Frieda E. Beermann
YAKIMA, Wash. Frieda E. Beermann, 94, of Yakima, Wash., and formerly of La Crosse died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, in Yakima. Funeral services were held in Yakima. Private family burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Winona, Minn. Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, Winona, Minn.
Delores A. Bentzen
Delores A. Bentzen, 91, of La Crosse died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Hillview Health Care Center.
She was born in La Crosse on June 16, 1917, to Lloyd A. and Helma (Thorsen) Dockham Sr. She married LaVern “Nook” F. Bentzen on April 13, 1935, in La Crosse. He preceded her in death on Jan. 20, 1999.
Delores was an accomplished organist and also enjoyed archery in her early years. She and LaVern were also avid campers for many years. Delores was a wonderful mother and grandmother who was always there for her family. She was a terrific cook and homemaker who enjoyed hosting family gatherings and spending time with friends.
She is survived by two daughters, Judith (Clem) Steffes of La Crescent, Minn., and Joan (Roger) Worth of Frederic, Wis.; two sons, Jerry (Barb) Bentzen of Minneapolis and Jack (Angel) Bentzen of Las Vegas, Nev.; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Mildred Hirsch, of Long Beach, Calif.; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Delores was also preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Knueppel; and two brothers, James Dockham and Lloyd Dockham, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. Pastor Mike Woods will officiate. Entombment will follow in Garden of Peace Mausoleum in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to services Tuesday at the funeral home.
Susan K. Beranek
Susan K. Beranek, 52, of La Crosse died Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
She was born Oct. 2, 1955, in Davenport, Iowa, to Leo and Virginia (Evans) Hogan. Susan was a proud and patriotic veteran of the United States Army. On June 9, 1990, she married Robert Beranek in La Crosse. Susan was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who adored her grandson. She enjoyed reading, gardening, baking and had a large angel collection. The Christmas season was Susan’s favorite time of year.
Susan is survived by her husband, Robert of La Crosse; a daughter, Kathryn “Katie” Kantowski and her friend, Rich Flores, both of La Crosse; a son, Allan Kantowski and his friend, Kahya Fox, both of La Crosse; a grandson, Jacob Kantowski; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A gathering of family and friends will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse.
Jerome Jerry’ A. Blaschke
Jerome “Jerry” A. Blaschke, 87, of La Crosse passed away Friday Sept. 19, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center. He was born March 5, 1921, in Kendall, Wis., to A.E. and Margaret (Sheridan) Blaschke.
He was a graduate of Aquinas High School and the College of St. Thomas. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII.
He married Elizabeth (Betty) Steckel in Stevens Point, Wis., June 14, 1947. He joined his father and brother Joe in the Blaschke Funeral Home, serving in the funeral profession for over 50 years. He and his brother Joe also founded the Ivy Motel at Sixth and Vine streets in La Crosse.
He was an avid gardener and loved joining his good friends duck hunting. Late in life, he took up the game of golf. He and his wife, Betty, traveled abroad and in later years wintered in Arizona. He enjoyed the family boathouse in Brownsville, Minn. He was a longtime member of Knights of Columbus and a former member of Elks Lodge.
He is survived by nine children, Bob (Jeanie) Blaschke of La Crosse, James Blaschke of La Crosse, Jerry (Wendy) Blaschke of Independence, Minn., Mary Moore of Onalaska, Ellen Blaschke of La Crosse, Joe (Mary Kay) Blaschke of La Crosse, John Blaschke of Onalaska, Ann (Chris) Carson of Onalaska and Joan Blaschke of La Crosse. He is further survived by 16 grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is also survived by one brother, Art (Shirley) Blaschke of Aurora, Ill.; sons-in-law, Tom Skemp and Mike Young; brothers-in-law, Tom Hornby and Ray LaBarge; sister-in-law, Mary Varney; and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty, in 2002; daughters, Barbie Young in 2003 and Janie Skemp in 2005. He also was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Blaschke and Ramona Hornby; and a brother, Joe, and his wife, Jane Blaschke.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral. The Rev. Michael Gorman will officiate, with burial to be held in the Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Blaschke and Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. S., with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service. Family and friends may also call from 9 a.m. Tuesday to services at the church.
Memorials are requested to Aquinas Schools Foundation, The American Cancer Society or National Diabetes Association.
“Our best thanks to Ellen for taking care of dad.”
David Michael DeRousie
TOMAH David Michael DeRousie, 30, of Tomah passed away Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Burial will be held in New York. Family and friends are invited for visitation from noon to services Monday at the funeral home. Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements.
Fred W. Hanssen
SPARTA Fred W. Hanssen, 92, of Sparta died Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at Lakeview Health Center Nursing Home, West Salem. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sparta. Burial will be in St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Sparta. Family and friends are invited to call from 9:30 a.m. to services Tuesday at the church. Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Arlyn D. Hein
Arlyn D. Hein, 59, of La Crosse died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at his home after a courageous battle with colon cancer. His journey ended in heaven, and we will praise God at his funeral service, which will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Jonathan Rimmert will officiate, with burial to follow in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and again from 10 a.m. Monday until the time of services at the church.
Arlyn was born Aug. 20, 1949, in La Crosse to Martin and Olga (Wuennecke) Hein. He married Linda Ekhoff on Aug. 11, 1984, in Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Arlyn had worked at Trane Company for 28 years, and was an active member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; two daughters, Amy Hein of Lake Orion, Mich., and Rachel Hein of La Crosse; a sister, Brenda (Skip) Drew; a brother, Verdayne Hein; two brothers-in-law, Erwin (Cindy) Ekhoff and David (Sue) Ekhoff; four sisters-in-law, Darlene Dummer, Elaine Ekhoff, Connie (Carl “Chuck”) Schwartz and Bonnie (Frank) Nielsen; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Don Dummer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mt. Calvary-Grace Lutheran Grade School, or Luther High School. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.
Tena Mae Jertson
Tena Mae Jertson 77, of La Crosse passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
She was born in Winona, Minn., on March 1, 1931, to Roy and Elsie (Parpart) Greenwood and was raised in Pickwick, Minn. Tena married Norman L. Jertson on March 28, 1951. They lived several places while Norm served in the Air Force, then settled in La Crescent, Minn., where they lived for over 40 years. They were charter members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent, where Tena served in many capacities and on many committees over the years.
Tena is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Marc) Oelke and Sally Aasen; four grandchildren, Seth and Emily Aasen and Jared and Kendra Oelke; her sisters, Winnifred Papenfuss and Ruth Harvey; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Greenwood; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Howard and Mary Meyer, who were at her side during her brief respite care.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Marvin, Raymond, Harley and LeRoy.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent. Pastor Michael Woods will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or the charity of one’s choice. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent is in charge of arrangements.
Nina L. Kircheis
Nina L. Kircheis, 97, of La Crosse died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center.
She was born in La Crosse on Aug. 16, 1911, to Edward and Anna (Bruring) Jaekel. She married Fred “Fritz” S. Kircheis on June 30, 1932, in La Crosse. He preceded her in death on Feb. 1, 1994. Nina and Fritz owned and operated The Casino in downtown La Crosse for 42 years before retiring.
Nina was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crosse.
She is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Paul) McNaughton of North Prairie, Wis., and Kathryn (Wayne Horn) Kircheis of La Crosse; two granddaughters, Danielle (Glen) Sabin of Waukesha, Wis. and Kimberly (Bob) Hallahan of Whidbey Island, Wash.; and two great-grandchildren, Dana and Matthew Hallahan.
In addition to her husband, Nina was preceded in death by darn near everyone.
Graveside services and committal will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Oak Grove Cemetery. Pastor Richard Pamperin will officiate. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is assisting the family. Nina’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center for their wonderful care.
Bernadine E. (Brueggen) Klinkner
Bernadine E. (Brueggen) Klinkner, age 80, of Cashton passed away Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
Bernadine was born March 28, 1928, to Herman and Margaret (Mlsna) Brueggen. On Sept. 24, 1946, she was united in holy matrimony to Leonard C. Klinkner at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Pine Hollow, Cashton. Together they raised their family and farmed on St. Mary’s Ridge.
Bernadine cherished her job as a farm wife and mother. In this role she was an expert at quilting, crafts, cooking, playing cards and winning, especially against the local priests. Bernadine’s house had the cleanest windows on the ridge and the least dust on the shelves. She was also very devoted to her Catholic faith. She was an active member of Sacred Heart PCCW. She was also very involved in a local doll club, Marybelle Homemakers, and TOPS. Bernadine had a true passion for music. This was a love that she treasured sharing with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bernadine is survived by three daughters, Margie (Orvin) Lee of Cashton, Rita (Kent) Ferrier of La Crescent, Minn., and Bonnie (Dan) Pederson of West Salem; four sons, Edward (Kay) of Norwalk, Arnold (Linda), Paul (Geralyn) and Gerald (Ann) Klinkner, all of Cashton; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michele and Kurt Tromanhauser and their children, Lauralee and Lindsee; Roxane and Brian Schmitz and their children, Nathan, Brandon, Jaden and Katelyn; Timothy and Cathy Lee and their children, Joshua, Nicholas and Alexis; Matthew and Joline Lee and Colton; Mark and Ashley Ferrier and daughter, Natalie; Lori and Dean Lewis and their children, Ashlyn and Alayna; and Adam, Jacob and Tyler Pederson; Ryan and Karen Klinkner and their children, Mitchell and Evan; Maria and Dan Klema and their children, Isaac, Elijah, and Aidan; Sarah Klinkner and her children, Chesnee and Keyanna; Jason and Carrie Klinkner; Daniel and Karen Klinkner and their children, Kirsten and Kaleb; Robert and Gail Klinkner and Reagan and Garrison; Michael and Erin Klinkner and their children, Ethan, Madelyn and Emery; Elizabeth and James Schroeder; Travis, Bridget and Benjamin Klinkner; Justin, Jessica, Dillan, Angela and Rachel Klinkner; Bernadine’s brothers, Charles (Theresa), Willard (MaryAnn), Phillip (Madonna) and Harold (Marie) Brueggen, all of Cashton; sisters, Delores (George) Leis, Florentine (Henry) Geier, DelMarie Hemmersbach, all of Cashton, and Angeline (Robert) Dickman of Westby; a sister-in-law, Betty Brueggen; many special in-laws; several stepgrand and great-grandchildren, Kurt (special friend, Pam) Schmitz and his children, Kyle, Kellsie and Kayla; Karla (Steve) Nelson and children Allyson and Megan; Kenneth (Marlus) Schmitz and children, Taylor, Katelyn and Matthew; Kathy (Travis) Kaiser and children Trysten, Tyuanna, and Tierra; Kevin (Amanda) Schmitz; Kristi (Jeffrey) Schlafer and children, Mackenzie and Mitchell; special stepdaughter-in-law, Debra Schmitz; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Margaret; her husband, Leonard, in December 2005; three brothers, Silverius and Betty Brueggen, infant brother Paul and Roger Brueggen; one great-grandson, Kelly Klinkner; and a brother-in-law, Arnold Hemmersbach.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton. Father Eric Burns will officiate, and Father K. Amaladoss will concelebrate. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Cashton. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday with a 7 p.m. rosary at Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Bernadine’s name may be given to Sacred Heart Handicap Fund, Cashton. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Mary Lou (King) Miller
April 28, 1937 Aug. 17, 2008
Mary Lou Miller, 71, formerly of La Crosse died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008, in Santa Barbara, Calif., after a long and courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Her grace, dignity and positive attitude during this trying period of her life served as a wonderful example to all who knew her and will never be forgotten.
Mary Lou was born in La Crosse to Herman and Betty King. She graduated from Logan High School, married Tom in 1957, at St. James Catholic Church and worked for many years at La Crosse Rubber Mills before moving to California in 1983. While there, she continued giving her time, love and spirit to others. She was a much-loved and admired member of the Santa Barbara County Housing Authority Board of Directors for many years until her illness forced her resignation.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Tom Miller of Santa Barbara; son, Scott (Mary Gleason) Miller of Sparta; and daughter, Cindi (Bob) Sundberg of Santa Barbara. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her extended family and many friends.
In accordance with her wishes, her remains were cremated.
Memorials may be sent to ALS Association, Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.
June Ann Moen
BLACK RIVER FALLS June Ann Moen, age 66, of Black River Falls died Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, in Black River Memorial Hospital.
June was born June 23, 1942, in the Township of Little Falls, Jackson County, Wis., to Harrison and Violet (Clair) Peters.
June married Allen Moen on Sept. 22, 1962, in North Beaver Creek First Lutheran Church in rural Ettrick.
She was employed at Arrow Shopper in Ettrick for 22 years, then employed at Wal-Mart for 20 years in the crafts and fabrics department.
June had many hobbies but was most passionate with her 78 different varieties of hostas, over 100 potato mashers in her collection and well over 1,000 cookbooks; she even designed a cookbook for the Children’s Miracle Network, where she and Allen spent many volunteer hours.
June is survived by her husband, Allen of Black River Falls; son, Sidney (Angela) Moen of Trempealeau and Angela (Jason) Byom of Taylor; four grandchildren, Timothy and Mackenzie Moen and Megan Hovre and Michael Schock. Also surviving are two sisters, Ardell Tollefson and Janette Johnson; two brothers, Roger (Judy) Peters and Darwin (Marlene) Peters; and a sister-in-law, Audrey Moen. June’s parents preceded her in death along with three brothers-in-law, Clifford, Gaylord and Kenny.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in North Beaver Creek Parish Faith Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Elizabeth Albertson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Jack Funeral Home in Blair. Burial will follow the services in North Beaver Creek First Lutheran Cemetery.
Paul F. Schroeder
ROCKFORD, Ill. Paul F. Schroeder, 83, of Rockford died Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, in Provena St. Anne Center.
He was born Nov. 29, 1924, to Ernest and Clara Schroeder. He was a dairy farmer near Blue River, Wis., until the mid 1950s. Then he moved to Rockford, working at Barber Coleman until he retired April 30, 1987.
Survivors include five children, sons Jack P. (Charlene) Schroeder of La Crosse, John T. (Debbie) Schroeder of Monroe, Wis., and Gary (Sandy) Schroeder of Rockford; daughters, Imelda (John) Reese of Rockford and Cindy (Mike) Dobson of Boscobel, Wis.; 11 grandchildren, Melissa K. (Matt) Schultz, Philip P. Schroeder, Justin Schroeder, James Schroeder, Sarah Reese, Chrisy Reese, Gina (Mike) Wesseln, Ben Rebecca, Chad Dobson, Charmaine (James) Robaidek and Cara Bishop; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Carl (Hazel) Schroeder of Blue River.; and four nieces and nephews, Kay Hanson, Nancy Williams, Vicki Zimple and Fritz Zimple and their children. His very special companion since 1990 and friend, Mary Wilson, also survives him. His parents and a son, Larry E. Schroeder, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, in First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford, with the Rev. David Lawson officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service in the church. There will also be a visitation from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, in Five Points Lutheran Church north of Blue River, Wis., with graveside services following at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to First Lutheran Church or Five Points Lutheran Church. Arrangements are by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., 1001 Second Ave., Rockford. To send a condolence, visit olsonfh.com.
Darlene V. Smith
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN Darlene V. Smith, 77, of Prairie du Chien died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Prairie Maison Care Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at Garrity Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to services, both at the funeral home.
Jeannette E. Steinke
Jeannette E. Steinke, 88, of La Crosse died Thursday Sept. 18, 2008, at Hillview Health Care Center in La Crosse. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley. Burial will be in German (Lower Bad Axe) Cemetery, rural Genoa, Wis. Friends may call from 10 a.m. Monday to services at the funeral home.
Thelma (Novy) Weyher
HILLSBORO Thelma Marie (Novy) Weyher, 97, of Sun City, Calif., died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008. Funeral services were held at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Sun City on Sept. 13. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Czech’s National Cemetery near Yuba, Wis. Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting the family with arrangements.

