George P. Caffrey
WEST SALEM — George P. Caffrey, 78, of West Salem died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at his home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, West Salem. Burial will be in Hamilton Cemetery with military honors by West Salem American Legion Post 51. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home, West Salem, and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Monday at the church. A complete obituary will follow.
Cecelia A. Humfeld
CHASEBURG, Wis. — Cecelia A. Humfeld, 80, of rural Chaseburg passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, May 14, 2008, surrounded by her devoted family. She “went to be with God” after a short illness.
She was born at home Feb. 24, 1928, to Frank Jr. and Orma (Elsen) Mlsna in the town of Hamburg, Wis. She attended Cliffside School in Chaseburg and worked at home with her parents. She married Bernard Humfeld on May 24, 1950, at
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Coon Valley, Wis., and celebrated on the home farm where they lived, worked and raised 10 children.
Cecelia was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s. She was a president of the Altar Society for several years, a member of the choir, and active in various ministries of the church. She was a member of the Brinkman Ridge Homemakers and the Chasettes (formerly Chaseburg Lioness). She had a “green thumb” in the garden, the best recipes in the kitchen and could play cards with the best of them. Her retirement years included trips to Hayward, Wis., Branson, Mo., and Nevada. She especially enjoyed Wednesdays with Rosie.
Mom was one of a kind. She was the thread that kept us all connected. Coffee at her house was a briefing on the whole family. She enjoyed spending special times with her grandchildren and attending their activities. She always led by example. Her unwavering faith in God, strong commitment to family, and ability to see the brightest side of every person and situation she encountered set her apart. Her death leaves a void we can’t describe.
Cecelia is survived by five sons, Roger (Joyce) of Westby, Wis., and Ronald (Marlene), David (Susan), Steve (JoAnne) and Richard (Mary), all of Chaseburg; five daughters, Dianne (Paul) Taylor of Coon Valley, Wis., Debra (Gerry) Betz of West Salem, Wis., Julie (John) Mislivecek of Coon Valley, Joanne (James) Ledoux of West Salem and Bobbi (Larry) Schamberger of Coon Valley;
36 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rosie LeJeune and Ettie (Bernie) Thiele; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Bernie, she was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Larry Humfeld; a great-grandson, Jake Kohlmeier; and her brother, Bernard Mlsna.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 19, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Middle Ridge, Wis. Monsignor Robert Hundt and the Rev. Wayne Kidd will concelebrate, with entombment at St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum in La Crosse. Friends may call Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church Monday from 10 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Coon Valley or the American Cancer Society.
We would like to thank Dr. Mannion, Dr. Stevens and the hospice staff at Franciscan Skemp. Your compassionate care was very much appreciated.
You’ve given us so much to be thankful for. You taught us to stand on our own in the world and have confidence. You taught us the meaning of family and what’s at the heart of a good life, but most of all you gave everything with love.
Judith R. Schaller
BANGOR — Judith R. Schaller, 68, of Bangor passed away early Monday morning, May 12, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.
She was born March 2, 1940, in Bangor to John and Irene (Streeck) Souchek. Judy was a lifetime resident of the Bangor area, graduating from Bangor High School in 1958. On Sept. 2, 1961, she was united in marriage with Eugene M. Schaller at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bangor. Judy was employed at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse for 25 years until her retirement. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bangor, where she spent many years as a Lector and Eucharistic minister. Judy was also very proud to serve a number of years as a member of the Bangor First Responders.
Judy was a very caring person, always putting others before herself. Many will miss her bringing them baked goodies, etc., in their time of need or for no other reason than just her kindness. She was a reflection of the many angels she collected. Judy’s family was her pride and joy, the grandchildren being very special. She truly dedicated her life to them. She will be greatly missed by all.
Survivors include her husband, Gene; four sons, Michael (Carrie) and their children, Kate, Jack, and Maggie, all of Midland, Mich., Kevin and his children, Marvin, Molly, Mitchell, and Mariah, all of West Salem, Wis., David (Lana) and their daughters, Brianna and Camryn, all of Greenwood, Wis., and Lyle (Kelly) of Cashton, Wis.; sisters, Norma Anderson, Barbara (Lawrence) Anderson, Sharon (John) Gilbertson, Sandra (Rick) Lasko, and Linda (Jerry) Lasko; one brother, John (Marianne) Souchek; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; and an infant brother, David.
A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 15, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 303 South 16th Ave., Bangor. The Rev. Del Malin and the Rev. Paul Sankoorikal will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at Jandt Funeral Home, Hwy. 162 and Hattan St., Bangor, on Wednesday from 4 until 8 p.m. and at the church Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Memorials may be given to the Bangor First Responders or the Bangor Scholarship Foundation.
Judy’s family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Udell and all the staff at Gundersen Lutheran for their kindness and care during her stay there.
Albert R. Ceason
Albert R. Ceason, 82, of La Crosse passed away Tuesday May 13, 2008, at the home of his daughter after a long battle with emphysema complicated by cancer.
He was born Feb. 23, 1926, in El Campo, Texas, to Fred J. and Alma A. (Wolter) Ceason. He married Dorothy Pitzner Nov. 27, 1950, in La Crosse. Dorothy preceded him in death on July 4, 1987.
Albert was in the Navy from 1944-46. He worked for the Milwaukee Road Railroad from 1951-53. In 1954, Albert was hired by the School Board of La Crosse as a custodian. In 1962, he was assigned to Roosevelt Grade School, where he stayed until his retirement in 1988.
Albert was a member of La Crosse Eagle’s Aerie No. 1254.
Albert was a loving husband, caring for his wife during her long illness. He was a good father, creating wonderful memories for his children. He enjoyed and took pride in his garden. Albert was independent and fun-loving, with a wonderful sense of humor. He was always quick with an amusing line or joke. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
Albert is survived by his three daughters, Dawn (Ron) Hill of La Crescent, Minn., Laurie (Tom) Lane of Sparta, Wis., and Penny (Rick) Sullivan of La Crosse; his son, Jeff of Barre Mills, Wis.; grandchildren, Peggy, Chrissie, Michelle, Tim, Nick, Briem, Jessie and Kari; and 21 great-grandchildren. Albert is also survived by his brother, Fred Ceason of La Crosse; two sisters, Luella Oliver of Tomah, Wis., and Bessie Weiss of Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and three brothers.
The family would like to thank Dr. Van Manen of Franciscan Skemp; the wonderful clinic, hospital and BSJ staff; and everyone from Home Care/Hospice for their care and support.
Funeral services, with military honors, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 809 Gillette St., La Crosse. The Rev. Jonathan Unverzagt will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services.
