwood, Wis.; a sister-in-law, Mary Zimmer of Spring Valley, Wis.; a cousin, Marilyn (Bill) Jaekel, and numerous other cousins; a niece, Sandy (Dean) Zimmer, and numerous other nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Domena Lapaglia of Baltimore, Md.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Esther Cusatis, Theresa Zimmer and Sister Rose Ann Zimmer; a brother, Ronald; and a great-nephew, Matthew Matson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. The Rev. Lawrence B. Berger will officiate. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.