Esther Leila (Anderson) Mossholder
Esther Leila (Anderson) Mossholder, age 93, passed into eternal life on Saturday, May 30, 2009, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.
She was born on July 28, 1915, to Oscar and Izora (Perkins) Anderson near Bloomingdale. She was their only child. She was baptized at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church on Sept. 5, 1915. Her father passed away on Sept. 10, 1916, when Esther was still a youngster. Her mother married Charles Masrud on Sept. 13, 1919. Esther spent time between their home and the home of her aunt Hattie and uncle Jim Wirts. Esther taught in several rural Vernon County grade schools before marrying her love, Theron Mossholder on May 24, 1939, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They farmed, and Esther continued teaching. Eventually Esther became a full-time farm wife until Theron passed away on Jan. 18, 1968. A few years later, she taught at St. Mary’s Ridge. She moved off the farm and into her home in Westby in August 1985. Esther was a great person to pick berries both on the farm and her home in Westby. She loved to dance, being a clown and traveling in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, visiting casinos. She volunteered at the Westby mealsite and be-longed to the Westby Senior Citizens Club.
Esther is survived by a sister-in-law, Rose Marie Parr of Tomah; a special doctor friend, Dr. P.T. Bland of Westby, who cared for her for more than 50 years; many special nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Theron; mother and father, Izora and Oscar; her stepfather, Charles Masrud; and many uncles and aunts.
A visitation was held on Saturday afternoon, June 6, 2009, at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Her funeral was Sunday, June 7, 2009, at the former Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, rural Westby. Pastor George Shick officiated with burial in the adjoining church cemetery.
Blessed be her memory.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby served the family.
Verna Ione Fauske Rude
Verna Ione Fauske Rude, age 89, of Viroqua, died on Monday, June 1, 2009, at the Bethel Home in Viroqua.
She was born on Sept. 12, 1919, in the township of Jefferson, rural Viroqua to Lewis and Dena (Bringe) Fauske. Verna attended White Pigeon Grammar School and graduated from Viroqua High School in 1938 and then entered the Vernon County Normal School, graduating in 1940.
On May 21, 1941, she married Otis Melvin Rude at the Bad Axe Lutheran Church. Verna taught in rural schools (grades 1-8) in Vernon County for 10 years, four years in grades seven-eight in Westby and another six years in seventh grade and remedial program in La Farge. She ended her teaching career with 19 years in the Title I/Chapter I Project for the La Farge School System. Verna received a “Recognition of Service Certificate” from the State Department of Public Education for her accomplishments. She was also awarded a Gold Handbell upon her retirement in May of 1984 from the La Farge School Board for her 25 years of exemplary teaching in the La Farge School System.
Verna was very active in church work at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday school, serving as Sunday school superintendent and directing the junior choir. She was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Bretheran Church and later transferred to her childhood church home of Bad Axe Lutheran Church. Verna will be remembered for her love of God; love for family and love of music, art and birds.
Verna is survived by her children, Daniel (Helen) Rude, The Villages, Fla., Maureen (David) Ramsett, The Villages, Fla. and Detroit Lakes, Minn., Marla (Wayne) Knabel, Copley, Ohio and The Villages, Fla.; five grandchildren, Teena Renee (Doug) Yoder, Dean (Holly) Ramsett, Jodi (Wayne) Ach-terberg, Mark (Chris) Rude and Derek (Amy) Rude; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Lucille (Arnold) Widner and Alice Mae (Kenneth) Nelson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Otis on April 30, 1990; four brothers, Lester, Lindor and two infants; and five sisters, Lavina Hannah, Stella Everson, Thelma Berner, Wanda Warren and Edna Fauske.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 5, 2009, at Bad Axe Lutheran Church, Purdy, rural Viroqua. Officiating at the service was Pastor Don Greven with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Steven Fauske, Michael Fauske, Dean Ramsett, Derek Berner, Mark Rude and Derek Rude. Serving as pallbearers were Jon Warren, Jerry Warren, Larry Widner, Robert Berner, David Fauske and James Fauske. Music was provided by Myron Fauske and the Fauske singers. The organist was Gretchen Brudos. A visitation was held on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua, where a prayer service was conducted by Pastor Don Greven and Pastor Lindell Quam. Music was provided by Chet and Jeanne Nelson.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to the Bad Axe Lutheran Building Fund, Bethel Home Foundation or Christian Radio.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Dr. Donald M. Monson
Dr. Donald M. Monson, age 79 of Durham, N.C., died peacefully at home with loved ones at his side on May 31. 2009.
He was born in Viroqua to Malvin and Tolia (Fodness) Monson on July 20, 1929, and graduated from Viroqua High School in 1947. Don received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and thereafter graduated from the UW Medical School. Don was a Board Certified radiologist who practiced in Durham and Roxboro, N.C., for almost 40 years, retiring in 1997 to Treyburn, a retirement community in Durham. Following retirement, Don continued to enjoy playing golf, traveling, supporting his beloved Duke Blue Devils and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his sons, Dr. Mark Monson of Spartanburg, S.C. and David (Mary Ann) Monson of Hillsborough, N.C. and his daughter, Marynoel (Bill) Graham of Birmingham, Ala. He is further survived by his stepdaughters, Amy (Wayne) Watkins and Melissa (Justin) Schwab of Raleigh, N.C.; his stepmother, Berna Monson of Viroqua; and his brother, Gary Monson of Viroqua, together with eight grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Dr. Duane Monson, Roger Monson and Karl Monson.
A memorial service for Don was held on June 3, 2009, at Clements Funeral Home in Durham with interment at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, N.C.
Herman A. Mason
Herman A. Mason, age 94 years, 11 months, 11 days, died Tuesday, May 26, 2009, in the 11th hour at the Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. He was formerly of rural Cashton.
Born June 15, 1914, to Arlo and Jessie (Higgins) Mason in Webster Township, Vernon County. Later they moved to Asbury Ridge, where he started school, then moved to rural Avalanche, where the family farmed. Herman served in a CCC camp in order to pay off his family’s farm during the Great Depression. When Herman was 30, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1944, when Velma was 22, Herman and Velma Elaine Currier were married at the home of Velma’s parents, outside of Cashton. They lived at his family’s farm at Avalanche for three years before buying the family farm in Brush Creek, east of Cashton, where Velma had lived as a child. They lived there for the next 50 years, raising their five children there. When farm prices did not fully support the family, Herman took a job selling life insurance; he later worked at the Cashton generator plant until he opened his own motor repair business in the basement of his home for 30 years. They sold the farm in 1998 and moved to a house by Perch Lake in Sparta, for the next 11 years. When Velma’s health failed, they decided to move to the Morrow Home together, rather than be separated. This is where he was on May 26, 2009, when he went home to his Lord.
Herman is survived by his wife of 64 years, Velma; son, Gary E. (Marge) Mason; three daughters, Avis (Hall) Marino, Janis (Steven) Hanson and Patty (Ervin) Elsen of Sparta; a daughter-in-law, Sheila Mason; nine grandsons, Wayne Ma-son, Mi-cheal (Ka-thy) Ma-son, Christopher Mason, Scott (Mandy) Mason, Brandon (Kristine Ostrem) Hall, Shannon (Becky) Hall, Stacy (Jamie) Hanson, Robbie (Brooke Pederson) Hanson and Jay (Kara) Elsen; one step-grandson, Roger (Anne) Bass; one granddaughter, Penny (Dave) McMurray; one step-granddaughter, Lynne Bass; 21 ½ great-grandchildren and significant others; six step-great grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one step-great-great-grandchild; a very special friend and fishing buddy, Leo Woods; a very spoiled cat, Buddy; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Arlo and Jessie Mae Mason; one son, Alan R. Mason; three brothers, Everett and his wife, Marjorie, Thomas and his wife, Mildred and Robert who died as a child; one sister, Elsie and her husband John Sisbach; two nephews, David and Robert Mason; and one great-nephew, Michael Thompson.
Funeral services were held, Saturday, May 30, 2009, at the Community Baptist Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman officiated. Burial was in the Home Cemetery, rural Ontario. Family and friends were invited for visitation Friday evening, May 29, 2009, at Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario.
Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario, assisted the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneral home.com
Glida Larson Hankins
Glida Larson Hankins, age 92 of Readstown, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Sannes Skogdalen Nursing Home in Soldiers Grove.
She was born to Oscar and Fern Clark on June 5, 1916. She grew up in the Dell area, attending school and church there. She married Merrill Larson on April 11, 1941. They farmed the Larson family farm at Manning, north of Readstown. Merrill died on Feb. 18, 1974. She was an active member of the Manning Homemakers, and a member of the Readstown Church of Christ. She moved to La Crosse in 1974 and worked at Roth Floor Mart for 10 years. She married Bernard Hankins on Dec. 24, 1979, and moved back to Readstown. She was a longtime member of the Rebekah Lodge. She attended church wherever she lived. She was a friend of the churches in Readstown. Lately she had attended the Methodist Church in Soldiers Grove. She enjoyed traveling, her garden, flowers and most of all, her family and friends.
"I am thankful for all the people that have been in my life."
Bernard passed away on Aug. 28, 1995, leaving her alone again.
In addition to her husbands, Glida was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Bonnie Dunnum; four brothers, John, Alvin, Philip and Burl; and one sister-in-law, Lorraine Clark.
She is survived by two sisters, Josephine Norris of Onalaska and Anne (Clifford) Wells of Chino Valley, Ariz.; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Clark of Wilcox, Ariz. and Rose Clark of Janesville; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, June 6, 2009, at Soldiers Grove United Methodist Church. Pastor Mike Christensen officiated and burial was in the Manning Cemetery. Friends called at the church on Saturday before the time of services. Memorials may be given to the Manning Cemetery Association and the Vernon Hospice. Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com.
Theressa Leone Krohn
Theressa Leone Krohn, age 99 of Viroqua, died on Friday, May 29, 2009, at the Vernon Manor Nursing Home in Viroqua in where she had been a resident since May 27, 2008.
She was born at rural Soldiers Grove in Crawford County to Elmer and Bessie (Halverson) Hestetune on March 5, 1910. She graduated from Viroqua High School in 1928. While attending high school, she stayed with her aunt and uncle, Ann and Marcus Hammer and with her Aunt Pearl Anderson. Following high school, she worked at Roger’s clothing store in Viroqua. On May 14, 1932, she married William A. Krohn. They lived in Viroqua where Bill was office manager for Northern States Power Company. She worked for many years at the Gambles store in Viroqua, having both sales and accounting responsibilities. Theressa was very active in the Eastern Star and was Worthy Matron in 1961. She had received her 50-year pin from the Eastern Star. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Theressa was an avid bridge player and for several years acted as coordinator of weekly bridge games at the Viroqua Country Club. She also enjoyed working crossword puzzles. In August 2001, she moved to Fairhaven where she lived and received excellent care prior to moving to the nursing home. During her one-year stay at Vernon Manor she also received excellent care.
Theressa is survived by two sons, William “Bill” (Suzanne) Krohn of Peoria, Ariz., and David (Elsie) Krohn of Sandy, Utah; seven grandchildren, Wil-liam D. Krohn of Chicago, Ill., Stephen (Kathy) Krohn of Seattle, Wash., Jeff Krohn of Chicago, Ill., Jon Krohn of Janesville, Wis., Karl Krohn of Sandy, Utah, Chris Krohn of Murray, Utah, and Mary (Victor) Fernandez of Sandy, Utah; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one sister, Helen Heal of Viroqua; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, on Sept. 17, 1973; one son, Donald, on May 18, 1995; one grandson, Michael, on Nov. 23, 1993; two sisters, Helen Hestetune, age 4 and Borghild Thoftne; and five brothers, Isaac, Eldon, Lyman, Thomas and Harlan Hestetune.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua with Pastor Margaret Elben Hoveresten officiating. The pianist was Chelsey Spaeth. Burial was in the Viroqua Cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Stephen Krohn and Nick Krohn. Serving as pallbearers were Jon Krohn, Karl Krohn, Chris Krohn, Bill Krohn, Jeff Krohn and David Krohn. Friends called at the funeral home on Friday where there was an Eastern Star Service. The family suggests memorials to the Viroqua Area Foundation Endowment Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.t horson-reetz.net.
Alice J. Jorgensen
Alice J. Jorgensen, age 82 of La Farge, died Wednesday, June 3, 2009, in Madison, Wis.
She was born in Racine, Wis., March 3, 1927, to Chester M. and Jeanette S. (Adamski) Wood. Alice graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1945. In 1948, she began a 30-year career as a personal secretary to John H. Batten, president and chairman of Twin Disc, Inc. She served three years in the Racine Group of the Civil Air Patrol as a 1st Lt., taking part in several search and rescue missions for downed aircraft, as well as the Group Supply Officer. May 1960 she married Holger Jorgensen, and he died in 1994. She was a member of the La Farge Free Methodist Church. Music was an important part in Alice’s life. She was a voice student for five years as the Wisconsin College of Music under the training of Mrs. Jacobson. Her life was filled with singing for hundreds of weddings. She was a soloist with the Burlington Kiwanis Band under the direction of Harold York and for the Racine Park Board Band directed by Fred Schulte and two seasons with the Chicago Opera Company in the chorus. Alice directed the citywide CYO Chorus, who were privileged to sing the Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Hill, and several Racine church choirs, as well as the Twin Disc Company chorus.
She is survived by her stepson, Egon Jorgensen of Racine; stepdaughter, Birthe (Jerome) Tylla of Williamsville, Mo.; a brother, Richard (Janet) Hoernel of Viola; stepsister, Cleo Benson of Fredericksburg, Texas; stepdaughter-in-law, LaVerne of Racine, Wis.; stepgrandchildren, Cindy (Fred) Horn of Racine; Ronald Jorgensen Sr. of Wauwatosa; Brent Tylla of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Noel Tylla of Milwaukee, Wis.; step great-grandchildren, Sgt. Jason (Susan) Jorgensen of Racine; Amanda Jorgensen of Kenosha; Ronald Jorgensen Jr. and Alex Jorgensen of Horseheads, N.Y.; step great-great-grandchildren, Pierce Miller and twins, Chloe and Max Jorgensen; special friend, Raymond Dyar of La Farge; nieces, Susan Hoernel and Mary Alice Fields, both of St. Petersburg, Fla.; great-niece, Tasia Ynocencio; great-nephew, Clayton Hoernel, both of St. Petersburg, Fla. and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; stepmother, Mabel Wood; grandparents, Fred (Amelia) Wood and John Adamski.
Memorial service was held on Monday, June 8, 2009, at the La Farge Free Methodist Church. Friends called on Monday at church before the time of services. Memorials may be given to La Farge Free Methodist Church or La Farge Food Pantry. Remember her in life!
Seland-Huston Funeral Home of La Farge assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.prattfuneralser vice.com.
Barbara Marie (Fortney) Massie
Barbara Marie (Fortney) Massie of Flat Rock, N.C., died May 11, 2009.
Barbara was born May 10, 1934, to Harry and Ella Fortney of Viroqua. She graduated from Viroqua High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She married her childhood sweetheart, Eugene "Gene" Massie on June 27, 1953. Barbara and Gene moved to Florida in 1958. She enjoyed a career in banking and helping Gene with their retail plant nursery, "Gene’s Patio and Garden." Later on, she became a talented artist and started her company "Trees By Barbara"- designing an exclusive line of miniature Christmas trees under glass. She was a "Featured Artist" at both Disney Land and Disney World parks. Her trees were also carried in many gift and department stores throughout the country. She routinely heard these trees had become cherished family heirlooms for many who have them. She was also an accomplished baker and cookie artist. Everyone loved to come to her seasonal "Cookie Bust." Despite many challenges over the years, Barbara often spoke of how blessed she was. And that she felt that she had lived in the best possible time and places. She left with no regrets.
Barbara and her husband both developed pneumonia the same week over two and a half years ago. Gene died after six weeks of hospitalization, as Barbara learned her pneumonia was the first indicator of lung cancer. She battled the disease until complications overcame her on May 11, at the Elizabeth House of Flat Rock, N.C.
She is survived by her son Steven, his wife Mary, and two grandchildren, Aimee and Christopher Massie of Hendersonville, N.C.; a sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Dave Adams of Janesville, Wis.; a brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Roger and Carol Fortney of Madison, Wis. ; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and lifelong friend, Lois Tryggestead.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ella Fortney; and her husband, Gene Massie.
A "Celebration of Life" gathering for family and friends, will be held Saturday, June 27, 2009, at 12 noon at Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Viroqua.
Palmer Severt Sherry
Palmer Severt Sherry, age 89, of Viroqua, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, June 3, 2009.
He was born on Nov. 7, 1919, in Crawford County to Alvin and Minnie (Swiggum) Sherry. Palmer graduated from Soldiers Grove High School and then started farming. On July 27, 1942, he married Anna Marie Christopherson on her family’s farm in rural Soldiers Grove. The couple farmed until moving to Viroqua in 1992. Palmer was the treasurer for Kickapoo United Lutheran Church Cemetery for many years, sang in the choir and was a lifelong member of the church. He was also a member of the Sherry Quartet. Palmer enjoyed singing and sang at many weddings and funerals.
Palmer is survived by a son, Roland (Dianne) Sherry of Ferryville; daughter, Mavis (Chester) Bringe of La Crosse; four grandchildren, Luke (Shelly) Sherry of Neenah, Jill (Norman) Olson of Steuben, Chad (Amanda) Bringe of Duluth, Minn., and Laura (Lamin) Fadera of Madison; two great-granddaughters, Mikayla Olson and Janessa Bringe; two sisters-in-law, Nora Olson and Carol Sherry; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years, Anna Marie in February 2008; and three brothers, Marcellus (Louise) Sherry, Luther Sherry and Frederick Sherry.
Funeral services were held on Monday, June 8, 2009, at Kickapoo United Lutheran Church, rural Soldiers Grove. Officiating at the service was Pastor Paul Carlson with burial in the church cemetery. Sue Walby was the organist and Wayne Sherry was the soloist. Honorary casket bearers were Arnold Lewison and Larry Everson. Casket bearers were Phillip Sherry, LaVerne Sherry, Mark Sherry, John Sherry, Chris Christopherson and Larry Anderson. Visitation was held on Sunday, June 7, 2009, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua, with a prayer service held at 5 p.m. led by Pastor Carlson. The visitation continued on Monday at church prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the Kickapoo United Lutheran Church Cemetery Association.
Online condolences may be made at www.th orson-reetz.net.
Blessed be his memory.
