Miriam E. Hatlem

VIROQUA Miriam E. Hatlem Miriam Hatlem, age 79, died peacefully Thursday afternoon, May 12th at Vernon Manor Nursing Home, Viroqua, WI. She had suffered from Parkinsons Disease for about 30 years. Miriam was born June 18, 1936 in New Ulm, MN., the daughter of Rev. Walter and Edna Diemer. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith by her father at Penn Lutheran church in Brownton, MN. In 1943, the family moved to Morgan, MN. where Miriam graduated from high school in 1954. She attended Swedish Hospital of Nursing in Minneapolis and graduated as an RN in 1957. She worked one year at Swedish Hospital as a surgical nurse. On June 5, 1958, she married Roger Hatlem, a teacher and coach at Morgan High School. While living in Morgan, she served as a nurse at Springfield Hospital, Springfield, MN. In late summer of 1960, the family moved to Viroqua, WI., where Roger had accepted a teaching position at Viroqua Senior High School. While in Viroqua she was employed by Vernon Memorial Hospital as a nurse for over 30 years, resigning in 1992 as Assistant Director of Nursing. During her time at Vernon Memorial, she along with Rev. Roger Hjelle, started the hospice program in the area. She also was instrumental in starting the craft sale at the hospital, which continues to this day. In 1993, she took a nursing position with Dr. Carol Dinges in Viola where she worked for 7 years. During her time as a nurse at Vernon Memorial Hospital, she joined the Wisconsin National Guard as a nurse, serving 11 years. Upon receiving word of an overseas assignment, she resigned the commission as Major to remain home with her family. Miriam was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. She served as president of the local WELCA, and later as the LaCrosse Synod president of the WELCA. She served as secretary of the church council, sang for many years in the church choir, and served on many committees. Miriam enjoyed crafts and assisted Roger for over 20 years teaching woodcarving classes where she taught the finishing and painting while Roger taught carving. She also organized the local community Festival of Trees. The group was honored to decorate the governors mansion in Madison, and decorated the capital Christmas tree the following year. Miriam is survived by her husband Roger, sons Todd (Sally) of Raleigh, NC and Paul (Julie) of LaCrescent, MN., a sister Eunice Schermerhorn of Whitehall, PA., a brother-in-law Edward Hatlem of Maple Grove, MN., nephews Clint (Sally) Schermerhorn of PA., Bruce (Judy) Hatlem of Virginia, Philip (Sheri) Hatlem of Florida and a niece Diane (Bob) Bjornson of N.D., plus other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Walter and Edna Diemer, in-laws Rev. Berent and Gertrude Hatlem, brother-in-law George Schermerhorn, sisters-in-law Marcia Hatlem and Eleanor Hatlem, and a nephew Preston Schermerhorn as well as other relatives and friends. The family would like to thank the Bethel Home, Vernon Manor and the Hospice House for their wonderful care provided by all of the staff. Funeral Services for Miriam will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. David Guetzke will officiate with interment following at the Viroqua City Cemetery. Friends may call during a Visitation from 4-7 PM on Tuesday May 17 at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home and again Wednesday morning one hour prior to the service from 10-11 AM at the Church. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Vernon Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Hospice House or charity of your choiceBlessed be our memory of Miriam. On-line condolences may be left at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home at 123 W. Decker, Viroqua, WI 54665 is serving the family.