Miscellaneous Jackson County, Wisconsin Obituaries

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Marie Bitter 
(8/16/2001)
Marie E. Bitter, 81, of Black River Falls and formerly of Alma Center, died Thursday, August 16, 2001 in Pine View Care Center. The former Marie Emma Yeskie was born on July 24, 1920 in Melrose, WI to Fred and Emma (Beck) Yeskie. Marie graduated from Melrose High School in 1938 and Cosmetology School in Eau Claire in 1939. She and her sister, Irene, then operated a beauty shop in Whitehall. She married Richard Bitter on July 6, 1943 in Vancouver, WA. The couple moved to Alma Center in 1948 where Marie operated a beauty shop from her home for almost 50 years. Richard Bitter died in 1979. Since February, 1998, Marie has been a resident of Pine View Terrace and later, Pine View Care Center. She was a member of the Alma Center United Methodist Church. Marie is survived by a daughter, Jill (Lyle) Ellingson, of Merrillan; a daughter-in-law, Susan Bitter, of West Bend; 5 grandchildren, Cynde (John) Dornuf, of Greendale, Christine Ellingson, of Madison, and Brent, Adam, and Karl Bitter, all of West Bend; a sister, Helen O’Hearn, of Melrose; a brother, Melvin “Boots” (Joyce) Yeskie, of Melrose; a brother-in-law, Willard Bitter, of Riverside, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Richard, Marie was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Mark Bitter in 1997, a brother, Leonard Yeskie, and a sister, Irene Megrath. Funeral services will be Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 2 P.M. from the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. The Rev. Meg Erickson will officiate and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls. Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home on Sunday from 1 P.M. until services. 

Bonney L Chatsey 
(6/30/01)
Bonney L. Chatsey, 56, of rural Black River Falls (Town of Little Falls, Monroe County) died Saturday, June 30, 2001 in Black River Memorial Hospital. Bonney was born on June 21, 1945 in Beloit. She was adopted and raised by Clark and Esther Chatsey of Beloit. Bonney graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1963. She was employed as a maid at the Wagon Wheel Resort of South Beloit, IL, and at various hotels. In addition to having lived in Beloit, Bonney also lived in Milwaukee and Orfordville before moving to the Town of Little Falls, Monroe County, 13 years ago. Survivors include her friend and companion, Gary Wadel, of rural Black River Falls; a brother, Dean Reynolds, of Margate, FL; and 2 nieces, Melissa Bean, of Margate, FL, and Miranda Reynolds, of Ocala, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clark and Esther Chatsey. Memorial services will be Thursday, July 5, 2001 at 10:30 A.M. from the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery, Beloit on Friday, July 6, 2001. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 A.M. until services. 

Christopher Cooley 
(9/4/2001)
Christopher W. Cooley, 24, of Black River Falls died Tuesday, September 4, 2001 at his home. He was born on June 30, 1977 in Black River Falls to David W. and Mary L. (Diercks) Cooley. Chris was an outstanding athlete and vocal music student at Black River Falls High School. He was an All State football player and had played in the Shrine Bowl. He had lettered in football, baskeball and golf. Chris also enjoyed vocal music and was active in choir, musicals, solo ensemble contests, the Madrigal Singers, and variety shows. Following his graduation from high school, Chris enrolled at Winona State University where he played football for the Warriors. He graduated from Winona State University in December, 2000 with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. During summer months, Chris had been employed at Subway, Kwik Trip, and the Bar-B Travel Plaza, all of Black River Falls. He had also served as a camp counselor at Luther Park Bible Park, Chetek. He was a member of the Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church where he had sung in the God’s Children Choir and the Senior Choir. During his high school years, Chris had assisted the church’s Sunday School superintendent and assisted with Sunday School music. Chris loved acting and had roles in the Falls Player’s productions of “Mr. Scrooge” and “The Music Man.” He recently (summer of 2001) had a role in “Man of La Mancha.” Chris also was fond of wakeboarding, water skiing, and video games. His family had recently been notified that Chris had been selected as a Wisconsin runner to carry the 2002 Olympic Torch enroute to Salt Lake City. Chris had a good sense of humor and was always courageous when faced with difficult challenges. He is survived by his parents, David and Mary Cooley, of Black River Falls; 2 sisters, Carrie Cooley, of Eau Claire, and Sarah Cooley, of Black River Falls; a brother, Benjamin Cooley, of Minneapolis; his grandfather, Werner Diercks, of Muscatine, IA; aunts and uncles, Gary (Karen) Diercks, of Muscatine, IA, Robert (Paula) Cooley, of Oconomowoc, Bryan (Donna) Cooley, of Duncanville, TX, Curtis (Susan) Cooley, of Wausau, and Richard (Julie) Cooley, of West Bend; and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandparents, Margaret C. Diercks, Donald Cooley, and Sarah Cooley Erber. Funeral services will be Sunday, September 9, 2001 at 2 P.M. from the Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Rev. Erik Zingelman will officiate and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls. Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home on Saturday from 5 to 8 P.M. and at the church on Sunday from 1 P.M. until services. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorials be given to the Chris Cooley Memorial Fund c/o the Jackson County Bank. 

Ruby Dill
(7/5/01)
Ruby Dill, 87, of rural Black River Falls died Thursday, July 5, 2001 in Harmony Manor, Tomah where she had lived for the past 2 ½ years. The former Ruby Johnson was in Jackson County on August 19, 1913 to Winfred and Matilda (Eysnogle) Johnson. She was raised in Jackson County and graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1932 as the class salutatorian. Following her graduation from High School, Ruby attended the Black River Falls Normal School. She later taught elementary school for 7 years at various schools including the Pine Hill and the Oak Ridge Schools. She married Walter R. Dill on May 28, 1938 in Black River Falls. The couple lived and farmed in the Pine Hill area of the Town of Manchester, Jackson County, for many years. Walter Dill died on October 15, 1995. Ruby was employed as the Town Clerk by the Town of Manchester for 33 years. She was a member of the Shamrock Union Church and its Ladies Aid, and the Pine Hill Homemakers. Ruby was fond of vegetable gardening and flower gardening, cooking, reading and writing. She kept a personal diary all of her life. She also was a good listener. Survivors include her daughter, Sharon Hunter, of Waunakee; a granddaughter, Kim Hunter, of Waunakee; 2 grandsons, Steven (Susan) Hunter, of Lodi, and Joseph Hunter, of Monroe; 2 great grandsons, John Walter Hunter and Neil Harris Hunter; and a sister, Frieda Potter, of Minneapolis. In addition to her husband, Ruby was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Ruth Young and Josephine Greeno; and 2 brothers, Frank and Jess Johnson. Funeral services were Monday, July 9, 2001 at 11 A.M. from the Shamrock Union Church, rural Black River Falls. The Rev. Stan Curtis officiated and burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls. Honorary casket bearers were Joe Collins, Clifford “Gib” Gomer, Tremaine Burchard, John Hughes, and Larry Young. Casket bearers were George Uting, Dr. Steven Hegna, Robert Bucholz, David Gebhardt, and Steven and Joseph Hunter. Friends called at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Sunday from 5 to 8 P.M. and at the church on Monday from 10 A.M. until services. 

Julie Emerson 
(10/1/2001)
Julie J. Emerson, 56, of rural Black River Falls, died unexpectedly on Monday, October 1, 2001 in Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, La Crosse. The former Julie J. Scofield was born on December 24, 1944 in Black River Falls to Russell and Patricia (Noble) Scofield. She was raised in the Black River Falls area. She married Ralph E. Emerson on June 15, 1963 in Waukegan, IL. The couple lived in Waukegan until moving to Black River Falls in 1965. They later lived in the Allen Creek and Pine Creek areas of Jackson County before building a home in the Spring Creek area. Julie had been employed for 9 years at the Jackson County Iron Mine Company and later for 2 years at Dadco Foods, both of Black River Falls. For the past 15 years she had been employed by Mathy Construction Company of Onalaska as a heavy equipment operator. She also had been a foster mom for several years. Julie’s hobbies included reading, letter writing, cross stitching, nature, animals, and bird watching. She also loved to spend quality time with her grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor and always made her presence known. Julie loved life and loved to laugh. She was a member of the Operating Engineers Union. Survivors include her husband, Ralph, of Black River Falls; 3 daughters, Teresa (Lonnie Herrick) Emerson and Patricia (Thad) Burlingame, both of Merrillan, and Erin (Greg) Goetzka, of Black River Falls; 2 sons, Eric Emerson, of Neillsville, and Christian (Krista) Emerson, of Black River Falls; 6 grandchildren, Erika Herrick, Eli Rave, William Goetzka, Julian Burlingame, and Elaine and Riley Emerson; a sister, Coralyn “Suki” (Charlie Slaght) Casper, of Black River Falls; and a brother, James (Betty) Scofield, of Cape Coral, FL. Julie was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial services will be Saturday, October 6, 2001 at 11 A.M. from the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. The Rev. Don King will officiate. Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home on Friday from 6 to 8 P.M. and on Saturday from 10 A.M. until services. 

Marie Fristed 
(7/11/01)
Marie A. Fristed, 81, of Black River Falls, died Wednesday, July 11, 2001 in Black River Memorial Hospital. The former Marie A. Finch was born on May 17, 1920 in Melrose to Roy and Tressa (Kenyon) Finch. At the age of 5, she moved with her family to Minnesota. When she was 11, the family moved to Edgar, WI. They later returned to the Melrose area and settled in the Town of Irving. Marie was married to Duane Fitzpatrick and they were later divorced. She married Leo N. Fristed on December 3, 1947 in Webster, WI. The couple lived in Webster from 1947 until moving to Black River Falls in 1951. Marie had been a resident of the Family Heritage Care Center, Black River Falls, since May 31, 2001. Marie was employed by various Black River Falls grocery stores including Waughtal’s, Frederikson’s Meat Market, Al-Min’s, and Don Frei’s IGA. She later was employed at the Black River Memorial Hospital for 20 years, first as a nurses aid, then in central supply, and later as a surgical scrub nurse. She retired in 1981. Marie was a member of the Black River Falls United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, the Harmony Homemakers, and the Shear Delight Quilters. Survivors include her husband, Leo; a son, Dale (Linda) Fitzpatrick, of Chippewa Falls; 5 grandchildren, Christine (Randy) Jensen, of Augusta, Bonnie (Christopher) Paladino, of Alexandria, VA, Joe (Erin) Schoenberger, of La Porte City, IA, Tim Fitzpatrick, of Eau Claire, and Michael (Angela) Fitzpatrick, of Waterloo, IA; 24 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Marie was preceded in death by a son, Dean Fitzpatrick; a sister, Doris Morris; and 2 brothers, Ellsworth (“Bud”) Finch and Mark Finch. Funeral services were Saturday, July 14, 2001 at 1 P.M. form the Black River Falls United Methodist Church. The Rev. Thomas Dunham officiated and burial was in the Irving Cemetery, Town of Irving, Jackson County, WI. Casket bearers were Tim Fitzpatrick, Joe Schoenberger, Lynn Finch, Randy Morris, Harland Nickerson, and Richard Fristed. Friends called at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Friday from 6 to 8 P.M. and at the church on Saturday from noon until services. 

Alice Funmaker 
(8/2/01)
Alice H. Funmaker, 95, of Black River Falls, died Thursday evening, August 2, 2001 in Pine View Care Center, Black River Falls. The former Alice H. Stacy was born on September 5, 1905 to Henry and Lena (LongThunder) Stacy. She was raised in the Black River Falls area and attended the Indian Schools at Genoa, Nebraska and Tomah, Wisconsin. She married George Funmaker in 1927 in Black River Falls. The couple lived at Black River Falls most of their married lives and had also lived at Lake Delton and Milwaukee. George Funmaker died on May 8, 1977. Alice had been employed as a laundry worker at a motel in Lake Delton and at Family Heritage Care Center, Black River Falls. She had also been employed at Fort McCoy during World War II. She was a member of the Ho-Cak United Church of Christ, rural Black River Falls. Survivors include 4 sons, Milton (Catherine Smoke) Funmaker, Max (Eileen) Funmaker, and Mahlon (Joyce) Funmaker, all of Black River Falls, and John (Beth) Funmaker, of Los Angeles, CA; 35 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, George, Alice was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Funmaker; 3 daughters, Audrey Funmaker, Pearl Wolff and Juanita Beverly; 3 sisters, Viola Stacy, Marie Turner and Doris Funmaker; and 2 brothers, Martin and Mitchell Stacy. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 7, 2001 at 11 A.M. from the Ho-Cak United Church of Christ Cemetery, rural Black River Falls. The Rev. LeRoy Sua will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Monday from 7 to 9 P.M. and at the church on Tuesday from 10 A.M. until services. 

Herbert Goodbear
(10/8/2001)
Herbert S. Goodbear, 85, of rural Black River Falls died Monday, October 8, 2001 in his home. Herb was born on June 2, 1916 in Adams County to William and Edna (Decorah Goodvillage) Goodbear. He was raised in the Adams/Friendship area. As a young man, Herb was employed at a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and later at the Badger Ordinance Works, Baraboo. Herb was a World War II Army veteran and served in the South Pacific. Following his discharge from the Army, Herb became employed in Chicago and later as a welder by Janesville Auto Transport of Janesville. He married the former Exhilda Snowball on November 15, 1951 in Chicago. The couple lived in Chicago for 5 years before moving to Janesville. Following Herb’s retirement, they moved to Black River Falls in 1978. Exhilda Goodbear died on October 7, 1996. Herb was a member of the Andrew Blackhawk American Legion Post #129 and the Disabled American Veterans Post #61. Survivors include 2 daughters, Dorothy Goodbear, of Black River Falls, and Roberta Goodbear, of Eau Claire; 6 sons, William, John, Jeffrey, Michael (Sue), and Greg Goodbear, all of Black River Falls, and Dan Goodbear, of Tennessee; a grandson whom he raised, Robert Goodbear, of Black River Falls; 12 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Exhilda, Herb was preceded in death by a daughter, Georgia Goodbear, and 5 sisters, Mavis, Leila, Lilac, Violet, and Virginia. Funeral services, with military honors, will be at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at the GoodVillage Cemetery (Goodbear Family Cemetery), Town of Preston, Adams County. Friends may call at the Herbert Goodbear residence on Wednesday from 9 to 10 A.M. The Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, is serving the family. 

Garrett Harmer
(9/21/2001)
Garrett L. Harmer, 30, of La Crosse and formerly of Black River Falls, died early Friday morning, September 21, 2001 in the Town of Melrose, Jackson County, as the result of a one vehicle car accident. Garrett was born on May 6, 1971 in Black River Falls to Danny L. and Jouita (Brown) Harmer. He was raised in the Black River Falls area and spent most of his life there. For the past 3 years, Garrett has lived in La Crosse. Garrett had been employed by the Ho-Chunk Nation. He currently was attending the Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse. Survivors include his mother, Jouita Orozco, of Black River Falls; his father, Danny L. Harmer, of Black River Falls; 2 half-sisters, Amanda and Lacy Orozco, both of Black River Falls; grandparents, Hollis and Rose Harmer, Dorothy Decorah, and Robert and Edith Hunter, all of Black River Falls; an aunt, LaVerda Richter, of Black River Falls; an uncle, Richie Brown, of Black River Falls; and a special friend, David Orozco, of Black River Falls. Native American Church funeral services were held on Sunday, September 23, 2001 at 2 P.M. from the Ho-Chunk Youth Center, Sand Pillow Village, rural Black River Falls. Norman Snake, Sr. officiated and burial was in the Shamrock Union Cemetery, Town of Manchester, Jackson County. Honorary casket bearers were David Orozco and Richie Brown. Casket bearers were Doug Greengrass, John Blackdeer, Casey Brown, Dean Brown, Bruce Harmer, and Jeff Harrison. Friends called at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Friday from 7 to 9 P.M. Continuous visitation and Native American Church prayer services were held at the Ho-Chunk Youth Center from 5 P.M. on Saturday until services Sunday. 

Phyllis Kostohryz
(7/14/01)
Phyllis D. Kostohryz, 85, of Black River Falls died Saturday, July 14, 2001 in Family Heritage Care Center. The former Phyllis Dorothy Kutchera was born on April 5, 1916 in the Town of Albion (Squaw Creek area), Jackson County, to John Sr. and Emma (Marsh) Kutchera. She was raised in the Squaw Creek area and graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1934. She married Adolph J. Kostohryz on January 28, 1935 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Black River Falls. The couple farmed in the Town of Irving, Jackson County, until 1971. They then continued to live in the Town of Irving for several more years. Adolph Kostohryz died on December 5, 1985. Phyllis was the first female school bus driver in the state of Wisconsin and drove school bus for the Melrose School District for 25 years. She was elected the Wisconsin Flying Farmer Queen in 1959. Phyllis was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Irving Owl Homemakers. She was a collector of owls. Survivors include 2 daughters, Mary (Jerry) McNulty and Janis (Jerry) Severson, both of Black River Falls; 4 sons, John, Donald (Madeleine), Leonard (Jill) and Robert (Donna) Kostohryz, all of Black River Falls; 12 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Keating, of Oak Lawn, IL. In addition to her husband, Adolph, Phyllis was preceded in death by a brother, John Kutchera Jr.; 2 sisters, Irene Johnson and Dorothy Baugh; a half-sister, Marcielt Svoboda; and a half brother, Glenn Kutchera. Memorial services were Tuesday, July 17, 2001 at 11 A.M. from the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. The Rev. Fr. Michael Braun officiated and burial was in the Irving Cemetery, Town of Irving, Jackson County, WI. Friends and relatives called at the Buswell Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10 A.M. until services. 

Richard Kostohryz 
(10/11/2001)

Richard A. “Rich” Kostohryz, 35, of rural Black River Falls, died unexpectedly on Thursday, October 11, 2001 in his home. Rich was born on February 20, 1966 in Baldwin to Leonard and Jill (Frantz) Kostohryz. The family lived in Hudson until 1972 when they moved to Black River Falls. Rich graduated from Black River Falls Senior High School. He married Julie Tomac and they were later divorced. He later married Cherie R. Finstad on June 19, 1993 in Black River Falls. Rich was employed by D & S Manufacturing of Black River Falls for 2 years, Ashley Furniture of Arcadia as an international sales representative for 7 years, and Dr. K’s Sports of Black River Falls for 4 years. He currently was employed by Kostohryz Construction. Rich belonged to several snowmobile and sportsmens clubs. He loved the outdoors, hunting, Nascar racing, and spending time with friends. Survivors include his wife, Cherie; a daughter, Krystal Kostohryz, of Black River Falls; his parents, Leonard and Jill Kostohryz, of Black River Falls; a sister, Gina (Reid) Kostohyrz, of Black River Falls; his maternal grandmother, LaVerne Frantz, of Black River Falls; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Carol Finstad, of Whitehall; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, Christine and Erik Halversen, Candace and John Enos, and Cory and Shannon Finstad; and 3 nieces, Morgan and Mara Ransom, and Miranda Halversen. Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth Frantz, and Adolph and Phyllis Kostohryz. Memorial services will be Monday, October 15, 2001 at 7 P.M. from the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Deacon Ed Schaper will officiate. Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home on Monday from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Memorials are preferred. 

Rita Marlane Kruse 
(7/13/01)
Rita Marlane Kruse (Carrimon), 49, of Black River Falls and formerly of La Crosse died Friday, July 13, 2001 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, surrounded by her family. Rita was born on Mary 13, 1952 in La Crosse to LaVern and Lorraine (Snowball) Carrimon. She was raised in La Crosse and graduated from Logan High School. She also attended Western Wisconsin Technical College. She has lived near Black River Falls for the past 5 years. Survivors include her three children, Jason (Jessica Ritter) Amerson, of La Crosse, Adam Kruse and Amber Kruse, both of Black River Falls; a grandson, Gabriel Amerson; her mother, Lorraine Carrimon, of Holmen; a sister, Jennifer Carrimon, of La Crosse; 5 brothers, James (Luanne) Carrimon, Perry Carrimon and Fabian Carrimon, all of Holmen, Colin (Bonnie) Carrimon, of Brice Prairie, and Al Carrimon, of La Crosse; 7 nieces and 3 nephews; She was preceded in death by her loving father, LaVern Carrimon; a son, Cameron Kruse; 3 infant nephews; and 2 grandchildren. Funeral services will be Monday, July 16, 2001 at 12 P.M. from the Rita Kruse residence at the Ho-Chunk Indian Mission, rural Black River Falls. Burial will be in the Ho-Cak United Church of Christ Cemetery, rural Black River Falls. Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Sunday from 7 to 9 P.M. and at the Rita Kruse residence on Monday from 9 A.M. until services. 

Ella McLain 
(7/21/01)
Ella M. McLain, 88, of Black River Falls, died Saturday, July 21, 2001 in Pine View Care Center, Black River Falls. The former Ella Mary Koranda was born on April 26, 1913 in the Town of Komensky, Jackson County, to Joseph and Mary (Padrta) Koranda. She moved to the Chicago area as a teenager. Ella married Harold R. McLain on August 30, 1944 in Riverside, IL. In addition to Riverside, Ella had also lived in Berwyn and Lyons, IL. She and Harold settled in Westmont, IL in 1947. They moved to Black River Falls in 1992 and lived at the Pine View Terrace for 3 years. Ella has been a resident of the Pine View Care Center since March 7, 1995. Harold McLain died on November 22, 1995. Ella was employed by Van’s Pharmacy of LaGrange, IL as a clerk/manager for 25 years. Ella and her late husband, Harold (“The Balloon Man”) were well known for the many creations that they made from balloons. Over the years, the couple entertained thousands of people, young and old, with their balloon tricks and creations. Ella also played the harmonica, the guitar, and the Hawaiian guitar. In addition, she was an accomplished artist who did oil paintings and sketches. Ella was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Black River Falls. Survivors include 3 brothers, George (Opal) Koranda, of Black River Falls. Albert Koranda, of Tomah, and Adolph (Charlotte) Koranda, of Merrillan; 2 sisters-in-law, Georgeanna Koranda, of Black River Falls, and Ella Mae Koranda, of Hatfield and Oak Park, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Harold, Ella was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Ann Hentschel and Mary Novotny; and 4 brothers, Joseph, James, Charles, and Jerry Koranda. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Black River Falls. The Rev. Fr. Michael Bruan will officiate. Burial will be in the Clarendon Hills Cemetery, Westmont, IL on Thursday, July 26, 2001. Casket bearers will be William, David, Michael, Dennis, Robert and Jon Koranda. ELLA McLAIN obit. (page 2) The Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, is serving the family. 

Norma Moe 
(9/5/2001)
Norma Moe, 88, of Black River Falls died Wednesday, September 5, 2001 in Black River Memorial Hospital. The former Norma A. Gunderson was born on July 7, 1913 in the Town of Albion, Jackson County to Michael and Hannah (Kampen) Gunderson. Norma was raised in the Disco area and was baptized and confirmed at the Trempealeau Valley First Lutheran Church. She married Eugene “Coon” Moe on February 6, 1937 in Blair. The couple lived in Black River Falls for most of their married lives. Eugene “Coon” Moe died on September 8, 1980. Norma was employed by GTE for 35 years. She began as switchboard operator and later was a GTE office manager. She was a member of the Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Sewing Circle and Keenagers of Evangelical Lutheran. She was also a member of the Sons of Norway and the Jackson County Bank Prime Time Club. Norma enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing, flower gardening, travelling with her family, and playing cards. Survivors include a daughter, Kari (Ralph) Tubbs, of Eau Claire; a granddaughter, Sarah (Jody) Paulsrud, of Eau Claire; a sister, Frances Hostrawser, of Shoreview, MN; and a sister-in-law, Beatrice Gunderson Brekke, of Black River Falls. In addition to her husband, Norma was preceded in death by 4 sisters, Mabel Persons, Agnes Hortum, Minnie Johnson, and Olive Kenney, and a brother, Osborne “Pat” Gunderson. Funeral services will be Monday, September 10, 2001 at 11 A.M. from the Evangelical Lutheran Church and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, both in Black River Falls. Friends and relatives may call at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Sunday from 5 to 7 P.M. and at the church on Monday from 10 A.M. until services. Memorials may be given to the Black River Memorial Hospital Lifeline or the Evangelical Lutheran Church Sewing Circle.

Eugene O'Brien 
(7/26/01)
Eugene “Gene” A. O’Brien, 92, of Black River Falls, died Thursday, July 26, 2001 in Pine View Care Center, Black River Falls. Gene was born on July 22, 1909 at Black River Falls to William and Clara (Larson) O’Brien. He was raised in rural Black River Falls and graduated from Black River Falls High School. He married the former Arleen Cameron on August 22, 1935in Rapid City, SD. The couple has lived in the Black River Falls area all of their married lives. From 1928 to 1934, Gene was employed as a bus driver. From 1934 to 1967, he was employed as the manager of the Consumer Direct Service Station of Black River Falls. In later years, he was employed as an oil delivery truck driver by the Home Oil Company of Black River Falls. From 1981 to 2000, he was employed part-time as an assistant/driver by the Buswell Funeral Home. Gene was a member of the Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was proud to have served on the Black River Falls School Board for many years. He had many hobbies including gardening, cooking, yard work, woodworking and carpentry, driving, and tinkering in his basement workshop and garage. He and his wife, Arleen, loved to travel and, following their retirement, made several trips to Las Vegas each year. The couple also made annual automobile trips to California and Arizona to visit relatives. Gene loved his family and friends dearly. He will long be remembered for his sharp wit and his delightful sense of humor. Survivors include his wife, Arleen; a daughter, Jean “Tookins” (Donald) Ripp, of Merrillan; 3 sons, Gary (Betty) O’Brien, of Brooklyn Center, MN, David (Jane) O’Brien, of Lawrenceville, GA, and Dr. Dennis (Diane) O’Brien, of Trempealeau; 9 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Douglas; a brother, Wayne; and 2 sisters, Beatrice Cikanek and Carmen Peterson. Funeral services will be Monday, July 30, 2001 at 11 A.M. from the Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Rev. Carl Glamm will officiate and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Gene’s 9 grandchildren: Darci Miller, Lisa Hildebrandt, Beth Feldstein, Kim Maffei, Wayne Ripp, David Ripp, Paul Ripp, Darrin O’Brien, and Kevin O’Brien. Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Sunday from 5 to 7 P.M. and at the church on Monday from 10 A.M. until services. Memorials may be given to the Eugene and Arleen O’Brien Scholarship Fund c/o UW – La Crosse Foundation. 

Charlotte Papes
(10/12/2001)
Charlotte K. Papes, 97, of Black River Falls, died Friday, October 12, 2001 in Pine View Care Center, Black River Falls. The former Charlotte Orton was born on November 30, 1903 in Hansboro, North Dakota. She was raised in Hansboro and later moved to Devils Lake, North Dakota. She also had lived in Duluth, Minnesota before moving to Spokane, Washington in 1948. She moved to Black River Falls in 1994 and has been a resident of Pine View Care Center since 1995. She had been employed as a waitress and by Northern Cold Storage and Duluth Burial Company, both of Duluth. For many years, Charlotte was employed as the office manager of the Pack River Sales Company, of Spokane, Washington. She was a member of the Episcopal Church, the Lilac Festival committee and several other civic organizations, all of Spokane. Survivors include a daughter, Lucille Hagenbrock, of Duluth, MN; 12 grandchildren, John (Jean) and Jeff (Barb) Hagenbrock, and Jean (Larry) Anderson, all of Black River Falls, James (Betty) Hagenbrock, of Minneapolis, Jerry (Jan) and Jorge (Eileen) Hagenbrock, JoAnne (Michael) Durand and Janet Davidson, all of Duluth, Judy (Ed) Nollett, of Escanaba, MI, Joel (Sue) Hagenbrock, of Spearfish, SD, Julie (Tony) Cossett, of Brainard, MN, and Joyce (John) Hanke, of Sun Prairie; 21 great grandchildren; and 8 great, great grandchildren. Funeral services will be Sunday, October 14, 2001 at 2 P.M. from the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. The Rev. Erik Zingelman will officiate. Friends and relatives may call at the Buswell Funeral Home on Sunday from 1 P.M. until services. The family prefers memorials to the Special Care Unit at Pine View Care Center. 

Elijah Peoples 
(10/2/2001)
Elijah Raymond Peoples, 1 month old infant son of Vincent and Nellie (McKee) Peoples, Lake Delton, died Tuesday morning, October 2, 2001 in the University of Wisconsin Children’s Hospital, Madison. Elijah was born on August 22, 2001 in St. Clare Hospital, Baraboo. Survivors include his parents, Vincent and Nellie (McKee) Peoples, of Lake Delton; a sister, Stevie Houghton, at home; a brother, Talon Powless, at home; grandmothers, Leona McKee, of Black River Falls, and Laura Weyaus, of Minneapolis; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Elijah was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Raymond McKee and Vincent Peoples, Sr. Funeral services will be Thursday, October 4, 2001 at 2 P.M. from the Ho-Chunk United Church of Christ, rural Black River Falls.. The Rev. David Bauman will officiate and burial will be in Decorah Cemetery, rural Black River Falls. Family and friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Wednesday from 6 to 8 P.M. 

Irene Rave 
(8/11/01)
Irene Rave, 77, of Black River Falls, died Saturday, August 11, 2001 in Rolling Hills Nursing Home, Sparta. Irene was born on January 24, 1924 at Winnebago, Nebraska to Peter and Grace (Decorah) Whitegull. She attended elementary school at Winnebago, NE and graduated from the Indian School at Flandreau, South Dakota as a seamstress. The family moved to Black River Falls in 1940. She was first employed as a cook at the Ho-Chungra School. From 1942 to 1945, she was employed at Badger Ordinance, Baraboo. From 1947 to 1950, she was employed at Fort McCoy. She had also been employed at the Jackson Home in the laundry and housekeeping departments, and at the Dadco Pizza Plant, both in Black River Falls. She also did housecleaning for various families in Jackson County. For 13 years, Irene was employed by Western Wisconsin Technical College as a teacher of Native American arts and crafts. In later years, she was a “foster grandparent” and taught the Ho-Chunk language at the Head Start Program at Sand Pillow Village until retiring at the age of 70. Irene married Henry P. Rave in 1952 in Onalaska. The couple lived in the Black River Falls area all of their married lives. Henry Rave died in 1984. Irene was a member of the Native American Church of North America. She and her late husband, Henry, were custodians of the Black River Falls Chapter of the Native American Church for 13 years. She also was a former member of the Andrew Blackhawk American Legion Post #129 Auxiliary Unit. Survivors include 4 daughters, Patricia (John) Whiteman, of Minneapolis, MN, Justine (Robert) Archer, of Tacoma, WA, and Gail Rave and Joyce (DeForest) Funmaker, both of Black River Falls; 2 sons, Theodore Rave, of Black River Falls, and Francis (Joy) Rave, Sr., of Madison; 26 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; a sister, Franceta (Gordon Sr.) Decorah, of Black River Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Henry P. Rave, Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Peter Whitegull and Grace Decorah Whitegull; 2 sisters, Rachel Claye Garcia and Agnes Whitegull; and a brother, Millard Whitegull. Native American Church services will be held at 2 P.M. on Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at the Irene Rave residence, 619 Greengrass Circle, Sand Pillow Village, rural Black River Falls. Wilferd Cleveland will officiate and burial will be in the Decorah Cemetery, rural Black River Falls. Honorary casket bearers will be Theodore Rave, Tim Decorah, Rex Whitegull, Lee Whitegull, Allan Whitegull, Steve Cleveland, Shannon Rave, and Andrew Rave. Casket bearers will be Josh Rave, Ramsey Funmaker, Francis Rave Jr., Jason Rave, Zachary Thundercloud, and Casey Whitegull. Continuous visitation and Native American Church prayer services will be held after 3 P.M. on Tuesday until 2 P.M. on Wednesday at the Irene Rave residence. The Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, is serving the family. 

Frank W Steponik
(8/7/01)
Frank W. Steponik, 82, of rural Black River Falls, died Tuesday evening, August 7, 2001 in the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Madison. Frank was born on May 2, 1919 in the Town of City Point to Joseph and Josephine (Smolen) Steponik. He was raised near Pray. Frank served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 at Ellsworth, WI. A World War II veteran, he entered the U.S. Army on June 16, 1942 and served until April 4, 1946. During that time, Frank served in Africa, Sicily, France and the United States. As a young man, he was employed as a trackman by the Green Bay and Western Railroad. Following his discharge from the Army, Frank was employed at the Tomah Veterans Administration Hospital for 4 years. He had also been employed by Marshfield Homes for 3 years, Rolla Homes for 3 years, and Stratford Homes for 2 years. Frank had also been employed on cranberry farms and as a pulpwood cutter. He married the former Esther V. Adams on May 14, 1952 in Medford, WI. The couple lived at Pray for many years and had also lived in Pittsville and Marshfield. They moved to rural Black River Falls in 1980. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He loved to hunt and fish. Survivors include his wife, Esther; a son, Frankie (Darvi) Steponik, of Black River Falls; a daughter, Katholeen (Robert) Mortenson, of Neillsville; 4 grandchildren, Brooke (William) Aldach and Frankie Steponik, Jr. both of Black River Falls, Justin Mortenson, of Neillsville, and Tina Mortenson, of Menomonie; 3 great grandchildren, Devin Aldach, and Derringer and Derrick Mortenson; a sister, Mary Michalak, of City Point; a brother, Peter Steponik, of Black River Falls; 2 sisters-in-law, Tina Steponik, of Wausau, and Valasta Steponik, of Pray; and numerous nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by a sister, Stella Ostrowski; and 3 brothers, John, Joseph and Stanley Steponik. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 9 A.M. from the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Deacon Ed Schaper officiated and burial, with military honors by Thompson-RedCloud VFW Post #1959 and Miles-Hagen American Legion Post #200, will be in the Spaulding Cemetery, Town of City of Point, Jackson County, WI. Friends and relatives may call at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Friday from 6 to 8 P.M. and on Saturday from 8 A.M. until services. 

Wayne Thompson
(9/9/2001)
Wayne M. Thompson, 52, of Black River Falls, died Sunday, September 9, 2001 in Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN. Wayne was born on April 9, 1949 in Neillsville to Herschel and Bertha (Climer) Thompson. He was raised at Dells Dam, Clark County, until 1959 when he moved to a foster home in Melrose operated by Thomas and Clara Bue. He graduated from Melrose-Mindoro High School in 1967. Wayne served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1971. During that time, he served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. Since his discharge from the Army, Wayne has lived at Black River Falls, St. Paul, and Minneapolis. He was employed as a general laborer by concrete masons and highway construction companies. Survivors include 2 brothers, Jeffrey (Debbie) Thompson, of Osceola, WI, and John Thompson, III, of Mauston; 2 sisters, Gloria Thompson, of Black River Falls, and Janet (Claude) Dittmer, of Eugene, OR. He was preceded in death by his paretns, Herschel and Bertha (Climer) Thompson. Funeral services will be Friday, September 14, 2001 at 10:30 A.M. at the Ho-Chunk United Church of Christ and burial, with military honors, will be in the Decorah Cemetery, both in rural Black River Falls. Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Thursday from 6 to 8 P.M. and at the church on Friday from 9:30 A.M. until services. 

Roy Vasquez
(10/10/2001)
Roy Vasquez, 75, of rural Black River Falls, died Wednesday evening, October 10, 2001 in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield. Roy was born on February 28, 1926 in Indiana Harbor, Indiana. He was orphaned at an early age and was raised in an orphanage in Canada. He later returned to the United States. Roy was a World War II U. S. Army Infantry veteran who served in Okinawa and Japan. He was a machine gunner and was also a Bronze Star Medal recipient for action in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. He was married to Mary Edith Wallace during the 1950’s and they were later divorced. Following his discharge from the Army, Roy became employed as a machinist (tool and die maker) at Bally Industries of Chicago for many years. He later moved to Wisconsin where he was employed as a machinist at the Nekoosa Foundry, Nekoosa. In the late 1970’s, Roy moved to California where he was employed in the space industry in Silicon Valley. Following his retirement, Roy moved to Vesper, WI and then rural Black River Falls. He was a member of the Andrew BlackHawk American Legion Post #129 of Black River Falls and the Disabled American Veterans Post #69, and a life member of the VFW Post #2534 of Wisconsin Rapids. Survivors include a daughter, Marilyn Vasquez, of Black River Falls; 3 sons, Hilton and Kevin Vasquez, both of Black River Falls, and Willie (Linda) Shegonee, of Tomah; several grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 2 P.M. from the Kevin Vasquez residence, N7694 Mitchell RedCloud Memorial Rd., Black River Falls. Ho-Chunk Chief Clayton Winneshiek will officiate and burial with military honors by the Andrew BlackHawk American Legion Post #129 will be in the Shegonee Cemetery, rural Pittsville. Friends and relatives may call at the Kevin Vasquez residence on Friday after 4 P.M. and on Saturday from 9 A.M. until time of services. The Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, is serving the family. 

Madge Woodruff 
(10/6/2001)
Madge Woodruff, 90, of McAllen, TX and formerly of Black River Falls and Hatfield died Saturday, October 6, 2001 in Edinburg Regional Hospital, McAllen. The former Magdalene V. “Madge” Frisch was born on February 17, 1911 in St. Paul, MN to Nicholas and Magdalena (Erndt) Frisch. The family later settled in Black River Falls. Madge married Raymond Carson of Black River Falls in 1937. The couple lived in Berwyn, IL where they owned and operated a combination grocery store/delicatessen and Greyhound Bus stop. The couple later divorced and Madge returned to Black River Falls where she became employed by Dr. Ben Shlimovitz, DVM. Madge later married Curtis R. “Woody” Woodruff on August 4, 1951 in Black River Falls. The couple first lived in Black River Falls before moving to Hatfield in 1968. In later years, they spent the winter months in McAllen, TX. Woody Woodruff died on May 15, 1981. Following Woody’s death, Madge became a permanent resident of McAllen. Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Carson, of McAllen, TX; 2 nephews, Donald (Roberta) Frisch, of North Freedom, WI and Jack (Rachel) Frisch, of Green Bay; and a niece, Sally (Gerald) Procter, of Green Bay. In addition to her husband, Madge was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Frisch. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 13, 2001 at 11 A.M. from the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. The Rev. Fr. Michael Braun will officiate and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls. Relatives and friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home on Saturday from 10 A.M. until services.


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