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Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Saturday, April 26, 2008

Obituaries for Saturday, April 26, 2008

By Tribune staff

Margaret H. Gile

DAKOTA, Minn. — Margaret H. Gile, 96, of Dakota died on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, La Crosse.

She was born Oct. 27, 1911, in Richmond Ridge, Winona County, Minn., to Herman and Theckla (Humfeld) Trocinski. She married Rudy J. Gile on Sept. 30, 1930, in Hokah, Minn. Margaret worked as a seamstress at J.C. Penney, Montgomery Ward and at her home for many years. She also was organist for Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dakota for 68 years. She received the Bishop’s Medal for her dedication to her church.

Margaret is survived by six children, Shirley (Jerold) Duerwachter of La Crescent, Minn., Eileen (Stanley) Beach of La Crescent, Marvin (Doris) Gile of Byron, Ill., Norman (Joyce) Gile of La Crescent, Glenn (Barbara) Gile of La Crescent and Larry (Connie) Gile of Dakota; 33 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Doreen Gile of La Crescent; a very special cousin, Anna Marie (Dutch) Voss; and a special friend and neighbor, Pat Tolmie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy, in 1994; a son, Lavern; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, William Trocinski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 28, at Church of the Crucifixion, La Crescent. Msgr. Donald W. Grubisch will officiate. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dakota. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of services Monday. Memorials may be given to Holy Cross Catholic Church, Dakota, Minn.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret’s family would like to thank the staff at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center for wonderful care and dedication.

Mary E. Mausolf

MILLSTON, Wis./GLENDALE, Ariz. — Mary E. Mausolf, 93, of Glendale, Ariz., and formerly of Chicago died Thursday, April 24, 2008, in Life Care Center, Glendale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. May 3 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Black River Falls, Wis. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery, Millston. Family and friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, and from 10 a.m. until the time of services May 3 at the church. (www.buswellfuneralhome.com)

Lila S. Paulsen

Lila S. Paulsen, 99, of La Crosse died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, La Crosse. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Burial will be in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends may call from noon until the time of services Tuesday at the church. A complete obituary will follow. Wood-ruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse, is in charge of arrangements.

Katherine ‘Kitty’ Wilkinson

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. — Katherine “Kitty” Wilkinson, 59, of Prairie du Chien died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at her home. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at United Methodist Church, Prairie du Chien. Private family interment will be at a later date. Garrity Funeral Home, Prairie du Chien, is assisting the family, garrityfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Simpson

CLINTONVILLE, Wis. — Elizabeth “Bet-ty” Simpson, 79, of 171 Fairway Drive, Clinton-ville, passed away Wednes-day, April 23, 2008, at Life Care Hospital of Wisconsin, Pewaukee, with her children and husband holding her hands.

Betty suffered a ruptured aortic aneurysm July 11, 2007, and numerous complications kept her hospitalized until her death. On Tuesday, April 22, while Betty was still fully alert, the entire family came to her hospital room to celebrate her life with stories and sang family songs with a trombone accompaniment. They ended by holding hands, saying a prayer and singing “God Bless America.” Betty closed this special gathering by saying “I love you all ... make every day a happy day.”

The former Elizabeth Matte was born Sept. 29, 1928, in Oak Park, Ill., and was the daughter of the late Otto Henry Matte and Ruth (Morgan) Matte. Betty was a graduate of DePauw Univers-ity, Greencastle, Ind., and was united in marriage to her “high school sweetheart,” Vinson “Bud” Simpson on Sept. 9, 1950, in Maywood, Ill. They lived in La Crosse from 1950 to 1976 and in Wausau, Wis., from 1976 to 1983. In 1983, the couple moved to the Marion/Clintonville area, where they owned and operated Marion Body Works, Marion, Wis. Betty had been an employee and officer of Marion Body Works since 1980.

She was a member of Christ Congregational Church, Clintonville, and held various offices in her church. Betty was a member of the St. Rose Bridge Marathon, the Riverside Golf Bridge Club, and the PEO Sisterhood, holding the offices of chaplain and treasurer. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, cooking and entertaining guests. She was a Salvation Army bell ringer for many years. Betty was active in the Hasbrook Lake Owners Association, serving as board member, secretary and editor of the newsletter. She loved her family, enjoyed all of the grandchildren’s activities and was known for her good sense of humor. Betty’s favorite times were with family at the lake.

Survivors include her husband, Bud; a daughter, Kathleen (Kathie) S. (Rick) Zier of Fort Collins, Colo.; a daughter, Nancy S. (Curt) Ignacio of Clintonville; and a son, James (Jim) M. (Lynne) Simpson of Clintonville. There are six grandchildren, Nicole Jackson, Daniel and Kevin Ignacio, and Joshua, Nathan and James Simpson; three stepgrandchildren, Mallory, Connor and Virginia Zier; and a brother, Robert M. (Martha) Matte of Tucson, Ariz.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and two infant sons.

Memorial services will be Monday, April 28, at 11 a.m. at Christ Congregational Church, Clintonville. Pastor Jill Meyer will officiate. Friends may call at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 27, and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Salvation Army or to the PEO Continuing Education Fund, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312-2899. Condolences may be sent to www.beil-didier.com.

LaVern E. Hoverman

ONALASKA, Wis. — LaVern E. Hoverman, 88, of Onalaska died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at Veterans Administration Medical Center, Tomah, Wis.

He was born Nov. 13, 1919, in Monroe, Wis. LaVern enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1942 through 1945. In 1950, LaVern enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served a tour of duty and was discharged in 1952. He again re-enlisted in the Air Force in 1956 and served until he was honorably discharged in 1958 following an accident.

After his accident, LaVern was wheelchair-bound. LaVern did not let his disability hinder his life. He was very active with both the Onalaska Lions Club and the Onalaska American Legion Post No. 336. He was always involved with selling raffle tickets and fundraising for both organizations. He also lived for his getaways to his cabin, where he spent a lot of his time over the summers.

LaVern is survived by counsins and many close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Fossum Funeral Home of Onalaska. The Rev. Jenny Arneson will officiate. Burial, with military honors by the Onalaska American Legion Post No. 336, will follow in Onalaska Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. and again Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home.

Ervin G. Becker

SPARTA, Wis. — Ervin G. Becker, 81, of Sparta went to his heavenly home Wednes-day April 23, 2008, at Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, where he had been a resident since 2005.

He was born to Gustave and Hannah Becker on Sept. 19, 1926, in Barre Mills, Wis. Ervin was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Barre Mills. He married Dianne Jacobson on March 3, 1962, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse.

Ervin farmed in Timber Coulee, was a buttermaker at the Coon Valley (Wis.) Creamery and was employed at Norplex. After his retirement, he did home care and was also employed at Service Master.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Dianne; four sons, Gary of Viroqua, Wis., Steven (Nancy) of Floyd, Iowa, Brent of Sparta and Ryan of San Antonio; four grandchildren, Desiree, Dacie, Brandon and Brittany; one great-granddaughter, Kalea; one sister, Hilda Gilbeck; three brothers, Sylvester, Willis and Donald; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Ervin was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Elmer.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 28, at Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley. The Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto will officiate. Burial will be in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, rural La Crosse. Friends may call at the funeral home on from 11 a.m. until service time.

The family would like to thank the staff of Morrow Nursing Home for their wonderful care and support.

Gordon O. Gunderson

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Gordon O. Gunderson, 79, of Black River Falls died Thursday, April 24, 2008, in Riverview Hospital, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Gordy had just recently moved to his daughter and son-in-law’s home in Nekoosa, Wis.

He was born Feb. 4, 1929, in the town of Northfield, Jackson County, Wis., to Gunder and Olga (Johnson) Gunderson. He attended schools in Hixton, Wis., and Taylor, Wis.

Gordy was an Army veteran. He served in the Army in the 45th Division. He drove tank in the 179th Tank Company during the Korean Conflict.

He married Arlene Fisher in Downers Grove, Ill., on June 27, 1953.

He worked for several area farms, drove truck for the former Erickson Lumber Company in Blair, Wis., and drove school bus for the Taylor School District. He also worked for several years for Hoffman Construction Co. of Black River Falls. After the death of his father-in-law, Clifford Fisher, he assisted his mother-in-law and wife in the management of their home rental business.

Gordy enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling and boating. He liked to put puzzles together, and he loved to joke and tell stories.

Surviving are his son, David (Tammy) Gunderson of Black River Falls; his daughter, Candace (James) Iverson of Nekoosa; his sister and brother-in-law, Verna and Basil Koxlien of Taylor; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene, on July 8, 2003; and his brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Rachel Gunderson.

Funeral services for Gordon O. Gunderson will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Eric Bakken will officiate, and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls, with military honors conducted by Hanson-Lien American Legion Post No. 368.

Relatives and friends may call at Torgerson’s Funeral Home 408 N. Water St., Black River Falls, (715) 284-4321, on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services Tuesday.

Betty A. Miller

HOUSTON, Minn. — Betty A. Miller 84, of Houston and formerly of La Crescent, Minn., passed away Friday, April 25, 2008, at Valley View Nursing Home in Houston.

She was born in the rural Houston County township of Sheldon on April 26, 1923, to Edward and Lizzie (Flatten) Thompson. She married William T. Miller in La Crescent on Nov. 11, 1948, and he preceded her in death on May 12, 1996. Together they had lived and farmed on the family homestead that is today known as “Millers Corner” in La Crescent.

She is survived by her two nieces, Nancy (Dennis) Forsyth of Caledonia, Minn., and Kathy Dewit of Plymouth, Minn.; one nephew, Larry Thompson of Hernando, Fla., six grandnieces and grandnephews; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn Miller of St. Joseph Ridge, Wis., Margaret Groen of Plymouth, Iowa, Mary Miller of La Crescent and Angeline (Jim) Hofer of La Crescent; and many close friends.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Maurice and Lloyd;, one infant sister; and four brothers-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent. Monsignor Donald W. Grubisch will officiate. Burial will follow in Crucifixion Catholic Cemetery, La Crescent. Friends may call on the family at the church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of services. A rosary will begin at 9:15 a.m.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Charles Junior Raymond

MADISON/LA CROSSE — Charles Junior Raymond, 88, of Madison and formerly of La Crosse died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at Attic Angel Place Nursing Home, Middleton, Wis. Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home of La Crosse is assisting the family. A complete obituary will follow.

Madonna C. Loken

HOUSTON, Minn. — Madonna C. Loken, 91, died Friday, April 25, 2008, at Valley View Nursing Home in Houston. Hoff Funeral Homesn Houston Chapel is assisting the family.

Myra L. Forseth

Myra L. Forseth, 84, formerly of La Crosse, died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at Caledonia Care and Rehab, Caledonia, Minn.

She was born July 20, 1923, at St. Anne’s Hospital in La Crosse to Palmer and Inga (Selin) Peterson. In her early years, Myra worked as a caregiver in a local nursing home and she did some waitressing. On Aug. 30, 1965, she married Raymond Forseth in Caledonia and he preceded her in death on April 25, 2000. Myra lived in La Crosse until 2004 when she moved to Caledonia to live with her son.

Myra is survived by her son, Lanny (Christine) Powlek of Caledonia. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A time of gathering will be Monday, April 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. A brief graveside service will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse.

Ireta Sime

READSTOWN, Wis. — Ireta Sime, 95, of Readstown died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at Bethel Home, Viroqua, Wis. Funeral services will be at

3 p.m. Sunday at Peace Lutheran Church, Readstown. Burial will be in Readstown Cemetery. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of services Sunday at the church. Sime Funeral home, Readstown, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com.

Wayne A. Nyen

BLAIR, Wis. — Wayne A. Nyen, 75, of Blair died Thursday, April 24, 2008, in Tri-County Memorial Hospital, Whitehall, Wis. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in First Lutheran Church, with burial in the Rest Haven Cemetery, both in Blair. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the church. Jack Funeral Home, Blair, is assisting the family.

Robert L. Haugen

SPARTA, Wis. — Robert L. Haugen, 63, of Sparta died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be announced by Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.lanham-miller.com.