Lou Ann passed from us on June 30, 2022, at Serenity House after a multi-month bout of central nervous system melanoma.
She was born in 1952 to Lester and Hilda Bever (Hericks), youngest of seven siblings, and grew up on the ridge family farm north of Wilton. She attended Wilton Grade School, Royall High School, and then Western Wisconsin Tech for dental assistant.
Lou worked chairside for Dr. Bashirian in Elroy for numerous years. She returned to school and eventually graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in agricultural science, a proud moment. She began working in the grain and alfalfa fields, applying Integrated Pest Management techniques, which involved monitoring insects, pesticide and fertilizer applications, and soil health. After some time, Lou Ann changed her focus to cranberries. She established her own business, Cattail Marsh Consulting, and practiced I.P.M functions on many marshes throughout the cranberry growing areas. She finished her work career as an educator teaching horticulture at the New Lisbon Correctional Facility.
Lou Ann and longtime partner Duane Denter (whom she wed in 1983) bought a ramshackle farmhouse and hobby farm near Clifton and over time rehabbed it into a comfortable country home. She raised beef, chickens, two sheep, and many horses, usually Arabians. She loved her horses, raising and training many from birth to riding age. She was a great gardener, and spring was always a colorful time when her perennials, bulbs and bushes came to life.
Lou Ann and Duane had two wonderful children, Liz and Darth; Lou supported their every endeavor as they grew to become responsible adults. She loved them dearly and was so proud of them.
Lou Ann like to read, do crossword puzzles, crochet, and paint, with wall plates being her specialty. She loved to camp (especially at the Lake Arbutus) and enjoyed many campfires with friends and family. She substituted taught and volunteered time at the local schools. Lou Ann could be strong willed but was also compassionate and humorous. She loved her family, her rural home, and her country roots.
In her family, passing before her were her parents, Lester and Hilda; her stepparent, Everet Strozinski; her brothers, Arnie, Jim and Bill Bever; her sister-in-law, Colleen Bever; her brother-in-law, Bob Sullivan; and her nephews, Mike Short and Pat Sullivan.
She is survived in family by her spouse, Duane; her daughter, Liz Mehls (Chris); and her son, Darth (friend Taylor).
Surviving also are her sisters, Donna Lamp, Marion Sullivan, and Doris Ashley; her sisters-in-law, Judy Bever and Joy Bever; her brothers-in-law, Doug Denter (Cindy) and David Denter (Sonja); and a host of nieces, nephews and their offspring, and house pets Daisy and Pip.
A Time of Remembrance for Lou Ann is being planned for family and friends.
The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
