Ilene Mellem

Ilene Mellem, 80, of Readstown, died Saturday, July 2, 2016. Ilene G. Mellem, age 80, of Readstown, died on Saturday, July 2, 2016, in the Sannes Skogdalen Heim Nursing Home, Soldiers Grove, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 14, 1935, in Clayton Township, the daughter of Leland and Edith (Olson) Olson. Ilene was a graduate of Soldiers Grove High School. On Feb. 19, 1955, she was married to Leon Mellem. They divorced in 1978. Ilene worked at National Cash Register for several years earning the status of Master Printer. She also worked at Kwik Trip. She had great fun with her bowling league and was a very accomplished bowler. Ilene spent a lot time piecing together quilts and giving them to anyone who needed one. She always looked forward to spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most recently she enjoyed winning at Bingo during her short stay at the Sannes Nursing Home. Ilene was an Eagles and VFW Auxiliary Member for many years. She was also a lifelong member of Kickapoo United Lutheran Church. Survivors include her five children: Craig (Sue) Mellem, of Janesville; Bryan Mellem, of Tomah; Dana (David) Westedt, of Reedsburg; Curt (Nancy) Mellem, of Soldiers Grove; and Robin Hooker, of Hillsboro; former husband and father of her children, Leon Mellem of LaFarge; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; her brothers: Art Olson, of Waukesha; Laurel (Patsy) Olson, of Sarasota, Florida; Dean (Sharon) Olson of West Salem; her sister, Carol (Bob) Miller of West Salem; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son: Kenneth Gene, in infancy; and a brother-in-law: Douglas Helgerson. A special thanks to the staff at the Sannes Skogdalen Heim Nursing Home for the excellent care and compassion shown to Ilene in her final months. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 8, 2016 at Kickapoo United Lutheran Church, Soldiers Grove, with Pastor Charles Miller officiating. There will be a visitation from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 7, at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Interment will be in the Kickapoo United Lutheran Church Cemetery on Sunday, July 17th, following the regular 10:30 church service. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials to Kickapoo United Lutheran Church or the family would be appreciated. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.