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| Spring Valley News...2025 |
Sylva Anderson, Age 101 As a young person, Sylva attended schools in the Spring Valley district, first at the rural Gilman Center school and then the Spring Valley High School, graduating with the class of 1942. Following high school, Sylva attended River Falls College earning a 3 year teacher’s degree. Afterwards she would begin her career teaching 6th grade in Spring Valley. On July 27, 1948, she married Allen Anderson, also a Spring Valley alumnus. Allen was attending college and upon his graduation in 1949, the Andersons moved to Washburn, Wisconsin. He would be a teacher/elementary principal while Sylva became a stay-at-home mother, raising sons Jon and Steven while also performing substitute teaching roles. The next stop for the Andersons was Hudson, Wisconsin where Allen was elementary principal at the E.P. Rock School. Upon the death of Sylva’s father, the family returned to Spring Valley, once more with Allen holding positions as teacher and elementary principal. In these many years, Sylva did substitute teaching. In 1967, Sylva returned to college full time at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, to complete her bachelor’s of education degree. After graduation Sylva was hired by the Baldwin-Woodville Schools as a 6th grade teacher. In 1991, Sylva retired from teaching. Throughout Allen’s career, he had been active in educational endeavors, later becoming the president of the Wisconsin Education Association in the early 1960s. Because of Allen’s educational committee involvement, he and Sylva would frequently travel throughout the United States. Subsequent to Sylva’s father passing away, Allen and Sylva purchased her home farm. Both Sylva and Allen continued teaching while living in Spring Valley, where they continued to be very active in community and church life. In the early 1970s, the couple decided to renovate the farmhouse and move to the farm in August 1975. The farmhouse would be Sylva’s home until January 2025, when health issues necessitated moving to the Spring Valley Nursing Home, where she passed away on July 8, 2025. Preceding Sylva in death were her parents, husband Allen, daughter-in-law Bobbie Anderson, siblings Ben (Inez) Swenson, Alice (Clarence) Madson, Thelma (Oscar) Gunderson, parents-in-law Andrew and Amelia Anderson, sister-in-law and husband Marion (Jorgen) Albrigtson, brother-in-law and wife Clark (Mary Ellen) Anderson, nieces Beverly Gaard, Janice Hoppe, nephews Gary Madson, Wayne Albrigtson, Lyness Anderson. Survivors are sons Jon (Linda) Anderson, Steven Anderson, grandchildren Kim (John) Serene, Kris (Dennis) Rondeau and Katie Anderson; great grandchildren Jayden, Carter and Lucas Serene, Declan and Sydney Rondeau, plus many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Visitation for Sylva will be on Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley and also on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Gilman Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley, Wisconsin. |
Pearl Virginia Wenum Kittleson, Age 96 Pearl was born on March 25, 1929, in rural Spring Valley, WI, to Odin and Genevieve (Hurley) Wenum. She attended Spring Valley High School until 1946. On March 4, 1946, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Kittleson, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spring Valley. Their love story blossomed into a beautiful life together, raising four cherished children: Bonnie, Bill, Kathy, and Michael. Pearl dedicated 33 years of her career to Smead Manufacturing in River Falls, where she built lasting friendships and earned the admiration of colleagues for her reliability and work ethic. A woman of deep faith and a generous heart, Pearl found joy in giving back to her community. She volunteered with Adoray for eight years, serving both in hospice care and at the Treasure of the Heart shop. Her involvement in St. Bridget’s Catholic Church was also a great source of fulfillment—she loved singing in the church choir and supporting Catholic charities. Pearl lived her life surrounded by those she loved most. Whether traveling, playing cards and bingo, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, she cherished time spent with her family and close friends above all else. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, her quiet strength, and her unwavering love for those around her. Pearl is lovingly remembered by her children: Bonnie (Richard) Richardson, Kathy Starr, and Michael (Patty) Kittleson; grandchildren: Heidi, Aaron, Coleen, Aimee, Nikki, Carrie, Angela, Michael, Glen, Jacob and John; 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; brother-in-law, David (Donna) Kittleson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne; her son, William; her parents; and siblings: Clark, Rosalie, and Dolores. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bay Harbor and the Adoray Hospice team for the compassionate care they provided Pearl in her final days. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church: 211 E. Division Street, River Falls, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644. |
Beverly Wenum, Age 73 She was born in Duluth, Minnesota on April 10, 1952, to Edward and Bertha (Borich) Panyan. Bev was a 1970 graduate of Morgan Park High School in Duluth. She went on to receive an L.P.N. nursing degree from Lake Superior College. She married the love of her life, Theodore Wenum ('65), on July 18, 1981, at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Duluth. Bev’s nursing career started in Duluth at St. Lukes, St. Mary’s, and Miller Dwan Hospitals. Later she received her R.N. degree from WITC in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Bev also worked at River Hills in Wisconsin, with adolescents, Bethesda, and St. Joseph’s Hospitals in St. Paul. She loved her dogs: Josh, Felix and Bailey. Bev enjoyed boating on Lake Holcomb, crafting, scrapbooking, shopping, and decorating. She was an excellent cook and entertained with ease her friends and family. Bev also had an excellent sense of humor! She loved to laugh. Bev was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Theodore Wenum; sister Kathy (Gary) Eisenach; in-laws: Paul (Mary) Wenum; John (Sherri) Wenum; Jean Blegen; James Wenum; Mary Wenum Nelson; Gordy (Debra) Wenum; nieces, nephews and many other family members and friends. Visitation will be on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 10 a.m. until noon at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley followed by a graveside service at Gilman Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley. |
Gary Lee (Johnny) Johnson, Age 63
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He was born February 5, 1948, to Harlan and Marjorie Stark of Spring Valley, Wisconsin. Harry attended school at Lone Balsam, Gilman Elementary and Spring Valley High School, graduating with the Class of 1966. He went on to raise his family in Spring Valley. Harry was a hardworking family man. He was brilliant, fun and versatile. Ever ready to lend a helping hand, he fixed many things in his full life. Tractors, cars and broken hearts are just a few of them. He was a highly skilled mechanic and an even better husband and father. He loved life, Packer football and whatever activity involved his grandkids. As an avid outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, boating (Eau Galle was fave), and snowmobiling (drifting with Brad). The family were long time members of SV Snow Valley Riders. He loved mowing the grass, space cruising (family road trips where he drove until he was lost and finding our way back home), or baking his famous chocolate chip cookies. Harry took fashion cues from no one. He would rock overalls, button-up shirts paired with athletic shorts, an array of hats, or whatever he liked in his grandson Lavell’s closet. He also had a great love of music. Whether at work, in his shop, or hanging with fri Many will remember him from his longtime job at Meyer Implement in Baldwin, WI or from his business in Spring Valley, Stark’s Repair (have wrench, will travel). He loved talking about old cars/trucks and tractors (especially green or red ones), how many he had in his lifetime, how fast he drove in them, and what was done to make them better. His broad life experience made him a teacher and mentor to many. His life had a lot of promises and struggles, and he shared his experiences for others to learn from... to make their lives better! After his retirement, he spent the winters in Surprise, AZ and summers in Wilson, WI. Beloved by many, his infectious laughter, joy and love will be greatly missed. Harry's heart ultimately failed him but the love that came from it lives in all who remember him. His cup overfloweth. Those who knew him will agree that this legend is gone too soon. Harry was preceded in death by his parents Harlan and Marjorie Stark, first wife Patricia (Stewart), sister Jean Furuglyas, and brothers in law Jim Furuglyas, Harold Bartel, Jim Wall, nephew Doug Field and an infant nephew, nieces Missy Banks, Brenda Beers, and sister in law Kandy Stewart-Harvey. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jan Stark, children Robin Stark, Jamie (Shayne) Stark, Eric (Jessica) Stark and Marjorie Stark; Grandchildren Lavell, Mya, Drew, Jordyn, Carter, Patricia, Tyler, Destiny; Great-grandchildren Braxton and Lily; siblings Marlene (Dave) Kautz, Wayne (Loretta) Stark, Nita (Tim) Dougherty, Betty Wall, Myron “Zip” (Ruth) Stark, and Joel (Brenda) Stark, brother in law Bill (Donette) Stewart, sister in law Penny (Neil) Dittman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers: Mike Place and Lee Hanson. Visitation will be Friday, July 11, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, WI. A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Gilman Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Private graveside service to follow with a light lunch and memory sharing in the church basement. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. |
Peggy Louise Lansing Koehler, Age 87 Peggy was born October 17, 1937 in El Paso Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin, to Orvie Vernon and Annabelle Mae (Roatch) Lansing, the third child of seven. She attended grade school at Waverly and graduated from Spring Valley High School in May 1955. After high school, Peggy worked at Montgomery Ward in St. Paul. On October 11, 1958, Peggy married Frederick Lloyd Koehler and moved to Rock Elm Township where she lived the rest of her life. Their first son, Jeffrey Dwight, was born in 1959, their daughter, Sheree Lynn, arrived in 1960, and Gregory Scott was born in 1961. Peggy worked at home raising their three children for many years. When she decided to get a job outside the home, she worked at Connell’s Apple Orchard. She then went to work fulltime at Smead’s in Hastings for several years. Later, a friend talked Peggy into working at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home, where she was a cook and then supervisor. She worked there for over 20 years, retiring in 1998. Peggy loved being out in nature, growing flowers, gardening, and foraging for butternuts and berries in the woods which she used to make delicious treats for family and friends. She had a great passion for music and God blessed her with the amazing talent of being able to play piano by ear which she shared with those around her. She had exceptional culinary skills and especially enjoyed baking numerous pies when helping with the Rock Elm Ice Cream Socials for as long as she was able. Peggy was a member of the Rock Elm United Methodist Church her entire life. She is preceded in death by her parents Annabelle and Orvie Lansing, her son Jeffrey Koehler, siblings Mary Ann Bol, Bert Lansing, and Douglas Lansing and his fiancé Dixie Brown. Also preceding her in death brothers-in-law Wesley (Mary Ann) Bol and Robert (Reta) Sanford. Peggy is survived by her husband of 66 years Fred, daughter Sheree (Michael Peters) Koehler, son Greg (Shari) Koehler, grandchildren Chelsey (Michael Anderson) Koehler and Treston (Claire) Koehler, great-grandson Casper Scott Koehler, siblings Reta Sanford, Harriet (Allan Klein) Lansing, Jane (Jo Haberman) Lansing, sister-in-law Sharon (Bert) Lansing, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Welcome Home Assisted Living of Elmwood, Wisconsin and Adoray Home Health and Hospice of Baldwin, Wisconsin for all their support during this difficult time. The funeral service will be held on April 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Rock Elm United Methodist Church, Rock Elm, Wisconsin (N5591 170th St, Elmwood, WI). Visitation will be held one hour before the service. There will be a luncheon served at the Celebration of Life at 12:15 p.mm at Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood, Wisconsin (1121 Industrial Rd, Elmwood, WI). Flowers and memorials can be directed to the Rock Elm United Methodist Church on the day of the service at the address listed above. Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at cremationsociety-wi.com. |
Charlene (Char) Grant, Age 70 Char’s love for children was evident not only in her personal life but also in her professional career. As a special education teacher in the Baldwin Elementary School District, she made a lasting impact on her students, providing them with care, patience, and unwavering support. She was a passionate advocate for her students, always striving to ensure they had the resources and encouragement needed to thrive. She was a devoted mother to her five children: Cathy (Jeremy Lembeck) Bernhardt, Brian (April) Bernhardt, Renee (Josh) Edwards, Theresa (Scott) Everson, and Brad Bernhardt. Her love and guidance extended to her thirteen cherished grandchildren: Alexis, Laney, Mackenzie, Lydia, Chloe, Mason, Rachel, Madison, Michael, Leah, Elizabeth, Tenley, and Tyus. Each of them brought her immense joy, and she took pride in every milestone they reached. Char is survived by her loving siblings: Gwen (Bob) Huebel, Gordy (Lisa) Grant, Pat (Gay) Grant, and Chris Morgen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Audrey and Mike Grant, and her twin daughters, Mary and Jodi, whom she now joins in eternal peace. Char will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and dedication to her family and students. Her family and friends will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. A celebration of Char’s life will be held at the River Falls Glen Park Pavilion on 8/7/25 from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donate to a local school, continuing her lifelong mission of supporting children with unique needs. Char’s warmth, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed, but the lessons she taught and the love she shared will remain with us always. |
Shirley Hampton, Age 96 Shirley was born February 27, 1929, at home, the daughter of Jayhu and Agnes (McMenamin) Hampton in Cady Township, St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Shirley attended Highland Ridge Elementary and Spring Valley Schools and graduated with the class of 1947. She worked on the family farm where she lived her whole life until the last few months in the Care Center. Shirley enjoyed family, the family get-togethers, reading and crafts. She was a founding member of the Honey Doers Homemakers, and a member of the Pierce County Historical Society. She kept detailed family & local history records. She helped write several local history books. Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers: John (Myrtle Hampton), Bernard Hampton, Roger Hampton, and Hugh Hampton; sisters: Joan (Gerald ‘Louie’) Brunkhorst, Diane (Bill) Smith, Carol (Everett) Meyers; and Emily Hampton; nieces: Donna Hampton, Jeri Brunkhorst, and LaVonne Hampton; nephews Patrick Smith and Jay Meyers. Survivors include sisters-in-laws: Fran Hampton, Rita Hampton, and Mary Hampton; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. A luncheon will follow the service. Visitation will be on Friday, April 11, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Burial will be in Brookville Cemetery in Eau Galle Township, St. Croix County, Wisconsin. |
Dorothy Thome Zoch, Age 92
 Dorothy Thome Zoch, age 92, of Woodbury, Minnesota passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025. Dorothy was born in Spring Valley, Wisconsin on September 6, 1932 to the late Frederick and Mary (Prock) Thome. Survivors include Husband of 68 years, James Zoch; Son Richard Zoch; Daughters; Jean Zoch and Lori Zoch; Sister Kathryn Cunningham; Brother Joseph-'54 (Bev '56) Thome: Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. She graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1952.Dorothy was talented at crocheting blankets, bears, doll outfits for her bed dolls and other kinds of dolls, she crafted projects by crocheting with plastic canvas. She made tissue boxes, crochet boxes with crochet pictures, decorations. She loved to give her crafts as gifts. Dorothy loved to play cards. She enjoyed getting together with family and friends and play a round or two of cards and she usually would win. She was preceded in death by her Grandson Benjamin Zoch; Her Parents Frederick and Mary (Prock) Thome; Brothers (sisters-in-law) Michael (Georgia) Thome, Fred W. (Christine) Thome; Sisters (brothers-in-law): Marie (Leonard) Hisdahl, Antoinette (Joel) Wise, Mabelle Thome; Sister Alice Thome and Margaret Thome. |
Garda Traynor Madsen, Age 93 She is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Erma Traynor; siblings, Patrick (Joan) Traynor and Patricia (Donn) Anderson. Garda is survived by her husband, Howard Madsen; children, Kathy Madsen and Randy (Michelle) Madsen; grandchildren, Joseph Madsen, Abby Madsen; brother, Dean Traynor; and many other relatives and friends. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 11 am at Cross Lutheran Church 1246 County Rd TT, Roberts, WI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI and on Wednesday from 10-11 am at the church. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls, WI. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services. The funeral service will be live-streamed. Go to http://bakken-young.com for the link. |
Margaret 'Marge' Thome, Age 103
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Byron Jensen, Age 80 Byron was born on April 9, 1943 to Lester and Bernice Jensen of Wilson, Wisconsin. He was the second child of four and the only boy. Byron graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1961 where he was active in many sports-football, basketball, and track. He was also the Senior Class President that year. After high school, Byron continued his education at UW-River Falls where he received a Bachelor’s degree in education, and later earned his Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. In 1965, Byron married Ann Ellefson and eventually settled in Minnetonka, Minnesota. They had two sons, Christopher and Nathan. Byron spent most of his career teaching social studies at Hopkins West Junior High School. He was also active in the school district coaching football at junior high and high school levels. Most students remember “Mr. Jensen” by the shrine in his classroom dedicated to his beloved Green Bay Packers. In 2001, Byron took an early retirement from teaching, but soon after began a job at Village Chevrolet in Wayzata. He would work there for almost 20 more years. Later in life, Byron enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending all their events. One of his favorite things was taking his boat out on Lake Minnetonka to fish-his happy place! Byron was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his parents, sister Rochelle Painter, and brothers-in-law John Painter and Gene Anderson. He is survived by his sons Christopher and Nathan (Joyce); four grandchildren: Evan, Katelyn, Carter and Reed; sisters Diane (Grant) Ness and Jill Anderson; and many nieces and nephews. |
Joyce Larson Garfield, Age 98 Joyce was born March 10, 1926, the first child of Clifford and Anna (Erickson) Larson. She was born at the home of her maternal grandmother in Wildwood, Eau Galle Township, St. Croix County, Wisconsin and baptized at Gilman Lutheran Church. She had two younger brothers, Allen and David. Joyce was blessed with a great memory and loved sharing stories of her childhood right up until her last days. She began her education attending a one-room country school in Gilman township. After several years the family moved to Spring Valley, where her father operated a Standard Oil gas station. Joyce was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, and was a 1945 graduate of Spring Valley High School. After graduation she moved to Minneapolis where she attended Frances Nystrom School of Cosmetology, and later was employed at a salon in the Uptown neighborhood. Joyce and her future husband, Howard, had known each other since childhood. After Howard returned from service in World War II he furthered his education at Macalaster College in St Paul. They reconnected during that time and began dating. When an opportunity arose for Howard to go into business for himself, he left school, bought the locker plant (Spring Valley Frozen Foods), and learned the meat cutting trade. Joyce and Howard were married at St John’s Lutheran Church on August 5, 1950. Their honeymoon was an adventurous and memorable month long road trip to southern Mexico, accompanying a group of others from Macalaster College. Joyce worked for several years after marriage at a beauty shop in Baldwin, and later assisted at the locker plant when needed. In 1953 their son Rick was born, followed two years later by daughter, Marcie. Joyce thought their family was complete, but in 1963 the family grew with the surprise arrival of twins, Bradley and Barry, followed by Greg in 1970. Joyce’s life was very full taking care of home and family. Her family meant everything to her. She was a caregiver to her parents in their later years, as well as to a special aunt, Rachel Erickson. She treasured time spent with grandchildren, and loved seeing her family all together, especially the Christmas Eve gatherings in her home. Joyce and Howard hosted many summer weekends and holidays with family and friends at their cottage on Tainter Lake. Those were some of her most cherished memories. Joyce’s faith was very important to her. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she was involved in women’s circles, bible study, altar guild, and quilting. After Howard died in 1998 Joyce was able to remain in her home for another 24 years, where she enjoyed gardening, reading, sewing, and frequent visits from special pup, Riley. She moved to Welcome Home Senior Living in Elmwood in the fall of 2021. An activity she enjoyed the last few years was writing poetry to share with family. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Allen, sister-in law Georgia Larson, and parents-in-law Frank and Clara Garfield. She was also pre-deceased by her Garfield in-laws and their spouses. Joyce is survived by her brother David Larson, her five children Rick (Linda), Marcie (Peter) Nied, Brad (Julie Henning), Barry (Jackie), and Greg (Angel). Grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Adam (Denver) Garfield, Macie and Molly; Sarah (Jake) Hartung, Lucas, Sam, and Charlie; Angela (Brandon) Walczak, Brody and Peyton; Dan (Roberta Larsen) Nied, Rikka, and Lars; Eric Nied; Ali (Sherman Smith) Nied; Laura (Chris) Weber, Warren and Marian; Ryan (Ashley) Garfield, Levi; and Grace Garfield. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Welcome Home for the tender care shown to Joyce, especially in her last days. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, with prior visitation from 9:30 AM until time of service. Pastor Bob Friese will officiate. Burial of cremains will take place at Poplar Hill Cemetery, Rock Elm, Wisconsin. Keehr Funeral Home (www.keehrfuneralhome.com) in Spring Valley is handling arrangements. |
Thomas H. Ellefson, Age 76 Shortly after graduating high school Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force and attended basic training in Amarillo Texas.On July 19, 1969, Tom married Jan Vorlicek at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spring Valley. During his four years of service he was stationed in Duluth MN, Phu Cat Airbase in Vietnam, Thailand, and Chandler Arizona. After returning home, Tom and Jan lived north of Baldwin for a short time before settling in Woodville. Tom then began a career at Anderson Windows and retired in 2004 at the age of 55. He enjoyed fishing, having taken many trips to Canada and additional adventures on the great lakes, Alaska, and numerous other local lakes and rivers. He was an avid hunter and could be found hunting turkey, deer, pheasant or whatever was in season. He loved spending time on his property in Eau Galle township where each summer, he and Jan planted a large garden with 360 hills of potatoes, 8 rows of sweet corn, 225 onion sets, 3 rows of peas, 24 tomato plants, 24 pepper plants, and numerous other vegetables. The fruits of which were shared with family and friends. Tom loved to travel. From Weiner runs with his friends to local meat markets, short and long motorcycle trips with Jan, and vacations with family and friends that took him to places like Hawaii, Alaska, the Mediterranean, Italy, and Spain. Most important to him was his family, especially his grandchildren. He was their number one fan and attended every sporting event he could, even at the end you could find him watching on his computer from his hospital room. Preceding him in death were his parents Harvey and Carmen; sister Ann Jensen and her husband Byron; sister Mary Johnson; brother-in-law Tom Vorlicek; and parents-in-law: Willie and Marie Vorlicek. Survivors include his wife Jan; son Jon (Theresa) Ellefson and daughter Megan (Curt) Schwalen; 5 grandchildren: Lauren, Adelyn and Isabel Ellefson and Carmen and Cael Schwalen; brother Terry (Rhonda) Ellefson; in-laws: Toby (Peg) Vorlicek and Mary (Matt) Huepfel; many nieces, nephews, relatives and countless friends. A Mass of Christian burial for Tom will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spring Valley. Gathering of family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, at Sacred Heart Church prior to the service.Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Spring Valley with military honors by Rickerd-Danielson American Legion Post 227. |
Donald Richard Blegen, Age 84 Don was born at home in Spring Valley, WI in early January, 1940, to his parents, Mardell and Henry Blegen, the eldest of 5 (notorious) Blegen Brothers. He grew up in and around Spring Valley, and after his father gave him his first fishing rod at age 7, could be found near the Eau Galle River or one of its feeder creeks practicing the perfect fly cast, often with one of his beloved dogs at his side. A highlight of his boyhood was feeding the monkeys and exotic birds, and befriending the lion, Powder, at his Grandma Jenson’s zoo near River Falls, which sparked his lifelong interest in nature and biology. Other jobs in his younger days included working as a guide at Spring Valley’s Crystal Cave and as a pinsetter at the local bowling alley, Central Lanes. He initially got to know the love of his life, Donna, in high school algebra, and after his graduation from Spring Valley High School in 1957, he continued courting her while studying at UWRF. They married in 1961, and were blessed with two sons, Bryce and Eric, over the next few years. Don first got into photography in his early teens, a hobby which developed into a passion when he was hired as a part-time photographer for the UWRF college newspaper and yearbook, where a highlight included covering JFK’s campaign stop in River Falls in 1960. After graduating from UWRF at age 21, he was hired as a teacher at Elmwood High School in late 1961, the start of a 35-year career teaching English, Biology, and; after some years of building popular demand, Photography. Summers in the 60s were spent assisting on an archeological dig on the current site of Lake George, and working on the construction of the Spring Valley Dam. Don also acted as director of EHS school plays for several years, and tirelessly worked as the unofficial volunteer staff photographer of the Elmwood Beacon for sports and other school events, contributing many photos to the community newspapers of Elmwood (the Argus), Spring Valley (the Sun), and, in retirement, for the Sun-Argus, authoring a series of articles over many years on local history, continuing the legacy of his brother Doug. Don’s summer family road trips with Donna and their boys in the 1970s involved explorations of many of the natural wonders of the US and Canada and, despite the occasional wet tent or unexpected car repair, spurred a lifetime love of travel. After their sons grew up, Don and Donna expanded their explorations internationally. In his spare time, Don was an expert fisherman and marksman, winning awards in trapshooting. He was an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity. He got into birdwatching at age 9, and his life list of birds went beyond North America to include many species in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Combining his love of trout fishing with his nature photography skills, Don’s “fish pictures” and articles were published in magazines such as Sports Afield, Field & Stream, and Wisconsin Natural Resources. His nature photography was exhibited at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, and several galleries in New York. In 1986, his work was featured in the Minolta Mirror (an annual compendium of the world’s best photography), and his photos were published in many books over the years. Don was very active in the local community, serving two terms on the Spring Lake Town Board, and several terms on the Spring Lake Lutheran Church Council. He also set up and then maintained the Spring Valley historical display in the SV Municipal Building for over 20 years. As part of his photography sideline, he also played the role of wedding photographer for more than 100 couples in the Elmwood and Spring Valley area. In later years, there were many trips to WA state to visit family, and Don especially enjoyed telling his grandson Gus stories, some scary, of his many adventures. His legendary sense of humor, wit, and affinity for puns and anecdotes will be sorely missed. Don is survived by Donna, his wife of 63 years, his son, Bryce (of Washougal, WA), his son, Eric, and grandson Gus (Grapeview, WA). He is also survived by his brothers Dean (Jo Ellen), Dennis (Barb) and Delmer (Sandy) as well as brother-in-law David Hulverson (Leona), sisters-in-law Carole Lynum and Jean Blegen, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother, Doug; his brother-in-law, Palmer Lynum, and parents-in-law Clemens and Marie Hulverson. A Memorial service for Don will be on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church on Sunday Also, please join the family for A Celebration of Don’s Life at the Elmwood Auditorium, 323 W Winter Ave, Elmwood, from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, after the memorial service. There will be food and refreshments served. |
Sylva Anderson, age 101, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center. 
Pearl Virginia Kittleson, age 96, of River Falls, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at Bay Harbor Senior Living, surrounded by love and care.
Beverly Wenum, age 73, of River Falls, Wisconsin, died Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Our House Senior Living Community in River Falls.
Gary Lee (Johnny) Johnson, age 63, passed away unexpectedly while working on a yard project on Friday, June 20, 2025, in River Falls, WI.
Harold Stark, Age 77
ends shooting the breeze, he had a soundtrack to his life. There was ALWAYS music cranking somewhere nearby no matter the genre. He loved a good joke (practical or risqué) and he loved the joy and laughter of his family and friends. 
Peggy Louise (Lansing) Koehler, age 87, from Rock Elm Township, Elmwood, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood, Wisconsin, surrounded by her family.
Charlene (Char) Grant, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and educator, passed away on February 16, 2025. She was born to Audrey (Brorson-'53) and Mike Grant on January 23, 1955. Char dedicated her life to her family and to shaping the lives of countless children through her work in special education.
Shirley Hampton, age 96, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center. 
Garda Madsen, age 93 of River Falls, WI, died on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the River Falls Area Hospital. Garda was born the daughter of Herbert and Erma (Baker) Traynor on March 31, 1931 in the town of El Paso, Pierce County, Wisconsin. Garda grew up there, and a attended Spring Valley High School, graduating with the class of 1949. She started college in River Falls that fall where she earned her teaching degree. Garda’s first teaching job was the country school at Gilman Center. 
Margaret E. ‘Marge’ Thome, age 103 of Eagan, Minnesota, died Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
Byron Jensen, age 80, of Minnetonka, Minnesota passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 2, 2024 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Joyce Garfield, age 98, a longtime resident of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, died Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Welcome Home Senior Living in Elmwood, Wisconsin after a short illness. 
Thomas H. Ellefson, age 76, of Woodville, Wisconsin, passed on Friday, January 24, 2025.Tom was born December 16, 1948, to Harvey and Carmen (Porteous) Ellefson in Baldwin, Wisconsin. He grew up and attended school in Spring Valley, graduating with the Class of 1967.
Donald Richard Blegen, age 84, died of a sudden stroke on January 7, 2025 in Tacoma, Washington, while visiting family over the holidays with his wife, Donna.