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Spring Valley News...2021

 

Obituaries

Geraldine (Gerry) Thompson Krueger, Age 89
Geraldine “Gerry” E. Krueger, age 89 of Elmwood, formerly of Menomonie, passed away on Wednesday October 13, 2021, at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home in Elmwood.

Gerry was born April 25, 1932, in Downing, WI.  She was the 2nd oldest of nine, of Harry and Nellie (Eggman) Thompson. As a young child the family moved frequently but she grew up mostly in the Wilson, WI area.  Gerry graduated as Salutatorian from Spring Valley High School in 1950.  After high school, Gerry worked at Sanna Dairies for a few years.  Gerry married Herb Krueger March 6, 1952, in Wilson.  Gerry was a farm wife for twenty-five years and then went on to LPN School in Eau Claire, graduating in 1976.  She started her nursing career at Memorial Hospital/Myrtle Werth in Menomonie.  In 1980, Gerry went on to RN school in White Bear Lake Community College and graduate with her RN Degree in 1982.  She continued working at Myrtle Werth for several years.  She continued working as an RN at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis for approximately 10 years.  Gerry also worked at the Dunn Co. Health Care Center for approximately six years. 

While working, Gerry always had time to help with her grandchildren and graduated Cum Laude from U. W. Stout with her degree in Psychology.

Gerry was active member of the Wilson Lutheran Church, serving on several various boards. Gerry loved to travel, she went to Russia twice, Hungry, Croatia, China twice, Norway, Great Britain, Europe, Mexico, Canada, a canoe trip into the Boundary waters, and all over the U.S.  She loved her flower gardens, belly dancing-to help with her back, reading, and sewing.

Gerry is survived by her daughter, Barb Knopps of Menomonie, Brian Krueger of Menomonie; grandchildren, Mary Kay (Chad) McVey, Kari (Levi) Lentz, Terry Hochstetter, Dana Lahti, Steven Krueger; adopted granddaughter, Samantha (Jason) Hoyt; 11 great grandchildren; three sisters, Lillian Riedel, Colleen Slama and Carol Brown and one brother Tom Thompson, many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Herb, a daughter Lynn Lahti, grandson, Kyle Krueger; a sister Irene Engstrom, three brothers, Ronnie, Galen & Randy Thompson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday October 20, 2021 at the Wilson Lutheran Church in rural Wilson with Rev. Robert Dahm officiating.  Burial will be at a later date in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Larson, Allan E. "Al"Age 93
   Larson, Allen E. (Al): MIDDLETON - I have been here and gone. Had good times and bad times but nothing that I and the Lord could not handle together. On Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, I passed away at my home in Middleton.
    I was born on Nov. 25, 1928, to Clifford and Anna Larson in a farmhouse in Pierce County. As I was told, it was a cold and snowy night. My father and Dr. H.P. Conway waited 'til the wee hours of the morning for my arrival. Growing up I went to both grade and high school in Spring Valley, WI, graduating in 1947. I excelled in sports and was named First Team All-Conference in both football and basketball. After high school, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for one semester and then I went to work for the Federal Department of Agriculture within the state of Minnesota. The Korean War had started and I was drafted into the military, where I spent two years. During that time, I married Georgia Kenyon; the most treasured gift I could have ever had was our 63 wonderful years of marriage. We had four children, Douglas, Debbie, Kathy, and Mark. After being discharged from the service, I learned the carpentry and cabinet making trade and became a building contractor for many years. Later I established a millwork business, which developed into Midwest Pre-Finishing Company, which my son, Mark, now owns and runs.
   
I leave behind my son, Douglas, and wife, Natasha; daughter, Kathy, and son-in-law, Ken Regenauer; son, Mark, and wife, Brenda; my brother, David; sister, Joyce Garfield; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Kenyon; grandchildren, Jenny, April, Amber, Josh, Jordan, Alyssa, Chris, Becky and Ashlee; and nine great-grandchildren. Those who've gone before me are my parents; my in-laws, Fern and Simon Kenyon; my wife, Georgia; our daughter, Debbie Hameister; and brothers-in-law, Howard Garfield and Lloyd Kenyon.
   
I want to thank Dr. John Ewalt, Dr. Jaya Krishma, and Dr. Brian Griffith for my health care. I also want to thank St. Luke's Lutheran Church for taking care of my spiritual needs, and my friends, Marcia and Roger Russell and Carol Bleifield, for giving me all the help I needed.
    A funeral service will be held at ST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens at a later date.
    As I leave this earth and pass on to the next, I pray that my sins go to the devil and my soul to God in heaven and that my life may go on forever. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Timothy Sandvig, Age 83

   Timothy Sandvig, age 83, of Woodville, Wisconsin, died Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Park View Home in Woodville.
   If my grandpa Tim wrote this, he wouldn’t have said much. A paragraph or maybe two that gave people enough detail to smile and say “that’s nice” but not so much that they might miss a snap if the Packers were playing. He’d say he loved his family—his wife, Sylvia, and three kids, Julie, Susan, and David. He’d mention working at 3M but wouldn’t dare hint at the 122 patents filed under his name. And he’d spend most of his few words talking about fishing. Then, he’d cap his pen and get back to the John Sandford novel burning a hole in his side table. But I’ll tell you a little more about him. And don’t worry, grandpa—the Packer game is on in the background, and I won’t miss a play.
    You’re reading these words in the newspaper under a small, black-and-white photo of the handsome fella, so you already know he’s gone home. So, I won’t dwell too much on that. Other than telling you he passed away peacefully Sunday morning December 19 at Parkview Nursing Home in Woodville, WI, I’m not going to say a lot about the end of his life. It’s over with and he’s busy chatting with his aunts and uncles and listening to Marty Robbins sing live, so I’ll focus on the 83 beautiful years we get to look back on and celebrate.
    Timothy Charles Sandvig was born March 7, 1938 in Spring Valley, Wisconsin. He spent his childhood along the Eau Galle river, camping and fishing and building log rafts with his brothers and friends. He played football at Spring Valley High School and hunted squirrels in the woods behind his house. Tim graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1956.

   When he was 18, he asked the former Syttende Mai Queen out on a date. He and Sylvia caught a movie for 25 cents a ticket and shared two bowls of oyster stew and a steak that hung off the sides of the platter that held it. They spent a few months fishing and walking in the woods and whistling hymns in Tim’s car, and less than a year after that first date, on September 14, 1957, they were married.
   After graduation, Tim joined the Navy, and he and Sylvia moved to his base in Escondido, CA and rented a studio apartment with a pomegranate tree in the backyard for $45 a month. He served overseas in Japan and worked for General Electric in Thule, Greenland while Sylvia stayed in California with their first child, a baby girl named Julie—or as Tim was told by an incorrect telegram sent to his ship: Lulie. After the Navy, Tim and Sylvia considered buying a chicken franchise called Chicken Delight, but opted instead to put the money toward a college education for the both of them. Judging from the fact I had never heard of Chicken Delight until my grandma told me that story, I’d say they made the right call. And although they missed out on free drumsticks, their degrees from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls led to greener and less greasy pastures.
    Tim chose chemistry as his major because it had the shortest line at registration. And after four years of raising a child in their trailer home, welcoming a second (Susan), and working nights as a janitor and secretary at 3M where they would see each other in passing, Tim and Sylvia graduated. Tim taught high school science in River Falls until 3M called to offer him a job as a chemist, a position he held for more than 30 years. And outside of work, he and Sylvia went on to plan more than 40 annual fishing trips to Canada with friends he met in the lab.
    At 3M, he invented the first ever scratch-proof coating for plastic eyeglass lenses, helped Olympic gold medalist Tim Daggett try out a new casting material he invented, and was awarded 20 US patents and more than 100 foreign patents, some coming with a dinner atop the IDS Center in Minneapolis where a waiter would present him a cigar under a glass case. But other than Sylvia, he never told a soul. My mom, Susan, didn’t know the total patent count until this year. She says it was because he didn’t care about all that. He just wanted to get home. 5:30 on the dot. No later or something was up. That’s when he would walk through the door of the Woodville home he shared with his wife and, after welcoming David to the family, three children. He didn’t think about chemistry at home, choosing instead to focus on wrestling with his kids or growing sweet corn or walking through the pasture to give his cows a gentle rub on the head. Oh, and of course he watched the Packers. He never missed a game. So much so that he once climbed onto the roof during an ice storm to straighten the TV antenna, slipped off, dislocated every toe on one foot, and asked for a spinal anesthetic so he could watch the rest of the game from his hospital bed. Heck, some of the last words he ever said to my mom were “Did the Packers win?” You bet they did.
    As a retiree, Tim read westerns and mysteries and To Kill a Mockingbird, helped Sylvia can vegetables from their garden, and did a lot of fishing. Immediately after retirement, they took a two-month trip to Seward, Alaska to stay with Susan and her husband Todd. There, they fished for silver salmon almost every day out of the boat they hauled 3,300 miles up that Alcan Highway. They kept up the Canada trips each year, too, competing with their pals to see who could catch the heaviest total weight in fish. Sylvia usually beat Tim, but he wasn’t in it to win. He just wanted to be on the water.
    I bet that’s where he is now. On the water. Casting a line and reeling up eternity with the people who taught him how to set the hook. I bet he’s smiling—enjoying whatever conversations he can listen to and the silence that lies between them. And I bet he’s thinking back on 83 years of creek-rafting, squirrel-hunting, corn-shucking, Packer-watching, tomato-canning, cast-inventing, grandkid-wrestling, deep-deep-listening, life-loving fun.
    You deserve that, grandpa. Catch a big one for us.

   Visitation will be on Saturday, January 8, 2022, from 1-2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Woodville, in the fellowship hall. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. at Zion Lutheran with a luncheon and time of fellowship following the service until 4 p.m.

Norma Sorenson Bee, Age 94

   Norma Bee, age 94, of Baldwin, Wisconsin died Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the Baldwin Care Center. Norma was born March 29, 1927 to Norman and Eda (Bossman) Sorenson at her parent’s home in the town of Eau Galle in rural Baldwin, Wisconsin.
    Norma was baptized and confirmed at the Gilman Church and was a lifelong member of Gilman Lutheran Church.
    She attended all 8 grades at the one room Wildwood School and graduated from the Spring Valley High School in 1945.
    Norma worked in an office in Minneapolis for two years She married Francis Bee on April 5, 1947, at the home of her parents by Rev. S. Berven. They rented a farm the first year and then bought their farm in Gilman Township. Together they farmed their land for 30 years and raised their four children: Nancy, Lois, Alan and Douglas.
    Francis and Norma were very active in the Gilman Church. They were Luther League advisors several years and 4-H Project Leaders. Norma was also very active in the Gilman WELCA. She taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. Norma loved to can and freeze their garden produce, bake, cook, sew, crochet, and make quilts.
    Francis passed away on September 14, 2003. The following September Norma sold her home and moved into Cedar Crest apartments in Baldwin. Here she enjoyed playing card games with her friends and reading books She also did volunteering at the Senior Center for 9 years. She loved spending time with her family. In January of 2020 she moved to the Birchwood Apartments.
    She was preceded in death by her husband Francis; daughter Nancy Anderson; son Douglas Bee; great grandson Dawson Boelter; her parents Norman and Eda Sorenson; her 3 brothers: Dale, Stanley and Robert Sorenson; sisters-in-law: Harriette Sorenson, Helen Sorenson, Lois Bee, Pat Bee, brothers-in-law: Eldon Bee, Duane Bee, and Pat Weber; nephews Robert Rudolph, Mick Rudolph and Bill Bee.
    Survivors include her children: Lois (Bruce) Benedict of Cottage Grove; Alan Bee of Menomonie; son-in-law Gerald (Diane) Anderson of Ellsworth; daughter-in-law Lori Bee of Baldwin; 10 grandchildren: Sherry (Steve) Marson, Sandy (Brent) Place, Shelly (Chris) Boelter, Kristen (John) McBrien, Brock (Chelsey Sand) Benedict, Adam (Kaitin) Benedict, Amy (Christopher) Rothlisberger, Bryan (Rachel) Bee, Tanner Bee, and Kayla (Dillian Friedrich) Bee; 19 great grandchildren: Tyler and Jared Marson, Jasmine and Taite Place, Caleb and Avery Boelter, Andy and Eddie McBrien, Melah and Ethan Benedict, and Elaina Sand, Hudson and Roman Benedict, Maverick Rothlisberger, Alayna and Payton Bee, Jaylen, Riley, and Jax Friedrich; sisters Betty Rudolph ('47) and Esther Nelson ('54); and many other relatives and friends.
    Celebration of Life for Norma will be on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Gilman Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at church. Masks will be required at the church. Private burial will be in Gilman Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley.

Joy (Spence) Holerud, Age 65
    Joy (Spence) Holerud, age 65, of Wilson, Wisconsin died Thursday, November 25, 2021 at her home in Cady Township.
   Joy Marie Holerud spent her last mortal moments in the home she built with her high school sweetheart and husband, Bob. They'd built it together, on the south edge of his family's farmstead. A modified A-frame in the midst of a glade, it was their hidden home until the autumn colors fell away. Then on Thanksgiving weekend, they'd turn on the colorful strings of lights that made it look like a giant Christmas tree to everyone driving by. This was her season: Her name sung with gusto, printed with glitter on trinkets, and most importantly, a feeling she gifted to all she met. 
   Joy was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin to  SVHS Grads, Wayne ('52) and Anita (Iverson-'53) Spence. She spent her youth among the forest and fields of the family farm. She dedicated her soul to serving God and Christ from baptism to death at Gilman Lutheran Church. She threw her cap with Spring Valley's graduating class of 1974. That winter, December 28th, she wed Robert Allan Holerud in the presence of many friends and family. 
    After years of strengthening their relationship, Bob and Joy decided to raise more than dogs and cats. Within hours of entering the world, December 31st of 1983, their firstborn left it. But their broken hearts only opened further, resolving more deeply to have children. They raised three, sending them to the same school they had attended. She even came into the classrooms as a substitute now and then. She kept the home, worked for a few area businesses over the years, and still she was only a phone call away. Sick children were retrieved and cared for. The Weather Channel checked for Bob's trucking routes. No one needed a reason to call though. She often walked around the house with Bob on the open line, just going about their days together while apart.
    And that, perhaps, is our greatest gift and sorrow: the other end of the line is only a memory on tape. Joy's voice repeating the same words to everyone who calls, and yet each of us knowing how she would answer if she could.
    Joy was greeted in Eternity by her eldest daughter, Tracy Lynn Holerud; parents, Wayne and Anita; sister Marsha Jean; and father-in-law, James Holerud.
    She lives on in the hearts of her beloved husband, Bob; daughters, KeriAnn (Eric Rehnberg) and Randie (Kyle Harbek); son Craig (Cassie) with her grandchildren Henrik and Lakyn; siblings Wendy (Jeff) Steen, Mark (Pam) Spence, and Valerie (Dan) Rabe; mother-in-law, Virginia Holerud; and many aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends.
   A memorial service for Joy will be on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Gilman Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at church prior to the service.  Burial will be in the Gilman Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Susan Vanasse Ormson, Age 57

   Susan Ormson, age 57, of Spring Valley, died unexpectedly due to medical complications on Friday, November 26, 2021 at her home in Gilman Township.
  
Susan was born March 3, 1964 in Hudson, Wisconsin to David ('53) and Mary Vanasse (Howe). She graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1982. Susan married LeRoy Johnson and had three children, Brandon, Jesse and Michelle. Susan and LeRoy later divorced. Susan went on to marry Timothy

Ormson in 1996. Susan has been a hard working, dedicated office manager at Advanced Dairy Systems for the last 20 plus years.
   
While Susan was dedicated to her office job, her main devotion was to her children and grandchildren. They were always her top priority. They were her hobby, her heart and her life was for them. She took pride in all the work that she did but most of all taking care of the house and taking care of her family and everyone else. She was the true definition of a mother and grandmother and she will be deeply missed by all.
   
Susan is survived by her husband, Timothy, her children Brandon (Brenda) Johnson, Jesse Johnson, and Michelle (Jess) Moe, grandchildren Adia Johnson, Hudson and Molly Moe, and Mila Johnson, her mother Mary Vanasse, siblings Linda (Russ) Atter, Tom (Cindy) Vanasse, Scott (Lisa) Vanasse and Eric (Holly) Vanasse and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
   
Susan is preceded in death by her father David Vanasse, daughter in law Shannon Johnson and grandson Leo Johnson, and father and mother in law Dean and Dorothy Ormson.
Visitation is on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral service is Friday, December 3, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St John’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Burial is in Gilman Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley.

Martha Ann Langer, Age 81

  Martha Ann Langer, age 81, of Hudson WI passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 16, 2021 at Red Cedar Canyon in Hudson. Martha was born on August 29, 1940 to Edward and Martha Kustelski in St. Paul, Minnesota. On November 9, 1963 Martha was united in marriage to the love of her life, Roger Langer ('58), at the Church of Saint Casimir in St. Paul, Minnesota. In their 58 years of marriage, they were blessed with three sons: Denny, David, and Mike.

    Martha dedicated her life to helping people by becoming a nurse. She started her career in St. Paul, but life eventually brought her to the River Falls Area Hospital. Above all, Martha and Roger loved to have family gatherings. Getting together with friends and relatives were some of her most cherished moments. She also loved motorcycling, skiing, snowmobiling, playing cards and dice, spending time at Hudson Marina/boating, and golfing. They enjoyed to RV together and in 2001, Martha and Roger found friends in Arizona that would become a second family to them and be a second place they would call home.

   Martha will forever live in the hearts of her husband, Roger Langer; her sons Denny (Mary Jo) Langer of North Hudson, David (Danielle) Langer of Fountain Hills, AZ, Mike (Casandra) Langer of Wilson; grandchildren, Trisha (Brendan) Lien, Steven (Molly) Hering, Colton (Taylor), Walker, Waylon, Haydon, Adeline, Porter, Weston, Michael, and Townson; great grandchildren, Tucker and Amelia Lien; brothers-in-laws Victor Langer, Robert (Joyce) Langer, Jay (Connie) Langer; sister-in-law, Colleen Kustelski; and many nieces and nephews. Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Martha; brother, Robert Kustelski; mother-in-law, Lorraine Langer; sister-in-law, Karon Langer; and niece Kristine (Langer) Fjellman.

   Roger and his family is forever grateful to the comfort given to Martha by the staff and caretakers at the Red Cedar Canyon Memory Care Center.

   Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St. Hudson, WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The mass will be livestreamed through the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church’s Facebook Page. Internment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Hudson.

Lee Davison, Age 81

   Lee A. Davison, age 88, of River Falls went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Hudson Hospital. He was born the son of Walter and Esther Davison on May 16, 1933 in New Richmond, WI.

   Lee graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1951 and then served his country in the U.S. Navy. He married the love of his life, Verda, and together they spent 63 wonderful years together.

   Lee worked for Whirlpool for over 30 years, retiring to the River Falls area. He enjoyed the outdoors, playing golf, fishing, hiking, gardening and reading. But, most of all he enjoyed his family. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and loyal friend to many. Time spent with his grandsons and granddaughters-in-law was priceless. He rarely missed an event of any of his nine grandsons as they grew up and his steady presence in their lives has been instrumental in shaping each of them into the magnificent young men they are today.

   Lee saw the beauty of nature and cared for the land, just as he saw the beauty in those around him and cared for them. He was a very intelligent and wise man with a knack for solving problems and making sound decisions. Anyone in need was fortunate to know Lee, as he would drop what he was doing at any time to render assistance to those who needed it. Lee touched the lives of all those lucky enough to know him and he will be tremendously missed.

   Lee is survived by his wife, Verda; children, Kim (Duane) Richardson, Brad (Debra) Davison, Dawn (Duane) Duncanson, Robyn (David) Tank, Kelli (Kevin) Redington; grandsons, Nick (Megan) Richardson, Aaron (Megan) Mullowney, Ben Richardson, Zachary Davison, Connor Davison, Sawyer Duncanson, Keegan Duncanson, Andrew Tank, Joshua Tank; sister, Sharon Davison; sisters-in-law, Betty Davison and Mona Johnson; many other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers and 3 sisters. 

   A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at Ezekiel Lutheran Church (202 S 2nd St.) in River Falls with a visitation one hour prior to the service.  Military honors will be performed by the American Legion Post #121 of River Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. 

Gail Olstad Helmer, Age 75
   Gail Helmer, age 75, of Rice Lake, formerly of Elmwood, Wisconsin died Friday, October 29, 2021 at Our Home Assisted Living in Rice Lake.
    Gail was born October 21, 1946 to Lyle and Lucille (Waller) Olstad in Menomonie, WI. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, WI. She attended school in Spring Valley, WI, graduating with the Class of 1964. She attended nursing school and interned at the Burn Care Unit at Ramsey Hospital in St. Paul, MN. After several years as an LPN, she continued her education and became an RN. She worked at the Spring Valley Nursing Home, the Elmwood Nursing Home and the Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood, WI.
    Gail was married to Pat Miley and they were blessed with two sons, Shaun and Aaron. The marriage later dissolved. Later, Gail married Gene Helmer and they lived in Elmwood.
    Gail loved to sew, making costumes for her grandchildren, and collected antiques. She met her true calling when she became a nurse. She loved taking care of the residents of the nursing homes/assisted living and was able to care for her Grandma Waller, and her father and her mother when they were there. She created the first Alzheimer’s Unit at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home and had also served as their Director of Nursing for quite a few years.
    Preceding her in death were her parents; grandparents, Helmer and Ruth Waller, and Harry Olstad; first husband Pat; second husband Gene; nephew Michael Olstad and brother Larry Olstad.
    Survivors include her two sons, Shaun (Jacki) Miley of Cape Coral, FL; Aaron (Laura) Miley of Chetek, WI, stepchildren Butch Helmer of Red Wing, WI and Debbie Helmer of Knapp, WI; grandsons Isaac Miley of New York, Jonah Miley of Cape Coral, FL; granddaughters, Haddie Miley and Ayda Miley of Chetek, WI; stepgrandsons Nick and Luke Helmer; sister, Barb Olstad Kelly (Ken), of Great Falls, MT; nephews Dale Olstad of Oklahoma City and Steven Olstad of Edmond, OK; nieces Amanda Kelly Norlin of Great Falls, MT and Elizabeth Smith of Edmond, OK; as well as many other relatives and friends.

   Memorial service will be Friday, November 12, 2021, at 4 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley with visitation from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

James LeRoy Jorgenson, age 81

   James LeRoy Jorgenson, age 81 of River Falls, WI, died on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at his home from complications of heart disease and diabetes. Jim was born the son of Axel and Effie (Gregerson) Jorgenson on September 8, 1940, in River Falls, WI. Jim grew up on a farm near Spring Valley, WI. He graduated from Spring Valley High School with the class of 1958. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. Jim served in Germany for 3 years. He was an airplane mechanic and made E5 faster than most because he was one of the few who could rebuild an L20 Beaver engine. He was married to Judy Slotvig on July 21, 1962. Jim returned home to farm the family farm after his father’s death and continued another 20 years. He also worked at the Spring Valley Feed Mill. Jim spent many years as a machinist with Capital Gear and Sewall Gear both in the Twin Cities. He was married to Judith Knott Hansen on October 4, 1998. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jim spent many hours riding his bike. He loved to dance, especially the Polka. He was very particular about fixing and maintaining equipment and could fix almost anything. He was skilled at building and making things from garages to furniture. Jim was a man of character, a true Patriot, and an excellent provider. He was an awesome Father, good teacher, and easily made friends everywhere he went. He is preceded in death by his parents, Axel and Effie Jorgenson; step-grandson, Kamren DeSmith; and former wife, Judy Jorgenson. Jim is survived by his wife, Judith Hansen Jorgenson; children, JoAnn (Nate) Place, Duane (Emily) Jorgenson; step-children, Mary (Kelvin) Erickson, Wendi (Tony) Klingler, Debbie (Dan) Watters, Dana DeSmith, Michael Hansen; foster son, Tom (Linda) Weber; grandchildren, Jaimie (Danny) Schnacky, Shaunie (Casey Thompson) Place, Tyler Jorgenson, Chelsea Jorgenson; 17 step-grandchildren; 3 grandchildren of the heart; great-grandchildren, Effie and Henry Schnacky, August and Evelyn Thompson; 13 step great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 2 pm at Teens for Christ 538 Old State Highway 35 S, Hudson, WI. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 12-2 pm at Teens for Christ. Private interment will be in Gilman Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Julie Wilhelm Kettner, Age 73
    Julie Kettner of River Falls, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 25, 2021.
    Julie was born in Spring Valley, WI on December 20, 1947 to Ray and Millie Wilhelm. Julie graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1966, and earned her degree in English from UW-River Falls.
    She married Terry Spence in 1966 and together they had three children, Joelle, Kelly, and Aaron. She loved music and theater, becoming one of the original Stagehands at the Spring Valley Theater. She acted in many plays but found directing more fun, directing such plays as Arsenic & Old Lace and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She had a skill for solving and writing logic problems. Many puzzles of hers were published in Dell Crossword Magazines. Later she worked as an editor for Dell Publishing. She also worked as an Executive Director and Grant Writer for many non-profits including The Bridge to Hope and The United Way. Later in life she met and married Michael Kettner who was her partner in life for fifteen years at the time of her death. They enjoyed traveling together and often spent their time around Lake Superior.
    She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mildred Wilhelm, her brother Don Wilhelm, her sister Marlene Holland, her daughter Joelle Andreas and her son-in-law Serrin Andreas. She is survived by her husband Michael Kettner, her daughter Kelly (Matthew) Schreiber, and her son Aaron Spence. Her Grandchildren Logan & Jacob Andreas, Kaitlyn & Brenna Schreiber, and Alma & Jonah Spence. Her Stepchildren Jenna Schiller, Katie (Travis) Anderson, and Nate (Angie) Kettner. Her Step-Grandchildren, Alayna, Olivia, Kylie & Charlie, Matthew & Ari, Cameron, Jaxton, Mackenzie & Madison, and Step Great-Grandchild Emma. Her brother-in-law George Holland; brother Dick (Vi) Wilhelm; sister Dana (Bob) Colburn; sister Susann (Alner) Avestruz, and many nieces and nephews.
    Julie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who was loved by many. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering to be held on Sunday, November 14, anytime from 11-2 at the Spring Valley Golf Course located at 345 Hidden Fox Ct. Spring Valley, WI.

Doris Halvorson Jahr, Age 96

   Doris Halvorson Jahr, age 96, of Woodville, formerly Spring Valley, died Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Park View Home, Woodville. Doris was born August 13, 1925 to Ole and Inga (Julson) Halvorson in Gilman Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin.

   Doris grew up in Gilman Township and lived in Spring Valley most of her life. She attended Spring Valley Schools, graduating with the Class of 1943. On June 1, 1945 Doris was married to Curtis Jahr at the Gilman Lutheran Church Parsonage in Spring Valley. They were blessed with three children: Dennis, LeAnn and Susan

   Doris worked numerous jobs in Spring Valley. She had worked for Hanson’ Bakery, Spring Valley Hatchery, Duffy’s Cleaners, and Clifford Arneson’s grocery store. She finished her working years as a C.N.A. at the Spring Valley Nursing Home.

   Curt and Doris loved to travel and go camping.  She was a member of the Spring Valley American Legion Auxiliary Unit 227, the Eastern Star and was active in the Rush River Ladies Aid. She also loved to read, embroider, play cribbage, and spend time with her family.

   Preceding her in death were her husband, Curtis: parents; son Dennis; infant granddaughter; infant sister Lila; brother Corvin Halvorson and his wife Evelyn; and sister Nora Carns and her husband Sam.

   Survivors include her daughters: LeAnn (Dick) Rademaker of Woodville; and Susan (Art) Docter of Brighton, Colorado; 4 grandchildren: Joy Million; Scott (Nicole) Rademaker; Mark (Aelis) Lofgren; and Bryce Docter; 8 great grandchildren: Danika Million; Nolan and Mason Rademaker; Mia, Marcelo, Milena and Maddock Lofgren; and Alexis Docter, other relatives and friends.

   Visitation will be on Friday, October 15, 2021 from 9-11 a.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. A graveside service will be held on Friday at 11:30, following the visitation, at Rush River Lutheran Cemetery, rural River Falls.

Ruth Hanson Rebischke, Age 81

   Ruth Hanson Rebischke, age 81, died Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at her home in Spring Valley. Ruth was born December 11, 1939 to Carl and Lucy (Grape) Hanson in Gilman Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley and after marriage joined the Catholic Church. She was born and raised in Spring Valley and attended Spring Valley Schools, graduating with the Class of 1957.  She continued her education attending The Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis for three years and received a nursing diploma.

   On August 3, 1963 Ruth married Lloyd Rebischke at Eagle River, Alaska. Ruth lived in Alaska until 1992 when she and Lloyd moved to Idaho. Lloyd died while they were in Idaho and Ruth returned to Spring Valley in 1995.

   She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards, reading and her beer, CHEERS!

   Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Lloyd; grandson Karl; brother Howard Hanson; brother-in-law Hugh Hampton; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their spouses.

   No services are planned at this time.

Dorothy Monicken Sebion, Age 79
   Dorothy Monicken Sebion, age 79, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died Thursday, September 9, 2021 at her home in Gilman Township. Dorothy was born February 27, 1942 to Ralph and Erma (Monicken) Martel in Rush River Township, St Croix County, Wisconsin. She graduated from Baldwin High School in 1960 and on October 22, 1960 married Robert Sebion. Dorothy was a hard worker. She had milked cows with her parents, worked at Keith Cole, and was a pioneer of in-home day care. She enjoyed being a farm wife.  She loved her family and would do anything for them. She did not like the spotlight on herself, and because of her selflessness, rarely took help that was offered to her.
    Preceding her in death were  her parents; brother Clifton Martel; and sister & brother-in-law Jean and Bob Mohr.
    Survivors include her husband Bob; her children: Jim (Teri) Sebion; Dave (Debbie Couch) Sebion; and Jane (Mark) Hamlin; 5 grandchildren: Cody (Christa) Sebion; Cory (Dani) Sebion; Jake (Hanna) Sebion; Marie Hamlin and Indi Hamlin; 4 great grandchildren: Kaylee, Owen, Karli, and Ruby Sebion; in-laws: Lynn (Carol) Sebion; John (Robyn) Sebion; Sonia Wilcox; and Karen Sebion; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
   Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 15 from 4-7 p.m. at Gilman Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday. Funeral service will be on Thursday, September 16 at 11 a.m. at Gliman Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Gilman Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley.

Richard Roatch, age 80

   Richard Roatch, age 80, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at his home in Spring Lake Township with his family by his side.
    A Celebration of Life will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 11 with a Memorial Service to be held at 5:30 p.m., all at his home, (located at N7071 110th St, Spring Valley). Military Honors will be performed by Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 of Elmwood. The evening will end with a display of fireworks at approximately 8:30 p.m.
    Richard was born January 28, 1941, the son of Alfred and Frances (Hines) Roatch in Eau Galle Township, St Croix County, Wisconsin. He grew up and attended Spring Valley Schools and graduated with the Class of 1959. After high school, Rich worked for several years before entering the United States Army in 1963.
    On February 19, 1966 Rich married Kathy Schlosser at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spring Valley. They were blessed with 3 children: Don, Chuck, and Mary Jo. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Richard and Kathy remained close.
    Rich was hard working and worked many jobs through the years, including Standard Battery, Hince Construction, and Mixon, Inc. He spent lots of time with his boys. They did many building and remodeling projects together, and spent many hours working on and restoring cars, including his corvette.
    He enjoyed celebrating the 4th of July with his family and friends with food and fireworks. He also enjoyed deer hunting, elk hunting in Colorado, fishing on the Great Lakes, watching football, mowing lawn, and just going for a drive.
    Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers and their wives: LaMoine and Jan Roatch and Wayne and Sharon Roatch; granddaughter Mary Ann Roatch; and former wife Kathy.
    Survivors include his children: Don Roatch of Spring Valley; Chuck (Missy) Roatch of Elmwood, and Mary Jo (Dan) Rhy of Knapp, 9 grandchildren: Angela (Dan) Winger, Miranda (Sean) Lybert, Kayla Borup, Jayden Roatch, Laura Hoyt, Lindsey Klatt, Lucas (Chimdiya) Roatch, Logan Roatch, and Joshua Rhy; 9 great grandchildren: Madalyn, Kendalyn, Mason, Gavin, Raylynn, Brycin, Paisley, Lainey, and Evalyn; sisters: Mary Hines and Donna (Eugene) Anderle; many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, other relatives and friends.

Orval Otto Knegendorf, Age 83

   Orval Otto Knegendorf, proud veteran of the Army National Guard, age 83 of Colfax, died September 2, 2021, peacefully at home.
    Orval was born on August 30, 1938, in Spring Lake township. He was the son of Carl and Dora (Simon) Knegendorf. Orval graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1956. He worked many jobs over the years but two of his favorites were working at UW-River Falls and Kramer Construction. He enjoyed any work that allowed him to further his education and knowledge.
    Orval married June Beaver and together they had two children. They later divorced and he married Linda (Seng) Wolf and was a second dad to her six children. Orval and Linda celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on August 17. Together, they lived in the Elmwood and Spring Valley areas as well as Lake Havasu City, Ariz., before retiring in Colfax. He loved his family, raising and riding horses, exploring the Arizona deserts, Sunday drives, fishing and living the country life.

   Orval is survived by his wife Linda; children Donald (Jill) Knegendorf and Bev (Pat) Knegendorf; John (Sally) Wolf, Don (Robin) Wolf, Ron (Heidi) Wolf, Rick Wolf, Candee (Daryl) Olson, and Randy Wolf; sister-in-law Cloris Seng; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edgar, sister Elaine and other extended family.
    Funeral services will be on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Menomonie with Pastor Aaron Schulz officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery-Hatchville, at a later date.

Jean M. Shafer Nelson, Age 83

   Jean M. Nelson, age 83, of Hastings, died peacefully September 2, 2021, with her family at her side, at Hastings Health and Senior Living.
    Jean Marie, was born July 4, 1938 on a farm near Ellsworth, WI to Carl and Marie (Weber) Shafer. She graduated from Spring Valley High School with the Class of '56.
    After her family was raised Jean went to work for Fortis Insurance Company until she retired.

   She greatly enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also loved to dance, play cards and play Bingo with family and friends.
    Jean is preceded in death by her parents, 2 sons Kenneth and Jim, and 3 brothers Robert, James and Ron Shafer. She is survived by her children Catherine (Paul) Gelhar,Steve Nelson, Jeff Nelson and Connie (significant other Jeff Pavelka) Albertson; 5 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren; 6 sisters Joann Brenner, Mary (Mike) Casey, Judy (Doug) Harer, Lana Anderson, Bonnie (Ron) Drabowicz, and Kathleen Shinn.
    Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, September 7, at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th Street West, Hastings, MN with Fr. David Hennen officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 AM. Interment will take place at the Parish Cemetery.
    Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.

Delores Freiberg Afdahl  

  Lori (Delores) M. Afdahl passed away August 5, 2021, in Anthem, AZ, surrounded by her husband and their three daughters. Lori was born September 30, 1937, in Spring Valley, WI, to Arnold and Lillian (Aamodt) Freiberg. She was the 5th of their 7 children. She graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1956, and went on to nursing school in St. Paul, MN. She became a nurse in 1958 and moved to Menomonie, WI where she began her life-long career working as a maternity nurse.

   In October of 1961 she married Herb Afdahl, and together they raised 3 daughters. She enjoyed traveling cooking, and later in life, spoiling her two dogs. Family was important to Lori and she enjoyed when her children, grandchildren, friends, and family visited. Her delicious cooking and ice cream in the freezer made her house a favorite destination for everyone in her family. In 2009 she and her husband moved full time to Anthem, AZ. Lori will remain in the hearts of all who knew her, and will be greatly missed.

   Preceding her in death were her parents, Arnold and Lillian Freiberb, 3 brothers: Gordon (Marie) Freiberg, Leroy (Jan) Freiberg, Dennis Freiberg; one sister Joan (Gene) Styer, and one grandchild, Joseph Seivert.

  Survivors include her husband of just short of 60 years, Herbert Afdahl, their three daughters: Cindy (Steve) Seivert, Kristi (Steve) Eckert, and Kathy (Ray) Slattery; grandchildren: Jenna, Michael, and Lauren Seivert, Alec (Katrina) and Claire Eckert, and Jonathan, Benjamin, Daniel, and Joshua Slattery; one sister Marilyn (Chuck) Gjovig and one brother Bob (Barb) Freiberg, many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Doug Hinzman, Age 73  
    Doug Hinzman, age 73, of Menomonie, formerly Spring Valley died Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at the American Lutheran Home in Menomonie with his wife by his side.
    He was born December 11, 1947, to Walter and Odelia (Anderson) Hinzman in Pierce County, the 5th of 6 sons. After graduating from Spring Valley High School in 1966, he worked for the Army Corps of Engineers building the S.V. dam, Presto Industries in Eau Claire, and Sweeney Brothers Construction before purchasing the family farm in 1974, which he owned and operated for 27 years. He also was in the Naval Reserves and was stationed in California and aboard the USS Enterprise. After moving to Menomonie, Doug was employed by Phillips Medsize and Northwest Transportation, where he was employed at the time of his death.
    On September 2, 1972, he married Kathryn Helmke at Spring Lake Lutheran Church. They were blessed with 2 children, Heather and Ryan.
    Doug is survived by his wife, Kathy, daughter Heather (Rob) Mathis, son Ryan (Lindsay) Hinzman, grandchildren Malerie, Bobby and Chandler Mathis, and Sean, Grant and Devon Hinzman, sisters-in-law Wilma Hinzman, Kay (Lee) Hinzman, Sandy Hinzman and Chris Geiger, brother-in-law Ed (Cindy) Helmke, nieces, nephews and friends.
    Preceding him in death were his parents, grandson Jake Daniel, brothers Laroy, Ted, Kent, Don and Bill, and niece Kim Hinzman.
    A Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 2-5 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. A memorial service will be held from 3:30 until 4 p.m. also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Spring Lake Lutheran Cemetery Association, Christ Lutheran Church furnace fund, or a charity of your choice.

Ronald Irvin Budd, Age 88

   On the morning of August 23, 2021, Ronald Irvin Budd died at the age of 88. Ron was born to Charles Henry Budd, Jr., and Floy Bertelson Budd in 1932. He graduated from Spring Valley High School in the Class of 1950. At the age of 18 Ron joined the Navy where he attended the U.S. Naval School of Music in Washington DC. While on leave in July 1953, he married Ann Sorenson, his childhood sweetheart and soul mate. Together they raised two children, Eric and Julia. Ron received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1959, majoring in architecture. He worked for the University of Minnesota as a Senior Building Maintenance and Remodeling Coordinator for 25 years. After 40 years of marriage, Ron lost Ann, the love of his life, to ovarian cancer. In 1994 he married Mary (Kittell) Dewitt and the two had great fun bowling, traveling and playing bridge until her death in 2015.
    Ron was a Mason, a Shriner and a self proclaimed ethical hedonist. He owned a race car, two sailboats and several motorhomes. He raced at Brainerd International Raceway, was president of the St. Cloud State and University of Minnesota Sports Car Clubs. He sailed through the Great Lakes and down the east coast and eventually drove his motorhome to all 48 contiguous states and Alaska.
    Ron loved fishing with his dad, hunting with his family, bowling (he once bowled a 300 game) and playing cribbage. His love of music led him to play trombone in several dance and performing bands including the Legion and Shrine bands. He played on stage at Orchestra Hall. He loved talking. Ron could and would talk with anyone about anything – including politics and religion. While living in Minneapolis, he was Chairman of the Republican Party at his local precinct. He later associated with the Libertarian Party. He was well educated on many religions but chose to be an atheist yet fully supported his 2nd wife and her religious beliefs. Ron was an extremely intelligent man who enjoyed the banter yet never forced his opinion on anyone. He was known for his competitiveness, his storytelling and his good sense of humor. Ron was smiling to the end. He will be missed by the family he adored.
    He leaves behind his siblings Bert (Caryl) Budd and Sharon (Richard) Alton, his children Eric (Mary Ann) Budd and Julia (Curt) Sievwright, his grandchildren Dane (Micki) Sievwright, Drew Sievwright, Brittany Phillips, Afton (Will) Cho and Jordon Budd, great grandchildren Ben, Leena, Soren, Teddy, Kai, James, Mara, and Julia, along with several extended family and friends.  
    Preceded in death by wives Ann (Sorenson) Budd and Mary (Kittell) Budd, parents Charles and Floy Budd, brothers Charles Henry (Junior) Budd, III, two stillborn babies (a boy and a girl), Galen and Harold (Punky) Budd.
    Private family service at Ft. Snelling.

Betty Jean Mattison Camm, Age 93

   Betty Jean Mattis Camm, age 93, passed away on July 12, 2021 after a short illness. Longtime resident of West St. Paul and subsequent resident of Ecumen Lakeview Commons in Maplewood. She graduated from SVHS in 1947.  

   She was preceded in death by husband Harry; infant grandson, Nicholas Wolff; and brother, Robert Mattison ('47).

   She is survived by her children, Susan (Brian) Wolff, Dave, and Sandy Gifford; grandchildren, Steven and Katie Wolff, Rob, Amy and Bobby Gifford; great-grandchildren, Christian and Brody, Lyza and Samantha Herrera; brothers; John-'56, and Mickey-'66-(Sharon) Mattison; sisters, Beverly Olson-'52, and Patsy Vance-67. A private family service was held.

Charles “Chuck” Lamb, age 73

   Charles “Chuck” Lamb, age 73, of Wilson, Wisconsin died Monday, July 26, 2021 at his home in Cady Township.

   Chuck was born September 27, 1947, to Merton and Louise (Beck) Lamb in Spring Lake Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin.  He grew up on the Lamb farm north of Spring Valley and attended Spring Valley Schools, graduating with the Class of 1965.  He played football, basketball, baseball, and track.

After high school, Chuck attended college at River Falls before proudly enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He served for 2 years and spent time in Vietnam, reaching the rank of Corporal.  In October, 2019 Chuck was able to join other veterans in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

   On June 28, 1969, Chuck married the love of his life and best friend, Barb Gunderson, at the Wilson Lutheran Church.  They lived in Spring Valley for a short time and then farmed in Cady Township.  In 1993 they moved to their present home, the Gunderson family farm in Cady Township.  They were blessed with 3 sons: Matt, Andy, and Ben.

   Chuck was proud of his military service and was a member of Mattson-Miller American Legion Post 330 of Wilson.  Chuck was a sports fan and a talented athlete in his day.  The most important thing in Chuck’s life was his family.  Spending time with his sons, brothers, and other relatives; but most special to him were his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Donald and Frances Gunderson; sister Judy; grandson Noah Lamb; brother Tom Lamb; and sister-in-law Alice Bennett.

Survivors include his wife Barb; sons Matt (Chandra) Lamb; Andy (Jes) Lamb; Ben (Nicole) Lamb; niece Becky (Keenan) Stahl; brothers Doug (Sherry) Lamb and Bill Lamb; 9 grandchildren: Kodey Stahl; Rian Rahm, Kailey Bonte; Emma Lamb; Ally Lamb; Jordan Lamb; Charlie Lamb; Cade Lamb; and Brady Lamb; great grandchildren: Brantley Bonte, Kamdyn Stahl, Brayley Bonte, Kayden Stahl and Paxton Rahm; other relatives and friends.

   Visitation will be on Thursday, July 29, 2021 from 9:30-11 a.m., prior to the service, at Wilson Lutheran Church, Wilson, Wisconsin. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m., on Thursday, following visitation, at Wilson Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Robert Halvorson, Age 80

   Robert (Bob) Halvorson, age 80 of Elmwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 27th, 2021 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.Bob was born June 26th, 1941 in Spring Valley to Corvin and Evelyn Halvorson. Bob met his wife Mary Ann in Elmwood where they married on September 21st, 1963.

   Bob worked for the Army Corp of Engineering for 31 years before retiring in 2003. He enjoyed time with family, camping, wood working, fishing, hunting, being outdoors, traveling and trips to the casino.
    Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; sons: Terry and Tim; grandchildren: Jordan (Jami), Trevor (Cabrina), Talley and Tarrin,; great grandsons: Brantley and Colt; and his sister Judy.
    He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and twin brother, Richard.
    There will be a Celebration of Life at Welcome Home Assisted Living, 1121 West Industrial Road, Elmwood, WI. 54740 on Friday, August 20th, 2021 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Allen Geving, Age, 89

   Allan Gerhard Geving was born February 20, 1932 to Palmer and Gladys (Thompson) Geving in Baldwin, Wisconsin. His family moved to Spring Valley when he was two years old. Allan attended grade and high school in Spring Valley. After high school, he attended and graduated from Minneapolis Business College. He spent one summer doing road construction and after college he worked for a CPA firm in South Dakota for a short time. After his father fell ill, Allan and his brother-in-law bought his father’s business, a funeral home and furniture store. They operated as Geving and Keehr Furniture and Funeral Service for a number of years before operating Geving’s House of Furniture.
    Allan spent two years in the Army during the Korean War, stationed in Alabama. After serving, he attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for one year. He served an apprenticeship in the funeral work for one year and attended the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science. Allan received his Wisconsin and National Funeral Director Licenses in 1958. In 1992, after 40 plus years in business, he retired from the furniture store and moved to Mesa, Arizona. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing and card playing. He was married to Viola Norderhaug.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister Rosalind; step father Carl DeJager; and sister Lavon Keehr and her husband Donald.
    He is survived by his wife Viola of 68 years; his children: Teresa (Mike) Ripp; Terrie (Bill) O’Donnell; Tim (Kari) Geving; 6 grandchildren: Will, Kelsey, Connor, Alex, Abby and Jeff; 5 great grandchildren: Emmett, Sloane, Janisa and Roberto; his brother Dick (Rosella) Geving; and several nieces and nephews.
    A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley. Please bring a lawn chair. Due to Covid-19 restrictions please wear a mask and practice social distancing. A luncheon will follow the service at St John’s Lutheran Church.

Delbert Kindschy, Age 71

   Delbert Kindschy, age 71, formerly of Roberts, died Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Hammond Health Services.
    A Celebration of Life will be Friday, July 30, 2021 from 4-6 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley.
Burial will be at a later date in Hay River Cemetery, Boyceville, Wisconsin.
Delbert was born October 12, 1949 in Rice Lake, WI – the 6th child of Edwin & Lorna Marie (Letts) Kindschy.
    Delbert developed a strong work ethic growing up on a farm. He graduated from Spring Valley high school in 1969 and went on to serve in the US Army as a mechanic and was a very proud Vietnam Veteran.
    He earned numerous medals in the service and after being honorably discharged, returned home where he worked at Summit Cheese Factory and United Gear and Assembly before retiring. He bowled on leagues and rode snowmobile for many years. He enjoyed fishing, riding his ATV, and socializing with his many friends.
    Del was married to Sandra (Lamm) Kephart formerly of Elmwood, WI; they later divorced.
Del is survived by brothers Orville (Elizabeth) of Carrollton, GA and Neil of Menomonie, WI. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister & brothers-in-law: Darlene (Kenneth) Joachim and Raymond Hintzman; sister Frances Hinzman and her former spouses Jonas Peterson and Norman Hinzman; sister Sharon Kindschy; brother & sister-in-law: Marvin (Pat) Kindschy.
    Delbert was a generous man who would lend a hand or almost anything else he owned. He had a youthful approach to living his life. His veteran pride and patriotism were always on display.
    A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, July 30, 2021 from 4-6 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley.
    Thank you to Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center, Hammond Heath Services, St. Croix Hospice, and all who helped him since he couldn’t live independently since January of this year.
Private burial in Hay River Cemetery at a later date.

Beverly Jean Nuessmeier, Age 82

   Beverly Jean Nuessmeier, age 82 of Redwood Falls, MN, formerly of Hudson, WI, died Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the St. Cloud Hospital following complications of surgery.
    Bev was born on November 11, 1938 in Spring Valley, Wisconsin; the daughter of Ralph and Helen (Smith) Brown. She attended East Hill Elementary prior to graduating from Spring Valley High School in 1956.

   On June 30, 1960, she was united in marriage to Erdman ‘Sonny’ Pankow in Menomonie. This union would be further blessed with Cynthia. Sadly, Sonny would precede her in death in 1997.

   Bev was a valued bookkeeper during her working years. She began with the St. Paul companies and Uniforms Unlimited before working many years for the Hudson School District. On May 15, 1999, she was united in marriage to Erlin Nuessemier at Emmanuel Lutheran in Hudson.
    On a quiet day, she enjoyed reading books whether Louis L’Amour or a good love story. Being a bookkeeper, she was an excellent mathematician. She could see globally where others might see things narrower, keeping them on their toes. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. ‘Her church’, Emmanuel Lutheran in Hudson, has been involved with every aspect of their lives. In fact, the first pastor there was her son-in-law Pastor Dale.
    Bev will live on in the hearts of her daughter Cynthia (Pastor Dale) Schliewe; grandchildren: Matthew (Shawn), Mark (Shelly), Miriam, and Michael; five great-grandchildren: Alexander, Addison, Mollie, Greta, and Isabel; brother, Frank (Marlyn) Brown; sister, Kathy (Cody) Wiberg; and sister-in-law, Marge Brown.
    Her parents, husbands Sonny and Erlin; and brothers James and Don (Glenda) Brown precede her in death.
    A Funeral Celebration of her life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday June 26th at Emmanuel Lutheran Church,712 Grandview Drive in Hudson. Celebrating her faith will be Pastor Steve Saatkamp. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Emmanuel. Memorials are preferred to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, which was the foundation of her life.
    Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Homes.

Roselind Jean Christenson, Age 80

   Roselind Jean McClellan Christenson, age 80, died Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Birch Haven Assisited Living in Baldwin.
    Roselind Jean Alice (McClellan) Christenson was born May 12, 1941, to Arley and Anita (Gamma) McClellan. Jean was baptized, confirmed, and spent the rest of her life as a devoted Christian. She attended Spring Valley schools, graduating with the class of 1960.
    After high School, Jean worked multiple jobs, including childcare while her children were young. When the kids went to school, Jean spent the remainder of her working years caring and loving residents at multiple care centers. She had also worked at the Spring Valley Theatre when it was still showing movies. On November 18, 1961, Jean married Charles Walter Christenson (Chuck). Jean and Chuck moved to Chuck’s family farm. This is where Jean and Chuck lived and raised their two children.
    Jean spent her life caring for and making others laugh. If you ever needed a pick me up or a good chuckle, Jean was your person. She was always ready to crack a joke, give you a pinch, or just do something silly. Jeanie, as most of her friends called her, was a great dancer and loved to sing along with different polkas or Elvis songs. Throughout the years, she loved to collect little Knick knacks and show them off to others over a good cup of coffee or some sweet ice cream. Jean and Chuck loved to visit the Brownwood or Ray’s Truck Stop, where dinner was hot and so was the coffee.
    Jean loved sitting around large tables with friends and family close by playing games and laughing together. Whether it was playing bingo, Pokeno, or singing along with Sunday morning Hymns, Jean loved being in the company of others and making them laugh. She was an excellent seamstress and raised chickens and ducks and did canning.
    Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Chuck; and sister Mila Schiefelbein.
Survivors include her son Kurt of Baldwin; daughter Heidi (Scott Glampe) Dumond of Wilson; grandchildren: Aaron, Maverick, and Brooklyn Christenson and Alexandra, Sydney, and Olivia Dumond; brother Jerry McClellan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

   Funeral service is Friday, June 18, 2021 at 4 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Baldwin.
Visitation will be from 3-4 p.m. at the church prior to the service.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Todd Timm, Age 59

   Todd Timm, age 59, of Wilson, Wisconsin died Thursday, June 10, 2021 at his home in Cady Township following a short battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

   Todd was born February 20, 1962 to LaVern ‘Bud’ and Arlis (Johnson) Timm at Menomonie, Wisconsin.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley.  He attended Cady-Wilson Elementary School and Spring Valley High School where he graduated with the Class of 1980.

   On June 20, 1981 Todd married Linda Affolter at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Cady Township.  They were blessed with two sons Travis and Tyler. They lived on the family farm for a few years before building their current home in 1987.

   During high school, Todd worked at the Hatchville Cheese Factory.  He later worked at McMillan’s in Woodville and the Spring Valley Feed Mill.  He worked for his father-in-law John Affolter and then Son’s Tool where he has worked for the past 35 years.

   He loved hunting, 4-wheeling and snowmobiling.  He played softball for many years.  Most important was spending time with his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother Mark; father and mother-in-law John and Margaret Affolter, and brother-in-law Ed Affolter.

He is survived by his wife Linda; sons and their families: Travis and his children Willow and Avery Timm; and Tyler (Tori) and their children Harper, Trigg, and Conrad; siblings and in-laws: Barbara (Dennis) Blegen; Vickie (Gerald) Glampe; Peggy Timm; and Julie (Carole) Timm; in-laws: Pat Van Riper, Mary (Don) Cork, and Gloria (John) Traxler; many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

   Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley and one hour prior to service at church on Wednesday.

   Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 16 at 11 a.m. at Wilson Lutheran Church, Wilson, Wisconsin.  Family and friends are invited to the Wilson Legion following the service for a luncheon.

Galen Roger Thompson, Age 79

   Galen Roger Thompson, age 79, of Roberts, WI, passed away May 24, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born the middle child of nine to Harry and Nellie (Eggman) Thompson on March 18, 1942 in Colfax, WI. After graduating from Spring Valley High School, Galen served in the US Army. He then attended University of Wisconsin – Madison and later transferred to the University of Minnesota, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the College of Pharmacy. In 1972, Galen married Ellen Thompson and their 22 year marriage was blessed with four daughters.

   Most of his career was spent as a Pharmacist for Hennepin County Medical Center until his short retirement in 2004. By 2005, Galen was on to a new endeavor and started a consulting firm, which he ran for nearly six years before officially retiring in 2011.

   Galen was the ultimate family man and those within his inner circle were very important to him. He enjoyed deer hunting, canoeing, telling a funny story over a cup of coffee, and being a general prankster. Galen was known as a loving, kind, and helpful man. He was also considered by many to be a jack-of-all-trades. Galen was incredibly generous and he would give the shirt off his back to anyone without them having to ask. His adventurous spirit and love of travel brought him to almost all 50 states, several Caribbean cruises, and destinations such as China, Greece, Norway, Mexico, and Jamaica. He also hiked the Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier, and took many family camping trips to Madeline Island.

   Galen will remain in the hearts of his daughters: Renee (Pete) LaGrander, Rebeka (Joe) Stoltman, Kathryn Thompson, and Melissa Thompson; grandchildren: Bode and Braydon LaGrander, Madison and Carson Stoltman, Kaylah Wright, Javier Soto, and Ana Thompson; sisters: Esther Krueger, Lillian (Wally) Riedel, Colleen Slama, and Carol Brown; brother, Tom (Judy) Thompson; sisters-in-law, Donna and Selva Thompson; good friends, Ted Gray and Margaret McCann; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and co-workers.

   He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Irene (Ken) Engstrom; brothers, Ronnie and Randy Thompson; and brothers-in-law: Herb Krueger, Gene Slama, and Harlow Brown.

   A Visitation for Galen will be on Thursday, June 3rd from 4-7pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St. Baldwin. WI 54002. Funeral Service will be at Wilson Lutheran Church on Friday June 4th at 11am with visitation held one hour prior to the service at church. Burial with Military Honors will be immediately following the service at the church cemetery.

Theodore (Ted) Peterson, Age 89

    Theodore Peterson age 89, died on April 3, 2021. Survived by his wife of 58 years Ruth (Hojem - Class of '55), children Craig (Jill), Kristi (John) Lewis, Brett (Jennifer); 6 grandchildren, Nicole (Ben), Hunter, Nils, Lottie, Nathan and Dane.

   Survived by brothers Herbert and Glenn (Sandra). Preceded in death by parents Elmer and Lottie Peterson; brothers Wilbur, Donald, David, Gustave, sister Sylvia. He is survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, cousins in the USA and Sweden.

   He graduated from Woodstock Academy, Woodstock, Connecticut, in 1949, and the University of Connecticut in 1957. He served in the USAF from 1950 to 1953.

   Ted’s favorite part of his life was his family. His biggest joy was watching his children and grandchildren play in games and concerts.

   Ted traveled the world and in his free time he loved to golf and play cards with friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

   In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to jdrf.org/minnesotadakotas/

Luverne Claire Aamodt, Age 84

   Luverne Aamodt, age 84, died on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Mayo Luther Hospital in Eau Claire. He was born to Lyle and Juliet (Marker) Aamodt in September of 1936.

   In 1954 he graduated from Spring Valley and moved to St. Paul. In St. Paul Luverne worked at the Ford company rebuilding parts.

   He met Henrietta in Minneapolis and on September 21, 1957 they were married. They moved to Wisconsin to the family dairy farm and were blessed with 5 wonderful children. They were married for 63 years. Together they enjoyed going to their cabin up north and together they had a special trip to Alaska.

   Luverne was the third generation on a now fourth generation dairy farm. He was a long-time member of the Ellsworth Creamery board and a lifetime member of the Gilman Church in Spring Valley. In his free time Luverene enjoyed driving and maintaining his 1963 black Ford Galaxy and working on jig saw puzzles. He liked to joke around and enjoyed making everyone laugh.

   Luverne loved all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren dearly and he will be greatly missed.

   He is survived by his wife: Henrietta; children: Tim (Coleen), Luanne, Joe, Rich (Brenda), Chris (Suzette), 18 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; 1 great- great grandchild on the way; and brother: Arland Aamodt.

   Luverne was preceded in death by his twin sister: Lucille; great- grandson: Caden; and great granddaughter: Grace.
There will be a private service held at a later date. Cremation Society of Wisconsin is assisting the family.

Linda Timm Schafhauser, Age 84

   Linda Timm Schafhauser, age 84, of Menomonie, Wisconsin died Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Red Cedar in Menomonie. Linda graduated from SVHS in 1955.
   Linda was born March 26, 1937 to Leonard and Elsie (Moldenhauer) Timm in Cady Township, St Croix County, Wisconsin. She was baptized and confirmed and a lifelong member of St Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley.
Linda attended Plainview Country School and Spring Valley High School, graduating as Salutatorian of the Class of 1955. After graduation, she started working for IDS and worked there until retirement.
    On August 17, 1957 Linda married Barry Schafhauser at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. They lived in New Brighton, MN and have lived in Menomonie since the late 80’s.
    Linda and Barry enjoyed travel and had visited many European countries along with Australia and New Zealand. Linda loved animals, especially their cats and dog Reggie. She faithfully visited her brother Alan on the home farm every day.
    She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Barry.
    Survivors include her brother Alan Timm; nephews: Jerry (Sue) Grunow, Randy (Cathy) Grunow; nieces Pat (Dale) Simonson and Theresa Grunow, other relatives and friends

   Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St Matthew Lutheran Church, Spring Valley Visitation will be for 1 hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday. Burial will be in St Michael’s Cemetery, Cady Township, Wisconsin.

Brian Kirby, Age 89

   Brian Kirby, age 89, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died at his home on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
    Brian was born January 13, 1932 to William and Edna (Peck) Kirby in Elmwood, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of 5 children. He attended grade school in Elmwood and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1950. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy.
    After completing his time in the Navy, he continued his education at UW-Stout where he attained a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Industrial Arts Education and minor in Public Speaking. He went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling.

   On June 11, 1955 Brian married Beverly Aaby at St Francis Catholic Church in Ellsworth. They lived in Menomonie until Brian graduated from UW-Stout. They moved to Woodbury, Connecticut, where he taught at the Danbury Training school. After 6 years, they moved back to Wisconsin and Brian taught at Unity High School in Balsam Lake. By this time he had earned his Master’s degree and settled in Spring Valley and was the Guidance Counselor at Spring Valley Schools for over 25 years. One of his passions was the Scholarship Fund at the school and his goal was to have scholarships available for any graduating senior who wants to further their education.

   He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spring Valley and was active in the community where he was a member of the Spring Valley Lions. In addition he helped manage the community food shelf and was one of the founding members of the Spring Valley Education Foundation.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Beverly; siblings: Francis Kirby, Julia Werner, Donald Kirby, and Ruby Engels.

   Survivors include his daughter Susan (Dean) Timm; sons William Kirby; Peter (Wanda) Kirby; grandchildren: Steven (Jericka) Kirby; Patrick (Jessica Brletich) Kirby; Micheal Kirby, Benjamin Kirby and Daniel Kirby. Great grandchildren: Nicole Kirby and Caleb Kirby; Brother-in-law Bob Engels and Sister-in-law Lorna Kirby; other relatives and friends.

   Visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Spring Valley. Please wear a mask and respect social distancing.

   Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, April 17 at noon, after visitation, at Sacred Heart Church. Burial will be in St Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery, Wilson, Wisconsin.

Douglas Claire Foote, Age 82
    Douglas Claire Foote, age 82 of Coon Rapids, passed away April 1, 2021. Loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to countless people. He loved to ride his motorcycle and converse over a beer.

   Survived by wife, Joel; daughers, Shelby and Teresa (Joe); and grandchildren, Tonya (Dave), Steve and Jamie.

   Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Monday, April 12, the Church of the Epiphany, 11001 Hanson Blvd NW, Coon Rapids. Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at church. One Foote Faster! Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000

   Many of us remember Douglas who was with the Class of '56, but left Spring Valley before graduating.

Wayne Roatch, Age 81

   Wayne Roatch, age 81, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died Thursday, March 18, 2021 at his home in Spring Valley.
    Wayne was born in Eau Galle Township, St Croix. County, Wisconsin to Alfred and Frances (Hines) Roatch. He attended Spring Valley Schools and graduated with the Spring Valley High School Class of 1957.
    On August 11, 1958 Sharon married Wayne Roatch at Durand, Wisconsin. They lived in Spring Valley most of their married life.
    Wayne worked for Al Brown Plastering for several years. He worked most of his life at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and retired in 2002.

   Wayne loved sports and pitched fastpitch softball for many years. He enjoyed participated in golf and bowling leagues. Wayne also enjoyed fishing and spent many deer hunting seasons with family and friends.
    Preceding him in death were his parents; wife Sharon; and brother Lamoine Roatch and his wife Jan.
    He is survived by children: Terry Roatch, Cindy (Steve) Brorson, and Tony Roatch, all of Spring Valley; and Laurie Sperstad of Lakeland, MN; 8 grandchildren: Dustin Roatch Kendra, Rachel, Ellen and Christa Brorson, and Toby Roatch, Amanda (Josh) Hanson, and Isaac (Jessica) Sperstad; great grandchildren: Arie and Harper Hanson and Cameryn and Evan Sperstad; Diane Thompson, Marcia Thompson, Mary Hines, Donna (Eugene) Anderle, and Richard Roatch; in-laws: Rita Seger, Mitch (Julie) Thompson and Carol Bauer; may nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
  Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, March 23 from 4-7 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. Masks and physical distancing required.

Shirley (Schaar) Jorgenson, Age 82

   Shirley A. (Schaar) Jorgenson, age 82, of Coolidge, AZ, wife of Richard (Dick) Jorgenson ('56), passed away March 16, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family and friends.

   Born June 25, 1938 to Melvin and Violet Schaar in Farmington, WI, she married Richard Jorgenson in April, 1957, and moved to Arizona in 1958 where she became a beloved member of the community and raised two children, Tom and Pam.

   She was a lay-up operator at Champion Products and Parson Textile plants for many years, then drove a bus for CART in Coolidge helping others get to and from their appointments. No matter where she went or what she was doing, she always had a smile on her face. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. Her favorite things to do were spending time with her family, dancing and having a cold one with whoever was willing to have one with her, watching her hummingbirds and listening to her wind chimes.

   She is survived by her husband, Richard, of 64 years; her son, Tom (Debbie) Jorgenson; her daughter, Pam (Mike) Wood; five grandkids: Jamie (Kris) Jorgenson, Candice (Craig) Smith, Josh (Jennifer) Wood, Brandon Wood and Nick (Chandra) Wood; 10 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene (Sonny) Cameron; brothers, Richard (Janice) Schaar and Art (Darenda) Schaar; many nieces and nephews; and her fur baby, Lady.

   She was preceded in death by her parents.

  A Celebration of Life will be held at Tags Cafe, Coolidge AZ, on April 10, 2021 from 3-6pm.

   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans, Post #36, P.O. Box 1315, Coolidge, AZ 85128.

Lavona Klecker Wiff, Age 88

   Lavona Wiff, 88, of North Ft. Myers, Florida passed away on February 9, 2021 at Hope Hospice Center, Cape Coral, Florida.
    Born in 1932 to Harry and Alice (Ingli) Klecker in Ellsworth Township, Wisconsin, Lavona graduated from Waverly Grade School, Spring Valley High School ('49) and the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. She married her college sweetheart, John Wiff, in 1951, at the Rock Elm Methodist Church. During their 52 year marriage the couple had five children. They lived in Champlin, Minnesota; Elgin, Illinois; Sterling, Illinois; and North Ft. Myers, Florida. Lavona was a first grade teacher and was active in the Methodist Church as well as many community and charity organizations her entire life.
    Lavona is survived by her children, their spouses, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as two sisters, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two sisters, one in infancy.
    A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Joseph Gary Alms, Age 83

   Joseph Gary Alms, age 83 of Hudson, died March 1st, 2021 at his residence with his family by his side. Born on April 29, 1937 in Cady Township, Joe was the son of Christian and Leona (Miller) Alms. He was raised in rural Spring Valley and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1955. Joe enlisted in the United States Navy, serving for two years at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. He then completed his Bachelors Degree in Music Education at Wisconsin State College–River Falls.
    On April 9, 1960 he married Carol Reed. The couple moved to Colfax, Wisconsin in 1961, where Joe taught music in the public school for 35 years. He earned his Masters in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in 1969. Joe was also a leader in the musical life of the community, directing choirs and instrumental ensembles in church, singing in Barbershop groups, and playing trombone in various ensembles, including the Ludington Guard Band in Menomonie. He also enjoyed playing and singing with Chuck and Friends, a small group that brought musical joy to residents in many nursing homes in the area.
    Joe also had a deep love for the natural world. He enjoyed fishing and bird watching, and later cultivated flowers, especially roses. In 2006 Joe and Carol moved to Hudson, where he lived until his passing.
    He is survived by his wife of 60 years; sons Daniel (Susan Stehling) of Minneapolis, Anthony (Ina Surerus) of New York City, Jonathan (Paula Van Beckum) of Minneapolis, and William (Bonnie Mathias) of Hudson; grandchildren Adrienne, Annemarie, Nathaniel, Everett; sisters Carmen Podoll of Menomonie, Mary (Pat) Dvarishkis of Ballantine, Montana; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his siblings Robert (Naoma) Alms, Donna Alms, Elizabeth (Donald) Lee, and brother-in-law Ervin Podoll.
    A private live-streamed memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 11. Click here to watch. Interment will be in the Willow River Cemetery in Hudson. Memorials will be used to help support the charities that were close to Joe’s heart.
    Memorial and cremation services are being handled by the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.

Ada Brooke Hughes, Age 94

   Ada Hughes, age 94, of Spring Valley, died Monday, January 25, at the Baldwin Care Center.
    Ada was born February 18, 1926, at home in Spring Valley, Wisconsin. She was the 6th of 11 children to Arthur and Marie Brooke. Ada passed away on January 25, 2021, at the Baldwin Care Center where she had been a resident for the past three years.
   Ada was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and organist there from 1949 to 1955.
    Ada graduated from Spring Valley High School with the Class of 1944 as Salutatorian of her class. Ada had many interests in high school: singing, math and journalism. Ada was a member of the first journalism club of the Spring Valley High School called the “Pencil-Pushers”, and one of her writings was a murder mystery. Ada’s main goal was to become a secretary/bookkeeper, which she accomplished with employment at the Spring Valley Elevator, Village Clerk and Mid-America Dairymen in Baldwin. Ada also owned and operated the Pandora Dress Shop located on Main Street in Spring Valley.
    On July 6, 1954, Ada married John (Tom) Hughes at St. John’s Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Spring Valley and raised 3 children here: Ann, Brad and Craig. Tom and Ada spent their retirement years traveling, dancing, fishing, and spending time at the family cabin on Balsam Lake with kids and grandkids. Her favorite pastime was playing cards, especially with the grandkids and great grandkids. All the kids learned to play cards with Grandma Ada.
    Ada is survived by one daughter Ann Beyer; grandchildren Tonya (Craig) Maier, Twain (Tanya) Beyer; great-grandchildren Zach, Madison and Charlie Maier; Pride and Kalena Beyer, all from Spring Valley; one sister Gloria Duffy of River Falls; two sisters-in-law Margie Brooke of Cottage Grove, MN, and Dianne Brooke of St Paul, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
    Ada is preceded in death by her parents Art and Marie Brooke; husband John (Tom); Mother-in-law Ethel Hughes; 2 sons Brad and Craig; son-in-law Tom Beyer; 2 sisters and 7 brothers.
    Funeral service for Ada will Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. at church prior to the service. Burial will be in St John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley. Pallbearers are: Twain Beyer, Craig Maier, Zach Maier, Charlie Maier, Tanya Beyer and Pride Beyer. Burial will be at the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Roger Huebel, Age 71

   Roger Huebel , 71, of Cambridge, Wisconsin passed away peacefully Monday, Jan 18, 2021 with family by his side.
    Roger was born on June 26, 1949 in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Leo and Frances (Donnelly) Huebel. Roger grew up on the family farm in El Paso Township near Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Following graduating from Spring Valley high school in 1967 he then joined the Operating Engineers Local 139 from which he retired. He was immensely proud of all the work he was involved in over his long career. He would never miss an opportunity to talk about the many projects he worked on throughout southern Wisconsin. He could seemingly remember every detail of every job and would tell the story with his laid-back confident swagger that everyone knew and loved him for.
    Roger loved his family and very much enjoyed spending as much time as he could with them. He was always popular at family gatherings; everyone enjoyed spending time with him. With Roger you could bet that he would tell you exactly how he felt with all honesty. If there was any type of debate, he would always let his opinion be known. Whether he agreed with you or not he would use his witty sense of humor and gladly discuss your differences over a drink.
    Roger enjoyed watching NASCAR. There would very rarely be a Sunday during the season where he would miss a race. He also was a lifelong Vikings fan which always led to some friendly banter between his Packer friends and family. Over the years he was a regular at all of his grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, or whatever activities they were involved in. You could hear in his voice how proud he was when he would speak of them.
    Roger will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Huebel; Daughter, Nicole (Will) Stelter, lake Mills; Step son, Jerome Cusick, Edgerton; Step daughters Charlotte Morrell, Edgerton and Nikki (Larry) Fredrick, Cambridge; Eight brothers and sisters, Gary (Vee) Huebel, Castle Rock, CO; Diane (Rich) O’Connell, Spring Valley; Robert (Gwen) Huebel, Elmwood; Steve (Vicki) Huebel, Ellsworth; Dan (Neth) Huebel, Mount Vernon, Ill; Julie (Dave) Ducklow, Spring Valley; Pat (Angie) Huebel, Columbus, IN; Mary (Mark) Hartman, Eau Claire; Eight grandchildren, Ava, William, and Maxwell Stelter, Elyse and Ian Cusick, Cody Morrell, Tanner Cusick, and Kylie Fredrick; Special aunts, Marlys Flynn, Hager City, and Olga Donnelly, Zapata, TX and many nieces and nephews.
    A visitation will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home in Cambridge on Thursday, January 28 from 4-7 pm. A private burial will be held on Friday, January 29. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Diane DeLong, Age 74

   Diane DeLong, age 74, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at United Hospital in St Paul, Minnesota
    Diane was born April 10, 1946 to Charles and Lylak ‘Lucky’ (Sandvig) DeLong in Plum City, Wisconsin. She attended Elmwood Schools and graduated with the Class of 1965.
    After school Diane moved to the Twin Cites for work. She later return to her community and worked as a CNA for the Spring Valley and Elmwood Nursing Home. Diane enjoyed living on the farm with mother and loved gardening and caring for the animals.
    Diane was a longtime member of the Congregational (Emmaus) Church in Spring and served as it’s custodian for many years. She has lived at the Valley Villas in Spring Valley since 2017.  Diane enjoyed being outdoors.
    She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Ken Larson.
Survivors include one sister Sharon Larson of Elmwood; 4 nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
    A service for Diane will be held at a later date.

Thomas Merton Lamb, Age 77

   Thomas “Tom” Merton Lamb, 77, of Somonauk, Illinois passed away Friday, January 15, 2021 at his home. He was born July 19, 1943 in Spring Valley, WI the son of Merton and Vera “Louise” (Beck) Lamb. Tom graduated from SVHS in 1961. He married Kathleen Ovren on August 15, 1964 in Elk Mound, WI, he then later married Sharon G. Kellogg on February 18, 1977 in Yorkville, IL. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He worked for Dairyland Insurance for the majority of his career, retiring in 1998 as President of Dairyland Insurance in Stevens Point, WI. Tom was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan. He was an avid woodworker and built many pieces of furniture for family and friends. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
    He is survived by his children; Jim (Beth) Garbelman of Wedron, IL, Tom (Michele) Lamb of Leland, IL, Jeff (Mary) Garbelman of Yorkville, IL, Scott (Erica) Lamb of Oswego, IL, Gina (Jeff) Conner of Yorkville, IL, and Jon Lamb of Columbia, MO; thirteen grandchildren, Jeremy, Katy, Brynn, Emily (Justin), Wyatt, Ben, Olivia, Claire, Ryan, Owen, Tyler, Chance, and Nora; one great grandchild, Gracelynn; three brothers, Charles (Barbara) Lamb of Spring Valley, WI, Douglas (Sherry) Lamb of Hudson, WI, and William Lamb of Menomonie, WI; and several nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; his two wives Kathleen and Sharon; one sister Judy in infancy.
    Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021 at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL. Private Burial will be held at a later date with his cremains to be shared with his two wives in IL and WI. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021 until the service at 7:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19 restrictions please wear a mask and practice social distancing. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com

Note: Click here to read High School friend, Dean Blegen's tribute to Tom.

Kenneth Charles Safe, Age 81

An appreciation: written by Ken's brother, Carl, on 1/10/2011, Ken's birthday.

Ken was born on January 10, 1939 and passed away on December 22, 2020.

 

Kenneth Charles Safe

 

You would have known him as “Ken”.
He was born in Red Wing, MN in 1939.
His birth mother, Minnie, died when he was 1 year old.
He and his sister, LaVonne, quickly acquired the mother who raised them, Louella, when their father, Burt, married her in 1941.
“Lou” brought two children to the marriage.

Burt and Lou produced me, also in Red Wing, in 1942, so we were 5, Lyle, Carolyn, LaVonne, Ken and me.

Our “blended” family moved to Spring Valley in the fall of 1944 arriving at the start of a new school year.

Ken was 5, ready to take on kindergarten.
He was a proud product of the Spring Valley public school system, graduating in 1957.
It was the time of “Syver” Miss Kramer, Mr. Leach, Mr. Aamodt, Mr. Hanson, other long-termers and a few “newbies”.
He never lost his affection for the Valley and SVHS, regularly attending the fall all-school reunions in an effort to stay in touch.
Ken had a lot of friends and he valued those friendships, which in turn, made him a good friend to have.

On every phone conversation we had through the years, he never forgot to ask if I had any news about “the Valley”.

Not unlike many of his peers, Ken’s primary interest in school was social.
The quotation by his name in the ’57 MIRROR was, “For not to live at ease, is not to live.”
Following graduation, he didn’t immediately pursue more education, but like many of us, put in his “Sweeney time” and other jobs around the Valley, hauling milk and working at Cady cheese.
He also put in his time in the pubs up and down highway 12, The Grey Goose, Shady Grove, The Blue Diamond, the Fairground Ballroom in Ellsworth and others.
He was neat to a fault, meticulous in his physical appearance and cut a memorable figure in his white ’57 Cadillac convertible.
Those high sharp fins would be considered lethal weapons today.
In the pre-wash-and-wear era of high school, mom ironed everything for him, even his Levi’s.
From the ’57 MIRROR’s, “Senior Will” section, those Levi’s were bequeathed to
Bill Klanderman.

Ken didn’t lack for companionship.
It didn’t hurt that he was movie star handsome and got even better looking as years passed
After a few years of general employment in the Valley area he moved to Milwaukee where a friend, Vic Langer, encouraged him to enroll in a technical school.
He studied high-speed photography.
Most important, he met the love of his life, Nancy, in Milwaukee.
They married in 1969.
It was a perfect match.
She was as patient as Ken was not.

After completing his studies they moved to Detroit where he worked for General Motors photographing cars crashing into concrete walls that were used to improve vehicle safety.
In 1975 GM transferred them to a different facility in Denver where he was able to indulge his love of mountain climbing, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and other outdoor activities.
Work there involved testing auto pollutants at high altitudes.

His curiosity fueled his love of traveling.
We often traveled together, visiting France, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Mexico, Peru and Bolivia.
Watching him pack was a study in space-planning and order.
Martha Stewart could not have done it with more discipline.
On his own, for reasons I never understood, he loved cold weather and regularly spent time in Iceland and Montreal in the winter!

Ken and Nancy did not have children but were enthusiastic supporters of animal causes.
The adopted abused dogs (cocker spaniels) usually in pairs.
Lucky dogs!
Ken was tender hearted and could not abide animal abuse.
He padded the corners of their furniture to provide a safe environment when one of the cockers went blind at an advanced age.

I’m not revealing any secrets when I say, Ken liked beer.
He might have taken a sip of something else if it was offered, but he liked beer, often starting the day with it, what he called his “breakfast brewski” around 5:00 a.m.
There were times that meant shoveling a path through fresh snow to the hot tub in his slippers and robe with a “brewski” in the pocket.
That is an image you can ponder.

On a more personal level, Ken was a wonderful human being who loved his family and friends.
He was my protector, older, bigger and tougher, he always had my back.
If I was in a tight spot, Ken was there without asking questions.
Kind, caring, thoughtful, generous and dependable, all fit like a glove.

A wonderful man, A wonderful husband, A wonderful brother.

Ken died December 22nd, 2020 of complications from COVID-19.

Carl Safe - safe@wustl.edu
If you have any interesting anecdotes about Ken, I would be very happy to hear them and pass them on to Nancy.

Karen Samuel Wisemiller, Age 77

    Karen Wisemiller, age 77, of Menomonie, Wisconsin died Sunday, January 3, 2021 at The Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie.
    Karen was born December 4, 1943 to Arthur and Esther (Glampe) Samuel at Baldwin, Wisconsin. She grew up in Hatchville and attended Spring Valley High School graduating in 1961. She was a homecare worker, enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and was organist at St John’s Lutheran Church, Hatchville for many years.
    She was preceded in death by husbands Dale Kuesel and Kenneth Wisemiller; daughter Cindy Kuesel; and sister Millie Johnson.
    She is survived by 2 sons: Brian (Michele) Kuesel and Jason (Emily) Wisemiller; 5 grandchildren: Nolan, Kelsey, and Garrett Kuesel; Elizabeth and Malory Wisemiller; brothers Ray and Wayne Samuel; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
    At Karen’s request, her body will be donated to the Mayo Clinic Bequest Program in Rochester, Minnesota. No services are being planned at this time.