Obituaries

Dec 11, 2023

Alice Mae Henden, age 85, of Viroqua, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Vernon Manor. She was born on June 25, 1938, to the late Oswald and Sylvia (Wedeberg) Bay in La Crosse. Alice attended and graduated from Viroqua High School in 1955.

After graduating, she lived and...

Dec 8, 2023

Donna Mae Getter, age 92, of Viroqua, passed away at Bethel Oaks on December 8, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born in Brush Hollow (Webster Twp) to Frederick Henry and Mildred Beulah (Florand) McGarry, June 6, 1931. She grew up in Brush Hollow with the West Fork of the Kickapoo river running through the farm. They all enjoyed...

Dec 7, 2023

Donald A. Schwendinger, a kind and friendly soul known for his handy skills, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2023, at a nursing home in Soldiers Grove, WI. Born on March 16, 1934, to the late Alphons and Catherine (Cleary) Schwendinger, Donald's journey through life was marked by a warm heart, a love for his family, and a commitment...

Dec 6, 2023

Dave Berg, age 76, of Westby passed away Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Mulder Healthcare Facility in West Salem. He was born September 19, 1947, to the late Olaf and Verna (Engh) Berg.

Dave was active in every sport all throughout high school including basketball, football, and baseball. After graduation, he attended Luther College in...

Dec 6, 2023

Verona Phillips left her earthly home to her eternal heavenly home on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Verona was born on November 25, 1941, to Raymond and Genevieve (Bailey) Parr in the house she lived in most of her life. She was a graduate of the La Farge High School and on January 3, 1959, she married Blaine Phillips.

Dec 2, 2023

Robert Algot Pearson is at peace with the Lord. Bob died December 2, 2023 and was born October 30, 1927, to dairy and rutabaga farmers, Mary and Carl Pearson in Askov, MN. He was the second of seven boys with his sister Irene, being the oldest child. Bob worked on the farm prior to serving in the U.S. Army...

Nov 29, 2023

Mark Anthony Bakkestuen, 65, of Westby, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. He was born to Cyrus and Lorraine (nee’ Bekkum) Bakkestuen on June 29, 1958. He graduated from Westby High School in 1976. He helped his parents on the family farm while working with his dad as a roofer and later held various...

Nov 25, 2023

It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and friend, Patricia Anne (Gander) Olson. Born on November 1, 1938, to Paul E. and Dorathy Mae (Chroninger) Gander, Patricia (Patsy) grew up surrounded by a large extended family in North Clayton, Crawford County. In addition to her two brothers, Larry (Nettie) and Raymond (Vivian)...

Nov 22, 2023

James Elin Peterson, a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2023. Known affectionately as "Uncle James," he was born on July 15, 1970, to his loving parents, Ronald T. Peterson and Lola J. Peterson in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. His unique sense of humor and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew him....

Nov 21, 2023

Richard "Rich" W.W. Pence, a loving father, partner, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home at the “farm’’ on November 21, 2023. Born on August 31, 1954, Rich lived a life full of passion, kindness, and selflessness, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him.

Rich was a proud graduate...

Nov 19, 2023

Harriet Lucille (Hanson) Swangstu, age 93, died peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at her apartment at Maplewood Terrace in Viroqua. She was born June 10, 1930, to Harry and Lillian Hanson and graduated from Seneca High School. Harriet married Norvin Swangstu on November 24, 1951. She worked at Ferryville Bank and Mt. Sterling School as well as being...

Nov 12, 2023

Rhonda Kay Wemmer, a beloved member of our community, passed away peacefully at Vernon Memorial Hospital on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Born on March 13, 1948, in La Farge, Rhonda spent her entire life making a positive impact on those around her.

Rhonda was a dedicated worker, spending most of her career working tirelessly at...

Nov 11, 2023

Brent Casey of Arkdale, WI, aged 67 years, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Brent was a cancer victim and for the last several years had suffered from the aftermath effects of cancer treatment.

Born in Elkhorn, WI to Robert and Cecelia Casey (nee Beaver). Brent grew up in...

Nov 9, 2023

Eugene Rockweiler, 91, of Hillsboro passed away Thursday, November 9, 2023, after a short illness. He was born March 19, 1932, the son of Nick and Lillian (Havel) Rockweiler of rural Hillsboro. Gene attended the Hillsboro Schools and graduated with the class of 1950.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Afterwards,...

Oct 31, 2023

Betty Virginia (Bankes) Dieter, age 93, of Racine, WI, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Hospice Alliance in Pleasant Prairie, WI, after a short illness. Betty was born June 8, 1930, to Kermit T. and Freda M. (Jacobson) Bankes. Betty was born in Folsum, WI and grew up in Liberty Pole, WI. She graduated from Viroqua High...

Oct 28, 2023

Carol Jean Cade, 88, of Westby, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, surrounded by her family. Carol was born June 11th, 1935, in La Crosse, WI to Ernest and Verna (Jungen) Roesler. She grew up on the Roesler farm near Coon Valley, WI with her sister, Pat and brother, Jim. She was baptized Catholic and graduated from...

Oct 26, 2023

John Anthony Markiewicz, born October 7th, 1943, passed away on October 26th, 2023. Born in Chicago, IL, to Mary and Joseph Markiewicz, he was a cherished brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend, whose spirit and warmth will be missed.

John was educated at St. Rita High School in Chicago, IL. Following his education, he began his...

Oct 22, 2023

Russell Harvey Gilbert, age 76, of Rolling Ground, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 9:15 am surrounded by his wife, daughters, and one grandchild. Russell was born October 16, 1947, to the late Lorraine McGuire Gilbert and Russell Harvey Gilbert Sr. in Hartford, Connecticut. He was the first of their five children.

Oct 15, 2023

Gerda Muriel (Bagstad) Aarness, 99 of Westby passed away peacefully at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem, WI. on October 15, 2023. She was born December 8, 1923, on the farm in Timber Coulee to Gilbert and Magdalene (Bakkum) Bagstad. She graduated Westby High School class of 1941 and was the class valedictorian. On June 13th, 1950 she married...

Oct 14, 2023

Annabel Lee McGarry, a loving, spirited, and generous woman, passed away peacefully in her hometown of Viroqua on October 14, 2023. Born on November 19, 1934, also in Viroqua, she lived a life filled with love, joy, and service to her community.

Annabel was a graduate of Viroqua High School, class of 1952. Following her...