LaVerne Dickinson
ONALASKA, Wis. — LaVerne Dickinson, 91, of Onalaska died Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at Onalaska Care Center.
He was born Dec. 25, 1916, in Dodgeville, Wis., to Charles and Hannah Dickinson. He married Bernice Mills, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 29, 2005. LaVerne served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a licensed American cheesemaker and had retired from Hillview Homes.
He is survived by two sons, Doug (Kathy) Dickinson of La Crosse and Mark (Jeanette) Dickinson of Onalaska; and seven grandchildren, Matthew, Adam, Joseph, Kimberly, Hannah, Mitchell and Nathan.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Pearl Schill; and a brother, Gage Dickinson.
Private family services will be Thursday at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 1425 Jackson St., La Crosse. The Rev. Donald Iliff of Wesley United Methodist Church will officiate, and burial will be in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, rural La Crosse.
Mary C. Stanley
LA CROSSE -- Mary C. Stanley, 85 of La Crosse passed away at home surrounded by her family on Monday, April 7, 2008, following a short illness with cancer.
She was born in La Porte, Ind., on May 23, 1922, to William and Mabel (Shaw) Bower. She enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in February 1943 at the age of 21. She subsequently served in Washington, D.C., in military administration until her discharge in September 1945. On Feb. 22, 1947, she married Vincent Elwood Stanley whom she met in Washington during the war. They lived for a brief period in Mishawauka and South Bend, Ind., before moving to La Crosse in 1960.
She is survived by her seven children, Lindsey (Richard) Burns of La Crescent, Minn., Gary (Susan) Stanley of La Crosse, Bryan Stanley of Madison, Susan (Joseph) Schaller of Onalaska, Stuart Stanley of London, Julie (Barry) Silver of Minneapolis and Philip (Elaine) Stanley of La Crosse; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Smith of Arizona, Eileen Luchtmann of Illinois, and Jean (Ralph) Heise of Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Vincent; her parents; one sister, Adeline; and one brother, Paul.
Mary retired from PFM in La Crosse in 1985 and enjoyed her retirement fully in both La Crosse and Arizona during the winter months. She was an activist for and member of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill, a member of the VFW and the Women’s Marine Association. She was a longtime member of TOPS and the Red Hatters in Arizona. She was also a member at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir.
She loved life and enjoyed her children and grandchildren. She spent her days playing cards, swimming, walking and socializing. She was loved dearly by everyone around her and will be sadly missed, especially by her good friend, Carol Olson, and many other dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. The Rev. Lawrence B. Berger will officiate. Entombment with military rites by the VFW will follow in St. Francis Of Assisi Mausoleum at the Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Wednesday from 5:30 to 8 p.m., where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m., and again at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until time of services.
The family would like to thank the Gundersen Lutheran Hospice staff and Dr. Frank Cadwell for their wonderful care during her last days.
Richard ‘Jumper’ P. Tschumper
ONALASKA — Richard “Jumper” P. Tschumper, 69, of Onalaska died Monday, April 7, 2008, at his home after 13 years of battling many cancers.
He was born July 1, 1938, in Houston County, Minn., to Frank and Dora (Lietzau) Tschumper.
Rich served in the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1958 and was stationed in France for 2˝ years. On June 11, 1960, he married Patricia Behm, and they had three children. Rich worked for Mathy Construction and was a member of the Operating Engineers for over 40 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed many outings with his friends, sons and grandsons. Rich also loved watching old westerns and sports on TV, playing cards, attending Loggers games and watching his son and grandchildren play ball.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia; a daughter, Kelly (Mark) Lonkoski and their children, Jacob and Jonah of Lannon, Wis.; two sons, Dean (friend, Patty) and his son, Jerimiah of Arena, Wis., and Heath (Kristin) and their children, Drew and Ellie of La Crosse; two brothers, Albert (Inez) of Holmen, Wis., and William (Marni) of West Cliffe, Colo.; sisters-in-law, Madonna (Butch) Gammon of Minnetonka, Minn., Bonnie Beam of La Crosse, and Kathy (Jerry) Sagen of La Crosse; brother-in-law, Denny Behm of Beaverton, Ore.; and best friends, Stretch, Larry and his dogs, Buddy and Koko.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Hazel Behm.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 11, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1031 Main St., Onalaska. Father Pat Umberger will officiate. Military honors will follow the Mass by Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse and the United States Military Funeral Honors Program. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Hokah, Minn. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home of La Crosse is in charge of arrangements.
Vivian E. Howard
ONALASKA — Vivian E. Howard, 88, of Onalaska died Monday, April 7, 2008, at the Onalaska Care Center.
She was born to Joseph and Enanda (Hanson) Isbell on Aug. 27, 1919. She married Ernest Howard on Dec. 14, 1941, in Janesville, Wis., and he preceded her in death on May 4, 1996.
She is survived by her son, James (Marianne) Howard of Wayland, Mass.; two sisters; three brothers; and two grandsons, Edward and Michael.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister and three brothers.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. today at First Lutheran Church, 410 Main St., Onalaska. The Rev. Breck McHan will officiate, and burial will be in Onalaska Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the church today from 10 a.m. until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Whitehead Institute, 5 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142.
Dickinson Family Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Marguerite E. Wright
ONALASKA — Marguerite E. Wright of Onalaska passed peacefully several weeks after her 90th birthday.
She is survived by her loving husband, Orville, his five sons and one daughter; Marge’s son and daughter and numerous grand and great-grandchildren.
The daughter of Henry and Margaret Bruckshen, she was born on March 14, 1918, in Young America, Minn.; taught school in Sibley County, Minn.; and worked in Mankato, Minn., where she married Juell Paulson. After World War II, they moved to Minneapolis, where he taught high school and she was a successful realtor. After Juell’s death, she married Wilfred Cox. After Bill passed, she and Orville married and had a joyful and loving marriage of nearly 20 years.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 401 Main St., Onalaska. Burial will be in Onalaska Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 10 a.m. until services.
Bertha Mae Oliver
VIROQUA, Wis. — Bertha Mae Oliver, 86, a resident at Vernon Manor died early Tuesday morning, April 8, 2008, at the manor.
She was born Dec. 16, 1921, in Missouri to Samuel Everett and Elsie Christina (Perkins) Warren. In 1940, Bertha married Charles Allen, and they were later divorced in 1945. She lived in Jerseyville, Ill., until 1951 when she married P.J. “Slim” Oliver and relocated to Viola, Wis. They operated a construction company and later a dairy farm until 1985. Bertha took care of all the business paper work for the construction company and farm along with being a loving and caring mother. After selling the farm, the couple retired to the Viroqua area. Bertha enjoyed gardening and feeding birds but especially liked watching cardinals. She was an active member at the Church of Christ in Viroqua until her health declined.
Bertha is survived by her husband: P. J. “Slim” Oliver of Viroqua; daughter, Constance (John) Murphy of Springville, Kan.; sons, Bruce Allen of La Crosse, Kevin (Jeannie Iverson) Oliver of Onalaska, Wis., and Steven (Sylvia) Oliver of Collinsville, Ill.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins; sister-in-law, Evelyn Leonard of California; and special friend, Deidra “Sissy” Morrison of Westby, Wis. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Irene Ferguson and Bill and Authur Warren; sisters-in-law, Loretta Warren and Georgia Warren Allen; nephew:, Larry Ferguson; and brother-in-law, Harry Ferguson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua. Officiating at the service will be Minister Nathan Prong, with burial to follow in Manning Cemetery, rural Readstown, Wis. The family will greet relatives and friends from noon until the time of service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua.
John T. Hauge
FERRYVILLE, Wis. — John T. Hauge, 66, of Ferryville died Friday, April 4, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse. He had struggled with many health problems for the past 20 years.
John was born May 26, 1941, the 10th child of 12 to Elmer and Sophia (Midthum) Hauge in Viroqua, Wis. On June 24, 1967, he married Betty Ward at Franklin Lutheran Church. The couple lived on Nash Ridge for most of their married life. John worked as a patrolman for Freeman Township for over 30 years. The past two years he had worked at the Rick Bakkom Rabbitry. John was baptized, confirmed and a lifetime member of Franklin Lutheran Church, where he served as trustee. He enjoyed fishing, camping, poker games, fixing things, visiting with family and friends, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Betty; three children, Mary (Jeff) Nedland of Westby, Wis., Jonathon (Sandy) Hauge of Holmen, Wis., and Elizabeth Hauge of La Crosse; seven grandchildren, Chasity, Jessica, Raven and Talon, Rachel and Joseph and Bailey; siblings, Arden Hauge of Kenosha, Wis., Allen (Louise) Hauge of Geneva, Ill., Shirley Adkins of South Milwaukee, Anna Skrede of Kenosha and Sandra (Herman) Sime of Ferryville; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Donte’ Joseph Hauge Jackson; and siblings, Ivan Hauge, Thelma Zitzner, Erland Hauge, Dorothy Owen, Kenneth Hauge and Marlene Emerson.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Franklin Lutheran Church. Pastor Pete Beckstrand will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home in Viroqua, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., and at the church Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time.
Jewel J. Hafner
ONALASKA — Jewel J. Hafner, 83, of Onalaska died on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at Onalaska Care Center.
He was born in La Crosse on Oct. 11, 1924, to George and Rhoda (Cline) Hafner. Jewel had worked for Allis Chalmers, Northern Engraving and Machine Products of La Crosse for several years until his retirement.
He is survived by one son, Donald (Debrah) Hafner of Prince George, Va.; three grandchildren, Donald J. Hafner Jr., Valerie Ruth Hafner and Vicky (Chris) Hafner-Bower; and two sisters, Georgina Hafner of La Crosse and Margaret Petlewski of Milwaukee. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11, at Onalaska Church of Christ. Pastor Gordon Clary will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of Onalaska is assisting the family.
William H. Hauser
ONALASKA — William “Bill” Hauser, 83, of Onalaska died at home April 4, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Bill was born March 1, 1925, to Marguerite and Frank Hauser of Onalaska. He met June Gibson at the age of 16 and they were married five years later on August 17, 1946. They have been inseparable for the past 61 years.
Survivors include his wife, June, of Onalaska; their daughter, Jacquelyn Hauser (Tom Tinkham) of Minneapolis; one granddaughter, Taylor Tinkham of Minneapolis; one brother, Eugene (Irene) of Onalaska; Mildred Nelson of Onalaska, who he thought of as a sister; and many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both parents; one nephew, Steven Hauser; and one niece, Nancy Ness.
Bill worked for the La Crosse County Highway Department for 40 years and had many stories about plowing snow during blizzards and working around-the-clock during the flood of 1965. After retiring in 1987, Bill enjoyed fishing with his dear friend and former co-worker Merlin “Babe” Adams of West Salem, Wis., who preceded Bill in death by only 36 hours. Even after it was no longer possible for Bill to fish, the two of them continued to talk nearly every morning at 7:30 a.m., often critiquing local and national events.
Bill also spent many hours working in his half-acre yard and garden. He could frequently be seen in the yard on his John Deere tractor (forever the heavy equipment operator). Bill was famous for his slightly unorthodox methods for keeping critters out of his yard, which became the subject of many family jokes and stories. He was also famous for growing beautiful raspberry bushes and took great delight in sharing the abundant produce with family and friends. Bill took great joy in introducing his precious granddaughter, Taylor (who he fondly referred to as “Boomer”) to gardening, showing her how to dig potatoes and pushing her around in the wheelbarrow.
In recent years, Bill looked forward to the weekly meetings of the “Thursday Breakfast Club,” where friends and family shared good food and much laughter.
Bill will always be remembered for his hardy and infectious laugh, which will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse. The Rev. Stephan Sandness will officiate and burial will be in the Onalaska Cemetery. Friends may call at the church Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, where Bill was a member, or to Franciscan Skemp Hospice Care.
The Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Yvonne Spreiter
ONALASKA — Yvonne Spreiter, 89, of Onalaska died Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
Yvonne was born July 7, 1918, in Sydney, Australia. She attended the exclusive Julian Ashton School of Fine Art. Upon graduation, she worked in the advertising department of the largest department store in Australia and as a fashion illustrator with a top art studio. Then she started her own art studio specializing in fashion illustrations.
Yvonne married Bill Spreiter of Onalaska, when he was stationed in Australia during WW II. She came to the U.S. on an ocean liner and shortly after resumed her art career, working on freelance assignments for Yost’s in Madison (fashion illustration), Doerflinger’s in La Crosse (Christmas catalogs, fashions), and Heileman’s in La Crosse (illustrations). She also worked as an artist for La Crosse Printing, and then left to start Spreiter Art & Advertising in 1969.
Yvonne was active in the community. Past or current memberships include: Toast-mistress, Business and Professional Women, Advertising Club of La Crosse, Onalaska Area Historical Society, Centering Onalaska, Onalaska Area Business Association, Society of Arts & Crafts and Eastbank Artists.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur “Bill” and is survived by her daughter, Janet, and her son, Robert (Lori), both of Onalaska.
A memorial service will be held today at 6 p.m. at Onalaska United Methodist Church, 212 4th Ave N. The Revs. Hyun-Suk Kim and Wesley Schirmer will officiate. Family and friends may call at the church today from 4 p.m. until the time of services. Dickinson Family Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Charles E. ‘Chic’ Halaska
ONALASKA — Charles E. “Chic” Halaska, 69, of Onalaska died Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at his home.
He was born on April 7, 1938, in La Crosse to Joseph A. and Anna Evelyn (Kerrigan) Halaska. Charles graduated from La Crosse Aquinas High School in 1956 and served with the U.S. Air Force as an airman 2nd class in Germany from 1957-1960. He married Cheryl Jean Cooper on Dec. 22, 1988. Chic had worked at the Bodega during high school and then worked for American Motors in Milwaukee for several years. He moved to Detroit, where he worked for Chrysler for many years before retiring. Chic was one of the best dancers, golfers and bowlers. He was a gentle, sensitive man and a good son, brother, uncle and friend.
He is survived by two sisters, Dorothy (Merlin) Paudler and Mary (Delos) Germann; a sister-in-law, Catharine (David) Swanson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl; two brothers, Bernard and Joseph; an infant sister, Rose Marie; a sister, Rita Belue; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Neuman and Harold Belue; and a nephew, David Belue.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 5, at 2:30 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of Onalaska. The Rev. Hector Moreno will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date in the Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be directed to the Franciscan Skemp Cancer Center of Franciscan Skemp Hospice Care.
Robert Thompson
SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. — Robert Thompson, 87, of Sun City Center, passed away March 27, 2008, at South Bay Hospital.
He was born Jan. 19, 1921, in Onalaska and was a 1938 graduate of Onalaska High School, where he was a member of the basketball team.
He worked at the canning factory and at the rubber mills. In 1941, he joined the Army Air Force and married Jean Egeland in 1942. He moved to Miami in 1954 to begin a 28-year career with Southeast Banking Corp. He was a corporate trust officer when he retired.
After Hurricane Andrew, he moved to Sun City Center, just south of Tampa.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and son, Robert Terry. He is survived by his sister, Pat (Elmer) Yates; his daughter, Kathy (Ted) Boydston III; grandsons Ted (Jen) Boydston IV of Melbourne, Fla; Robert (Barbara) Boydston of Kathleen, Ga.; and two great-granddaughters, Brianna and Shauna Boydston of Kathleen.
Burial will be private at Onalaska Cemetery on April 11. A memorial will be held at 1 p.m. April 12 at Onalaska United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad in his name.
James Robert Burns
LA CROSSE -- James Robert Burns, 80, of La Crosse died peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2008, at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center, La Crosse, with his family at his side.
Jim was born March 16, 1928, in La Crosse to Joseph T. and Alice (Scanlon) Burns. Jim married Rita Jeanne Anthony on Aug. 28, 1954, in La Crosse.
He is survived by his 10 children, Sheila Burns-Farnsworth of Galesville, Wis., Sharon (Greg) Babcock of Hudson, Wis., Susan Burns of Minneapolis, Sandra (Paul) Bartel of Onalaska, Sally Burns of Long Beach, Calif., Shannon (Bob) Nichols of El Segundo, Calif., James R. Burns, Jr. (Kim) of Hudson, Janet (Jeff) Smaby of Mindoro, Joseph Burns of Onalaska, and Jennifer Burns of Holmen; and his 12 grandchildren, Bryan Bartel of Eau Claire, Wis., Beth Bartel of Edina, Minn., SN Marissa Farnsworth of Great Lakes, Ill., Pfc. Tanner Farnsworth of Fort Lewis, Wash., Evan and Emma Smaby of Mindoro, Shane and Jake Nichols of El Segundo, Henry, Hannah and Quincy Burns of Hudson and Lilly Burns Sonsalla of Holmen. He is also survived by his brother, Bill and sister-in-law Rosie Burns of Menomonie, Wis., sisters-in-law, Roberta Free of Chewela, Wash., Virginia Anthony of Onalaska, Joyce Anthony of La Crosse, and Monica (Ron) Nelson of Medford, Wis.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Rita; daughter, Julie; brothers, Joseph Thomas (Tom) and Larry Burns; his in-laws, Betty Burns, Sylvia Burns, Mary Emmett Anthony, FSPA, Emmett Jerome (Romey) Anthony and Ken Anthony.
He attended St. Mary’s and Blessed Sacrament grade schools and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1946. After attending several semesters at La Crosse State Teacher’s College, he joined the U.S. Army where he served in Korea. After completing his military service, he re-enrolled in college in La Crosse and graduated in 1955.
Jim joined the Northwestern Wisconsin Agency of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company on Sept. 1, 1954. He spent his entire career selling life insurance, was a top producing agent over his career, earned membership in the distinguished Million Dollar Round Table Club, and retired in 2002.
Jim enjoyed a zest for life, Irish heritage, sense of humor and love of golf. Jim played on his high school and college golf teams and as a 55-year member of the La Crosse Country Club, won the coveted Coleman Cup three times along with numerous tournaments. He shared that love of golf by teaching all his children and several grandchildren to play the game.
He served and was affiliated with St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Aquinas High School, Blessed Sacrament and Riverfront Foundation among other community organizations. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Knights of Columbus, Elks and Beta Sigma Chi Fraternity
A Mass of Christian burial with military rites will be held Friday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in La Crosse. Entombment will be in St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum at the Catholic Cemetery. Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today with a 4 p.m. rosary at Blessed Sacrament Parish Center, 130 Losey Blvd. S., and 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be sent to Coulee Catholic Schools or Riverfront Foundation of La Crosse.
He will be greatly missed by his many friends, family and caregivers.
Dickinson Family Funeral Homes of La Crosse is assisting the family.
Randolph G. Strain
AUSTIN, Minn. — Randolph G. Strain, 59, of Austin passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at his home after a two-year battle with cancer.
He was born March 10, 1949, in Rochester, Minn., to Jay and Betty Strain. He served in the U.S. Army for two years before being discharged. Dad’s greatest joy was riding his Harley trike as often as possible.
He is survived by his significant other, Sharon McCormack of Austin, whom he loved very much; daughter and son-in-law, Christina (Darrell) Christianson of Onalaska; sons, Jeff Jansen of Chatfield, Minn., Randy Jr. of Thief River Falls, Minn., and Andy (Willa) of Asheville, N.C.; brothers, Fred (Julie) of Modesto, Calif., and Ronald (Sheryl) of Spring Valley, Minn; a lifelong friend and brother, D. Lentz of Blooming Prairie, Minn.; and his three grandchildren who love and miss their Grandpa Rudy, Kaitlin, Tayler and Christian.
He was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers.
In keeping with Dad’s wishes, he will be cremated, with a private family burial at a later date.
Mayer Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family.
