Gregory James “Bush” Clark, 53, of Tomah joined his parents and father-in-law in heaven Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Greg was born May 24, 1960, to James (Jack) and Jean (Mack) Clark. He was a 1978 graduate of Brookwood High School, where he was an all-conference middle linebacker. He was married to his best friend, Lisa Wright, nearly 28 years ago. When he was 25, he proudly took over his father’s car business, Auto Expo. The family loyalty passed on to Greg by his parents was evident by all who spent time with him. He was so proud when his son, Tater, told him when he was a young boy that he was going to be a car man someday, too.

Greg was known by his family as “the king of the one-liner,” and he would assign a nickname to those he held dear to his heart. He was a mover and a shaker and always craved some type of action to challenge himself. Many times you would hear him say, “Lead, follow or get out of the way!”

Greg was someone you meet and never forget. His smile was true and genuine, just like the man behind it. He loved classic cars, football and old Westerns, and he was an avid musky fisherman and deer hunter. Most of all, he loved his wife, children and granddaughter. They were the fuel that made him run over the years. Auto Expo was his pride and joy, along with the cigarettes in his pocket, an Auto Expo sweatshirt on, and a Coors light in his hand.

Greg is survived by his wife, Lisa Clark of Tomah; his son, Cade (Tina) Clark of Tomah; his daughter, Chelsey (Aaron) Petit, and his granddaughter, Kenlie, all of Tomah; his sisters, Michelle “Shelly” (Randy) Eddy of Sparta, Patricia (Marty) Pierce of Bangor and Melanie (Dan) Duneman of Tomah; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and great friends.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Tomah. Pastor Edwin Stigen will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Hilltop Rest Cemetery in Ontario. Family and friends are invited to the visitation Monday, Nov. 25, from 4–8 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Visitation also will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Gregory James “Bush” Clark

Leila A. Friske, 100, of Kendall died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at Heritage Manor in Elroy.   

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kendall. Pastor Steven W. Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery.  Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday. 

The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Kendall is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Leila A. Friske

Leila Ella Anna Friske, 100, of Kendall died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at Heritage Manor in Elroy.

She was born Jan. 14, 1913, to Olaus “Herman” and Rosella Anna (Sonnenberg) Moe in the town of Glendale, Foothills Valley, on the family farm. She was baptized Feb. 23, 1913, at St. John’s German Lutheran Church in Kendall by Rev. Otto Engel, and she was later confirmed Dec. 5, 1926. Leila attended school in Kendall and was a member of the Kendall High School graduating class of 1930.

After graduating from high school, Leila attended Mount Sinai Nursing School in Milwaukee, graduating in 1933. She was employed as a registered nurse at Mount Sinai from 1933 to 1946.

On June 7, 1945, Leila was united in marriage to Bernard Friske at Salem Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. In 1946, Leila and Bernard relocated to the Kendall area, purchasing a local farm. Although raising a family was Leila’s first priority, she continued to serve the local community as the health officer of the Village of Kendall and later for the Town of Glendale during the polio epidemic of the 1950s. She also assisted with mobile x-rays, the Red Cross, the American Legion Auxiliary and the annual March of Dimes campaign.

From 1958 to 1975, Leila spent time working at Hess Memorial Hospital or Pleasant Acres Nursing Home. At home, she kept busy raising her family and helping out with the farm work.

In the late 1970s, Leila and Bernard were able to start traveling, spending their winters in McAllen, Texas. They enjoyed their annual trips to Texas and often opened their Texas home to family and friends from Kendall. They also traveled to Mexico, where Leila was able to continue her love of nursing by volunteering at an orphanage in Monterey. When Leila was no longer able to travel to Texas, she filled her days by spending time with her family and beloved friends of the Kendall community, playing cards, making table favors for the annual church mother-daughter banquet, and sharing an Ole and Lena joke or two.

Leila was a faithful and devoted member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was also a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend.

 She is survived by three sons, Charles (Ruth) Werkowski of West Allis, Wis., Richard Friske of Kendall and John (Connie) Friske of Verona, Wis.; a daughter, Betty (Robert) Manson of Elroy; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; an aunt, Ruby Friske of Mauston; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; an infant daughter, Anna; a brother, Gordon Moe; and a sister, Irene Hart. 

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kendall. Pastor Steven W. Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Kendall is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Leila Ella Anna Friske

Merril Wayne Breidenstein, 68, of Ontario passed away Nov. 25, 2013, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born the youngest child of Bernard and Anna (Collins) Breidenstein on Nov. 10, 1945, in Hillsboro.

After attending the Mount Pisgah one-room country school and graduating from Brookwood in 1965, he spent the remainder of his life on the ancestral farm in Cass Valley and the surrounding community. In his youth, he played softball, but as the years moved along, he spent more time in the world of birds, butterflies and wildflowers. Sometimes he enjoyed watching the Brewers and Packers, and sometimes, when their ineptitude became too painful to watch, he turned them off and found something else to do.

A stray dog or cat would often find a home in his world. As his many physical problems increased in recent years, he managed to accept them without complaint.

He is survived by his three brothers, Alton and Bob of Ontario and William (Marla) of Janesville; two sisters, Lucille of La Crosse and Linda (Harry) Fiske of Valley, Wis.; two sisters-in-law, Ruth of Delavan, Wis., and Shirley of Edmond, Okla.; two beloved aunts, Dorothy and Vivian, both of Oregon; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Blaine (Anna Marie), Burdette, Beauford and Donald (Marlene); and his sisters, Arlene (Duane) Obert and Clara Breidenstein.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Mount Pisgah Wesleyan Church in rural Ontario. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Burial will follow in Burr Ridge Cemetery in rural Hillsboro. Family and friends are invited for visitation Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Merril Wayne Breidenstein

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

Elizabeth Lena Ottum, 73, of Tomah passed away Dec. 3, 2013, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born Nov. 4, 1940, to Keith and Mabel (Wilder) Scott in Readstown, Wis. 

Elizabeth was united in marriage to William Ottum on April 15, 1960. She was employed by the Toro Company for more than 25 years. She was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed spending time with her family. 

She is survived by her husband, Bill of Tomah; her children, Terri (Wes) Revels of Tomah and Jeff Ottum of Tomah; her grandchildren, Brandon (Stacey) Revels, Amanda Revels, Nick Lyden and Nate Lyden; a great-grandson, Sean Revels; two sisters, Ella Jane (Roger) Spring of Machesney Park, Ill., and Irene Ewers of Shopiere, Wis.; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Keith and Mabel; her daughter, Kelly Lyden; and an infant sister. 

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Brush Creek Lutheran Church in rural Cashton. Burial will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5–7 p.m. Friday at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends also are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be given in Elizabeth’s memory to Tomah Hospice Touch.

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

View Full Notice → Elizabeth Lena Ottum

Adolph O. Vlasak, 93, of rural Elroy passed away Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at his home.

He was born on July 16, 1920, to Alois and Mary (Drystra) Vlasak on the family farm in the town of Glendale, Monroe County. Adolph was united in marriage to Esther Thonesen on April 7, 1945, at the Federated Church in Kendall.

Adolph was a lifelong resident of the town of Glendale, where they dairy farmed for many years. He also served as supervisor on the town board, was treasurer of Warner School, was a 75-year member of the WFLA Lodge WI 82 and was a member of United Methodist Church in Elroy.

Survivors include his wife, Esther; his children, Donna Downing (Cliff Heimke) of Sparta, Barbara (Edward) Tomlinson of Castle Rock, Colo., Roger (Cheryl) Vlasak of Janesville, Rebecca (William) Sheridan of Durham, Conn., Steven (Sherry) Vlasak of Elroy and Shelly Edwards (Nick Buhr) of Green Bay; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth (Arlene) Vlasak of Blanchardville, Wis.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; three infant daughters; a granddaughter, Erin Tomlinson; a son-in-law, Richard Downing; three sisters, an infant, Marie, and Julia Schauer and Helen Disrud; three brothers, Frank, William and Leo Vlasak; and a half-sister and three half-brothers.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at United Methodist Church in Elroy, with Rev. Peace Kim officiating. Burial will be in Elroy City Cemetery. Friends may call at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy on Tuesday from 4–7 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10–11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church in Elroy. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff of Hospice Touch — Tomah Memorial Hospital for their wonderful care and support.

View Full Notice → Adolph O. Vlasak

Larry Lee “Pete” Hutchens, 77, of Ontario passed away Dec. 11, 2013, at his home.

He was born Jan. 16, 1936, to John and Hazel (Pitkin) Hutchens on the family farm outside of Ontario.

Pete was united in marriage to Betty Burdette March 20, 1954. He owned and operated Larry’s Citgo for 25 years and worked for Mathy Construction. Pete was a social guy and loved talking to people. He had a wicked sense of humor and seemed to know everyone. He enjoyed playing cards and fixing up old cars. He also participated in seasonal elk hunts in Colorado. 

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Bruce (Joan) Hutchens of Sparta, Linda (George) Flaig of Sparta, Lana (Jerome) Muellenberg of Norwalk, Deanna (Steve) Laufenberg of New Lisbon and Dean (Dave Parsons) of Mexico; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Fern (Douglas) Ferries of Ontario, Maxine (Merlin) Vieth of Norwalk, Ruth Rynes of Sparta and Kathy (Larry) Fletcher of Onalaska; a brother-in-law, Don Jones of Ontario; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel, and a sister, Ruby Jones. 

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Gundersen Health System and extend a special thank you to Teresa Clements for her extraordinary service and care during his extended illness.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial will follow at a later date in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, 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 → Larry Lee “Pete” Hutchens

Elizabeth (Betty) J. Schroeder, 81, of Wilton passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at the Serenity House in Tomah, surrounded by family.

 She was born April 15, 1932 to Leo and Hildegard (Flock) Kruk in Sparta. Betty grew up on St. Mary’s Ridge, where she graduated valedictorian of her high school class in 1949. It was here on St. Mary’s Ridge where she met and married the love of her life, Norbert (Ole) J. Schroeder. They married Sept. 22, 1949, at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin. Their first four years of marriage were spent farming west of Wilton. They then moved to the village of Wilton, where Betty worked several years at Tillman Produce. In 1959, Ole and Betty relocated 1 mile north of Wilton and spent the next 46 years here raising their family. Her love for children was quite evident, not only by their own 12, but also by motivating young students as a teacher’s aide at Wilton Elementary School for 32 years. After retiring from teaching, Betty worked part time at Walmart in Tomah. Ole and Betty moved to Tomah in 2005, and after Ole’s death on March 3, 2011, Betty moved back to Wilton.

 In her spare time, you’d find Betty in her flower gardens. Flowers were her passion. Creating numerous woodcrafts together with Ole was another pastime she relished. She enjoyed knitting and sewing for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Ladies. She also was a very devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, serving on the P.C.C.W. and spending countless hours dedicated to the church’s well being. Betty will be remembered for her great love for her family, friends and faith.

She is survived by 12 children, Patricia (Jerry) Eckelberg of Wilton, Robert (Carol) of Elroy, Linda (Bill) Bauer of Spencer, Wis., Kathleen (Dick) Ballwahn of Plymouth, Wis., Nancy Touchstone of Wilton, Theresa (David) LeDuc of Denver, Colo., Timothy (Teresa) of Kendall, Shirley (Michael) Harris of Millville, Calif., Jeffrey of Tomah, Judy (Shawn) Handland of Holmen, Bruce of Tomah and Stephanie (Travis) Woods of Wilton; 29 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; six brothers, Donald (Barb) Kruk of Kenosha, Eugene (Dawn) Kruk, Charles Kruk and LaVern Kruk, all of Sparta, Leo Kruk of Rockford, Ill., and Michael (Joyce) Kruk of Belvedere, Ill.; a sister, Rosemary O’Neil of Thorp, Wis.; and six sisters-in-law, Rita Schroeder, Louise Schroeder and Margaret (Linus) Heinz, all of Sparta, Isabelle (Jay) Ferris of Sheridan, Wyo., Ramona Schroeder of Greendale, Wis., and Thelma (Richard) Dunnum of Milwaukee.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ole; her grandson, Travis Schroeder; a sister, Shirley Rasmussen; five brothers-in-law, John Rasmussen, Fritz Schroeder, Harold Schroeder, Otto Schroeder and Jim Schroeder; and one sister-in-law, Betty Schroeder. 

 A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton. Father Richard Dickman will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church from 4–8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice Touch/Serenity House, Tomah.

View Full Notice → Elizabeth (Betty) J. Schroeder

Lucille Johnson, 96, of Ontario died Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby.

The daughter of Charles and Blanche (Potts) Huffman, she was born Feb. 5, 1917, in Bloom City. She was united in marriage to William Johnson on Sept. 7, 1935, in Richland Center, and he preceded her in death April 11, 2000. During November 1953, she was born again and accepted the Lord as her personal savior, l John 5, verse 11-13, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

She is survived by one brother, Dale Huffman of La Mesa, Calif.; two daughters, DeLores (Richard “Sandy”) Sanders of San Antonio, Texas, and Linda Spencer of Hillsboro; two sons, Marvin (Lynda) Johnson and Gordon (Diane) Johnson, both of Ontario; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one son-in-law, Richard Rosol of Wonewoc; one daughter-in-law, Therese Johnson of Ontario; one brother-in-law, Thomas Gambsky of Appleton; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one daughter, Jeannette Rosol; one son, Arthur Johnson; four sisters, Eileen Stanek, Mable Johnson, Beulah Deets and Phyllis Gambsky; and a brother, Virgil Huffman.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, at the Ontario Gospel Hall. Robert Orr will officiate. Burial will follow in Hilltop Rest Cemetery in Ontario.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 6–8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, with an 8 p.m. prayer service, at the Torkelson Funeral Home, Ontario. Visitation also will be held Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the Gospel Hall. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Lucille Johnson

William J. Withrow, better known as “Bill,” left us on Christmas Eve. He passed away at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born Aug. 19, 1923, at 5:30 a.m. – a fact he often mentioned.

A handsome figure in his younger years, he was a good dancer and made friends easily. He married a local gal from La Farge, Geraldine Alderman. Together they raised four children on a small farm near Valley. His occupations included truck driver, farming, construction work, fencing, logging and mink ranching.

After he retired, he spent a season alone in the mountains of Idaho as a shepherd. During the last 10-plus years of his career, he worked at Wildcat Mountain State Park and retired for the final time at age 80. He lived his entire 90 years of life in the Kickapoo area, where he was most comfortable with the hills, the wildlife and the community folk. Those close to Bill have listened to many a story of growing up on a farm near La Farge with his parents Bid and Kate Withrow, his twin sister Betty and his older sister Mary.

He lived as a naturalist and loved being outdoors, especially in the woods, hunting, trapping, working horses, handling most farm animals and watching the changes of the season. He would often regale of good times spent with coon dogs on a cold night in November as he sipped coffee and exchanged tales with other local folk who understand the thrill of a coon dog’s bay on the trail. In his later years, his animals helped fill his days with purpose; arranging for the hay they would need or fixing the fence; they were his friends and provided much solace.

He was also quite knowledgeable about the trees and most types of foliage often reading the signs of nature to predict the weather, the status of the crops, or upcoming season. On the last morning of his life, he was explaining to his son-in-law how to forecast the weather. He said, “The first three days of January indicate what the weather will be for the first three months of the year.”

Like most of us, he may have difficulty explaining some parts of his life to St. Peter versus other parts. However, many knew him as trustworthy, a hard worker, and definitely a jokester. Bill was a likeable, independent character who chose to live life simply with an intimate connection to nature, animals and his Lord. His life and his home were of his own creation, the way he wanted it; he was “Bill.”

He is survived by three children, many relatives and friends. In his life beyond, he will join his mother and father, his sister, a son and numerous friends and relatives. He had requested to be buried in a simple pine box built by his neighbor and have a modest graveside service.

His family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to those who provided love and friendship and graced his 90 years of life in the Kickapoo Valley.

View Full Notice → William J. Withrow

Marilou “Mickey” (Gwin) Carpenter, 81, of Elroy passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at Heritage Manor in Elroy.

She was born Nov. 1, 1932, to Winn “Sparky” and Marcia (Jacobs) Thompson. Marilou grew up in Elroy and graduated from the Elroy High School. She was married to Harold Gwin in 1950, and they later divorced. In 1982, Marilou married Paul Carpenter, and he preceded her in death in 1995.

Mickey was a lifelong resident of Elroy and worked for many years at Ray-O-Vac in Wonewoc and waitressed at Spring Valley many Friday and Saturday nights. She loved to read and embroider. Mickey always enjoyed listening to her books on tapes in later years as she lost her vision.

Survivors include her children, Karen (Dan) Stanek of Sun Prairie, Wis., Cindy (Lee) Wyttenbach of Kendall, Connie (John) Johnson of Elkhorn, Wis., Edward (Sue) Gwin of Northglen, Colo., Becky Gwin of Charleston, S.C., and Kristy (Mike) Solovey of New Lisbon; and 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Harold Gwin and Paul Carpenter; her brother, Merrill “Tinker” Thompson; and Sassy, her loving and faithful dog.

Memorial funeral services to celebrate the life of Marilou “Mickey” Carpenter will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Grace Lutheran Church in Elroy, with Rev. Wesley Dunbar officiating. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interment will be in the Elroy City Cemetery at a later date. 

The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy assisted the family. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com

View Full Notice → Marilou “Mickey” (Gwin) Carpenter

Terrance John Sheridan, 78, died peacefully Saturday morning, Dec. 28, 2013, surrounded by his immediate family, at Dove Healthcare South in Eau Claire.

Terry was born in Sparta on June 20, 1935, to William P. and Alice Beryl (Senogles) Sheridan and grew up in a large, close-knit Irish Catholic family in Kendall. After graduating from Kendall High School in 1953, he began studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He enlisted in the Army in 1955 and served three years before returning to UW-Platteville, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis on English and history. He began his teaching career in Gary, Ind., and taught in Elroy and Wonewoc before starting graduate school at UW-Madison. He earned a master’s degree and PhD in Educational Administration from UW-Madison.

Terry married Florence Palmer on April 8, 1967, at Our Lady of the Wayside Church in Arlington Heights, Ill.

Terry was a middle school principal in Worth, Ill., a high school principal in Lake Mills, Wis., a curriculum coordinator in Delavan, Wis., superintendent of schools in Darlington, Wis., and Lake Mills, Wis., and finally assistant superintendent for curriculum in the Eau Claire Area School District. Terry finished his administrative career as principal at Manz Elementary, and then planned the construction of Meadowview Elementary School before serving as its first principal.

After retiring in 1992, he created and presented workshops for over 15 years to school districts and private sector businesses in the areas of mentoring/coaching employees for success. During this time, he also taught supervisory classes at UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College.

Terry served on the Eau Claire City Council from 1996–2000, 2002–2004 and 2006–2007. As a member of the City Council, Terry sponsored a smoke-free dining proposal that became law — the strictest dining ordinance in the state of Wisconsin at that time. Other civic contributions include serving on the Eau Claire Public Library Board, the Housing Authority Board, the Downtown Eau Claire Improvement Board, the Waterways and Parks Commission, the Eau Claire Public Education Foundation Board, Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, Cable Television Advisory Council, Sanitary Landfill Standing Committee and the Family Resource Center Board. He was a charter board member of Literacy Volunteers. He also served on the United Way Board and the Indianhead Girl Scout Council Board. Terry was an Eau Claire Community Foundation Legacy Luncheon honoree in 2008. Most recently, he served on the Police and Fire Commission. He was a life member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Terry served on the community advisory council of Sacred Heart Hospital from 1996–1998 and then on the board of directors from 1998–2008, receiving the Wisconsin Hospital Association Trustee Award in 2006.

As a member of the Eau Claire Noon Kiwanis Club for more than 34 years, he held various positions, including club president and District Lieutenant Governor. Terry had a particular interest in helping to preserve history through the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp in Carson Park. He took pride in frequently being the champion seller of pancake tickets for the annual Kiwanis Club Flapjack Feed.

Terry was an active member of the Newman Parish at the Ecumenical Religious Center, where he taught history to eighth-grade religious education classes for a number of years, and then directed an adult Bible study. He also enjoyed serving The Community Table on his Newman team.

Terry dedicated his life to improving the lives of school children and citizens of Eau Claire. He came out of retirement in 2000 to serve one year as the interim president of CASE, the Catholic Area Schools in Eau Claire. In 2007, he was instrumental in the formation of Clear Vision, an initiative for improving the quality of life in the Chippewa Valley. He once again came out of retirement to serve the Eau Claire Area School District as interim superintendent during the summer and fall of 2012.

He enjoyed traveling with Flo throughout the United States and parts of Europe. He made three trips to Ireland, kissing the Blarney Stone on every visit. He loved walking and golfing with his buddies, especially the day he shot a hole in one. Terry spent countless hours reading about the lives of important historical figures. He loved reminding people how lucky he was to be Irish, and then sharing a favorite joke or story.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and two of his sisters, Eileen Sheridan Eberhardt and Donna Sheridan Rusche.

Terry will be sadly missed by his best friend and loving wife, Flo, and their two children, Kevin (Kristi) of Vadnais Heights, Minn., and Kathleen of St. Paul, Minn., and two grandchildren, Owen and Nora Sheridan. He is also survived by four sisters, Rita (Steve) Boehrer of Hales Corners, Wis., Joan (Jim) Sartori of Elroy, Annette Thorson of Elroy and Sr. Patricia Sheridan, FSPA, of La Crosse; one brother, William Sheridan of Madison; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. To each of these survivors, he leaves a legacy of the importance of family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Eau Claire Area School District Foundation or the Terry and Flo Sheridan Family Fund at the Eau Claire Community Foundation.

Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, at the Newman Parish in the Ecumenical Religious Center, 110 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, with visitation one hour before, with Fr. David Olson presiding and Fr. George R. Szews preaching. Parking is available in the UWEC Hibbard parking lot on the corner of Garfield Avenue and State Street. An inurnment service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery in Kendall.

View Full Notice → Terrance John Sheridan

Alice Lorraine (Zerbel) Schweinler, 90, of Mauston passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at Fairview Nursing Home in Mauston.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Faith Congregational Church in Wilton, with Pastor Ben Janzen officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday.

The daughter of Paul and Frieda (Schenk) Zerbel, Alice was born Nov. 24, 1923, in Humbird, Wis. She grew up in Humbird and graduated from Humbird High School, and then moved to Beloit, Wis., to attend a business school. Alice moved back to Neillsville, Wis., where she met and married DeWayne John Schweinler on March 13, 1948. They lived in Neillsville for a few years, and then moved to Bethlehem, Penn., to help out a family member with their business. They moved back to Wisconsin and lived in Altoona, Wis. The railroad moved the family to Elroy, where they lived from 1961 to 1979. Then, from 1979 to the present time, she lived in Mauston. Her husband DeWayne retired from the U.S. Army after 26 years, and he preceded her in death in October 2002. Alice was a wonderful cook, enjoyed gardening, and cherished spending time with and taking care of her family. Alice was an amazing lady and was loved and will be missed by many.

Alice is survived by her sons, Gary (Kim) of Mauston and Mark (Helen) of Elkhorn, Wis.; her daughters, Patricia aka Patti (Donn) Wiest of Oshkosh and Debbie (Robert) Anderson of Wilton; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alma Kaufman of Altoona and Doris (John) Kleckner of Lancaster, Wis.; and many nieces, nephews, and her very special friend, Sparky. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three brothers, Arthur, Herman and Donald.

The family offers special thanks to Mile Bluff Hospital, Fairview Nursing Home, Dr. David Hoffman and the staff that took care of Alice.

The Conway-Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Lyndon Station, Wis., assisted the family with arrangements.

View Full Notice → Alice Lorraine (Zerbel) Schweinler

William F. Schaefer, 65, of Norwalk passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, at the Tomah Veterans Administration hospice unit, with his family at his side, after a 3 ½-year battle with cancer. 

William was born to Fred E. and Jeanette (Schotten) Schaefer on a farm near Melvina on Dec. 21, 1948. They moved to the Norwalk area when he was a young boy, and he attended Norwalk Elementary School and then graduated from Brookwood High School in 1967. He then attended Vernon County Teachers College in Viroqua and decided that was not what he wanted to do in life. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970. After his red-eye missile training, he was sent to Germany for the next year. He returned early when his mom became sick and spent the rest of his time at Camp McCoy until being honorably discharged in 1972. He then worked for the Norwalk Cheese Factory, and then went to work for Sparta Manufacturing until he retired in 2003 at the age of 55. 

He married Ida Kuderer on St. Mary’s Ridge, Cashton, on Aug. 7, 1976. Together they had four sons, Fred, Mike, Zach and Pat.

Bill’s retirement years were spent working on his woodcraft projects, antiquing with his wife and road trips with family and friends. He also had some time to spend spoiling his two beautiful grandsons, Aidan and James, to whom he was affectionately known as “Bumpa.” Bill was a member of the American Legion Post 438, a COF of St. Augustine Court and a former member of the Norwalk Lions. 

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ida, and his sons, Fredrick (fiancée Kelly Mecum) of Tomah, Michael (Sarah Komorosky) of Melvina, Zachary (Ariane Smolen) of Northfield, Minn., and Patrick of Tomah. He is further survived by his two grandsons, Aidan and James; his sisters, Bette (Steve Stone) and Kathryn (David Brown), both of Norwalk, and Rita Taylor of Tomah; a brother, Duane (Herminia) of San Antonio, Texas; his in-laws, Henry Kuderer (Jeanne Carpenter), Virginia (Orlin) Clark and Eugene (Joan) Kuderer; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jeanette; his in-laws, Richard and Marie Kuderer; a sister, Bonita Schaefer; and a brother-in-law, Terry Taylor. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Norwalk. Father Michael Klos will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, Jan. 3, from 4-7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Norwalk and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at http://www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com/.

View Full Notice → William F. Schaefer

Beulah Constance Clements, 91, of Cashton died Dec. 31, 2013, at Bland Bekkedal Hospice Center in Viroqua.

Beulah Swanson was born to Clarence W. and Cora A. (Monson) Swanson on Dec. 13, 1922, in Cashton. She graduated from Cashton High School in 1939 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from La Crosse State Teachers College in 1944, after which she taught third grade in Galesville for one year. On June 2, 1945, Beulah married John E. Clements, Jr., son of John and Katherine (Smeenk) Clements of Portland. He preceded her in death June 17, 2003.

Beulah continued a line of strong women in the field of education dating back to the early 1900s, including her aunts, her sister, her cousins, her daughters and her granddaughters. Going hand-in-glove with her teaching, Beulah and music were inseparable; it was the language of her spirit that she taught to each of her children from their earliest years and that continues through four generations. 

Beulah is survived by her five children, Cathleen (David Preminger) of New York City, Jane of St. Croix Falls, Wis.; John Robert (Barbara Hutchison) of Cashton, James of Neenah, Wis., and Christine (William Drago, III) of Stoughton, Wis. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Leif Johnson; Heather (Kyle) Benson and Heidi Cox; Aimee (Kepler) Davis and Rebecca Clements; John Craig, Ana and Cassandra Clements; and William, VI, Johannah and Rachael Drago; and seven great-grandchildren: Cade, Luke and Maia Benson; William, Katherine and Andrew Davis; and Teagan Cox. Beulah also leaves her sister, Beverly Swanson of Milwaukee, and one sister-in-law, Marian Johnson of La Crosse.

She was preceded in death by John; her parents; and two grandchildren, Hayley and Hannah Drago.

 Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cashton. A visitation for family and friends will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation also will be held Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Pastor Amanda Schultz will officiate. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or Bethel Foundation – Maplewood. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Beulah’s family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Maplewood Terrace, whose kindness, warmth and care meant so much to her and to her grateful family. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com. 

View Full Notice → Beulah C. (Swanson) Clements

Daniel “Dan” Keown, 63, of Hartford, Wis., died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2013, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Kentucky. He was born July 10, 1950, in Bethany, Ill., to the late Earnest Russell and Louise Huff Keown. He attended school in Kendall, Wis., and graduated from Royall High School in Elroy, Wis., in 1969. He worked as a cross-country truck driver and water plant operator in Illinois and Kentucky.

He also was preceded in death by a sister, Dora Keown Messmore of Sibley, Ill.; two infant sisters, Shirley Mae and Mary Evelyn; and a nephew, John Keown of Iowa.

He is survived by a daughter, Krista (Scott) Moll of Lafayette, Ind.; three brothers, Douglas (Pat) Keown of Bethany, Ky., Kenneth (Jean) Keown of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Ronald (Cathy) Keown of Walters, Okla.; one sister, Doris (Bruce) Krater of Reno, Nev.; 21 nieces and nephews; and many cousins, other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were Saturday at Newton Springs Cemetery in Fordsville, Ky. Geary Funeral Home, Fordsville, handled the arrangements.

View Full Notice → Daniel “Dan” Keown

George B. Newman, 87, of Wilton died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tomah.

He was born to George B. and Laura (Weaver) Newman in Decatur, Ill., on June 1, 1926. As a child, he attended Hickory Point Grade School and later Roosevelt Junior High and Warrenburg Community High School in Illinois.

He was drafted into the Navy in 1944 and served in the South Pacific. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University. While in college, he met and married Bernita Bushart and had three daughters, Sharon, Denise and Connie. They were later divorced, and he married Lois (Skaggs) Wildes and had a daughter, Jill.

He worked various jobs, including at Illinois Power and Light, a guard at the Joliet Arsenal, a guard at the Goodyear plant, and District Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts. He later farmed and raised cattle, retiring in 1982. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; his parents; three brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; one nephew; and one granddaughter. 

He is survived by six daughters, Sharon (Radar) Matt of Phoenix, Ariz., Connie (John) Majerus of Stoddard, Denise (Mike) Hoppe of Glendale, Ariz., Jill (Brock) Larson of Camp Douglas, Dawn (Mike) Bastian of Tomah and Cindy (Philip) Puent of Camp Douglas; one son, Allan (Diane) New Holland, Penn.; one sister, Lauretta Willams of Arcola, Ill.; three sisters-in-laws; one brother-in-law; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Faith Congregational Church, 502 Enderby, Wilton. Pastor Ben Janzen will officiate. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton from 4-7 p.m. Friday, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday.

Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → George B. Newman

Dale “Hoppy” Kenneth Hoppmann, 78, of Kendall died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital in Tomah.

He was born to Ervin and Marie (Thielker) Hoppmann on March 19, 1935, in Barre Mills. He was baptized and confirmed from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Barre Mills. He attended the Barre Mills Parochial School and later was a member of the West Salem High School graduating class of 1953. After graduation, he joined the United State Navy and served during the Korean War.

He was united in marriage to Joyce Waldron on Dec. 5, 1957, at St. John Lutheran Church in Barre Mills. Together they purchased a farm in the town of Glendale and raised their five children. Dale enjoyed training horses and had a team of miniature team of Halfling horses. Also, he enjoyed working in the garden with his wife and going to auctions.

Dale and Joyce represented Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the local hospitals and for the children in the area for more than 30 years. He would always share with the children the meaning of Christ in Christmas.

Hoppy worked at several different places during his lifetime: he worked as a boiler man while in the Navy, at the Ford Motor Company, at Fort McCoy as an electrician, for the Badger Ordnance Company, and in his later years, at the Brandau Auction Barn in Kendall.

He was a faithful member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church and a former member of the Kendall Lions Club. Dale was a proud grandpa and great-grandpa; he was active in his grandchildren’s life and tried to attend as many of their events as possible. He was a devoted husband and a loving father.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce of Kendall; five children, Elmer (Ruth) of Kendall, Kevin (Robin) of New Lisbon, Perry (Pamela) of Elroy, Paul (Sandra) of Wilton and Cindy (Brian) Pickler of Eau Claire; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Marion Berg of West Salem; two brothers, Wayne (Marilyn) of La Crosse and Daniel (Kathy) of Elgin, Ill.; a brother-in-law, Eddie (Sandra) Waldron of Hillsboro; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Hilbert Berg.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kendall. Pastor Steven W. Neumann will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, with military honors by the William J. Schriver American Legion Post 309 of Kendall.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday.

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

View Full Notice → Dale “Hoppy” Kenneth Hoppmann

Joyce Elizabeth Chase, 84, of Tomah passed away Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, surrounded by members of her beloved family.

Born on May 3, 1929, in Hustler, Joyce grew up in Wilton and, in 1946, married Lorenzo “Ren” Parrish in Bensenville, Ill. The couple was blessed with nine children. She was remarried in 1968 to LaVerne E. Chase in New Lisbon, where she was bookkeeper for their salvage business in Kendall.


She is survived by her sister, Patricia Taylor of Tomah; two sisters-in-law, Carrie Doyle of Wilton and Georgene Doyle of Oregon; a brother, James “Jim” Doyle and wife Verna of Wilton; and an uncle, Clayton Hansen of Tomah.

In addition, her survivors include her children, Vikki Parrish of Madison, Gail (Walter) Spodeck of Shalimar, Fla., SueAnne Parrish, of Louisville, Ky., Wanda Elliott of Tomah, Steven Parrish of Tomah, Jan Parrish of Juneau, Alaska, Scott Parrish of Wilton, Tracy Parrish of Tomah and Elizabeth Jill Noel of Onalaska; and her stepchildren, Carl Chase of Camp Douglas and Ronald Chase of Tomah. Joyce’s close-knit and extensive family also included 22 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Freda (Hansen) and Emmet Doyle; her husbands, Lorenzo and LaVerne; two brothers, Robert and John “Jack” Doyle; and her sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Worthington and Mary O’Gara.

A tireless and loving matriarch, Joyce never failed in support and caring devotion for her extensive family and friends. She never forgot a birthday and excelled as a homemaker. A member of the Glendale Homemakers Club, she was widely known for her cooking and baking skills, much to the delight of those who frequently gathered around her table during holidays and special occasions. All of her children cherish many memories of her kitchen and the unforgettable raisin-filled cookies and other baked treats created there. She often entertained guests with stories of her days as a high school marching band majorette, and sometimes a lucky visitor might depart with a token from her self-made crafts and ceramics collection in hand. Her indomitable spirit, sense of humor and compassionate nature will be sadly missed.

Though her family’s lives and interests were paramount, Joyce also relished occasional excursions outside her native state. An accomplished traveler, she treasured her visits to Ireland, Mexico, Costa Rica, Alabama, Florida, Alaska, Oregon, Nebraska, South Dakota, New Mexico, California, Kentucky, Chicago, New Orleans and New York City. 

Also admired as a devout and dedicated churchgoer, Joyce was a longtime member of both St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kendall and St. John’s Catholic Church in Wilton and assisted both auxiliaries on many occasions.

Sincere appreciation is expressed on behalf of Joyce Chase’s family for the compassionate and loving treatment she received from the staff of the Morrow Home in Sparta while in hospice care there.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kendall. Father David Bruener will officiate. Burial will be in Fowler Cemetery in the town of Plymouth (Elroy).

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church on Friday from 4-8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the Mass. A parish rosary will be recited at the church on Friday at 4 p.m. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Kendall is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

View Full Notice → Joyce Elizabeth Chase