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Patricia A. Dana, Paul Lyden, Verda E. Matthews

Patricia A. Dana

Patricia A. Dana, age 76, formerly of Tomah, WI, passed away, Dec. 29, 2009, at the Skaalen Sunset Home, Stoughton. She was born March 4, 1933, in Wilton, to Harold and Helen (Sweet) Martin.

Pat attended UW-La Crosse where she received a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught in the Tomah School District. In her spare time she enjoyed music, knitting, reading, baking and doing genealogy.

She is survived by her children, Scott La Berge (Judy) of Waukesha, Deda Kreuzer of Muskego, Jacqueline (Mitch) Gelly of Mt. Horeb, and Patrick Watson (Lisa Streiter) of Waterford; also dear friend and former husband Dick Dana; siblings, Glen Hill, Gary Hill, Jane Rhode, Gene Hill, Gordie Hill, Roy Hill, Jim Hill nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; grandchildren: Adam, Matthew and Chelsea LaBerge, Ben, Riley, Luke and Kelsey Kreuzer, Dana and Nick Gelly, and Zach and Sam Watson.

She was preceded in death by her son, Matt La Berge; husbands, Jim La Berge and Jack Watson, parents, Harold and Helen; and grandparents Harry and Deda Sweet.

Special thanks to the devoted staff at Skaalen Nursing Home who treated Mom with such grace and dignity.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Burial followed in the LaGrange Cemetery, rural Tomah. Family and friends called on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Paul Lyden

Paul E. Lyden, age 74, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away December 31, 2009, at the Tomah Memorial Hospital. He was born November 9, 1935, to Bernard and Vica (Hawes) Lyden in the Town of Tomah, Wisconsin.

Paul began his career in autobody at the age of 16. He has owned and operated Lyden Auto Body in Tomah since 1987. He was united in marriage to Kate Shepherd December 31, 1981. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, bowling and going to the casino.

He is survived by his wife, Kate; children, Michael Lyden of Apple Valley, MN, Mitchell Lyden of Warrens, WI and Jeffery (Wendy) Lyden of Tomah, WI, Paul (Suzanne) Jaeger-Mountain of Minneapolis, MN and Susan (Robert) Davis of North Hudson, WI; 17 grandchildren, Justin Stushek, Zachary Moore, Nicholas Lyden, Nathan Lyden, Ryan Finch, Austin Lyden, Casey Cullen, Stephanie Cullen, Patrick Cullen, Shaylyn Lyden, Ivey Lyden, Claire Jaeger-Mountain, Abraham Jaeger-Mountain, Chad Hamilton, Callie Fike, Kelly Edwards, Kathy Davis; and one great- granddaughter, Mya Hamilton; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Vica; brothers, Maurice and James; and sisters, Phyllis Thurow and Janice Hanson; a granddaughter, Kinsey Hamilton; and by man’s best friend, he and Kate’s dog, Bear.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, 11 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Jeff Ruetten will officiate. Burial will follow in the La Grange Cemetery, Tomah, WI. Family and friends are invited for visitation Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, 4 until 8 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends are also invited for visitation on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Verda E. Matthews

Verda E. Matthews, age 88, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away Jan. 2, 2010, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, WI. She was born December 15, 1921, to Theodore and Eunice (Emerson) Prohl in Fairchild, Wisconsin.

Verda lived in Fairchild and Black River Falls before moving to Tomah. She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tomah, WI. She enjoyed baking, gardening and flowers. Most of all she loved spending time with kids and babysitting.

She is survived by children, Steve Gorkowski of Tomah, WI, Peggy (Mike) Ladwig of Monona, WI and Alice (Brede) Sorenson of Tomah, WI; grandchildren, Nicole (Chris) Sondalle of Sheboygan, WI, Nathan Sorenson of Milwaukee, WI and Erin Sorenson (fiance’, Steve Mittelstaedt) of Menomonie, WI; one great-grandchild, Cohan Sondalle; and brother-in-law, Hallie Smith of Ladysmith, WI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Eunice; husbands, Walter Gorkowski, Benjamin Davis and Louis Matthews; three sisters, Beth Person, Bernice Klatt and Joyce Smith; and a brother, Archie Prohl.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tomah, WI. Pastor William Rice will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah, WI. Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.