Archived Services - K

Jean A. Kammerud

Jean A. Kammerud, age 59, of Lancaster, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2011, at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Jean was born in Lancaster on May16, 1952, the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Gengler) Bennett.

On April 17, 1971 Jean married John Kammerud. They celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary this past April with many friends and family. She was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church. Jean was a familiar face at Dicks Supermarket, Lancaster, in the Meat Department for over 35 years. She was a very special person who enjoyed many things including fishing trips, gambling, Harley rides and spending time with family and friends the most. Jean was very dedicated to her family and never missed a family event.

Jean is survived by her loving husband John; daughter, Denise (Brian Janssen) Bausch; son, Dan (fiancée Jen Taylor and her children, Brandi & Wesley) Kammerud all of Lancaster; a very special grandson, Braeden Bausch who loved his grammy dearly; three brothers: Don (Michelle) Bennett, Lancaster, David (Jacki) Bennett of Boscobel; Tim (fiancé Louise Yoose) Bennett, Lancaster; two sisters: Barb (Butch) Dresen, Fennimore and Pat (Bill) Miles, Lancaster; brothers-in-law, Richard (Norma) Kammerud, Lancaster; Louie (Rachel) Wilkinson, Fennimore; along with many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ruth Bennett, father and mother-in-law, Robert and Glenda Kammerud, a brother, Ed Bennett, a sister Katherine Wilkinson, a great-niece, Autumn Dresen, and a great-nephew, Andrew Bahl.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 3, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Jean A. Kammerud Memorial Fund has been established.

Alberta C. Kalinowski

Robert L. Kammerud

     Robert L. Kammerud, age 85, of Lancaster died Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at the Lancaster Care Center.  He was born on November 27, 1923, the son of Oliver and Margarat (McIllhatton) Kammerud in Lafayette Township, Lafayette County.  Bob attended Country School in Lafayette County.  He served in the United States Army in the 37^th Infantry Division during WWII and the Battle of the Bulge.  Bob was united in marriage to Glenda Faye Stott on April 12, 1947, in Platteville.  She preceded him in death.  

            Bob worked at Rockwool Home Insulation until his retirement in 1987.  He liked to hunt, fish, and buy and sell antiques.

            Bob is survived by two sons:  Dick (Norma) and John (Jean) Kammerud, both of Lancaster; three grandchildren:  Brian, Denise and Dan; one great-grandchild, Braeden; a sister:  Juanita Kane, Janesville; a very special friend, Marcy Burton; many nieces and nephews.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Glenda; and two sisters, Wanda Stoney and Naomi Richter.

            Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating.  Burial with Military Honors provided by the Thorpe-Taylor American Legion Post No. 551, Richard Burns American Legion Post No. 109, and the William Pollock VFW Post No. 2344 was held in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster.  Visitation was held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2009, at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Judith A. Karle, age 70, of Lancaster, died on Monday, July 5, 2010, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.  She was born on September 22, 1939, in Grant County, the daughter of Paul and Emma (Gates) Hampton.  Judy graduated from Bloomington High School in 1958.  She then attended college, was married, and moved to Ohio.  Judy returned to Grant County in 2002.

Survivors include her mother, Emma Hampton, Lancaster, and four daughters; her sister, Linda (Larry) Watchorn, Fennimore; her brothers: Paul “Mick” (Jeanne) Hampton, Dubuque, IA; Kristopher (Faye) Hampton, Cottage Grove; and many nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Paul Hampton.

There was no services per Judy’s request.  Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.

     Curtis K. Kasper, age 72, of Cassville, died on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at his residence in Cassville.  He was born on August 15, 1936, in Beetown, the son of Armien and Zella (Emler) Kasper.  Curtis graduated from Lancaster High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He served his country while being stationed in California.  Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Curtis attended UW-Whitewater.  Curtis was united in marriage to Marian, who preceded him in death in May of 2007.  In 1963, Curtis returned to California and was a corporate manager for the Fireman’s Fund.  He later purchased an UPS store.  Curtis furthered his education while he was in California, obtaining his Masters in English.  In January of 2008, Curtis moved to Cassville.  He enjoyed traveling and attending the San Francisco Symphony.

       Survivors include his brother Gary (Bonnie) Kasper, Cassville and numerous nieces and nephews and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

       In addition to his parents and his wife, Marian, Curtis was preceded in death by a brother, Ken Kasper, a sister, Irene Christensen and a nephew, Jason Kasper.

        Graveside services were on Saturday, August 22, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  

      Josephine “Josie” Kedley, age 67, of Potosi, died on Monday, November 10, 2008 in Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.  She was born on April 21, 1941 in Platteville, WI, the daughter of Victor and Rose (Dean) Burkholder.  Josie married David P. Kedley on August 30, 1975.  She was employed at Car-Adco, Rayovac, Advance Transformer and retired from Loudspeaker Component Company in 2004. 

      Josie liked to play cards, watch television, go shopping and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.  She especially loved to spend time with her grandchildren and family. 

      Josephine is survived by her husband, David “Dave”; her two daughters, Francine M. Hoffman (fiancé, Bob Cummings), Mechanicsville, IA and Jaimie J. Kedley (fiancé, Joe Hoffman), Cuba City and her son, Jeremy J. Kedley (friend, Lori Maahs), Potosi; her two sisters, Betty Woodcock (friend Tom), Lamar, Missouri; Leta Buss, Rocky Mountain, VA and a brother, Robert Beyer, Platteville; grandchildren:  Shane (Sara) Radloff, Jason Gardner, Shannon Hoffman, Jacob Martin and Kami Kedley; Great-grandchildren:  Treana, Gavyn, Dovyana, Jazalyn, Alexis and Hayden; two sisters-in-law, Judith Burkholder and Beverly Burkholder; many nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; Victor “Butch” Burkholder and Michael Burkholder and in-laws.

     Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Potosi with Father Richard Leffler officiating.  Burial was held in St. Thomas Cemetery, Potosi Township.  Visitation was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. where there was a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services all at the funeral home.  

Kristine “Kris” M. Keene, age 47, of Potosi, died on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 surrounded by her loving family at her home after a courageous six-week battle with cancer.  She was born on January 12, 1963, the daughter of David R.and Ruth A. (Bohringer) Knoke in Lancaster.  Kris graduated from Lancaster High School in 1981.  On October 10, 1981 she was united in marriage to Richard Keene, Jr. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster.  Kris was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church and Davies Memorial Church of Christ in Potosi. 

Kris treasured working in the outdoors on the family farm side by side with her husband and family.  She especially enjoyed all aspects of the cattle business:  producing, showing, and selling quality cattle.  She loved spending time with her family and cherished any opportunity to attend their sports and music events.

Kris is survived by her husband, Dick, Potosi; four children: Tabitha and Joseph, Madison; Rebecca “Reba” and Thomas, Potosi; her father, David Knoke, Lancaster; one sister and two brothers: Deb (Scott) Price, Galena, IL, Dave “Rob” Knoke; Hudson and Jim (Teri) Knoke, Lancaster; father and mother- in-law, Richard and Marlene Keene, Potosi; sisters-in-law: Peg (Bob) Miller, Lancaster; Carol (Jack) Hayes, Verona; Nancy (Pat) Adams, Potosi; Sheila Keene (Rick Wedig), Deforest; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Teri A. Hanson officiating.  Burial was in British Hollow Cemetery, Potosi Township.  Visitation was held on Sunday, October 10th from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.  The Martin Funeral Home in Potosi is assisting the family. 

 In lieu of flowers and plants, a Kristine M. Keene Memorial Fund has been established.

     Edwin C. Keeney, age 72, of Mt. Hope, died on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at his home in Mt. Hope after a long battle with cancer.  He was born on September 13, 1936, in Mifflin Township, the son of Daniel and Alice (Waterman) Keeney.  He graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 1954.  On September 17, 1955, Edwin was united in marriage to Carolyn Laufenberg at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church in Mt. Hope.    In 1969, Edwin founded Keeney Motors, which he owned and operated for nineteen years.  He was a Mt. Hope Township Patrolman for ten years, and the last seven years, he was a shoe cobbler at True Value in Prairie du Chien.  He was a member of St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church, served on the Village Board and was a member of the Mt. Hope Fire Department. 

      Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Keeney, Mt. Hope; his children: Robert (Mary) Keeney, Mt. Hope; Daniel ( Karen) Keeney, Hazel Green; Sandra (Robert) Hull, Patch Grove; Steven (Mary) Keeney, Appleton; Gary (Lisa) Keeney, Prairie du Chien; Kristine (Patrick) Hubanks, Dodgeville; nine grandchildren; his mother, Alice Keeney, Fennimore; his brothers:  Milton (Doris) Keeney, Hudson; Paul (Lois) Keeney, The Villages, FL; James Keeney, Mt. Hope.

      In addition to his father, Edwin was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy.

      Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church in Mt. Hope at 10:30 a.m. with Father George Horath and Father Bart Timmerman officiating.  Burial was in St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery, Mt. Hope Township.  Friends called on Tuesday, November 11, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington with the rosary at 3:30 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Carol Kelly, age 61, of Potosi , passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison .  She was born on January 14, 1949 , the daughter of Elmer and Harriet (Olson) Walters in Black River Falls , WI .  Carol was united in marriage to William J. Kelly on May 29, 1971 . 

Carol worked in Dickeyville at Valintine’s Restaurant, which became Catina’s Kitchen in 2010.  She loved to play cards and go to Dubuque Casino.

Carol is survived by her husband, Bill, Potosi ; her daughter, Rita and her children: Jessica (21),William Jr. (21), Jacob (17) and Brandon (16); her son, Willie and his children: Evan (11), Ryan (9) and Erin (7); a brother, Elmer Jr., Lancaster and a sister, JoAnn, Tillamauke, OR

Private family services will be held at a later date.  Martin Funeral Home in Potosi is serving the family.

Mildred A. Kelly, age 84, of Dubuque, IA, died Saturday, August 20, 2011, at her home under the care of Hospice of Dubuque. Mildred was born on April 7, 1927, a daughter of George & Anna (Suhr) Hardy.

She married Melvin Kelly on March 26, 1947 in Lancaster, WI. Mildred was a homemaker and enjoyed quilting and spending time outdoors.

Mildred is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Robert) Heiar, Dubuque; three grandchildren, Kevin (Tracy) Brockman, Washburn, IA, Mark (Shawn) Brockman, Dubuque, and Heather Brockman (Lee Foht), Dubuque; a step-grandchild, Jesse (Cathy) Heiar of Dubuque; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Martin, Lancaster; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin in 1993; her parents; two sisters, Marie Goke and Gladys Flesch; four brothers, Gordon, Harold, Donald, and Melvin Hardy.

Funeral Services were held at 11 am on Friday, August 26, 2011, at Martin Funeral Home in Potosi. Burial was in Van Buren Cemetery in Potosi. Visitation was held from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, August 25, 2011, at Martin Funeral Home in Potosi, and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Mildred’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their care and services.

Ethel L. Kemper, age 89, of Lancaster, died on Sunday, October 24, 2010, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Lancaster.  She was born on March 5, 1921, in Lancaster, the daughter of Clyde and Marie (Quick) Aupperle.  Ethel attended Aupperle Grade School and graduated from Lancaster High School.  On February 10, 1940, Ethel was united in marriage to Louis “Bud” H. Kemper at the Lancaster United Methodist Church.  After their marriage, the couple farmed in the Lancaster area for over thirty years.  Ethel was employed in Lancaster at the Budget Shop, Federated Store, Ben Franklin Store and the Downtown Inn.  She was a volunteer for the Thrift Shop and dispatch for Grant County Taxi.  Ethel was a member of the Bethlehem E&R Church and the Rebekah Lodge for over thirty years, holding many offices including Grand Noble.  She dearly loved her family and kept in touch with her grandchildren’s activities.

Survivors include her children: Judy (Neil) Eyers, Madison; Jane (Gary) Schneider, Lancaster; John (Sharon Slater) Kemper, Windsor; eleven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Gene Stitch, Lancaster; a sister-in-law, Jean Aupperle, Dodgeville; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, Susan Stitch, and a brother Dan Aupperle. 

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 29, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster.  Burial was in Aupperle Cemetery, Ellenboro Township.  Family and friends called on Friday, October 29, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. 

Todd James Kemps, age 43, died Monday, July 19, 2010, at his residence.  He was born on April 13, 1967, in Marshfield, the son of James S. and Joanne (Beecher) Kemps.  Todd graduated from St. Clement Catholic School and Lancaster High School.  He also graduated from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore with a degree in auto body.  Upon moving to Jacksonville, FL, he furthered his education and received certification as an ASCE Master Mechanic.  Todd was proud of his skills with motors of any kind.  He was currently employed at North End Auto Wrecking in Dubuque, IA.  He loved fishing, hunting, music, cooking and photography. 

Survivors include his mother, Joanne Kemps, Lancaster; his brothers and sisters:  Dawn (Greg) Miller, Rochester, MN; Scott (Deborah) Kemps, Satellite Beach, FL; Carla Liberio, Jacksonville, FL; Lee Ann (Marland) Bode, Dickeyville; Christopher (Raquel) Kemps, Jacksonville, FL; his maternal grandmother, Audrey Beecher, Lancaster;  his paternal grandmother, Harriet Smits, DePere; and many nieces and nephews.

Todd was preceded in death by his father, James on November 6, 2001, and his grandfathers.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 26, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating.  Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery.  Family and friends called on Sunday, July 25, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Monday at the church.  In lieu of plants and flowers, a Todd J. Kemps memorial fund has been established.

Richard L. Kendall, age 76, of Bagley, died on Friday, November 11, 2011, at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 23, 1935, in Bagley, the son of Emer and Marjorie (Clark) Kendall. Richard graduated from Bagley High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict stationed in Germany with the 371 Armored Infantry Battalion. Following his honorable discharge, Richard returned to Bagley and was a hired hand for local farmers. He also worked on the river on tow boats for a short time before he began his employment with the Burlington Northern Railroad until his retirement in 1998. Richard was a member of the Liscum Brothers American Legion Post No. 482 of Bagley. He was an avid sports fan as well as an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Richard also enjoyed watching Hee-Haw and had a love for the Hee-Haw Honeys. He was a wonderful story teller and never had a shortage of stories to tell.

Survivors include his sons, Richard Kendall, Jr. and Homer Kendall, both of Bagley.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Kendall.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 14, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Burial with military honors was held in Bagley Cemetery, Bagley. Family and friends called on Sunday, November 13, 2011, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington and on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

     M. Patricia “Patti” Kerr-Towne, age 70, of Madison, formerly of Lancaster, died on Friday, January 16, 2009, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN, following a long illness.  She was born on January 13, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of William R. and Ivanelle P. (Key) Murray.  Patti was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother.  She had an Irish heart of gold, charitable and kind to everyone, with a voice of an angel and the faith of a saint.  She fought heroically through many illnesses.  Patti will be missed here so deeply, but celebrated in Heaven, an angel watching over us.  She was grateful for the love of her children, grandchildren and the love of her brothers and sisters.

          Survivors include her husband, Ralph Towne, Madison; children:  Jeff (Diana) Kerr, Lino Lakes, MN; Christine (Dennis) Schumacher, Madison; Kathleen Kerr, Columbia, MO; two grandchildren:  Michael Schumacher, Madison; Katie Kerr, Lino Lakes, MN; brothers:  William (Connie) Murray, Lancaster; Timothy (Elaine) Murray, Hillsborough, CA; Michael (Christine) Murray, San Francisco, CA; Terry (Debbie) Murray, Geneva, IL; sisters:  Colleen (Dan) Aspinwall, Bonita Sprints, FL; Kay (David) Frommelt, Dubuque, IA; other relatives and friends.

          Patti was preceded in death by her parents.

          Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating.  Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster.  Friends called on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  In lieu of plants and flowers, a Patricia Kerr-Towne memorial fund was established. 

Rose M. Key, age 55, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at UW Hospital in Madison. She was born on June 23, 1956, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Nick and Mary (Mason) Key. She was employed by Grant County in the Tax Listers Office. Rose enjoyed her time with family, especially her girls, Peyton, Taylor, Haley and Whitney. She loved camping, fishing, music, a good movie, and the Packers. Rose always put others ahead of herself. She was a mom to many.

Survivors include her husband, Mark Udelhofen; three children: Season (Brock) Hampton, Holly (Dan) Hampton, Justin (Becky) Hampton; two step-children: Cole (Kayla) Udelhofen, Kristin (Gabe) Smutz; five grandchildren: Peyton, Taylor, Haley, Whitney, and Alice; five siblings: David (Eydie) Walther, Dennis (Cathy) Key, Pat (Char) Key, Rhonda (Russell) Reader, Mark Key; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A gathering of family and friends was held on Friday, September 2, 2011, at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Burial and a celebration of life will be at a later date.

Dorothy M. King, age 90, of Lancaster, died on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at the Lancaster Care Center. She was born on June 20, 1921, the daughter of Ralph and Hilda (Kasper) Bailie. Dorothy graduated from Lancaster High School in 1939. She was united in marriage to W. Burdette King on May 23, 1942, at the E&R Parsonage in Lancaster. Together they farmed on the King family farm in Ellenboro Township, which was in the King family for over one hundred and twenty years. She was a lifetime member of the Bethlehem E&R Church in Lancaster. Dorothy worked at Kinny and Urban Law Office and served as the Ellenboro Township Clerk. She enjoyed gardening, baking, reading, walking, dancing, and playing cards. Dorothy dearly loved her family and keeping up with their activities.

Survivors include her husband, Burdette; Lancaster; two daughters: Sheila (Kermit) Sarver, North Fort Myers, FL; Peggy King, Dubuque, IA; four grandchildren: Shane (Michele) Sarver; Kolten (Allison) Sarver; Ivan (Jennie) Wilson; and Jasmine Wilson; thirteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Lucille (Warren) Koeller, Potosi; a brother, Roger Bailie, Prairie du Chien; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by a sister, Beatrice (Raymond) Grobstick and a sister-in-law, Virginia Bailie.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bethlehem E&R Church in Lancaster with Reverend Mark Dieter officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Friday, October 21, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Bethlehem E&R Church and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.

Margaret Kinney’s warm and enduring legacy passed into history, Thursday, March 24, 2011. Mom had just recently celebrated her 92^nd birthday.

Margaret Sims Murrish Kinney was born February 1, 1919 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dodgeville. Her childhood was spent on her parent’s small family farm that squatted atop a hillock in rolling, driftless Southwest Wisconsin, halfway between Dodgeville and Mineral Point. Her earliest Cornish relative in the area was a McMurrish who in the early 1820s was one of the first three miners to settle in what was later to become Mineral Point. They were the original Badgers, as they dug into the very hills they mined and lived there for shelter. As a child, on cold winter days, Mom’s beloved father Allie would harness his legendary horse, Jack, to the sled, put some warm bricks in it, and drive the girls (Margaret had three sisters) to their country school, then return at the end of the day to retrieve them. It was Jack whom Allie famously rode into town to court their mother, Jane Sims. Because their farm was several miles out of town, and thus a long jaunt in winter, they spent their weekdays boarding in Dodgeville, when the girls went into the later grades. The area at the time was still a tightly knit enclave of Cornish immigrants, including both of Margaret’s parents and virtually all their friends. Their Cornish ancestry was kept very much alive with the exchange of pasty and other home country recipes and the countless stories of their colorful and intrepid relatives.

Mom graduated from Plum Grove School in 1932; from Dodgeville High School in 1936, and from the University of Wisconsin with a BA in sociology in 1941. She met her husband-to-be, Patrick Kinney, on Bascom Hill in 1938. The evening they met, she saw this handsome young footballer who had played for the latter-day Badgers, and asked him to accompany her over the Hill as it was getting dark. A ruse that proved a winner and led to 60-plus years of marriage. Throughout her life Mom remained proud of the fact that she was the one who initiated the relationship. A scant few years later, Pat went into the Navy and served as a navigator on a mine sweeper in the War in the Pacific. When he returned, they moved to Lancaster to start a family and his career as a country lawyer. Their first home in Lancaster, where their first son, Tom, was born, was the then abandoned country club at the original city golf course, a one-room brick building with no electricity or running water. Margaret would hike down to the nearby spring to pull water and harvest watercress. They lived there for two years before moving to the west side of Lancaster. The lack of these essential comforts, taken for granted nowadays, posed no inconvenience for them as both had grown up in homes without running water or electricity.

The years that Dad served in the Navy, Pat and Margaret lived in the four corners of the US: first, Naval Officer School at Harvard; training, Palm Beach, FL; Seattle, where the ship was built on Bainbridge Island; and for the fitting out of the ship, Long Beach, CA.

As Mom had been a distant relative of Frank Lloyd Wright, she had introduced herself at Taliesin at the age of 17, and turned her connection into a summer job as an aide to Wright’s sister Mrs. Jane Porter, always and only referred to by our family thereafter by the regal title, Mrs. Porter. Mrs. Porter mentored Margaret and it was in part due to Porter’s given name that Margaret’s first daughter, Jane, was named. Driving Mrs. Porter’s car (which she learned in Allie’s pastures) and running errands for her, Mom lived at Tan-y-deri on the grounds of Taliesin for three summers.  In Margaret’s first year at Taliesin, Mrs. Porter and her brother were not on speaking terms.  As Mrs. Porter said, “You may be King of your hill, but I am Queen of mine.”  In subsequent years, Mrs. Porter and Mr. Wright restored their usual good relations, and Margaret would join the Porters and the Wrights on Sunday evenings in the living room of the Frank Lloyd Wright where they would play string quartets, have poetry readings, and other cultural exchanges.

She spent much of her time working with Mrs. Porter’s children’s theater, a project funded by the WPA recreation program. The WPA program largely was aimed at resuscitating ethnic folk dances and melodies from the early pioneers who’d settled the area. This job with its hefty $5 per week (1936) wages and room and board helped her fund her way through college. She supplemented it during the school year by being a live-in maid in various homes in Madison while attending the UW. Mrs. Porter assisted Mom in helping her find her Madison jobs and introduced Margaret to Olgivanna Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s wife, who tutored Mom on folk dances from her native Montinegro.  

Years later, Margaret and her husband, Pat Kinney, went to Wright to see if he would design a house for a young couple who had no money to pay for his blueprint. Wright’s usual approach then was to charge 10% of the final cost of the house for his design and despite their fiscal circumstance; he willingly agreed to do it. To save money, Pat and Margaret did all the groundwork. Pat mined the limestone from a distant quarry which he would travel to in a beat up 1949 black Ford pickup truck, often with his young son Tom in tow. Pat broke the large slabs of stone into barely manageable sizes armed only with a pick axe, 16 lb. sledge, and crowbar and rolled them end-over-end to the truck and somehow heaved the giant blocks onto the flatbed unassisted. Pat dug and backfilled the footings for the foundation while Margaret fed the stonemasons whom she housed in a boardinghouse near her sister’s home. Because the masons couldn’t read a blueprint, Pat came to the site every morning before going to work, read the prints and drew the line-strings for their work each day so the masons knew where to lay the great slabs of stone. The entire process took three years of backbreaking after-hours work for Pat and Margaret (who was badly injured when a limestone slab she was helping to remove from the pickup fell on her leg) and the final total cost of their classic prairie home was a beyond reasonable $15,000, which gave FLW a whopping fee of $1,500 for his design, about which he never uttered a mumbling word of complaint. Whatever you could say about FLW’s ego, money was a distant secondary motivator. Thereafter, as owners of a Wright home, they attended as guests all major events held at Taliesin. Margaret remained friends with many who lived at Taliesin, including Cornelia Brierly and Charles and Minerva Montooth. When Pat and Margaret put an addition on to their home in the early 60s to accommodate their fourth child, David, it was scrupulously designed by their friend and FLW’s assistant, Jack Howe, to conform to the original. Mom rarely missed the annual FLW Birthday party at Taliesin. Margaret was one of the few, and possibly the only remaining original Wright home owner in Wisconsin, and one of few in America. She had the rare honor of having it declared a registered landmark during her lifetime. Their home remained a great object of pride throughout their lives as was their love for all their children. Both were especially proud of their son, Tom, a writer and editor, their daughter, Jane, a florist and store owner, Anne, an astronomer inspired by her father who navigated his mine sweeper by the stars, and son, David, a teacher of English and Spanish.  Although their home had originally been laughingly dubbed “Ft. Ticonderoga” by a local judge, due to its stone walls and fortress-like appearance, the town became accustomed to its unusual design and presence.

Despite growing up humbly in rural Wisconsin, her Cornish family had a brilliant history. Her aunt, Emily Sims, was the first woman to graduate from the UW school of economics in 1915 and went on to become a pioneering Red Cross spokesperson in New York City where she strove mightily and successfully to pass and implement women and children’s labor protection laws. A recently discovered photo from the 50s shows Emily at an award ceremony in the company of Queen Elizabeth with a twitching Richard Nixon, then VPOTUS, bouncing around nervously in the background trying to get into the picture. Emily’s sister, also Mom’s aunt, Mary Sims, worked as Confidential Secretary for Wisconsin governor F.E. McGovern as his girl Friday, and later moved to New York to join Emily where, after serving as secretary to the city budget chief in the NYC reform administration of Mayor Mitchell, Mary met and married Robert Moses, the city engineer who transformed NYC through his building of many of its major bridges and its futuristic highway system. Not to mention his work on the St. Lawrence Seaway and many park projects of great magnitude that his biographer, Robert Caro, in his Pulitzer prize-winning book, The Power Broker, compared as being in scope to those of Ramses III. Moses’ kindness to his country in-laws allowed Margaret and Pat and their family to visit New York frequently where Robert would make available his two-floor townhouse on Gracie Square opposite the Mayor’s office, where he was a major player. During those visits, Mom’s country cousin family had front row tickets for hit Broadway shows, Yankee games, live TV shows, visits to museums, including the opening of FLW’s Guggenheim, and a chauffer at their ready. Pat and Margaret were also often invited by Moses to attend gala events such as the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

In the early 70s Margaret returned to college and got her masters’ degree in social work and worked until her retirement at Lancaster Hospital. Throughout their lives, Pat and Margaret enjoyed enduring friendships with the Clarke Arnolds of Columbus (who also had an FLW home) and the Floyd Brynnelsons of Madison, both attorneys and pals from law school. Margaret was a 63-year member of Lancaster’s PEO association and had lengthy friendships with her dear friends Dorothy Weber and Betty Steinbrenner among many others. She networked with the local ladies, making no distinctions based on class or economic well-being, and often relived her farm roots with her many farm friends in the area.

She is survived by four children, Tom (Judi) Kinney, McFarland; Jane Kinney, Madison; Anne Kinney, Washington DC; David (Angela) Kinney, Madison; four grandchildren: Kelly Ann Kinney, Lindsay (Seth) Kinney Hartwick, Archie Kinney, Yasmine Kinney; one great-grandchild, Bruce Paul Kinney Hartwick; two sisters: Elizabeth Emery, Minneapolis, MN; and Patty Schleicher, Madison.

She was preceded in death by her dearly beloved husband, Patrick Kinney in 2004; her beloved sister, Mary Jane Brewer, and her parents, Jane and Albert Murrish, and relatives and friends beyond number.

The family would like to thank Grant County Hospice nurses Kim Leamy and Lori Walker, and friends, Rose Bryhan, and Barb Randall for their support and help during her last days and to neighbors and relatives, most especially, John and Pearl Hughes, for their loving care and attention over the years.

In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests contributions be sent to the Schreiner Memorial Library, Grant County Hospice, or the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  Family and friends called on Monday, March 28, 2011, at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday until time of services at the church.

     Ralph Ivan “Ike” Kinney, age 97, of Platteville, passed away on July 2, 2009 at Our House Assisted Living Center, Platteville.  He was born on August 21, 1911 in Lancaster, WI the son of Dr. Ralph H. and Mattie E. (McCormick) Kinney.

     Ike graduated from Lancaster High School in 1929 and attended UW Madison and Platteville Teachers College.  Ralph Ivan married Kathryn Margaret Slowey on September 11, 1939 in Briggsville, WI.  Together they raised four children.  He was in the Mobil Oil business in Lancaster before being drafted into the Navy in 1944.  After military duty he became the general manager of the Lancaster Ford dealership until opening his own Ford dealership in Platteville in 1949.  Ike also owned a Mobil Oil distributorship and service station in Platteville from which he retired in 1977.

     He was a member of the Platteville & Lancaster Country Clubs, Elks Club, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and a Boy Scouts of America leader.

     Ivan is survived by his sons:  Ralph V. (June) Kinney of Pewaukee, WI and Richard (Barbara) Kinney of Fort Worth, TX; his daughters, Mary (Bill) Hake of Edmend, OK and Ann (Steve) Dudzinski of Cary, NC; Nine Grandchildren:  Debra Kinney-Howard (Jason), David Kinney (Jean), Angie McMahon (Bernie), Debra Balow (Michael), Christa Cowan (Clint), Brian Hake (Jana), Steven Dudzinski (Angie), Sara Dudzinski and Paul Dudzinski; 16 Great-grandchildren:  Caitlin Kinney-Howard; Aaron, Andrew and Aiden Kinney; Maguire, Foley and Braden McMahon; Sophia, Elena and Maria Balow; Alexis, Olivia, Carter and Elijah Cowan; Tanner Hake and Brooke Dudzinski.

     He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn M. (Slowey) Kinney and his sister L. Naidiene Kinney. 

     Memorial Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at the Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville with Teri A. Hanson officiating.  Burial was in the Kinney plot in the Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster.  Friends called from 9:30 a.m. until time of services Tuesday at the funeral home.

     Robert J. “Bobby” Kirschbaum, age 72, of Prairie du Chien, died on Tuesday, December 15, 2009, at Prairie du Chien Hospital.  He was born on April 2, 1937, in Glen Haven, the son of Albert and Rosella (Breuer) Kirschbaum.  He was a resident of the Lori Knapp Home and worked at the Opportunity Center in Prairie du Chien for many years.  Bobby had a love for music and would play his harmonica if coaxed.  His favorite things were Pepsi, chocolate chip cookies and white horses.

        Survivors include his siblings: Don (Bernadine) Kirschbaum, Dickeyville; Ruth Mergen, Bloomington; and many nieces and nephews and lots of friends.  He loved everyone and everybody loved him.

       Bobby was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Tom Mergen.

       Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 19, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father Bart Timmerman officiating.  Private family burial was in Gockel Cemetery, Glen Haven Township.  Friends called on Saturday, December 19, 2009, from 12:30 p.m. until time of services at the church.  Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington is assisting the family.

       The family would like to thank the staff at the Lori Knapp Home and the Opportunity Center for all their love and care for Bobby.  It was his home and he truly loved each of you.

     Bernice H. Kitelinger, age 85, of Lancaster, died on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster.  She was born on June 16, 1923, in Lancaster, the daughter of Albert and Hilda (Heberlein) Behling.  On January 3, 1946, she was united in marriage to Hollis Kitelinger.  After their marriage, the couple farmed in Mt. Ida.  Hollis preceded Bernice in death on December 10, 1962.  In 1965, Bernice moved to Lancaster where she was employed at Lancaster Memorial Hospital.

       Survivors include her son, James (Rhonda) Kitelinger, Darlington, and nieces and nephews.

          In addition to her parents and her husband, Bernice was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth (Joyce) Behling.

         Private grave side services were held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore, with Rev. Mark Dieter officiating. 

Jane C. Klaas

Jane Catherine Klaas, 59, Lancaster, died on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the HospiceCare Inc. in Madison, WI.

She was born July 19, 1951 in Lancaster, the daughter of Alvin and Lorraine (Mulholland) Foley. She was united in marriage to Allen J. Klaas on November 9, 1974 in Lancaster, WI. Jane graduated from Lancaster High School in 1969. She then went on to cosmetology school in Madison, WI. She graduated from Accredited College in Madison, WI in 1970.

Over the years Jane went to work at Orchard Manor in Lancaster, Good Samaritan Home in Fennimore, Kounty K Kuts which resided in her home, and Morningside Assisted Living in Lancaster until present. Jane loved her family and supported them. Watching her family grow and playing with her grandchildren was always priority. She enjoyed going to ballgames and movies with her husband and family. Jane was supportive in the Catholic Church and Religion. She was a Eucharistic Minister, led the rosary at St. Clement Church, taught CCD, belonged to the Catholic Daughters, participated in Image Group through St. Clement Parish, and she went to chapel in Fennimore, at St. Mary’s Church in Fennimore.

She is survived by her husband, Allen (Al) Klaas, Lancaster; four children, Brandon (Kessa) Klaas, Becky (Justin) Hampton, Brad Klaas, engaged to Jessica Reynolds, and Brianna Klaas, engaged to Shane Reuter; six grandchildren, Ian Klaas son of Brad Klaas, Haley and Whitney Hampton daughters of Becky and Justin Hampton, Kesa and Kyla Klaas daughters of Brandon and Kessa Klaas, and Jaida Reuter daughter of Brianna Klaas (Shane Reuter); three siblings, Karen Foley, Madison, Wi, Dave (Janice) Foley, Sun Prairie, WI, and Richard (Cathy) Foley, Watertown, WI; and “adopted” sister, Shelly Sterling.

She was preceded in death by her father on April 7, 1985 and her mother on March 29, 1994.

Funeral services were held at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2011, with Father Michael Moon and Father William Siepp officiating. Burial was in the St. Clement Church Cemetery.  Friends called from: 4 – 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at St. Clement Church in Lancaster, where a parish rosary will be said at 3:45 p.m., and friends also called one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.

 A memorial fund is being established in her loving memory. Jane was a rich woman, not with money, but with kindness, love, and compassion that will be sadly missed by those who had the joy and privilege of knowing and loving her.  Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is serving her family.

Dorothy E. Klein

    Dorothy E. Klein, ae 96, formerly of Potosi , passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Orchard Manor in rural Lancaster .  She was born on October 21, 1913, the daughter of Walter and Ada (Crowther) Kuster in Potosi Township , WI .  Dorothy graduated from Franklin High School in Potosi in 1932.  She was united in marriage to Alfred A. Klein on January 28, 1936 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Potosi .  He preceded her in death on June 29, 1987. 

Joan L. Klein

Joan L. Klein, age 72, of Cassville, died on Sunday, January 2, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer at her home.  She was born on March 27, 1938, in Prairie du Chien, the daughter of William and Mary (Harwood) Dechow.  Joan attended Elwell Grade School in Waterloo Township and graduated from Cassville High School in 1955.  On September 8, 1962, Joan was united in marriage to Lawrence A. Klein at her parent’s home in Waterloo Township.  She worked in the dietary department for over thirty years at Orchard Manor Nursing Home.  Joan was a member of the United Methodist Church in Beetown and Cassville.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, camping, fishing, reading, swimming and going out for Chinese food and garage sales.

Survivors include her husband, Lawrence A. Klein, Cassville; children: Vicki (Robert) Gengler, Lancaster; Michelle (Don) Bennett, Lancaster; Dave (Rochelle) Klein, Athens, WI; Shawn (Jen) Klein, Denver, CO; Annette Klein, Cassville; Dan (Michelle) Klein, Bloomington; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Calvin (Lois) Dechow, Cassville; mother-in-law, Esther Klein, Cassville; nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by an infant twin sister, a grandson, Andrew Bahl and a brother, Robert Dechow.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church with Reverend Mary Ann Floerke officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  Family and friends called on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home, Lancaster.  Friends also called on Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.  In lieu of plants and flowers, a Joan L. Klein Memorial Fund has been established.

Clayton J. Kliebenstein

Vivian A. Klinkhammer

     Vivian A. Klinkhammer, age 89, of Lancaster, formerly of Glen Haven, died on Monday, March 23, 2009, at the Lancaster Care Center, Lancaster.  She was born on December 8, 1919, in Bagley, the daughter of Clinton and Nina (Weed) Jacobs.  Vivian graduated from Patch Grove High School.  On June 13, 1940, she was united in marriage to Mark Klinkhammer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Glen Haven.  Vivian was employed at Rapid Die in Cassville for many years.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Glen Haven, a member of the Altar Society.  Vivian enjoyed doing genealogy.  She was quoted as saying, “We’ve gotten back to a relative who visited George Washington at Mt. Vernona and also signed the Constitution, who knows, maybe we came on the Mayflower.”  She was a proud member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Ft. Crawford Chapter.  Vivian loved NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt, Jr., fishing, playing cards, oil painting and was an avid Cubs fan.  She always said her only claim to success was to raise three children as descent human beings.

       In addition to her parents, Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Mark in 1986, a daughter, Karen Tornowske in 1999 and a sister, Norma Jean Graf.

        Survivors include her children: Wayne (Sharon) Klinkhammer, Montgomery, AL; Kay (Greg) Appelt, Bloomington; grandchildren:  LTC Ian (Teri) Klinkhammer, Brian (Angela) Klinkhammer, Stacey Klinkhammer, Greg Appelt, Mark Belke, Hope Tornowske, and Matthew Tornowske; great-grandchildren: Cary, Nick, Eric, Kilye, and Taylor Klinkhammer; a good friend, Karen P. Myers, Columbia, MO; other relatives and many friends.

       Memorial services were held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lancaster Care Center Chapel, Lancaster, with Father William Seipp officiating.  Burial will be at a later date.  Friends called on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, following the memorial service prior to a luncheon at the Lancaster Care Center, Lancaster.  In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the Lancaster Care Center.

Donald E. Klossing

Donald E. Klossing, age 75, of Cassville, passed away Friday, December 24, 2010, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.

He was born on October 7, 1935, in Carmen, IL, the son of Elmer and Dorothy (Lund) Klossing.  Don graduated from Gladstone-Oquawka High School and attended Western Illinois University and was then called to serve in the U.S. Army.  He married Nancy E. Day on April, 7, 1962.  They farmed in the Yorkville/Plano, Illinois area for many years and he was also employed at Waubonsee Community College as Plant Operator.

Don and Nancy moved to Cassville in 1994, where he enjoyed his retirement years.  Don enjoyed reading and had an avid love for his dogs, horses, the Chicago Bears and White Sox. He also enjoyed his many friends that he saw during his daily routine.  

He is survived by his wife, Nancy and two daughters Amy (Mike) Enlow and Ann (Brian) Conley; five grandchildren: Madeline Bode; Parker Enlow; Ben, Brandon and Breanne Conley; a sister, Verlee (William) Hatcher, Plano IL and one brother, Dean (Joanne) Klossing, Biggsville, IL.; sister-in-law, Pat (Don) Ammons of Sandwich, IL, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Barbara (Paul) Schroeder, Stronghurst, IL.

Family and friends called on Sunday, January 2, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Burton Town Hall, Burton, WI.  Burial with military honors will be held at a later date.  In lieu of plants and flowers, a Donald E. Klossing memorial fund has been established.  Martin Funeral Home in Cassville is assisting the family.

Gerald Knapp

Gerald F. Knapp, age 87, of Bloomington, died on Friday, July 16, 2010, at his home in Bloomington.  He was born on March 28, 1923, in Beetown Township, the son of Miner and Helen Knapp.  He graduated from Bloomington High School with numerous awards.  On June 17, 1947, Gerald was united in marriage to Evelyn “Skip” Schleicher at the Presbyterian Church in Lancaster.  After their marriage, they farmed on the Knapp Century Farm in Beetown Township.  Gerald served on the Bloomington School Board, the Blakes Prairie Fair Board and Grant County Farm Bureau.  He was the President of Farmer’s Telephone Company for many years, helped organize and develop Bloomington Farmer’s Co-op and Nova Directories.  Gerald also served as the Chairman of Beetown Township.  He enjoyed sports, playing cards, and dancing. 

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn “Skip” Knapp, Bloomington; two sons:  James “Jim” (Donna) Knapp and John (Betty) Knapp, both of Bloomington; six daughters:  Sandra (Mike) Kabele, Lancaster; Vicki (Howard) Sanborn, Lancaster; Debra “Debbie” (Mark) Bierman, Bloomington; Cherie (Mike) Mozuch, Oregon; Bonnie (Tom) Gross, Reedsburg; and Kristine (Bill Blatterman) Arsenault, Madison; son-in-law, Dan Nies, Patch Grove; 26 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Ronan and Virginia Ward, both of Bloomington; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca L. Nies and two brother-in-laws: James Ronan and Earl Ward.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, July 19, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington.  Burial was in Dodge Cemetery, Beetown Township.  According to Gerald’s wishes, there was no visitation.  In lieu of plants and flowers a Gerald F. Knapp memorial fund has been established.  Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington is assisting the family.

Laura J. Knapp

     Laura J. Knapp, age 89, of Lancaster, passed away Monday, July 14, 2008 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster.  She was born September 12, 1918, in Bagley, WI, the daughter of Casper and Clara (Knutson) Ready.  Laura attended Bagley schools and graduated in 1936.  After graduation, she worked in La Crosse, WI.  She married Arnold O. Brookens, Sr. on October 9, 1937 in Platteville, WI.  They lived in Glen Haven and had a son, Arnold Brookens, Jr.  Laura assisted with the family business by taking care of bookkeeping for their DX oil refinery.  Arnold Sr. passed away and she later married Charles “Chuck” Knapp at First English Lutheran Church in Platteville.  He also preceded her in death.  Laura enjoyed cooking, reading, and big family get-togethers.  She also enjoyed visiting and keeping in touch with family and friends daily by telephone.  Laura was employed at the Grant County Hospital and Home – now Orchard Manor – until she retired. 

     Laura is survived by her son, Arnold (Sharon) Brookens, Jr., Lancaster; three grandchildren:  Robert (Shelley) Brookens, Lone Rock; Scott (Pam) Brookens, Platteville; and Rebecca (Mark) Schemmel, Asbury, IA; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Walter Ready, Bagley; and one sister, Darlene (Roy) Kochanowski, Madison.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands; and four brothers:  Donald, Arthur, LaVern, and Virgil Ready.

     Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at Christ Lutheran Church in Lancaster with the Reverend David Froemming officiating.  Burial was in the Bagley Cemetery.  Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. 

     Virginia A. (Metcalfe) Knodle, age 67, of Madison, formerly of Bloomington, died on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at University Hospitals in Madison of heart failure. She was born June 21, 1942, in Lancaster and grew up in Bloomington. Her parents were Robert and Mary Metcalfe. Ginny graduated from Bloomington High School and attended UW-Whitewater, where she met her future husband, Dale Knodle of Rockford, IL. They were married for nearly 25 years before being divorced in 1985. For the last 20 years, Ginny lived in Madison.

      Surviving her are her mother, Mary Metcalfe of Bloomington; children: Erik (Wendy) of Rockton, IL, and Kelli Hanson of Waterloo, WI; three granddaughters, Mackenzie Dauber of Oregon, WI, and Sydney and Emily Knodle of Rockton, IL; a sister, Kathy (Steve) Derene of Madison; and a brother, Tom (Peggy) Metcalfe of Eau Claire. Nieces and nephews include Jennifer Metcalfe of Butternut, Michael Derene of Madison, Nick Derene, of Gardener, MT, and Casey and Carly Metcalfe of Eau Claire.

    Ginny was known for her love of people and her great desire to help out where she could. When she lived in Belvidere, IL, she taught preschoolers for nearly 10 years and also worked with people with disabilities. In addition to energetically rooting for her beloved Chicago Cubs and the Bears, she enjoyed shopping for clothes and showing off her family photos. Ginny was loved by everyone who knew her, including her friends at St. Mary’s Adult Day Center in Madison, especially Jodie Brown; her neighbors at Wexford Ridge; and the staff of Legacy Gardens assisted living, who were just getting to know her when she became ill and died.

      Memorial services were held on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington with Father Bart Timmerman officiating. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bloomington.  Friends called on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.  Donations may be made in Ginny’s name to St. Mary’s Adult Day Center, 2440 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704.

Omer C. Koopman, age 91, of Bloomington, died on Monday, March 22, 2010, at his home.  He was born on September 3, 1918, in Bloomington, the son of Martin and Catherine (Nurre) Koopman.  Omer graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Bloomington.  On November 6, 1940, he was united in marriage to Margaret M. O’Shaughnessy at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seneca.  After their marriage, they farmed on the Koopman family farm for sixty years.  Omer also sold insurance for twenty years with Rural Insurance Company.  He enjoyed playing softball, golf, cards and craps at the casino.  Omer was a three time State Corn Husking Champion in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s.  He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington, the Holy Name Society and was a “Prayer Warrior for the Lord.”

Survivors include his wife of sixty-nine years, Margaret Koopman, Bloomington; three daughters: Mary Sue (Earl) Sewell, Vilonina, AR; Sharon Barr, DeWitt, IA; Barbara Moss, Bloomington and one son, Jim (Laurie) Koopman, Cassville; twenty-one grandchildren; forty-two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Munson, California and Rita Koopman, Milton; and many nieces and nephews.

Omer was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Tonya Monroe; three sons-in-law: Terry Monroe, John Barr, and Ben Moss; two brothers: Father Leander Koopman and Ralph (Mary) Koopman; and a brother-in-law, Ed Munson.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father Bart Timmerman officiating.  Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bloomington.  Family and friends called on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington where a rosary was held at 2:45 p.m.  Friends also called on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of services.  In lieu of plants and flowers, an Omer C. Koopman memorial fund has been established.

Ina Jean Ritter Koppen

     Ina Jean Ritter Koppen, age 71, of Rock Hill, SC, formerly of Fennimore, died Thursday, July 9, 2009, at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, Rock Hill, SC after a 42 year struggle with cancer.  Ina was born September 11, 1937 in Lancaster, the daughter of William Isaac and Nettie Marie (Udelhoven) Ritter.  Ina was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, arts, crafts and visiting with family and friends.  She will be greatly missed by her loved ones.

    Survivors include her daughters: Colleen (Les) Binko, Mesa, AZ; Brenda (Jerry) Kent, Pearland, TX and Wanda (Brian) Kirschbaum , Clover, SC; her son: William (Brenda) Koppen, Cuba City, WI; a brother: Elmer (Pat) Ritter, Boscobel; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

     She was preceded in death by her fiancé, Carl Nelson.

     Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating.  Burial was in Hurricane Cemetery, rural Lancaster.  The family greeted friends on Monday, July 13, 2009, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home, Lancaster and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Tuesday at the funeral home.   

Norma Jean C. Kosharek

Norma Jean C. Kosharek, age 81, of Lancaster passed away peacefully at Orchard Manor Nursing Home on Sunday, October 24, 2010.  She was born on December 20, 1928, in Potosi, the daughter of Arthur and Matilda (Milke) Keene.  Norma Jean attended British Hollow School and graduated from Potosi High School in 1946.  She furthered her education at Platteville College, graduating with a BS in Elementary Education.  Norma Jean also attended Wynona State, Whitewater, and UW Madison and received a Life License in Art Education for grades one through eight.  In 1956, Norma Jean was united in marriage to her soul mate, Henry Kosharek at Davies Memorial Church in Potosi.  They lived in the Fort Atkinson areas their entire married life.  Henry preceded her in death on December 19, 1983.  Norma Jean taught in the Rigsby, Brawner, Beetown, WI and Cresco, IA schools before her marriage and in the Whitewater and Fort Atkinson school districts for thirty-eight years.  Following Henry’s death, she moved back to Lancaster where she enjoyed working in her yard and flower gardens, working in a flower shop for twelve years, and substitute teaching.  She also enjoyed golfing, bowling and taking bus trips with her friends.

Survivors include her brothers: Walter (Doris) Keene and Richard (Marlene) Keene, both of Potosi; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Henry, Norma Jean was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Marian and Robert Wolf.

At Norma Jean’s request there was no funeral services.  A private family burial was held at a later date at British Hollow Cemetery, Potosi.  Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.  The family suggests memorials may be offered to the British Hollow Cemetery Association, 5172 Cty B, Potosi, WI 53820.

Joseph F. Kozelka

   Joseph F. Kozelka, age 68, of Bloomington, died Thursday, November 20, 2008 at UW Hospital in Madison.  He was born on September 14, 1940 in Crawford County, the son of Frank and Maxine (Johnson) Kozelka.  Joseph was united in marriage to Sandra M. Karau on July 3, 1970 in Merrill, WI.

   He worked at National Decorated Metal in Prairie du Chien and also for Fuller Logging until health issues required him to retire.  Joseph was a member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien.  He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Joseph also loved his family dearly. 

   Joseph is survived by two daughters:  Debie (Eric) Knapp, Bloomington and Denise Kozelka, McGregor, IA; three grandchildren:  Telishia, Mariah and Eithan; his wife, Sandra Kozelka, Prairie du Chien; three brothers:  John (Rosemary) Kozelka, Sparta, Mike (Kris) Kozelka, Prairie du Chien and Frank (Jerri) Kozelka, Trempealeau; two sisters:  Shirley (Harold) Berberich, Onalaska and Sharon (Steve) Schriener, Eastman; many nieces and nephews.

  He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Robert Fisher and an infant niece.

     Neal K. Kramer, 79, of Potosi, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital, after a short and sudden illness.  In keeping with Neal's wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. The Martin Schwartz Funeral Home, Potosi, is in charge of arrangements.  He was born on Dec. 22, 1928, in Prairie du Chien, son of Florence and Anna (Pintz) Kramer.   He married Joyce M. Pettera on Feb. 18, 1950, at St. John's Catholic Church, Prairie du Chien; she preceded him in death in 2005. He missed her every day of his remaining years.    He spent more than 17 years with the Burlington Northern Railroad before joining John Deere Dubuque Works. He retired from John Deere in 1992, after 26 years of service.  Neal had many interests, but especially loved traveling, golfing, playing cards, feeding the ducks and fish and telling stories. His time spent in Florida socializing with his dear friends and family made his last years fun and memorable.   Surviving are his three daughters, Cynthia (Doug) Leibfried, of Hazel Green, Debra (Gary) Droessler, of Potosi, and Lori (Mark) Stewart, of Dubuque; a son, Rick (Dianne) Kramer, of Hayward; 12 grandchildren; 12 stepgrandchildren; six great-grandchildren and two on the way; 12 stepgreat-grandchildren and one on the way; and a stepgreat-great grandson.   He also was preceded in death by a son, Terry Kramer; his mother, Anna (Pintz) Kramer; his father, Florence Kramer; two brothers, Franklin Kramer and Eldon Kramer; three sisters, Emma Wiess, Ila Gentes and Ellen (Honey) Walker; and his daughter-in-law, Linda Kramer.

     A Neal K. Kramer Memorial Fund has been established.

     The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dad's Florida friends and family, especially his niece, Nancy Wischmeyer, for all the love, support and friendship they gave to Mom and Dad through the years.

Joanne E. Krantz, age 65, of Cassville, died on Saturday, December 11, 2010, in Cassville.  She was born on June 11, 1945, in Prairie du Chien, the daughter of Arthur and Hilda (Welchert) Krantz.  Joanne graduated from Bloomington High School in 1963.  She was then employed by Attorney Bob Merfeld for many years.  Joanne later worked for Marquette Transportation.  Most recently, she was employed with Badger State Bank in Cassville where she just retired.  Joanne enjoyed playing cards, especially Rummy.  She was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville.

Survivors include her sister, Janis (Bill) White, Clinton, IA; her brother, Joe Krantz, Mt. Horeb; lifelong friend, John Brinkmann, Cassville; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Joanne was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Brandt and a brother, John Krantz.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville with Father John Meinholz officiating.  Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bloomington.  Family and friends called on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Cassville.  Friends also called on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

     Isabelle C. Kreiser, age 98, of Lancaster, died on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at the Lancaster Care Center, Lancaster.  She was born on November 26, 1911, in Potosi, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Miller) Pitzen.  Isabelle attended school at Ss. Andrew-Thomas in Potosi.  On September 11, 1934, she was united in marriage to Frederick H. “Ted” Kreiser at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Tennyson.  After their marriage, the couple farmed near Potosi.  They moved to Lancaster where Isabelle was employed with the Terwilliger family for over fifty years.  She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family, community, and church.  Isabelle was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church and was very strong in her faith.

       Survivors include her children:  Merlin (Elizabeth) Kreiser, Winston Salem, NC; Ruth Ann (Kenneth) Runde, Platteville; four grandchildren: Merlin (Claire) Kreiser, Jr., Sharon (Rick) Long; Philip (Monica) Kreiser; and Steven (Jennifer) Uppena; three great-grandchildren: Amanda Uppena, Jordan Kreiser and Jonathon Kreiser; her sisters: Dolores (Marcus) Laufenberg, Cassville; Dorothy (Norbert) Burggraf, Cave Creek, AZ; Lucille Edge, Superior; other relatives and many friends.

       In addition to her parents, Isabelle was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick on February 6, 1966; her siblings: Mildred (Lester) Reuter, Esther (John) Adams, Leo (Bernice) Pitzen, Marie (Tony) Udelhoven, Frederick (Marion) Pitzen, Edward (Margaret) Pitzen, Donald (Mildred) Pitzen, Gladys Pitzen, Herold Pitzen, and Florence (Louis) Leibfried.

       Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating.  Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster.  Family and friends called on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster assisted the family.

Helen McKickan Kress, age 95, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2010 at the Lancaster Care Center in Lancaster .  She was born on November 17, 1914 in Mount Hope , the daughter of Ernest and Bertilla “Berd” (Thompson) McKichan.  Helen was married to Donald Kress on April 7, 1934 in Galena , IL .

Helen and her husband, Donald, enjoyed traveling the United States .  She also enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, knitting afghans, cooking, baking and visiting with family and friends.  Helen also liked driving her car. 

After retiring from Walgreens in Calumet City , she made her home with her sister, Maxine Bauer in Mount Hope .

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, Goodsell and Max; sisters, Maxine Bauer, Carol Stenner and Dorothy Bollard.

Helen is survived by a sister-in-law, Henrietta McKichan, several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and very special friends, Annette and Gregg Hanson and their sons, Zander and Dane.

Memorial services were held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2010 at the Martin Funeral Home in Cassville with Pastor Jim McMahon officiating.  Burial of cremated remains was held in the Cassville Cemetery .  Visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

     Ernest E. Krogman, age 84, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at the Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster.  Ernie was born on May 12, 1925, in the town of Bloomington, the son of Herman and Julia (Trumm) Krogman.  He graduated from Bloomington High School in 1943.  Upon graduation, he served in the Army Air Corps as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Bomber.  After spending two and a half years in the South Pacific, he was honorably discharged in 1946.  In 1946, he began his college education at the Wisconsin Mining School and finished with a degree in secondary education from UW-Platteville.  Later, he received a Masters in Administration from UW-Milwaukee.  While attending college, he met his beloved wife, Jean Marquardt.  They were united in marriage on November 24, 1949, in Cross Plains.  His teaching and coaching career began at Cazenovia High School in 1950 and continued at Weston High School until 1962.  Ernie and his family then moved to South Milwaukee where he coached and taught at Saint Francis High School from 1962 until 1966.  In 1966, he became principal of Lancaster High School until his retirement in 1990.       

       Ernie was an avid Badger, Pioneer and Packer fan, a member of the Richard Burns American Legion Post No. 109 and the William Pollock VFW Post No. 2344, and long time parishioner of St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster.  For years, he enjoyed staying at his “Burr Oaks” cabin and fishing on the Mississippi River.  As a successful baseball coach, one of Ernie’s proudest moments was being inducted in 2006 into the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, where he humbly accepted this honor in front of many family members and former players.

       Survivors include his loving wife of almost 60 years, Jean Krogman, Lancaster; five children:  Patti (Tom) Schroeder, Cadott; John (Angie) Krogman, Madison; Joan (Rick) Zahalka, Marshfield; Jim (Robyn) Krogman, Brookfield; Kris (Bob) Petrowitz, Lancaster; fifteen wonderful grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister: Norma Andrews, New Berlin; four brothers: Jim Krogman, Cassville; Paul (Nelda) Krogman, Bloomington; Tom (Evie) Krogman, Bloomington; Fr. Phil Krogman, Green Lake; along with many caring nieces and nephews.

       In addition to his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by sisters-in-law, Mary Krogman and Delores Hodgson; brothers-in-law, Carl Andrews and Russell Marquardt.

       Funeral services were held on Monday, August 31, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father Philip Krogman and Father Bart Timmerman officiating.  Burial with military honors was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster.  Friends may call on Sunday, August 30, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church and on Monday at 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.  In lieu of plants and flowers, an Ernest E. Krogman memorial fund has been established.  Schwartz Funeral Home is assisting the family.

     Carol A. Krohn, age 61 of Lancaster, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday January 9, 2009 at home.

     She was born on July 22^nd 1947 in Lancaster, the daughter of Carson and Jeanette (Turner) Roesch.  Carol graduated from Lancaster Senior High School.  Carol married Maurice Krohn on February 19^th 1966, at the Davies Memorial United Church of Christ in Potosi.  Carol was self employed at home as a dog groomer.  She also worked part time for Lancaster Community School District.

     Her love of dogs led her to a nationally respected reputation as a Welsh Springer Spaniel Breeder.  She was co founder of Tydaky Welsh Springer Spaniels. Her breeding program produced the number one owner- handled Welsh Springer Spaniel in the Nation in the 1980’s.  She strived for perfection and excellence in her breeding program, which she achieved by receiving the Tomjoy Breeder of the Year Award.  She was currently the Heartland Welsh Springer Spaniel Club President.  She had served as the president of the national Welsh Springer Spaniel Club.    Carol and Maury were active in developing interest in dog showing and guiding many children in the county in developing skills in dog handling by being 4-H leaders for the Grant County dog project. 

     Carol is survived by 3 children and seven grandchildren, Tim (Stacey) and Sarah Krohn of Stratford, Deanna (Blake) and Ty Schuebel and Justin and Marissa Wiederholt of Shawano, and Jennifer (Steve) and Morgan, Mitchel, and Carson Clark of Roberts, her mother Jeanette Roesch, her siblings Karen (Rick) Schwantes, Kevin (Mary Jo) Roesch all of Lancaster, Jannan (Steve) Prestegard of Ripon, numerous nieces and nephews, several special friends she considered family, and her beloved dogs. 

     Carol was preceded in death by her husband Maurice, her father Carson, her grandmother, Myrtle (Floyd) Roesch, and her mother and father-in-law, Mildred (Edwin) Krohn.

     Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lancaster Congregational Church with Rev. Mark Dieter officiating.  Burial was at a later date.  Friends called on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at the Lancaster Congregational Church from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.  In lieu of plants and flowers, a Carol A. Krohn memorial fund was established.  Schwartz Funeral Home assisted the family.

Marcus E. Krohn

Marcus E. Krohn, age 73, of Lancaster, died on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at the UW Hospital in Madison. He was born on April 28, 1938, in Lancaster, the son of Edwin and Mildred (Schneider) Krohn. Marcus graduated from Lancaster High School in 1956 and later graduated from University of Wisconsin at Platteville in 1962. On June 2, 1962, Marcus was united in marriage to Barbara J. Meyers at St. Charles Catholic Church inCassville. Together they farmed on the Krohn family farm, which has been in the Krohn family for over one hundred years. He was a member of the Lancaster FFA Alumni, the Shriner’s and St. Clement Catholic Church. Marcus loved spending time on the farm, being outdoors with his dog, Radar, and cat, Rahja.

Survivors include his wife, Barb Krohn, Lancaster; his daughters: Shari Nitzsche and Nancy (Eric) Steinhoff, of Mt. Horeb; Jackie Krohn, Madison; his grandchildren: Lyndsey Nitzsche, Logan, Miles, and Ethan Steinhoff; an aunt, Doris Schneider, Fennimore; a brother-in-law, Stanley (Barb) Meyers, Phillips; a sister-in-law, Mary Alice (Milo) Crubel, Bloomington; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Marcus was preceded in death by his brother, Maurice (Carol) Krohn, an uncle, Earl Schneider and an aunt, Alice (Carl) Doeringsfeld.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, October 30, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Richard W. Krohn

Richard “Dick” W. Krohn, 76, of Beetown, WI, died Monday, June 13, 2011, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.  Richard was born on August 24, 1934, in Beetown Township, a son of Herbert & Bernice (Peake) Krohn.

Dick graduated from Lancaster High School in 1952.  He was united in marriage to Ellen Blackbourn on June 23, 1954.  He then served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959.

Richard was a licensed cheese and butter maker employed by Hallingstad Creamery, Schurman’s Butter and Cheese, Wisconsin Dairies, and was a supervisor at Foremost Farms until his retirement.

Dick is survived by his wife, Ellen; two daughters, Lori (Lewy) Budworth & Paula (Don) Pulvermacher; two grandchildren, Tara & Adam Richard Pulvermacher; and his special black lab, Codi.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 am on Friday, June 17, 2011, at Martin Funeral Home, 111 S. Tyler St., Lancaster, with James Frazier officiating.  Burial was in Dodge Cemetery, Beetown Township.  Visitation was held from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, June 16, at Martin Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service Friday. 

Memorials preferred to Grant County Hospice and Rescue Squad.

     Herman J. Kruse, age 82, of Bloomington, died on Thursday, November 13, 2008, at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital in Prairie du Chien.  He was born on January 16, 1926, in Dyersville, IA, the son of John and Eva (Coyle) Kruse.  Herman enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during World War II.  On February 1, 1958, he was united in marriage to Audrey Webb at St. Clement Catholic Church rectory in Lancaster.  He was employed by Earl Macke for many years and then he owned and operated Z&K Implement in Bloomington with Bob Zenz.  Later, Herman was employed with the Grant County Highway Department as a mechanic, retiring on April 27, 1990, after being employed there for eighteen years.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting squirrels. Herman was a member of the Abraham Hickok Wetmore American Legion Post No. 148 of Bloomington and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

       Survivors include his wife, Audrey Kruse, Bloomington; a sister-in-law, Hannah Marie (Calvin) Horsfall, Bloomington; brother-in-law, Tom Webb, Jr., Lancaster; and many nieces and nephews.

        Herman was preceded in death by his parents.

        Funeral services was held on Sunday, November 16, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington with Father Bart Timmerman officiating.  Burial with military honors was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bloomington.  Friends called on Sunday, November 16, 2008, from 12:00 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

     Velma C. Kruser, age 77, of Potosi, found eternal peace on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at her home where she had made so many precious memories.

       Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with the Reverend Bernard Rott officiating.  Her final resting place was at St. Thomas Cemetery, Potosi.  Friends called from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at Martin Funeral Home in Potosi where there was a parish prayer service at 4:00 p.m. 

       She was born on November 26, 1931 in Paris Township, daughter of John and Rose (Hufnagel) Leibfried.  On February 14, 1950, she married her valentine, Edward F. Kruser at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson.

       Velma’s life was centered around her family.  Many days you could find her in her kitchen baking cookies or playing games with the kids.  On those rare occasions when there were no kids around, Velma enjoyed her quiet time reading Harlequin romance novels.  She was also the family genealogist and spent much time creating and then continually updating family history books.

       She was a lifetime member of St. Andrew-Thomas Parish, active in the Altar Society and volunteering at funeral dinners.

       Surviving are her husband of nearly 60 years, Eddie, Potosi; four sons:  Dale (Teresa), Joe (Patti), Jeff (JoAnn) all of Potosi and Dennis (Marla), Cassville; six daughters:  Deanne, LaCrosse, Shirley (Dan) Heger, Pewaukee, Lois (Rod) Molyneau, Houston, TX, Beth (Jason) Brinkman, Potosi, Jill (Jeff) Miller, Waverly, GA and Aimee (Steve) Lochowitz, Tucson, AZ; two sisters, Frances Kieler, Cuba City and Ann Langkamp, West Lafayette, IN; her godmother, Aunt Vernetta Hohnecker, Dubuque, IA; grandchildren and step-grandchildren:  Tom, Lance, Clint, Tess, Cassidy, Betsy, Megan, Paige, Jared, Jarika, Justina, Jenna, Maddi, Bailey, Chloe, Zachary, Alison, Samantha, Dakota, Audrie, Jeffrey and Sammie; great-grandchildren:  Chloe, Cullen, Sydney, Maizey, Zalia, Mia, Evan, Logan and Braydon.

       Velma will now be reunited with her son, Ed Jr.; her parents, John and Mary Leibfried; her brothers, James, Louis, Bernard; and sisters, Mary, Inez and Doris.

       In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Andrew-Thomas Parish and Potosi Rescue Squad.

     Rudolph W. “Rud” Kussmaul, age 97, of Prairie du Chien, formerly of Mount Hope, died Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien.  He was born on August 29, 1912, in Eastman, WI, the son of Rud, Sr. and Emma (Allen) Kussmaul.  Rud graduated from Mount Hope High School.  On September 15, 1940, he married Grace E. Stitzer in Dubuque, IA.  They were married 67 years until Grace’s death in 2008.  Rud and his brother, Al, built up a seed corn business in Mount Hope – Kussmaul Hybrid Seed Corn.  In 1981, they sold the business to Dairyland Seed Co.  After retirement, he purchased a small orange grove in Arcadia, FL which occupied his time all winter.  Rud was always an avid saltwater fisherman.  He also took up golf at the age of 70 and played regularly for many years.  When he was no longer able to farm or raise oranges, Rud enjoyed his flower garden at home.  He was a generous contributor to community needs and to individuals. 

     Rud is survived by three children:  Jack Kussmaul, Millville; Kay (Joe) Schmitz, Mount Hope; and Jean (Joe) Bula, Prairie du Chien; four grandchildren:  Jill (Brian) Cipra, Prairie du Chien; Randy (Nancy Stoudmire) Schmitz, Greensboro, NC; Josh Bula, Tallahassee, FL; and Brittany (Brady) Frederick, Whitewater; and three great-grandchildren: Charlie and Katie Schmitz and Kaia Frederick; one brother, Allen Kussmaul, Mount Hope; several nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; his parents and his brother, Glenn.

     Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the Mount Hope Methodist Church in Mount Hope with Reverend Mary Ann Floerke officiating.  Burial was in Hermitage Cemetery, Mount Hope Township.  Visitation was held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington.  Friends also called at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.