Helen Weber
Former Viroqua resident Helen Weber, age 95, passed away April 17, 2008, in Seattle, Washington.
She is buried at Abbey View Cemetery in Briar, Washington.
Helen was born in Milwaukee to Ike and Libby Sernovitz on January 3, 1913. She attended North Division High School, followed by UW-Milwaukee; she married Dr. Joseph Weber. Helen was a freelance writer and teacher of creative writing and writing for publication in the Milwaukee School for Adult Education. She authored and published two books, "Summer Mockery" (which was completed while she lived in Viroqua) and "Holocaust Mosaic.” Helen continued writing until the end of her life. Helen Weber was a strong advocate of civil rights and women's causes and was a role model and inspiration to her family and friends.
In addition to her parents and former husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Morty Sernovitz; and sister, Mabel Pizer.
Mourning her death while celebrating her life are her brothers Ted and Burt; sisters, Edith Gross, Evelyn Youdavitz, Ruth Pardo and Elaine (George) Zimbel; children, Joan (Connell) Giacomini, Elizabeth (Michael) Black, Ronald (Barbara) Weber and Marjorie (Dr. Rolando) Macasaet; grandchildren, Barbara, Andrew and Paul Kohlenberg, Angela Gaudet, Adam, Julie and Joe Weber, Jessie Woida, Elaine Ritchie and Steve Black; Dr. Tony, Laurie, David (Elizabeth) and Rachel Macasaet; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Donation suggestion: The United States Holocaust Museum.
The family misses Helen greatly and hopes for a wide exploration of the works she left behind.
Rodney K Sheffield
Rodney K Sheffield, age 62 of La Crosse, died peacefully Thursday, June 19, 2008, in his home after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.
Rod was born in La Farge, on January 6, 1946, to Howard and Vernie (Paar) Sheffield and later moved to La Crosse, where he graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1964. He served in the U.S. Air Force and is a veteran from the Vietnam War era. He spent 12 years in the service, which included spending several years serving as an electrical technician in the Security Services in Korea, Japan, Oklahoma, Texas and Mississippi. He was also an electrical instructor at Keesler AFB in Mississippi. Rod retired from Trane Company in La Crosse in 2006, after working as an electrical engineer for more than 30 years. Rod married Mary Ellis in 1966, and they later divorced. They had two children, Craig and Kristina, and three grandchildren, who brought him much joy. Rod loved history and had a large collection of Civil War books and memorabilia. One of his greatest passions in life was driving around the country and visiting various battle grounds and historical sites. He also enjoyed researching and compiling family genealogy information and collecting pictures and stories from past generations.
Rod was a loving father, grandfather and a loyal and faithful Packers fan. Rod also had a close relationship with his friends who shared his final days, and who will miss him dearly.
He is survived by his son, Craig (Stacey) Sheffield of La Crosse; his daughter, Kristina (Paul) Deloughery, of Scottsdale, Arizona; and his three grandchildren, Brigid, Aidan and Ruth. He is further survived by his mother, Vernie Sheffield of Viroqua; a brother, Stuart (Andrea) Sheffield of Waukesha, Wisconsin; and three nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Lester Sheffield; and his sister, Shirleen Howard.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Rod’s life on Thursday, July 3, 2008, at the Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 1425 Jackson St. in La Crosse. Visitation will start at 3 p.m. with a remembrance service at 3:30 p.m. followed by military rites.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the La Crosse Historical Society, or your local food pantry.
The family would like to add special thanks to caregivers from Gundersen Lutheran's Hospice program, and to Rod's friends who assisted him in his final days, in particular, Katie, John, Cathy and Mary.
Justin “Nort” James Peterson
Justin “Nort” James Peterson, age 22 of Gays Mills, died suddenly on Saturday morning, June 28th, 2008, as a result of an automobile accident at rural Gays Mills.
He was born on December 21, 1985, in Viroqua to Steve and Kelly (Broadhead) Peterson. Nort graduated from De Soto High School in 2004. He was currently employed at BAPI in Gays Mills. He loved spending time with his daughter, Autumn, his family and friends. He had a special love for the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing pool. He will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Nort is survived by his loving daughter, Autumn, and his special friend, Ashly Beinborn, both of Boscobel; his parents, Steve and Kelly Peterson of Ferryville; one brother, Jeremy (Crystal) Peterson; a special niece, Hailey of De Soto; paternal grandparents, Jim and Bea Peterson of Ferryville; maternal grandparents, Jaelene Seymour of Ferryville and Darrel Broadhead of Viroqua; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Gale Seymour on July 21, 2002; special friend and cousin, Angie Scott on July 30, 2007; maternal great-grandparents, Joe and Bessie Broadhead and Helen and Marion Bird; and paternal great-grandparents, Jerald and Irene Runice and Albert and Helen Peterson.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a. m. on Thursday, July 3, 2008, at the Ferryville Cemetery. Friends may gather at that time for the service. The family suggests memorials. The Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.
Howard Melby
Howard Melby, age 80 of Westby, died Monday evening, June 23, 2008, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.
He was born in Sparta, on June 21, 1928, to Chester and Hazel (Johnson) Melby. He married Maren Bergum on January 7, 1956, and they lived in the Westby area all of their lives. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. For more than 40 years, Howard owned his own milk trucks and served the Westby Cooperative Creamery. During the 40 years that he operated his milk route, the children of the area enjoyed him and he watched them grow up. I guess he was a kid at heart. Howard’s favorite place was the “lower” garage. He liked having his friends stop by to sit and have a “pop”, and the neighborhood kids could get their bikes fixed. They often knocked on the door and asked if they could get “air.” Howard loved old cars and could repair almost anything. No car ever escaped without the hood not being opened. He was a volunteer for the Westby Fire Department, a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the Syverson Funk American Legion Post #155 and Westby VFW Post #8021.
He is survived by his wife, Maren; two sons, Rick (Mary Anne) Melby of Houston, Texas and Brian, and his wife, Kathy Pickett of Madison, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Kyle Melby of Houston, Texas and Lucy Pickett of Madison, Wisconsin; sisters-in-law, Annette Melby, Ellen Jane Melby, Sandra Schulz, Judy Dirienzo, Linda Sires and Shirley Bergum; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ralph and Walter Melby; one brother-in-law, Peter Bergum.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby. Pastor Gary Daines officiated. Burial with military rites by the Syverson Funk American Legion and the Westby VFW was in Our Savior’s Cemetery, rural Westby. Friends called on Wednesday evening, June 25, 2008, at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Friends also called at the church on Thursday before the time of services.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteig funeralhomes.com.
Memorials may be given to the Bethel Butikk or the charity of your choice. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby served the family.
David John Iverson
David John Iverson, age 76 of Soldiers Grove, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, after a short battle from cancer, pneumonia and a collapsed lung.
He was born on September 14, 1931, in La Crosse to John and Minnie (Johnson) Iverson. He graduated from Soldiers Grove High School in 1949 and then attended Luther College and Madison Business College. On March 25, 1951, he married Phyllis Tess and to this union four sons were born: John (Kathie) of Coon Valley, Bill (Mary) of Platteville, Jim (Louise) of Soldiers Grove, and Dick (Teri) of Rib Lake. He has four grandchildren, Jeremy and Jeni of Madison, Melissa of Chicago, Illinois and Zack of Rib Lake.
He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Soldiers Grove where he was baptized, confirmed, married and served on the church council. Dave had many interests in life: he farmed for several years, raised tobacco, was a buyer for tobacco, loved his huge garden and in mushroom season he ate them three times a day after he made the boys and Louise find them, and of course lutefisk and lefse was number one. He worked in the family bowling business (Bowl-A-Vard and Burr Oaks Bowl in Madison) and later in his own bowling business (Bowl-A-Way Lanes in Viroqua). He also owns two Super 8 Motels (one in Viroqua and one in Osseo). In his younger years he managed and played on a semi-pro baseball team in Soldiers Grove. He continued his love of the game by watching spring training in Phoenix, Arizona and by going to Milwaukee to see his Brewers play. David loved his family very much and when he was working in Madison he would drive or fly the club’s small plane back home to watch his sons in football, basketball, track and baseball. Later he followed Dick playing and coaching baseball and Zack playing basketball and of course baseball. He loved to hunt deer and turkey on his own farms, pheasant out West with his dogs, ducks on the Mississippi and fish out West and in Alaska. He also loved to snowmobile, bowl, golf and play cards—especially Gin with friends and in tournaments. One of David’s favorite pastimes was to go gambling with Phyllis in Las Vegas and Laughlin and travel as much as possible. Some of David’s favorite travels were Hawaii with Phyllis, John and Kathie; Cancun with Phyllis, Bill, Mary, Jim and Louise; and Disney World with Phyllis, Dick, Teri and Zack. If asked to go somewhere, his answer was always, “I can’t go before tomorrow.”
Dave is survived by his wife of 57 years; four sons; four daughters-in-law; four grandchildren; two brothers, Edward of Madison and Donald of Prairie du Chien; two sisters, Carolyn Benson of Soldiers Grove and Janice (Bill) Kobach of Topeka, Kansas; one sister-in-law, Diane of Madison; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Roger; a sister-in-law, Helen; and a brother-in law, Larry Benson.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 28, 2008, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove with the Rev. Dr. Steven Fossum officiating. The vocalist was Paul Cota and the organist was Bill Kvigne. Burial was in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Soldiers Grove. Friends called on Friday, June 27, 2008, at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Howard Johnson, Leonard Weiland, Gary Campbell, Jim Dull, Andy Skrede, Paul Walsh and DuWayne Fortney. Serving as pallbearers were John Thoftne, Bob Peterson, Geoff Banta, Bill Hoffland, Tom Walsh and George Rauch. The family suggested memorials to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church building fund, North Crawford Rescue Squad, Hospice Program or Soldiers Grove Rod and Gun Club.
Helen Marie Davidson Fortney
Helen Marie Davidson Fortney, age 82 of 200 Park View Court in Viroqua, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse with her girls at her side.
She was born on April 12, 1926, in Soldiers Grove to David and Mabel (Olson) Davidson. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove. She graduated from Soldiers Grove High School in 1944. Helen then worked at the bank in Soldiers Grove until her marriage on August 8, 1948, to Vilas Kenneth Fortney. They lived in Soldiers Grove until moving to Viroqua in 1957. She was a stay at home mom while her husband was in the tobacco business. She was a loving and caring wife and mother and considered her children her best friends. She was beautiful inside and out. Helen always had a kind word, listening ear and an infectious smile. She enjoyed listening to music. After her husband passed away, Helen moved to Park View Court in Viroqua. Here, she found a group of special friends whom she truly enjoyed and their friendship enhanced her quality of life. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua, the Martha Circle and Running-Johnson-Ray VFW Post No. 3032 Auxiliary in Viroqua and William Schoville American Legion Post No. 220 of Soldiers Grove. Helen will remain in our hearts.
Helen is survived by three daughters, Vicki (Geoff) Banta of Viroqua, Nanci (Kevin) Wuolle of Genoa and Linda (special friend Nick Harring) Fortney of Viroqua; five grandchildren, Nick Halverson, Stephanie Spaeth, Lance (Melissa Manzel) Fortney, Tyler Fortney and Hannah Ellefson. She is also survived by a special extended family member, Lynn Swiggum of Viroqua; four step-grandsons, Jeff (Gale) Banta of Naperville, Illinois, Steve (Cindy) Banta of Parris Island, South Carolina, Brent (Sue) Banta of Wisconsin Rapids and Frank (Heather) Wuolle of Genoa; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ken on August 15, 2003; a daughter, Mary Lou “Tess” Fortney on June 26, 1977; a son, Mark “Bug” Kenneth Fortney on June 6, 2007; a brother, Victor Davidson; and three sisters, Grace Davidson, Margaret Erickson, and Maxine Daley. God gave us love and someone to love he loaned us. Love ya, Mom.
Funeral services were held on Monday, June 30, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua, with Pastor Lindsey Jordan and Pastor Meg Hoversten officiating. The vocalists were Brent Banta and Ron Moilien. The organist was Kris Jenkins. Burial was in the Viroqua Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Bob Peterson, Doug Kern, Steve Fortney, Brent Banta, Frank Wuolle and David Tryggestad. The William Schoville American Legion Post No. 220 Auxiliary conducted a memorial service on Sunday evening at the Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua. The family suggested memorials to the food pantry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the building fund at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove.
Geraldine Kyser
Geraldine Kyser, age 78 of Viroqua, died Friday morning, June 27, 2008, at Vernon Manor Nursing Home in Viroqua.
She was born on May 16, 1930, to Fred and Ora (Whiteaker) Tunks. She graduated from Viroqua High School, and then attended beauty school and worked at various beauty shops in Viroqua. Gerry married Donald Kyser on November 22, 1953, and they were later divorced. She loved embroidering and enjoyed her grandchildren very much.
She is survived by two children, Karen (Doug) Swenson of Viroqua and Monte (Diane) Kyser of Juneau, Alaska; three grandchildren, Matthew Swenson of Viroqua, Heather Swenson (Todd Sullivan) of Golden, Colorado and Sarah Swenson (Jesse) Jones of LaPorte, Colorado; three great-grandchildren, Sydney Garavalia, Emma Jones and Max Sullivan; sisters-in-law, Geri Tunks of Westby, Arlene Howell of Readstown, Betty Harvey of Richland Center and Ervilla “Mike” Kyser of Viroqua; brother-in-law, Odean Robson of Viroqua; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; brother, Robert Tunks; sisters, Virginia Phillips and Charlotte Robson.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Viroqua Church of Christ. Nathan Prong, minister, will officiate with burial in the Manning Cemetery, rural Readstown. Friends may call on Wednesday, July 2, 2008, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker Street (Hwy. 56) in Viroqua. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteig funeralhomes.com.
Memorials may be directed to Vernon Memorial Hospice or Manning Cemetery.
The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.
Arthur Lowe
Arthur Lowe, age 95 of Soldiers Grove, passed from this life and into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, June 26, 2008, at the Sannes Skogdalen Nursing Home in Soldiers Grove.
He was born to Thomas and Inez (George) Lowe on September 22, 1912. Arthur lived a very full life. He was a loving husband and father. He lived by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He served for a time as Justice of the Peace, ran a gas station, kept bees and helped put up the first telephone lines. He farmed all his life, first at the “company farm”’ in Haney Valley and later on Sugar Grove Ridge after buying his own farm. He owned the first hay baler in the area and, when he needed one, built his own hay conveyer out of an old hay loader. Whatever needed fixing he fixed and whatever needed to be made he made. Given enough time, he could repair about anything. Some thought he could even get milk out of fence post! He loved planting trees, grafting fruit trees and raising crops and cows. For years he raised hounds and the first sound any visitor would hear when pulling into the yard were the hounds baying their welcome. Art had a huge garden and enjoyed showing it off to people. Many times he would insist on sending produce home with visitors. He tapped maple trees to make syrup and grew sugar cane for sorghum. He filled his old cistern with potatoes and apples, always making sure he had enough provisions not only for himself but for his family. He made perfect sauerkraut and wasn’t afraid to try anything. Art loved sports and often listened to the Brewers (or Milwaukee Braves) on the radio or TV which could make visiting difficult. He was often found at the ball diamond watching the 4-H teams play during the summer. Art was an active member of the Sugar Grove Church of Christ and served on the board for many years. He will be greatly missed.
Arthur was preceded in death by his wife Nathell Hazel Lowe; two daughters, Francis and Ruth; his parents; three sisters; and a son-in-law, Maurice Moe.
He is survived by three daughters, Rose Moe, Barb (Orville) Haynes and Pat (Ed) Krogan; his sister, June Williams; as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Monday, June 30, 2008, at Sugar Grove Church of Christ. Pastor Dennis Johnson officiated. Burial was in the Sugar Grove Cemetery. Friends called at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown on Sunday afternoon and on Monday at the church before the time of services.
Condolences may be offered at simefuneral forum.com.
Gertrude "Gert" M. Davidson
Gertrude "Gert" M. Davidson, age 81, of rural Chaseburg, died Friday June 27, 2008, at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby.
Gert was born January 26, 1927, to William and Ethel (Hoilien) Hoff at the Gerhard and Mabel Thompson home in rural Westby. She was baptized in March 1927, by the Rev. Hyland and confirmed June 6, 1941, by the Rev. Bach at the Middle Coon Valley Lutheran Church. On Feb. 14, 1948, she married Leo Davidson. She was a 60-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as poppy chairperson for 20 years. Gert was a member of the Middle Coon Valley WELCA for 60 years. She helped with quilting and serving at church. Gert also worked as a helper preparing school lunches with the Westby Area Schools in Chaseburg and Coon Valley for several years.
Survivors are her husband, Leo; four sons, Richard (Beverly) of Prairie du Sac, Jeffrey of Chaseburg, Rodney (Nancy) of Westby and Brian of Chaseburg; seven grandchildren, Derek and Michael Davidson, Laura (Jon) Pedretti, Kristi Davidson, Liz (Khris) Kleba, Philip (Jill) Davidson and Jonathan Davidson; seven great-grandchildren, Matthew, Rachael, Rebecca and Marissa Pedretti, Jack and Samantha Kleba and Taylor Davidson; two brothers, Howard (Mary) Hoff of La Crosse and Arizona and Virgil (Myra) Hoff of Chaseburg; two sisters, Doris Williams of Chaseburg and Betty Haefer of Barneveld; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Hoff, Arlene Davidson and JoAnne Davidson; brother-in-law, Richard "Dicky" Davidson; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Walter in infancy and Luell; six brothers-in-law, Bill Haefer, Wesley Williams and Raymond, Lloyd, Delbert and Virgil Davidson; and one nephew, Billy Hoff.
She very much enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking and baking to share as she spent time with family.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at the Middle Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Pastor Dan Wollman officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Friends called at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley on Monday evening for visitation and a prayer service and for visitation at the church on Tuesday before the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Middle Coon Valley Church addition.
