Opal Marie Bolstad
FERRYVILLE, Wis. Opal Marie Bolstad, 88, formerly of rural Ferryville died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at Bethany Riverside Nursing Home in La Crosse, where she had been a resident since February 2000.
She was born on Feb. 25, 1919, in Purdy Valley, rural Viroqua, Wis., to Melvin and Anna (Abrahamson) Quain. Opal was baptized and confirmed at Bad Axe Lutheran Church and was then a member of West Prairie Hauge Lutheran Church until it closed. She currently was a member of Freeman Lutheran Church in rural Ferryville. On May 12, 1946, Opal married George Bolstad in Prairie du Chien, Wis. They farmed in rural Ferryville and she also worked at Northern Engraving in Lansing, Iowa. Prior to retiring she cooked at the Senior Citizen Meal Site in Ferryville. Opal was known for cross stitching and making quilts, lefse and cookies. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
Opal is survived by four daughters, Carol (Milan) Gilman of Liberty Pole, Wis., Diane (Randy) Suiter of Ferryville, Trudy (Richard) Ristow of La Crosse, and Sandra (Joseph) Gillespie of Ferryville; two sons, Gary (Debra) Bolstad of Coon Valley, Wis., and David (Betty) Bolstad of Ferryville; one daughter-in-law, Donna Bolstad of Ferryville; 23 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; other relatives; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George, on April 4, 1997; a son, Rodney, on July 26, 1998; two sisters, Margaret Sanborn and Josie Myhre; and a brother, Marvin Quain.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Freeman Lutheran Church, Ferryville. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Pete Beckstrand, with burial to
follow in Walnut Mound Cemetery, Retreat, rural De Soto, Wis. The family will greet relatives and friends today, Nov. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua, Wis. Friends may also call at the church after 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Lyle E. Sebastian
POSTVILLE, Iowa Lyle E. Sebastian, 85, of Postville died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at University Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, following a brief illness. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. Burial will be in Postville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Schutte Funeral Home in Postville.
Dana Sass
WAUKON, Iowa Dana Sass, 60, of Waukon died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery, both in Waukon. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon where there will be a 4 p.m. Scripture service. Online condolences may be offered at www.martinfunerals.com.
Mercedes A. Schieber
LA CRESCENT, Minn. Mercedes A. Schieber, 85, of La Crescent died Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at Golden Living Center in La Crescent. McCormick Funeral Home of Caledonia, Minn., is assisting the family with arrangements.
Russell F. Kopp
GALESVILLE, Wis. Russell F. Kopp, 86, of Galesville died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem, Wis. Funeral arrangements are pending with Zwickey Funeral Homes, Galesville Chapel.
Kennedy Lynn Doran
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. Kennedy Lynn Doran, baby daughter of Rich and Melissa (Bauer) Doran, was stillborn on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
Kennedy is survived by her parents of Black River Falls; maternal grandparents, Melodie Kunes of Melrose, Wis., and Timothy Bauer of Mauston, Wis.; one maternal great-grandmother, Sonja Donavan of Camp Douglas, Wis.; and paternal grandmother, Janice Doran of Merrillan, Wis. She will also be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kennedy will be met in heaven by her paternal grandfather, William Thomas Doran.
A prayer service in memory of Kennedy will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 115 N. Fifth St., Black River Falls. Lunch will follow in the church basement.
In lieu of flowers, please give to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Kennedy.
Jean M. Clarkin
ONALASKA, Wis. Jean M. Clarkin, 67, of Onalaska passed away Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
She was born April 22, 1940, in Canby, Minn., to Adam and Clara J. (Lentz) Bauer and was raised in La Crosse. On Feb. 4, 1960, she married John Clarkin in La Crosse.
Jean was an active member of St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral Parish and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting and jigsaw puzzles. Jean also loved country western and Irish music.
In addition to her husband, John; she is survived by a daughter, Jackie Clarkin of Onalaska; a son, John (Rachel) Clarkin of Anoka, Minn.; a granddaughter, Erin Clarkin of Anoka, Minn.; her mother, Clara Bauer of Stoughton, Wis.; a sister, Virginia Chickey of Stoughton, Wis., along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Joseph A. Clarkin, in 1991; and her father, Adam Bauer, in 1980.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in Marian Chapel of Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, La Crosse, with the Rev. Michael Gorman officiating. Entombment will follow in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends and family may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse, where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m., and again on Thursday at the church from 9 a.m. until time of services.
Jean’s family would like to express their thanks to the staff on 4-Center at Gundersen Lutheran for their love, support and sensitivity.
Pamela Jean (Mainwaring) Hauge
VIROQUA, Wis. Pamela Jean (Mainwaring) Hauge, 70, of Viroqua and formerly of Louisiana died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare in La Crosse.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Vossetieg-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Burial will be in Freeman Cemetery, rural Ferryville, Wis. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to services Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com.
Bruce R. Taylor
Bruce R. Taylor, 72, of La Crosse died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, in his home.
He was born Jan. 16, 1935, in La Crosse to Robert and Mildred (Hanson) Taylor. Bruce served with the U.S. Air Force as a basic airman. He married Shirley Deal on March 22, 1969, in Waukon, Iowa.
Bruce worked at LaCrosse Footwear as an electrician for 36 years before retiring in 1997. He was very proud of his accomplishments at LaCrosse Footwear. He enjoyed the camaraderie of a few close friends he made while working there, especially those in the “old (expletive) club!” Bruce belonged to French Island American Legion Post 417. At one time he was also a member of Muskies, Inc.
Bruce was the great American hunter. He hunted for almost everything, whether it was the mighty elk in the mountains of New Mexico with his brother Terry, or hunting whitetails with his good buddies, Jerry and Harley Jones. But Bruce’s favorite hunt was stalking the elusive muskie of the Chippewa Flowage. Bruce was a true believer in catch and release, but he always had pictures to show off his catch.
Since the kids were little, Bruce took his family, every summer, to the great northwoods of Hayward, Wis. They camped at only one campground, their favorite, the Lake Chippewa Campground. When the kids grew up, Bruce and Shirley continued to travel to Hayward, where they made many wonderful friends in their camp circle. When Bruce retired he could never sit still long enough, so he took a part-time job at the campground. And he loved it. Always finding treasures people left behind. Bruce loved to play cards and never felt bad about taking everyone’s quarters. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley of La Crosse; one daughter, Tracey (Rodney) Crotzer of La Crosse; two sons, Brian Taylor of La Crosse and Brent (Dawn) Taylor of Cataract, Wis.; five grandchildren, Kaileena, Alex, Shasta, Devon and Hunter; two sisters, Sherry (Larry) Churchill of La Crosse and Linda Taylor of Idaho; and one brother, Terry (Pat) Taylor of Las Cruces, N.M.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his good friend, Harley Jones.
A memorial gathering will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Drs. Mary Simon, Kurt Oettel and Stephanie Carroll and Bruce’s favorite nurse, Julie, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center and also to hospice nurses Nancy Graham and Jenna Miller.
Joseph C. Mezera
Joseph C. Mezera, 64, of La Crosse died on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at his home.
He was born April 11, 1943, in La Crosse to Paul and Abbie (Fauver) Mezera. Joe retired from the G. Heileman Brewing Co. after 34 years. He was a member of the West Salem (Wis.) First Responders for 10 years and a life member of the Westby (Wis.) Rod and Gun Club. He was also a member of the La Crosse Muzzleloaders and the Coon Valley (Wis.) Conservation Club. Joe was an avid amateur radio operator. WA9SOQ has gone silent.
He is survived by his wife Margaret “Peg”; a son, Troy Mezera; a daughter, Ellyn (Scott) O’Donahoe; a grandson, Douglas O’Donahoe; three sisters, Frances Hauser, Ruth (Gene) Serres and Elizabeth Fitzsimmons; three sisters-in-law, Lola Dyko, Joan (Roy) Leitzau and Paula (Jim) Hodak; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two daughters, Rebeccah and Christine; his parents; and a brother, Paul Mezera Jr.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. Pastor David Baldukas will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11 a.m. until time of services.
Ronald W. Neuman
MEQUON, Wis. Ronald W. Neuman, born Aug. 23, 1953, in Hillsboro, Wis., passed away quietly at his home in Mequon on Nov. 10, 2007, after a short but courageous battle with melanoma.
He is survived by his wife, Vickie (Jefferies); son, Jeffery; daughter, Elizabeth; mother, Anita Neuman; and father, William Neuman (Kayela) of Elroy, Wis.; stepbrothers, Eric, Chip, Tommy and Billy Neuman, all of Elroy; father-in-law, Lyle Jefferies; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Mary Ann and Kirk Bones of Elroy, and Becky and Danny Ott of Wonewoc, Wis.; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces and one nephew.
Ron was a graduate of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in business administration and held an MBA degree in accounting from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was awarded National Honors for his scores on the November 1977 Uniform CPA examination. He was a 29-year member of the American Institute of CPAs and Wisconsin Institute of CPAs and a former 17-year member of the Financial Executives Institute.
He was employed from 1977 to 1984 with the CPA firm of Arthur Young and Co. in Milwaukee and joined Allen-Edmonds Shoe Corp., where he was controller, chief financial officer and chief operating officer employed by the shoe manufacturer for over 17 years. For the past four years he has been employed as the CFO for Times Printing Co. of Random Lake, Wis.
People who knew Ron personally remember him for his insatiable smile and positive attitude. Those who knew him in business recognized his honesty, integrity and hard work. Ron was truly one of the “good guys” who was liked, respected, and will be missed by all that knew him. Ron enjoyed golfing, flower gardening and outdoor activities with his family.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Mai and Dr. Corey Shamah of Advanced Healthcare, along with their staffs for helping them during this trying time. The family would also like to thank Dr. Ravi Rao and the staff of Mayo Clinic who provided the various clinical trials to help fight this challenging disease. The family is hopeful the testing used on Ron will benefit others.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 110 Division Road, Thiensville, Wis. He will lay in state from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Nov. 13, at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church and also on Wednesday at the church prior to the funeral service from 9 to 11 a.m.
Marjorie Elaine Berg
McFARLAND/BLAIR, Wis. Marjorie Elaine Berg, 86, of McFarland and formerly of Blair died Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, at her home in McFarland surrounded by her family.
She was born Aug. 10, 1921, at her home in rural Holmen, Wis., to Edwin and Alta (Gooden) Severson. She married Everett Berg on Dec. 9, 1942, in Holmen. They lived for three years in Galveston, Texas, while Everett served in the U.S. Army. After returning to La Crosse for four years, they moved to Blair, where Everett was high school band director, history teacher and elementary guidance counselor, while Marge worked as a clerk in several stores in Blair. Marge was a member of First Lutheran Church, taught Sunday school and was very active with the FLCW and Priscilla Circle. She loved her family and taking care of them. Her cooking and coffee cakes were famous, and she loved to do crafts and needlework. She always had a smile and never complained, and was always there to help. In 2003, she moved to McFarland to be closer to her family, where she enjoyed all the holidays, parties and celebrations. She was a wonderful mom and great grandma!
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1993 and by her brother, Eugene, in 2006.
She is survived by one son, John (Rogee) of McFarland; a daughter, Dawn (Jack) Sims of Janesville/Livermore, Calif.; grandchildren, Scott (Sara) Berg of Cottage Grove, Wis., Stacy Berg of Madison, Jay (Kelly) Leazott of Chicago, and Angela (Steve) Vidruk of Janesville, Wis.; and great-grandchildren, Jenna, Jacob and Joshua Leazott, Abby, Timmy and Bethany Vidruk and expected to be born any day, Aubree Madison Berg. She is also survived by brother, Gordon (Pat) Severson of Racine, Wis.; sister, Elsie (Gary) Smikrud of Galesville, Wis.; sister-in-law, June of Sparta, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at First Lutheran Church in Blair. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today, Nov. 13, at Jack Funeral Home in Blair and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow at Long Coulee Cemetery in Holmen.
The family would like to thank the McFarland Lutheran Church Befrienders (especially Janet and Betty); Pastors Tomberlin, Pribbeneau and Peterson for all their visits; Dr. Counts and the staff at University of Wisconsin Health McFarland; Meriter Home Health (and special CNA Kendra); Dr. Kellerman and all the techs (especially Carl) at WI Dialysis; and to Hospice Care for their special care and love her last 11 days at home. You all gave her your very best because you knew she deserved it. And now God will do even more because of her life and faith.
Debbie J. (Kubitz) Stubbe
ACKLEY/NEW ALBIN, Iowa Debbie J. (Kubitz) Stubbe, 51, of Ackley and formerly of New Albin died as the result of a traffic accident Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Church in New Albin, with Father Daniel Knipper officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in New Albin. Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at the New Albin Community Center in New Albin, where there will be a parish Scripture service at 8 p.m. Thornburg Hanson Funeral Home in Lansing, Iowa, is assisting the family.
Debbie was born in La Crosse on June 30, 1956, to Richard and Teresa (Mitchell) Kubitz. She married Randy Stubbe on July 31, 2004, at Eldora, Iowa. She worked as a dietary aide at Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls, Iowa, and was a student at Buena Vista College in Iowa Falls.
She is survived by her spouse, Randy Stubbe of Ackley; two children, Kenny (Jenny) Mulholland of Caledonia, Minn., and Michelle (Marvin) Lievano of Waukon, Iowa; four grandchildren, Anthony Kubitz and Teresa and Viviana Lievano of Waukon, and Annabelle Mulholland of Caledonia, Minn.; and five siblings, Leon “Mike” Kubitz and friend, Sarah Sisk of Lansing, Iowa, Lawrence “Joe” (Sandra) Kubitz of New Albin, Lyndon (Wendy) Kubitz of New Albin, Terrie (Randy) Roth of Coldwater, Mich., and Dawn (Mark) Tewes of Caledonia.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and one niece.
Margaret C. O’Kane
Margaret C. O’Kane, 86, of La Crosse died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare in La Crosse.
She was born on Jan. 3, 1921, in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Scotland, to John and Elizabeth Mills. She married George C. “Scotty” O’Kane on Feb. 26, 1946, in St. Ignatius Catholic Church in her hometown of Wishaw.
Margaret was an Army veteran of World War II, where she served as a gunner in an anti-aircraft battery. On her discharge from the Army she was employed as a cook at a military hospital near her hometown, where she met “Scotty” who was there recovering from burns received during the war. Margaret, with her husband and son, Peter, then 6-years-old, immigrated to the United States in 1953. A daughter, Elizabeth, was born in La Crosse in 1954, and all of the family became proud United States citizens in 1958.
Margaret was a member of the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 Auxiliary. For many years she helped flag graves of veterans at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse and assisted her husband with the updating of the memorial boards at Post 52. Margaret retired in 1986 after working for many years with the La Crosse School District as a school cook with the school food program, mostly at Longfellow School.
Margaret is survived by a son, Peter (Theresa) O’Kane; a daughter, Elizabeth Lee; three granddaughters, Shannon O’Kane, Megan (Brent) Diderrich and Clare Fegan; a great-granddaughter, Allyssa Fegan; and a sister, Joan Lindsay.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, George; and three sisters, Nellie, Carrie and Liz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Thursday, Nov. 15, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. The Rev. Lawrence B. Berger will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hearten House II, 2571 Seventh St. S., La Crosse. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.
Margaret will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.
Mabel M. Haar
CALEDONIA/EITZEN, Minn. Mabel Haar, 97, of Caledonia and formerly of Eitzen died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Eitzen. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home in Caledonia and 10 a.m. to services Wednesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Luke’s United Church of Christ or Gundersen Lutheran Hospice Program. A complete obituary will follow.
Larry E. Springer
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. Larry E. Springer, 62, of Black River Falls died Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, in his home under the care of Black River Hospice. Military services will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday at Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Family and friends may call from 6 p.m. to services Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to either Jackson County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Black River Hospice; or the American Cancer Society, Hope Lodge, Marshfield, Wis.
Ardes Iola Staven
SPRING GROVE, Minn. Ardes Iola Staven, 80, of Spring Grove passed away Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Roble Funeral Home in Spring Grove and 10 a.m. to services Thursday at the church.
Russell Grant Daines Sr.
LA FARGE, Wis. Russell Grant Daines Sr., 88, of South English, Iowa, and formerly of La Farge died Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, at English Valley Care Center in North English following a brief illness.
Russell was born Sept. 4, 1919, in Vernon County, Wis., to Bernard and Ona (Dyer) Daines and graduated from Hillsboro (Wis.) High School in 1939. He served in the U.S. Navy for five years in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. On Jan. 4, 1943, he married Mary Jean Brokaw in Seattle, Wash. The couple lived in Los Angeles and La Farge, where Russell farmed and worked as a journeyman plumber. Mary Jean preceded him in death in 1994 and for the last 12 years he has lived in South English with his special friend and companion, Helen Johnston.
Survivors include three sons, Michael (Darlene) Daines of Franksville, Wis., Russell (Sharon) Daines II of La Farge, and Steven (Arlene) Daines of La Farge; one daughter, Marianne (Robert) Bennett of Janesville, Wis.; 13 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one brother, Gyke “Denny” Daines; and companion, Helen Johnston, and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother, Duane Daines.
A service of remembrance was held Sunday, Nov. 11, at Valley Wesleyan Church with burial at Valley Cemetery, both in Valley, Wis.
Eugene Gene’ Berns
POSTVILLE, Iowa Eugene “Gene” Berns, 65, of Postville died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, at Veteran’s Memorial Hospital in Waukon, Iowa. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Postville. Burial will be in Smith Cemetery, rural Postville. Martine Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family with arrangements.
Correction
Mary J. Nicholson
Graveside services for Mary J. Nicholson will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at Hamilton Cemetery in West Salem, Wis. An incorrect day was listed in Monday’s Tribune.
Advertisement
