Esther J. Amundson
PIGEON FALLS, Wis. — Esther J. Amundson, 95, of Pigeon Falls, died Tuesday, May 27, 2008, in Pigeon Falls Health Care Center, Pigeon Falls. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Evangelical Lutheran Church, with burial in the church cemetery, both in Pigeon Falls. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Jack Funeral Home, Whitehall, Wis., is assisting the family.
Brian L. Ashwell
TOMAH, Wis. — Brian L. Ashwell, 22, of Tomah died Sunday, May 25, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Hospital in Sparta, Wis.
Brian was born May 19, 1986, to Brian Sutton and Jamie Ashwell in La Crosse. He graduated from Tomah High School in 2004 and enlisted in the Army National Guard.
Brian recently returned home from Iraq after completing his first tour. While Brian was home, he was excited to be hanging out with his friends, electronic bull riding, hunting, fishing, creating art, cars, loving life, and most of all he was excited about the upcoming birth of his son.
Brian is survived by his mother, Jamie Leis of Tomah; father, Brian (Dinha) Leis of Norwalk, Wis.; brothers and sisters, Bradly Leis of La Crosse, Kayla Leis of La Crosse, and Brandon Leis of Tomah; his grandparents, Erling (Sandy) Leis of Sparta; grandmother, Shirley Kolve of Eleva, Wis.; grandpa, James (Sharon) Sutton of Iowa; great-grandmother, Erma Leis of Sparta; his best friend, Jon Einwalter; along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 29, at 11 a.m. at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Jay Cronholm will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial, with full military honors, will be held at Mount Prairie Cemetery in the town of Adrian, Wis. The Patriot Guards and close family and friends will lead the procession to the cemetery.
Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www. torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Laddie Lyle Bolstad
MASON CITY, Iowa — Laddie Lyle Bolstad, 83, of 403 20th Place, SW, Mason City, passed away peacefully Monday, May 26, 2008, surrounded by his loving family at the IOOF Home in Mason City.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Laddie Bolstad was born July 15, 1924, on the family farm in West Salem, Wis., the son of Lloyd and Laura (Lee) Bolstad. On July 18, 1948, Laddie married Joyce Oreanna Almvig in La Crosse. Both being only children led them to stay in close proximity to their relatives and friends. To this marriage, Laddie and Joyce were blessed with two children, Gary and Cynthia. Laddie graduated from West Salem High School, where he was a basketball letterman and was honored by being selected to attend Boys State. He spent his entire career in newspapers and graphic arts, retiring from the University of Minnesota Printing and Graphics, Aug. 1, 1990. After high school, Laddie became an apprentice photoengraver lithographer for the La Crosse Tribune. In 1964, Laddie moved his family to Mason City and became the photoengraver lithographer for the Globe Gazette, a position he held for many years. A perfectionist at his craft, Laddie had created color printing work at the University of Minnesota and for the Artist Terry Redlin. Laddie was deeply spiritual and an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He taught Sunday school for many years. In his life, his faith was the bedrock and that which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He always tried to live on the promises of God and with death nearing he cherished the promises made to those who trusted and believed. He loved spending time with his family and he was a blessing to us all. He enjoyed traveling and many years of family fishing vacations. Blessed be his memory. Laddie’s family would like to thank hospice and the staff of the IOOF Home for their care throughout this difficult time.
Gustav L. Caravelli
ONALASKA, Wis. — Gustav L. Caravelli, 63, of Onalaska died at his home Monday, May 26, 2008. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 409 Main St., Onalaska. The Rev. Patrick Umberger will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Ill., at a later date. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. A complete obituary will follow.
Dorothy D. DeWitt
CALEDONIA, Minn. — Dorothy S. DeWitt, 95, of Caledonia passed away at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, La Crosse, on Monday, May 26, 2008.
She was born Aug. 21, 1912, to August and Alvina (Wiegrefe) Fruechte in Eitzen, Minn. She married Ted DeWitt in October 1938. Ted and Dorothy raised five children on their family farm west of Caledonia.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Ted; son, Roger; and two sisters, Martha Rowe and Esther Fruechte.
She is survived by daughters, Sharon DeWitt of Issaquah, Wash., Lorrie Oestreicher of La Crosse, Linda Haustein of Coon Rapids, Minn.; a son, Robert of La Crescent, Minn.; and daughter in law, Marilyn DeWitt of Caledonia. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Elsie Weymiller of New Albin, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 29, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 410 S. Pine St. Caledonia. The Rev. Gregory Leif will officiate, and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Walter “Jim” Grabon
TOMAH, Wis. — Walter “Jim” Grabon, 73, of Tomah died at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison on Tuesday, May 27, 2008. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomah. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, with a rosary by the Knights of Columbus at 8 p.m., and from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Victoria (Waller) Hanson
WHITEHALL/PIGEON FALLS, Wis. — Victoria (Waller) Hanson passed away Tuesday morning, May 27, 2008, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Victoria was born Aug. 30, 1916, to Lemuel and Mary Waller and raised on a farm in Glasgow in the town of Gale, Wis. After graduating from Gale College Academy, she attended the County Normal School in Galesville, Wis., and graduated from its last class in 1936. She received her bachelor of science degree in education from the University of WisconsinnEau Claire in 1965 and her master’s degree in 1975. Victoria taught for 33 years, including the rural schools of Hardies Creek, Long Coulee, Huskelhus, Pike, Caswell, Brookside, Carpenter and city of Blair, all in Wisconsin, and concluded her career in 1981 in Osseo, Wis.
On June 17, 1941, Victoria married Arnold Hanson at Hardies Creek Lutheran Church. They lived in Onalaska, Wis., until moving to the Kolden Homestead north of Pigeon Falls in September 1945.
Family was important, followed by community activities. She was a 4-H leader in the Hale and Hardie Club for 30 years. Other community activities included Farm Bureau, Dairy Promotion Committee and Trempealeau County Retired Teachers. She was a member of Pigeon Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church and was active in such organizations as Ladies Aid, choir, Sunday school, and teaching vacation Bible school.
Victoria is survived by her children, Claire (Shirley) Hanson of Whitehall, Mary (Gary) Nelsestuen of St. Paul, Minn., Margaret (Bruce) Ausderau of Whitehall, and Carol Hanson of West Salem Wis.; 11 grandchildren, Carl (Star) Hanson of Gilbertsville, Ky., Carmen (Gary) Markgren of River Falls, Wis., Al (Andrea) Hanson of Whitehall, Sue (Michael) Richards of Wauwatosa, Wis., Shannon (Tracey) Leer of Blair, Cassie (Jeff) Hammond of Ettrick, Wis., Amber Leer of La Crosse, Kari (Bill Lehman) Nelsestuen of Portland, Ore., Kent (Beaty) Nelsestuen of Colorado Springs, Colo., Karla (Todd Powers) Ausderau of Los Angeles, and Kristoff (Nikki) Ausderau of Whitehall; 17 great-grandchildren, Serena Hanson, Ashton Hanson, Elizabeth and Deanna Hicks, Kara, Tori and Elisha Gilbert, Samantha and Abbigail Leer, Tyler and Damen Hammond, Sydney and Gavin Lehman, Anika and Anya Nelsestuen, Jackson Powers and Aryana Ausderau.
Victoria is survived by brother-in-law Jess Olson, sisters-in-law Ruth Hanson, Mary Frels, Irene Waller and Leona Johnson, as well as nieces, nephews and their extended families who loved and cherished Victoria.
Victoria was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; brothers, Goodwin, Roy, Sanford, Winfred, Emanuel and Leslie; and sisters, Alice and Martha.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 30, at 11 a.m. in Evangelical Lutheran Church, with burial in the church cemetery, both in Pigeon Falls. Pastor Dale Moe will officiate.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall, and one hour prior to the services at the church Friday.
Goodwin D. Hass
Goodwin D. Hass, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in La Crosse, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 24, 2008.
He was born on Sept. 16, 1915, in Barre Mills, Wis., to John Martin and Dora (Rodenberg) Hass. He married Leone Hammes on May 5, 1942, and they shared 56 years together before her passing on Sept. 22, 1998. Goodwin worked a variety of places in his long lifetime, but spent the last 22 years of his employed life at Trane Co. He was an active member of French Island American Legion Post 417 and served in the 40 et 8 Honor Guard. Goody will be sadly missed by many people whose lives he touched.
Goodwin is survived by his eight loving children, Karen L. Johnson of Lakeville, Minn., Goodwin D. (Patricia) Hass Jr. of Cape Coral, Fla., Terry M. (Mary Sue) Hass of La Crosse, Patricia A. (Robert) Formanek of La Crosse, Diane M. (Jeff) Cooley of La Crosse, Marilyn C. (Douglas) Quinn of La Crosse, Teresa M. (Ron) Martin of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Linda L. (Terry) Greene of French Island. Grandpa Goody will be greatly missed by his 26 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. They will especially miss his sense of humor, smiling face and steadfast gentleness. He is further survived by a brother, Myron Hass of La Crosse, and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Hammes of La Crosse.
In addition to his wife, Leone, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Donna Marie; his parents; two sisters, Charlotte Gebhardt and Serena McVey; and a brother, Martin Hass.
Goodwin was a dedicated and hard-working husband and father. He was most proud of his family and enjoyed family parties. Goodwin’s legacy of faith, love, and strength will live on in the hearts of his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial, in celebration of his life, will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, at Mary, Mother of The Church Parish at St. Thomas More Church. The Rev. David Kunz will officiate. Entombment, with military honors by American Legion Post 417, will be in the St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum, Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A prayer service will be held Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Frances Hilleshiem
WAUKON, Iowa — Frances Hilleshiem, 82, of Waukon died Monday, May 26, 2008, in Good Samaritan Center, Waukon. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Waterville (Iowa) Lutheran Church, with burial in Waterville Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call friom noon until the time of services Thursday at the church. Martin Funeral Home of Waukon is assisting the family.
Darlene M. Holman
HUMBIRD, Wis. — Darlene M. Holman, 80, of Humbird died Monday at her home. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Assembly of God Church, with burial in East Lawn Cemetery, both in Alma Center, Wis. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, Wis., and 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the church.
Dennis R. Kunz
KENYON, Minn. — Dennis R. Kunz, 62, of Kenyon died Monday, May 26, 2008, at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minn.
He was born Jan. 25, 1946, in Douglas, Minn., the son of Richard and Helen (Fuchs) Kunz.
Dennis graduated from Pine Island (Minn.) High School and entered the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam in 1965 and was later honorably discharged in 1971. He married Lynn Vasalis on Jan. 29, 1977, and the couple later divorced. Dennis was a general contractor in the Rochester area and then moved with his family to La Crosse where he worked for Frank Liquor. He moved to Kenyon about 10 years ago and worked for Foldcraft Co. Dennis loved his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play hockey. He also enjoyed snowmobiling with his brother, deer hunting, and was an avid outdoorsman.
Dennis is survived by two daughters Nicole Kunz of Onalaska, Wis., and Kersten (Joe) Voves of Rhinelander, Wis.; and three grandchildren, Kiana, Gavin and Kailey. Dennis is also survived by his parents, Richard (Helen) Kunz of West Concord, Minn.; three sisters Diana (Dale) Schwanke of Peterson, Minn., Bonnie (Richard) Redding of Byron, Minn., and Pam (Greg) Reich of West Concord; and one brother, Larry (Judy) Kunz of Rockville, Minn.
One brother, Bruce, and his maternal and paternal grandparents preceded him in death.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Kenyon, with the Rev. Michelle Miller officiating. Visitation will be Friday, May 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. at West Concord Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with full military honors will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, rural Douglas, Minn. Michaelson Funeral Homes Inc., 319 Main St. West Concord (507) 451-7943, is assisting the family.
Jacob ‘Jake’ Christian Lillejord
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah/LA CROSSE — Jacob “Jake” Christian Lillejord, our beloved and adored son, lost his valiant struggle with addiction and passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 15, 2008, in Salt Lake City.
Born on Oct. 21, 1978, in Fond du Lac, Wis., Jacob was a gifted, compassionate and charismatic individual who touched many people throughout his life. His tremendous sense of humor, flashing smile and brilliant blue eyes will always be treasured as blessed memories. While residing in Utah, he was very active in the Salt Lake City Sober Community and Journey Center for Healing.
He is survived by his parents, John and Meredyth Lillejord; brothers, Joel (Nicole) Lillejord of Provo, Utah, Judd Lillejord of Los Angeles, and Kraig (Isabel) Anderson of Burlingame, Calif.; a very special nephew, Quinton of Montville, N.J.; and nieces, Ava Meredyth and Uma Dona of Provo. He will be sadly missed by aunts and uncles, numerous cousins and all his tremendous friends.
Jacob was preceded in death by his fiancé, Akiko Takahashi Robideaux; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and a cousin, Nichol Brunberg.
Jacob attended Logan High School and graduated from Viroqua (Wis.) Waldorf High School. He spent his freshman year at Augsburg College in Minneapolis and later was a film student at Los Angeles City College.
Jacob wrote creatively and kept journals his entire life. He was fascinated with great movies, intriguing books and a good game of chess. He was a superb swimmer and also liked spending time in the weight room. And, of course, he was passionate about fishing.
A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, May 29, from 4:30 and 7 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse, 200 West Ave. S.
A memorial service celebrating Jacob’s life will take place on Friday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 612 Division St., La Crosse. A visitation for family and friends is one hour before time of services. Immediately following the memorial all family and friends are invited to a celebratory luncheon at The Radisson Hotel in the Wisconsin Room. Private inurnment will be at a later date in Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis.
Memorials of remembrance can be made to the Jacob Christian Lillejord Memorial Fund “Jacob’s Ladder” at the La Crosse Community Foundation, 300 Second St. North, Suite 320, La Crosse, WI 54650, or Hixon-Myrick EcoPark at La Crosse Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 1914, La Crosse, WI 54602.
Philip T. Luebke
SPARTA, Wis. — Philip T. Luebke, 56, of Sparta died Sunday, May 25, 2008, in his home.
He was born Sept. 16, 1951, in La Crosse to William and Janet (Roberton) Luebke. He grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1969. He worked for the City of La Crosse Water Department.
Philip joined the Army National Guard on Dec. 16, 1969. He served until Nov. 26, 1994. Philip moved to Sparta in 1978 and worked at Fort McCoy, Wis., for more than 25 years. He retired in 1994.
He loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles and going on motorcycle trips. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Friends and family were very important to Philip.
He is survived by his children, Chris Luebke of La Crosse, Brian (Liza) Luebke of Dayton, Ohio, Joseph (Nicole) Luebke of Sparta, and Stephen Luebke of Sparta; two grandchildren, Patience and Seth; two brothers, John (Joanne) Luebke of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Richard (Sarah) Luebke of Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; and special friends, Sally Simpson of Sparta and Bill Wissestad of Sparta.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, with the Rev. James Leary OFM Cap. officiating. Burial, with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112, will be in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, County Hwy. B, La Crosse.
Friends may call at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Online condolences may be offered at www.lanham-miller.com.
Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Eva Marie McKittrick
VIROQUA, Wis. — Eva Marie McKittrick, 90, a resident at Vernon Manor in Viroqua, died early Monday morning, May 26, 2008, at the manor.
She was born Dec. 26, 1917, in Viola, Wis., to Sherman and Dena (Coy) Griffin. On June 12, 1936 she married Sheldon “Shellie” McKittrick in La Farge, Wis. The couple lived in Lake Geneva, Wis., Romance, Wis., and Viola prior to settling in Newton Valley in 1958. Eva helped manage all aspects of the farm and enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking.
Eva is survived by two sons, Roger (Karen) McKittrick of Viroqua and Butch (Aurealia) McKittrick of Poynette, Wis.; three daughters, Rita (Chuck) Jones of Gautier, Miss., Marlis Wilson of Ocean Springs, Miss., and Beverly (Pat) Horkhiemer of Rockford, Ill.; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mabel Meyer of Arpin, Wis.; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sheldon “Shellie” in December 1988; a son, Danny Sherman McKittrick in August 2004; three brothers; and three sisters.
Funeral services will be held at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua, at noon on Thursday, May 29. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Roy Tellier, with burial to follow in Newton Cemetery, rural Viroqua. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service on May 29 at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Julianne ‘Judy’ Meyer
WEST SALEM, Wis. — Julianne “Judy” Meyer, 74, of West Salem, died Monday, May 26, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
She was born June 26, 1933, in Mount Tabor, Wis. to Richard and Alice (Peterson) Shanesy. Judy graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1951. On Aug. 4, 1967, she married Ken Meyer. Judy worked for Trane Co. and Altec, both in La Crosse, for over 30 years until her retirement July 1, 1994. She was a 50-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Ken; a son, Mark of West Salem; two stepsons, Ken Jr. (Tracey) of Las Vegas and Bob (Vicki) of West Salem; five grandchildren, Jason and Holly Meyer, both of Las Vegas, Kelli (Jim) Caulum of Rockland, Wis., and Jenni and Morgan Meyer, both of West Salem; a son-in-law, Keith Gilbertson of Shakopee, Minn.; an aunt, Julia Hisel of La Farge, Wis.; and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, John Chase; a daughter, Susan Gilbertson; and a sister, Cherie Shanesy.
In accordance with Judy’s wishes, she will be cremated, and there will be no service or visitation. Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice. Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements.
Francis E. ‘Gene’ Sawyer
Francis E. “Gene” Sawyer, 89, of La Crosse, died Monday, May 26, 2008, at Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse.
He was born Dec. 3, 1918, in Badin, N.C., to Thomas and Katherine (Tucker) Sawyer. He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1937. Francis was a leader in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) in California, where he fought several forest and brush fires. He joined the U.S. Army on Oct. 4, 1941, and served during World War II as an engineer gunner on a B-24 bomber. Francis parachuted out of his bomber at 22,000 feet just seconds before it was blown up by a Japanese fighter pilot, and was a Japanese prisoner of war for 1½ years in Yangon, Myanmar. He received numerous medals and decorations, including the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Palm, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon, the American Defense Medal, the A.F. Reserve Medal the Longevity Medal (22 years) and the Victory Medal. He retired from the Army in 1978 as a master sergeant.
Francis had served as the chaplain for the Thomas Rooney VFW for many years and gave prayers at many local cemeteries on Memorial Day. He was also the chaplain for the American ex-POWs, and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12, the Red Arrow 32nd Division, and the Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter 521. Francis served as the state commander for the American Ex-Prisoners of War, the chapter commander of the Disabled American Veterans and chapter commander of the Military Order of Purple Heart. Francis also was a Boy Scout, Eagle Scout and scoutmaster and enjoyed traveling, sharing stories with other veterans, dining out, and collecting rocks, mineral specimens and fossils.
He is survived by a daughter, Shirley A. (Douglas) Proksch of Onalaska, Wis.; a son, Thomas L. (Margaret) Sawyer of Rochester, Minn.; five grandchildren, Tammy (Mike) Alberts of Caledonia, Minn., Tania Proksch of Minneapolis, Jennifer Sawyer of San Francisco, Christopher (Patty) Sawyer of Minneapolis and Benjamin Sawyer of Rochester, Minn.; six great-grandchildren, Alyssa Albert, Arie Albert, Lynzie Lamkin, Morgan Sawyer, Gohan Sawyer and Maya Sawyer. He is also survived by his wife, Beverly, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mildred (Molstad) Sawyer; a stepsister, Betty Joyce Entwistle; a stepbrother, Ralph Geiwitz; and his mother and stepfather, Katherine and Archie Geiwitz.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 29, at 11 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Pastor Bruce Iverson will officiate. Burial, with military honors by the Thomas Rooney VFW Post 1530, will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse today from 5 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials are preferred to a military organization such as the Order of Purple Heart, VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans or of the donor’s choice.
Oretta E. Schnick
Oretta E. Schnick, 95, of La Crosse died Monday, May 26, 2008, at Clare Bridge Cottage in La Crosse.
She was born Sept. 28, 1912, in Waukegan, Ill., to Henry and Josephine (Rulland) Luedke. Oretta was a graduate of Westby (Wis.) High School. On Dec. 25, 1936, she married Adolph O. Schnick in Cashton, Wis. Together they farmed on the Schnick home farm in Stoddard, Wis. In addition to farming their entire married life, they were both employed at Northern Engraving in La Crosse and they owned and operated a root beer stand. On April 18, 1997, Adolph preceded Oretta in death. Oretta was a longtime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse where she served the ladies aid and various church circles. She also was a member of the Oak Ridge Homemakers. Oretta’s nieces and nephews were very important to her and she will be sadly missed by all of them.
Survivors include one sister-in-law, Anita Schnick of Stoddard; one niece, Elizabeth (Robert) Michaels of Bangor, Wis.; six nephews, the Rev. Harold (Margene) Peterson of Sun City, Ariz., Jon (Sandra) Peterson and Donald (Dorothy) Peterson, both of Cashton, the Rev. Luther (Bonnie) Peterson of Northfield, Minn., Paul (Karen) Levendoski of Middleton, Wis., and Mark (Kris) Levendoski of Genoa, Wis.; and Colleen Peterson of Decorah, Iowa, wife of nephew, the late Rev. Roger Peterson. Oretta is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews on Adolph’s side of the family as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to her husband, Oretta was preceded in death by two sisters, Evangeline Peterson of Cashton and Dolores Levendoski of Genoa; and one nephew, the Rev. Roger Peterson.
Funeral services will be Thursday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 612 Division St., La Crosse. The Revs. Mark Jolivette and Luther Peterson will officiate. Burial will be in Moen Cemetery, rural Cashton. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Oretta’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice. Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse, is in charge of arrangements.
Oretta’s family would like to acknowledge the staff at Clare Bridge Cottage for the wonderful care given to her during her stay.
Elizabeth Jane Secord
ONALASKA, Wis. — Our loving mother went to be with the Lord and reunited with the love of her life, her husband, Donald, surrounded by her family.
Elizabeth J. Secord, 77, died in the Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Medical Center on Monday, May 26, 2008. She was born Oct. 20, 1930, in Lansing, Iowa, to Peter and Marguerite (Olloff) Gaulthier. She married Donald Secord in 1946, and he preceded her in death on Sept. 9, 1986. Mom worked at Gateway Products for 32 years where she made many friendships that lasted her entire life. She enjoyed her Saturday nights with Donald dancing at the Concordia Ballroom, and going for rides on Sunday afternoons. She enjoyed spending any time with her family, whether baking, making lunch, supper or just visiting, she enjoyed every minute of it. She liked to play Yahoo with her kids, grandkids and anybody who wanted to play. She looked forward to her favorite shows, “The Price Is Right,” “The Wheel of Fortune,” and “The Young and the Restless.” She enjoyed going home to Lansing where she grew up. She had many wonderful memories and we made many more. She enjoyed the simple things in life and loved her family very much. When her grandchildren counted their blessings, we counted grandma twice.
Elizabeth is survived by four daughters, Debra (Michael) Collins and Jill Secord, both of Onalaska; Teresa (Richard) Secord-Hurst of La Crosse and Ranee “Georgie” (Philip) Neuverth of Barre Mills, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Mark (Stephanie) Wemette, Rachael, Laura Collins, Dylan Spranger, Austin Hurst, Nicole and Matthew Neuverth; a special cousin, Judy Hanley; and a very close friend, Porky.
Funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m. in First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 West Ave. S., in La Crosse. The Rev. Richard Pamperin will officiate, and burial will be in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, La Crosse. Friends may call at the Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 401 Main St., in Onalaska on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the services.
Samuel ‘Sam’ C. Shegonee
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Samuel “Sam” C. Shegonee, 75, of Black River Falls died Monday, May 26, 2008, in his home. Funeral services will be at noon today at District One Community Center, Black River Falls. Burial, with military honors by Andrew Blackhawk American Legion Post 129, will be in Shegonee Cemetery near Arpin, Wis. Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services today at the community center. Buswell Funeral Home (www.buswellfuneralhome.com), Black River Falls, is assisting the family.
Kenneth ‘Ken’ F. Storandt
Kenneth “Ken” F. Storandt, 90, of La Crosse passed away May 26, 2008, at St. Joseph’s Rehab Center, La Crosse. Ken was born Nov. 18, 1917, in Burr Oak, Wis., to Ernest and Lucy (Pfaff) Storandt.
Ken’s family moved to West Salem, Wis., where he graduated from high school in 1935. He continued on with his education and earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a master’s degree from Winona (Minn.) State University. Ken furthered his education by attending classes at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, the Vandercook School of Music and The George Peabody University in Nashville, Tenn.
Ken proudly served four years in the United States Army during World War II. He served in the Adjutant General Department in New Guinea and in the Philippine Islands. Ken was honorably discharged after attaining the rank of major. During his time in the Army, Ken formed many strong bonds with fellow soldiers and maintained those relationships throughout his life. After serving in the military, Ken returned to West Salem, where he met the love of his life, Wyliss Vogel. They were married on May 28, 1947, in Christ Lutheran Church in West Salem.
Kenneth taught music in Three Lakes, Wis., Augusta, Wis., and at Washington Junior High in La Crosse. He then spent eight years as the principal of Emerson Elementary in La Crosse. The last 15 years of his career as an educator were spent writing federal programs for the La Crosse School District. Ken was highly respected in the La Crosse educational community and touched the lives of many students, teachers and co-workers during his long, rich career.
Music brought great joy to Ken throughout his entire life. He was an accomplished musician and was the principle clarinet player for the La Crosse Symphony for 25 years. Ken also played with the La Crosse City Band, the De Capo Band, and various other music groups throughout the La Crosse area. He was very proud to be selected to play in the first senior citizen symphony in America and traveled to Mystic, Conn., to play with this prestigious group. Ken was a faithful member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crosse, the 202 Musician’s Union, and the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse. His retirement years were richly spent traveling throughout the world with Wyliss, fishing, golfing, and supporting his nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren in their numerous activities.
Ken was always a kind, gentle and caring man and was a tremendous role model for all of those who met him. He was known for his very quick wit and love of life. Ken may be best described in a quote by Will Rogers, “I never met a man I didn’t like.” His passion for fishing was best summed up in Ken’s own words: “Just one more cast.” Ken, in heaven you get all the casts you wish. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, Wyliss; his four wonderful children, Gary (Shara) Storandt of Western Springs, Ill., Kay (Donald) Murphy of La Crosse, James (Lilli) Storandt of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., and Thomas (Colleen) Storandt of La Crescent, Minn.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; a granddqaughter, Karla Storandt; a brother, Filmore; and sisters, Marjorie Allen and Lucille Miller.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 26th Street and Ward Avenue, La Crosse. Pastor Jonathan E. Rimmert will officiate. Military honors by the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse and the United States Military Funeral Honors Program will follow the service at the church. Burial will be in Hamilton Cemetery, West Salem. Friends may call at Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be given to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Crosse, the La Crosse City Band, or the National Parkinson’s Foundation.
Ken’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the staff members, at St. Joseph’s Rehab Center for the kindness and compassion they showed to him and his family members during the past three months.
Larry E. Thorson
HOUSTON, Minn. — Larry E. Thorson, 63, of Houston died Sunday, May 25, 2008, due to an accident on his farm. Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, at Larry’s farm (8404 County 4, Houston). Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hoff Funeral Homes-Houston Chapel, and from 11 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the farm. Burial will be in Yucatan Cemetery, rural Houston.
Charles D. Wallace
Charles D. Wallace, 93, of La Crosse died Saturday, May 24, 2008, in Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse. Committal services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, La Crosse. Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home of La Crosse is assisting the family.
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