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Spring Valley News...2026

Robert (Bob) Thomas, Age 88
Robert Thomas, age 88, of Menomonie, Wisconsin, formerly of Spring Valley, died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Menomonie.

Bob was born September 9, 1937, to Roy and LaVerna ‘Sis’ (McCumber) Thomas at Clear Lake, Wisconsin. He grew up and attended Clear Lake Schools, where he graduated in 1954 at the age of 16.

Bob always excelled in sports. In high school he played basketball and baseball. He continued his education at UW-Superior where he was a member of the men's basketball and baseball teams. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 1960. He later received his Master’s Degree from Winona State University in 1972.

Bob met Helen while at UW-Superior and they were married on August 23, 1959, at the Grace Episcopal Church in Menomonie. Bob and Helen spent the next 66 years together enjoying numerous sporting and school events, especially cherishing the times they could watch their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate.

He taught at Kickapoo Area Schools and in 1964 Bob took a teaching position at Spring Valley School District where he taught for 25 years. During that time Bob coached baseball, football, track and field. While coaching football, he compiled a record of 119-79-4 over 25 years. In 1978, he led the Cardinals to a Division 5 State Championship. The football program also received the state's #1 ranking for six seasons and also had a 49 game winning streak, along with nine conference championships. He also served as the winning head coach for the North team in the 1983 Shrine Game. In 1965, Bob helped build and introduce the sport of wrestling in Spring Valley, becoming head coach in 1976 and compiling a 129-87-2 record. He helped qualify 29 state tournament participants, with two state champions. 

In 1986, Bob accepted an assistant coaching position with UW-Stout football. In 1988, he joined the UW-Stout staff full time as Head Wrestling Coach, Assistant Football Coach, Instructor and Equipment Room Manager.  While at Stout, Bob led the wrestling team to 40 dual wins, the most by any coach in the program's history. Additionally, he coached seven conference champions, 17 NCAA Division III National Qualifiers and one National Champion. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Harvey Thomas; in-laws: Harold and Jessie Hardies; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dorothy and Robert Wickwire; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Janet Brimer.

He is survived by his wife Helen; children: Mark (Tracy) Thomas; Julie (Joe) Snell; Sarah (Clark) Bobert; and Jane (Gary) Borgerding; grandchildren: Lindsay Thomas, Leslie (Chelsie) Larson, Mitch (Anika Hanson) Thomas; Kara (Kelsey) Monahan; Zak (Becca Dille) Snell; Bailee Bobert; Cody (Hope Yeo) Bobert; Sean (Katy) Borgerding; Aaron (Kate Karch) Borgerding; great grandchildren: Kennedy and Keaton Monahan; Ty Thomas; Kaeson, Nash and Sierra Thomas; Myah and Braxton Evans; brother Larry (Glenise) Thomas; sister-in-law Audrey (Rod) Flatland; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends along with many former players and colleagues

Celebration of life will be on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. at the Spring Valley High School Gym.  Please wear your favorite sports attire.

Funeral service for Bob will be Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie with visitation for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Downsville, Wisconsin. Memorials are preferred, in lieu of flowers, for a scholarship fund to be established in Bob's name.

In honor of Coach Thomas, the lights at the Spring Valley football field will be turned on Friday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. We invite others to join us at the field if you wish to do so. Various other high schools in the area may also be participating, along with UW-Stout and UW River Falls.

Barry Bradley Wentlandt, Age 67
Barry Bradley Wentlandt, age 67, of Spring Valley, WI peacefully passed away Monday, March 2, 2026 surrounded by family at his home. 

Barry was born May 7, 1958 to his parents Harry and Margaret “Peg” (Brahmer) Wentlandt. Barry grew up in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, graduating high school from Spring Valley High School in 1976. 

On May 9th, 1981 Barry married Charlotte (Anderson) Wentlandt and spent 44 years together.  Their marriage was blessed with two children, Trent and Tara.

Barry spent 42 years at Nor-Lake as a Refrigeration Tech, retiring in 2023. 

In 1982, Barry joined the Spring Valley Fire Department and eventually joined the Spring Valley Ambulance Service in 1988. Barry proudly served his community as an EMT for 10 years and as a firefighter for an astonishing 40 years, retiring in 2022. 

When Barry wasn’t fighting fires and helping those around him, you could find him in the woods hunting, on a lake fishing, cooking syrup at the Wentlandt Sugar Bush, in a tractor turning dirt or riding the UTV with family and friends. 

Barry cherished his time with family and friends, either with a mischievous grin on his face or a full body chuckle while telling stories that took twice as long as they should have.

Barry is survived by his wife Charlotte; his children, Tara Wentlandt and Trent (Heather) Wentlandt; grandsons Easton, Bennett and Bryce; his sisters Verla Solberg, Jean Shafer and Kathleen (Roger) Hellendrung, in-laws Marlon Anderson, Marlowe (Carol) Anderson, Martin Anderson, Charilyn Anderson and many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-laws Bob Shafer and Herb Solberg, his father and mother in-law Malcolm and Jeanette (Bjornstad) Anderson, sister-in-law Charlene (Anderson) Birkel and his favorite “child” Booker, as well as many other family and friends that he’s catching up with now.

Honorary Bearers are Mike Wentlandt, Al Morrissey, Steve Price, Einar Sandom, Allan Faber, Scott Brahmer, Keith Brahmer, Bob Ducklow, Jeff Powell, and Mike Jacobson

Visitation for Barry will be on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Gilman Lutheran Church in Spring Valley and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday. .Memorial service will be Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Gilman Lutheran Church, Spring Valley.Burial will be in Gilman Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley.

Mary (Hyde) Richardson, Age 80
Mary (Hyde) Richardson, age 80, formerly of Baldwin, died peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from complications of a stroke. She had been residing at Woodland Hill Presbyterian Homes in Hudson.

Mary was born on May 19, 1945, and grew up on a dairy farm outside Hammond as the fourth of five children born to the late Ronald and Honor Hyde. From an early age, she showed a natural curiosity in learning. At just three years old, she could recite all 50 states and capitals—a feat never surpassed within the family and one Honor used as an inspiration for future generations. She graduated as salutatorian from St. Croix Central High School in 1963 and went on to earn a degree in Secondary Education (Math and Chemistry) from UW-River Falls, later a certificate in Computer Science.

At UW-River Falls, she became reacquainted with Donald Richardson ('61) of Spring Valley whom she had first met during high school at the Baldwin Dairy Queen. Mary and Don were married a few years later in August 1966 with children Angie and Chris following in the 1970s.

Mary greatly enjoyed her career as a high school math teacher, spending most of those years at her alma mater. Many of her former students likely have her to thank for their math skills, and perhaps for a few “character-building” lessons on integrity as well. While her high standards could be demanding, they were rooted in her desire to see her students succeed and leave them better prepared for the future. Angie and Chris can certainly attest to that.

While teaching at St. Croix Central, Mary built a wonderful circle of lifelong friends, sharing summer evenings on the golf course and year-round gatherings. Later, at Woodland Hill, she was again blessed with a community of friends and caregivers who showed her immense kindness and kept her mind sharp at the bridge table.

Mary approached life with quiet determination. A woman of many talents, she enjoyed reading, baking, crocheting, golfing, and spending time with her grandchildren. Mary wasn’t always good at asking for help and, later in life, faced difficulties related to alcohol. In her memory, please help reduce the stigma that weighs heavily on those seeking help and on their loved ones.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Don; her parents; and her brother, Jim Hyde.

She is survived by her children, Angie (Derek) Hubbard and Chris (Jaime) Richardson; and her grandchildren: Emily, Sarah, Anna, Logan, Dylan, and Ella. She is also survived by her siblings, Colleen (the late Bill) Evenson, Bill (Mary) Hyde, and Jack (the late Anne) Hyde, along with many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to gather in Mary’s memory on Wednesday, July 1 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond. A Prayer Service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Woodland Hill Presbyterian Homes, St Croix County ADRC, or an addiction recovery center of your choosing.

Lois Elaine Bjornson Larson, Age 95
Lois Elaine Larson, nee Bjornson, of River Falls, Wisconsin, was born on November 10, 1930, and passed away on February 6, 2026, at age 95. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Norris Larson; her daughter-in-law, Bernice Larson; and her grandson, Adam Risvold.

She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte (Stephen) Risvold; sons, Gregg (Patti) Larson, Mark Larson, Scott (Susan) Larson, and Daniel Larson; along with seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Lois loved her family and trusted in the Lord. We take comfort knowing she is now at peace.  Private service and interment in Fort Snelling National Cemetery with her husband, Norris.

Sharon Odessa (Budd) Alton, Age 84
Sharon Odessa (Budd) Alton, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother completed her earthly journey on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Olivia, MN, at the age of 84. Funeral Services will be on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia with Rev. Matt Hausken officiating. Burial will be on Friday, February 13th at 3:00 p.m. at Elim Lutheran Cemetery in rural Osakis, MN. All are welcome to attend the graveside service. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Olivia and will continue on Friday for one hour prior to the service at the church.
A live stream of Sharon’s service will be available at the time of her service on Friday, the link can be found on her obituary on the funeral home website. 
Sharon was born to Charles Henry, Jr. and Floy (Bertelsen) Budd on February 25, 1941, in Minneapolis. She was the youngest of six children, the only girl and loved her brothers dearly. Sharon’s life was dedicated to God, family and community.
Sharon’s education started at Spring Valley Wisconsin Public School, graduating in the class of 1958. In her high school years she was active in band, choir and cheerleading. It was during this time that Sharon and Richard started dating. They married after high school and together raised their family of three. They balanced work, family and school while Richard worked and pursued his college education. She continued her education later at Granite Falls Technical College where she earned a legal secretarial degree, followed by attending Willmar Community College, where she earned an associate degree. Sharon wholeheartedly believed in the power of education. She worked at law offices in Olivia, the Renville County Hospital and as Activity Director at the Olivia Nursing Home, and ran her Christian bookstore in Sauk Centre for several years.
Sharon’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. It fueled her desire to serve, sing, and spread the faith. An avid reader and lover of nature, Sharon found solace in the pages of scripture and the beauty of God’s creations. Her green thumb blossomed in her gardens in Olivia and lake place in Sauk Centre (that they called Shalom). Family camping trips, cooking, swimming, pontoon rides on the lake, and listening to the loons were among her favorite pastimes.
Sharon and Richard loved singing with the Benson Choraliers, Prairie Arts Chorale, and the Woodbury Chorus and Orchestra spanning more than 60 years. She volunteered her time to both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, accompanying the Girl Scouts to Washington D.C. in 1975. She loved to travel and visited many of the Minnesota parks, and relatives near and far, and in 2002 achieved a lifelong dream of traveling to Switzerland with the Woodbury Chorus and Orchestra where they toured and performed.
Sharon was a proud and supportive grandmother who enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow, rarely missing an opportunity to watch a concert, sporting event, play, or visiting with them over the phone. Sharon's love for singing resonated through to her great grandchildren, as it was always a custom to sing a song together before parting ways.
Sharon is joining her parents, Charles “Doc” and Floy “Ma”; Richard’s parents, Forrest and Carol Alton; and brothers: Charles Henry Budd III, Galen, Bertel, Ronald, and Harold Budd in heaven. She is remembered by her husband of 66 years, Richard; her children: Kenneth (Stephanie), Richard Jr. (Sandy), and daughter, Jamie (Paul); along with her grandchildren: Nicholas, Jenna, Thomas, Brian, Jennifer, Timothy, Mallory, and Paul; and her 13 great-grandchildren, who will remember her love, and faith.
As we bid farewell to Sharon, we celebrate the life she lived full of music, family and faith. 

Judith Grant Wilson, Age 82
Judith Grant Wilson passed peacefully to the next world on January 27, 2026. Judith Grant Wilson was born at home on the farm in Spring Valley, WI on July 26, 1944 to Bernard and Ioliene (Bjornstad) Grant.  She was baptized into the Catholic Faith at Sacred Heart Parish, Spring Valley, WI.  Her first eight years of schooling were at a one room school with one teacher for all the grades.  In 1962 she graduated from Spring Valley High School.

After High School she traveled to San Francisco and became involved with the Divine Principle being taught by Reverend and Mrs. Moon. Through the church she traveled to many states and countries to share the message to create peace in the troubled world.  She started in North Dakota and that mission led her to the UN, the US Congress and many churches across the country.  She traveled extensively to Europe, China, Japan, Korea and Israel.  In Israel she tried to bring the message of peace and love by going door to door bringing her message.  She felt that she “did her best” in all her travels.
She was married in a large marriage celebration in Madison Square Garden. She was blessed to have a daughter, Kimberly Wilson. Judy found that parental love was the pinnacle of her life and the greatest blessing she ever received.

Judy and Kimberly returned to Wisconsin in 1996.  She began to get deeply involved in family history and heritage of the Bjornstad and Grant families. Her research took her to Ireland, Norway and Canada.  She was from a large family and thoroughly enjoyed all the family functions over the years.  Since her cancer diagnosis in February, 2025 she was able to attend all the family functions while still receiving treatment.

Judy really lived her life for peace.  Her greatest wish was to have a peaceful world.
Judy was preceded in death by many Bjornstad and Grant relatives, including, her parents, Bernard & Ioliene Grant, brother Mark Grant and brother-in-law David Bibeau. She is survived by her greatest blessing, her daughter Kimberly Wilson and her husband Joshua Troemner. Other family includes her sisters Beverly Bibeau, Mary (Charles) Woiwode, and brothers B.J. (Barb) Grant, James Grant and Barry (Pam) Grant, along with many nieces and nephews.

Thank you to St. Croix Health & Rehab for the wonderful care she received.   Special thanks to Judy’s good friends who shared her journey with her.
Rather than memorials, the family would like you to make a donation to your favorite charity or church of your choosing.  Please continue to pray for peace in our world.

A visitation will be held on  Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 11:00 am- 2:00 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E Division St.) in River Falls.  Private interment will be at St. Bridget Catholic Church Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Vernon Raehsler, Age 85
Vernon Raehsler, 85, of River Falls, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Comforts of Home in River Falls.

Vern was born June 8, 1940, to Francis and Edna (Herum) Raehsler in Newport, Minnesota. He grew up and attended Spring Valley Schools, graduating with the Class of 1958.  He entered the U. S. Army in 1958 and served in Alaska and was later stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  While in the service, Vernon married Sharon Krizan at the Presbyterian Church in Baldwin.  They were blessed with children Karen and Ernest.

He lived in Baldwin for about 15 years and then moved to the cities where he started his business  Vern’s Welding and Repair.  He was a self-taught Master Welder.  He lived in Bagley, Minnesota for several years and more recently moved to River Falls.

He loved fishing in Canada in the spring, gardening, specializing in tomatoes, cucumbers and cabbage and made homemade sauerkraut.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents; son Ernest, brother Marvin, and sister Ellen (Duane) Hall. He is survived by his daughter Karen (Robin) McCoy, grandchildren: Ellie (Nathan) Phillips, Tiffany, Laura Raehsler, Brianna, Meghan, and Ernest Raehsler Jr.;  great grandson Lincoln Phillips; along with other great grandchildren,  relatives and friends.

Visitation for Vernon will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. Memorial service will follow visitation on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Keehr Funeral home. Military Honors will be performed by Rickerd-Danielson American Legion Post 227 of Spring Valley. Burial will be in Gilman Lutheran Cemetery, Spring Valley.

Sharon Wettleson Johnson, Age 90
Sharon Wettleson Johnson passed away on January 10, 2026. When her obituary is available it will be posted on this page.

Shirley Ann (Sorenson) Anderson, Age 97
Shirley Ann (Sorenson) Anderson, formerly of Hudson, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026 just days shy of her 98th birthday.

Shirley was born to Henry and Myrtle Sorenson on January 14,  1928, one of nine children. She was baptized and later on confirmed at Gilman Lutheran Church where she remained active. Shirley grew up on the family farms in Gilman Township, Spring Valley, WI. She attended one room country schools in the area and then Gilman Center, where she attended Grades 7 and 8. In 1946 Shirley graduated from Spring Valley High School.

Shirley enjoyed farm life and was a hard working dedicated person to help her family with farming. After high school, she chose to stay on the farm to work.

On June 20, 1947, she married Orin Anderson, also of Spring Valley. After Orin was discharged from the military service, he took a job as Chief of Police for 25 years in Gurnee, Illinois.

While there, they raised their four children. Orin retired from his job and they moved to Hudson where they were part-time caretakers of Mar-Len Apartments and to be near Shirley’s parents. Orin passed away on July 18, 1977 of a heart condition.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents;  husband Orin Anderson; daughter Cynthia Anderson; brothers Harland, Wayne, Jim and David; sisters Donna Butts, Arlene Nelson and Judy Vanasse. She is survived by her sons Steven (Teri), Jeffery (Terry); daughter Lori (Jeffrey) Crownover; grandchildren Michelle, Tara, Steve Jr., Renee, Sean, Andrew, and Nicole; great-grandchildren Nicholas, Sophie, Isabelle, Grace, Kennedy, Jack, Lilly, Ben, and Jack; brother Rollin (Sue); sister-in-law Marlene Grace, Kennedy, Jack, Lilly, Ben, and Jack; brother Rollin (Sue); sister-in-law Marlene and first cousin Esther (Dick) Nelson.

Future arrangements will be made for a gravesite service at Gilman Lutheran Church Cemetery in Spring Valley, WI.