April 2014

Montfort, WI-Joseph Charles Straka, age 86, died on Saturday April 26, 2014 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Joseph was born on Jan. 27, 1928 in Montfort the son of Wencel and Margaret (Winters) Straka. He was united in marriage to Hazel Vesperman on Jan. 26, 1952 in Fennimore and together they had 11 children. After returning home from serving in the US Army, Joe went to work driving Semi for Russell Fortney for a few years and then worked at the Cobb Canning Factory. In 1955 he began farming in rural Montfort. He continued farming until moving into  Montfort […]

Theodore J. “Ted” Griswold, age 93 of Livingston, Wisconsin passed away on April 23, 2014 at UW Hospital in Madison.  The son of Theodore E. and Delphia Griswold, he was born on August 4, 1920 in the township of Clifton. He married Dolores Beerkircher in 1941 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Agriculture in 1942. He was a renowned cattleman, livestock breeder and steward of the land. He leaves behind a legacy of community service, having served as the first president of the Iowa-Grant school district as well as a candidate for Wisconsin State Senate. He is

Madison – Betty Lou Spoerle, age 79, died unexpectedly on Mon. April 21, 2014 at her residence in Madison.  Betty Lou was born on Jan. 18, 1935 in Fennimore, WI the daughter of James and Madeleine (Cordts) Spraggon. She married Richard Spoerle on Nov. 29, 1958. Following graduation from Fennimore High School, Betty Lou moved to Madison and worked for Farmers Mutual Insurance.  Betty Lou then stayed home and raised her family including Michael Everson who became an extended member of the family. When her children were grown, Betty Lou worked for 10 years in food service at Huegel Elementary

Lancaster, WI-Thomas James Wall, age 65, died unexpectedly on Monday March 31, 2014 at his residence in North Lancaster Township, Grant Co., WI. Tom was born on March 13, 1949 in Lamont, IA the son of Clement Sr. & Virginia (Adams) Wall. He was united in marriage to Vivian Root on April 24, 1971 in Lancaster, WI. Following graduation from Lancaster High School in 1967, Tom worked for Kelly Springfield in Freeport, IL and then farmed on the family farm.  He later worked for Frito Lay in Monroe before returning back to the family farm while also working at Skyline