Norma Anne Klanderman, age 91, of Woodville, Wisconsin, formerly of St. Paul, Minnesota, peacefully left this world on December 23rd, 2023. Although she will be missed, her departure from this world will be seen as another one of her many adventures.

Born to Helen and Arnold Solberg in St. Paul, Minnesota, Norma had a traditional Irish Catholic upbringing. One which conceivably influenced her fondness for a good laugh and occasional whiskey.  As a young woman, she was married to an artist and businessman, Jack Hatfield.  While their love was seen as unconventional, there was never a lack of love or laughter. In 1956, she gave birth to a daughter, Jac-Lynn (Jackie).  Jack, Norma, and Jackie were all gifted artists and enjoyed working in multiple mediums. In 1973, they moved from their hobby farm in Eagan Minnesota to a farm south of Woodville Wisconsin. This was followed by the untimely passing of Jack in 1974. Norma was lucky to quickly find love again and married a local cattle salesman, Bob Berkseth. Sadly, their marriage was cut short after Bob lost his battle with lung cancer.

The later years of her life were spent with her husband, Carroll Klanderman, whom she married in 1986.  The two danced through life for 37 years, proving that a second love can be as enduring as Irish lace curtains and Waterford crystal. Carroll and Norma explored the world together; enjoying trips to Ireland, Norway, England, and the Netherlands. Between these trips they enjoyed tending their large rose garden, sipping iced tea on quiet summer nights, and reading side by side in their matching winged-back chairs. Her love for him was unwavering and their endearment towards one another was evident to her last days. Even as her memory faded, she never stopped asking, “Where’s my Husband?”.

She was a bold woman with few fears. No dream was too big and no destination was too far. Encouraging, accepting, and compassionate were some of her many attributes. Standing up for the underdog was something she did with great moxie, and a quality she passed to her daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughters.

Norma embraced life as an eternal optimist and had an endless supply of witty (and often inappropriate) jokes, songs, and stories. She had a weakness for handsome men, an intolerance of assholes, and a love of coffee and chocolate. Norma remained a kid at heart. Even into her 80s, she could be found shooting straw wrappers across the restaurant table, playing at the park with her great-grandchildren, reading Harry Potter, or ordering a Happy Meal®. Her commitment to her family was evident by her constant presence and a testament to her deep love. She was ever only a phone call away, always answering “Yell-oh”.

As you think of Norma in years to come, remember her with a smile, raise a glass in her name, and when you hear an Irish Jig – get up and dance.

Preceded in death by parents Arnold and Helen Solberg; sister Mary Dwyer; brother John Solberg; husbands Jack Hatfield and Orville “Bob” Berkseth.

Survived by husband Carroll Klanderman; daughter Jackie (Stuff) Tyler; grand-daughter Sarah (Jared) Tyler-Peterson; grandson John (Amber) Tyler; great-grandchildren Rhyan, Roslyn, Wesley Nichols, Chet Tyler and Khloe Peterson.

Bonus children Lila Hambleton, Leland (Robin) Klanderman, Leah Klanderman, and Ellen (Graham) Sones. Bonus grandchildren: Jeannie (Bruce), Kathy (Bruce), Will (Sara), Bess, Jim (Rachel), Lilly, Maddy, Aaron, Carl, and Olivia. Bonus great-grandchildren John, Eileen, Rue, and Gilbert.

A Visitation for Norma was held Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street Baldwin, WI 54002 with a Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin.

Russ passed away peacefully at age 86, at his home on his farm in Gilman Township, Spring Valley, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, with family by his side.

Russell Morgan Spence was born in Amboy, Minnesota on January 24, 1937, to Vernon George and Eunice Marian Spence (Fisk). They moved to Spring Valley, Wisconsin where he farmed as a boy, while attending a one-room grade school. Russ often bragged about how he skipped the 3rd grade, but usually fessed-up that it was only because there were just two students in that grade. He convinced his parents to let him enlist early in the army at 17, becoming a paratrooper in the 11th and 101st Airborne Divisions, stationed in Munich, Germany.

He returned to Spring Valley, where in 1959 he eloped to Iowa with his high school crush, Mary Josephine Richardson, after persuading her to break off an engagement. They moved to River Falls, Wisconsin, where he graduated from college. They then moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where they started their family while Russ worked days and went to evening law school at William Mitchell College of Law.

He then joined a Minneapolis law firm as an investigator, working his way up to becoming a named partner at Meshbesher & Spence, Ltd. There, Russ started and built a successful PI practice, mentoring many fine trial attorneys, connecting with juries and winning record recoveries for his clients. After Mary Jo passed away in 1994, Russ reevaluated life’s priorities. He later married Laurel Anne McGraw, continuing to build his blended family, enjoying travels to 31 different countries, family gatherings and the fruits of his labors for the next 27 years.

Russ enjoyed time farming at his Spring Valley “hobby” farm, where he helped and worked with many family and friends, old and new. Although he wore 3-piece suits in court, he never forgot how to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty doing an honest, long day’s work. He was an avid golfer and long-time hunter, which even took him to Wyoming and Colorado for horseback ride-in excursions with cherished friends. He enjoyed time in Scottsdale, the Twin Cities, at Balsam Lake and of course, his farm. Russ will long be remembered as an engaging, caring, generous and authentic man, who was a great storyteller. He successfully challenged himself, and those around him, overcoming many obstacles along the way. Paraphrasing Frank Sinatra, “he did it [his] way!”

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Mary Jo, brothers Vernon and Wayne Spence, sister Evelyn Vanasse, sister-in-law Anita Spence, brothers-in-law David and Don Richardson, David Reese, and granddaughter, Monica Josephine Spence. He is survived by wife Laurel Spence, son Russell “Mick” Spence, Jr. (Darran), daughters Suzanne and Claire Spence, stepdaughter Sophie Callahan (Jared) and their sons Jet and Milo, grandchildren Sophia, Griffin and Russell Spence III, as well as many, many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Celebrations of life were held on Tuesday January 2, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion, 701 N. Main St., River Falls, Wisconsin and Wednesday, January 3, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Private interment will be at Gilman Lutheran Church, Spring Valley, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Gilman Lutheran Church secure.myvanco.com/L-Z78 T/home or Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers mnlcl.org/donate.

Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley is handling arrangements.

LaVonne Hampton, age 58, of Baldwin, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, December 23, 2023, from injuries received in a single vehicle accident.

LaVonne was born February 24, 1965, to Hugh and Mary (Hanson) Hampton in Menomonie, Wisconsin. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Wisconsin and a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church, Baldwin. She attended Spring Valley Schools and graduated with the Class of 1983.

After high school, LaVonne travelled west to work. She lived in Arizona, Utah and California. She worked on a horse ranch for a while, worked as a tree trimmer, and eventually decided to attend Heavy Equipment School. She then got a job with an asphalt company, had worked for multiple asphalt companies, and joined the Local 49ers Union.

LaVonne loved the outdoors, being in the woods, and tending to her goats and horses.  You would often see her on her Harley Trike travelling the countryside. She loved people and spending weekends with the girls.

She was preceded in death by her father Hugh and a number of extended family members.

Survivors include her mother Mary; siblings: Shelly (Don) Ninneman, Paula Hampton, Pam (Bob) Hanson, and Carla (Joey) Johnson; nieces and nephews: Casey (Kyle) Sutliff and their children Borden, Boston, Barrett, Cullen, Eldon, Lucy, and Kynlee; Cody (Rhonda) Ninneman and children Oaklee and Asher; Donna Hampton; Colten and Hannah Johnson; aunts and uncles: Shirley Hampton, Fran Hampton (and Jeanne), Rita Hampton, Dale Grape, Bill (Barb) Hanson, and Betty (Irv) Pax; many other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Baldwin, Wisconsin. Visitation was from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Peace Lutheran and one hour prior to the service at church on Sunday.

The burial will be in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Baldwin, Wisconsin.

Keehr Funeral Home, (keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley is handling arrangements.

Dawn Neidermyer, age 73, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, died on Monday, December 25, 2023, at her home in Spring Valley.

Dawn was born December 8, 1950, to Kermit and Ramona (Holden) Lansing in Menomonie, Wisconsin.  She grew up near Olivet, Wisconsin and attended Spring Valley Schools.  She was a graduate of the Class of 1968. After high school, Dawn continued her education in LaCrosse at the Vo-Tech, where she studied nursing. Shortly thereafter she moved back to Spring Valley to raise her family. She was married to Frank Neidermyer on November 13, 1971. The marriage later ended in divorce.

Dawn drove for Pierce County for several years. She was also part owner of M&D Discount in Spring Valley with Martha Olson for over 10 years. She finished her career as administrator of the Spring Valley Senior Citizen Center. She was in charge of operations, arranging for local Meals and Meals on Wheels. She was a longtime member of Martell United Methodist Church where she had been an active member until its closing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brothers Durwin, Dwight, and Dean; brother Dennis Lansing; sister Delores Lansing; great granddaughter Makinley Austin.

Survivors include her children: Lornina Holodnack, Troy Neidermyer, Todd (Carrie) Neidermyer, DeAnna (Wade Meyers) Lansing; Bryan (Jenell) Neidermyer, and Jeff (Janna) Neidermyer; 20 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; siblings: Debbie Peterson, Denise (Bernie) Christman, Dan (Sheri) Lansing, and Darla Lansing; and many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Martell Town Hall in Martell Township.

Visitation was from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the town hall prior to the service.

Burial was in the Martell Methodist Cemetery.

Keehr Funeral Home, (keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley is handling arrangements.

Donald Albert Yauch, age 88 of Menomonie, formerly of Elmwood, Wisconsin, died Sunday December 24, 2023, at The Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie.

Don was born February 5, 1935, in Spring Lake Township of Pierce County. He was the son of Harvey Sr. and Minne (Ziehme) Yauch. Don attended Elmwood Schools. During his school years, he worked at Sailer’s Market bagging potatoes and stocking shelves; Mrs. Collett’s grocery store where he was paid with candy; from 1947 to 1953 at Effie’s where he had to clean the soft serve ice cream machine and worked behind the counter during lunch time and restocked the pop coolers; from 1948 to 1950, he also mowed at the Farm Hill Cemetery.

Don enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 11, 1955, for three years, spending two years in Germany. He was stationed in Aschaffenburg Germany where he finished high school. Don was with the infantry from 1955 to 1956, then as a gunner on the 57mm Recoils Rifle and in 1957, he attended artillery surveyor school in Murnau, Germany. He was an artillery surveyor for the 280 mil. cannons in Baumholder, Germany. Don was honorably discharged in December of 1957.

Don married Marian Gibson Mousel on May 27, 1958, in Elmwood. They lived most of their lives in Elmwood before moving to Menomonie in 2018.

Don worked various part-time and full-time jobs in the Elmwood area. He worked at two gas stations; hauled both canned and bulk milk for Krings Brothers and his brother Lyle; worked cleanup shift at the Elmwood Creamery; drove school bus; worked for Sweeney Brothers Construction for a year in 1965, building the interstate highway.

In 1966, Don began working for Jesse Phillips Feed Mill and worked there until the business was sold to Durand Cooperative.  During this time, he also delivered the St. Paul Pioneer Press Sunday paper from 1967 to 1982.  He continued to work for Durand Cooperative until 1991.

Don was also a substitute for both the Elmwood and Spring Valley Post Offices as a rural carrier. He also drove part time for Jim Lamm Trucking. From 1992 to 1997, Don worked at the Cenex Hardware in Menomonie until he began his full-time mail route for the Elmwood Post Office in 1997. He retired from the Postal Service in 2002 after 12 years of service.

Don joined the Elmwood Fire Department as a volunteer in 1958 and retired after 35 years of service to the department. He attended EMT training school from 1974 to 1977 and began serving the Elmwood Ambulance Service for many years, along with his wife, Marian. Don also served two terms on the Elmwood Village Board in the mid-1980’s.

Don is survived by daughters, Tammy (Jerry) Wolf of Elmwood and Nadene Yauch of Georgia; step-daughters, Deborah (Tom) Sinz of Arizona and Ann Mousel of Georgia; step-daughter-in-law, Kathy Mousel of Menomonie; three grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, six great grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Stan Schulte of Nipomo, CA; Jerry Gibson of Wakon, IA, and Bill (Jan) Gibson of Eau Claire; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Dolly, wife Marian in February 2020; a stepson, Thomas Mousel; brothers, Lyle, Charles “Bud”, and Harvey Jr.; sisters, Carol Alton, Eileen Maxfield Anderson, Lorraine Young and Delores Schulte.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mayo Health System in Menomonie and Eau Claire, Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood, The Neighbors of Dunn County and St. Croix Hospice for the considerate and compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday January 4, 2024, at the Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood. The burial will be at Poplar Hill Cemetery, rural Elmwood at a later date.

Condolences to the family may be made online at rhielfuneralhome.com.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Menomonie is serving the family.