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Jessie Vander Galien
RANDOLPH - Jessie Vander Galien, 90, a resident of Continental Manor, Randolph, died on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001, at the manor.
The funeral was held on Monday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m., at the First Randolph Christian Reformed Church.
Mrs. Vander Galien was born on Sept. 9, 1910, the daughter of Gerrit and Bertha (Huizenga) Stiemsma. She was married
on Oct. 8, 1930, to Willard Vander Galien in Friesland.
Mrs. Vander Galien and her husband settled on a farm in the Friesland area raising cattle and crops and she became a great homemaker. The Vander Galien's were blessed with 10 children, five sons and five daughters. They enjoyed building a very close family relationship and worked hard to provide for their well being in a Christian home.
Mrs. Vander Galien was a member of the First Randolph Christian Reformed Church and was very involved with several church societies. She made her life work being a loving wife, mother and homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, baking, making afghans and all sorts of needle work. She also enjoyed writing her life story in book form. After the death of her husband in December 1987, she continued to live on the family homestead until she became a resident of the Continental Manor in September 1998.
Survivors include 10 children, Harold (Angie) Vander Galien, Dade City, Fla., Gilbert Vander Galien, Eldorado, William (Evelyn) Vander Galien, Cambria, Erma (Donald) Kindschuh, Waupun, Beatrice (Kenneth) Smits, Troy, Mich., Roy (Linda) Vander Galien, Ada, Mich. Norma (Dr. Thomas) Meyer, Denver, Colo., Suzanne (Craig) Pihl, Hudsonville, Mich., Junice (Richard) Greenfield, Markesan, and Warren (Mitzi) Vander Galien, Indianapolis, Ind.; 30 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Kok, Cambria; three sisters-in-law, Sarah Stiemsma, Julia Stiemsma, and Jennie De Jager, all of Randolph; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Willard, in 1987; one grandson, Jeffrey Vander Galien; and one daughter-in-law, Evelyn Vander Galien.
Friends called on Sunday, Jan. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Randolph Community Funeral Home, and on Monday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. until the time of service, at the First Randolph Christian Reformed Church.
A memorial fund is being established in Jessie's name.
Charles Berke Jr.
Charles "Don" Berke Jr., 71, of Beaver Dam, died on Monday, Nov. 13, 2000, at the Beaver Dam Care Center, after a heroic long battle with cancer.
A memorial Mass was held on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, in Beaver Dam, and another is planned to take place in Connecticut in early spring. Don's ashes have been buried in Bluff City cemetery, Elgin, Ill., alongside his mother and father.
Mr. Berke was born on Nov. 26, 1928, in Elgin, Ill., the son of Charles and Verna (Reinking) Berke.
Mr. Berke was a respected organist and choirmaster, and a valued friend to many. He grew up in Wayne and later Fox River Grove, Ill. In high school his exceptional talent as a pianist was rewarded with a scholarship to study at Chicago Musical College, and in 1950, he received a bachelors degree in music from Northwestern University.
Mr. Berke joined the Air Force in 1952, serving as an organist and administrative aid in the United States and in England until 1956. He returned to civilian life a converted Catholic. His formal musical training continued at the Juilliard School in New York City, and he was awarded a masters degree in 1960. For more than a decade Don worked as a professional musician in the New York area, as a chorister, organist and choirmaster in several parishes. He worked with adult and children's choirs, with classical lieder as well as musical comedy, and as the pianist for a ballet company. Although his aspirations for a solo concert career were never realized, he maintained a studio in which to practice and develop his own art throughout this period. In 1971, he received a masters in library science from Columbia University and until 1974, in addition to his work as a musician, he worked as a librarian at Hunter College.
Mr. Berke moved to Connecticut in the mid 70s and, by his own account, his best years began. After working as organist, teacher and choirmaster in several churches, he found a home in St. Peter Church in Higganum. He had a grand piano in his house and was able to practice at any time. His friend of many years, author Paul Horgan lived in nearby Middletown, and Don enjoyed an active social and cultural life. Following Horgan's death in 1995, however, Don decided to return to the Midwest of his childhood.
Although the move to Beaver Dam coincided with a diagnosis of cancer, Don was optimistic about his new life. His apartment overlooked the big lake, and he loved seeing the seasonal changes, especially those bringing snow and ice. He renewed old friendships, cultivated new ones, and somehow managed to sustain those that were now long-distance. Although the uncertainties surrounding his illness prevented him from working, he often played the organ for services in his apartment building and, to the delight of anyone within hearing, he continued to practice on his digital piano. In 1998, a new and more aggressive cancer was diagnosed and, when conventional treatment proved ineffective, Don opted to undergo intensive experimental therapy in Madison. On one of his visits he asked if he could play a piano that stood mute and locked shut in the hospital lobby--because, he explained, "it might make people feel better." "Can you play?" "Yes." "All right, then." With that, the chain was removed and Don played to an astonished and enthusiastic audience.
Anatole Broyard wrote that being ill and dying is largely a matter of "style," and he advised every sick person "to evolve a style or develop a voice for his or her illness." Don's style was intensely independent and private. It was therefore revealing to read in his own unfinished obituary that he regarded his long battle with cancer as "heroic."
Don's conviviality, wit, and irrepressible generosity were legendary. He will be missed.
Survivors include relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The Murray Community Funeral Home, Beaver Dam, is serving the family.
Lyle L. Miller
MAYVILLE - Lyle L. Miller, 72, of 26 N. German St., Mayville, died on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2001, at his home.
The funeral will be held on Friday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m., at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Mayville. The Rev. Edward Blonski will officiate. Burial will be in St. John's cemetery, Mayville. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post No. 69.
Mr. Miller was born on Oct. 11, 1928, in Williamstown, the son of Matt and Adela (Block) Miller. He was married
on May 16, 1953, to Gladys Franke in Herman.
Mr. Miller retired from C.C. Linck of Beaver Dam. He was an active member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Mayville, serving on numerous boards, most recently on the finance committee and St. John's Easter breakfast committee. He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the U.S. Army. He was also a member of the Mayville VFW Post No. 10170 and most recently senior vice commander.
Survivors include his wife, Gladys Miller, Mayville; two daughters, Barbara (Steven) Johnson, Woodinville, Wash., and Susan (Jay) Giese, Mayville; one brother, Vilas (Betty) Miller, Mayville; one nephew, Rick Miller, Mayville; four grandchildren, Mason and Kristopher Giese and Kyle and Blake Johnson; one great-grandson, Brett; relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Lloyd Miller.
Friends may call on Friday, Jan. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m., at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Mayville.
The Koepsell Funeral Home, Mayville, is serving the family.
Viola O. Schwantes
JUNEAU - Viola O. Schwantes, 88, of W5078 Club Ground Road, Juneau, died on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2001, at Beaver Dam Community Hospital.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m., at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Horicon. The Rev. Samuel Jackson will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill cemetery, Horicon.
Mrs. Schwantes was born on June 20, 1912, in Hubbard, the daughter of Edward and Theresa (Sauer) Franke. She was married
on June 20, 1934, to Herbert Schwantes in Horicon.
Mrs. Schwantes was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Horicon.
Survivors include one sister, LaVerne Frank, Hartford; one brother, Harold (Marian) Franke, Horicon; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert, in 2000, and one sister, Irma Margelofsky.
Friends may call on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. until the time of service, at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Horicon.
Memorials may be made to Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Horicon.
The Koepsell Funeral Home, Mayville, is serving the family.
Eleanor Mersch
Eleanor Mersch, 90, a resident of Hillside Manor, formerly of W9572 Canary Road, Beaver Dam, died on Monday, Jan. 15, 2001, at Beaver Dam Community Hospital.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m., at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Beaver Dam. The Rev. Daniel Massie will officiate. Burial will be in St. Peter's cemetery, Beaver Dam.
Mrs. Mersch was born on Jan. 10, 1911, in Glen Haven, the daughter of William and Suzanne (Rauch) Kumba. She was married
on July 23, 1938, to John J. Mersch in Beaver Dam.
Mrs. Mersch was a longtime resident of Beaver Dam, and a graduate of St. Peter's School, class of 1925. Before her marriage, she worked as a practical nurse in the area for over 11 years. She was a former secretary for the Ladies Auxiliary of the PMPC Local, and was the district and state secretary of the State Board of the Ladies Auxiliary of the PMPC for several years. She was also active in the 4-H Club county milk production for many years. She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Beaver Dam, the Catholic Women's Society of St. Peter's and the Daughters of Isabella.
Survivors include her two daughters, Margaret (Arthur) Bennett, Beaver Dam, and Kathleen (Roger) Riechers, Belmont; two sons, John T. (Jean) Mersch, Fox Lake, and Charles (Mary) Mersch, Beaver Dam; one daughter-in-law, Sandra Mersch, Beaver Dam; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Bernice (Joseph) Slaske, Stevens Point; one brother, Herbert (Alberdeen) Kumba, Tucson, Ariz.; one sister-in-law, Lucille Kumba, Burlington; one brother-in-law, William Billingslea, Las Vegas; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 1990; one son, Joseph, in 1994; one great-grandson, Jason Patrick Leuenberger; two brothers, Alfred Kumba and William Kumba, in infancy; and five sisters, Margaret Kumba, Evelyn Kumba, Lucille Scheel, Dorothy Foster and Lorraine Billingslea.
Friends may call on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Murray Community Funeral Home, Beaver Dam. There will be a parish vigil at 7:45 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Unified Catholic Parish Schools (U.C.P.S.), or to the charity of one's choice.
David J. Clark
JANESVILLE - David J. Clark, 49, formerly of Columbus, died on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2001, at Mercy Hospital, Janesville.
The funeral will be held on Friday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m., at the Jones-Jensen Funeral Home, Columbus. The Rev. Richard G. Habenicht will officiate. Burial will be in Hillside cemetery, Columbus.
Mr. Clark was born on Feb. 6, 1951, in Niles, Mich., the son of Harold "Jerry" and Delores (Swanson) Clark.
Mr. Clark graduated from the Wisconsin Academy, Columbus, then attended Columbia County Normal Teachers College, Columbus, from 1969 to 1971. He was employed as a training consultant for Green Thumb in De Pere from 1971 to 1974. He owned and operated Columbus Wholesale Foliage in Fall River from 1974 to 1982. He was then a literary evangelist for six years. He was a member of the Wisconsin Academy Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
Survivors include his mother, Delores Clark, Columbus; one brother, Daniel (Shelly) Clark, Columbus; maternal grandmother, Edna Swanson, Columbus; two nieces; relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents; maternal grandfather; father, Jerry, in 1981; and one brother, Jim, in 1992.
Friends may call on Thursday, Jan. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Jones-Jensen Funeral Home, Columbus.
Memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Academy Worthy Student Fund.
John Baumhardt
EDEN - John "Ike" Baumhardt, 73, of 300 E. Main St., Eden, died on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2001, at his home with his family by his side.
The funeral was held on Monday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Eden. The Rev. Kevin Wester officiated. Cremation followed.
Mr. Baumhardt was born on Dec. 23, 1927, the son of John and Viola (Fitzpatrick) Baumhardt. He was married
on Oct. 17, 1951, to Rosella Goebel, at St. Mary's Church, Eden.
Mr. Baumhardt lived a life of service for all who knew him. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. He worked as a dairy farmer in South Eden for more than 20 years. He then moved to the village of Eden and worked as a foreman for Brenner Tank in 1993. He was also a past village trustee and served on the Eden volunteer fire department for 30 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoyed retirement by hunting, fishing, making maple syrup and spending time with family. He touched the lives of all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Rosella; six children, Bob (Barb) Baumhardt, Eden, Jeannie Baumhardt, Fond du Lac, Tom Baumhardt, Appleton, Jon (Kelly) Baumhardt, Horicon, Mary Snortum, Fond du Lac, and Barbie (Chris) Baumhardt-Lechner, Fond du Lac; one brother, George (Jeannette) Baumhardt, Eden; two sisters, Irene (Jack) Majerus, Eden, and Florence Ringhand, Fond du Lac; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Helen McCrory; and one grandson, David Baumhardt.
Friends called on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Twohig Funeral Home, Fond du Lac, with a parish vigil at 7 p.m.
A memorial has been established.
Kenneth R. Warren
Kenneth R. Warren, 82, of 226 1/2 Roller Ave. Beaver Dam, died on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, at Sylvan Crossings Assisted Living.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m., at Peace Lutheran Church, Beaver Dam. The Rev. John Breitwisch will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery, Beaver Dam.
Mr. Warren was born on Feb. 24, 1918, in Hewitt, the son of Charles and Anna (Herman) Warren. He was married
to Angerina Beilfuss. He was married
to Mary Corozalla.
Mr. Warren was adopted by John (Rosells) Knoll, after his father's death. A mechanic, he owned and operated a truck driving firm which hauled gravel and lime used as fertilizer. He was an over the road truck driver for Hanefeld Brothers before his retirement. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Beaver Dam.
Survivors include three sons, Russ Warren, Ron (Nina) Warren, and Bob (Mary Ann) Warren, all of Beaver Dam; one sister, Dorothy Rebecca Mitchell, Columbia City, Ind.; one half-brother, Wilbur (Geraldine) Federwitz, Marshfield; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his second wife, Mary.
Friends may call on Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Koepsell Funeral Home, Beaver Dam, and on Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. until the time of service, at Peace Lutheran Church, Beaver Dam.
Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, Beaver Dam.
Leon F. Weisensel
WATERTOWN - Leon F. Weisensel, 63, of W8030 Highway J, Watertown, died in his sleep on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2001, at Meriter Hospital, Madison, after a struggle with liver cancer.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Clyman. The Revs. John L. Simon and Howard Haase will officiate. Burial will be in St. Isadore cemetery, Clyman.
Mr. Weisensel was born on Sept. 20, 1937, in Clyman, the son of Ignatius and Ellanora (Roffeis) Weisensel. He was married
on April 15, 1961, to Dianna Lisko in Clyman.
Mr. Weisensel was a lifelong resident of the Lowell-Reeseville area. He was a lifelong farmer on the family dairy farm, and most recently worked at QFG in Beaver Dam. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Clyman, where he was a dedicated lector of the parish, and the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his wife, Dianna Weisensel, Watertown; two sons, Scott C. (Liz) Weisensel, and Anthony Weisensel, both of Watertown; he was a loving grandfather to four grandchildren, Joseph, Monica, Ashley and Jessica Weisensel; four sisters, Cyrilla Reed, Lynn (Clarence) Meyer, and Maggie (Jack) Maynard, all of Milwaukee, and Rita Haase, Juneau; five brothers, Ignatius (Rosie) Weisensel, Columbus, Donald (Vernette) Weisensel, Watertown, Adrian (Joan) Weisensel, Iron Ridge, Arnold (Yvonne) Weisensel, Watertown, and Bernard Weisensel, Shorewood; two sisters-in-law, Emma Weisensel, Reeseville, and Dorothy (Dennis) Dehne, Elcho; two brothers-in-law, Donald (Lolly) Lisko, Sumner, Wash., and Dennis (Sally) Lisko, Juneau; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Linas and Marcellus Weisensel; and two brothers-in-law, Robert Haase and Kenneth Checkai.
Friends may call on Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Clyman.
The Murray Community Funeral Home, Reeseville, is serving the family.
