E. Nolen Anderson
VIROQUA, Wis. — E. Nolen Anderson, 99, a resident at Vernon Manor, Viroqua, died early Wednesday morning, July 16, 2008, at Vernon Manor.
He was born March 9, 1909, in the township of Jefferson, Vernon County, to Will and Ida (Michealson) Anderson. He was baptized in Zion Church and confirmed in Immanuel Lutheran Church. He graduated from Brookville School. Nolen was a farmer all his life but never married. He served on the Brookville School Board and also was supervisor for Franklin Township. Nolen loved fishing, especially in Canada, raising tobacco over the years and traveling to Montana and the Dakotas.
Nolen is survived by his sister, Welma Mills; nieces, nephews and their families, Janis (Donald) Appleman of Rockton, Ill., Bonnie Anderson of West Chicago, Ill., Calvin (Pat) Anderson of Westby, Wis., Dean (Janet) Anderson of Belvidere, Ill., Iris Richardson of Madison, Thomas (Kathy) Richardson of Richland Center, Wis., Ioma (Verlyn) Anderson and William (Sandra) Anderson, both of Viroqua; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Leland, Victor and Arlo Anderson; sister, Alice Richardson; nephew, Verlyn Anderson; sisters-in-law, Cora and Hazel Anderson; and brothers-in-law, Calvin Richardson and J. Robert Mills.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 18, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua. Officiating at the service will Pastor Kathy Ingbritsen, with burial to follow in the Viroqua Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends today from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua. The visitation will continue Friday, July 18, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.
Donald Joseph Chunat
CONCORD, Calif. — Donald J. Chunat, 76, of Concord and formerly of Wauzeka, Wis., died Monday, July 14, 2008, in Concord. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Thornburg-Hanson Funeral Home, Prairie du Chien, Wis., with burial in Wauzeka Cemetery. Friends may call from noon until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
Tim A. Dienger
ONALASKA, Wis. — Tim Alan Dienger was born Oct. 17, 1976, in La Crosse to Debra and Alan. He graduated from Onalaska High School in 1995. He went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played for Barry Alvarez and the Wisconsin Badgers from 1995-1998 until he suffered a career-ending knee injury. He completed his bachelor of arts in political science with a certificate in public administration in 1999. He immediately began his graduate work in urban and regional planning at UW-Madison, which he finished in 2001. Tim had a successful and interesting career that took him to many different communities and allowed him to meet many wonderful people.
Tim met his wife, Jennifer, in 1998 when they became neighbors in the same apartment building. They were married July 1, 2000 on top of Rib Mountain in Wausau, Wis. Tim began one of his most important roles on Feb. 19, 2002, when he became a father to his son and “buddy,” Kealan James. His little princess, “pea,” Finola Marilyn, was born Aug. 27, 2004. Tim was an amazing father who gave of himself completely for his family’s happiness.
Tim had a strong sense of civic responsibility and believed in giving back to his community. He served in public safety by working for the Racine (Wis.) County sheriff’s department water patrol during college and by becoming a volunteer firefighter in Arlington, Wis., and Green River, Wyo.
He also loved working with youth. He coached football for Green River High School, where he helped lead the team to an undefeated state championship. In 2006, Tim returned to his hometown and became involved with the youth at his church, Sand Lake Wesleyan. This summer he had the opportunity to coach his son for the first time, volunteering as a T-ball coach.
Tim’s spiritual growth was fostered after returning home to Onalaska and becoming part of the Sand Lake Wesleyan Church family. He was challenged and inspired to develop a deeper personal relationship with his Savior by Pastors Jim Maness and Jeff Bond.
Tim had a profound love and respect for nature. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and also loved camping with his family. Tim was also an artist. Music was a passion of Tim’s, and he fulfilled a lifelong dream when he began playing guitar in 2007. He enjoyed writing lyrics about his faith, and hoped someday to be a Christian rock star. Tim loved to draw and created many wonderful images that he hoped to turn into a Christian clothing line.
As with everything he did, Tim followed his life’s motto, “Go hard or go home,” by wearing his faith on his sleeve, literally. He proudly tattooed an ichthus on his wrist as an outward symbol of his love for the Lord.
Tim felt called to a life of ministry but was uncertain of what that would mean. Tim never had the chance to follow his calling in the way that he imagined, but his purpose will be realized through all the lives he’s touched and by his impact on them. His life verse, Acts 20:24, has taken on a new and deeper meaning in his passing: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
In his own words, “I am always up for a challenge and love to push myself, sometimes a little too far as my body would probably tell you (based on surgeries, scars and many other injuries). I believe it is important to learn from your experiences/decisions and those of others. ‘Good judgment comes from experience, but experience is only gained through poor judgment,’ (Oscar Wilde) hence it is vitally important to experience life, to take risks, and to continue to learn. I also feel it is vitally important to maintain focus on the things in life that really matter and to live every day as if it is your last.”
Tim is survived by his wife, Jen; his son, Kealan; his daughter, Nola; his mother, Debbie (William) Barr; his father, Alan; his sister, Nicole; his half-siblings, Allie, Trina and Pete Dienger; his grandmothers, Marilyn (Uma) Pfaff and Delores Teale; his stepgrandparents, Donald and Betty Christianson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Jeffery Christianson; his grandfathers, James Teale, Wallace Pfaff and Romea Dienger; and his grandmother, June Dienger.
Tim passed into eternity on July 13, 2008. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Sand Lake Wesleyan Church in Onalaska. Friends may call at the church Friday from noon until services. Dickinson Family Funeral Home and Crematory of Onalaska is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Tim A. Dienger Memorial Fund.
Tim, you will be so deeply missed by all who love you. Our only comfort is knowing you are at peace. Your presence in still felt, and we will be reunited in paradise.
Lillian I. Emmert
Lillian I. Emmert, 89, of La Crosse died Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. Services will be announced by Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse.
Pamela ‘Pam’ Sue Hanson
Pamela “Pam” Sue Hanson, 40, of La Crosse passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
Pam was born July 28, 1967, in Madison to Brian and Penny (Slowey) Hanson. She attended Edgewood College in Madison, graduating with a B.S. Cum Laude, double majoring in child life and art. Pam had been employed as child life director in the pediatric oncology department at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. This position allowed Pam to understand and meet the needs of children, and she met them well. Pam was very independent and never wanted her illness to keep her from accomplishing her goals. She always had a very positive attitude and she was an inspiration to many.
Survivors include her parents, Brian and Penny Hanson of Ferryville, Wis.; two sisters, Christine (Matt) Czarick of Snellville, Ga., and Robin Hanson of Oswego, Ill.; two brothers, Robert Hanson of La Crosse and Michael Hanson of Boston; three nieces, Mary Corley, Katherine and Elizabeth, and one nephew, Tucker, all of Snellville; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and many special friends.
Pam was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents and her paternal grandparents.
Funeral services will be Saturday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4141 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. The Rev. Roger Hjelle will officiate. Burial will be in Freeman Lutheran Church Cemetery, Ferryville. Friends may call at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse, is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas ‘Tom’ P. Mangold
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Thomas “Tom” P. Mangold, 65, of Black River Falls and formerly of San Francisco, died Tuesday, July 15, 2008. There will be no local visitation or services. Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, is assisting the family. Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.net.
Alton ‘Al’ F. Morken
RUSHFORD, Minn. — Alton “Al” F. Morken, 79, Rushford, died on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at his home.
Alton F. Morken was born Aug. 17, 1928, in Rushford to Eno and Laura (Scheil) Morken. He was raised in Rushford and graduated from Rushford High School in 1946. On Dec. 16, 1950, he married Marlys Glende. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Al worked with his father at E.G. Morken Service and Implement. He acquired the business in the late 1950s, and operated it until he sold it in 1969. Al worked for Sugar Loaf Ford in Winona, Minn., selling cars until his semi-retirement in 1986. He worked at Dahl’s Auto Works in Rushford until he fully retired in 1993.
Serving his local community was of great importance to Al. He was a member of Rushford Lutheran Church, where he served two terms and was president for one year, president of the Rushford Area Business Association for two years, member of the Rushford Lion’s Club for 30 years and served as president in 1961, Root River Trail Town’s Organizational Committee for 15 years, of which he was president for two years, the Fillmore County Retarded Citizen’s Association during the 1960s, where he was president for four years, the Rushford Business Development Organization Board for 15 years, Rushford Historical Society president for 15 years, Rushford American Legion and VFW, Rushford Fire Department for 16 years, and four years on Rushford City Council, serving two terms as mayor. Al was honored to be named as Mr. Rushford in 2005.
Al enjoyed antiquing, collectable cars, spending summers boating and camping at Bass Camp, and spending time with his family, especially taking country drives with his grandchildren.
Al is survived by his wife, Marlys; three sons, John (Dianne) Morken of Rushford, Paul Morken of Spring Grove, Minn., and Bruce (Traci) Morken of Winona, Minn.; one daughter, Marsha (Kevin) Mehus of Winona; 10 grandchildren, Melissa, John Paul, Katie, Michael, Laura, Christine, Mallory, Sam, Brooke and Kelsey; six great-grandchildren, Ashley, Cael, Kadence, Brady, Micah and Carson; and two sisters, Lois (Chuck) Houge of Northfield, Minn., and Beth (Conway) Elton of Winona.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Bill.
There will be a memorial service for Al at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 18, at Rushford Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be in Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Hoff Funeral Homes-Rushford Chapel.
Al’s family prefers memorials to be directed to Winona Area Hospice or to the American Red Cross.
Please feel free to sign Al’s online guest book and leave a memory of him at www.hofffuneral.com.
Lawrence W. ‘Chief’ Senn
LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Lawrence W. “Chief” Senn, 75, of La Crescent died Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Golden Living Center, La Crescent. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, La Crescent.
Raymond L. Smith
ONALASKA, Wis. — Raymond L. Smith, 79, died Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at First Lutheran Church, Onalaska. Burial with military honors will be in Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call from noon until time of service Sunday at the church. A complete obituary will be provided by Dickin-son Family Funeral Home.
Opal P. Strauman
PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis.. — Opal P. Strauman, 93, of Prairie du Chien passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at Prairie Maison Care Center, Prairie du Chien.
She was born March 1, 1915, in Bell Center, Wis., daughter of Clarence and Martha (Whiteaker) Shockley. She married Richard “Bud” Strauman on Jan. 1, 1934, in Galena, Ill. He preceded her in death on Jan. 14, 1988. She was an active member of St. John’s Parish and the Eagles Club Auxiliary, where she served as a past president. She worked at the MiLady Dress Shop in downtown Prairie du Chien. Opal was very social, outgoing and an avid card player; she loved to laugh.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen (Don) Meyer of La Crescent, Minn.; her son, Richard “Butch” (Kay) Strauman of McFarland, Wis.; a sister, Faye Thompson of Minocqua, Wis.; a sister-in-law, Rosella (Ed) “Toots” Scherlin of Prairie du Chien; four grandchildren, Cynthia (David) Sampson, Lawrence, Mary Beth and Robert (LeAnn) Meyer; and three great-grandchildren, Timothy, Jennifer and Matthew Meyer.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Mary Brethorst; and three brothers, Leo, Harold and Jay Shockley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 19, at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call Friday, July 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Garrity Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien, where there will be an Eagles Auxiliary
tribute at 6:30 p.m. and a wake Scripture at 7 p.m. www.garrityfuneralhome.com.
Helen A. Suchanek
BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Helen A. Suchanek, 99, of Black River Falls, died Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Pine View Care Center, Black River Falls. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Burial will be in Hatfield (Wis.) Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences are available at www. buswellfuneralhome.net.
Charles Elison Williams
SPARTA, Wis. — Charles Elison Williams, 75, of Sparta died Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, La Crosse. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta.
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