Merland O. Sovde

Merland O. Sovde, age 77 of Viroqua, died Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at his home. He was born on January 4, 1929, the youngest child of Ingebrigt and Ida (Simonson) Sovde. He attended Viroqua Schools and graduated from the LaCrosse Vocational School in printing trades, and earned the Master Printer status. He worked in the composing department of several newspapers including the Vernon County Censor, the Vernon County Broadcaster-Censor, and the Freeport (Illinois) Journal Standard. He also worked at the Viroqua Dairy and the greenhouse in Viroqua. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the US Army in Germany. Merland married Mary Ostrem of Viroqua and they had one son, Mark. They were later divorced. He had been baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church and had been a member of First Lutheran Church in Freeport, IL until his death. Merland had been a longtime member of the Viroqua V.F.W. Post #3032. He loved his family; and liked reading, cars, crossword puzzles, and 40s and 50s pop music. He is survived by his son, Mark of Tomah; grandson, Aaron; sister, Suzette Jackson and brother-in-law, Henry Fauske, both of Viroqua; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Bertha Fauske; brothers, Luther and Bennorris; sister-in-law, Margaret Sovde; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Jackson. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Main Street in Viroqua with Pastor Paul Birkedahl officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call at the Church on Saturday after 10:00 a.m. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.