By ALICE BRANDAU
The storm blew in Tuesday evening, and within a few minutes, it was over and calm again. Grayson Zuhlke was in the valley, trout fishing, only to come home to find some of his maple trees blown down and damage to his shed. As the seasons changed, so did these maples, especially when they put on their fall colors. It is estimated they were somewhere around a century old.
In our digital world, it was only moments before people were notified that a new pastor will serve St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on South Ridge and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kendall. His name is Larry Neitzel. Now that name is familiar around the area; in fact, my sister Jean married Roger Neitzel. He is a cousin. He and his wife have four sons, with the youngest in college. They expect to arrive mid-July, and it will be nice to see lights on at the parsonage again.
Serenity Halvorson was confirmed at St. Matthew’s during services Sunday morning, with Pastor William King officiating
Doris Beier, Conrad and Carol Zielke and other family members celebrated Mother’s Day at Bob and Jean Farrar’s home in rural La Farge.
Carol Zielke, son Brad, mother Dory Thomas and aunt Eleanor Spohn remembered loved ones by visiting four cemeteries Sunday afternoon after lunch.
A celebration of Beverly Wood’s life was held at the Ontario American Legion Hall on Saturday, with Pastor Streeter addressing Bev’s family (including her sister Cathy Brandau). Bev grew up in Ontario area and lived in Rantoul, Ill. She passed away in January. She was 89 years old. Family gathered at Hilltop Rest Cemetery in Ontario, with final goodbyes accompanied by a rainy day.
Congratulations to Sam Downing, son of Scott and Daguin, who will graduate from Brookwood High this Friday evening.
On Monday, Darlene Martalock, Myrna Fauska and Marge Collins joined other cousins for their annual get-together at Nancy Tolvstad’s home in Onalaska.
Hazel Pasch was among those who wished Joan Pasch a happy 80th birthday Saturday, with festivities at the Kendall American Legion Hall.
Today she attended funeral services for Vern Kirchoff at St. Paul’s in Wilton. Todd and Tracy Clark, neighbors to Vern, had become Vern’s support “family” as he dealt with cancer and living alone after his wife’s passing.
The birthday party was all set for Sunday at the home of Jimmy and Cassie (Ferries) Miller. Because their three children, Addison, 6; Jameson, 3; and Kinsley, 1, have birthdays close together, it has become a good time to celebrate them together with family. Children brought laughter and opened presents. There were three cakes, candles and much more.
Only this year it was different, and adults had to hide their emotions, as they had received the news that Cassie’s half-brother, Logan Ferries, was a victim of an accidental shooting that morning. There are no words to express the sympathy for all involved.
And that’s it for May 22, 2017.