Zwickey Funeral Homes Obituaries

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Zwickey Funeral Homes is a family-owned and operated funeral home located in Melrose, Wisconsin. With a rich history and a commitment to providing compassionate care, Zwickey Funeral Homes has been serving the community for generations. Their dedicated team of professionals is devoted to helping families navigate the difficult process of saying goodbye to a loved one, while also celebrating their life and legacy.

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For over [number] years, Zwickey Funeral Homes has been a trusted name in the Melrose community. The funeral home's reputation for excellence is built on a foundation of compassion, integrity, and attention to detail. From the moment you walk through their doors, you'll be greeted with kindness, understanding, and a genuine desire to help you through one of life's most challenging moments.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Marlis Kay Whitt - August 28, 1942 - April 21, 2024

Departed: 04/21/2024 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Marlis Kay Whitt, 81, formerly of Melrose, Wisconsin, died Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Pine View Care Center, Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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Beatrice May Scholze - May 27, 1941 - February 11, 2024

Departed: 02/11/2024 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Beatrice May Scholze, 82, of West Salem, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024 at Meadowbrook in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Bea was born May 27, 1941 in Galesville, Wisconsin to Harvey and Ragna May Patterson. Bea was a graduate of Melrose High School, class of 1959 and in August, married Raymond Scholze.

Living on a farm in Melrose, Wisconsin they and their four children moved to the state of Oregon in 1969. They later divorced. In 1978 Bea and her kids moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to family. Bea loved teaching Bible school and the love for Jesus throughout her life, cats, cardinals and playing Skip-Bo with her friends. Bea will be missed by so many-young and old. She enjoyed telling her stories and spreading the gospel to everyone.

Survivors are her sons, Carl Scholze, Kent Scholze; a daughter, Jan Scholze; grandkids, Danielle, Brandon (Allison), Megan, Jenni, Dalton; great-grandkids, Elliott, Oliver, Rayden, Kerriana, Carlie and a brother, Kenneth (Joanne) Patterson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Valerie Chown; a brother, Gary Patterson; step-siblings, LaVon, Spencer, Zina, Dora and her daughter Jan's partner, Jon Terpstra.

Services will be Thursday, February 22, 2024, 1:00 P.M. at Connect Church, 3340 S. Kinney Coulee Road, Onalaska, Wisconsin. Burial will be in the Onalaska Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Thursday from noon until service time.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel is assisting the family.

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Vernon Milas Ramsey - August 11, 1927 - February 02, 2024

Departed: 02/02/2024 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Vernon Milas Ramsey passed away on February 2, 2024 at Grand View Care Center where he had lived the past 4 years. Born to Bernard and Lena (Anderson) Ramsey of North Bend on August 11, 1927, he was raised on the farm in Mill Creek Valley that he proudly saw recognized as a Century Family Farm in 2014.

An alum of Melrose High School, class of 1944, he continued to be a fan of the Melrose-Mindoro Mustangs and could be seen at many sporting events in the company of his good friends, Bob and Bonnie Byom. He especially enjoyed watching grandsons participate and witnessed one win a state gold medal. Vernon was often found watching his beloved westerns or one of his favorite teams on television. The Packers, Badgers, Brewers or St. Louis Cardinals were closely followed. He was able to see all of his teams compete live over the years.

Religion was very important to Vernon. He was a life-long member of South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church. He married Joyce Brohelden of Ettrick on July 29, 1951. A marriage that lasted 58 years until Joyce's passing in 2009. The couple were fondly nicknamed "Ditty and Doc." They raised and are survived by 5 children: Aaron of Taylor, Sharon Haller (Eric Frederick) of Mindoro, Karon Ristey (Mike Garbers) of West Salem, Theron (Kristine) of Bangor and Marilon Sue (Dennis) Isbell of Viroqua.

Also surviving are 10 grandsons; a granddaughter; 6 great-grandchildren;2 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Larry (Nancy) Folkedahl of Ettrick and an adopted summer daughter, Sandy Asleson.

He was preceded in death by his wife; son-in-law, Carl Haller; parents; brother and sister-in-law, Oscar (Cora); sister and brother-in-law, Elmer (Bernice) Erickson; brothers, Arthur, Leon; brother-in-law, Sander Brohelden and sister-in-law and husband, Carol and Leonard Seitz.

Funeral services will be Thursday, 2:00 P.M., February 8, 2024 at South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Ettrick, Wisconsin with Pastor John Ashland officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 12:30 P.M. until service time.

Special thanks to Jessie Ristey, the staff of St. Croix Hospice and Grand View Care Center--especially Wanda for all of her help.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel is assisting the family.

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Jeaneta Mae (Potter) O'Neil - November 06, 1937 - December 28, 2023

Departed: 12/28/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Jeaneta Mae (Potter) O'Neil, 86, of Melrose, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Dove Health Care Center, Osseo, Wisconsin.

Jeaneta was born in Little Falls, Wisconsin on November 6, 1937, the daughter of Harvey and Helen (McMahan) Potter. She graduated from Sparta High School ,in 1956. On December 22, 1956 she married Kent Chrisinger.

Jeaneta was an avid gardener who was known for growing beautiful flowers, hostas and vegetables. She also loved making crafts. playing cards and bingo. Over the years, Jeaneta worked as a secretary in the Melrose School District and at Black River Chiropractic for Ruth Jean. Upon retirement, Jeaneta enjoyed spending time at the lake in Winter, WI and wintering in Arizona. Above all, Jeaneta loved her sons, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, and family very much. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her sons, Mark Chrisinger, Eric (Cindy) Chrisinger; grandchildren, Chris (Leigh) Chrisinger, Kay Lynn (Lance) Truax, Bennett (Kari) Chrisinger, Tyler (Jennifer) Chrisinger; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters, Valeria (Gordon) Hesselberg, Jeanette (Irv) Rath, Marleen Berg; brothers -in-law, David Kriesel, Gary Chrisinger and many nieces and nephews.

Jeaneta was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Brian Chrisinger; a grandson, Scott Chrisinger; husbands, Kent Chrisinger, John Timm, Bernard O'Neil; brothers, Dean, Gale and Dennis Potter; a sister, Rosalie Kriesel; a niece, Nancy Amling and a brother-in-law, Galen Berg.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 20, 2024, 2:00 P.M. at United Methodist Church, 101 Douglas Street, Melrose, Wisconsin. Burial in the Melrose Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

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Curtis Paul Swenson - October 03, 2023 - October 03, 2023

Departed: 10/03/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Curtis Paul Swenson, 65, of rural Ettrick, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Meadowbrook of Black River Falls.

Services will be Thursday, October 19, 2023, 11:00 A. M. at South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Ettrick.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel assisted the family.

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Shirley A. Stone - March 14, 1935 - September 06, 2023

Departed: 09/06/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Shirley A. Stone, age 88 of Cleveland, TN (formerly of West Salem, WI), passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. She was born in Mindoro, Wisconsin on March 14, 1935 the daughter of Francis and Virginia (Wakefield) Lockington.

She worked various jobs during her lifetime which included Bakery Manager at Burnstads Grocery in Black River Falls; an In-home health care assistant; and as Owner/operator of a small family motel in Grand Junction Colorado before returning to Wisconsin to be closer family. She retired as a Dietary Specialist at Lakeview Health Care facility in West Salem.

Shirley enjoyed playing cards with her friends and teaching the grandchildren to play UNO, Sequence and Chinese Checkers, which they would play for hours. She also enjoyed putting many puzzles together and often had them sitting out for others to enjoy when visiting her.

She had a love for music; and during most weekends you would find her on the dance floor waltzing, two-stepping and doing the polka, which kept her in shape. She was very independent and enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers and mowing her large yard.

She loved to travel. She’s made trips to England, Ireland and Hawaii with her family and friends. She also loved taking bus trips with friends to many places to enjoy music shows and sights.

She loved to bake for family, friends and grandchildren. On birthdays, graduations and special occasions, all you would need to do is tell her what you wanted, how many and she would show up with everything ready. Many times she would show up with a pail full of cookies, a pan of Scotcharoos or one of her delicious pies. She will be especially remembered by her famous accidental sugar-free pumpkin pie made for her grandsons one Christmas.

Shirley is Survived by her children: Evan (Mary) Stone, Marcia (Dale) Christen, five grandchildren: Cortney (Sam), Nathan, Nicholas (Abby), Jordan, Cheyanne, two great grandchildren: Kaylea & Ainslee, a brother: Dale (Lois) Lockington and sister-in-law Kristina Lockington and many nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her son Mark Stone, sisters Lorna (Orville) Knutson, Doris (Kenneth) Knudtson and brother Donald Lockington. Visitation will be Thursday, September 14, from 12-1:00 pm. Followed by the Funeral service at 1:00 pm at Zwickey Funeral Home in Melrose, WI. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, North Bend, WI immediately following service. Reception following at L&M Cafe, Melrose, WI Name of Officiant: Pastor Ashland Casket bearers: Mike Knudtson, Ramon Knudtson, Mike Johnson, Todd Lockington, Monty Lockington, Randy Lockington

Special Thanks to: Coffee County TN Sheriff’s Department, First Responders, Unity Medical Center Manchester, TN, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown, Nashville, TN, Music City Funeral Services, Nashville, TN and Zwickey Funeral Home, Melrose, WI. Memorials will be directed for: Evergreen Cemetery, North Bend, WI and Bradley-Cleveland Senior Activity Center, Cleveland, TN

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Bernice Salzwedel - July 30, 1931 - June 02, 2023

Departed: 06/02/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Bernice Salzwedel, 101, formerly of Ettrick, Wisconsin, died Friday, June 2, 2023 at Grand View Care Center, Blair, Wisconsin.

She was born July 30, 1921 in Blair to Oscar and Belle (Brekke) Olson. She married Willard B. Salzwedel October 15, 1938 at French Creek and the couple lived in Black River Falls, Wisconsin until 1952, when they moved to the family homestead farm, which was in the family for 150 years, in Ettrick. Willard preceded her in death in 1997.

Bernice was a kind, generous, loving wife, mother, sister, grandma, great-grandma, great-great grandma and friend. She loved her bus trips, the color red and making pies, especially lemon meringue, that she shared with neighbors. She was a 4-H leader and good Norwegian lefse maker. Bernice was an active member of South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, being involved in the W.-E.L.C.A. and Esther Circle, making quilts and sang in the choir for 30 years.

Survivors are a daughter, Bonnie (Marvin) Tranberg of North Bend, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Sheila (Tom) Wallrick of Red Wing, Minnesota, Tim (Sandy) Tranberg of Black River Falls, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren, Jordan (Jen) Tranberg, Trevor (Amanda) Tranberg, Grace Fehrman (Fiance Nathan Berg), Hollie (Max) Schafer; great-great grandchildren, Louis, Waylon and Ivy Schafer and Jeffrey and Myles Tranberg and a sister, Helen Amundson.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Wilber Salzwedel; a grandson, Jeff Tranberg; 7 sisters, Ovidia, Bertha, Clara, Edna, Ruth, Irene, Betty; 4 brothers, Edwin, Odell, James, Norman and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Berdella and Elmer and Wilma and Ieval.

Funeral services will be Friday, June 9, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Ettrick with Pastor John Ashland officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:00 A.M. until service time.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel assisted the family.

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Robert Leonard Kulas - April 04, 2023 - April 20, 2023

Departed: 04/20/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Robert Leonard Kulas, 89, formerly of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, died April 20, 2023 at St. Elizabeth's Health Care Center, Wabasha, Minnesota.

Graveside services with military rites will be Saturday, May 6, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at Trempealeau Public Cemetery, Trempealeau, Wisconsin.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Galesville Chapel assisted the family.

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Ronald L. Kramer - September 09, 1936 - April 07, 2023

Departed: 04/07/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Mindoro, WI

Ronald L. Kramer passed away peacefully at his home. Friday, April 7, 2023. He was born September 9, 1936 in North Bend, Wisconsin to Merlin and Irene (Lash) Kramer. He grew up in Mindoro, Wisconsin where he farmed all his life except for a small time in the United States Army. He attended grades one through eight at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Burr Oak, Wisconsin. Ronald attended and graduated from Mindoro High School in 1954. He married Susan Toulouse on June 7, 1975 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Burr Oak. Ronald was a life-long member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Burr Oak. His love of farming and John Deere tractors is well known. He was very proud of his grandchildren and loved having them around. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan; sons, Robert (Misty), Stephen (Cara), Kristopher, Nathan (his friend, Joel); grandchildren, Tana, Katy, Brinn, Raleigh, Halyn, Piper, Jakoby, Isla; sister-in-law, Leann Kramer; niece, Jill Kramer and nephew, Travis Kramer. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert, Alton and Armin Kramer.

Services will be Friday, April 28, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Burr Oak with Pastor Christopher Johns officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and on Friday one hour prior to services.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pastor Christopher Johns for his visits and Mayo Hospice for their care and support.

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Marlis Kay Whitt - August 28, 1942 - April 21, 2024

Departed: 04/21/2024 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Marlis Kay Whitt, 81, formerly of Melrose, Wisconsin, died Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Pine View Care Center, Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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Beatrice May Scholze - May 27, 1941 - February 11, 2024

Departed: 02/11/2024 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Beatrice May Scholze, 82, of West Salem, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024 at Meadowbrook in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Bea was born May 27, 1941 in Galesville, Wisconsin to Harvey and Ragna May Patterson. Bea was a graduate of Melrose High School, class of 1959 and in August, married Raymond Scholze.

Living on a farm in Melrose, Wisconsin they and their four children moved to the state of Oregon in 1969. They later divorced. In 1978 Bea and her kids moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to family. Bea loved teaching Bible school and the love for Jesus throughout her life, cats, cardinals and playing Skip-Bo with her friends. Bea will be missed by so many-young and old. She enjoyed telling her stories and spreading the gospel to everyone.

Survivors are her sons, Carl Scholze, Kent Scholze; a daughter, Jan Scholze; grandkids, Danielle, Brandon (Allison), Megan, Jenni, Dalton; great-grandkids, Elliott, Oliver, Rayden, Kerriana, Carlie and a brother, Kenneth (Joanne) Patterson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Valerie Chown; a brother, Gary Patterson; step-siblings, LaVon, Spencer, Zina, Dora and her daughter Jan's partner, Jon Terpstra.

Services will be Thursday, February 22, 2024, 1:00 P.M. at Connect Church, 3340 S. Kinney Coulee Road, Onalaska, Wisconsin. Burial will be in the Onalaska Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Thursday from noon until service time.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel is assisting the family.

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Vernon Milas Ramsey - August 11, 1927 - February 02, 2024

Departed: 02/02/2024 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Vernon Milas Ramsey passed away on February 2, 2024 at Grand View Care Center where he had lived the past 4 years. Born to Bernard and Lena (Anderson) Ramsey of North Bend on August 11, 1927, he was raised on the farm in Mill Creek Valley that he proudly saw recognized as a Century Family Farm in 2014.

An alum of Melrose High School, class of 1944, he continued to be a fan of the Melrose-Mindoro Mustangs and could be seen at many sporting events in the company of his good friends, Bob and Bonnie Byom. He especially enjoyed watching grandsons participate and witnessed one win a state gold medal. Vernon was often found watching his beloved westerns or one of his favorite teams on television. The Packers, Badgers, Brewers or St. Louis Cardinals were closely followed. He was able to see all of his teams compete live over the years.

Religion was very important to Vernon. He was a life-long member of South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church. He married Joyce Brohelden of Ettrick on July 29, 1951. A marriage that lasted 58 years until Joyce's passing in 2009. The couple were fondly nicknamed "Ditty and Doc." They raised and are survived by 5 children: Aaron of Taylor, Sharon Haller (Eric Frederick) of Mindoro, Karon Ristey (Mike Garbers) of West Salem, Theron (Kristine) of Bangor and Marilon Sue (Dennis) Isbell of Viroqua.

Also surviving are 10 grandsons; a granddaughter; 6 great-grandchildren;2 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Larry (Nancy) Folkedahl of Ettrick and an adopted summer daughter, Sandy Asleson.

He was preceded in death by his wife; son-in-law, Carl Haller; parents; brother and sister-in-law, Oscar (Cora); sister and brother-in-law, Elmer (Bernice) Erickson; brothers, Arthur, Leon; brother-in-law, Sander Brohelden and sister-in-law and husband, Carol and Leonard Seitz.

Funeral services will be Thursday, 2:00 P.M., February 8, 2024 at South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Ettrick, Wisconsin with Pastor John Ashland officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 12:30 P.M. until service time.

Special thanks to Jessie Ristey, the staff of St. Croix Hospice and Grand View Care Center--especially Wanda for all of her help.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel is assisting the family.

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Jeaneta Mae (Potter) O'Neil - November 06, 1937 - December 28, 2023

Departed: 12/28/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Jeaneta Mae (Potter) O'Neil, 86, of Melrose, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Dove Health Care Center, Osseo, Wisconsin.

Jeaneta was born in Little Falls, Wisconsin on November 6, 1937, the daughter of Harvey and Helen (McMahan) Potter. She graduated from Sparta High School ,in 1956. On December 22, 1956 she married Kent Chrisinger.

Jeaneta was an avid gardener who was known for growing beautiful flowers, hostas and vegetables. She also loved making crafts. playing cards and bingo. Over the years, Jeaneta worked as a secretary in the Melrose School District and at Black River Chiropractic for Ruth Jean. Upon retirement, Jeaneta enjoyed spending time at the lake in Winter, WI and wintering in Arizona. Above all, Jeaneta loved her sons, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, and family very much. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her sons, Mark Chrisinger, Eric (Cindy) Chrisinger; grandchildren, Chris (Leigh) Chrisinger, Kay Lynn (Lance) Truax, Bennett (Kari) Chrisinger, Tyler (Jennifer) Chrisinger; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters, Valeria (Gordon) Hesselberg, Jeanette (Irv) Rath, Marleen Berg; brothers -in-law, David Kriesel, Gary Chrisinger and many nieces and nephews.

Jeaneta was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Brian Chrisinger; a grandson, Scott Chrisinger; husbands, Kent Chrisinger, John Timm, Bernard O'Neil; brothers, Dean, Gale and Dennis Potter; a sister, Rosalie Kriesel; a niece, Nancy Amling and a brother-in-law, Galen Berg.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 20, 2024, 2:00 P.M. at United Methodist Church, 101 Douglas Street, Melrose, Wisconsin. Burial in the Melrose Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

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Curtis Paul Swenson - October 03, 2023 - October 03, 2023

Departed: 10/03/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Curtis Paul Swenson, 65, of rural Ettrick, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Meadowbrook of Black River Falls.

Services will be Thursday, October 19, 2023, 11:00 A. M. at South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Ettrick.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel assisted the family.

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Shirley A. Stone - March 14, 1935 - September 06, 2023

Departed: 09/06/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Shirley A. Stone, age 88 of Cleveland, TN (formerly of West Salem, WI), passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. She was born in Mindoro, Wisconsin on March 14, 1935 the daughter of Francis and Virginia (Wakefield) Lockington.

She worked various jobs during her lifetime which included Bakery Manager at Burnstads Grocery in Black River Falls; an In-home health care assistant; and as Owner/operator of a small family motel in Grand Junction Colorado before returning to Wisconsin to be closer family. She retired as a Dietary Specialist at Lakeview Health Care facility in West Salem.

Shirley enjoyed playing cards with her friends and teaching the grandchildren to play UNO, Sequence and Chinese Checkers, which they would play for hours. She also enjoyed putting many puzzles together and often had them sitting out for others to enjoy when visiting her.

She had a love for music; and during most weekends you would find her on the dance floor waltzing, two-stepping and doing the polka, which kept her in shape. She was very independent and enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers and mowing her large yard.

She loved to travel. She’s made trips to England, Ireland and Hawaii with her family and friends. She also loved taking bus trips with friends to many places to enjoy music shows and sights.

She loved to bake for family, friends and grandchildren. On birthdays, graduations and special occasions, all you would need to do is tell her what you wanted, how many and she would show up with everything ready. Many times she would show up with a pail full of cookies, a pan of Scotcharoos or one of her delicious pies. She will be especially remembered by her famous accidental sugar-free pumpkin pie made for her grandsons one Christmas.

Shirley is Survived by her children: Evan (Mary) Stone, Marcia (Dale) Christen, five grandchildren: Cortney (Sam), Nathan, Nicholas (Abby), Jordan, Cheyanne, two great grandchildren: Kaylea & Ainslee, a brother: Dale (Lois) Lockington and sister-in-law Kristina Lockington and many nieces & nephews.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her son Mark Stone, sisters Lorna (Orville) Knutson, Doris (Kenneth) Knudtson and brother Donald Lockington. Visitation will be Thursday, September 14, from 12-1:00 pm. Followed by the Funeral service at 1:00 pm at Zwickey Funeral Home in Melrose, WI. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, North Bend, WI immediately following service. Reception following at L&M Cafe, Melrose, WI Name of Officiant: Pastor Ashland Casket bearers: Mike Knudtson, Ramon Knudtson, Mike Johnson, Todd Lockington, Monty Lockington, Randy Lockington

Special Thanks to: Coffee County TN Sheriff’s Department, First Responders, Unity Medical Center Manchester, TN, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown, Nashville, TN, Music City Funeral Services, Nashville, TN and Zwickey Funeral Home, Melrose, WI. Memorials will be directed for: Evergreen Cemetery, North Bend, WI and Bradley-Cleveland Senior Activity Center, Cleveland, TN

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Bernice Salzwedel - July 30, 1931 - June 02, 2023

Departed: 06/02/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Bernice Salzwedel, 101, formerly of Ettrick, Wisconsin, died Friday, June 2, 2023 at Grand View Care Center, Blair, Wisconsin.

She was born July 30, 1921 in Blair to Oscar and Belle (Brekke) Olson. She married Willard B. Salzwedel October 15, 1938 at French Creek and the couple lived in Black River Falls, Wisconsin until 1952, when they moved to the family homestead farm, which was in the family for 150 years, in Ettrick. Willard preceded her in death in 1997.

Bernice was a kind, generous, loving wife, mother, sister, grandma, great-grandma, great-great grandma and friend. She loved her bus trips, the color red and making pies, especially lemon meringue, that she shared with neighbors. She was a 4-H leader and good Norwegian lefse maker. Bernice was an active member of South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, being involved in the W.-E.L.C.A. and Esther Circle, making quilts and sang in the choir for 30 years.

Survivors are a daughter, Bonnie (Marvin) Tranberg of North Bend, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Sheila (Tom) Wallrick of Red Wing, Minnesota, Tim (Sandy) Tranberg of Black River Falls, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren, Jordan (Jen) Tranberg, Trevor (Amanda) Tranberg, Grace Fehrman (Fiance Nathan Berg), Hollie (Max) Schafer; great-great grandchildren, Louis, Waylon and Ivy Schafer and Jeffrey and Myles Tranberg and a sister, Helen Amundson.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Wilber Salzwedel; a grandson, Jeff Tranberg; 7 sisters, Ovidia, Bertha, Clara, Edna, Ruth, Irene, Betty; 4 brothers, Edwin, Odell, James, Norman and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Berdella and Elmer and Wilma and Ieval.

Funeral services will be Friday, June 9, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Ettrick with Pastor John Ashland officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Friday from 9:00 A.M. until service time.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel assisted the family.

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Robert Leonard Kulas - April 04, 2023 - April 20, 2023

Departed: 04/20/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Robert Leonard Kulas, 89, formerly of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, died April 20, 2023 at St. Elizabeth's Health Care Center, Wabasha, Minnesota.

Graveside services with military rites will be Saturday, May 6, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at Trempealeau Public Cemetery, Trempealeau, Wisconsin.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Galesville Chapel assisted the family.

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Ronald L. Kramer - September 09, 1936 - April 07, 2023

Departed: 04/07/2023 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Mindoro, WI

Ronald L. Kramer passed away peacefully at his home. Friday, April 7, 2023. He was born September 9, 1936 in North Bend, Wisconsin to Merlin and Irene (Lash) Kramer. He grew up in Mindoro, Wisconsin where he farmed all his life except for a small time in the United States Army. He attended grades one through eight at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Burr Oak, Wisconsin. Ronald attended and graduated from Mindoro High School in 1954. He married Susan Toulouse on June 7, 1975 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Burr Oak. Ronald was a life-long member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Burr Oak. His love of farming and John Deere tractors is well known. He was very proud of his grandchildren and loved having them around. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan; sons, Robert (Misty), Stephen (Cara), Kristopher, Nathan (his friend, Joel); grandchildren, Tana, Katy, Brinn, Raleigh, Halyn, Piper, Jakoby, Isla; sister-in-law, Leann Kramer; niece, Jill Kramer and nephew, Travis Kramer. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert, Alton and Armin Kramer.

Services will be Friday, April 28, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Burr Oak with Pastor Christopher Johns officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and on Friday one hour prior to services.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel is assisting the family.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pastor Christopher Johns for his visits and Mayo Hospice for their care and support.

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Pamela Kay Meyer - May 02, 1961 - June 14, 2024

Departed: 06/14/2024 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Pamela Kay Meyer, 63, of Melrose, Wisconsin, died Friday, June 14, 2024 at Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

A potluck style Celebration of Life will be Sunday, June 23, 2024, 3:00 P.M., at L & M Restaurant in Melrose.

Funeral services will be at a later date in Estancia, New Mexico.

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Orlando Young - October 22, 1918 - July 07, 2024

Departed: 07/07/2024 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Orlando Young, 105, of Melrose died July 7, 2024 at Riverside Transitional Care, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Orlando was born October 22, 1918 in Burr Oak, Wisconsin to John and Irene Young. Orlando was the third of six children. He proudly served in WWII and was stationed in Africa and Italy. When he returned home, he married Melva Byom on July7, 1945. They settled in Milwaukee where he was a guard at the Allis-Chalmers plant.

Upon retiring in 1980, they moved to Tomahawk, Wisconsin, spending their summers there and wintering in Arizona for over 20 years. They eventually moved back to Melrose where they were members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church and was a proud member of the Melrose American Legion. Orlando was preceded in death by his wife, Melva; brothers, Arnold, Merlin, Lloyd and sisters, Charlotte and Lois. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday, July 11, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Melrose with Pastor Chad Seybt officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Melrose Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Thursday one hour prior to services.

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Transitional Care of La Crosse for their care of Orlando during his time there.

Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel assisted the family.

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Ellen Marie (Guy) Rugg - January 27, 1953 - July 10, 2024

Departed: 07/10/2024 (Melrose)

Obituary Preview: Ellen Marie (Guy) Rugg died at home in Cataract July 10, 2024. Ellen was born in Sparta, Wisconsin January 27, 1953 to Hugh A. and Beatrice (Armstrong) Guy, Sr. She grew up on the family farm, rural Monroe County. She and her siblings attended school in Sparta where she graduated in 1971. She worked various jobs. In 1974 she graduated from Beauty College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She worked at Fort McCoy for 30 years before retiring on February 28, 2010. In that time she was a single mother of a son, Jeremy and they lived in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. They later moved back to Cataract.

On September 30, 1993 she married Ken Rugg. Ellen was the last of the Guy siblings.

Survivors are her son, Jeremy of Oregon, Wisconsin; husband, Ken of Cataract; his sons, Brad , Michael; special niece/caregiver, Brenda Hintz of Black River Falls, Wisconsin and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Beverly Stanhope, Hugh Guy, Jr., Harold Guy, David Guy; 2 infant brothers, Raymon, Patrick; nephews, Mike Stanhope, John Cain, Korey Stanhope; niece, Sue Guy and a sister-in-law, Patricia Guy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Zwickey Funeral Homes, Melrose Chapel is assisting the family. Memorials may be directed to SACC in Sparta, Wisconsin. From the book of Joshua, Chapter1, verse 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

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A Personalized Approach to Funeral Services

Zwickey Funeral Homes understands that every individual is unique, and that their funeral service should reflect their personality, interests, and accomplishments. That's why they offer a range of personalized services designed to honor your loved one's memory in a meaningful way. From traditional funeral services to cremation options and memorial celebrations, their experienced staff will work closely with you to create a customized tribute that truly reflects your loved one's spirit.

A Comforting Environment

The funeral home's facility at 105 E Hogg St in Melrose is designed to provide a warm and comforting environment for families and friends to gather. With spacious visitation rooms, a chapel for services, and ample parking, Zwickey Funeral Homes has thoughtfully considered every detail to ensure that your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Comprehensive Funeral Planning Services

Zwickey Funeral Homes offers a comprehensive range of funeral planning services to help you prepare for the future or plan a funeral service for a loved one who has passed away. Their experienced staff can guide you through the process of selecting a casket, choosing music and flowers, writing an obituary, and more. They also offer pre-planning options, allowing you to make arrangements in advance and alleviate some of the burden from your loved ones.

Cremation Options

Zwickey Funeral Homes recognizes that cremation is an increasingly popular choice for many families. As such, they offer a range of cremation options to suit your needs and preferences. From direct cremation to cremation with a memorial service, their staff can help you explore the possibilities and make an informed decision about what's right for you.

Community Involvement

Zwickey Funeral Homes is deeply committed to the Melrose community and actively participates in local events and organizations. They believe that giving back to the community is an essential part of being a good neighbor and a responsible business. Through their involvement in community initiatives, they aim to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

Supporting You Through Grief

Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming experience, but Zwickey Funeral Homes is here to support you every step of the way. In addition to their funeral services, they offer grief resources and counseling to help you navigate the healing process. From bereavement support groups to online resources and guidance, they're dedicated to helping you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Contacting Zwickey Funeral Homes

If you're looking for a funeral home that truly cares about you and your family, look no further than Zwickey Funeral Homes. To learn more about their services or schedule a consultation, please don't hesitate to contact them at (phone number) or visit their website at (website URL). You can also stop by their location at 105 E Hogg St in Melrose to speak with one of their friendly staff members.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including biographical information, accomplishments, and details about their life. It's usually published in a newspaper, online, or other public platform to inform friends, family, and community members of the person's passing.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing essential information to those who need to know about the funeral or memorial services. They can also help to notify people who may not have been aware of the person's passing.

Who typically writes an obituary?

The responsibility of writing an obituary usually falls on the family members or close friends of the deceased. In some cases, a funeral home or crematorium may assist with writing the obituary or provide guidance on what information to include.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, surviving family members, achievements, hobbies, and any notable accomplishments. It may also include details about the funeral or memorial service, such as the date, time, location, and burial information.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or platform. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a short paragraph. Some online platforms may allow for longer obituaries or even full-length articles.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a great way to personalize the notice and make it more meaningful to readers.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to inquire about their submission process and guidelines. Some newspapers may have online forms or email addresses where you can submit the obituary.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to ensure their legacy and story are told accurately. This can be a therapeutic exercise and can also take some burden off loved ones during a difficult time.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication, length of the notice, and any additional features like photos or special formatting. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars.

Can I edit an obituary after it's been published?

In most cases, it's difficult to make changes to an obituary once it's been published. However, if there's an error or inaccuracy, contact the publication or platform immediately to request corrections.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe for publishing an obituary can vary depending on the publication's schedule and deadlines. Online platforms may publish notices immediately, while print newspapers may take several days or even weeks.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary is a celebration of the person's life, so including humorous stories or personal anecdotes can help capture their personality and spirit.

Should I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers?

If the deceased had a favorite charity or cause, consider including a mention of donations in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to continue their legacy and support a good cause.

How do I find old obituaries?

You can search online archives of newspapers or genealogy websites like Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org. Local libraries or historical societies may also have archives of old newspapers and obituaries.

Can I republish an old obituary online?

Check with the original publication or copyright holder to ensure you have permission to republish the obituary online. You may need to obtain permission or provide proper attribution.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is typically a brief announcement of someone's passing, often without additional biographical information. An obituary is a more detailed notice that includes information about the person's life and accomplishments.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Yes! Including quotes, poems, or lyrics that resonated with the deceased can add a personal touch and make the obituary more meaningful.

How do I write an obituary for someone who didn't have many family members or friends?

In this case, focus on highlighting their achievements, interests, and any notable contributions they made to their community. You could also include information about their work history or volunteer activities.

Can I include social media links in an obituary?

Sometimes! Check with the publication or platform first to see if they allow social media links. This can be a great way to direct readers to online memorials or tribute pages.

What if I want to keep the funeral private?

You can still publish an obituary without including details about the funeral service. Instead, you might mention that a private ceremony will be held or that memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers.

Can I write an obituary for someone who died under difficult circumstances?

This can be a sensitive topic. Approach the writing process with compassion and tact. Focus on celebrating the person's life and accomplishments rather than dwelling on the circumstances of their passing.

How do I handle errors or inaccuracies in an already-published obituary?

Contact the publication or platform immediately to report any errors. They may issue a correction or reprint the corrected notice in a future edition.

Can I reuse an old obituary template?

You can use an old template as a guide, but be sure to update it with current information and tailor it to fit the unique personality and story of the deceased.

What if I'm struggling to write an obituary due to grief or emotional distress?

DON'T hesitate to ask for help from friends, family members, or even professional writers who specialize in crafting compassionate and personalized obituaries.