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

Published - Sunday, January 20, 2008

Obituaries for Sunday, January 20, 2008

By Tribune staff

Esther F. Bakke

WESTBY, Wis. — Esther F. Bakke, 94, of Westby died Jan. 18, 2008. She was born March 6, 1913, in the town of Christiana, Wis., to Peter and Caroline (Olson) Flugstad. She was baptized and confirmed in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where she was a lifetime member. She attended Westby High School, graduated Red Wing Seminary and the then La Crosse State Teachers College in the Rural Department.

She taught in the rural schools in Vernon County, Wis., for seven years. She married Victor Bakke on April 2, 1938, in Decorah, Iowa; and they made their home in Westby. She taught Sunday school for 20 years, seven as superintendent. She was active in the WELCA, the Hannah Circle and sang in the choir. She was church treasurer, financial secretary and parish office secretary for many years.

She was a den mother in the Cub Scout program for five years. She was a volunteer at the Senior Citizens Nutrition meal site. She was a member of Sons of Norway, former member of Norseland Auxiliary and the Westby Area Historical Society. She taught a few sessions of Norwegian evening classes at Westby and Viroqua, Wis., sponsored by Western Technical College.

Preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Caroline (Olson) Flugstad; her husband, Victor S. Bakke; her brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Marion Flugstad; and her sister-in-law, Marion Flugstad.

She is survived by two sons, Alan Victor and his wife, Kathy, and M. Russell and his wife Leslie; by six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Luther Flugstad; along with many very dear nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Westby. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate, with interment at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.

Ellen C. Banfield

WOODBRIDGE, N.J./LA CROSSE — Ellen C. Banfield died on Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, at Hillview Nursing Home in La Crosse. She was 85.

Born in Woodbridge, she resided there before moving to Jensen Beach, Fla., 10 years ago.

Mrs. Banfield was a graduate of Immaculata College in Immaculata, Pa., and was employed as a home economics teacher at the high school level with the Woodbridge Township Board of Education at Woodbridge High School and John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Iselin, N.J., for 35 years before retiring in 1984.

She was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church in Woodbridge and St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church in La Crosse.

Mrs. Banfield was predeceased by her husband, Francis E. Banfield, in 2005; a sister, Mary P. Connolly; and two brothers, Lawrence and Thomas Connolly.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Francis and Deborah Banfield of Wichita, Kan.; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary and David Morrison, MD, of La Crosse; nine grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, Katie, Andy, Michael and Thomas Banfield, and John, James and Antigone Morrison.

Funeral services will be at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Costello-Greiner Funeral home, 44 Green St., Woodbridge. A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Woodbridge. Interment will be in St. James Cemetery, Woodbridge. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 148 Grenville St., Woodbridge, NJ 07095 or to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, 1836 South Ave., La Crosse, WI 54601.

Helen E. Burfield

HOUSTON, Minn. — Helen E. Burfield, 87, of Houston was born to eternal life on Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, at the Valley View Nursing Home in Houston.

Helen was born Dec. 15, 1920, in Houston to Fred and Emma (Benson) Lind. She was raised and lived all of her life in the Houston area. She married Sidney Burfield in St. Paul, Minn., on Dec. 15, 1941. Helen was a member of the Houston Baptist Church and the Houston Baptist Mission Circle, the Iris Garden Club, and was active in 4-H. Helen was a longtime Red Cross blood donor and very proud of receiving her five gallon pin. She worked in the kitchen at Valley View Nursing Home for several years.

Helen enjoyed cooking and baking, sewing, gardening, the outdoors, watching the birds and animals, traveling, and most of all spending time with her family and dear friends. She endured much hospitalization and rehabilitation as a result of an auto accident in 1995, and throughout, always kept a positive attitude and never lost faith.

Helen is survived by one son, Charles (Marjorie) Lind of La Crescent, Minn.; four daughters, Edith (Charles) Wright of Dayton, Ohio, Sondra (Allen) Jacobs of St. Paul, Dawn Mason of Overland Park, Kan., and Carma Burfield of La Crosse; six grandchildren, Robin Mason, Danne’ (Doug) Kraft, Anthony (Lori) Jacobs, Kimberly Myhre, Marty Lind, and Matthew (Mary) Jacobs.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1983; one brother, Fredrick O. Lind who lost his life serving in World War II; one sister, Dorothy Unnasch; and one son-in-law, Keith Mason.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, at the Houston Baptist Church, with the Rev. Donald Range officiating. Burial will be in the Swede Bottom Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Hoff Funeral Homes Houston Chapel, and one hour prior to the funeral on Monday at the church.

The family would like to thank the staff and care givers at Valley View Nursing Home for all of their loving care.

Memorials are preferred to the Houston Baptist Church or to Valley View Nursing Home. Please feel free to sign the online guestbook, leave a memory of Helen and view her video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com.

Joy L. Elder

WESTBY, Wis. — Joy L. Elder, 95, of Westby died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, Wis.

She was born June 23, 1912, to Blaine and Josie (Edwards) Blakley. She graduated from Viola High School in 1931. Joy married Ted Elder on June 11, 1931, in Richland Center, Wis. They lived in Viola, Wis., and in 1974 they moved to Westby. Joy worked at the Tobacco Warehouse for 13 years and Nate’s Supper Club for 16 years. They also farmed for 25 years in the township of Jefferson, Wis. She was a member of the Westby United Methodist Church and the Westby Garden Club.

She is survived by one daughter, Lenore Heyer of Rockford, Ill.; six grandchildren, Steve Rasmussen, Kathy Rasmussen, Sandra Barnes, Mark Rasmussen, Ted Elder and Gary Elder; four great-grandchildren, Cory Rasmus-sen, Jessica Rasmussen, Brandon Barnes and Amber Elder; two great-great-grandchildren, Sophia Rasmussen and Blaine Elder; daughter-in-law, Barbara Elder; one sister, Joan (Stanley) Muller of Washington; and nieces and nephews.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Ted, on Jan. 19, 1989; two sons, Blaine in 1989, and Reece in 1999; one sister, Marjorie Hayward; and two brothers, Dale and Basil Blakely.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Westby United Methodist Church. Pastor George Shick will officiate, with burial in the Viola Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services Tuesday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.

vosseteigfuneralhomes.com.

The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.

Cecil D. Green

SPARTA, Wis. — Cecil D. Green, 85, of Sparta passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at the Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Center in Sparta. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Cataract Methodist Church, Cataract, Wis. The Rev. Benito S.P. Agtarap will officiate. Burial will be in the Cataract Cemetery with full military honors by VFW Post 2112. Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at, www.torkelsonfuneralhomes.com.

Minnie M. Hengstl

Minnie M. Hengstl, 95, of La Crosse died on Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, at the Bethany-St. Joseph Health Care Center in La Crosse. Funeral services are tentatively arranged for Wednesday and will be announced by Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse.

Robert L. Hoff

SPARTA, Wis. — Robert L. Hoff, 84, of Sparta died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Sparta. Arrangements will be announced later by the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta.

Ruth Elizabeth Itnyre

Ruth Elizabeth Itnyre, 93, of La Crosse died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, La Crosse.

She was born Nov. 23, 1914, in La Crosse to Gottleib and Clara (Kutzborsky) Kroner. On Dec. 21, 1945, she married Harold C. Itnyre in La Crosse. He preceded her in death on Sept. 10, 1992. Ruth was employed for Petroleum Products in La Crosse as a bookkeeper for many years. She also worked with her husband in his business, R&S Accounting Service.

Ruth is survived by her three sons, Steve (Sandi) Itnyre of Austin, Texas, Jan (Julie) Itnyre of Bowmansville, Penn., and James (Janet) Itnyre of Stoddard, Wis.; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband; she was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters; and two brothers.

In accordance to Ruth’s wishes, she will be cremated and a private family graveside will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Salvation Army or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse is in charge of the arrangements.

Duane Arden Iverson

VIROQUA, Wis. — Duane Arden Iverson, 60, of Viroqua died early Saturday morning, Jan. 19, 2008, at the Bethel Home, Viroqua, where he had been a resident since Oct. 30, 2007, fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on Oct. 21, 1947, in Viroqua to Oscar and Marion (Sagmoen) Iverson. Duane attended Viroqua Schools and graduated with the class of 1965. He then joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967 and was honorably discharged four years later. Duane worked at NCR for 35 years, retiring in December 2006. On Nov. 1, 1986, he married Ellen Fronk. They had one son before divorcing. Duane loved deer hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with his son.

Duane is survived by his son, Ronald Iverson, Viroqua; a sister-in-law; two nephews; a niece; aunts; uncle; cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Myron Iverson.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Viroqua. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Kathy Ingbritsen, with burial to follow in the Viroqua Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by Running-Johnson-ray VFW Post 3032 and the U.S. Air Force Honors Team. The family will greet relatives and friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua, with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m. led by Pastor Steven Fossum. The visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at church.

Suzanne T. Kuring

EASTMAN, Wis. — Suzanne T. Kuring (nee Townsend) of rural Eastman died Jan. 9, 2008, after a short but devastating illness and was laid to rest on Jan. 10, 2008.

She was born on March 24, 1939, in Oak Park, Ill. In the many years that the Lord granted her, Suzanne pursued a wide range of interests in work and hobbies. She was a horsewoman, a cattle wrangler, a scuba diver, a sports car rallyist, a philosopher, a medical technologist, a lifelong Girl Scout and Girl Scout leader, a dancer, a Bahai’, a sport fisherwoman and a Libertarian political activist.

Suzanne is survived by her loving husband, Mark Nurczyk; son, Timothy; two daughters, Janice (Franco) and Christina; six grandchildren, Amy, Sonja, Joseph, Nathaniel, Christian and Rosemary; and great-granddaughter, Jolie.

A ceremony to celebrate Suzanne’s life will be held at her daughter’s church, Calvary Apostolic Church, 1353 Charles St., La Crosse WI 54603, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9. For further information, please call (608) 734-3254.

Ronald ‘Whiskers’ Luebke

VIROQUA, Wis. — Ronald “Whiskers” Luebke, 61, died surrounded by his family in Viroqua on Friday, Jan. 11, 2008.

Ron was born Oct. 24, 1946, in Beloit, Wis., to Russell and Irene (Gregory) Luebke. He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1965. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Osmond, on Jan. 7, 1967; they celebrated 41 years of wedded bliss just prior to his passing. Ron retired from General Motors, Janesville, Wis., in 1999 after 34 years of service. As an avid fisherman and hunter, Ron spent endless hours enjoying the outdoors with good friends and family. Just a month prior, Ron was traipsing through the woods, turkey and deer hunting with his son. Considered a skilled craftsman throughout his life, Ron started wood carving after he retired, meriting several blue ribbons and “best of show” over the years at the Vernon County Fair. He will be missed by all.

“… Only a dad but he gives his all, To smooth the way for his children small, Doing with courage stern and grim, The deeds that his father did for him. This is the line that for him I pen: Only a dad, but the best of men.” (Edgar A. Guest, 1916)

Ron is survived by his wife, Joyce; his children, Ronald Jr. and Susan (Brett Johnston); sister and brother-in-law, Liane and Michael Piranio; father-in-law, Glen “Bud” Osmond; granddaughters, Kacie and Taylar; brother and sister-in-laws, Glen Jr. “Bud” and Joanne Osmond, Gary and Sue Osmond; many dear nieces and nephews, Joseph Piranio, Antonina (Gene Kamholz), Peter (Annette) Piranio, Michael Piranio, Chomedy Osmond, Glen (Sylwia) Osmond, Tasha (Mike Kelley), John (Laurel) Osmond, Geny (Matt Baker), Lucas Osmond and Sara Osmond; and extended family and friends.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Irene; mother-in-law, Mildred “Millie” Osmond; and niece, Becky Osmond.

A celebration of life event will be held from noon until 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Rotary Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville; www.rotary gardens.org. Please note that monetary gifts will be donated to the Vernon Memorial Hospice Program.

Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com

The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua, is serving the family.

Barbara J. Murphy

Barbara J. Murphy, 61, of La Crosse died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in her home. She was born in La Crosse on Jan. 17, 1947, to Lawrence and Lois (Ulvilden) Burch.

She is survived by her two sons, Richard Sr., and Donald, one daughter, Donna Crocker, all of La Crosse; five grandchildren; and her mother, Lois Burch. She is further survived by five sisters; and one brother.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her father; and one brother.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, La Crosse.

The Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

Rev. James Saunders

The Rev. James Saunders, 95, of La Crosse, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007, at Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility, La Crosse. A gathering of friends will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Faith and Life Center at Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility, 2575 S. Seventh St., La Crosse. Memorials may be given to the charity of choice. Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Knute Prieur Temte Jr.

ONALASKA, Wis./TAMPA, Fla., — Knute “Kip” Prieur Temte Jr., 50, passed away on Jan. 11, 2008, at his Tampa home. He had been employed at Time Inc., in Tampa.

He is survived by his parents, Knute and Carol Temte of Onalaska; sisters, Kathy (Larry) Schmitt of Onalaska, and Kristin (Len) Krug of Sylmar, Calif.; nephew, Nicholas (Ginger) Schmitt and their children, Hunter and Reyvn of Piedmont, S.C.; his niece, Kacy (Ben) Minnis of Eugene, Ore.; and his beloved dog, Shadow.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Mildred Foley of Palatka, Fla.; and Bill and Delphine Johnson of Onalaska.

Internment will be at the Onalaska Cemetery in a private ceremony.