Betty Alice Gregory
Betty A. Gregory, 87, of La Crosse died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, at Onalaska Care Center.
She was born June 1, 1921, in Grand Forks, N.D., to Levi J. and Ella Mae (Schmitz) Bemis Sr.
Betty was a graduate of Central High School and the Coleman Technical Institute (now WTC), both in La Crosse.
In 1946, she married Harry A. Gregory in Duluth, Minn., and he preceded her in death on Sept. 7, 1981.
In the 1950s, Betty began working as a secretary for Trane Company in La Crosse and later for an insurance company, a law firm and the La Crosse County Courthouse. She was able to work various other jobs in the community until she was 79 years old, accumulating many lasting friendships. Betty will always be remembered for her skilled, creative hands that made countless afghans and sweaters, etc., for her family and friends. She had always been a classy, beautiful lady and was a runner-up in the 1938 Miss Minnesota beauty pageant.
Survivors include four sons, David (Dian) of La Crosse, Richard (Deborah) of Osceola, Wis., and Peter and Todd, both of La Crosse; and one daughter, Sue Ann (Timothy) O’Brien of Winooski, Vt. Two sons, Timothy on Dec. 28, 1985, and Steven on Jan. 18, 1988, preceded Betty in death. She also leaves 14 grandchildren, David II and Daniel Gregory, Richard, Jr. (Jaime), Matthew and Erin Gregory, Patrick (Melissa) O’Brien, Meghan (Tom) Mongeon, and Colleen O’Brien, Karmen Gregory, Angela and Grant Gregory, Azure Gregory and Luke and Cory Gregory; 13 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Devin, Kaitlyn, Hailey, Braden, Ava, Timothy, Allison, Morgan, Alana, Logan, Riley and Zamuel; her cherished nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Vern Houghtaling.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy (Oliver P.) Mueller; a brother, Levi J. (Lillian) Bemis Jr.; and her fiance, John “Jack” Weber.
Memorial services will be Friday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 233 West Ave. S., La Crosse. The Rev. J. Taylor Haley will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday from noon until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, La Crosse. Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse, is in charge of arrangements.
We would like to give special thanks to Dian for always keeping our mother beautiful and also to Vern and all of her health care providers at Onalaska Care Center for all they have done for our beloved mother.
Roger Charles Sands
VIROQUA - Roger Charles Sands, 85, of Viroqua died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008.
He was born in Viroqua on Nov. 4, 1923, to Jess and Maud (Moore) Sands. He married Camilla Jones on Aug. 18, 1948. Roger worked at Vernon Telephone for 20 years, retiring in 1986. Following retirement he and Camilla traveled in all but seven of the United States. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a dry sense of humor and could deliver “one liners.” Roger was a gentle man and could find the good in anyone.
Roger is survived by his wife, Camilla; his children, Danny (Isolina) Sands of Coarsegold, Calif., Lori Henry of Viroqua, Trudy (David) Treptow of Viroqua, and Jodi (Daniel) Jefson of Westby; grandchildren, Tara (Russ) Biebl, Chasity Henry (fiance Luke Harris), Ben Treptow, Megan Treptow, Amanda Jefson, Ashley Jefson, Abigail Jefson, Ian Sands (fiancee Bianca), and Laura Sands; three great-grandchildren, Joey and Jarron Biebl and Jordan R.E. Sands; five sisters-in-law, June Salisbury, Jean Hall, Avis Jones, Beverly Cardoza and Carolyn Anderson; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; son-in-law, Tom Henry; two brothers, James Sands and Gordon, who died in infancy; grandson, Jesse R. Gutierrez Sands; and four brothers-in-law, John L. Jones, William Jones, Kenneth Salisbury and Harold Hall Jr.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. at Viroqua United Methodist Church in Viroqua. Pastor Ethan Larson will officiate, with burial in Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday after 10 a.m. until the time of services. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com.
Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.
Mildred ‘Milly’ M. Dikeman
Mildred “Milly” M. Dikeman, 88, of La Crosse entered God’s kingdom on Nov. 4, 2008, at Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility, La Crosse.
She was born May 8, 1920, to Harry and Alla Adams. Milly attended schools in De Soto and Central High School in La Crosse. On Oct. 28, 1939, she married John Dikeman Jr. in Decorah, Iowa, and he preceded her in death on March 15, 1987. They were nearly lifelong residents of French Island.
Milly was an active member of Olivet and Trinity Lutheran churches. She taught Sunday school for many years at Olivet.
Milly never had children of her own, but she and John were foster parents for many babies. She had many jobs during her 88 years — Ford Hopkins drug store, JC Penney, St. Joseph’s Nursing Home and Bethany St. Joe’s as a cook, to name a few.
In 2003 she had to give up her home and go into assisted living after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Milly is survived by one brother, Ralph (Gladys) Adams; two sisters, Geraldine (Harold) Hefti and Allamae (Tom) Else; a sister-in-law, Laura (Jean) Adams; a stepdaughter, Hazel (Robert) Miller; a son, James Dikeman; and a daughter, Carrie Stoltz. She is futher survived by 10 grandchildren; 19 stepgreat-grandchildren; five stepgreat-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, John, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert; an infant brother, William; sisters, Ruth Hickey and Gertrude Koblitz; a stepdaughter, Joyce Wiley; and a stepgrandson, Jack Wegner.
The family wishes to sincerely thank Milly’s sister, Geraldine, for her faithful love, care and concern she has shown her thoughout the years.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse. The Rev. Laurie Weis will officiate, and burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Elaine ‘Poots’ E. Brosinski
VIROQUA/STODDARD - Elaine “Poots” E. Brosinski, 86, formerly of Stoddard, died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Bethel Home in Viroqua where she had been a resident the past four years.
She was born July 26, 1922, to William and Clara (Hoover) Stellner in Bergen Township, Vernon County, Wis. Elaine attended Riverside School, rural Genoa. She married Gustav C. Brosinski on May 20, 1943. He died Nov. 18, 1978. The couple farmed their married life in Bergen Township.
Elaine always had an open door and welcomed anyone for lunch or coffee. She enjoyed scrapbooking and photo albums and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Stoddard, the Oak Ridge Homemakers and 4-H and the Stoddard American Legion Auxiliary.
Survivors include two sons, Carl and Gary, both of Stoddard; five daughters, Margie Schumacher, Mary (Jim) Kuecker and Janice Brosinski, all of La Crosse, Sharon (Tom) Floyd of Chaseburg, and Sally (Robert) Dotterwick of Fountain City, Wis.; 11 grandchildren, Shari (Robert) Oelke, Steve (Ina) Brosinski, Sandy (Loren) Bishop, Suzie (Brian) Crowley, Scott (Julie) Schumacher, Dana Kuecker, Daniel (Laura) Kuecker, Nicole (Levi) Sisbach, Joe Loefflad, Alicia (Randy) Knecht and Lucas (friend Whitney) Dotterwick; 24 great-grandchildren; a sister, Maxine Dayton of Stoddard; a brother, Richard Stellner of La Farge; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Brosinski; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; five sisters, Mabel, Lorraine, Myrtle, Joyce and Delores; and a son-in-law, Denny Schumacher.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stoddard. The Rev. James Krueger will officiate, with burial in Stoddard Cemetery. A visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be given to Bethel Home or St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.
Shane Gordon Dagendesh
GALESVILLE - Shane Gordon Dagendesh, 19, of Galesville passed away on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008. He was dearly loved by his family and will always be remembered as a loving son, grandson, nephew and cousin. He will be greatly missed.
He was born Aug. 26, 1989, in La Crosse. He grew up in Galesville and attended G-E-T High School, graduating with high honors. He went on to attend UW-Madison and UW-La Crosse. He excelled at his studies to achieve the Dean’s List at both campuses. He enjoyed bicycling, Pink Floyd, “Hero Clixs,” and hanging with his good friends. Many wonderful family memories were made during his short time with us.
He is survived by his parents, Steven and Robin (Bishop) Dagendesh of Galesville; grandparents, Gordon and Evonne Bishop of Galesville; grandparents, Wayne and Janet Dagendesh of Onalaska; aunts and uncles, Debra (Mark) Shedden of Corpus Christi, Tammy (Doug) Johnson of Galesville, Donna (Craig) Miller of Bangor, Mike Dagendesh of Bloomington, Lori Riley of Dallas, Mark (Elaine) Dagendesh of Eagan, Kathy Colbert of La Crescent, Linda (Jim) McCauley of Onalaska, and Kevin Dagendesh of West Salem; cousins, Kelsey, Keegan, Devin, Brenna, Jared, Rachel, Sarah, Tyler, Chelsey, Payton, Chad, Derek, Devin, Paige, Joshua and Kaitlyn.
He was preceded in death by his great-aunt, Sally; his great-grandfather, Erwin; and his beloved dog, “Buddie.”
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, 20335 W. Gale Ave., in Galesville. Pastor Chris Hallemeier will officate. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church in Galesville. Friends may also call at the church on Friday at 10 a.m. until the time of services. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the “Cash for Class” Zion Lutheran Scholarship.
Dorothy J. Fischer
LA CROSSE/CHICAGO - Dorothy J. Fischer, 71, of La Crosse and formerly of Chicago passed away Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Onalaska Care Center.
She was born June 3, 1937, in town of Campbell, Wis., to William and Katherine (Freismuth) Kohlwey. Dorothy was a 1955 graduate of Aquinas High School in La Crosse. On Oct. 11, 1958, she married William “Bill” Fischer in Chicago and they adopted a son, Charles, in 1966. After Bill preceded Dorothy in death on Feb. 25, 1983, she began working, decorating and sewing window treatments. Dorothy moved to La Crosse where she was employed at Carl Lyman’s until its closing, the Company Store, and finally, Winona Knitting Mills until 1999. She then enrolled in computer science at WWTC in La Crosse for one year. Dorothy enjoyed traveling with her sisters to Europe, Hawaii and Mexico, and spending the winters in Texas.
Survivors include one son, Charles Fischer of Chicago; four sisters, Kathleen Darling, Caroline (Laird) Sloggy and Mary (George) Schrabeck, all of La Crosse, and Rita (Kent) Knutson of New Amsterdam, Wis.; two brothers, Paul (Beverly) Kohlwey of La Crosse and David (Arlene) Kohlwey of Denver; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Thomas (Elaine) Kohlwey and Mrs. James (Elaine) Kohlwey, both of La Crosse; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Thomas and James Kohlwey; and one brother-in-law, Jack Darling.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1031 Main St., Onalaska. The Rev. Pat Umberger will officiate. Burial will be in Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call at Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass.
Wallace ‘Wally’ E. Wunsch
GALESVILLE - Wallace “Wally” E. Wunsch, 86, of Galesville passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Marinuka Manor in Galesville.
He was born in Milwaukee on Sept. 27, 1922, to Edwin and Louise (Luedtke) Wunsch. He married Ruth Ann Rapp in Wausau, Wis., on July 6, 1946. Wally had served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II as a “pharmacist mate” and was discharged in 1946.
In addition to his wife, Ruth, he is survived by two daughters, Kathy (Gordon) Cook of Galesville and Maureen (Dwight) Stark of Larimore, N.D.; a son, Michael Wunsch of Trempealeau; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James, in 2004.
Committal services with entombment will be held at noon on Friday, Nov. 7, at St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. The Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.
Darlene K. Walter
BLACK RIVER FALLS - Darlene K. Walter, 66, of Black River Falls died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, in Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Little Norway Lutheran Church, rural Black River Falls, with burial in the church cemetery. Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, and from 1 p.m. until the time of services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to Little Norway Lutheran Church. Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.
Lavern C. ‘Jim’ Nichols
PESHTIGO, Wis. - Lavern Nichols, 75, of Pestigo died Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008, at Bellin Hospital, Green Bay.
He was born Aug. 8, 1933, in Rollingstone, Minn., to Marvin and Leona (Rinn) Nichols. He married Darla Chaney on Aug. 14, 2004, in Peshtigo.
Lavern graduated from Logan High School in 1952 and later joined the Navy.
He spent much of his life traveling and doing a bit of everything. Those closest to him will remember him best for his wonderful stories and hilarious jokes and a passion for the Packers. Few knew he was also an amazing writer/poet.
He is survived by his wife; five children, Gayle, Scott, Mike, Jeff and Melissa; four stepchildren; five brothers, Beauford (Terry), Arvard (Beryl), Kenneth (Kathy), Roger and Harold (Cyndy); 23 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, and a brother, Ronald, in 1964.
He will be forever missed by all who knew him. Per his wishes, there was no formal service as he wanted to leave us all with a smile and not a frown.
Virgil H. Aberg
MABEL, Minn. - Virgil H. Aberg, 85, of Mabel died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Winneshiek Medical Center, Decorah, Iowa. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Hesper (Iowa) Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Hesper Lutheran Cemetery with military rites by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Mengis Funeral Home, Mabel, and 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the church. Memorials are preferred to Fillmore Place, Preston, Minn.
Mary C. Crowley
Mary C. Crowley, 88, of La Crosse, died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center, La Crosse. A funeral Mass is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, La Crosse. Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, La Crosse, is assisting the family. A complete obituary will follow.
John J. Kelly
BEAVERCREEK, Ohio - Ret. Col. John J. Kelly, 74, passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, in Beavercreek.
Mr. Kelly was born in La Crosse on Feb. 3, 1934, to Edmund and Helen (Koller) Kelly. He was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, attended Loras College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Ohio State University, Airwar College and Industrial College of Armed Forces. John served as a colonel in the Air Force for 26 years before retirement, 13 years in fighter squadrons and 13 years as a director of electronic warfare programs and fighter pilot commander. Mr. Kelly flew 100 missions over North Vietnam, including T-33, F-86, F-89, F-102, F/RF4, F-4 Wild Weasel (A-7, F-106, F-101), and earned two management awards: Distinguished Flying Cross and 15 Air Medals.
John was also involved in many organizations and civic activities including the Knights of Columbus, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, American Legion, a coach of Pee Wee Jet football, pro-life movement, Boy Scouts of America and St. Vincent DePaul Society.
John married the love of his life, Lois Ann (Ziegler) Kelly on June 15, 1957, and they were blessed with six children, Catherine (Greg) Blackburn, Michael (Roseanne) Kelly, Patricia (Ron) Kornowski, Steven (Renate) Kelly, Mary (Tony) Brunsman and Joseph (Aileen) Kelly; 20 grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret Raymond and Dorothy Mae Hynes; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ed Kelly.
Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 7, at Emmanuel Catholic Church on Franklin Street, Dayton, Ohio, from 10 a.m. until time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
John will be remembered for his love of family, his integrity, passion, his Catholic faith and making pilgrimages to holy shrines around the world, and sports “Cincinnati Reds, Bengals, UD Flyers, OSU Buckeyes.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Extension Foundation at Chicago or to Hospice of Dayton. Westbrock Funeral Home, Wayne Ave., is handling arrangements (937-253-6161). www.westbrockfuneralhome.com.
Edward G. Zuhlke
KENDALL - Edward G. Zuhlke, 92, of Kendall died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Tomah Memorial Hospital.
He was born Aug. 28, 1916, to August and Ottillie (Erdman) Zuhlke in rural Kendall. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church at South Ridge. He graduated from Kendall High School. He was united in marriage to Fae Ranney on June 14, 1939. She preceded him in death Dec. 1, 2004. Ed and Fae farmed together for 65 years on the Zuhlke Family Homestead, a century farm, on South Ridge in the town of Wellington. He was a lifelong faithful and devoted member of St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church.
He is survived by two sons, Gerald (Helen) of Kendall and Kim (Barbara) of Oregon, Wis., six loving grandchildren, Matthew (Jennifer) of Madison, Andrew (Sigita) of Madison, Thomas of Wyocena, Wis., Amber of Madison, Kristi of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Jeffrey, who attends UW-La Crosse; two sisters, Elna Witt of West Salem and Edna (Mailen) Hoefs of Kendall; a sister-in-law, LaVern Zuhlke of Tomah, nieces, nephews; and other relative and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Fae; and a brother, Ruben.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 7, at noon at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Ridge. Pastor Fred Fedke will officiate. Burial will be in South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery in the town of Wellington. Relatives and friends are invited to call at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Kendall, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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