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Joseph Russell Taber Jr, age 93 passed away Sept 11, 2011 at SW Health Center, Platteville.

Russ was born on May 26, 1918 in Fair Haven, MA the first son of Joseph R. Sr and Honora (Kilmartin) Taber. He married Marie Lettsome in Marseilles , IL on Dec 6, 1945. Together they had six children. He served in the Pacific during WW II as a member of the Army Air Corps. After a brief stay in Chicago , Russ and Marie joined her sister and brother-in-law, Ed & Rosella Schroeder in moving to Cuba City where they were partners in the Schroeder and Taber general store. In 1955 they moved their family to Fennimore and operated a Gamble’s hardware store. Throughout his life he was very active in the communities where he lived and was particularly fond of his work with the Boy Scouts Of America. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for “distinguished service to boyhood”.

The family moved to Platteville in 1961 and Russ continued to work for Gamble. He later spent 10 years on the Platteville Police Force as the Juvenile Officer before mandatory retirement. He then worked as the parts manager at Mound View Motors. Following his “retirement” he worked for the Mergan-Boll Funeral Home in Platteville. Russ was the world’s best husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years Marie of Platteville; children Tom (Bev) of Platteville; Jim (Pam) of Stream Wood, IL; Sharon (Tim) Charles of Platteville; Mark (Sally) of Madison; Steven (Debbie) of Madison; Patti (Doug) Ripperger Eldridge, IA; Fifteen grand children and nine great-grandchildren; his sister Joan Hagar of Onset, MA; and nieces and nephew who meant so much to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife’s parents, Albert and Theresa Lettsome; two brothers; and five nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 15, 2011, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville, with Father John Del Priore officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in Calvary Cemetery in Platteville. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 14, at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home, Platteville, and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church.

Allan L. Taylor, age 81, of Bloomington, passed away on Monday, December 06, 2010, at Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien.  He was born on January 13, 1929, on the farm in Bloomington, the son of Ray and Amy (Schneider) Taylor.  Allan had one younger brother, Lyle “Tinker” Taylor.  After graduating from Patch Grove High School, Allan worked for a short time before entering the United States Army on February 21, 1951.  He served his country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on February 3, 1953 as Corporal Allan L. Taylor.  On May 29, 1952, Allan was united in marriage to Dorothy J. Kluesner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington.  After Allan was discharged from the military, he and Dorothy owned and operated Taylor’s Store, formerly Hatch’s Store in Bloomington until their retirement.  Allan was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington and the Hanley Ariss Millin American Legion Post No. 5 of Patch Grove.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Taylor, Bloomington; his children: Sherri (Calvin King) Novak, Onalaska; Elizabeth (Mike) Onsrud, Galesville; Bruce (Chris) Taylor, Lodi; eight grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marian Taylor, Bloomington; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Allan was preceded in death by his brother, Lyle, son-in-law, Stan Novak; brothers-in-law, Jim Kluesner, Bob (Judy) Kluesner, sister-in-law, Joyce Kluesner, and niece, Diane Guanella.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 10, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father John Meinholz officiating.  Burial with military honors was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bloomington.  Family and friends called on Thursday, December 9, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington where a 4:00 p.m. scripture service will be held.  Friends also called on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington is assisting the family.  In lieu of plants and flowers, the family suggests memorials be offered to the Bloomington Rescue Squad.

Gertrude A. “Gertie” Taylor, age 87, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2011, at the Lancaster Care Center in Lancaster. She was born on July 23, 1923, in Beetown Township, the daughter of Fred and Emma (McNeilly) Gates. Gertrude attended Muscallounge Grade School and also Lancaster High School. On July 7, 1941, she was united in marriage to Alfred Taylor in Dubuque, Iowa. Together they farmed in Grant County until retirement in 1980. Gertie was an avid collector and enjoyed antique auctions. She also enjoyed playing cards and traveling with her husband. Gertie was a member of the Lancaster United Methodist Church and a past member of the Little Grant Saddle Club, 4-H Club, and Cow Bells.

Survivors include her children: Cheryl (Donald) Skaife, Livingston; Richard (Judith) Taylor, Lancaster; five grandchildren: Troy Knapp, Justin (Tamara) Knapp, Steve (Lisa) Taylor, Kathy (Ricky) Bruce, and Duane (Wendy) Taylor; six great grandchildren; a sister, Leanore Baker, Madison; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Gertie was preceded in death by her husband, a brother, Joseph Gates and a sister, Donna Gates.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 10, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church with Pastor Barbara Cook officiating. Burial was in Dodge Cemetery, Beetown Township. Family and friends called on Thursday, June 9, 2011, at Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Catherine A. Tennessen, age 89, passed away at Grant Regional Health Center on Wednesday, November 2, 2011. She was born on January 9, 1922, in Bay View, WI, the daughter of Robin and Antoinette (Schuette) Middlemas. After her graduation from Marquette University, Catherine met and married Sylvester “Tenny” Tennessen at Jesus Catholic Church on the Marquette University Campus. Together they operated the Middlemas Florist and Acme Auto Salvage. In 1966, they moved to Cassville and purchased a farm, which was their dream, which is now the Tennessen Family Farm. She was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church and sang in the church choir.

Survivors include her children: Robin, Tyler (Nancy), Cliff (Marge), and Cathy; her grandchildren: Amy (Zach) Zavac, Leanne (Kurt) Skipper, Cory (Shannon) Burgess, Jane Tennessen, Mike (Tanya) Tennessen, and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester and two grandchildren: Tom and Laura Tennessen, and a great-grandson, Andrew Burgess.

Private family grave side services were held at St. Charles Cemetery, Cassville. Martin Funeral Home in Cassville is assisting the family.

     Rosemary I. “Rosie” Thornton, age 80, of Bagley, died Friday, September 26, 2008 at Memorial Hospital in Prairie du Chien after a long illness due to Alzheimer’s.  She was born on September 13, 1928 in Prairie du Chien, WI the daughter of James and Clara (Taylor) Quick.  Rosie graduated from the Patch Grove High School in 1947.  She married Neil W. Thornton on February 9, 1948 in Dubuque, Iowa.  Together they spent their life farming on the Thornton Family farm in Bloomington Township. 

     Rosie was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bloomington, WI where she was active in many church activities.  She enjoyed cooking, cake decorating and large family meals.  Rosie was also active at the Blake’s Prairie Fair and the Farm Woman’s Club.  She was a dedicated mother, wife, sister and friend, whose legacy will be based on those she left.

      Rosie is survived by her children Jeffery (Barb) Thornton and Pamela (Dan) Henkel, both of Bagley, WI; five grandchildren: William (Kerry) Thornton, Brian Thornton (Tina Soppe), Ethan Thornton, Derek Henkel and Rachel Henkel; two great-grandchildren and her sister, Evelyn “Whiz” (Phil) Redman.

      She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil in 2002, her parents and a brother, Leland Quick.

      Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2008 at the Patch Grove United Methodist Church with the Reverend  Mary Ann Floerke officiating.   Burial was held at Blake’s Prairie Cemetery, Bloomington Township.  Friends called from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28 at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services Monday at the church.

Elaine V. Timmerman, age 71, of Potosi, died on Friday, September 24, 2010 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster.  She was born July 9, 1939, the daughter of George and Mabel (Nauert) Winters.  Elaine graduated from Montfort High School as Valedictorian of her class.  On July 9, 1957, she was united in marriage to Stan Hartline and together they raised seven children.  On November 13, 1993, Elaine was united in marriage to Kenneth Timmerman.  She worked at Farm Credit, formerly known as PCA, for 25 years.

Elaine was a passionate gardener, whose flower beds were featured in the Potosi Tour of Gardens. She also enjoyed canning, sewing, knitting, crocheting, (Potosi Quilters) and Swimnastics.  Elaine was a giving person and would often help those who were less fortunate in their times of need.  She was also active in her church.  Most of all, Elaine loved spending time with her family.  Family meant everything to her.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Kenneth, Potosi; seven children: Robert Hartline, Belleville, IL; Michelle Endres, Whitewater; Steve (Cella) Hartline, Lancaster; Deanna (John) Seippel, Lancaster; Katherine (Terry) McMahon, Lodi; Nancy (Bill) Nabak and Rhonda (Wesley) Knoespel both of Green Bay; three step-children:  Amy (Todd) Klein, Stoughton; Kurt (Terri) Timmerman, Delavan and Chris (Erin) Timmerman, Verona; 30 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; three brothers and one sister:  Carlos (Betty) Winters, Montfort; Jerome (Carolyn) Winters, Madison; Maxine Moriva, Madison and Roscoe Winters (special friend, Evelyn); nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, Don Moriva and a sister-in-law, LaRonda Winters.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with Father Richard Leffler officiating.  Burial was in St. Andrew Cemetery.  Visitation was held on Monday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.  The Martin Funeral Home in Potosi served family. 

In lieu of flowers and plants, a Elaine V. Timmerman Memorial Fund has been established.

      Kenneth E. Tracy, age 87, of Lancaster, died on Monday, December 15, 2008, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.  He was born on April 22, 1921, in Harrison Township, the son of James and Mildred (Leppla) Tracy.  Kenneth attended Center Grade School and graduated from Platteville High School.  After graduation, he worked on the family farm until 1941, when he went to Chicago.  On November 12, 1941, he was united in marriage to Lucille Hying at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Montfort.  After their marriage, the couple farmed.  In 1942, Kenneth was drafted into the United States Army.  He served as a Military Police Officer until his honorable discharge in October of 1946.  Ken then opened a repair shop in Livingston with his brother-in-law.  He later was employed with Harvey Motors in Platteville.  In 1955, Ken worked as an under sheriff with Grant County until 1961, when he began employment with John Deere Dubuque Works.  Ken retired on June 1, 1983.  He then took a part time job with Wonder Wash in Lancaster.  Ken was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church, the Richard Burns American Legion Post No. 109 and the William Pollock VFW Post No. 2344 of Lancaster.

       Survivors include his wife of sixty-seven years, Lucille, Lancaster; his children:  Jane Cree, Marshall; Eugene (Joy) Tracy, Blanch, NC; Debra Tracy, Lancaster; Janine Tracy, Hollandale; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Shirley Ward, Platteville; Dick Tracy, Clarksville, TN; Beverly (Walt) Hannan, Livingston; Jack (Rita) Tracy, Kieler; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Tracy, Lancaster; other relatives and many friends.

       In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald Tracy and Terry Tracy; and a sister Marion Pitzen.

       Funeral Services were held on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating.  Burial with military honors was in St. Clement Cemetery, South Lancaster Township.  Friends called on Thursday, December 18, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 4:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church on Friday.

Vincent R. Tranchita, age 79, died on Monday, February 21, 2011, at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, FL.  He was born on May 9, 1931 in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Tony and Ethel (Alderson) Tranchita.  He grew up in the area known as “Sunset Village”.  He had many memorable experiences including selling fruit and vegetables and translating for his grandfather, Vencenzo Tranchita, in the “Greenbush,” an Italian neighborhood in Madison.  Vince graduated from Madison West High School in 1949.  He served his country in the US Marines during the Korean Conflict. The experience in Korea changed his life and he proudly told all, that the United States was the finest country in the world.  On the GI bill, he attended UW-Whitewater and graduated with a degree in Business Education.  On July 14, 1956, he married Rose Marie Olstad at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Madison.  Vince taught Business Education at Cassville High school.  He then served as Executive Vice President of Wisconsin Barge Line for over fifteen years. In 1977, Vince developed Badger Barge Line, and as an entrepreneur, started several businesses in the marine equipment and transportation industry.  After the death of his wife Rose on May 23, 2000, Vince was fortunate to develop a loving relationship with Marilyn R. Williams.  They married on October 4, 2002, at the First United Methodist Church in Madison and have had many wonderful years together. 

His door was always open and Vince believed in giving back.  As a community leader, he gave his time and expertise to the Cassville School Board, Grant Regional Health Center Hospital Board, St. Charles Finance Committee and the Harbor Commission of Cassville.  Vince, first and foremost, loved his family.  His second love was the game of golf, and if he could, played daily with many family and friends.  Vince had two holes-in-one in the same week and up until last year, was still able to shoot his age.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and had a great respect for the outdoors.  Many family and friends have enjoyed their time on his farm and cabin, located a few miles outside of Cassville.  Vince could still throw a mean bean bag and if you were his Euchre partner, you stood a great chance of winning.  Like his father, he also loved gardening, taking a special interest in his tomatoes.  Vince cherished his many winters in Titusville, Florida, creating great memories and friendships. 

Vince was the loving husband of Marilyn; and dedicated father to his children: Julie (Jerry) Skalak, Davenport, IA; Karen (Jim) Kallerud, Madison; Jenny (John) Addison, Beaver Dam; Dan (Leah) Tranchita and David (Julie) Tranchita, both of Milwaukee; step-daughter, Jewel Hernandez, Prescott, AZ;  and step-son-in-law, Mark Elliott, Stroudsburg, PA.  Loving  grandfather to: Kate, Brian, Andrew, Anna, Carly, Zach, Lauren, Talia, Nolen and Alyssa; step-grandchildren: Jessica, Addison, Cameron, Sarah and Riza.  He is further survived by his sister, Josephine Pasler, Boca Raton, FL; brothers: Don (Kathy) Tranchita, Cottage Grove; and Jerry (Shari) Tranchita, Titusville, FL.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Rose, and his step-daughter, Margaret Elliott. 

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville, with Father John Meinholz officiating.  Burial with military honors was in St. Charles Cemetery, Cassville.  Family and friends called on Monday, February 28, 2011, at Martin Funeral Home in Cassville from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where a 2:45 p.m. parish scripture service was held.    Friends also called on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.  In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials can be made to Grant County Hospice or St. Charles Catholic Church. 

We have lost a very special man.  Dad, you were “larger than life.” 

 Vera M. Troester, age 85, formerly of Belmont, died Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Manor Care in Platteville.  She was born June 6, 1924 in Belmont, WI the daughter of Conrad and Eda (Schuldt) Schult.  Vera graduated from Belmont High School.  She was united in marriage to Lawrence Gilbert Troester on September 30, 1955 in Dubuque, Iowa.  Together they farmed in Graf, Iowa and Arthur, WI.  Vera worked with an auction company in Dubuque and worked as a realtor.  After retirement, they moved to Florida and eventually returned to the area to be near family.  She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Belmont, enjoyed going to flea markets and loved her nieces and nephews. 

     Vera is survived her brother, Elmer (Anna) Schult, Mount Horeb; nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

     She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence on June 9, 2005; three brothers and three sisters:  Clarence (Viola) Schultz, Walter (Violet) Schult and Herbert (Ruby) Schultz; Hazel (Hugh Sr.) Boyle, Leora (Amiel) Holtz and Helen Schult.

     Funeral services were held on Monday, August 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Belmont with Pastor Connie Matye officiating.  Burial was in the Belmont Cemetery.  Visitation was held from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 2 at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services Monday at the church. 

     Memorials are preferred to Peace Lutheran Church or charity of donor’s choice.

Ivanelle M. Tucker, age 90, of Lancaster, died on Monday, March 1, 2010, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster.  She was born on June 2, 1919 in Ellenboro Township, rural Grant County, the daughter of Christopher Carl and Cornelia Alma (Trollop) Graney.  She married Jack Tucker in Madison on December 24, 1941.  Together they farmed on the family farm in Ellenboro Township and resided in Ellenboro virtually all of their lives.  Ivanelle’s greatest joy was her family.  She was a devoted mother and grandmother.  She took great pride in cooking for her family and was particularly known for her exceptional pie making ability.  She volunteered her time assisting with Ellenboro Township elections for many years and was an avid bird watcher and gardener.

 Surviving Ivanelle are her children, Stephen (Elizabeth) Tucker, Platteville, Jane (Fritz) Staver of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Dean (Barbara) Tucker, Lancaster, Julie (Rick) Ley of Madison;   Seven very special grandchildren, Jennifer (Scot) Zimmerman, Rob Staver, Emily Tucker, Brian Tucker, Lauren Tucker, Matthew Ley and Jillian Ley;  and 2 great grandchildren, Brian Zimmerman and Elizabeth Zimmerman; two sisters, Helen Lowell, Lancaster, and Shirley Schaal, Platteville, and many nieces and nephews.  

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Tucker; a sister, Pat Junk; a brother, Dale Graney, and a sister, Berna Graney ; and her parents.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster. Burial was in the Whig Cemetery, Harrison Township, rural Platteville.  Family and friends called on Thursday, March 4, 2010, at Schwartz Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and on Friday, March 5, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.