Florence Carrie Holte

Florence Carrie Holte, age 91 died Saturday, March 25, 2006 at the Vernon Manor Nursing Home. Previous to her stay there, she had lived for five years at the Bothne House in Coon Valley. The care and concern at both places of residence was much appreciated by her family. Florence was born on April 22, 1914 in Vernon County to Chester and Sadie (Officer) Brye. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She graduated from Viroqua High School in 1931 and then from the Vernon County Normal School in 1932. After this preparation, she taught school in a variety of rural schools in the area. Later, she taught in California for 10 years before returning home and retiring after several years teaching in the Coon Valley Elementary School. Her career was rewarding to her and her children felt pride in the number of times they heard, "she was my favorite teacher." She truly loved education, young people, and her beautiful flowers. In 1937 she married Ray D. Holte. Together they raised four children. She is survived by two brothers, Blaine and Frederick Brye and one sister, Donna (Ray) Erdman; three children, Russel, (Linda) Holte of Westby, Robin (Charles) Sveum of Coon Valley, and Caryl (Julian) Vergara of Rockwell, TX. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Ryan (Dawn) Holte of Westby, Jaymie (Sally) Holte of Hudson, Evan (Kathy) Sveum of Colfax, Colin Sveum of Coon Valley, and Heidi (David) Larson of Coon Valley; and six great grandchildren, Jacob, Jess, Riley, Brandon, Ashley, and Samantha. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, one son, Loren, one brother, Wayne Brye and his wife Margaret, and another sister-in-law, Maxine Brye. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Westby with Pastor Gary Daines officiating. Friends may call at the church on Saturday after 12:00 noon. Memorials are preferred. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.