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Verda E. Matthews, Irma Schmitz

Verda E. Matthews

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

Verda lived in Fairchild and Black River Falls before moving to Tomah. She was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tomah. 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, Peggy (Mike) Ladwig of Monona, and Alice (Brede) Sorenson of Tomah; grandchildren, Nicole (Chris) Sondalle of Sheboygan, Nathan Sorenson of Milwaukee, and Erin Sorenson (fiancé, Steve Mittelstaedt) of Menomonie; one great-grandchild, Cohan Sondalle; and brother-in-law, Hallie Smith of Ladysmith; 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 were held Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tomah. Pastor William Rice officiated. Burial followed in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah.

Family and friends called on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Irma Schmitz

Irma Schmitz, 81, of Coles Valley, WI, passed away, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem.

Irma was born May 26, 1928, to Richard and Regina Biegel in Tomah She was united in Holy Matrimony to Robert F. Schmitz in 1953. She and Robert bought a farm in Coles Valley in 1954 where they lived and raised their three boys. Irma also worked at Union Camp in Tomah for many years. Irma loved sewing, cooking, gardening and polka music. She was a proud member of the Old Stylers Club. Irma’s other excitement was being with her twin sister. They loved going to the casino for a little gambling.

Irma is survived by two sons, Richard “Grizz” Schmitz, and Ryan (Debra) Schmitz, all of Norwalk; her brother and sisters, Edith Nelson of Tomah, Emma (Bert) Anderson of Sparta, Doris Mae Nydahl of Florida, Darlene Bennett of Maple Shade, NJ, George (Evelyn) Biegel of Milwaukee, Lea Peron of California, and Judy (LeRoy) Perez of Milwaukee; three grandchildren, Brody Schmitz, Tim Schmitz and Brittney Schmitz; along with many other relatives and friends.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert, who died in 1978; a son, Robert Schmitz, who died in 1974; and a brother, Robert Biegel.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta. Burial followed in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Family and friends called Monday, Jan. 4, from 5-8 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. at the Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home in Sparta. Visitation was also held Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home in Sparta assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.