Archived Services - M

Lawrence G. “Jim” Mahr and Ruth I. Mahr

     Lawrence G. “Jim” Mahr, age 89, of Lancaster, died Wednesday morning, January 30, 2008 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster.  Wednesday afternoon, his wife, Ruth Mahr, age 86, also died in the room they shared at Orchard Manor Nursing Home.  Jim was born October 21, 1918 in Platteville, WI, the son of Lawrence and Bertha (Jentz) Mahr.  Ruth was born September 12, 1921 in Stitzer, WI, the daughter of Bud and Nora (Bradley) Chandler.  They were united in marriage on May 27, 1938 in Dubuque, IA.  In May 1939, they moved to Lancaster.  Jim worked for the R.E.A. Co-op (Scenic Rivers) as a line foreman from 1939 until his retirement in 1981.  Ruth was employed at the Budget Shop in Lancaster.  He enjoyed his family, and hunting.  She enjoyed flowers and gardening.  They enjoyed going fishing together and playing cards in their card club.

     They are survived by two sons:  Robert (Joyce) Mahr and Gary (Karen) Mahr, both of Lancaster; seven grandchildren:  Steve (June) Mahr, Olympia, WA; Tina (Rick) Knutson, Cheryl (Todd) Walton, David (Karen R.) Mahr, Brian Mahr, all of Lancaster; Joseph (Kelli) Frommelt, Chesapeake, VA; Dawn (Andy) Droessler, Potosi; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

     Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Helen Roeder and Katherine Gillmann; his brother, John Mahr; and their grandson, D. J. Heiligenthal.  Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters:  Dorothy Sweeney, and Jan Walker; and three brothers:  Kenneth, Virgil, and Theodore Chandler.

     Funeral services for Jim and Ruth were held on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster.  Visitation was held Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. 

Robert H. Marshall

     Robert H. Marshall, age 82, of Prairie du Chien, formerly of Bagley, died on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien.  He was born on May 16, 1926, in Little Grant Township, WI, the son of Lee and Esther (McQuistion) Marshall.  Bob attended school in Glass Hollow.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Bob was a riverboat pilot and worked for River Valley Barge Lines for 40 years.  He liked heavy equipment and, after retiring, he enjoyed working on a metal lathe at his shop in Bagley.  Bob was a member of the Liscum Brothers American Legion Post # 482 of Bagley.  He enjoyed socializing with his friends and loved his dog, “Tigger.”

     He is survived one sister, June Sylvester, Bagley; one brother, Bill Marshall, Bagley; and many nieces and nephews

     He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers:  Lee Telford and LaVern, Russell, and Merle Marshall; and his sister, Fern Knapp

      Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 31, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Bagley United Methodist Church with Reverend Mary Ann Floerke officiating.  Burial with military honors was in Bagley Cemetery.  Friends called from 9:30 until the time of services at the church on Thursday. 

LaVern McClain

     LaVern McClain, 91, of rural Cornelia, died Saturday, February 2, 2008 at his home.

     Services were at 2:00 p. m. Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at Cornelia United Church of Christ, Cornelia, with Rev. Catherine Carlson presiding. Burial was in Mount Zion Cemetery, Cornelia.  Family and friends were welcomed from 1:00 p.m. until time of services Wednesday at the church.

     LaVern was born on January 15, 1917, on the family farm in rural Potosi, son of Arch and Ida Elizabeth (Kraiser) McClain. He married Ruth Marian McPherson on September 23, 1939 and remained on their rural Cornelia farm to the present.

     LaVern attended Sunnybrook Country School, graduated from Platteville High School, Platteville State Teachers College and taught public school for two years. Because of his love of the outdoors he then took up farming. He was a member of Mount Zion United Church of Christ, Cornelia. LaVern was an outfielder for the Cornelia softball team, a member of the Cornelia bowling team, and pit crewmember for the family racing team. For 50 years LaVern served as clerk for Paris Township.

     Two infant brothers, his brother George, two sisters, Violet Langkamp and Marie Wunderlin, preceded LaVern in death.

     Surviving family include his wife Marian; son Bruce and (Sue) of Saint Peter, MN; three grandchildren, Michael (Nancy) of Mankato, MN, Lisa (Maynard) Manthe of Mankato, David (Marie) of Potosi, and seven great-grandchildren; and brother Harold of Potosi.

Joseph E. McKeen, Jr.

     Joseph E.  “Buddy” McKeen Jr., age 73, of Bloomington died on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at his home in Bloomington.  He was born on February 14, 1935 in Deming, New Mexico, the son of Joseph E. and Ruth (Slover) McKeen.  He married Veronica Murphy on November 10, 1973, and they resided in Lakewood California where he went to work and retired from McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in 2000.  They spent 15 years traveling and working in Asia before he retired in 2000 to Carlsbad, New Mexico. 

     They moved to Bloomington in 2004 to be nearer their youngest daughter Virginia (James) Neeley and their family. 

     Surviving are his wife Veronica, his two step daughters, Virginia (James) Neeley of Bloomington and Michelle Wilhelm of Elgin, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren.

     Funeral services were held at St Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington on September 03, 2008, at 6:00 PM with Father Bart Timmerman officiating.  Burial will be at a later date. 

Mary E. Misky

    Mary E. Misky, age 91, formerly of Platteville, died onTuesday, January 22, 2008 at Ingleside Nursing Home in Mt. Horeb.  She was born on February 17, 1916 in Dodgeville, the daughter of Carl and Mary Ann (Thies) Rock.  Mary married Ray C. Misky on October 2, 1939 Dodgeville.  Ray and Mary had just celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary prior to Ray’s death in 1999. 

     Mary served for 30 years as the Treasurer/Finance Director for the City of Platteville.  For most of those years, she was the only elected female official in the City of Platteville.  She was elected first in 1948 and continued to serve until her retirement in 1978.  Prior to her election in 1948, she worked for the A & P Food Store and with the Kroger Company with her husband.  Her first job after graduating from Dodgeville High School was in the Knutson Law Office in Dodgeville.    

     She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, regularly attending daily Mass.  For many years she baked for others and was selected several years ago in the Wisconsin State Journal as “Someone Who Made A Difference” for her efforts at calling on shut-ins.

     Mary is survived by a son, Chuck Misky of Mt. Horeb; four grandchildren:  Steve (Emily) Misky of Cuba City; Greg (Caren) Misky of Denver, CO; David (Lisa) Misky, Milwaukee and Anne Misky of Middleton. In addition to her grandchildren, she is survived by five great-grandchildren:  Jaime and Anna Misky of Milwaukee, Elizabeth and Jack Misky of Cuba City and Ava Pauline Misky of Denver.  She is further survived by her sister Margaret Rock of Dodgeville; her sister-in-law, Patricia Rock and brother-in-law, Ralph Evans both of Dodgeville as well as many nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; her parents; brothers, Tony, Jack and Bob; sister, Joanne; two sisters-in-law, Kathryn Rock and Romelle Rock and daughter-in-law, Pauline Misky.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Platteville with Msgr. Charles Schluter officiating.  Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Platteville.  Visitation was held on Friday, January 25 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville with a Parish Scripture Service at 4:00 p.m. Friends were also welcomed from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.  A Mary E. Misky Memorial Fund has been established.

Martha A. Mitsch

     Martha A. Mitsch, age 70, of Bagley, died on Thursday, September 25, 2008, at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital, Prairie du Chien.  She was born on March 3, 1938, in Beloit, the daughter of Gene and Laura (Wright) Salisburg.  Martha was employed at the Bagley Hotel, Bagley.  In 1979, she was united in marriage to James E. Mitsch in Bagley.  Martha enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family.  She liked to play the slot machines in her spare time.

     In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by a daughter, Cyndy Bohringer, a grandson, Josiah Bohringer and a sister, Shirley Schmuck.

     Survivors include her husband, James Mitsch, Bagley; her children:  John Dale (Debbie) Harris, Jr., Des Plaines; Theresa (John) Eisenminger, Darien; Matthew (Michelle) Harris, Garnavello, IA; six grandchildren; brother and sisters: Richard (Sheila) Salisburg, Ohio; Nancy (Gary) Smith, Spencer; Janet (Don) Hubka, Clinton.

     Funeral services were held on Monday, September 29, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating.  Burial will be at a later date.  Friends called on Monday, September 29, 2008, at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington from 12:00 p.m. until time of services.

Ruth M. Moore

     Ruth M. Moore, age 98, of Lancaster, died on Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at the Lancaster Care Center, Lancaster.  She was born on August 11, 1909, in Iowa County, Wisconsin, the daughter of Harry and Grace (Richardson) McIntosh.  Ruth was united in marriage to Victor Moore on August 11, 1926, in Galena, IL.  Together they owned and operated Garrison Grove Cheese Factory in Dodgeville and Ideal Cheese Factory in Fennimore.  Later they operated Homer Cheese Factory in Hickory Grove Township.  In 1970, the couple retired and moved to Lancaster.  Ruth was a member of the Calvary Community Church in Lancaster.  Her main goal in life was to be a homemaker and raise her family.  Ruth enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

    Survivors include two daughters:  Eileen Rice, Lancaster; Marilyn (Roger) Hirsch, Dodgeville; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great grandchildren; one sister:  Joyce Brandes, Boscobel; and nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Victor in 1998; a daughter, Carolyn Gardner; two sons-in-law, Gerald Gardner and Claudie Rice Jr., one sister: Edith Mahoney; brothers: Milo, Vernon “Bud”, Kenneth, and Glen; and a grandson-in-law, Darryl Gallinger.

     Funeral services were held on Friday, February 1, 2008, at the Lancaster Care Center Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor David Arevalo officiating.  Burial was in Graceland Cemetery, Mineral Point.  Friends called on Friday, February 1, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the Lancaster Care Center Chapel. 

Joseph M. Moraski

     Joseph M. Moraski, age 66, of Cassville died on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, in Cassville.  He was born on October 13, 1941, in Kewanee, IL, the son of Joseph and Josephine (Shuster) Moraski.  He attended Kewanee High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1959.  Joe entered into the United State Army and served his country in Vietnam.  Upon his honorable discharge, he was employed with Illinois Power in Forestry for thirty-one years.  After his retirement, Joe relocated to the Cassville area where he enjoyed camping, fishing, dancing, singing and playing the guitar.  He was the kind of man who loved to help anyone he could.  He was a member of the River Valley Community Church and the VFW Post No. 7080 of Cassville.

     Survivors include his daughters, Sonia Moraski, Davenport; Rhonda Fuller, Bettendorf; two grandsons, Drake and AJ Fuller, Bettendorf; his special friend and companion, Pat Walsh, Cassville; his sisters, Joyce Flannery, Milan, IL; Jackie Gruszeczka, Moline, IL; his former wife, Sandy Moraski, Kewanee; and a great many friends.

     Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

     Funeral services were held at a later date. 

Mildred M. Moris

     Mildred M. Moris, age 82, of Glen Haven, died on Saturday, March 15, 2008, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster.  She was born on November 1, 1925, in Cassville Township, the daughter of Adam and Susie (Rauch) Mumm.  Mildred graduated from Cassville High School in 1943.  She graduated from Platteville Normal Teachers College in 1945 and taught in the Ramsey school house.  Mildred married James W. Moris in June 1949 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville.  She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Glen Haven, a founding member of the Bloomington Homemakers Club and a Blake’s Prairie Fair Superintendent for many years.  She enjoyed keeping up with her family’s activities, and in her spare time she enjoyed china painting.

     Surviving are her children:  Mary Rose (John) Rush, Platteville; Jim (fiancé Deanna Dietrich) Moris, Cassville; Tony (Michelle) Moris, Eastman; seven grandchildren: Jon, Chris, and Becky Rush, Robert, Matthew, Halley, and Hunter Moris; her foster son, Tom (Kathy) Cramer and their children, Kyle and Amanda, St. Charles, MN; a brother, Ambrose (Gerry) Mumm, Cassville; two sisters: Irene Smith, Darlington; Bernice (Cecil) Anderson, Madison; two sisters-in-law: Germaine Mumm, Lancaster; Patricia Mumm, Cassville; and many nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, her brothers, John, Vincent, Carl, Maurice, and Kenneth, her two sisters, Agnes Moris and Florence Kohlstedt.

     Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Glen Haven at 10:00 a.m. with Father John Norder officiating.  Burial was in Gockel Cemetery, Glen Haven Township.  Friends called from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2008 at Martin Funeral Home in Cassville.  Friends also called on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Roger A. Myers

     Roger A. Myers, age 65, of Lancaster, died on Friday, August 1, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.  He was born on October 24, 1942, in Lancaster, the son of Harley and Ruth (Brendemuehl) Myers.  On August 22, 1964, Roger married Mary Ann Kuenster at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster.  Roger was the owner of Myers TC Beverage and prior to that, the Arizona Saddlery and the Sand Bar Supper Club.  He was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster.

     Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Myers of Lancaster; his children: Lisa (Gary) Keeney, Prairie du Chien; Chris (LeahAnn) Myers, Lancaster; eight grandchildren: Tyler, Trish, Samantha, Nate, Cody, Olivia, Tyler, and McKenna; two brothers: Jim Myers, Cedarburg and John (Kathy) Myers, Madison; mother-in-law, Betty Kuenster, Lancaster; two sisters-in-law, Peg Bublitz, Lancaster and Kristin Infield, Cassville.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, Doctor “Judy” Kuenster, his brother, Richard Myers, and a sister-in-law, Linda Myers.

     Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father William Seipp officiating.  Internment was private.  Friends called from 9:00 a.m. until time of services on Tuesday at the church.