Charles ‘Charlie’ Berger
Charles “Charlie” Berger, 72, of La Crosse died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse.
Charlie was born Feb. 10, 1936, in La Crosse to John and Vernice (Omodt) Berger. Charlie was an alumni of all three city high schools. You pick which one he graduated from! He served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After working at American Motors in Kenosha, Charlie returned to La Crosse in March 1969 to open up “Sloopys” with his brother, Dave.
Any politician would love to have as many friends as Charlie had. Charlie’s life would’ve been a great “best seller” by Mickey Spillane, the famous novelist who Charlie spent an evening with in Chicago. When Charlie was in the Air Force, he spent two days with Burt Lancaster on Amtrak while traveling to his military base. Charlie was able to wine and dine 30 of his friends at the Dunes Casino in Las Vegas, which the Dunes paid for because of his level of play. Charlie lived life, his way, through family and friends. He actually ran away from a local nursing home because he was upset with the facilities. He commandeered a bus to take him to Sloopys so that he could be with his friends. Frank Sinatra may have sung the song, “My Way,” but Charlie lived it. Charlie retired at age 40 but had to wait until age 62 to collect Social Security.
Charlie loved his nieces and nephews, giving them special coins at Christmas when times were better for him, and also he helped out other family members when he could afford to. Charlie appreciated all those who went out of their way to accommodate his desire for treats and favorite meals. He thought the world of his Dr. Cheri Olson and health care providers Karen Fisher and Kathy Schuab ... if I would have listened to them, they might have thought the world of me, and they still put up with me.
Losing his sister, RoseMary, in June of this year left a void in his heart, that none of us could repair. Charlie loved his Cubbies, but even lost interest in his favorite baseball team as those and other important events really didn’t matter anymore.
He truly missed living above Sloopys, cause he knew all his friends were in his basement. Charlie loved you all, but wants you to know he is truly happy being reunited with his grandparents, parents, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and other relatives and friends. Charlie finally got his four-year wish, he quietly disappeared ... Be happy for him, that is what he truly wanted. Family and friends truly loved Charlie.
Thank you Great-Uncle Charlie for giving me a ride and letting me ring your bell on your special scooter, I will miss visiting with you, LOVE, Bailey.
He is survived by his brother, Dave (Cindy) Berger of Onalaska; a sister, Sheryl (Michael) Martin of Woodale, Ill.; and nephew and nieces, Randy, Robin, Rhonda and Nikki; as well as six great-nieces and one great-nephew.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Rosemary Nickerson, and her husband, Roger; and a nephew, Robbie Nickerson.
Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St, La Crosse. The Rev. Stephan Sandness will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 2 p.m. until the services.
Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or La Crosse Logan Alumni Association.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with the services.
June M. Doud
BLACK RIVER FALLS — June M. Doud, 85, of Black River Falls died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, at Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls. Graveside memorial services will be held at a later date in Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls. Torgerson’s Funeral Service of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
Olive (Dacey) Gershon
Olive (Dacey) Gershon of La Crosse passed away on the night of Sept. 1, 2008, at Bethany Riverside Nursing Home in La Crosse. Olive departed, quietly, in the presence of her family, husband, Ernest J. Gershon, son, Michael, and daughter, Mary Netzer. Olive (Dacey) Gershon was born on Oct. 20, 1913, to Norma (Wetzel) Dacey and William Dacey in La Crescent, Minn.
She had survived her parents; one sister, Sylvia; and two brothers, Boyd and William.
She was married to Ernest J. Gershon at Holy Trinity Church in La Crosse on Aug. 19, 1940.
Olive was graduated at Central High School in La Crosse and was on its scholastic honor roll all four years. She was active in student affairs and won membership in Circle “through distinguished leadership in scholarship and student activities ... ”
Olive graduated with honors at the State Teachers College in 1936.
In college, she was active in student affairs, the scholastic honor fraternity, Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Phi Pi Sorority, Foreign Affairs Club, History Club, Social Committee, Assembly Lecture Committee, Student Council, Racquet, College Radio Committee, Anniversary Pageant, Annual, Dramatics and Buskin Drama Club.
She did advanced studies at Miami University and attended night classes in pottery at Indiana University. She gained many graduate credits by enrolling in travel courses at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse under the tutelage of Dr. Margaret Chew.
As a first-, second- and third-grade teacher, she taught at an elementary school in Stoughton, Wis., and as a third-grade teacher at Longfellow, Washburn and Spence elementary schools in La Crosse.
As a world traveler, she visited many countries on all continents except Antarctica. She shared with her students her memories, artifacts and photographs resulting from these travels.
As a sportswoman, she played golf, winning a putting contest in Franklin, Ohio; was on a championship bowling team in a teachers’ league in Stoughton, Wis.; was on an archery team in La Crosse which won a city championship; and learned to water ski at age 50. She enjoyed camping, boating and canoeing.
In her teachers’ union, the LAREA, she was active on the legislative committee, being chairman at one time and often traveling to Madison to deal with legislators about pension funds for teachers.
Olive’s skill as a dressmaker enabled her to fashion clothes for herself and her daughter, Mary.
Olive was active in the League of Women’s Voters, UW-La Crosse Campus Dames, Bridge Club, Book Club and 20 Year Club. As a member of the Campus Dames at UW-La Crosse, she had been its president and was one of the founders of a bridge club, which still exists.
Besides her husband, Ernie, she has one son, Mike; one daughter, Mary (Jon) Netzer; one grandchild, Angela (Chris) Barton; and two great-grandchildren, Nico and Dash.
A Funeral Mass will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 13th St. S., La Crosse. The Rev. Lawrence Berger will officiate, with burial to be held in Crucifixion Cemetery, La Crescent, Minn. Family and friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Family and friends may also call from 11:30 a.m. until time of Mass Friday in Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The University of Wisconsin Foundation-La Crosse or La Crosse Foundation for Non-Traditional Students in the name of Ernest J. and Olive D. Gershon.
Donald L. Haag
MINDORO — Donald L. Haag, 85, of Mindoro died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare in Sparta after a long illness.
He was born Oct. 31, 1922, in Mindoro to Warner and Mary (Lee) Haag. Donald attended school in Mindoro and graduated in 1941 from Mindoro High School. On Oct. 20, 1951, he married Margaret Storandt. Most of his working years were spent farming on his parents’ farm in Mindoro. Donald later worked at Northwest Hardwoods in Onalaska. After retirement in 1987, he enjoyed gardening, working on his yard and watching wildlife from his living room window.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two sons, Danny (Sandy) of Holmen and David (Dawn Nastvold) of Galesville; a daughter, Marilyn Haag (Bill Meyer) of Somonauk, Ill.; four grandchildren, Stacey (Tim) Lightfoot and Brian, Matt and Jason Haag; four great-grandchildren, Tucker and Kaylee Haag and Jacob Butterfield and Caleb Lightfoot; two sisters, Helen (Glenn) Larson of Melrose and Dorothy (George) Wolf of Bangor; a sister-in-law, Angeline Haag of Mindoro; four nieces; and three nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clifford (Mildred) Haag and Roger Haag; a sister, Marjorie (Paul) Lunde; and two nephews, Merlin Haag and Robert Lunde.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Mindoro Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Cindy Arndt will officiate. Burial will be in Farmington Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of services.
Memorials may be given to Mindoro Presbyterian Church.
Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home of West Salem is in charge of arrangements.
Stephen ‘Steve’ L. Jacobson
Stephen “Steve” L. Jacobson, 53, of La Crosse and formerly of Illinois died Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008, in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. Services for Steve were held in Belvidere, Ill., and he was buried in Blaine Cemetery, Ill., on Friday, Aug 29.
Robert Kelly
TOMAH — Robert Kelly, 82, of Tomah died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, at Torkelson Funeral Home, with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, both in Tomah. Family and friends may call from 2 p.m. to services Thursday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Verna C. Marlow
Verna C. Marlow, 90, of La Crosse passed away Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility in La Crosse. She was born
April 26, 1918, in Blue Earth, Minn., to Ben and Mary (Selberg) Benson. When Verna was 5, the family moved to Minneapolis.
Verna worked at F.W. Woolworth in Minneapolis at the candy counter. There, she met Lloyd Marlow who was the manager. They married in 1941 and moved to Camp Attabury, Ind., until the end of World War II. They lived in Minneapolis; Chariton, Iowa; Charles City, Iowa; and moved to La Crosse in 1961, where Lloyd was manager of the downtown Wool-worths. Lloyd passed away in 1993.
Verna loved her family. She loved to bowl, golf, travel and play cards. She was an active TOPS member for 30 years. She had a great sense of humor and a gift of gab.
Verna moved to assisted living, Bethany on Cass, in 2005 and really enjoyed it there. After a fall in December 2007, she moved to Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility.
Verna is survived by a daughter, Rosemary (Jim) Hewitt of Onalaska; a son, Ron (Jo) Marlow of Owings, Md.; six grandchildren, Chris, Cassie, Jonathan, Joel, Robin and Paul; five great-grandchildren, Kyle, Travis, Mallory, Rachel and Ryan; one great-grandson, Nathan; and many special friends.
In addition to her husband Lloyd, she was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, five brothers, and a son Jim in 1975.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 13th St. S., La Crosse. The Rev. Larry Berger will officiate, and burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 1425 Jackson St., La Crosse, and again at the church Friday from 9 a.m. until time of services.
The family would like to extend a thank you to the Bethany Riverside Nursing staff, especially the 400 wing staff, for their wonderful care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Francis Hospice Care.
Verna, you will be missed by many — You were a wonderful lady, We love you.
Lyle A. Marshall
Lyle A. Marshall, 80, of La Crosse died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse.
Merlin LeRoy Mattson
BLAIR — Merlin LeRoy Mattson, 72, of Blair died Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at Grand View Care Center in Blair.
Merlin was born April 2, 1936, in Ettrick to Alex and Laura (Larson) Mattson. He married Pearl Fairchild on July 16, 1966, in Blair.
Merlin worked for many years at Northwoods Mink Farms in Crystal Lake, Ill. He was also a farmhand for many years and was employed at Recyling Center for the town of Preston.
Merlin enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapshooting and playing fastpitch softball. He loved playing cards and shaking dice.
Merlin is survived by his wife, Pearl; five children, Dawn Wozney of Blair, Inga (Jerry) Probus of Ettrick, Bonnie (Gordy) Keeler of Whitehall, Thane (Kamala) Mattson of Blair and Marsha (Steve) Nyen of Blair; nine grandchildren, Adam and Maranda Wozney, Damon and Hayes Probus, Tyler and Garrett Keeler and Kody Mattson, Amanda and Nevin Nyen; a brother, Arnold Mattson of Ettrick; and a sister, Patti (Denny) Truax of Ettrick.
In addition to his parents, Merlin was preceded in death by an infant sister and a very special granddaughter, Sara Mattson.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at First Lutheran Church, with burial in Rest Haven Cemetery, both in Blair. Pastor Mark Kvale will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at Jack Funeral Home in Blair and also one hour prior to services at the church Monday.
Georgene ‘Jo’ J. Nagle
HOUSTON, Minn. — Georgene “Jo” J. Nagle, 73, formerly of Winona, Minn., died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab Center in Houston.
She was born Oct. 31, 1934, in La Crosse to Richard and Lucille (Coffy) Kabat. Jo was raised in the La Crescent and Dakota, Minn., area. Throughout her life, she also lived in California and more recently in Winona. Jo was employed at the Garment Co. in La Crosse. She also worked for a cleaning service in Winona. She was a very pleasant woman; she was a very warm and caring woman. She was a joy to be around. Jo enjoyed going to the casino, listening to country music, traveling and laughing with friends about being a QVC enthusiast. Jo took great pride in all her grandchildren. She will be missed by many friends that she has made over the years and those friends will miss joking and laughing with her.
She is survived by one son, James Henderson of Lancaster, Calif.; one daughter, Connie (Ricky) Takeshita of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; five grandchildren, Jason Henderson, Denise (Henderson) Denny, Stephanie, Stacie and Samantha Takeshita; two great-grandchildren, Johnathan and Angelique, Denny; one sister, Jackie Doehling of La Crescent, Minn.; one brother, Dick Kabat of Colorado; and by several nieces and nephews.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Jeffrey Allen Henderson; her sisters, Vila Shell, Patricia Larkin and Marilyn Bybee; and a brother, James Kabat.
There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Hoff Funeral Homes-Houston Chapel, with funeral celebrant Daryl Thompson officiating.
Please feel free to leave a memory of Jo and sign her online guest book at www.hofffuneral.com.
Richard J. Nolop
Richard J. Nolop, 73, of La Crosse passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the love and support of his family on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.
He was born in La Crosse on Nov. 27, 1934, to Osborne and Ethel (Solseth) Nolop. In his younger years, he enjoyed attending horse shows with his father. He married Donna Friet on June 30, 1962, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in La Crosse. He was a 1952 graduate of La Crosse Central High School.
He entered the U.S. Army in 1954. After honorable discharge in 1956, he worked for his father building homes. Later, he, his father and brother, started Central City Tile. In 1970, he started Nolop Construction. He built many luxurious homes around the area. Around 1985, he formed Town & Country Tile and retired in 1999. Retirement wasn’t for Rich; he built beautiful homes for all of his children. Also, he and Donna were co-owners of Corky’s Pizza in La Crescent, Minn., for 20 years with their sons, Troy and Mark. Recently, he installed the ceramic tile for Mark’s new Checker’s drive-thru restaurant.
Rich enjoyed spending many hours watching his grandchildren’s activities. He also enjoyed playing golf at least twice a week, especially with Curt and Jerry and long-time friend, Lee, when he was in town.
Rich and Donna loved to travel to their home in Florida with their family and friends. They also took numerous trips with their friends Tom and Gloria throughout the United States and Europe.
At the age of 58, he became a certified scuba diver, a recreation he really enjoyed.
He was a past member of the La Crosse Jaycees, the Elks Club, the La Crosse Home Builders Association, and a member of the La Crosse Historical Society.
He was an active member of the firing squad with the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52, La Crosse.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, of 46 years, and his three children, Troy (Suzanne) and their children, Bryce, Camdan and Bria, Kathy (Tim) Moore and their children, Kelsey and Jaden, and Mark (fiancé Valerie Smith) and their child, Dane.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Nolop; his brother-in-law, Rich (Sharon) Friet; many nieces and nephews; and his cat, Oreo.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gene.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. Monsignor Robert Hundt will officiate. Entombment with military rites by the American Legion will follow in the St. Francis Of Assisi Mausoleum at the Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse. Friends may call at the funeral home today from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in Rich’s name.
A special thanks to Franciscan Skemp Hospice and Dr. O’Brien for their support.
Virginia Thompson
TOMAH — Virginia Thompson, 98, of Tomah died Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Burial will be at Greenfield Cemetery in Tunnel City. Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. to services Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Carol J. Tracy
ELROY — Carol J. Tracy, 64, of rural Elroy died Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at her home. Funeral services will be at
11 a.m. Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Elroy. Burial will be in Elroy City Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Picha Funeral Home in Elroy. For online information, visit www.pichafuneral homes.com.
Ruth E. Vodde
ONALASKA — Ruth E. Vodde, 65, of Onalaska passed away Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, in her home.
She was born Nov. 24, 1942, in La Crosse to Van Buren and Marie Katherine (Buhr) Willison. Ruth graduated from Onalaska High School. She married Dale Vodde on March 14, 1962.
She is survived by her husband, Dale; two daughters, Elaine (Steve) Pintz and Barbara Vodde; a son, Todd Vodde; seven grandchildren, Heather Vodde, Melissa Vodde, Amber Pintz, Kristina Pintz, Kyle Pintz, Brittney Vodde and Crystal Vodde; four great-grandchildren, Wesley Vodde, Avah Vodde, Dakota Vodde and Zoey Vodde; a sister, Linda Krenske; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Sharon Hubert, Charlotte Schmidt and Carol Richardson; and four brothers, Victor Willison, Richard Willison and two infant brothers.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center Chapel in La Crosse. The Rev. Lawrence B. Berger will officiate. Friends may call at the care center Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.
Laura J. (Chandler) Waller
HIXTON — Laura J. (Chandler) Waller, 98, of Hixton died Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at Family Heritage Care Center in Black River Falls. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls. Burial will be at Pigeon Creek Center Cemetery in rural Hixton. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton and 10 a.m. to services Friday at the church.
Roland ‘Rollie’ L. Young
ROCKLAND — Roland “Rollie” L. Young, 72, of Rockland died Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rockland United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Rockland Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to
7 p.m. Friday at Jandt Funeral Home in Bangor.
Advertisement
