Florence Campbell

Florence Campbell, 99, of La Crosse, died Thursday, January 9, 2014 at Bethany Riverside in La Crosse. Florence E. Campbell, age 99, passed away on January 9, 2014 at Bethany Riverside in La Crosse. She was born in November 1914 to Robert and Edna (Reid) Denson on the family farm outside Homestead, Iowa. She attended country schools before graduating from high school in Williamsburg, Iowa. She worked for a year after graduation on the farm and graduated in 1939 with a B.S. in Liberal Arts and a Certificate of Graduate Nurse from the University of Iowas School of Nursing, a 5-year program. She was president of the Universitys Student Nurses Association and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the National Honorary Nursing Fraternity. She began her nursing career at the University of Iowa Hospital. She was married to Cloyce Campbell in 1940 and moved to Bloomington, Illinois. At that time and throughout her travels with her husband during his military service, she did private duty nursing. When the family moved to Jacksonville, Illinois, she joined the teaching faculty of Passavant Hospital. After moving to La Crosse Wisconsin, she did private duty nursing for several more years, before becoming assistant director of nursing at Lutheran Hospital, La Crosse. She left that position in 1965 to be one of the founders of the practical nursing program at La Crosse Vocational and Adult School, the first health program at what is now Western Technical College. She retired in 1980 after teaching over 650 students, who continued to be important sources of pride for her. After retirement she devoted more time to her hobbies of gardening and genealogy and to a variety of volunteer activities in the community and church, including many dear friends in PEO and Shrine Auxiliaries. She is survived by her daughter Beth Campbell of Madison, son Roy Campbell of La Crosse, grandson Dan (and special friend, Neilu) of Sequim, WA, granddaughter Kathy of La Crosse, and great-grandson Austyn. Her husband Cloyce and daughter-in-law Laurie Campbell preceded her in passing. She was the last of her siblings but enjoyed visits and connections with nieces and nephews throughout the Midwest. Memorial services will be held at The First Congregational Church, 2503 Main Street, La Crosse on Wednesday, January 15th, at 1:00 pm, with visitation starting at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Florence Campbell Scholarship Fund at Western Technical College or The First Congregational Church. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at the First Congregational Church in La Crosse. Pastor Bill Hoglund will officiate. Friends may call at the church from 12 p.m. until the time of service at 1. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.