Milton P. Arndt, Jr., 63
Milton P. Arndt, Jr., 63, of Ladysmith, died Sunday, March 1, 1998,
at Rusk County Hospital in Ladysmith.
He was born May 10, 1934, in Milwaukee, to Milton and Marion Arndt.
He married Darlene Lorraine Johnson of River Falls on June 13, 1959.
Survivors include his wife, Darlene; three sons: Thomas and Lina Arndt
of Goodhue, Minn., Robert and Carmen Arndt of Burlington, Wash., and Tyson
Arndt of LaMore, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and two brothers: Richard
of Hastings, Minn., and Kenneth of Ashland.
Mass of Christian Burial was March 5 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic
Church in Ladysmith.
Gilbert A. Derman, 82
Gilbert A. Derman, 82, of River Falls, died Sunday, June 21, 1998 at
the Kinnic Long Term Care facility.
He was born in Anamoose, N.D., on Dec. 11, 1915, the son of Thomas
and Carrie Derman. He was a veteran of World War II serving for over 4
years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #121, the River Falls
Masonic Lodge and the River Falls United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Marian; and his son, Bob, of River Falls;
a brother, Mr. and Mrs. Milton Derman; and two sisters: Mr. and Mrs. Vernon
Deans and Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Dockter.
Funeral was Tuesday, June 23, at the River Falls United Methodist Church
with the Rev. Donald Stannard officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
Cashman Mortuary provided arrangements.
Lawrence W. Scott, 74
Lawrence W. Scott, 74, of River Falls, died Monday, June 15, 1998 at
the River Falls Area Hospital following a brief illness.
He taught chemistry at UW-River Falls from 1961 until his retirement
in 1988. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Kansas State University,
Manhattan, Kan., in analytical chemistry and a Ph.D. in food science from
the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1970.
He was a member of the American Chemical Society, the American Association
for the Advancement of Science, the Institute of Food Technologists, the
Association of University of Wisconsin Professionals and the Unitarian
Universalist Society.
He was co-author of "Chemistry for Changing Times," a laboratory manual
used for teaching chemistry to non-science majors.
Prior to teaching at UW-RF, he worked as an asphalt chemist for the
Kansas Highway Department. From 1954-61 he was an analytical chemist for
the Utah and Idaho Sugar Company in Salt Lake City.
He served in the U.S. Army counter-intelligence corps and medical corps
during and after World War II.
He met Elizabeth C. Bailey in Japan while serving in the Army and married
her in Japan on March 11, 1949.
During his retirement years, he served as a volunteer tax preparer
for the American Association of Retired Persons, a driver for the local
Meals on Wheels program and as a host at the Willow River State Park Nature
Center.
He was a lover of Newfoundland dogs and was a founder and an active
member for many years of the Northstar Newfoundland Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth C. (Beth) Scott; and
his parents: Joseph and Lois Scott of Manhattan, Kan.
He is survived by his sister, Mary Scott of Stockton, Calif.; three
children: Rosemary and Thomas Tyson of Richmond, Va., Jeffery and Barbara
Scott of River Falls, and Jon Scott of Santa Barbara, Calif.; and two grandchildren:
Andrew and Rebecca Scott, both of River Falls.
A memorial service will be held Monday, June 29, at 7 p.m., at the
Unitarian Universalist Society, N8236 945th St., River Falls. Memorial
contributions may be made to the River Falls Public Library Foundation.
Troy L. Huppert, 27
Troy L. Huppert, 27, of River Falls, died Sunday, June 21, 1998.
He was born in River Falls on Aug. 25, 1970, the son of Tom and Yvonne
(Goulette) Huppert. He graduated from River Falls High School and then
attended a technical college.
He was employed by Tapemark Corp. as a machine specialist.
He is survived by his parents, Tom and Yvonne Huppert; a brother, Randy
Huppert; a sister, Rhonda Huppert; his grandmothers, Avon Kohl and Lorraine
Huppert; his nephews, Brad Walker and Brandon Walker; his niece, Kirsten
Joseph; his cousins; his girlfriend, Kristy Strutz; and his best friend,
Craig Gienau.
Funeral was Wednesday, June 24, at 10 a.m., at Ezekiel Lutheran Church
with the Rev. William Montgomery officiating.
Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Cashman Mortuary handled arrangements.
Woodrow H. Wilson, 86
Woodrow "Woody" H. Wilson, 86, of Hudson died Friday, June 19, 1998
at the Hudson Medical Center Hospital in Hudson.
He was born Nov. 27, 1911, in Glen Flora, the son of George H. Wilson
and Blanche Biller Wilson. He attended Ladysmith High School.
He was foreman of the Peavey Paper Products printing department for
5 years.
On April 20, 1935, he married Luella "Lue" D. Gregerson at Zion Lutheran
Church in Woodville. Soon after, he bought and published the Hawkins Chronicle,
which he and Lue operated for 3 years.
The couple's first two children, Genie and Lynn, were born in Ladysmith.
During World War II the family moved to Seattle, where Woody worked for
Boeing Aircraft on B-17 bombers.
The family returned to Wisconsin and lived in Superior, where Woody
worked for both the Walter Butler and Globe ship yards. During this time
he also worked as a welding inspector for the Maritime Commission in Gary,
Ind.
In 1945, Woody and Lue's youngest child, Nancy, was born in Superior.
Later that year, the family moved to Amery, where Woody worked for 25 years
as foreman of the printing department at the Amery Free Press.
In 1967, he and his son, Lynn Wilson, opened Associated Printers, a
commercial printing business, in North Hudson. He retired in 1975.
Woody and Lue spent several winters in Port Charlotte, Fla., and also
traveled to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico and several other states. Woody's hobbies
included: fishing and hunting and he greatly enjoyed spending time with
his wife, children and grandchildren.
He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Amery and the Amery
Masonic Lodge. He also served as a civil defense volunteer for many years.
In December of 1997, Woody and Lue moved from Amery to Hudson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Blanche; his step-father,
Edward Richardson; his daughter, Nancy; and his son, Lynn.
He is survived by his wife, Luella; a daughter, Georgene and Byron
Gorres of Afton, Minn.; a brother, Glen and Vera Wilson of Balsam Lake;
a daughter-in-law, Marion Wilson of River Falls; seven grandchildren and
10 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, June 26, at Our Savior's
Lutheran Church in Amery with the Rev. Paul Baardseth officiating. Helen
Osborne will be the organist and the Rev. Steve Kramer will provide special
music.
Burial will be in the Sunset Cemetery in Ladysmith.
Memorials are preferred.
Jonathan 'Jon' R. Clay, 16
Jonathan "Jon" R. Clay, 16, of River Falls died Monday, June 29, 1998
at United Children's Hospital in St. Paul.
He was born in Hudson on Sept. 1, 1981, the son of Leslie (Clay) Robey
and Richard Clay.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Petra Clay of River Falls;
and his grandfather, Richard Gelo of River Falls.
He is survived by his mother, Leslie Robey of River Falls; his father,
Richard Clay of White Bear Lake, Minn.; his step-father, Derwin "Dirk"
Robey of River Falls; his step-mother, Delora Clay of White Bear Lake,
Minn.; two brothers: Clinton Clay and Eric Clay, both of River Falls; his
grandfather, Gene Clay of River Falls; many cousins and friends.
A wake will be held at Cashman Mortuary on Wednesday, July 1, from
6:30-9 p.m., and from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, before the funeral
at St. Bridget Catholic Church.
The funeral is at 5 p.m., Thursday, July 2, at St. Bridget Catholic
Church with the Rev. Gerald Harris officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers are: Mike Ferguson, D.J. DuBois, Keith Morris, Nate Huppert,
Andrew Reese and Jeremiah Pinski.
Cashman Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Doris M. Lee
Doris Marie (Radunzel) Lee, 84, died Thursday, June 18, 1998.
She was born Sept. 19, 1913, to Charles and Sena (Anderson) Radunzel
of Woodville. She was the firstborn and very close to her father, who used
to call her "Jack." She loved going fishing and working with her father
on the farm.
She married Oscar C. Lee, Sr. on April 26, 1934, and together they
raised 10 children.
They were always scrubbed clean and neatly dressed. She was a very
wonderful lady who had more love in her heart to give than anyone her children
had ever known.
She loved to garden and flowers were her passion. She had African violets
everywhere and the most enormous Christmas cactus anyone had ever seen.
Outside she grew peonies that rivaled the florsists and all kinds of
annuals.
Whether it was the church circle, the sewing club or her nursing trade
(she was a certified nurses aid), she thrived on helping others.
Many of the visitors reflected "She may not have known us, but we knew
her because of the extra care and kindness she gave us or our loved ones
while caring for them at St. Joseph's Home and Hospital."
She was a pen pal to several people, from all over the world, throughout
her life. The last one preceded her in death 2 years ago.
She said of many of her grandchildren "I'm not going to be their babysitter,"
but she was always there when she was needed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Sena; a son,
Gordon; two sisters: Alice Shefland and Violet Radunzel; her grandchildren:
Victor Lee, Jr., Diane Lee, Daniel Lee, Robert Lee and Kristopher Lee.
She is survived by her husband, Oscar, Sr.; her children: Victor and
Elizabeth Lee of Woodville, Gerald and Betty Lou Lee of River Falls, James
Lee of San Jose, Calif., Myron and Julie Lee of Venice, Fla., Dorine and
Dennis Tarbet of Lakeland, Minn., Elwyn and Cathy Lee of Hudson, Charlene
and David Coster of Sherwood, Ore., Dwayne Lee of River Falls, Oscar, Jr.
and Loretta Lee of River Falls; her grandchildren: Gary and May Lee, Debra
and Herb Kuehl, Mark Lee, David and Teresa Lee, Victoria Lee, Terrence
and Amy Lee, Timothy and Lisa Lee, Thomas and Susan Lee, Tracine and Tomas
Ward, Torrence Lee, Lisa and Pete Haugen, James and Lori Snow, Laura and
Brad Kemmerer, Leah and Dennis Kunkel, Paula and Martin Redmond, Angelic
and John West, Tabatha and Paul Wirth, Todd Lee, Cary Lee, Dana and Leighton
Johnson, Steven Coster, Michael and Kristy Coster, Melissa Lee and Greta
Lee; her great-grandchildren: Nathaniel Lee, Jennifer Lee, Joseph Lee,
Elizabeth Lee, Heather Lee, Aaron Lee, Richard Lee, Michelle Lee, Amanda
Lee, Jerilyn Lee, Joshua Lee, Alicia Lee, Ericka Lee, Spencer Lee, Jean'
Lewis Lee, Spencer Niebur, Heather Haugen, Nels Haugen, Hannah Haugen,
Jordon Kemmerer, Brittany Kemmerer, Brooklyn Kemmerer, Madison Kunkel,
Delanie Redmond, Lauren West, Logan West, Lexus West, Marissa Wirth and
Lindsay Coster; her brothers and sisters: Glen and Elaine Radunzel of Baldwin,
Stanley and Lorraine Radunzel of Chippewa Falls, and Charles Radunzel of
McCloud, Okla.; numerous nephews and nieces, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Funeral services were Wednesday, June 24, at Ezekiel Lutheran Church
with the Rev. William Montgomery and the Rev. Tinka Bloedow officiating.
Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were: Gary Lee, Mark Lee, Tom Lee, Greta Lee, Nathaniel
Lee, Victoria Lee, Cary Lee and Tori Lee.
Cashman Mortuary handled arrangements.
James K. Harris, 40
James K. Harris, 40, of River Falls died Friday, June 26, 1998, in
the town of Gilman.
He was born April 6, 1958, in Minneapolis, the son of John F. and Beverly
Johnson Harris.
He graduated from Mora High School in Mora, Minn., and earned his bachelor's
degree at UW-River Falls. He earned his master's degree at the University
of Minnesota. He graduated with honors.
He married Jeanne M. Statz on Aug. 27, 1983 at St. Bridget's Catholic
Church in Eau Claire.
He was employed as a hydrologist enforcement coordinator for the Minnesota
Department of Health.
He was a member of Ezekiel Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, John F. Harris; and his maternal
and fraternal grandparents.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Statz Harris of Eau Claire; a son,
Benjamin at home; his mother, Beverly Johnson Harris; a brother, Ted Harris
of Lakeland, Minn.; a sister, Jody Harris Wittner; five nephews, and five
nieces.
Funeral was Monday, June 29, at Ezekiel Lutheran Church with the Rev.
Bill Montgomery officiating, assisted by the Rev. David Kebschull.
Cashman Mortuary provided arrangements.
Wilmer S. Moe, 77
Wilmer S. Moe, 77, of River Falls died Tuesday, June 23, 1998 at St.
Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn., following surgery.
Wilmer "Bill" was the first son born to William A. Moe and Marie (Harry)
Moe, on July 30, 1920, near Knapp.
He was baptized into the Lutheran faith at Menomonie and was confirmed
at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyceville.
He married Marion Boles on Dec. 5, 1942. They had four children: Ronnie,
Judy, Beverly and Susan.
Wilmer and Marion started out on a dairy farm by Baldwin. Most of their
35 years of farming was spent near Hudson. Wilmer also had a milk hauling
route, where he delivered milk to a dairy in Menomonie.
He owned and operated a bar in River Falls for 2 years. He worked for
Andersen Corp. in Bayport, Minn., for 14 years. He also worked for the
town of Troy, maintaining roads for 7 years.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and fishing at their cabin
on Deer Lake. He also spent winters at Bullhead City, Ariz., after retirement.
His hobbies included fishing, motorcycles, cars, music, snowmobiling,
ice fishing, gardening, going to tractor pulls and putzing in his shop.
He loved his family and watching his grandchildren grow.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Marion; four children and their spouses:
Ronald and Bonnie Moe of Baldwin, Judith and Larry Johnson of Hudson, Beverly
and Dick Worman of Cassville, Mo., and Susan Kelly of Hudson; his sisters:
Evelyn Peterson of Baldwin, Gladys Randall of Richfield, Minn., Dorothy
Chillstrom of Long Lake, Minn.; his brother, William D. Moe of Stillwater,
Minn.; his brother-in-law Stanley Boles of Prescott; seven grandchildren:
Larry, Bob, Wade, Stacy, Tom, Ryan and Jill; two step-grandchildren: Kate
and Ginger; and two great-grandchildren, Jared and Justin; many nieces,
nephews and friends.
Funeral was Friday, June 26, at Ezekiel Lutheran Church, with the Rev.
Tinka Bloedow officiating. Music was provided by organist Betty Lou Oppegard
and vocalists Lee Swenson and Rich Kuss.
Pallbearers were his grandchildren: Larry Johnson, Bob Moe, Stacy Nadeau,
Wade Johnson, Tom Teppen, Ryan Kelly and Jill Kelly.
Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Cashman Mortuary handled arrangements.
Walter J. Smith, 91
Walter John Smith, 91, a resident of Good Samaritan Nursing Home in
Stillwater, Minn., and former resident of Baldwin, died in his sleep on
Friday, June 26, 1998.
He was born on May 14, 1907, in Spencer, Neb., to Henry Claude Smith
and Anna Amelia (Wendt) Smith at the family farm. He attended the country
school in Nebraska and spent the majority of his time working on the family
farm.
Walter left Nebraska at the age of 17, and worked in Iowa as a farmhand.
He courted and later wed an employee's granddaughter and friend of his
sister Alma, Wanda Myrtle Stewart. They were married at her parent's home
in St. Paul on Feb. 12, 1930.
During the Depression he worked as a farmhand and worked for the WPA.
Four children were born between 1930-36: Alice Lavar, Gailen Roy, Stanley
Walter and Myrle Ann.
In 1940 Walter left the WPA and started working at the Ford plant.
During World War II he drove U.S. Army tanks off the assembly line. He
also farmed part-time to supplement his family's income.
He worked for a short time at Farwell Osman Kirk in St. Paul. Later
he farmed full-time south of Stillwater, Minn., at Willow River, Minn.,
and at River Falls.
In April of 1975 he retired to a small farm north of Baldwin where
he did custom field work. He and Wanda vacationed in Hawaii, England and
Ireland. Then they bought an RV and spent winters in south Texas for 12
years.
In 1986, they sold the farm and moved to the village of Baldwin. Walter
was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and moved into the Baldwin Care
Center in 1994. Wanda joined him and in 1996, they became residents of
the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Stillwater.
Walter enjoyed hunting as he had an excellent aim with a gun. He was
well-known as a fast and efficient corn husker. His children could never
keep up.
He was very handy and did carpentry work throughout the years. On occasion
he would rebuild farms that were down.
He was an excellent harmonica player, unfortunately only those close
to Walter were able to hear him play. One of his greatest pastimes was
spending time with his grandchildren _ usually playing tricks on them as
he was a prankster.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna; a brother,
Roy; a sister, Alma Speed; a son-in-law, Maynard Nestrud; and a sister-in-law,
Wilna Stewart Hammerot.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Wanda; his children: Alice
Nestrud of Mesa, Ariz., Gailen and Anita Smith of Stillwater, Stanley and
Linda Smith of Charlotte, N.C., Myrtle and John LaCosse of Bella Vista,
Ark.; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 7 step-great-grandchildren;
8 great-great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-great-grandchildren; brothers:
Lou Smith of Los Angeles, and Emery Smith of Longview, Texas; many nieces
and nephews.
Funeral was Wednesday, July 1, at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home
in Baldwin. Officiating was the Rev. Fred Tuma. Organist was Laurie Merrill,
and Rose Herricks was soloist.
Burial was in the Baldwin Cemetery.
Pallbearers were: Larry Nestrud, Dennis Nestrud, Jody Smith, Randy
Smith, Don LaCosse and Stewart Smith.
Honorary pallbearers were: Sherri Vodinelich, Wendy Nestrud, Kathy
LaCosse, Shelly Smith, Beth McLean, Julie Bauermeister, Merilee Bune, Cindy
Mills and Lisa Smith.
Memorials are preferred.
Eugene R. Kusilek, 58
Eugene R. Kusilek, 58, of River Falls, died Tuesday, June 30, 1998
after a long battle with cancer.
He was born June 2, 1940, in River Falls, where he lived his entire
life. He worked for 3M Company for 32 years until his retirement in 1997.
Gene and his wife, Gwen, were married on May 11, 1963. His passions
included: hunting, fishing and spending as much time as possible with his
wife, children and grandchildren at their cabin on Buck Lake in northern
Wisconsin.
Gene was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and self-appointed coach. His
quest in life was to live it to the fullest as his many hunting and fishing
trips and vacations confirm.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond; and an infant brother,
Donald.
He is survived by his mother, Pearl Kusilek; his wife, Gwen; sons:
Randy and Laurie Kusilek of River Falls, Michael and Kim of Mukilteo, Wash.,
and Troy along with friend Chris Meier, both of River Falls; a sister,
Donna and Alvin Pechacek of New Baden, Ill.; two brothers: LeRoy and Kathleen
of River Falls and Delbert and Charla of Cannon Falls, Minn.; many nieces
and nephews.
Funeral was Friday, July 3, at Ezekiel Lutheran Church.
Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were friends and cousins: Ron Huppert, Melvin Kusilek,
Vernon Kusilek, David Kusilek, John (Jack) Kusilek, and Don Sandberg.
Cashman Mortuary provided arrangements.
Clarence H. Matz, 73
Clarence H. Matz, 73, of rural Hudson died at United Hospital in St.
Paul on June 30, 1998. He was admitted to the hospital on June 25 for treatment
of cancer.
He was born Jan. 7, 1925, in the town of Berry in Dane County, the
son of Albert and Hattie (Hilgendorf) Matz. He attended school in the town
of Roxbury.
On June 8, 1948, he married Lenora Dahmen at St. Peter's Church in
Ashton. Clarence and his family moved to Hudson in 1955 from Dane County.
He worked many years as an over-the-road interstate trucker. Locally
he worked for Valley Cartage. He also drove a school bus.
Clarence enjoyed gardening and driving his tractor. He loved nature
and in return planted many new trees. He also enjoyed feeding and watching
birds.
In his younger years, fishing was one of his pastimes. He was also
a dedicated longtime member of St. Patrick's and served as a third degree
member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Hattie Matz; his
daughter, Carol; his granddaughter, Janice; his grandson, Jason; and his
brother, Al.
He is survived by his wife, Lenora of 50 years; his sons: Jerome and
Gail Matz of Hudson, Steven and Sue Matz of Somerset, Tim Matz of Hudson,
David Matz of Hammond, Kenneth Matz of Tampa, Fla., LeRoy and Bonnie Matz
of Minneapolis, Mark Matz of Hudson, John and Debbie Matz of River Falls,
James and Pat Matz of Chaska, Minn., and Gene Matz of New Richmond; his
brothers: Arnold Matz of King, Lynos and Sandy Matz of Las Vegas and Robert
and Elaine Matz of Milwaukee; 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral was Friday, July 3, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hudson,
with the Rev. Peter Szlezinski officiating. Elsie Sandquist was organist,
and music was provided by the Hope Choir.
Pallbearers were: Ken Mahr, Marvin Schmitz, Lloyd Scobey, Jerry Gilbert,
Phillip Matz and Joseph Matz.
Burial was in St. Patrick's Church Cemetery. A rosary was performed
by the Knights of Columbus and a prayer service followed at O'Connell's
Funeral Home in Hudson.
Memorials are preferred.
Harriet B. Nelson, 91
Harriet B. Nelson, 91, died at her home in Stoughton on Tuesday, June
30, 1998, surrounded by her family.
She was born in the town of Pleasant Springs on Oct. 21, 1906, the
daughter of Andrew and Anna (Langemo) Orvold. She graduated from the Stoughton
High School and married Oscar "Cocky" Nelson on Oct. 11, 1931.
Together they farmed in the town of Dunkirk for many years, retiring
to Stoughton in 1952.
She was employed for several years in Stoughton at the K.& H. department
store and the Stoughton store as a clerk.
She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Elizabeth Circle, Women
of the Church, the Golden Agers and was a former member of the church choir.
She was also active in the Stoughton Hospital Auxiliary, the Stoughton
Senior Citizens, the Weekenders and the Goff Mothers Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Anna; her husband,
Oscar, who died March 1, 1981; a brother, Leon Orvold; and a son-in-law,
John Quale in 1992.
She is survived by her daughters: Lois Quale of Stoughton, Rae and
Ken Stelzer of Stoughton, and Marilyn and Jack Bostrack of River Falls;
her grandchildren: Mary and Bob VanDeHey of Lancaster, Sue and Jeff Haylock
Quale of Dodgeville, Eric Quale of Stoughton, Kim and Carol Stelzer of
Albuquerque, N.M., Kerry and Chris Wollak of Saudi Arabia, Kevin and Christina
Stelzer of Austin, Texas, Karl and Janice Stelzer of McFarland, Zenda and
Steve Moore, Tamara and Doug Ducklow, Tonnja "P.J." Magee, all of River
Falls; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Funeral was Friday, July 3, at Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton
with the Rev. Robert Garbrecht officiating.
Burial was in Riverside Cemetery.
Donald F. Bennett, 68
Donald F. Bennett, 68, of Hager City died on Saturday, July 11, 1998
at his home.
He was born on June 15, 1930, in the town of Hartland in Pierce County,
the son of Walter and Lucille (Bystrom) Bennett.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Alberta
"Becky" Lovell on Sept. 26, 1964, at St. Bridget Catholic Church. He worked
for the Red Wing Shoe Company for 44 years, retiring in July of 1992.
He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth, and was
a former eucharistic minister. He was a member of the American Legion Post
#357 in Bay City. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
He was preceded in death by his father and one brother.
He is survived by his wife, Alberta "Becky" Bennett of Hager City;
three sons: Gregory and Shelly Bennett of Mindoro, Jeffrey Bennett of Eau
Claire, and Timothy Bennett of Hager City; one granddaughter, Hannah Bennett
of Mindoro; his mother, Lucille Bennett of River Falls; one brother, Richard
and Nancy Bennett of Venice, Fla.; two sisters: LaVaughn and Robert Gotzman
of Ellsworth, and Doris and Harley Roen of River Falls.
Funeral will be Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic
Church in Ellsworth. The Rev. Thomas Donaldson will officiate. Interment
will be in St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery in River Falls.
A reviewal will be held from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 15, at Hill-McLaughlin
Funeral Home in Ellsworth and one hour before the service at the church
on Thursday.
Bruce M. Erickson, 82
Bruce Michael Erickson, 82, of Elk Mound died Sunday, July 12, 1998,
at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire.
He was born on March 3, 1916, in Glen Flora, the son of Art and Clara
Erickson. He served in the U.S. Army, taught in Trempealeau and was the
high school principal in River Falls from 1963 to 1979.
He was superintendent of schools in Elk Mound. He also served as president
of the Elk Mound Village Board for 11 years.
He loved learning and the outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting,
fishing and gardening.
He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel; his parents, Art and Clara
Erickson; his sister, Louise; and his brother, Robert.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Sampson); his daughters: Judy of
Eau Claire, Linda and Tom Brown of Lynn, Mass., Nancy and Ron Taggart of
Duluth, Minn., and Becky of Eau Claire; one brother, Norris, of Prentice;
one granddaughter; three grandsons; and one great-grandson.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 16, from 4-8 p.m., at the Fuller-Speckein
Funeral Home in Eau Claire.
Funeral will be Friday, July 17, at 11 a.m., at the Lake Street United
Methodist Church in Eau Claire.
Melvin L. Oftedahl, 82
Melvin L. Oftedahl, 82, of Ellsworth died Sunday, July 12, 1998 at
the Ellsworth Care Center.
He was born on April 7, 1916, in Osseo, the son of Lauritz B. and Mina
M. (Myhre) Oftedahl. He spent his youth in Osseo and later attended the
La Crosse Business College. He worked in La Crosse until entering the service
in 1941.
He served in the artillery in Gen. George S. Patton's Third Army in
the European Theater. After his discharge in 1946, he went to work for
the Internal Revenue Service as an agent.
He moved to Ellsworth that same year and it was then that he met his
future wife, the former Dorothy Ingli. They married in March of 1947.
He joined the Bank of Ellsworth in 1955, retiring as its senior vice
president in December of 1981.
He was instrumental in the development of the Ellsworth Country Club.
He was a past president of Group I of the Wisconsin Banker's Association
and the Pierce County Banker's Association.
He was a past president of the St. Croix Valley Shrine Club. He was
past worshipful master of Hancock Masonic Lodge #229 and its current treasurer
in Ellsworth.
He was a member of the Zor Temple, Madison, Scottich Rite Valley of
Eau Claire, Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club, Kinne-Engelhart American Legion
Post #204, Ellsworth, Pierce County 40 et 8, Ellsworth Commercial Club,
past member of the Ellsworth School Board and longtime member and past
treasurer of English Lutheran Church, Ellsworth.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy, in 1988;
and one brother, J. Reidar Oftedahl, in 1986.
He is survived by two daughters: Lanette and Richard Sporl of Bradenton,
Fla., and Lorene and Robert Wehrenberg, Onalaska; five grandchildren and
one great-granddaughter; two brothers, one sister and one sister-in-law:
Adolph and Mary Oftedahl of Wauwatosa, Mrs. J. Reidar "Antoinette" Oftedahl
of Osseo, Ralph and Edith Oftedahl of Osseo, and Harriet and Alvin Intefjord
of Verona.
Funeral was Wednesday, July 15, at English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth
with the Rev. Lauryl Stockness and the Rev. Harlen Menk officiating. Burial
was in Maple Grove Cemetery in Ellsworth.
Diane A. Smith, 58
Diane Ardyth Smith, 58, of Roberts, died Monday, July 6, 1998 at Hudson
Medical Center. She was admitted there earlier that week.
She was born Aug. 11, 1939, the daughter of William and Annabel (Johnson)
Rosenthal at the family farm south of Menomonie. She attended Lincoln grade
school near Downing and began high school at Menomonie prior to graduating
from Elmwood High School in 1957.
Following high school she received technical on-the-job training at
Brown and Bigelow where she was a key punch operator.
She worked for Brown and Bigelow from 1957-62. She then worked for
the Great North Railroad as a key punch operator.
On Nov. 26, 1960, she married Craig N. Smith. Together they lived in
St. Paul until 1964, when they moved to Roberts. While in Roberts they
farmed. They had two children: Tim, born Oct. 21, 1961, and Craig, born
June 24, 1963.
In 1976 Diane and Craig began the St. Croix Steel Erection Company
and she served as president.
She loved her family. She entertained family and friends on a regular
basis at the family farm.
Besides her family, her love was for horses. In her teenage years,
she won the Plug Horse Derby at the state fair for many years.
Following her marriage, she went to various county and state fairs,
showing and riding. She raised Arabian horses.
Between 1986 and 1991 her horses raced at Cantebury Park in Shakopee,
Minn. In more recent years she enjoyed trail riding; especially by her
cabin near Cushing.
She belonged to the Willow River Riders Club. As a result she made
many friends in the River Falls and Hudson areas and throughout the county.
They traveled to various riding spots.
She also enjoyed reading novels, horse literature and growing flowers.
She also took great pleasure vacationing with her husband, Craig. Together
they traveled to Canada, Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona. They both belonged
to a bowling league in New Richmond for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Annabel.
She is survived by her husband, Craig; her sons: Timothy and Craig
and Jennifer of Hudson; her grandchildren: Emily and Charles; a brother,
Lance and Marie Rosenthal of Milwaukee; a sister, Kristy and James Fischer
of Ormond Beach, Fla.; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral was Thursday, July 9, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin,
with the Rev. Paul Lovestrand officiating. Organist was Vicki Lovestrand
and soloist was Sharon Freitag.
Interment was in the Warren Cemetery in Roberts.
Pallbearers were: Eric Oetjen, Chad Rosenthal, David Storing, Shawn
Oetjen, Danny Rosenthal and John Oetjen.
Honorary pallbearers were: Louie Rolf and Fred Smith.
Memorials are preferred.
Tatia M. Goodman Williamson, 25
Tatia M. Goodman Williamson, 25, of River Falls, formerly of Anamosa
and Iowa City, died Tuesday, July 7, 1998, as the result of an automobile
accident north of River Falls.
She was born April 17, 1973, in Blytheville, Ark. She attended schools
in San Antonio, Texas; Indian Head, Maryland; and Hahn Air Base, Germany.
She graduated from Bellevue West High School, Bellevue, Neb., in 1991.
She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1995 with a degree in psychology.
Tatia had been employed at UW-River Falls for almost 2 years, where
she was the Director of Annual Giving.
She loved working with people and related well with everyone. She played
the guitar and the piano.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather John F. Petersen;
and her paternal grandparents Donald B. and Rowena Goodman.
She is survived by her husband Brian; parents William and Sue Goodman;
siblings Matt and Stacey; grandmother Marie Petersen; father in-law Mike
Williamson; mother in-law Jane Williamson; brothers in-law Brad and Jeff
Williamson and grandparents in-law Gerald and Helen Williamson.
Visitation was at the Cashman Mortuary on Thursday, July 9.
Memorial services were held at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi,
Minn. on July 10, and at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Iowa City,
Iowa, on July 14.
Her remains were cremated. |
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