Feb. 10, 2021 Obituaries
Thelma R. (Hagen) Start
Thelma Ruth (Hagen) Start, 93, of Ostrander, MN, passed away at Spring Valley Living, January 26, 2021.
Thelma Ruth Start was born on a farm in rural Wisconsin, near the town of Pigeon Falls, June 15, 1927, to Theodore Edwin and Ruth Adeline (Overby) Hagen. Thelma graduated from the Whitehall High School and moved with two of her two sisters, Viola Mae and Phyllis Marie, to Minneapolis, MN, where she worked for Pillsbury. Thelma had the unique responsibility of ordering the daily flour.
While in Minneapolis, she met her husband, Carmen Leland Start, a young farmer from Mower County, MN, at a dance at the Marigold Ballroom.
Thelma married Carmen January 1, 1961, and together they had two children: Lisa Start (Khalilian) of Denver, CO and Sindy Staart, of Ocala, FL. Thelma adored her three grandchildren: Sofia Khalilian, and Seth and Ezra Staart.
After moving to rural southeast Minnesota, Thelma began teaching elementary school at Spring Valley, MN. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from Winona State University, and eventually retired from teaching in 1979. Thelma loved reading, and spent many hours during her retirement, reading mysteries and current events.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Carmen Start; and her sisters: Edna Arleen Nestingen, of Blair, and Viola Lusikka of Oulu, WI. Her sister, Phyllis Marjamaki, resides in Oulu,.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Thelma’s name to No Kid Hungry of Minnesota or a recipient state of the donor’s choice.
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Helen T. Ames
Beloved Helen Theresa Ames, 72, of Hixton, and formerly of Blair, died Friday, January 29, 2021, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.
Helen was born July 4, 1948, at her home in Rozellville, to Joseph and Anna (Matti) Ott. She married Donald F. Ames, March 27, 1965, in Houston, MN.
She entertained a variety of jobs throughout her lifetime to include owning a café with her husband, Donald, as well as farming, customer service work, real estate, running a very ambitious campground for almost 20 years and, in recent years, doing her most enjoyable activity…antiquing.
Along with antiquing and finding almost every left hand turn to every garage sale, she also loved spending time with family and reading. Some of her most enjoyable reads included authors such as Stephen King and Dean Koontz.
Helen is survived by her husband, Donald; three children: Patrick (Mary Kay) Ames of Rigsby, ID, Donald (Debbie) Ames of Whitehall and Roxanne Nelson of Holmen; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers: Herb and Joe; along with two sisters: Maryann and Margaret.
In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by three brothers: Bill Ott, Andy Ott and Harold Ott; and one great-grandchild, Hank.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., at Jack Funeral Home with burial in Lincoln Cemetery, both in Whitehall. Mr. Scott Brown will officiate.
Friends may call one hour prior to the service.
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Duane E. Stoner
Duane Edward Stoner, 79, of Galesville, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Gundersen Health System.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 13, at 12:00 p.m., at First Free Church, 123 Mason Street, Onalaska. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Burial will be at Pine Cliff Cemetery in Galesville.
For the complete obituary and online condolences, please visit www.dickinson
funeralhomes.com.
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Pearl “Penny” Walters
Pearl “Penny” Walters, beloved Mother, Grandma, Sister, Daughter, and Friend. With great sadness, we share that Pearl “Penny” Walters, of Elk Mound, passed away February 1, 2021, in Eau Claire.
Penny was born January 10, 1953, to Carl and Ruth Stone. Her father’s military service took Penny, her parents, and her four brothers across the United States and abroad. After graduating from high school in Ironwood, MI, Penny later became a certified nursing assistant. Over the years, Penny found great enjoyment and purpose in taking care of and connecting with others, in both her personal and professional life. She rarely missed an opportunity to develop new relationships with people, and share her faith in Jesus. As a lover of laughter and people, Penny often traveled to visit friends and family—no matter the distance—while still always making time to hunt for treasures at local sales and cheer on the Brewers.
Penny is survived by her four brothers and their spouses: Lee (Gail), Carl (Barbara Jean), Joe, and Dan Stone (Shannon); and her five children and their spouses: Melanie Hopp (Bryce), Matt Schmidt (Julie), Mark Walters (Ana), Crystal Tollefson (Tyler), and Cody Bautch (Geneva). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Travis, Roman, Alissa, Kaitlyn, Jaxon, Braun, Roenik, Royce, Harlan and Grace.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ruth Stone.
At her request, Penny will be laid to rest at a private burial with only family present. No public service will be held.
Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center in Altoona, is assisting the family.
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Kim R. Thompson-Flock
Kim Renae Thompson-Flock, 50, of Westby died Tuesday, February 2, 2021, peacefully in her home, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Kim was born August 30, 1970, to Ronald and Irene (Halvorson) Thompson at Gundersen Tri-County Hospital in Whitehall. She was raised in Blair, graduating from Blair High School, Class of 1988. Kim was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force where she traveled overseas, eventually retiring from the Department of Corrections after 15 years. She married Michael Davis in 1993, and they later divorced. On June 8, 2007, she married Frederick Flock.
Kim loved to go camping and garden with family and friends. She was a loving mother, wife, sister, grandma and friend.
Kim is survived by her husband; son, Zachary Thompson of La Crosse; step-children: Megan (Casie) Manke of Sparta, Katie (Jon) Fendt of Sparta; four step-grandchildren: Blaire and Brysen Manke, Lucas and Howard Fendt; mother, Irene Thompson of Blair; mother-in-law, Jackie Flock of Sparta; siblings: Bruce (Rosanne) Thompson of Osseo, Deborah (Steve) Tidquist of Blair, Susan Thompson of La Crosse, Dawn (John) Dubiel of Naples, TX, and Todd Thompson of La Crosse.
She was preceded in death by her father; nephew, Bradley Ekern; father-in-law, Wayne, and grandparents.
Kim’s family would like to thank the Oncology department at Gundersen Healthcare and Hospice Group.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private service and interment will be held at a later date at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Blair, with military honors.
Roth Family Cremation Center of Viroqua is assisting the family.
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Alice I. Herried
Alice I. Herried, 93, of Blair, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
Alice was born August 21, 1927, in the Town of Preston, to Albert and Gena (Mickelson) Johnson.
She spent her entire life in the Blair area. Alice married Douglas Herried, September 21, 1946, and together they farmed, had a milk route and raised their 10 children on their dairy farm until Douglas’ death, July 10, 1981. Alice sold the farm and moved to the City of Blair in 1990, where she continued to live until her recent decline in health. Her mind continued to be as sharp and clear as ever up until the time of her death, but her body just plain wore out.
Alice was an exceptionally talented person, taking on sewing and alteration projects with professional results! She spent hundreds of hours cross stitching baby quilts which she took great pride in bestowing to each newly arriving great-grandchild, made numerous block square quilts for her older grandchildren, and stitched and sewed many beautiful wedding ring quilts as a wedding gift to grandchildren.
She was very industrious and busy throughout her life. After milking the cows by hand twice a day, cooking and baking, cleaning, housework and any other necessary chores either in the house or around the farm, she’d still spend her evenings on a craft project, cutting out and hand painting a wooden lawn ornament or cracking and picking out hickory nut meats the kids would gather up by the gunny sack full! Alice’s mind and hands were always busy.
An avid sports fan throughout her life, she attended many basketball, baseball, volleyball and softball games of her grandchildren over the years, while she was physically able, and in later years, either listened on the radio or watched the games on television. She also never missed an opportunity to watch the Packers, Brewers or a Badgers football or basketball game. She loved to play bingo, do a little gambling at the casino, play dice or dominoes with her friends, read hundreds of books during her retirement years, and she never turned down a chance to play a competitive game of cards with family or friends!
Alice is survived by her children: Leon (Carolyn) Herried of West Salem, LeRoy (Cindy Swinghamer) Herried of Sun Prairie, Layne (Karen) Herried of Marshall, Michael (Kathy Webb) of Taylor, Don (Donna) Herried of Blair, Cheryl (Rob) Olson of Taylor, Carol (Bruce) Blanchar of Plover, Mark (Dianne) Herried of Blair and Cathy (Darrel) Nelson of Blair. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren: Tina, Eric, Bobby, Jean, Jason, Jill, Bradley, Timothy, Nathan, Morgan, Matthew, Tyler, Lindsay, Ryan, Mindy, Nicole, Erika, Megan, Kendall, Lucas and Blake; and 21 great-grandchildren: Noah, Josiah, Grace, Eric Wil, Bristol, Chance, Isabell, Cameron, Madelyn, Byron, Henry, Louis, Elizabeth, Kieran, Avery, Alexandria, Malana, Alexander, Olivia, Cora and Tatum. Alice is further survived by her sister-in law, Jean Johnson, of West Salem; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings: Esther Roseth, Harold Johnson, Ruth Ekern and Ralph Johnson; son, Wayne Herried; and grandchildren: Benjamin Nelson and Cody Blanchar.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., at Jack Funeral Home with burial in Rest Haven Cemetery, both in Blair. Pastor Adam Arends will officiate.
Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Our most sincere appreciation and gratitude goes to the staff and employees of Pigeon Falls Health Care Center for their wonderful and loving care of Alice during her last week of life and for their kind words and support offered to our family.
Memorials may be given to the Rest Haven Cemetery Association.
Margaret “Peggy”
M. Beirne
Margaret “Peggy” Beirne (née Poss) of Ettrick, 76, passed away February 3, 2021, at home, with her husband, Buck, by her side.
Peggy was born September 26, 1944, in Galesville, to Marie and Bill Poss, and was Vonnie and Dick’s younger sister. She attended Gale-Ettrick High School, where she and Buck became a couple before marrying in 1963. They had five children (Kathy, Julie, Pat, Mike, and Shari) in four years and eventually settled in Whitehall. When Peggy wasn’t busy being a mom and a wife, she was a selfless nurse’s aide and teacher’s aide who tried to make her patients and student’s lives better. She organized family trips to softball tournaments, bicentennial parades and camping trips to Jellystone Park. She loved doing projects around the house, bowling night spaghetti, looking at family pictures and spending the holidays surrounded by her family. After her children left to start their own lives and families, every Christmas since, she hosted her ever-growing family’s holiday gatherings.
Peggy shared her love unconditionally with family and friends alike, and raised her children and grandchildren to be kind, empathetic, brave, humble and happy. Her spirit endures through us all.
Peggy is survived by her husband of 57 years, Buck; daughter, Kathy (Kerry) Freidel; daughter, Julie Zogoplos; son, Pat (Elizabeth) Beirne; son, Mike (Abbe) Beirne; daughter, Shari (Darren) Magnuson; grandson, Sean (Carli) Freidel; grandson, Ryan (Robyn) Freidel; grandson, Colin Freidel; grandson, Nicholas Zogoplos; grandson, Quinn Beirne; granddaughter, Gemma Beirne; grandson, Alex Magnuson; grand-daughter, Emily Magnuson; granddaughter, Abby Magnuson; great-grandsons, Emmett, Isaac and Sutton Freidel.
The family would like to thank Dr. Paula Gill and Dr. Petra Nedoba, as well as the Mayo Cancer Center staff and treatment nurses, for their compassionate care throughout her seven-year illness. Also, special thanks to Jody & Morgan and the Mayo hospice care team for providing comfort and superior care through her final days. She truly appreciated all of you!
A private Mass of Christian burial will be held in Saint Mary’s Catholic Church with burial at Pine Cliff Cemetery, both in Galesville. A public Celebration of Life for Peggy will be held at a later date.
Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.
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Ernest “Ernie” B.
Komperud, Sr.
Ernest “Ernie” Boyd Komperud Sr., 87, died Thursday, February 4, 2021, at his home.
Ernie was born March 21, 1933, in La Crosse, to Elmer and Berdella (Salzwedel) Komperud. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On March 14, 1967, Ernie married Linda Arlene Olson in Tennessee. As a couple, they lived their lives in rural Ettrick, where he farmed, but was more known for his excellent carpentry skills. Ernie was a good and honest man, but did have a stubborn side.
Survivors are his wife, Linda; his children: Ernest “Ernie” (Renee) Komperud Jr., Earl Komperud; Christine (Steve) Moelter; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Beverly Gilbeck and Belinda Taylor.
He was preceded in death by two sons: William Komperud and Charles Komperud; two grandsons: Steve and Andy; and two great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 13, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Ettrick Rod and Gun Club, rural Ettrick, Wisconsin.
Zwickey Funeral Homes, Galesville Chapel assisted the family.
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Karmon J. Everson
After struggling for some time with many health problems, Karmon Joy (Wier) Everson, 64, of Blair, drew her last breath and entered eternal life early Sunday morning, February 7, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her children.
Karmon was born to Lloyd and Amanda (Brenengen) Wier, May 6, 1956, in Galesville. She was the second youngest child in a family of 12 children. They were a hard working farming family that grew up near Galesville.
Karmon met Donald L. Thompson and married him in 1977, and had her three children: Christina, Michelle and Erik. They later divorced and, in 1991, she married the love of her life, Keith Everson, and also gained two step-daughters, Tara and Sara Everson.
Karmon gained her high school diploma later in life and then went to cosmetology school for awhile. She worked at Gale Products in her earlier years, and then mostly made her living as a devoted employee at Northern Engraving in Galesville. After the plant shut down, she became a home health worker for a couple of years before becoming disabled due to her many health conditions.
Karmon was an extremely strong woman that went through a lot in life, but always woke up to fight another day and usually did it with a smile. She was strong-willed and always knew what she wanted.
Karmon enjoyed spending time with family. She really enjoyed going 4-wheeling with her late husband, Keith. They went many places on the four wheeler and had fun stopping to eat and sampling bloody marys. She also loved going camping in their camper with all their dogs.
Karmon enjoyed hanging out and “bumming around” with all her sisters and brothers. They would often meet up and go antiquing, thrift saling and out to eat. She definitely liked to be out and about. Her children were her greatest accomplishments though. She loved them and loved doing things with them, especially after her husband passed away on August 22, 2016. And last but not least were her dogs. She loved her dogs. They were her babies and she always had one around as her companion. She was a wonderful woman that will be greatly missed.
Karmon is survived by her children: Chrissy (Larry Adank) Thompson of Independence, Michelle Thompson of Franklin and Erik Thompson of Blair; her step-daughters: Tara Bertram of Hawaii and Sara Everson of Chippewa Falls; her grandchildren: Kyra and Camden; many step-grandchildren; remaining siblings: Janet (Bernie) Las, Sondra (Bill) Brust, Leon (Eileen) Wier, Terry Thompson, Rosalie (Leroy) Statler, Mary Tjerstad, Marie (Bob) Thill, Rosanna Larsen, Leland (LaVonne) Wier and Fran (Roger) Instenes; many nieces, nephews, cousins and her dog, Buddy.
In addition to her parents and husband, Karmon was preceded in death by a brother, Armand.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 12, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., at Jack Funeral Home with burial at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, both in Blair. Pastors Paul Sannerud and Adam Arends will officiate. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.
