Jerome ‘Jerry’ Blaha
INDEPENDENCE, Wis. — Jerome “Jerry” Blaha passed away peacefully at his home in his favorite chair on Saturday, April 5, 2008.
Jerry was born Aug. 14, 1927, in the Town of Hale, Trempealeau County, Wis., to Emil and Helen (Matchey) Blaha. He married Dora Jean Lokken on Nov. 28, 1953, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
Jerry spent the first few years of his life in the Elk Creek area. He then moved to the city of Independence where he lived until he was 12 years old. In the early 1940s, he moved to the farm in rural Whitehall, Wis., in the town of Lincoln, Wis., where he farmed with his parents. In 1946, Jerry graduated from Independence High School. He worked on the farm and for the railroad. Jerry then began his career as a heavy equipment operator for the town of Lincoln. He then worked for Neuheisel’s Lime Quarry as a shovel operator in Mondovi, Wis., for several years. During this time he relocated to Mondovi for a year to be closer to work. They then moved back to rural Independence. Jerry began working for L. G. Arnold Construction, of Eau Claire, Wis., and helped with the construction of Highway 53 between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wis. Jerry also helped in the construction of Losey Boulevard in La Crosse. In 1956, Jerry went to work for the Trempealeau County Highway Department as a bulldozer operator. Jerry loved working as a heavy equipment operator and being outside. His career as construction foreman, bridge inspector, surveyor and managing signs for the county ran a full 35 years.
Jerry served on the school board for Lincoln School, SS. Peter and Paul Parish Council and the Labor Union Board. He was elected to the Trempealeau County Board of Supervisors. He served as a CWAG delegate for several years and also on the Trempealeau County Zoning Board.
Besides working as a heavy equipment operator, he owned and operated a farm in rural Independence. After retirement, Jerry spent a lot of time in the woods with his John Deere tractor cutting wood for the outdoor furnace. Even though he was afflicted with many health problems, he never stopped trying. Very few days went by when he didn’t spend some time on one of his tractors or up on the hill in the woods.
Jerry treasured his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and godchildren. Jerry was a very quite, private man who was a very good judge of character, enjoyed his friends and family and was a faithful member of SS. Peter and Paul Parish all his life. He was a rare man who always believed that your word is your bond and maintained that throughout his life and instilled this theory into his children, along with his strong work ethic.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Dora Jean (Lokken) Blaha of Independence; four children, Michael and Julie (Kulig) Blaha, Mark and Kelly (Smith) Blaha, David and Linda (Hughes) Blaha, all of Whitehall, and Debra (Blaha) and Dennis Bork of Independence; nine grandchildren, Mitchell (Tina), Jonathon, Joshua, Jacob, Cody, Jared and Kayley Blaha and Jeri Lynn and Michelle Bork; four great-grandchildren, Dustyn, Cody, Bailey and Chase Blaha; a brother, Everett and Eunice Blaha of Independence.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and a nephew, Robert Blaha.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. Douglas C. Robertson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, with a prayer service and rosary at 7:30 p.m., and 8 until 10 a.m. Wednesday at Edison Funeral Home, Independence.
Jerry will be truly missed and will remain in our hearts, minds and wonderful memories until we all meet again.
Edith C. Christopherson
SPARTA, Wis. — Edith C. Christopher-son, 95, of Sparta died Saturday, April 5, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. She was born Feb. 24, 1913, at home in Sparta to Emmett and Mathilda (Selke) Cole. She grew up in the Sparta area and graduated from Sparta High School.
Edith married Edwin Christopherson on Aug. 20, 1935, in Sparta. She worked at Schultz Brothers Dime Store and JCPenny until her retirement in 1976. Edith and Edwin enjoyed their trip to Norway to visit his father’s birthplace. She also enjoyed fishing, berry picking, crossword puzzles, cross stitch, reading and bird watching.
Edith is survived by her two daughters, Judith Christopher-son of La Crosse and Nancy (Paul) Oswald of Sparta; special grandson, Jared (Becky) Oswald of Sparta; and two great-granddaughters, Hayley and Libby Oswald.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 72 years, Edwin, on Nov. 22, 2007; and a brother, Harold.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta, with the Rev. Matthew E. Toso officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sparta. Family and friends may call from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, and at the church Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of services. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta, Gundersen Lutheran Hospice and Morrow Memorial Home Park View Apartments. Online condolences may be offered at www.lanham-miller.com
The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Sylvina A. Clipper
BLAIR, Wis. — Sylvina A. Clipper, 86, of Blair died on Saturday, April 5, 2008, in the Tri-County Memorial Hospital in Whitehall, Wis. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. April 16, in the First Lutheran Church in Blair. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service in Wednesday. Burial will be in the Rest Haven cemetery in Blair. The Jack Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements
Berniece ‘Bea’ Bayman Dietz
STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — Berniece “Bea” Bayman Dietz, 87, of Stone Mountain died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, after a short illness.
A memorial service will be Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m. at English Lutheran Church, 1509 King St., La Crosse.
She is survived by her son, James (Lou Ann) Dietz of Silver Spring, Md.; her daughter, Linda (Douglas) Fredlund of Cambridge, Minn.; her daughter, Susan (Rian Emrick) Dietz of Stone Mountain; a sister, Patricia (Elvin) DeWitt of Three Rivers, Mich.; a cousin, Hannah Marrs of North Manchester, Ind.; a sister-in-law, Lois Maschoff of Milwaukee; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Paul Dietz; parents; brother, Lewis Bayman; and sisters, Kathryn Gallagher and Geneva Hollinger.
Berniece was born in Whitley County, Ind., in1920 to Earl and Elmira (Kyler) Bayman. She graduated from Collamer School, South Whitley High School, and in 1943 from Ball State College, Muncie, Ind., where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and physical education. In 1944, she married Dr. Dietz, and in 1948, they moved to La Crosse. Berniece was employed most recently by Viterbo University, and by Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse.
She loved gardening, sports, genealogy, needle crafts and volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, YWCA board member, Red Cross nurse, and on the social ministry committee and church council at her church. She helped found the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary and served as its first president.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the charity of your choice. Private interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse.
Raymond C. Hanson
VIROQUA, Wis. — Raymond C. Hanson, 87, of Viroqua died Saturday, April 5, 2008, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby, Wis.
He was born Sept. 21, 1920, to Melvin and Marie (Carlson) Hanson in Westby. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby. Raymond was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, where he served in the European Theater and the South Pacific. He married Caroline Fladhammer on Aug. 14, 1943, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua. The couple farmed most of their married life on Dach Ridge, rural Viroqua. Raymond was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the VFW Running-Johnson-Ray Post 3032.
Survivors include his wife, Caroline; a daughter, Sharon Hanson; a son, Roger (Andrea) Hanson, all of Viroqua; two grandsons, Kyle and Daniel Hanson; one stepgrandson, Anthony Stalsberg; two stepgranddaughters, Melinda and Chelse Stalsberg; two sisters, Verna Holte of Coon Valley, Wis., and Doris Larson of Westby; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Orville and Joseph; and two sisters, Alene Holte and Lillian Fladhammer.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua. The Rev. Kathy Ingbritsen will officiate with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua, Wis., with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until service time.
John T. Hauge
FERRYVILLE, Wis. — John T. Hauge, 66, of Ferryville died Friday, April 4, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Franklin Lutheran Church. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua, Wis., with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service, and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time. A complete obituary will follow in Monday’s Tribune.
William ‘Bill’ Hauser
ONALASKA, Wis. — William “Bill” Hauser, 83, of Onalaska died at home April 4, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bill was born March 1, 1925, to Marguerite and Frank Hauser of Onalaska. He met June Gibson at the age of 16 and they were married five years later on August 17, 1946. They have been inseparable for the past 61 years.
Survivors include his wife, June, of Onalaska; their daughter, Jacquelyn Hauser (Tom Tinkham) of Minneapolis; one granddaughter, Taylor Tinkham of Minneapolis; one brother, Eugene (Irene) of Onalaska; Mildred Nelson of Onalaska, who he thought of as a sister; and many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both parents; one nephew, Steven Hauser; and one niece, Nancy Ness.
Bill worked for the La Crosse County Highway Department for 40 years and had many stories about plowing snow during blizzards and working around-the-clock during the flood of 1965. After retiring in 1987, Bill enjoyed fishing with his dear friend and former co-worker Merlin “Babe” Adams of West Salem, Wis., who preceded Bill in death by only 36 hours. Even after it was no longer possible for Bill to fish, the two of them continued to talk nearly every morning at 7:30 a.m., often critiquing local and national events.
Bill also spent many hours working in his half-acre yard and garden. He could frequently be seen in the yard on his John Deere tractor (forever the heavy equipment operator). Bill was famous for his slightly unorthodox methods for keeping critters out of his yard, which became the subject of many family jokes and stories. He was also famous for growing beautiful raspberry bushes and took great delight in sharing the abundant produce with family and friends. Bill took great joy in introducing his precious granddaughter, Taylor (who he fondly referred to as “Boomer”) to gardening, showing her how to dig potatoes and pushing her around in the wheelbarrow.
In recent years, Bill looked forward to the weekly meetings of the “Thursday Breakfast Club,” where friends and family shared good food and much laughter.
Bill will always be remembered for his hardy and infectious laugh, which will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse. The Rev. Stephan Sandness will officiate and burial will be in the Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call at the church Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, where Bill was a member, or to Franciscan Skemp Hospice Care.
The Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ethel M. Johnson
Ethel M. Johnson, 94, of La Crosse died Sunday, March 30, 2008, surrounded by her family at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
She was born Dec. 30, 1913, in Garvin, Minn., to Thomas D. and Mary Jane (Williams) Phillips. Ethel graduated in 1931 from Tracy High School in Tracy, Minn. She continued her education at Mankato State College, graduating in 1933 with a degree in Elementary Education. On Sept. 20, 1934, she married Milton W. Johnson in Huron, S.D., and he preceded her in death in June 1992. Ethel operated a private nursery and kindergarten in Falcon Heights, Minn., and later taught elementary school in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., until she retired in 1964.
After retirement, she and her husband, Milton, moved to Alexandria, Minn., and spent winters in Harlingen, Texas. In 1983, they made their home in Harlingen, where they enjoyed golfing and traveling. In 2004, Ethel moved to La Crosse to be near family and resided at The Willows Assisted Living. She loved playing bridge, sewing and in her younger years she liked to fish and hunt.
Ethel is survived by her son, Dr. Bruce L. (Nancy) Johnson of Houston, Minn.; two grandchildren, Lisa (Dave) Nutter of Houston, and Brad (Katie) Johnson of Balsam Lake, Wis.; three great-grandchildren, Alex Nutter, Grant Nutter and Ryan Nutter; also by many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Mayme Donaldson, Harriet Colburn and Esther Safford; and two brothers, Harold Phillips and Louis Phillips.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, at Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. The Rev. Don Iliff will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Richard W. ‘Kazy’ Kasten
WEST SALEM, Wis. — Richard W. “Kazy” Kasten, 60, of West Salem died Tuesday, April 1, 2008, in his home. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced by Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home, West Salem.
Richard A. Kreutz
KENOSHA, Wis. — Surrounded by his loved ones, Richard A. Kreutz, 67, of Kenosha passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at his residence.
Born Nov. 16, 1940, in La Crosse, he was the son of the late Leland and Kathryn (Parizek) Kreutz. He attended schools in La Crosse and was a graduate
of Central High School in La Crosse. He moved to Kenosha in 1958.
From Sept. 3, 1963, until Sept. 2, 1965, he served our country as a private first class in the United States Army. Richard then served in the Army Reserves until Aug. 31, 1969.
On July 26, 1967, in Illinois, he married the love of his life, Terry M. Schonscheck. Their lives were enriched with the births of their four children. Following the sad passing of Terry’s sister, Richard and Terry welcomed their niece and nephew into their loving family. “The more the merrier” and love and great memories abounded in the Kreutz home.
Professionally, Richard worked as a forklift operator for over 40 years with AMC/ Chrysler Corp. He was a member of the UAW Local 72. He enjoyed attending Green Bay Packers games and NASCAR races. Richard enjoyed Johnny Cash music and short walks with long talks.
The most important to him, though, was his family. Quality time playing with his grandchildren delighted him, and creating lifelong memories with his family and friends was what made him happiest.
He will be sadly missed by his large and loving family: his wife of over 40 years, Terry; his daughter, Carolyn (Ryan) Marquart of Kenosha; his three sons, David Kreutz of Denver, Leland Kreutz of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., and Christopher (Shannon Retzlaff) Kreutz of Kenosha; his three adorable grandchildren, Ethan Kreutz, Audrey Marquart and Ryan Marquart Jr., all of Kenosha; his niece and nephew, Arne Schon-scheck and Holly Schonscheck; his siblings, Jeannie Pope of
La Crosse, Gary Kreutz of La Crosse, Celane Spies of Milton, Wis., and Kathy (John) Lang of Minnesota; his two uncles, William “Boober” Parizek of La Crosse and Kjarten Oynes of La Crosse; his several godchildren; nieces and nephews; and his many, many friends.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, David Kreutz and William Kreutz.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, April 8, at 10 a.m. at Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Ave., Kenosha, Wis., 53114, phone: (262) 658-4101. Interment will follow in St. James Cemetery. A visitation for Richard will be hosted on Monday, April 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Online condolences at www.piasecki-althaus.com.
Archibald Mitchell
Archibald Mitchell was born Sept. 20, 1978. He was taken suddenly March 26, 2008.
Archie, the best friend and companion one could ask for, took pleasure in the simple things. Archie enjoyed spending time with friends and family, as well as fishing. Most of all, he prided himself on spending quality time with his children, Stephon and Diamond, and stepchildren, Kora and Dayton.
All our hearts have been touched by him. Archie had a hard life and won many battles. With peace, he cannot be restrained in this world any longer. Dearly, we will all miss him and pray he is in a happier place.
He is survived by his children; fiancee, Misty Martin; mother, Evelyn Walker; his father, Archibald Mitchell Sr.; brothers and sisters; as well as extended family and friends in Chicago and La Crosse.
John Garrett Ooms
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Mr. John Garrett Ooms, 74, passed away Feb. 10, 2008. Retired owner and operator of Video Showtime stores in Franklin.
Survived by wife, Lucille T. “Lucy” Ooms of Franklin; sons, Michael (Tammy) Ooms of Columbia, Tenn., and Terry Ooms of South Holland, Ill.; stepchildren, Don (Teresa) Ooms of South Holland, Axel (Margaret “Peg”) Bergum III of Cedar Lake, Ind., and Myron (Laura) Olson of Dallas; brothers, Bill (Chris) Ooms of Lansing, Ill., and Harry (Ruth) Ooms of Lakeland, Fla.; sisters, Gertrude “Gert” (John) Widmer of South Holland and Kay (Jim) Embry of Riverdale, Ill.; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Holland. Memorials may be made to Grace Ministries, 104 Southeast Pkwy., Franklin, TN 37064. Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, (615) 794-2289.
James Carlton Ostern
CALEDONIA/SPRING GROVE, Minn. — James Carlton Ostern, 95, of Caledonia and formerly of Spring Grove passed away Saturday, April 5, 2008, at Caledonia Care and Rehab. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove. Burial will be in the Trinity Church Cemetery. Friends may call from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove is in charge of arrangements.
Stephen William Protsman
AUSTIN, Texas — Stephen William Protsman, 58, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF retired, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family April 2, 2008, after a courageous battle with diabetes and cancer.
Stephen Protsman was born and raised in Lansing, Iowa, on Aug. 27, 1949. He graduated from Kee High School in 1967 in Lansing. He went on to attend Winona State University in Winona, Minn., He was a member of the Warriors’ conference championship basketball team for the 1968-69 season and earned first-team all-conference honors for the 1969-70 and 1970-71 seasons. He was inducted into the Winona State University Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 6, 2001. Stephen graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor’s in teaching in 1972. He married Kathleen Curran of Lansing on June 8, 1974.
Stephen served 27 years in the USAF, retiring in 2000. During his military career, Stephen earned Airman of the Year honors in 1975 to go along with earning the Air Force Commendation Medal three times and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal twice. During his retirement, he worked on projects with NCS Pearsonsb in Austin, Texas.
Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence (Dutch) Protsman. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kathleen Protsman; daughters, Marci and Michelle Protsman; son, Timothy (Kristy) Protsman; granddaughter, Michaela Protsman; mother, Noel Protsman of Lansing; brother, David (Vicky) Protsman of Lansing; sister, Lisa (Tom) Batteen of Box Elder, S.D.; 11 brothers and sisters-in-law; and 35 nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by many family and friends. His quick wit and sense of humor will echo in our minds forever.
A memorial service will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 7, at All Faiths Funeral Services, 8507 North IH 35, Austin, phone (512) 339-8878. Send cards to Steve Protsman Family, 13210 Bennington Lane, Austin, TX 78753, phone (512) 989-3554.
Eugene ‘Gene’ Schutte
POSTVILLE, Iowa — Eugene ‘Gene’ Schutte, 81, Postville died Saturday morning, April 5, 2008, at his home in Postville. Services are pending with the Schutte Funeral Home, Postville.
LaVona B. Strand
LYNXVILLE, Wis. — LaVona B. Strand, 82, of Lynxville died Friday, April 4, 2008, at her home following a short illness. Funeral arrangements are pending at Thornburg-Hanson Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien, Wis. A full obituary will follow.
Lester A. Zimmerman
RIPON/TOMAH, Wis. — Lester A. Zimmerman of Ripon and formerly of Tomah died Friday, April 4, 2008. He was born April 21, 1922, to Emil and Hattie (Schroeder) on a farm west of Tomah. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. He was a lifetime member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church for over 50 years. He graduated from Tomah High School in 1941. He was married to Marcella Pasch in 1956. She preceded him in death in 1980. He married Agnes Luebchow in 1982, and they relocated back to Tomah. She preceded him in death in 1996. He then married Sally Smith in 1998 and moved to Ripon.
He farmed most of his life, belonging to several farming organizations. He was a member of AARP. He belonged to the Men’s Club. He was a member of the Tomah Conservation Club. He was the sexton of Mount Vernon Cemetery for 45 years, the cemetery secretary and treasury for 36 years and the cemetery caretaker for 33 years. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening and traveling.
In addition to his wife Marcella; he is survived by his stepchildren, the Rev. Roderick (Linda) Luebchow of St. Paul, Minn., John (Susan) Luebchow of Tomah, Nancy (Hernandez) Daylo of Tomah, Audrey Bortner of Sun Prairie, Wis., Lloyd Smith, Howard Smith, Jerrald (Mary) Smith, Joann (John) Strandell, all of Ripon, Leroy Smith of Plainfield, Wis.; 29 stepgrandchildren; 24 stepgreat-grandchildren; and 2 stepgreat-great-grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; and a stepdaughter, Jonell Larson.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. The Rev. Donald Buch will officiate. Burial will be in the Mount Vernon Cemetery, town of Tomah. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements.
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