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

Published - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Obituaries for Sunday, May 18, 2008

By Tribune staff

Maree Frisch Huber

FOND DU LAC, Wis. — Maree Frisch Huber, a resident of St. Francis Home in Fond du Lac, died Friday, May 9, 2008, at the age of 103.

She was born Dec. 15, 1904, in La Crosse to Joseph J. and Mary E. (Kubal) Frisch.

On July 30, 1951, Maree married Joseph T. Huber in La Crosse.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Maree moved to Fond du Lac in 1940 as a kindergarten teacher. In 1941, she was appointed principal of Cleveland Public School and in 1950, the principal of Jefferson Public School in Fond du Lac. She was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for nine years and at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for five years.

Mrs. Huber was formerly the president of the Round Table Lecture Club, and vice president of American Association of University Women, which gave a national fellowship in her name in 1998. She served on the executive board of Wisconsin Congress of Parents and Teachers in Madison for four years.

She was a former president of the original Fond du Lac County Day Care Board, former executive board member of the Fond du Lac County Health Council, and life member of both the National and Wisconsin Elementary School Principals Associations.

Maree was also a member of the Library of Congress, the National Education Association, the Wisconsin Education Association, the Northeastern Teachers Association, the Fond du Lac Elementary School Principals Association and Marian College Presidents Club.

She was a member of the Oshkosh chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and served as a summer school instructor in the University of Wisconsin System for seven years.

In 1994, NBC of Madison gave Maree the Golden Apple Award as Outstanding Wisconsin Educator and Innovative Teacher.

She was a member of Holy Family Parish and was involved in several volunteer services in the city. Her professional colleagues said of her: “Give Maree an assignment, and she will give you a performance.”

Her hobbies included gardening, reading, gourmet cooking, crafts and bird watching.

Mrs. Huber is preceded in death in 1992 by Joseph, her husband.

She is survived by a niece, Jeanne Underhill Funk of Helena, Mont., and a nephew, Jeffrey Underhill of Floyd, Va., both who treated her like their own mother. She is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews from the Huber branch of the family who were also very special to her.

Visitation: Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, from 1 tol 3 p.m. at St. Francis Home Chapel, 33 Everett St., Fond du Lac.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20. The Rev. Joe Wolf will preside. Entombment will be at the Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery, Fond du Lac.

Memorials in her name may be directed to the St. Francis Home Employee Appreciation Fund, 33 Everett St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

Zacherl Funeral Home, Fond du Lac, is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.

Ernest L. Jostad

MINDORO, Wis. — Ernest L. Jostad, 85, of Mindoro died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at his home. Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home of West Salem, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements. A complete obituary will follow in Monday’s Tribune.

Clark E Nixon

FORT MYERS, Fla./LA CROSSE — Clark E Nixon, 90, of Fort Myers and formerly of La Crosse died Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, at Shell Point Village Hospice, Fort Myers.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2503 Main St., La Crosse.

Clark Nixon was born Oct. 13, 1917, in Milwaukee, son of George C. Nixon and Ethel (Clark) Nixon. He graduated from Appleton High School and Lawrence University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He received a master’s degree in business administration from Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania.

He entered the Navy as an ensign in 1941 at the Navy Supply School at Harvard Business School. He was war bonds officer for the Ninth Naval District at Great Lakes, Ill., was disbursing officer for the Naval Operating Base and Air Station at Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and supply officer on the USS Liguria (AKS-15). He spent 32 years in the naval reserve retiring with the rank of captain.

At the conclusion of World War II he entered business in La Crosse with his father, George C. Nixon, as Pension & Profit Sharing Planners Inc. and Compensation Consultants Inc. He spent 23 years as a pension designer, administrator and actuary.

He received the designation of chartered life underwriter and was president of Western Wisconsin Life Underwriters Association. He was president of Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the board of the Riverland Girl Scouts, served the advisory board of Viterbo College (now University), and was treasurer of the board of Bethany St Joseph Health Care Center. In 1969 he was named to the Council on Aging Committee by Gov. Warren P. Knowles.

In 1957, Clark was elected president and chairman of the board of Bank of Galesville (Wis.), where he served until 1987. In 1967, he was elected president and board chairman of the Bank of Holmen (Wis.), now Park Bank, and served until 1987.

Clark received voice training at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music and enjoyed singing as a soloist and member of a number of civic choirs. In the La Crosse area he sang in the Wesley Methodist Church and First Congregational Church choirs.

He was a member of Badger Lodge No. 345, Eau Claire, Wis., La Crosse Scottish Rite Consistory and Zor Shrine Temple in Madison. He was a member of the Firehouse Jesters and as such was “Flippo” the clown. Nothing pleased him more than to have a pre-schooler standing in front of him, so excited to be with a clown, that he or she couldn’t move a muscle. He appeared in many parades, schools and his grandchildren’s classrooms.

An avid railroad buff, Clark rode railroad trains in the U.S., Europe and China. In 1941, Clark rode in the cab of the three-car Burlington Zephyr from La Crosse to Savannah, Ill., at a time when this was the fastest scheduled run in the world. Many of his recent trips were on special trains and in privately owned railroad cars. He was a member of the National Railway Historical Society and an associate member of the American Association of Private Car Owners.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Z. Michel Nixon, whom he married in 1950; by four children, Nancy (John) Raasch of Pewaukee, Wis., Nina (William) Schiegg of Venice, Fla., Jacquelyne (Bruce) DenUyl of Wilmette Ill., and Carol Lynn (Chester III) Claudon of Seminole, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Mark (Danielle) and Matthew Raasch, Brian (Jennifer) Schiegg, Julie (Matthew) Ritchie, Clark and Eric DenUyl, and Chester IV and Scott Claudon.

A private family interment will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Galesville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: La Crosse Congregational Church UCC organ maintenance, 2503 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601; Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, 1331 Clinton St., La Crosse, WI 54601; Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, 1836 South Ave., La Crosse, WI 54601; University of Wisconsin La Crosse Foundation; Shrine Hospitals for Children, 2025 E. River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414; or the charity of your choice.

Mary H. (Schaefer) Bates

HOLMEN, Wis. — Graveside services for Mary H. (Schaefer) Bates, 86, will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Green Mound Cemetery in Holmen. Pastor Allen Hanson of New Amsterdam (Wis.) Presbyterian Church will officiate. Mary had passed away March 15, 2008.

Survivors include two sons, Dale (Barbara) Bates and Lyndon (Donna) Bates; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and her half brother, Dean (Nancy) Spangler.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to New Amsterdam Presbyterian Church.

Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes of La Crosse assisted with arrangements.

Lorna G. Betz

GALESVILLE, Wis. — Lorna G. Betz, 88, of Galesville died Thursday, May 15, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Center in La Crosse.

Lorna was born Nov. 26, 1919, to Lee and Millie (Park) Sacia in Galesville. She graduated from Galesville High School. On July 19, 1939, Lorna married Wilbert Betz in Iowa.

Lorna was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Galesville, PW Women’s Association, past board member of FHA, Decora Prairie Homemakers, Decora Prairie 4-H Club leader and the Birthday Club.

Lorna was a complete caring and giving person.

She is survived by one son, William (Tracy) Betz of La Crosse; a daughter, Sacia Anderson of Galesville; four grandchildren, Robert (Anne) Betz, Laura Betz of Appleton, Wis., Brigette Betz of La Crosse, and Amber Hart of Henderson, Nev.; seven great-grandchildren, Chad, Kristy, Annika, Charlie, Alex, Danny and Stevie; a special son-in-law, Stephen Anderson of Trempealeau, Wis.; and two brothers, Carroll (Wanda) Sacia of Galesville and Jack (Beverly) Sacia of Diamond Bar, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2000; a sister, Leone Smith; and four brothers, Gerald Sacia, Wendall Sacia, Merlin Sacia and Otis Sacia.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at First Presbyterian Church in Galesville. The Rev. Michael Hibbs will officiate. Burial will follow in Pine Cliff Cemetery in Galesville. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at First Presbyterian Church in Galesville and from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Galesville Chapel, assisted the family with arrangements.

Shelby Hawkins Coady

Devoted wife and mother. Beloved daughter, sister and friend.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2008, Shelby Hawkins Coady returned to be with her Heavenly Father. She passed away unexpectedly at age 32 with family and friends at her side.

Shelby was born June 3, 1975, to John T. and Carolyn M. Hawkins in Vancouver, Wash. A beautiful child inside and out, Shelby loved reading and drawing and was skilled in Tae Kwon Do. She was a 1993 graduate of Hudson’s Bay High School.

From 1995-2000, Shelby served her country proudly as a senior airman in the U.S. Air Force. During her enlistment, Shelby served as a security forces specialist at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and Riyhad Air Base, Saudi Arabia.

Shelby adored and lived for her children. She was an exceptionally devoted mother to her sons, 11-year-old Bridger and 6-year-old Collins. As a stay-at-home mom, Shelby was closely involved with all her children’s activities, including their schooling, sports teams and hobbies.

She was a wonderful cook and loved gatherings with family and friends, and enjoyed bringing happiness to others.

Shelby is survived by her husband, Michael A. Coady; and her sons, Bridger Hawkins and Collins Coady of McChord Air Force Base, Tacoma, Wash.; stepdaughter, Sierra Coady of Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; mother, Carolyn (Roy) Alvstad of Vancouver; father, John T. Hawkins of Lakewood, Wash.; mother-in-law, Donna Coady of La Crosse; grandmothers, Hilda Tillo of Vancouver and Jessie Hotz of Estacada, Ore.; brothers, Daniel (Jami) Hawkins of Meridian, Idaho, Justin (Kim) Hawkins of W. Valley City, Utah, and Jeremy Hawkins of Vancouver; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; friends too numerous to mention; and her loyal dogs, Packer and Max.

She will be greatly missed, deeply loved and always remembered by everyone.

A private memorial service was held Saturday, May 17, in Vancouver, Wash.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Shelby’s honor.

Online condolences may be offered at www.columbian.com/obituaries.

Jean Rathford Collins

Jean Rathford Collins, 79, of La Crosse passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, May 11, 2008.

She was born May 7, 1929, in Chicago to Robert and Mary Ellen (Moriarity) Rathford.

She attended various schools prior to graduating from Crystal Lake High School in Crystal Lake, Ill. She attended Barry University, Miami, Fla., prior to her marriage.

In June 1950 she married Richard K. Collins II at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Crystal Lake, Ill. They were later divorced. Jean was a longtime member of Holy Angels Parish, Aurora, Ill., where she was active in St. Ann’s Group, Altar & Rosary Society and her children’s school volunteer activities.

Jean worked later in life for the State of Illinois as Richard P. Daily’s receptionist while he was state attorney.

Jean moved to La Crosse in l996 and enjoyed the natural beauty of the area.

She will be deeply missed by her children, who she considered “her best work,” Ellen (Jack) Kallies, Richard (Cec) Collins III, Jeanne (Tim) Vachon and Thomas (Kathy) Collins; grandchildren, Kara, Jack and Tom Kallies, Justine and Elizabeth Collins, Caroline, Maggie and Max Vachon, and Eryn (Brent) Brewer and Rob Collins; and longtime friends, Lois Goding and Mary Ruth Roberts. She is further survived by Robert (Mary Lundvick) Rathford, Ann (Gary) Still and Stephen (Sue) Rathford.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mary Conerty.

A Mass for Jeannette will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 22, in Marian Chapel of Saint Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. The Rev. Michael Gorman will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Operation Homefront/La Crosse Coulee Region, P.O. Box 1534, La Crosse; the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation, 1900 South Ave., La Crosse; and Asian Children’s Foundation U.S.A. (care of Ellen Kallies).

Dickinson Family Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gerald John Engstler

LA CRESCENT, Min. — Gerald John Engstler, 75, of La Crescent died Friday, May 16, 2008 at his home.

He was born Aug. 7, 1932, in Union Township, rural Hokah, Minn., to John and Marie (Langen) Engstler. He attended St. Peter’s Grade School and High School and served with the U.S. Army for two years and with the U.S. Army Reserves for six years. Jerry married Lois Weise on Sept. 17, 1960, in St. James the Less Catholic Church, La Crosse. He worked as a receiving manager at Sears in La Crosse and then worked at Sears in Valley View Mall, retiring in 1995 after 36 years. He also farmed on the family farm in Union Township for 58 years. Jerry and Lois moved to La Crescent in 1991. He was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in La Crosse. Jerry enjoyed cutting wood, bowling, golfing and loved being with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; six children, Sue (Mark) Van Vooren of Hayward, Minn., Alan (Diane) Engstler of rural Hokah, Minn., Gregory (Kristy) Engstler of Menomonee, Wis., Nancy (Bart) Jambois of rural Hokah, Mark (Tammy) Engstler of Fountain City, Wis., and Timothy (Katie) Engstler of Downer’s Grove, Ill.; 14 grandchildren with one on the way; a sister, Mary Ellen (Mervin) Ganrude of rural Hokah; a brother, Donald (Jo Ann) Engstler of Caledonia, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah, Minn. The Rev. Joseph P. Pete will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Hokah. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Peter’s Catholic Grade School or American Cancer Society.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent is in charge of arrangements.

Gerald’s family would like to thank everyone at Franciscan Skemp Cancer Clinic, Dr. Paula Gill and all the relatives, friends and neighbors who helped us in our time of need.

Richard Kasten

WEST SALEM, Wis. — Richard “Kazy” Kasten passed away peacefully at his home in West Salem on April 1, 2008.

Richard was born on Aug. 25, 1947, to William and Dorothy (Mahnke) Kasten in Sheboygan, Wis.

He is survived by his brother, David Kasten of Sheboygan Falls, Wis.

“Kazy” was a graduate of Sheboygan South High School Class of 1966, an Army veteran and a graduate of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelors Degree.

Kazy was a lifelong entrepreneur and had a great love for the outdoors. His work, fishing and hunting took him from the Caribbean, Venezuela, most of the Southwestern and Midwest states, as well as throughout Canada to Kodiak, Alaska.

His truly free spirit will be sadly missed by friends.

Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of his life will be held by friends and family at a later date.

William J. Lund

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN/GAYS MILLS, Wis. — William J. Lund, 82, of Prairie du Chien and formerly of rural Gays Mills, died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Prairie Memorial Hospice in Prairie du Chien. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Dommersnaes-Bertram Family Funeral Home in Gays Mills. Burial with military rites will follow in Haney Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with an 8 p.m. prayer service, and 10 a.m. to services Wednesday, both at the funeral home. A complete obituary will follow in Monday’s Tribune.

Nancy L. Potter

SAUK CITY/VIOLA, Wis. —Nancy L. Potter, 64, of Sauk City and formerly of Viola died Thursday, May 15, 2008, in Sauk City. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Viola Cemetery in Viola. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com. Vosseteig Funeral Home’s Henthorn Memorial Center in Viola, Wis., is serving the family.

Jerome ‘Smitty’ H. Schmid

Jerome “Smitty” H. Schmid, 76, of Madge Township, Wis., passed away at his home on Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Jerome Henry Schmid was born in Sparta, Wis., on July 21, 1931, to Matt and Ottilia (Schreier) Schmid. He graduated from Ontario (Wis.) High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as a surveyor for the State Highway Department. Jerome married Joanne Johnson in 1958, and the couple later divorced. He owned and operated La Crosse Highway Products in West Salem, Wis. For the past 20 years, he enjoyed logging in the woods of northern Wisconsin in the Long Lake area. He met, befriended and enjoyed spending time with many Long Lake area residents.

Survivors include four children, Jeanne Bahr, Jacquelyn Lyga, Kristen Schmid and Stephen Schmid (PO1 USCG); three sisters, Rosella Schendel, Kathleen Ruette and Mary Schermerhorn; and five grandchildren, Carlyle, Hayden, Clayton, Rylee and Camdyn Lyga. He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at 10 a.m. Monday, May 19, at Dahl Funeral Home in Spooner, Wis., with a 10:40 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home and a 11:30 a.m. Committal Service at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

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

Donna M. Verthein

LA CRESCENT/HOKAH, Minn. — Donna M. Verthein, 73, of La Crescent and formerly of Hokah died Thursday, May 15, 2008, at her home.

She was born Sept. 4, 1934, in La Crosse to James Angell and Lena Zaiger. Donna was a 1953 graduate of Central High School in La Crosse. On April 27, 1954, she married Gustave Verthein in Hokah, and he preceded her in death on Sept. 3, 1994. Donna loved to travel, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Donna is survived by one daughter, Jean (Don) Conner of Arvada, Colo.; three sons, James Verthein of La Crescent, John (Dawn) Verthein of Hokah, and Jerome (Deborah) Verthein of La Crosse; and two grandsons, Nathanyl May and Sam Conner. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at Hokah United Methodist Church, 148 Main St., Hokah. Pastor Sharon Goetzinger will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Hokah. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of services.

Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home of Caledonia, Minn., is in charge of arrangements.

Pamela A. Wenzel

Pamela A. Wenzel, 60, of La Crosse died Saturday, May 17, 2008, in her home. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Dickinson Family Funeral Homes.