Dorothy J. Gabel, age 84, of Lancaster, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.  She was born May 17, 1924, in Paris Township, the daughter of Elmer and Ethel (Hamilton) Deiter.  She attended school in Paris Township.  On June 1, 1940, Dorothy was united in marriage to Donald L. Gabel in Dubuque.  After their marriage, the couple farmed in Southwest Wisconsin until 1950, when they purchased Gabel’s Salvage.  They operated Gabel’s Salvage until 1986.  Dorothy began driving school bus in 1966, retiring in 1986, when she moved to Cassville and began to care for families in their home.  Dorothy was an avid bowler, quilter, seamstress and enjoyed making crafts.  She was known for her dolls, rugs and quilts.  Dorothy also enjoyed canning and reading.  She had a big heart and was a mother to many, not just her own children.  Dorothy was fun-loving and shared that quality with everyone she met.  She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, the Forty & Eight, Lion’s Club, DAR, and Christ Lutheran Church.

       Survivors include her eleven children:  Deanna Udelhofen, Lancaster; Judy (Fred) Hutchcroft Moon, Poplar Grove, IL; Patricia Gestner, Milton; Sandra (Gary) Reed, Lansing, MI; Mitchell (Cindy) Gabel, Montezuma, IA; James (Shirley) Gabel, Ft. Collins, CO; Rita (David) Olson Buchholz, Cuba City; Dolly (Denny) Templeton Halvorson, New Glarus; Leane Gabel, Ft. Collins, CO; Tami Gabel, New Glarus; Tim Gabel, Washington, DC; daughter-in-law, Sara Gabel, Lancaster, OH; 41 grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; her brothers and sisters: Dolores Ready, Rockford, IL; Daryl (Jo) Deiter, Lafaria, TX; Donna (George) Fair, Rockford, IL; Robert (Rosemary) Deiter, Rantoul, IL; other relatives and many friends.

       In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her son, Bob, and a granddaughter, Marillee Olson.

       Funeral services wer held on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Lancaster with Pastor David Froemming officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  Friends called on Friday, May 8, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. 

     Grace M. Gelbach, age 98, of Lancaster, died on Monday, January 18, 2010, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.  She was born on October 22, 1911, in Grant County, the daughter of William and Lavina (Wetmore) Garthwaite.  Grace graduated from Lancaster High School and furthered her education at Platteville Teacher’s College.  She taught country school in Little Grant Township.  On March 21, 1940, Grace was united in marriage to Earl Gelbach at the United Methodist Church in Lancaster.  After their marriage, the couple farmed in Liberty Township.  Grace was employed with the Register of Deeds for eleven years.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lancaster and enjoyed reading, quilting, and baking cookies.

       Survivors include her children:  Rachel (James) Hall, Dubuque, IA; David Gelbach, Saline, MI; Beth (Darwin) Clifton, Potosi; seven grandchildren:  Ross (Shelly) Hall, Cleremont, FL; Heather (Duane) Kies, Kieler; Andrew Hall, Dyersville, IA; Rebecca (Tom) Draxler, Deerfield, WI; Alicia (Pat) Valentine, Oregon, WI; Benjamin (Jessie) Clifton, Lancaster; Jeffrey (Susan) Clifton, Lancaster; twelve great-grandchildren: Melissa Hall, Nathan, Hall, Rachel Hall, Adeline Kies, Harrison Kies, Mesfin Draxler, Nick Valentine, Megan Valentine, Heidi Reed, Maddie Clifton, Ella Grace Clifton, and Caleb Clifton; other relatives and many friends.

       In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Earl in 1964 and a sister, Belva Garthwaite.

       Funeral services were held on Friday, January 22, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lancaster Care Center Chapel with Rev. Mary Ann Floerke officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  Family and friends called on Friday, January 22, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the Lancaster Care Center Chapel.  Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.  In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given to the Lancaster Rescue Squad or Grant County Hospice.

Gerhardt G. “Gary” Gensmer, age 87, of Lancaster, died on Thursday, December 9, 2010.  He was born on March 25, 1923, in Winona County, MN, the youngest and last survivor of eight children born to Anton and Emma (Keeter) Gensmer.  On October 18, 1946, Gary was united in marriage to Janet A. Evanson at Central Lutheran Church in Winona, MN.  He played the saxophone, clarinet and sang in a polka band, the Dutch Masters, for eighteen years.  Gary was also employed as a district manager for Wayne Feeds.  He enjoyed his hobby farm just west of Lancaster.  Gary was especially known for his raspberry production.  He loved fishing and golfing with his wife and best friend, Janet. 

Survivors include his three children, Robert (Susan) Gensmer, Janesville; Frederick (Jean) Gensmer, Janesville; and Karen (Robert) Bedward, Lancaster; seven grandchildren, Lisa Lechner; Maj. Laura (Harold) Poston; Shelly (Roger) Swenson; Phillip Gensmer; Brian (Jesse) Knapp; Derek (Heather Moore) Knapp; and Kristina (Dale Steffen) Knapp; fourteen great-grandchildren, Alex, Jacob, and Tyler Lechner; Carolyn and Katherine Poston; Hayden and Finley Knapp; Noah Wainwright and William Steffen; Tanner and Lily Knapp; Larry Moore; Jacob Gensmer and Haley Swenson; many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Janet, a son-in-law, Douglas Knapp and his brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 13, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Lancaster with Pastor Shane Krause officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  Family and friends called on Monday, December 13, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.

Virginia M. Genthe, age 82, of Platteville, died on Thursday, August 26, 2010, at Manor Care Nursing Home, Platteville.  She was born on March 27, 1928, in rural Platteville, the daughter of Clarence and Viola (Boyd) Davies.  Virginia graduated from Platteville High School.  She was united in marriage to Roger Genthe, who preceded her in death on June 1, 1983.  Virginia lived in rural Platteville most of her life and was employed at the Platteville Telephone Company, the Sears Store and Spurgeons.  She liked to walk, knit, and enjoyed making crafts.  Virginia was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Lutheran Church of Peace in Platteville.

She is survived by her son, Daniel Genthe, Madison, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of Peace in Platteville with Rev. Jeffrey Pederson officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Platteville.  Family and friends called on Saturday, August 28, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville is assisting the family.

Donald “Don” C. Giesen, age 79, of Cassville, died on Monday, October 10, 2011, in the presence of family at UW Hospital in Madison. He was born on January 29, 1932, in Cassville Township, the son of Philip and Sarah (Rogers) Giesen. Don graduated from Cassville High School in 1949. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953 to 1954. On May 19, 1953, Don was united in marriage with Darlene Christensen at the Lancaster Congregational Church. After their marriage the couple began their life-long careers in dairy farming and raising a large, close-knit family. They rented a farm in Liberty Township until 1958, when Don and Darlene moved to the Williams farm, again renting the dairy farm. In 1970, the couple purchased a dairy farm in Little Grant Township near Bloomington, where they farmed until 1984. They sold the farm in December 1984 and moved to the farm near Beetown where Darlene had been born and which they had purchased in 1978 from Darlene’s mother. In addition to farming, he was employed at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in maintenance, at Chaffie Hollow Repair, and at the Prairie du Chien Courier Press. Don was an amazing man with many interests and an intense love of and dedication to family. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to shoot prairie dogs in South Dakota and hunt deer. Don was an excellent shot and once took two deer with a single shot. He enjoyed cutting wood, fixing anything, tinkering in the shop and inventing. Don also enjoyed traveling with his wife, riding his motorcycle, shooting pool and telling jokes. He was a loyal Ford Mercury customer and treasured his John Deere tractors and equipment. He was a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene of Cassville; their children: Pamela (Dennis F.) Clauer, Cassville; Donald A. (April) Giesen, Jr., Fennimore; Peggy (Dennis) Freymiller, Mustang, OK; Deborah M. Giesen, Naperville, IL; James R. (Marianne) Giesen, Cassville; sixteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his brothers and sister: Thomas P. Giesen, Cassville; Robert C. (Gloria) Giesen, Lancaster; and Laura T. (Keith Adrian) Rauch, Platteville; and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers, William and Arthur and sister, Eunice; sister-in-law Grace (Christensen) Giesen; two granddaughters, Stephanie Giesen and Tilah Page; and a son-in-law, Robert Havlik.

Funeral services with military honors were held on Friday, October 14, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster with Pastor Mike Christensen officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Family and friends called on Thursday, October 13, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Grace Elaine (Christensen) Giesen, age75, of Cassville, passed away Friday, March 12, 2010 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 19, 1934 in Beetown, the daughter of Neal and Cecelia (Wade) Christensen. Grace graduated from Lancaster High School in 1952. She married the love of her life, Thomas P. Giesen, on February 15, 1960. She and Tom farmed outside Cassville and between his, mine and ours she mothered eleven lucky children and various strays that her children brought home. She was a lifelong learner, a voracious reader and the person to call if you had questions about anything from history to bird watching. She enjoyed watching her hummingbirds in the summer and the birds at her feeder all winter. In 1948, at the age of 14, she was crowned Miss Beetown during it’s centennial celebration. (Back then Beetown was a big lead mining town.) After high school she spent several years living in Chicago where she married her first husband (Donald Manning) and had the first three of her six children. Grace made the long drive to Dodgeville to work at Lands’ End for many years. She had a generous heart and her children and grandchildren were gifted with Lands’ End items for all of those years.

Surviving Grace are her loving husband of 50 years, Thomas Giesen of Cassville; her children, Jerry (Christy) Manning of Dothan, Alabama (currently in Kirkuk, Iraq); Sherri Sherman of Dubuque, Iowa; Susan (Tom) McLimans of Lancaster, Daniel (Cheryl) Giesen of Stoughton; and David (Debra Bryhan) Giesen of Platteville; her step-children Judy Conley of Bloomington; Sarah Dressler of Lancaster; Tom Giesen of Beetown; Tim Giesen of Ladysmith, WI; and Jackie (Denny) Ellingson of Cassville; her sisters, Darlene (Don) Giesen, Bea (Wayne) Martin, and Joy Ann Christensen and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeremy Manning, Barry and Heather Sherman, Josh and Renee McLimans, Jacob and Mallory Giesen and Tyler and Levi Giesen.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Jerry Lee Christensen, Marlin Christensen, Neal Christensen Jr., Dean Hamlin; and her son, Terry Manning.

Friends called Monday evening, March 15, 2010, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster. There will be a private burial at a later date at the Cassville Cemetery.

Cricket Rebecca Gifford, infant daughter of Sarah Gifford was born on October 5, 2010 at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse and passed away on October 7, 2010.

She is survived by her mother, Sarah; her grandmother, Linda Gifford; Aunt Lora & Aunt Allyson; and cousin Lillian all of Prairie du Chien.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, John.

Graveside services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 11, 2010 at Hazelton-Flint Cemetery, Wyalusing Township.  Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington is serving the family.

Kathryn “Katie” J. Glasbrenner, age 80, of Lancaster, died on Friday, March 19, 2010, at the Lancaster Care Center in Lancaster.  She was born on April 26, 1929, in Cassville, the daughter of Oscar and Marie (Wilcox) Wiest.  On June 22, 1946, Katie was united in marriage to Kenneth L. Glasbrenner in Fennimore.  They spent their first part of their married life in Fennimore and moved to Lancaster in 1963.  She worked as a CNA at Lancaster Care Center and Lancaster Memorial Hospital for several years.  Katie was very loving and caring towards her patients.  After retirement, she took care of her grandchildren.  Katie enjoyed gardening, lawn work, crocheting, playing Bingo, putting together puzzles, singing and listening to music, and going out to eat. 

Survivors include her five children:  Donna (Richard) Ackerman, Diane Fernandes, and Ron Glasbrenner, all of Lancaster; Rocky Glasbrenner, Oshkosh; Debra (fiancé Randy Stanfley) Bontreger, Lancaster; sixteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; two brothers and four sisters:  Charles (Barb) Wiest, Donald (Mary Lou) Wiest, all of Fennimore; Judy (Dwaine) Orsom, Barron; Shirley Glasbrenner, Shellsburg, IA; Linda Spease, Watertown; Colleen Fraizer, Sextonville; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Katie was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth on February 17, 2003; her brothers: Roger, Lyle, Richard and Larry Wiest; a sister, Mary Wiest and several in-laws.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at 12:00 noon at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  Family and friends called on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

James W. Goke, age 70, of Platteville, died Sunday, June 6, 2010 at Manor Care, Inc. in Platteville.  He was born on January 13, 1940 in Platteville , WI the son of Arthur and Frances (Miles) Goke.  Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1957 and was stationed in California .  He farmed and worked at the cheese factory in Platteville until his retirement.  Jim was an avid bowler and loved to fish.

Jim is survived by his sister, Janice (John) Popple, Platteville; two nephews:  Kevin (Lori) Kase, Platteville and Timothy (Julie) Kase, Milwaukee ; three great-nephews:  Chad (Anjali) Kase, Chicago , IL ; Ryan (Jessica) Kase, Platteville and Brent (Megan) Kase, Boscobel.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, a brother, Douglas and aunts and uncles.

Graveside services with Military Honors accorded by Leo M. Kane American Legion Post No. 42 and the VFW Post No. 5274, both of Platteville, were held on Friday, June 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Platteville with Reverend Michael Short officiating.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville is assisting the family.

Dorothy L. Govier, age 84, of Lancaster, WI, died Thursday, September 08, 2011, at Grant Regional Health Center.  Dorothy was born in Lancaster on January 19, 1927, a daughter of Dennis and Muriel Oates. 

Dorothy married Russell Govier in Lancaster on her 19^th birthday.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Russell; three children, Dennis (Melody) of Boscobel, WI, John (Nancy) of Tucson, AZ, and Carol (Marshall) Burton of Lancaster; five grandchildren, Carylee (Dan) Gressman of Fennimore, WI, Jeremy (Lorna) Govier of Tucson, AZ, Angie (Josh) DeWitt of Tucson, AZ, Kristine (Don) Mullikin of Janesville, WI, and Jim Burton of Lancaster; twelve great-children, Daniel, Rachel, Timothy, William, Gideon, Katrina, and Annie Gressman, all of Fennimore, Maxwell and Violet Govier of Tucson, Brittany and Chrystal Burton of Janesville, and Dylan Mullikin of Janesville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Donald Oates.

Funeral services were held at 2 pm on Sunday, September 11, 2011, at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster, with Pastor Dennis Govier (Retired) officiating.  Burial was in Little Grant Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 12 to 2 pm on Sunday, September 11, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Dorothy L. Govier Memorial Fund.

     Geraldine A. Govier, age 91, of Lancaster, died on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at the Lancaster Care Center in Lancaster.  She was born on June 16, 1917, in Chippewa Falls, the oldest daughter of Oliver and Marie (Frisk) Olson.  Before her marriage, Geraldine was employed with the Wisconsin Unemployment Compensation Department in Lancaster and Eau Claire.  She was also in the Navy Waves for a short time during World War II.  On February 18, 1947, Geraldine was united in marriage to Vernon Govier in Lancaster.  They farmed in Little Grant Township with Vernon’s brother, Delbert until 1959, when they moved to Prairie du Chien, where Vernon worked for 3-M, cut trees and sharpened saws.  Geraldine was a member of the Prairie du Chien Church of God for twenty-nine years.  Vernon and Geraldine became residents of the Lancaster Care Center in 1990.

       Survivors include her children:  Marianne Novy (David Carrier) Pittsburgh, PA; James (Peggy) Govier, McFarland; Gordon (Anne) Govier, Monona; Keith (Georgia) Govier, Wyalusing; Galen Govier, Prairie du Chien; Richard (Sue) Govier, Baraboo; William (Lisa) Govier, Darlington; twenty-three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister: Janet Von Jenef, Woodland Park, CO; step-daughter, Joanne (George) Sprenger, Las Vegas, NM; brother-in-law, Dale Gregory, Clebourne, TX; three nieces and five nephews.

       In addition to her parents, Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband, her son, Rev. Benjamin Govier and a sister, Louise Gregory.

       Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lancaster with Pastor Barbara Cook officiating.  Burial with military honors was in Mt. Zion Cemetery, North Lancaster Township.  Friends called on Saturday, February 28, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family. 

Ruth Naomi Govier, age 69, of Lancaster, died on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at the Lancaster Care Center, Lancaster.  She was born on October 16, 1940, in Madison, the daughter of Richard and Bernice (Kemmeter) Koons.  Ruth attended school in Madison, graduating from East Madison High School.  On February 14, 1959, she was united in marriage to David William Govier at the Lancaster United Methodist Church.  After their marriage, the couple farmed in Little Grant Township.  Ruth enjoyed feeding and watching birds and listening to the Packers, Brewers and music on the radio.  She loved her pet dogs and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. 

Survivors include her children: Kim Govier, Madison, WI; Kevin (Lois Wieland) Govier, Zumbrota, MN and Kurt Govier, Salisbury, North Carolina; four grandchildren: Dan, Keith, Kalvin and Kyle Govier; her brothers and sisters: Richard (Pat) Koons, Nancy Koons, Virginia Clemmons, Bill Koons and Georgia Koons; two nephews, Mike and Lloyd Koons; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, David on July 6, 1994; and a brother, Raymon Koons.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 7, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster with Teri A. Hanson officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  Family and friends called on Saturday, August 7, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

James Lincoln Greene, age 80, of Gainesville, FL, formerly of Madison, died on Sunday, December 19, 2010.  He was born on February 12, 1930, in Madison, the son of George and Mildred Greene.  Jim attended Franklin Elementary School and West High School.  An avid athlete, Jim played volleyball (1948 state champs), baseball, basketball, football, and hockey (leading scorer and state champs in 1948).  He was instrumental in helping to get high school hockey started in the Madison Public School in 1948.  He went on to play right wing with the Madison Cardinals and later with the semipro Milwaukee Admirals.

Jim served his country in the United States Navy attached to the S.S. Roosevelt, Fleet Air Squadron Five out of Norfolk, VA.  While in the service, he competed as undefeated middle weight champion boxer of his naval fleet.

While working full time and helping to raise three sons, Jim continued his undergraduate work in Mechanical Engineering at UW-Milwaukee.  He took additional college study in computer science, business administration, and real estate.  He also held a private pilot’s license with aerobatic training, and owned and operated a business called Airpool Travel International.  For a while, he and his youngest son owned a twin engine Piper Apache which they used in his business.

Jim’s employment history includes:  shining shoes and pressing clothes in his dad’s tailor shop and doing maintenance work at the Madison Bus Co. and the Gisholt Machine Shop.  In 1950-1955, he became the first black machinist (a gear hobber) at a time when most blacks were held to foundry and yard labor status.  Although he competed and placed in the top five ranks on all the exams (written, oral and physical) for the Madison Police Department in 1955; he was denied a position by the police chief who desired no blacks on the force.  At that time, there were no laws on the books to protect qualified black applicants form racial discrimination.  So, Jim moved to Milwaukee, qualified as a Milwaukee Fire Fighter (ranked #2), and inspector for General Electric, an engineer assistant for Allis Chalmers, and a computer operator for the Milwaukee tax department from 1955-1960.  In 1960, Jim was appointed to supervise the entire installation of the Milwaukee Public Library’s data processing system.  With this management experience, he returned in 1965 with his family to McFarland and Madison to work for state government as a management information specialist, where he worked until his retirement in 1985.  There he had been responsible for all data processing operations at the old University Hospitals; for coordination and planning of the teleprocessing/communications systems and facilities of the state; for leadership in establishing and implementation of the state’s program planning budgeting system (PPBS); and as an Emergency Number Systems Manager was responsible for the installation of over 35 county and local ENS’s.  Jim was known as THE 911 Coordinator. In addition, Jim was co-founder and Executive Director of NENA (National Emergency Number Association) charged with implementing 911 nationwide.  His team had gone to Washington D.C., the Executive Office of the President, and consulted with Ed Messe, then the US Attorney General, and received his staff support for establishing NENA.  While handling these various professional duties, he also served as his State Division of Administration’s AA Officer and Employee Assistance Counselor.

Throughout his life, Jim served as a volunteer with many local community organizations and his church, wherever he lived, including: UW Badger Buddy Program (Mike Reid of the Atlanta Falcons was his last “buddy”), NAACP (established an emergency cash fund for helping black citizens with bail bonds, food, clothing. etc.), United Way (executive budget committee), Urban League (Pal Program which introduced local youth to aviation), Boy Scouts of America (established a black explorers troop in St. Marks AME Church in Milwaukee), and state Employees Tennis League (founder and director 1980-1982).  He was also a member of Negro Airmen’s International Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter Chairman of the Association of Computing Machinery, and Delta Delta Delta Engineering Fraternity. 

Jim became interested in ambidexterity as it applied to tennis.  He and his wife, Dolores, researched and wrote a manual called Ambidextrous Tennis For Everyone, which highlighted natural tennis play and was published in 1979.  Jim continued instruction in Natural Tennis in Madison, Freeport, Bahamas, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands and in Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Coast, FL and Gainesville, FL as a USPTA Certified professional since 1990.  His Natural Tennis Association members are spread as far as West Germany, Hawaii and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Besides tennis, jogging and flying across the US, Jim spent his first retirement years running his Amway Company, Commonwealth International, which was cut short due to a serious auto accident, which further disabled his wife.  His most satisfying project was continuing to raise funds for young needy black high school youth by way of the George M. Greene, Sr. Scholarship Trust Fund.  The fund was established in 1980 in memory of Jim’s father, a tailor, and was operated in conjunction with African Methodist Episcopal churches.  The trust fund helped to send many youth on to college, started some in their own businesses, provided books, tools and in one case, a school bus, to further career aspirations.  Jim’s work in the AME church also included serving as a Sunday School Superintendent, heading an Evangelist program, helping to found the SS Morris Community AME Church and other Methodist endeavors such as serving on the Administrative Board and in the prison ministry of Christ Church, the United Methodist Church of Ft. Lauderdale, and with facilitating a Bible study group and CDL training ministry at First AME of Palm Coast, FL.  His final church work was with the SW United Methodist after moving to Gainesville in 2002, prior to becoming a resident of Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, a CCRC, where he died on Sunday, December 19, 2010, overtaken by dementia.

Jim was a devoted and loyal Christian, always believed in God and His Son Jesus Christ.  He studied the Bible and tried to pattern his life after its teachings.  He strived to be worthy and believed fervently in life after death.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores (Simms) Greene, Gainesville, FL; sons: Gary (Theresa) Greene, Marietta, GA; David (Jocelyn) Greene, Madison; three grandchildren: Tiera, Clarissa, and Jordan.  Also mourning his death is sister-in-law, Dr. Muriel L. Simms and nephew, Michael A. Simms, both of Madison; many other family and friends whose lives he touched.

Of particular note and pride, is the fact that Jim’s history goes back to 1848 in Wisconsin, when his ancestors, the John Greenes and the Charles Shepards, settled and integrated Pleasant Ridge Community in Grant County as freed people escaping from the southern slave states.  It has been a source of inspiration for Jim and his wife of 60 years.

On Wednesday, January 5, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Greene was buried in the family cemetery outside Lancaster.  A memorial service will be held in Madison at a later date with Reverend Gregory Armstrong officiating.  In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to support the work of Jim’s founding church, SS Morris Community AME, 3511 Milwaukee St., Madison, WI 53714.  The family promises that no future solicitation will be forthcoming from your donation.  A special thank you to all the caring friends, neighbors and nursing staff that helped with his journey’s end in comfort. 

Darlene Joyce Guanella, at 79, of Eau Claire, formerly of Bagley, passed away on Monday, November 1, 2010, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. 

Survivors include her son, Joel (Susan) Guanella, Eau Claire; her sister, Carol (Russell) Anderson, Whitehall; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 5, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Bagley.  Burial was in Lower Coon Valley Cemetery, Stoddard.  Family and friends called on Thursday, November 4, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington and from 10:00 a.m. on Friday until time of services at the church.  In lieu of plants and flowers, a Darlene J. Guanella memorial fund has been established.

Donald F. Guinn, age 83, of Lancaster, died on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, at Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster.  He was born on March 28, 1927, in Pulaski, IA, the son of Issac and Grace (Walters) Guinn.  On June 12, 1949, Donald was united in marriage to Betty Varese at Centerville, IA.  Donald was employed with Dairyland Power Co-op for thirty-five years, retiring in 1992.  He was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Iowa National Guard.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Melvin Streif, seven brothers: Noel, Walter, Elton, Russell, Raymond, Ronald, Merlin, and one infant sister.

Survivors include his wife of sixty years, Betty Guinn, Lancaster; their children:  Marie Streif, Lancaster; Connie (Gary) Tomter, Prairie du Sac; Diana Guinn, Viroqua; Donna Karasek, Viroqua; nine grandchildren: Michael (Tasha) Streif, Misty Streif, Sara ne: Tomter (Derek) Ryan, Erik (Tara) Tomter, Emily, Ona, Abby Yttri, Kaitlyn, and Maggie Karasek; six great-grandchildren: Janessa, Mason and Kya Streif, Sophie, Emma Yttri, Declan Ryan; his brothers and sisters: Leva Hill, Rex Guinn, Robert Guinn, Merlene (Wendel) Oge, Vera (Frank) Shively, Jacquetta (Rudy) Zemo; two sisters-in-law, Nellie Guinn and Martha Guinn.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 8, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  Family and friends called on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the church.  In lieu of plants and flowers, a Donald F. Guinn memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Grant Regional Health Center, the nursing staff, Dr. Erin Huebschman and Tracey Schildgen of Grant Co. Hospice.  Also, a special thank you to Don’s neighbors, Norbert and Charlene Schildgen, and his best buddy, Bobby Broihahn, for always being there.

Russell F. Gursky, age 97, passed away peacefully at his home in Tucson, AZ, on Thursday, August 19, 2010.  He was born in Chicago on May 22, 1913, the son of Fred Gursky and Jennie (Gundlach) Gursky Montanaro.  He was married for 65 years to Alice Tyler, who died in December 2000.  Russ was an industrial engineer at AMETEK, Inc. in Illinois for almost 40 years and moved to Tucson with his wife in 1976.

Alice and Russell were founding members of St. Alban's Episcopal Church.  He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and was a member of the Sabbar Shrine Temple where he served as secretary of the Greeters' Unit for 14 years and as their treasurer for 2 years.  As a part of the Tucson Police Department's Police Assist Group for over 20 years, he was named Volunteer of the Year in 2001 and 2002, was awarded TPD's  Medal of Service, and was invited by the White House to officially welcome President George W. Bush to Tucson in March 2005.  In addition, he received the Tributes to Aging Inspiration Award in 1998, and was recognized by the Tucson Citizen with an Unsung Hero Award in 2006.

Besides his beloved wife, Alice, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorathy and Violet. 

He is survived by daughters Dorathy (Ray) Ball and Deanna Gursky; grandchildren Cheryl (Rick) Lane, Linda (Don) Hunt, and Bob Hicklin plus three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2010, with Rev. Diane Markevitch.  Burial with Masonic services was in Bloomington Cemetery, Bloomington.  Family and friends called on Saturday, August 28, 2010, from 12:30 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona; 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd.; Tucson, AZ 85716.