William K. ‘Bill’ Hurd
LA CROSSE/SHELL LAKE, Wis. — William K. “Bill” Hurd, 85, of La Crosse and formerly of Shell Lake died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse.
Bill was born May 23, 1922, in Minneapolis to Dr. Wilson and Annie (Kaun) Hurd. After graduating in 1939 from Barnevald High School in Barnevald, Wis., he earned his apprenticeship as a tool & die maker at Fairbanks-Morse in Beloit, Wis.
Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on a LST in the Philippines from 1944 to 1945. He returned home to Shell Lake, where he owned the Standard Oil Station and also worked at the local Post Office. On Oct. 14, 1950, he married Elaine Reinhart in Beloit, Wis. Bill and Elaine lived in Beloit, Eau Claire, Wis., and Onalaska, Wis., before settling in La Crosse.
Bill was employed with Trane Co. and after working 34 years in the tool room, he retired in 1987.
Bill was a union representative of Local Lodge 1115 Machinists Union for many years while working at Trane Co. He was a member of the Shell Lake American Legion Post 225. Bill enjoyed gardening, reading and spending time at Shell Lake with his family and friends. His favorite moments were those spent with his children and grandchildren. In later years, he truly enjoyed visits from his great-grandson, Hunter.
Bill is survived by his wife, Elaine Hurd of La Crosse; one daughter, Janean (Michael) Lang of La Crosse; one son, Scott (Connie) Hurd of Tomah, Wis.; three grandchildren, Melissa (Phil) Hess, Cory (Carla Fitzpatrick) Lang, and Benjamin Hurd; a great-grandson, Hunter Hess; and by two cousins, Jerry and Calvin Chopp, formerly of Shell Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, at Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. The Rev Don Iliff will officiate. Burial will be in Shell Lake at a later date. Friends may call from 12:30 p.m. until the the time of service Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Coulee Region Humane Society or to the donor’s choice. Bill’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Hillview for the care and concern shown to him these last few years.
Milford Orland Thompson
VIROQUA, Wis. — Milford Orland Thompson, 84, of 401 Sherry Lane, Viroqua, died peacefully surrounded by family at the Vernon Manor Nursing Home on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, where he had been a resident since Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008.
He was born at rural Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, on April 24, 1923, to Olaf and Minnie (Mickelson) Thompson. He was baptized at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Decorah, and confirmed at North Kickapoo Lutheran Church at rural Soldiers Grove, Wis. On May 26, 1951, he married Merle Taylor at the Lutheran parsonage in West Prairie, rural Viroqua. They farmed in the town of Harmony in Vernon County, and he also worked at Trane Co. in La Crosse as a machinist for 35 years, retiring in 1986. They moved to Viroqua in 1971. He loved his family and was very proud of them. He enjoyed spending time with them. He was a member of Trane Co. Lodge No. 21, the 25 Year Club and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua.
Milford is survived by his wife, Merle of Viroqua; three sons, James (Patricia) Thomp-son of Sauk City, Wis., David Thompson and special friend, Audrey Henricks, of Viroqua, Curtis (Ellen) Thompson of Bangor, Wis.; four grandchildren, Michele (Bret) Halvorson of Viroqua, Kristen Thompson of Prairie du Sac, Wis., Christian and Leslie Thompson of Bangor; one great-granddaughter, Katelyn Ann Halvorson; two sisters, Helen (Marvin) Lee of Westby, Wis., Ruth (Paul) Skrede of Beloit, Wis.; two brothers, Alvin (Elaura) Thompson of La Crosse and Paul (June) Thompson of Fort Atkinson, Wis.; other relatives; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Mildred Sanwick Bober and Lillian (Richared) Nelson; and three brothers-in-law, Alvin Sanwick, Walter Bober, and Richard Nelson.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua, with Pastor Kathy Ingbritsen officiating. Burial will be in Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 until 7 p.m. Monday at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua, where there will be a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church. The family suggests memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Guriqbal Singh Grewal
SPARTA, Wis. — Guriqbal Singh Grewal, 76, of Sparta died unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, while vacationing with his wife in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sigh was born on July 15, 1931, in the village of Naranqwal, state of Punjab, India, to Chetan Singh and Harmail Kaur Grewal. He received his early education and bachelor’s degree in India. Singh came to the United States to attend Texas A&M University in 1952 for a Master’s degree in Agriculture. He did doctoral studies in Agriculture Management at the University of WI-Madison. Singh changed career paths and received his education degree from Marquette University.
Singh married Marilyn Vinson in 1960. Together they had three sons and lated divorced.
They moved to Sparta in 1961 to accept a temporary teaching position at Sparta High School and Singh stayed to teach economics, business, biology, and math for 33 years, retiring in 1994.
Singh married Marie (Hoff) Finstad on June 26, 1982. They celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2007. Marie brought her own three children to their blended family of six children. Singh reigned as head coach of the Sparta Boys Golf team for 36 years. Upon his 2004 retirement as coach he was honored as “Wisconsin State Boys Golf Coach of the Year.”
Singh’s involvement in the community included serving on local civic committees, was a member of the Ambassadors, Sparta Rotary Club, and the Wisconsin State Golf Coaches Association. He was a dedicated supporter of all Sparta High School athletics.
Singh was also an independent businessman operating The Party Post liquor store in Sparta, Silk Plants Etc. in Madison and also a rattan import business in Sparta.
In his retirement Singh became more involved in his family business Upper India Steel serving on the board of directors. This necessitated trips to India as often as twice a year. Singh and Marie built a second home in Ludihana, India, where they enjoyed their long visits. Singh and Marie enjoyed traveling and went on multiple trips each year.
Singh was preceded in death by his parents; his elder brother, Indermohan Singh Grewal; and a stepson, Jason Finstad.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie Grewal of Sparta; sons, Rajindar (Julie) of Elgin, Ill., Ranjit (Theresa) of Brooklyn, N.Y., Surrindar (Karen) of Elgin; stepdaughters, Krista (Paul) Hanson of St. Paul, Minn., and Anje (Kevin) Schmitz of Sparta. He was a loving and devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Surjit Singh and Dr. Rummy Grewal; a sister, Prithpal Kaur Guron and sister-in-law, Satinder Kaur Grewal; many cousins; nieces; and nephews; in India, England and Canada.
Singh touched many lives as a teacher, mentor, friend and coach. To his family he gave the world and will be greatly missed.
Celebration of Life service will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta. Family burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta. Friends may call from 4 until 7 p.m. today at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home and from 2:30 p.m. until the time of services Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.lanham-miller.com
Memorials will go towards an academic scholarship for a Sparta student golfer.
Edmund Deloin Virock
HOUSTON, Minn. — Edmund Deloin Virock, 70, of Houston died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
Ed was born Jan. 5, 1938, in La Crosse to Deloin and Adeline (Norton) Virock. He served his country in the US Navy from 1956 until 1960. Ed married Janice Todd and they later divorced. He worked for John Deere Co. of Waterloo, Iowa, for many years, retiring from John Deere in 1992. Ed loved hunting, fishing, boating, bowling, playing pool and pinnacle.
He is survived by two children, Tesha Hardy of Houston, and Darin Virock of Fredericksburg, Iowa; four grandchildren, Zach, Mitch, Brok and Justin Tyler; four brothers, Terry (Joan) Virock of Houston, Jacob (Tere) Virock of Winona, Minn., Scott (Cindy) Virock of Winona, and Shawn (Teri) Virock of Brownsville, Minn.; two sisters, Marcy (Tom) Zemanko of Shakopee, Minn., and Nancy Mathews of Houston. Further survivors include several nieces and nephews; and very good friends, Ozzie Twite and Kathy Rogich of Caledonia.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, with the Rev. Louise Stromberg officiating. Burial of Ed’s cremated body will follow in Silver Creek Cemetery, rural Houston. Friends may call from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday at Hoff Funeral Home, Houston. They may also call on before services at the church.
Please share a memory of Ed or view his online tribute video at www.hofffuneral.com.
Paul W. Gade Sr.
EITZEN, Minn. — Paul W. Gade Sr., 79, of Eitzen passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, while vacationing in South Padre Island, Texas.
He was born July 20, 1928, in New Albin, Iowa, to William H. and Martha Anna (Meyer) Gade. Paul was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Church, Wheatland, rural New Albin, Iowa. He completed eight grades in country school and graduated from high school in New Albin. On Aug. 20, 1953, Paul married Arlene Sarah Beneke. Together they farmed their home farms in Jefferson Township, Houston County, Minn., his entire life. Paul was a member of St. John’s UCC Wheatland, where he served several terms on the church council. He also served as Houston County fire warden for 40 years and he was a member of the Eitzen Lions Club for many years. Paul enjoyed traveling to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and all over the United States.
Survivors include his wife, Arlene of Eitzen, Minn.; five children, Paul (Julie) Gade, Jr., of Fountain, Minn., Marilyn Weis and Diane Leppert, both of Rochester, Minn., Bill (Tammie) Gade of Dallas, Texas, and Dan (Jeanne) Gade of Caledonia, Minn.; nine grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Esther (Merlin) Reinke of Eitzen; two sisters-in-law, Iona Novak and Kathryn (Wayne) Bailey, both of Caledonia, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and an older sister, Ruth (Kenneth) Pearce.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Wheatland, rural New Albin, Iowa. The Rev. Paul Burgess will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday at Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, 518 W. Main St., Caledonia, Minn., and from 1 p.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church.
Laura L. Thompson
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Laura L. Thompson, 90, of Black River Falls died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Black River Memorial Hospital in Black River Falls.
She was born Aug. 3, 1917, in Mormon Coulee in La Crosse County to Louis and Ida (Dengel) Kunert. She was baptized and confirmed at the United Church of Christ, also in La Crosse County. On May 11, 1940, she was united in marriage to Rollin Nortman at the same church. The couple then settled in Black River Falls. Rollin preceded her in death on April 20, 1960. She was later united in marriage to Manfred Thompson on Aug. 15, 1970, in Black River Falls. Manfred died on Oct. 27, 1992.
During her life she worked mostly in the medical field as a nurses aid, with over 26 years at the Krohn Clinic and then finishing her career at the Black River Memorial Hospital. She volunteered at the Pine View Care Center for many years after her retirement.
She was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River and a member of the Sewing Circle. Laura lived the last 13 years of her life at the River Grove Apartments, where she attended her Bible Study Group. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and being able to bake for them, particularly cookies, around Christmas.
She is survived by her children, Kay (Gerald) Paar, Carol (Duane) Hanson and Fred Nortman, all of Black River Falls; three sisters, Louise Helke of Coal Valley, Ill., Freida Schultz of Mishawaka, Ind., Dorothy (Edward) Weiland of La Crosse; a brother, Albert (Violet) Kunert of La Crosse; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other nieces; nephews; relatives; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; one brother, Carl Kunert; a sister, Irma Williams; and one grandson, Jason.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 6, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls. Relatives and friends are invited for visitation from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Buswell Funeral Home in Black River Falls. Visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. The Buswell Funeral Home (www.buswellfuneralhome.com) will be assisting the family with arrangements.
The family prefers memorials to be giving Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Marvin L. Jerome
BANGOR, Wis. — Marvin L. Jerome, 80, of Bangor was peacefully called home on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, surrounded by his family at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
He was born, Oct. 6, 1927, in Burns Valley to Maynard and Dorothy (Baker) Jerome. On Oct. 4, 1946, he married Joy Dvorak in La Crosse. Marv worked for Floyd Jones from December 1946 until his retirement in 1996. He and his wife moved to Bangor in the summer of 1991. Upon retirement, Marv stayed busy mowing lawn, making deer plaques, and woodworking in his shop. He also had a love for fishing, taking a road trip (to Leon, Wis., and beyond) and reading every newspaper he could get his hands on. When Marv eventually slowed down, he would sit for hours with his dog, Buddy, watching traffic and the grass grow from the swing in the back yard. Before his larynx surgery, Marv played the harmonica for many years. Even though Marv talked with a voice box, he always had a sense of humor. His sense of style never changed either. If it was bib overalls and cap, it was perfect. Marv was a fan of old time country music and loved to dance, especially the polka.
Survivors include his wife, Joy; nine children, Sue Pipkin (Vern Sanders), Scott (Connie) Jerome and Dawn (LaVern) Erickson, all of Sparta, Wis., Doug (Renee) Jerome of Rockland, Wis., Steve Jerome (Kathy Jerome), Gale Jerome (Julie Warner), and Vicky (Wayne) Shelmidine, all of Bangor, Sharon (Ray) Bashaw of La Crosse, and Penny Nordstrom of Onalaska, Wis.; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; six brothers, Raymond (Eleanor), Harlan (Jane), Roger (Ruthie), Maynard (Karen), Sidney (Karen), and David (Margaret); four sisters, Dorothy (Manley) Christianson, Delores (Larry) Adams, Ruby Culpit, and Betty Graack; three sisters-in-law, Renee (Dave) Turnbaugh, Darlene (Del) Kincaid, and Jackie (Roger) Olson; special friends, John and Linda Kneifl and Mary Jerome; many nieces and nephews; and his dog, Buddy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Kevin Jerome; a son-in-law, Ron Nordstrom; and three brothers-in-law.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, at First Presbyterian Church of Bangor, 1612 Pearl St. The Rev. Cindy Arndt will officiate. Burial will be in Burns Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church of Bangor, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Jandt Funeral Home, Bangor, is in charge of arrangements.
Richard John Bulawa
ETTRICK, Wis. — Richard John Bulawa, of Ettrick died on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2008, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center at the age of 70. He was born at the Belmont Hospital in Chicago on Dec. 6, 1937, to Edwin and Elizabeth (La Bud) Bulawa. Richard was a kind and loving man who cared about life and everything in it. He loved animals, fishing and the outdoors. He touched so many hearts over the years and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Richard taught science and math in Independence, Trempealeau and Wauzeka, Wis., (high school and middle school) until 1987 when he retired and moved to North Port, Fla. He then worked at Ardaman Associates as a soil technician. In 2004, he retired and moved to Ettrick with his wife, Leone.
Richard is survived by his wife, Leone; his son, Ed (Sharon) of Alaska; son, Bill (Julie) of Prairie du Chien, Wis.; daughter, Linda (Bruce) Klim of Alaska; son, Paul (Sharon) of Alaska; stepson, Mike (Janice) Moppin of Rhode Island; stepdaughter, Cindy (Terry) Mason of Blair, Wis.; stepdaughter, Lori (Dale) Jones of Arena, Wis.; stepdaughter, Kim Zubik of Rochester, Minn.; and stepson, Rich (Crystal) Moppin of Florida; a sister, Jenny Sparks of Arlington Heights, Ill.; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
As per Richard’s request there will not be a formal service, instead a private family gathering will be conducted at a later date.
Any condolences should be sent to Leone Bulawa at 22900 North Pine St. Apt. 2, Ettrick, WI 54627 and would be greatly appreciated. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Bernice L. Klein
LA CRESCENT/CALEDONIA, Minn. — Bernice L. Klein, 83, formerly of Caledonia and La Crescent, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at Laurel Manor, Onalaska, Wis.
She was born Nov. 1, 1924, in Sheldon Township, Houston County, Minn., to Otto and Levi (Roble) Pieper. Bernice married Walter A. Klein on June 12, 1946. Together they worked the family farm on Hwy. 44 near Hokah, Minn., for many years. Later Bernice began her career as an interior decorator, first for Doerflingers and then for Ross Furniture until she retired. After selling the farm, Bernice moved to La Crescent where she made many new friends and enjoyed her retirement. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards, gardening, sewing and making crafts. Bernice had been a member of the Loveless-Eikens American Legion Post No. 191 of Caledonia and her local Homemakers group. She was currently a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Onalaska.
She is survived by her two daughters, Andrea (Tom) Rosenow of Onalaska and Sheri Klein (Ron Buisman) of West Salem, Wis.; her son, Arthur (Dianne) Klein of Cedar Falls, Iowa; four grandsons, Brian and Eric (Jackie) Stedman, Scott (Stephanie) Klein and Bradley Klein; two great-grandsons, Draven and Zechaiah Stedman; her brother, Donald (Carol) Pieper of La Crosse; and many nieces and nephews. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, in 1989; her parents; and two brothers, Gerhard and Telmer.
Funeral services will be Monday, March 3, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. The Rev. Jon Wolff will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Cale-donia. Friends may call at Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, 518 W. Main St., Caledonia, today from 2 to 4 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Donald V. Peterson
WEST SALEM, Wis. — Donald V. Peterson, 75, of West Salem passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at Mulder Health Care Facility, West Salem.
He was born July 29, 1932, in Caledonia, Minn., to Oscar and Lydia (Ranzenberger) Peterson. Donald was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Caledonia, Minn. He was a 1952 graduate of Caledonia High School and later attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before joining the United States Army and becoming a Korean War veteran.
He was united in marriage to Marlyn Ann McMullen on May 18, 1957, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crosse, and last spring they celebrated their golden anniversary.
Donald was employed at Trane Co./American Standard for 42 years, retiring from Plant 6 on May 1, 1993. He was a lifelong member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of West Salem, where he had been involved with the Boy Pioneers and enjoyed grilling chicken for the church dinners. He was also a member of Berg-Hemker-Olson American Legion Post 51 of West Salem for over 50 years and the Trane Co. 25 Year Club.
Donald had many interests throughout his lifetime. He was an avid collector of model cars, new and old, and while visiting with people he always remembered their names and the kind of car that they drove. Donald loved to dance the jitterbug in his younger days, spending many weekends at the Avalon Ballroom in La Crosse. His retirement was enjoyed traveling with Glenn’s Motor Coach Tours, keeping informed on events through his love of reading and being a mall-walker prior to suffering an earlier stroke. Even after he was unable to walk on his own he enjoyed coffee and conversation with the monthly breakfast group. He also enjoyed spending recent summers at Lake Neshonoc riding his golf cart and visiting with everyone he met and cherishing the time spent with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his devoted partner in life, Marlyn; two sons, Jeffrey of Upper Marlboro, Md., Steven (Naomi) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one daughter, Julie (Jay) Gerondale of Newbury Park, Calif.; two grandchildren, Madisyn and Zachary Gerondale; and one niece and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gale; and many aunts; uncles; and cousins.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 500 Park St., West Salem. Pastor Joel Stuebs will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors by the West Salem American Legion Post 51 and the U.S. Military Funeral Honors Program. Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. on Monday at Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home, 121 N. Youlon St., West Salem, and from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be given to Christ Ev. Lutheran Church Building Fund and Gundersen Lutheran Heart Institute.
Our sincere appreciation to Dr. David Momont of Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center for his continual and compassionate care, the staff of Mulders Health Care Facility of West Salem and the many invaluable friends and neighbors.
“His body may have failed, but his heart and spirit will forever remain strong in us!”
Charles E. Seeley
LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Charles E. Seeley, 96, of La Crescent died on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, at Golden Living Center in La Crescent. He was born on March 17, 1911, in Stanley, Wis., to Charles and Bertha (Raukenstein) Seeley. He married Signe T. Sorenson, and she preceded him in death. Charles served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked as a clerk for the railroad for many years. He was very involved in his church while living in Fridley, Minn.
Charles is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Hutzenbuehler of La Crosse; four grandchildren, David (Laurel) Hutzenbuehler, Daniel (Diane) Hutzenbuehler, Diane (Steve) Schulz and Dawn (Steve) Dull; 13 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great grandchildren; and one brother, Hank (Millie) Seeley of Wyoming, Minn.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Dennis Hutzenbuehler; a great-grand-daughter, Angela Peterson; two sisters; and one brother.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pastor Donald Iliff will officiate. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of
La Crosse is assisting the family.
Gerald B. Hoskins
FRIDLEY, Minn. — Gerald B. Hoskins, 90, of Fridley began his walk with God into eternal life Feb. 16, 2008. He was born in Fort Atkinson, Wis., on Dec. 23, 1917, to William B. Hoskins and Rose F. (Kraemer) Hoskins. He graduated from Topeka (Kansas) Catholic High School.
On Oct. 3, 1939, he married Irene Pitz at St. Wenceslaus Church in La Crosse. A veteran of World War II, he was a member of the Marine Corp. In 1952, the family moved to Minnea-polis, where he worked at Honeywell for 25 years as a design draftsman. After retirement, he and his wife moved to a mountain home in Bozeman, Mont., where they enjoyed all of the beauty of that area. When they returned to Minnesota, they resided in Coon Rapids before moving to Fridley.
A dedicated Catholic, the Mass was an integral part of his daily life. Even as an adult, he would assist as a Mass server if called upon.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Irene; four daughters, Maureen, Patricia, Jennifer and Cindy; and one son, Gary; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Zirkel of Tempe, Ariz.; one sister-in-law, Helen Hoskins of La Crosse; several cousins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Gerald in death were his parents; and a brother, Bill.
Funeral services were held Feb. 20 at St. William’s Church in Fridley, with the Rev. Joseph Whalen officiating, and burial at Epiphany Cemetery in Coon Rapids. Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home assisted the family. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah, Minn., at a later date.
Shirley A. Bacon
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Shirley A. Bacon, 71, of Eau Claire and formerly of Burnsville, Minn., died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at Clairemont Nursing Home in Eau Claire.
She was born in rural Westby, Wis., on Sept. 13, 1936, the daughter of Leif Jothen and Clara (Bekkedal) Jothen Aspenson. She graduated from Cashton High School with the class of 1954.
Shirley married Robert W. Bacon in Nashua, Iowa, on Oct. 13, 1972. She worked 10 years in Madison as a secretary for the American Automobile Association, and after moving to Burnsville, continued working for them another 20 years.
Shirley’s interests included music, sports, fishing and yearly Ranger reunions with her husband, Robert, who was a World War II veteran. She was a member of Lutheran Church of the Ascension and was active in the church choir.
Shirley is survived by her brother, David (Cheryl) Jothen of Eau Claire; nephew, Michael (Summer) Jothen of Burnsville, and their son, James Leif Jothen; and aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; and her stepfather, Gerald Aspenson.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 1801 East Cliff Road, Burnsville, with the Rev. Don Mulfinger officiating. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services, Eau Claire, is serving her family.
To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com.
Ivan D. Smith
Ivan D. Smith, 60, of La Crosse died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Private family services will be held. Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.
Clarence Furaas
VIROQUA, Wis. — Clarence Furaas, 93, of Viroqua went to meet his Lord on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.
He was born on Nov. 6, 1914, in Crawford County to Ole and Brita (Eide) Furaas.
He retired from farming and moved in with his sister in Viroqua. For the past two years he had lived at Park View Manor and enjoyed the company and watching sports on television.
He is survived by his daughter, Clarice (Selmer) Rudser of Viroqua; two grandsons, Bryan (Kristine) Rudser of Janesville, Wis., Brent (Anne) Rudser, Minnetonka, Minn.; four great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Ashley Rudser of Janesville, Andrew and Peter Rudser of Minnetonka; one sister, Carrie Evans of Freeport, Ill.; nieces, Gael (Nigel) Crouch, New Cannon, Conn., and Jean (Terrance) Reilly of El Cajon, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Olga Furaas and Mabel Furaas; infant brother, Peder Furaas; and one nephew, Richard Evans.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. The Rev. Lindsay Paul Jordan and the Rev. Margaret Eiben Hoversten will officiate, with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 until the time of service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com
Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.
Norman M. Ravnum
BLACK RIVER FALLS/LYNDON STATION, Wis. — Norman M. Ravnum, 92, of Lyndon Station and formerly of Black River Falls died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, in the Reedsburg Area Medical Center.
Norm was born in the Glasgow Community of Trempealeau County on March 20, 1915, to Alfred and Julia (Scarseth) Ravnum. He graduated from Gale College in Galesville, Wis., in 1932. He worked for five years at the former Gilbertson Myre Department Store in Galesville, Wis., and then he served as a trainee for the F. W. Woolworth Co. for four years.
He served in the Army during World War II, and he attained the rank of master sergeant. He served throughout the South Pacific and Australia. He was involved in the logistics for the invasion of Japan. After returning home from the war, he was employed in the drafting department at the Trane Co.
Norm married Doris E. Wolf on Nov. 15, 1945, in Bangor, Wis. The couple purchased the Ben Franklin Store in Black River Falls, and they operated the business for 40 years.
Norm was a member of the Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church. He taught Sunday School for several years, and he served on the church council. He was a member of the Miles Hagen American Legion Post 200 and the VFW Post 1959.
He was past president and a member of the Rotary Club for 50 years. Norm served on the city council for eight years. He was a past Boy Scout leader, and he was past president of the Chamber of Commerce.
When he was younger, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He liked to do woodworking and wood carving. He enjoyed flowers, and he loved to go boating, especially on the Mississippi River. He and Doris both loved to travel.
They moved to Lyndon Station in 2005. They were members of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. For the last four years of his life, Norm enjoyed watching nature shows on TV.
Surviving are his daughter Susan (David) Stefan, Lyndon Station; his son, John (Geri) Ravnum, Cumberland Gap, Tenn,; his five grandchildren, Troy (Kim) Stefan, Trever (Rynae) Stefan, Melissa (Tom) Kirby, Megan Niesen, and Stephanie (Jose) Rios; 11 great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Chuck Niesen, Waukesha, Wi.; two sisters, Verna Severson, Holmen, Wis., and Lillian (Elmer) Grassman, La Crosse, a sister-in-law, Lois Ravnum, Melrose, Wis.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris on Dec. 15, 2007; a daughter, Jane Niesen; a great-granddaughter, Whitney; a brother, Earl Ravnum; and a sister, Evelyn Stellick.
Funeral services for Norman M. Ravnum were held on Friday, Feb. 29, at Torgerson’s Funeral Home (715-284-4321) 408 N. Water St., Black River Falls. Pastor Robert Benson officiated, and burial with military honors was in Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls.
Pallbearers will be Troy and Trever Stefan, George Wolf, Steve Ravnum, Dan Byom, and Tom Kirby.
The family prefers memorial be given to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 377 Roger St., Lyndon Station, WI 53944.
Imelda H. Stokes Konetchy
Imelda H. Stokes Konetchy, 80, of La Crosse died on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at the Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility.
She was born in Cashton, Wis., to Gust and Clara (Silha) Bushek on July 31, 1927. She married John E. Stokes Jr. on Aug. 21, 1948, in La Crosse, and he preceded her in death on May 8, 1982. Imelda married George Konetchy in La Crosse on April 30, 1995.
Imelda is fondly remembered for her 26 years of service providing homemade hot lunches as head cook at Blessed Sacrament Parish School, Baus Catering and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She touched many lives with her talent for baking and her kindness of sharing her delicious dishes with her family and friends. Mom loved her family and friends and was very dedicated. She had a great appreciation of music and loved to dance.
In addition to her husband, George; she is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Allan) Lesky of La Crosse; three sons, John E. (Leanne) Stokes III, of Onalaska, Wis., David M. (Mary Jo) Stokes of La Crosse and Thomas J. (Lea) Stokes of DeForest, Wis.; one step-daughter, Denise (Dennis Rovetto) Konetchy of Troy, Idaho; two stepsons, Steven (Nina) Konetchy of Cedar Park, Texas, and Kenneth (Sonya) Konetchy of Arlington, Wash.; 10 grandchildren, Amanda (Christopher) Ingalls, Lyn (Brian) Michels, Kristine (Brenden) Wiltjer, Angela (Bradley) Neuville, Jennifer (Joe) Olinger, Benjamin (Grace) Stokes, Andrew (Jodi) Stokes, Adam, Elliot and Madeline Stokes; as well as many step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, Carson, Owen, Ella, Hannah, Megan and Zoey; one sister, Leona Elsen of Middle Ridge, Wis.; as well as many in-laws.
In addition to her parents; and first husband, John, she was preceded in death by a great-grandchild; one sister, Mary Ann Skaar; two brothers, Clarence and Cletus Bushek; and two stepdaughters, Beth Konetchy and Dawn Cardoza.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, St. Thomas More Catholic Church,
La Crosse. The Rev. David Kunz will officiate. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Bethany Lutheran Homes, Lighthouse for their compassionate care of Mom.
Kathryn Ann Terpstra
APPLETON, Wis. — Kathryn Ann Terpstra, 66, of Appleton and formerly of La Crosse died on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. Funeral services tentatively planned for Wednesday, March 5, will be announced by Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse.
Wallace Howard Olson
TUCSON, Ariz. — Wallace Howard Olson, 76, of Tucson went to be with his Lord Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, with his beloved wife Isabelle of 54 years by his side.
Wallace was born May 19, 1931, in Lanesboro, Minn., to Theodore and Myrtle Olson. Wallace attended schools in Whalen, Minn., and Lanesboro. He married Isabelle Paula Meister on Jan. 30, 1952. Wallace worked for Warner and Sweazy and was a theater manager for many years in Winona, Minn.
Wallace and Isabelle moved to Tucson in 1975. Wallace was a past president of the Care Free Village Club. He had a very positive attitude of life and enjoyed being around his friends and giving them a hard time. He made the best out of life no matter what came his way. He enjoyed listening and watching country music. George Strait was number one.
Survivors include his wife, Isabelle, Tucson; one son, W. Greggory Olson (and his friend Kris Rosolock and her son, Alex) of Stewartville, Minn.; two grandchildren, Aren and Kristofer Olson, Winona; one brother, Harris (Joyce) Olson, Byron, Minn.; two sisters, Eunice (Richard) Hepfel, La Crosse, and Marcella (Gordon) Nelson, Houston, Minn.
He was preceded by his parents; three brother, Truman, Paul and Curtis Olson; and three sisters, Judith Boehmke, Mavis Olson and Julia Coulson.
Arrangements were made by Desert Rose Cremation and Burial, Tucson. Blessed be his memory.
Debra Buhr
HOLMEN, Wis. — Debra Buhr, 51, died in her home on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Funeral arrangements are tentative for Wednesday in the Holmen Lutheran Church with visitation on Tuesday in the Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 515 McHugh Road, in Holmen. A complete obituary will be provided for Monday’s La Crosse Tribune.
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