Donald A. Dahlke
Donald A. Dahlke, age 81 of Waukon, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services were held Friday, June 19, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Chaseburg, with the Rev. Steven Oldre officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery at a later date. Friends called on Thursday evening at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon and prior to services at the church on Friday.
Donald A. Dahlke was born on Jan. 6, 1928, on the rural Chaseburg farm of his parents, Arthur and Emma (Schrader) Dahlke. After attending Chaseburg area schools, he helped on the farm and then went to La Crosse, where he worked at Rice’s Wholesale Foods. On Aug. 7, 1948, he married Phyllis June Warner in Viroqua. They farmed for three years and then operated a small grocery store in Purdy, where Don also drove truck for several companies. He later spent four years delivering for Sunbeam and Rippin Good Cookies. He operated Dahlke’s IGA Stores in Waukon, Iowa, from 1964 until 1976, and in Fayette, Iowa, from 1976 until 1989. From 1989 until 1996, he worked for PIL in distribution and service, handling accounts throughout the southwestern United States. Following that he retired first to Fayette and then West Union before moving back to Waukon in 2008.
Don was an ardent follower of politics and current events and active in the Democratic Party. He formerly served as president of Big Rock County Club in Fayette and en-joyed fishing, bowling, playing cards and following the Chicago Cubs. He treasured family times, and he encouraged get-togethers as often as possible. Don always had a smile to share and a twinkle in his eyes, and he’ll be greatly missed by his family, his friends and all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis of Waukon; three children, Bill (Connie) Dahlke of Marshalltown, Iowa, Sue (Mick) Stamper of Waukon and Karl (Kim) Dahlke of Bellevue, Neb.; a son-in-law, Bob Butikofer of Cedar Falls, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Darrold (Elaine) Dahlke of La Crosse and Arthur (Frances) Dahlke of Stoddard; and two sisters, Ardice (Mervin) Wilson of Stoddard and Bernelle Skrede of Viroqua.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Liz Butikofer; a granddaughter, Sarah Dahlke; and a sister, Darlene Helm.
Casketbearers are his grandchildren, Audrea Peterson, Christian Butikofer, Dustin Folsom, Megan Dahlke, Bridget Nelson, Alyssa Butikofer, Trace Stamper and Matt, Robin and Ryan Dahlke.
Online condolences may be left at www.mart infunerals.com. Cards and memorials may be sent to the family at 602 2nd St. SW, Apt. F23, Waukon, IA 52172.
Alma Mikkelson
Alma Mikkelson, age 104 of Westby, died Friday, June 19, 2009, at Norseland Nursing Home.
She was born in the town of Coon, Vernon County, to Albert and Anna (Bakkaugen) Storbakken.
Alma attended Eid School and was a graduate of Westby High School and WBU La Crosse. She retired from Westby-Coon Valley State Bank. Alma was the financial secretary for Westby-Coon Prairie Lutheran Church for more than 20 years. On Nov. 23, 1927, she was united in marriage to Orlando Mikkelson and was widowed on Feb. 2, 1997.
Survivors are a son, Earl (Glory) Mikkelson of Bonney Lake, Wash.; three grandsons, Kevin (Amy) Mikkelson of Kirkland, Wash., Keith (Narcy) Mikkelson of Palawan, Philippines and Karl (Carol) Mikkelson of Hood River, Ore.; and five great-grandchildren, Daniel and Thomas of Kirkland, Wash., Archie of Palawan, Philippines and Jennifer and Zachary, Hood River, Ore.; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Alfred, Edwin and Hilmer Storbakken; and three sisters, Ella Lee, Huldah Bekkum and Olga Hage; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Alma was always interested in family history and found more than 400 living relatives in 1968. She corresponded with many of them. The Family Tree printing is a treasure for all of us. She also researched the history of the Snowflake Ski Club that began in 1923 and recorded every annual tournament for many years. Many nieces and friends have children and grandchildren that are still enjoying some of the many, many Barbie clothes that she made and enjoyed creating….even some Norwegian costumes.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, 500 S. Main in Westby. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials can be made to Norskedalen, N455 O Ophus Road, Coon Valley, WI 54623. Alma was so interested in her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed corresponding with Mikkelson and Storbakken relatives in Norway.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com.
Phillip M. Gunderson
Phillip M. Gunderson, 63, of rural Gays Mills, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at home.
He was born Sept. 25, 1945, on the home farm, the son of Martin and Ella (Lysne) Gunderson. He graduated from Gays Mills High School in 1963. Phillip married Roseanna Whiteaker on April 4, 1971, in the Little Brown Church, Nassau, Iowa, and they farmed the home farm. He was a lifelong member of Utica Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Roseanna, of Gays Mills; their children, Eric Phillip (Brenda) Gunderson of Viroqua, John Phillip (Koren Gunderson of Ferryville, David Phillip (Trisha Hird) Gunderson of Gays Mills and Anna Gunderson of Gays Mills; by grandchildren, Nathan, Tyler, Michaela and Hannah; step-grandchildren, Tyler and Aueree; a sister, Stella Gunderson of Lancaster; brothers- and sisters-in-laws; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; neighbors and friends.
Phillip loved to farm, fish and watch the Packers through the good and bad years.
Funerals services were held Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at Utica Lutheran Church. Pastor Anna Sorenson officiated. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was on Monday, June 22, 2009, at the Dommersnaes Bertram Family Funeral Home, Gays Mills and at the church on Tuesday until the time of services.
Andrew Gene Wallace
Andrew Gene Wallace, age 43, of Readstown, formerly of Janesville and Sparta, passed away suddenly on Sunday June 14, 2009, from a drowning accident.
He was born on April 24, 1966 in Janesville, Wis., the son of Calvin and Evelyn (King) Wallace. Andy was united in marriage to Rhonda Fields from Janesville, Wis. in 1984. They had two sons (Ron and Nate). He was later engaged to Tracey Mueller of Sparta, who also had a son (Cody). He later married LuAnn Morovits on Dec. 18, 2004. Andrew worked in construction for most of his adult career, until he became disabled in 1999. Before the disability, he was a very hard worker, often working side jobs or more than one job. Andy loved fishing, hunting, the outdoors and having fun with his friends. He loved his family. He was a very proud and loving father. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Andrew is survived by his wife, LuAnn; his father, Calvin and his stepmother, Lena of Bell Center; four sons, Ronald and Nathaniel Wallace of Janesville, Cody Wallace of La Crosse, and Bryce Swatek of Boscobel; three stepchildren, Brandon Kuyken-dall, Corey Kuykendall and Macey Kuyken-dall; three grandchildren; one soon-to-be-born grandchild from La Crosse; four brothers, David Wallace of Soldiers Grove, Everett (Deb) Wallace of Readstown, Robert (Val) Wallace of Juda, Wis., and Clifford (Carolyn) Wallace of Lexington, S.C.; two stepbrothers, Robert Goetz of Wisconsin Rapids and Dennis Goetz of Janesville; and one half sister, Theresa Hartley of Beloit.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn; and grandparents.
Funeral services were held on Saturday June 20, 2009, at the American Legion Hall in Soldiers Grove. Pastor Wayne Rayner officiated, and burial was in the Readstown Cemetery. Friends called at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown on Friday evening and on Saturday at the hall before the time of services. Condolences may be sent to simefuner alforum.com.
Beverly Ann Zitzner
Beverly Ann Zitzner, age 78, of Viroqua, died Monday evening, June 15, 2009, at Vernon Memorial Hospital.
She was born on Oct. 1, 1930, in Viroqua, the second daughter of Kenneth and Stella (Simpson) DeWitt. Beverly attended school in Liberty Pole, Methodist Sunday school and confirmation classes and graduated from Viroqua High School with the class of 1948. She then attended Iowa Beauty School in Dubuque and worked at Roshek’s Dept. Store for three years. On June 12, 1954, she married Beuford L. Zitzner at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Viroqua. The couple then moved to Janesville, where she was a beautician at Mary’s Grace Shop. Beverly then opened Zitzner’s Beauty Shop and operated it for 12 years until she retired and sold the shop. The couple then traveled to Florida, Texas and Arizona for the winter months and summers in Wisconsin. After Beuford’s passing, Beverly moved back to Viroqua along with her nephew’s family. Beverly loved doing her plastic canvas crafts. She was a wonderful caring Christian woman. Beverly loved her family and friends and most importantly, God. She was also a member of Viroqua Methodist Church.
Beverly is survived by a sister, Monica Fortney of Viroqua; sisters-in-law, Sharon DeWitt of Viroqua, Betty Call of Washington, Ruby (Roland) Ringhand of Idaho, Rose Mary Zitzner and Pat Zitzner of Sun Prairie; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Beuford Zitzner on Nov. 3, 2006; two baby brothers; two other brothers, Robert DeWitt and Kenneth DeWitt; brothers-in-law, Kristoff Call, Irmin Zitzner, Floyd Zitzner, Virgil Zitzner, Mel Fortney and Marion Zitzner; sisters-in-law, Beverly Zitzner and Beatrice Thompson.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 20, 2009, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua. Officiating at the service was Pastor Keith Koch and Pastor Laverne Larson, with burial in the Liberty Pole Cemetery, rural Viroqua. Linda Koch was the organist and soloist. Casket bearers were Terry DeWitt, Randy, Bill and Ron Fortney, David Zitzner and John Morgan. A visitation was held the evening prior at the funeral home.
Blessed be her memory.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Verna Milda Beverly Berg
Verna Milda Beverly Berg, age 86, of Westby, died Sunday, June 21, 2009, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
She was born Jan. 11, 1923, to Henry and Bertha (Berger) Engh. On Dec. 17, 1942, she was united in marriage to Olaf Alvin Berg. Verna was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and was active in the WELCA. She was also a member of the Son’s of Norway and the Westby Senior Citizens. She was a generous blood donor. Verna enjoyed traveling and took trips to Germany and Norway.
She is survived by two sons, David Berg of Westby and Charles (Julie) Berg of Bristol, Wis; one granddaughter, Shelley Berg of Roy, Utah; one sister, Karen (Sonny) Zielke of Chaseburg; one brother, Richard (Audrey) Engh from the state of Oregon; one brother-in-law, Milton Jorgenson; three sisters-in-law, LaVonne Engh, Jo Engh and Arlene Reed; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Olaf A. Berg, who died Aug. 3, 1981; three brothers, Verdell Engh, Harley Engh and Harold Engh in infancy; and one sister, Ruth Jorgenson.
Blessed by her memory.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines officiated with burial in the Our Savior’s Cemetery. Friends called at the church on Tuesday before the time of the services.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby served the family.
Bernice Louise Schultz
Bernice Louise Schultz, age 79 of Viroqua, died on Monday morning, June 15, 2009, at the Bethel Home in Viroqua.
She was born on July 1, 1929, in the village of Readstown to Jacob and Clara (Olson) Olson. She married Robert Paul Widner in 1947, and they were later divorced. She then married Cyrus Schultz and he died on Nov. 2, 2006. She was an active member of the Viroqua Church of Christ.
Bernice had nine children with her first marriage and two with the second. Survivors include 31 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by five step children, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bernice came from a large family and has three brothers, Henry, Benny and Glen Olson and one sister, Irene Riley surviving.
She was preceded in death by one grandson, Jonathen Johnson; four brothers, David, Steve, Raymond and Daniel Olson; and one sister, Olena Walk-er; and two nieces.
A special thank you to all who tried to help her in the last years of her life. She was well known for her lefse, homemade bread and lemon pies.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua with Pastor Nathan Prong officiating. Burial took place in the Viroqua Cemetery. Casket bearers were David Iverson, Brett Iverson, Roy Kanis, Ed Tunks, Monte Aspenson and Jon Otteson. Visitation was held on Wednesday evening and Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Blessed be her memory.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Gweneth R. Lynch
Gweneth R. Lynch, age 90, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2009, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis.
She was born on Oct. 12, 1918, in Sugar Grove, the daughter of Guy and Hazel (Alexander) Smith. Gweneth married Howard Lynch on Sept. 2, 1939, in Madison and they were able to spend 54 years together before Howard’s death on Jan. 5, 1994. She volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital and the West Side Senior Center. Gweneth supported various organizations such as the Madison Orchid Society, Olbrich Botanical Gardens and the Henry Vilas Zoo. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s Club, a charter member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church and of Camp Badger Community Club. Gweneth was a constant learner and took courses at the University of Wisconsin -Madison. She was an avid gardener, cook, bird watcher and traveler. She was also known as a “Winter Texan”, residing there during the Wisconsin winters.
Gweneth is survived by her children, Judy (Ben) Hofmeister, Dan (Monica Donahoe) Lynch, Susan (Tom) Bosold, Bill (Brenda) Lynch, David (Kathy) Lynch, Kerry Lynch (Terry Flynn) and Christopher (Dawn) Lynch; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Gayle (Barbara) Smith, June McKittrick and Lynne (Larry) McLernon; other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard; and son, Howard T.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Father David Greenfield officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Private family burial will take place at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Edgewood High School, Olbrich Botanical Gardens or the Henry Vilas Zoo.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff of All Saints Assisted Living and to St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center.
Lelia Verona Bekkedal
Lelia Verona Bekkedal, age 97, passed away June 2, 2009, in Puyallup, Wash.
She was born Nov. 12, 1911, to Martin H. and Amanda (Anderson) Bekkedal in Westby. She graduated from Westby High School in 1928 and La Crosse State Teachers College in 1928. She taught English (1936-1938) at Westby High School.
Verona enlisted in SPARS, (woman’s Coast Guard) in February 1943 serving through September 1945. She received a library science degree in 1948 from the University of Washington. Verona retired in 1977 as a research librarian in the history department of Seattle Public Library. She moved to Tacoma in 1984 and last lived at Cedar Ridge Retirement Community, Bonney Lake, Wash.
Verona was preceded in death by her parents and all siblings, Helmer, Axel, Lloyd (Clara), Martin (Katherine), Darline, Alverda (Dr. Rufus Fortney), Elenor (Lloyd Erickson); nieces, Barbara Fortney and Ingrid Sadler; and nephew, Martin Erickson.
Verona is survived by Joanna Hersel (Oliver) and Jon (Paulette), Alissa, Chelsea and Kylie, Kristine Pohlsfud (Arlin), Anne Kane (Jack), Dean (Patricia) and Samantha; Dr. Tekla Bekkedal; Mary E. Fortney; Maren Johnson (Frank) and Tami English (Dan) and Drew, Marc, Eric and Tyler, Tanya Bennett (Terry), Ryan, Nikkole and Christian, Anthony Ames (Suzanne); and Martin Bekkedal (Margaret), Catherine and Martin.
The family wishes to express thanks to all doctors, nurses, caregivers and visiting clergy at Good Samaritan Hospital and Linden Grove Health Care Center and to all friends and family who have sent thoughts, prayers, calls and cards.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church or Seattle Adaptive Sports, 1111 E Madison #137, Seattle, WA, www.seattleadaptives ports.org.
Memorial services were held in Tacoma, Wash., at Trinity Lutheran Church, on June 20, 2009. Graveside funeral service were held Monday, June 22, 2009, at Coon Prairie Cemetery, rural Westby.
Arrangements were handled by Mt. View Funeral Home in Tacoma and by Vosseteig Funeral Homes in Westby.
Gladys Sophia Gilbertson
Gladys Sophia Gilbertson, age 89, of Viroqua and formerly of rural Westby, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009, at the Bethel Home with her family at her side.
She was born March 10, 1920, to Severt and Anna (Olson) Virak in Viroqua Township. She was confirmed at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church by the Rev. Holum. She graduated from Smith School, Westby High School in 1937 and Vernon County Normal School in 1939. She taught in rural schools for four years at Knapp and Wood schools. She took a civil service exam in 1944 and was offered a position in a Naval office in Chicago. She was united in marriage to Maynard Gilbertson on Oct. 22, 1948, at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. They lived in Chicago for more than 30 years. Gladys held various clerical positions, retiring as a secretary from Encyclopedia Britannica Education Corp. in 1981. After their retirement, she and Maynard returned to rural Westby.
Gladys enjoyed gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, baking, scrapbooking and keeping up with local and national news. Her family appreciated her gingersnaps and Norwegian cookies. Her knowledge of family and local history was encyclopedic, and will be greatly mis-sed. Gladys always put her family first. Her thoughtfulness and generosity will never be forgotten.
Gladys is survived by her daughter, Lois (Michael) Doll of Rosemount, Minn.; three granddaughters, Kristin Doll (David Zabinski), Cassandra (James) Hart and Megan Doll; one sister, Alice Nuetzel of Viroqua; nephews; nieces; and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard on Oct. 3, 1997; her parents; one sister, Alda Virak; and one brother, Alvin Virak.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Country Coon Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Westby. Pastor Dennis Hallemeier will officiate with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com.
The Vosseteig Funeral Homes are serving the family.
