Archived Services - B

Andrew M. Bahl

     Andrew M. Bahl, age 3, of Lancaster, died on Sunday, August 24, 2008, at University Hospital in Madison as the result of an ATV accident at his residence.  Andrew was born on April 4, 2005, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.  He is the son of loving parents, Brad and Sara (Bennett) Bahl.  Andrew came into the world in a hurry and busied his life entertaining everyone in his family from the day he began to smile, talk, gesture, and joke.  He spent much time “talking tractors” with Daddy and anyone else who would listen.  Andrew was a huge fan of John Deere tractors and would have been top salesman for them as well if God had not needed him so early in life.  It was never green; it was “John Deere Green.”  Andrew spent much time with Dad pushing and plowing snow or dirt, working outside, helping friends and neighbors, entertaining grandparents, giving Mommy excuses to be out and about, taking a weekend morning ride with Dad and Lexi, or taking care of Rudy, his dog.  Andrew so dearly loved his time with his grandparents, loving aunts, uncles his many cousins and Andrea “Annie” Taylor at day care.  He was everyone’s comedian and Mommy and Daddy’s “Little Buddy.”  Andrew was soon to begin preschool and was looking forward to this adventure as well.  He will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him and loved him.

     Andrew is survived by his loving parents, Brad and Sara Bahl, Lancaster; his big “Sissy,” Alexis and Alyvia, “Peanut,” at home; his Godfather, Mark (fiancé Nicole Landon) Bahl and his uncle, Matt Bennett; his Godmother, Sheena (John) Edge, and aunts: Amy (fiancé Ben Pagenkopf) Bahl, and Abby Bahl; and first cousins: Haleigh Bratton-Bennett and Lillian Edge; grandparents:  Dave (Nancy) Bahl, Don (Michelle) Bennett; great-grandparents: Don (Ruth) Bahl, Lawrence (Joan) Klein, and Rita Oyen; great-great-grandmother, Esther Klein; and many great-aunts, uncles and cousins.

     Andrew was preceded in death by great-grandparents:  Bob (Ruth) Bennett and Ronald Oyen, Sr., a great-uncle, Edward Bennett, great-aunt, Kathy Wilkinson, and cousins, Brianna Oyen and Autumn Dresen.

     Funeral services were held on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating.  Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster.  Friends called on Thursday, August 28, 2008, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday, August 29, 2008, from 8:30 until time of services all at the church.  The Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster assisted the family.  In lieu of plants and flowers, an Andrew M .Bahl memorial fund has been established. 

Clifford T. “Cliff” Bailey

     Clifford T. “Cliff” Bailey, age 73, of Potosi died Saturday, March 15, 2008 at Grant Regional Hospital in Lancaster.  Cliff was born on April 20, 1934 the son of Henry “Cad” and Jeannette (Mead) Bailey.  He married Linda Churchill on December 31, 1964. 

     Cliff was a logger for many years.  Later he was employed by the City of Dubuque as an Animal Warden for 13 years.  Cliff loved to spend time with family and friends.  He lived to hunt, fish, dig ginseng and hunt mushrooms.  He was also an avid Packers fan.  Cliff had a great sense of humor.  He looked forward to camping with his friends and brothers.  He also enjoyed a great game of cards.

     Cliff is survived by his wife, Linda, Potosi; six children:  two sons, Clayton “Steve” Bailey, Dubuque and Robert “Bob” Bailey, WI; four daughters, Debbie McDermott and Hope McDermott, both of Dubuque; Fay (Chris) Patton, Iowa City, IA and April Bailey, East Dubuque, IL; Thirteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; and a brother, Dick (Joan) Bailey, Dubuque.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Helen (Charlie) Meyer, Gladys (Clarence “Bud”), Gohde and Grace (Laverne) Hoffman; two brothers, Robert and Raymond.

     Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Martin Funeral Home in Potosi with Pastor David Scofield officiating.  Family and friends were welcome from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 and from 12:00 noon until of services all at the funeral home.  Burial was held on Sunday, April 20 at Clayton Cemetery in Clayton, Iowa.

Opal M. Bartels

    Opal M. Bartels, age 82, died on Friday, March 7, 2008, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster.  She was born on August 15, 1925, in Lancaster, the daughter of Ruby and Mabel (Retallick) Stoney.  Opal married Paul Bartels on August 23, 1950, in Milwaukee.  Together they farmed in Waterloo Township.  He preceded her in death on September 18, 2000.  She graduated from Lancaster High School and worked at Okey’s Market in Cassville for over 27 years.  Opal enjoyed sewing and crocheting with the ladies in Burton.  She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Burton.

     Survivors include her children:  Myron (Sue) Bartels, Cassville; Mabel (Donald) Reding, Alma; Gary (Deb) Bartels, Cassville; Betty (Russell) Hauk-Peterson, St. Olaf, IA; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and one on the way in September; two sisters-in-law, Marie Stoney, Burton; Shirley Bartels, Dubuque, IA; two brothers-in-law, Calvin “Bud” Knapp, Bloomington; Eugene Bartels, Potosi; many nieces and nephews.

     Opal was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son-in-law, Richard Hauk; her brother, Clarence Stoney and her sister, Dolores Knapp.

     Funeral services were held on Monday, March 10, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Cassville with Pastor David Froemming officiating.  Burial was in Dodge Cemetery, Beetown Township.  Friends called on Sunday, March 9, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Cassville and from 9:30 a.m. on Monday until time of services.

Maxine M. Bauer

     Maxine M. Bauer, age 90, of Mt. Hope, died on Sunday, June 8, 2008, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in rural Lancaster.  She was born on August 22, 1917, in Mt. Hope Township, the daughter of Ernest and Berd (Thompson) McKichan.  On October 5, 1940, Maxine was united in marriage to Carl J. Bauer at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA.  On February 10, 1949, their son, Gary Dean Bauer was born in Lancaster.  Carl and Maxine farmed in rural Mt. Hope until 1969.  After retirement, Maxine worked at the Mt. Hope Post Office and the Lansing Grocery store until December 2004.  She was a member of the Mt. Hope Methodist Church and loved cooking, baking, and traveling all over the United States.  More than anything, Maxine loved spending time with her family and friends.

     Survivors include her sister, Helen Kress, Mt. Hope; her granddaughters, Jennifer (David) Murphy, Benton; Lisa (Matthew) Millin, Belmont; five great-grandchildren: Paige, Ian, and Holden Murphy, and Nathan and Olivia Millin; daughter-in-law, Alice Bauer of Arizona; sister-in-law, Henrietta McKichan, Stoughton; nieces, nephews, and many Mt. Hope friends.

     In addition to her parents, Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Carl in 1976; her son, Gary in 2000; and her brothers and sisters: Max McKichan, Carol Stenner, Dorothy Bollard and Goodsell McKichan.

     Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating.  Burial was in Mt. Ida Cemetery.  Friends called on Thursday, June 12, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until time of services.  Maxine was a beloved sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Bernard G. “Bunny” Bausch

     Bernard G. “Bunny” Bausch, age 83, of Cassville, died Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, IA.  He was born September 14, 1924 in Cassville, WI, the son of Jacob and Maggie (Kirschbaum) Bausch.  Bunny attended country school and farmed on his parents’ farm.  He married Ruth C. Breuer on May 1, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Glen Haven.  Farming was Bunny’s life, and he continued to farm after marriage.  He really loved driving, visiting his neighbors, and playing cards.  He was a lifetime member of St. Charles Catholic Church and served on its parish council. 

    Bunny is survived by nine children:  Mark Bausch, Cassville; Mary (Keith) Alexander, Potosi; Denny (Karen) Bausch, Cassville; Steve (Merrily) Bausch, Lake Villa, IL; Pat Bausch, Cassville; Allen (Carol) Bausch, Oregon, WI; Peter (Heidi) Bausch, Stoughton; Andy (Jenny) Bausch, Clifton Park, NY; and Gary Bausch, Madison; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

     He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, on April 15, 2001; his son, Brent; his parents; and his brother and sisters, Luella Hoffman, Lester Bausch, and Margaret Bausch.

     Funeral services were held on Monday, January 7, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville with Father John Norder and Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was in St. Mary’s Settlement Cemetery, Cassville.  Visitation was held Sunday, January 6, 2008 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Cassville, where a 4:00 p.m. parish scripture service was held.  Friends also called after 10:00 a.m. Monday morning at the funeral home.

Dolora C. Bausch

Helen E. Bausch

      Helen E. Bausch, age 90, of Cassville, died Monday, April 7, 2008 at the Lancaster Care Center.  She was born September 11, 1917 in Buffalo County, WI, the daughter of John and Mary (Hiller) Wolfe.  She attended school in Waumandee.  On April 21, 1936, she married Gerald Bausch in Alma and the couple moved to Cassville.  Helen cooked at Kruger’s and then at Parkway, both in Cassville.  She also had worked at Rapid Die & Molding and for the State Historical Society at Stonefield.  She loved to play cards and enjoyed traveling, gardening, and visiting with family.

     She is survived by her son, Wayne (Carletta) Bausch, Viroqua; her daughter, Geraldine (Kenneth) Roschi, Cassville; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in her husband, Gerald, on June 14, 1988; her parents; two brothers, Rudolph and Irvin Wolfe; three sisters:  Clara Hiberg, Eleanor Lund, and Rose Weiland; one grandchild; and one great-great grandchild.

     Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville with Father Bernard Rott officiating. Burial was in St. Charles Cemetery, Cassville.  Visitation was held at the Martin Funeral Home in Cassville on Thursday, April 10, 2008 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Earl R. Beecher

     Earl R. Beecher born January 22, 1915 died Thursday, June 19, 2008 in Port Charlotte, Florida.  Earl was born on a farm in Union Grove, Wisconsin, the son of John and Lillie (Dreyfus) Beecher.  He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Infantry from April 1941 to September 1945.  He was wounded making a landing in Buna, New Guinea with the 32^nd Red Arrow Division and holds the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, and Good Conduct Service Medals and Area Service Medals.

     Earl was united in marriage to Leila Laugesen in Milwaukee, WI on January 26, 1946 and was the father of Denis and Jean. They shared their home with many friends and family over the years.

     For a few years they lived in Milwaukee and then moved to Potosi, WI where he was part-owner a garage business.  In 1953 they moved to Madison, WI where he worked as a mechanic until they retired in 1984 to live in FL.  They celebrated their 62^nd wedding Anniversary in 2008.

     Earl was a life-member of the Military Order of Purple Heart, V.F.W. and Port Charlotte Methodist Church.  He loved working with his plants, flowers and trees.

     Earl is survived by his wife, Leila, son, Denis, daughter-in-love Janis, daughter Jean and Ed Doench, five grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family

     He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lillie Beecher, his brothers Neil G. Beecher and John R. Beecher, sisters Irene Schultz, Ruby Anderson.

     Funeral services were held at Christ Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster.  Donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice Care, 1144 Veronica Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Mildred E. Bendorf

     Mildred E. Bendorf, age 79, of Lancaster died Friday, February 29, 2008 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster.  She was born on July 11, 1928 in Baker, Montana; the daughter of Frank and Ruby (Haven) Bellis.  After Mildred was born, her family left Montana and moved to Steuben, WI.  On March 21, 1946, she married J. Donald Bendorf at the United Methodist Church in Lancaster.  She had met her future husband at a dance in Rockville.  Together they farmed in the Hurricane, South Lancaster, and Fennimore areas.  Once married, Mildred became a mother and caregiver to her three sisters, Helen, Phyllis, and Ethie.  Over the years she also raised her own seven children and was a caregiver to many. She loved to cook (nobody ever left her house hungry) and she made the best apple pie.  Mildred also had a love for animals and she also enjoyed dancing and gardening.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Ruth’s Circle.

     She is survived by her seven children:  Barbara (Gary) Landon, Lancaster; John (Luann) Bendorf, Lancaster; Nancy (John) Poller, Belmont; Marcia (Mike) Shaw, Fond du Lac; Jeffrey Bendorf, Madison; Paula (Mike) Byers, Blue Mounds; and Rhonda (Marty) Welsh, Verona; 20 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and her two sisters:  Helen (Bob) Griffith, Fennimore; and Phyllis (Ed) Nickel, Beloit.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, on March 9, 1999; her parents; her brother, Herbert Bellis; and her sister, Ethie Kirschbaum.

     Funeral services were held on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lancaster with Reverend Barbara Cook officiating.  Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster.  Visitation was held at the church on Sunday, March 2, 2008 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. Monday morning until the time of services.  The Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster assisted the family.

DeWayne G. Bierman

Arnold C. Blindert

     Arnold Celestine Blindert, age 74, of Potosi, died on Saturday, May 24, 2008, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in rural Lancaster.  He was born on February 14, 1934, in Rockville, WI, the son of Harold and Bernadette (Klar) Blindert.  On August 5, 1965, Arnold was united in marriage to Ruth I. Skinner at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA.  Arnold was employed with John Deere Dubuque Works for thirty years, until his retirement in 1985.  He served his country in the United States Navy from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1955.  Arnold enjoyed his daily trips to the Roadhouse to visit with friends and play poker machines and Shake-A-Day.  He commercial fished for many years and also enjoyed deer, rabbit, squirrel and ginseng hunting, regular fishing and putting puzzles together.

     Survivors include his children: Diana Brunton, Platteville; Michael (Tina) Blindert, Loveland, CO; his five grandchildren: Emily, Damien, and Makyla Brunton, Platteville, and Dustyn and Shane Blindert, Loveland, CO; three brothers:  Harold (Karen) Blindert, Potosi; Carl (Dorothea) Blindert, Potosi; Douglas Blindert, Burnet, TX; two sisters: Betty (Eldon) Pluemer, Potosi; Ann (Francis) Klein, Platteville; three sisters-in-law: Jackie Blindert, Potosi; Carol Blindert, Platteville; Mary Pauley, Burton; a brother-in-law, Eugene (Alice) Skinner, Dubuque, IA; a special niece, Catherine Nix, Burton; and many nieces and nephews.

     Arnold was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth on May 18, 1997; his father, Harold; his mother and step-father, Bernadette and Herbert “Ducky” Besler; two grandsons in infancy, brothers: Vernon and Bernard, a sister, Lucy Faherty; a brother-in-law, Harland Pauley and his favorite sidekick, his dog, Girlie.

     A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at the Martin Funeral Home in Potosi, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a blessing at 5:30 p.m. by Father Richard Leffler.  Burial will be at a later date.  In lieu of plants and flowers, an Arnold C. Blindert memorial fund has been established.  A special thanks to Kim Leamy and Grant County Hospice, and the staff at Orchard Manor.

Dale M. Blum

     Dale Monroe Blum, age 80, of Corpus Christi, TX, formerly of Cassville, passed away at his daughter’s home in Corpus Christi, TX, on Thursday, July 17, 2008, joining his wife, son and parents in heaven.   Dale was born in Cassville, WI on January 31, 1928, the son of Albert and Helen (Pendelton) Blum.  He started work at John Deere Tractor Works, in Dubuque, Iowa and Roland Kaap.  He then enlisted into the United States Navy and was stationed in Corpus Christi, TX., where he met his bride to be, Laura D. Fernandez.  They were married August 11, 1951, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.          After ten years in the U.S. Navy, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  While in the service, he served in the Korean Conflict, Indochina War, Cuban Missile crisis, and Vietnam.  He was awarded numerous medals and ribbons for his service to our country.  Dale retired with 20 years in the service and signed on for 10 years active reserve service. 

      He and his wife sold the farm and moved to Texas for a length of time but he always found his way back home to Wisconsin.  While in Texas, he went back to work with the City and found new friends at CCAD in the bearing shop.  Within the last two years, he moved with his daughter and granddaughter to Corpus Christi, TX where he enjoyed watching Tayler grow, excel in school, music and athletics.  Dale was a 32^nd degree Mason and was a member of the Warren Lodge No.4 of Potosi and was involved with these organizations for many years.

      Survivors include his daughter, Brenda Blum, Corpus Christi, TX; a son, Patrick Blum, Beetown; one granddaughter:  Tayler Blum, Corpus Christi, TX; brothers and sisters: Nellie Curtis, Hawkins, Stanley and Olga Blum, Lake Geneva; Rexford Blum, Dubuque, IA; Ruth Hunt, Jackson,  MI; Pete and Janet Blum, Beetown; nieces and nephews spread out across the country. 

     Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2008 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville with Father John Norder officiating.  Burial with military honors was in Cassville Cemetery.  Friends called on Friday, July 25, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  The Martin Funeral Home in Cassville  assisted the family.  The family would like to thank the nurses and staff from Amedysis and Interim Home Health Agencies along with Vista Care Hospice, Mike and Wynona, who helped care for Dad at home, and a special thanks to Dr. Zarinetchi and Dr. Padmanabhan, for the compassion and professionalism shown to our dad while in the hospital.

Cyndy K. Bohringer

     Cyndy K. Bohringer, age 51, of Lancaster died on Monday, August 25, 2008, at her home in Lancaster.  She was born on April 12, 1957, in Beloit, the daughter of John Dale Harris, Sr. and Marhta A. Salisburg Harris.  Cyndy graduated form Union Grove Wisconsin High School and then attended Southwest Technical College graduating in the computer science program.  She was a customer service representative in the catalog ordering department for Land’s End in Dodgeville.  Cyndy dearly enjoyed spending time with her family and being able to quilt. 

     Survivors include her children: Joshua Bohringer and Jubilee Bohringer, both of Bagley; her mother, Martha (James) Mitsch, Bagley; brothers and sisters: John Dale (Debbie) Harris, Jr., Des Plaines, IL; Theresa (John) Eisenmenger, Darien; Matthew (Michelle) Harris, Garnavello, IA; many nieces and nephews; former husband, Emil Bohringer, Jr., Bagley and former mother-in-law, VirdiaBell Bohringer, Bagley.

     Cyndy was preceded in death by a son, Josiah; her father, John Dale Harris, Sr., and her father-in-law, Emil Bohringer, Sr.

     Funeral services were held on Friday, August 29, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating.  Burial was in the Patch Grove Cemetery, Patch Grove.  Friends called on Friday, August 29, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Barbara A. Borgen

     Barbara A. Borgen, age 68, of Patch Grove, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2008, after a courageous battle with Leukemia at her residence.  She was born on February 29, 1940, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Myron and Oneita (Moore) Borgen.  Barbara graduated from Lutheran High School in Chicago in 1958.  She then continued her education at the Chicago School of Nursing.  Barbara was employed as a dental assistant.  In 1975, Barbara relocated to Patch Grove.  She was a member of Patch Grove United Methodist Church.

     Survivors include her aunt, Elna Borgen, LaCrosse; many cousins and dear friends and caregivers; and her loving house cat, Honey Sue.

     Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and a very special aunt, Nina.

     Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 3, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Patch Grove United Methodist Church with Pastor Paul Graham and Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating.  Burial was in Patch Grove Cemetery.  Friends called on Thursday, April 3, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. 

Robert E. Brouillard

     Robert E. Brouillard, 79, of Lancaster, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, at the Lancaster Care Center, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with cancer.

Services were at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at the Lancaster Care Center, with the Rev. William Seipp officiating. Burial was in Van Buren Cemetery, Potosi.  Friends called after 9 a.m. Monday at the care center.

He was born on March 27, 1929, in Potosi, son of Bert and Edna (Higgins) Brouillard. He married Carol Weber on May 28, 1949, in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

The Brouillard's farmed for a brief time in Potosi on the family farm, they then moved to Cassville where he worked for 42 years at Okey's Market.

Surviving are his wife, Carol; his three sons, Jim, of Verona, Dennis (Dawn), of Elroy, and Wayne (Chris), of Alma; two daughters, Sandi (Ron) Kelley and Lorraine (Joe) Mergen, both of Cassville; a sister, Ethel, of Rockford, Ill.; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

June Anne (Wolf) Brunner

     June Anne (Wolf) Brunner, passed in her sleep surrounded by the voices and music of her family that she loved, on her journey to heaven.  This wonderful woman created a legacy of eleven children and twenty grandchildren.  Mom was world renowned for her award winning cooking and baking skills.  Anyone visiting her home was immediately given a hug and made to feel right at home, usually starting with an offering of something freshly baked.

     Mom also had a special talent for cake decorating and taught her skills to family, friends, and countless students in her baking classes.  She is remembered also for her sewing and quilting. Of all of her abilities, Mom is most fondly remembered for the examples she has taught through the way she lived her life. Mom never ran out of time, balancing all of the chores of running her home and household from dawn to dusk, and yet she still had time to attend every sporting or music event for any of her kids or grandchildren. If there was nothing to go see, she would listen to the Brewers, Packers, or Badgers on the radio or TV, sometimes with some cookies and lemonade. Mom and Dad found time in their busy lives to do a lot of travel, both in the Americas and overseas. Mom kept a daily journal for years, read, and prayed for an hour each evening, as well. She was usually sewing or quilting, while simultaneously baking cookies, a wedding cake, or bread. Mom was constantly giving, and rarely asking for anything in return.  She taught us that it is not the material goods that counted, but the giving of ourselves that was important.

     Mom is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, John, and children, Mary Brown, Rose (Mike) Nett, Betsy (Mike) Kittoe, Greg (Shari), Julie (James) Caldwell, Bernadette, Gretta, Michael (Camille), Christy (Jeff) Pier, Robert, Virginia (Craig) Sacia.  In addition to her biological children, there were countless friends and strangers who came to adopt her as a surrogate mother, foremost among them Diane Roelke. Grandchildren include Mike Brown; Liz, Michael (Jamie), and Tim Carney; Jordane (Sam) Ross, Sydney, and Brooks Kittoe; Adame and Tavia Brunner; Jacquelyn, Jonathan, and Jenna Caldwell; Emory and Erich Thiemann; Kaitlyn and Ryan Brunner; Isabelle and Jaxon Pier; Delaney and Rex Sacia.      

     The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary’s MICU, especially Dr. Jaymes Couser and Michelle Whitfield, RN, and the staff at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Inc. in Madison, Wisconsin, for their gentle nature and attentiveness.  In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633, or to The Retirement Fund of The School Sisters of St. Francis, 1501 South Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215, or the Sts. Andrew-Thomas Endowment Fund, 101 Church St., Potosi, WI 53820.

     Visitation was from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Church, Monday April 21, 2008.  We then celebrated  June’s life at Mass, at 12:00, Noon.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

Ethel C. Burr

Bette J. Butson

   Bette J. Butson, age 86, of Platteville, died on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at Heartland Health Care Center in Platteville.  She was born on July 16, 1921 in Colome, South Dakota, the daughter of Michael and Maude (Deacon) Harty.    Bette attended and graduated from Colome High School and received a Debate Scholarship to University of South Dakota, but was not able to attend.  Bette married Donald J. Butson on November 17, 1948 in Colome.  Donald preceded her in death in 1960.  She worked for the Grant County Shopping News for 30 years, retiring in 1986.  Bette was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a member of the St. Mary’s CCW.   She was also a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. 

     Bette is survived by four children:  Jeffrey Butson, Platteville; Jan Reed, Tucson, AZ; Julie Stead, Platteville; and Kelly Butson, Waunakee; four grandchildren:  Zackary Butson, Amanda Stead, and Rochelle and Tanya Reed; her brother-in-law, Warren “Doug” (Gertrude) Butson, Platteville; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; four brothers, Clinton Paul, James Theodore, Joseph Myron and Charles Franklin and a sister, Mary Catharine.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville with Monsignor Charles Schluter officiating.  Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Platteville.  Visitation was held on Friday, February 1, 2008 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville with a parish rosary service at 4:00 p.m. and VFW and American Legion Auxiliary memorial service at 7:00 p.m.  Friends were also welcomed from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services on Saturday at the church.