Arnold Ludwig Nelson
Arnold Ludwig Nelson, age 73, a resident at Vernon Manor Nursing Home, died Thursday evening, Jan. 28, 2010, at Vernon Memorial Hospital.
He was born on Jan. 23, 1937, in Vernon County to Ludvig and Anna (Jacobson) Nelson. Arnold graduated from Readstown High School in 1955, where he was a FFA officer, on the basketball team, part of the senior class play and also prom king. Arnold then entered the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the USS Collett. After the navy, he spent many years farming and doing concrete work. Arnold spent his last three years fighting after suffering a severe stroke. Arnold was loved by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much and will be greatly missed.
Arnold is survived by a daughter, Rhonda Nelson of Whitewater; son, Keven (Heather) Nelson of Soldiers Grove; grandchildren, Ambrosia (Dennis) Stockemer, U.S. Army, Germany, Jonelle Frazier of Milwaukee, Jordan Bonner-Nelson of Janesville, Sunshine Nelson of Soldiers Grove; great-grandchildren, Keyondre Phiffer of Milwaukee and Aurora and Devon Stockemer of Germany; brother, Marvin (Jean) Nelson of Viroqua; sisters, Lucille (Richard “Dick”) Jacobson of Viroqua, Aleda (LaVerne) Sherry of Soldiers Grove and Margaret Simonson of Viroqua; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Arnold was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruby Larson; and a brother and sister as children.
Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Kathy Ingbritsen with military honors to follow at the funeral home accorded by the U.S. Navy Honors Team, Running-Johnson-Ray V.F.W. Post 3032 and Jacobson-Olson American Legion Post 138. The family will greet relatives and friends from 5 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Eunice (Mehlum) Paulsrud Wakefield
Eunice (Mehlum) Paulsrud Wakefield, age 82, died Jan. 28, 2010, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby, where she had been a resident since July 2, 2002.
Eunice was born to Leonard and Elma (Hagen) Mehlum on March 15, 1927, in the town of Christiana. She was baptized and confirmed in the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. On Dec. 4, 1943, she married Jerry Paulsrud, to this union was born seven children, four died in infancy. Jerry and Eunice farmed until they retired in 1971. Jerry died in 1980. In 1983, Eunice married Earl Wakefield, he died in 1997.
Eunice is survived by one son, Ronald (Nadine) Paulsrud; two daughters, Dianne (Don) Morris-Mattson and Cheryl Mossholder; grandchildren, Michelle (Eric) Larson, Karri (Eric) Yttri, Ryan (Angela) Paulsrud, Sara (Bruce) Watkins, John (Mandi) Morris, Abbie Mattson, Wade (Heather) Mossholder, Jenna (Dean) Antczak and Tara (Tim) Bindl; great-grandchildren, Merissa and Dexter Larson, Austin and Kiara Yttri, Cameron and Cody Paulsrud, Ethan and Evelyn Antczak, Lydia and Johnathan Watkins; three step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; brother-in law, Tilford (Janet) Paulsrud; and several nieces and nephews.
Eu-nice was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; two sons-in-law, James Morris and Terry Mossholder; four children in infancy, Jeanne Ellen, Ellen Jeanne, Gary David and Michael Jerry; two sisters, Helen Lomen and Marion Mehlum; three brothers, Marvin, LaVerne and Harley Mehlum; two sisters-in-law, Peggy Mehlum and Margie Mehlum; one brother-in-law, Vernel Lomen.
A special thank-you to Norseland Nursing Home staff for the wonderful care she received, and the friends she made while at Norseland.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines officiated with burial in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends called at the church on Saturday before the time of the services.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to Coon Prairie Cemetery Association.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfunera lhomes.com.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby served the family.
Charles Russell Hardesty
Charles Russell Hardesty, age 74 of Viroqua, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at the Bethel Home in Viroqua, where he had been a resident since Oct. 3, 2009.
Charlie was born March 31, 1935, to Russell and Eunice (Phillips) Hardesty in Rochelle, Ill. He had four brothers and three sisters, “almost a baseball team.” At some point in his teens, hard times struck the family and Charlie and his older siblings were sent to the St. Vincent Orphanage in Freeport Ill. Charlie had fond memories of working on the farm at the orphanage. Charlie married Judy Mobley in the mid-’70s and to them was born a daughter, Theresa. Judy died as a result of an automobile accident on Sept. 23, 1985. He later married and divorced Judy’s sister, Sue.
Charlie has spent the last 15 or 20 years living in the Viroqua area, taking care of his daughter and most of his neighbors. His work career included farming, building storage sheds with Maynard Kolden, tree maintenance with Doug Olson, lawn mowing and snow blowing. Charles was always willing to help anyone and lived his life with simple kindness and generosity. He was a good neighbor in the true sense of the word. Many will miss seeing Charlie riding down the street on his lawn mower with the red wagon. The staff at the Bethel Home and at Hos-pice fell in love with him in the short time they got to know him.
Charlie is survived by his daughter, Theresa; sisters, Hazel of Amboy, Ill. and Helen of Yuma, Ariz.; special friends, Jeanne Kolden, Larry, Amy and Emma Kolden, Carol Ann Kemen, Peg LaMartina, JoAnn Stout and Doug Olson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; parents; brothers, Art and John; sister, Stella; an infant brother; and his dogs, Mike and Hoppi.
A prayer service was held on Monday evening, Feb. 1, 2010, at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua with Pastor Pete Beckstrand officiating. Friends also called on Monday evening for visitation at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteig funeral homes.com.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to Vernon Memorial Hospice or to the family.
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua served the family.
Loretta Rae Worthington
Loretta Rae Worthington, age 75 of Mauston, died peacefully on Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, with her loving husband and good friend, Jeanne Patrick, by her side.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at the Hillsboro Wesleyan Church in Hillsboro. Pastor Roger Miller officiated. Burial was in the Mount Tabor Cemetery.
Relatives and friends were invited to call on Thursday at the church before the time of the service.
The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home in Tomah assisted the family with the arrangements.
Linda Hollmer
Linda Hollmer, age 54 of Viola, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
She was born May 3, 1955, in Chicago, Ill., to Charles and Dorothy (Hart) Shaulinskas.
Linda graduated from Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, Ill., in 1973 and later from Lewis University in Joliet, Ill., with a degree in accounting. She was united in marriage to Andrew “Andy” Hollmer on April 5, 1975. Linda found pleasure and fulfillment in expressing herself in numerous artistic mediums, but she was best known for her work with stained glass. Most of her creations were one of kind stained glass panels that she created and gave away to the people that were close to her. Linda enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, cooking and spending time with her family and her beloved pets. Linda also received much satisfaction from the cabin that she and Andy built on their property in the town of Liberty.
Linda is survived by her husband, Andy of Viola; two sons, Scott (Magdalena) of Romeoville, Ill., and Peter of Madison, Wis. She is also survived by one brother, Mark (Steven Gilbert) Shaulinskas of Plainfield, Ill.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service and celebration of Linda’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family requests that donations be made to the Vernon County Humane Society
Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com.
Helen C. Wallace
Helen C. Wallace, age 85 of Viroqua, died Saturday afternoon, Jan. 23, 2010, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.
She was born on March 31, 1924, to Rudolph and Edith (Saxton) Thorgerson in Jefferson Township, rural Viroqua. She worked at the Fortney Hotel until she married Clayton F. Wallace on Aug. 24, 1944, at the parsonage of the Rev. D.T. Borgen. Helen and Clayton farmed in Liberty Pole and Asbury Ridge for 34 years. Helen was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she was active in many aspects of the church. She also enjoyed embroidering. Helen will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Helen is survived by her brother, Melvin Thorgerson of Viroqua; and her beloved cat and companion of 15 years, Bootsie. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clayton Wallace, on Oct. 30, 1984; her son, Harlin Wallace, on July 24, 2002; sisters, Stella Thorgerson and Alice Sathe; and four brothers, Selmer Thor-gerson, Edwin Thorgerson, Ottis Thorgerson and Herbert Thorgerson.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at Reetz-Thorson Funeral Home, Viroqua. Officiating at the service was Pastor Kathy Ingbritsen. Sue Walby was the organist, and Peter Walby was the vocalist. Honorary casket bearers were Dale Torgerson, Jesse Jacobson and Travis Geary. Casket bearers were Randy Fortney, Josh Nundahl, Randy Pederson, Steve Geary, Roy Torgerson and Brian Jacobson. Burial took place in the Asbury East Cemetery, rural Viroqua. Visitation was held prior to the service at the funeral home.
Blessed be her memory.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Audrey Rose Johnson (Adams)
Audrey Rose Johnson (Adams), age 73 of Viola, passed away on Jan. 26, 2010, after many years battling cancer.
Audrey was born in Vernon County on Nov. 16, 1936, to John and Freda Adams (Arnold). Audrey attended Plainview Country School, Viola High School and continued her journey at Stout State College. At Stout, she studied home economics and speech, while starring in many of their theatrical projects. Upon earning her degree, she continued her journey, with marriage to Roger O. Johnson in 1958. In this journey they lived in Lee, Mass., Frankfurt, Germany, Cassville, Wis., Viola and Sunsites, Ariz.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, John and Freda Adams (Arnold); her in-laws, Otto and Helen Johnson (Heal); brother, Virgil and his wife, Ethel; two brothers-in-law, George Smith and Donald Kellog.
She is survived and missed by her husband, Roger; three children, Jenny Regalia (Ted), Todd Johnson (Becky) and Chad; sister, Venetia Smith; and brother, Bernard Adams (Charlotta). She is also survived by many grandchildren, Nicole and Caitlin Re-galia, McKenzie and Skyler Johnson, Mary Beth, Zach and Abby Grewe and Lilith and Mae Johnson, along with many nieces and nephews and many friends too numerous to name.
Audrey lived her life with passion and integrity. She and Roger were never afraid of new adventures. She wanted her community to celebrate her life on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at the United Methodist Church in Viola. A reception followed. Friends called before the time of the service at the church. Participants were asked to bring good memories and easy spirits and the knowledge that she is with her God and Savior to the celebration.
Donations can be made to Viola Cemetery Fund or Vernon County Hospice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com.
The Vosseteig Funeral Homes’s Henthorn Memorial Center of Viola served the family.
Andrew Orville Peterson
Andrew Orville Peterson, age 29 of Mauston, Wis., died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, due to heart complications.
Andrew was born in La Crosse, Nov. 29, 1980, to Dean and Bonnie Peterson of Chaseburg. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peters Church in Chaseburg. Andrew graduated from Westby High School in 1999, and graduated with a police science degree from WWTC of La Crosse in 2003. Since 2003, Andrew has been a police officer in Mauston. On May 31, 2003, Andrew married his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Myriah Erickson of Westby. They have resided in Mauston since 2005, and were active members of Pine Valley Church in Wisconsin Dells. Andrew was a man of integrity, honor and faith. He adored his family and invested his life in the things that truly matter; his faith, his family and his friends. Andrew was an avid and accomplished outdoorsman whose passion was bird hunting.
Andrew is survived by his wife, Myriah and three beautiful children, Mackena, Brekk and Ha-akon. He also leaves his mother and father, Dean and Bonnie Peterson of Westby; sisters, Tina Kaegel (Joe) of Stoddard and Emily Peterson of La Crosse. He also leaves a multitude of wonderful friends and family…a true legacy of his life.
A celebration of Andrew’s life began with a visitation service on Friday evening, Jan. 29, 2010, at Bible Baptist Church in Mauston. A funeral service was held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at the Olson Middle School in Mauston. An interment service was held at Coon Prairie Cemetery in Westby.
The Peterson Family Memorial Fund has been established in lieu of flowers. Memorial fund information is as follows:
The Peterson Family Memorial Fund
City Hall
303 Mansion St.
Mauston, WI 53948
Edna Alice Brandt
Edna Alice Brandt, age 86 of Viroqua, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010.
She was born on Aug. 25, 1923, in Milwaukee to Albert and Elsa (Metze) Wascher and was raised in Saratoga, Wyo. At age 16, she moved back to Milwaukee to finish high school and became a registered nurse at Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in Milwaukee. She worked at various nursing jobs until her marriage to Carmen Brandt on Nov. 15, 1952, at Hope Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, Wis. Together they farmed in the McFarland area for 45 years and moved to Viroqua in 1998.
In addition to her husband, Carmen; she is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; daughter, Angela (Paul) Fechner of Plymouth, Minn., and Melinda (Fechner) and Bryn Knatterud, Jonette and Theodora; Colleen, Paul Jr. “PJ,” Valerie; daughter, Becky (Bill) Ludovice of Viroqua and Nicholas (fiancée Colleen Welch), Jacob and Joseph; daughter, Cindy Flory of Stoughton and Anthony “Ty,” Adam, Maria, son-in-law, Tom Flory; daughter, Penny Metcalf of Phoenix, Ariz.; son, Dan (Gloria) Brandt of Deerfield and Emma, Carol, Ellen and Lucy; two sisters, Eva Burke of Colorado and Alberta (George) Erpelding of Pennsylvania; and one brother, Albert (Jan) Wascher of Arizona.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Martin Wascher; a sister, Carol Norman; and grandchildren, Andrew Flory and Marita Fechner.
Blessed be our memory of Edna Alice Brandt.
Funeral services were held on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at the Kickapoo United Lutheran Church at Folsom with Pastor Paul Carlson officiating. Friends called at the church on Friday before the time of the funeral. Funeral services were also be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, at the Hope Lutheran Church in McFarland (Cottage Grove). Pastor Vernon Awes officiated with burial in the Hope Lutheran Church Cemetery. Friends called at the church on Saturday before the time of the service.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com.
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua served the family.
Florine Elizabeth Johnson
Florine Elizabeth Johnson, age 84, a resident at Bethel Home, died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at Bethel Home in Viroqua.
Florine was born on Jan. 2, 1926, in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., to L. Thomas and Florence (Shell) Liverman. After graduating high school, she married John Edward Johnson on Feb. 24, 1946, in Roanoke Rapids, N.C. Florine was a wonderful military wife who enjoyed traveling, crafting and sewing. She was active in church groups and choirs where ever the military led her. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Florine is survived by her husband, John Edward Johnson of Viroqua; daughter, Brenda (Joe) Adams of Viroqua; son, Donald (Debbie) Johnson of Port Orange, Fla.; three grandchildren, Lisa (David) Semrau of Destin, Fla., Tim (Emily) Call of Viroqua, Emily (Jason) Irwin of Ft. Riley, Kan.; two great-grandchildren, Hailey and Cooper Sem-rau; sister, Geraldine Jones of High Point, N.C.; sister-in-law, Ophelia Carr of Lanexa, Va.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Askew Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., with burial to follow in Cedarwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Askew Funeral Home.
The Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home of Viroqua is assisting the family with local arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
