John A. Poellinger
LA CRESCENT, Minn./ LA CROSSE Former La Crescent resident and La Crosse businessman John A. Poellinger, 83, passed away Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at Hillview Health Care Center in La Crosse.
The oldest of four children of John T. and Marie (Oestreicher) Poellinger, John was born April 1, 1925, in Sheboygan, Wis. When John was a young child, the family moved to La Crosse, where he attended Holy Trinity Elementary School and graduated, at age 16, from Aquinas High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Fleet during World War II. He attended University of Wisconsin-Stout, graduating with his master’s degree in 1951, and then taught vocational/apprentice relations at what is now Western Technical College.
John married Rosemary Vyvyan in 1954. They settled in La Crescent, where they began building their family and their business.
He started his own business, Poellinger Plastering, in 1957. He was very proud to have been one of few local contractors to help build St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in 1962. He and his skilled employees built and remodeled many schools, hospitals, office buildings and homes throughout the region and beyond. He was always committed to doing the best possible job “whether the project is a patch or a palace,” as he used to say.
John was active in the construction industry. A lifetime member of the Association of Wall & Ceilings Industries International, John enjoyed traveling throughout the country and beyond, learning and sharing with other contractors and doing what he could to strengthen the industry. He was a leader, locally and nationally, in several apprenticeship training and oversight programs.
John was active in the communities where he lived and worked. He served on the La Crescent School Board, was a member of the La Crescent Rotary Club, past president of the downtown La Crosse Rotary Club, member of the La Crescent Chamber of Commerce and past president of Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce. Other memberships were LADCO, Southside Businessmen’s Association and Downtown Mainstreet. He volunteered for the Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, Children’s Museum of La Crosse and many other organizations and projects. John’s volunteerism, combined with his love of gardening and his construction expertise, led him to become actively involved with many park development projects throughout the area, including Man-Lay Garden, Kid’s Coulee and Kistler Park.
John loved to learn and supported many educational initiatives. He was quietly generous, humble to a fault and immensely proud of his family, his employees w his community. He was also deeply committed to his faith.
In retirement, he enjoyed gardening and woodworking, delighted to create gifts for friends and family. The holiday season always brought a special twinkle to John’s eyes, so he chose to celebrate year-round by creating elaborate displays of his always-growing collection of miniature Christmas houses and Santas. Sharing his beautiful Christmas rooms with his children, grandchildren and visitors was pure pleasure to John.
John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rosemary; his children and grandchildren, Ann (Cameron) Harris and their daughters, Stephanie (Joshua) Burgess and Elizabeth, John E. Poellinger and his children, Alison, John Elliot (Sami Jo) and Mitchell, Paul Poellinger and his son, Laudon, Mike (Leanne) Poellinger and their sons, Ethan, Evan and Mason, and Jean (Giulio) Cesarone and their daughters, Olivia and Amanda. John and Rosemary’s first great-grandchild, Marek Burgess, was born Nov. 23. John is also survived by his brother, Richard (Marge) Poellinger, and sister, Patricia (Poellinger) Peterson.
John was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Poellinger.
John’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Hillview Health Care Center and to Terry Hafner for the excellent care provided to John.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse. Entombment will be in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse, or Saturday at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.
In honor of John’s generosity and community involvement, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Michael Dale Chace
NEW ORLEANS/LA CROSSE Michael Dale Chace, 49, started his journey of eternal rest with his Heavenly Father at his residence in New Orleans. He is being brought home to be put to rest nearer his family.
Michael was born May 28, 1958, in La Crosse to Charles F. Chace and Gertrude (Conniff) Chace. He was a treasured son and brother and will be dearly missed by his family.
Michael loved music and enjoyed playing his guitar and th e organ. He was a 1976 graduate of Aquinas High School. He enjoyed traveling and seeing new places, which he was able to do his last years.
He is survived by his mother, Gertrude Chace Waldron; his stepfather, Waylon Waldron; his brother, Daniel; sister-in-law, Elinor Chace; uncle, William Wagner; Michael’s special friend and cousin, Pauline Dumont; cousin, Helen Russell; and also many other special cousins, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles F. Chace; his brother, Charles E. Chace; uncles, Ronald, Thomas Jr., Gerald and Sidney “Sammy” Conniff; aunts, Marvella Wagner and Arlene Nesler; along with his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. The Rev. Edmund Donkor-Baine will officiate. Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at Woodlawn Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from noon until the time of service.
Gail Rigg
SPARTA Gail Rigg, 68, of Sparta died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home, Sparta. Burial will be in Farmer’s Valley Cemetery, along Hwy. 71, rural Sparta.
Family and friends may call from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home.
Beverly Jean Oium
WESTBY Beverly Jean Oium, 62, of Westby passed away Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, while at home with her family in Westby. She courageously fought cancer for over a year, never losing her spirit or faith.
She was born in Viroqua on May 20, 1946, to Hjalmer and Hilda Jacobson. Beverly graduated from Viroqua High School. Beverly married the love of her life, David Oium, on June 23, 1967.
She spent most of her years as a devoted mother and wife at home. Beverly enjoyed helping on the farm and sharing in the joy of raising her children. In May 1993 she returned to work at Sam’s Club in Onalaska, where she enjoyed meeting and socializing with co-workers and guests. She had a dynamic personality that shone through her smile she greeted everyone with.
Beverly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and finding time to play the slot machines at the casinos.
Beverly is survived by her loving husband, David; children, Michael (Kathy) Oium of Prairie du Chien and Kimberly (Fedinand) Kongnso of West Salem; grandchildren, Pierce Lach, Bree Anna Oium and Kiara Kongnso; siblings, Sherman (Barbara) Jacobson of Fond du Lac, Wis., Leland Jacobson of Janesville, Wis., Betty (Alf) Erickson of Westby, Edith Lindvig of Viroqua, Myra Schuler of St. Louis, Janette (Ronald) Fanta of Marshfield, Wis., and Marilyn (Raymond) Solberg of Beloit, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hjalmer and Hilda Jacobson; and siblings, Alf Jacobson, Ernest Jacobson, Fredrick Jacobson, Steven Jacobson and David Jacobson.
Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, Nov. 29, at Skogdahlen Lutheran Church, 4315 Oakdale Ave., Westby. Pastor Gary Daines will officiate. Burial will be at Skogdahlen Cemetery, Westby. Lunch will be provided after burial at the fellowship hall. Family and friends may attend visitation at Skogdahlen Lutheran Church from 11 a.m. until the time of services Saturday.
Beverly’s family would like to extend a special thank you to family and friends for all of your prayers and the compassion and excellent care the medical staff and hospice provided.
Beverly was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was a kind-hearted woman with a heart of gold. She holds a special place in the hearts of people who knew her and will be greatly missed, but will remain in our thoughts forever.
Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneral home.com.
Ardell C. Olson
COON VALLEY/ WESTBY Ardell C. Olson, 77, of Westby and formerly of Coon Valley died Wednesday morning, Nov. 26, 2008. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby. Burial, with military rites by the Coon Valley American Legion, will be in Skogdalen Cemetery, rural Westby. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby, and after 10 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the church. Memorials are preferred to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Norskedalen or Bethel Butikk. A complete obituary will follow.
Magdalena Sebele
ONALASKA/JANESVILLE, Wis. Magdalena Sebele, 81, died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at Cedar Crest in Janesville.
She was born Nov. 6, 1927, in Karavukovo, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), the daughter of Johann and Katharina (Lehmann) Konradt. Displaced during World War II, she, along with her mother and brothers, emigrated to the United States after the war. They settled in Milwaukee, where she met and married Victor Sebele on May 17, 1952. They raised two daughters.
Magdalena worked at American Motors in Milwaukee for 17 years. She was a talented seamstress and also excelled at other forms of needlework. She enjoyed gardening, and her home was always surrounded by flowers. They moved to Bradenton, Fla., in 1984 and lived there briefly until Victor’s death on Sept. 28, 1986. Magdalena then moved to Onalaska to be near her daughters and grandchildren. She spent her last few years in Janesville.
She will be sorely missed by her children, Victoria (Charles) Berget of Janesville and Pauline King of Holmen; six grandchildren, Carleen (Christopher) Courtney, Gabrielle Berget, Jessica (Jay) Miesfeld, Peter Berget, Melissa King and Jay Berget; two great-grandchildren, Augustus and Victoria Courtney; a brother, John (Katie) Konradt of Milwaukee; and nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be at noon Friday, Nov. 28, in the chapel at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee. The family will receive guests at the cemetery from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute (in memory of Magdalena Sebele), 7818 Big Sky Drive, Suite 215, Madison, WI 53219 are appreciated.
Schramka Funeral Home (414) 464-4040 is assisting the family.
Gladys Mathilda Thompson
BLAIR/PIGEON FALLS, Wis. Gladys Mathilda Thompson, 97, of Pigeon Falls and formerly of Blair died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, in Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.
Gladys was born Feb. 22, 1911, in Larkin Valley, rural Blair, to Ole and Lettie Lyngen. She married Melvin T. Thompson on June 22, 1935. Melvin preceded Gladys in death on May 18, 1984.
Gladys was employed as the bookkeeper for Melvin T. Thompson and Son Sawmill. She enjoyed gardening, tending her flowers, especially African violets, cooking and baking.
Gladys is survived by her daughter-in-law, Irene Thompson of Blair; six grandchildren, Bruce (Rosanne) Thompson of Blair, Deborah (Steve) Tidquist of Blair, Susan Thompson of La Crosse, Dawn (friend, John) Thompson of Hixton, Todd Thompson of La Crosse and Kim (Fred) Flock of Sparta; nine great-grandchildren, Hilary (Isaac) Walters, Haley (Josh) Nehring, Crystal (Matt) Seiler, Alicia (Brian) Simmons, Chelsey (Chad) Sedelbauer, Chad (friend, Krystal) Ekern, Kristina (friend, Lance) Lindberg, Sarah Lindberg and Zachary Thompson; and three great-great-grandchildren, Noelle and Lillian Walters and Blake Simmons.
In addition to her parents and husband, Gladys was preceded in death by a son, Ronald; six brothers, Oscar, Olaf, Goodwin, Ernest, Alden and Henry Lyngen; two sisters, Burnette Everson and Myrtle Christianson; and a great-grandson, Bradley Ekern.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, in Zion Lutheran Church, with burial in the church cemetery, both in Blair. Pastor Mark Kvale will officiate.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, in Jack Funeral Home in Blair, and also one hour prior to the services at the church Saturday.
Luella Edna Simonds Jakusz
Luella Edna Simonds Jakusz left this world to be with her maker Nov. 25, 2008. She died at her home with her family at her side.
Luella was born in McDill, Wis., just outside Stevens Point, in her great-grandparents’ home. In her written memoirs, she remembers her childhood as a happy family life with special parents who gave great love to their children. She had vivid memories of holiday and birthday celebrations.
She attended elementary school at age 5 at the McDill grade school. After high school, her schooling continued at Stevens Point Teachers College, which is now the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
After attending college she worked at Hardware Mutual Insurance Co., which is now Sentury Insurance Co., in Stevens Point. She was unable to continue working there after she married in 1940 because married women were not allowed to work at the company at that time. During her early marriage, when her husband was serving in the war, she volunteered for the Red Cross. After his return from the war, she was employed at Weber Lifelike Fly Co. in Stevens Point. In 1948, when she had her first child, she thankfully became a stay-at-home mom. In the early 1960s, Lue started her own business as a pet groomer. It all began because of a little poodle named Chi-Chi, who joined the family. Her grooming business grew as her skills increased, and she found that it became a rewarding full-time job. Her grooming partner, “Butch” Quain, became a dear friend and was like another son to her. In December 1998 she retired from her business.
She is survived by her loving husband, Edwin “Eddie” Jakusz; daughter, Jane Jakusz Drogseth, and her husband, Greg Drogseth, and their children, Nathan Dethlefsen, Alex Drogseth and Emily Drogseth; her son, James Jakusz and his wife, Anne Jakusz; and stepgrandson, Keith De Lage with his wife, Susie, and their children, Alyisa, Brandon and Noah. She is further survived by one sister, Gwen (William) Ruff; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives, friends and neighbors.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Edward Simonds and Florence Hattie Parmenter Simonds; one sister, Inez Simonds Luther; and brother-in-law, Frank Luther.
In October, Lue and Eddie celebrated their 68th anniversary with their family. They looked back on many happy family times together, sharing a great love for each other.
Lue was a remarkable and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She enjoyed frequent bridge games with her wonderful friends and was always present at her children’s and grandchildren’s events with fond support and encouragement. She believed in and lived a life of volunteerism. She knew it was important to use the gifts God gave her to help others in need and serve as a leader in community organizations. She was unafraid to show her concern for others and speak up when she saw the need. Her mother left her with this thought that passes on to all of us: “Work hard and always do your best.”
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, in Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse. The Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate, with private entombment to be held in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass in the church Saturday.
Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.
Charles Chuck’ Brian Rank
HOUSTON, Minn. Charles “Chuck” Brian Rank, 51, of Houston died suddenly Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, from complications of pneumonia.
Charles was born in Caledonia, Minn., on Dec. 13, 1956, the son of Charles and Donna (Sennes) Rank.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Connie; three children, Dylan Kearns, Ashley Kearns (Josh Swenson) and Meghan Kearns; three grandchildren, Austin and Julia Swenson and Caylin Frazier; along with his mother, Donna Rank, and mother-in-law, LaVonne Kearns; siblings, Bonnie Rank (Ron Puestow), Deb Rank (Richard Schild), Doug Rank, and John and Tamara Rank; brothers-in-law, Mike (Dawn) Kearns and Pat (Margaret) Kearns; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Charles W. Rank, in May 2005.
Chuck lived and farmed in the Money Creek and Houston area all his life. Charlie was happiest in the field driving his tractor and combines, especially with his grandson, Austin Charles, in the cab. Chuck was a very proud grandpa!
He was a friend to all and was always willing to give a helping hand to any neighbor or friend in need and him in return. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
Friends may call at Money Creek Town Hall on Saturday, Nov. 29, with visitation and service beginning at 2 p.m. Please come and share stories about Chuck with his family and friends.
Memorials may be directed to the family of Charles B. Rank.
Lillian M. Woolley
ONALASKA Lillian M. Woolley, 100, of Onalaska passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
She was born in Ettrick on Aug. 5, 1908, to Odius and Hannah (Gilbertson) Dahl. Lillian married Irvin Woolley on May 10, 1930, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 9, 1978.
Lillian worked at Electric Auto Lite for 38 years and the Oak Forest Nursing Home before she retired. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 60 years.
Lillian is survived by several nieces and nephews and a special friend, Stanley Moen.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Olga Berg and Hazel LaFleur; and six brothers, Vilas, Roy, Lester, Alvin, Milfred and Gerald Dahl.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, 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 at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of services.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home, Onalaska, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Cecilia M. Killian
INDEPENDENCE Cecilia M. Killian, 75, of rural Independence died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at her home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Friday at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends and family may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 8 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at Edison Funeral Home, Independence. A prayer service, followed by a rosary, will be at 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Robert Bob’ L. Wolfe Jr.
SPARTA, Wis. Robert “Bob” L. Wolfe Jr., 58, of Sparta died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, in Highland, Wis. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta. Family and friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the funeral home.
John M. Lucente
INDEPENDENCE John M. Lucente, 91, of Independence died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. Arrangements are pending with Edison Funeral Home, Independence.
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