Miscellaneous La Crosse County, Wisconsin Obituaries

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Richard J. Van Riper
MINDORO, Wis. - Richard J. Van Riper, 70, of Mindoro, died Monday, Jan. 12, 1998 in V.A. Medical Center, Tomah. His body will be cremated. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday in South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Ettrick. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Smith Mortuary, Melrose.

Patrick `Pat' Berns
BANGOR, Wis. - Patrick ``Pat'' Berns, 50 years, of 1605 Henry Johns Blvd., Bangor, died Sunday , January 11, 1998 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. He was born August 8, 1947 in Blue Island, Illinois, to Christian and Marie (Corcoran) Berns. He married Sabina Domenas on August 28, 1966 in Ironwood, Michigan. Patrick spent 25 years in the trucking industry. He began with Briggs Transportation Company, and in 1984 he started a partnership trucking company with Bernie Baumgartner, which continued until 1991. He remained active in the industry until his death. Pat was a computer enthusiast, an avid Packer fan, and football card collector. He was a member of the Bangor Ducks Unlimited, and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family.
He was a terrific father and a wonderful husband. We will miss him.
He is survived by his wife, Sabina of Bangor; two sons, Jonathan (Virginia) Berns and their children, Mcaulli and Madison of Oklee, Minnesota, and James (Christine) Berns and their daughter, Ashlynd of Castro Valley, California; one daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Bentzen and their children, Joshua, Nicholas, Josh and Erica of De Soto, Wisconsin; four brothers, Tom (Wendy) Berns of Hinsdale, Illinois, Mike (Carol) Berns of Wadsworth, Illinois, Christopher (Wik-Wik) Berns of Neenah, Wis., and Terry Berns of Canada; and two sisters, Mary (Richard) Lewis of Delaware and Monica Booth of Santa Monica, California.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Martin.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 1998 at the Fossum Funeral Home in Bangor. Rev. Delbert Malin will officiate. Burial will be in the Oxbow Cemetery, rural Melrose. Friends may call at the Fossum Funeral Home in Bangor today from 5 to 8 p.m., and at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.

Ione B. Mahlum
Ione B. Mahlum, 80, of 2023 Charles Street, La Crosse, died Monday, January 12, 1998 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. She was born October 2, 1917 in La Crosse to Theodore and Alada (Gilbertson) Hendrickson. She married Manley Mahlum on October 25, 1941 in La Crosse. Together they have enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Ione was a faithful member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, was past president of the ALCW, and was very active within the church. She was very creative, with writing poems, knitting and crocheting. She enjoyed children and did babysitting for various families. She especially enjoyed being an Atlanta Braves' baseball fan.
We had a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and will miss all her warm hugs and kisses.
She is survived by her husband, Manley of La Crosse; two sons, Richard (Valerie) Mahlum of Coon Valley and Paul Mahlum of La Crosse; two daughters, Judy (Jim) Rohrer of La Crosse and Sandra (Greg) Miller of Holmen; one daughter-in-law, Mitzi Mahlum of La Crosse; 10 grandchildren, Keith (Sue) Mahlum, Kimberly (Corey) Scandin, Michael and Melissa Mahlum, Todd (Gerilyn) Rohrer, Heidi (Al) Schneider, Travis Rohrer, Chad (Lori) Miller, Jennifer Miller and Theresa Miller; five great-grandchildren, Carter Mahlum, Payton Scandin, and Evan, Joey and Nathaniel Miller; two brothers, Bud (Lois) Hendrickson of La Crosse and David (Linda) Hendrickson of La Crosse; one sister, Alice Mae Mahlum of La Crosse; one sister-in-law, Bernice Mahlum of La Crosse; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Percy Mahlum.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 1998 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Rev. Ted DeWald will officiate. Burial will be in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the Fossum Funeral Home in Onalaska on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.; and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church music department or the Boys and Girls Club of La Crosse.

Nelsetta M. Bay
WAUZEKA, Wis. - Nelsetta M. Bay, 74, of Wauzeka, died Monday, Jan. 12, 1998 in St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, Madison. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Wauzeka. Burial will be in Wauzeka Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Beeman-Patchak Funeral Home, Wauzeka, where there will be a 7:30 p.m. rosary.

Helen Margaret Ness
SPRING GROVE, Minn. - Helen Margaret Ness, 78, of Spring Grove, died Monday, Jan. 12, 1998 in Tweeten Lutheran Health Care Center, Spring Grove. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Trinity Lutheran Church, Spring Grove. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Roble Funeral Home, Spring Grove; and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Ronald L. Christopherson
FREDERIC, Wis. - Ronald L. Christopherson, 58, of Frederic, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 1998 at the St. Croix Valley Memorial Hospital. He was born January 16, 1939 in Galesville, Wisconsin, to Carlton and Alice (Severson) Christopherson. Ronald married Janice Olson on August 27, 1966 in Westby, Wisconsin. To the union four children were born.
Ronald was a member of the Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic and served on the church council. He was the plant manager of Friday Canning Company in New Richmond, Wisconsin.
He is survived by his wife, Janice of Frederic; children Dawn Madsen and her husband Brian of River Falls, Wisconsin, Dean Christopherson and his wife Shelly of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Donna Christopherson of Altoona, Wisconsin, and Dennis Christopherson of St. Anthony, Minnesota; his mother, Alice Christopherson of Galesville, Wisconsin; and brothers, Llewellyn Christopherson and his wife Betty of Melrose, and Carland Christopherson and his wife Sharon of Holmen. He is preceded in death by his father, Carlton.
Funeral service will be today, January 14, 1998 at 1 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic. Rev. Mike Soppeland will officiate the service. Full military rites will be held at the church following the service. Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date. The Rowe Funeral Home, Frederic, Wisconsin, assisted the family with services.

Patricia Hass Owen
Patricia Hass Owen, 64, of Columbia, S.C., and formerly of La Crosse, died in Columbia on Thursday, January 8, 1998. She was born in La Crosse to John and Dorothy (Reardon) Hass.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph A. Owen of Columbia; two sons, Michael P. Owen of Irmo and Joseph S. Owen of Milwaukee; one brother, James Hass of Ettrick; two sisters, Ruth Kroeger of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, and Elizabeth Quidleg of Marina, Iowa; and five grandchildren, Eddie, Heather, Crystal, Chris and Hart. She is preceded in death by her and one son, George E. Owen.
A funeral Mass was held Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Columbia. Graveside services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. The Rev. Lawrence B. Berger will officiate. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or to St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. The Woodruff Funeral Home is in charge of La Crosse arrangements for the family.

James Percival Normann
WAUKON, Iowa - James P. Normann, 73, of Waukon, died Sunday, Jan. 11, 1998 in Veterans Memorial Hospital, Waukon, following a brief illness. Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Thursday in the Martin Funeral Home, Waukon. Burial of ashes will be at a later date. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Joseph E. Jelinek
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. - Joseph E. Jelinek, 82, of Prairie du Chien, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1998 in Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in St. John's Catholic Church and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Friday at the Garrity Funeral Home, Prairie du Chien, where there will be a 4:15 p.m. rosary and an 8 p.m. wake scripture.

Helen A. Homuth
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN/RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. - Helen A. Homuth, 89, of Richland Center and formerly of Prairie du Chien, died Monday, Jan. 12, 1998 in Pine Valley Health Care Center, Richland Center. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in St. John's Catholic Church and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at the church. The Garrity Funeral Home, Prairie du Chien, is assisting with arrangements.

Genevieve A. Wethe
Genevieve A. Wethe, age 85, of La Crosse, died in the Bethany-Riverside Nursing Home on Sunday, December 14, 1997. She was born in La Crosse on June 11, 1912 to Frederick and Meta (Merman) Miller. She had married C. Burton Wethe and he preceded her in death in 1955. She was an executive with the Riverland Girl Scout Council from 1949 to 1976. She was a past Sunday school superintendent, retired teacher, a member of the Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary, Zonta, Shrine Auxiliary. She was a member of the Asbury Methodist Church.
She is survived by a son, Burton of Brookfield, Wis.; a grandson, Troy; a sister, Betty Cloves of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and a niece, Betsy (Michael) Slagle of Fort Wayne.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 17 at 11 a.m. at the Asbury United Methodist Church. The Reverend Dr. Larry Moody will officiate. The Sletten McKee Hanson Funeral Home, La Crosse, is assisting with arrangements.

Robert E. Schlaver
Robert E. Schlaver, 65, of 1909 Bainbridge Street, died at Bethany St. Joseph Health Care Center Tuesday, January 13, 1998. He was born September 6, 1932 at Rockland, Wis., to William and Clara (Ziegler) Schlaver. He married Vonnabelle Arentz on August 30, 1956 at Bangor.
He served with the U.S. Navy and was a member of French Island American Legion Post #336.
He had been employed by Gateway Foods for 26 years prior to his retirement.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Cynthia (John) Salek of La Crosse and Dawn Hauser and her special friend, Andy Pahl of La Crosse; by a sister, Lucille Cook of La Crosse; and a brother, Carrol (Donna) Schlaver of Sparta. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gerald; and a brother, Edwin.
``He enjoyed working on his yard and in the garden and spending time with `Bob's Brittany'.''
Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 809 Gillette Street. The Reverend Marcin Mankowski of St. James Catholic Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Burns Cemetery, Bangor. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. until the service. A scripture service will be held on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gordon J. Smith Sr.
Gordon J. Smith Sr., 85, died on Monday, January 12, 1998 at the Bethany-Riverside Care Center. He was born February 29, 1912 in Alma, Michigan, to Thomas and Edna Smith. He married Gladys (Lee) Young on June 5, 1935 in La Crosse Wisconsin. They were married for 61 years before she preceded him in death on August 5, 1996.
Gordon graduated from Alma College in Alma, Michigan, in 1932. He worked for the State of Wisconsin until 1942. He was then employed by the CB & Q Railroad until 1945, when he went into partnership with his brother-in-law, Louis Athnos, in the Harmony Cafe in La Crosse until 1948. In 1949 he purchased the Coffee Cup in Bangor and operated it until 1951. He then returned to Michigan and worked for the Dow Chemical Company from 1951 until his retirement in 1974. Mr. and Mrs. Smith returned to La Crosse in 1977.
He is survived by two sons, Gordon J. (Bobbi) Smith Jr. of Marshall, Michigan, and Roger W. (Phillis) Young of La Crosse; a daughter, Patricia (Richard) Peterson of Houghton Lake, Michigan; two sisters, Winifred Curtis of Alma, Michigan, and Gertrude Lokey of Lansing, Michigan; one brother, Todd Smith of Detroit, Michigan; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Edna Athnos of La Crosse.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.
Funeral services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 1425 Jackson Street, La Crosse. The Reverend Doctor Larry Moody will officiate and burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the service.

Theodore `Ted' Johnson
HIXTON, Wis. - Theodore ``Ted'' Johnson, 79, of Hixton, died on Monday, January 12, 1998 at Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls. He was born on January 13, 1918 in INdependence, Wisconsin, to parents Peter and Lena (Kove) Johnson. He graduated from Whitehall High School in 1937 as class valedictorian. He married Mae Lien on December 31, 1941 in Aberdeen, Maryland, and served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. Following the war, he and his wife operated the Hixton Cafe for several years. He worked for 40 years as the manager of Seguin Lumber Company in Hixton, where he also drafted plans for many area homes and barns. He worked as a bookkeeper for Sampson Heating and Air Conditioning in Hixton for 10 years, and he served as the Hixton village clerk for 10 years. He was a member of the Hixton-Taylor American Legion Post 368 for 52 years, serving twice as commander. He was a past member of the Hixton Volunteer Fire Department and also belonged to the Masonic Lodge #74 of Black River Falls.
He is survived by his wife, Mae, of Hixton; by one son, Todd (Carrie) Johnson of West Des Moines, Iowa; five daughters, Nancy (Daryl) Skaar of Hudson, Karen (David) Von Guten of Prior Lake, Minn., Betty (Michael) Frederick of New Richmond, Donna (William) Beranek of ONalaska, and Ellen (Rodney) Gearing of Merrillan; one brother, Leonard Johnson of Black River Falls; one sister, Norma (Bennett) Anderson of Whitehall; 12 grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one brother, Bennie.
Funeral services for Theodore ``Ted'' Johnson will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 1998 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Hixton. Rev. C. Dale Harrison will officiate. Burial with military rites will take place in Trinity Rest Cemetery, Hixton. Friends may call at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, today from 5 to 8 p.m., with a Masonic service at 7:45 p.m.; and at the church on Thursday from noon until the time of services.

John Spagl
John Spagl, 93, of La Crosse, died at his home on Tuesday, January 13, 1998.
He was born November 24, 1904, in Germany. Prior to his retirement he had been employed by the La Crosse Rubber Mills.
He is survived by two sons, James (Nancy) Spagl of Menomonee Falls, Wis., and Richard of Minneapolis; and by five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two wives; a daughter, Barbara; and by twelve brothers and sisters.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the Marian Chapel of St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral. The Reverend Anthony Wolf will officiate. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery.
Friends may call at the church on Friday from 12:45 p.m. until the service.
The Dickinson Family Funeral Home, Jackson Street Chapel, is assisting with the arrangements.

John H. Buschmann
John H. Buschmann, age 85, of La Crosse, died Tuesday, January 13, 1998, at his home.
He was born March 15, 1912, in La Crosse to John and Amelia (Greener) Buschmann and graduated from Central High School in 1930. On September 29, 1936, he married Charlotte A. Gallagher in La Crosse. John worked as a salesman for the Jewel Tea Co. and also as a routeman for Dolly Madison Dairy. He retired in 1965 as a salesman for Frank Wholesale Liquor. He also served as Vice-President of Charlotte's Bridal Shop from 1948 until 1995.
John was an avid gardener and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 839, La Crosse; Moose Lodge #1920 and the Elks Club. He was also a member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman Parish since 1965 and served as an usher for 30 years.
John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Charlotte of La Crosse; a daughter, Mary Ann (Thomas) Opsahl of Elgin, Ill.; a son, John M. (Janet) Buschmann of Littleton, Colo.; 15 grandchildren, Kristin (David) Lushinsky, Derek (Amy) Buschmann, Joshua Buschmann, John Buschmann, Joel Buschmann, Jeremy Buschmann, Jamie Marie Buschmann, Lisa Boyle, Michael (Tricia) Walchak, Kathleen (Lonnie) Fluck, Anthony Walchak, Amy (Matt) Mader, Michelle (Brent) Romano, Todd (Linda) Opsahl and Mark Opsahl; 10 great-grandchildren, Stephen Boyle, Patrick Boyle, Maxwell Fluck, Samantha Fluck, Amanda Walchak, Rebecca Walchak, Justin Opsahl, Taylor Opsahl, Colton Romano and Jenna Romano; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Buschmann of La Crosse; a brother, Victor Buschmann of La Crosse; a sister, Mildred Kubiak of Eau Claire; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Michael; three sisters and a brother.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 17, 1998, at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, Marian Chapel, with the Rev. Robert J. Cook officiating. Entombment will follow in the St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum, Catholic Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. and again from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. A wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be sent to the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, 530 Main Street, La Crosse, Wis., 54601.

Cynthia Erickson Sahr Quinn
TOMAH, Wis. - Cynthia Erickson Sahr Quinn, 65, of Tomah, died Jan. 13, 1998, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Tomah. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, Tomah, on Friday from 4 until 7 p.m.; and at the church on Saturday from noon until the time of the service.

Freda M. Bowen
ALTOONA, Wis. - Freda M. Bowen, 85, of Altoona, Milwaukee and formerly of rural Hixton, died on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1998, at Oakwood Villa Nursing Home, Altoona.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, with burial in Sechlerville Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home today from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday one hour prior to services.

Martha Allen
TOMAH, Wis. - Martha Allen, age 76, of Tomah, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998, at Tomah Memorial Hospital.
She was born August 6, 1921, in the Town of Sylvan, Richland County, Wis., to Frank and Lela (Herrick) Marshall. She was united in marriage to Russell Blaine Allen.
Martha was a Sunday School teacher at the old Faith Bible Church, and later was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Tomah. She and Russell owned and operated the Allen's Home Grocery Store on North and Glendale in Tomah, from 1959 until 1965 and was later employed in the laundry department of the Tomah VA Medical Center.
Martha is survived by two sons, Roger (Jody) of Tomah and Keith (Roberta) of Wyeville; one daughter, Mary (Douglas) Shoults of Onalaska; two foster sons, Ronnie (Leona) Melvin of Holmen and Robert Crawford of Denver, Colo.; two sisters, Helen Johnson of Madison and Edith Doucette of Richland Center; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; her parents; and one sister, Ruth Beise.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 1998, at 11 a.m. at the White Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Larry Harshman will officiate.
Burial will follow at the Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Tomah.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the White Funeral Home.

Neva I. Gautsch
Neva I. Gautsch, 83, of La Crosse, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1998, at the Franciscan Skemp Nursing Home.
She was born in Plainview, Minn., on Sept. 1, 1914, to Merl and Irene May (Wilmot) Palmer.
She is survived by one daughter, Caroline Lappin of Minneapolis; one sister, Juanita Houser of Reno; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Louis; and one son, William.
Private family services will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorials can be sent to the Stokke Tower Tenants Association or the Woodruff Funeral Home.
The Woodruff Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Paul Hium
VIROQUA, Wis. - Paul Hium, age 68, died on Tuesday evening, January 13, 1998, at the Vernon Manor Nursing Home where he had been a resident since April 1997.
He was born in Wisconsin on May 9, 1929, and adopted by John and Edith (Christopherson) Hium. On October 21, 1967, he married Suzanne ``Suzie'' Springer in Viroqua. They lived in Viroqua and he worked as a farm hand at the Vernon County farm. Suzie died on October 10, 1997.
He is survived by one son, Raymond Hium of Viroqua; four sisters-in-law, Diane (Thomas) Elsen of Coon Valley, Carol (Harvey ``Lee'') Cade and Linda (Marvin) Elsen, both of Stoddard, Mary (Doug) Domnie of La Crosse; four brothers-in-law, Larry Springer of Stoughton, Raymond (Cindy) Springer of Beloit, Steven (Julie) Springer of Stoddard and Daniel (Janice) Springer of La Crosse. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Martha Harris. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Viroqua.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 1998, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Viroqua with Father James Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Viroqua Cemetery.
Friends may call on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Thorson Funeral Home and on Friday after 10 a.m. at the church.

Ivan Silbaugh, Jr.
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Ivan Silbaugh, Jr., 68, of Black River Falls, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998, in Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
Funeral services will be Monday at 2 p.m. from the Black River Falls United Methodist Church and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and at the church on Monday from 1 p.m. until services. There will be a Masonic service at 8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.

Ione B. Mahlum
Ione B. Mahlum, 80, of 2023 Charles Street, La Crosse, died Monday, January 12, 1998 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. She was born October 2, 1917 in La Crosse to Theodore and Alada (Gilbertson) Hendrickson. She married Manley Mahlum on October 25, 1941 in La Crosse. Together they have enjoyed 56 years of marriage. Ione was a faithful member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, was past president of the ALCW, and was very active within the church. She was very creative, with writing poems, knitting and crocheting. She enjoyed children and did babysitting for various families. She especially enjoyed being an Atlanta Braves' baseball fan.
We had a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and will miss all her warm hugs and kisses.
She is survived by her husband, Manley of La Crosse; two sons, Richard (Valerie) Mahlum of Coon Valley and Paul Mahlum of La Crosse; two daughters, Judy (Jim) Rohrer of La Crosse and Sandra (Greg) Miller of Holmen; one daughter-in-law, Mitzi Mahlum of La Crosse; 10 grandchildren, Keith (Sue) Mahlum, Kimberly (Corey) Scandin, Michael and Melissa Mahlum, Todd (Gerilyn) Rohrer, Heidi (Al) Schneider, Travis Rohrer, Chad (Lori) Miller, Jennifer Miller and Theresa Miller; five great-grandchildren, Carter Mahlum, Peyton Scandin, and Evan, Joey and Nathaniel Miller; two brothers, Bud (Lois) Hendrickson of La Crosse and David (Linda) Hendrickson of La Crosse; one sister, Alice Mae Mahlum of La Crosse; one sister-in-law, Bernice Mahlum of La Crosse; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brother-in-laws, Percy and Floyd Mahlum.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 1998 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Rev. Ted DeWald will officiate. Burial will be in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the Fossum Funeral Home in Onalaska on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.; and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church music department or the Boys and Girls Club of La Crosse.

Dora Olson
WEST SALEM, Wis. - Dora Olson, 104, of West Salem, died Thursday, January 15, 1998 at Mulder Health Care Facility, West Salem.
She was born October 15, 1893, in Mauston, Wis. to William and Anasatia (Finn) Bockhouse. On June 18, 1918, she married John Olson in Elroy, Wis. and he preceded her in death in 1957. Dora was an elementary school teacher in the rural Elroy and Mauston areas. She had been a resident of Mulder Health Care Facility since 1987.
Survivors include many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Locally she is survived by a niece, Estella Bryhn of West Salem; and two great-nieces, Beverly Mades of Holmen and Beatrice (Randolph) Opland of Mindoro. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by nine sisters and brothers.
A memorial service will be Saturday, January 17, at 1 p.m. from the Mulder Health Care Facility Chapel, 713 N. Leonard St., West Salem. Pastor Mark Jolivette of Mindoro Lutheran Church will officiate. A private family burial will be held at a later date in the Plymouth Lutheran Cemetery, Elroy, Wis. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be given to the chapel of Mulder Health Care Facility in memory of Dora Olson. Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements.

Harold J. Strangstalien
LA CROSSE/WESTBY, Wis. - Harold J. Strangstalien, age 72 of La Crosse, died Wednesday evening, January 14, 1998 at his home.
He was born on August 9, 1925 in the town of Coon, Vernon Co., Wis. to Joel and Christine (Bergum) Strangstalien. On January 21, 1950 he was united in marriage to Joan Hanson. They farmed on Lovaas Ridge until 1974. Joan died on June 21, 1978. In 1983 he married Ardys Tovsen, she died on September 3, 1985. Harold had served in the U.S. Army and was a member of Syverson-Funk American Legion Post #155. He was also a member of Vang Lutheran Church, the Moose Club in La Crosse, and the Concordia Aid Society. He worked in the maintenance department at St. Joseph's Nursing Home in La Crosse from 1986 to 1996.
He is survived by his two sons, Terry and Ricky (Kathy) Strangstalien, both of Westby; three grandchildren, Kylie, Katie and Kirby, all of Westby; two sisters, Gwendolyn Erickson and Verna (Burton) Iverson, both of La Crosse; two brothers, Arnold (Mary) of Westby and Carlyle (Marilyn) of Milwaukee; one aunt, Peggy Zsido of Milwaukee; and a special friend, Doris Peterson of La Crescent, Minn.
In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his father, Joel on June 17, 1975 and his mother, Christine on July 18, 1997; and his brother-in-law, Myron Erickson.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 1998 at 1 p.m. from Vang Lutheran Church, rural Westby. Pastors Paul Jordahl and Steven Meyer will officiate with burial in the Vang Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy. 14 in Westby, and on Saturday after 12 p.m. at the church.

John O. Lund
VIROQUA, Wis. - John O. Lund, age 80, of 703 Independence in Viroqua, died suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, January 14, 1998 at Vernon Memorial Hospital of an apparent heart attack.
He was born on December 11, 1917 in the Town of Coon, Vernon County to Tom and Inga (Nesset) Lund. In April, 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served 30 years, retiring in July, 1971 as a Master Sergeant. During World War II he served in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. During his career he also served in the Philippines, Korea and Vietnam. On May 20, 1952 he married Rosa Heichel in Germany. Following his military retirement they moved to Viroqua in August, 1971 where he was employed by the City of Viroqua for 10 years. He was an active member of the VFW and American Legion Color Guard and Firing Squad. He was a Life Member of Running-Johnson-Ray VFW Post No. 3032, member of Jacobson-Olson American Legion Post No. 138, 107th Engineers Association, 793rd Military Police Battalion Association, and the Westby Rod and Gun Club.
He is survived by his wife, Rosa; one daughter, Irene (Gary) Levendoski of Houston, Texas; one son, Robert ``Bob'' (Kathy) Lund of Denver, Colo.; three grandchildren, Ann Levendoski of Washington, D.C., and Elise and Katrine Lund of Denver. He is also survived by two sisters, Edna Anderson and Dorothy Hoveland, both of Viroqua; one sister-in-law, Elaine Lund of Westby; brother-in-law, Walter (Catherine) Schlicht, of Viroqua; mother-in-law, Luise Heichel of Germany; one brother-in-law, Willie (Annemie) Heichel of Germany; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Knut and Tilford ``Tip'' Lund, one sister, Esther Schlict, one brother-in-law, Stanley Anderson, and his father-in-law, Valenin Heichel.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 1998 in the Thorson Funeral Home in Viroqua with Rev. Dr. Steven Fossum officiating. Burial with military rites will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 1998 at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Friends may call on Saturday, January 17 at the funeral home after 9 a.m.

Philip H. Elsheimer
CROOKED CREEK, Minn. - Philip H. Elsheimer, 92, formerly of Crooked Creek Twp., Houston County, Minn., died Thursday, Jan. 15, 1998 at the Medicalodge, Coffeyville, Kan. A private family service will be held in Coffeyville, Kan. A local funeral service will be held at a later date at the Peace United Church of Christ, Crooked Creek Twp., Minn. The Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home, Caledonia, is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Vanourek
TOMAH, Wis. - Dorothy Vanourek, age 75, of Tomah, died Friday, Jan. 14, 1998 at Tomah Memorial Hospital.
She was born Feb. 6, 1922 to Joseph and Mary (Hofrichter) Pisha in the town of Forest. She was united in marriage to Richard Vanourek on Sept. 12, 1944 at St. John's Catholic Church in Dilly, Wis.
Dorothy taught school at the Maple Grove and McKensie Schools in Vernon County and at the Peterson School in Richland County. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the St. Catherine's Guild. Dorothy and Richard lived in Yuba, Wis. until 1975. They moved to a farm in the town of Forest and later lived in Wilton and Tomah.
She is survived by her husband, Richard; one brother, Raymond (Lillian) Pisha of Kendall; one sister, Margaret (Thomas) McDonald of Ontario; nine nieces and nephews, Mary, Cedric and Monica McDonald, Kevin and Vince Pisha, Nancy and Judy Mead and Cindy and Jack Beaty.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Frank, George and Joseph Pisha; one nephew, Michael McDonald.
Memorial services will be held Monday, Jan. 19, 1998 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tomah. A private family burial will be held at a later date. The White Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bev Wetley
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Bev Wetley, 72, of Colorado Springs, Colo., died December 23, 1998 at her home.
She was born August 31, 1925 in La Crosse, Wis. to Homer Sr. and Thelma (Christiansen) Worman. On May 1, 1946 she married John H. Wetley. Bev was a retired government document handler at Colorado Springs.
Survivors include her husband; a son, Bruce J. and a daughter, Deborah L. Martin, all of Colorado Springs; three brothers, Homer Worman of Caledonia, Minn., Richard Worman of Warminster, Penn., and Roger Worman of Lincoln, Neb.; and two grandchildren. Bev was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial services were held January 3, 1998 at Shrine of Remembrance ``America the Beautiful'' Chapel of Roses. Private inurnment at Shrine of Remembrance Chapel Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, 3630 Sinton Road, Suite 302, Colorado Springs, Colo., 80907.

Bernard F. Crowley
BOSCOBEL, Wis. - Bernard F. Crowley, 73, of Steuben, Wis., died Thursday, Jan. 13, 1998 in Sauk County as a result of an automobile accident. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Boscobel. Burial will be in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Seneca, Wis. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Thoni-Kendall Funeral Home, Boscobel, with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m. Graveside military services will be conducted by the Steuben American Legion.

Rose Mary Koranda
TOMAH, Wis. - Rose Mary Koranda, 69, of Tomah, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 1998 at the Rochester Methodist Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Tomah. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday evening at the Ninneman-Steele Funeral Home, Tomah; and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.

Ivan Silbaugh, Jr.
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Ivan Silbaugh, Jr., age 68, of 916 Monroe St., Black River Falls, died Wednesday, January 14, 1998 in Gundersen La Crosse Lutheran Medical Center.
Ivan was born on November 23, 1929 in Viroqua to Ivan Sr. and Mabel (Lewison) Silbaugh. He was raised at Viroqua and graduated from Viroqua High School. He later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and also received his masters degree from Winona State University.
He married the former Nila Jo Ping on February 9, 1951 in La Crosse. The couple first lived in Milwaukee where Ivan was employed in industry. In 1955, the couple moved to Black River Falls where Ivan became employed as an American History teacher and coach at Black River Falls High School. In addition to teaching, Ivan was an assistant baseball coach and girls softball coach. For many years, he also served as the announcer at all Black River Falls School football and basketball games, tennis and wrestling matches. He retired in 1990.
Ivan was a member of the Black River Falls United Methodist Church, Fossen Lodge #534 Sons of Norway, and the Retired Teachers Association. He also was a member and past member of the Black River Lodge #74, F. & A.M.
Survivors include his wife, Nila Jo of Black River Falls; a daughter, Susan (Gary) Corbisier of La Crosse; a son, David Ivan Silbaugh of Milwaukee; five grandchildren; his twin sister, Ivonne (Robert) Schlintz of Greendale, Wis.; and a brother, Arnold (Mary) Silbaugh of Crystal Falls, Minn.
Funeral services for Ivan Silbaugh, Jr. will be Monday, January 19, 1998 at 2 p.m. from the Black River Falls United Methodist Church. The Rev. Charles Strong will officiate and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 1 p.m. until services. There will be a Masonic service at 8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.

Jay Dull
SOLDIERS GROVE, Wis. - Jay Dull, 103, of Soldiers Grove, Wis., passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Sannes Skogdalen Nursing Home in Soldiers Grove.
He was born on July 20, 1894 at North Clayton, Wis. to Edward and Rosetta (Conkle) Dull. He married Pearl Martin on Jan. 1, 1914. She passed away on March 23, 1972. He married Clara DeLap on Dec. 3, 1972. She passed away on Sept. 30, 1982.
He farmed for many years in the Town of Clayton, Crawford Co., Wis. He was on the Clayton Township Board for 14 years. He was the caretaker of the North Clayton Cemetery for 25 years. For many years he was the janitor of the North Clayton Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wives; one daughter, Mearl Gander (Jan. 24, 1990); one son, Harland Dull (Aug. 6, 1995).
He is survived by two sons, Gordon (Irene) Dull of Soldiers Grove, and Curtis (Vivian) Dull of Machesney Park, Ill.; one daughter, Alma (Bueford) Davenport of Machesney Park, Ill.; two stepsons, Laurence (Joanne) Crumrine of Machesney Park, Ill., and Robert (Burnelle) Crumrine of Readstown; one daughter-in-law, Charlene Dull of Machesney Park, Ill.; 21 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. at the North Clayton United Methodist Church at North Clayton. Pastor Hubert Groves will officiate and burial will be in the North Clayton Cemetery. Friends may call at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and at the church on Sunday from 1 p.m. until time of services.

Joan Mary Skamser
ONALASKA, Wis. - Joan Mary Skamser, 61, of Onalaska, Wis., died on Thursday, January 15, 1998.
She was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on November 22, 1936 to Albert and Olive (Schlotzer) Hauck. Her father Al was a dairy farmer. There were two children in their family, an older boy and her. Upon graduating from high school in Hamburg, N.Y., she began working as a secretary for the F.B.I. in Buffalo, and then as secretary for an attorney as a partner in an insurance agency. Frequently she sang solos in the Buffalo area. On August 19, 1962 she was joined in marriage to the Rev. Lionel Skamser, the first resident pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in North Boston, N.Y. It was while they were in New York they had their first child, Philip.
Joan left her hometown to go with her husband to Houghton Lake, Mich., where he served as pastor at St. John Lutheran Church. At Greylind, Mich., two daughters, Rachel and Mary, were added to their family. While she and her husband served Faith Lutheran Church in Bay City, Mich., their daughter Faith was born. They also served congregations in Storm Lake, Iowa, Riverside, Calif., and since 1992, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Onalaska. Wherever they were, Joan served her Church by singing duets with her husband, singing in the choir, acting as secretary or treasurer to various organizations, serving as an evangelism caller, and most recently, by serving on the Human Care Board. She frequently worked part time as a secretary and bookkeeper, most recently at Trees Today of La Crosse. In addition to music, her favorite hobbies with hiking with her husband and reading.
After an extended illness she departed this life at the church parsonage in Onalaska.
In addition to her husband, Lionel, she is survived by her son, Philip, a teacher and coach at Storm Lake, Iowa; three daughters, Rachel (Steve) Hackmann, and their two children, Nathan and Stacia of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mary (Rev. Kurt) Larson, their son Douglas, of Amherst, Neb., and Faith Skamser, and her daughter, Emily of Holmen, Wis.; one brother, Cliff (Marilyn) of Buffalo, N.Y.; her mother of Onalaska; one brother-in-law, Ronald (Kathy) Skamser of Eau Claire, Wis. She was preceded in death by her father.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 19, at 10:30 a.m. from Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church of Onalaska. The Rev. Kurt Larson and assistant Minister Steve Hackmann will officiate. Burial will be in the Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of Onalaska on Sunday, from 5 to 8 p.m. and again at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.


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