Westby Times - Printable Version

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Published - Sunday, June 22, 2008

Obituaries for week of June 19, 2008

By publication staff

Allen O’Neal Brown Jr.

Allen O’Neal Brown Jr., age 60, died Monday evening, June 9, 2008, at the home of his son, Michael, in Viroqua.

He was born August 19, 1947, to Allen Sr. and Minnie Brown in Detroit, Michigan. He was a Vietnam veteran who served with Company A, 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry, Second Platoon in An Khe, Vietnam. He was a proud soldier who carried his strength and courage through life till his death on June 9, 2008, at home with his family by his side.

Allen is survived by his sons, Brian Brown of Winona, Minnesota and Michael (Terese) Brown of Viroqua; his grandchildren, Marcell, Cleveland and Mikayla Brown.

He wouldn’t say he lost his battle with cancer, rather he was ready to go.

A memorial service was held Friday, June 13, 2008, at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Pastor Steve Terpstra officiated. Visitation for friends and supporters was before the time of service. Military rites were by the Viroqua VFW Post 3032 and the Viroqua American Legion Post 138. The community was welcome at either of the services and/or the luncheon. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral homes.com. A lunch followed the service at the funeral home. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua served the family.

Clair “Pete” Ostrem

Clair “Pete” Ostrem, age 70, of Tomah, passed away at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born on July 4, 1937, to Chris and Lucille (Gorman) Ostrem in Viroqua. He was united in marriage to Shirley Hoiland on April 2, 1960; they later divorced.

He is survived by his special friend, Carol Vig; children, Dawn Maurer of Sparta, Dennis Ostrem of Sparta and Denise (David) Cahalan of Stoddard; sisters, Harriet and Mary Snider, both of Tomah; grandchildren, Dustin Boardman, Nicole Maurer, Elizabeth Ostrem, Shawna Grassman and Nicholas Cahalan; great-grandchildren, Sierra Boardman, Nathan Boardman and Kaleak Ostrem; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Lucille.

A Celebration of Clair’s Life will be held June 25, 2008, 2 p.m. at Einstein’s Bar in Oakdale, Wisconsin. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Gordon (Tex) Fetty

Gordon (Tex) Fetty, age 78, of Viroqua, died Saturday, June 14, 2008, at his home after a long battle with cancer.

He was born June 29, 1929, in Crawford County to parents Clifford and Eva (Smith) Fetty. After graduating from Viroqua High School in 1947, he served in the National Guard for two years. He purchased a garbage truck and had his own route. He attended Leadership Service in 1951 and served as a Sgt(T) in the Army from 1951 to 1953. He served in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He married Mae Running in 1953 and they had one son, Kurt in 1955. They resided in Viroqua while Tex worked at the Viroqua Creamery. He owned his own milk route and then became a field representative. He later worked for an auto dealership as a salesman. He then worked as an insurance adjuster and manager in both Wisconsin and Arkansas until his semi-retirement. He ran his own insurance business out of his home for a few years. His first wife, Mae passed away in 1991. They were married for 38 years. In 1992, he married Gloria (Gald/Peterson), where they resided in Viroqua. Tex’s retirement was spent golfing, traveling, winters in Florida, woodworking and time with family and friends. He served as treasurer for the United Methodist Church in Viroqua for many years. He joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and served as an usher. He was an active member of the Eagles 2707, VFW and American Legion. He served on the funeral guard for many funerals and also placed flags on the graves of veterans for more than 15 years. He was especially proud of his ‘Hole in One’ on the Viroqua Golf Course. He was an avid bowler and played in many tournaments, including the National Bowling Congress in Reno, Nevada. Every holiday season for the last 14 years Tex enjoyed playing Santa Claus for kindergartners at his home.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Gloria (Gald, Peterson) Fetty and his son, Kurt (Lori) Fetty, of Westby; his step-daughters, Vicki (John) Wilson of Reno, Nevada, Ellen (Mike) Knutson of Westby, Carla Cebula and Sarah Peterson of La Crosse; his brothers, Lowell (Priscilla) Fetty and Maurice (Sara) Fetty; his sisters, Kathleen (Gib) Holst and Connie Keck; his seven grandchildren, Louis and Kyrsten Fetty, Jason and Jessie Rood, Ben, Alex and Sam Knutson; and one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Knutson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife Mae.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua with the Revs. Margaret Eiben Hoversten and Lindsay Paul Jordan officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends called on Tuesday evening at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Friends also called at the church on Wednesday before the time of the services. Memorials are preferred to the charity of the donor’s choice.

The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua served the family.

Willard “Bill” John Franke

Willard “Bill” John Franke, age 92, of Viroqua, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning, June 12, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born on February 10, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Edward and Sarah (Lane) Franke. Bill graduated from Maryland Heights High School, Missouri, in 1932. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy. Bill worked his way through the enlisted ranks and was commissioned in 1943. He was a decorated U.S. Navy combat pilot and 30-year veteran spanning World War II, Korea and Vietnam wars. Of the awards, he received three Distinguished Flying Crosses. Bill was a member of the Antarctic Deep Freeze III Expedition in 1957-58. He was a 41-year cancer survivor and an RV enthusiast traveling extensively throughout North America.

Bill is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Olga (Sally) Franke of Viroqua; two sons, John (Susan) Franke of Highland Park, Illinois and Thomas (Cate) Franke of Viroqua; two grandchildren, Kara and Samuel Franke; a brother, Arthur (Betty Jean) Franke, Festus, Missouri; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Edward, Robert, Donald and Glenn; and a sister, Edythe.

Funeral services will be held at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua at a later date and will be announced prior to the service date.

Online condolences may be made at www.thorson reetz.net.

Leslie Alexander

Leslie Alexander, age 60, of Soldiers Grove, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2008, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born on April 28, 1948, in Richland Center to George and Arlene (Peterson). Les was the oldest of eight children. He grew up on a farm near Sugar Grove and attended Soldiers Grove High School. He married Cheryl Miller on April 17, 1978. Together they raised a family in rural Soldiers Grove and made the best of what life had to offer them. Les held many different jobs throughout his life. He was a crane operator, truck driver, taxidermist, farmer, carpenter and mechanic when needed. Most recently he was an E.T.A. for Experienced Works, which he truly enjoyed. Les enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom and ginseng hunting and spending time in the woods in general. He also enjoyed reading, spending time with family and friends, woodworking, gardening and feeding and watching birds and other wildlife. He really enjoyed making people smile and laugh. He confessed his faith in Christ and was baptized by immersion along with his children Teresa, Christen and John, and was witnessed by his parents George and Arlene Alexander. Les fought a courageous battle against cancer while overcoming the effects of two strokes and heart disease. Les will always be known as a strong and kind man, and a fighter to the end.

He is survived by his wife Cheryl of Soldiers Grove; four sons, Leslie Michael (Kristina) Alexander of Tulia, Texas, Shane Alexander of Stockton, California, Tim (Barbara) Alexander of Soldiers Grove and John (Sami) Alexander of Soldiers Grove; two daughters, Teresa (Craig) Royce of Boscobel and Christen (Brian) Barlow of Soldiers Grove; 11 grandchildren, including a special granddaughter, Courtney; his parents, George and Arlene Alexander of Soldiers Grove; four brothers, Ronnie (Monica) Alexander of Soldiers Grove, Mike (Kristi) Alexander of Readstown, Kelly (Rhoda) Alexander of Stoddard and Kevin Alexander of Germany; two sisters, Carey (Steven) Olson of Viroqua and Cheryl (John) Otterson of Soldiers Grove; his father- and mother-in-law, Myral and Harlene (Applebee) Miller of Janesville; special family friends, Ike of Germany and Jerry and Jan Nicks of Viola; and many other friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence and Millie Peterson and Thad and Alzina Alexander, and one brother, Robert Alexander.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 13, 2008, at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown. The Rev. Pam Lojewski officiated.

Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com.

Marian Emery (McKibbin) Wood

Marian Emery (McKibbin) Wood, age 97 of Westby, died November 24, 2007, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008, at Bethany Lutheran Church at Esofea. The Rev. Douglas Larson-Sell will officiate.

Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteig funeralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.

Leo Ammerman Jr.

Leo Ammerman Jr., age 80 of Westby, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2008.

He was born April 21, 1928, in Sparta, to Leo and Beulah (Burt) Ammerman. He enlisted in the Navy April 21, 1945; and served four years, most of the time was spent in Panama. On October 15, 1949, he married his “Babes”, Marian Swartz. Leo retired from Trane Company in 1990, after 38 years. He was a member of The Trane 25 Year Club and a former Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Bangor. He enjoyed spending time with family, going for drives in the country and visiting many restaurants. He also enjoyed working with wood and creating wonderful gifts for his family. He was an avid sports fan and played in his youth and in the Navy. He carried his passion through his entire life being a fan of the high school teams, as well as a faithful Packer and Badger fan. His years gave him plenty of stories, and he loved to tell them. After retirement, Leo and his wife moved to a hobby farm outside of Westby, where they raised a variety of farm animals. They later moved to the city of Westby from the farm due to illness.

Leo is survived by his wife of 58 years; four daughters, Diane (David) Johnson of West Salem, Judith (Dan) Triplett of West Salem, Linda (Gary) Heilman of La Crosse and Lois (Karl) Stoker of Westby; two sons, Bruce Ammerman of La Crosse and Brad Ammerman of Bangor; nine grandchildren, Sandi (Randy) McDaniel, Sara Howe, Brandon “Johnny” Howe (fiancée Jenny Smith), Brian Heilman, Sister M. Renata (Heather) Heilman, Whitney Stoker, Andrew Stoker, Brittney Ammerman and Jared Ammerman; six great-grandchildren, Cody Clements, Chelsea Clements, Desjah Howe, Therrick Roberts, Janaeja Savage and Hailey Howe; two sisters, Beulah Udell of Arizona and Beverly Swartz of Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and seven sisters.

A special thank-you to Dr. Feltes and his staff.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate. Friends may call on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfunera lhomes.com.

Memorials are preferred to the American Lung Association or the Westby Area Schools Fine Arts Foundation. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.

Crystal H. Linse-Moilien

Crystal H. Linse-Moilien, age 43, of rural Westby, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 14, 2008, at her home.

She was born March 31, 1965, to Darol and Ruth (Jandt) Linse in La Crosse. Crystal was baptized, confirmed, married and a lifelong member at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bangor. She attended parochial school there also. She graduated from Luther High School in 1983. Crystal attended Wauzeka Technical School and then graduated from UW-La Crosse. She was united in marriage to Ronald Moilien on October 7, 1995, at St. Paul's. Crystal worked for UCP-United Cerebral Palsy in Madison followed by Chileda in La Crosse and was currently employed by Vernon County Human Services in Viroqua. She was a former member of the Madison Jaycees. Crystal was an animal lover—horses, cats and dogs and had many animals on the Moilien farm. She also enjoyed fishing.

Crystal dearly loved her husband and was a devoted mother to her boys. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend. She will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her husband Ron; two sons, Hunter and Darik; her parents, Darol and Ruth Linse; a brother, Rick (Marlea) of Oconomowoc; aunts, Vi Garbers and Carol (Butch) Schams both of La Crosse, Mary Linse of Onalaska, Joyce (Reid) Horle of Bella Vista, Arkansas and Maren (Allan) Thomack of Clarksville, Tennessee; uncles, Donald (Vicki) Jandt of Oak Harbor, Washington and Jack (Betty) Ringquist of Idaho Falls, Idaho; father and mother-in-law, Paul and Jean Moilien; brothers-in-law, Richard Moilien (friend Pat) and Robert Moilien, all of rural Westby; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and a nephew, Hans Linse.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley. Pastor Roy Hefti officiated with burial in Burns Cemetery, Bangor. Friends called on Tuesday evening and before the time of the services on Wednesday at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley. Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bangor or Luther High School.