Paul D. Stoddard
HOLMEN — Paul D. Stoddard, 83, of Holmen passed away peacefully Thursday, June 12, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born Jan. 7, 1925, in Alma Center, Wis., to Floyd and Leona (McGillis) Stoddard. At an early age, Paul’s father gave him the choice to get an education or to work the farm. Paul was given a bicycle to ride to school if the education choice was made. Being determined to be an educated man, he chose to go to school and was proud to have graduated high school. On Feb. 8, 1945, Paul married Elizabeth Burnett and they spent 18 years together and had eight children. He then shared a 17-year marriage with Charlene Smithel before marrying the love of his life, Viola (Anderson) Munson, on March 12, 1986. Vi brought much happiness to Paul, and she welcomed his large family as if it were her own. He was employed at Trane Co. in La Crosse for 41 years and was a proud member of the 25-Year Club. Paul was a musician and member of ASCAP and had a passion for country music. He had his own band named Rhythm RanchHands and also recorded two 45-records that were played on local jukeboxes. Paul was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, canning and making lefse with Vi. He was a loving and dedicated husband who was Vi’s caregiver 24/7 in the last few years with her ailing health. Through the years, Paul’s extended family grew to be like one, and it will never be the same without him.
Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Vi; 12 children, Darlene (Clarence) Matchey of Independence, Wis., Marlyn (Gerald) Valley of Galesville, Wis., Sharon (Dennis) Herold of La Crosse, Virginia Stoddard of Independence, Daniel (fiancee, Teresa Lofgren) Stoddard and Paulette (David) Schmidt, both of La Crosse, Charlene (Joel) Gabrielson-Herold of Stoddard, Wis., Jeanette (Dan) Heth of La Crescent, Minn., David Stoddard and Dean (Sandi) Stoddard, both of Holmen, Donald Stoddard (Carlene Wayczi) of Westfield, Wis., and Randolph Stoddard of Winona, Minn.; 21 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one brother and two sisters, twins Donald (June) Stoddard of La Crosse and Dorothy (LaVerne) Moldenhauer of Black River Falls, Wis., and Carolyn (George) Renaud of Hudson, Wis.; three sisters-in-law, Jean Stoddard of Sun City West, Ariz. and Doris Anderson and Mona (Neil) Jolivette, both of West Salem, Wis.; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Colette Stoddard and Merceline (Wally) Thompson; a brother, Ward Stoddard; two grandsons, Charles Herold and Alex Paul Heth; a son-in-law, Brian Gabrielson; two sisters-in-law, Charlotte (Milo) Knudson and Adeline (Bernard) Witte; and two brothers-in-law, Leslie Anderson and Raymond Anderson.
Funeral services will be Monday, June 16, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 410 Main St., Onalaska. Pastor Jason E. Stanton will officiate. Burial will be in Neshonoc Cemetery, West Salem, Wis. Friends may call at Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home, 121 N. Youlon St., West Salem, today from 3 to 5 p.m., concluding with a family prayer service. Friends may also call at the church on Monday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services.
James E. McGrath
LA CROSSE/ONALASKA — James E. McGrath, 60, of La Crosse and formerly of Onalaska passed away peacefully at Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. James was born in Onalaska on Aug. 1, 1947, to Earl James Sr. and Ethel (Bennett) McGrath.
James enjoyed working with computers, watching movies, operating his amateur radio with call sign KD4HGQ, Harley- Davidson and was a proud U.S. Marine.
James is survived by his sisters, Marilyn (Robert) Sanders and Carol (Cornelius) Bille; brothers, Dennis (Mary) McGrath and Claude (Suzi) La Due, Jr.; sister-in-law, Cindy McGrath; stepsisters, Florence Dancause and Claudia (Ron) Niemeyer; stepbrothers, Leonard (Lil) La Due and Rolland (Sylvia) La Due; step- sister-in-law, Dorothy La Due; nieces, Nicole McGrath, Linda McGrath, Michelle (Kris) Kolbo and Amelia La Due; nephews, Kevin (Leah) McGrath, Magua La Due, Lorenzo La Due and Oliver La Due; special friend, Jerry Copus; two great-nieces and one great-nephew.
James was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl James McGrath Jr.; stepfather, Claude La Due Sr.; niece, Norma McGrath; stepbrother, Leslie La Due; and stepsister, Virginia Ronning.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 17, at noon at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home-Nelson Chapel, 1007 Caledonia St., La Crosse. The Rev. Judd Larson will officiate with burial at Farmer’s Valley Cemetery in Sparta, Wis. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorials are preferred.
Richard George Lawrence
On June 13, 2008, God reached down and wrapped his loving arms around Rich and brought him home to heaven.
Rich was born Jan. 24, 1940, to George and Lorraine (Leibel) in La Crosse. He attended Onalaska High School and served in the U.S. Navy. He married Carolyn Paudler on Dec. 28, 1974, and began their family together.
His greatest joys were spending time with his family and friends and enjoying the outdoors. He touched many lives and will be remembered for his care and concern for others.
Rich is survived by his wife and his children, Michelle (Randall) Mulholland and their daughters, Alexis and Lauren; David, Eric (Casey) and their son, Carter; Nicole (Jonathan) Dorn and their daughter, Hailey; and Scott. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Kenneth, William (Jean), Nancy (Robert) Frisch, Maryellen Heath, George (Anita), Rosalie (Mark) Pedretti, Joseph (Elaine), Patrick (Rhonda), Thomas, Robert (Julie) and their families; and many special aunts, uncles and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, at First Presbyterian Church, 233 West Ave., La Crosse. Friends may call at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 515 McHugh Road, Holmen, Wis., on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to New Amsterdam Presbyterian Church or to family preference.
The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to family and friends for their ongoing care and support, to Dr. Henriquez and the staff at International Bio Care Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico, and to Dr. Skobic and the staff at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center in La Crosse.
