Jeremiah James H.C. Gowey of Presidio, Texas and formerly of Sparta, Wisconsin died without permission of his Dad, Monday, June 28, 2010.

     He is survived by his parents, Gene and Christine (Keyes) Gowey of Sparta; his sisters, Dr. Brandie E. Gowey of Flagstaff, Arizona, Jessica (Gowey) Nemec of Madison, and a brother, Joshua David Gowey, student at the University of Dubuque, Iowa.

     Jeremiah was born to life in Madison, Wisconsin on August 20, 1982, he was 27 when he died. As much as he loved sports, motorcycles were his passion. Jeremiah graduated from Logan High School in 2000 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He graduated from there in December 2007 as a geologist. As a freshman pitcher he had an award for the lowest on base percentage for a pitcher. The record still stands. Following his graduation Jeremiah pitched semi pro ball for two years. He switched carrears and joined the United States Border Patrol. He was assigned to duty in Presidio, Texas.

     Jeremiah was also an active member of the Army Reserve DET 1 1152^nd Transportation Company, Fort Mc Coy, Wisconsin.

     He will be remembered by his family and friends as someone who lived his life to the fullest, with no fear to take chances or make change. He cared passionately for his family and for the safety and health of his country. He dedicated his life to service to humanity – SEMPER FI.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 2 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta with Father Bernard Mc Coy officiating.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Monday from 10 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. There will be a Rosary Service at the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Full military honors will follow the Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Memorials may be given to Naturo Path International, this is an organization affiliated with Jeremiah’s sister, Dr. Brandi E. Gowey.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

     Rachelle Filter, 62, of Tomah died Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at Tomah Memorial Hospital in Tomah.

     Graveside funeral services will be Friday at 2:15 p.m. at Halfway Creek Cemetery, rural Holmen.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Friday from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Burial with full military honors will be in the Halfway Creek Cemetery. 

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Ethel F. Brown, 98, of Sparta died Monday, June 28, 2010 at the Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. She was born on March 13, 1912 in Sparta to John and Celia (Pfaff) Steele. She was baptized on September 19, 1912 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Sparta and was confirmed on April 7, 1932 at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Cataract.

     Ethel grew up on the home farm in the Melvina area. She attended the Melvina School and graduated from the 8^th grade in 1926. She married Lester E. Brown on March 13, 1952. After marriage, they lived in Cataract. Lester passed away in 1967. Ethel moved to Sparta in 1969.

     Aunt Ethel dedicated her life to family and friends. She kept the ever widening circle in touch with her wonderful newsy letters. She was the family historian. Her memory of people, places and events was astounding. Equally renown was her cooking and baking, as well as her beautifully crocheted afghans and doilies. To be the receipent of her gift of self was our treasure trove.

     She is survived by a brother, La Vern (Kathy) Steele of La Crosse; three step-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Lilah Pfaff, Vena Rugg, Viola Burnett; a brother, Ray Steele; step-son, Harlan Brown; nephew, John Steele.

     Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Sparta with Reverend Mark Wessel officiating. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. 

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

     Leone M. Lahm, 89, of Sparta, died Sunday, June 27, 2010 at Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center, Sparta. She was born in Hurley, WI to Desolyn and Frank Stosik. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Hurley and also Lincoln High School, graduating as a National Honor Student. Upon graduation from high school, she entered and graduated from Miss Brown’s Business College in Milwaukee, WI.

     Leone worked for the Iron County Welfare Department for two years. She later became Assistant Draft Board Clerk in Iron County, WI. In 1943, she was assigned by Civil Service to become the Draft Board Clerk of Monroe County here in Sparta. She later became an insurance agent and worked for the Monroe County Insurance Agency and First Insurance both in Sparta.

     Upon her retirement, Leone became active in volunteer work, serving as treasurer of the Monroe County Unit of the Salvation Army. She also worked as a volunteer at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, the VA in Tomah, and the Food Pantry here in Sparta. In addition, she served as receptionist for the bloodmobile visits in Sparta for over 40 years.

     Leone enjoyed gardening, refinishing furniture, and collecting antiques. She was a member of the Sparta City Choir and St. Patrick’s Adult Choir.

     Leone is survived by her son, Jim of Manor, TX and two daughters, Pat (Doug) Rentschler of Cottage Grove, WI and Mary Lahm of Highland Park, IL. She is further survived by her grandson, Christopher Rentschler of Janesville, WI and her granddaughter, Meghan Rentschler of Tampa, FL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, Frank and Desolyn Stosik, a sister, Agnes Mildren, an infant daughter, and her inlaws, Verna and Russell Lahm.

     A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father James Leary OFM Cap officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the VA Hospital in Tomah, WI and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Leora “Lee” L. Abbott, 71, of Sparta, died Friday, June 25, 2010 at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. She was born on April 10, 1939 in Billings, MT to Elzo and Velma (Zimmerman) Wilcox. She was the daughter of a pastor and they lived in many places in Wisconsin. She graduated from Cornell High School.

     Lee married Dwight J. Abbott on June 22, 1957 in Black River Falls, WI. They lived in the Cataract area for over 40 years. She worked for Howard’s Christmas Tree Farm in Cataract in the summer and Habelman’s Cranberry Marsh in the fall. She then worked at Spartek for over 25 years.

     Lee was a member of New Life Assembly of God Church in Sparta and enjoyed singing in the church choir. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and enjoyed family gatherings.

     She is survived by her children, Michael Abbott of Sparta, Thomas (Loreen) Abbott of Sparta, Brenda (Randy) Cole of Cataract, and DeLite (Royal) Culpitt of Cataract; 9 grandchildren, Eileen, Kathleen, Ashley, Marybeth, Hannah, Natalie, Eric, Malinda, and Deiter; 7 great grandchildren, Elena, Allie, Codi, Samantha, Bradly, Becka, and one on the way; a sister, Melba (Samuel) Johnson of Minneapolis, MN; a brother, Orlo (Aleta) Wilcox of Medford, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, Elzo and Velma; and her husband, Dwight on December 20, 1991.

     Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at New Life Assembly of God Church, Sparta, with Reverend Randy Williamson officiating. Burial will be in Cataract Cemetery, Cataract.

     Family and friends are invited to call at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of services. 

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Mabel M. Brohmer, 95, of Sparta died Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at the Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. She was born on May 23, 1915 on the Town of Wells, Monroe County, Wisconsin to Charles and Dora (Johnson) Ziegler. She grew up in the Town of Wells.  

     Mabel was united in marriage to Tony Brohmer on September 10, 1938 in Sparta. After marriage they farmed in the Sparta area until 1952 when they moved to Sparta. She was a member of the Sparta United Methodist Church and a member of the Lois Circle.

     She is survived by a daughter, Carol (Ron) Schmitz of Janesville, WI; a son, Dennis (Maria) Brohmer of Chile, South America; five grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Vera Siekert of Sparta; two brothers, Clair Ziegler of Tomah, and Loren (Florence) Ziegler of Eau Claire.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tony on April 15, 1981; four brothers, Leonard, Clayton, Harold, Charles; two sisters, Bergetta, Verna, and an infant son.

     Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Sparta with Reverend David Carlson officiating. Burial will be in the Farmers Valley Cemetery, rural Sparta.

     Friends may call at the United Methodist Church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.      The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

     Bruce K. Linnehan, 71, of Sparta, died Sunday, June 20, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.  He was born on October 4, 1938 in Sparta, WI to Winnie and Ruby (Hendersin) Linnehan.  He grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School.

     He worked for Leon Township as a patrolman for many years.  He farmed in Leon and retired in 1980.

     He married Sharon Gilbertson on May 1, 1965 in Sparta.

     Bruce built a shop on the farm and he enjoyed working with his metal and wood lathes and welding.  He made parts for his brother’s pulling tractor and he enjoyed making wood furniture.  Bruce enjoyed the past years at his lake home in Holcombe, WI and spent all his summers there.  He loved the many family get togethers around the camp fires. He enjoyed fishing and the trips to Alaska and New Mexico to visit his sisters.

     Bruce was a friendly simple person who wanted to be buried just as he lived, simple.

     He is survived by his wife, Sharon of Sparta; children, Karen Linnehan and Alan Linnehan, both of Sparta; 3 grandchildren, Steven Linnehan, Ben Zillmer, and Kayla Owens all of Sparta; a brother, Mike (Ann) Linnehan of Sparta; 2 sisters, Pat (Paul) Paden of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Jeri (Richard) Burton of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Winnie and Ruby Linnehan; and a brother, Daniel Linnehan.

     It was Bruce’s wishes to have no services.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Hollie F. Coleman, 78, of Onalaska and formerly of Sparta died Sunday, June 20, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. He was born on April 25, 1932 in Oxford, MS to H. N. and Ida (Davis) Coleman  He grew up in Oxford, Mississippi. After school, he joined the U.S. Army in 1950 and served in the Korean War and was stationed in Korea.

     He married Erna E. Knie on June 7, 1951 in Houston, Mississippi.  After marriage, they lived in various military post all around the world.  On November 1, 1972 he retired from the Army, they lived in Jolon, CA.  They moved to Winona in 1973 and moved to Sparta in 1989.  Erna passed away on November 11, 2008.

     Hollie was a member of the American Legion Post 100, active member of the New Life Assembly of God Church in Sparta.  He enjoyed fishing and loved his dog, Barney.

     He is survived by his children, LeAnn (David) Virock of Houston, MN, Brian (Brenda) Coleman of Lake City, MN, Lori (Karl) Sussman of Parrish, FL, Pamela (Dennis) Benson of Rockland, WI, Barry (Peggy) Coleman of Dakota, MN, and Bill (Tina) Coleman of Minnesota City, MN;  11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Erna; and many brothers and sisters.

     Funeral services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the New Life Assembly of God Church, Sparta with Reverend Randy Williamson officiating.  Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 will be in the Farmers Valley Cemetery, rural Sparta.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of services.  

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

     Sally F. Johnson Serrurier, 76 passed away peacefully on June 19, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center , La Crosse.

She was born on February 28, 1934 to Herman and Alice (Carr) Schanhofer. She was married to the late Wayne Johnson and retired from the VA Hospital in Tomah. Sally never turned down an opportunity to travel with her family and friends.      

     Enjoyed by all was her annual Memorial Day picnic at her home. Sally was a long time member of the Sparta VFW auxiliary where she enjoyed the company of her many friends.

     Sally dearly loved her family and is survived by her children, Dianne (Jim) Felland of La Crosse ,Patricia (Dennis) Greer of Lenoir, N.C., Mark  (Lynette) Johnson of Winona, MN, Gary Johnson of Bloomington, MN, and Richard (Gina) Johnson of Auburndale, WI.

     She is further survived by 6 grandchildren, Jenny (Sean) Fortier of Savage, MN, Jill (Patrick) Andrews of Lenoir, NC, Tyler, Jordan and Alexandria Hallingstad of Eau Claire, and Nicolas Johnson, of La Crosse.

     Special to Sally’s heart were her 5 great grandchildren: Mayson and Riley Felland , James Fortier, Keira and John-Patrick Andrews.

     Other family members include brother, Michael (Bonnie) Schanhofer, Luxemburg, sisters, Jeanette (Roger Hutson) Andringa, Anita (Sherwin) Girard both of Sparta , Marilyn (Bob Bruns) Randolph of Tomah, and sisters-in-law Fran and Joan Schanhofer of Sparta. She will be deeply missed by her special friend Bill Stark.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Samuel Felland, La Crosse 5 brothers, Ted, Donald, John, Paul Robert, and infant brother Patrick, and a sister Marjorie “Joe” Winscher, and a sister-in-law, Veronica Schanhofer all of Sparta.  

     Memorial services will be Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, with Father James Leary OFM Cap officiating. Private burial will be at a later time in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Sparta.

       Visitation to be held at 10 a.m. until time of services at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.lanham-miller.com

      As Sally always said “This too shall pass”

     Lawrence Joel Clark III, infant son of Lawrence J. Jr. and Dawn (Rowell) Clark, passed away Friday, June 18, 2010 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.

     He is survived by his parents, Lawrence J. Jr. and Dawn Clark of Sparta; big brother, Donovan at home; maternal grandparents, Jesse and Carlene Rowell of Sparta and Judy Getter of Tomah; paternal grandparents, Linda and Lawrence Sr. Clark of Sparta; paternal great grandparents, Joan (Clint) Knott of Sparta and Lloyd Mahlum of Sparta; uncles, James Rowell of Sparta, Lloyd Clark of Kentucky, and Justin (Heather) Getter of Strum, WI; an aunt, Stephanie Beck of Independence, WI; a great uncle, Michael Rogers of Kentucky; and many other relatives and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his paternal great grandparents, Florence and Mathew Clark and maternal great grandparents, Floyd and Mertie Revels and James and Gertrude Rowell.

     Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, with Father James Leary OFM Cap officiating. Burial will be in Farmers Valley Cemetery, rural Sparta.

     Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of services. 

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.