Esther L. Tryggestad (nee Anderson)
Esther L. Tryggestad (nee Anderson) was taken into the arms of Jesus Sunday, July 13, 2008, age 84 years.
Born September 24, 1923, in Christiana, Wisconsin, to Ella and Alvin Andenson. Beloved wife of the late LaVerne Tryggestad. Loving mother of Mary Lou (Dane) Luebke, Cheryl (Robert) Lauren, Rodney, Rev. Gary and Charlene (Steven) Peske. Proud grandmother of Scott (Karen) Luebke, Heather (John) Sladky, Michael (Holly) Lauren, Jamie Lauren, Jason Lauren, Dawn (Chris) Leifer. Adored great-grandmother to Kaitlyn, Kyra, Emma, Maddy, Annabelle, Elijah, Meghan, Kathryn, Luke, Javen, Olivia, Nathan, Justin, Rachel, Ryan and one on the way. Dear sister of Hilmer (Hazel) Anderson, LeRoy (Joann) Anderson, Arnie (Katherine) Anderson and Lenora (Vern) Melgarde. Sister-in-law of Christine (the late Blair) and Cleo (the late Janet). Also loved by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Alton, Raymond and Howard (the late Mildred).
Funeral services were at Centennial Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, July 19, 2008. A visitation preceded the services. Private interment was at Good Hope Cemetery. Memorials to the church will be appreciated.
“Mom, you will be loved and treasures our hearts until we meet again in heaven.”
Online condolences at www.pkfuneralhomes.com
The Prasser-Kleczka Bay View Chapel in Milwaukee served the family.
Harriet R. Aspenson
Harriet R. Aspenson, age 72 of Westby, died Sunday, July 20, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
She was born on April 17, 1936, the daughter of Henry and Ella (Knutson) Call. On May 12, 1956, she was united in marriage to Wayne Aspenson in Viroqua. Harriet was a member of the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, the WELCA and the Quilters.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children, Lori (Brian Conrad) Erickson of Westby, Linda (Jeff) Bergstrom of Cumberland, Jon (Marla) Aspenson of Grafton and Beth (Mike) Brendel of Viroqua; 11 grandchildren, Nicole (Adam) Grant, Emily Erickson, Hannah and Beau Bergstrom, Ella, Grace, Alec and Claire Aspenson, Jennifer, Lauren and Erika Brendel; one great-granddaughter, Arissa Grant; one sister, Carol (Richard) Westpfahl of Holmen; a sister-in-law, Diane Call; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Tim Erickson; and two brothers, Gordon and David Call.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier officiated with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends called on Tuesday afternoon at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Friends also called on Wednesday at the church before the time of the services. Online condolences may be offered at www.vos seteigfuneralhomes.com.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby served the family.
Howard Wayne Ross
Howard Wayne Ross, age 76, of Viroqua, died early Thursday morning, July 17, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born on March 19, 1932, in La Crosse to Robert M. Ross and Eva (Oliver) Ross-Springborn. On June 16, 1956, he married Betty Lawrence at the EUB Church in Ontario. The couple farmed in Retreat and Howard also owned and operated a bulk oil station there. In 1968, they moved to Railroad Avenue and continued to farm, milking and raising tobacco. Howard also worked for Ed Kramer Bridge Crew as a crane operator, Vernon County Highway Shop and also hauled for the Amish. Needless to say, Howard always had something to do. Howard served on the Vernon County Board for one year, was a member of the Farm Unity Program in the 1980s and was a member of the Viroqua Eagles Club Aerie 2707. After retirement, Howard and Betty wintered in Texas for the past 15 years. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Howard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Ross, of Viroqua; two sons, Ricky (Sabrina) Ross of West Salem and Royal (Barbara) Ross of Viroqua; five grandchildren, Tristan, Austin, Alejandrina Ross of West Salem and Michaela and Jacinda Ross of Viroqua; a sister, Ardis Stilwell of Retreat, rural De Soto and Helen (Ernie) Engen of Stoddard; brother, Gale (Sandra) Ross of Holman; nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Layne Stilwell; and a nephew, Robert “Bobby” Stilwell.
Funeral services were held on Monday, July 21, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Viroqua with Pastor Ethan Larson officiating. Burial took place in the Viroqua Cemetery. Marie Higgins was the soloist and Kathy Hanson was the organist. Honorary casket bearer was Alejandrina Ross. Casket bearers were Tristan, Austin, Michaela and Jacinda Ross, Allen Lawrence, Dean Hoff, Iver Peterson and Mike Fahey. A visitation was held the afternoon prior at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua with a prayer service led by Pastor Ethan Larson. The visitation continued on Monday prior to the service at church.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorsonre etz.net.
Francis J. Curti
Francis J. Curti, age 84, of West Salem, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2008, at Franciscan-Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born October 5, 1923, in Genoa, the son of Anthony and Elizabeth (Malin) Curti. After graduating from Lansing Kee High School in 1941, Francis worked on the family farm and enjoyed playing baseball. On August 28, 1954, he married Marion E. Saphner at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman in La Crosse. During the same year, Francis bought the family farm and proceeded to modernize and expand it, constructing new farm buildings and a house. Francis was the proud father of five children and was a hard-working, dedicated farmer. He celebrated the farm's centennial anniversary in 1979. Francis and Marion retired to West Salem in 1991. In his retirement, he was a loving caregiver for Marion during her extended illness before she died on January 29, 2006. While in West Salem, Francis became a prolific self-taught painter, exhibiting his paintings at the county fair where he won numerous blue ribbons. He also enjoyed gardening, canning and traveling. Francis will be remembered for many things, among which was his wonderful smile.
Survivors include five children, Jeffrey (Patricia) Curti of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Jon (Joan) Curti of Plover, Wisconsin, Gerard (Amy) Curti of Carthage, Missouri, Annette (Scott) Bergum of Hartford, Wisconsin and Francis (Gabrielle) Curti of Indianola, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Julie, Peter, Madeline, Melanie, Steven, Joseph, Jacob, David, Matthew and Everett; two brothers, William (Joan) Curti of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Charles (Jean) Curti of Onalaska; two sisters, Sister Mechtilde Curti, FSPA of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Sister De Sales Curti, FSPA of La Crosse; one sister-in-law, Lorraine Curti of Genoa; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Anthony Curti.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church in West Salem. Father Bob Hegenbarth officiated. Entombment will be in the St. Joseph Mausoleum at Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse. Friends called at Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home in West Salem, on Tuesday evening for rosary and visitation. Friends also called at the church on Wednesday before the time of service. Memorials may be given to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse.
E. Nolen Anderson
E. Nolen Anderson, age 99, a resident at Vernon Manor, Viroqua, died early Wednesday morning July 16, 2008, at Vernon Manor.
He was born March 9, 1909, in the township of Jefferson, Vernon County, to Will and Ida (Michealson) Anderson. He was baptized in Zion Church and confirmed in Immanuel Lutheran Church. He graduated from the Brookville School. Nolen was a farmer all his life, but never married. He served on the Brookville School Board and also supervisor for Franklin Township. Nolen loved fishing, especially in Canada, raising tobacco over the years and traveling to Montana and the Dakotas.
Nolen is survived by his sister, Welma Mills; nieces, nephews and their families, Janis (Donald) Appleman of Rockton, Illinois, Bonnie Anderson of West Chicago, Illinois, Calvin (Pat) Anderson of Westby, Dean (Janet) Anderson of Belvidere, Illinois, Iris Richardson of Madison, Thomas (Kathy) Richardson of Richland Center, Ioma (Verlyn) Anderson and William (Sandra) Anderson, all of Viroqua; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Leland, Victor and Arlo Anderson; a sister, Alice Richardson; a nephew, Verlyn Anderson; sisters-in-law, Cora and Hazel Anderson; brothers-in-law, Calvin Richardson and J. Robert Mills.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 18, 2008, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua. Officiating at the service was Pastor Kathy Ingbritsen with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Casket bearers were Bryan, Steven, Greg and Rick Anderson, Thomas Richardson and Myron Odegard. Patty Moilien was the organist and Myron Rundhaugen was the soloist. A visitation was held the evening prior at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua and also prior to the service.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorsonree tz.net.
Stanley J. "Woody" Wooden
Stanley J. "Woody" Wooden, age 69, of La Crosse, died Wednesday July 16, 2008, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse.
He was born September 20, 1938, in La Crosse to Roland and Callista (Werner) Wooden. He graduated from Central High School in 1957. Stanley married Barbara Kromke on July 8, 1961, at St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stoddard by the Rev. Norbert Gieschen. He worked for the La Crosse County Highway Department for 35 and one-half years, retiring in 1995. Stanley was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers and camping at Bluebird Campground. He also enjoyed his cats Miller and Sammie.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Barbara; three children, Jay Wooden of La Crosse, Sherry Fallin of Hudson and David Wooden of La Crosse; his grandson, Brandon Ruhoff of Hudson; his mother, Callista Wooden and one brother, Frank Wooden, both of La Crosse; two half brothers, Bruce Wooden of Scottsdale, Arizona and Arlan (Trudy) Wooden of Menomonie, Michigan; two half sisters, Rebecca Wooden of Coon Valley and Sharon (Howie) Sackmaster of La Crosse; and his stepmother, Genevieve (Kenneth) Soerens of La Crosse.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roland Wooden.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 19, 2008, at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stoddard. The Rev. James Krueger officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Friends called on Friday evening at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Saturday before the time of the services.
Donna Jean Fleming
Donna Jean Fleming, age 79 of Herbster, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2008, at Meriter Hospital in Madison.
She was born in De Soto on April 12, 1929, a daughter of the late Fantus and Irene (Watson) Tewalt, and graduated from Viroqua High School. She was united in marriage to Ruel Fleming on February 4, 1948. Donna was the center of our family. She was a joy to be around; always comforting someone else and offering a smile when needed. She was unassuming and certainly not an attention-seeker. But, you could walk into a room and realize that something was missing, when she was not there. A more sincere person would be hard to find. When someone was her friend, it was "for life"...just ask any of her buddies. She was fun-loving and always seemed to find pleasure in each new day. She loved chocolate malts, had a passion for reading, enjoyed browsing through antiques and couldn't wait to plan the next RV trip. All you had to ask was, "Do you want to go?" And, her reply would be, "How soon can we leave? I'm ready!" If being a "worrier" is a fault, she did have one. No, make that two. She talked to herself, a lot! Cancer has claimed the life of another loved one, with her diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma, in January. She faced this challenge with the dignity and grace that we all knew she possessed. She did not fear death, she lived life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the cancer society.
She is survived by her husband Ruel; daughter, Kathy (Rod) Dahlen; son, Tim Fleming; four grandchildren, Kyle and Abby Dahlen and Rachel and Ryan Fleming; and by a daughter-in-law, Nancy Jean Fleming.
She was preceded in death by her son, David Fleming; and by a brother, Jerry Tewalt.
It was Donna’s wish, that a traditional funeral not be held. Memorial services are being planned by the family, to be held in Washburn and Viroqua at later dates.
The Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Service of Stoughton served the family.
Mark A. “Hammy” Hamilton
Mark A. “Hammy” Hamilton, of Janesville, died on Thursday, July 17, 2008, from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident.
He was born in Janesville on March 6, 1958, the son of Lee and Helen (Munson) Hamilton. He graduated from Parker High School in 1977, where he participated and excelled in track, running the 110 and 440. Mark married Suzanne Steinke at Faith Lutheran Church on March 5, 1983. He was the owner of Hammy’s Roadside Bar and Hammy’s Wearables. He also worked in sales for Ott Schweitzer and Beloit Beverage. Mark loved to ride, was a member of the local Hog Chapter, avid bowler, pool player, woodworker and loved to sing Johnny Cash.
He is survived by the love of his life, Suzanne; proud father of two children, Jessica (fiance’ Eric Tadder) Hamilton and Andrew Hamilton; mother, Helen (Marvin) Lewis of Milton; three sisters, Barbara (Bruce) Hamilton and Brenda Hamilton, both of Janesville and Kristina Hamilton of La Farge; mother-in-law, Alta Steinke of Orlando, Florida; three brothers-in-law, Tom, Steve and Jeff (Gail) Steinke; two sisters-in-law, Donna (Ralph) Benedict and Tamie (Randy) Shoener; beloved dog, Matilda “Tillie”; many loving friends and family at Hammy’s Roadside, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; and father-in-law, Donald Steinke.
A funeral service was held Monday, July 21, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Bruce Jones officiating. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery at a later date. A visitation was held on Monday before the time of service at First Presbyterian Church. The family continued to celebrate Mark’s life at Hammy’s Roadside Bar immediately following the service. Schneider Apfel Schneider & Schneider Funeral Home is assisted the family. For online obituary and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.
“Have I told you lately I luv Ya!”
Janice Kay Bass
Janice Kay Bass, age 62, of Reedsburg, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2008, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born on December 20, 1945, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, the daughter of Walter A. and Mary Ruth (Fish) Dorow. Janice was a graduate of Webb High School. She worked as a beautician before devoting her life to her family, taking special joy in her grandchildren. On June 21, 1969, Janice was united in marriage to Richard C. Bass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg. This marriage was blessed with eight children. They farmed together until Richard preceded her in death on February 11, 1998. Janice was also employed for more than 20 years by the Reedsburg School District in food service. She truly enjoyed cooking. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish where she served as a committee member of Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund. Janice was also a member of the Winfield Homemakers Club and a 4-H leader for many years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents; brother, Daniel Dorow; father-in-law, Charles Bass; sister-in-law, Kathy Dorow; and a special aunt, Elizabeth Dorow.
She is survived by her children, Curtis Bass of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Cletus Bass of Reedsburg, Christopher Bass of Milwaukee, Cheryl Bass of Madison, Ryan Bass of Reedsburg, Colleen (Justin) Vodak of Reedsburg, Alan (Erica) Bass of Viroqua and Amy Bass of Reedsburg; grandchildren, Jenesa and Nicholas Vodak and Mitchell, Tanner and Ian Bass; brothers and sister, James (Mary) Dorow of Reedsburg, Carol (Buzz) Wood of Reedsburg, Jerry (Jane) Dorow of Reedsburg and Dale (Myra) Dorow of Reedsburg; mother-in-law, Irene Bass of Reedsburg; brothers and sisters-in-law, along with other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Janice K. Bass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2008, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg with Father Thomas Monaghan officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Farber Funeral Home with a scripture service being conducted at 4 p.m. Memorials of remembrance are preferred in lieu of flowers.
The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
