Obituaries and Death Notices for Lafayette County, Wisconsin

Delbert Cook
Cuba City News-Herald (Cuba City, Wis.) Friday, 22 Feb. 1918; submitted by FoFG (mz)

Delbert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Cook, died early Saturday morning and was buried at Leadmine on Monday. Those from here who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Cook and daughter, Inez, Mr. and Mrs. L. Gillie, Mrs. T. S. Cook, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Lightcap.

Lawrence Dower
Oshkosh Daily Northwestern (Oshkosh, Wis.) Saturday, 10 May 1902; submitted by FoFG; MZ

St. Paul. Minn., May 10.—A Helena. Mont., special says: Lawrence Dower, of Shullsburg, Wis., who was injured in the explosion at the Washoe smelter at Anaconda Thursday, died of his injuries last night.

Margaret Elaine Wahl Gruenenfelder
Wisconsin State Journal, 12 Jan 2011 - Submitted By: Jim Honer

Margaret Elaine Wahl Gruenenfelder, age 84, daughter of Palmer and Monica Daly Wahl, died Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at Monroe Clinic Hospital surrounded by her family.
She attended Blanchardville Public Schools all but two years that were spent at Einerson Rural School and graduated BHS in 1944.
Margaret was born Nov. 21, 1926, on a farm in Blanchard Township. On May 23, 1944, she and Henry were married at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in rural Mount Horeb.
Eight children were born to this union, four sons and four daughters, fulfilling her desire for a large family.
She helped Henry on the farm for 16 years, plus being active in the Ingwell-Watrud Mothers Club, Hillside Homemakers, taught grade and high school religion classes, member of the Blanchardville Garden club for many years. Also, Pecatonica VFW Auxiliary and Dobson-Johnson American Legion Auxiliary. She was very proud of being just short of her 10 gallon pin for donation blood. She had a terrific Irish wit and her ability to remember names, dates and history was enviable. She faced and conquered many hardships in her life including her father dying when she was 9 years old, a brain abscess at age 39 causing paralysis and numerous operations but still kept a positive and bright outlook on life. She loved to sew, bake, can, read, work puzzles, grow house plants, have coffee, and visit with family and friends. And, her family was her greatest joy.
Survivors include her husband, Henry; children, Marilyn (Lee) Fahrney of Hollandale, Paul Gruenenfelder, Anita Kammerer of Brodhead, Allen Gruenenfelder, Gary (Murt) Gruenenfelder, Patricia Hendrickson, Mark (Kelly) Gruenenfelder and Ann (Denny) Marty all of Blanchardville; 26 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild; sisters, Marie (Bill) Rieder and Mary (Gene) Hendrickson of Blanchardville; brother, Mark (Charlotte) Wahl of Kileen, Texas; sisters-in-law, Donna Wahl of Monticello, and Hedy Wahl of Blanchardville; Henry's five sisters; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by parents, Palmer, 1937 and Monica, 1962; brothers, Myron, 1990 and Maurice Wahl, 2009; daughter-in-law, Glady, 2000; grandson, Jamie (Mike) 1996; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
A visitation will be held Thursday evening, Jan. 13, 2011, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH in Blanchardville. A rosary will be said following visitation. Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the church. Father Thomas Gillespie will officiate. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville.
The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family.

Henry Joseph Gruenenfelder
Wisconsin State Journal, 13 Apr 2011 - Submitted by: Jim Honer

Henry Joseph Gruenenfelder, age 90, of Blanchardville, died on Monday, April 11, 2011, at the Monroe Clinic Hospital in Monroe.
He was born Feb. 10, 1921, in Perry Township, Dane County, the son of John Henry and Christina Gruenenfelder. Henry attended the Forward country school. He made cheese with his dad at the Perry Center Cheese Factory in rural Mount Horeb until he went into the service.
On May 23, 1944, he married Margaret Wahl at the Holy Redeemer Church in Perry Township in a double wedding ceremony with Henry's sister, Hedy and Margaret's brother, Maurice. In December 1944 Henry was drafted into the United States Army. Following basic training in Arkansas, he served in the Philippine Islands and Japan during World War II, and was honorably discharged at Fort Ord, Calif., in 1945.
Henry lived in the Hollandale/ Blanchardville area most of his life where he worked in heating and plumbing and later farmed for 16 years. After moving to town in 1970, he worked at the Blanchardville Coop Oil until he retired in 1986. He continued working for the Saethers in the Funeral Home as well as the Furniture Store until 2005.
Henry was an avid sports fan and enjoyed bowling and horseshoes where he won many trophies. He loved attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. He also played guitar and sang for many years at house parties, at one of which he met his future bride. Henry and Margaret loved to dance. Henry was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Dobson Johnson American Legion Post 142 and was a proud charter member and lifetime member of the VFW.
Henry is survived by their eight children, Marilyn (Lee) Fahrney of Hollandale, Paul of Blanchardville, Anita Kammerer of Brodhead, Allen, Gary (Murt), Patricia Hendrickson, Mark (Kelly) Gruenenfelder and Ann (Denny) Marty, all of Blanchardville; five sisters, Anna Minnig of Beaver Dam, Mary Jensen of DeForest, Catherine Uebersetzig of Waunakee, and Leona Rundhaug and Hedy Wahl, both of Blanchardville; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; 27 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret, on Jan. 10, 2011; two sisters, Christine Zimmerman and Lillian Bigger; daughter-in-law, Gladys Gruenenfelder; son-in-law, Rod Kammerer; and grandson, Jamie (Mike) Gruenenfelder.
A military funeral service will be held on Friday, April 15, 2011, at 11 a.m. at IMMACULATE CATHOLIC CHURCH in Blanchardville with Father Tom Gillespie officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville with veteran's graveside honors. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, April 14, 2011, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church.
The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family.

Mrs. Will Harker
Source: Benton Advocate (Benton, Lafeyette County, Wis.) Thursday, 14 July 1904; submitted by FoFG (mz)

Mrs. Will Harker, well known to many of our readers, died at her home in Shullsburg, Tuesday. She will be buried at Leadmine at 2 o'clock to-day.

John Love
Source: Benton Advocate (Benton, Lafayette County, Wis.) Thursday, 3 Mar. 1904; submitted by FoFG (mz)

John Love, aged 68 years, residing near Hazel Green, died Friday, after a week's illness with pneumonia and was buried at Leadmine Monday, the funeral service being conducting by Rev. Bennett of the Benton M. E. Church. Mr. Lowe years ago resided at Leadmine but moved to Jefferson where he resided until recently. He was well known to a large number in this vicinity. He leaves a large family who have the sympathy of the community.

Daughter Lowery
Source: Benton Advocate (Benton, Lafeyette County, Wis.) Friday, 13 Feb. 1914; submitted by FoFG (mz)

Word was received in Benton Friday of the death of the two-year-old girl of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lowery of Omaha. The little one died of diphtheria.

John H. Martin
Unknown newspaper, Unknown contributor

John H. Martin Dies at Son's Gilroy Home
GILROY (CA) May 10. John H. Martin, a native of Bristol, Mass. Died in this city on Thursday night at the home of his son, A. A. Martin, aged 87 years, 11 months and nine days. He had been ill for some time, having suffered from a stroke of paralysis since which he had been gradually failing. He removed to Wisconsin in 1840 with his parents, removing from there to the Willows near San Jose in 1891, where he resided until October 19, 1911, when he came to Gilroy where he has made his home ever since with his son, A.A. Martin. He was a useful citizen during the days of his earlier life and was for six years chairman of the board of supervisors for Darlington, Wis.
Although a member of no church organization, he was ever an earnest advocate of the doctrines of Holy Writ, that teach justice, mercy and forgiveness, and in his daily walk and conversation he endeavored to do unto others as he would have others do unto him. His wife passed away in this city in January, 1912. He leaves four sons, A.A. Martin, Mayor of this city; W.H. Martin of Austin, Minn.; L.J. Martin of Conway Springs, Kan.; B. W. Martin of Denver, Colo., besides two sisters, Mrs. C. F. Russell of Milan, Kans.; Mrs. L.D. Pettit of Greenville, Mich., and brother C.D. Martin of Mayne, Neb.
The funeral was held at the residence of his son, A. A. Martin at 2:30 p.m today. The Rev. A.H Gilbert of the M.E church of this city officiating. The body was laid to rest in the Masonic and Odd Fellows’ cemetery. [John H. Martin died 8 May 1913]
Obit#2:
John H. Martin, who died at the home of his son, Mayor A. A. Martin, Thursday evening May 8, was born at Bristol, Mass. in 1825, dying at the good old age of 87 years, 11 months, and nine days. He had been in poor health some time, having suffered a stroke of paralysis, since which time he has steadily failed. When but a boy Mr. Martin journeyed westward with his father’s family making a settlement in Wisconsin. Here he grew to manhood, bravely taking his share of the hardships incident to life on the frontier. During his long residence in Wisconsin he held many positions of trust and for six years was chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Darlington, township. In 1891 he again turned his face westward seeking a milder climate to spend his declining years. He located at the Willows near San Jose where he continued to reside until Oct 19, 1911 when he and his wife came to Gilroy to reside with their son, A. A. Martin. His wife was called to her rest at the ripe age of 84 years. He continued to reside with his son until called to his reward as above stated.
He leaves four sons, A.A. Martin, Mayor of this city; W.H. Martin of Austin, Minn., L.J. Martin of Conway Spring, Kans.; B.W. Martin of Denver, Colo.; besides two daughters Mrs. C.F. Russell of Milan, Kans.; Mrs. L.D. Pettit of Greenville, Mich., and brother, D.D. Martin of Mayne, Neb.
The funeral was held at 2:30 p.m Saturday from the residence of Mayor Martin, Rev. A.B. Gilbert of the M.E. Church officiating and interment was made in the Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery.
Those present at the funeral from out of town were B.W. Martin of Denver, Col., Misses Addie and Eunice Gray of San Jose, Grant Willis, Hollister and Mrs. Triplett also of Hollister. Note: John Martin died 8 May 1913

B. F. Morgan
Aberdeen American SD (3 Feb. 1922) transcribed by FoFG MZ

Wagner – Ex senator B. F. Morgan died in a hospital here following an illness of three months’ duration. He was a resident of Charles Mix county for about 15 years coming here from Shullsburg, Wis. He bought a large acreage of choice farm land south of Wagner, where he resided. He represented Charles Mix county in the state senate for two consecutive terms and was a delegate to the national democratic convention in St. Louis in 1916. A wife, five sons and three daughters survive.

John O'Donnell
Date: April 23, 1900; Submitted by Kathleen O'Donnell Braun

Obit: John O'Donnell, highly respected citizen, died in the village of New Diggings on the 19th inst. The deceased was born in the town of Hetters, County Monaghan, Ireland, on the 23rd day of August, 1837.*He arrived in this country with his parents when but a boy, located in St. Louis, where and there met his life partner, Miss Mary Rooney, with whom he was joined in wedlock on the 23rd of Mayu, 1857. She still survives him together with eight sons and two daughters, namely: Mrs. Henry McPhillips of Darlington, Miss Clara O'Donnell of Obleago, Edward and Robert of Shullsberg, John and Lewis of Jackson, Minn., Thomas of Dubuque, Augustus of Rockwell, Iowa, Alfonso of New Diggings, and James, the eldest, of Denver, Colo. All except the latter mentioned attended the funeral, which took place on Saturday, the 21st inst. The remains were interred at the Catholic cemetery at Benton. The burial services were conducted by Rev. James Bergin and concluded by the officers of the Thomas H. Oast Post, G.A.R. of Shullsberg, of which he was a member, being a member of Company G, 16th Wisconsin in which he enlisted in the early part of 1861. He leaves on brother at Georgetown, Colo., and two sisters, Mrs. T.A. Cumiskey, Mrs. Phillip Burns of New Diggings. Mr. O'Donnell was a man of sterling integrity and dared to express his opinion on any subject disregarding circumstances, if in his view he thought he was in the right. He believed in the freedom of thought and despised anything appertaining to coertion; a complete master of hsi family, which is evident from the fact that they are, as a majority, well educated and in possession of good paying positions in various places, and all of whom have now attained the manhood and womanhood stage of life. He was a profound advocate of the promotion of education, and the rights justice and of thoughtfullness. He loved to see a complete enforcement of the statutory law and befriended a lawabiding citizen. He worked with willing hand to be a good turn for his neighbors, all of whom are in deep regret over his departure. He was a brave solder and never turned his back on a rebel. A great number of his comrades from New Diggings and Shullsburg attended the funeral, each of whom bore an expression on his countenance which seemed to say:

"Comrade, comrades, ever since we were boys,
Sharing each others sorrows, sharing each others joys."

*Another account says he was born 1838, and that he was born near the Hilton Estate, Cloness, County Monaghan, Ireland.

Preston
The Benton Advocate, Benton, Wisconsin, July 14, 1904 - Submitted Linda Rodriguez

Mrs. H. Floyd went to Platteville, Tuesday, to attend the funeral of her cousin, Mr. Preston.

Leona Josefa Rundhaug
Wisconsin State Journal, 10 Jul 2011 - Submitted by: Jim Honer

Leona Josefa Rundhaug, age 86, of Blanchardville, died on Thursday, July 7, 2011, at the Monroe Clinic (Hospital).
She was born on July 25, 1924, in Forward at Perry Center Cheese Factory, the daughter of Henry and Christina (Gruenenfelder) Gruenenfelder. She grew up there and attended the Forward School for eight years, then moved with her parents to rural Hollandale where she lived and worked at the Fairview Cheese Factory.
On May 3, 1947, she married Patrick Murphy. They lived in Middleton, rural Lone Rock and Evansville. Patrick died in a farm accident on Aug. 16, 1957. She then moved to Blanchardville with her children. She married Willard Ayen on Feb. 10, 1959, in Blanchardville. They lived and raised the family together in Blanchardville. After the children were a little older, Leona worked at Trumpy Cheese for around 25 years, retiring in 1990. Willard died on Feb. 18, 1989. She married Donald Rundhaug on Dec. 29, 1990, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Hollandale. They lived in Grand Rapids, Mich. and Blanchardville, spending half their time in each place, with the later years spent mostly in Blanchardville. Donald died on March 29, 2007.
Leona was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Blanchardville. She loved gardening, planting flowers and enjoyed traveling including going to Switzerland and Canada.
She is survived by her six children, Ronald (Christine) Murphy of Blanchardville, Mary (Raymond) Tierney of Mazomanie, Linda (Roger) Sager of Monroe, Susan (Mike) Cleary of Hollandale, Jerald (Margaret) Murphy of Egan, Minn. and Robert Ayen of Chicago, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Anna Minnig of Beaver Dam; Mary Jensen of De Forest; Katherine Uebersetzig of Waunakee and Hedy Wahl of Blanchardville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her three husbands, Patrick Murphy, Willard Ayen and Donald Rundhaug; a daughter, Joan on Nov. 15, 2003; granddaughter, Carolyn Sager; grandson, Patrick Murphy; two sisters, Christine Zimmerman and Lillian Bigger; and a brother, Henry Gruenenfelder.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blanchardville. Father Wanish will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville. Friends may call Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Mrs. Jos. Temple
The Benton Advocate, Benton, Wisconsin, July 14, 1904 - Submitted Linda Rodriguez

Card of Thanks -- We take this means of extending our thanks to the many friends for their kindness and sympathy during the sickness and death of our wife and mother. All will be held in grateful remembrance.
Jos. Temple and Children.