Obituaries

Katherine "Kate" Ann Nichols

Katherine "Kate" Ann Nichols

Jun 3, 2025

Katherine “Kate” Ann (Lee) Nichols, 70, of La Crescent, MN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at home with family members by her side. Kate was born on August 28, 1954 in La Crosse, WI to Harry and Janice (Breidel) Lee. Kate graduated from Onalaska High School in 1972. She married Blake Nichols who preceded her in death.

Kate...

Marjean G. Riisager

Marjean G. Riisager

Jun 2, 2025

Marjean Gail (Brenstein) Riisager, 87, of La Crosse, passed away on June 2, 2025 at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa.

Marjean was born on November 17, 1937 in La Crosse the daughter of George and Marjorie (Witzke) Brenstein.

Marjean graduated from Logan High School in 1955. She then earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from UW La Crosse. Upon graduation, she accepted...

Sherry Ann Davids

Sherry Ann Davids

May 23, 2025

Sherry Ann Davids of Trempealeau, WI passed away on May 23rd, 2025, after a brief battle with medical complications associated with stroke.

Sherry was born on July 30th, 1964, to Robert & Barbara Davids in La Crosse, WI. She graduated from West Salem high school in 1983. After graduation, she worked at a variety of jobs including multiple restaurants, Holmen elementary...

Marita Joan Smith

Marita Joan Smith

May 23, 2025

Marita Joan Smith, 97, of La Crosse, WI, passed away on May 23, 2025. She was born on August 26, 1927, to Nicholas and Lucille (Palen) Koel in Caledonia, MN. Marita graduated from Loretto High School in Caledonia in 1945 and from the psychiatric nursing program at Glenwood Hills Hospital in Minneapolis, MN in 1947.

Marita married George E. Smith on...

Virginia Caroline Asleson

Virginia Caroline Asleson

May 22, 2025

Virginia Caroline (Putz) Asleson, 82, of Holmen passed away on Thursday, May 22nd at the Mayo Clinic Health  System in La Crosse. 

She was born on March 23, 1943, in Winona, MN to Herman and Alma (Mueller) Putz and was a graduate of Cochrane-Fountain City High School and Winona Cosmetology School. Virginia was a beautician for many years, working at the...

Sally M. Renstrom

Sally M. Renstrom

May 21, 2025

Sally M. Renstrom, 90, of La Crosse, WI died Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Eagle Crest South. She was born June 29, 1934 to Julius and Clara (Young) Platz. She married Gerald Renstrom on October 16, 1954.

She is survived by daughter Julie (Frank) Moldenhauer, sons Joel (Denise) Renstrom and Jim (Lisa) Renstrom, grandchildren Nick, Dan, Rob, Alexa, Sam and many...

Jo Ann Eversole

Jo Ann Eversole

May 21, 2025

Jo Ann Eversole, 97, of La Crosse, passed away at Gundersen Health System on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 following a short illness. She resided at Eagle Crest South for the past 9 years.

Jo Ann was born to Margaret and Walter Wicklund in Sioux City, IA on July 26, 1927. After she graduated from Leeds High School she worked as a...

Mary Ann Gabrielson

Mary Ann Gabrielson

May 21, 2025

On May 21st, 2025, Mary Ann Gabrielson — allegedly 92, though she insisted for many years that she was “39 and holding” — left this earth to join some of her beloved family members beyond.

Mary Ann was born in La Crosse to Charlotte (Will) and Paul Schwabenbauer. Known for being the life of the party, she had a sharp wit...

Christopher Ackman

Christopher Ackman

May 20, 2025

Christopher Ackman, beloved husband, devoted father, cherished son, and loyal brother and friend, passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 29. Known for his radiant smile that could light up a room and his unforgettable bear hugs, Christopher will be remembered for the deep love he had for his family, his unwavering loyalty, and his generous heart. 

Christopher...

Orville P. Molling

Orville P. Molling

May 20, 2025

With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Orville Paul Molling, who entered eternal rest on May 20, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born on August 6, 1943, Orville lived a life marked by integrity, curiosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and work. On October 15, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Rae Molling (Fritsch)—his...

Frances "Frannie" K. (Fregin) Von Arx

Frances "Frannie" K. (Fregin) Von Arx

May 18, 2025

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Frannie (at the age of 93) went to Heaven to join Francis, her husband of 62 years, her children Charles and Lucy, grandson Nathan, son-in-law Jerry Killion and a host of other family, friends, and extended family. She was born on April 11, 1932 to Theodore A. and Elizabeth M. (Taylor) Fregin in La Crosse,...

Leslie Beach

Leslie Beach

May 17, 2025

Les (Beuf) Beach, 55, passed away recently in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Les faced many challenges throughout his life, including a long struggle with addiction. In recent years, he experienced periods of homelessness but was most recently living in an apartment on La Crosse’s north side.

He was 55 years old. The cause of death is pending autopsy results, though it is believed...

Angeline M. Langrehr

Angeline M. Langrehr

May 17, 2025

Angeline Mary (Buckley) Langrehr, 81, formerly of La Crosse, died peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Country Terrace in Black River Falls, WI.

Angie was born January 5, 1944, in La Crosse, to Kenneth and Catherine (Felsheim) Buckley. She graduated from Aquinas High School. She married Bernard Langrehr in 1966 and they later divorced. Angie spent her working career as...

James F. Schneider

James F. Schneider

May 16, 2025

James "Jim" Franz Schneider, PhD, age 77, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025. A devoted husband, father, scholar, and friend, Jim lived a life marked by quiet strength, deep intellect, and unwavering faith.

Born on August 18, 1947, in Le Mars, Iowa, Jim grew up with a love for the land and a curiosity that would guide his lifelong pursuit...

Elsie L. McDowell

Elsie L. McDowell

May 15, 2025

On Thursday, May 15th, 2025, Elsie McDowell met Jesus face to face. What a joyful reunion it must have been—surrounded by so many beloved family members who passed before her. Heaven gained a faithful soul, and our world lost a cherished presence.

Born on December 12th, 1928, Elsie grew up in DeSoto, Wisconsin, as one of 14 children. Her life was...

Carl H. Deml

Carl H. Deml

May 15, 2025

Carl H. Deml, 92, of West Salem, WI passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Bethany – St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse. He was born on December 25, 1932 – Christmas Day – to John and Lotus (Schubert) Deml. He graduated from high school in 1953. He joined the U.S. Army and served from 1953 – 1955,...

Grace A. Brown

Grace A. Brown

May 14, 2025

Grace Ann (Stephans) Brown, 87, of Onalaska, WI passed peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and with the love of her family by her side.

Grace was born February 3, 1938 to Joseph and Grace (Teasdale) Stephans of La Crosse, WI, and was the youngest of 11 children. She attended Logan...

Linda Rae Downs

Linda Rae Downs

May 14, 2025

Our beloved sister, Linda Rae Downs, 73, of La Crosse, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Mulder Care Center in West Salem. Linda was born on November 12, 1951, in Minneapolis, MN, to Richard and Qurine (Christianson) Downs. She was a proud graduate of Logan High School and later attended Western Technical College.

Linda's life was not without...

Joanne M. Bagniefski

Joanne M. Bagniefski

May 14, 2025

Joanne (Temp) Bagniefski, 95, of La Crosse, WI died on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Eagle Crest South.

She was born February 5, 1930 in La Crosse to Bernie (Fuchs) and Artie Temp. Joanne graduated from Aquinas High School in 1948 and attended UW-La Crosse before working for the local phone company. She married Bob “Hoot” Bagniefski in February 1954.

Joanne was...

Richard D. "Dick" McCormick

Richard D. "Dick" McCormick

May 14, 2025

Richard D. (Dick) McCormick of La Crosse, WI, passed away peacefully at his family home on May 14, 2025. He was proud to have joined the Age 90 Club.

Born on March 3, 1935, in Doylestown, WI, Dick was the son of Hubert P. and Mary T. (Matie Janisch) McCormick. He graduated from Randolph High School in 1953, where he earned...