Janet Lee Danielson
Janet Lee Danielson, age 76, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2009, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis.
She was born on Dec. 8, 1932, the daughter of Joe and Bernice (Armstrong) Deaver in Viroqua. Janet graduated from Viroqua High School and earned a rural teaching degree from Vernon County Normal. She later received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Whitewater and also attended the University of La Crosse and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Janet first taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Brush Hollow and later in Sun Prairie. She was a lifelong educator, retiring in 1992.
Janet was a member of the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, Colonial Club Senior Center, Twentieth Century Club, Friends of Sun Prairie Library and a longtime bridge club member. She loved spending time with grandchildren, volunteering and enjoying retirement life.
Janet is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Mary) Danielson; her daughter, Julie Oyer; grandchildren, Scott (Emily) Danielson, Eric Danielson and Zachary Freeman; great-grandchildren, Lucas Freeman, Hunter Freeman and Parker Danielson; brothers, Fredrick (Iris) Deaver and Danny (Kristi); many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ja-net was preceded in death by her parents.
A mem-orial service was held at Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, 702 North St., Sun Prairie, on Friday, June 12, 2009, with Pastor Susan Bresser officiating. A visitation was held at the church on Friday before the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Janet’s name to the Brush Hollow Cemetery, The American Heart Association, 2850 Dairy Dr., Suite 300, Madison, WI 53718 or the Sun Prairie Education Foundation, P.O. Box 836, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
Janet’s family would like to thank the staff at the Sun Prairie Health Care Center and Dr. Gregory Motl for all the wonderful care that she received.
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Loren Thomas Watson
Loren Thomas Watson, age 83 of Viroqua, died peacefully at his home on June 9, 2009.
He was born in De Soto on May 3, 1926, to Thomas “Tom” and Mabel (Worman) Watson. He attended Sunnyside School and one year of high school at De Soto. Shortly after his 17th birthday in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served in the Pacific Theatre until his discharge in 1946. After his discharge he became an apprentice electrician. On Sept. 28, 1947, he married Evelyn Worman. They lived in Viroqua and then moved to Janesville. He drove truck for several years and then became a part owner in a mink ranch. In the late 1960s, he went back into electrical work and became a journeyman and worked for Local 494 I.B.E.W. and they lived in Jackson, Wis., until his retirement. From 1983 until 1989, they owned and operated the K & K Motel at Camp Douglas. In 1989, they moved back to Viroqua. While retired, he helped at the fairgrounds with electrical work.
He was an active member of De Soto V.F.W. Post No. 8123 where he was a lifetime member and served on the Honor Guard. He also was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church where he served on the board for several years and was a member of Viroqua Eagles Aerie No. 2707. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and playing cards. He was a true patriot.
Loren is survived by his wife, Evelyn; six children, Marilyn (Robert) Hereau of Baker City, Ore., Barbara (Greg) Held of Springbrook, Wis., Richard (Linda) Watson of De Soto, Jim Watson of Genoa, Cheryl Techtman of West Bend, Wis. and Lori Jahnke of West Bend; 12 grandchildren, Stacy (Tucker) Jones of Portland, Ore., Craig (Beka) Hereau of Star, Idaho, Matt (Am-ber) Held of Spr-ingbrook, Wis., Allen (Carla) Held of Almena, Wis., Kerry Held and fiancée Pam of Milwaukee, Andrea Watson of Wauwatosa, Melissa (Charles) Block of Watertown, Tricia (Neil) Ericson of Calgary, Canada, Mike (Lori) Techtman of West Bend, Jackie Techtman and friend, Andrew of West Bend, Jennifer Jahnke of West Bend, David Jahnke of West Bend; 14 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by one infant son; his parents, Tom and Mabel Watson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Valdo and Lily Worman; two sisters and their husbands, Irene and Fantus Tewalt and Lea and Don Arneson.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at the New Hope United Methodist Church at rural De Soto with Pastor Bill Busch officiating. The vocalist was Bill Krueger and the organist was Ruth Hapanionek. Burial was at the Walnut Mound Cemetery at Retreat, rural De Soto, with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Team and De Soto V.F.W. Post No. 8123. Serving as pallbearers were Donnie Hammond, Ron Hammond, Jon Hammond, Jim Skarda, Pete Gilman and Thor Thorson. A visitation was held on Friday at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua with a prayer service conducted by Chaplain Steve Fossum. The family suggested memorials to the New Hope United Methodist Parsonage Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Alma Hatfield Skarda
Alma Hatfield Skarda, age 94, of Ontario, passed away Friday, June 12, 2009, at the Tomah Memorial Hospital.
She was born March 20, 1915, to Peter and Ella (Waggoner) Hatfield in Vernon County on the family farm in Jug Creek. Alma was united in marriage to James Skarda May 7, 1932, in La Farge. They lived on a farm in Warner Creek for nine years until 1947, when they moved to Brush Creek for nine years. In 1956, they bought a farm between Wilton and Ontario where she has lived since. Alma worked on the family dairy farm most of her life, as well as working at the Tillman Plant for 24 years. She loved gardening vegetables and flowers, fishing, quilting, mowing lawn, helping others and the outdoors.
She is survived by her four children, Lora Dunwald of Ontario, Loyd (Darlene) Skarda of Kenosha, Jim (Phyllis) Skarda of De Soto and Joie (Sandra) Skarda of Soldiers Grove; a brother, Buford T. Hatfield of Soldiers Grove; 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by parents, Peter and Ella; her husband, James on Jan. 16, 1971; a special son-in-law, LeRoy Dunwald; siblings, Eugene Hatfield, Clarissa Skarda, Frances Stout, Gretchen Boyington, Theo Turner and Peter Hatfield.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at the Community Baptist Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman officiated. Burial followed in the Bear Creek Cemetery near La Farge. Family and friends were invited for visitation on Tuesday evening, June 16, 2009, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Family and friends were also invited for visitation, on Wednesday before the time of services at the Community Baptist Church. Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario assisted the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneral home.com.
Avis Emery
Avis Emery, age 83, peacefully entered her eternal life Friday, June 12, 2009, at Vernon Manor in Viroqua.
She was born Feb. 10, 1926, in the town of Bloom, Richland County, the daughter of Ross and Josephine (Kaukl) Mellen. She graduated from Readstown High School in 1944. From 1944 to 1946 she attended and graduated from Vernon County Normal School. She taught country school at Bishop, Folsom and Manning. Avis married Vernon Emery on June 19, 1948, at the Readstown Church of Christ. They owned and operated Emery’s Cafe for 20 years. Avis then went to work as a teacher’s aide and secretary at the Kickapoo Elementary and Junior High in Viola. She retired after 23 years. She was a member and co-chairman of Vernon County’s Visually Impaired Support Group, VISIONS, along with being an active member of the Readstown Church of Christ.
She is survived by four children, Valerie (Greg) Blackdeer of Black River Falls, Frank (Audrey) Emery of Saukville, Kay (Bill) Koenitzer of Mayville and Nancy Nelson of Long Beach, Calif.; six grandchildren, Will (Jodi) and Tiffany Koenitzer, Bradley Emery and Isabella, Jacob and Wilbur Blackdeer; three great-grandchildren, Courtney, Cole and Kaitlyn; and one sister, Phyllis (Gordon) Sisbach of Viroqua. Avis is also survived by a host of friends and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by Vernon, her husband of 59 years; her parents; two brothers, Leo and Rex; and one sister, Helen.
Avis enjoyed owning and operating “The Collector’s Nook,” baking delicious candy, pumpkin bread and donuts, and solving cryptoquip and crosswords. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Avis was a loving mother and caring grandma and great-granny. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at the Readstown Church of Christ. Pastor Lance Lorenz and Pastor Joe Adams officiated. Burial was in the Bloom City Cemetery. Friends called at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown on Monday evening and on Tuesday at the church before the time of services. Condolences may be sent to simefuneralfo rum.com.
Raymond A. Thurin
Raymond A. Thurin, age 84 of Viroqua, passed away Monday, May 4, 2009, at his home.
Raymond was born in the township of Sterling on July 12, 1924, to Rudolph and Anna (Anderson) Thurin. He was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church by the Rev. Borden. Raymond was united in marriage to Mabel Offerdahl of Viroqua. He served in the Army in World War II and farmed in the area most of his life.
He is survived by his children, Marilyn (Dr. Edward) Goldenberg of Seattle, David (Mary Ann) of Viroqua, Linda (John) Beale of Madison, Steven (Jane) of Viroqua, Gerald (Candi) of Viroqua and Jeff of Viroqua; 10 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Doris Erickson and Elaine Broadhead; and sister-in-law Shirley Thurin.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel in October 2005; two brothers, Norman and Conrad; one sister, Maxine Davis; and two brothers-in-law, Walter Broadhead and Ernest Erickson. Blessed be his memory.
Funeral serviced were held on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Viroqua. Burial with military rites was held at the Viroqua Cemetery.
Wilber George Green
Wilber George Green, age 99 of Viroqua and formerly of rural De Soto, died on Wednesday afternoon, June 10, 2009, at Vernon Memorial Healthcare in Viroqua.
He was born in Vernon County on the old Chase Farm near Red Mound, rural De Soto, on Nov. 27, 1909, to Carson Wilber and Florence Mae (Getter) Green. On Nov. 29, 1939, he married Mildred Erickson in Stillwater, Minn. Wilber was a farmer all his life at rural Ferryville and then rural De Soto for more than 56 years. On July 16, 2008, Wilber became a resident of Vernon Manor in Viroqua. He was an avid deer hunter, enjoyed fishing and especially appreciated it when he could visit with family and friends.
Wilber is survived by two daughters, Florence McCarty of Hammond, Ind. and C. Imogene (Gordon “Dick”) Stilwell of Viroqua; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a sister, Ella Bomar of Montana; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mil-dred Green on Aug. 24, 2001; six sisters (including a set of twin girls); five brothers; son-in-law, Bob McCarty; a granddaughter, Leann Potosky; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 15, 2009, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua. Officiating at the service was Pastor Pete Beckstrand with burial in the West Prairie Hauge Lutheran Cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearer was Steve Potosky. Serving as pallbearers were Rick Stilwell, David Stilwell, Lyndon Stilwell, Daryn Stilwell, Ron McCarty, and Harold Downey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Wilber’s name.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
David Edwin Gratz
David Edwin Gratz, age 75 of Readstown, died peacefully Monday morning, June 8, 2009, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse with his family by his side.
He was born on March 9, 1934, in Grant County to Alvin and Gladys (Wilkinson) Gratz. David graduated from Boscobel High School and in 1952, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Upon returning home, he managed FarmCo in Prairie du Chien.
On June 7, 1958, he married Beatrice Hanson at Franklin Church, rural Soldiers Grove. David farmed, worked as a carpenter and worked on pipelines. He was a member of American Legion Post 220 in Soldiers Grove. He will be sadly missed by all who loved and knew him.
David is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beatrice Gratz of Readstown; his children, Douglas David (Christina Wall) Gratz of Readstown, Kevin Carl (Lisa) Gratz of La Crescent, Ellen Louise (Doug Dannhoff) Anderson Gratz of La Crosse and Victoria Lynn (Randy) Jewett of Rochester; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jerry (Annelle) Gratz of Patch Grove and Jim (Doris) Gratz of West-by; nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Jenny Gratz.
Funeral services were held on Thursday evening, June 11, 2009, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua. Officiating at the service was Pastor Paul Carlson with military honors accorded by the William-Schoville American Legion Post 220 and the United States Army Honors Team. Chelsey Spaeth was the organist and Margaret Zieke performed “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes. Honorary pallbearers were Brett Gratz, Jamie Gratz, Jeffery Boggs, Garrett Boggs, Ethan Anderson, John Nash, Larry Cramsey, Travis Ewing, Bob Hill and Walter Kerska. A visitation was held prior to the service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Blessed be his memory.
John Leland
John Leland, age 89, of Ontario, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at the Norseland Nursing Home in Westby.
He was born on May 17, 1920, to Simon and Minnie (Dopson) Leland on the family farm in Norwegian Valley, town of Clinton, Vernon County. He was united in marriage to Olga Hanson on June 10, 1950. John lived and farmed in Norwegian Valley his entire life. In his teenage years, he helped other farmers in the area and purchased his own in 1960, where he farmed until 2005. John was the oldest continuous member of Brush Creek Church who was also baptized there. He also was the janitor at Brush Creek Church for 15 years.
John was a genuinely nice man who loved family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Olga; his children, Larry Leland, Linda (Mike) Hagen and Beverly Leland, all of Westby; grandchildren, Patricia Hagen of Onalaska, Wis., John (Julie) Hagen and Robert (Katie) Hagen, all of Coon Valley; two great-grandchildren, Brett and Haley and two more due in October; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Minnie; a daughter, Judy; his brothers, Olaf, George, Melvin, Martin and infant Gabriel; sisters, Elizabeth Short, Malinda Leland and Ona Witham.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at the Brush Creek Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Stennes-Spidahl officiated. Burial followed in the Brush Creek Cemetery. Family and friends were invited for visitation on Monday evening, June 15, 2009, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Family and friends were also invited for visitation on Tuesday 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.torkel sonfuneralhome.com.
Deborah May “Rose” Barlow
Deborah May “Rose” Barlow, mother, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, student and faithful advocate for the poor, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2009, from an unexpected illness. She was 46 years old.
She is survived by both parents, Edward and Carol Barlow; two sisters, Beckie and Tammie Barlow; her children, Rosebud Pataska, Levon Knopf and Sophie Allsup. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Hailie and Caleb Pataska.
She was much loved in her community and many other places. She will be sorely missed.
Memorial services will be Monday, June 22, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, 400 Congress Ave., in Viroqua. Burial will follow in Viroqua Cemetery, 429 Hickory St., in Viroqua.
Roger J. White
Roger J. White age 72 of Soldiers Grove, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare in La Crosse.
He was born July 9, 1936, in Prairie du Chien, son of Francis and Evelyn (Steffen) White. He married Sandy Ramirez on March 23, 1977, in Milwaukee, Wis. He served in the U.S. Air Force. Roger’s life was an adventure to be enjoyed. Apart from all the other work he had done throughout his life, what he enjoyed most was his life on the farm.
He is survived by his wife Sandy of Soldiers Grove; a daughter, Adrian White of Minneapolis, Minn.; a son, Robin (Elin) White of Orland, Calif.; two brothers, Ron (Karen) White of Prairie du Chien and Pat (Cindy) White of Brownsville, Minn.; and a sister, Sr. Mary Roberta of Bronx, N.Y.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Robert White.
A Memorial Mass of Resurrection will be Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien. A private family inurnment will be at a later date. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family.www.gar rityfuneralhome.com.
Paul H. Jacobson
Paul H. Jacobson, age 83 of Viroqua, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at the Vernon Manor in Viroqua.
He was born in the town of Franklin, Vernon County, to Richard and Bertha (Olson) Jacobson on Aug. 16, 1925. He was united in marriage to Bette Simpson on Oct. 21, 1950. Paul served in the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He worked as a printer, operated a farm supply warehouse and was actively involved in the tobacco industry until his retirement. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua.
He is survived by his wife, Bette of Viroqua; children, LaMont (Anne) of Wausau, Gregory (Jean) of Waunakee and Paulette (Russell) Yanow of Highland Park, Ill.; grandchildren, Paul, Leslie and Catherine, Kyle and Scott, Lily and Amy; sister, Alma Smith of Viroqua; brothers, Selmer (Phyllis) of Viroqua and Arnold (Esther) of Tomah; sisters-in-law, Geneva Jacobson of Viroqua and Shirley Davig of Middleton, and many nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Bertha; sisters, Selma Opsahl and Helen Dregne; brother, Kermit; and brothers-in-law, Maynard Opsahl, Grant Smith, Alvin Dregne and Paul Davig.
A memorial service was held on Sunday, June 14, 2009, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Pastor Margaret Eiben Hoversten officiated and burial was in the Readstown Cemetery. Friends called at the church on Sunday before the time of the service. Graveside military rites were provided by the Running-Johnson-Ray Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3032 of Viroqua and the U.S. Military Honors Team.
Memorials may be given to the Vernon Memorial Dialysis Unit and the Vernon Memorial Hospice Program.
Condolences may be sent to the simefuneral forum.com.
