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Spring Valley News...2015
Obituaries |
Joseph Menter, Age 80 Joe was born Sept. 10, 1937, to John and Ann (Johnson) Menter in Menomonie. He was baptized at the Knapp Methodist Church, was a member of Hersey Baptist Church for many years, and has been an active member of Wilson Lutheran Church since 1978. Joe attended Cady Lane Country School and Spring Valley High School graduating with the Class of 1956. On May 3, 1958, Joe married his high school sweetheart, Audrey Rudesill, at New Centerville United Methodist Church. Joe served in the U.S. Army and after release moved to the Menter farm. He got a job at Boldt and Gregerson’s in Baldwin. In 1974, he opened his own business in Menomonie, Red Cedar Plumbing and Heating. Audrey and Joe worked together and eventually started selling Amish Furniture in their store. In 1994, they sold the plumbing business and went entirely to Amish Furniture in their store now known as A&J’s Amish Oak. They retired in 2008. Being a local businessman for so many years, he encountered many people, including in the Amish communities that provided the furniture he sold. Many of these people became his friends, to add to the large list of friends that he already had. He enjoyed woodworking, spending a lot of time in the garage making boxes to give away to others in his later years, each with a handwritten message on them. At last count, he made he made 164. He loved to sing and took any opportunity to whether it was a regular Sunday service, a funeral or any other occasion. His powerful voice was evident even when he was affected by the cancer in his last months. An important part of each day was going to the restaurant to meet with his coffee buddies. When he could no longer go, they came to see him instead. He beat the cancer, both in the amount of time he was given and by not letting it affect his spirit. When it finally became evident that he could not be alone anymore, he remained positive and kept wearing a smile. Visitors were the highlight of his days, and more often than not he would find a way to make you laugh while you were there. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Audrey; three brothers, George and Bernadene Menter, Bill Menter and Bruce Menter; and sister, Harriett Menter. He is survived by 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, Allen (Phyllis) Menter of Faith, S.D.; brother-in-law, Kent (Ann) Rudesill of Baldwin; sister-in-law, Mary (Len) Place of Oshkosh; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends. Funeral service was 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Wilson Lutheran Church, Wilson, Wis. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. Burial was in Wilson Lutheran Cemetery, town of Cady, Wis. Pallbearers were Jim Mikla, Jeff Klatt, Ron Hybben, Andy Dahlinger, Chad Gallmeier and Chris Loos. Memorials are preferred to the family. Keehr Funeral Home, www.keehrfuneralhome.com, Spring Valley, is handling arrangements. |
Joan (Traynor) Budd, age 80
Joan is preceded in death by her husband Harold W. and survived by children Chuck (Cathy) Budd, Sue Budd, Lynn Norby, Mary Bente, Terri (Scott) Wykle; grandchildren Jeffrey, Lora (David), Greg, Jacob, Chris, Charley, Ellie, Joe and Tommy; and great grandchildren Xavier and Sydney; many nieces, nephews and many others who were touched by her lifetime devotion to serving others. Visitation Wednesday, November 18 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Washburn-McReavy Werness Brothers Chapel, 2300 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, November 19 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie. Private interment St. Joseph Cemetery, El Paso, Wisconsin. Memorials are preferred to the Phyllis Wheatly Community Center. Werness Brothers 952-884-8145. Washburn-McReavy.com |
Gary L. Anderson, Age 68 Gary was born on March 1, 1947 to Stanley F. and Lois (Wolske) Anderson in their home in Spring Valley, WI. He attended Spring Valley Public Schools and graduated from high school in 1965. Gary enlisted in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, spending most of his time on an aircraft carrier and traveled to many countries of the world. After his honorable discharge, he attended UW River Falls for four years. After returning home, he spent time doing many odd jobs, including managing a liquor store and lounge. He then began training with the USDA-FSA Federal Government in several Wisconsin counties. Gary was assigned to Ozaukee County FSA Office in Port Washington in 1981. He was transferred to Buffalo County FSA office in 1984 where he worked until his retirement on March 1, 2008. Two weeks after his retirement, he began working at Danzinger Vineyards where he thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors and working with such great people. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Alma, actively involved in the American Legion Post 224 and all local school sporting events. Gary was an avid sports fan and loved his Eagles, Badgers and Packers. Gary was united in marriage to Louanne B. Sampson on January 27, 1978. They were blessed to raise two children, Rebecca Lin and Mark Christopher. They also raised their very special grandchildren, Lauren Allanah and Gavin Spencer Marty. Gary is survived by his wife of 37 years, Louanne; son, Mark; grandchildren, Lauren and Gavin Marty; siblings, Jim (Bonnie) Anderson; sisters, Shar Finder, Bev S. Rar, Denise Anderson, Greg (Diane) Anderson and Barb (Pete) Esanbock; mother-in-law, Lila R. (Harris) Suffen; brothers-in-law, Steve (Judy) Sampson and Nathan (Janine) Sampson; many cousins, nieces and nephews; other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Lois Anderson; father-in-law, Lauren Sampson and daughter, Rebecca Lin. A funeral service was held on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 1:00 pm at St. John Lutheran Church, Alma with Pastor Joel Bacon officiating with a lunch to follow in the Fellowship Hall. A visitation was also at church on Friday from 9:00 am until 12:45 pm. Talbot Family Funeral Home is assisted the family. Online condolences may be left at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family of the donor’s choice. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all who called, sent cards, visited, brought food and sent prayers, St. Elizabeth’s and the Methodist Hospital and to dear Dr. Pham. |
| Bonnie Koehler DeLong, Age 72  Bonnie Koehler DeLong, age 72, of River Falls passed away on October 27, 2015. Bonnie was born on December 30, 1942 in St. Paul, MN to Frederick and Ruth Mary (McHattie) Koehler. She was baptized at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Afton, MN in 1943. She moved with her family to a farm near Waverly, Wisconsin in October of 1951. She was confirmed in the Christian faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Plum City, WI in 1956. Bonnie graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1960. She married Roger DeLong on July 14, 1962. They moved to River Falls in 1962 where they have lived for 53 years. Bonnie was an active member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. She worked for Melgard Monument Company for several years until her retirement. She enjoyed reading, researching genealogy, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Packers. She is survived by her husband, Roger DeLong of River Falls; son, Tim (Kathy) DeLong of River Falls; daughter, Teresa (Dan) Webber of Rice Lake; grandchildren, Justin, Jacob and Emalee DeLong, Nicholas, Alex and Sarah Webber; brothers, Frederick (Peggy) Koehler and David (Maryellen) Koehler of Elmwood; sister, Dorothy VanSchoonhoven of Spanaway, WA; and many, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Ruth Mary Koehler; brothers, Donald, Kenneth (Mike), James, and William Koehler; and two nephews. A funeral service will be Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 10:00 am at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church (545 Apollo Road) in River Falls. Visitation will be Friday, October 30, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls and on Saturday from 9-10 am at the church. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls. |
Daniel Vance, Age 67 Dan was born September 29, 1948 in Amery, Wisconsin, to William and Lily (Brakee) Vance. He lived in the Clayton area for many years and eventually the family moved to Elmwood where he graduated from the Elmwood High School with the Class of 1966. After high school, Dan entered the US Air Force, served four years during the Viet Nam War and spent time in Thailand. On July 14, 1970 he was married to Patsy Mattison at the Martell United Methodist Church, rural Spring Valley. After discharge from the Air Force, he and Patsy lived in Woodville and eventually moved to the country on the Mattison family farm in Gilman Township. He worked as a carpenter for several years with his father before taking a job as the School Bus Mechanic for River Falls Schools. He then worked for 25 years as the City of River Falls ASE certified Master Technician. He enjoyed hobby farming and was an avid John Deere Tractor collector. He was an outdoorsman and took many wildlife pictures. He was a Charter Member of the VFW in New Richmond and took an active role in the Junior Rifle Shoot, teaching many young people gun safety and shooting. His most enjoyment came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; step mom Ruth Vance; siblings: John (Shirley), Virgil, Joe (Linda) Vance; Betty Boyer; and infant sister Joyce; in-laws: Henry Mellerud; Ronnie Bagley; and Marvin Mattson. Survivors include his wife Patsy of Spring Valley; son Jason (Jenny) Vance of Woodville and their children Isabel, Adalade, and Ellenor; daughter Kimberly (Shawn) McGee of Baldwin and their children Riley, Morgan, and Priya; siblings: Mary Mellerud of Clear Lake; Lila Bagley of Barron; Earl (Jean) Vance of Menomonie; Loretta “Goldie” Mattson of Kasilof, Alaska; and Bruce (Pamela) Vance of Mena, Arkansas; sister-in-law Deloris Vance of Amery; many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley with Rev Annie White officiating. Visitation was on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. Keehr Funeral Home, (www.keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley is handling arrangements. |
Phyllis J. Bowell Webb, Age 83 Phyllis J. Bowell Webb age 83 of Elmwood, died Sunday, September 6, 2015 at the Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie with her family by her side. Phyllis was born on February 2, 1932 in the Hatchville Area of rural Menomonie. She was the daughter of Elmer and Gertrude (Ferber) Bowell. Phyllis grew up and went to school in Hatchville and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1950. Phyllis married Neil “Squint” Webb on June 2, 1951 in Louisiana. After marriage they returned to Hatchville where Phyllis worked at the apple orchard and raised her family. Later she went to work for Sanna Dairy where she worked until retiring in 1994. Phyllis and Squint moved their family into Elmwood in 1964 where she remained the rest of her life. Phyllis is survived by her children; Fonda Mork of Boyceville, Steve of Elmwood, Scott (Susan) of Menomonie, Kim of River Falls and Nancy Webb of Menomonie, six grandchildren; Augie Jr, Kevin, John, Amy, April (Andy), Jamie (Matt), four great grandchildren; Tyler, McKenna, Blane and Noah, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband; Squint, seven brothers, four sisters and other relatives. Public Graveside Services will be 1:30 PM Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the Oakridge Cemetery in Hatchville, rural Menomonie. Rev. Timothy Rosenow will officiate. Immediately following the services a luncheon will be held at Steve Webb's home. Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Elmwood, is serving the family. |
Donald Bjornstad, Age 80
Don served 2 years in the United States Army, spending almost a year in France, building roads and infrastructure. He also worked at Bayport Ice. In 1960, he started Bjornstad Builders with his brother, Orin. They built countless homes in North Hudson and the surrounding area. Later, he went on to manage the Hudson Hockey Arena, where he loved to drive the Zamboni and enjoy a cup of coffee with friends. In 1957, he met his future wife, Beverly Branchfield, at a roller skating rink in Stillwater. He drove her and her friends home after skating and the next weekend, he saw her from a distance and said to his friend, Bud, I am going to marry that girl someday. They were united in marriage on October 26, 1957, and were blessed with 3 children. Don loved hunting and fishing, reading Westerns, and watching old movies. He was also a huge fan of the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. His biggest love of all was for his grandkids. He cherished each moment with them. |
Frances Schaffner, Age 74 You would always see a smile on her face. Fran then moved her growing children to the countryside of Elmwood, Wisconsin, in 1976 where she married Richard Schaffner in 1978. Fran farmed the land until she moved to River Falls, Wisconsin, with her children in 1983 living there for the remainder of her life. Frances was a child of God and served her Lord well. She had a gentle soul and reached her hand out to anyone in need. She enjoyed her church, volunteer work, cooking, dancing, reading, embroidery, playing cards, visiting, her children and grandchildren. Fran was preceded in death by her parents; sister Judy; daughter Marianne in 1968; and son Michael in 2015. She is survived by her brother Don Croes (Arlene) of River Falls, WI, brother Steve Croes of Montana; sister Mary Kay Schaffner (James) of Spring Valley, WI; her children Joe of Hamel, MN, Pat (Wendy) of Hammond, WI, Mary (Ron) Brown of Twentynine Palms, CA and Leo (Cristina) of Ellsworth, WI. Her eight grandchildren Kendrick, Garrett (Kendra), Shontae, Sadie, Rena, Ryan, Arianna, and Caden; and one great-grandchildren Ronaldo aka Rey; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at the Bakken-Young Funeral Home, 805 E. Division Street, River Falls, WI. Visitation will also be Monday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls. |
David O. Stein, Age 79
He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wis., earning his Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Technology in 1963. David was a veteran of the armed forces having served his country honorably with the U.S. Army in Korea and Virginia. He married July 13, 1991, in Kansas City, Mo., to Joan Vrchota. David was currently retired, but spent most of his working life in management positions with John Deere in Illinois and Iowa, Embedded Equity in Minneapolis, Minn., EIMCO in Salt Lake City, Lox Equipment in Indiana, Premark International in Missouri, and Zebco in Tulsa. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Owasso. David enjoyed many friends in the church, his golf partners and many friends he gained through his working life. He especially enjoyed visiting many of his relatives in Norway, which he was fortunate to have visited three times through the years. Survivors include: his children, Brenda Rees and husband John, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, John Stein and partner Mark Deshazer, of Raytown, Mo., and James Stein, of Edgerton, Kan.; granddaughters, Kirsten Rees and Stephanie Peterson; great grandchildren, Brayden Rees, Jack and Dylan Peterson, and Jaida and Lilly Dix; step daughter, Kristin Epp; and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Stein; and wife, Joan Stein. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2015, at First United Methodist Church in Owasso. Interment will follow at a later date at Spring Lake Lutheran Cemetery in Spring Valley, Wis. The family requests memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund at 13800 E. 106th St. N. in Owasso. Services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. |
Eleanor Jacobson Voelker, Age 82
Eleanor owned and managed Adam's Alley, a gift shop in Prescott, from 1984 to 1997. She also kept the books for Bernard's business as an over the road owner operator. Eleanor was a charter member of Joy Lutheran Church. Eleanor was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She took pride and joy in her family and loved attending family gatherings. She also enjoyed traveling with Bernard to all fifty states, playing cards, visiting with friends and shopping. |
Louellyn Wilma Reiss Nestingen, Age 91 Louellyn is survived by her four children, Jon Leif (Karen), Signe (Kirt), Eddie (Annie) and Kari Nestingen-Hussey (Rick); sister, Margaret Johnson (Wes) and their three daughters; and brother, Norman Reiss; 16 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Louellyn was preceded in death by her mother and father; and sister-in-law Judy Reiss. Lou's family would like to acknowledge, and thank, the Comforts of Home Memory Care unit staff and the Saint Croix Hospice care team for the dedicated, compassionate, and loving care given to Louellyn. A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. on May 29, at the Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls (www.bakken-young.com). Please join the family for conversation and quiche. Memorials preferred to the Saint Croix Hospice. |
Mary E. (DeWitt) Budd, Age 92 Memorial Service Saturday, April 18th, 1:30 pm at SouthCross Community Church, 1800 County Road 42 East, Burnsville. Visitation starting at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to South Cross Community Church. |
Minnard Anderson, Age 85
Visitation for Minnard will be on Friday, April 3, 2015 from 11-1 p.m. at St John’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Funeral service will follow at 1 pm at St John’s. Burial will be at a later date in St John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley. Minnard was born October 14, 1929 in Spring Valley to Nim and Dena (Danielson) Anderson. He grew up in Spring Valley and attended Spring Valley Schools, graduating in 1945. Minnard farmed for a few years before serving his country in the US Marines. He served from March 1952 until March 1954. |
Joyce Irene Anderson Christensen, Age 82
Joyce was born on June 24, 1932 in Spring Valley, WI, the daughter of Arthur and Mildred (Peterson) Anderson. She was a 1950 graduate of Spring Valley High School. Joyce married Robert Christensen on June 9, 1951 in Americus, GA. She worked for many years as the custodian at English Lutheran Church and the US Post Office in Ellsworth. Joyce enjoyed gardening, doing cross-stitch and decorating her home in flowers. She was a member of English Lutheran Church and Homemakers. Preceding her in death was her husband, in 2000, parents and a brother Clayton. Surviving her are her five children: Linda (Gerry) Gore, Maiden Rock, WI; James; Greg (Julie); Dale (Barb) and Gale (Jody) all of Ellsworth. Grandchildren: Brian, Mark, Corey, Corrina, Chad, Nathan, Brenda, Curtis, Carlie, and Carter. Seven great-grandchildren. Sister: LaVonne (Roger) Robole, Inver Grove Heights. Funeral services for Joyce will be at 3:00pm, Monday, March 2, 2015 at English Lutheran Church, Ellsworth, WI. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-6pm at the church on Sunday and for one hour prior to the funeral on Monday. Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ellsworth, is serving the family. |
Bonnie Holum Irwin, age 70
Bonnie was born January 3, 1945 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She was raised in Cady Township by her parents Clarence and Helen Holum. She attended Cady Lane Country School and Spring Valley High School, graduating in 1963. She continued her education at Stout where she attained a degree in Applied Math. She later attended the University of Minnesota and received her Master’s Degree in Computer Science. |
Sharon A. Whirry Hofacker, Age 70
Sharon was born September 14, 1944 at home in Spring Valley. She was the daughter of George and Ethel (Bemis) Whirry and grew up in Spring Valley. She graduated from the Spring Valley High School, class of 1962. Sharon worked for the Gold Bond Stamp Company in St. Paul, MN for several years. Sharon married Jerome C. Hofacker June 25, 1966 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood. After marriage they farmed on the Lawrence Hofacker homestead, rural Elmwood until 1978, and raised five children. Sharon worked for many years as a nurse’s aide, then a restorative aide at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home, retiring in 2008. She enjoyed most of her time spent with her seven grandchildren. Sharon enjoyed her afternoons baking and blowing bubbles with her grandchildren, going dancing with Jerry. She spent a lot a time caring and praying for others. She enjoyed swimming, she made sure all her children knew how to swim, but most of all she loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren and the rest of her family. Sharon is survived by her husband, Jerome, five children, Kim (James) Messerschmidt of New Richmond, Larry (Shelly) Hofacker of Elmwood, Deb (Steve Seefeld) Hofacker of Stacy, MN, Jeremy ( Angie) Whirry of Woodville, Brenda (Chad) Krogstad of Maiden Rock; seven grandchildren, Cody, Libby, KayLee, Cameron, Siraj, Tru and Myah; her mother, Ethel Whirry of Spring Valley; three brothers, Larry (Jane), Calvin (Sue), Dennis (Suzie) Whirry, all of Spring Valley, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends. Passed on to the next life are her father, George and a sister Lynnette Whirry. Memorial Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday February 15, 2014 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood. A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Saturday February 28, 2015 at the Elmwood Rod and Gun Club. |
Marlys (Aamodt) Henson, Age 82
An obituary will be posted as soon as it is available. |
Jerry E. Stein, Age 76
Cremation Society of MN - 612-825-2435.
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Carol Ann Leach, Age 73
Carol was born on December 20, 1941. She resided in many towns in Wisconsin: Dresser, St Croix Falls, Fort Atkinson, Spring Valley, Colfax and others. She also resided in Naples, Florida for a number of years. Carol loved art, cats and the Green Bay Packers. Carol graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1959. Carol is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Helen. She is also preceded in death by her older brother Richard. Carol is survived by her sister Jane of St. Croix Falls; sister in-law Doreen Leach of Brookfield, WI; and nephews Mark Leach of Locust Grove, VA, Brian Leach of Sussex, WI and Chuck Leach of Waukesha, WI. A grave side memorial service may be planned for the spring. Friends and family may contact Mark Leach via email: maleach103@verizon.net to be placed on a notification list for any planned memorial service. |
Gloria Ryan, Age 89
Gloria was born September 21, 1925, the daughter of Julian and Dorothy (Glasner) Vinge at Sisseton, South Dakota. Gloria attended school at Ellsworth, Wisconsin and graduated in 1943. After graduation, she moved to Chicago to work. Later that year, on October 30, 1943 she married Thomas Ryan. They were married in South Carolina where Tom was serving in the U.S. Army. |
Carol Leach, Age 73 Carol Leach, age 73 passed away Friday evening, January 2, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in St. Croix Falls, WI. She was born on December 20, 1941. Carol graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1959. A full obituary will be posted as soon as one becomes available. |
Joseph J. Menter, 78, of Knapp died Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, at The Neighbors of Dunn County, Menomonie, after a long fight with colon cancer.
Joan (Traynor) 
Daniel Vance, age 67 of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died Sunday, October 4, 2015 at the Baldwin Area Hospital.
Donald Bjornstad was born on May 22, 1935 in Spring Valley WI. He died on July 31, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. Don was the youngest of five children born to Emma (Julson) and Oscar Bjornstad. He grew up on a farm, and later graduated from Spring Valley High School.
Frances Jo Croes Lalley Schaffner, 74, of River Falls, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 16. She put on her walking shoes and made the journey home with her Lord and Savoir.
David O. Stein died Monday, July 6, 2015, in Owasso, at the age of 79. He was born Jan. 20, 1936, in Spring Lake, Wis., to Simon and Myrtle (Williams) Stein. David was reared and educated in Spring Valley and was a 1953 graduate of Spring Valley High School.
Eleanor Amelia Voelker, 82, beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother died suddenly on May 10, 2015. Eleanor was born February 4, 1933 in Woodville, WI to Emil and Irene Jacobson. She was the oldest of seven children. Eleanor graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1950. She attended the Minnesota School of Business after graduation and then worked as a legal secretary before marrying Bernard Voelker, her high school sweetheart, in 1952. They raised seven children and eventually settled in Prescott, WI in 1968. 
Louellyn Nestingen, age 91, died on April 26, at Comforts of Home in River Falls. She was born in Forrest, Wis., on April 13, 1924. She was the oldest daughter of Jacob and Lena Reiss (Alits) and she had two younger siblings, Margret and Norman.
Minnard Anderson, age 85 of Lewis, Wisconsin died Sunday, March 29, 2015 at St Croix Falls Regional Medical Center. 
Joyce Irene Christensen, 82, of Ellsworth, died Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Ellsworth Care Center, where she had made her home for the past 10 years. 
Bonnie Holum Irwin, age 70, of Wilson, Wisconsin died Sunday, February 22, 2015 at her home in Cady Township. 
Sharon A. Whirry Hofacker age 70 of Elmwood, died Monday February 9, 2015 at United Hospital in St Paul, MN surrounded be her devoted family. 
Marlys (Aamodt) Henson, age 82, died Thursday, February 5, 2015 at Unity Hospital in Fridley, Minnesota. Marlys graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1950.
Jerry E. Stein, age 76, of Minneapolis, passed away January 21, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Byran. Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dawn, who graduated from SVHS in 1958; children, Wendy and Greg and their families. A private family service will be held at a later date. 
Carol Ann Leach passed away peacefully January 2nd at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. She was 73 years old..
Gloria Ryan, age 89 of Spring Valley died Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at the Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center.