Printable Version

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

Published - Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Obituaries for Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008

By Tribune staff

Elizabeth Mae Waletzko

WHITEHALL, Wis. — Elizabeth Mae Waletzko, 80, of Whitehall died on Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at Tri-County Memorial Nursing Home in Whitehall.

Elizabeth was born on June 3, 1928, in Waukegan, Ill., to Frank and Ethel (Preston) Burnett. She married Paul D. Stoddard on Feb. 8, 1945, in Black River Falls, Wis., and they were married until 1963. Elizabeth later married Ralph R. Waletzko on May 7, 1983, in Onalaska, Wis.

Elizabeth was employed at Arenz shoe store in La Crosse and enjoyed decorating for the holidays, dancing, sewing, embroidery, baking, cooking, letter writing and sending greeting cards.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Ralph; 11 children, Darlene (Clarence) Matchey, Marlyn (Gerald) Valley, Sharon (Dennis) Herold, Virginia Klein-Stoddard, Daniel (fiancée, Teresa Lofgren) Stoddard, Paulette (David) Schmidt, Charlene (Joel) Gabrielson-Herold, Jeanette (Dan) Heth, Rita Adank, Janice (Gayle) Maier and Kathy (Ron) Adank; 35 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; nine brothers and sisters, Mildred (Albert) Aldach, Lucille (LeRoy) Lindsay, Jerald (Ann) Burnett, Doris Miller, Donald Burnett, Allen (Sue) Burnett, Charlotte (Richard) Heller, Ruth Burnett and Robert Burnett; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was preceded in death by two grandsons, Charles Herold and Alexander Heth; and a son-in-law, Brian Gabrielson.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Whitehall. Father Joseph O’Hara will officiate. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in North Creek, rural Arcadia, Wis. Visitation will be Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. in St. John’s Catholic Church in Whitehall, where a Christian prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. followed by a parish rosary. Friends also may call one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sandra Potaracke

RIB MOUNTAIN, Wis. — Sandra Potaracke, 52, of Rib Mountain passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

She was born Feb. 19, 1956, in La Crosse, daughter of Charles and Amy Johnson. In 1972, she married Dennis Potaracke in La Crosse. He survives.

Over the years, Sandra had several jobs, including working as a waitress at 2510 Restaurant, a dental assistant for Dr. Kohl and most recently was co-owner of Pro Motor Sports with her husband. Some of her hobbies included shopping, boating and watching the Packers. She also enjoyed trips to Mexico, motorcycle rides to the casino and flower gardening. Above all she loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandkids.

She will be sadly missed by her husband, Dennis of Rib Mountain; children, Tom (Cathy) Potaracke of Mosinee, Wis., and Betsy (Ken) Krejci of Schofield, Wis; three grandchildren, Alayna, Brett and Haley; parents, Charles and Amy Johnson of La Crosse; mother-in-law, Rose Potaracke of La Crosse; two brothers; one sister; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. today, Aug. 5, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau, Wis. The Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until time of services today at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.peterson/kraemer.com.

Dwight ‘Mose’ Moseley

TOMAH, Wis. — Dwight “Mose” Moseley, 68, of Tomah passed away Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, at Tomah Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 9, 1940, to Archie and Gladice (Hilliker) Moseley on the family farm.

Mose was a 1958 graduate of Tomah High School. After graduation, he worked as a meat cutter at Cram’s Grocery Store in Tomah. He later worked for the 7-Up Bottling Co. before purchasing the Buckhorn Bar, which he ran from 1970-1973. He then went to work for the city of Tomah in the wastewater treatment department and retired in December 2003.

Mose was united in marriage to Bernie Kuehl on Aug. 13, 1983, in Tomah. Together they enjoyed many road trips on their 1978 Goldwing motorcycle. He loved life, the open road and gambling and socializing with his friends at Smoke’s Elbow Room. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Bernie of Tomah; his children, Patricia (Pat) O’Leary of

Las Vegas, Cynthia (Dale) Houghton of Racine, Wis., and David (Kellie) Moseley of Waseca, Minn.; a stepdaughter, Ann Mendoza of Tomah; grandchildren, Erin, Shannon (Kevin), Dale Jr., Dylan, Olivia, Drew, Jack, Ben, Jerrika, Kaleb, Andrew and Cassie; step-grandchildren, Nicole and Marah; his brother, Lyle (Goldie) Moseley of Decatur, Ill.; and his sister-in-law, Eunice Moseley of Warrens, Wis.; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Gladice; his brothers, Wayne, Doyle and Vergil; and sisters-in-law, Beatrice and Maxine.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Pastor William Rice will officiate. Burial will take place in Warren Mills Cemetery, Warrens, Wis. Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends are also invited for visitation on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com. Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements.

Rhonda L. Parish

BOSCOBEL, Wis. — Rhonda L. Parish, 47, of Boscobel passed away Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, at her home in Boscobel surrounded by family and friends.

She was born Sept. 22, 1960, in Lancaster, Wis., the daughter of John and Patsy (Havens) Sander. She married Mark Rounds; they divorced. She then married Larry Parish on July 31, 1999, at United Methodist Church in Boscobel. She was a co-owner of Surplus Liquidators in Boscobel.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Parish of Boscobel; three sons, Brandon Rounds of Plattville, Wis., Devin Rounds of Boscobel and Brad (Lee Ann) Parish of Mazomanie, Wis.; two daughters, Nicole (Dustin) Parish of Cross Plains, Wis., and Hilary Martin of Volga, Iowa; three grandchildren; her mother, Patsy (Jim) Gauger of Boscobel; her father, John Sander of La Crosse; three sisters, Robin (Andy) Jones of Boscobel and Renee Frazier and Tracey Sacia of La Crosse; two brothers, Rodney (Theresa) Sander of Montfort, Wis., and Steve Gauger of Prairie du Chien, Wis.; father-in-law, Buddy Parish of Muscoda, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Cliff and Ruth Havens; and mother-in-law, Marlene Parish.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at United Methodist Church in Boscobel with Pastor Stan Pegram officiating. Burial of cremains will be a later date in Boscobel Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 10 a.m. to time of services at 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Boscobel.

Kendall Funeral Service in Boscobel is assisting the family.

Emma E. Hafner

HOKAH, Minn. — Emma E. Hafner, 94, formerly of Hokah died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, at Golden Living Center in La Crescent, Minn.

She was born in rural Hokah on Nov. 4, 1913, to Paul and Catherine (Lehmann) Tschumper. She married William A. Hafner on June 5, 1935, in Hokah, and he preceded Emma in death in 1969.

Emma was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah. She served as the cook at St. Peter’s School for more than 25 years, beginning in 1953.

Emma is survived by four children, Jerry (Carolyn) Hafner of Dresbach, Minn., Wayne Hafner of Hokah, Helen Hafner of Minnetonka, Minn., and Diane (John) Randall of Hastings, Minn.; one son-in-law, Jon Hill of Houston, Minn.; four grandchildren, DeAnne (Kurt) Krueger of Stacy, Minn., Kristen (Kirk) Malgren of La Crescent, Minn., Joseph (Gretchen) Randall of Plymouth, Minn., and John Paul (Heather) Hill of Houston; one sister, Rita (Al) Langen of Houston; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, William, she was preceded in death by three daughters, Mary, who died as an infant, JoAnn Hafner and Lorraine Hafner Hill; four sisters, Malinda (George) Schmitt, Margaret (William) Wright, Angeline (Charles) Abnet and Marie (Norbert) Langen; and three brothers, Walter (Helen) Tschumper, Julius (Marie) Tschumper and Leonard Tschumper.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah. The Rev. Joseph Pete will officiate. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Hokah. Friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., where a prayer service will be at 6 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. until departing for the church.

Memorials may be directed to St. Peter’s School or to Woodland Industries, 521 Old Highway Drive, Caledonia, MN 55921.

Emma’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Peter Franta and the entire staff at Golden Living Center for their comfort and care.

Thor Ole Thorson

WHITEHALL, Wis. — Thor Ole Thorson, 82, of Whitehall died Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at Tri-County Memorial Nursing Home in Whitehall.

Thor was born Feb. 11, 1926, in the town of Pigeon, Trempealeau County, Wis., to Elmer and Edna (Moen) Thorson. Thor married Alta Hermanson on May 6, 1952.

Thor farmed in Daggett Coulee since 1954 and also did logging. Thor enjoyed old-time music and old television shows, especially “The Red Skelton Show.”

Thor is survived by his wife, Alta; four children, Terry Thorson of Whitehall, Julie (Jeff) Trainor of Menomonie, Wis., Mark Thorson of Whitehall and Joan (David) Beltz of Osseo, Wis.; six grandchildren, Dana (Travis) Arneson of Virginia Beach, Va., Josh (Courtney) Trainor of Bloomer, Wis., Jeffrey Chandler of Osseo, Jordan Chandler of Hixton, Wis., and Jamie and Jessie Beltz both of Osseo; a brother, Earl (Mary) of Minneapolis; and a sister, Ruth (Dick) Skogstad of Kenosha, Wis.

In addition to his parents, Thor was preceded in death by two sisters, Elaine and Melva; and an infant brother, Erling.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Pigeon Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church, with burial in the church cemetery, both in Pigeon Falls, Wis. Pastor Dale Moe will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall and also one hour prior to services at the church Thursday.

Herman ‘Ras’ Bakkum

GONVICK, Minn. — Herman “Ras” Bakkum, 90, of Gonvick entered into eternal rest Sunday Aug. 3, 2008, while visiting relatives in Westby, Wis.

He was born Aug. 2, 1918, to John and Karen (Hanson) Bakkum in Robsart, Canada. Herman served in the U.S. Army in 1942 and farmed in the Gonvick area. He was a member of Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick.

Survivors include nephews Richard Vinje of Gonvick, Orrin (Becky) Stakston of Westby, Vernell Herberg of Wilmar, Minn., Terry (Deloris) Herberg of Minneapolis, Scott (Cathy) Herberg of Anoka, Minn., and Mike (Marsha) Herberg of Owatonna, Minn.; nieces Maxine Langved of Fertile, Minn., Shirley Lee of Bemidji, Minn., and Beatrice (Alden) Olson and Mary Stakston, both of Westby; and several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Hjalmer “Jep”; four sisters, Olga Stakston, Christine Vinje, Lillian Sorenson and Clara Herberg and also two sisters in infancy; a nephew, Allan Stakston; four brothers-in-law, Philip Stakston, Oscar Vinje, Eddie Sorenson and Manley Herberg; and other relatives, Steve Lee, Kay Vinje, Don Lee, Jim Langved, Matthew Leis, Debbie Sprecher and Amy Herberg.

Herman “Ras” always will be remembered in our hearts.

A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley, Wis., with the Rev. Mitzi Miyamoto officiating. A visitation will be from 6 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Services in Gonvick will be held at a later date at Samhold Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be given to the Samhold Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.

Helen M. Knudson

HOLMEN, Wis. — Helen M. Knudson, 70, of Holmen passed away Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

She was born in La Crosse on Oct. 22, 1937, to Theodore and Philomene (Koel) Peterschmidt. She married Richard Knudson in La Crosse on Nov. 12, 1960.

In addition to her husband, Richard of Holmen, she is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Kathy KasaKaitas) Knudson of La Crosse; one son, Steve (Lisa) Knudson of Madison; one granddaughter, Hannah Knudson of Madison; and one brother, James (Jane) Peterschmidt of Eau Claire, Wis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Holmen. The Rev. Robert Schaller will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of Onalaska, Wis., is assisting the family.

Janice Hagan

Janice Hagan of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Janice loved having family gatherings and dinner parties with friends. She had a passion for reading and enjoyed bowling. She was known for being a big fan of the NFL and Badgers, knowing more about the cute quarterbacks and coaches than most. She was a regular volunteer throughout the city. Janice was an active member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church for over 30 years.

In one moment, cancer changes everything, but her never-quit, strong faith attitude carried her through her battles. This is the legacy that she leaves behind to all that knew and loved her.

Janice was born in Aberdeen, S.D., to Enoch and Clara (Wohl) Grorud and lived in Portland, Ore., and Albert Lea, Minn. She moved to La Crosse in 1966. While living in La Crosse, Jan worked for Hawkins Ash & Baptie, Gateway Transportation and retired from Trane Co. after 27 years.

Jan is survived by five children, Tim Hagen of La Crescent, Minn., Debra (Brian) Buchanan of Ozark, Ala., Victoria Potaracke of La Crosse, Julie Mangino of Maricopa, Ariz., and John (Roxanne) Bull of Hayward, Wis.; 16 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brother, Hollis (Joan) Grorud of Albert Lea, Minn., two nieces; two great-nephews; and four great-nieces.

Throughout her life, she was always a source of encouragement and support to all who knew her. “Mom was a great teacher. A teacher of things that really matter in life. The things that really make a difference. Strong faith, self confidence, courage and perseverance: all these things we learned from you.”

A Christian funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Pastor Robert Wassermann will officiate. Friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until services.

Francis ‘France’ W. Callaway

TOMAH, Wis. — Francis “France” W. Callaway, 64, of Tomah died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Congregational Church UCC in Tomah. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home in Tomah and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of services.

Viola G. Oshetski

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Viola G. Oshetski, 92, of Black River Falls died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2008, at Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls, where she had resided since 2001.

Viola was born Feb. 25, 1916, in the town of Franklin, Jackson County, Wis., to Emil and Cora (Johnson) Lien.

She attended school at East Franklin Country School and graduated from Taylor (Wis.) High School.

She married Walter Oshetski on Dec. 19, 1936, in the town of Franklin. The couple lived in Milwaukee until the late 1970s when they moved to Black River Falls.

Viola was employed by the Internal Revenue Service as a supervisor of computer analysis.

She was a member of the Milwaukee Women’s Service Club, and the Upper Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Taylor, Wis.

Surviving are two sisters, Esther Potter of San Diego and Violet Rogstad of Pigeon Falls, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, on July 22, 2000; three brothers, Emerson, Orland and Joseph Lien; and a sister, Myrtle Halverson.

Funeral services for Viola G. Oshetski will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, from Upper Beaver Creek Lutheran Church in rural Taylor, Wis. Pastor Lamoine Jacobs will officiate, and burial will be in the church cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the church Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of services.

Torgerson’s Funeral Service, 715-284-4321, of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.

Honorary pallbearers will be Rich Hansen, Howard Halverson, Bill Laffoon, Wally Potter and Dennis, Wayne and Bruce Lien.

Pallbearers will be George and Jerry Johnson, Gilbert Goetzka, Fred Jacobson, Roger Lokken and Chris Halverson.

The family prefers memorials to either Pine View Memorial Fund or to Upper Beaver Creek Lutheran Church.

Gladys C. Fleming

VIROQUA, Wis. — Gladys C. Fleming, 92, of Viroqua died early Sunday morning, Aug. 3, 2008, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.

She was born May 20, 1916, in rural La Farge, Wis., to Jesse and Grace (Ritchie) Campbell. After her father’s death, the family moved to Viroqua, where Gladys attended school. In 1938, she was united in marriage to Donald W. Fleming. She was employed as the children’s librarian for more than 40 years at McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua. Reading was a great joy and passion for Gladys. She shared that love with gifts of a special book to many friends and family, especially children. Occasions such as a birthday, Easter and Christmas offered a perfect time of giving. Gladys was a member of Viroqua United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, was chairman of education and belonged to the Susanna Wesley Circle.

She is survived by her two children, Mary M. Fleming of Viroqua and William D. Fleming of La Crosse; nieces and nephews; other relatives; friends; and granddogs, Hershey and Ginger.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, on July 29, 1964; and one brother, Forrest Ritchie.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Viroqua United Methodist Church. Pastor Ethan Larson will officiate, with burial in Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call at the church Wednesday from 1 p.m. until time of services.

Memorials may be made to Vernon County Humane Society or Vernon Manor Activity Fund.

Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com. Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.

Richard Allen Small

WARRENS, Wis. — Richard Allen Small, 53, of Warrens passed away Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008, at Tomah Memorial Hospital in Tomah, Wis.

Richard was born July 31, 1955, to Richard C. and Betty L. (Mayo) Small in East Tawas, Mich. He grew up in Alpena, Mich., and was a 1973 graduate of Alpena High School. In 1973, Richard moved to Beloit, Wis., where he met and later married Doreen Hamil. Together they had two sons. Richard worked as a design engineer for Gilman Corp. in Janesville, Wis., designing and programming robots for the Saturn plant as well as other companies. Later he moved to Warrens and worked as the warehouse manager for Three Bears Lodge.

Richard was an avid sports fan. In high school, he participated in baseball, softball, bowling and found time to be in band. He also loved shooting pool, hunting and muzzle-loader guns. Richard was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He was known to be a very lucky guy who loved life and cherished his family, friends and his dogs.

Richard is survived by his wife, Doreen, his mother and father, Betty L. and Richard Carl Small, all of Warrens; two sons, Carl Wayne Small and Allen Patrick Small, both of Beloit, Wis.; two nephews, Joseph Plummer of Barron, Wis., and Robert Plummer of Eau Claire, Wis.; along with other relatives and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Lu Ann Small.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, Wis. Pastor David Oakes will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com. Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements.