Christopher T. Davis
Christopher T. Davis, 20, of Onalaska died Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in La Crosse on July 26, 1983, to Todd and Jill (Hether) Davis. Christopher was a 2001 graduate of Onalaska High School. He loved to hunt, fish and watch NASCAR. He is survived by his mother, Jill (Bill Coady) Davis of Onalaska; his father, Todd (Fiancee Cathy Tabor and her son, Zachary) Davis of Onalaska; one brother, Nathan Davis of Onalaska; his paternal grandparents, Gordon and Sandra Davis of Onalaska; his paternal great-grandparents, Bud and Veda Burrington of Onalaska, and Margery Davis of Muscoda Wis.; his aunts and uncles, LeAnn (Jason) Dirks, Jeff (Tammy) Hether, Tim Hether, Jodi (Wade) Thomas, Tony Hether; and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Lauretta Hether. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran Church in Onalaska. The Rev. David Wiist officiated. Burial was in Onalaska City Cemetery.

June E. Donaldson
June E. Donaldson, 71, of Fort Myers, Flor. and formerly of La Crosse, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2003, at her home. Junadel was born Sept. 7, 1931, in Shobiner, Ill., to Ernest E. and Alice (Garard) Donaldson. June grew up in Seaton, Ill., where she graduated from Seaton High School in 1949. She also graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in education. She married Mak Kronn in Glencoe, Ill., in November 1954. They lived in Mundelein and Libertyville, Ill. and also in Hillsboro, Wis., and La Crosse. Together they had five children. They would later divorce. June was a teacher and later established and ran Ridgeview Industries (a dairy company in La Crosse and Whitehall) with her family, before retiring in 1993. June was a strong, caring person who enjoyed family and friends, reading, boating, cooking and entertaining. She is survived by her four children, Scott (Nancy) Kronn of Holmen, Kim (Pat) McGookey of Fort Myers, Kathy (Rick) Schroeder of Holmen and Kelly (Steve) Fawcett of Whitehall, Wis. She is further survived by her mother, Alice Donaldson of Aledo, Ill., a sister, Donnie Nabor of Weston, Conn.; seven grandchildren, Krystal (fiance Jason) Kronn, Andrea Kronn, Geoff Kronn, Tori Schroeder, Tara Schroeder, Tiffany Fawcett and Tyler Fawcett; one great-grandchild, Brynn Daines; a daughter-in-law, Darlene Liska of Whitehall; a special friend and companion, David Moss of Fort Myers; also step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her son Rick and her father Ernest. A memorial service and reception were held in Fort Myers at Caloosa Yacht and Racket Clubhouse Aug. 3. A memorial gathering was held Aug. 7 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in La Crosse . A family burial was held Aug. 8 at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro, Wis. A fund was being set up in June's name and memorials may be made to: The Myelodysplastic Syndrome (bone marrow disease) Foundation and sent directly to: MDS Foundation, Inc., 36 Front St., Crosswicks, N.J., 08515, 1-800-637-0839.

Ellen J. Williams
Ellen J. Williams, 89, formerly of the Holmen area, passed away peacefully with her family at her side Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at Bethany Riverside Health Care Center in La Crosse. She was born April 12, 1914, in Holmen to Martin and Thea (Auseth) Hanson. She married John "Bill" Williams and he preceded her in death. Ellen was a very active mother and grandmother. She was known by her grandchildren as a fun grandma. She enjoyed the outdoors, with fishing, camping, traveling and occasional trips to casinos. She formerly worked at Auto Lite in La Crosse, for Beach Aircraft in Colorado and in later years managed housing in Minneapolis. She is survived by three sons, Richard (Judy) Traister of West Salem, Wis., Duane (Peggy) Traister of Phoenix, Ariz., and Donald (Jackie) Williams of Ramsey, Minn.; three daughters, Joyce (Joe) Bean of Onalaska, Nancy (Jim) Thompson of Onalaska and Sharon (Curt) Schmidt of Blaine, Minn.; and one sister, Wilda Winters of Centerville, Wis.; 21 grandchildren, one stepgranddaughter, 24 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter; many nieces and nephews; and a very dear friend, Lorraine Young of Anoka, Minn. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Le Roy Williams and Steven Williams; two granddaughters, Rebecca Mahlum and Denise Traister; two brothers, Clifford Hanson and Mayfield Hanson; and two sisters, Myrtle Johnson and Thelma Bakkum. Memorial services for Ellen were held Aug. 9 at Holmen Lutheran Church. Burial was in Long Coulee Cemetery.

Roger P. Ferguson
Roger P. Ferguson, 72, of La Crosse, died at his home Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003. He was born in Portage, Wis., on Nov. 17, 1930, to Richard H. and Christina M. (Bresina) Ferguson. On May 6, 1950, he married Patricia Gibbs. She preceded him in death on March 1, 1995. He then married Mary Lou Ferkingstad on Sept. 21, 1997. During his life, Roger was employed by La Crosse Trailer, River Steel and Webster Lumber before retiring in 1993. He was also a collector and dealer of antiques after his retirement. Roger was very passionate about golf and was an avid hunter. He was also a longtime member and advocate of Alcoholics Anonymous and had 17 years of sobriety. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; three daughters, Rosemarie (Dennis) Stone of Madison, Linda Baierl of Madison and Marie (Robert) Miller of Holmen; two sons, Rodney (Susan) Ferguson of Lakeville, Minn., and Jeffrey (Brenda Ammerson) Ferguson of Onalaska; a son-in-law, Randy Baierl, living in the state of Washington; 10 grandchildren, Brian, Matthew and Michael Stone, Jaime Lyn and Kari Ann Baierl, Scott and Sarah Ferguson and Kathryn, Robyn and Christine Miller; three sisters, Juanita (Kenneth) Borchert of Mindoro, Wis., Janice (Spencer) Johnson of La Crosse and Mary (Joe) Wakeen of Bettendorf, Iowa; one brother, Patrick (Rosemarie) Ferguson of Onalaska; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife, Roger was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Donald Ferguson. A Mass of Christian burial was held Aug. 6 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. Burial was in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park.

Dawn N. Sheldon
Dawn N. Sheldon, 82, of Onalaska died at her home on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003. She was born Aug. 31, 1920, in La Crosse, to Jitley H. and Ella (Wiese) Standiford. Dawn graduated from Central High School in 1938. She married Robert C. Sheldon on Aug. 20, 1942. She had worked for Montgomery Ward and the Sheldons had lived in California for 33 years. They retired to Onalaska in 1987. Dawn loved to read and enjoyed traveling. She is survived by her husband, Robert; a sister, Marilyn Jann of Altoona, Wis.; a sister-in-law, Maryalyce Heslip of La Crosse; two nephews, Scott (Kathy) Heslip of La Crosse and David Jann of Fall Creek, Wis.; three nieces, Robin D. Heslip of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Allyson Hayes of Atlanta, Ga., and Christine Heiberg of Minneapolis; a great-nephew, David; and two great-nieces, Daniell (Rob) Speer and Meghan Heslip. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial services were held Aug. 9 at the Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 401 Main St., Onalaska. The cremains were put to rest in the mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Dennis 'Denny' Johnson Sr.
Dennis "Denny" Johnson Sr., 57, of Onalaska, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2003, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, after a short bout with cancer. He was born April 12, 1946, in La Crosse to Lyle and Mary Evelyn (De Kyrel) Johnson. He married Judith Fruth on Dec. 28, 1970, in La Crescent, Minn. Dennis attended school in Onalaska. He worked for the City of Onalaska with street maintenance for more than 20 years. He was a volunteer fireman and a nine-year member of the Onalaska Anglers Club for Sunfish Days. Dennis was an avid hunter and fisherman and a great supporter of the Onalaska Sports Clubs. He and his wife traveled extensively and also enjoyed times with their family. Dennis loved to dance and celebrate life. He believed in having fun and was one of the lucky ones to have done so. He is survived by his father, Lyle Johnson and friend Barb Rahn of Onalaska; his wife, Judith of Onalaska; two sons, Bradley (Laura) Johnson of Onalaska and Dennis Johnson Jr. of Onalaska; two daughters, Kim (Kevin) Braukman of Osseo, Wis., and Tina (Mike) Rude of Onalaska; two stepbrothers, Richard (Gloria) Monsoor of Seattle, Wash., and Sam Monsoor of Onalaska; two stepsisters, Rita Schultz of La Crosse and Delores Monsoor of Onalaska; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; a special aunt, Alice Schafer of Onalaska; and an uncle, Donald (Joyce) Johnson of Onalaska. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Evelyn; stepmother, Mary; two brothers, Kenneth and Charles; a stepbrother, John Monsoor; and a cousin, Thomas Schafer. A Mass of Christian burial for Dennis was held Aug. 14 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Onalaska. Burial after cremation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 10 a.m. in the Onalaska Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Onalaska Legion Baseball Club. "Always be humble, gentle and patient, accepting each other in love." Ephesians 4:2

Nola May Mickschl
Nola May (Noel) Mickschl, 71, died in La Crosse on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2003, of complications from cancer. She was born in La Crosse on May 14, 1932, to George and Emily Noel. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Robert, on June 15, 1999. After raising five children, Nola completed her degree at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1971. She was a music teacher and church organist at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Onalaska for many years, then worked at and retired from Daytons. Bob and Nola moved from Onalaska to Sun City West, Ariz., in 1994, where they enjoyed an active retirement. Nola returned to the La Crosse area in 2002, a year after her cancer diagnosis. She was a wonderful, supportive mother and friend who always had a smile. A "dear sweet lady," Nola had sparkling blue eyes and beautiful, naturally dark hair. Nola is survived by daughter Julie Pecoraro and husband Tony of Prior Lake, Minn.; son Jim and his wife Penny and their children Casey and Jenna of La Crescent, Minn.; daughter Jean and her husband Dennis Johnson of Seattle, Wsh.; son Joe and his children Kyle and Ryan of La Crosse; and son Bob of Seattle. Also survived by sister Mary Dameron of Chicago, Ill. A memorial Mass was held at Crucifixion Catholic Church in La Crescent on Aug. 14. Correspondence to the family can be addressed to Jim Mickschl, 7368 County Rd. 25, La Crescent, Minn., 55947.

Emmett Jerome (Tony) Anthony
Emmett Jerome (Tony) Anthony, 77, of Onalaska passed away peacefully at Lakeview Health Care Center, West Salem, Wis., on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003. He was born in Huntimer, S.D., on June 28, 1926, to Robert Emmett and Cecelia (Huntimer) Anthony. Tony served in the Seabees for three years, two months and 21 days during World War II. He married Virginia Ann (Clark) in La Crosse on July 10, 1948. Tony worked and retired from Mathy Construction after 40 years of service. He enjoyed woodworking and made many beautiful pieces of furniture now being enjoyed by members of his family and friends. He also loved going to auctions and enjoyed the social time at them. He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, of 55 years; two daughters, Barbara (Seth) Rankin of West Bend, Wis., and Margaret (Peggy) of Onalaska; two sons, Michael of Houston, Minn., and Tim of Coon Valley, Wis.; five grandchildren, Melissa (Rob Jones) Anthony, Kimberly Anthony, Katie (Adam) Malone, and Jeffrey and Peter Rankin; and two great-grandchildren, Spencer Malone and Tuesday Jones; two sisters, Roberta Free of Washington and Monica Nelson of Medford, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews. Tony was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother and will be truly missed by his family and many friends. His children would say, "We love you Dad" and Dad would reply, "You better." He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sister Mary Emmett (Mary Ellen) and Rita Jeanne Burns; one brother, Kenneth; and one infant daughter, Patty. Memorial services were held Aug. 13 at the Dickinson Family Funeral Home, Onalaska. Burial was in the Onalaska Cemetery, after the service.

Theodore R. 'Ted' Rapraeger
Theodore R. "Ted" Rapraeger, 87, of Holmen, died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003, at the VA Nursing Home, Tomah, Wis. Ted was born Nov. 13, 1915, in Wausau, Wis., to William and Suzanne (Trepple) Rapraeger. He served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific from March 14, 1941, until Oct. 1, 1945. Ted was commissioned as a battlefield officer and received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and several citations during his time in service. In 1947, he married Genevieve Sime and they later divorced. Ted retired to Little Rock, Ark., where he lived for 30 years before returning to the area in 1999 to be close to his family. Survivors include two daughters; Becky (Gary) Wolf of Albuquerque, N.M., and Debbie Rapraeger of West Salem; one stepdaughter, Simone (Harry) Baker of rural Viroqua, Wis.; one son, Steve (Kathy) Rapraeger of Holmen; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister. In accordance with Ted's wishes, his body was cremated and there was no service. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

Joan Yvonne (Schmidt) Olson
Joan Yvonne (Schmidt) Olson, 69, of La Crescent died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003. She died peacefully in her home and was surrounded by her family. She was born in Sheboygan, Wis., on March 21, 1934, to William and Agnes Schmidt. In 1947, she moved to Onalaska, where she graduated from Onalaska High School in 1952. She married Doral Olson of Soldiers Grove, Wis., on Jan. 2, 1954. Joan and Doral built, owned and managed the Sunset Inn motel in Onalaska for seven years. In 1967, after starting their family, they moved to La Crescent. Joan and her husband loved to travel together and would regularly vacation in the South during the winter months. Together they also enjoyed deep sea and pan fishing, camping and sightseeing. Joan enjoyed spending her time with family and friends. She was a member of Women of the Moose. Her father, William; and her brother, Roger, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Doral; her mother, Agnes Schmidt of Onalaska; four daughters, Becky Olson of Wabahsa, Minn., Debra (Jeff) Olson and Tami Olson, both of La Crescent, and Kelly (Steve) Topp of La Crosse; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Funeral services were held Aug. 11 at First Lutheran Church, Onalaska.

James P. Abrashinsky
James P. Abrashinsky 57, of Chetek, Wis., and formerly of Onalaska, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wis., as a result of viral encephalitis contracted from a mosquito bite. He was born in Sheboygan, Wis., on April 18, 1946, to William and Celia (Scharanbroch) Abrashinsky. He married Jan Grenawalt in La Crosse on March 18, 1978. Jim had worked for the G. Heileman Brewing Co. for 30 years until his retirement to the Chetek area in 1998. He had served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was a recipient of the Purple Heart medal. He enjoyed fishing, bowling and spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his wife, Jan, he is survived by two daughters, Nicki Abrashinsky of Eau Claire, and Jamie Abrashinsky of Chetek; one son, Ryan (Jody) McQuin of Onalaska; two grandchildren, Payton and Kiley; and one brother, Bill (Pat) Abrashinsky of Sheboygan. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service was held Aug. 11 at the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park cemetery. Entombment with military rites by Onalaska American Legion Post 336 was in the Garden of Peace Mausoleum.

Jennifer J. Williams
Jennifer J. Williams, 45, of Onalaska died in her home Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003. She was born Oct. 26, 1957, in Fort Benning, Ga., to Arnold and Edith (Davis) Asp. Jennifer graduated from Luther High School in Onalaska. She married Larry Williams and he preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy of Onalaska; two sons, Laurance of La Crosse and Jared of Onalaska; her mother, Edith of Stoddard, Wis.; two sisters, Elizabeth (Gary) Melbe of Stoddard and Judy (Dennis) Odegaard of Onalaska; and a brother, Arnold (Donna) Asp of Genoa, Wis. She was preceded in death by her husband and father. Private family funeral services were held at Dickinson Family Funeral Home.

Hazel L. Byrd
Hazel L. Byrd, 91, of Richland Center died Friday, Aug. 8, 2003, at Richland Hospital. She was born Feb. 5, 1912, in Richland Center to Frank and Elsie (Keller) Ray. In 1929, she graduated from Richland Center High School and in 1930 she graduated from Richland County Normal. Hazel taught for 16 years at rural Richland County schools. On Oct. 17, 1944, she married Bill Byrd, who preceded her in death Nov. 22, 1987. Later, Hazel worked as a teacher's aid for many years at Jefferson Elementary and Richland Center High School. She was a member of Park Street Christian Church since 1930. Hazel is survived by three daughters, Jeanne (Joe) Obmascher of Whitewater, Wis., Janice Zenker of Holmen and Bonnie (Charles) Harlan of Monroe; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Lorena Mead of Richland Center; and sister-in-law, Juanita Reinke of Oshkosh, Wis. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Funeral services were held Aug. 12 at the Pratt Memorial Chapel, with burial to follow in the Richland Center Cemetery.

Galen J. Thompson
Galen J. Thompson, 59, of Ettrick died suddenly Friday, Aug. 8, 2003. He was born Feb. 28, 1944, in Galesville, Wis., to Lawrence and Sena (Hovre) Thompson. He married Roseann Myrland on Nov. 4, 1967, in Ettrick. Galen was an outgoing, charismatic person who was involved in his community and enjoyed time with family and friends. His friends often said, when you saw Galen your day was made better. He also referred to himself as a "Jack of all trades and a master of none." Galen and Roseann were named Man and Woman of the Year in 2000 by the Ettrick Lions Club. In 1999, Galen retired from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, where he was a project supervisor, after 30 years of employment. He was currently employed as a consultant by Fleming Andre and Associates in Eau Claire, Wis. He was a member of the Ettrick Volunteer Fire Department for 34 years and was serving as assistant chief. He was a member of Living Hope Lutheran Church, the Trout Club and Runnestrand-Peterson American Legion Post 354 in Ettrick. Over the years, Galen served on the Ettrick Housing Board and the Ettrick Cemetery Association and he was a member of the Ettrick Village Board for more than 20 years. He also had served in the National Guard. Galen enjoyed working with wood, a ride on his motorcycle and most of all his grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Galen is survived by a daughter, Sandi (Art) Melby of Onalaska; a son, Craig (Tina) of West Salem, Wis.; his grandchildren, Carly, Kori and Carter Melby and Brett and Samantha Thompson; two brothers, Bob (Gloria) Hovre of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Layton Thompson of Blair, Wis.; a sister, Betty (Bill) Reay of Cambridge, Wis.; many nieces and nephews; and his mother-in-law, Sara Folkedahl of Galesville. He was preceded in death by a sister Leona Byom. Funeral services were held Aug. 12, at Living Hope Lutheran Church in Ettrick. Burial was in Ettrick.

Michael C. Peterson
Michael C. Peterson, 59, of rural Viroqua died Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, at his home. He was born Feb. 8, 1944, to Gaylord and Donna (Burge) Peterson in Black River Falls, Wis. He was baptized at Black River Falls and confirmed at Hardies Creek Lutheran Church at Ettrick, Wis. Mike served in the U.S. Air Force for a brief time. On June 23, 1979, he married Katherine Seidel at Middle Coon Valley (Wis.) Lutheran Church. Mike worked as a mechanic for more than 30 years, beginning at Rich's Truck Service in Winona, Minn. and in 1980, at Peterson Motors where he was a mechanic for 13 years until suffering a stroke in 1993. For the past five years he greatly enjoyed his part time work at VARC in Viroqua. He was a member of the Viroqua Eagles Aerie 2707. Mike enjoyed coin collecting and gardening. He was a giving person who liked doing things for others, fixing their cars and sharing his produce. Survivors include his wife, Kathy; three daughters, Dana (Raymond) Schlicht Jr. of Chaseburg, Wis., Megan at home and Karen (Bryan) Strand of Holmen; a son, Alan of Winona; two granddaughters, Cassandra and Shayna Strand; two brothers, David (Catherine) of Spring Grove, Minn., and Dennis (Connie) of Chaseburg; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother in 1960; his father in 1984; and his stepmother Doris Wolfe in 1999. Funeral services were held August 8 at Middle Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Burial with military rites were in the church cemetery.

Amanda Josephine Hundt
Amanda Josephine Hundt, 18, of La Crosse, died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. She was born in La Crosse on Aug. 14, 1984, to Daniel and Eloda "Ellie" (Bendel) Hundt. Amanda attended Central High School where she loved to watch the Central girls basketball team. She loved to shop and had a huge Beanie Baby collection. She also loved playing computer games with her brother and e-mailing her basketball "big sisters." Amanda did what Amanda wanted to do. She was always smiling and touched many lives. She is survived by her parents, Dan and Ellie; her beloved brother, Christopher; her grandpa, Romey Bendel of La Crosse; her grandparents, Art and Cel Hundt of La Crosse; her beloved auntie, Laurie (Todd) Jordan of West Salem, Wis.; other aunts and uncles, Dave (Audrey) Growt of Onalaska, and Steve (Jeannie) Keyser of Holmen; and two cousins, Melissa Growt and Kimberly (Dien) Lee. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mildred Bendel. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Aug. 9, at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The Rev. Delbert Malin officiated. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Richard Robert Stinson
Richard Robert Stinson, 73, of La Crosse died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Feb. 6, 1930, in Winona, Minn., to Harold and Mary (Boshcka) Stinson. On Sept. 22, 1951, Richard married Donna Mae Shisler in Fort Smith, Ark. He entered the U.S. Army on June 28, 1951. During his service, Richard received a Korean Service Medal, a W/2 Bronze Star and a U.N. Service Medal before being discharged March 29, 1953. Richard worked for several area building, water and sewer contractors. He then started his own backhoe business as Dick's Backhoe Service. He loved his time spent with his family. Richard enjoyed raising many different animals including pigeons, rabbits and exotic birds. He also raced his pigeons in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota and enjoyed going to bird swappers and auctions. Richard was a devoted and caring husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Donna of La Crosse; children, Dixie (Ralph) Goede of La Crescent, Minn., Dawn (Dane) Herold and Doreen (Dave) Kuschel, both of La Crosse, Doug (Becky) Stinson of Westby, Wis., Darlene Stinson of Onalaska, Denise Stinson (Larry Indahl) of West Salem and Deb (Gary) Horstman of Holmen; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold (Margie) Stinson of La Crosse; and a sister, Carol Devine of La Crosse. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Diane Wagner; a sister, Maxine King; and two brothers-in-law, Roger Devine and Jack King. Graveside services were held Aug. 11 at Woodlawn Cemetery, La Crosse, with military honors by Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse.

Eugene "Geno" C. Marson
Eugene "Geno" C. Marson, 70, died in his home in La Crosse on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003. He was born Oct. 5, 1932, to Reuben and Edna (Christiansen) Marson. He had served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was a member of the Stoddard American Legion Post No. 315. He also was a member of the La Crosse Moose Club No. 1920 and the Harry J. Olson Senior Citizens, where he enjoyed playing cards. Gene began work with Dairyland Power Cooperative on July 13, 1959 and retired, as a line supervisor, after 34 years of service. Gene was a helping hand to anyone in need. Eugene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother and will be missed by his family and many friends. He married Shirley Sheffer on June 8, 1955, and he is survived by his wife; two sons, Larry (Karen) Marson and their two children, Kelly and Beth; and Jerry (Coleen) Marson; three brothers and seven sisters, Kenneth (Helen) of La Crosse, Robert (Coreen) of Oklahoma, Gary of Onalaska, Audrey (Walter) Gilbertson of La Crosse, Yvonne Johnson of La Crosse, Janet (Neil) Kleinschmidt of Onalaska, Rhea (Donald) Breidel of La Crosse, Geniel Strassburg of Iowa, Wanda (Rodney) Clark of Onalaska, and Sandra (Donald) Post of Cameron, Wis.; many nieces and nephews. His parents and a sister, Beverly Rose Cooper preceded him in death. A Mass of Christian burial was held Aug. 9 in the Mary, Mother of the Church Parish at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, La Crosse. Private family burial, with military honors provided by the Stoddard American Legion, was in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park.