AUGUST 9, 2016
AMERY FREE PRESS www.theameryfreepress.com
17
OBITUARIES
Charles A. Lasker
Edward “Ed” Jorgenson
Jean Marie Gifford
Charles Andrew Lasker passed away, at home, surrounded by loved ones on August 6th, 2016, at the age of 78. He fought a brave battle against pancreatic cancer. Charles was born November 3, 1937 in Eau Claire, WI. The son of Max and Mildred (Hovland) Lasker. Charlie grew up in Eau Claire. He seemed to have a talent for creating mischief and finding, or making fun, wherever he was. After graduating from Elgin Academy in Elgin, IL, he attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison. He left Madison in 1960, when his father died, and was suddenly immersed in the business his father had started in 1928, Lasker Jewelers. Charlie was a hard worker but it was his talent for building relationships and friendships that truly made Lasker Jewelers into the business it is today. He finally settled down when he married Katherine Steensland, October 26, 1968. The couple raised three children, Nicole, Liz, and Max. Lasker Jewelers was also his child and many business trips also became family vacations. The employees of Lasker Jewelers in Eau Claire and Rochester, MN were also a second family to him. Charlie loved the jewelry industry and is leaving many industry friends behind. He was an early member of the Continental Buying Group and a past board member of Jewelers Mutual Insurance. Charlie loved cars and had a circle of friends who shared his love. He loved Eau Claire and was thrilled with the downtown revitalization. He loved good food and a good party….although he rarely ate at parties, as he was too busy telling stories. He loved Pine Lake and his family of lake friends. He loved spending winters in Arizona where he spent time with his Car Guys, skeet shooting, and tending to his cactus garden. He loved Leinenkugel’s beer…although he hadn’t been able to enjoy one for many years, we suspect he is today. Charles is survived by his wife Kathy and their three children. Nicole Lasker, Elizabeth (Craig) Falkner of Eau Claire, and Max Lasker of Minneapolis and four grandchildren: Mika and Giselle Ringsrud and Madeline and Robert Falkner. He was preceded in death by his brother Tommy and parents Max and Mildred Lasker. Memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703. The Rev. Dr. Mark X. Pirazzini will officiate. Memorial visitation will take place on Wednesday evening, August 10, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home. There will be no visitation at the church Thursday morning prior to the service. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckienhulke.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Charlie’s name to Eau Claire YMCA, 700 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation-Western WI Chapter, 434 South Yellowstone Drive, Suite 201, Madison, WI 53719. Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Edward “Ed” Glenn Jorgenson, age 68 of Amery, Wisconsin passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ed was born on August 09, 1947 to Glenn and Shirley (Hartwick) Jorgenson in New Richmond, Wisconsin. On October 26, 1968 Ed married Catie Olson at the St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Somerset, Wisconsin. During his free time Ed enjoyed watching wrestling and Nascar. He loved to tinker around home, traveling but most of all loved spending time with his family and friends. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Catie; a son, Mark Jorgenson; 2 daughters, Jewel (John) Severson and Amber Jorgenson; 2 grandchildren, Allandra and Connor; 2 brothers, Robert (Karen) Jorgenson, James Jorgenson; 2 sisters, Dianne (James) Dahl, Linda (Dennis) Viellieux; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Glenn; a granddaughter, Ashley; a sister, Julie. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Williamson-White Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 10, 2016. Interment will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. To view an online guest book and video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were entrusted to the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 222 Harriman Avenue North, Amery, Wisconsin 54001.
Jean Marie Newton was born on October 9, 1960 in Waterloo, Iowa to Carl and Dorothy Newton. Jean passed away suddenly on July 17, 2016. She and her husband Terry Gifford were living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jean was raised in Amery, Wisconsin where she attended Amery High School and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She moved to the Denver area with her son Jamie Newton and met Terry Gifford, marrying and completing their family in July 1993. Terry and Jean raised Jamie in Colorado, after which they resided in Montana, Texas and lastly New Mexico. Jean and Terry had the pleasure of traveling and making many memories together, Jean always thought of others on her trips, taking school supplies to the underprivileged children of the countries she visited. You would most often find Jean outdoors, whether walking her beloved dogs, camping, collecting rocks and sea shells or just enjoying a book in a comfy chair. She loved being around her family and having fun; her infectious laugh could turn a dark day bright. Her love and light will be missed by many. She leaves behind her husband Terry; son Jamie Newton (Carolee, and her daughter, Teala); sisters, Barb Framsted (Paul), Theresa Murtha (John), Peg Kuhl (John), Linda Wittstock (Jay), Betty Monson (Jay); sister-in-law Andrea Newton, brother-in-law Jeff Knutson; step mother Joyce Klatt (James); nieces and nephews, Chris, Joe, Lauren, John, Jennifer, Justin, Jessica, Adrian, Eli, Katie, Tyler, Kara, Zac, Alyssa, Kyle, Lindsay, Darrin, Collin, Samantha; 19 Greats and many more family and friends. Jean is preceded in death by her parents Dorothy and Carl Newton, brother Dan Newton and sister Patty Knutson. A Celebration of Life is planned for September 18, 2016 from 1-4 p.m. at Jay and Betty Monson home, 470 95th St., Clear Lake, WI. Just one mile straight south of Amery high school.
Donna Mae Kinnett Donna Mae Kinnett age 60, of Clear Lake, Wisconsin passed away on Sunday, August 7, 2016 peacefully at her home. Donna was born on December 9, 1955 to Harvey and Bernice (Haas) Seaman in Thorp, Wisconsin. Donna is survived by her fiancé Mike Kopacz, a daughter, Tonya (Tony) Kinnett; a son, Dennis (Stacie) Kinnett II; 4 brothers, Glenn (Linnae) Seaman, Bruce (Cella) Seaman, Brad ( Darleen) Seaman and Keith (Sally) Seaman; 3 grandchildren, Kolby, Arielle and Daisy Smith; her mother, Bernice Seaman and her favorite nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Harvey Seaman and a sister, Carol Boyarski. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at the Williamson-White Funeral Home, 222 Harriman Avenue North, Amery, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at a later date. To view an online guest book and video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were entrusted to the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 222 Harriman Avenue North Amery, Wisconsin 54001.
Wisconsin man accused of trying to hire hit man MARINETTE, Wis. (AP) — A Crivitz man is accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill his son and daughter-in-law. Seventy-six-year- old Robert Dettmering was charged Friday with two felony counts of conspiracy to commit first-degree
intentional homicide. A tipster told authorities Dettmering offered him $10,000 last week if he killed Dettmering's son and daughter-in-law, and burned down their cabin with their bodies inside. The Milwaukee Jour-
nal Sentinel reports the man said he would contact the Hell's Angels about the job, then called authorities. The man told detectives Dettmering was upset his son had sold some property. The complaint says Dettmering was arrested
after he gave an undercover agent posing as the hit man a $1,000 down payment. Dettmering makes his first court appearance Monday. It's unclear if he has an attorney.
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