Margaret ‘Peggy’ Stewart Dalzell
Margaret “Peggy” Stewart Dalzell was born Sept. 21, 1917, to Otto and Eleanor Hugus Schlabach in La Crosse.
She was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Ohio Wesleyan College and married C. Ranous Stewart in 1939. In 1945, the Stewarts moved to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where they raised a family and where Peggy was an active community volunteer in the Methodist Church, League of Women Voters, 20th Century Study Club, Red Cross Bloodmobile and PTA. She was an accomplished writer and an avid bridge player. After her husband’s death, Peggy moved to Florida and started her second career as a reading specialist in Florida public schools. She married Thomas Dalzell, and he preceded her in death. In 2007, ill health prompted a move back to Prairie du Chien, where she died Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.
Peggy is survived by her children, Charles (Ann) Stewart of Texas, Margy Stewart (Ron Young) of Kansas and Sally (Pete) Steele of Prairie du Chien, Wis.; her grandchildren, Mark Steele of Bloomington, Minn., and Beth (Michael) Hoffman of Minnetonka, Minn.; and great-grandson, Nicholas Hoffman. She is also survived by three sisters, Anne Burkhardt of Vermont, Ellen Wright of Ohio and Marian (Dr. Robert) Ramlow of La Crosse. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her two husbands and two brothers-in-law.
A private family ceremony will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation. Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family.
Kathryn Francis Farley
ONALASKA, Wis. — Kathryn Francis Farley, 94, of Onalaska died at Onalaska Care Center on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008.
She was born in New London, Wis., on Dec. 30, 1913, to John H. and Armena Kathryn (Lieble) Look. As a young woman, Kathryn worked as a clerk in her father’s drug store in Weyauwega, Wis. Later she worked in a chocolate factory in Oshkosh, Wis. On May 10, 1938, in Weyauwega, she married Ira M. Farley. After their marriage, they lived in Oregon, Ill., where Ira worked for Carnation Milk. In 1946, she and her husband purchased and operated Farley’s Grocery Store in Neenah, Wis. They were later joined in partnership with Ira’s brother, Cliff, and his wife, Jane. In 1959, they joined Martin Baerenwald in purchasing Alaska Pops, a Popsicle manufacturer in Oshkosh. Kathryn was a longtime member of St. Margaret Mary’s Parish, Neenah, and later became a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Onalaska. Multiple daily rosaries strengthened her spiritual life. She enjoyed needlework and crafted hundreds of pillowcases and many afghans. She has donated many of the afghans to organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, The Linus Project, St. Margaret Mary’s Parish (Neenah), St. Francis Parish (DePere) and St. Patrick’s Parish (Onalaska).
Kathryn is survived by her daughter, Mary (Farley) and son-in-law, Jim Jakowski of Onalaska; her sister, Henrietta (Tootsie) King of Oshkosh, Wis.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1967; her daughter, Catherine (Cam) Miller, in 1993; and her great-grandson, Jonah, in 1996.
Her family and friends will sadly miss her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska. The Rev. Jude Weisenbeck will officiate, and burial will be in Weyauwega (Wis.) Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. Family and friends may call at the church Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to American Cancer Society, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or Onalaska Care Center.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Margaret Ann (Rusche) Hager
Ann was released from the pain of breast cancer after an aggressive battle Friday, Aug. 15, 2008. She was surrounded by her husband and sons at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
Ann was born at St Ann’s Hospital in La Crosse on Dec. 24, 1957. She was the daughter of Tom and Peggy (Lyons) Rusche. She graduated from Aquinas High in 1976 and went on to graduate from the chef program at Hennepin County Vo-Tec.
Ann loved spending time with her five boys and husband most of all. Her other loves included: pigs, horses, Basset Clowns (hounds), cooking, starry autumn nights, flying airplanes, cross-stitching, stained-glass making, pink roses, being on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, Amtgard, movies and reading.
She traveled to Holland, England and her beloved Ireland with her Grandpa Bill numerous times. Ann married Robert L. Jensen on Oct. 23, 1982. They had a son, Ryan, in 1984. They worked as executive chefs and chefs in Minnesota until they opened Goodies Catering and Delicatessen in Mankato, Minn. She was widowed Feb. 14, 1987, after which she returned to La Crosse to be with her family.
Ann married longtime friend and soulmate, Michael, on May 19, 1990. They have five sons, Ryan, Tyler, Wylliam, Skyler and Tryten.
Ann worked passionately for children with differing abilities for the past 13 years through Wisconsin Family Ties Inc. in Madison as a senior advocate. She also worked vigorously with a variety of organizations dealing with children’s mental health, special education, children and juveniles with disabilities in corrections or hospitals, disability rights and respite care. She helped change legislation at local, state and federal levels; Ann worked with countless counties, schools and the justice systems for the betterment of children with differing abilities.
She is survived by her husband, Michael (Hagar); sons, Ryan, 24, of St Paul, Tyler, 17, Wyll, 16, Skyler, 14, and Tryten, 11; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Jensen; her parents, Tom and Peggy Rusche; her grandparents, William and Mary Elisabeth (Fitzpatrick) Lyons and Albert and Marie (Maney) Rusche; as well as two nieces.
A celebration of Ann’s life will be at Grandad Park in La Crosse at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24. If you have a picture or stories about Ann, feel free to share it.
She asked in lieu of flowers, donations to be sent to Wisconsin Family Ties (to assist families with children with differing abilities) Wisconsin Family Ties Inc., 16 N. Carroll St., Suite 640, Madison WI 53703, or directly to the Hager Family in care of Carrie Smith, P.O. Box 2982, La Crosse, WI 54602-2982.
Ann is and will always be very missed by so many.
Joyce Elaine Irish
LA CROSSE/PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Joyce Elaine Irish, 72, of La Crosse and formerly of Platteville, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at United Methodist Church in Platteville. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Cuba City, Wis. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Melby-Bendorf Funeral Home, 1245 N. Water St., Platteville, and from 10 a.m. until time of services Thursday at the church.
Memorials may be made to Platteville United Methodist Church or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, La Crosse.
Joyce was born June 7, 1936, in Cuba City, Wis., the daughter of Joseph W. and Mabel Z. (Lee) Watters. She was united in marriage to Merlyn F. Irish on Sept. 7, 1957, at United Methodist Church in Platteville. He preceded her in death on Sept. 20, 1986. She graduated from Belmont High School in 1954. She attended Madison Business College and later University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she received her bachelor of science degree in business administration. Joyce worked at Mound City Bank. She later worked at UW-Platteville as an associate registrar. During her 38-year career at UW-Platteville, she also was coordinator of veteran’s affairs. Joyce retired from UW-Platteville in June 1996. Joyce was a member of the United Methodist Church, Platteville. After moving to La Crosse, she was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She served on the board of directors at Rountree Credit Union, Platteville. Joyce was a wonderful, happy person and left everyone knowing she deeply cared for them.
She is survived by a special friend, Richard Schlicht of La Crosse; brother and sisters-in-law, Ron and Norma Irish of La Crosse and Judy Buss of Potosi, Wis.; and several cousins. She was also preceded in death by her parents.
Palma T. Jeffers
Palma T. Jeffers, 90, of La Crosse died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at Hillview Health Care Center in La Crosse. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby, Wis. Burial will be at Sugar Grove Cemetery in rural Westby. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to services Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com. A complete obituary will follow.
Bernice M. Larson
STODDARD, Wis. — Bernice M. Larson, 94, of Stoddard died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby, Wis.
She was born June 20, 1914, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Herman and Margaret (Schilling) Yaeger. She married Leonard Larson on July 29, 1939, in Waukon, Iowa. She and Leonard enjoyed traveling together, seeing most of the U.S., including Alaska. She also enjoyed flower gardening, bird watching and crocheting.
She is survived by her children, Beverly Larson of Westby, Wis., Dennis Larson of Stoddard, Alan (Kim) Larson of rural Westby and Judith (Steve Nordstrom) Larson of Holmen, Wis.; four grandchildren, Laura, Dean, Kari and Levi; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ruth Nutt of La Crosse.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, on Sept. 15, 2001; a grandson, Randy; one sister; and three brothers.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse. The Rev. Dr. Dennis Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Stoddard Cemetery. Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. today at Schumachern Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.
Ruby Q. Lokensgard
ONALASKA, Wis. — Ruby Q. Lokensgard, 90, of Onalaska passed away at her home Sunday, Aug., 17, 2008.
She was born in West Salem, Wis., on June 7, 1918, the youngest of six children, to Ward and Bessie (Radcliff) Quackenbush. After graduating from West Salem High School, she attended University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Montana at Missoula and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, receiving her master’s degree in speech pathology and audiology. She was married to Maurice Lokensgard of Montana, who was also a graduate of the University of Montana and Southern Illinois University with a doctorate in speech communication. They both enjoyed working at their respective professions in Oklahoma, Illinois, Montana, Alaska and New Mexico, where Ruby worked in clinics, schools and hospitals as a speech pathologist and her husband was a university professor. Together, they traveled to many foreign countries during their summer vacations.
In addition to her family and friends, Ruby’s special interests included travel, photography, music, literature, nature, lighthouses and, most recently, computers.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews and their families who live in various parts of the United States, Jack (Barbara) Cain, Barbara Scott, John (Bethanne) Jacobson, Jerry (Karen) Quackenbush, Joan (Allan) May, Carol (James) Bean and Robert (Donna) Quackenbush; and four sisters in law.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two sisters, Geneva Cain and Marjorie Jacobson; three brothers, Forrest, Earl and Gerald Quackenbush; one niece, Lynn Lynch; two brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.
At her request, there will be no funeral services and her body will be cremated and the cremated remains scattered in accordance to her wishes.
Special thanks to the Gundersen Lutheran Hospice program and Comfort Keepers for making it possible for Ruby to return to her apartment following her fall.
Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of Onalaska is assisting the family with all arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.
schumacher-kish.com.
Rosella P. Olson
DODGE CENTER/SPRING GROVE, Minn. — Rosella P. Olson, 87, of Dodge Center and formerly of Spring Grove, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008, at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove. Burial will be in Trinity Church Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to services Thursday at the church. Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove is in charge of arrangements.
Geraldine E. Paulsen
MONDOVI, Wis. — Geraldine E. Paulsen of Mondovi passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wis.
She was born Jan. 8, 1940, in Cashton, Wis., to Oscar and Rudella (Dauve) Nordstrom. In 1958, she graduated from Cashton High School. She then attended University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated with a BA in education in 1963. For 10 years she taught second grade in the Eleva-Strum School District. In 1977, she married Dennis Paulsen in Lodi, Wis. They later divorced. After her marriage, she farmed in the Osseo, Wis., area with her husband. Geri moved to the Mondovi area five years ago.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Norden and was their WELCA secretary.
Geri enjoyed her grandchildren, especially attending their sporting events and babysitting them. She was an avid reader and enjoyed collecting antiques. One of her favorite remembrances is of her trip to Ireland in 2004 with her five sisters.
She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Debbie (Clyde) Gumbert of Mondovi; two stepchildren, Chris (Ginny) Paulsen and Lisa Reynolds; three grandchildren, Brooklyn (Travis) Emerson, Amber Tomlinson and Cody Tomlinson; four stepgrandchildren, John, Zach, Tiffany and Sarah; one great-granddaughter, Kaylee Emerson; five sisters, Joan (Donald) Doll of Stoddard, Wis., Donna (Taylor) Melby of Tomah, Wis., Anne (Allen) Gajewsky of Owen, Wis., Carol (Ernest) Meyer of Lodi, Wis., and Mary (Chuck) Jefson of Lodi; a brother, Jon (Kathryn) Nordstrom of Wyoming, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Donna (Ed) Thomas of Niceville, Fla.; and nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Tomlinson; one brother, David Nordstrom; and her parents.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Norden in Mondovi, with the Rev. David Bangert officiating. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Mondovi. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 19, at Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home in Mondovi and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.
Bernhardt ‘Bennie’ W. Ronnfeldt
STEUBEN, Wis. — Bernhardt “Bennie” W. Ronnfeldt, 86, of Steuben died Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien, Wis. Funeral services will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Thornburg-Hanson Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at National Cemetery in Eastman, Wis. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to services Wednesday at the funeral home.
Vernon Frank Walter
LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Vernon Frank Walter, 88, of La Crescent died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008, at Golden Living Center in La Crescent. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, with a 6:30 p.m. rosary, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent. A complete obituary will be announced by the funeral home.
Edgar N. Wirtala
Edgar N. Wirtala, 68, of La Crosse died Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born in Stanley, Wis., on March 8, 1940, to William and Vendla (Ranta) Wirtala. Edgar grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Owen Withee High School in 1958. He married Cheryl Hogden on Sept. 25, 1965, and she preceded him in death Aug. 5, 2007. Edgar worked for Trane Company for over 42 years. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan who absolutely loved spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by two sons, Brian Wirtala of La Crosse and Rich (Rachel) Wirtala of West Salem, Wis.; a sister, Carol Wirtala; brothers, Bill (Fern), Nick (Sandy), Mike (Linda), Chuck and Dave (Pam) Wirtala; and grandchildren, Loran, Bradley and Morgan Wirtala.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl; his parents; and two sisters, Lois and Diane.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse. The Rev. Laurie Weis will officiate, and burial will be in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, rural La Crosse. Family and friends may call at the church Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, La Crosse.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Kathryn M. Witzke
Kathryn M. Witzke, 69, of La Crosse passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008, at her home in La Crosse after an eight-month courageous battle with brain cancer. At the time of her passing, Kathy was surrounded by her family and friends. She was born July 31, 1939, in Geneva, Ill., to Leo and Gertrude Merrill Schnur, who preceded her in death.
She is survived by Terry, her husband of 41 years; her sons, Charles (Amy Wagner) Witzke of St. Paul and John Witzke and Daniel Witzke, both of La Crosse; her sister, Mary Beth (Bob) Metcalf of Sacramento, Calif.; two grandchildren, 5-year-old Leo and 3-year-old Lucia. She is also survived by two nephews, Thomas (Margaret) Metcalf and James (Sarah Barkin) Metcalf; a great-nephew, Matthew; an aunt, Beth Schnur Olson; and several cousins.
Kathy was a teacher who believed that teaching was about building relationships with students. Her career included teaching in Rockford, Ill., Wausau, Wis., Rochester, Minn., Holmen, Wis., and La Crosse. In La Crosse she taught at State Road Elementary School, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Central High School, Hintgen Elementary and Lincoln Middle School. After her retirement, she worked as a volunteer as a Great Books discussion leader at Lincoln School and as a reading buddy for a student at North Woods International Elementary School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., and her master of science degree in teaching at UW-La Crosse.
She loved her classmates from the 1957 class at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wis. She recently attended the 150th school anniversary celebration and her 50th high school class reunion at Wayland.
Kathy was a wonderful mother, aunt, sister, wife, grandmother, cousin and a friend who was always interested in her friends and their accomplishments. She placed needs of family above her own needs. Grammy loved her grandchildren dearly and took great pleasure in shopping for them and watching them grow and develop.
Kathy was an avid reader until her cancer robbed her of her ability to read. She was a member of two book clubs and often recommended “good” books to friends and neighbors. She also wrote poetry and children’s stories featuring her grandchildren. In the past few years she participated in women’s World Problems discussion group.
The family would like to thank friends, neighbors and her sisters from the local Chapter AL of PEO for their support and meals provided to us. Her husband appreciated the recipes from Kathy’s friends when he had to learn to cook after Kathy was diagosed with cancer. We would also like to thank the staff at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center for their many kindnesses and the support from the staff in the GL hospice program. The kind words posted at CaringBridge.org show that Kathy really made a difference in the lives of others. Thanks also to friends who sent e-mails and cards to the family. Our family is happy that Kathy could live her last days at home and enjoy the flowers in the yard that she loved.
A memorial service for Kathy will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at First Congregational Church in La Crosse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Kathy’s name to caringbridge.org.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.
Maxine Eleanor (MacGillis) Woodard
Maxine Eleanor (MacGillis) Woodard, 96, of La Crosse died Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at Bethany-Riverside Nursing Facility in La Crosse. Services are pending and will be announced by Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse.
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