Jane will remain in the hearts of her family; daughter-in-law Lisa VanSomeren and her family Gretchen (John Beck), Anna (Mike Danziger), John David (Minori), Nick (Vanessa); daughter Charlotte DeVos (Harold) and their children Matthew (Liz), Erin (Jason Waller), Robyn (Pat Higgins), Seth (Alissa); son Doug (Betty) and their children Brian (Lisa), Corwin (Julie), Kirk (Brooke); son Keith and his children Chris (Jillian), Michelle (Brian Becker), Denise (Tim Monicken); son Wayne and his children Kim, Scott, Renee, Mark (Katie); daughter Karen Wynveen (Doug) and their children Nate (Madoka), Paul, Leah, Kelly; daughters-in-law Eileen VanSomeren, Cynthia Wall; great grandchildren David, Lydia, and Annika Beck, Jack Danziger, Leo Fukuda VanSomeren, Sophia and Allison DeVos, Aidan Waller, Amelia Higgins, Grace, Hadley, Hannah, Gema VanSomeren, Ashley and Sean VanSomeren, Carter, Ethan, and Caden VanSomeren, Logan and Tessa VanSomeren, Nicholas and Nathan Becker, Gabrielle, Maddison, and Graiden Monicken, and Jane’s sister Alvina (Isaac) VanSomeren of Edina, MN. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband John, son David, infant great granddaughter Emma, siblings Fred, Donald, Leo, and Ella Geurkink.

The funeral service for Jane will be 11AM Monday March 26, at the Christian Reformed Church in Baldwin with Pastor Anson Veenstra officiating. Burial will be in the Baldwin Cemetery with her grandsons serving as active casketbearers and granddaughters as honorary casketbearers.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 4 to 7PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin and one hour prior to the service at church on Monday morning. Memorials preferred.

James was a quiet, gentle man who loved Ham radios, caring for animals and tinkering with anything electronic. In his younger days he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, driving his 1966 red Mustang convertible and making home movies of his family. He was always generous with family members, and sent many “care packages” to his nieces and nephews over the years. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him well.

A private graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 27th, at the Baldwin Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin, WI. Memorials may be left to the St. Croix County Animal Friends.

He is survived by his children: Catherine Gennrich of Milwaukee, WI, Annette Sales of Des Moines, IA, John (Mary) Rivard of Hammond, Yvonne Brown of Minneapolis, MN, Frank (Jan) Rivard of Hammond, Marie Garton of Des Moines, IA, Rita (Dave) Swanson of Woodville, Alice (Ervin) Kooiman of Hager City, WI, Mary (Shane) Evans of Bloomfield, IN, Ed (Annette) Rivard of Hammond and Nancy (Tom Huppert) Rivard of Hammond; 22 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; 3 soon expected grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; brothers, Richard (Colleen) Rivard and Jerry Rivard; sisters-in-law, Margaret Rivard and Wanda Cernohous; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. John is preceded in death by his wife Marcella (December 1995), son-in-laws, Bob Gennrich, William Sales and David Garton; sisters, Ethel, Erwina and Mary; and brother, Norman.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Hammond, with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation will take place 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, with a 7:45 Prayer Service.Monday, March 19, 2012 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin and one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday at church. A reception will immediately follow Mass. Burial with military honors will take place at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery of River Falls. Funeral Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin (715) 684-3434 www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

Clyde was born on August 4, 1921 to Hans and Ruth (Duckert) Rasmussen in Hammond. He grew up in Hammond where he graduated from Hammond High School and the class of 1939. After graduation Clyde found a job delivering coal for his cousin, Clyde Hanson. Shortly after, he found work trucking for St. Croix County Highway Department. He did this until being drafted into the US Army Infantry in July of 1942. He proudly served his country in World War II where he fought on Omaha Beach, was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and fought in many other parts of Europe. While on a furlough in 1943, Clyde was married to Cosette Schmidt. That marriage would be blessed with four children; Cherie, Craig, Celé, Celeste. In 1945, Clyde returned to Hammond. The family remained there where Clyde took over his father’s fuel oil company as well as opened the Philips 66 Truck Stop at the intersection of Hwy 63 and I-94 (now the Kwik Trip and McDonalds). In 1968, Clyde’s marriage to Cosette was dissolved. He would continue to own and operate the truck stop until the early 80’s. Clyde was united in marriage to Marjorie Sittlow on June 20, 1980 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hammond. The newly formed Rasmussen family would settle in Baldwin and Clyde would continue to help out at the truck stop. Once Clyde formerly retired, he dedicated his time to his hobbies. This included vegetable and flower gardening as well as stained glass. Clyde created everything from signs to boxes to scale model buildings. Almost everyone in the area has probably seen or enjoyed one of his beautiful creations at one time or another. Clyde even made Christmas ornaments out of stained glass. Clyde loved Christmas and decorating his home for the holidays was one of his highlights of the season He also enjoyed woodworking - building all kinds of different pieces for friends and family. In his leisure time Clyde and Marge would head to the casino to play Keno and Bingo. He was a dedicated family man and left a positive mark on everyone he encountered in his life.

Clyde is survived by his; wife, Marge of Baldwin, daughter, Cherie Johnson (friend Tom Langford) of Hudson; son, Craig (Gloria) Rasmussen of Woodville; son, Celé (Cyndi) Rasmussen of Baldwin; daughter Celeste (Bruce) Berg of Ridgeland; stepsons, Jerry (Colleen) Sittlow of Someret, Michael (Darlene) Sittlow of Hammond, and Daniel (Kathy) Sittlow of Harlingen, TX; step-daughters, Janice (David) Trebesch of Hudson, Roxanne (Wayne) Tunheim of Baldwin and Debbie (James) Richard of Danbury, WI. Clyde is further survived by his; sister, Delores Nisen of Baldwin; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; friends and dear friend, Linda Sittlow.

Clyde is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

A Celebration of Clyde’s life will be held at 11 o’clock in the morning on Friday, March 16 at the First Reformed Church of Baldwin. A visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to services. Burial will be held privately at a later date. Memorials given will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project and Baldwin American Legion in his memory. Friends are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory – Baldwin, Wisconsin. 715.684.3434 www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

Elphie enjoyed reading, growing and canning vegetables, knitting and crocheting popular items that she would sell at craft shows, and donating her share to a casino now and then. She liked the colors blue and green, and her favorite flowers were carnations. Elphie also loved listening to country and gospel music. Elphie always had a smile and a “hello” for those she encountered, and was an active member at Peace Lutheran Church, involved in the ladies circle, and the LOGOS program. Elphie and Glen enjoyed the weekly meals with the youth at church, and were so proud to be witness to their growth as young Christians within the church. Though Elphie will be dearly missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is in a better place.

Elphie is survived by her husband of 55 years, Glen T. Larson; her children Richard (Mimi) Michels of Rammstein AFB Germany, James Michels of Hammond WI, and daughter Corrine Gregerson of Baldwin WI; seven grandkids; nine great-grandkids; sister, Margaret (Edward) Probst of New Richmond WI; as well as many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Margaret Michels; and her son, Ken Michels.

Funeral Services for Elphie Larson will be held at 3:00PM THURSDAY at Peace Lutheran Church, 2084 County Road N in Baldwin, with Pastor John Hanson officiating. Burial will Burial will take place at the Woodside Cemetery.
Visitation will take place at the church from 1:00-3:00PM. Memorials in honor of Elphie may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church, and will be used for their youth programs. Services have been entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI. 715-684-3434

Melody was born on July 2,1956 in Pittsburg, PA to Bennie and Evelyn (Clothier) Muffett. With Bennie’s job at Remington Rand the family was constantly on the move and Melody attended several schools. She graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School with the class of 1974. She worked several administrative positions before settling into a 25 year career as the administrative assistant to the CEO of Rupp Industries. To further advance her career with Rupp Industries, she went on to attend college at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. She would graduate in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Melody was very dedicated and took great pride in her position with the company. She made many life-long friends at Rupp Industries and always considered them extended family.

Melody’s biggest passion in life was her family. She was particularly fond of her nieces and nephews and treated them as her own. The same was true for her great-nephews and nieces. She loved children and was able to connect with any that crossed her path. She was “Aunt Melody” to all who knew her. Melody was an accomplished writer and a lover of word and verse. She enjoyed writing everything from poetry to greeting cards and always had the perfect words of support and encouragement. If you needed a cheerleader – Melody was your girl. She found pleasure in inspiring others and was a hero to all who knew her. Melody had a strong faith in Jesus. She was willing to give her testimony and share her faith with all she encountered.

Melody will be missed by her family and friends. This includes her; mother and soul mate, Evelyn of Baldwin; sister and best friend, Vicky (Warren) Benson of Woodville; niece, Sara (Jered) Haase of Somerset; nephew, Jacob (Dana) Benson of Durand; nephew, Joel Benson of Woodville; great-nephews, Sam and Hawken Benson; great-nieces, Brooklyn Benson and Aubrey Haase; aunts, Lorraine Achterhof of Woodville, Elaine Ritter of Planterville, TX, and Burma Landers of Crown Point, Indiana and numerous cousins, relatives and dear friends.

Melody is preceded in death by her; father, Bennie Muffett and other family, friends and loved ones.

A Celebration of Melody’s life will be held at 3:30pm on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Baldwin, WI. Burial will follow at the Sunset Cemetery in Woodville, WI. A time of gathering will take place from 1pm to the time of service at the church. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory – Baldwin, WI 715.684.3434 www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

Vince furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin at River Falls through the fall of 1949, working summers at the St. Croix County Highway Department. He left college in 1949 to work for the Electric Auto Lite Co of LaCrosse WI in cost accounting, and graduated from University of Wisconsin at River Falls in 1952. In 1956, Vince left Auto Lite to teach science at Pepin High School, Pepin WI. During this time, he earned his masters degree from University of Wisconsin at Madison, and in 1960, moved to Hibbing MN to teach high school chemistry. After four years at Hibbing, Vince moved to Brooklyn Center MN, where he taught science and math for 26 years until his retirement in 1990. During his teaching career, Vince also taught Drivers education, and served as a basketball coach. Vince also instructed summer schools for high school chemistry teachers in Bophal, India and at the University of Maryland.

Vince was named Teacher of the Year, as well as Outstanding Citizen of the Year in Brooklyn Center MN in 1977, earned the 1980 Brooklyn Center High School Spectator Award, and the 1984 Community Service Award. Vince was also appointed to the Hennepin County Personnel Board from 1986-1992. In 2005, Vince also was named the Volunteer of the Year Award during Heartland Days. Vince earned numerous accomplishments throughout his career, and being a loving husband, father, and grandfather were among his greatest accomplishments. Vince also loved to camp, and taking his grandchildren camping was a highlight of his. Vince also followed Minnesota Golden Gopher basketball, and was a season ticket holder for over 37 years. Whether in the woods trimming trees on his land, or being the scientist out researching pine beetles, performing updates and repairs on his rental properties, or always volunteering, Vince knew how to stay busy. Vince will be remembered for his love of family, and service to others.

Vince is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jean; sons Michael (Christine) of Wisconsin Dells WI, and Mark (Carolyn) of Onalaska WI; daughters, Linda (Dave) Lindquist of Glenwood City WI, and Bethany (Keith) Johs of West Fargo ND; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Alan (Jeanne) Owens of Hammond, and Frederic (Christa) Owens of West Des Moines, IA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Vince was preceded in death by his father Herbert in 1934; mother Agnes in 1968; sisters Norma and Catherine; brothers Lawrence, Wilbur, Jim, and LaMoine; and brother-in-law, Orville Owens.

Funeral Services for Vincent Tubman will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Hammond WI, with Pastor Michael Briggs officiating. Burial will follow in the Hammond Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at church, and also from 4:00-8:00PM on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin WI. Memorials are preferred to the Trinity Lutheran Church, and will be used in honor of Vince for their Education Ministry. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin WI. 715-684-3434 www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

Annabel worked for many years as an office clerk with the Glendenning Motorways, and later Smeads Paper Company of Hastings MN, retiring in 1989. After retirement, she and Harlen enjoyed travel, going to Las Vegas, Branson MO, Florida, Oregon, and Texas. Annabel spent time in the kitchen, where she loved to cook and bake for her family. She also loved to tend her gardens, where she grew vegetables for canning, and all kinds of flowers too. Annabel also enjoyed knitting and sewing, crafting handmade items for friends and family alike.

Annabel is survived by her daughter Janine (Jerry) Landowski; sons Barry Ramberg; and Robert (Dee) Ramberg; grandchildren, Justin (Elizabeth) Landowski and their children Isabella and Andrew, Jeffrey (Jessica) Landowski and their daughter Sophia, and Ryan and Adam Ramberg; sister, Gladys (Erick) Sande; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Deloris Dumond, Inez Newton, Lucy Larson, and Ralph Peterson; as well as many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlen; her parents; brother, Edmund (Agnes) Janisch; sister, Ernestine (Steven Sr.) Kmetz; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Earl Ramberg, Eldon (Vivian) Ramberg, Dale Dumond, and Luella Peterson.

Mass of Christian Burial for Annabel Ramberg will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, February 27, 2012 at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1265 Ridegway in Hammond, with Rev. Father Jerry Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin WI.

On October 24th, his 114th day in this world, he finally came home in the loving arms of his parents. He was a beautiful baby with bright blue eyes and the sweetest smile. Those who were privileged enough to be with him loved his cuddles and kisses. His story and short life touched so many people. (Please visit Kaleb’s Caring Bridge site:) www.caringbridge.org/visit/kalebyonash)

Kaleb is survived by his parents, puppy Ari, Grandparents Jim and Judy Niccum (Couderay), John (Bryce) and Sheri Yonash (Hudson), Aunt Dawn and Uncle Jason Grinnell (Roberts), Aunt Nicole and Uncle Hans Laudorn (Marana, AZ), cousins Anthony Grinnell, Tyler Laudorn, Tanner Grinnell, and Carter Laudorn, as well as countless other aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Family and friends who have left us to be in God’s care are lucky to have this precious new baby and we trust that they will love and care for him until we can be together again.

Funeral service for Kaleb is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4, at 11:00 A.M. at Bethel Highlands Church, Hudson, WI. Interment will be held privately. Visitation for Kaleb will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church as well as on Tuesday evening, January 3, at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Baldwin, WI from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Memorials are preferred. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory – Baldwin, Wisconsin. 715-684-3434 www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed golfing and playing cards.  He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.  He treasured his time in Arizona where he and Ruth spent their winters.  He was a wonderful father and grandfather and cherished his time with his family. 

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 59 years, Ruth; children, Kit Bruesewitz and her husband, Myron of  Roberts, Jodell O’Connell and her husband, Rick Curran of Minneapolis, James O’Connell of Minneapolis, Carrie Lichtenberg and her husband, Jim of Minneapolis, and James Trowbridge of Scottsdale; grandchildren, John & Colin Bruesewitz and Greer & Maeve Lichtenberg; siblings, Peg McGregor and her husband, John, Jean Kapka, Pat O’Connell and his wife, Mickey; nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by daughter, Marybeth O. Trowbridge; sons, Tommy and John; and his parents.   

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond, with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, December 16, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, and one hour prior to Mass at the church.  Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery of Hammond at a later date.  Funeral Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin (715) 386-3725.  www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com

Funeral Services for Duane Herald will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, December 12, 2011 at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 1350 Florence Street, in Baldwin. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services at church, and from 4:00-7:00PM on Sunday at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street, in Baldwin. Burial will follow at the Baldwin Cemetery. Active casketbearers will be Justin Howard, Jordan Howard, Tyler Howard, Gavin Wiersma, Paul Ware, Amanda Howard with honorary casketbearers being Keith Gregerson, Roger Van Dien, Orville Britton, and Robert Zwald. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin WI. 715-684-3434.

When not at work, Sis could be found cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and like many of her generation, Sis was a huge Elvis fan. She was also known to collect many different things; clowns, bells, bunnies - anything knick-knack that put a smile on her face. Throughout her days, she enjoyed such things as dancing, billiards, and bowling, but dearest to her heart was spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite times of the year spent with family and friends were through the Christmas holiday, and Hammond Heartland Days. Those times will be cherished by her family and friends alike.

Marjorie is survived by her children, Jeff Brathall of Dresser WI, Cheryl (fiancé Tony Gilliford) Brathall of Chippewa Falls WI, and Angela Brathall of Eau Claire WI; grandchildren, Denver, Cassondra, Hayley, Elizabeth, Derek, Dillon, Deijah LaRae, and Jaedyn; great-grandchildren, Kolton, MaKenzie, Leilin, and Kaelyn; husband Douglas Brathall; sisters, Karen (Tom) McAndrew, Bonnie (Dan) Tavares; brother, Robert (Shirley) Ostrum; best friend, Erin Cutler; close friend Danny Schoeck; as well as many other relatives and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by parents, Forrest and Bette Ostrum; and brother, David Ostrum.

Funeral Services for Marjorie “Sis” Brathall will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Hammond WI with Pastor Michael Briggs officiating. Burial will follow in the Hammond Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services at church, and also from 5:00-8:00PM on Friday evening at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street, in Baldwin. In honor of Sis, everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite Green Bay Packers attire to her visitation and services. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin WI. 715-684-3434 www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com