07/24/2010 08:18 AM

Katherine Burke

Katherine Burke, 58, of Janesville, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, July 23, 2010 at the home of her daughter, Shelly Burke Edwards, in Viroqua. This was after many years of her courageous battle with Lupus and which ended in heart failure.

She was born in rural Seneca, Wis. on April 10, 1952 to Ike and Betty (Whitt) Holliday. She married Walter  Burke in 1968. They lived in the Beloit area.  She worked in various establishments in and around the Beloit area.   She liked to crochet and do yard work.  She was an avid horsewoman who competed in local rodeos with her father Ike Holliday in the Kickapoo Valley.  Weather permitting she was always found on the back of a Harley Davidson.

She is survived by her daughter:  Shelly Burke Edwards of Viroqua; 4 grandchildren: Vanessa Phillips of Beloit, Ryan Lamey of Janesville, Tanner Edwards of Beloit, and Gavyne Edwards of Viroqua; and 2 great grandchildren: Landyn Williams and Carter Williams; her step father Spencer Cruse of Janesville; her best friend of 38 years:  Jane Johnson of Viroqua; and her loving dog Moochie, whom she was never without.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; 2 infant children Kelly and Kim, and 1 adult daughter:  Shayne Burke; her mother:  Betty Cruse; and her father:  Ike Holliday.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 31, at 1 PM at the Sime Funeral Home at 106 S. Fourth St. in Readstown. Pastor Lorie Betz will officiate. Burial will be in the Readstown Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 AM until time of services. Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com.

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07/09/2010 12:38 PM

Amanda Gander

Amanda Gander, 70,  of Readstown passed away on Friday, July 9, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran hospital in LaCrosse.

She was born on March 24, 1940 in Yankeetown, Crawford Co., Wis. to Cecil and Iris (Slade) Barlow.  She married Duaine Gander on June 22, 1957. After marriage they lived mostly in the North Clayton area.  Recently they moved to Readstown.  Among her interests were sewing, quilting, baking, and doing typical grandmother things.

She is survived by her husband, Duaine of Readstown; 3 sons:  Mickey (Annie) Gander, Ricky (Karen), and Douglas; 4 daughters:  Karen (friend, Al) Lee, Shawn (Ray) Frederick, Patty (Michael) Brayshaw, and Elaine (Adam) Hemmersbach; 25 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren;  3 brothers: Cecil (Shirley) Barlow, David (Carolyn) Barlow, and Jimmy (Lisa) Barlow; 1 sister: Peggy (Kim) Kannonburgh.

She was preceded in death by 1 daughter:  Lori Krahnbuhl; her parents: Cecil and Iris Barlow; 2 sisters:  Francis Barlow and Mary Fry; and 1 niece:  Jodi Lou Rickett.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 15, at 1 PM at the Soldiers Grove American Legion Hall.  Friends may call at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown on Wednesday from 4 to 7 Pm with a prayer service at 7 PM. Friends may also call at the legion hall on Thursday from noon until time of services.

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07/09/2010 12:32 PM

Jeffery Skarda

Jeffery Skarda, 46, of Soldiers Grove passed away on Thursday, July 8, 2010 in a motor vehicle accident in Crawford Co.

He was born in Viroqua, Wisconsin on June 29, 1964 to Joie and Sandra (Neprud) Skarda. He married Michele Ledden Sept., 1986. She passed away on January 27, 2000.

He graduated from North Crawford High School in 1982. In high school he was the state wrestling champion. He married his high school sweetheart. He was a devoted father who loved going to all sporting events of his children. He also loved hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. He attended the UW Platteville and later UW LaCrosse.  He worked on a dairy farm near Bangor for a time, and later worked at Wettsteins’ in LaCrosse. He finally worked for W.A. Roosevelt Co in LaCrosse for just over 20 years as a plumbing salesman.  He was  a member of the Soldiers Grove United Methodist church, the Viroqua Eagles Club, and was a lifetime member of the Riverland Council of the Girls Scouts for whom he did volunteer maintenance on Camp Ehawee.

He is survived by his children:  Ryan (Courtney Heisz) Skarda of Soldiers Grove and Holly Skarda of Soldiers Grove; his parents:  Joie and Sandra Skarda of Soldiers Grove; 2 brothers:  Alan Skarda of Gays Mills and Douglas (Lisa Siegenthaler) Skarda of Wonewoc; 1 sister:  Amy (Billy) Alexander of Viola; his mother-in-law:  Rose Ledden of Stoddard; his brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Michele, and his father-in-law:  James Ledden.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 13, at 11 AM at Soldiers Grove United Methodist Church. Pastor Lori Betz will officiate and burial will be in the Stoddard Cemetery. Friends may call at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown on Monday from 4 to 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7PM. Friends may call at the church from 10:30 AM until time of services. Friends on motorcycles wishing to accompany the family to the cemetery are also welcome. Memorials may be given to the North Crawford Wrestling Club. Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com.

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06/28/2010 10:39 AM

MARY BETH McCANN

Mary Beth McCann, 50, of Potosi, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2010.

             She was the daughter of Charlie and Margaret McCann, the youngest of ten. She was a beloved mother and grandmother.  She resided in Potosi, Wis. with her fiancé , Sam. She had an abiding love for animals. Their farm quickly grew as did their family and love for one another. Her desire was always to help people and always be there as a shoulder to cry on.  Mary Beth graduated from Southwest Technical College as a CNA in Mary of 2010.  Sadly, her illness took her before she was able to use her abilities to their full potential.        

             She is survived by her daughter:  Samantha, grandson: Charlie; fiancé: Sam Reynolds, his two daughters:  Rachael and Andrea; sister: Carolyn Grim of Platteville; and brothers:  Pat, Nub and Rose of Muscoda, Tim and Sandy of Soldiers Grove, Bill and Mary of Cashton, Joe and Sharon Reed of Raymore, Missouri, , Mike and Rachel of Janesville, and Tom. and Mary of Janesville.

             She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 sister: Dixie McCann.

             Her memorial time will be from 12 noon until 3 PM, on Friday, July 2, 2010. at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown, Wis., 106 S. 4th St.  condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com.

             As for the lives of those she touched, we will forever be grateful and will always hold a special place for her in our hearts.

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06/26/2010 10:58 AM

Clarence Borntreger

Clarence Borntreger

             Clarence Borntreger, 9 month old son of Eli and Emma Borntrager, of Soldiers Grove, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2010, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua.

             He was born in Granton, Wis. on Sept. 15, 2009 to Eli and Emma (Schwartz) Borntreger.

             He is survived by his parents, his grandparents: Harvey and Rachel Borntreger of Granton,  and  Andy and Linda Schwartz of Granton; and his great grandparents:  Joe Borntreger of Cashton, and  John and Edna Hirschberger of Cashton; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

             Services will be held on Monday, June 28, 2010 at 10 AM at the Levi Hochstetler home.  Burial will be in the Kickapoo Amish Cemetery.

             Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com

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06/17/2010 03:13 PM

Susan Stoebner

Susan Stoebner, 56, of Readstown, Wis. passed away on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, Wis.

She was born on November 18, 1953 in London, Ontario, Canada to Nelson and Josephine Perry. She married Don Stoebner on Aug. 29, 2005. She worked as a nurse for many years in Canada, including in hospitals, a nursing home, and in the Canadian prison system.  She enjoyed fishing, traveling, gardening, and playing cards.

She is survived by her husband, Don of Readstown; her son:  Tim Cross of London, Ontario; two grandchildren:  Aaron and Amber Cross, of London, Ontario; her parents Nelson and Josephine Perry of London; and her sisters:  Janice (Mark) Rudd of London.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 26, at 1 PM at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown. Friends may call from 12 PM until time of services. Pastor Mike Christiensen will officiate.  Burial will be in London, Ontario.

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06/14/2010 07:53 AM

Geraldine Dull

Geraldine M Dull, 81 of Readstown,, died peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday, June 13^th 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. She was born on August 10^th 1928 to Cecil and Sadie Nelson in the town of Franklin in Vernon County.

She married Paul Dull on August 10^th 1947 in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.

Geri is survived by her husband of 62 years, three sons, Steven (Dawn) Dull, LaCrosse, WI,  Gary (Kim) Dull, Viroqua, WI, Arlin Dull, LaCrosse, WI, and one daughter, Marcia (Bruce) Kendall, LaCrosse, WI, five grandchildren, Shawn (Donna) Dull, Peoria, IL, Jessica (Phil, Jr) Ellefson, Viola, WI, Bradley Dull, Soldiers Grove, WI, Eric and Aron Kendall, LaCrosse, WI, two great-grandsons, Davus Dull and Corbin Ellefson, one sister, Shirley (Dan) Davis, and, one brother, Brian Nelson. She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers, Duane, Ronnie, Roger, David and Terry.

Geri was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and will be deeply missed. She will be remembered for always being there to help her family and friends and for her love of fishing.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday June 20th

2010 with a private family graveside service, followed by a public reception at 1:00 PM celebrating her life at the Advancement Association Building in Readstown, WI.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Sannes Skogdalen Heim nursing home, Vernon Memorial Healthcare, and Pastors Mike Christenson and George Groves.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Soldiers Grove Methodist Church.

Sime Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be left at simefuneralforum.com

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06/10/2010 07:49 AM

Emma Fortney

Emma Marie Fortney, 79 of Soldiers Grove passed away on Wednesday, June 9^th 2010 at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse.

             She was born in Soldiers Grove Wi. to Tillman and Beatrice (Hoffland) Knutson.  She married Raymond Fortney on September 15^th, 1945 at Mt. Sterling Lutheran Church.

             After marrying, Raymond and Emma farmed on the Knutson family farm for 4 years and then moved to Raymond’s family farm where they farmed and raised their family until moving to their home in Soldiers Grove in 1992.

             Emma was active in many facets of Our Saviors Lutheran church activities and groups, particularly in the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran church (WELCA).  She had been the head of the Dorcas Circle and active in many WELCA committees and organizations over the years.

             Emma was a very loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother.  Emma was also known as an excellent cook and homemaker and always made both family and friends feel welcome. No one left without coffee and a cookie or sandwich if visiting, and before they left they were told to have one more bite.   Emma always enjoyed working in the garden and seemed to keep busy mowing lawn whether it needed it or not.  When it came to sports she was a true Green Bay Packer fan as well as an avid follower of the Brewers.  Her sisters were a big part of her life, in everything from the completion of spoons to card games.  She also loved to dance as her and Raymond were always noticed floating across the floor whenever they had a chance.  She always looked forward to family celebrations and especially Christmas when the family would get together to visit, share stories, laugh, and sing.

             She is survived by her husband Raymond of Soldiers Grove; 1 son Steven Fortney (special friend Laura Clark) of Soldiers Grove; 4 daughters: Judith (Lyle) Salmon of Soldiers Grove, Katherine (Jerry) Buchal of Hillsboro, Elizabeth (William) Swiggum of LaFarge, and Karen (Kyle) Childs of Gays Mills;  19 grandchildren, 29 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great great grandchildren and 6 sisters: Genevieve Thoftne, Hazel Dull, Tolene Buroker, Lorraine Davig, Betty Finley and Patrica (Roderick) Olson all of Soldiers Grove.

             She is preceded in death by her parents; 1 great grandchild, Brooks Strait; 1 son-in-law, Roger Everson; 1 brother Lawrence Knutson; and a granddaughter’s husband Cassidy Parker. 

             Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 11 AM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove.  Rev. Kent Johnson will officiate and the burial will be in the Gays Mills Cemetery.  Friends may call at the church on Friday from 4 to 8 pm and on Saturday from 10:30 AM until the time of services.  Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com

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06/05/2010 11:58 AM

Emma Hanson

Emma Hanson, 77, of DeSoto, Wis. passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Vernon Memorial Hospital.

She was born in Soldiers Grove, Wis. on September 26, 1932 to Frederick and Mary (Wines) Vance. She married Reuben Hanson on March 9, 1948. 

After marrying, they first farmed near Liberty Pole and later near DeSoto.  She was a wife and homemaker, who loved her grandkids and great grandkids. She always had time to give a hug. She belonged to the Retreat Methodist Women’s Group and worked at the polls for Wheatland Township.

She is survived by 5 sons:  Roger (Cathy) of Viroqua, Ronald (Rosemary) of Viroqua, Deldon (Carol) of Retreat, John (Kathy) of Viroqua, and Reuben (Sara) of Ferryville; 1 daughter:  Loann (Dale Kromke) Beach of Stoddard; 11 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren; 2 brothers: Francis Vance of Lancaster, and Fred (Pat) Vance of Tomah, Wis.; 2 sisters:  Verda Parish of Beloit, Wis., and Vida Parrish of South Beloit, Illinois ; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben on Jan. 20, 2010; 1 infant son; and 3 brothers:  Charlie and Jim Vance and Kenneth Wines.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 1 PM at Retreat United Methodist Church. Pastor Bill Bush will officiate and burial will be in the Walnut Mound Cemetery at Retreat. Friends may call at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown on Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM., and on Wednesday at the church from noon until time of services.

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04/28/2010 10:40 AM

Edna Orethun

Edna Orethun, 82, of Soldiers Grove, passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Sannes Skogdalen Nursing Home in Soldiers Grove.

She was born on Nov. 4, 1927 to Sherman and Erma (Montgomery) Copus at Montgomeryville. She married Alonzo Granger.  They were married for 25 years until his death.  She married Andrew Orethun on June 9, 1973.  He passed away in 2008.  She farmed  for many years with her husbands.  She took care of foster children and did a lot of babysitting.  She worked at the Viroqua tobacco warehouse and the Old Oak Inn in Soldiers Grove. She also did Friendly Homes toy parties. She loved rummage sales, bingo and playing cards. She was devoted to her cats and loved rabbits and birds. She was a grandma to all the kids of the area.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, 1 infant baby; 1 brother: Buren Copus; 1 sister Carmen June Wines and brother in law Kenneth Wines; 2 nephews: Roger Orethun and Kenneth Wines, Jr.; 1 foster grandchild:  Patrick Grotoff and 1 great niece: Carmen Gesell.

She is survived by 3 foster sons:  Mike Grotoff of Sparta, and Calvin and Steven Hatlan; 1 foster daughter:  Phyllis Faust of Gays Mills; 4 foster grandchildren:  Niki, Andrew, Anthony Hendrickson, and Michael Grotoff, Jr.; 2 foster great grandchildren:  RaeLynn Dock and Brandi Hendrickson; 3 brothers in law:  Alan, Larry and Leonard Orethun, and their spouses; her sisters-in-law:  Benice Kuranz and Edith Friemouth and their spouses; and many nieces, nephews, and numerous children she babysat.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 2, at 2 PM at Peace Lutheran Church in Readstown. Pastor Paul Carlson will officiate and burial will be in the Montgomeryville Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 1 PM until time of services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated.

Condolences may be sent to simefuneralforum.com.

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