Obituaries "E"

Eastman, Robert. Robert "Bob" Eastman, age 81, of Reedsburg, passed away suddenly in his home the morning of Thursday, Aug. 21, 2003. Robert, the son of Walter and Ethel Eastman, was born on June 21, 1922, in the township of Wonewoc. While working as a hired hand at the John Anderson farm in the town of Troy, he fell in love with the farmer's daughter, his wife of 56 years, Audrey (Anderson) Eastman. They were married on Aug. 21, 1947, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. During World War II, Robert served in the U.S. Army in Egypt. He later worked as a milk hauler delivering to Wisconsin Dairies. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 1916 of Reedsburg, and the United Methodist Church. He loved tractors and was an annual exhibitor at the Sauk County Gas and Steam Show. He enjoyed playing pool, dartball and horseshoes. In his retirement years, he went above and beyond his duty when delivering prescriptions for Collins Drug Store (later Phillips Drug), often stopping to visit with customers and helping them in any way he could. His friends and family will not forget his talent for off-the-cuff puns, his boundless energy and endless activity, or the joy with which he approached life. He is lovingly remembered as an adoring and affectionate husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched. He is survived by his wife, Audrey (Anderson) Eastman of Reedsburg; a son, Glen (Suzanne) Eastman of Reedsburg; two daughters, Sue (Bob) Listol of Oregon, Wis., and Jean (Kurt) Johansen of Reedsburg; six grandchildren, Jamie (Deanna) Ennis of Stevens Point, Joshua (Yvonne Bruze) Ennis of Stevens Point, Nicole Eastman of Minneapolis, Jess Eastman of Delafield, Shea (Kendra) Eastman of Cottage Grove, and Krista Eastman of Reedsburg; four great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty (George) Senger of Merrimac, and Polly (Merlin) Meyer of Reedsburg; two brothers, Walter Eastman of Reedsburg, and Leo (Joyce) Eastman of Baraboo; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Gasner and Lorene (Arlan) Ketelboeter; two brothers-in-law, John (Carol) Anderson and Robert McWilliams; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Walter Eastman; his stepmother, Mina Eastman; two sisters, Marie (Eastman) McWilliams and Blanche Eastman; a brother, Joseph Eastman Sr.; his mother- and father-in-law, Evangeline and John Anderson; a brother-in-law, Allen Gasner; a sister-in-law, Hope Eastman; two infant sisters and an infant brother. A memorial service for Robert Eastman will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2003, in the UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Reedsburg, with Pastor Scott Walters officiating. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday at the church. Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Eastman, Joseph D. Sr. Joseph D. Eastman Sr., age 86 of Reedsburg, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at Divine Savior Hospital-Extended Care in Portage. He was born on September 8, 1915 in Vernon County, Wisconsin, to Walter C. and Ethel F. (Smith) Eastman. On September 25, 1940 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Hope Vlasak in LaFarge. She preceded him in death on November 2, 1984. Joseph had been employed by Badger Army Ammo Plant. He enjoyed playing the violin and harmonica. He was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Sharon Perry; grandson, James Michael Eastman; and sisters, Marie McWilliams and Blanche Eastman. He is survived by four sons, Joseph D. Eastman Jr. (Judie) Eastman of Reedsburg, Gary F. Eastman of Baraboo, Donald James Eastman of Reedsburg, Richard Duane Eastman of Reedsburg; son-in-law, Russell Perry of Oshkosh; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, Leo (Joyce) Eastman of Baraboo, Robert (Audrey) Eastman of Reedsburg, Walter Eastman of California; sisters, Betty (George) Senger of Merrimac and Polly (Merlin) Meyer of Reedsburg; brothers-in-law, Robert McWilliams of Baraboo and Frank Vlasak of Slinger; sister-in-law, Janice Vlasak of Madison, nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Joseph D. Eastman Sr. will be conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2002 at the Farber Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Buhrow, Pastor Jeff Silha and Pastor Scott Walters officiating. Burial will follow in Bear Creek Cemetery, LaFarge. Friends may call on Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the Farber Funeral Home and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ehrhardt, Robert John Louis. Robert John Louis Ehrhardt, age 84, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2002, at St. Clare Meadows Care Center. He was born on Sept. 11, 1917, in Milwaukee, the son of Max G. and Elizabeth (Kaegler) Ehrhardt. He married Iris Karl Groshell on Oct. 21, 1958. Bob was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving as a Hospital Apprentice 1/C. He was a professional musician for over 60 years playing with the Jack Teter Trio of Milwaukee and the Joyful Jammers of Baraboo. He also served many years as a crossing guard for the city of Baraboo. He was a member of Walnut Hill Bible Church. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Tripoli Shrine in Milwaukee and the Cudahy American Legion Post in Milwaukee. Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Iris of Baraboo; seven children, Robert (Bernadine) Ehrhardt, Jr., of Harshaw, Wis., Judith (Peter) Frank of Hartland, Wis., Linda Ehrhardt of Filmore, Calif., Jerry (Connie) Ehrhardt (Beck) of Oxnard, Calif., Elizabeth (Brent) Lange of Baraboo, Diane (Matthew) Goethel of Farmington, Minn., and Cordell (Barbara) Ernst of Ripon, Wis.; 15 grandchildren, William, Robert, and Mary Ehrhardt, Brandy and Sherri Ehrhardt (Beck), Mike and Steve Frank, Genelle, Dana and Matt Lange, Stephanie, Kristi and Jamie Ernst, and Adam and Mark Goethel; eight greatgrandchildren, Stephanie, William, Kevin, Mitchell, Peter John, Buddy, Nicholas and Timothy; other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 22, 2002, at 11 a.m. at Walnut Hill Bible Church with Pastor David Hutchens officiating. Interment will take place in the Veteran's Section of Walnut Hill Cemetery with military honors accorded at the grave. There will be a visitation at the Rago Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Memorials may be made to the Walnut Hill Bible Church. Bob's sense of humor and love for people touched all those who knew him.

 Elfers, Lydia Ella. Lydia Ella Elfers, 100, Loganville, died peacefully in her sleep on July 3, 2004, at Zimmerman Nursing Home, Reedsburg. She was born Nov. 2, 1903, in Westfield Township, the daughter of Fred and Catherine (nee Hennings) Meyer. She was baptized, confirmed and married in St. John's Lutheran Church in Loganville where she was a life-long member. Lydia was born and raised on the farm during "horse and buggy" days and married a young farmer, Edwin Elfers, in 1926. One of their first proud possessions was a used Model T Ford. Lydia enjoyed growing and caring for her flowers inside and outside the house. Card parties with her friends was a favorite social activity. Crocheting kept her fingers busy in her later years. Lydia loved to travel to the West Coast to see her niece, Helen, and to the East Coast, Florida, Mexico, Canada and Europe. She was always up for a car or airplane ride. She loved being a chauffeur for her Loganville friends. Her favorite snack for friends was homemade coffee cake and coffee. Lydia is survived by two sons, John (Dottie) Elfers, Rock Springs, and Henry (Deanna) Elfers, Reedsburg; one granddaughter, Julie (Mike) Strutz, Reedsburg; two great-grandchildren, Richie and Samantha Strutz; and sister-in-law, Vera Elfers. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death was her husband, mother and father, brother Paul Meyer, and sister Hulda Kohlmeyer. Lydia commented a few days ago that she traveled a long way and that she took the long way around. We are all glad that she did. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 8 at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Loganville with Rev. Duane Daeke officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be today, Wednesday, July 7 at the Hoof Funeral Home in Reedsburg from 4 to 8 p.m. officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John's Lift Fund or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. The Hoof Funeral Home is serving the family

Elmer, Rosa L. Mrs. Rosa L. Elmer, 78, of Valton, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 1968, at her Valton home after a long illness. She was born in Richland County, April 13, 1889, to Mr. and Mrs. William Green, and she married Rev. Dayton Elmer, March 26, 1905. He died Jan. 16 1962. The family lived in various communities where the Rev. Elmer served Wesleyan Methodist churches. She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Francis Lee, Mrs. Everett Mortimer, and Mrs. Lee Elmer, all of Valton, Mrs. Kenneth Rumpe of West Union, Iowa, and Mrs. Charles Sharp of Janesville;' two sons, Clifton of Beloit, and Fred of Stockton, Calif.; 25 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and several step grandchildren. Services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday in the Valton Wesleyan Methodist Church, Rev. Kenneth Rumpe officiating, and burial was in the Valton Cemetery. The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro was in charge of arrangements. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sons.

 Emery, Elizabeth. Elizabeth "Betty" Emery, age 67 of Rock Springs, Wisconsin, died after a long illness on Thursday, August 8, 2002, at Meriter Hospital in Madison. She was born in Baraboo on March 22, 1935, the daughter of Joseph and Lena (Klingenmeyer) Wedekind. Betty married Earl "Red" Emery on March 19, 1953 in St. John's Lutheran Church in Baraboo. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Dawn Marie; two sisters, Delores Otto and Rosemary Wedekind; two brothers Richard and Henry Wedekind. Betty is survived by her husband, Earl "Red" of Rock Springs; five children, Harvey (Linda) Emery of Rock Springs, David (Brenda) Emery of North Freedom, Sheryl (Richard) Zak of Yuma, Arizona, Dennis Emery of Tempe, Arizona and Dana Emery of Baraboo; seven grandchildren, Erin, Jenelle, Amber, Susanna, Natalie, Nathan and Nicholas; two brothers, Joseph (Betty) Wedekind of Baraboo, Jim (Judy) Wedekind of Reedsburg; one sister Irene (Ron) Koleman of Sun City Center, Florida; one brother in law, Joe Otto of Baraboo; one sister in law, Carol Wedekind of Madison; close friends Lisa Bevineau of Baraboo, Walt and Dora Darling of North Freedom; as well as many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. in the Rago Funeral Home with Pastor Dianne Vielhuber of the North Freedom & Denzer United Methodist Churches officiating. Burial will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service

Ennis, Leda V. Leda V. Ennis, age 89, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, died on Wednesday, July 2, 2003, at St. Clare Hospital. She was born on September 7, 1913, in Wonewoc, Wisconsin the daughter of Arthur B. and Lulu Belle (Fuller) Ray. She married Clarence J. Ennis on April 7, 1943 in Mauston, Wisconsin and he preceded her in death on October 15, 2001. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and their husbands, Alta and Leo Dempsey, and Erma and Herman Martin. She is survived by her brother, Leland (Anita) Ray of Wonewoc; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Monday, July 7, 2003 at 12:00 noon with Father Gerald P. Vosen officiating. Interment will take place in Pine Eden Cemetery in Wonewoc at 3:00 p.m. Friends may call at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rago Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Erdmann, Margaret, D. Margaret D. Erdmann, 89, Hillpoint, died on Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at the Edward Snyder Memorial Nursing Home in Reedsburg. She was born on Oct. 25 1913, in Washington Township, Sauk County, the daughter of Walter and Marie (nee Harms) Goetsch. She married Harold G. Erdmann, who preceded her in death on March 22, 1990. Margaret was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Hillpoint where she was active in the Ladies Guild. Her parents and a daughter, Dorothy, also preceded Margaret in death. She is survived by her children, Virginia (Bill) Smith, Margaret (Wes) Wermund, Glenn Erdmann, Jean (Dwight) Ziech, Eugene (Leslie) Erdmann, all of Hillpoint; 25 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; a brother, Edmund (Lorna) Goetsch, Reedsburg; a sister, Estella Muchow, Hillpoint; many nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m., Friday, March 7, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hillpoint with Rev. Richard Agenten officiating. Friends may call on Friday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be made on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Washington Township. Memorials of remembrance may be made to St. John's Church Hillpoint or the Bethesda Lutheran Home. The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Ersches, Andrew. The Wisconsin State Journal Friday, August 9, 1968 Cashton – Andrew Ersches, 70, Rt. 3, Cashton, died August 8, 1968 at home. He is survived in Madison by a sister, Mrs. John Golby. The funeral will be at 10 am Saturday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friends may call this afternoon and evening at the Torkelson Funeral Home where the rosary will be recited at 8 tonight.

 Esser, Genevieve Marvis. Genevieve Marvis Esser, 71, LaValle, was born in Stoughton on Sept. 8, 1932 and passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at home. The daughter of Genevieve (nee Bjordahl) and Robert Nygaard, she married LaVerne William Esser on Nov. 15, 1953. She moved to Reedsburg with her husband and infant son in 1955. She had a varied career, going to work at Cuna in Madison right out of high school. She stopped working for five years until her son was in school. Marvis then worked at Hankscraft Motors in Reedsburg for 11 years until they moved to Madison where she worked as an information processor for Flad and Associates Architecture until her retirement in the late 80s. She returned to Sauk County with her husband and moved to LaValle so could be close to their son and his wife in their short retirement together. Marvis was a competitive person who excelled at all games like shuffleboard and bowling, and could trim anyone's wings playing card games of any sort.