Elwyn Al’ A. Bagley
TREMPEALEAU, Wis. Elwyn “Al” A. Bagley, 89, of Trempealeau died Monday, April 21, 2008, at Bethany Riverside Nursing Facility in La Crosse. Arrangements are pending with Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Winona, Minn.
Kurt Conrad Billmeyer
POCATELLO, Idaho Kurt Conrad Billmeyer died at his home Friday, April 18, 2008, at age 52 after a courageous, painful, scientific battle against prostate cancer, including clinical trials at Franciscan Skemp and Virginia Piper Cancer Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.
He was born Aug. 22, 1955, in Pocatello to Bette (Adamson) and Charles George Billmeyer, Jr. “Chuck.”
Kurt graduated from Pocatello High School in 1973. He then attended the University of Idaho, where he made lifelong friends in his FIGI Fraternity. Kurt later graduated from Idaho State University and began his business career as a third generation manager of Partsco Warehouse and Billmeyer Auto Parts for 14 years.
He later earned a Master of Arts from Idaho State University in organizational communication. He married Cynthia Allison on Sept. 22, 1990. He then earned a Ph.D from the University of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Kurt served as a professor at the University of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Ariz., Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Upon the progression of his illness, he and his wife and daughter, Allison Marie, returned to Pocatello to rest in the hands of God and family as cancer robbed him of his body.
Kurt will be remembered by many for his love of collegiate sports and baseball, his strong interest in politics, social justice and absolutely enjoying time with his adored daughter, his students and colleagues. Kurt enjoyed traveling, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and supporting the Chicago Cubs.
Survivors include his wife, Cynthia; daughter, Allison Marie and mother, Bette Billmeyer all of Pocatello, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles G. Billmeyer Jr.; aunt, Janet Hansen; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C G Billmeyer Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Adamson.
Memorials are encouraged to be sent to Angel on My Shoulder, 1611 Pine Tree Lane, P.O. Box 747 Street, St. Germaine, WI 54538 or The Fairy Godmother, 213 West Institute Place, Suite 509 Chicago, IL 60619, or at an account set up for Allison Marie Billmeyer @ Ireland Bank, c/o Jay Colonel 2715 Poleline Road, Pocatello, ID 83201.
The family wishes to thank Mr. and Mrs. George Katisilometes and Creekside Hospice, specifically Toni, Sue, Star and volunteer Jeff Davies.
Go Cubs!!!
A vigil will be held at Colonial Funeral Home in Pocatello on Wednesday, April 23, at 7 p.m. with a Mass of the Resurrection being held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 524 N. 7th Ave., Pocatello, on Thursday, April 24, at 10 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Colonial Funeral Home is caring for Kurt’s family. Condolences may be sent online to the family at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.
James JB’ H. Blaschko
ARCADIA, Wis. James “JB” H. Blaschko, 61, of Arcadia died Sunday, April 20, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Family Parish, with burial in Calvary Cemetery, both in Arcadia. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with a 7 p.m. prayer service, and from 10 a.m. to services Thursday, both at the church. Memorials may be directed to “Family Wishes.” Wozney-Killian Funeral Home of Arcadia is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at wozneykillianfh@aol.com. A complete obituary will follow in Wednesday’s Tribune.
Louise K. Bucheger
NEILLSVILLE, Wis. Louise K. Bucheger, 94, of Neillsville passed away Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Memorial Health and Rehabilitation Center of Neillsville.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenwood, Wis. Family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. Private burial will take place at a later date.
Louise was born Nov. 13, 1913, in Butternut, Wis. She was the only surviving sibling at the time of her death.
A “bump in the road” for Louise came when she contracted tuberculosis and had to spend six months away from her family. She persevered being away from her family with the help and special bond with a nurse named Sister Luke, who encouraged her special talent of writing poetry. She spent many hours contemplating and writing. She wrote a book full of poems for family, church and community. Her poem about Greenwood was included in Greenwood’s Centennial Book in 1991.
Louise and Ed raised seven children, who were all very devoted to their mother. In her later years, she endured the loss of eyesight and hearing, but never her patience, good sense of humor and laugh which endeared her to her family and the special staff members at MMC in Neillsville, where she spent the last four years due to diabetes.
She always delighted in the activities of her grand and great-grandchildren and kept up with her family with many weekly family visits and telephone calls.
She is survived by her seven children, David (Carol) Bucheger of Rothschild, Wis., Dennis (Darlene) Bucheger of Greenwood, Jacquelyn (Ross) Fritz of North Powder, Ore., Joseph (Candice) Bucheger of Onalaska, Wis., Judith (Noel) White of Kennewick, Wash., Jerome (Judy) Bucheger of Crystal Lake, Ill., and Jeffrey (Rose) Bucheger of Farmington, Minn.; 18 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
A memorial in her name may be given to Children’s Miracle Network, c/o Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation. Louise’s family wish to thank the wonderful staff of the Rehabilitation Center of MMC for four years of excellent care.
Beulah Marguerite Doolittle
Beulah M. Doolittle, 97, of La Crosse died Sunday, April 20, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
She was born in La Crosse on Dec. 13, 1910, to Percy and Thea (Hanson) Lovejoy. Beulah married Chester Christenson on Aug. 28, 1931, and he preceded her in death on March 3, 1976. She married Marcus Doolittle Sr. on Nov. 24, 1984, and he also preceded her in death on Aug. 26, 1997. Beulah worked at the Sweet Shop as a candy packer for many years. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, knitting, gardening, watching birds and having picnics. Beulah loved going for rides and attending parades. She was a member of Eastern Star and a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Jan (Richard) Neumann of Richland Center, Wis.; her son, Gary (Sue) Christenson of La Crosse; grandchildren, Laurie (Roger) Swigart of Woodbury, Minn., and Rick (Kari) Christenson of Onalaska, Wis.; five great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by two stepsons, Marcus Jr. (Judy) Doolittle of La Crosse and Richard (Joan) Doolittle of Scandia, Minn., numerous stepgrandchildren; and several stepgreat-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; sister, Marion Hoel; sister-in-law, Virginia Doolittle; brother-in-law, George Hoel; and one stepgrandson, Tod Doolittle.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse. The Rev. Stephan Sandness will officiate, and burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may call the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sandra Lee Heineck
TOWN OF MANCHESTER/ BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. Sandra Lee Heineck, 60, of the town of Manchester died Monday, April 21, 2008, at her home. At Sandra’s request, there will be no funeral services. Buswell Funeral Home (www.buswellfuneralhome.com) of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
George R. Konop
George R. Konop, 90, of La Crosse died Sunday, April 20, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born April 20, 1918, in La Crosse to Anthony and Anna (Sobczak) Konop. George graduated from Aquinas High School in 1936. On Jan. 3, 1940, he married Mildred Temp in Iowa, and she preceded him in death in 1986. George was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1944 until 1946. He was employed by Northern Engraving, La Crosse, until 1960 and then at NorPlex, La Crosse, until he retired in 1983. During his retirement, he enjoyed golfing and bowling with the senior leagues.
George is survived by his son, Dave (Judi) Konop of La Crosse; a daughter-in-law, Ann Konop of Rochester, Minn.; five grandchildren, Steven (Julia) Konop of Cold Spring, Minn., Scott Konop of Rochester, Minn., Suzanne (Ed) Decker of Grand Meadow, Minn., Ryan (friend, Gina Prange) Konop of Victory, Wis., and Gina (friend, Shawn Miller) Konop of La Crosse; four great-grandchildren, Tori and Logan Konop, and Olivia and Emily Decker; and four sisters-in-law, Irene Konop of Roseville, Minn., and Lillian Tanke, Lilah Temp, and Ida Coplien, all of La Crosse.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Douglas Konop in 1994; two sisters; two brothers; and two nephews.
Memorial services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in the historic mausoleum at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1407 La Crosse St., La Crosse. The Rev. Kathleen Charles will officiate. Military honors by Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse will follow the service. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to Hillview Health Care Center, La Crosse. Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse, is in charge of the arrangements.
Father David McCallum
TOMAH, Wis. Father David McCallum, 83, of Tomah died Monday, April 14, 2008, at Tomah Memorial Hospital. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace Epis-copal Church in Menomonie, Wis. A simple memorial service will also be at 6:30 p.m. April 30 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Tomah. Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Merwin A. Ridgeway
DAVENPORT, Iowa/LA CROSSE Merwin A. Ridgeway, 96, of Davenport and a longtime resident of La Crosse died Monday, April 21, 2008, at Crest Health Center in Davenport. Funeral services will be announced by Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home of La Crosse.
Helen Schultz
BARRE MILLS, Wis. Helen Schultz, 79, of Onalaska passed away Sunday, April 20, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse after a long battle with cancer.
Helen was born in Reedsburg, Wis., on Aug. 6, 1928, to Louis and Verdie (Webster) Wagner. She married Edward Schultz on June 20, 1947. For many years she stayed home raising her six children and then later worked at Christian Chapel Day Care. Helen enjoyed being outside working in the garden or watching the deer and birds from their porch at home.
Helen is survived by her husband, Edward of Barre Mills; four sons, Ken (Ann) of Waconia, Minn., Gilbert (Donna) of Holmen, Wis., Bill (Shirley) of Onalaska and Edward of Barre Mills; daughter, Debra (Mike) Wais of West Salem, Wis.; six sisters, Florence Seamans of Reedsburg, Josephine Greenwood of Reedsburg, Lola Greenwood of Portage, Wis., Ula Groves of Deming, N.M., Phyllis Montgomery of Independence, Calif., and Ruthie (Vic) Christian of Caledonia, Minn., sister-in-law, Marge Wagner of La Valle, 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Gerald Schultz of Onalaska; and a brother, Ray Wagner of La Valle.
Helen was dearly loved by her family and will be sadly missed.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 401 Main St., Onalaska. The Rev. Larry Lotz will officiate, and burial will be in Woodlawn North Cemetery, Hwy. B, La Crosse. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 9 a.m. until time of services.
William S. Severson Jr.
TOMAH/LA CROSSE, Wis. William S. Severson Jr., 62, of Tomah and formerly of La Crosse died Sunday, April 20, 2008, at the VA Medical Center in Tomah. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. Burial with military rites will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse. Family and friends may call from 9 a.m. to services Thursday at the church. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Martha Marty’ Snyder
ONALASKA, Wis. Martha “Marty” Snyder (nee Smith), 69, of Onalaska passed away Saturday, April 19, 2008, at her home of a brain tumor.
She was born April 19, 1939, in Baltimore to Stuart and Martha (Jachelski) Smith. On June 27, 1954, she married John Snyder at Mount Washington Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, and tog-ether they raised six children.
Due to John’s job as brewmaster for Heileman Brewing Co., they relocated to Belleville, Ill., and then to Onalaska, where they have made their home since 1988. Martha was a people person and could always find something interesting in everyone she met, and because of that, people were drawn to her. She held various jobs that brought her into contact with the public and allowed her to meet and interact with a variety of people. Martha never met a stranger.
She loved to sew and made many of her children’s clothes as they were growing up. She also enjoyed crocheting afghans for family and friends. Martha was a fantastic cook and received many request for “Aunt Martha’s potato salad.”
In addition to her husband of 52 years, John, she is survived by children, Ed (Laverne) of Lenzburg, Ill., Dave of Wichita, Kan., Lin (Chris) Scott of Onalaska, and Tim (Linda) of Rockford, Ill.; 15 grandchildren; two sisters, Laura (Bob) Grum-bach of Baltimore and Norma (Mike) Pons of Hanover, Pa.; a brother, Bud (Diane) Smith of Odenton, Md., a sister-in-law; Dorothy (Craig) of Baltimore; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ken; a daughter, Laura Henson; her father and mother-in-law, John and Gladys Snyder; and a sister-in-law, Gladys Lazzara.
Following Martha’s wishes, there will be no services, and her cremated remains will be placed in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, is assisting the family.
The family wishes to thank the Franciscan Skemp Hospice team for their wonderful care of Martha.
Mary J. Specht
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. Mary J. Specht, 84, of Prairie du Chien died Sunday, April 20, 2008, after a brief illness. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. today at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien. Burial will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Prairie du Chien. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital Hospice/Home Health Program. Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family.
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