Nick A. Dewhirst
Aug. 25, 1982-July 20, 2008
First Lt. Nick A. Dewhirst, 25, of Onalaska, died on Sunday July 20, 2008, of injuries received when his Army convoy came under small arms and RPG fire in the Khost Province of Afghanistan. Nick was deployed to Afghanistan in March 2008 with the 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Ky.
An Eagle Scout, Nick was a 2001 graduate of Onalaska High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council. After a year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., Nick received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 2006 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
His military awards included the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Nick had a passion for adventure and leadership, which led him to join the military. While attending West Point, he joined the West Point parachute Team where he was the cadet in charge during his “Firstie Year,” his final year at West Point. Nick also completed Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Key West, Fla.
After graduation from the academy, Nick completed the elite Army Ranger Course at Fort Benning, Ga, the Airborne, Air Assault and Officer Leadership courses.
In addition he enjoyed recreational rock climbing, scuba diving, and BASE parachute jumping. Nick will be remembered for his love of life and strong dedication/discipline for the task at hand.
Nick is survived by his parents, Randy and Susie Dewhirst of Onalaska; brothers Chad (wife Heather and son Evan) of Rochester, Minn., and Chase Dewhirst of Duluth, Minn.; grandparents Ray and Mary Dewhirst of Springfield, Ill., and Mary June Weiser of Taylorville, Ill. He will be missed by his many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 26, at 10 a.m. at the First Evangelical Free Church in Onalaska. Friends and relatives may visit with the family at the church at 9 a.m. prior to the service. A military burial will be held at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Nick Dewhirst Memorial Fund c/o Randy & Susie Dewhirst, N4680 Timbercrest Drive East, Onalaska WI 54650. Online condolences may be offered at rdewhirst@mybluelight.com.
Geraldine ‘Gerri’ Mitchell
Geraldine “Gerri” Mitchell, 71, of La Crosse passed away unexpectedly at her home Saturday, July 19, 2008.
She was born April 7, 1937, in Bangor, Wis., to Oscar and Katherine (Stuart) Amborn and graduated from Wabasha High School in Wabasha, Minn. In 1953, she married Gary Mitchell in Wabasha, and they later divorced. She later attended Winona (Minn.) School of Beauty and Cosmetology and worked as a cosmetologist in
La Crosse and Onalaska, Wis., for several years. Gerri then worked for LaCro Products in La Crosse for several years until her retirement.
Gerri was a former member of Onalaska United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school. She also was an active Girl Scout leader and will always be remembered for her love of music, dancing and her great sense of humor.
Gerri is survived by her five children, Byron (Pauline) Mitchell of Manitowoc, Wis., Holly (Mike) Helke of La Crosse, Brian Mitchell of Tampa, Fla., and Renae Mitchell and Katrina Mitchell, both of La Crosse; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Running of La Crosse; a sister, Joyce Haldorson of La Crosse; 11 grandchildren, Josh, Jason, Michael, Rachael, Ashley, Brandon, Lucas, Ryan, Cassandra, Todd and Julia; nine great-grandchildren; a special family friend, Teresa Schaitel; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Vance Mitchell; her stepfather, Clarence Stokes; sister, Sandra Bjorkman; great-grandson, Angelo Poppe; and brothers-in-law, Frank Haldorson and Gordon Bjorkman.
Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, July 24, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse, with Pastor David Baldukas officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends and family may call on Thursday at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Gerri’s family would like to express their sincere thank you to the staff at Shelby Terrace for their care and concern.
George A. Bedessem
George A. Bedessem, 82, of La Crosse passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2008.
He was born April 26, 1926, in La Crosse to Alfred and Ruth (Goldberg) Bedessem. George graduated from Central High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. George had worked at Hormel Co. in Mitchell, S.D., owned and operated the A&W in Tomah, Wis., and worked at Borden Co. in La Crosse. He was also employed at G. Heileman Brewery, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Bethany on Cass Meals on Wheels program. He retired from La Crosse Floral last year at age 81. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, walking his faithful companion dog, Lucy, and his Tuesday Morning Coffee Club.
He is survived by a son, Bob (Ann) Bedessem of Champlin, Minn., their children Bryan (Angela) Bedessem and their son Matthew, Aaron Bedessem and Logan Bedessem; two daughters, Barb (Kelley) Conrad of Milwaukee and Nancy (Steve) Dotz of Holmen, Wis., their children, Michael (Becky) Coady and their daughter Isabel (and twin boys due in November), Molly (Corey) Viehl and their children George and Maisy and Jared Anderson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, in 1987.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 25, at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse. The Rev. Dean Staffanson will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Coulee Region Humane Society or Gundersen Lutheran Hospice.
Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse assisted the family with arrangements.
