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Marie Conant, James C. Courtney, Emily Ida Enderle, Lucille S. Groves, Frances Eleanor Grygleski, LeNoir “Le” M. (Dwyer) Weibel

Marie Conant

Marie Conant, 72, of Tomah, died Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at her home.

She was born October 15, 1936, to Franz and Ludvika (Zorman) Anzic in Slovenia, Yugoslovia. She came to America with her mother and sisters in 1951.

She was united in marriage to John Conant. Marie worked at several area restaurants and was known for her good cooking and fabulous cookies and pies. Her greatest joy in life were her three grandchildren. She loved her family and friends and her special pets.

She is survived by her husband, John, three sons Robert (Sherry) and James (Norma) both of Tomah, and John of Wisconsin Rapids, three grandchildren, Brittany (Joe) Kelly of La Crosse, Adam Conant and Samantha Conant both of Tomah, three sisters, Olga Johnson and Donna Haller, both of Tomah and Liz (Byron) Carlsen of Hopkins, MN., nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Franz and Ludvika, her step-father Victor Kantz, a sister Judy Heagle, brothers-in-law Delmar Johnson and Phillip Haller, a nephew Thomas Johnson.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 25, 2009, 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 303 W. Monroe Street, Tomah. The Very Rev. Steven J. Kachel will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church on Friday from 9:30 A.M. until time of the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Marie may be given to The Hospice Touch, 321 Butts Avenue, Tomah. The family wishes to thank the Hospice Staff for all the wonderful care and compassion shown to our family.

The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, Tomah, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Life is but a stopping place.

A pause in what’s to be.

A resting place along the road to sweet eternity.

We all have different journeys,

Different paths along the way.

We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay……..

Our destination is a place,

Far greater than we know.

For some the journey’s quicker,

For some the journey’s slow.

And when the journey finally ends,

We’ll claim a great reward,

And find an everlasting peace,

Together with the lord.

Author unknown

James C. Courtney

James C. Courtney, age 79, of Warrens, WI, passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at the Serenity House in Tomah. He was born near the town of Mohawk, Tenn., on Aug. 7, 1930, the son of Robert and Linda (Rednour) Courtney.

He graduated from Poplar Grove High School in Poplar Grove, IL. Jim married his high school sweetheart, June A. Dunker on Oct. 6, 1951, at Poplar Grove Methodist Church. He joined the Air Force during the Korean War and afterward farmed in Elkhorn, WI. Later Jim and June moved back to Poplar Grove where he took up carpentry and coached baseball for 7 years to children, 8-15 years old. He started Pony League in that area so the boys could continue to participate in the sport and formed the “Lakes League”. From there they moved to Warrens, where Jim continued to do construction and farm. Jim loved to deer and duck hunt and go fishing at the “Cabin in Minnesota.”

He is survived by his brother, Robert Frank Courtney Jr. of Belvidere, IL; daughters, Suzanne (Tom) Dickerson of Augusta, WI and Sandra (Brad) Miller of Poplar Grove, IL, and his son, Steven (Barb) Courtney of Warrens, WI; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Linda; a brother, John Courtney; and his beloved wife, June Courtney.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, 11 a.m. at the First United Congregational Church of Christ in Tomah. Rev. Edwin Stigen officiated. Burial will follow at a later date. Family and friends were invited for visitation on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends were also invited for visitation on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Emily Ida Enderle

Emily Ida Enderle (nee Falk), age 75 years, of Slinger, was called to her eternal rest Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at St. Luke’s Medical Center.

Emily was born on Nov. 30, 1933, to Otto and Amanda (nee Techtmann) Falk in West Bend. She graduated from West Bend High School in 1951 and then attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, graduating in the class of 1955. Emily taught for a year in Bylas, AZ, on the Apache Reservation (grades K-2), then at St. John Lutheran School in Lomira (grades 1-4) for another year. On June 16, 1957, she married George A. Enderle and moved to Flasher, ND, for George’s ministry. In 1963 they moved to Wilmot, WI; in 1969 they moved to Kenosha and in 1980 they settled in Slinger. During that time Emily also taught in the Little Learners Pre-school at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Slinger. Emily loved her family dearly. As a pastor’s wife she touched the hearts of everyone she met. She loved scrapbooking, traveling, vacations and making friends. From 2000-2009 Emily and George traveled to Europe seven times to serve the WELS Civilian Chaplaincy, living in Germany for a total of 20 months.

Emily is survived by her husband Rev. George, children Rev. Michael P. (Ruth) of Clear Lake, SD, Margaret (Timothy) McDonald of Wauwatosa, John O. (Marguerite) of South Windsor, CT, Rev. Phillip (Katherine) of Warrens, WI. "Nana" is further survived by her grandchildren Rachel (Rev. Luke) Ulrich, Jason, Micah; Daniel, Meaghan and Jacob McDonald; Jason (Jennifer) Capello, Alyssa, Emily and Breana; Jonathan, Anna, Michael, Sarah, great-granddaughter Sophia Ulrich, sister Evalyn Rauen of West Bend, brother-in-law Lewis (Florence) Enderle, also of West Bend. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A service of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 25, 2009, at 7:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church (799 St. Paul Dr., Slinger) with Rev. James A. Castillo officiating. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery in Slinger on Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m. Visitation will be at the CHURCH ONLY on Friday, September 25, from 3 p.m. until time of service (7 p.m.). Memorials in Emily’s name are appreciated to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Slinger, WI, Organ Fund; St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Warrens Building Fund; or Trinity Lutheran Church of Clear Lake, SD, Stained Glass Window Fund.

The Phillip Funeral Home of Slinger is assisting the family(262) 644-5296 / www.phillipfuneralhome.com.

Geneva Ruth Freeman

Geneva Ruth Freeman, 91, of Sparta, WI passed away, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, WI. She was born to Ernest and Clara (Peterson) Jay and grew up in the Warrens area. After completing school, Geneva worked at the Wisconsin Child Center in Sparta and later married William Freeman.

Geneva is survived by one daughter, Suzanne Freeman of Hillsboro, WI; three sons, William (Lou Ann) Freeman of Sparta, Robert (Sandy) Freeman of Colorado Springs, CO, and Hollis (Debbie) Freeman of Sparta; one sister Lulu Jones of Richland Center; seven grandchildren, Amber, Aaron, Autumn, Jennie, Holly, Megan, and Morgan Freeman.

Geneva was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; one son, Terry Freeman; and a sister, Marion Hinton.

Funeral services will be held, Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, 11 a.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church, Sparta. Pastor Ron Sherid will officiate. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, 4n7 p.m. at the Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home in Sparta. Visitation will also be held Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. At the givers discretion, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association in Geneva’s name. Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Lucille S. Groves

Lucille S. Groves, 89, of Geneva, IL died Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, IL. She was born May 9, 1920, to Lee S. and Norah (Marley ) Smith at Jump River, WI. She was united in marriage to Irving Lee Groves March 24, 1937, at Medford. He preceded her in death March 25, 2004.

She is survived by a daughter Darlene (John) Harris of Geneva, IL, a daughter-in-law, Darlene of Antioch, IL, 7 granddaughters, Dawn (Charles) Quane, Lisa Duguay, Diane (Mickey) Betkowski, Laurie (Ed) Lamb, Stacy (Mark) Golz, Judy (Dean) Aldridge, and Cherri (Paul) Cameron, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, a sister Lelah Smith of Tomah, a sister-in-law Phyllis Smith of New London, and a brother-in-law Orlo Groves of Birnamwood.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Irving, a daughter Bernice and a son Delmar.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, 2 p.m., at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah, WI.

Pastor Paul Woods will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, Tomah.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of service.

Frances Eleanor Grygleski

Frances Eleanor Grygleski’s prayers for a happy death were answered on Wednesday morning, September 23 when the Lord and Blessed Mother called her home. She and her family were supported by the caring staff at the Serenity House of Tomah, enabling them to spend very special time with Frances during the past few weeks.

Frances was born Feb.6, 1915, in Phillips, the first child of John and Frances (Foytik) Stephanek. She was married to Edward William Grygleski on June 13, 1935. They moved to Tomah in 1939 where they managed a cranberry marsh near Valley Junction..

Frances was the heart of her family, which grew to two children, eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Her home was open to all who stopped by, and she was known far and wide for the many treats her guests were served (homemade bread, donuts, kolaches, and, of course, cranberry juice). She personified the gift of hospitality, which brought her great joy.

Her Catholic faith was a constant guide and companion throughout her life. As her strength waned, she was known to ask why God still wanted her here. Then she’d usually answer her own question with the statement, “At least I can pray for people,” and she’d begin another rosary, a prayer that was offered by her many times each day.

She was a faithful member of St. Mary Immaculate Conception Parish and St. Joan’s Guild.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, her brother, Anthony Stephanek, five brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law. She is survived by her children, Edward John (Barbara) Grygleski and Daniel Walter (Marsha) Grygleski, grandchildren, Michael, James, Stephen and Edward A. Grygleski, Mary Frances Klouda, Monica Genske, Theresa Simon, Laura Baribeau, Rhonda Waldera, Renae Krog and Shelley Forschler; brother, Frederick Stephanek; sisters, Ann Riley, Angeline Zydzik; sister-in-law, Catherine Stephanek and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, with the Very Reverend Steven Kachel and Reverend James Leary O.F.M.Cap. officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, beginning with a 4 p.m. Parish Council of Catholic Women Rosary and continuing until 7 p.m. Friends may also visit at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass on Monday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Building Fund, Faith in Action, or Tomah Hospice.

The Torkelson Funeral Home is assiting the family

LeNoir “Le” M. (Dwyer) Weibel

LeNoir “Le” M. (Dwyer) Weibel, 73, of Elroy died Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Elroy due to complications of Huntington‘s disease: she was surrounded by her large loving family. LeNoir was born July 24, 1936, in Kendall to Robert and Margaret (Gregor) Dwyer. After graduating as salutatorian of her class in 1954 from the Kendall High School, LeNoir worked for the Agriculture Department at the UW-Madison.

She was united in marriage to James A. Weibel in 1958. When her husband decided to go to college, LeNoir completely supported his decision and worked very hard to put him through his years of schooling. Both LeNoir and her husband worked in various Farmers Home Administration offices thoughout Wisconsin. They ended ther careers at Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. After her retirement in 1993, LeNoir moved back to Madison to be closer to family and friends. Jim and LeNoir rarely missed any family event, regardless of the distance they needed to travel to get there. LeNoir was well traveled, even when dealing with her debilitating disease. She loved any form of gambling especially playing poker with her family. Also LeNoir and her husband raised and showed paint horses. LeNoir will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was always extremely generous to her siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is survived by 3 sisters, Roberta (Joseph) Madden of Elroy, Nancy (Keith) Gibney of Janesville, Mary (Theodore) Welch of Wilton, one brother, Patrick (Rita) Dwyer of Kendall, 2 brothers-in-law Norman Smith of Elroy, and Casey Campton of LaFarge, 2 sisters-in-law Bette Kopenhafer and Joan Johnson both of Florida, many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1990, her parents, 2 sons, one in infancy and Gregory Weibel in 1975, 2 brothers, one in infancy and Gregory Dwyer, 2 sisters Colette Smith and Bonita Campton, 2 brothers-in-law Karley Kopenhafter and Howard Johnson.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s the Workman Catholic Church, Kendall. Father Richard C. Dickman will officiated.

Relatives and friends were invited to call at the church on Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. and also on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Kendall assisted the family with arrangements.