Francis ‘Frank’ R. Cleaver
BLACK RIVER FALLS — Francis “Frank” R. Cleaver, 55, of Black River Falls died on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, in his home in the town of Adams, Jackson County, Wis., surrounded by family.
Frank was born Jan. 15, 1953, in Manitowoc, Wis., to Clement and Betty (Schommer) Cleaver. He was raised in Oshkosh, Wis., and graduated from Lourdes High School. Frank attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Frank married Eileen Richards in Kingsford, Mich., on June 4, 1977. The couple lived in Oshkosh and La Crosse before moving to Black River Falls in 1999.
Frank was the owner of “The Athlete’s Foot” in La Crosse from 1979-96. He was a bartender at the Arterial and Bluffside, both in LaCrosse. He was currently employed as a merchandiser for Kraft Foods.
Frank was an avid Packers, Brewers and Badgers fan. He loved to golf and enjoyed collecting beer steins, antiquing and having garage sales.
Surviving are his wife, Eileen; his mother Betty Cleaver of Oshkosh; brothers, Chuck (Laurie) Cleaver of Poplar, Wis., John (Jan) of Oshkosh, Bill (Sandy) of
Eau Claire, Wis., and Jeff (Kathy) of Oshkosh; and a sister, Lisa (David) Kircher of Wadsworth, Ill. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and his faithful canine companion, Dufus. Frank had many, many longtime friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his father, Clement Cleaver.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m Monday, Sept. 29, at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Monday in Green Grove Cemetery in Colby, Wis. Relatives and friends may call at Torgerson’s Funeral Home 408 N. Water St., Black River Falls, on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Monday at the cathedral from 9 a.m. until the time of services. There will be a rosary service at the funeral home on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be brothers Chuck, John, Bill and Jeff Cleaver; brother-in-law, David Kircher; and godson, Nick Cleaver.
A memorial will be established.
Floyd Charles Kleven
EASTMAN — Floyd C. Kleven, 84, of Eastman died on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, surrounded by his loving family at Memorial Hospital in Prairie du Chien.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday Sept. 27, at Salem United Methodist Church in Eastman, with the Rev. Lynn Schreck officiating. Military honors will be accorded by Fischer-Lechnir-Wall Post 252 of the American Legion.
Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Friendship Hall in Eastman and one hour prior to services at the church.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce of Eastman; three children, Jill (Roger) Forde of Eastman, Joe (Craig) Sommers of Boscobel, Wis., and Scott (Brenda) Kleven of Eastman; grandchildren, Travis (Tasha) Forde, Krystal Forde, Brad “Dudley” Kleven, Brittney Kleven and Kelly (Gary) Hamann; great-grandchildren, Riley Hubanks, Makenna and Ava Forde and Gabriel Hamann; sisters-in-law, Georgia Copsey and Peggy Ketterer, both of Fennimore, Wis.; two brothers-in-law, Paul (Linda) Lawrence of Rockford, Ill., and Gary (Helen) Lawrence of Westminster, Colo.
Floyd was born Sept. 2, 1924, in Wauzeka, Wis., to Harold and Wilma (Smethurst) Kleven. He attended school in the area and worked for the railroad in Bensonville, Ill., until he was drafted into the Army. He served during World War II. After his discharge, he returned to the Eastman area and farmed with his uncle, Ed Ellis, as a partner, where he raised registered Guernsey cattle and registered hogs.
Floyd married Joyce Lawrence on Jan. 25, 1952, in Ferryville, Wis. They moved to the farm and lived there until selling it in September 1993, when they moved into Eastman. Floyd was a member of the American Legion in Eastman, the fire department and had served as president of the Hill Top Square Dance Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and two brothers-in-law.
Memorials may be given to Salem United Methodist Church, Eastman Fire Department, or the Eastman First Responders.
Arnie O. Sherry
VIROQUA — Arnie O. Sherry, 86, of Viroqua died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, with burial in Viroqua Cemetery, both in Viroqua. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, Viroqua, and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com. A complete obituary will follow.
Joseph A. Schimmer
OZARK, Ala./ONALASKA — Joseph Anthony Schimmer, 77, of Ozark and formerly of Onalaska, passed away on Monday, Sept. 22, 2008, in Ozark.
He was born Jan. 6, 1931, in Danbury, Iowa, to Henry and Katherine Schimmer. He was a 1950 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School, Danbury. With the Korean War on, Joe anticipated a call to service and enlisted in the Marines. Before he could report, he suffered a broken collarbone. While recovering, he was drafted by the Army and later sent to Camp McCoy, Sparta. There he met his future wife, Helen Hilden, at a dance. Joe served in Korea from 1952 to 1953. After being discharged, he returned to the area and married Helen on Oct. 24, 1953. They made their home in Onalaska and had two children. Joe was a longtime member of St. James Catholic Church in La Crosse. He was employed for 40 years by the gas department of Northern States Power Co. He spent the past several years of his career as a “troubleshooter,” which he enjoyed very much. Because of his work, he had an uncanny knowledge of every street, alley and pathway in the area. He retired from NSP in 1995 and shortly thereafter took a part-time job as a driver for the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. His later years were devoted to traveling, fishing and spending time with family. In 2007, he and Helen moved to Ozark to live with their son, daughter-in-law and family, who provided excellent care as his health declined.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Erik (Laura) Schimmer of Ozark; daughter, Teri Wildt of La Crosse; grandchildren, Craig, Erika and Mark Schimmer and Andy Wildt; two sisters, Loretta Landrum of Oregon and Rosina Corum of California; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law of whom he was very fond; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings. Joe was known for his love of “gabbing” with both friends and strangers, his soft heart, cheerful disposition, penchant for chocolate and knack for maneuvering large trailers into small spaces. He will be laid to rest Friday in Ozark.
Condolences may be sent to the family in Ozark at 783 County Road 123, Ozark, AL 36360, or to his daughter at 2147 Sunrise Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601.
Ruth (Stellpflug) Helgesson
CALABASAS, Calif. — Ruth (Stellpflug) Helgesson, 71, died Monday, Sept. 8, 2008, in Calabasas.
She was born Aug. 20, 1937, in La Crosse to Adrian and Elsie (Herlitzka) Stellpflug.
Ruth attended Aquinas High School and graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1958.
She worked in Milwaukee as a nurse for two years and then she spent six years as a flight attendant for American Airlines. She returned to nursing and earned BSN and PHN degrees in the California system. She rose to director of utilization at West Hills Hospital, West Hills, Calif.
Ruth is survived by her husband of 42 years, Ulf; two daughters, Anna and Inga; three grandchildren, Freya, Jalua and Holden; and three sisters, Beverly (Gordon) Schulenberg of Kingsland, Texas, Rose (Jim deceased)) Oldenburg of La Crosse and Betty (Mike) Nelson of Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Bill Stellpflug.
There will be a service commemorating Ruth’s life on Oct. 12, 2008, in Calabasas. Condolences may be sent to uhelgesson@gmail.com. Memorials may be sent to American Wings Foundation, 7262 Seaworthy Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
Florence ‘Erma’ Bue
BLACK RIVER FALLS — Florence “Erma” (Mrs. Virgil) Bue, 82, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, in her home in town of Adams, Jackson County, Wis., while under the care of Black River Hospice. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Torgerson’s Funeral Home, with burial in Riverside Cemetery, both in Black River Falls. Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home.
Eugene ‘Geno’ L. Hoff
HOLMEN — Eugene “Geno” L. Hoff, 56, of Holmen died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, at home with family and friends after a courage-ous battle with cancer.
He was born in La Crosse on Aug. 5, 1952, to Herbert and Phyllis (Quall) Hoff. Gene served with the U.S. Army from 1972 until 1974. He then worked as a machinist at Machine Products for more than 20 years until the plant’s closing. He then began the job he enjoyed the most, serving people and giving his straight forward advice while tending bar at Foglifters Tavern of La Crosse until it closed. Gene then moved across the street to Go’s Chapter II, where he stayed until he physically could not continue to work. He also enjoyed working on engines, cars and lawnmowers. There wasn’t an engine he couldn’t get working.
He is survived by his mother, Phyllis Hoff of Holmen; a sister, Cheryl Hoff of Holmen; a nephew, Tony Hoff of West Salem; and a stepgrandmother, Lila Quall of La Crosse. In addition, Gene is further survived by his extended family, those he lived with, laughed with and died with: George Miller of Barre Mills; Jeff Rose of Holmen, Rita Halverson of Holmen and Cindy (Pretasky) Heffner of Ettrick.
He was preceded in death by his father Herbert Hoff.
In accordance to his wishes, Gene will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at Green Mound Cemetery in Holmen. Military rites will be provided by Holmen American Legion Post 284. Chaplain Sue Fletcher will officiate. Memorials will be donated in Gene’s name to his favorite charities. Schumacher-Kish Funeral home of La Crosse is assisting the family.
Helen M. Miller
SPARTA — Helen M. Miller, 76, of Sparta died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, in her home.
She was born July 9, 1932, in Viroqua to Harold and Mabel (Sordahl) Smith.
Helen grew up in the Viroqua area. She married Henry L. Miller on Oct. 10, 1948, in Norwalk. After marriage, they lived in Sparta. They owned and operated Miller Truck Sales for 31 years.
She is survived by her children, Lola Jean Christian of Sparta, Cheryl Louise (Russ) Wilson of Rockton, Ill., and Patricia Ann (Jeff) Hayes of Hartland, Wis.; six grandchildren, Denise Nebel, Adina Christian, Paul Young, Ryan Roberts, Tana Roberts and Beau Roberts; seven great-grandchildren, Kyle Christian, Cassandra Christian, Logan Young, Kane Nebel, Cameron Nebel, Keegan Nebel and Chase Nebel; three sisters, Shirley Latham of Viroqua, Mary Venegas of Citrus Heights, Calif., and Jan (Roger) Bolstad of La Crosse; a brother, Fred (Barb) Smith of Sparta; a sister-in-law, Maureen Smith of Onalaska; nieces and nephews; and her feline friend, Tiger.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Henry on Sept. 22, 2003; a granddaughter, Michelle Renee Young; and two brothers, Eldon Smith and Raymond Smith.
Funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, with the Rev. Dean Staffanson officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta. Friends may call at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home on Friday from 11 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 arrangements.
Fern Elina Bee
SOLDIERS GROVE — Fern Elina Bee, 90, of Soldiers Grove died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at Sannes Skogdalen Nursing Home, Soldiers Grove, after an extended illness.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove. The Rev. Pam Lojewski will officiate, and burial will be in Mount Tabor Cemetery at Sabin, Wis. Friends may call today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sime Funeral Home in Readstown.
Fern was born Nov. 22, 1917, in Crawford County, Wis., the daughter of Calmer and Buena Vista (Dolly) Olson. She married George Bee on Oct. 3, 1940.
Fern is survived by her sister, Ina Hoffland of Viroqua; her sons, Michael (Christine) Bee of Monona, Iowa, and Richard (Sandra) Bee of McFarland, Wis.; grandchildren, Bridgette Bee, Lucas (Katie) Bee, Meagan Bee, Ian Bee and Marisa Bee; and many nieces and nephews.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George, in 1968; her sisters, Iva, Alma and Inez; and her brother, Harold.
Fern enjoyed visiting and having coffee with family and friends. She was well-known for her warm hospitality, generosity and kind spirit. Her welcome mat was used by many, and no one went away hungry. Fern enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and was thankful for the gifts she received.
She was a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Soldiers Grove and a lifelong member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Memorials may be directed to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Building Fund or the South Central Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Association.
Richard and Michael would like to thank Linda George, who made it possible for Fern to remain longer in her home, and the staff at Sannes Skogdalen for the support and care of their mother. They are the angels among us.
Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.
Beth Marie Fuit
SPARTA — Beth “Buffy” Fuit, 46, died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Lakeview Nursing Home, West Salem.
She was born July 5, 1962, in Sparta, to Paul and Ragene (Burnham) Fuit.
Beth’s greatest joy in her life was her family and friends. She enjoyed being home for as many holidays as she could attend, with big smiles and kisses for all her nieces and nephews. She would call often and make sure she talked to everyone living in the household, most of the time being on the phone for hours.
She enjoyed her shopping trips, especially when it came to buying for birthdays or Christmas. Beth always thought of others before herself. Her kindness and generosity touched several lives.
She loved watching the Packers play and gave special attention to A.J. Hawk. Beth was a devoted fan of Elvis and his memory, which was obvious to those who knew her.
She is survived by her father, Paul Fuit; brothers, Steve Klein, Jeff (Sara) Klein and Jay Fuit, all of Sparta; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is rejoined in heaven with her mother Ragene Fuit; sister, Amy Fuit; and grandparents.
Buffy was loved by all who knew her and will be missed greatly. Rest in peace.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. today at Mount Hope Cemetery, Sparta.
Beverly J. (Skrede) Snyder
ONALASKA — Beverly J. (Skrede) Snyder, 84, of Onalaska died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, in her home. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, La Crosse. Friends and family may call from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home. A complete obituary will follow.
Gary J. McNulty
TAYLOR — Gary J. McNulty, 56, of Taylor died Tuesday at Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Upper Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Taylor. Cremation will follow services. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the church. Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, is assisting the family.
Madeline M. Crogan
Madeline M. Crogan, 92, of La Crosse died on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse. A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Mary, Mother of the Church Parish at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, La Crosse, with burial in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, both in La Crosse. Family and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time services at the church Monday. A complete obituary will follow from Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, La Crosse.
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