Harold Eugene VanGundy, age 90, of Houston, Minnesota, died Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse with family at his side.

Harold was born June 30, 1924, at the Caledonia Hospital to Carl and Luellen (Olson) VanGundy. He attended country school in Mound Prairie and Money Creek. Harold graduated from Houston High School in 1942 and also attended Winona Technical School. He worked in the shipyards as a machinist in Bremerton, Washington. Harold was drafted into the U.S. Navy, honorably serving from July 23, 1943 to April 23, 1946, where he was assigned to the U.S.S. Destroyer O’Bannon.

On February 25, 1950, Harold was united in marriage to Dolores Peterson at Houston Lutheran Church. They farmed in Yucatan and Looney Valley where they raised six children. He will be remembered for his love for horse pulling, winning many trophies in different states. He drove his horses and mules, bringing Santa Claus to town for 40 years. He touched many hearts, young and old, giving rides for groups throughout the area. Above all, Harold loved his family, friends, and grandchildren.

Harold was a member of the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of the VFW Post 3833, American Legion Post 423, Minnesota and Wisconsin Horse Pullers Association, Circle A Saddle Club and U.S.S. O’Bannon Shipmates Association.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dolores; children, Dianne “Dino” (Tim) Orr, Cheryl (Hoyt) Zenke, Shelly (Dwayne) Johnson and Steve (Kendra) VanGundy; daughter-in-law, Cindy VanGundy; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lois Quillin and Judy Mrachek; brothers, Donald, Wesley (Dorothy), Francis (Shirley), Robert (Laurel), Junior (Donna), Larry (Patty) and Allen; aunts, Arletta Jurasinski, Edith Guy and Joyce Bjerke; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Dennis and Gary VanGundy; granddaughter, Sara Jo; and sisters-in-law, Loretta and LaVon.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2014 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service in Houston and also one hour prior to the service. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, August 23 at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with Reverend Leonard Liptack officiating. Burial will take place at Stone Church Cemetery with full military honors provided by the American Legion Arnet-Sheldon Post 423.

Please share a memory of Harold with his family and view his video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com.

Sylvia Dorothy Augusta (Modrzejewski) Konkel, 96, of Winona, formerly of Caledonia, Minnesota, died August 15, 2014, at Lake Winona Manor, Winona, Minnesota.

Sylvia was born in Winona on February 5, 1918, to Vincent and Josepha (Kukowska) Modrzejewski. She was a 1936 graduate of Winona Senior High School. Sylvia and Henry J. Konkel were united in marriage on June 7, 1937; he died January 18, 1989.

She was a member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, Winona, and a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia. Her life revolved around her family; she was proud of her children, grandchildren and her Polish heritage. Sylvia, a city gal, loved the outdoors and learning about farming, from first milking cows by hand and doing everything with horses, to milking with machines after electricity was brought to the rural areas at end of World War II, to driving tractors and running farm equipment. Henry and Sylvia farmed in both the Winona and Money Creek areas until they were able to purchase their own farm south of Caledonia.

Survivors include six daughters, Janice (John J.) Daley, Lewiston, Minnesota; Doris (Alfonso) Simonic and Karen (Duane) Paulson, both of Winona; Maxine (Harold) Hummel, Lincoln, Nebraska; Phyllis (Charles) Schultz, St. Charles, Minnesota; and Christine (Michael) Kusz, Iron Mountain, Michigan; two sons, Ralph (Janice) Konkel, Eitzen, Minnesota; and Lyle (Shelley) Konkel, Spring Grove, Minnesota; sisters, Marcella Langowski and Gertrude Gabrych, both of Winona; brother, Edmund Modrzejewski, Pacifica, California; sisters-in-law: Evelyn Modjeski, Winona; and Gertrude Metzger, Libertyville, Illinois.

Sylvia is survived by 41 grandchildren, Annamarie (Galen Bruer) Daley, Hamel, Minnesota; Candace Daley, Roseville, Minnesota; Nicolette Buege, Rochester, Minnesota; Stuart (Jackie) Daley, Frisco, Texas; John J. (Dawn) Daley, II, Frisco; Nancy (Abbas) Nedjar, Berryville Virginia; Paula (Rodney Hammons) Mickelson, Spring Green, Wisconsin; James Konkel, Rochester; Lisa Tubbs, Rosemont, Minnesota; Kim (Dan) Westphal, Modesto, California; Tony Simonic, Minnesota City, Minnesota; Gina (Robert) Petschow, Winona; Becky (Dan) Murphy, Rochester; Lailoni (James) Lane, Lake City, Minnesota; Jackie (Brian) Vick, Caledonia; Michael (Linda) Konkel, Hokah, Minnesota; Ronald Konkel, Brownsville, Minnesota; Tony (Erin) Konkel, Spring Grove; Dr. Colleen (Mark Merfeld) Konkel, Holmen, Wisconsin; Areka (James) Phillips, Onalaska, Wisconsin; Danielle Kragness, La Crescent, Minnesota; Adam Konkel, Spring Grove; Adrianna Konkel, La Crosse, Wisconsin; Jodie (Andy) Koscianski, Winona; Joel Paulson, Rochester; Greg (Kris) Paulson, Winona; Lorie (Tom) Ebertowski, Utica, Minnesota; Megan (Montana Gibbs) Paulson, Winona; Kristin Paulson, Winona; Brad Paulson, Winona;  Lt. Col. Corey (Denise) Hummel, US Air Force, Manassas, Virginia; Lt. Commander Kirk Hummel, US Navy Retired, Honolulu, Hawaii; Kelly Hummel, Kearney, Nebraska; Amy (John) Kossler, Berthoud, Colorado; Andrea Hummel, Lincoln, Nebraska; Christina (Paul) Tran, Milford, Nebraska; Ursula (Stacey) McGuire, Lewiston, Minnesota; Vanessa (Brent) Thompson, White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Camille Schultz, Austin, Texas; Erin Kusz, Iron Mountain; and Dr. Kerry (Michael) Blaha, Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, she is survived by 68 great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sons, Charles and  Roy; daughter, Sandra; brothers, Alfred (Generva Gross);  Mark; James (Minnie); Vincent Jr.; sisters, Dorothy (Arnold) Ahearn; Josephine (Lloyd) Young; Mildred Ferguson; infant brothers, Joseph, August and Frank; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Stanley Langowski Sr.; Joseph Gabrych; Jean Modrzejewski; Frank (Dorothy) Konkel; Mary (Ronald) Becker; and Dr. William Metzger.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2014, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.  The Reverend James Berning will officiate. Sylvia will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, from 4 until 8 p.m., where Fr. Berning will lead the Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary at 7:45 p.m.  There will not be any visitation held on Thursday, please meet at the Basilica for the Mass.

Pallbearers will be John J. Daley, II; James, Ronald, Tony, and Adam Konkel and Brad Paulson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Stuart Daley, Tony Simonic, Michael Konkel, Joel and Greg Paulson and Corey and Kirk Hummel.

The family respectfully requests that memorials be directed to the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Sylvia’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com

Entrusted to our care – Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home

Dorothy F. Palmquist, 100, of Houston, Minnesota, died Monday, August, 18, 2014, at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston.

Dorothy was born on September 19, 1913, in LuVerne, Minnesota to Rev. LeRoy and Bertha (Erickson) Williams. With Dorothy’s father being a pastor, her family moved about every three years while growing up. When she was 16, her family moved to Money Creek, Minnesota. Dorothy graduated from Houston High School in 1929, where she was valedictorian of her class. She was united in marriage with Paul A. Palmquist on June 14, 1929, in Money Creek. After raising her children, Dorothy went back to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital and Valley View Nursing Home. She was a member of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and years ago played organ at Stone Church in rural Houston. In her spare time, Dorothy enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, scrabble, bowling, traveling, fishing and was an excellent speller.

Dorothy is survived by four children, Celia (Toppy) Theobold,  Houston; Avis Frederick, Rochester, Minnesota, Paul Palmquist, Stockton, Minnesota; and Dale (Mary Jane) Palmquist, Ocala, Florida; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and by two sisters-in-law, Lorraine Orr, Winona, Minnesota and Anita Palmquist, Houston.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two grandsons, two sisters and one brother.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August, 26, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with Rev. Leonard Liptack officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Money Creek Cemetery in Money Creek.

Dorothy’s family prefers memorials to be directed to either Cross of Christ Lutheran Church or Valley View Healthcare and Rehab.

Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Houston is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Lloyd G. Lampert, 82, of Freeburg, died peacefully Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Buckley Assisted Living in Caledonia. He was born February 4, 1932 in Crooked Creek Township, to Edward and Ida (Willigmann) Lampert. He married Carol Virock January 22, 1955 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Carol preceded him in death on November 28, 1998.

Lloyd was a life long farmer in Crooked Creek Township. He also worked for many years on road construction. He served on the Crooked Creek Township Board for 36 years and on the Peace Church Board for a number of years. He enjoyed hunting, logging, plowing snow, playing cards, and spending time on the farm and with his family.

He is survived by his 3 children, Jeffrey (Karen) of Brownsville, Minnesota Michael (Dona) of Freeburg, Minnesota and Debra (James) Hoscheit of Caledonia; 12 grandchildren, Shannon (Cory) Klug, Lindsey (Jake) Martell, Kelsey, and Haley Lampert; April, Lucas, Josh, and Colton Lampert; Lyza, Lexie, Logan, and Layton Hoscheit; 5 great-grandchildren, Connor, Carson and Brayden Klug; Tucker and Nora Martell; 2 sisters, Elsie (Richard) Trehus of Racine, Wisconsin and Emily (Charles) Wiste of Spring Grove, Minnesota; 3 brothers-in-law, Richard Virock of St. Paul, Minnesota, Bruce (Susie) Virock and Dave (LeeAnn) Virock, both of Houston, Minnesota. In addition to his wife, Carol, he was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Arlin Lampert.

Funeral Services will be a 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 25, at Evangelical Church of Peace, Crooked Creek Township, near Freeburg, Minnesota. Rev. William Reese will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial and will be at the New Albin Community Center, New Albin, Iowa. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, at McCormick Funeral Home, 205 E. Main, Caledonia, with a sharing of memories at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Duane “Dewey” L. Klinski, 75, of Caledonia, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at Caledonia Care and Rehab. He was born March 31, 1939, in Caledonia to Louis and Lillie (Weber) Klinski.

Dewey enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Kaiserlautern, Germany, for 27 months. On September 2, 1958, he married Mary Kampschroer and together they had three children but later divorced. On May 23, 1992, Dewey married Ruth Zielke and they were later divorced. Dewey was a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia.

Survivors include his three children, Laura (Clifton) Campbell, Rhonda Jahnke, and Ron (Shelly) Klinski; four grandchildren, Amanda (Chris) Kohlmeier, Adam Jahnke, Jamie Klinski, and Carlee Klinski (fiance’, Jake Reinhart); three great-granddaughters, Madi, Tayler and Lexi Kohlmeier; one niece and two nephews.

Dewey was preceded in death by his parents; one brother in infancy; and one brother, Marlin Klinski in 1967.

In accordance with his wishes, Dewey’s body will be cremated and a private graveside service will be held in Evergreen Cemetery officiated by Rev. Jon Wolff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Caledonia Care and Rehab as a way of saying thank you for the wonderful care given to Dewey over the last four years. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Edward Rud, age 90, of Janesville, Wisconsin and formerly of Caledonia, Minnesota, died on August 5, 2014.

Edward was born to Elmer and Elsie Rud on July 25, 1924. He married Kathy Phillips on June 1, 1957.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherry (Wayne) Jackson, Janesville, two grandchildren, Samantha (Sammy) Jackson and Wyatt Jackson, Janesville; two sisters, Rose Mary Laumb and Shirley Hagen; and two brothers, Elmer (Sonny) Rud and LeRoy (Snooky) Rud, all of Caledonia.

He was preceded in death by a son, John; his parents, Elmer and Elsie Rud; four brothers, Earl rud, Wilfred Rud, LuVern Rud and Orville Rud; and two sisters, Dorothy Pfiffner and Bernice Diersen.

Lavern V. Kruckow, 95, of Caledonia, Minnesota, passed away Monday, September 1, 2014, at Caledonia Care and Rehab.

She was born July 14, 1919, in Caledonia to Fred and Louise (Gstalder) Kruckow. Lavern helped out on the home farm in Sheldon Township until her family moved into Caledonia. She then worked as a bookkeeper at Klinski Implement in Caledonia and later at Northern Engraving in Spring Grove until her retirement. Lavern received much enjoyment by spending many hours in her flower garden. She also loved to read until her eyesight failed her. Lavern was a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia.

Survivors include her brothers and sisters, Arnold (Eleanor) Kruckow, Caledonia; Violet Gaustad, Houston, Minnesota; Marlen (Maxine) Kruckow, Houston; Wilma Wiebke, Caledonia; Dorothy Houlihan, Caledonia; Harold Kruckow of Houston; and Lyle (Mavis) Kruckow, Hokah, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Lavern was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Mildred Moen; one sister-in-law, Judy Kruckow; four brothers-in-law, LuVern Wiebke, Lloyd Gaustad, Howard Houlihan and Stanley Moen; and two nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2014, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. Rev. Jon Wolff will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Marian Hansen, 81, of Greybull, Wyoming, and formerly of La Crosse, passed away at her home on July 31 with her daughter, Joni, at her side.

Marian was born in Caledonia, Minnesota to George and Margaret Stadtler. She married Alois (Bill) Hansen in La Crosse in 1955.

Marian was the happy owner of the Uptown Cafe in Greybull, the gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. She enjoyed visiting with all the people who cane in the door of her restaurant.

Marian is survived by her son, John (Susan) Hansen, Greybull; her daughter, Joni Hansen, Greybull; her son, Dan (Terri), Rock Spring, Wyoming; her former son-in-law, Ed Leuenberger, Billings, Montana; two sisters, Edna Wells, La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Vicki Taylor, St. Cloud, Florida; three grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother, Dale.

A memorial service will be held at a later day in Greybull.

Lillie E. Wiegrefe, 93, of Caledonia, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2014, from natural causes at Caledonia Care and Rehab.

Lillie was born May 12, 1921, in Union City Township, Iowa, the daughter of Herman and Ella (Vonderohe) Reinke of rural New Albin, Iowa. She attended Wheatland Country School. On August 8, 1944, Lillie married Leonard Wiegrefe at St. John’s United Church of Christ, rural New Albin, and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on August 8, 2014. Lillie and Leonard farmed in Union City Township, rural New Albin, until their retirement in 1983, when they moved to Eitzen, Minnesota. They lived in Eitzen for 30 years before moving to Caledonia to the Buckley Assisted Living Center in January, 2013.

Lillie loved to cook and make pies, rolls and coffee cake, and invite family and friends over for a meal and then to play cards. She also liked to garden and gave most of it away. Lillie was leader of the local 4-H club, Wheatland State Liners, for many years and involved in going to the Allamakee County Home for 20 plus years. Other club involvements include 80s Ladies, homemakers club, card club, and Secret Sisters. She was active in Ladies Aid both at St. John’s United Church of Christ and St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, Senior Citizens, and making jams and jellies for the St. Luke’s harvest supper county store.

Survivors include her husband, Leonard; a son, Lee (Diane) Wiegrefe. Austin, Texas; a daughter, Susan (Don) Fleege. Cedar Rapids, Iowa; five grandchildren, Dawn (Will) Sears, Dan (Jenn) Wiegrefe, Jennifer (Mike) Heilman, Karen (Adam) Jones and Sara (Jason) Johnson; and 11 great-grandchildren, Sydney, Tyler, and Megan Sears, Lilly and Tempe Heilman, Chelsea and Logan Jones, Jovie, Hayden, and Morgan Johnson, and Annika Wiegrefe.

Lillie was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 9, at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, Eitzen. Pastor Paul Burgess will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either St. John’s UCC, New Albin or St. Luke’s UCC, Eitzen. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Caledonia Care and Rehab for their support and compassion. We would also like to thank the St. Croix Hospice Program for their support.

Darold “Buck” D. Ranzenberger, 78, of Dorchester, Iowa, died Sunday, September 7, 2014, at Veteran’s Memorial Hospital, Waukon, Iowa.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Eitzen, Minnesota. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Caledonia, Minnesota. A visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. until the time of service, Wednesday, both at the church. A complete obituary will follow. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements.

Albert Willis Bott, age 89, of La Crosse Wisconsin and La Crescent, Minnesota, passed away September 5, 2014, at Gundersen Hospital.

He was born in 1925, the oldest son of Willis Lucas Bott and Helen Gertrude (Poehling) Bott of La Crosse. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence Bott, and his wife of 62 years, Harriet Carolyn (Netzel) Bott. He will be missed by his surviving brother, Clement A. Bott (Karol Schlosser Bott), his six children, Carolyn Ann Bott, La Crosse; Susan Marie Bott, Onalaska; Kathryn Jean Salazar, Seattle, Washington; Laraine Rose Fraley, Mankato, Minnesota; Margaret (William) Andersen, Onalaska; and Michael John Bott, Oshkosh, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Shiloah (Benjamin) Baker, Genevie (Matthew) Doyle, Julia Parks, and Bobbie, Heywood, Phillip and Curtis Fraley, Joseph and Samuel Andersen, Andrew and Ashley Bott, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

After graduating from Aquinas High School in 1943, Albert Bott volunteered for duty in the U.S. Army. His unit, Company C of the 243rd Engineer Combat Battalion, was assigned to a mine-clearing and road building unit of General George Patton’s Third Army. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and onward through France and Germany, and helped bridge the Rhine and the Danube Rivers. He witnessed the horrors of the first concentration camp freed by the Allied Forces, at Ohrduf, Germany. He was awarded two overseas service bars, the American Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Albert Bott was modest about his service. He never mentioned his awards, and when pressed for details, questioned why he survived when heroes perished. However, in 2013, he was selected to join other veterans on a Freedom Honor Flight to the memorials in Washington D.C.

After WWII, Albert Bott attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a degree in Agricultural Science. In Madison, he met Harriet Netzel of Crandon, Wisconsin, and they married in 1950, built a home in La Crescent, and raised six children. He worked most of his career at the Trane Company laboratory until his retirement in 1987.

Albert‘s life centered on church, and charity, and home. A member of the Cathedral Men and Boy Choir in his youth, he later sang tenor in local choirs, including La Crescent Crucifixion, the Resurrection Choir and St. Patrick’s in Onalaska. He was a Knight of Columbus, regularly working school fundraisers and transporting disabled veterans to Mass.

Albert cherished the local wilderness, believing it was God’s natural cathedral, inspiring faith and renewing the spirit. He was familiar with the names and habits of native animals and wild flowers, and trees. He advocated protecting natural resources so they could be enjoyed by future generations and taught countless people to enjoy the outdoors in a responsible manner while hiking, boating, camping, fishing and hunting.  The volunteers of the Boy Scout group in his youth guided him on the path to the Eagle Scout Award and he spent his remaining years passing his knowledge forward.  He advised La Crescent Boy and Girl Scouts and the Gateway Area Council, teaching canoeing, camping and orienteering.

Albert aspired to be a good role model to his children. He and Harriet raised six children in the Roman Catholic faith, and the second row of the La Crescent Crucifixion was filled with six scrubbed and polished children every Sunday – and on time. He mixed that faith with joy and optimism. Sunday afternoons often included a winter hike, a campfire, tobogganing or best of all, skating on the Pettibone Park ice rink.  In retirement, he finally found time for woodworking, gardening and reading.

Albert was a quiet hero to the end of his days. He and Harriet had vowed to remain together for better or for worse, through sickness and health, good times and in bad. As their health failed, their caring for each other grew deeper. They sold the family home, lived with their daughter, Susan, in Onalaska and eventually needed nursing care. Albert endured the loss of Harriet in 2012 and explained to his children that now his purpose on earth must be to show the children how to bear great grief with dignity. Three months later he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Again, he committed himself to enduring with dignity. Although he had to relive the death of his wife and endure mental confusion, he kept a cheerful demeanor with a smile and a joke for the doctors, nurses, volunteers and patients with whom he lived. As his mind failed he remembered that his “job” was to attend the memory and physical therapy classes, and be kind to all he met. The day before he passed away, he smiled and laughed while eating cherry ice cream, though he could barely rise from his chair.  On his last day, he was wracked with pain but when asked how he was, responded, “I am just fine.”  Now he is.

The Bott family is grateful for the compassionate care from Causeway Interfaith Caregivers, Bethany Lutheran Homes, Clare Bridge Memory Care, Gundersen Hospital, Gundersen Hospice and the many volunteers who helped him and his family on this final journey.

A visitation will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1021 Main Street, Onalaska in the gathering space on Saturday, September 13, 2014, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and a funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 in the church, Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate, with military honors following the Mass by the Gittens Leidel American Legion Post 595. A private interment will follow at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to the Albert Bott Family in care of Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home at 1501 West Avenue South, La Crosse, Wis., 54601, or to the donor’s charity of choice.

The Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com.

Lorraine C. (Carroll) Greene, 86, of Walnut Creek, California, died August 11, 2014 after a long battle with lung cancer.

She was the seventh and last child of James and Helena (Schobert) Carroll, born on February 18, 1928 in Caledonia, Minnesota.

Her early life was spent on a farm in the Winnebago Valley of Southeast Minnesota with no electricity, running water or central heat. Her family led a simple life.  With four distinct seasons there was always work to be done, but they managed to have a fulfilling social life with friends and neighbors of enjoying the outdoor life.  There was a steady stream of picnics and fish fries in the summer months and skiing and sledding during the winter. Lorraine loved reading and could frequently be found in her apple tree hideaway, only to be lured down with homemade ice cream or fudge. She was nicknamed “Rusty” by some for her bright red hair.

Her father died of consumption when she was eight years old. Since her brothers and sisters had moved on to families of their own or the military life, her mother sold the farm and they moved into town.  This thrilled Lorraine because it was the first time she experienced running water, indoor plumbing and a sidewalk on which to roller-skate. She was a life-long Roman Catholic, active in aspects of parish life and charities.

At the age of 18, she graduated from Caledonia High School and started work as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. She eventually transferred to Redwood Falls, Minnesota, where she met Joseph Greene, a lineman for the company. She was located on the second floor of the telephone building and he would wave as he passed by, hanging from the ladder truck.  Their dates were evenings with friends, enjoying music and dancing at the local establishments.  They married on November 26, 1949, in Caledonia.

Five children were born over the next eleven years, each in a different city, before finally settling in the beautiful mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado. Once all the children were in school, she started working at the local school cafeterias. Her excellent cooking skills quickly led to managerial positions and she became the toast of the Jefferson County School System, frequently hosting the county administrators for their lunch meetings. She also developed a passion for white-water river rafting, with notable trips on the Arkansas River in Colorado, the Snake River in Idaho, the Green River in Utah, and the Missouri River in Montana. After her youngest graduated from Evergreen High School, Lorraine and Joe moved to Great Falls, Montana, with a transfer in his company.

After retirement, she and Joe lived in several locales. After a short residency in Phoenix, Arizona, they moved to San Francisco. They then moved to southern California, with residencies in Encinitas and Dana Point. Dana Point was a favorite for its walking distance to the ocean. They eventually migrated back to northern California, spending their recent years in Walnut Creek, exploring the San Francisco Bay area through the use of its convenient public transport system. Along the way, watching her children mature and become successful adults was her greatest joy.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph, of Walnut Creek; son, Steven (Ann), Los Alamos, New Mexico; son, Daniel (LeAnne), Seneca, South Carolina, with grandsons, Nicholas and Corey; daughter, Kathleen “Kate” Greene, Carmichael, California; daughter, Sandra Coblentz (Matthew), Pleasanton, California, with grandchildren, Caitlin, Ian and Sarah; daughter, Gretchen Mack (Craig), Medinah, Illinois, with granddaughters, Anna Grace and Marissa; her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Ferguson, Rochester, Minnesota; and sister, Mary Lewis, Eitzen, Minnesota.

Her parents; brothers, Verle, John and William; and sister Dorothy predecease her.

Burial was at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on August 14, 2014. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Walnut Creek.

Willard Edwin Vogel (Bill) went to be with the Lord on  July 26, 2014.

He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 28, 1932.  Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Elaine Vogel (Ruthie).

Bill is survived by his sons, John and his wife Rene’e Vogel, Birmingham, Alabama; Jeff Vogel, Kerrville, Texas; Jerry Vogel and his wife, Sandy, Seguin, Texas;  his daughter, Judi Pyburn and her husband, Mark, Houston, Texas;  his grandchildren, Nick, Steven, Hailey, Wren, Katy, John and Kevin; his brothers, Duane (Marilyn) Vogel; Dale (Vivian) Jeske; and  his loving friend, Sadie Gerkhe.

Bill started work at Northwestern Bell in 1951. He then joined the Air Force from 1951 until 1955 where he was stationed in Vienna, Austria and also served on the ski patrol with the embassy. Upon his return to the states, he went back to Northwestern Bell/ Southwestern Bell/AT&T where he retired as a supervisor in 1985 after 30 years of service.

He was a reserve deputy sheriff for Seguin, Texas during the 1970s.He was a member of Cross Lutheran Church of New Braunfels, Texas. He loved all sports, cooking, watching the birds outside, old movies and had the ability to fix anything that was broken.

He went north to Brainerd, Minnesota for the summer months where he enjoyed his McDonald’s coffee club every day of the week. He also enjoyed playing golf on the different courses. He volunteered at the cancer treatment center in Brainerd for many years.

His family is so proud of him.His constant strength, courage and character throughout all areas of his life were such wonderful examples to all of us. His great sense of humor was a joy to all who knew or came in contact with him. He will truly be missed. We love him so much.

A grave side service will be held on September, 22, 2014. We will meet at 10 a.m. at Roble Funeral Home in Spring Grove, Minnesota and caravan to Wilmington Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery  in Wilmington Township near Spring Grove. Pastor Steve Hoffman (Bill’s nephew) of Church of the Nazarene in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, will do the services.

Memorial gifts can be made to The American Cancer Society or Cross Lutheran Church and School, 2171 E. Common Street, New Braunfels, TX.  78130.

Gale Jon Diersen, 60, of Caledonia, Minnesota, died peacefully with his wife by his side on Monday, September 15, 2014, at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

He was born April 27, 1954, in Caledonia to Julius E. Diersen and Malita A. (Schroeder) Diersen. Gale married Tammy Steele on September 6, 1986, and they had two daughters, Dayva (very special son-in-law, Josh) Goetzinger and Julya Diersen. Gale worked on the family farm with his father and uncle. This became his career and he also formed his own logging company, Diersen Logging. When Gale wasn’t working, you could find him in the woods or enjoying the great outdoors. He would be deer or squirrel hunting, mushroom hunting, hunting ginseng, scouting out trees, trapping, fishing, 4-wheeling or simply just enjoying his beautiful farm. Gale also was an avid reader of hunting and fishing magazines and a Gunsmoke fan. In addition to his wife and children, Gale is survived by his four sisters, Belva (Bud) Gallagher, Caledonia; Rena (Glenn) Kruse, Eitzen, Minnesota; Nola (Gary) Skappel, Winona, Minnesota; and Pam (James) Snodgrass, Caledonia; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dave and Edwina Steele, New Albin, Iowa; sister-in-law, Tamie (David) Steele, Eagan, Minnesota; and 19 nieces and nephews, Terry (Peggy) Gallagher, Becky (Corey) Hart, Dianne (John) Welscher, Mike (Shelly) Gallagher, Colene (Jamie) Colsch, Holly (Pat) Dvorak, Heidi (Greg) Prentice, Russell Kruse, Keith Kruse, Brian (Marie) Kruse, Brenda Kruse, Michelle Skappel, Jennifer (David) Fruth, Ryan (Kate) Skappel, Cole (Jacquelyn) Snodgrass, Chelsey (Shawn) Senn, Cayleigh Snodgrass, Breanna Steele and Nathan Steele.

Gale was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Nancy Diersen; special uncle, Art Diersen; and one brother-in-law, David Steele.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, September 19, 2014, at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Eitzen. Rev. Todd Krueger will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. on Thursday at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, 518 W. Main St., Caledonia, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday at the church. A lunch will follow the burial at the Eitzen Community Center. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Violet E. Pieper, 94, of Caledonia, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2014, at her home.

Violet was born March 27, 1920, in Caledonia to Bernhard and Minnie (Bolduan) Pieper. She graduated from Caledonia High School. Violet was employed at Kiely’s Café and later at Elmer’s Supper Club, both in Caledonia, retiring at the age of 80. She was a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia. In her free time, Violet enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and attending senior dining. She was a very loving mother and grandmother.

Survivors include her son, Robert (Nancy) Pieper of Essex, Maryland; one granddaughter, Renae (Scott) Schweitzer and two great-grandsons, Garrett and Cole, all of Perry Hall, Maryland; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and six brothers.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 27, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St., Caledonia. Rev. Jon Wolff will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4  until 7 p.m., Friday and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday, both at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Michael E. Albrecht, 66, of La Crescent, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, September 25, 2014, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born in La Crosse on April 24, 1948, to Hazel Scheil and Edgar “Shorty” Albrecht. He was a member of the first graduation class of La Crescent High School in 1966. Mike then served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. On his 23rd birthday, April 24, 1971, Mike married the love of his life, Rose Baumgartner at First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crescent.

Mike was a Christian man and was prepared to meet the Lord. In fact, some of Mike’s last words to his family were to tell them that Jesus was calling him home and to always stay close to the Lord. He was a life-long member of First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crescent, the parish where he was baptized, confirmed, and married.  He served as an usher and on the church council for many years and also served as council president.

Mike was a dedicated and hardworking man. He worked in the maintenance department for the City of La Crescent for 40 years, serving as maintenance supervisor since 1986 before retiring in 2013. Even though his retirement was short, he truly enjoyed the freedom he and Rose had doing the things they enjoyed together. He was a long-standing member of Gittens-Leidel American Legion Post 595 of La Crescent. He had served as Post Commander and District Commander in the past and was currently the Post’s Vice Commander and was a member of the Post 595 color guard.

One of the highlights of Mike’s life was when his life-long dream of driving a race car was realized through his son, Michael. They spent many hours at the track and in the garage making that dream a reality.

In 1997, Mike was named Applefest Man of the Year, an honor that was given to him for his many years of service to the La Crescent community.

Mike believed in volunteering and helping others. He was the first one to lend a hand to anyone in need. He had a heart of gold and was a friend to all. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Above all, Mike was the most amazing husband, Dad, and Bumpa. He loved his family with all his heart.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Rose; his children, Angela Albrecht (fiancé, Jim Elsen) and Michael J. (Sara) Albrecht, both of La Crescent; his grandchildren, Alivia Rose and Joshua Michael Kistler; and two other “grandchildren,” Jim’s children, Carly and Aaron Elsen.  He is also survived by a brother, Kendall (Annette) Albrecht, Manchester, Iowa; in-laws, Judy Hansen, Fern (Bob Simon) Ritter, Sue (Rick) Troke, Sharon (Ron) Von Arx, Bernie (Dorothy),  Howie (Margo), Frank (Faye), Dave (Rose), Bob (Joyce), Jerry (Pam), Glen (Becky), Nick (Cyndy) Baumgartner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shorty and Hazel; Rose’s parents, Ambrose and Susan Baumgartner; and brothers-in-law, Kenny Baumgartner, Harold Hansen, and Jim Ritter.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 29, at 10:30 a.m., at First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crescent. Pastor Chris Christenson will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, La Crescent.  Family and friends may call at the church on Sunday from 4 until 8 p.m. and again on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.  Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crescent is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be submitted at www.schumacher-kish.com.

Jolene Ann Hosch, 74, died Wednesday, September 24, 2014.

Born in Tracy, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late Sylvester and Leona Lejk Pellowski.

Ms. Hosch was a clerk at R & L Carriers, Greenville, South Carolina and a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Greenville.

She enjoyed celebrating her family with birthday and holiday gatherings and loved her greatgrandson.

Surviving are a son, Richard Hosch, Miami, Forida; daughter, Wendy Hosch of the home; three grandchildren, Nicole and John Hosch and Jaquline Wilkins; greatgrandson, Kingston Okonkwo; two sisters, LuAnn Goergen and husband, Dale, and Bonnie Konkel, all of Caledonia, Minnesota; and brother, Joseph Pellowski and wife, Anne, Spring Grove, Minnesota.

She was predeceased by a son, Alan Hosch; and brothers, Gary and Steven Pellowski.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. with Recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. The Funeral Mass will be Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family at  www.thomasmcafee.com.

 John R. Koch, age 82, of Spring Valley, Minnesota, died suddenly Monday morning, September 29, 2014, at his home.

John was born April 4, 1932, at the family home in Vienna Township, Dane Co., Wisconsin, to John Leo and Anne (Keller) Koch. He attended school and was a 1951 graduate of Lodi High School. He served with the US Navy from 1951 – 55, as a Seaman 1st Class on the USS Gilbert Islands during the Korean War. He returned to Lodi where he worked at a service station in Dane, Wisconsin. He married Helen Gallagher on June 16, 1956, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lodi. The couple moved with their family to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he worked as a truck driver for the Kroger Co. moving, to Spring Valley in 1972 where he drove for Ruan. He retired in 1993 from Wayne Transport. He had been a part time employee at Stier Steel in Spring Valley for the past 20 years.  For the past 17 years, the couple had been wintering in Apache Junction, Arizona.

He had been a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Spring Valley, the Knights of Columbus, the Spring Valley American Legion and the Teamsters Union.

John is survived by his wife, Helen; three daughters, Jean (Glen) McNamara, Carol (Will) Fenstermacher and Sharon (Robert) Orman, all of Spring Valley; one son, John D. (Sherree) Koch,  Caledonia; honorary daughter, Barb (David) Buschmann,Grand Meadow; seven grandchildren, Nevin (Hannah) Fenstermacher, Jacob (Elissa Vega) Fenstermacher, Christian (Ali) Fenstermacher, Douglas McNamara, Brian McNamara, Jennifer (Christopher) Barber and Eric Orman; 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dorothy Molony, Lod; Anne Kern,  Waunakee, Wisconsin; and Lucille Clemens, Dane; and one brother, Martin (Marlene) Koch,  Oregon, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death a grandson, Robert John Orman; and one sister, Laurie Reese.

There will be a funeral Mass 11 a.m., Thursday, October 2, 2014, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Spring Valley with Rev. Marreddy Pothireddy officiating. Following services his body will be cremated and his ashes are to be buried in the State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. Friends may call at the Thauwald Funeral Home in Spring Valley from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and at the church on Thursday an hour before the service. A Rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.

DeLorace G. Reed, 93, of Caledonia, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2014, at Caledonia Care and Rehab.

She was born June 17, 1921, in Langdon, North Dakota, to Clarence and Lydia (Lundby) Baker. On October 14, 1940, DeLorace married Eldon Reed. Together they farmed in Union Township, rural Caledonia, for many years before moving into the city of Caledonia in 1979. On May 20, 1993, Eldon preceded DeLorace in death. DeLorace was a strong advocate of Semcac in Caledonia and served in many capacities and on their board for 36 years. She also delivered meals on wheels for RSVP and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia, where she helped with Do-Day (quilters). She loved gardening when she was able and canning. Most of all, DeLorace’s biggest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a selfless person, always putting the needs of others before her own.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda Peter, Austin, Minnesota; Donna (Tom) Tullar, Tucson, Arizona; and Darlene (Roy) Kaliher, Bisbee, Arizona; five sons, Darrell (Shinko), Fayetteville, North Carolina; Leighton (Germaine), Necedah, Wisconsin; Dennis (Debbie), Caledonia; Sheldon, Tucson; and Larry, Winona, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, DeLorace was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Donald in infancy; a son, Douglas; and a grandson, George.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, October 17, 2014, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Caledonia. Rev. Steven E. Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow in Union Ridge Cemetery, Union Township, rural Caledonia. A visitation will be from 10 a.m., until the time of service Friday at the church.

Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel), is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at www.jandtfredrickson.com.

Ronald L. Johnson, 85, of Caledonia, died Monday, October 20, 2014, at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center, Spring Grove, Minnesota. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, (Caledonia Chapel).