Ruell M. DeGarmo
Ruell M. DeGarmo, age 90, of rural Chaseburg, died Monday July 28, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born January 13, 1918, to Carl and Elizabeth (Henry) DeGarmo in rural De Soto. Ruell married Viola Veglahn on June 29, 1937. She died in 1939. He then married Darlene Halverson on February 20, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa. She died in 1990. Ruell operated DeGarmo Livestock for many years. Through the years he also farmed and ran various businesses including feed, trucking, restaurant, tavern and service station. He retired in 1978. Ruell enjoyed watching his son Marv race at local tracks and watching NASCAR. He and his family also enjoyed spending time at their cottage in Hatfield. He was a lifelong member of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stoddard.
Survivors include two daughters, Jo Ann Nickelatti of Genoa and Eldora (Lyle) Bohland of Janesville; two sons, Marvin (Linda) of Chaseburg and Mark (Rebecca) of Mankato, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and special family friend, Lois Phillips.
In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Tammi DeGarmo in 1978; a son-in-law, Ray Nickelatti in 1997; five brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 31, 2008, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Stoddard. The Rev. James Krueger officiated with burial in the German Lower Bad Axe Cemetery, rural Genoa. A visitation was held Wednesday evening at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Thursday before the time of the services.
Dr. Howard P. Peterson
Dr. Howard P. Peterson, age 83, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was born October 27, 1924, to Hans and Leah Lawshe Peterson in Harvard, Illinois. He left this earth to be with the Lord, July 31, 2008, after a short battle with cancer.
He grew-up on a dairy farm in Boone County, Illinois. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the Army Air Corps. He attended Milton College in Milton, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1956, with a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine. He received a Master’s Degree from the University of Arkansas. He was an assistant professor in the College of Animal Sciences for 35 years. He specialized and conducted research with large animal reproduction.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife Wanda Moody-Peterson of the home; his children, Matthew Peterson, Coe Ellen Merritt and husband Ken and Kia Anna Peterson, all of Fayetteville, Kae Linda Moore-Adams of Lincoln, Arkansas; brothers, Roderick and wife Emma of Sharon, WIsconsin, Robert and wife Elizabeth of Viroqua; grandchildren, Skylar Merritt of Fayetteville, Kelsea Moore, Shelbi Moore and Liberty Adams of Lincoln, Arkansas; step-grandchildren, Jessica Cox and husband Tom, Heather Martinez and husband Moses of the Dallas area, Stacey Smith and son Preston of Fayetteville and Brooke Merritt of Parker, Colorado. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was a Christian, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. He will be missed by many whose lives he touched.
Funeral service was Monday, August 4, 2008, at Beard's Chapel with Chaplain Paul Woodhouse and Scott Gage officiating. Burial was in the Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Beard's Funeral Chapel and Crematory of Fayetteville. The family received friends at Beard's Chapel on Sunday afternoon, August 3, 2008.
Pallbearers were Ron Johnson, Steve Bone, Norman Gabbard, Jim House, Jimmy Richardson and Paul Davis. Honorary pallbearers were Kenneth Bogan, Joe Beasley and Jack Perkins.
Memorials may be made to the Gospel Tract International/Baldwin Church of Christ, 4377 E. Huntsville Rd., Fayetteville, AR. 72701 or Herald of Truth, P.O. Box 2439, Abline, TX. 79604.
To send an online condolence, visit www.beardsfuner alchapel.com.
Gladys C. Fleming
Gladys C. Fleming, age 92 of Viroqua, died early Sunday morning, August 3, 2008, at the Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.
She was born on May 20, 1916, in rural La Farge, to Jesse and Grace (Ritchie) Campbell. Following her father’s death, the family moved to Viroqua, where Gladys attended school. In 1938, she was united in marriage to Donald W. Fleming. She was employed as the children’s librarian for more than 40 years at the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua. Reading was a great joy and passion for Gladys. She shared that love with gifts of a special book to many friends and family, especially children. Occasions such as a birthday, Easter and Christmas offered a perfect time of giving. Gladys was a member of the Viroqua United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, was chairman of Education and belonged to the Susanna Wesley Circle.
She is survived by her two children, Mary M. Fleming of Viroqua and William D. Fleming of La Crosse; nieces and nephews; other relatives; friends; and grand dogs, Hershey and Ginger.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, on July 29, 1964; and one brother, Forrest Ritchie.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, at the Viroqua United Methodist Church. Pastor Ethan Larson officiated with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends called at the church on Wednesday before the time of service. Memorials may be made to the Vernon County Humane Society or the Vernon Manor Activity Fund. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua served the family.
Ruth Harriet Olson
Ruth Harriet Olson, age 95, of Westby and formerly of Cashton, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at the Norseland Nursing Home in Westby.
She was born on July 9, 1913, in Vernon County, to Charles and Josie (Opsahl) Jernander. Ruth was united in marriage to Martin Olson; together they farmed in northern Wisconsin from 1933-1946. She loved her years at home raising her children. She also worked at Schroeder Produce, the Tobacco Warehouse and was a bartender at Mike’s Bar. Ruth enjoyed life to the fullest and will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Joyce (Richard) Schetter of Waukesha, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Isaac (Dee) Lawrence, Suzanne (William) Bathen, June Ann Lawrence, Bonnie (John) Hatfield, Richard Schetter, Kenneth Schetter, Kathleen (Troy) Hithe, Robert Schetter and Barbara Martin; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Evelyn Dunnum of La Crosse; and a brother-in-law, Walter Olson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Josie; her husband, Martin; her children, Roger Olson, Robert Olson, Jon Olson and Sally Lawrence; a grandson- in-law, Paul Martin; four brothers, Irvin, Oliver, Verine and Lester; and two sisters, Myrtle Wang and Hazel Hanson.
Funeral services were Monday, August 4, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cashton. Pastor Tim Johnston officiated. Burial followed in the Moen Cemetery, Cashton. Family and friends were invited for visitation on Sunday evening, August 3, 2008, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Family and friends were also invited for visitation on Monday before the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Leslie T. Nash
Leslie T. Nash, age 88 of De Soto, died Friday, August 1, 2008, at Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born on September 27, 1919, in Viroqua, to Theodore and Letta (White) Nash. On May 27, 1944, he was united in marriage to Gladys Forde at Southwest Prairie Lutheran Church. Les farmed on Nash Ridge and was a member of the Freeman Lutheran Church, where he had served on the church council and had been the church custodian. He also served on the Nash Ridge School Board, enjoyed woodworking, which included toys for children and other small items. Les had worked many years for the Larson Funeral Home, which later became the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in De Soto.
In addition to his wife, Gladys, he is survived by two daughters, Sharon (Larry) Gehl of De Soto and Mary (Larry) Leahy of Darlington; five grandchildren, Scott (Wanda) Gehl of Goodhue, Minnesota, Eric (Claudine) Gehl of Marietta, New York, Kelly Leahy of Darlington, Patrick (Page) Leahy of Belmont and Paul (Carla) Leahy of Holdrege, Nebraska; eight great-grandchildren, Brittany, Julie and Lisa Gehl, Ethan and Avery Gehl, Katherine Leahy and Caden and Natalie Leahy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Rebecca Lynn Gehl on November 2, 1994; three sisters, Irene Olson, Dora Lee and Gladys Nash; one nephew, Alden Lee; and two nieces, Vivian Brudos and Judith Brudos.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at the Freeman Lutheran Church, rural Ferryville. Pastor Libby Howe officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Friends called at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in De Soto on Monday evening. Friends also called at the church on Tuesday before the time of the services. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfu neralhomes.com.
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of De Soto served the family.
Deloris H. Hokland
Deloris H. Hokland, age 85 of Viroqua, died Tuesday, July 29, 2008, at the Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.
She was born on October 11, 1922, in Viroqua to Arthur and Hilda (Thompson) Ostrem. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church. On December 23, 1946, she was united in marriage to Deverne “Hokey” Hokland and helped with the operation of Hokey’s Southlawn Drive-Inn. Deloris taught in Viroqua Area Schools for 43 years and after retirement, continued teaching about one-room schools at the Foreaker Rural Schoolhouse (Vernon County Historical Society) in Viroqua. She was a member of the Vernon Area Retired Teachers Association and the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Anna Circle and W-ELCA.
She is survived by her sister, Ruth Ann (Marion) Clark of Viroqua; three brothers, Ardene (Harriet) Ostrem and LaVerne (Lucille) Ostrem, both of Viroqua and Charles (Catherine) Ostrem of Livingston; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband on August 22,1986; two sisters, Lorraine Johnson and Eunice Sherry; and one brother, Clifford who died in infancy.
Blessed be her memory.
Funeral services were held on Friday, August 1, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. The Rev. Lindsay Paul Jordan officiated with burial in the Bethel Cemetery, rural Viroqua. Friends called on Thursday evening at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Friends also called at the church on Friday before the time of the services. Memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfu neralhomes.com.
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral of Viroqua served the family.
Herman “Ras” Bakkum
Herman “Ras” Bakkum, age 90, of Gonvick, Minnesota entered into eternal rest Sunday, August 3, 2008, while visiting relatives in Westby.
He was born August 2, 1918, to John and Karen (Hanson) Bakkum in Robsart, Canada. Herman served in the U.S. Army in 1942 and farmed in the Gonvick area. He was a member of the Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick.
Survivors include nephews, Richard Vinje of Gonvick, Minnesota, Orrin (Becky) Stakston of Westby, Vernell Herberg of Wilmar, Minnesota, Terry (Deloris) Herberg of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Scott (Cathy) Herberg of Anoka, Minnesota and Mike (Marsha) Herberg of Owatonna, Minnesota; nieces, Maxine Langved of Fertile, Minnesota, Shirley Lee of Bemidji, Minnesota, Beatrice (Alden) Olson and Mary Stakston, both of Westby; and several great-nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Hjalmer “Jep”; four sisters, Olga Stakston, Christine Vinje, Lillian Sorenson, Clara Herberg and also two sisters in infancy; a nephew, Allan Stakston; four brothers-in-law, Philip Stakston, Oscar Vinje, Eddie Sorenson and Manley Herberg; and other relatives, Steve Lee, Kay Vinje, Don Lee, Jim Langved, Matthew Leis, Debbie Sprecher and Amy Herberg.
Herman “Ras” will always be remembered in our hearts.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2008, at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley with the Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto officiating. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Services in Gonvick will be held at a later date at the Samhold Lutheran Church. Memorials may be given to the Samhold Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.
Tristan Alan Duwe-Primmer
Tristan Alan Duwe-Primmer of Genoa, passed away in his mother’s arms on Tuesday, July 22, 2008.
He was prematurely born July 2, 2008, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was baptized July 4, 2008, with his mother, Amanda Duwe, and his very special aunt and godmother, Ashley Duwe, both of Genoa, by his side.
Tristan was a fighter, he fought long enough to meet his father, Ray Lewison-Primmer, and his Grandma Jody, both of Viroqua. Other survivors include his grandparents, Bruce Duwe, Kay Lewison and Alan Primmer; Aunt Heather (Ryan) Marx; Uncle Nathan Primmer; great-grandparents, Joyce and Gerald Stilwell, Betty Duwe, Orvin and Ruby Lewison and Orvis and Janice Primmer; and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Bob and Winnie McLees.
Memorial services will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2008, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 303 N. Main St., Stoddard. Family and friends may call from 3 p.m. to services Saturday at the church.
