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Published - Thursday, May 15, 2008

Obituaries for Thursday, May 15, 2008

By The Tribune staff

Arthur M. Ebner

Arthur M. Ebner, 90, of La Crosse died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Bethany Riverside Care Center, La Crosse.

He was born Jan. 1, 1918, in Rushford, Minn., to Albert and Margaret (Forsythe) Ebner. He married Viola Larson on Sept. 29, 1936. Arthur served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He had worked as a milkman for Betz Dairy, at Trane Co. and then as a baker at Erickson Bakery before retiring. Arthur was an avid fisherman and loved watching the Green Bay Packers. He was also a member of the Roy Vingers American Legion Post 52.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Viola; six children, Dale (Anahmarie) Ebner of La Crescent, Minn., Marilyn Klos of Richfield, Minn., Irene (Gerald) Hilleshiem of New Richmond, Wis., Karen (Paul) Levendoski of Madison, Kenneth (Patricia) Ebner of Holmen, Wis., and Linda (Larry) Platz of Holmen; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Clifford, Walter and Wallace; a sister, Harriett Roys; and a son-in-law, Russell Klos.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at Faith and Life Center at Bethany Riverside Care Center, 2575 S. Seventh St., La Crosse. Pastor Jim Arends will officiate. Burial, with military honors by the Roy Vingers American Legion Post No. 52, will be in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, La Crosse. Friends may call at Faith and Life Center on Saturday from noon until the time of services. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.

Gary Walter LaPoint

LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Gary W. LaPoint, 59, of La Crescent passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at his home.

He was born Dec. 30, 1948, in La Crosse to Walter and Eileen (Hickey) LaPoint. He later married Kathleen Starkey. Gary owned and operated Rochester Wholesale Fruit Inc. for 30 years. He enjoyed golfing and loved spending time on the river with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; three children, Nikki (Robert) Stanton of Winona, Minn., Angela (Michael) Iverson of Winona and Greg (Susan) LaPoint of La Crosse; seven grandchildren, Kayla and Mati Stanton, Alex LaPoint, Tyler, Tanner, Savannah and Samantha Iverson; sisters, Youvane Clark and Sharon Bluske; and a brother, Terry LaPoint. He was preceded by his parents; three sisters, Sally McMullen, Cheryl Jirack and Joyce Bott; and two brothers, Don and Rick LaPoint.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 809 Gillette St., La Crosse. Family and friends may call at the funeral home today from 5 to 7 p.m. and again Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. The Rev. Mike Woods will officiate. Burial will be in Toledo Cemetery, rural La Crescent. In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred.

Sheila Mary (Marchand) Gindt

HIXTON, Wis. — Sheila Mary (Marchand) Gindt, 55, of rural Hixton (town of Northfield) and formerly of Black River Falls, Wis., died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, in Black River Memorial Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Black River Falls. Burial will be in St. Columbkille Cemetery, rural Black River Falls. Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services Tuesday at the church. Buswell Funeral Home (www.buswellfuneralhome.com), Black River Falls, is assisting the family.

Herman O. Clark

CASHTON, Wis. — Herman O. Clark, 78, of Cashton died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Norseland Nursing Home, Westby, Wis. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby, Wis. Burial will be in North Coon Prairie Cemetery, rural Cashton. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby, and from noon until the time of services Monday at the church. A complete obituary will follow.

Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com.

Audrey Kinsey and Byron Kinsey

VIOLA, Wis. — A joint funeral service for Audrey Kinsey, 96, who died May 9, 2008, and her husband, Byron Kinsey, who died Feb. 18, 2007, at age 97, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Viola United Methodist Church. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at the church. Vosseteig Funeral Home’s Henthorn Memorial Center, Viola, is serving the family.

William Brown

NECEDAH, Wis. — William Brown, 48, of Necedah died Monday, May 12, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Torkeson Necedah Family Funeral Home. Burial will be in Bayview Cemetery, Necedah. Family and friends may call from 2 p.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Cecelia A. Humfeld

CHASEBURG, Wis. — Cecelia A. Humfeld, 80, of rural Chaseburg died Wednesday May 14, 2008, at her home. Seland Funeral Home, Coon Valley, Wis., is assisting the family. A complete obituary will follow.

Gale Steele-Koch

Gale A. Steele-Koch, 69, of La Crosse died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse. In accordance with her wishes, her body will be cremated. No services are planned at this time. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Caledonia, Minn., at a later date. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is assisting the family.

Albert R. Ceason

Albert R. Ceason, 82, of La Crosse passed away Tuesday May 13, 2008, at the home of his daughter after a long battle with emphysema complicated by cancer.

He was born Feb. 23, 1926, in El Campo, Texas, to Fred J. and Alma A. (Wolter) Ceason. He married Dorothy Pitzner Nov. 27, 1950, in La Crosse. Dorothy preceded him in death on July 4, 1987.

Albert was in the Navy from 1944-46. He worked for the Milwaukee Road Railroad from 1951-53. In 1954, Albert was hired by the School Board of La Crosse as a custodian. In 1962, he was assigned to Roosevelt Grade School, where he stayed until his retirement in 1988.

Albert was a member of La Crosse Eagle’s Aerie No. 1254.

Albert was a loving husband, caring for his wife during her long illness. He was a good father, creating wonderful memories for his children. He enjoyed and took pride in his garden. Albert was independent and fun-loving, with a wonderful sense of humor. He was always quick with an amusing line or joke. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Albert is survived by his three daughters, Dawn (Ron) Hill of La Crescent, Minn., Laurie (Tom) Lane of Sparta, Wis., and Penny (Rick) Sullivan of La Crosse; his son, Jeff of Barre Mills, Wis.; grandchildren, Peggy, Chrissie, Michelle, Tim, Nick, Briem, Jessie and Kari; and 21 great-grandchildren. Albert is also survived by his brother, Fred Ceason of La Crosse; two sisters, Luella Oliver of Tomah, Wis., and Bessie Weiss of Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and three brothers.

The family would like to thank Dr. Van Manen of Franciscan Skemp; the wonderful clinic, hospital and BSJ staff; and everyone from Home Care/Hospice for their care and support.

Funeral services, with military honors, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 809 Gillette St., La Crosse. The Rev. Jonathan Unverzagt will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services.

Margie M. Blanchar

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Margie M. Blanchar, 101, of Black River Falls and formerly of Alma Center, Wis., died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, in Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Torgerson’s Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls. Relatives and friends may call from 12:30 p.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Pine View Terrace Tenant Council, 400 County Road R, Black River Falls, WI 54615.

Buford ‘Shorty’ James Sherrick

LA FARGE, Wis. — Buford “Shorty” James Sherrick, 64, of La Farge died unexpectedly Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.

He was born on July 17, 1943, in North Clayton, rural Soldiers Grove, Wis. Shorty graduated from Soldiers Grove High School and on Sept. 18, 1965, he married Susan Heath in Madison. The couple lived in Madison for many years until moving to Vernon County, Wis. Shorty drove straight truck for eight years and semi for 18 years. He was also an ambulance driver and a member of the La Farge Fire Department for 15 years and was also a fire inspector.

Over the years he served as a 4-H leader. Shorty was a great mechanic, avid NASCAR fan and a member of the Viroqua Eagles Aerie No. 2707. In his spare time, Shorty made trophies and award plaques. He was very proud of a recent plaque he made that was awarded to the guys at OCC (Orange County Choppers). Shorty loved to fish, hunt and pull garden tractors.

Shorty is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan Sherrick; his three great children, Vicki (Brent) Anderson of La Farge, Wis., Laurie (Rudy) Geier of Viroqua, Wis., and Jon (Angela “Muffy”) Sherrick of La Farge; seven wonderful grandchildren, Brent Rust, Jordan Rust, Dylon Anderson, Beau Sherrick, Zack Anderson, Ashley Anderson and Amanda Anderson; his mother, Delores Demuth of Alabama; sister, Kathy (Robert) Nymam of Alabama; special friend, Guy Bieri of Viroqua; his dog and best friend, Pepper; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Sherrick; stepmother, Della Sherrick; and stepsister, Jean Erickson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Wayne Rayner, with burial to follow in Viola (Wis.) Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends Friday, May 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua, where a prayer service will be held at 7:45 p.m. led by Pastor Rayner. The family will also greet relatives and friends on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.

Alphonse Kokott

Evelyn Kokott

ARCADIA, Wis. — Evelyn Kokott, 84, died Saturday, May 10, 2008, and Alphonse Kokott, 91, died Sunday, May 11, 2008, both following an automobile accident near Arcadia.

Alphonse was born Sept. 19, 1916, in North Creek, Wis., to John F. and Paulina (Reck) Kokott. Alphonse farmed his entire life. He was a member of Holy Family Parish, the Arcadia Sportsman’s Club and the Arcadia Coon Club.

Evelyn was born April 9, 1924, in Arcadia to Peter and Elizabeth (Shepherd) Swietz. Evelyn worked as a waitress at the Tally-Ho Restaurant in Arcadia. She was a member of Holy Family Parish and the Rosary Society.

Alphonse and Evelyn were married Oct. 7, 1940. They are survived by one daughter, Sharon (Ted) Jackson of Kenosha, Wis.; two grandchildren, Tammy (Barry) Suchla and Dean (Ann) Jackson; and two great-grandchildren, Danielle and Trevor.

Preceding Alphonse and Evelyn in death were their parents, and one son, Dennis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19, at Holy Family Parish, Arcadia, with the Rev. Michael Klos officiating. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Arcadia.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Wozney-Killian Funeral Home, where there will be a 7 p.m. prayer service. They may also call from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Casket bearers will be Dave Kokott, John Kokott, Daniel Schank, Don Wenger, Jim Skroch, Al Woychik, Paul Halvorsen, Eric Halvorsen, Jeff Halvorsen, Jim Garofalo, Scott Weisenberger and Tim Weisenberger.

Online condolences can be sent to wozneykillianfh@aol.com.

John Edward Lewis

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. — John Edward Lewis, 89, of Richland Center and formerly of Boscobel, Wis., died Monday May 5, 2008, at Baylor Medical Center, Grapevine, Texas. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Boscobel. Burial will be in Bosobel Cemetery. Friends may call from noon until the time of services Saturday at the church. Military honors will be accorded by Richland Center Honor Guard, and Blake Semrad American Legion and Gilberston Pitzer VFW, both of Boscobel. Kendall Funeral Service, Boscobel, is assisting the family.

Madeline J. Classey

TOMAH, Wis. — Madeline J. Classey, 94, of Tomah died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Serenity House, Tomah. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Tomah. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Tomah. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, Tomah, with a PCCW rosary at 4 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the church.

Gerald ‘Coach Jerry’ Day

Gerald “Coach Jerry” Day, 85, died at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, on Tuesday, May 13, 2008.

He was born Jan. 21, 1923, in Wauzeka, Wis., to Ulysee and Helen Day. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Jerry married Jacqueline “Jackie” (Dohse) on Feb. 26, 1949, and she preceded him in death on June 2, 2002.

He taught science and math at Logan Junior High School. From 1964 until 1985, he taught social studies at Central High School. Coach Day was the boys basketball coach at Central from 1968 until 1970. He also served as the golf coach from 1970 until 1985. He was a member of the state of Wisconsin Coaches Hall of Fame.

He is survived by a daughter, Connie (Jim) Bliese of Spencer, Wis.; a son, Tom of La Crosse; and two granddaughters, Kristina and Jessica.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 S. 13th St., La Crosse. The Rev. Larry Berger will officiate, and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Prairie du Chien, Wis. After the burial, family and friends are invited to Schmidty’s Restaurant, 3119 State Road, La Crosse, from 2 to 4 p.m. for a time of fellowship. Friends may call at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 1425 Jackson St., La Crosse, from 4 to 6 p.m. today.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the athletic department at Central High School, 1801 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse, WI 54601.

The family would like to thank the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center intensive care unit for the wonderful loving care provided to their dad.

Charlotte M. Cooper

TREMPEALEAU, Wis. — Charlotte Cooper, 70, of Trempealeau passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.

She was born in Juneau County, Wis., on Nov. 13, 1937, to Carson and Christie (Alexander) Frost. She later married Gary Cooper.

Charlotte is survived by her husband, Gary; three children, Susan (David) Rausch, Cindy (Herb) Platte and Tammy (Tim) Gamroth; 13 grandchildren, Brian (fiance Alex Wymore), Andrea, Nicholas, Kristopher, Haillie and Emily Rausch, Amanda (special friend, Jason Wolter) Whiteman, Ashley (fiance Eric Relcks) Whiteman, Jesse (Alexis) Platte, Sarah (Matthew) Zuke, Curtis Platte, Jacie Gamroth and Mallorie (James) Gran; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Duane (Jackie) Frost, Daryl (special friend Ruth) Frost and Dennis (Linda) Frost; one sister, Caryl (Laird) Schalla; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Larry Whiteman; and two brothers, Dan and Doug. In accordance with Charlotte’s wishes, she is to be cremated and no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Salvation Army of La Crosse in Charlotte’s name. Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family.