Dick J. Oldham

Dick J. Oldham, age 67 of Viroqua, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at his home with his family at his side following a short battle with cancer. He was born on April 1, 1940 in Neillsville, Wisconsin to Charles and Margaret (Dormandy) Oldham. He attended school in Neillsville and on August 18, 1962 he was united in marriage to Paulette Lezotte. He had served in the guards in 1957 and in 1959 began working for Nelson Muffler in Neillsville. He later transferred to the Stoughton offices and in 1980 became manager of the Viroqua facility. In 1988 he was made Plant Operations Manager and traveled to all the factories in Wisconsin, England and Canada. He was credited with inventions and designs for Nelson Muffler and was a patent holder. Dick retired in 1998 and was able to spend more time enjoying his family and pursue his outdoor activities which included berry picking and Canada fishing trips. Dick enjoyed helping his children with building and remodeling projects. His 12 grandchildren brought joy to his life. He was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Viroqua and belonged to the Viroqua Lions Club for many years. In addition to his wife of 45 years, he is survived by three children: Rob (Janelle) Oldham, Gregg (Teresa) Oldham, and Julie (Todd) Tryggestad, all of Viroqua;12 grandchildren: Katrina, Kiersten, Mitchell, MaKayla and Lucas Oldham, Paige, Wyatt and Morgun Oldham, and Dalten, Olivia, Erica and Jessica Tryggestad; six brothers: Gordon (Shirley) of Greenwood, Wayne "Bill" of Neillsville, Ronald "Dusty" (Lois) of Granton, Frank (Charlotte) of Neillsville, Kenneth of Black River Falls, and Donald "Chester" of Granton; four sisters: Betty (Edgar) Ott of Ripon, June (Jack) Kluckhohn of Neillsville, Bonnie (William) Mitte of Neillsville and Donna Siltala of Marshfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Walter "Bunny" and Marvin; one sister, Amanda Wampole; and his in-laws: Edward and Hazel Lezotte. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Viroqua. Fr. Robert J. Cook will celebrate the Mass with burial in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Scripture Wake Service at 5:30 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Hwy 14 in Westby. Friends may also call on Saturday after 9:30 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.