Lee A. Arneson
Lee A. Arneson, 76, of La Crosse died Monday, April 28, 2008, at his home. A complete obituary will follow in Thursday’s Tribune. Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse, is in charge of arrangements.
Merlin W. Austin
BROWNSVILLE, Minn. — Merlin W. Austin, 77, of Brownsville died Sunday, April 27, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born Nov. 30, 1930, in Preston, Minn., to Alfred and Lilly (Redahlen) Austin. Merlin attended schools in Preston and graduated from Preston High School in 1948. On Nov. 7, 1951, he married Ethel Bunke in Winona, Minn. Merlin was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Freeman Construction in Spring Valley, Minn., and Griffin Construction in Chatfield, Minn., retiring in 1993. He was a member of the Local 49ers and a longtime member of the Brownsville Lions Club.
Survivors include his wife, Ethel of Brownsville; two daughters, Terri (Doug) LeJeune of Brownsville and Deb (Pat) Cody of Caledonia, Minn.; six grandchildren, Jessica and Nathan LeJeune and Kalyn, Christopher, Ryan and Lauren Cody; one sister, Alene (Donald) Ward of Onalaska, Wis.; one sister-in-law, Helen Austin of Mabel, Minn.; and one brother-in-law, Dell (Lil) Bunke of Winona, Minn.
Merlin was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Adrein and Kenneth (Joyce) Austin.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, at Zion Evangelical Church in Brownsville. Pastor Brian Cuda will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Haugen-Roble-Jandt Funeral Home of Caledonia, Minn., is in charge of arrangements.
Wayne R. Bollrud
ONALASKA, Wis. — Wayne R. Bollrud, 87, of Onalaska died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Onalaska Care Center. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Dickinson Family Funeral Homes.
Martha Mary Critzman
TREMPEALEAU, Wis. — Martha Mary Critzman, 84, of Trempealeau died Monday, April 28, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in
La Crosse. Her passing was peaceful, and she was surrounded by her family.
Martha was born Oct. 24, 1923, in Trempealeau to Albert and Frances (Wojciechowski) Swartling. She married Dale Critzman on April 30, 1946. In addition to raising her family and farming with husband Dale in rural Trempealeau, she later enjoyed working as a painter and wood finisher. Martha was a member of St. Bartholomew Parish for her entire life and was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary in Trempealeau.
Martha was an avid gardener, loved to sew and eagerly awaited the first robin of spring. Her home was always the place for family and friends to gather for any occasion, as Martha’s most loved activity was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors are four sons, Wayne (Donna) of Galesville, Wis., Kenneth (Valerie) of Ettrick, Wis., John (Sondra) of Trempealeau and Donald (Deanna) of Louisville, Ky.; two daughters, Mary (Chuck) Jarvis of Roselle, Ill., and Carol (Roger) Betthauser of Arcadia, Wis.; a daughter-in-law, Joy Critzman of Trempealeau; eight favorite grandchildren, Becky Ouimette, Lisa O’Keefe, Sarah Ford, Emily Critzman, Jenny Betthauser, Charlie Betthauser, Meagan Critzman and Melanie Critzman; and three great-grandchildren, Hunter, Haley and Hayden Ouimette.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; five brothers, Ben, Henry, Bill, Harry and Leonard; and two sisters, Julia Swartling and Amy Nagle.
Martha will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in Trempealeau, with Father Arul Joseph officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Trempealeau. Friends may call from 4 to
8 p.m. today, April 30, with a 7:30 p.m. liturgical vigil, at Zwickey Funeral Homes, Galesville (Wis.) Chapel.
Roger J. Danielson
BURR OAK, Iowa — Roger J. Danielson, 90, of Burr Oak, Iowa, died Monday, April 28, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Burr Oak Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Burr Oak Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. today at Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel, Minn., and 10 a.m. to services Thursday at the church.
George H. Dinges
VIROQUA/VIOLA, Wis. — George H. Dinges, 95, of Viroqua and Viola died Sunday, April 27, 2008, at Vernon Memorial Hospital.
George was born on April 13, 1913, in Milwaukee. He was trained as an engineer at Marquette University in Milwaukee, attending on a track scholarship. He competed extensively in track in the Midwest at the University level. George married Margaret Hansen on Sept. 3, 1938, his lifelong partner and the couple had three children, George Jr., Thomas and Carol. George worked for 40 years as a metalurgist at Nordberg Mfg. Company in Milwaukee. After he retired he taught science at MATC in Milwaukee for another 10 years. After the death of Margaret, George lived initially in rural Viola, fulfilling a dream of his to someday live in the country quietly, surrounded by trees. He continued to pursue his lifetime interest in collecting and expertly restoring antique furniture and reading history. George made many friends in the Viola area and proudly considered himself from Viola.
George became ill and suddenly died on April 27, 2008, just two weeks after thoroughly enjoying his 95th birthday party at Fairhaven Assisted Living in Viroqua.
George was preceded in death by his beloved wife. He is survived by George Jr. Dinges (Sue) of Springfield, Ill., Thomas Dinges (Marianne) of Milwaukee and Dr. Carol Dinges of Viola; and by eight grandchildren. He is remembered for his wit, charm, brilliant mind and relentless honesty.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, at Viola United Methodist Church in Viola. The Rev. Barbara Miller will officiate with burial in the Viola Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com.
Memorials may be given to the Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad or Vernon County Humane Society in Viroqua.
Vosseteig Funeral Home’s Henthorn Memorial Center of Viola is serving the family.
Donald Dean Gerke
Donald Dean Gerke, 42, of La Crosse died Monday, April 28, 2008.
He was born and baptized on June 1, 1965, in Merrill, Wis. Don graduated from Onalaska (Wis.) Luther High School in 1983 and attended University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He had worked at Gateway Foods for many years in the printing department and was currently employed at ORC Industries. Don was an avid reader and enjoyed playing video games.
He is survived by a sister, Nancy (Philip) Roraff Jr.; four nieces and nephews, Ben, Erica, Cory and T’Kaylah Roraff; his aunts and uncles, Donald (Barb) Christensen, Alice Hovey, Ann (Dallas) Heinz, Agnes Christensen, Doris Jarasinski and Edward Gerke; and several stepbrothers, stepsisters and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Clarice (Christensen) Gerke; his grandparents, Clarence and Edna Christensen and Julius and Elsa Gerke; and several aunts and uncles.
Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 2 p.m. until time of services.
Luan I. Kowalsky
ARCADIA, Wis. — Luan I. Kowalsky of Arcadia died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Horicon Manor in Beaver Dam, Wis. Wozney-Killian Funeral Home of Arcadia is assisting the family with arrangements.
Harold ‘Mac’ C. McCreight
TUCSON, Ariz./LA CROSSE — Harold “Mac” C. McCreight, 95, of Tucson and formerly of La Crosse died April 23, 2008, in Tucson. He was born July 10, 1912, in Tarkio, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor (Skip). He is survived by his sons, Jerold (Susan) and John (Colleen); seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his sisters, Ellen Bohm of Brighton, Colo., and Martha Grimes of Green Valley, Ariz.
Harold graduated from Clarinda Junior College and started his business career with Gambles Skogmo in Clarinda, Iowa. He was a store manager for Gambles in Yankton, S.D., and Kenosha and Waukesha, Wis. He advanced to sales manager for Western Auto in Los Angeles. Harold, along with a group of investors, purchased Pyroil Co. of La Crosse in 1953 and was later elected President and CEO in 1964. Harold was a lifelong member of the Shriners. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing with the grandchildren. Harold’s family wishes to thank the staff of Wingate’s Adult Care Home for the quality of life they provided in the last two years of his life.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. today, April 30, at Adair Funeral Home, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave., Tucson, AZ 85704. In lieu of flowers, donations may be send to a charity of donor’s choice.
Roger J. Danielson
BURR OAK, Iowa — Roger J. Danielson, 90, of Burr Oak, Iowa, died Monday, April 28, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Burr Oak Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Burr Oak Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. today at Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel, Minn., and 10 a.m. to services Thursday at the church.
Fillmore ‘Phil’ Emil Ott
GRAFTON, Wis. — Fillmore “Phil” Emil Ott, 82, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 27, 2008, surrounded by his family.
A first-generation American, Phil was born in Menno, S.D., on Nov. 7, 1925, to Josefa (Roloff) and Ferdinand Ott.
A U.S. Navy World War II veteran, Phil traveled around the world, served aboard the USS New Mexico in the South Pacific and fought in many campaigns, including the Philippine and Aleutian Islands and Okinawa. Phil was a recipient of the Purple Heart.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Bette, and their children, sons, M. Scott (Maureen Carroll) Ott of
La Crosse, Steven F. (Deborah) Ott, of Billings, Mont., daughter, Suzanne J. (William) Hamer of Oshkosh, Wis.; grandchildren, Stacy (Cayanne) Ott of Billings, Jesse (Rachel) Ott of Billings, and Kadi Hamer and Christine Hamer, both of Oshkosh; step-grandchildren, Bret (Paula) Hamer of Oshkosh and Keli (Joseph) Jezwinski of Oshkosh; stepgreat-grandchildren, Jaycee Jezwinski and Emma Jezwinski of Oshkosh; sister, Irene Skruby of Port Washington, Wis.; sister- and brother-in-law, James and Vivian Miller of Port Washington; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gene and Rosemary Schmit and JoAnn and Richard Paulus of Grafton. Phil is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Holy Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St. (Hwy. 60), Grafton. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.poolefh.com. Poole Funeral Home in Port Washington, Wis., assisted with arrangements.
Ardella Parker
VIROQUA/ONTARIO, Wis. — Ardella Parker, 78, of Viroqua and formerly of Ontario passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Vernon Mannor in Viroqua. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Brush Creek Cemetery outside of Ontario. Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Lawrence C. Schmitz
BLOOMER, Wis. — Lawrence C. Schmitz, 91, of Bloomer passed away Monday, April 28, 2008, at Luther Midelfort Chippewa Valley Hospital in Bloomer.
Lawrence was born on Feb. 28, 1917, in Cashton, Wis., to William and Sophia (Hahn) Schmitz. He married Eleanor Waterhouse on July 29, 1939, and Delores Goettl on May 8, 1981, both at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Bloomer. He worked for Berg Equipment Co. for 34 years.
He is survived by two sons, Larry (Marliss) Schmitz of Loves Park, Ill., and Randall (Dena) Schmitz of Rockford, Ill.; special friend, Margareth Ludvigson of Eau Claire, Wis.; sisters-in-law, Mildred Pitts of Colfax, Wis., and Gladys Schmitz of La Crescent, Minn.; foster sisters, Cecilia Paulus and Bernice (LeRoy) Reetz, both of Bloomer; sister, Martha Hermanson of La Crosse; and grandchildren, Matthew and Jordyn Schmitz and Rene (Steve) Brown; and four great-grandchildren, Michelle, Tanya, Shaun and Krystal. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; one sister, Laura Schmidt; two brothers, Norbert and Edward Schmitz; foster sister, Rita Zachau; grandson, Mark Vanderhoof; and daughter-in-law, Esther Schmitz.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, at Schriver Funeral Chapel in Bloomer, with Father James Arthur officiating. Burial will be at St. Paul’s South Catholic Cemetery in Bloomer. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of services at the funeral chapel on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Paul’s Catholic School window fund is preferred by the family.
Margaret ‘Maggie’ E. Schubert
Margaret “Maggie” E. Schubert, 92, of La Crosse, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2008, at Clare Bridge Cottage in La Crosse.
Maggie was born in Endeavor, Wis., on July 7, 1915, to Edward and Susan (O’Brien) Dinegan and was raised in Briggsville, Wis. Maggie lived with an aunt and uncle in
La Crosse while she attended Aquinas High School. She was a member of the first freshman class at Aquinas and graduated with the Class of 1934. On June 12, 1934, Maggie married Wenzel Schubert in La Crosse. He preceded her in death on Oct. 26, 1988.
Maggie was a longtime active member of the Cathedral parish and more recently was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She also volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Maggie was an avid Packers fan and never missed a Sunday game. In recent years, she also enjoyed watching golf. She was as admitted “chocoholic” with a special affinity for Hershey Bars. Maggie also loved playing cards, especially euchre and solitaire.
Maggie is survived by her children, Joan (Steve) Anderson of La Crosse, Jerry Schubert of Mount Horeb, Wis., Susan (Ed) Schams of Montello, Wis., Dick (Michal Mary) Schubert of St. Peter’s, Mo., and Peggy (Mark) Schneider of La Crosse;
19 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Royal Burkhardt of Onalaska, Wis.; and a sister-in-law, Fae Ebner of La Crosse.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Burkhardt; a grandson, Chris Schams; a sister, Mary Gerhardt; and a daughter-in-law, Judy Schubert.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in La Crosse. The Rev. David Olson will officiate. Entombment will follow in
St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum at the Catholic Cemetery in
La Crosse. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services. Memorials may be directed to Aquinas High School or to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse is assisting the family.
Maggie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Altera-Sterling Clare Bridge Cottage for the wonderful care given to Maggie.
Arthur L. Stello
MINDORO, Wis. — Arthur L. Stello, 80, of Mindoro died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at
St. Joseph’s Community Care in La Crosse. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burr Oak, Wis. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Jandt Funeral Home in Bangor, Wis., and from 10 a.m. to services Friday at the church. A complete obituary will folllow.
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