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Bobby D. Burchell, Helen M. Kennedy, Rosemary H. Schnurr, Francis E. Tully, Mason Steven Fink

Bobby D. Burchell

Bobby Donald Burchell, age 82, of Tomah, WI, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at Tomah Memorial Hospital. He was born June 27, 1927, in Hillsboro.

He served in the United States Marines during WWII. Bob was united in marriage to LaVera “Lollie” Wildes on Aug. 25, 1954, in Tomah. He worked as a nursing assistant at the Tomah VA Medical Center for 40 years until his retirement. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and spending the summers at their cottage at Spring Bank. He was a member of NARFE, DAV and Tomah American Legion Post #201.

He is survived by his wife, Lollie of Tomah; a brother, Leslie (Marcy) Reech of Hillsboro; a sister, Sandra Cilley of Mauston; a sister-in-law, Betty (Arnie) Gilbertson of Tomah; a special nephew, Scott (Michelle) Gilbertson of Texas; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Frieda Burchell Reech; his stepfather, Louie Reech; and his stepson, Dennis L. Ditlefsen.

Funeral services were held today (Monday), Oct. 26, at 4:30 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Chaplain Maynard Hofer officiated. Military honors were performed by Tomah American Legion Post #201. Family and friends called today from 2 p.m. until the time of service at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Helen M. Kennedy

Helen M. Kennedy, 91, of Tomah, died Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Oct. 27, 1917, to Mike and Anna (Schmeider) Linehan in Monroe County. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and was a devoted member of St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She graduated from Tomah Senior High School in 1935. Helen grew up in the Reels Valley area. On July 30, 1946, she was united in marriage to Harley Kennedy at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tomah. Father Bruedderman performed the ceremony.

Helen worked at the Tomah Cash Store and the Central Hardware Store for a short time, before going to work at Fort McCoy as a bookkeeper and later worked in Food Service at the VA Medical Center in Tomah until her retirement. She enjoyed baking and cooking. Helen enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She always looked forward to Sundays which was called Grandma’s Day.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Harley; two daughters, Joann (Chuck) Cleveland and Colleen (Gene) Richer, both of Tomah, and a son, Rick (Beverly) Kennedy of Tomah; nine grandchildren, Scott (Arlin) Holder, Jason Holder, Justina (Jamie) Wilson, Tracey Turner, Mark (Amanda) Richer, Travis Richer, Kari (Brian) Marx, Gina Kennedy, and Megan Kennedy; 21 greatgrandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Cartner of Madison

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Ellen; two sisters, Francis Bailey and Anna Mae Linehan; a brother, Michael; two sisters-in-law, Lola Wabrowetz and Helen Linehan, and two brothers-in-law, Bernard Bailey and Ed Wabrowetz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Tomah. The Very Rev. Steven J. Kachel will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah, and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Mass. A parish rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Rosemary H. Schnurr

Rosemary H. Schnurr, 82, of Wilton, passed away suddenly Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. She was born to Herman and Ruth (Molzahn) Fuchs on Sept. 1, 1927, in Bangor. She was united in marriage to Bruce Schnurr on Sept. 5, 1959, at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. They farmed in the town of Wilton for many years. She attended the Bangor Grade School and graduated from the Bangor High School. Rosemary attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for one year and later graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse. After graduating she worked for St. Ann’s Maternity Hospital in La Crosse. Rosemary later worked for the VA Medical Center in Tomah. She was a faithful member of St. John’s Catholic Church. She was a member of the PCCW and also taught religious education and faithfully prayed the rosary. She enjoyed baking and was known for her delicious apple pies. She enjoyed knitting and made many afghans for her family. Rosemary loved her grandchildren and enjoyed her time with them the most.

She is survived by her husband Bruce of Wilton; two sons, Bruce T. (Betty) Schnurr of Rogers, MN, and Brian Schnurr of Wilton; two daughters, Mari (Tim) McGowan of Waunakee and Sue Anne (Jack) Putnam of Hastings, MN; five grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn (fiancé Slade Harrison) Preuss of Crestview, FL, Jesse James Preuss stationed on the U.S. Nemitz by the U.S. Navy, Abbey Rose Putnam, Mackenzie Ann Putnam, and Garrett John Putnam of Hastings, MN; a sister, Kathleen (Joe) Girard of Rochester; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Jim Fuchs.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 504 Enderby St., Wilton. Father Richard C. Dickman officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Relatives and friends called on Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church from 4 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service.

The family requests memorial be given to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or the Tomah Area Cancer Society in Rosemary’s name.

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

Francis E. Tully

Francis E. Tully, age 59, of Tomah, formerly of Onalaska, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, at Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Francis was born in Prairie du Chien on Nov. 29, 1949, to Lawrence and Bernadine (Murphy) Tully. On Sept. 28, 1991, Francis was joined in marriage to his wife Kristine at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Onalaska. Francis spent his career as an Over the Road Truck Driver.

Although watching the Packers on Sundays and feeding the deer in Goose Island were some of Francis’ favorite things to do, he will be most remembered for spending his free time enjoying time with his family.

Francis is survived by his wife, Kristine; step-daughters, Jenny (John Paul) Murphy and Stephanie (Matt) Rockwell, both of Tomah; adopted son Keegan Tully of Tomah; sister, Mary (Chris) Ross of Port Washington; brothers, John (Carol) Tully of Stoddard, Tom Tully of Milwaukee, Don (Jo Anne) Tully of Fond du Lac; grandchildren, John Paul Murphy Jr., Savannah Murphy, Ciarra Murphy and Madelynn Rockwell, all of Tomah; and dear friends, Scott and Cheryl Anderson of La Crosse. Francis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Lawrence Tully Jr.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Saint Patrick Catholic Church with Father Pat Umberger officiating. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at the church on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To share information and condolences, please visit www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com.

Mason Steven Fink

Mason Steven Fink n Was stillborn on October 21st, 2009. He is survived by his parents, Andrea Fink of Mauston, WI and Kevin Anderson of Onalaska, WI, and his Grandparents Steven & Deanna Fink of Camp Douglas, WI and Steven & Jean Anderson of Onalaska. He is survived by two Great Grandparents; Barbara Graves of Hustler, WI, and Lillian Jorgensen of Camp Douglas, WI. He is also survived by Several Uncles and Aunts; Alicia Fink & Kai Layland (and cousin Vivian Layland) of Minneapolis, MN, Cory Fink of Madison WI, Joshua & Rikka Fink (and cousin Layla Fink) of West Salem, WI, Cassandra Fink of Stevens Point, WI and Brandon and Amy Burchen of Galesville, WI. He was preceded in death by two Great Grandfathers; Roger Fink of Beloit, WI and Charles Jorgensen Sr of Camp Douglas, WI. A private family funeral took place at Sonnenburg Funeral Home in Tomah, WI on October 24th, 2009.

Mason Steven Fink

Mason Steven Fink was stillborn on October 21st, 2009. He is survived by his parents, Andrea Fink of Mauston, and Kevin Anderson of Onalaska; and his Grandparents Steven & Deanna Fink of Camp Douglas, and Steven & Jean Anderson of Onalaska. He is survived by two Great Grandparents; Barbara Graves of Hustler, and Lillian Jorgensen of Camp Douglas. He is also survived by Several Uncles and Aunts; Alicia Fink & Kai Layland (and cousin Vivian Layland) of Minneapolis, MN, Cory Fink of Madison, Joshua & Rikka Fink (and cousin Layla Fink) of West Salem, Cassandra Fink of Stevens Point, and Brandon and Amy Burchen of Galesville. He was preceded in death by two Great Grandfathers; Roger Fink of Beloit, and Charles Jorgensen Sr of Camp Douglas. A private family funeral took place at Sonnenburg Funeral Home in Tomah on October 24th, 2009.