Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Friday, July 18, 2008
Obituaries for Friday, July 18, 2008
Clayton R. “Stub” Amundson | Sharon R. Bluske | Lillian I. Emmert | Evelyn J. Feally | Donna J. Fleming | Delores “Dee” A. Hollowitch | Otto P. Labus | Clifford E. Manthe | Howard Wayne Ross | Lawrence W. “Chief” Senn | Raymond L. Smith | Irene Lillian Viner | Stanley J. “Woody” Wooden
Donna J. Fleming
HERBSTER. Wis. — Donna Jean Fleming, 79, of Herbster passed away on Monday, July 14, 2008, at Meriter Hospital in Madison.
She was born in De Soto, Wis., on April 12, 1929, a daughter of the late Fantus and Irene (Watson) Tewalt, and graduated from Viroqua (Wis.) High School. She was united in marriage to Ruel Fleming on Feb. 4, 1948.
Donna was the center of our family. She was a joy to be around — always comforting someone else and offering a smile, when needed. She was unassuming and certainly not an attention-seeker. But, you could walk into a room and realize that something was missing when she was not there. A more sincere person would be hard to find. When someone was her friend, it was “for life” — just ask any of her buddies. She was fun-loving and always seemed to find pleasure in each new day.
She loved chocolate malts, had a passion for reading, enjoyed browsing through antiques and couldn’t wait to plan the next RV trip. All you had to ask was, “Do you want to go?” And, her reply would be, “How soon can we leave? I’m ready!” If being a “worrier” is a fault, she did have one. No, make that two. She talked to herself, A LOT! Cancer has claimed the life of another loved one, with her diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January. She faced this challenge with the dignity and grace that we all knew she possessed. She did not fear death, she LIVED life. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the cancer society.
She is survived by her husband, Ruel; daughter, Kathy (Rod) Dahlen; son, Tim Fleming; four grandchildren, Kyle and Abby Dahlen and Rachel and Ryan Fleming; and by a daughter-in-law, Nancy Jean Fleming.
She was preceded in death by her son David Fleming, and by a brother, Jerry Tewalt. It was Donna’s wish that a traditional funeral not be held. Memorial services are being planned by the family to be held in Washburn and Viroqua, at later dates.
Olson-Holzhuter-Cress, 206 W. Prospect Ave., Stoughton, Wis., (608) 873-9244, is assisting the family. www.CressFuneralService.com.
Delores ‘Dee’ A. Hollowitch
Delores “Dee” A. Hollowitch, 78, of La Crosse passed away unexpectedly in Cashton, Wis., on Wednesday, July 16, 2008.
She was born in La Crosse on May 24, 1930, to Emil and Anna (Potaracke) Breidel. She married Francis Hollowitch in La Crosse in May 1960.
Dee and her husband are well known in the La Crosse area as the “flower people,” living on 10th and Cass streets. Their flower beds and beautiful gardens would draw crowds of people from around the country, attracting art students and even tour buses. Their gardens had been featured in many local news articles and stories.
In addition to her husband, Francis, she is survived by her three daughters, Deb Hollowitch of La Crosse, Carolyn Hollowitch of La Crosse and Diane (Howard) Youmans of Waldorf, Md.; seven sons, Pat (Barb) Volden of La Crosse, Robert (Karen) Volden of Rochester, Minn., Daniel (Dianne) Volden of La Crosse, Steve Volden of La Crosse, Gene (Sue) Volden of Melrose, Wis., Butch Hollowitch of La Crosse, and Jeff Hollowitch of La Crosse; many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister Lucille Ohms of Franklin, Tenn.; and four brothers, Frank, Emil, Tom and Mike Breidel, all of La Crosse. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister and two brothers.
Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. The Rev. Lawrence B. Berger will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 2 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in her name.
Howard Wayne Ross
VIROQUA, Wis. — Howard Wayne Ross, 76, of Viroqua died early Thursday morning, July 17, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
He was born March 19, 1932, in La Crosse to Robert M. Ross and Eva (Oliver) Ross-Springborn. On June 16, 1956, he married Betty Lawrence at the EUB Church in Ontario, Wis. The couple farmed in Retreat, Wis., and Howard also owned and operated a bulk oil station there. In 1968, they moved to Railroad Avenue and continued to farm, milking and raising tobacco. Howard also worked for Ed Kramer Bridge Crew as a crane operator, Vernon County Highway Shop and also hauled for the Amish. Needless to say, Howard always had something to do. Howard served on the Vernon County Board for one year, was a member of the Farm Unity Program in the 1980s and was a member of the Viroqua Eagles Club Aerie 2707. After retirement, Howard and Betty wintered in Texas for the past 15 years. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Howard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Ross of Viroqua; two sons, Ricky (Sabrina) Ross of West Salem and Royal (Barbara) Ross of Viroqua; five grandchildren, Tristan, Austin and Alejandrina Ross of West Salem and Michaela and Jacinda Ross of Viroqua; a sister, Ardis Stilwell of Retreat, rural De Soto, Wis.; Helen (Ernie) Engen of Stoddard, Wis.; a brother, Gale (Sandra) Ross of Holmen, Wis.; nieces and nephews; and other relatives, friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Layne Stilwell; and a nephew, Robert “Bobby” Stilwell.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 21, at Viroqua United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ethan Larson officiating. Burial will take place in Viroqua Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua, where there will be a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. and Monday, July 21, at the church from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Stanley J. ‘Woody’ Wooden
Stanley J. “Woody” Wooden, 69, of La Crosse died on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse.
He was born Sept. 20, 1938, in La Crosse to Roland and Callista (Werner) Wooden. He graduated from Central High School in 1957. Stanley married Barbara Kromke on July 8, 1961, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stoddard, Wis., by the Rev. Norbert Gieschen. He worked for the La Crosse County Highway Department for 35˝ years, retiring in 1995. Stanley was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed watching the Milwau-kee Brewers and camping at Bluebird Campground. He also enjoyed his cats, Miller and Sammie.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Barbara; three children, Jay Wooden of La Crosse, Sherry Fallin of Hudson, Wis., and David Wooden of La Crosse; his grandson, Brandon Ruhoff of Hudson; his mother, Callista Wooden of La Crosse; and one brother, Frank Wooden of La Crosse; two half brothers, Bruce Wooden of Scottsdale and Arlan (Trudy) Wooden of Menomonie, Mich.; two half- sisters, Rebecca Wooden of Coon Valley, Wis., and Sharon (Howie) Sackmaster of La Crosse; and his stepmother, Genevieve (Kenneth) Soerens of La Crosse.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roland Wooden.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stoddard. The Rev. James Krueger will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time.
Lillian I. Emmert
Lillian I. Emmert, 89, of La Crosse died on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Med-ical Center, La Crosse.
She was born Aug. 31, 1918, in Greentop, Mo., to Thomas and Sylvia (Montgomery) Lile.
Lillian attended Wells Country School in Skylar County in Missouri through the eighth grade. She traveled by horseback each day to attend Greentop High School and graduated in 1926.
In 1936, she married Richard Cooper. During their marriage they had two daughters, Beverly and Judith. Richard preceded her in death in 1951. Lillian married Robert Emmert in 1954, and they had two sons, William and Thomas. Robert preceded her in death in 2002. Her early years of adulthood were spent as a wife, mother and homemaker.
Lillian was an active member of the Eastern Star and the ELK Club. She enjoyed reading, game shows, word puzzle books and playing scrabble. In 1964, Lillian, her husband Robert, and their two boys moved from Greentop to
La Crosse. She was employed by the La Crosse School District, Stokke Towers Senior Center, and later retired from Hillview Health Care Center. Lillian was a very strong, caring and loving person who seldom complained. She took great pride in her family and they will remember her lovingly.
Lillian is survived by two daughters, Beverly Prough of Queen City, Mo., and Judith (Junior) Whitworth of Worthington, Mo.; two sons, William Emmert and Thomas (Kathrynn Malson) Emmert, both of La Crosse; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
In addition to her parents and her first and second husbands, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kelly Jae Whitworth; a son-in-law, Arley Prough; three sisters, Virginia Perkins, Hazel Patterson and Grace Porter; and three brothers, Emory Lile, Dale Lile and John Lile.
A gathering of friends and family will be Sunday, July 20, at 4 p.m. concluding with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. at Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. The Rev. Paul L. Haugen will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Lillian will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Raymond L. Smith
ONALASKA, Wis. — Raymond L. Smith, 79, passed away Wednes-day, July 16, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
He was born in Viroqua, Wis., on March 9, 1929, to Harold and Mabel (Sordahl) Smith. Ray served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. On Nov. 6, 1953, he married Maureen Kumlin at De Soto (Wis.) Lutheran Church.
Ray owned and operated Ray’s Heating and Air Conditioning and Ray’s Coulee Region Oil in Onalaska. He was an active member in the Onalaska American Legion and had served as commander at Post 336 and also as past state vice commander of Wisconsin. He was 40 et 8 past Chef De Gare of local 830 and past Grande Chef De Gare of State of Wisconsin, past parade marshall for Sunfish Days, a past member of the Onalaska Rotary Club, former city alderman of Onalaska, and former Sunday school superintendent and council member of First Lutheran Church in Onalaska.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Maureen; a daughter, Susan Smith (Rick) Lovejoy; a son, Greg Smith; four grandchildren, Christopher Smith, Jennifer (Sean) Brownlow, Taylor Smith and Sarah Smith; stepgrandchildren, Ryan (Amy) Lovejoy and Brandon Lovejoy; great-grandchildren, Jackson Smith and Cole Brownlow; four sisters, Helen Miller, Shirley Latham, Mary Venegas and Jan (Roger) Bolstad; a brother, Fred (Barb) Smith; and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Eldon Smith.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at First Lutheran Church, 410 Main St., Onalaska. The Rev. Jason Stanton will officiate, and burial with military honors will be in Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call at the church Sunday from noon until the time of services.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lawrence W. ‘Chief’ Senn
LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Larry “Chief” Senn passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Golden Living Center in La Crescent with family by his side.
He was born on Jan. 7, 1933, in Hokah, Minn., to Edward and Helen (Vogel) Senn. Upon graduation from high school in Houston, Minn., he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was deployed in the Korean area of operations as a crewman on a naval refueling vessel.
Larry married Lorraine Engstler in Hokah on July 25, 1959, and she preceded him in death in 2001.
Larry was a solid fixture in Hokah for many years, first as the operator of a Texaco service station, where he earned his nickname of “the Chief,” and later as the owner of Senn’s Service. From oil changes to tires to any auto repair, Larry provided valuable and honest service to his community. Chief’s service station became a gathering place for locals, who could be seen sitting on a bench outside the station, watching Chief work on a tractor tire, or inside losing money to him playing poker. Chief was a genuine working man, loyal and kind to his many friends, always willing to take money from anyone foolish enough to bet against his Minnesota Vikings, and always had the refrigerator well stocked.
Chief is survived by his four children, Lynette (Jeff) Laska of La Crescent, Paul Senn of Menomonee Falls, Wis., and Joe and Ed Senn of La Crosse; three siblings, Ardelle Schaeffer of Hokah, William (Gale) Senn of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Jack Senn of Waukesha, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Lorraine, he was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Arnold, Ralph and Charles.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 21, at 10 a.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent. The Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will take place in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Hokah. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
The family of Larry Senn wishes to thank everyone in the Hokah and La Crescent communities who helped Chief as he battled dementia in his later years, especially the staff at Golden Living Center and St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn. As his daughter put it, “Now he is back to being Larry, the Chief.”
Clifford E. Manthe
TOMAH, Wis. — Clifford E. Manthe, 83, of Tomah passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Serenity House in Tomah.
He was born Oct. 1, 1924, to Ernest and Agnes (Nimmo) Manthe in Black River Falls, Wis.
Cliff served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946. He was united in marriage to Muriel Harris on July 16, 1950, at Methodist Church in Humbird, Wis. He spent his working years as a nursing assistant at Tomah VA Hospital. Cliff was very active in the Tomah community and was a member of many organizations, such as NOW, ANA, NARFE, Monroe County Historical Society and American Legion Post 201. Cliff had a great passion for music and was active in the United Methodist Church choir and ecumenical choir. He also served on the Tomah Concert Association Board and played in the community band. Along with hunting and fishing, Cliff would often spend time outdoors, and enjoyed traveling and vacationing with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Muriel; his sons, Mark (Casey O’Keefe) Manthe of Milwaukee and Scott Manthe of La Crosse; his daughter, Marsha (David) Schuetz of Belvidere, Ill.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and a fourth great-grandchild expected in September; and other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Agnes Manthe; a grandson, Stephen D. Schuetz; and his sister, LaVerne Andrews.
Funeral services will be Saturday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Tomah. Pastor William Swan will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls, Wis., at 3 p.m. Family and friends are invited for visitation today from 5 to 8 p.m. at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends are also invited for visitation Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to the Tomah Hospice Touch or First United Methodist Church. Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Otto P. Labus
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz./LA CROSSE — Otto P. Labus, 86, longtime resident of La Crosse and a local businessman, passed away Friday, July 4, 2008, in Scottsdale.
He was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., on May 16, 1922. Otto served 31/2 years in World War II in the South Pacific. He returned to Wisconsin after the war, where he served as vice president of Norplex Corp. in La Crosse from 1952 to 1966. Upon his retirement from Norplex, he moved to Scottsdale, where he resided until his death.
Otto was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Patricia Wash. He is survived by two nephews, John Wash of Biltmore Lake, N.C., and Allan Wash of San Diego.
His ashes will be returned to the La Crosse area where he enjoyed many years of hunting and fishing.
Clayton R. ‘Stub’ Amundson
HOLMEN, Wis. — Clayton R. “Stub” Amundson, 85, died at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center on Wednesday, July 16, 2008.
He was born Oct. 14, 1922, in rural Holmen to Oscar and Mabel (Thompson) Amundson. He married Mae (Nemetz) on Nov. 14, 1942. Stub had worked for the Trane Co. for 17 years. He was popularly known and highly respected as the “Lefse Man.”
He is survived by his wife, Mae; a daughter, Betty (Loren) Black of Minnetonka, Minn.; a son, James (Kathy) Amundson of West Bend, Wis.; four grandchildren, Wendy Anderson, Timothy Amundson, Amy Kranz and Troy Black; great-grandchildren, Holly Butterfield, Emily Anderson, and Dylan and Skylin Amundson; and a sister, Adeline Sampson of Sparta, Wis.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 1 p.m. in Holmen Lutheran Church, 228 Morris St. The Revs. Dan Henderson and Glenn Borreson will officiate. Burial will be in Long Coulee Cemetery, rural Holmen. Friends may call at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 515 McHugh Road, Holmen, from 5 to 8 p.m. today and at the church Saturday from noon until the services.
Sharon R. Bluske
Sharon R. Bluske, 69, of La Crosse, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
She was born in La Crosse on Nov. 3, 1938, to Walter and Eileen (Hicke) La Point. On June 8, 1957, she married Kurt Bluske. Sharon had worked for Trane Co. of La Crosse for 20 years. In addition to being an avid reader, she enjoyed good friends, good music, traveling to unique and interesting places and she loved to cook.
In addition to her loving husband, Kurt of 51 years, she is survived by three children, Michael and Katarina Bluske of Seattle, Kathy Kruse of La Crosse and Patrick Bluske of Mankato, Minn.; two grandchildren, Chad Kruse of La Crosse and Madeline Kruse of Andover, Minn.; one brother, Terry La Point; and one sister, Yvonne Clark.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Sally McMullen, Joyce Bott and Cheryl Jiracek; and three brothers, Don, Rick and Gary La Point.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services and private family burial will take place at a later date. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is assisting the family.
Irene Lillian Viner
Irene Lillian Viner, 90, a resident of Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse, died Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the care center.
She was born Sept. 7, 1917, at home in Esofea, Wis., to Albert and Faustine (Larson) Nedland. She married Lloyd Viner on Nov. 21, 1936, at Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He preceded her in death Dec. 27, 1969. Irene was a wonderful mother. She was very neat and was an excellent cook and dancer who enjoyed dancing with her husband Lloyd. She had worked at St. Francis Hospital for several years after Lloyd died.
Irene is survived by a daughter, Bonnie (Steve) Brown of Stoddard, Wis.; a son, Ed (Paulette Hundt) Viner of La Crosse; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Floyd (Irene) Nedland of Viroqua, Wis. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jodie Lynn Sommerfeldt; three brothers; and two sisters.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Pastor Roger Hjelle will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. and at the church Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Evelyn J. Feally
Evelyn J. Feally, 66, of La Crosse died Thursday, July 17, 2008, in Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home-Nelson Chapel is assisting the family. A complete obituary will follow.
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