Stanley “Buck” Arthur Walleser
Stanley “Buck” Arthur Walleser, age 53 of rural De Soto, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, as a result of a work accident.
He was born in Waukon, Iowa, on Sept. 7, 1955, to Stanley E. and Velma (Knickerbocker) Walleser. He was a lifelong Catholic, served as an altar boy and was currently a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Genoa. After graduation from De Soto High School in 1973, he farmed in partnership with his father and brothers at Walleser Farms. Buck was a farrow to finish hog producer; he was proud to be the source of many prize swine exhibits at the county fair. Over the last several years, Buck operated Walleser Concrete as an independent cement contractor. He took great pride in his work and was known as a skilled perfectionist and teacher of his trade. A job was done right (Buck’s way) or not at all.
On Aug. 31, 2002, Stanley was united in marriage to Shirley Finley. She was his something special! Her children, especially “That Boy,” gave him a family he was very proud of. Buck was dedicated to his family, as well as his community, not necessarily in conventional ways, but always with deep commitment. He was instrumental in the construction of the Retreat Sportsmen Community Club building. He was a huge supporter, contributor and volunteer for the club. Buck’s colorful radio commentary during the Retreat World’s Fair Parade was a regular highlight.
Buck was a big man with a big heart. His opinions were freely given, leaving no question as to where he stood on any issue. Buck’s “Well you know” will be long remembered and much missed.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Melissa (Chad) Vikemyr of Viroqua, Shane (Michelle) Finley of Oconomowoc, Wis., Mi-kayla Finley of Caledonia, Minn., and Shad Finley at home; grandchildren, Alex and Kelsey Vikemyr and Gabriel and Gweneth Finley; 14 brothers and sisters, Clement (Judy Day) Walleser of Dubuque, Iowa, Betty Keenan of Viroqua, Bernadette (Richard) Halvorson of East Dubuque, Ill., Donna (Gordon) Johnson of Lansing, Iowa, Alice (Mansel) Koeller of De Soto, Henrietta “Daisy” Bauman of East Dubuque, Ill., John (Jean Marks) Walleser of Viroqua, Helenjean Walleser of West Des Moines, Iowa, Virginia (Orville) Hendrickson of De Soto, Susanna (Ronald L.) Brudos of Viroqua, Edward (Vivian Shields) Walleser of De Soto, Mary Jo (Armand) Bringe of Viroqua, Kevin (Anne Elwing) Walleser of De Soto and Margaret (John) McDonah of Byron, Minn.; mother-in-law, Verna Reed of Viroqua; 63 nieces and nephews; 105 great-grand nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Patrick Keenan and Ralph Bauman; and a nephew, Russell Halvorson.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at St. Charles Catholic Church, Genoa, Wis. His nephew, Father Richard Halvorson, and Father Roy Witucki celebrated the Mass with burial in the Walnut Mound Cemetery at Retreat. Friends called on Monday afternoon and evening, May 25, 2009, at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua and at the church on Tuesday before the time of service.
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Homes of Viroqua and De Soto served the family.
Clayton Odean Skrede
Clayton Odean Skrede, age 84, passed away on May 16, 2009, at his home in Sandy, Utah, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Dec. 9, 1924, in Viroqua, to Earl and Florence (Tryggestad) Skrede and was the oldest of three children. He grew up in rural Wisconsin and at the age of 19 was called to serve in the Armed Forces in Italy during World War II. He served with distinction and received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and he loved his country and family dearly. He married Janice Lorraine Thompson Aug. 16, 1946, in Viroqua and enjoyed 62 years of marriage together and raised three daughters, Cheryl, Lana and Janet. Clayton was always a military man, and after the war he became employed in the civil service at Ft. Sheridan, Ill. He retired in 1980 after a distinguished service record with the military. He retired to Sandy, Utah, as his home base and enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to all parts of the country, but most especially to Cedar Key, Fla.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Janice; his children, Cheryl (Richard) Willey, Lana Newberg and Janet (James) Grant; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, and he became the honorary grandpa for many neighborhood children. He is also survived by his brother, Arlen Skrede; and his sister, Sharon Kemp.
Preceding him in death are his parents; and two grandchildren.
Special thanks are extended to Rocky Mountain Hospice for their tender loving care and constant vigilance to our father, and our mother deserves special love and eternal rewards for she was his true caregiver and sweetheart.
A memorial visitation was held at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah, on Saturday, May 23, 2009, for all those wishing to express condolences. Burial will be at a later date at the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery, P.O. Box 446, Riverton, UT 84065 would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.lark incares.com.
James M. Jensen
James M. Jensen, age 86 of La Farge, died early Thursday morning, May 21, 2009, at the Bethel Home in Viroqua.
He was born on Oct. 28, 1922, to Ole and Mary (Vitcenda) Jensen.
James is survived by a brother, Milford (Juanita) Jensen of Janesville, Wis.; an aunt, Hazel Vitcenda; nieces; nephews and cousins.
Graveside services were held on Saturday, May 23, 2009, at the Immanuel (Moen) Cemetery, rural Cashton. Pastor Gary Daines officiated. Family and friends gather ed on Saturday at The Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14. in Westby and processed to the cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby served the family.
Richard Levi Larson
Richard Levi Larson, age 84 of Westby, died Monday, May 11, 2009, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born in La Crosse on March 10, 1925, to Ludvig and Constance (Nottestad) Larson and grew up on the family farm on Reo Avenue in rural Westby. He married Hazel Volden on Jan. 19, 1957, in Westby. Richard operated the family farm and later was employed by the Westby Farmer’s Union, Nelson Mill and Agri-Center and retired from NCR in Viroqua in 1990. He loved music, dancing and singing with his family, as well as bowling and golfing.
Richard is survived by his children, Lynn (Dan) Sprain of La Crosse, Bonnie (Bob) Pingel of Owasso, Okla., and Steven (Shelly) Larson of Crystal Lake, Ill.; and his sister Elaine (the late Earl) Jaeger. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Brittany, Erik, Zachary, Joshua, Haden and Cas-sidy Larson, Joseph, Rebecca and Benjamin Pingel and Kendra and Ashley Sprain; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel.
Funeral services for Richard will be held at Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Westby, on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at 6 p.m. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate. Burial will follow at Coon Prairie Country Cemetery. Friends and family may call from 4 to 6 p.m. for visitation prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given and will be donated in Richard’s name.
Harriet S. Thompson
Harriet S. Thompson, age 75 of Viroqua, died early Friday morning, May 22, 2009, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
She was born on Sept. 12, 1933, in rural Cashton, to Oscar and Josephine (Running) Thompson. Harriet resided in the Skogdalen area for many years, where she was a member of the Skogdalen Lutheran Church. After her parents’ deaths, she moved to Viroqua in 1977. Harriet did housecleaning for many years at various homes in the area.
She is survived by one aunt, Helen Endicott, of Viroqua; a number of cousins, many friends and her two beloved dogs, Roxanne and David.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Arlie Thompson, who died during the Korean War.
Blessed be our memory of Harriet Thompson.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at Believer’s Fellowship Church in Viroqua. Pastor Trever Skrede officiated with burial in the Skogdalen Cemetery. Friends called on Tuesday at the church before the time of service. Online condolences may be offered at www.vos seteigfuneralhomes.com.
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua served the family.
