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Spring Valley News...2010
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Jean Marie Faber Drury, Age 75 Jean Marie Faber Drury, age 75, of Colfax, Wisconsin died Saturday, October 16, 2010 at the Colfax Health and Rehabilitation Center where she had been a resident since 2006. |
Alois Ducklow, Jr., 71 Alois 'Al' Ducklow, Jr., age 71 of Menomonie, Wisconsin died unexpectedly on Friday, November 25, 2010 at his home in Menomonie. Published in the Spring Valley Sun/Argus |
| Lavon Margaret Marie Keehr, 83
Lavon Margaret Marie Keehr, age 83, died Tuesday evening, November 16, 2010 at her home in Spring |
| Juliet Aamodt Dandy, 98
Juliet Agnes Aamodt Dandy, age 98 of Spring Valley died Monday, November 1, 2010 at the Spring Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements. Published in the Spring Valley Sun/Argus |
Gordon Cole, 70 The Lord called Gordy to his heavenly mansion on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, after he lost his Published in the Eau Claire Leader |
Wayne Lynum, 73 Beloved Husband, Father, Papa and Brother Wayne Eugene Lynum was born to Elmer and Bertha (Anderson) Lynum on February 8, 1937. He |
James Holerud, 82 James T. Holerud, age 82 of Wilson, Wisconsin died Saturday, October 2, 2010 at his home in Cady Funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, Spring Valley with Rev. Erin Nelson officiating. Visitation was on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. Organist was Linda Anderson. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were his nieces and nephews: Larry Sorenson, Rick Jensen, Steve Gedatus, Todd Holerud, Jenny Drinkman, Cecil Holerud, Patti Kerr, and Kathy House. Honorary bearers were Larry Aamodt, Bob Deiss, Gordon Anderson, Richard Hippauf, Hugh Hampton, Palmer Lynum, Verlyn "Sonny" Falde, Oliver Knoebel, and Jason Deiss. Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements. Published in the Spring Valley Sun/Argus |
Ardell Geraldine Harleth (Howe) Helgeson, 93 Ardell Geraldine Harleth (Howe) Helgeson, age 93 of Woodville, formerly of Spring Valley, died Published in the Spring Valley Sun/Argus |
Richard E. Knight, 66 Richard E. Knight, age 66, of Ellsworth, died Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at the River Falls Area In 1962, Richard graduated from Spring Valley High School. After graduation, he worked for two years at Behrens Motor Supply in River Falls. On July 5, 1969, he married Gloria Ray in Hudson and in 1975 the couple purchased their farm in rural River Falls. While farming, Richard hauled milk for Mid-Am from local farmers in River Falls and Ellsworth until selling his route in 1981. After hauling milk, he became an over-the-road truck driver hauling loads of cheese to Seattle, WA. Richard loved to socialize on his milk route, taking his time to visit with his customers and even helping them with work and tractor repairs. His family said he could fix anything; he repaired tractors and farm equipment until the time of his death. He also enjoyed tractor pulls and eatiing; he knew the best places in the area to stop for doughnuts, pies and other favorite foods. Richard is survived by his wife, Gloria; sons, Steven (Kim) of Hager City, Scott (Gayle) of Ellsworth; daughter, Darla (Randy) Girdeen of Ellsworth; grandchildren, Quinn and Presley Girdeen, Luke and Alex Knight; sister, Carol Johnson, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Naoma. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 2, at First Congregational Church in River Falls. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 1, at Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls and also Friday from 10-11 a.m. at church. The interment was in Greenwood Cemetary in River Falls. Arrangements were with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls. |
Richard Wayne 'Dick' Odahlen, 65 Dick was born August 1, 1944, the son of Gehart and Lorraine (Harshman) Odahlen in Spring Lake Township, Pierce County, WI. He attended Spring Valley Schools, graduating with the Class of 1962. Dick loved sports and participated in football and baseball. After school, he worked for Geving and Keehr Furniture and Funeral Service in Spring Valley for 21 years. During this time he trained as a police office and also worked part time for the Village of Spring Valley. He later worked at Oakdale Hardwood in Spring Valley and Clopay in Baldwin. He was a volunteer fireman and an E.M.T. Dick was an avid Packer fan, loved fishing and hunting and playing golf. He had a passion for trains and had a nice collection. His friends knew him as "Skeeter" and he spent many hours going for "adventurous" rides just to see the country. Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother, James. Survivors include 2 daughters and 1 son: Tracy Polk of Baldwin; Timothy Odahlen of Stanley, WI; & Tammy (Cliff) Meyers of Marengo, IL; 6 Grandchildren: Danielle Polk; Afton Polk; Morgan (Dan) Lansing; Michael Meyers; Payton Meyers; & Collin Meyers; 1 Great Granddaughter: Kalie Lansing; 1 Brother: Kyle Odahlen; many Aunts Uncles, Other relatives and friends Bearers are Orin Moore, Gerald Duclow and Howard Baillargeon. |
Thomas C. Forthun (1935-2010)
In 1953, after high school graduation, Tom left Spring Valley, WI for California to pursue a career as a professional music arranger. He enrolled at Los Angeles Community College, and then enlisted in the US Army. While in the military, he played in the Army Band at Fort Ord, CA. He graduated in 1959 CSU San Diego, BA and in 1970 West Los Angeles School of Law, JD. He was an active member of the Catholic community and in recent years, Tom enjoyed playing trombone with both a swing band and jazz band. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Marlene; son, Mark; daughters, Monica, Paula, Amy, and Mary; brothers, Richard and Gerald; sister, Mary; and granddaughter, Francesca. Services include a 4-7 pm viewing and 7 pm vigil to be held at Gamby Mortuary, Lomita on Wednesday, September 8, 2010. Funeral mass will be on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 11:00 am, St. Margaret Mary Church, Lomita. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Casa de los Angelitos, 954 Koleta Drive, Harbor City, CA 90710. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. |
Joanne Louise Rognholt Pittman, 71 She was born Nov. 19, 1938, at New Richmond, the daughter of Clarence J. and Clara S. (Hoff) Rognholt. The family later moved to Wilson, where she grew up and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1956. Joanne married Theodore "Ted" L. Pittman Jr. at Menomonie on June 1, 1957. They lived for a short time in St. Paul, Minn., where she was employed at St. Paul Fire and Marine. They returned to the Reeve area in 1960 and she worked various jobs, including time at Nova Tran and Franklin Signal in Clear Lake. Joanne also provided home day care and worked at Golden Age Manor, Amery, before becoming a cook for the Clear Lake School District. During this time, Joanne and Ted also raised five children, Ted III, Teresa, Troy, Trudy and Todd. When she wasn't busy working and taking care of her family, Joanne enjoyed gardening both flowers and vegetables, cooking, canning, camping, snowmobiling and motorcycling with Ted. Joanne was a member of the SnoJammers of Boyceville, Reeve Farmerettes Homemakers Club and was an active member of Reeve Evangelical Free Church for many years. She also loved to travel and took numerous trips with Ted and her family. Joanne's travels included vacations in Washington State; Arizona; California; the Black Hills and Badlands; Washington DC; Florida; Branson, Mo.; Michigan; Canada and Alaska. She took trips to Europe, including Italy, Norway and Spain. Joanne also loved to go to garage sales and auctions in search of bargains and antiques. She was especially fond of collecting pink Depression glass. She also enjoyed decorating for every holiday or season, both inside and outside her home. Joanne was proud of her Norwegian heritage and loved to attend church dinners in the area, especially if they were serving lutefisk. She also enjoyed attending plays, supporting CLHS sports and music programs, as well as those of her grandchildren. Joanne also was the caretaker of the Vance Creek Town Hall for many years. She especially loved visiting with her family and friends and was always ready to offer you to "have a little lunch." Her family best describes her with this quote: "A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." -Cardinal Mermillod Surviving are sons and daughters Theodore L. (Lora Harms) III of Madison, Teresa (Ken) Barrick of Barron, Troy (Sandy Linkert) of Lakeville, Minn., Trudy (Isiaka) Pittman-Barrow of Madison and Todd (Kim) of St. Louis, Mo.; grandchildren Justin and Emily Schultz, both of Barron, BreeSean, Brendan and Braden Pittman, all of New Glarus, and Trevor Millsaps-Fair and Turner Pittman, both of St. Louis; brothers and sister Rodney (Bonnie) Rognholt of Cottonwood, Ariz., Lyman (Rose) Rognholt of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Lyla (Myron) Marlette of Boyceville; a sister-in-law Donna Rognholt of Boyceville; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Joanne was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brothers James, Harold, Harland and Conrad Rognholt; and sisters Harriet Mueller, Mildred Martell, Cleo Rognholt, Lucille Prantner and Norma Hillstead. Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, from Reeve Evangelical Free Church, Rev. Todd Groat officiating and interment at Reeve Cemetery. Pallbearers were Allen Libby, Alger Monson, Jeff Pittman, Doug Cahow, Robert Ludtke and Richard Moe. Joanne's seven grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers. Scheuermann-Hammer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Clear Lake, handled arrangements. Published in the Barron News Shield, Barron, WI |
Peter Stonewall Jenson
Note from Laurel Falde: A lot of the people that worked at the Cave during our era will remember Pete Jensen. Pete was Friede's right-hand man and stood as a sort of buffer between us peons and the boss. Peter Stonewall Jenson, age 73, died June 20, 2010, at his home at Ceiba Tops near Iquitos, Peru, after a valiant nine month's battle with esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by his Explorama friends. Peter was born September 25, 1936, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin to LeRoy (Stoney) Jenson and E. Berniece Jenson. The family lived in Bruce, Wisconsin, at the time but moved frequently. Peter went to school in Galesville (1-4th grade), Milwaukee's Tippecanoe (5-6th grade), Waupaca (7-8th grade), and Elmwood (9-12th grade). He then attended Hamline University in St. Paul and earned his Bachelor of Science degree (geology and archaeology) in 1957. During high school and college he was a guide in Crystal Cave, Spring Valley, Wisconsin. He then earned his Master's degree from The University of Minnesota, where he also did his PhD studies. He was employed at the St. Paul Science Museum as curator of geology and archaeology. In 1963, Peter volunteered for the Peace Corp and was especially interested in working in Peru. After his two-year service in the mountains of Peru, he went to Iquitos on the Amazon for a "short" vacation to see the river that had fascinated him as a child. |
Vern Dahl Richardson, age 92
Vern was born June 15, 1918, the daughter of David E. and Mary Eugenia (Bayer) Dahl in St. Paul, Minn. She attended St. LukeÕs Elementary School in St. Paul. Her family moved to Hudson where her father was the first band director at the Hudson High School. Vern graduated from Hudson in 1936. After high school, Vern attended River Falls Normal School for two years and in 1938 married Lee Richardson. They were blessed with six children. After starting her family, she went back to college at River Falls and completed her degree in teaching in 1962. She enjoyed teaching 2nd grade in Elmwood from 1962 until 1981. Vern moved to River Falls in 1991 and resided at the Lutheran Home for the past year. Vern was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vern was practical and wise; an outstanding role model. She was an exceptional seamstress, crossword puzzle enthusiast and avid baseball fan. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Lee; daughter, Mary Jo Spence; and three sisters, Margaret OÕConnell, Mary Strandberg and Carol Brandes. Survivors include four sons and one daughter, David L. Richardson of Madison, Robert J. (Mary Ann) Richardson of Spring Valley, Don A. (Mary) Richardson of Hot Spring Village, Ark., Susan L. (David) Reese of River Falls, P. William ÔBillÕ (Julie) Richardson of Spring Valley; son-in-law, Russell Spence of Scottsdale, Ariz.; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one sister, Virginia Bertz of St. Paul; many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Spring Valley. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. with Fr. Varkey and Fr. Harris officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are grandsons Russell Morgan Spence Jr., David Lee Richardson Jr., R. Jay Richardson, Christopher M. Richardson, Peter D. Reese, and Justin P. Richardson. Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements. Published in the Spring Valley Sun/Argus |
Marlys Maxine SlocumWheeler, age 70 Marlys Maxine Wheeler, age 70, of Elmwood died Friday, May 21, 2010 Marlys was born on February 3, 1940 in River Falls. She was the daughter of William and Helen (Gunderson) Slocum. Marlys grew up in the Elmwood area and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1958. Marlys married Roger Wheeler on July 26, 1958 in Spring Valley. Marlys worked various jobs over the years, Ottman's Grocery and Sailer's Meat Market, both in Elmwood and for 30 years she worked Rivera Kitchens in Red Wing, MN. She retired in October of 2003 when she was medically unable to work. Marlys enjoyed woodworking, working on puzzles and spending time outside. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends. Marlys is survived by her husband of 51 years, Roger, two sons, Dale of Elmwood and Mark of Hudson, one daughter Becky (Gary) Anderson, two grandchildren, Christopher (Erin) Anderson and Nicole (Jeremy) Hannack of Spring Valley, two great grandchildren, Parker Hannack and Ella Anderson, her mother, Helen Slocum of Spring Valley, one brother, Jerry (Jackie) Slocum of Ellsworth, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, William Slocum and a nephew, Kevin Slocum. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Elmwood. Rev. Martin Wegner will officiate. Burial will be in the Poplar Hill Cemetery in Elmwood. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Monday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Elmwood is serving the family. Published in the Spring Valley Sun/Argus |
Nona J. Traynor Schmidt, age 78 Nona J. Schmidt, 78, of St. Paul, died Friday, April 30, 2010, at home in St. Nona was born on March 9, 1932, in Elmwood, the daughter of Archie and Clara (O'Connell) Traynor. She grew up on their farm in Spring Valley and attended Spring Valley High School, graduating with the class of 1950. After high school she moved to Fond du Lac where she worked briefly at Canvas Products Company, and at John Deere, working in accounting. Then she moved to the Twin Cities and worked at Greyhound. On November 28, 1953, she married Quentin Schmidt (from South Dakota) in El Paso, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and they made their home in St. Paul since that time. Mrs. Schmidt was preceded in death by her husband, Quentin; parents: Archie and Clara (O'Connell) Traynor; sisters: Colleen Wilk and Kay Traynor; and brothers, Gary and Dan Traynor. Mrs. Schmidt's family said she was a homemaker and committed Christian who enjoyed visiting with people and helping others. She loved children and being a grandmother. She also enjoyed watching hummingbirds out her window. She is survived by her children: Renee (Lane) Teigen of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Jay (Janet) Schmidt of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; Perry Schmidt of St. Paul; and Troy (Nancy) Schmidt of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren: Amanda Teigen, Kayla Schmidt, Natalie Teigen, Jonathan and Michael Schmidt; sister, Joan Budd of Bloomington, Minnesota; and sister-in-law, Laurene Traynor of Star Prairie, Wisconsin and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Nona's life was held on Wednesday May 5, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home 1401 Arcade Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55106. Private interment was at El Paso Cemetery. Published in the Spring Valley Sun/Argus |
| James Lyle DeMarce, age 70, Black Lung Program Director
James DeMarce, 70, Director of Coal Mine WorkersÕ Compensation at the Department of Labor, He had served as Director since September 1983, having joined the Department of Labor in 1976 as an attorney with the Benefits Review Board. Prior to that, he served as assistant professor of history and humanities at Northwest Missouri State College, Maryville, MO. Lyle DeMarce was born October 2, 1939, in Pepin, Pepin County, Wisconsin. He graduated from Spring Valley, Wisconsin, high school and the Wisconsin State College - River Falls. He received a M.A. in modern European history from Stanford in 1963 and a J.D. from The Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America, in 1976. He was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Falls Church, VA. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, the former Virginia Easley, whom he married in Columbia, MO; three children, Karl (Brenda) of Memphis, MO, John (Melinda) of Arlington, VA, and Josephine (Brian Babcock) of Salem, VA; five grandchildren, and two stepgrandchildren. Statement of US Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis regarding death of James DeMarce, Director of coal Mine WorkersÕ Compensation Division: WASHINGTON Ð Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the death of James L. DeMarce, director of the U.S. Department of LaborÕs Office of WorkersÕ Compensation Programs Division of Coal Mine WorkersÕ Compensation: ÒWe at the U.S. Department of Labor are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Jim DeMarce, who served as the director of the departmentÕs Office of WorkersÕ Compensation Programs Division of Coal Mine WorkersÕ Compensation for more than 25 years. ÒI extend my sincerest condolences to JimÕs wife, Virginia, and their three children, Karl, John and Josephine, as well as to their five grandchildren. ÒFor many years, Jim has been the face and soul of the departmentÕs black lung benefits program for everyone from union officials and mine workers, to members of the coal industry, to state workersÕ compensation officials, to congressional staffers and to every Labor Department staff person who contributed to making this program work. All of them relied upon JimÕs encyclopedic knowledge of every aspect of the program, his rock-solid judgment and his unflagging support for coal miners facing black lung, a terrible, man-made illness. ÒJim was the consummate civil servant, in the best sense of that term. He cared about the workers his program served and about his co-workers at the Labor Department. He will be deeply missed by all of us.Ó James DeMarce lived in Arlington, Va. |
Helen Reucile (Gjovig) Cockerham, age 71 Note: the photo on the left is more recent than the one on the right. Helen married George Maynard Cockerham in 1961 and later divorced. They had four children together. In 1977, Helen and her children moved to Roundup, where she met David Max Treuthardt. They were together until he passed away in 2002. |
Audrey Louise Menter, age 70
Audrey was born Dec. 15, 1939, the daughter of Andrew and Elsie (Knerr) Rudesill in Baldwin, Wis. She was baptized and confirmed at New Centerville Methodist Church and had been a member of Wilson Lutheran Church since 1978. On May 3, 1958, Audrey married Joe Menter at New Centerville Methodist Church. Audrey was bookkeeper for their business, Red Cedar Plumbing, in Menomonie, and later she and Joe operated A&JÕs Amish Oak, also in Menomonie. Many will also remember the music she and Joe provided for many occasions. Preceding her in death were her parents; one brother, Troy Rudesill; and one sister, Judy Olson. Survivors include her husband, Joe of Knapp; two sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren: Joe (Kathleen) Menter Jr. of Slinger, Wis.; Dennis (Rachel) Menter of Eau Claire and their children, Shayla and Zachary; and Kathy (Jim) Mikla of Knapp and their son, Steven; one brother, Kent (Ann) Rudesill of Baldwin; two sisters, Lorraine (Harold) Turner of Baldwin and Mary (Len) Place of Oshkosh; one sister-in-law, Bernadine Menter of Wilson; one brother-in-law, Allen (Phyllis) Menter of Faith, S.D.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation was from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Wilson Lutheran Church with Rev. Douglas Brandt officiating. Burial was in Wilson Lutheran Cemetery, Wilson. Pallbearers were Doug, Andy and Kurt Rudesill, and Brad, Eric and Bruce Turner. Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements. Published in the Pierce County Herald |
Valley following a short battle with cancer.
Valley Health Care Center.
battle with many health problems.
died on October 4th from complications due to ALS at his home in Afton, MN. Wayne attended elementary school at Wildwood and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1955. He grew up on the family farm where he learned to work hard, something that carried over with him for the rest of his life. Shortly after his High School Graduation he joined the Army where he served for two years. Wayne married Rita Traynor in 1959, and together they had four children, Todd, Perry, Kathryn & Lisa. They lived in St. Paul during their early years of marriage and then moved to Afton, MN where they have resided for the past 45 years. Wayne worked at 3M for 34 years before retiring in 1999. Since his retirement he worked seasonally for a landscaping and nursery company. Wayne loved to be outside doing just about anything. He also enjoyed traveling and together with Rita visited many parts of the world plus most of the United States. He had a quick wit and a very good sense of humor. His friends and family, especially his beloved grandchildren, received the benefits of his humor. In 2008 Wayne was diagnosed with ALS (Lou GehrigÕs disease). During his illness he was grateful for the support he received from his family and friends.
Township.
Friday, September 17, 2010 at the Baldwin Area Medical Center, Baldwin, Wisconsin.
Hospital. He was born the son of Edward and Naoma (White) Knight on April 15, 1944, in Red Wing, MN. 
Richard Wayne 'Dick' Odahlen, age 65, of Spring Valley died Sunday, November 29, 2009 after a battle with cancer.
Tom Forthun, born in Stillwater, MN in 1935 to Stanley and Clara, passed away on September 2, 2010. As a loving husband, father, brother, friend and adviser, Tom touched countless lives. He taught for 50 years, teaching all subjects, including music, his passion. He retired last year from Bishop Montgomery High School as Band Director. Tom's life as a strong, dedicated man serves as a positive influence to all. 
Joanne Louise Rognholt Pittman, Reeve, Wis., went to her Heavenly Father on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, at Luther Midelfort Northland Hospital, Barron, following a courageous 3-month battle with cancer.
Vern Dahl Richardson, age 92, of River Falls, Wis., formerly of Spring Valley, died Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at the Lutheran Home in River Falls. 
United Hospital in St.
Paul, Minnesota.
died April 12, 2010, at Virginia Hospital Center of a heart attack. He was a resident of Arlington, VA.
Helen was born Sept. 20, 1938, in River Falls, Wis., to 
Audrey Louise Menter, age 70, of rural Wilson, Wis., died Monday, Jan. 11, 2010, at her home in Cady Township, surrounded by her family. Audrey was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on May 22, 2009, and had been receiving hospice care for the last month.
Lorraine Langer, Duane Lowser's Father, Duane Lowser's Mother, Marion Odalen, Bud Odalen, Vic Langer, and Casey Preston |
Bud Odalen, Otto Siegert (drinking a beer from the old Happy Birthday Mug with cigar and all), Duane Lowser and Duane Howser's Mother |
Comments from John Kirk: Even though I was not on any of those pictures, I could have just as well have been since I was in their enough times. |
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Kewaskum - In a 2005 Sun-Argus article, the headline announced, ÒSpring ValleyÕs oldest street walker leaving town.Ó People who knew the Gauvins, and many people in the area did, understood and appreciated that headline.