Thomas H. Ellefson, age 76, of Woodville, Wisconsin, passed on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Tom was born December 16, 1948, to Harvey and Carmen (Porteous) Ellefson in Baldwin, Wisconsin. He grew up and attended school in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, graduating with the Class of 1967.

Shortly after graduating high school Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force and attended basic training in Amarillo Texas.

On July 19, 1969, Tom married Jan Vorlicek at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spring Valley.

During his four years of service he was stationed in Duluth Minnesota, Phu Cat Airbase in Vietnam, Thailand, and Chandler Arizona.

After returning home, Tom and Jan lived north of Baldwin for a short time before settling in Woodville. Tom then began a career at Anderson Windows and retired in 2004 at the age of 55.

He enjoyed fishing, having taken many trips to Canada and additional adventures on the great lakes, Alaska, and numerous other local lakes and rivers. He was an avid hunter and could be found hunting turkey, deer, pheasant or whatever was in season. He loved spending time on his property in Eau Galle township where each summer, he and Jan planted a large garden with 360 hills of potatoes, eight rows of sweet corn, 225 onion sets, three rows of peas, 24 tomato plants, 24 pepper plants, and numerous other vegetables. The fruits of which were shared with family and friends.

Tom loved to travel. From Weiner runs with his friends to local meat markets, short and long motorcycle trips with Jan, and vacations with family and friends that took him to places like Hawaii, Alaska, the Mediterranean, Italy, and Spain.

Most important to him was his family, especially his grandchildren. He was their number one fan and attended every sporting event he could, even at the end you could find him watching on his computer from his hospital room.

Preceding him in death were his parents Harvey and Carmen; sister Ann Jensen and her husband Byron; sister Mary Johnson; brother-in-law Tom Vorlicek; and parents-in-law: Willie and Marie Vorlicek.

Survivors include his wife Jan; son Jon (Theresa) Ellefson and daughter Megan (Curt) Schwalen; five grandchildren: Lauren, Adelyn and Isabel Ellefson and Carmen and Cael Schwalen; brother Terry (Rhonda) Ellefson; in-laws: Toby (Peg) Vorlicek and Mary (Matt) Huepfel; many nieces, nephews, relatives and countless friends.

A Mass of Christian burial for Tom will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spring Valley.

Gathering of family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, at Sacred Heart Church prior to the service.

Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Spring Valley with military honors by Rickerd-Danielson American Legion Post 227.

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

Duane ‘Tank’ Veenendaal, age 69, of Woodville, Wisconsin, died Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Park View Home in Woodville.

Duane was born July 16, 1955, to Louis and Myrtle (West) Veenendaal in Baldwin, Wisconsin. He grew up in Baldwin and attended Baldwin-Woodville School, graduating with the Class of 73. After school, he continued his education at WITC in Rice Lake and studied auto mechanics. He worked for Zillman Chevrolet and Donaldsons in Baldwin before starting his career with St. Croix County Highway Department.

On June 28, 1975, Duane married Judy Nelson at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Ryan, Abby, and Leah.

He was an active member of Zion and served on the church council, worship and music committee, property committee, and was a member of Zion’s choir and bell choir.

Duane loved playing, watching and coaching sports. He was an avid Badgers, Packers, and Brewers fan. He played football in high school and enjoyed a number of years coaching the Baldwin-Woodville Blackhawk Football Team. He was proud to have been on the coaching staff when the Hawks won a state championship in 1992 and were runners-up in 1994.

His family was most important to him, and he loved spending time with them and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He also enjoyed tinkering around the garage and yard, taking road trips, relaxing by the water, watching Gunsmoke, and listening to music. Duane was a kind and caring man that was willing to drop everything to help anyone out. He had a great sense of humor and always had a witty remark to share.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers Lowell (Jeanne) and Jon; and brothers-in-law Jim Birdsong and Jim Sandfort.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; son Ryan (Meghan) Veenendaal; daughters Abby (Logan) Kimberly, and Leah (Dan) Ramos; grandchildren: Trenton, Dawson, and Landon Veenendaal, Merritt and Ferran Miller, Gavin and Reese Kimberly, Elliana and Iyla Ramos; sisters-in-law Sandy Veenendaal, JoAnn Birdsong, Margie Sandfort, and brother-in-law Bob (Terry) Nelson, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

A Memorial service for Duane will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, at Zion Lutheran Church and also for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Monday.

Burial will be at Lone Pine Cemetery, Woodville.

Memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, Park View Home, or Adoray Hospice.

Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements.