Vernon County View

Allen Gratz, age 66, of Boscobel, WI passed away on Monday February 13, 2023, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born on June 7, 1956, in Prairie du Chien the son of Gerald and Viola (Bunts) Gratz. Allen was united in marriage to Sandra Udelhoven in 1973. With this marriage, they shared three children. Choosing to go separate ways, Allen was later married to Connie Weidemann until her untimely death and was later united in marriage to Beverly Brinks until she lost her battle with cancer. As a young boy, Allen loved farming and continued following his passion while working on the family farms for years. He later worked in area factories as a laborer until having to...

Martin A. "Marty" Oneal, age 66, of Genoa, WI, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022. He entered the world on November 12, 1956 as one of the six hooligans born to Paul and Janet (Brown) Oneal of Romance, WI; his siblings are: Paulette, Kathy, Jenny, Bobby, and Rosie. Marty went on to marry the love of his life, Christie Matson, on December 1, 1984, and together they had four children: Jeremy, Erica, Beth, and Tessa, and one very spoiled grandchild, Leo. There isn't enough ink in the world to list all the many people Marty touched the lives of; he leaves a massive hole in so many hearts because he was a one-of-a-kind guy that can never be replaced. All are welcome to celebrate Marty's...

Yvonne J. Larson, age 84, of Westby, WI, died on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. She was born September 12, 1937, the daughter of Chris and Gertrude (Lenser) Johnson. Yvonne graduated from Holmen High School in 1955 and went on to marry Kenneth F. Larson on September 21, 1963. She earned her teaching certificate from Wisconsin State College La Crosse and taught in a one room school near Bangor. In 1972, Yvonne and Ken moved to rural Westby, where they farmed until their retirement. She was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and enjoyed all levels of men's and women's competition equally. Yvonne's greatest joy was spending time with her family. Yvonne is survived by her daughter, Linda (Tim)...

DuWayne G. Schuenemann, 77, of Viroqua, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at his home. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown with Rev. Ray Bezanson officiating. Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial with military honors will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watertown. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com. DuWayne George Schuenemann was born on July 10, 1944 in Watertown to George and Alice (nee Kaul) Schuenemann. He was a 1962 graduate of...

VIROQUA, WI - Larry Alson Sidie, age 79, of Viroqua, WI, passed away with his family at his side on Monday, March 21, 2022 after a sudden terminal illness diagnosis. He was born on June 20, 1942 to Chancy and Doris (Knutson) Sidie. Larry was born and raised in rural Readstown, WI, where he graduated in 1960. He was an avid basketball player through his high school years. Larry married Sharon (Hirschfield) Nicks right out of high school and moved to Kenosha, where he worked at General Motors for a couple of years. They had two children, Randy and Tamara. Larry then moved his family back to Vernon County and farmed by Liberty Bar, near Viola, WI. After a few years, he purchased a larger...

VIROQUA, WI - Patricia A. "Pat" Haugen, age 73, of Viroqua, WI, passed away Friday, November 12, 2021. She was born on March 18, 1948 in Monroe, WI, the third of eight children to Russell and Clara (Geiser) Binger. Pat grew up on a farm near Pecatonica, IL, and attended the local school. On November 2, 1965, she married Lawrence Haugen and over the next 56 years they farmed together and raised their family. Pat knew how to make desserts, and no one can claim that they ever left her house hungry. Whether it was pecan pie, cookies, homemade bread, or you name it, Pat could bake anything, especially cakes and treats for special occasions. Regardless of how much or little she had, Pat gave...

DE SOTO, WI - Nolan Fredrick Everson, age 73, of DeSoto, WI, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. He was born in Viroqua, WI, on November 18, 1947, the son of Earl and Lois (Watson) Everson. Nolan graduated from DeSoto High School in 1965. He was a farmer and also did construction, carpentry, and other odd jobs on the side. Nolan was a true outdoorsman who loved the woods. He frequently hunted for mushrooms and ginseng, and searching for new Indian mounds or exploring for caves. Nolan is survived by his brother, Michael (Dolores) Everson; a sister, Shirley Moe; nieces and nephews; a special friend, Rita Luhan; and his faithful dog, Bozo. In addition...

Lorraine Hendrickson (DeLap) passed away suddenly at the age of 90 on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at Capitol Lakes Health Center, Madison, WI where she would rehab following a short hospital stay. She was ready for her struggles to end and to find peace and comfort in joining her husband Conrad, the love of her life, who passed just 10 months earlier. Lorraine was born on June 2, 1931 in Viroqua, WI to Julia (Baumgartner) and Reuben DeLap. She was the youngest of 6 siblings, 3 girls: Maurine, Ruth & herself and 3 boys: Kenneth, Bernard & Karl, all of whom preceded her in death. Lorraine graduated from Viroqua High school in 1949 and then attended school in Madison to become a...

Alice L. Reed, 89, of Beloit, WI, died peacefully on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Milton Senior Living, Milton, WI. She was born on May 25, 1932 in Viroqua, WI, the daughter of Robert and Clara (Anderson) Swenson. Alice was a 1951 graduate of Viroqua High School. She married Clayton Reed on September 15, 1953 in Immanuel Lutheran Church, Viroqua, WI. He predeceased her on September 1, 2017. Alice was a faithful member of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church. She instilled a strong sense of belief in all her children, was a great grandmother, and loved her Christmas cactus'. During her numerous stays in Meadow Park nursing home in Clinton, she enjoyed the staff immensely. Since May, Milton...

LA FARGE, WI - Susan K. Sherrick, age 74, of La Farge, WI, passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021. She was born the daughter of Raymond Heath and Margaret (Spaider) Heath on September 12, 1947. Susan married Buford "Shorty" Sherrick on September 18, 1965, and they had two daughters and a son together. She was a stay at home mom when her children were young before going on to work as a CNA at Vernon Manor in Viroqua for over twenty-five years. As a mother and grandmother, Susan raised a tight knit family and would make sure they gathered often for cook outs and such; she loved her family very much and enjoyed spending time with them. A few years ago, Susan fulfilled her dream to...

HILLSBORO, WI - James Matthew Hall, age 50, of Hillsboro, WI, passed away suddenly on Friday, September 10, 2021. He was born on August 24, 1971 in Berwyn, IL, the second of three children to Edwin Hall and Edith Parker. The family relocated to rural Wisconsin, near Yuba, in 1976 and lived on a dairy farm. Jim loved growing up helping on the farm, raising animals, and tending the fields. After graduating from Viroqua High School in 1989, he worked with his father and brother, Fred, running Meadows Construction for several years. After his father's passing, Jim and Fred worked together in construction and on the family farm raising crops, chickens and beef cattle. He enjoyed dancing,...

Dexter Lee Groves, age 76 of Viroqua, WI, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. He was born in Viroqua on January 31, 1945, the son of Harry and Marie (Cunningham) Groves. On December 3, 1984, Dexter married Karen Campbell and they enjoyed 37 years together; in part because he would say "yes dear" with a smile - he was truly a wonderful husband and father. After attending school in Viroqua, Dexter went to work hauling milk and was employed at the Vernon County Highway Department for many years. When not working, he enjoyed hunting deer, fishing, trap shooting, playing euchre, his grandkids, and spending time with his family. He had a generous nature and will best be remembered...

FERRYVILLE, WI - Joel Alan Grimsled, age 62, of rural Ferryville, WI, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, September 3, 2021. He was born on November 4, 1958 the son of Arlen and Joanne (Wanberg) Grimsled. Joel grew up on a dairy farm, where they raised hay and tobacco, and went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Karen Lightfoot, on June 14, 1980. They built a life together in Mt. Sterling and raised three children. Joel started his career by working at Crawford Electric for thirty years, then found his true professional calling when he was recruited by Mi-Tech, as a power distribution designer. He and his son also ran the Sportsman's Bar and Grill for 5 years where he...

Betty M. Barker, 82, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, surrounded by her family. Betty Marie White was born on February 15, 1939, in Viroqua, WI to Otto and Mildred (Swenson) White. She was raised on the family farm in Viroqua, where they farmed the land and raised dairy cows. She eventually moved to Watertown where she met the love of her life while working as a waitress at the Chalet Restaurant. Betty married Bennie Barker on April 16th, 1966. Together they raised six children while residing in Watertown. Throughout her life she waitressed at a variety of restaurants in the area including the Sharp Corner, Home Plate...

FERRYVILLE, WI - Deanna M. Olson, age 82, of Ferryville, WI, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. She was born at home on May 24, 1939, the daughter of Clare and Phyllis (Oliver) Crum in a log cabin at the Willie Alvin farm on Kloak Road outside Retreat, WI. Deanna attended a one room schoolhouse in Retreat before going on to graduate from DeSoto High School. She married her best friend and soulmate, Fred Olson, on September 23, 1972, and together they united two families into one and were inseparable for nearly 49 years. Deanna worked a few different jobs over the years, including the button factory in Lansing, IA, the Trane Company in...

Mertie Kay Swangstu, 77, of Beloit passed away peacefully on June 14, 2021 at University Hospital, Madison. Born on August 10, 1943 in Viroqua, WI, Mertie was the daughter of Cyrus and Lois Fortney. Growing up as an only child, her horse was her best friend. She attended Viroqua High School, where she met the love of her life, Roger Swangstu. She and Roger were named Homecoming Queen and King in 1960. After graduation, Mertie attended La Crosse State College and earned a degree in elementary education. She married her high school sweetheart, Roger, at Good Shepherd Church in Viroqua on April 2, 1966. The young couple moved to Beloit after Mertie was recruited to teach in the school...

James Doc Carter passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 15, 2021, surrounded by his family at his home in Richland Center, WI. He was born on December 26, 1933 to Effie Myrtle (Jenkins) and Oscar Carter in La Harpe, Illinois. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vicki Ramona Carter, on December 26, 1954, at Durham Church. Doc and Vicki had many fond memories of their years at Durham Church where they were members. Doc was later stationed in Newport, Rhode Island where he served his country as a member of the US Navy from 1956-1957. Doc and Vicki moved from La Harpe, Illinois to Readstown, Wisconsin in 1970 where they raised their five children....

Herbert C. Garlick WESTBY--Herbert "Herb" Garlick passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020. Please join the family for a graveside memorial service on Sunday, June 20th at Bethesda Cemetery at 11:30 am. Lunch to follow at the Davidson Park, Westby, WI at 12 pm. If raining, service and lunch will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby.

Conrad "Connie" Eugene Hendrickson, loving husband and father of three, passed away on December 17, 2020 at the age of 89 due to COVID-19 complications. He was born on September 23, 1931 in Viroqua, WI to Esther (Larson) and Torkel Hendrickson, the youngest of 4 siblings: twins Henry and Helen and Torval "Toby". He married Lorraine DeLap on Feb 24, 1952 and raised a daughter Lynn and two sons Carl and Alan. Connie is survived by his wife Lorraine of 68 years, three children: Carl (Luane) and Lynn (Mike) of Madison and Alan (Kim) of DeForest as well as 4 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Connie and Lorraine were active members of the Windsor United Church of Christ....

Jacqueline (Jackie) Lockington-Sletten, Born July 27, 1939 in Vernon County, WI to Marion and Kathyrn (Cina) Lockington. Graduated from DeSoto High School in 1958. Graduated from St. Frances School of Nursing in 1961. Married Donald Sletten October 13, 1962 and moved to Janesville, WI. Resided in Janesville until 1995 and then moved to San Benito, TX. Enjoyed many years living at Fun N Sun R.V. Resort. Donald and Jacqueline were parent of 3 children, Robert (Bob) of Yakima, WA, Thomas (Tom), Marlene of Viroqua, WI and Karen, Chris Haynes of Janesville, WI. They have 6 grandchildren and one special grandaughter, Rose Olsen. A Graveside inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Charles...

PLYMOUTH, MN - Luther Forde, age 95, of Plymouth, MN passed away on May 18, 2020. He was born in Viroqua, WI, on April 5, 1925, the son of Ole and Lydia Forde, and grew up on a farm in rural Ferryville, WI. Luther attended a country school for eight years and graduated from high school in Lansing, IA in 1942. He attended Luther College in Decorah, IA, for one year, then served in the U. S. Navy until 1946, before returning to Luther College and graduating in 1949 with degrees in Mathematics and Physics. In 1951 Luther received a Master's Degree in Math Sciences from the University of Iowa. Since 1951, Luther lived in the Minneapolis area. In 1957 he married Ilene Knutson and together they...