Theodore E. Stilwell

Theodore "Ted" Stilwell, age 71 of Sparta, died Tuesday, May 5, 2009 . Theodore "Ted" Earl Stilwell, age 71 of Sparta, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at his home of lung cancer. He was born to Irvin D. and Emma (Twite) Stilwell on January 31, 1938 at Romance, rural Genoa, Wis. He enlisted in the Marines and was stationed in Okinawa. After being discharged he worked in Janesville and also was a laborer with Local 140. On August 13, 1966 he married Sonja Erickson and to this union two children were born, a daughter, Dawna and a son, Kirt. Ted and Sonja were later divorced, but Sonja always remained the love of his life and best friend.He is survived by Sonja; his children: Dawna (Kevin) Iverson of Brandon, Wis. and Kirt Stilwell of Sparta, Wis.; two grandchildren: Ashly Iverson of Beaver Dam, Wis. and Calvin Iverson of Brandon, Wis.; five sisters: Del Rae Wolfe of Genoa, Diane (Don) Worman of DeSoto, Patsy Oliver, of Holmen, Ellen (Ken) Sawyer of Iowa, Lil (Ron) Dach of Tennessee; two brothers: Jack (Janet) Stilwell of Genoa and Dick (Emmogene) Stilwell of Viroqua; sister-in-law, Ardis Stilwell of Ferryville; brother-in law, Cecil Parson of Virginia.He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Mary Tryggestad, Molly Stilwell and Margie Parson; three brothers: Irvin "Bunny", Gerald "Dude" and Layne; several brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 on Friday, May 8, 2009 at The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker Street, (Hwy 56) in Viroqua. Graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Stoddard Cemetery, Stoddard, Wisconsin. Pastor Jeff Miller will officiate. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.