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THE MESSENGER OF JUNEAU COUNTY
Obituaries CLARENCE G. DEGNER
Clarence G. Degner, 84, died Thursday, January 17, 2013 surrounded by his family at the Gunderson Medical Center in LaCrosse. He was born in Wonewoc, on January 31, 1928 the son of Julius and Suzanna (Friske) Degner. He was united in marriage to Shirley Shear on May 09, 1953 in Iowa. Clarence owned and operated Degner Electronics and CATV in Wonewoc for over 25 years until 1986. He liked to play cards and socialize, but his greatest passion was “Ford Cars”. He was a member of numerous old Car Clubs, and along with his car, was an extra in the movie “Public Enemies”. Clarence was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Shirley on February 27, 2004. He is survived by his daughters: Cindy Yoakum and Vicki (David “Irish”) Miller; Four Granddaughters: Nichole (Bill) Doyle, Danah (Dale) Kehoe, Marisa (Craig) Scheel, Morgan (Danny Preuss) Miller; Three Great Grandchildren: Haili, Paige Kelly, and Dalton; Brother-in-law: Larry Shear Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wonewoc with Pastor Peter Snyder officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery with Military Honors. Friends may call on Saturday from 11 A.M. to the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the American Legion both in Wonewoc. The Thompson Funeral Home 402 Center Street, Wonewoc, WI is assisting the family. www.ThompsonFuneralService.com
DAWN MARIE O’BRIEN
Dawn Marie O'Brien, age 67 of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin died Sunday, January 20, 2013 at Hess Memorial Hospital in Mauston, Wisconsin. Services will be held at a later date. Dawn was born August 6, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Pridat) O'Brien. Dawn is survived by her sisters, Patricia (Bill) Campbell of Kenosha, WI, Betty (Thomas) Rooney of Reedsburg, WI and Donna Beckwith of Lyndon Station and her brothers, Michael of Lyndon Station and Jack of Brookfield, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Valerie. The Conway-Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements. For On-Line condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com.
EDWARD F. MURPHY
Edward F. Murphy, 96 of Kendall and formerly of Ava, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hillsboro. He was born on August 9, 1916 to Joseph and Alice (Heesen) Murphy in Elroy. On November 19, 1959, Ed was united in marriage to Rea Bergt in Chicago. Together, Ed and Rea lived most of their lives in the Chicago area and later in Ava, Missouri. In 2007, Ed returned to the Kendall area. While living in Chicago, Ed worked for the City of Chicago as a stationary fireman, firing the furnaces for several years at the Chicago Public Library. Ed proudly served his country as a member of the United States Merchant Marines and later in the United States Coast Guard. He enjoyed spending time on his hobby farm in Missouri, gardening and watching the seasons pass. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and William J. Schriver American Legion Post #309, Kendall. He is survived by 4 stepchildren, Ann Cardinal of Lombard, IL, Cherie (Don) Hugo of St. Charles, MO, Veron Kane of Spring Grove, IL and Lorin (Lan) Kane of Gig Harbor, WA, 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rea, an infant great granddaughter, 2 sisters, Josephine and Ruth, 2 brothers, Harry and Charles, and an infant sibling, a step son-in-law, Joe Cardinal and a step daughter-in-law, Donita Kane. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 26, 2013, 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 301 Spring Street, Kendall. Father Richard C. Dickman officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery with military honors by the William J. Schriver American Legion Post #309. Relatives and friends were invited to call on Saturday at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
CLIFFORD R. SEELEY
Clifford R. Seeley, age 69 years, of Hillsboro, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013 at his home in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. He was born on August 22, 1943 to Harvey and Pearl (Punzel) Seeley in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Cliff was united in marriage to Susan Eichman on March 31, 1990 in Hillsboro. Cliff worked at Walker Stainless Equipment in Elroy for many years, later he drove semi-truck, worked at Whitehall Specialties and the Hillsboro Farmers Coop. He enjoyed many sports including the Packers, Badgers and NASCAR Racing; he also liked camping and building things. Survivors include his wife, Susan of Hillsboro; sons, Randy (Deb) Seeley of Hillsboro and Rick (Kim) Seeley of Wilton; step daughters, Jody (Tony) Foster of Stoughton and Cindy (Mark) Hynek of Eleva; fourteen Grandchildren; a brother, Donald Seeley of Arkansas and sisters, Janice Jones and Shirley Moles, both of California. He was preceded in death by his Parents; sister, Linda West; brother, James Seeley and an infant granddaughter, Grace Seeley. There will no services at this time. The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro assisted the family, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
ROBERT D. SCHULTZ
Robert D. Schultz, age 83 years, of Elroy, passed away on Monday, January 21, 2013 at the University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born on December 29, 1929 to Paul and Charlotte (Sorenson) Schultz near Kendall, Wisconsin. Robert served in the U.S. Army 1st Division Artillery while occupying Germany during the Korean War Era. Robert was united in marriage to Maryann Alvin on April 14, 1956 in Baraboo, Wisconsin. They lived in Elroy most of their life, with Robert doing factory work, driving milk truck and later working at Ray-O-Vac. Survivors include his wife, Maryann Schultz of Elroy; son, Joseph Schultz of Elroy; and a sister, LaVerne Joseph of Mauston. A family gathering was held on Thursday, January 24, 2012 at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy. Interment will take place at a later date at the St. Luke’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elroy. The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy assisted the family with arrangements, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
LINDA L. SORENSON
Linda L. Sorenson, age 66 years, of Elroy, passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the Serenity House in Tomah, Wisconsin. She was born on April 22, 1946 to Branson and Nellie (Tracy) Parker in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. Linda was united in marriage to John Sorenson on January 20, 1962 in Dubuque, Iowa. They have lived in Racine, Beloit and Elroy. She was an avid collector of various items including Elvis Presley, Angels and Native American dolls, she also enjoyed watching her hummingbirds. Survivors include her husband, John of Elroy; son, Jerry Sorenson of Mauston; grandchildren, Chantel and Skyla; brother and sisters, Nancy Gutschow of Elroy, Steve (Carolyn) Parker of Janesville, Vickie Parker of Hillsboro, Gertrude (Ron) Thomas of Genoa City, and Lori (Mike) Stanek of Union Center. She was preceded in death by her Parents; and grandchildren, Bobby, Stephanie and Damion. Memorial Graveside Services will take place in the Spring at the Elroy City Cemetery in Elroy, Wisconsin. The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy assisted the family with arrangements, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
ELSIE L. “PEGGY” SPRADLEY
Elsie L. “Peggy” Spradley, 67, of Tomah, died Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Tomah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born July 4, 1945 to Kenneth and Ruby (Chase) Corton at Hillsboro. Peggy attended Lyndon Station grade school and graduated from Tomah High School. In 1964, Peggy was united in marriage to Robert Spradley. They later divorced. She worked for over 20 years at the Tomah VA Medical Center as a nursing assistant until her retirement. She is survived by a daughter, Ruth (Terry) Brux of Tomah, 2 sons James (Allison) Spradley of Baldwin, and John (Sandy) Spradley of Little Canada, MN, six grandchildren, Penny (Doug) Bolden of Kendall, Helen (Tom) Kirchoff of Auburndale, Patti Schaller of Tomah, 2 brothers, Richard (Cynthia) Corton and Kenneth Corton, Jr, both of Holmen. She was preceded in death by her parents. Private services will held at a later date. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral, Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
January 31, 2013
The Messenger of Juneau County
ISSN Number 1526-7873 018-051 Published each Thursday at 229 Main St., Elroy, WI by Messenger of Juneau County LLC. The Messenger is an entirely independent publication serving all of Juneau County. It is not affiliated with any other newspaper or group of newspapers. Periodical postage paid at the Post Office at Elroy, WI 53929. Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Messenger of Juneau County, 229 Main St., Elroy, WI 53929 Bill Smith, Publisher Betty Waits, Co-Publisher Dianna Anderson, Co-Publisher Eileen Nale, Advertising Representative Eva Marie Woywod, Reporter Mandy Bloor, Graphic Design Phone 462-4902 Fax Number 462-4903 E-Mail: themessenger@centurytel.net Web site: www.jcmessenger.com Subscription rates: $30 per year in Juneau, Monroe, Sauk and Vernon Counties; $33 elsewhere in Wisconsin; $35 elsewhere in the U.S.A.
BARBARA LYNN CLARK
Barbara Lynn Clark, age 64 of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin was called to her heavenly home after a long illness with her loving family by her side on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Barrington/Our House in Wisconsin Dells. Memorial funeral services will be held Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 4:30 P.M. at the Conway-Picha Funeral Home in Lyndon Station, Wisconsin with Pastor Don Deike officiating. Visitation will be held at the Conway Picha Funeral Home on Thursday from 1:30 P.M. until the time of service at 4:30 P.M. Barbara was born March 16, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Wilman) Hablewitz. Barb came from a large family of 16 children. She grew up in Milwaukee where she met and married Dean C. Clark. Barb took much pride in her homemaking, cooking and baking. In her free time she enjoyed playing with her grandkids, reading, rummaging, playing cards trying her luck at the casino and playing cribbage with her husband. She worked 12 years at Gerber in Reedsburg until she retired in 2008. She will be remembered for her fun loving, spunky personality. She was the favorite Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Barbara will be greatly missed by her loving husband, Dean; sons, Daniel (Nicole) of Mauston, Wisconsin and Joseph (Jennifer) of Middleton, Wisconsin; a daughter, Debra (Douglas) of New Lisbon, Wisconsin; a brother, Ray; sisters, Dorothy (Joe), Leora (Russ), Helen (Rich), Marleen, Ruth (Dick), Kathy, and Janet; grandchildren, Jacob, Kristen, Cory, Katelin, Christopher, Haley, Brooke, Paige and Grace Barbara; 4 great grandchildren; a special nephew, Mark; other nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Dean, Jr.; 4 brothers; 3 sisters and father in law, Spencer. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful members of the hospice team and the St. Claire Hospice house who treated Barb with patience, compassion and love. You are all true angels. She was also wonderfully cared for by her husband and daughter in law, Nicole, who was loving, patient and giving. The Conway-Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements. For On-Line condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com
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Obituaries on Page 8
Hillsboro 489-2516 Elroy 462-8256 www.pichafuneralhomes.com