1

 

Bio: Gilbertson, Susan (Birth – 1940)
Contact: Duane Horn
 

Surnames: Gilbertson, McManners, Krohn

 

----Source: Jackson County, Wis. (Birth Record) Vol. 25, page 88

 

Gilbertson, Susan (Birth – 5 July 1940)

 

Jackson Co. - Birth Record Vol. 25, page 88

 

Susan Gilbertson was born July 5, 1940 at Krohn Hospital, Black River Falls, Wisc.

Parents: Ray Gilbertson (29) B) Albion Township, Jackson Co. Occ: Waiter Restaurant & Joyce McManners (24) B) Black River Falls, Wisc.

I. Krohn M.D.

 


2

 

Obit: Bachman, Nancy Lee (1955 – 2008)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

 

Surnames: Bachman, Bischoff, Higgins, Miller, Dobson, Buckley, Wallace, Brown, Hamblin, Limpert

 

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) October 22, 2008

 

Bachman, Nancy Lee (24 December 1955 – 18 October 2008)

 

Nancy Lee Bachman, 52, of Eau Claire, passed away October 18, 2008, after succumbing to breast cancer. Nancy died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving parents, Kenneth and Donna Bachman.

She was born in Madison, December 24, 1955. She graduated from Radford High School in Honolulu. She later attended South Florida Community College for two years and graduated from Florida Southern University with a B. S. Degree in Early Childhood (grades pre-K through 8). Nancy loved children and had been an elementary teacher in Florida and Wisconsin for a total of 27 years.

 

Her main interests were traveling and reading. She had traveled to Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia. She had visited all 50 states and actually had lived in many of them because her Dad was an Air Force officer. Other favorites included dogs, penguins, and animals in general, flying with her Dad as a pilot, Disney World, the Packers, card/board games, the state of Alaska, going out to eat and the colors of pink and red.

 

Nancy’s most recent employment was with Pederson Elementary School in Altoona. She enjoyed the daily interaction and activities involved in a busy third-grade room. She loved her students and appreciated hearing from them after they had moved on into upper grades. Nancy often commented about “the great parents” at her school.

 

Survivors include her parents, Ken and Donna Bachman; her paternal grandmother, Emily Bachman; aunt, Blanche Bischoff (Roger); uncles Ron Bachman (Nelia) and John Higgins (Jill); many cousins, and countless dear friends and co-workers. Nancy was especially close to cousins Tonya Miller (Scott) and Jay Dobson (Karen) and their three children, William, Hannah, and Steven. She also had “adopted” Uncle Ron Buckley and Aunt Chris Buckley because she loved them so much. Two Florida friends, George and Jeannetta Wallace, kept up a prayer vigil at their church and Jeannetta agreed to be a vocal soloist at Nancy’s funeral. Nancy’s darling poodle, Nugget, was also an integral part of her life; Nugget rarely left Nancy’s side.

 

Nancy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joe Bachman, Hugh and Marcella Higgins, an uncle, Steven G. Dobson, an aunt, Leah Bachman, and a cousin, Tammy Bachman Brown.

 

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 23, 2008, at Lake Street United Methodist Church, Eau Claire. Pastor Kathy L. Hamblin will officiate. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Town of Washington.

 

Honorary pallbearers include Roger Bischoff, Jay Dobson, Scott Miller, Ron Miller, Ron Buckley and Steve Limpert.

 

Friends may call at Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, Wednesday evening, October 22, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and again at church one hour prior to service.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.fullerspeckien.com.

 

Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 


3

 

Obit: Foulker, Catherine “Cathy” (1940 – 2008)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

 

Surnames: Foulker, Kadrowski, Lempel, Randals, Miles, Schindler, Vickers, Bloczynski, Hoff, Thoreson

 

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) October 22, 2008

 

Foulker, Catherine “Cathy” (14 December 1940 – 20 October 2008)

 

Catherine “Cathy” A. Foulker, 67, of Black River Falls, died Monday, October 20, 2008, in Family Heritage Care Center, Black River Falls, WI. Catherine Ann Lempel was born December 14, 1940, in Milwaukee to Jacob and Marie (Kadrowski) Lempel. She was raised in Milwaukee.

 

In July of 1958, she married Larry Randals in Milwaukee. Larry Randals later died. She later married Robert Foulker and they later divorced.

 

Cathy had levied in the Shamrock area of Jackson County for 20 years. She later lived on Pine St., Black River Falls, before moving to the River Grove Apartments. She has been a resident of the Family Heritage Care Center, Black River Falls, since 1999.

 

She had been employed as a LPN at various Milwaukee nursing homes and at the Black River Memorial Hospital. She was also employed as a waitress/manager at Flying J Ravel Plaza and as a baker at John’s IGA Store, both of Black River Falls. She and her sister, Elizabeth “Liz” Miles, also owned and operated the Black River Café for a few years.

 

Cathy enjoyed crocheting, baking, reading and shopping.

 

Survivors include two sons, Larry “Fuzz” (Cynthia) Randals and Michael “Spanky” (Deberra “Deb”) Randals both of Black River Falls; a step-daughter, Sherri (Todd) Schindler of Monroe; two step-sons, Robert (Sherry) Foulker and Jerry Foulker both of Monroe; grandchildren, Kimberly and Michael Randals, Jodie and Jamie Randals, and Brandon Randals, great-grandchildren, Tanner and Kyrah Randals; Step-grandchildren, Josh, Justin and Kyle Foulker, Rave and Jade Foulker, Nicki and Andy Vickers, and Alaina Schindler; step-great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Gavin, and Barrett Foulker; her sister, Elizabeth “Liz” Miles of Black River Falls; and nieces, Debra (Bob) Bloczynski and Tammy (Dale) Hoff both of Black River Falls.

 

In addition to her husband, Larry Randals, she was preceded in death by her parents, a niece, Kim Miles, and her brother-in-law, Wayne “Beaner” Miles.

 

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 23, 2008, at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Burial will be in Shamrock Union Cemetery, rural Black River Falls. Pastor Calvin Thoreson will officiate.

Family and friends are invited for visitation Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

 

Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.

 


4

 

Obit: Knudson, Neil O. (1925 – 2008)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

 

Surnames: Knudson, Bakke, Manske, Zeiler, Martin, Ford

 

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) October 22, 2008

 

Knudson, Neil O. (20 December 1925 – 17 October 2008) With Flag

 

Neil O. Knudson, 82, passed away peacefully, while under the care of Black River Hospice, at his home in Taylor Friday, October 17, 2008. Neil was employed as a senior technician since 1975 at Al Muth Harley-Davidson in Black River Falls.

 

Neil was born on the family farm in the Town of Irving, Jackson County, near Disco December 20, 1925, to Harry and Ragnhild (Bakke) Knudson.

 

He was confirmed at the Squaw Creek Lutheran Church in 1940, and he graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1943. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1943 serving as an Aviation Radioman Third Class. He was awarded “The Purple Heart” in a presentation directly to him from Admiral Nimitz. He helped save many lives during the USS Franklin Incident, and for his efforts he was a decorated hero. After his discharge in 1946, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 

He married Lorraine Manske in La Crosse, June 24, 1950. He then worked in La Crosse at Bill Borer Harley-Davidson and at the Trane Company. In 1960s, he worked in quality control on the guidance systems at A. C. Electronics for the Apollo Space Program, which was designed to land a man on the moon.

 

He then moved on to another phase of life, owning and operating Del’s Tavern in La Crosse. His accordion playing kept the place hopping.

 

After three years, he moved back to his home base in Jackson County. Al Muth recruited him to help in the Harley-Davidson dealership. This was the longest part-time job Neil ever had. He worked there for 30 years.

Neil was active in the Black River Falls Model Airplane Flying Club. He was past president of the Taylor Lions Club. Neil’s skills were far reaching. He was an electrician, journeyman plumber, carpenter, draftsman and welder. He was extremely mechanically inclined. He could fix anything.

 

He enjoyed traveling and visiting his family in Norway and his friends in Australia.

 

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Lorraine, three daughters, Lenore Knudson, La Crosse, Diane Zeiler, Black River Falls, and Karen (Doug) Martin, Phillips; three sons, Randy, Ricky and Kevin Knudson, all of Madison; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a sister, Betty (Bud) Ford, Bullhead City, AZ.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Ray.

 

Neil was well loved by family and friends. He will truly be missed.

 

Memorial funeral services followed by military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 26, 2008 at Torgerson’s Funeral Home (715-284-4321) 408 N. Water St. Black River Falls. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services.

 


5

 

Obit: Leith, Lisa Monique (1958 – 2008)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

 

Surnames: Leith, Miner, McAndrew, Brown, Bird, Beard, Pera, Mann

 

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) October 22, 2008

 

Leith, Lisa Monique (5 October 1958 – 16 October 2008)

 

Lisa Monique Miner-Leith, 50, of Black River Falls, formerly of Wisconsin Dells, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2008, at her home.

 

Lisa was born October 5, 1958, to Marian M. Miner in Chicago, IL. Lisa grew up in Wisconsin Dells. She married Neil McAndrew and moved to St. Paul, MN; they were later divorced. Lisa met Vincent Leith 10 years ago and they were married June 2, 2005, while living in Redwood Falls, MN. Together they moved to Black River Falls.

 

Lisa enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also liked to read and sew. She was a member of the organization of Descendents of the Red Arrow and Traditional Medicine Lodge.

 

She is survived by her husband, Vincent; daughters, Simone (Charles) Brown of Wisconsin Dells, Fredricka (Javier) Miner and Marisa McAndrew both of Black River Falls; sons, Kenneth McAndrew and Kyle McAndrew, both of Camp Lejeune, NC, Dawson McAndrew of Camp Pendleton, CA; eight grandchildren; sisters, Alicia (Lathan) Miner of Minneapolis, MN, Heidi (Robert) Bird of Tomah, Heather Miner of Wisconsin Dells; brothers, Kohl (Steven) Miner of Minnap9olis MN, Scott (Darn) Beard of Portage, Jon Miner of Stanley, Tom (Virginia) Pera of El Paso, TX; and several other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Stewart Miner and grandparents George and Rose Miner.

 

Funeral Services were held Sunday, October 19, 2008, at 12 noon, at the Ho-Chunk District One Community Center, Black River Falls. Richard Mann presided over the services. Burial was in the Spring Grove Cemetery, Wisconsin Dells. Family and friends were invited for visitation Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls.

 

The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.buswellfuneralhome.net.

 


6

 

Obit: Slaughter, Duane Allen (1950 – 2008)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

 

Surnames: Slaughter, Norton, Hawley, Overlien, Fisher, Eddy, Zimmerman, Nicks, Brey, Polege

 

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) October 22, 2008

 

Slaughter, Duane Allen (21 September 1950 – 15 October 2008) With Flag

 

Duane Allen Slaughter, 58, of Muscoda died at UW-Madison Hospital Wednesday, October 15, 2008.

 

Born September 21, 1950 in Harvard, IL, to Jean Norton, Duane was adopted in 1953 by Robert Slaughter. Duane attended 22 schools all across the country as his family moved frequently. The family settled in Merrillan at which time Duane attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968. Duane resided with the Clayton Hawley Sr. family for a time as well. Duane was drafted into the U. S. Army and served his country in Okinawa.

 

Duane worked at several foundries in Wisconsin during his lifetime, beginning at the Neillsville Foundry and most recently retired from Richland Center Foundry as quality control manager.

 

He was an avid baseball player, loved anything outdoors, was a history/trivia buff and had a great sense of humor.

 

Survivors include two daughters, Tanya (Dan) Overlien, and Jenny (Cory) Fisher, as well as five granddaughters, Paige, Katelyn and Bree Fisher, and Kiley and Kasey Overlien, all of Black River Falls, ex-wife and mother of his children, Kathy Eddy (Paul) Zimmerman of Merrillan and ex-wife, Jean (Ken) Nicks of Boaz. His mother, Jean of Wisconsin Rapids; two sisters, Debbie of Kentucky and Julie of California; and a brother Robert “Bobby” of Washington; Special uncle and friend, Chris (Lois) Slaughter and special cousin and friend, Mike (Sandy) Brey all of Alma Center.

 

There will be a memorial supper Wednesday, October 22, 2008 beginning at 5 p.m. hosted by classmate and friend, Kitty Shirley Polege at the Hotel Bar and Grill at Humbird.

 


7

 

Obit: Macha, Dorothy L. (1927 – 2008)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

 

Surnames: Macha, Knudson, Gaulke, Kett, Hoffman, Bennett, Leigh, Wenger

 

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) October 22, 2008

 

Macha, Dorothy L. (28 February 1927 – 19 October, 2008)

 

Dorothy L. Macha, 81, of Black River Falls, formerly of Wisconsin Rapids, died Sunday evening, Oct. 19, 2008, at Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls.

 

Dorothy was born Feb. 28, 1927, in the Town of Sigel to Raymond and Agnes (Knudson) Gaulke. She was united in marriage to Alex Macha Oct. 12, 1946, in the Town of Sigel.

 

She worked at Preway, Inc. and as a secretary at Tri-City Oil Company for nine years and worked for 31 years with her beloved husband at Al’s Service. She was a charter member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and St. Luke’s Ladies Aid. She was on the election board in Wisconsin Rapids.

 

In 1990 she moved with her husband Al to Hatfield. She continued on the election board in the Town of Dewhurst. Dorothy also was an officer in the Sportsman Club and also a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Neillsville, the Red Hats and Homemakers. She enjoyed her family, friends, traveling, volunteering at Clark County Social Services and many years of retirement.

 

Survivors include her husband, Alex; children, Dr. Allen (Betty) Macha of La Crosse, Kathleen (Jeff) Kett of Tomah and Susan (Bruce) Hoffman of Stevens Point; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; sister, Ila May (Tom) Bennett of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law, Elaine (John) Leigh of Dallas, OR and brother-in-law, Earl (Nancy) Macha of Suring. Dorothy and Al provided a home for Elaine and Earl after the death of their parents. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes and Raymond Gaulke, and son, Dr. Robert Macha.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Timothy Wenger will officiate. Burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery.

 

Friends may call at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Thursday.

 

Memorials are preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Neillsville debt reduction fund or St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.

 


8

 

Bio: Eaton, Charles & Chloe Ann / Bio: Waste, George H.

Contact: History Buffs

 

Surnames: Eaton, Waste

 

----Source: Federal Census Records

 

1900 Federal Census, Garfield town, Jackson, Wisconsin, Enumeration District: 0049, Sheet Number and Letter: 5A; Household ID: 79

 

Head of Household: Charles Eaton, b. Oct 1830  in Vermont, Father Birthplace: Vermont; Mother Birthplace: Vermont; White Married (24 yrs.- abt. 1879) Male
Spouse: Chloe Ann Eaton , b. 1839 Ohio; Number Living Children: 2
Household Members: Charles Eaton M, Wife: Chloe Ann Eaton F, b. Apr 1839, OH; Married 21 yrs., 3 children - 2 living; parents b. NY.
Child: George H Waste M (step son); b. Mar 1868, Illinois; father b. VT
George Waste M (grandchild); b. Mar 1892, Wis.; father b. Indiana, Mother b. WI.

 

**********************************************

Chloe Ann Westurn Waste
BIRTH
25 Apr 1839
DEATH
2 Nov 1915 (aged 76)
Withee, Clark County, Wisconsin, USA
BURIAL Longwood Township Cemetery
Withee, Clark County, Wisconsin, USA

 

Chloe Ann Waste was born 25 Apr in Ohio and did know how to read and write.  She had bore 3 children and when the April 20, 1910 census Longwood was recorded, Ervin Elias who was born in Indiana and George H. who entered this world in Ohio. Their sister, Reosebell, had already died.  At that time, she was living with her son, George P. Waste in the home of his father, Elias Waste  who earned his living as logger in Longwood.  His daughters, Olive and Rosie He too was widowed.  and died as a widowed housewife of a cerebral hemorrhage 2 Nov 1915 at the age of 76.  She was buried in the Town of Longwood Lutheran Cemetery, Clark County, WI.

 

n Waste, Chloe Ann 25-Apr-1839 2-Nov-1915

b. OH; cerebral hemorrhage; widowed housewife; Vol.7, Rec. #196

    Ira & Ann Weston *both b. N. S.
c Waste, Earl   11-Dec-1924        
n Waste, Son of Rose 5-Jul-1916 5-Jul-1916

WI; premature; died in Longwood; Vol. 7, Rec. #370

    Rose Waste

 

******************************************

 

1880 Federal Census, Fairchild, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Dwelling Number 64

 

George H. Waste, Age 13; Birth Date Abt 1867 in Illinois, White single male, Occupation At School
Father's Birthplace Vermont
Mother's Name Ann C. Waste; Birthplace Ohio


Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Head: Ann C. Waste, 41 yrs. old
Son: Ervin E. Waste, 20 yrs. old, Indiana
Son: George H. Waste 13 yrs. old, b. IL

Daughter: Reosebell Waste 11 yrs., b. IL

 

Listed in the same household as a "Boarder", Occupation Laborer

Name Charles Eaton: Age 42, Birth, Abt 1838 in Vermont, white widowed male; Father's Birthplace New Hampshire; Mother's Birthplace New Hampshire

 

*Charles H. Eaton's wife may have been named "Abby" who was also born in VT.

The 1870 for Randolph, Orange Co., VT records a Charles H. Eaton and Abby 28 yr. old  living there at that time.

 

1870 Federal Census,  Randolph, Orange, Vermont, DWELLING NUMBER: 415

 

NAME: Charles H Eaton
AGE IN 1870: 32
BIRTH DATE: 1838
BIRTHPLACE: Vermont
RACE: White
GENDER: Male
POST OFFICE: West Randolph
OCCUPATION: Works In Sash & Blind Factory
MALE CITIZEN OVER 21: Yes
PERSONAL ESTATE VALUE: 500
REAL ESTATE VALUE: 2000
INFERRED SPOUSE: Abby L Eaton, age 28 (abt. 1842)
HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS:
Name Age
Charles H Eaton 32
Abby L Eaton 28

 


9

Obit: Budzinski, Vera Mae (1943 - 2023)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Budzinski, Gemmeke, Starks, James, Robertson, Dang, Eck, Sommers, Jaecks, Trucky, Kiraly,
Tieman, Jagodzinski, Hubbard, Brunett, Beukema

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 9/30/2023

Budzinski, Vera Mae (7 January 1943 – 26 September 2023)

Vera M. Budzinski, 80, of Thorp, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Aspirus Stanley Hospital in Stanley.

Vera Mae Starks was born on January 7, 1943, in Stanley, the daughter of Emory L. and Iola (Gemmeke) Starks. She was raised on the family farm and received her education in area schools, including Stanley High School. After high school, Vera was united in marriage to Chester James. They lived in Vesper and later divorced. She moved back to Thorp and was united in marriage to Eugene F. Budzinski on July 31, 1965, at the Stanley Presbyterian Church. She worked at ITT Life in Thorp until its closing and was the Fuller Brush Lady for 15 years. Vera also cleaned at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Silver Dollar, and drove school bus for Rosemeyer Bus Service from 1968 until 2020. During this time, she enjoyed driving many of the Thorp girls’ sports trips.

Vera had many interests, but especially enjoyed camping, hunting, cooking, being outdoors, Bluegrass and spiritual music, and watching Thorp girls’ sporting events. She also sold at many flea markets including being a vendor for 30+ years at Warrens Cranfest.

She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the Rock Dam Rod & Gun Club, was the Assistant State Director of Good Sam Camping Club, and was president of the Black River Ramblers Camping Club.

Vera is survived by her son: Emory (Carrie) of Wausau; her daughter-in-law: Lori Budzinski of Fenimore; three grandchildren: Angela (Eric) Robertson, Brett Budzinski (fiancé Jordan Dang), Brianne Budzinski (fiancé Mason Eck); two sisters: Ruthie Sommers of Stevens Point, Ruby (Bruce) Jaecks of Gleason, two sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Truckey and Elaine Starks, both of Thorp; two brothers-in-law: Jack (Barb) Budzinski and Bernard (Joan) Budzinski, both of Thorp; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene, on March 14, 1995; her son, William, on March 24, 2023; one brother, George Starks; one sister, Velma Kiraly; three brothers-in law, Kenneth Kiraly, John Sommers and Joe Truckey; and one sister-in-law, Betty Tieman.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Thorp. Rev Phil Beukema will officiate, and burial will follow in Eidsvold Cemetery, rural Thorp. Pallbearers will be Donnie Jagodzinski, Ryan Budzinski, George Starks, Tim Tieman, Travis Tieman, Ben Hubbard, Ivan Hubbard and Kelly Brunett. Visitation will be held at Thorp Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and again on Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.


10

Obit: Strathmann, Ila Mae D. (1929- 2023)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Strathmann, Schnabel, Zarnke, Schilling, Lukas, Martin, Heil, Hyslop, Meyer, Hadfield, Freisinger, Booth, Lange, Birkett, Jochimsen, Zellmer, Groleau

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 10/01/2023

Strathmann, Ila Mae D. (16 March 1929 - 28 September 2023)

Ila Mae D. Strathmann, 94, of Colby, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Colonial Health and Rehabilitation surrounded by her loving family and under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

Ila Mae was born in the Town of Eau Pleine on March 16, 1929. to William and Esther (Schnabel) Zarnke. She attended Wescott School in rural Eau Pleine. Ila Mae was united in marriage to Edward C. “Butch” Strathmann on June 24, 1948, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in March Rapids. The couples resided in Colby all their married life, building a beautiful home, and were active in their church and community.

In her work and in her personal life, Ila Mae was a skilled crafter, cook, and caregiver. She was employed at Badger Basket Company, Scidmore Fur Farm, and various restaurants as a cook and waitress. She also cared for many children and families through her decades of work as a day care provider.

Sewing, knitting, embroidering, and quilting were crafts that Ila Mae had mastered. She loved to bake and made the best pies and cookies. She enjoyed doing puzzles, watching birds, and tending to her garden. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Colby, Ladies Aide, Sewing Circle, Altar Guild and VFW Auxiliary.

Ila Mae is survived by her children: Richard (Charlotte) Strathmann, Daniel Strathmann, Beverly Schilling, all of Colby, Sandra (Gary) Lukas of Abbotsford, Linda (James) Martin of Mukwonago, Judy (Anthony) Heil of Wausau, and Sara (Harvey) Hyslop of Eagle River; her grandchildren: Troy (Judy) Strathmann, Leanne (Jeff) Meyer, Jennifer (Stephen) Hadfield, Kyle (Becca) Schilling, Michael (Meaghan) Martin, Matthew (Jacque) Martin, Megan Martin, Heidi (Jason) Freisinger, Katrina (Nate) Booth, Tyler (Kim) Heil, Amanda Jo (John) Lange, and Brianna Hyslop; 24 great-grandchildren with one on the way. She is further survived by her siblings, Verna Birkett of Greenwood and William “Billy” (Peggy) Zarnke of Montevideo, MN, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward “Butch” Strathmann; her daughter, Lisa Jochimsen; brothers, Clarence (Evelyn) and Dennis Zarnke; brothers-in-law, Arnold and Harold (Irene) Strathmann, Wayne Birkett, and sister-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” (Frederick) Zellmer.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Ila Mae’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby with Rev. James Groleau officiating. Following services, she will be laid to rest in Colby Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation at the church on Friday from 9 A.M. until time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to her grandchildren. Her arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Marshfield Medical Center, Colonial Health and Rehabilitation, St. Croix Hospice, Life Tributes Funeral Home and Pastor James Groleau.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ila Mae’s name can be directed to Zion Lutheran Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ila Mae Strathmann, please visit Tribute Store.
 

 

 

 

 


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