Story originally printed in the Westby Times or online at www.westbytimes.com
Published - Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Obituaries for week of June 5, 2008
Earl P. Jaeger | Oretta E. Schnick | Jerome Tollef Anderson | Edward H. Meiers | Merle D. Hood | Francis “Milt” McGarry | Eva Marie McKittrick | Hazel J. Tuschall, nee Johnson | Carl V. Manke, Jr.
Earl P. Jaeger
Earl P. Jaeger, age 92 of Westby, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born at rural Westby on September 20, 1915, to Rudolph and Minnie (Blihovde) Jaeger. He married Elaine Larson on January 16, 1942, at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church in Westby. He was a 1934 graduate of Westby High School, completed a course in accounting, business administration and office management and completed numerous seminars pertaining to the operation and management of a rural electric Cooperative. Mr. Jaeger served 46 months in the U.S. Army which took him across North Africa to Tunis, then to Sardinia, Corsica and Italy. He was a member of the American Legion Syverson-Funk Post 155 of Westby since 1945 and served as president and treasurer for years. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3032 of Viroqua since 1971. He served several other organizations: Westby Kiwanis Club since 1961, board directors of Westby Area School as secretary, board of directors Westby Co-op Credit Union and board of directors Westby Areas Cooperatives and Vernon Cooperative Association. He was a member of the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church and served on church council and other committees. He was a life member of the Coon Prairie Preservation and Westby Historical Society. Mr. Jaeger was employed for 50 years, including the 46 months in military service, at the Vernon Electric Cooperative in Westby as accountant, office manager and general manager for 26 years. His hobbies included photography and traveling. He had visited Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, England, Scotland, Norway, Alaska and most parts of the United States.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; one daughter, Ellen Jaeger La Bounta of Apple Valley, Minnesota; one son, Gary (Marie) Jaeger of New Prague, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Angela Kane and Nicholas Jaeger, both of Rose Mount, Minnesota; one great-grandson, Ryan Jaeger; one brother, Roger (Pat) Jaeger of Westby; three sisters, Irene Munson of Westby, Helen Running of La Crosse and Ida Mae Peterson of La Crosse.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruth Larson; and son-in-law, Gerald C. La Bounta.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 31, 2008, at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church with Pastor Julie Wollman officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends called on Friday evening at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Friends also called at the church on Saturday before the time of services. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com.
In lieu of flowers or plants memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby served the family.
Oretta E. Schnick
Oretta E. Schnick, age 95, of La Crosse, died Monday, May 26, 2008, at Clare Bridge Cottage in La Crosse.
She was born September 28, 1912, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Henry and Josephine (Rulland) Luedke. Oretta is a graduate of Westby High School. On December 25, 1936, she married Adolph O. Schnick in Cashton. Together they farmed on the Schnick home farm in Stoddard. In addition to farming their entire married life, they were both employed at Northern Engraving in La Crosse and they owned and operated a root beer stand. On April 18, 1997, Adolph preceded Oretta in death. Oretta was a longtime member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in La Crosse, where she served on the ladies aid and various church circles. She also was a member of the Oak Ridge Homemakers. Oretta's nieces and nephews were very important to her and she will be sadly missed by all of them.
Survivors include one sister-in-law, Anita Schnick of Stoddard; one niece, Elizabeth (Robert) Michaels of Bangor; six nephews, the Rev. Harold (Margene) Peterson of Sun City, Arizona, Jon (Sandra) Peterson and Donald (Dorothy) Peterson, both of Cashton, the Rev. Luther (Bonnie) Peterson of Northfield, Minnesota, Paul (Karen) Levendoski of Middleton, Wisconsin and Mark (Kris) Levendoski of Genoa; and Colleen Peterson, wife of nephew, the late Rev. Roger Peterson of Decorah, Iowa. Oretta is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews on Adolph's side of the family as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to her husband, Oretta was preceded in death by two sisters, Evangeline Peterson of Cashton and Dolores Levendoski of Genoa; and one nephew, the Rev. Roger Peterson.
Funeral services were Thursday, May 29, 2008, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in La Crosse. The Rev. Mark Jolivette and the Rev. Luther Peterson officiated. Burial was in the Moen Cemetery, rural Cashton. Friends called at the church on Thursday before the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Oretta's memory to the charity of the donor's choice. The Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home of La Crosse, was in charge of arrangements.
Oretta's family would like to acknowledge the staff at Clare Bridge Cottage for the wonderful care given to her during her stay.
Jerome Tollef Anderson
Jerome Tollef Anderson, 75 years 5 months 10 days, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Encore Senior Village at Peoria, Arizona, a care center for Alzheimer’s and dementia, where he was a resident for the last 10 years.
Jerry was born in La Crosse, on May 19, 1933, to Arthur C. and Nora (Morkred) Anderson. He graduated from Viroqua High school with the class of 1952. He attended La Crosse University for one year and was in the marching band. He was in the Army for two years and stationed in Germany. Jerry was a machinist at Massey-Ferguson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for several years. Jerry and family moved back to Wisconsin with the family staying in Cashton and he moved to Milwaukee and worked at Harnishfeger. The last move was in 1985, to Glendale, Arizona. He was a machinist at Allied Signal in Phoenix, Arizona. Jerry’s interests included photography, fishing, camping, rodeos and country music. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Jerry was a member of Ark Lodge #176A.F.&A.M., St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Royal Arch Masons, Bloomington, Minnesota, the Minneapolis Mounted Commandery #23 K.T. and was also in the marching band, Past Patron for Eastern Star No. 9 and Zurah Shrine, both in Minneapolis.
Jerry is survived by Dorothy Anderson of 6608 W. Rose Ln., Glendale, AZ 85301; a son, Michael J. (Lisa) Anderson of Glendale; daughters, Nina J. LaRock of Phoenix, Arizona and Julie A. (Geoff) Turnbull of Cross Plains, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Jennifer Anderson, Boca Raton, Florida, Jacob Anderson of Glendale, Arizona, Heather LaRock of Sundara and Jeremiah Caucutt and Jarred Knapp of Phoenix, Arizona and Natasha and Sean Quinn of Madison, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren, Odin Anderson of Boca Raton, Florida, Dominic and Jordin of Phoenix Arizona, Ethan, Deven and Makayla of Phoenix, Arizona and Jenna of Cashton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and great-grandson, Kyle.
Memorial services with military honors will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6301 W. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85033, on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 3 p.m.
Edward H. Meiers
Edward H. Meiers, age 56, formerly of Kenosha, late of Viroqua, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2008, at Caring House in Viroqua.
Born on December 30, 1951, he was the son of John T. “Jack” and Dorothy Celia (Wierschem) Meiers. He was educated in local schools and moved to Viroqua 20 years ago. Edward enjoyed listening to music, playing guitar and harmonica, shopping and going to the rodeo.
Survivors include his father, Jack Meiers of Kenosha; three brothers, Raymond, Charles and Robert (Cathy), all of Kenosha; six sisters, Mary Lou (Susan Boyles) Meiers of Barrie, Ontario, Canada, May Ann (Lloyd) Davis of Orlando, Florida, Norma (Steven) Buskirk of Paris, Wisconsin, Carol (Michael) Liebhan of Kenosha, Jacqueline Waring of Kenosha and Carol Lea (Doug) Kennedy of St. Petersburg, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mothers, Dorothy Meiers and Mary Jane Meiers; and a sister, Jane Meiers.
The family would like to thank the staffs at Caring House, Bethel Home and Dr. Menn for their wonderful care of Edward.
The Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Interment was private at St. James Cemetery. Visitation was held on Wednesday at the church before the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the NAMI Kenosha County Inc., 5718-7th Ave. Kenosha, WI 53140, would be appreciated by the family.
The Proko Funeral Home & Crematory in Kenosha served the family. Visit Edward’s online memorial book at: www.prokofuneral home.com.
Merle D. Hood
Merle D. Hood, age 92, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2008, in Faulkton, South Dakota.
Merle was born on October 27, 1915 in Viroqua, to Frank and Grace (Morrison) Johnson. She graduated from Viroqua High School and was a secretary for John Morrell & Co. for 28 years. She was united in marriage to William Hood on June 27, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Merle was an active member of First Christian Church for several years. When she was not involved in church activities, she enjoyed playing bridge with her bridge club. For several years, she and William wintered in Texas and for many summers, they’d return to Wisconsin.
Merle is preceded in death by her husband; parents; two sisters, Frances and Lucille Johnson; and one brother, Lawrence Johnson.
Visitation with the family present to greet friends was held Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at Miller Funeral Home, 13th & Main Ave. Funeral services were held on Wednesday at First Christian Church. Interment will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2008, in the Viroqua Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to First Christian Church or American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfu neralhomes.com.
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family locally.
Francis “Milt” McGarry
Francis “Milt” McGarry, age 80 of New Berlin and formerly of Viroqua, died on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at his home in New Berlin.
He was born on January 3, 1928, in La Crosse, to Keith and Edna (Jones) McGarry. He graduated from Viroqua High School in 1945 and then served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He married Mary Lou Cox on September 3, 1949. Milt graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and had a career in sales management with Carrier for more than 40 years.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; four sons, Craig (Lois) McGarry of Muskego, Kevin (Mary Lyn) McGarry of Edgerton, Brian (Mardy) McGarry of Port Washington, and Mark Francis McGarry of New Berlin; seven grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Rory (Lorena) Katherine, Keith, Margaret and Kelly McGarry; one great-granddaughter, Madison McGarry; two sisters, Janet Hein of Viroqua and Enid (Bill) Reed of Viroqua; a sister-in-law, Betty Cox of Viroqua; a brother-in-law, Elaine (Bill) Schultz; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father in June, 1989 and his mother in October, 1999.
Funeral services were held in New Berlin with burial in the Brush Hollow Cemetery at rural Viroqua. The Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home assisted the family locally.
Eva Marie McKittrick
Eva Marie McKittrick, age 90, a resident at Vernon Manor, died early Monday morning, May 26, 2008, at the manor.
She was born on December 26, 1917, in Viola to Sherman and Dena (Coy) Griffin. On June 12, 1936, she married Sheldon “Shellie” McKittrick in La Farge. The couple lived in Lake Geneva, Romance and Viola prior to settling in Newton Valley in 1958. Eva helped manage all aspects of the farm and enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking.
Eva is survived by two sons, Roger (Karen) McKittrick of Viroqua and Butch (Aurealia) McKittrick of Poynette; three daughters, Rita (Chuck) Jones of Gautier, Mississippi, Marlis Wilson of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and Beverly (Pat) Horkhiemer of Rockford, Illinois; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mabel Meyer of Arpin; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sheldon “Shellie” in December 1988; a son, Danny Sherman McKittrick in August 2004; and three brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services were held on May 29, 2008, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua. Officiating at the service was Pastor Roy Tellier. The organist was Marilyn Bitz and soloists were Kevin Bitz and Trulla Zitlow. Honorary casket bearers were Paul and Larry McKittrick. Casket bearers were Kevin McKittrick, Dustin and Shawn Horkhiemer, Nick Nelson and Raleigh Fox. Burial took place in Newton Cemetery, rural Viroqua. A visitation was held prior to the service at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua.
Hazel J. Tuschall, nee Johnson
Hazel J. Tuschall, nee Johnson, age 88, of Hinsdale, Illinois, died May 29, 2008, in Hinsdale.
She was born June 1, 1919, in Viroqua. She grew up in Viroqua. She was a homemaker and an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hinsdale, Illinois, where she was involved in the Ladies Guild and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.
Survivors include her husband, John; children, Carolyn (Thomas) Dalby, John Richard (Gabriele) Tuschall Jr., James Charles (Dolores) Tuschall and William Alan (Alissa) Tuschall; grandchildren, Kristy (Vincent) Truax, Thomas D. Dalby Jr., Maria, Kyle, John, Preston, James Jr., Lauren and Kristin Tuschall; and great-grandchildren of Sean, Kari and Kelly Truax.
Funeral services were Monday, June 2, 2008, at Zion Lutheran Church, 204 S. Grant St. in Hinsdale, IL 60521. Interment was in St. Adalbert Cemetery in Niles, Illinois. Visitation was on Sunday afternoon, June 1, 2008, at the Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL 60525. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Zion Lutheran Church.
Carl V. Manke, Jr.
Carl V. Manke, Jr., age 79 of Westby, died Friday morning, May 30, 2008, at the home of his brother in the Township of Clinton.
He was born in Monroe County on September 23, 1928, to Carl P. and Hazel (Sherrick) Manke. Carl work for the Coon Valley Farmer’s Telephone Company as a line man for 43 years. On May 3, 1975, he married Clarice (Paulsrud) Wang and she died December 26, 2003. He served in the military from November 29, l950 until November 28, 1952, as PFC Battalion 32nd Combat Engineer. He was a member of the Westby American Legion Post 155. Carl loved to hunt, fish and play his accordion. He was a very hard worker and liked to help his friends.
He is survived by five step-children, Russell Wang of Edgerton, Wisconsin, Pam (Glenn) Reitsma of Scotts Valley, California, Eric Wang of Westby, Brian (Diane) Wang of Rockland and Patty (Phil) Mlsna of Sparta; 13 step-grandchildren; two brothers, LeRoy (Ann) of Westby and Eldon (Clara) of Waipahu, Hawaii; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and very good friend, Donald Jefson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Clarice; and sister, Cozette Parker.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 9, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St. (Hwy14) in Westby with Pastor Julie Wollman officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Sugar Grove Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfu neralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers and plants memorials may be given to Vernon Memorial Hospice.
The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.
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