Story originally printed in the Onalaska Life or online at www.onalaskalife.com

Published - Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Obituaries for April 28, 2008

Charles Junior ‘Charlie’ Raymond | LaVern E. Hoverman | Roy ‘Bud’ Meinhart | Lila S. Paulsen | Madonna Catherine (McNaboe) Loken

Charles Junior ‘Charlie’ Raymond

MADISON/LA CROSSE — Charlie Raymond, age 88, died peacefully April 24, 2008, in Madison. Charlie was born in La Crosse on April 16, 1920, to Charles and Bessie (Aiken) Raymond. He graduated from Central High School and attended UW-La Crosse. Charlie joined the armed forces at the outbreak of World War II, and served in the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific in reconnaissance. On April 27, 1946, Charlie married the “pretty girl” of his life, Margaret (Peg) Ann Kelly, and they were blessed with six children.

In 1952, Charlie and his brother Loring formed Raymond Brothers, which focused on real estate development in the La Crosse and Onalaska area. During their career, Raymond Brothers built over 4,000 homes, apartments and commercial developments. They took pride in building homes, not just houses. He was a founding member of the Bank of Onalaska (currently M&I Bank), serving on the board for many years. Charlie was also involved in many civic activities promoting the La Crosse area business growth. Charlie and Peg “retired” and drove their “Big Bus” around the country. The highlight was an eight-week trip through Alaska. In his “retirement,” Charlie and Peg relocated to Madison, where he was a consultant to The Raymond Group.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Peg; and their six children, Jeff (Judi) Raymond, Middleton, Wis., James Raymond, Stuart, Fla., Pat (Jerry) Muehr, La Crosse, Sude (Steve) Tanke, Onalaska, Wis., Marikaye (Bob) Schweitzer-Middleton, and John (Gera) Raymond, Madison. Charlie was proud to be “Bapa” to his 13 grandchildren; Annie Raymond, Chrissie (Mike) Hensley, C.J. Raymond, Gretchen (Tom) Coleman, Ben (Cristina) Muehr, Leah Tanke, Sam Tanke, Emily Tanke (fiancée Sean Mortenson), John Robert (fiancée Casey Tolle) Schweitzer, Joe Schweitzer, Jay Schweitzer, Maggie Raymond and Molly Raymond; and his four great-grandchildren, Jack Thomas and Andrew Coleman, Carter Tolle and Allison Muehr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Jesse and Bessie Raymond; and brothers, Harold and Loring.

Charlie will be remembered for his love of family and fellow man, his integrity, his passion for his work, his compassion and his zest for life. Charlie’s passions included car racing, Badgers and Packers football, extensive traveling in the “Big Bus,” the circus, clean cars, car rides and of course, a toddy and a steak, especially with his lifetime friend, “Wally.” Charlie enjoyed good times with countless friends in La Crosse, Melbourne Beach, Fla., and Madison.

The family would like to thank Dr. Barbara Stowe-Carpenter and her team for the many years of medical expertise, and the staffs of Attic Angels Place and UW-Hospital and Clinics. The family also expresses their deepest thanks and admiration to Dariusz Bednarski (friend/driver/caregiver) for his humorous banter, daily devotion and care. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Peg and Charlie Raymond Family Scholarship Fund, Coulee Catholic Schools, Aquinas High School, 521 South 13th St., La Crosse, WI 54601.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Blessed Sacrament Church,130 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse, with the Rev. Bernard McGarty officiating. There will be a visitation from 9:30 a.m. to time of service. Burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of Charlie’s life will follow. Blaschke and Schneider Funeral Homes is handling the arrangements, 1501 West Ave. La Crosse, WI (608) 782-1346.

LaVern E. Hoverman

ONALASKA — LaVern E. Hoverman, 88, of Onalaska died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at Veterans Administration Medical Center, Tomah, Wis.

He was born Nov. 13, 1919, in Monroe, Wis. LaVern enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1942 through 1945. In 1950, LaVern enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served a tour of duty and was discharged in 1952. He again re-enlisted in the Air Force in 1956 and served until he was honorably discharged in 1958 following an accident.

After his accident, LaVern was wheelchair-bound. LaVern did not let his disability hinder his life. He was very active with both the Onalaska Lions Club and the Onalaska American Legion Post No. 336. He was always involved with selling raffle tickets and fundraising for both organizations. He also lived for his getaways to his cabin, where he spent a lot of his time over the summers.

LaVern is survived by counsins and many close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Fossum Funeral Home of Onalaska. The Rev. Jenny Arneson will officiate. Burial, with military honors by the Onalaska American Legion Post No. 336, will follow in Onalaska Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. and again Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the services at the funeral home.

Roy ‘Bud’ Meinhart

CASHTON — Roy “Bud” Meinhart, 82, of Coon Valley died Saturday, April 26, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Roy was born to Aaron and Ella (Gensler) Meinhart on Dec. 5, 1925, in Samaria, Mich. After graduation from high school, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Army. Roy served under Gen. Patton, honorably fighting in World War II, which earned him a purple heart.

Roy was united in marriage to Carol M. Trapp on July 5, 1947, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Temperance, Mich. He and Carol moved to Wisconsin in 1973 when Roy became the manager at the Dundee Cement Company, (now Holcim Cement) in La Crosse until he retired in 1991.

Before moving to Wisconsin, Roy was active in the American Legion Auxiliary in Ida, Mich. He was a proud member of the Eagles Auxiliary in La Crosse, from 1972-2007 and he was a lifelong member of the Dundee VFW in Michigan.

Roy was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. Later he became a Milwaukee Brewers baseball enthusiast. Along with his love for sports, Roy appreciated a good joke. His wonderful sense of humor and ability to tell a fantastic story will be missed by many.

Roy is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Ray) Weiker of Coon Valley and Janet (Gary) Peloski of Onalaska; one brother, David (Dona) Meinhart of Harlingen, Texas; four grandchildren, Kellie Souza, Brandi (Steve) Jensen, Aaron (Chelsea) Weiker and Kristen Peloski; seven, great-grandchildren, Hannah, Quincy, Kiah, Weston, Breckin, Kaylene and Aubrey; along with many dear relatives and friends.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; an infant daughter, Kathleen Marie; a son, Robert “Bobby” Meinhart; his sisters, Violet, Marion and Helen.

Family and friends are invited for visitation in Cashton, from 4 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at the Torkelson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the Capaul Funeral Home in Ida. Family and friends are invited for visitation in Michigan from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the LuLu Cemetery in Ida on Friday.

The Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton will be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Lila S. Paulsen

Lila S. Paulsen, 99, of La Crosse, died Thursday, April 24, 2008, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, La Crosse.

Lila was born July 10, 1908, in Barron, Wis., to Adolph and Elsie (Jensen) Anderson. In 1926, Lila married Lloyd Olson and they later divorced. On June 17, 1950, she married Al Paulsen in Las Vegas, and he preceded her in death on March 30, 1999. Lila lived a long and happy life. During her lifetime, she was employed in many different capacities. Lila’s last position for which she was remembered the most, was her many years in retail sales in the men’s department at Doerflingers in La Crosse. Many women trusted her to make clothing selections for their husbands. Lila was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse. She was also a member of the La Crosse Ladies of the Moose, the 500-Club of the Ladies Bowling Association, the Elks Ladies Auxiliary, and a charter member of the Medary Garden Club.

Lila was a mother to Lois (Richard) Geiwitz of Holmen; a grandmother to Linda (Paul) Manske of Oelwein, Iowa, Debi (Duke Adamski) Geiwitz of Lakeville, Minn., Rick (Linda) Geiwitz of Colby Lake, Minn., Ed (Karen) Geiwitz of Onalaska, Pauline (Dan) Johnson of Tigerton, Wis., Joan (Bill) Whitson of Marlette, Mich., and Faith (Brad) McFadden of Sulphur Springs, Texas; and also survived by 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Ernest (Edna) Anderson of La Crosse; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; three great-grandsons, Eric Manske and Nathan Geiwitz, both in infancy, and Joel Geiwitz; and three sisters, Gladys (Carl) Bronson, Maybelle (Bill) Stephenson, and Pearl (Bob) Wendling.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 420 West Avenue S., La Crosse. Chaplain Linda Kuehl will officiate. Burial will be in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from noon until the time of service. Woodruff-Jandt Funeral Home, La Crosse, is in charge of arrangements.

Grandma loved her grandchildren, her home and especially her flowers, for which she left a legacy with her granddaughters. We will all miss her Christmas decorations and cookies. May the Good Lord bless and keep her for all eternity.

Madonna Catherine (McNaboe) Loken

HOUSTON, Minn. — Madonna Catherine (McNaboe) Loken, 91, died Friday, April 25, 2008, at Valley View Nursing Home in Houston. Madonna was born Dec. 16, 1916, in Bridgewater, S.D. She moved to Iroquois, Ind., in 1920 and attended high school there. She moved to Houston in 1934 and graduated from Caledonia High School in June 1934. She helped her parents on the farm until she married Oran E. Loken in May of 1937 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Houston. They went roller skating on their first date. They were married for 62 years until Oran’s passing in 1999.

Madonna worked at Houston High School cafeteria for 11 years and was a seamstress at home until she lost her sight at age 73 She and her husband were volunteers with SEMCAC for 30 years. They belonged to Harry J. Olson Senior Citizen Center in La Crosse, where they loved to dance (fast polkas!). She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Houston Senior Citizens. She enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, sewing, playing cards, bingo, gardening and visiting with family and friends.

Madonna and Oran lived in “Lokenville” until 1960, when they moved to Arkansas for a year. They lived in uptown Houston until their move to Heritage Court in 1997. There she enjoyed excellent health and helping others, volunteering in the dining room for eight years.

Madonna loved her church and fellow parishioners and was a faithful and active member. She served as president of the Altar Society at one time. A thank you to Rev. Pete for his ministry to her and his flock and to the 2007 flood victims.

Madonna was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Winnifred (Baldwin) McNaboe; husband, Oran; grandson, Brent; five brothers, Leo, Edward, Vernon, Harold and Clifford; and two sisters, Marcella and Margaret.

Madonna is survived by five children, Francis “Red or Butch” (Barb) of Holmen, Wis., Judy (Mike) Herman of Fifty Lakes, Minn., Cathy (Milt) Willegalle of Rosemount, Minn., Becky (RJ) Savey of Pine River, Minn., and Vicki (Kevin) Flegal of Houston, Texas; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Houston, with the Rev. Joseph Pete officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday where the Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m.

The family would like to give special thanks to Janelle, Sandy, Cathy and all her friends at Heritage Court. Also to the girls in the kitchen and those who cared for her at Valley View Nursing Home as well as the caregivers from St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse. The family appreciates the loving care from you all.

Please share a memory of Madonna with the family or sign the online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.

All stories copyright 2006 Onalaska Life and other attributed sources.