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Verna M. Chambers

Verna M. Chambers, 90, of Tomah, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at Tomah Memorial Hospital. She was born May 2, 1917, to Charles and Dora Ziegler in Sparta. She was united in marriage to Otis (Red) Chambers on June 29, 1940, at Sparta. He preceded her in death on June 30, 1990. She received a two-year teaching degree in Vernon County and a bachelor’s degree at UW-LaCrosse. She taught elementary education at the Farmer’s Valley School, for the Tomah Area School District in several different schools, and for the Minocqua School District for a total teaching career of 37 years.

She was a scrapbooker and saver her whole life. Verna had great attention to detail and recorded everything. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and a faithful member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Shennington. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and sister-in-law.

She is survived by a daughter, Janice of Lake Geneva; three sons, Edward (Laura) of Tomah, Kenneth (Audrey) of Tomah, David of Tomah, and former daughter-in-law Rhonda Chambers of Tomah; five grandchildren, Scott (Renee) Chambers of Elkhorn, Brian (Melissa) Chambers of Tomah, Michelle Martin of Tomah, Stephany (Stuart) Dowson of Tomah and Caitlin Chambers of Tomah; seven great-grandchildren, Nicholas Chambers, Rebecca Kramer, Allison and Olivea Chambers, Taylor and Troy Martin, and Collin Dowson; two sisters, Vera Siekert and Mabel Brohmer, both of Sparta; two brothers, Claire of Tomah and Loren (Florence) of Eau Claire; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Alice Ziegler and Elvera Ziegler, both of Sparta, Dorothy (Don) Benjamin of Minocqua, Eileen Schoenbeck of Tomah, Basil Chambers and Everett (Joanne) Chambers of Tomah, Delmer (Carole) Chambers of Hagerman, NM, nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Clayton, Leonard, Charles and Harold Ziegler; a sister, Bergetta Arttus; many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Ziegler, Roy Arttus, Tony Brohmer, Harold Siekert, Lotis and Harold Tessman, Eulia Morrow, Dorles and Gordon McGinnis, Marvin and Gloria Chambers, Lusich Chambers, James Chambers, Joseph Chambers and Helen Chambers.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen‘s Lutheran Church, Camp Douglas, Pastor Jeff J. Ruetten officiating. Burial was in Wood Cemetery in the Town of Byron. Relatives and friends called on Tuesday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah, and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of the service.

Teresa L. Fulton

BARABOO - Teresa Louise Fulton (Copper), born Nov. 5, 1953, in La Crosse, WI, peacefully ended her long struggle with rheumatoid arthritis and lung disease on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, surrounded by all her loving family and the devoted, caring staff of St. Clare Meadows Care Center in Baraboo, WI. She was preceded in death by her father, Ross G. Copper, Jr.; mother, Donna L. Copper (Dohlin); her special friend, Gordon Lemke; grandfathers Ross G. Copper Sr., Louis V. Dohlin, and Arthur Fredrickson; grandmother Adelia Dohlin Fredrickson (Ghelfi); aunt Betsy Ploof/Sorge (Copper), uncle Howard Ploof, uncle Lynn Palmer, and cousins Steve Ploof and Mary Hildebrand (Ploof); plus Balki the cat. She is survived by her grandmother, Norma E. Copper (Snyder); Godparents Mabel and Frank Laylan: aunt Mildred (Buddy) Palmer; uncle Evan Sorge; stepmother Anita Copper (Watkins); her daughters Gwen Fulton, Jan (Ben Barth) Fulton, and Joann Breeden (Brislin); son Glen Copper II; brothers Glen (Karen) Copper, Ross G. Copper III, (Krissi); sisters Julie Liska (Rick), Penny Weiman (Steve), Jennifer Greeno (Lon), Cody Copper (David Brzeczek), and Abby Duebler (Jeff); grandchildren Ryan, Zachary and Caden Fulton, Victoria Breeden, and Madelaine Scheid; a special niece Jessie (Steve) Dekan and special friends Ami (Jon) Fox, and Mary Hess, Dr. Eric Hamburg, Emily, Deb, Marlene and the rest of the amazing staff at St. Clare Hospital along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous family and friends who also mourn her loss.

Teresa lived in the Wisconsin cities of Tomah, Johnson Creek, Black River Falls, Waupun, Evansville and La Crosse. Teresa was an accomplished modern artist, whose works were sought after around the state. Her initials, TLCF, stood for Tender Loving Care Forever, which she lavished on family and friends. Remembrances, condolences, tributes, flowers and memorials may be sent to the Redlin Funeral Home, 401 Madison Ave., Baraboo, WI 53913. 608 356-6571, www.redlinfuneralhome.com.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m. at the St. Clare Meadow Chapel with Chaplain Mary Hess officiating. Friends may call on Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the chapel, 1414 Jefferson St., Baraboo. Interment at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Tomah, will follow at a date to be determined.

Mary Nelson

Mary Nelson, age 64, of Wisconsin and formerly of Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, after a two-year battle with breast cancer. She was born on April 27, 1943, to William and Ella Mae (Feezor) Slatton in Jonesboro, AR.

Formerly from Jonesboro, AR, she lived a large amount of her life in Michigan and Wisconsin. She was known for her compassion and kindness. She enjoyed studying the bible, crocheting, doing crafts, reading and learning the Hebrew language. Mary was loved by all who knew her and always kept a positive attitude, even while fighting cancer.

She was the beloved mother of Nicholas Powers, Calvin Powers and Russell Powers, all of Jonesboro, AR, America (Gerald) Fushianes of Tomah, WI, and Darrel (Elizabeth) Nelson of Warren, MI; and grandmother to Kordale Summers, Destiny, Autumn, Jheri and Aden Fushianes and William Nelson; her siblings, James, Doyle, David, Westly, Marie and Linda Slatton; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ella Mae and William Slatton; a brother, Elmer Slatton, and a sister, Nola Lee Slatton.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Burial will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery in Jonesboro, AR. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Friday, Jan. 18, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Emerson’s Memorial Chapel in Jonesboro, AR.

John “Jack” E. Perkins

BLACK RIVER FALLS - John “Jack” E. Perkins, age 77, of Black River Falls, WI, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, in Black River Memorial Hospital.

Jack was born on March 8, 1930 in Woodruff, WI, to John A. and Mabel (Melton) Perkins. He was raised in Spooner, WI., and graduated from Spooner High School in 1948. After receiving a football scholarship, he attended the UW-Madison for one year.

Recognizing his duty to serve his country, he enlisted in the United States Army in September of 1950 as an engineer. From 1951 through 1952, and again from 1957 through 1960, he served beside his comrades in Korea. From 1952 through 1954, and from 1963 to 1965 he was stationed in Germany, and from 1967 through 1968, he again stood beside his comrades in Vietnam.

In 1963, while on leave, he took on a whole new mission. This mission would prove to be tougher than any military mission.

He became the loving, kind, and generous husband to Julia (Iverson) Smothers on Oct. 21, 1963, in Winona, MN. Although married in Minnesota, he had no feelings for the Vikings.

Jack did not need a war to show his bravery. With his marriage to Julia, he accepted the care and love of her six children.

If this new responsibility didn’t scare him, nothing could or would.

The new family lived in Millston, WI, until 1965, when they moved to Waynesville, MO. While in Missouri, Jack was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood Army Base. He completed leadership academy school with high honors, and he achieved the rank of platoon sergeant.

After 20 years of active duty, Jack retired from the Army in November of 1970.

He worked at the Ft. Leonard Wood Hospital from 1970 to 1972.

In 1972, he and Julia came to the conclusion that it was now time to come home. They moved to Jackson County and made their home in the Town of Adams.

Jack worked for the former Big Chief Truck Stop and Harkner’s Cranberry Marsh from 1972 to 1976. From 1976 until 1992, he worked at the Tomah VA Hospital. While there, he received numerous commendations for his fine work.

He was a pleasant, loving, and kind person. He enjoyed the quiet times he and the love of his life Julia had together. He coveted their pleasant bickering and red lipstick.

He will be sadly missed by all who met and touched his life, even if it was for just a moment. For those of us whose lives he revelled in, there will never be a replacement.

Surviving are his wife Julia; one son, James (Karen) Smothers; two daughters, Rosalene (Steven) Hansen and Sandra (David) Loomis; his honorary granddaughter, Michelle (Missy) Smothers, all of Black River Falls; two brothers, Robert (Bunny)Perkins of Spooner and Richard (Kathy) Perkins, Ft. Co

Dennis L. Tenhoff

Fairmont, MN - Memorial services for Dennis L. Tenhoff, 68, of Fairmont, MN, formerly of Tomah, WI, were at 1 p.m. today (Thursday) at the Christian Church of Fairmont with burial in Ridgelawn Memorial Park in Truman, MN. Dennis died Saturday evening, Jan. 12, 2008, at his home in Fairmont. There will be no visitation or reviewal. The Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dennis Lee Tenhoff was born Nov. 24, 1939, in Truman, MN, the son of Robert and Opal (Payne) Tenhoff. He graduated from Truman High School in 1957 and also graduated from Scottsbluff Junior College in Scottsbluff, NE, and Mankato State College in Mankato, MN. He was united in marriage to DeAnna Hughes in October of 1961 and they later divorced. Dennis lived and worked in many cities but most recently in Tomah, WI, where he was the Vice President/General Manager of Walker Transport in New Lisbon. He moved to Fairmont, MN, in October of 2007 where he was a member of the Christian Church of Fairmont.

Survivors include one daughter, Pandy Adams of Minneapolis, MN; one son, Shawn Tenhoff and his wife, Waka, of Nagoya, Japan; two grandchildren, Kyle Adams of Minneapolis, MN, and Elisa Tenhoff of Nagoya, Japan; two great-grandchildren, Kiana and Antonio Adams of Minneapolis, MN; two sisters, Gloria Olnhausen and her husband, Bob, of Lexington, NE, and Jackie Spencer of Fairmont, MN; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Robert and Opal Tenhoff, Dennis was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Charles Spencer, and an infant nephew, Rickie Morton.

Ralph C. Witt

Ralph C. Witt, 78, of Ontario, WI, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008, surrounded by his family at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born May 10, 1929, to Fred and Viola (Wiskow) Witt on the family farm. He was united in marriage to Edith Delap on Aug. 16, 1949, at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church. He and his wife farmed all their life on the family farm in the Town of Wellington. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a faithful member of St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Edith; a daughter, Ann Everson of Holmen; a son, Scott (Genise) of Ontario; a daughter-in-law, Jeanne Witt of Madison; seven grandchildren, Ben (Jessica) Everson of Holmen, Kim (Mark) Hildreth of Des Moines, IA, Elizabeth “Lizzy” (friend Floyd Allis) Witt of Denver, CO, Katherine (George) Christianson of Denver, CO, Nicole, Rachel and Sarah Witt of Ontario; three great-grandchildren, Maddy Gibson and Noah and Avery Everson; two sisters, Hazel (Aaron) Pasch of Ontario, and Joyce Sturtz of Wonewoc; a brother-in-law, Ernest Delap of Rockford, IL; two sisters-in-law, Patty Lee of La Crosse and Sharon (Bob) Britt of Madison; an aunt, Rachel Beseke of St. Charles, IL, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Michael and sister Harriet Johnson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, South Ridge. Pastor Fred Fedke will officiate. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery at South Ridge. Relatives and friends are invited to call at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church on Friday from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

A prayer a service will be held on Friday at 8:30 p.m.

The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

llins, CO; a sister, Patricia (Mike) Peterson, Sturtevant, WI; three brothers-in-law, Ole (Sharon) Iverson and Leonard (Eleanora) Iverson, both of Black River Falls and Forest Peterson of Tomah; three sisters-in-law, Josephine Stanton of Milwaukee, Rosella (Ken) Ivanoski of Twin Falls, ID, and Berniece Deakins, Clackamus, OR; three daughters-in-law, Lorraine, Darlene and Linda; 25 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, two expectant great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Beverly A. Smothers; two sons, Rodney and Dale Smothers; two grandsons, Rodney Jr. and David Smothers; a brother, Raymond Perkins, and a sister-in-law, June Peterson.

Funeral services for John “Jack” E. Perkins will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millston. Pastor Arthur Schulz will officiate and burial with military honors will be in the Brookside Cemetery in Millston. Relatives and friends may call at Torgerson’s Funeral Home (715-284-4321), 408 N. Water St., Black River Falls, today (Thursday) from 5 until 8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of the services.

Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren Rocky, Donna, and Rick. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Williamson, Joshua, Justin, Daniel and Michael Smothers, Timothy Hansen, Tom Byrns, Kevin Felber and Kenneth Klobucar.