Richard Edward Kemp, Sr.
Richard Edward Kemp, Sr., age 87, of Viroqua, formerly of Lacon, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.
He was born on May 13, 1920, in Pontiac, Illinois, the son of Edward and Grace (Devereaux) Kemp. After graduating from high school in his hometown of Kempton, Illinois, Richard served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was united in marriage to Ena Margaret Lowe on June 30, 1946. He was a machinist for 38 years at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, Illinois, before retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Lacon-Sparland United Methodist Church, where he served many years as Sunday school secretary/ treasurer, was a member of Methodist Men and served on various church boards. Richard was also a member of the Mid-County board of education.
He is survived by three children, Richard, Jr. (Rita) Kemp of Prescott, Wisconsin, Pamela (Robert) Duehr of Bettendorf, Iowa and Charles (Mary) Mulvaney-Kemp of Viroqua; seven grandchildren, Kate and Julie Mulvaney-Kemp, Allison Duehr, Andrea (Sam) Cheney, Jenni (Josh) Pender, Ken Cran and Scott Cran; four great-grandchildren, Matthew, Monica, Brandon and Alexis; one sister, Dorothy (Wilbert) Gibson of Fulton, Missouri, brother-in-law Robert (Doris) Lowe of Cabery, Illinois and 10 nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering was held on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at Maplewood Terrace, Viroqua. Memorial services in Lacon, Illinois, will be announced at a later date. The family prefers memorials be given to Vernon Memorial Hospice. The Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua, assisted the family with funeral arrangements.
Marvin W. Stanek
Marvin W. Stanek, 86, of Franksville, Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at Bethel Nursing Home in Viroqua following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson Disease.
He was born September 24, 1921, in Union Township, to Eman J. and Victora (nee Haugh) Stanek. He spent his early life in Hillsboro and was a graduate of West Lima High School, class of 1939. After graduation, Marvin worked the family farm. On September 19, 1943, in Hillsboro, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Doris Campbell of La Farge. Following marriage they resided on the family farm in Hillsboro before moving to Franksville where they spent 47 years. Marvin had spent the last seven years at Bethel Nursing Home in Viroqua. Marvin had managed Yorkville Nursing Home for five years. He then became a CNA and worked at Brookside Care Center in Kenosha. Marvin retired as a machinist for Nelsons Brother & Strom in Racine.
He was an active member of Raymond Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Marvin served as a church Elder and was active in the choir. He sang in both the church choir and the barber shop quartet. He was also active in organizing his class reunions, as well as being an avid water skier. He enjoyed jogging and taking long walks. Marvin loved his family, his friends and his church.
Survivors include his wife, Doris Stanek; children, Marvin James “Jim” (Connie) Stanek of Franksville and Shirley (David) Allesee of Waterford; grandchildren, Kelly (Kelly) Stanek of Franksville, Shawn (Cammie) Stanek of Franksville, Nikki (Jon) Trobaugh of Racine, Sara (Jon) Klepp of Waterford and Maria Allesee of Waterford, and by great-grandchildren, Paiton Klepp, Annika Stanek, and Taylor Vernon. He is further survived by a brother, Bernard “Bun” (Blanche) Stanek of Columbia, S.C.; a sister, Lucille Housner of Hawaii; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Garnet Stout of La Farge, Lucille (Don) Harrison of Monona and LaVerne (Joanne) Campbell of La Farge and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by brothers-in-law, Leon Vodak, Dr. Merton Campbell, John Stout and Ernest Housner.
As per Marvin’s wishes he will be cremated with a graveside service to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Bethel Nursing Home, 614 S. Rock Ave., Viroqua, WI 54665 or the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305, in loving memory of Marvin, have been suggested.
A special thank-you to all of the staff at Bethel Nursing Home for their compassion and loving care given to Marvin and his family.
“God saw him getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around him and whispered “Come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched him suffer, and saw him slowly fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard hands put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.”
Bernadine E. Baltzer
Bernadine E. Baltzer passed away at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at the age of 87.
Bernadine was born September 12, 1920, in Beatrice, Nebraska, to Arlene (Taylor) and Ernest Langdale. She served in the U.S. Navy as a medical corpsman and received an honorable discharge in April 1946. Bernadine married Richard P. Baltzer, Sr. August 27, 1946, in Hutchinson, Kansas, and traveled extensively in the United States during his 20 years of military service, settling in Madison after he retired from the Navy. Bernadine, Richard and Richard, Jr. lived in various Wisconsin locations and moved from Viroqua to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1999 to be closer to family members.
Bernadine is survived by her husband, Richard, daughter, Mary (Lon) Oleson, son, Richard Baltzer Jr., grandson, Michael Oleson, all of Aberdeen; great-grandchildren Kristopher, Michaela and Alec Oleson of Groton, South Dakota; brother, Clifford Langdale of Mission, Texas; sister-in-law Beverly (Karl) Schuetz, Stroughton, Wisconsin, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law, Leota Langdale and nieces, Rebecca Petry and Kim (McCuddin) Russell.
A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Aberdeen.
Irene E. Dull
Irene E. Dull, 78, of Soldiers Grove passed away on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.
She was born on July 25, 1929, at Soldiers Grove, to Archie and Ethel (Hutchcroft) Maybee. She attended Soldiers Grove area schools. She married Roy Alan Edge in 1946 and together they raised their children —Brenda, Alanna and Mark —until his death in 1960. Irene married Gordon Dull at Soldiers Grove in 1962. They raised their combined family: Brenda (Robert) Haas, Sandy Strait, Dana (Terry) Martin, Alanna (Richard) Scott, Jon (Linda) Dull, Mark (Debbie) Edge, Jayne (Mark) Turgason and Jill (Mark) Witkowski.
She was employed by Soldiers Grove schools as school secretary from 1959-1962 and Seats, Inc. in Reedsburg from 1973 to 1980. She enjoyed her retirement with Gordon in their homes in Soldiers Grove and winters in Zephyrhills, Florida.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Harland Maybee; and a daughter and son-in-law, Jayne and Mark Turgason, and a brother-in-law, Jim Connely.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon of Soldiers Grove; her above named children; her sisters, Fern Connely and Janice (Erland) Dregne, all of Viroqua; her brothers, Cecil (Harriet) Maybee of Machesney Park, Illinois and Terry (Gloria) Maybee of Janesville; one sister-in-law, Levon Maybee of La Crosse; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.
The family wishes to especially thank Trish Swasko, D.P.A., the medical staff and Hospice of Vernon Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 15, 2008, at the Readstown Church of Christ. Pastor Lance Lorenz and Pastor Mike Zylstra officiated. Burial was in the North Clayton Cemetery. Friends called on Thursday evening, at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown and on Friday at the church until time of services. Condolences to simefu neralforum.com. Memorials preferred to North Crawford Rescue Squad and Vernon Memorial Hospice.
Doris H. Rudrud
Doris H. Rudrud, age 85 of Westby, died Monday, February 11, 2008, at the Bethel Home in Viroqua where she had been a resident since 2001.
She was born on July 12, 1922, in Vernon County, to Otto T. and Mattie (Hanson) Hagen. On February 16, 1949, she was united in marriage to Alvin Sever Rudrud and they farmed in the Westby area for 31 years before retiring to Westby. She was a member of the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church and was active in the Ladies Aid.
She is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Rudrud (special friend Trixie Norcross) of Westby and Grant (Jenny) Rudrud of Viroqua; two daughters, Diane (John) Peters of Green Bay and Grace (Ramon Jr.) Alvarez of Wales, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Jason (Regina) Rudrud of Honolulu, Hawaii, Jana (fiancé Richard LaPlante) of Wausau, Wisconsin, Jerrod Rudrud of Hudson, Wisconsin, Scott Peters of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Seri (Tom) Briggs of DePere, Wisconsin, Becky (Mike) Schuh of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Jessica Peters of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Ramon Alvarez III (special friend Natalie) of Wales, Wisconsin, Eric Alvarez of Wales, Wisconsin, Miguel Alvarez of Wales, Wisconsin, Sanna Rudrud of DePere, Wisconsin, Heath Rudrud (special friend, Mattea) of La Crosse, Wisconsin and Brody Rudrud of Viroqua; one great-grandchild, Justin Briggs of DePere, Wisconsin; nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin on August 2, 1983; one sister, Olive Nustad; one brother, Thelmer Hagen; and one step-brother, Clarence Johnson.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 14, 2008, at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Julie Wollman officiated with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends called on Wednesday afternoon at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Friends also called at the church on Thursday before the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church or the Bethel Home.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteig funeralhomes.com
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby served the family.
Lorin “Pete” Norman Dahl
Lorin “Pete” Norman Dahl, age 64, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at the Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse after a short illness.
He was born on June 23, 1943, to Norman and Marian (Aarstad) Dahl. He graduated from Cashton High School in 1961 where he was a rare four-sport athlete, involved in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He went to state in track and still holds the record at Cashton in the 100-yard dash. He was also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He served in the U.S. Army from August of 1963 to August of 1966 and had been stationed in Wurzburg, Germany. He worked at the Veteran’s Administration in Madison and Tomah, and was working for the Sparta School District at the time of his death. Pete was an avid reader of world history and geography. He traveled to European countries and was interested in Norwegian heritage. He had also learned to speak Norwegian. Pete was also an excellent cook and loved to cook big meals for the family get-togethers. He will be especially remembered for his homemade pizza, Thanksgiving dinners and “Pete’s potato salad.”
He is survived by his mother, Marian Dahl of rural Westby; two sisters, Rene (Roger) Rotzenberg of Sparta and Lorraine “Lolly” (Doug) Brueggen of Cashton; six nieces and nephews, Chris Dahl of Tomah, Brandon (Kadie) Brueggen of Westby, Sarah (Gary) Gronemus of Cashton, Bailey Brueggen (fiancée Erin Semke) of Oshkosh, Shelly (Andy) Russell of La Crosse and Ben Brueggen of Platteville; great-nieces and -nephews, Brady Dahl, Rian Gronemus, Emma Gronemus, Lily Gronemus, Kate Gronemus, Kennedy Brueggen and Beckett Brueggen; and one cousin, Emily (Jack) Shafer of Rochester Hills, Michigan.
He was preceded in death by his father, Norman, in 1992; his grandparents, Ole and Nora Dahl and Carl and Elma Aarstad; his aunts and uncles, John and Olga Putnam, Wesley and Alice Bergum, Juna Wells and Oscar Dahl.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby. Pastor John Stennes-Spidahl officiated. Military rites were accorded and burial will be at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Torkelson Memorial Library in Cashton or the Cashton High School Scholarship Fund.
Friends called on Saturday until the time of service at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfu neralhomes.com.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby served the family.
Betty L. Hanson
Betty L. Hanson, age 81 of De Soto, died Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at the Thornton Manor in Lansing, Iowa.
She was born on March 11, 1926 to Carl and Ruth (Sidie) Worman in rural Redmound. She worked at the Fortney Hotel in Viroqua as a waitress until she earned enough money to attend Beauty School in La Crosse. She graduated from La Crosse Beauty School and worked at the Viroqua Beauty Salon until her marriage to Virgil R. Hanson on June 4, 1952. Together they farmed the family farm and Betty was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking. She especially enjoyed making ethnic foods including lefse, homemade bread and cookies and sharing them with everyone. A cup of coffee shared with friends and telling stories of the country life with children gave Betty much enjoyment. She was a member of the De Soto Lutheran Church, a member of the WELCA, held many offices within the church and was involved with missions and quilting.
She is survived by her five children, Philip Hanson, Dale Hanson, Rachel (Larry) Fritz, Eric (Linda) Hanson and Sarah (Marty) Mathison; grandchildren, Jesse (Amber) Hanson, Chad (Tasha) Fritz, Kiel Fritz, Leah Fritz, Adam Mueller, Noah Mathison and Connor Mathison; siblings, Paul (Pat) Worman, Donald (Diane) Worman, Janet (Jack) Stilwell and Margaret (Larry) Cox; her aunt, Iva Lea Hammond and uncle, Harlan Sidie; and many special friends, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil, on June 7, 2003.
God's Garden
God looked around his garden and he found an empty place,
He then looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's Garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering; He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw that the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb,
So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered
"Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone,
For parts of us went with you the day God called you home.
Funeral services were held on Monday, February 18, 2008, at the De Soto Lutheran Church. Pastor Libby Howe officiated with burial in the De Soto Lutheran Cemetery. Friends called on Sunday afternoon at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in De Soto. Memorials may be directed to the De Soto Lutheran Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfu neralhomes.com
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of De Soto served the family.
Greg W. Olson
Greg W. Olson, age 43 of rural Genoa, passed away unexpectedly near his home from an auto accident on Sunday, February 17, 2008.
He was born on June 30, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Richard and Joanne (Zurfluh) Olson. In 1983, Greg graduated from Madison West High School. On September 18, 1999, he was united in marriage to Jodie Halweg. His love for the area drew him to Vernon County in the 1990s and led to the purchase of their home on Fauske Lane. Greg was the owner and president of Olson Construction and had built houses with Mississippi River views for several families. He also enjoyed the Mississippi River area and the fishing it provided for him and his family. Greg was also an avid turkey and deer hunter.
In addition to his wife, Jodie, Greg is survived by his two sons, Gavin Olaf Olson, 4, and Peter James Olson, 2; his mother, Joanne Olson of Bremerton, Washington; his father, Richard (Jeanette) Olson of Madison; two sisters, Cheri Heibel of Spooner, Wisconsin and Julie (Leo) Wasserberger of Bremerton, Washington; two brothers, Jeff (Judy) Olson of Madison and Jimmy (Tammy) Olson of McCall, Indiana. He will also be greatly missed by his family and friends in the Viroqua, Madison and Baraboo areas.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 22, 2008, from 9 to 11 a.m. with a short prayer service at 11 a.m. by Pastor Donald Greven at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy. 56) in Viroqua. Online condolences may be offered at www.vos seteigfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Jodie Olson and family.
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.
Allan C. Stakston
Allan C. Stakston, age 75, of rural Westby, died unexpectedly Friday, February 15, 2008, in his garage at home.
He was born January 31, 1933, to Phillip and Olga (Bakkum) Stakston. He was baptized and confirmed at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Allan was in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957 serving in Kansas, Texas, New York and Greenland. He married Mary Sisbach on November 3, 1956, at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. They farmed together and Allan did custom work and mechanic work for many in the area until 1983, when he was disabled in an accident. He then helped his son farm and continued to do small engine work. He was a member of Coon Valley Lutheran Church where he had served on the council. He was also a member of Coulee Track and Trail Snowmobile Club, Coon Valley American Legion Post #116 and the Snowflake Ski Club. Allan enjoyed his pets, fishing, going on long drives and the holidays playing cards with the family. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; six children, Gwen (Paul) Bahr of Coon Valley, Curtis (Linda) of Westby, Peggy (Curtis) Dunnum of Viroqua, Rachel (Brian) Pederson of Bangor, Sheila (Dennis) Scharping of Good Thunder, Minnesota and Christal (Clay) Kanieski of Coon Valley; 13 grandchildren, Samantha (Matt) White, Garrett and Marissa Bahr, Justin (Jackie) Stakston, Jennifer (Carlos) Briseno, Melinda (fiancé David Marsh), Allison (fiancé Brandon Williamson), Jeffrey and Chelsea Dunnum, Elissa (Josh) Kinstler and Erin Pederson, Zach and Cecelia Scharping; two great-grandchildren, Amalia Briseno and Sawyer Stakston; a sister, Beatrice (Alden) Olson; a brother, Orrin (Becky) Stakston, both of Westby; a brother-in-law, John (Anna Marie) Sisbach; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Williams; his aunt, Sophie Olstad, all of Westby; an uncle, Herman "Ras" Bakkum of Gonvick, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at the Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto and Diaconal Minister Linda Daugs-Renner officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery with military honors by the Coon Valley American Legion Post #116. Friends called at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley on Monday evening and at the church on Tuesday before the time of the services. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley assisted the family.
Anna Marie Sherry
Anna Marie Sherry, age 85, a resident at Bethel Home in Viroqua, died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, February 13, 2008, with her husband by her side.
She was born on July 2, 1922, on her families’ farm in rural Soldiers Grove to Clement and Cora “Alvina” (Everson) Christopherson. Ann Marie attended the Vernon County Normal School and after graduation, she taught at the Star Valley, Davisdale and Pine Knob Schools. She was a life member of the Kickapoo United Lutheran Church where she was very active. Anna Marie was involved with the ladies groups and taught Sunday School for many years. Anna Marie was also known for her Norwegian goodies.
Anna Marie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Palmer Sherry of Viroqua; a son, Roland (Dianne) Sherry of Ferryville; a daughter, Mavis (Chester) Bringe of La Crosse; four grandchildren, Luke (Shelly) Sherry of Neenah, Jill (Norman) Olson of Steuben, Chad (Amanda) Bringe of Duluth, Minnesota and Laura Bringe of Milwaukee; two great-granddaughters, Mikayla Olson and Janessa Bringe.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services were held on Monday, February 18, 2008, at Kickapoo Untied Lutheran Church, rural Soldiers Grove, with Pastor Adolf Quast officiating. Organist was Jeanne Nelson and Charlotte and Joanne Sherry were the soloists. Burial took place in the church cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were Roderick and Gary Everson. Pallbearers were Chris Christopherson, Tony, Larry and Daniel Everson, Arnold Lewison and Steven Eide. A visitation was held the evening prior at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua.
The family expresses memorials to the Kickapoo Cemetery Association or Kickapoo United Church.
Blessed be her memory.
Evelyn Emily Braaten
Evelyn Emily Braaten, age 87 of West Salem and formerly of Viroqua, passed away on Thursday morning, February 14, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
She was born on April 13, 1920, in Crawford County to Alvin and May (McCumber) Buroker. She was a baptized member of the Sugar Grove Church of Christ. On October 10, 1945, she married Kermit Braaten at the Buroker home farm in the town of Clayton in Crawford County. They lived in Viroqua where Evelyn took in ironing and later worked as a cook in the Viroqua Area School District for many years. She was a member of the Viroqua Church of Christ.
Evelyn is survived by one son, Ronald (Donna) Braaten of Chandler, Arizona; one daughter, Rhonda (Alex) Hanifl of La Crosse; three grandsons, Anthony (Carrie) Braaten of Gilbert, Arizona, Jake (Kristen) Braaten of Chandler, Arizona and Todd Gillmeister of Oakdale, Minnesota; three great-granddaughters, Sydney, Brooklyn and Ella Braaten. She is also survived by four brothers, Ellis (Verla) Buroker of Baraboo, Gordon (Ardie) Buroker of Blanchardville, Cecil (Betty) Buroker of Onalaska and Arlis (Nancy) Buroker of Janesville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Tolene Buroker of Soldiers Grove, Naomi McDaniel, Rebecca Erickson, Selmer and Phyllis Jacobson, Myrtle Braaten, Nellie Braaten and Beverly Frederick, all of Viroqua, Deanna and Merrill Gardner of Onalaska; other relatives and a special friend, Jerry Bina of Viroqua.
She was preceded in death by parents; her husband, Kermit; four sisters, Leona Buroker, Dorothy Buroker, Hilda Henthorn and Lela Adams Wright; and brothers, Duane Buroker and Myron Buroker; brothers-in-law, Georgie McDaniel, Wesley Erickson, Robert Frederick, Norman Braaten, Myron Braaten, Obed Braaten, Keith Henthorn, and Leland Adams; and one niece, Debra Jacobson.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at the Viroqua Church of Christ with Minister Nathan Prong officiating. The organist was Ben Marx. Serving as pallbearers were Anthony Braaten, Jake Braaten, Todd Gillmeister and Brian Henthorn. Burial was in the Viroqua Cemetery. A visitation and prayer service was held on Monday at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua.
Frances Ann Smith
Frances Ann Smith, age 70, died on Thursday morning, February 14, 2008, at her rural Viroqua home.
She was born on January 26, 1938, in Viroqua to Fay “Scoop” and Millicent “Millie” (Matthes) Jacobson. On September 27, 1975, she married Keith Smith in Viola. They resided in Viola for nine years before moving to Milwaukee. They moved to Viroqua in 1989. Her last few days were spent under the care of her husband and children, which were great in that she was able to visit, reminisce and laugh reflecting on all the good times. She also reminded everyone of what a great Green Bay Packer fan she was n “Packer Momma”. Over the years Fran had worked in many capacities and prior to retiring she worked at the Viking Inn in Viroqua.
Fran is survived by her husband, Keith of Viroqua, seven children, Butch Steiger of St. Paul, Minnesota, Jeff (Sandy) Steiger, Jackie (Don) Trostorff and Jacob Steiger, all of Viroqua, Roxanne (Randy) Hayes of Rolla, Missouri, Michele Andresen of Louisiana and Ann Smith-Olson of Stoughton. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Jeremiah, Jessica, Cassie, Jeremy, Cassie, Brandon, Jena, Breanna, Milton, Nicholas, Emily, Tiffany, Angelo, Ethan and Isaak; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Betty (Charles) Dunnum of Frederic, Wisconsin, Marlene Bertschinger of Milwaukee and Jean (Mark) Jensen of Viroqua; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Scoop and Millie Jacobson; and two brothers-in-law, Donald Riley and Richard Bertschinger.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 17, 2008, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua with Pastor Ethan Larson officiating. Serving as an honorary pallbearer was Ed Matthes and serving as pallbearers were Butch Steiger, Jeff Steiger, Jacob Steiger, Jeremiah Steiger, Jeremy Hayes, Don Johnson, Brandon Hayes, Nick Dibbert, Milton Gill Jr. and Angelo Torres. Burial was in the Viola Cemetery.
Lois Mae Coleman
Lois Mae Coleman, age 71, died suddenly on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
She was born on April 16, 1936, at Sugar Grove, rural Readstown, to Thad and Alzina (Alderman) Alexander. She graduated from Readstown High School in 1954. She married Richard “Dick” Coleman on August 8, 1961, in South Dakota. They farmed at rural Readstown for 25 years and she had worked at Land’s End the past 20 years.
Lois is survived by her husband, Richard Coleman of Readstown; five children, Jeff (Charlotte) Coleman of Plain, Dianne (Doug Geddes) Coleman of Readstown, Ronda (Todd) Swanson of Dodgeville, Sally (Dan Miller) Coleman of Ontario and Scotty Coleman and his special friend, Mariana Ibragimova of Readstown; 11 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one sister, Maxine Lowry of Salem, Oregon and one brother, George (Arlene) Alexander of Solders Grove. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Elsie Alexander; and five brothers, Leslie, Wayne, Darrel, Gaylord and Gerald Alexander.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua with Pastor Greg Cliff officiating. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Rodney Peterson and Raymond Alexander. Serving as pallbearers were Jeff Coleman, Scotty Coleman, Todd Alexander, Doug Geddes, Todd Swanson and Dan Miller. Burial was in the Readstown Cemetery.
