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BURNETT COUNTY SENTINEL
MILESTONES
FEBRUARY 17, 2016
www.burnettcountysentinel.com
OBITUARIES
Ruby Andrina Cook
Ruby Andrina Cook, 96, died Feb. 11, 2016, surrounded by her children. Memorial services will be h held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at First Lutheran Church 20 o Cushing. Visitation begins of t two hours before the service. R Rev. Marilyn Crossfield will o ciate, with music by organoffi i Margie Nelson and vocalist ist S Shawn Gudmunsen. Ruby was born March 7, 1919 t Stanley and Ida (Amundson) to C Clementson at Branstad. She w was baptized and confirmed in Bethany Lutheran Church. After graduating from Grantsburg High School, Ruby attended Polk County Normal School. She taught in Burnett County schools for several years. In 1946, she married William James Cook. They moved to a farm near Atlas, which was her home for the rest of her life. To this union eight children were born, four boys and four girls. She transferred to Laketown Lutheran church and remained a faithful active member until her death. Throughout the years, Ruby served as Sunday School Superintendent, taught both Sunday School and Bible School, sang in the choir, and held several offices in the WELCA. Ruby loved her church family and was the oldest member of Laketown Church, missing services only when she was too ill to attend. When you visited Ruby’s home, you would always be welcomed with good strong coffee, a warm, gentle smile and a heart ready to listen. You never left hungry and always left feeling better than when you came. Ruby, a proud Norwegian, loved and enjoyed people, often saying “I learn something from everyone I meet.” Her sense of humor, curiosity, and enthusiasm for life never wavered. She wanted to know everything that was going on, with her family, in the community, and in the world. Ruby appreciated the wonder of nature, loving flowers, birds, wildlife, and her garden. She loved to sit on the deck and listen to the birds as she watched for wildlife. Ruby said “I want to live every day I can, if for no other reason than just to see the seasons come and go.” She was kind and caring to everyone she encountered, and extended that compassion to all living creatures. Ruby was an avid reader, usually finishing several books per week. She played the piano, wrote heartfelt letters, and even wrote an award-winning story published in Hobos and Swimming Holes. Although she was 96, her children and grandchildren would ask Ruby specific details about names and dates. Her memory never failed. When she was terribly sick on the last days of her life, she still found the strength to make sure her Valentines got mailed to the great-grandchildren and that some treats got delivered to her sister in a nursing home. She questioned whether all her children were well, and if they were finding something to eat. Ruby found great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved when all her family got together on special occasions, which they regularly did. Ruby didn’t care much for travel, finding perfect contentment in being at home, but she did go to Canada, to Alaska twice, and visited several states. With indescribable courage she faced many challenges, from open heart surgery at age 89, to the greatest tragedy, the loss of son, Kevin. Never taking time for self-pity, she was right back to the business of living. Ruby is survived by children, Scott Cook, Melody (Tom) Hutton, Crystal (Ozzie) Berntson, daughter-inlaw Jill Cook, Claire (Chris) Chinander, Kerry Cook, Rockne Cook, Marigen (Rev. Roger) Kastelle; grandchildren, Torey (Holly) Hutton, Trinity (Tory) Greenquist, Gabriel and Dominic Berntson, Kirt Cook, Ben (Sarah) Cook, Bjorn, Trygve and Leif Chinander, Ethan and Mckenna Cook; great-grandchildren, Declan and Selah Greenquist, Savannah, Amelia, Carolyn and Bennett Berntson, Ella, Molly and Liam Cook. Also survived by sisters, Dolores Johnson, Elayne Johnson, Marjorie Robinson, Deborah (Pepper) Clementson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; parents, Stanley and Ida Clementson; son, Kevin; son-inlaw, Charlie Anderson; sisters, Velva Bauer and Betty Skinner. We thank God for Ruby’s life, our greatest blessing. An online guestbook is available at www.rowefh. com or www.wicremationcenter.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, 715-825-5550.
William ‘Bill’ Sargent
William Edward “Bill” Sargent, also fondly known as “Sarge” and “Coach,” age 74, of Siren, formerly of Hurley, passed away peacefully with family by his s side, on Feb. 10, 2016 at the Burn nett Medical Continuing Care C Center in Grantsburg. A memorial service for Bill w be at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. will 1 19, 2016, at Swedberg-Taylor F Funeral Home in Siren, with P Pastor Steve Ward officiating. V Visitation will begin two hours p prior to the service at the funera home. al Bill was born on May 27, 1941 i Mercer, son of William and in Virginia (Dahlin) Sargent. He was raised in Hurley with his six siblings and graduated from Hurley High School in 1960. Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 20, 1963 and was honorably discharged on Dec. 21, 1966. He attended University of Wisconsin-Superior, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Bill was united in marriage July 19, 1969 to Karen Lundgren in Ironwood, MI. Shortly after their union, Bill and Karen moved to the Siren area. Together, they adopted and raised three children: Denise in 1972, and siblings, Sharon and Donald in 1977. Bill began his teaching and coaching career in 1969 at Siren Schools, where he taught Health and Physical Education. Over the years, Bill coached football, basketball, track, and umpired for baseball. He also was a coach for the swimming and football teams in Frederic for a few years. Bill loved all sports, and was especially passionate about football. Even after his retirement, Bill continued to volunteer coach for football in Siren. He enjoyed golfing, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and spending time with his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Karen Sargent; children, Denise Sargent, Sharon (Rick) Mccollom and Donald (Patti) Sargent; grandchildren, Shelly (Andrew), Jordan, A.J., Brandon, Taylor, James and Tristen; and a great-grandson, Damion. He is also survived by a brother, Raymark (Lynn) Sargent; sisters, Karen Hantula, Mary Louise (Joe) Armata and Patricia Sargent; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Judy Lundgren; and brother-in-law, Toby Hantula. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Siren.
Jeann Fagerberg Jeann Laurel (Holmes) Fagerberg, 70, of Sand Lake Township, Burnett County, passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. A memorial service honoring Jeann’s life was held Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Falun, with Pastor Mike Kleven officiating. Jeann was born Sept. 13, 1945, the daughter of Pastor Frank and Fern (Comerstead) Holmes. She grew up in the Falun area, attending schools in Siren. Jeann was united in marriage to Avery L. Fagerberg on Sept. 15, 1962 at First Baptist Church of Falun. Because of Avery’s job responsibilities, they have lived at several cities around the United States. For the past 15 years, Jeann and Avery have resided in Sand Lake Township. She worked at various jobs wherever they lived. Her most recent position was with Wal-Mart in Pine City, MN, as a Customer Service Representative. Jean retired in 2012, after working there for more than 20 years. Jean was an extraordinary, selfless woman. She was protective of her family, as they were her number one priority. She was a wonderful loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be missed tremendously. Jeann is survived by her husband, Avery; five children, Tammy Fagerberg, Kim (Rick) Frazier, Melissa Lewis (Matthias Stenberg) and Avery Fagerberg, Jr. (Leida Goyeneche); eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, David Holmes; and a son, Jonathan Fagerberg. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com. Arrangements were been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Webster.
Robert Ramstrom
Robert Gene “Bob” Ramstrom, 86, of Webster, passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 at his home. The funeral service for Mr. Ramstrom was held Frid day, Feb. 12, at Our Redeemer L Lutheran Church of Webster, w with Rev. Jody Walter officia ating. Interment with full miliitary honors followed at Lakesside Orange Cemetery. Pallbearers were Matthew R Ramstrom, Croix Swanson, D David “Pete” Olson, Ed Christtensen, Joe Keyser, and Brenda L Lambes. Honorary pallbearers were A Allen Frigen, Norbert Behringer, Roger Tollander, Lloyd Talmadge, Anton Peterson, Mike Drimmel, Chad Currie, Ronald Pagenkopf, and Martin Zelinski. Robert was born Nov. 22, 1929, at Wolf Creek, son of Axel E. and Anna (Johnson) Ramstrom. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War from April 22, 1948 to his honorable discharge on April 21, 1952 at the rank Sergeant. On Aug. 16, 1952, Robert was united in marriage to Mary Jane Christensen in Pine City, MN. They raised three children and lived in Webster more than 60 years. In 1952, Bob purchased a milk truck that he used to haul milk from Frederic area farmers to Frederic Creamery. In 1953, they purchased and operated a farm near Webster. In 1958, Bob began working as a heavy equipment operator in bridge and highway construction in various locations in the United States, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E.), Local 49. He was a long-time, faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Webster, and American Legion Otis Taylor Post 96. Bob enjoyed operating his Bobcat and collecting older machinery. He also enjoyed building small craft objects, and reading “Farm & Ranch” and “Farm Show” magazines. Bob was a fun-loving person, and liked to make and see people laugh. He loved to hug family and friends. He was a hard worker who loved working in his shop, and teaching his children and grandchildren how to repair and make things. Bob had an analytical mind and was always drawing plans on paper to create things to make. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Jane; a son and daughter-in-law, Scott G. and Nadean Ramstrom; a daughter, Sandra L. Ramstrom; four grandchildren, Matthew Ramstrom (fiancé Erica Taylor), Amanda Ramstrom (Travis Scharschmidt), Croix Swanson and Ilie Horvath; two great-grandchildren, twins Mason and Damien Ramstrom, as well as nieces, nephews and their families He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Steve Ramstrom; brothers, Lindy and Ellsworth Ramstrom; a sister, Arbutus Keyser; and other relatives. The family prefers memorials to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 26681 Lakeland Ave N, Webster, WI 54893. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com. Arrangements were been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Webster.
Dorothy Roskos
Dorothy Marie Roskos, 81, formerly of Webster, passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at Frederic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Dorothy was born March 16, 1934, in Webster, daughter of Michael and Bertha (Casebeer) Roskos. She was a Webster High School graduate. A private committal will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery of Webster. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home of Webster.
DEATHS
Feb. 1, 2016, Constance Sue Bowar, 69, Oakland Township. Feb. 1, 2016, James Lee Turner, 63, Webster.