Susan A. Reyer-Roberts, 44, of Tomah died suddenly Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013, at Tomah Memorial Hospital.

She was born Nov. 26, 1968, to Robert and Louise (Dulinski) Reyer in Chicago. She was confirmed, along with her brother Eddie and cousin Paul, by Pastor Falk at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Royall High School graduating class of 1986.

She was united in marriage to Edgar Roberts on Aug. 10, 1996, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ridgeville. She attended Western Wisconsin Technical College and earned her nursing degree. She worked as a nursing assistant at the Tomah Care Center and worked for 15 years the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tomah as a nursing assistant. She taught CPR classes and was a union steward. She was the primary caregiver for her father and mother and always looked out for her brother.

She enjoyed spending her time making jewelry and taught herself to knit. She loved her animals: her dogs Powder, Chewy, Sugar and Brownie. She was a longtime member of the St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sue had a big heart and always was willing to put people ahead of herself. She volunteered and supported several different charities and organizations.

She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Edgar of Tomah; two stepsons, Christopher Roberts of Kendall and Dennis Roberts of Tomah; a step-granddaughter, Kallie; a brother, Eddie of Tomah; five sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Lane of Warrens, Eileen (Alvin) Gottbehuet of Tomah, Mary Mews of Baraboo, Wis., Ellen Forrest of Tomah and Eunice (Kevin) Peterson of Blair, Wis.; her grandmother, Bessie Batten; and many other aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by infant twins and her parents.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgeville. Pastor Matthew Minzlaff will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4–8 p.m. Friday at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church.

View Full Notice → Susan A. Reyer-Roberts

Wayne Allen Cole, 75, of Ontario passed away Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta.

A celebration of life will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Following visitation, a graveside service will take place in Billings Creek Cemetery, rural Ontario, at 1 p.m.

The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at http://www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com/. 

View Full Notice → Wayne Allen Cole 

Wayne Allen Cole, 75, of Ontario passed away Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, at Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, with family by his side.

Wayne was born July 4, 1938, to Fred and Lillian (Bowen) Cole in Iowa. He lived his life as a farmer and an over-the-road truck driver. When he left the road, he served as the local mechanic’s assistant in Ontario for many years. Wayne also enjoyed classic country music, old Western movies, and books by his favorite author, Louis L’Amour. Wayne’s favorite activities in life were hunting and fishing. He was married to Cheryl Moran on Aug. 10, 1996.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Cheryl of Ontario, and his seven children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also has five sisters and three brothers, six of whom survive Wayne, along with many other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Following visitation, a graveside service will take place in Billings Creek Cemetery, rural Ontario, at 1 p.m. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Cheryl would like to express a special thanks to Jamie DeWitt, Karen Raines and Clyde Raines for all of the extra support and strength they provided during this hard time.

View Full Notice → Wayne Allen Cole 

Arlene P. Baerwald, 93, of Tomah died Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at Close to Home.

The only child of Charles and Alma (Koehler) Pergande, she was born Jan. 31, 1920, on Ridgeville, in the town of Wilton. She grew up in the Wilton area. She was united in marriage to Arthur W. Baerwald on Oct. 4, 1939. He preceded her in death March 9, 1973. Together they farmed on South Ridge. She later moved to Tomah on Hollister Avenue to be with her parents. She would care for her mother for many years. She was an active member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Ladies Quilting Group and made several quilts. Arlene worked at the Badger Restaurant until her retirement, and she was known to many as the “pie lady.” She was a longtime member of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. In her later years, Arlene became reunited with many of her cousins, who would care for her, and they would meet regularly for dinner.

She is survived by a nephew, a grandniece, many cousins and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters-in-law, Alma, Irma and Margy; and two brothers-in-law, Herbert and Charles.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on South Ridge. Pastor Steven W. Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery. 

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at the church.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Arlene P. Baerwald

Emogene G. Roberts, 90, of Waupaca, Wis., passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, at Park Vista.

She was born in West Lima, Wis., on April 15, 1923, to the late John and Grace (Randall) Bolint. On Aug. 30, 1947, she married Charles Roberts; he preceded her in death March 30, 2000. Emogene and her husband were charter members of Waupaca Christian Church, where she was a member of the Christian Women’s Club. She also was a member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, square dancing, camping and traveling.

She will be sadly missed by her children, Anthony (Alice) Roberts of Kendall and Monica Johnson of Fairborn, Ohio; her grandchildren, Phillip Roberts, Shante (John) Dallapizza, Chara (Vince) Weigand, Joeloen (Chad) Kramer, Taneha Littlejohn and Spencer Loy, 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Josephine Vodak of Lincoln, Ill.; three sisters-in-law, Shirley Newlun, Janice Roberts and Ethel Roberts; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be at 12 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at Waupaca Christian Church, E2249 King Road, Waupaca, with Pastor Carl Ferguson officiating. The visitation will be Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are appreciated to the Waupaca Christian Church. The Maple Crest Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

View Full Notice → Emogene G. Roberts

Carol J. Parish, 61, of Tomah passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at home.

She was born Aug. 14, 1952, to Howard and Margaret (Shie) Zastoupil in Sparta. She was raised in Tomah and was a 1970 graduate of Tomah High School. 

Carol was united in marriage to Art Tralmer in June 1970; they had two daughters, Jennifer and Barbara. She worked at the Holiday Lodge for many years before beginning her 30-year career at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Tomah. 

Carol was united in marriage to Ronald Parish on Aug. 31, 2007. In her spare time, she loved golfing and camping. She especially enjoyed camping while elk hunting in Colorado. She was an avid Wisconsin Badger fan, and for the past six years, she had found a passion for photography. More than anything, Carol loved her family. She will be sadly missed.

She is survived by her mother, Margaret Zastoupil of Tomah; her husband, Ron of Tomah; her children, Jennifer (Mike) Hibbard and Barb Tralmer; her stepson, Jeff (Sara) Parish and their son, Fox and Bryan (Johanna Haley) Parish; a brother, Tom (Alice) Zastoupil of Tomah; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Howard. 

Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Monsignor Richard Gilles will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Tomah.

Family and friends are invited for visitation at the funeral home Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at http://www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com/. 

View Full Notice → Carol J. Parish

Velma Elaine Mason, 91, formerly of rural Cashton passed away Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse.

Velma was born March 6, 1922, to Frank and Rosella (Wessie) (Mains) Currier in the town of Jefferson, near Cashton. She married Herman Mason on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1944, at the home of Velma’s parents. Together they lived at his family’s farm in Avalanche for three years before buying the Currier family farm in Brush Creek, east of Cashton. This is where Velma lived as a child. They lived here for the next 50 years, raising their five children there.

In 1998, they sold the farm and moved to a house by Perch Lake in Sparta. When Velma’s health failed, they moved to the Morrow Home together until Herman passed away May 26, 2009. She continued to reside there under their loving care. 

Velma was an avid reader who stayed up on current events all of her life. In her younger years, before she was married, she worked in Viroqua at the hospital, carrying wet laundry up three floors to hang on the clothesline in the attic. She also worked at the shoe stores in Viroqua and Cashton. Velma was an accomplished seamstress who also loved to knit and crochet. She was active and involved within her church and as a 4-H leader. Velma was a gifted baker and cake decorator, and she had a real green thumb when it came to growing beautiful flowers indoors and out. Her talents were many, and the love she had for her family was deep. 

Velma is survived by her son, Gary E. (Marge) Mason; three daughters, Avis (Hall) Marino, Janis (Steven) Hanson and Patty (Ervin) Elsen of Sparta; a daughter-in-law, Sheila Mason; a sister, Iva Cade of Viroqua; nine grandsons, Wayne Mason, Michael (Kathy) Mason, Christopher (Angel Strothman) Mason, Scott (fiancée Nicole Batinich) Mason, Brandon (Kristine Ostrem) Hall, Shannon (Becky) Hall, Stacy (Jamie) Hanson, Robbie (Brooke Pederson) Hanson and Jay (Kara) Elsen; one step-grandson, Roger (Anne) Bass; one granddaughter, Penny (Dave) McMurray; one step-granddaughter, Lynne Bass; 26 great-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; 5 ½ great-great grandchildren; and 2 ½ step-great-great grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband Herman; her parents; a son, Alan R. Mason; a sister, Bessie Currier; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Cecil Currier and Raymond (Evelyn) Currier and their daughter Eleanor; and a brother-in-law, Norman Cade, and his daughter-in-law, Carol Cade.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial will follow in Home Cemetery, rural Ontario.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Visitation also will be held at the church Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

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

View Full Notice → Velma Elaine Mason

Paula Gerwing, 63, of Fort Myers, Fla., and Tomah passed away Oct. 11, 2013, in Fort Myers.

She was born March 25, 1950, to Donald and Vera (Michel) Kremmer. She was a 1968 graduate of Tomah High School. Paula attended nurse’s training in La Crosse and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Viterbo. 

Paula was united in marriage to Stanley Gerwing on June 8, 1974, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. She proudly served in the United States Army Reserves. She began her career as a registered nurse at the Tomah Veterans Administration Hospital, where she retired from in 2011. Paula later retired as a major from the Army Reserves. Following retirement, she worked part time at the Morrow Home in Sparta.

Together Paula and Stan loved traveling and spent half of the year in Florida. In her spare time, she enjoyed flowers, gardening and antiques. She had a contagious laugh that would draw you in. She made a memorable footprint for everyone she met. One of her favorite sayings was, “Love, love, love.” Paula was loved as a wife, mother, nurse, soldier, veteran’s advocate and friend. 

She is survived by her husband, Stan; her daughters, Allycia Gerwing and Arianne Gerwing; a brother, Don (Nancy) Kremmer; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Vera, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Alvera Gerwing.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. Pastor Donald Buch will officiate. Burial with full military honors by Tomah American Legion Post 201 will follow in South Ridge Cemetery, town of Wellington.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends are also invited for visitation Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com. 

View Full Notice → Paula Gerwing

Mary Lou Sletten, 83, of Norwalk died Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at her home.

A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgeville. Pastor Matthew Minzlaff will officiate.  Burial will be in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Ridgeville.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home in Tomah, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Sunday at the church. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Mary Lou Sletten

Mary Lou Sletten, 83, of Norwalk died Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at her home.

She was born Feb. 26, 1930, to Arthur and Emma (Kortbein) Garske on the family farm in Norwalk. She was united in marriage to Virgil Sletten on July 9, 1949. They were blessed with the first daughter on Feb. 26, the same birthday as Mary Lou and Virgil.

Together they farmed in the town of Ridgeville until retiring in 2000. They built a home on Mary Lou’s parents’ home farm.

She was one of the first members of the Altar Guild, organized in 1975 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran. She served as the Town of Ridgeville deputy clerk for eight years and as Town of Ridgeville clerk for eight years. She also assisted her husband, Virgil, with his Town of Ridgeville treasurer and clerk jobs for more than 41 years. Mary Lou was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She treasured all the time spent with her family. Her joy was sewing, cooking and baking for everyone. Serving Christmas dinner to her family was the highlight of every year.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Virgil; four children, Rose (Dale) Degner of Sparta, Vicki Sletten of Norwalk, Randy (Dawn) Sletten of Wilton and Deb Luxton (Ryan Green) of Norwalk; 20 grandchildren, Candy Arnold and Brian Abbott, Denver Bills, Cody and Shanda Sletten, Trevor Sletten, Adam and Katrina Sletten, Isaiah Sletten, Toni and Tim Ross, Shane and Jessica Luxton, Briehn Luxton, Dominic Luxton, Gabrielle Luxton, Krista and Phill Hamilton, John, and Cindy Degner; 14 great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Macey and Aiden Bills, Shelby and Jonah Arnold, Justin Abbot, Shayna and Cylus Sletten, Emerson Luxton and Nadia Sletten, Natalie and Caitlyn Hamilton, and Brady, Anaka and Bethany Degner; a great-great-grandchild, Carter Burke; a sister, FernNell Betcher of Norwalk; two brothers-in-law, Duane (Violet) Sletten of Sparta and Vernon Sletten of Moline, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Beverly Brandau of Sparta; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Chuck Luxton; a sister, Ardella Wallerman; four brothers-in-law, Eddie Betcher, Les Wallerman, Orland Sletten and Byron Brandau; and a sister-in-law, Ardith Sletten. 

A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridgeville. Pastor Matthew Minzlaff will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Ridgeville. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home in Tomah and from 1 p.m. until the time of the service Sunday at the church. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Mary Lou Sletten

Roger D. Schindler, 72, of Wilton died Friday, Oct. 25, 2013, at his home.

He was born Feb. 19, 1941, to Carl and Leona (Drews) Schindler in Wilton. He farmed in the town of Wellington on his parents’ home farm. He did custom harvesting for several years for his neighbors. He was avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Roger was a faithful member of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

He is survived by three brothers, LeRoy (Patricia) of Janesville, Charles (Beverly) of Austin, Minn., and Daryl (Gwen) of Tomah; a sister, Darlain (John) Ashbacher of Waukon, Iowa; and nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents and a brother-in-law, Robert Muenchow.

A funeral service will be at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Steve Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited to call Wednesday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton is assisting the family with the arrangements.  Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. The family requests that memorials be made to St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on South Ridge in Roger’s memory.

View Full Notice → Roger D. Schindler

James L. Cornell, Sr., 69, of Sparta died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at his home. 

He was born Nov. 29, 1943, to Charles and Edna (Gudgeon) Cornell in Viroqua. For 30 years, he lived and raised a family in the Black Valley. He stayed close friends with his sons’ mother, Gloria Lee. He worked as a corporal level-three stainless steel fabricator for 32 years at Walker Stainless Steel in Elroy. He was proud of his 34 years of sobriety and motivating and helping others with their sobriety. His surreal art was an outlet for him to express himself, and it is appreciated by all around him. He accomplished much in his life; helping veterans was top on the list, and has awards to show for it – the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

He would be best described as an all-around woodsman. He was looking forward to this year’s deer hunt, where he could prove, yet again, his excellent marksmanship. Of all his time in the woods, he enjoyed ”Zang Banging” (wild ginseng hunting) the most.

He is survived by his three sons, Jim (Lori) Cornell, Jeff Cornell and Jerry (Shelly) Cornell; his brother, Mervin Cornell; seven grandchildren Jennifer, Jessica, Mellissa, Joseph, Jayden, Kaila and Bobby; and six great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Jude, Jackson, Julian, Jasper and one on the way, Ashton; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Fred Cornell; and a sister, Mary Duff.

The funeral service will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, 702 Center St., Wilton. Pastor James Leston will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → James L. Cornell

Beulah L. Thompson, 98, of rural Elroy went home to be with her heavenly father Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, while surrounded with family.

She was born March 30, 1915, to August and Mabel (Worden) Vieth in the town of Bloomer, Marshall County, Minnesota. At an early age, her parents moved their family and returned to their birthroots in Monroe County, Wis., first settling near Cashton and moving ultimately to a farm on Fowlers Prairie near Elroy.


Beulah attended school at Fowlers Prairie School and for a short time at Sparta High School, until finances demanded she take a job cleaning a railroad workers’ boarding house in Elroy at $ 2 per week.

In late 1935, while attending a party at the Mutch farm on Millards Prairie, she met the love of her life, Russell Robert Thompson. They married April 6, 1936, and worked together on the farm they purchased in 1938 on Millards Prairie, until Russell passed on June 16, 1968. She lived out her final years at her beloved farm on Millards Prairie.

Resourceful and creative, she blessed those around her with homemade gifts. She was never one to sit idle; instead, she kept busy with her community projects, gardening, sewing and writing. Beulah was an active member of the United Methodist Church and Elroy Woman’s Club and a founding member of the Millards Prairie Homemakers Club and the Hill and Dale Garden Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; her eldest son, Wayne; her parents, August and Mabel; her brothers, Gordon, Earl, Levi, Weston and Leland Vieth; and her sisters, Lula Von Haden and Olive Board.

Survivors include her daughter, Suann (Arnie) Degenhardt of Norwalk; her son, Dale (Mary J. West) Thompson of El Paso, Texas; and 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all who cherish the times they had with Beulah.

A service in celebration of Beulah’s life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at United Methodist Church in Elroy, with Rev. Peace Kim officiating. Beulah will lay in rest next to Russell in Millards Prairie Cemetery in rural Elroy. Friends may call at the church from 10-11 a.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for the Millards Prairie Church fund.

The Picha Funeral Home of Elroy is assisting the family. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.

View Full Notice → Beulah L. Thompson

Corena Bonadine Siekert, 82, of Tomah and formerly of Kendall died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

She was born Aug. 29, 1931, in Elroy to Carl and Olga (Ormson) Knutson.

Corena graduated from Elroy High School in 1949 and was united in marriage to Martin Siekert on July 16, 1949, in Kendall; he preceded her in death Aug. 13, 2002. She had lived in Kendall most of her life before moving to Tomah in 2008. Corena worked at Olson Grocery Store, Woods Hardware and Picha Furniture Store. She was also very active in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, where she had been a member since 1948 and was a Sunday school teacher, plus she was involved in the Ladies Aid, Kendall American Legion Auxiliary, Foothills Homemakers, Kendall Birthday Club and the Town of Glendale as an election poll worker.

Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl (David) Jothen of Eau Claire; her son, Larry (Linda) Siekert of Tomah; three grandchildren, Michael (Summer) Jothen, Larry “Skeeter” (Jenni) Siekert JR and Rae Ann Siekert (Mike); one great-grandson, James Leif Jothen; three sisters, Doris (Emil) Picha of Hillsboro, Arlene Jensen of Milton, Wis., and Carol Ann (Tom) Kuhlow of Milton; two brothers, Conrad Knutson of Florissant, Mo., and Harold (Lorraine) Knutson of Janesville; a special friend, Maryann Sebranek of Tomah; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, B. J. Peardot, and a great-grandson, Aaron Orville Jothen.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Ridge, rural Ontario, with Rev. Steve Neuman officiating. Burial will be in the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Cemetery, South Ridge.

Friends may call at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. and at the church on Sunday from 12-1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Matthew’s Ladies Aid.

View Full Notice → Corena B. Siekert

Treva W. (Taylor) Matteson, 88, of Hillsboro passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, at Milestone Senior Living in Hillsboro.

She was born March 6, 1925, near Valley, Wis., to Milo and Leah (Krauss) Taylor. Treva was united in marriage to Verlin W. Matteson on Dec. 22, 1942, at Burr Ridge, Wis.

Treva and Verlin farmed in the Trippville area. They then operated the Wander Inn Restaurant in Hillsboro. She also worked at the St. Joseph’s Hospital. In retirement, she volunteered for the Good Samaritan Thrift Store. Over the years, she made many quilts that she lovingly gave to friends and family. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Hillsboro and the Trippville Homemakers. Treva also faithfully kept the family history up to date.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Verlin; her children, Howard (Carol) Matteson of Wonewoc, Alan (Sandi) Hillsboro and Larry (Jenny) Fond du Lac, Wis.; her grandchildren, Brent Matteson, Doug Matteson, Ryan (Sarah) Matteson, Aaron Matteson, Justin (Miranda) Satterlee, Joshua (Laura) Satterlee, Jamie Satterlee, Beth Matteson (friend Kevin) and Candi (Adam) Kennedy; her great-grandchildren, Jayden, William, Mason, Brody, Adalynn, Karter and Kamden; three brothers, Mervin (Fodie) Taylor of Ontario, Ralph (Pat) Taylor of Warrenville, Ill., and Lee (Mary) Taylor of Janesville; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her son Carl Matteson; her daughter, Anita Satterlee; her sister, Rita Taylor; and her brother, Holly Taylor.

Funeral were Saturday, Nov. 2, at First Congregational Church, with Rev. Isaac Fleming officiating.  Burial was in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro.  The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro assisted the family with arrangements. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.

View Full Notice → Treva W. Matteson

LaVonne Jeanette Graewin, 79, of Wilton died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, at her home.

She was born Sept. 25, 1934, to Walter and Emma (Lietz) Gnewikow in Wilton. She was baptized Nov. 4, 1934, and confirmed March 21, 1948, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. She was a member of the Tomah High School class of 1952.

She was united in marriage to Roger Graewin on Sept. 26, 1954, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. He preceded her in death Dec. 10, 2003. Together they farmed in the town of Ridgeville for many years. Their farm received the Century Farm award in 1992. She was always hardworking and took great pride in farming. She enjoyed working in her garden and canning, and she was an excellent cook. She will be remembered for her pancakes and grandma’s cookies.

After Roger passed away, LaVonne enjoyed traveling and took several chartered bus trips and train trips with her sister-in-law Mary. She was very outgoing and could strike up a conversation with anyone.

She was a charter member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tomah and served on the Ladies Aid. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by three sons, Steve (Sharon) of Camp Douglas, Scott (Julie) of Mauston and Kerry (friend Kelly) of Wilton; four grandchildren, Jesse and Tiffany Graewin of Mauston and Riley and Dawson Graewin of Wilton; two sisters-in-law, Mary Gnewikow of Oakdale and Laura Gnewikow of Tomah; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In additions to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Loren, Leonard, Delwin, Harvey and William Gnewikow; and a sister-in-law, Arlene Gnewikow.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1221 La Grange Ave., Tomah. Pastor Mark Benning will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to call Wednesday at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. and at the church Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → LaVonne Jeanette Graewin

Gerald W. Bauer, 83, of Marshfield, Wis., passed away Tuesday morning, Oct. 29, 2013, at Ministry St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield, with his family at his side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Marshfield, with Father Sam Martin officiating. Suzanne Golden along with St. John’s Funeral Choir will provide the music for the services. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, with his grandsons as pallbearers.

Visitations will be on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield from 4­-8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:30am until service time at the church. There will be an honor guard by the Knights of Columbus Assembly 1219 at the funeral home and again on Saturday at the church. The Knights of Columbus will recite a rosary service at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Rembs Funeral Home.

Gerald was born Aug. 5, 1930, at home in rural Loyal, Wis., to Edwin and Clara (Litka) Bauer. He attended St. Mary’s Parochial school in Bakerville, Wis. He was united in marriage to Nancy J Heinze on March 31, 1951, at Corpus Christie Catholic church in Bakerville.

In Gerald’s early years, he hauled milk, farmed, operated an A & W root beer stand in Iowa with his brother Al, and was an insurance agent. He owned and operated a portable feed mill in Neillsville, Wis., and then Bauer Feed Service in Wilton. He was instrumental in establishing numerous business ventures in Spencer, Wis., and Fond du Lac, Wis., with his six sons. He especially enjoyed buying and selling cattle. Gerald was one of the first in the state to raise beefalo cattle on their farm near Wilton. Gerald and Nancy moved back to Marshfield in 1990. They enjoyed traveling, auctions, playing cards, visiting casinos, and especially spending time with their family.

Gerald was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a faithful, active member of St. John’s.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Bill (Linda) Bauer of Spencer, Mike (Sandy) Bauer of Fond du Lac, Jeri (John) Weger of Elroy, Roger (Carolyn) Bauer of Spencer, Mary (Larry) Thompson of Tomah, Betty (Roger) Gorectke of Minocqua, Wis., Jim (Colleen) Bauer of Marshfield and Dan (Kris) Bauer of Marshfield; 37 grandchildren; and 43 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two brothers and two sisters, Albert (Alice) Bauer, Don (Joyce) Bauer, Val (Don) Hanson and Eilene Weber, all of Marshfield.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Rick, in 1991; two grandchildren, Brad Bauer in 2002 and Danielle Gorectke in 2007; two infant sisters; and one brother-in-law, Peter Weber.

The family would especially like to thank the staff of Ministry St. Joseph’s 8 North and Palliative Care for their service and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Gerald’s name to St. John’s Catholic Church or Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com.

View Full Notice → Gerald W. Bauer

Irvin Beier, 70, of Delavan, Wis., died Oct. 28, 2013, at home.

Irvin was born Oct. 19, 1943, to Lawrence H. “Pappy” Beier and Mertie L. (Rumppe) Beier in Monroe County. Irvin graduated from Delavan-Darien High School in 1961. He served in the United States Air Force for eight years.

For a number of years, Irvin and his brother Bernard owned the Tally-Ho Bar in Darien Township. After his retirement as an electrician, Irvin sold Amish-made wooden baskets at craft fairs throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

Irvin is survived by his nine sisters, Dorothy (Dan) Stirmel of Delavan, Judy Pitzer of Boscobel, Wis., Margaret Michalek of Lake Geneva, Wis., Barbara Stephens of Beloit, Wis., Garnett Burt of Winter, Wis., Ida (Bob) Braund of Kendall, Debra (Darryl) Raabe of Tomah, Patricia Beier of Beloit and Alice (Dean) Drewitz of Westfield, Wis. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Irvin was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence H. “Pappy” Beier and Mertie L. (Rumppe) Beier, and his younger brother, Bernard Beier.

A memorial service will be at the Ontario American Legion Hall on Saturday, Nov. 23, beginning at noon. Burial will be in the Home Cemetery in Ontario. The Betzner Funeral Home of Delavan is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Irvin Lawrence Beier

Delbert A. Wagner, 80, of Ontario passed away Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, at his daughter’s home in La Crosse, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born May 12, 1933, to Reinholt and Beata (Von Haden) Wagner in the town of Oakdale, Wisconsin. 

On Sept. 19, 1953, he was united in marriage to Emogene Spohn of Ontario. During Delbert’s military service, he and Emogene moved to Washington State. Following this, the two of them moved back to live on Emogene’s family farm. Delbert was a hardworking man, and dairy farming was his life. After selling his cows, he remained active on his farm, raising beef cattle. 

He was a sweet and loving person who had a twinkle in his eyes when you talked with him. He treasured and cherished time spent with his grandkids and family. Delbert often spent his days transporting his Amish friends place to place. Delbert was an active member of the Ontario American Legion and Grace Community Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing cards with his family. 

Delbert is survived by his children, Debbie (Dave) Pickett of La Crosse, Dennis (Samantha) Wagner of Ontario and Danielle (Jim) Fuchs of Hillsboro; four grandchildren, Ajay (Bergen) Pickett of Minnesota, Austin Pickett of Hawaii and Nathan and Nicklaus Fuchs of Hillsboro; sisters, Eldora Thomas of Norwalk and Eleanor Spohn of Ontario; along with other relatives and dear friends.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; his dear wife, Emogene, in July 2011; his brothers, Myron, Byron and Laverne Wagner; and a sister, Marcella Von Ruden.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Visitation also will be held Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Delbert. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Delbert A. Wagner

Leona Catherine Hardy, 84, of Sparta and formerly of Wilton died Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, at her home.

She was born Jan. 27, 1929, to William and Mary (Harkey) Brashear in St. Louis, Mo. Leona was a member of the Brookwood High School graduating class of 1973, graduating the same year as her son. She was united in marriage to Clifton Reneau. On Jan. 27, 1963, Leona was united in marriage to Edward Hardy in Tomah. He preceded her in death Feb. 8, 1989.

She worked for Tillman Produce in Wilton from 1957 until 1973, the last two years as a supervisor. After working for Tillman, Leona worked as a secretary and telephone operator for the U.S. Army – Fort McCoy from 1973 until her retirement in 1998.

She was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Wilton. She loved reading, bowling, playing cards, crocheting and spending time with her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by five children, William (Ellen) Reneau of Tomah, John Reneau of Menomonee, Wis., Chris (Brenda) Reneau of Wilton, Martha Gnewikow of Sparta, and Scott (Deb) Hardy of Tomah; 16 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two husbands, Clifton and Edward; a son, Clifton Jay Reneau; a daughter, Catherine Hardy; two daughters-in-law, Ina “Jean” Reneau and Eun Young “Kim” Reneau; three sisters, Margie Pettera, Ruby Chapman and Betty Light; and four brothers-in-law.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m. Thursday and from 10-11 a.m. Friday. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Leona Catherine Hardy