Angela “Angie” R. Saxby, 85, of Wilton died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at Touch of Home Assisted Living in Tomah.

She was born Nov. 4, 1926, to George and Florence (Oldfield) Klump. Angie was a member of the Kendall High School graduating class of 1945. On June 15, 1951, Angie was united in marriage to Harold Saxby in the town of Clifton. She graduated college with an associate’s degree in teaching.

She was a faithful member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kendall. Angie was a member of the St. John’s Ladies Aid, serving as treasurer for more than 25 years. She enjoyed working with her hands, doing crocheting and making quilts. She had made several quilts for the church mission groups. She also enjoyed doing crafts and attending home interior meetings. Angie had a friendly personality and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She was a loving wife, sister, aunt and friend.

She is survived by her husband, Harold of Wilton; three sisters, Florence Krause and Doris Prochaska, both of Tomah, and Shirley Winkelman of Portage, Wis.; three sisters-in-law, Gladys (Robert) Harrison of Wilton, Sharon Saxby of Lodi, Wis., and Donna Klump of Tomah; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, George, Norman, Terrence and Leonard; four sisters, Phyllis, Francis, Helen and Kathleen; and four brothers-in-laws and a sister-in-law.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kendall. Pastor Steven Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church from 4–8 p.m. Sunday and from 10–11 a.m. Monday.

The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Wilton, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Information → Angela “Angie” R. Saxby

Audrey Lucille Jacobson, 87, of Wilton died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, at Sunset Ridge Assisted Living.

She was born June 23, 1925, to John “Jack” and Mabel (Burdick) Creviston in Kinney Valley. She was united in marriage to Vernal “Jake” Jacobson on July 27, 1946, in Richland Center. He preceded her in death June 9, 1980. They farmed in Richland Center for six years. In 1952, they moved to Harvard, Ill., and in 1969, they moved to Wilton. She was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and a member of the Ladies Aid. She was a member of the American Legion Post 508 Ladies Auxiliary. Her favorite pastime was cooking for her family and entertaining everyone at her house. She worked as a cook at the Little Audrey Café in Wilton.

She is survived by a daughter, Alona Schultz of Kendall; a son, Ervin (Shirley) Jacobson of West Salem; four grandchildren, Brian Schultz of Fond du Lac, Wis., Robert Schultz of Elroy, Lynette (Eric) Hart of Gustavus, Alaska, and James Jacobson of West Salem; nine great-grandchildren, Brittany Warner of Sparta, Brandi (Louis) Perez of Sparta, Daniel Schultz (Tiffany Rodriguez) of New Lisbon, Devon Schultz and Brooke Schultz, both of La Crosse, Gabriella Schultz of Fond du Lac, Olivia Schultz of Elroy, and Marin Hart and Madelyn Hart of Gustavus; a great-great-grandchild; an expected great-great grandchild; three sisters, Mazie Haseley and Delores Worden, both of Tomah, and Frances Schanhofer of Sparta; and nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vernal; three brothers, Phillip, Wayne, and Wayland “Buck” Creviston; and four sisters, Dorothy Williams, Mary Rahdans, Ruth Hardy and Margaret Dankert.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wilton. Pastor Kathleen Wohlers will officiate. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until time of the service.

The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Wilton, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Audrey Lucille Jacobson

Nan Jean Carol Thieman, 79, of The Villages, Fla., passed away Friday, Oct. 12, 2012.  

A memorial service will be Friday, Oct. 19, at United Methodist Church in Elroy. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate Nanny’s life, with a luncheon to follow at Valley Inn in Elroy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162.

View Full Notice → Nan Jean Carol Thieman

Eotus E. Tonn, 98, of Norwalk died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, surrounded by his loving family, at the Morrow Home in Sparta.

The son of Emil and Anna Radke Tonn, he was born Sept. 27, 1914, in Wilton.

On Sept. 14, 1940, he was united in marriage to Rozella Pasch at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mauston by Pastor Albert Winters. Their first home was in Melrose, Wis., where Eotus owned the E. E. Tonn Service Station. In 1943, Eotus was called to serve in the U.S. Army and later fought for our freedom in World War II in Central Europe and the Battle of the Bulge. His daughter, Barbara Jo, was born in 1945, just before his return from his military service. After living in Wilton a short time, the family moved to Norwalk in 1946 and opened Tonn Electric Service. He was the local electrician there for 40 years. A son, Dennis, was born in 1949.

Eotus was a current member of St. Jacob’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norwalk, having served previously on the church council. Eotus was a past member of the Norwalk Village Board and a current member of Norwalk American Legion Post 438.

Survivors are his daughter, Barbara (Fredrick) McNaughton; his granddaughter, Emily (Jason) Knott; his great-granddaughters, Kendall and Kamryn Knott; his grandson, Matthew (Jessica) McNaughton; his great-granddaughter, Mara; and and his great-grandson, Cole McNaughton. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Rozella; his son, Dennis; his parents, and his sisters, Luena Heilman, Almeda Eckleberg and Rilla Kindt.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at St. Jacobs Evangelical Lutheran Church, Norwalk. Pastor Matthew Minzlaff will officiate. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery, with military honors. Relatives and friends are invited for visitation from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton and from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Eotus E. Tonn

Shirley A. Zirk, 73, of Kendall passed away Monday, Oct. 29, at Heritage Manor in Elroy.

She was born April 26, 1939, to Gilbert and Agatha (Joas) Siebecker in Mauston and graduated from Mauston Madonna Catholic School in 1957. She then worked at the Mauston Garment Factory, Globe Union in Milwaukee and Ray-O-Vac in Mauston.

Shirley took over managing Siebecker’s Bar and Lanes in 1959, which eventually became Zirk’s Bar and Lanes in Kendall. She was an active sponsor of two men’s softball teams and one women’s softball team. She also drove milk truck and operated a successful catering business.

Shirley was united in marriage to Walter Zirk in 1963. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, babysitting grandchildren, giving rides to bicyclists on the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail and visiting with friends.

A very active community member, she served on the Kendall Village Board, was charter member who started the Kendall Fire Department “Firettes,” served on the Kendall Centennial Celebration committee, was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid in Kendall, held all offices in the Wisconsin Lutheran Bowling Association, was a member of the church and community choirs, was treasurer of the Senior Citizens Club, and organized the July 4 celebration softball tournaments.

Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Walter Zirk of Kendall; two daughters, Terri Schumann of Tomah and Cindy (Scott) Steinbrink of Berlin, Wis.; a son, William (Heather) Zirk of Soldiers Grove, Wis.; six grandchildren, Lukas Schumann of Tomah, Lance Schumann (Rachel) of Sun Prairie, Wis., Andrea Steinbrink (Jacob) of Germantown, Wis., Garrett Steinbrink of Berlin, Nathan Zirk of Soldiers Grove and Blake Zirk of Soldiers Grove; a brother, Ronald “Butch” (Linda) Siebecker of Elroy; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant brothers; and an infant grandson, Tyler John Zirk.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kendall, with Pastor Steve Neuman officiating. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Kendall. Friends may call at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy on Thursday from 4–8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10–11 a.m. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.

View Full Notice → Shirley A. Zirk

Helen Mae Downing, 83, of Ontario passed away Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, at her home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at Brush Creek Lutheran Church. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hilltop Rest Cemetery at a later date.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario.

The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Helen Mae Downing

Carl Fredrick Schroeder, 84, of Kendall died Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born June 8, 1928, in the town of Wellington, Monroe County, to Otto and Ila (Roloff) Schroeder. Carl was united in marriage to Ferne Ward on Sept. 30, 1950.

He was a lifelong resident of Kendall, where he owned and operated Schroeder Motors for many years; was past president of Farmers and Merchants Bank, a 55-year member of the Kendall Lions Club and a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church; and collected carnival glass and was a member of International Carnival Glass Association, having served as a past president.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Ferne of Kendall, and a sister, Garnett (Edwin) Graf of Belle Vista, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents and two nieces, Carla Howery and Marcia Howery.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kendall, with Rev. Steve Neuman officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Kendall. Friends may call at the church from 4–8 p.m. Tuesday and 10–11 a.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kendall. The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy is assisting the family. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.

View Full Notice → Carl F. Schroeder

Sister Gertrude Sullivan, OLVM, 90, a resident of Victory Noll, died Nov. 6, 2012, at Holy Family Health Care Center at Victory Noll, Huntington, Ind.

Sister Gertrude entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters on Oct. 27, 1949, and made first vows on Aug. 5, 1952. She served in the missions in Michigan, California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona and at Victory Noll. Sister served the congregation as president from 1971 through 1977. After leaving the presidency of the congregation in 1977, Bishop William McManus asked her to serve the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend as the first woman associate administrator. She once again served the congregation as administrator for Victory Noll from 1988 to 1992. She moved to Tucson, Ariz., in 1993 and returned to Victory Noll in 1998 to volunteer in the Holy Family Health Care Center.

Sister Gertrude was born in Kendall on July 1, 1922, to James Sullivan and Marie Langsdorf Sullivan. She is preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Daniel, Jerry, Thomas and Roger Sullivan; and six sisters, Helen Schmitz, Louise Ducke, Lucille Schermerhorn, Myrtle Thomas, Carolyn Bertoline, and Dorothy Pipp.

Sister is survived by three sisters, Margaret Laufenberg of Cashton, Mary Jane Giese of Ontario and Marie Brueggen of Sparta; many nieces and nephews; and her OLVM sisters, with whom she shared life and community for 63 years.

A vigil service was Friday, Nov. 9, with calling one hour prior to the service at Victory Noll Memorial Chapel, 1900 W. Park Drive.

Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated Saturday, Nov. 10, with calling one hour prior to the Mass at the Victory Noll Memorial Chapel. Rev. Thomas Fahey presided.

View Full Notice → Sister Gertrude Sullivan

Leo “Ole” E. Woods, 97, of Ontario passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born Feb. 16, 1915, in the town of Whitestown to Charles and Minnie (Budde) Woods.  Leo attended the Oden country school and graduated from the Ontario High School in 1935. On June 25, 1944, he was united in marriage to Marjorie B. Beighley of Viola.

He was employed at Robinson Hardware in Ontario for eight years. In 1942, he purchased from Mack Marshall the former Charles Nixon grocery store. After operating the business for 17 years, he then sold it to Bruce and Bernie Bauman. He continued as a self-employed carpenter and handyman at many odd jobs.

He served as a fireman on the Ontario Fire Department for 37 years, Bank of Ontario board member for more than 50 years and as a member of the Ontario Village Board.  He was a member of Mount Pisgah Wesleyan Church and later Ontario Grace Community Church until the time of his death.

He loved traveling, camping, fishing and hunting. He lived in Ontario most of his life before moving to Old Times Assisted Living in Westby in 2008.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie; four brothers, Floyd, Nathan, Harold and Merrill; and one sister, Carol.

He is survived by one sister, Norma Stuve, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial will be in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5–7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Family and friends are also invited for visitation from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the church.  The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Those surviving him would like to express deep appreciation to the staff at Old Times Assisted Living, the dialysis staff at Gundersen Lutheran in Viroqua, the medical staff at the Viroqua Gundersen Lutheran Clinic, the Onalaska Gundersen Lutheran dermatology staff and the La Crosse Gundersen Lutheran Hospital staff. Your caring and caregiving have been exceptional. Thank you so much.

View Full Notice → Leo “Ole” E. Woods

Bob Nixon of Anacortes, Wash., died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012.

Bob Nixon was born in the town of Sheldon to Charles and Josephine Nixon in August 1919. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in Ontario, where he graduated in 1939 from Ontario High School, in a class of 22 students. While in high school, Bob enjoyed playing basketball and was a star on the track team.

In 1945, he married Iris Clement, to whom he was happily married for 54 years.

Bob worked many years in construction, pouring concrete and helping construct numerous public buildings. He and Iris also ran a small restaurant and bar, saving their money for a house. Eventually Bob was able to build that home in Appleton, where he had a backyard garden, which was his pride and joy.

After his retirement, Bob loved to build furniture and do other carpentry projects, and every year he and Iris harvested and canned vegetables from the garden.

In 1999, Iris passed away, and among the condolences Bob received a letter from Neola Lower, an old friend from high school who had also recently lost her husband. He and Neola started corresponding with each other, and in August 2000 Bob came out to Washington State, where Neola lived, for a visit. The following year, they were married, in their early 80s, in Wisconsin. They lived in Anacortes, Wash., keeping each other company and reminiscing about old times in their youth. Neola died in 2010, and Bob continued living in Anacortes until his death. Bob was 93 when he passed peacefully in his sleep.

He is survived by his stepdaughter, Jean Wilke; his daughter-in-law, Ruth Clement; and his stepdaughters, Candace and Lucy Lower.

The survivors would especially like to thank Bob and Margo Knorr, Marilyn Derig, Cindy Cleary, Fahimeh Alavi and Lynn Oliver for their care of Bob in his last months. He was greatly cheered and comforted by their presence.

A private family service was held in Anacortes on Sunday, Oct. 21.

To share memories of Bob, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.

View Full Notice → Bob Nixon

Raymond N. Thomas, 85, of Boulder Junction, Wis., passed away Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, at Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington (Wis.)

Raymond was born July 28, 1927, in Ontario to the late Fred and Frances (nee Stoikes) Thomas. He spent his early life and received his education in Ontario. Raymond proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II and was stationed in Guam.

On Dec. 13, 1947, in Waukon, Iowa, Raymond was united in marriage to Eva A. Downing. Together they resided in Ontario until moving to Burlington in 1957. Eva preceded Raymond in death July 6, 2012.

Raymond owned and operated Thomas Bus Service. He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Burlington and St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Boulder Junction. Raymond enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved football and baseball, especially the Brewers and Packers. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his loving children, Daniel (Jane) Thomas of West Plains, Mo., Kathy (Don) Czerniak of Plover, Wis., Michael (Nancy) Thomas of Burlington, James (Lori) Thomas of Burlington, Bruce (Kathy) Thomas of Burlington and Cheryl (Brad) Baker of Lyons, Wis.; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lorraine Calhoun.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brothers, Mike (Edith), Harold (Myrtle), Donald (Mary) and Stanley Thomas; his sister, Evelyn (Donald) Lydon; and his brother-in-law, Wayne Calhoun.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at St. Charles Catholic Church, with Rev. Steve Amann officiating. Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials have been suggested to the family for Masses said in Raymond’s name.

View Full Notice → Raymond N. Thomas

Maurice “Morry” Lee Waege, 59, of Wilton died from prostate cancer Dec. 13, 2012.

He was the second-oldest son born to Robert and Arlene (Roscovius) Waege on March 5, 1953. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and confirmed at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Ridge. He attended Reels Valley, Dorset Valley and Wilton elementary schools and graduated from Royall High School in 1971.

He was united in marriage with Jenny Arndt on Sept. 6, 1975, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wilton. In his young-adult years, he served as a farmhand and carpenter and at Tillman’s Produce. From 1976–1997, he worked at the Wilton Co-op in the feed department, and then later became the area “fuel man.” Morry worked for Midwest Fuels in Tomah from 1997 until 2011.

He had lifelong appreciation for nature and working on the land. Morry was a Wilton Rod and Gun Club member and served as president for many years. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed trap shooting, hunting, and fishing. With his Farmall 100 and International 1066 tractors, he spent time mowing law and custom farming. His most recent hobby was tractor pulling an International 1466 with his cousin Jamie Waege. Morry enjoyed road trips, telling jokes and long stories, and playing cards and games.

He is survived by his wife, Jenny, and his daughter, Brenda (Martin) Pohlman of Caledonia, Minn. He is also survived by his mother, Arlene Waege, and his siblings, Dean (Madge) Waege, Keith (Jean) Waege, Ron, Gale (Marianne), Bette O’Rourke, and Kevin. He is further survived by his father and mother-in law, Bernard and Betty Arndt; his sisters-in-law, Joan (Glenn) Affeldt, Sandy (Dave) Noth and Carol Bernhardt; his brother-in-law, Mike O’Rourke; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edgar and Ella Roscovius, who served as his godparents, and his, father Robert Waege.

A Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Wilton Community Center, 400 East Ave., Wilton. Pastor Kathleen Wohlers will officiate. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Wilton Community Center from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Morry. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Maurice “Morry” Lee Waege

Charmayne O. Reardon Ulteig, 82, of Kendall peacefully joined her Savior on Wednesday, Dec.12, 2012. She was a longtime resident of Heritage Manor in Elroy.

Charmayne was born Dec. 7, 1930, to Irwin and Edna (Tank) Damerow in Tomah. She grew up on her parents’ dairy farm, with three sisters. She was a graduate of Tomah High School and was Tomah’s first homecoming queen.

Charmayne was united in marriage to LaVern “Bud” Reardon on May 10, 1952. To this union, four children were born. Together, Charmayne and Bud managed Steele’s Kendall Store until it closed in the 1989. They continued their employment at Steele’s Healthmart in Tomah for a few years. Bud preceded her in death in 1991. She later married Jim Ulteig, whom she had known since high school. They lived on a small farm in rural Tomah.

Charmayne is survived by her children, Tom (Joanne) Reardon of Kendall, Pat (Shelly) Reardon of Tomah, Wendy Schwerin and Kathy Enzenbacher of Kendall; 12 grandchildren, Joe Reardon (U.S. Navy) of San Diego, Jolene (Troy) Anderson of Kendall, Sarah, Emily and Maggie Reardon, all of Madison, Darrin Dougherty of La Crosse, Madelyne Dougherty of Kendall, Justin (Allison) Enzenbacher of West Dundee, Ill., Amber (Ty) Pombier of Madison, Jonae Enzenbacher of Wonewoc, Kayley Enzenbacher of Kendall, and Jaydyn Enzenbacher of Kendall; one great-grandchild, Natalie Anderson of Kendall; three sisters, Marlene (Larry) Leervig of Plymouth, Minn., Jeanette (Jerry) Gaulke of Wisconsin Rapids and Evelyn (Robert) Rogge of Camp Douglas; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irwin and Edna Damerow, and her husbands, LaVern “Bud” Reardon and Jim Ulteig.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Kendall Evangelical Free Church, where Charmayne was a longtime member. Pastor Vernon Parks will officiate. Family and friends are invited to the church for visitation Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Charmayne O. Reardon Ulteig

Raymond F. Loendorf, 50, of Tomah passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Tomah Memorial Hospital, as a result of a house fire.

He was born Jan. 22, 1962, to Raymond and Karen (LaBoda) Loendorf in Racine, Wis. He was united in marriage to Cindy (Orethun) Benjamin on Sept. 12, 1998.

Ray loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a longtime member of the Team Interstate Bassmasters. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling and playing darts, and he was involved in pool leagues. Ray was an avid Packer fan and enjoyed watching football. He loved his family and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his father, Raymond (Patricia) Loendorf of New Lisbon; his mother, Karen Karaba of Racine; his wife, Cindy of Tomah; his children, Nicole (Nick) Raabe of Tomah, Sonnet (Eric Frank) Benjamin of Tomah, and Brooks Benjamin of La Crosse; his grandchildren, Ethan Raabe and Hannah Raabe; his siblings, Karen McCann of Tomah, Shellie (Jim) Thillemann of Racine, Scott (Geri) Loendorf of California, Rhonda (Dennis) Perrigo of Tomah, Ann (Randy) Aiken of Alabama and Jon (Tonya) Loendorf of Racine; his mother-in-law, Arlene Orethun of Ontario; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Tammy (Mark) Smith of Ontario, Penny (Jody) Harr of Sparta and Alice (Jerry) Johnson of Tomah; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Alonzo; a brother-in-law, Ricky; a sister-in-law, Debbie Kroeger; and his stepfather, Les Gurske.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Burial will follow in Home Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 1–4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends are also invited for visitation Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Raymond F. Loendorf

Patricia E. Winchel, 71, of rural Hillsboro passed away Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, at St. Joseph’s Memorial Hospital in Hillsboro, after a short battle with liver cancer.

She was born Oct. 18, 1941, in Beloit, Wis., to Henry “Hank” and Maurine (Scott) Rollins. She spent her early years going to different one-room schools; she also attended Kendall High School. On July 12, 1956, Patricia was united in marriage to Harold C. Winchel in Decorah, Iowa. They spent most of their married life living in Vernon County, Wisconsin, Township of Forest, over 45 years at the farm where they made their home. They had over 56 good years together and they raised eight children.

Patricia was a CNA for more than 30 years, working for St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, Heritage Manor and Home Health. She enjoyed flowers, mushrooming, auctions, garage sales, eating out and listening to country western music. Mostly her life revolved around her family. She was a good cook and an excellent baker of pies and cookies. She was a good wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In her retirement years, she traveled and hauled her Amish friends.

Survivors include her husband, Harold; seven children, Kevin (Melody) Winchel of Hillsboro, Steven (Rita) Winchel of La Farge, Larry (Geneva) Winchel of San Antonio, Texas, Peggy Winchel (friend Ronnie Nevsimal) of Elroy, Maureen (John) Miller of Hampton, Va., Casey (Emeliza) Winchel of La Farge and Anthony (Brenda) Winchel of Hillsboro; 20 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Dale Rollins of Dalhart, Texas; three sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Juno of Madison, JoAnn (Dick) Walter of La Farge and Jackie (Karsten) Berge of Blue Mounds, Wis.; two sisters-in-law, Mary (Jim) Parkhurst of Elroy and Myrtle (Ben) Melvin of La Farge; and a brother-in-law, Frank Winchel of Elroy.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jamie Winchel; and a grandson, John Clyde Winchel.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Burr Wesleyan Church, rural Hillsboro, with Rev. Alan Tripp officiating. Burial was in the Forest-Burr Cemetery. The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro assisted the family with arrangements. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.

She was a special lady with a generous and caring heart; may she rest in peace.

View Full Notice → Patricia E. Winchel

Margaret E. Downing, 82, of Janesville passed away Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at St. Elizabeth Manor in Footville, Wis.

The daughter of Clyde and Esther (Olson) Stoikes, she was born June 11, 1930, in Ontario. She grew up in the Ontario area and graduated from Ontario High School. She married Donald L. Downing on July 19, 1952. He preceded her in death on May 5, 2012. Margaret and her husband formerly operated the Little Donut Shop, and she later worked as a bookkeeper for Kmart. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and spending winters in Arizona. Above all else, spending time with her family was her greatest joy.

Surviving are three children, Jeffery (Lucille) Downing of Reedsburg, Wis., Staryl (Michael) Hanson of Janesville, and Kimberly (Kenneth) Baschleben of Janesville; six grandchildren, Amber Downing, Kyle Hanson, Stephanie (Chris) Bankes, Cody Hanson, Ryan (Lauren) Downing and Zachary Downing; one great-granddaughter, Natalie Bankes; and a very close cousin who was like a sister, Ardys Bredlow. In addition to her husband and parents, Margaret was preceded in death by another cousin who was like a sister, Sadie Peterson.

Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at Henke-Clarson Funeral Home, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Grace Community Church, 100 Monroe St., Ontario. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Visitation in Ontario will be at the church from 12 p.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario and the Henke-Clarson Funeral Home in Janesville are assisting the family with arrangements.

View Full Notice → Margaret E. Downing

Bonnie Jean Wallace, 71, of Tomah and formerly of Ontario died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. 

She was born to Henry and Margaret (Brey) Thomas on July 2, 1941, in Ontario. She was united in marriage to Donald Wallace on June 18, 1958, in Ontario. Bonnie worked for more than 32 years at Northern Engraving in Sparta. Bonnie also was a sales representative for Home Interior and the Mary Mack Toy Company.

In the 1970s, Bonnie opened her heart to the Holy Spirit and was baptized and saved at the Ontario Gospel Hall. Since then, Bonnie has dedicated her life to sharing the message of Christ’s love and sharing the story of Jesus with others. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Tomah Baptist Church.

Bonnie had a kind and generous heart. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love for children extended outside her own family, and many others called Bonnie “grandma,” and she was proud to wear the title. She also was a supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network, sponsoring children all over the world. She will be remembered for her unconditional love and forgiving heart.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Donald of Tomah; four children, Gregory Wallace of Tomah, William Wallace of Ontario, Roxane (David) Larson of Tomah and Penny (Joe) McGinnis of New Lisbon; 11 grandchildren; 15 and soon to be 16 great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Tessa Wallace. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and six brothers and a sister.

Funeral services were Saturday, Jan. 5, at Tomah Baptist Church, 1701 Hollister Ave., Tomah. Pastor Ronald J. Tobin officiated. Burial was in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Bonnie Jean Wallace

Harold W. Oldenburg, 94, of Sparta and formerly of Norwalk passed away Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta.

Harold was born Feb. 20, 1918, in Norwalk to Herman and Alvena (Vieth) Oldenburg. After graduating from high school, Harold began his career in farming. He enjoyed telling the story of that special day a new, young teacher rolled into town and lovingly teased, “That was her first mistake.” He married Ellen J. Hovland in Immanuel United Methodist Church in Norwalk on June 6, 1947. Together they had three children. Harold’s occupations varied: He began with farming, later worked as a carpenter, and then was a school bus driver for 28 years.

Harold was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Norwalk. He adored his wife and cherished his times spent with family.

Harold is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ellen of Sparta; his children, Charles (Joyce) Oldenburg of Flower Mound, Texas, Mary (Rev. Vernon) Perdue of Madisonville, Ky., and Cathryn (Rev. Roger) Miller of Hillsboro; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Jeffrey Miller; his infant brothers, Donovan and Erwin Oldenburg; and his brother and sister-in-law, Clarence (Lucille) Oldenburg.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Norwalk. Pastor Theresa Amberson will officiate. Burial will follow in Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery, rural Norwalk.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. Thursday until the time of service at the church.

The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home of Norwalk is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Harold W. Oldenburg

Travis H. Olson, 33, of Wilton died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. 

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at the Wilton Community Center, 400 East St., Wilton.  Burial will be in Home Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Wilton Community Center from 4–8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday. 

The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home of Wilton is assisting the family with the arrangements.  Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Travis H. Olson

Travis Hans “Chicken Hawk” Olson, 33, of Wilton died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013.

He was born Oct. 25, 1979, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Sparta to Duane and Sharon (Williams) Olson. He was a member of the Royall High School graduating class of 1999. Travis was a very kind and caring person. He loved children, especially his nieces and nephews; he was a big kid at heart himself. He always enjoyed helping people and was always willing to help out.

He worked at Fort McCoy as a mechanic and owned a 1971 Chevy truck that was a collector. He was a Harley Davidson rider and enjoyed motorcycle trips to Sturgis and out West with his dad. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him

He is survived by his parents, Duane and Sharon Olson of Wilton; his sisters and brother, Theresa (Stephen) Gagliardi of Sellersville, Penn., Todd (his special friend Alicia Defliger) Olson of Wilton, and Tracy (Joe) Stahl of Rosemount, Minn.; his nieces and nephews, Stephen and Trent Gagliardi and Daniel and Chelsey Stahl; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at the Wilton Community Center, 400 East St., Wilton. Burial will be in Home Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Wilton Community Center from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to services Friday. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home of Wilton is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Travis Hans Olson