increase font size

print story

Donald M. Cholka, Sr., Jason Wolford

Donald M. Cholka, Sr.

Donald M. Cholka, Sr., age 76, formerly of Pioneer, OH, and Carlton, MI, passed away on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, while living in the Tomah VA Medical Center. He was born on May 1, 1933, in Milwaukee, to Steven and Besse (Niewiver) Cholka.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Besse Cholka; wife Nancy; brothers Norbert Cholka, Milwaukee, and Richard Cholka, West Allis. He is survived by his eight children, Rosemarie, Maureen, Donald, Jr., Denise, Joseph, Steven, Phillip and Harry.

Don served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1949-1952. He was a member of the Teamsters Union while working at E&L Transport, based in Michigan, for 36 years. Don was involved in several charitable organizations such as the Masonic Temple. He then became a member of the Shriners Drum and Bugle Corps and the Fez on Wheels.

Don enjoyed extensive traveling with his wife along with the Shriners organizations he belonged to each and every year. He especially enjoyed making people laugh.

Don was a proud man and a loving father. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah.

The Andrew Blackhawk American Legion Post #129 will provide military honors. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences are available at: www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com

Jason Wolford

Jason Wolford, age 41, of Tomah, WI, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born Jan. 22, 1968, in La Crosse, the beloved son of Vaughn and Judy (Day) Wolford.

Jason loved using the computer to keep in touch with his many online friends. He will be remembered for his quick wit, friendly and helpful nature and great knowledge. He was able to communicate with anyone about most things. Jason was a loving, caring son and brother who will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his parents, Vaughn and Judy of Tomah; his brother, Jared Wolford of Tomah; a very special aunt and godmother, Mary Vandervort of Casa Grande, AZ; aunts, Lavonne Thom of Beloit, Wanda (Dr. David) Cline of Golden Valley, MN, and Louise (Kurt) Olson of Warrens; cousins, Chris Gray, Scott Young, Cory (Sheila) Gray and their children, Justin and Payne Gray, Jennifer (Paul) Leos and their children, Este and Evan Leos; cousins, other relatives, friends and the family dog, Vee Jay.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hazel and Vaughn Wolford Sr. and Harold and Stella Day; and his aunt, Darlene Gray.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Rev. Micah Schlobohm will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends are invited visitation on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the Torkelson Funeral Home.

Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.