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Veda L. Govier

Veda Lila Govier, age 81, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 20, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare, Madison. She was born in Little Grant Township on December 28, 1932, the third of five children born to Ray and Neva (Taylor) Landon. Veda attended Pine Knob School, a one-room country grade school and later graduated from Lancaster High School in 1950. While in high school, she was a member of FHA, and was chosen Junior Prom Queen. On June 9, 1951, Veda was united in marriage to Glenn A. Govier at the United Methodist Church. Together they farmed on the Govier family farm in North Lancaster Township, where they milked cows, and raised beef and pigs. Three sons, Gregory, Randy, and Ricky were born to this marriage. Later in life, they bought a fifth wheel trailer home and pontoon boat which they used during the summer on the Mississippi River in Bagley, Wisconsin. They later became snow birds as they purchased a park model home in Lady Lake, Florida, where they spent their winters and made many new friends. After 46 years of farming they retired and moved to Lancaster. Veda was a member of the neighborhood Homemakers Club, Lancaster United Methodist Church, and Ruth Circle. Together with Glenn, they enjoyed watching their boys participate in high school sports, the Green Bay Packers, and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Veda is survived by two sons, Randy (Linda) Govier of Franklin and Ricky (Lori) Govier of Oregon; a daughter-in-law, Karen Govier of Broken Arrow, OK.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elsie Noble of Lancaster and June (Neil) Larson of Leesburg, FL; many nieces and nephews and members of the Govier Family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn, son, Gregory, a sister, Rachael, a brother, Harvey, and a brother-in-law, Stanley Noble.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 am on Monday, February 24, 2014, at the Lancaster United Methodist Church, with Rev. Barbara Cook officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends called from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 23 at Schwartz Funeral in Lancaster, and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, donations may be made to Lancaster United Methodist Church.

Robert J. Graf

Robert J. Bob Graf, age 85, of Glen Haven, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Prairie Memorial Hospital in Prairie du Chien. He was born on March 27, 1928, on the family farm in Patch Grove Township, the youngest of eight children born to Albert and Clara (Lattner) Graf. Bob attended country school and St. Marys Catholic School in Bloomington. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1950 and served his country for two years stationed in Germany. Upon his return, Bob farmed with his brother, Gabe, on the family farm. Farming was Bobs passion. He was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews, but the ones that put the twinkle in his eye were Damien, Conner and Ava Hoeper.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his siblings: Hazel Dailey, Joe Graf, Elsie Neises, Albert Gabe Graf, Bill Graf, Cleo Airy, and Charlotte Gates.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, March 10, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father John Meinholz officiating. Burial was in Blakes Prairie Cemetery, Bloomington Township. Family and friends called on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomington is assisting the family.

Ray A. "Cracker" Graham

Ray A. Cracker Graham, age 57, of Fennimore, died on Sunday, August 10, 2008, the Finely Hospital, Dubuque. He was born on May 1, 1951, in Milwaukee, the son of Rosalie (Graham) Pierce. Ray graduated from Lancaster High School in 1969. Following graduation, he was employed with Rosing Construction in Fennimore and later Royal Parlor located in Boscobel. Ray was also employed with logging companies and worked in the oil fields. He loved spending time with friends and family. Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing Euchre. He had a wonderful sense of humor.

Ray was preceded in death by a sister, Renee Pierce.

Survivors include his mother, Rosalie Pierce, Fennimore; his brothers and sisters: Monica McCartney, Stitzer; Dennis Ashman, Boscobel; Charles Ashman, Minnesota; John Ashman, Arizona; Robin Gerhards, Cuba City; Scott (Annette) Pierce, Fennimore; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August, 13, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster with Pastor David Froemming officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Friends called on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services.

Charles Gralapp

Charles W. Gralapp, age 84, of Lancaster, was called Home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster. He was born on September 23, 1928, in Lancaster, the son of Walter C. and Kathron (Martin) Gralapp. Charles attended school in Lancaster and began farming with his uncle in 1947. On February 10, 1962, he was united in marriage to Edna V. Jones in Lancaster. After their marriage, Charles began his employment at Orchard Manor Nursing Home as a Nurses Aid. He was employed there for thirty-four years, retiring in 1996. Charles enjoyed fishing, Westerns, trains, gospel programs, singing and reading the Bible. He was a member of the Calvary Community Church in Lancaster. Charles was a simple man with a big heart who will be missed by all who knew him. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Survivors include his loving wife, Edna V. Gralapp, Lancaster; children: Walter (Trudy) Cliff, Lancaster; Giselle (Sam) Letcher, Faribault, MN; Gary (Gloria) Gralapp, Lancaster; Vivien (Bill) Welsh, Livingston; Judy (Jim) Robison, Lancaster; John (Nikki) Gralapp, Mt. Horeb; eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his close cousin, George Martin.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the Calvary Community Church in Lancaster with Pastor Dave Arevalo officiating. Burial was at Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster is serving the family.

Margaret Grattan

Margaret M. Grattan, age 101, passed away on Saturday, May 09, 2015, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, Lancaster. She was born on February 12, 1914, on the family farm, the daughter of Emil and Louisa (Lorscheter) Grattan. Margaret graduated from Cassville High School. After graduation she was employed butchering chickens. She later worked in Madison for a short time before returning to the Cassville area to farm on the family farm. Margaret cared for her parents and her siblings. She was a very giving and dedicated person. Margaret was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church and was strong in her faith. She was involved in all church activities and enjoyed playing cards, gatherings, and going out to eat.

Survivors include many cousins.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Irene and Thomas.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville with Father John Meinholz and Father William Seipp officiating. Burial was in Cassville Cemetery, Cassville. Family and friends called on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cassville is assisting the family.

Bonnie Gray

Bonnie L. Gray, age 70, of Linden, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2015, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. She was born on September 5, 1944, in Antigo, the daughter of John "Bob" and Lorraine (Wellner) Gray. Bonnie graduated from Antigo Senior High School in 1962. After graduation, she worked briefly for an insurance company as a secretary. Bonnie's greatest passion and joy was her many years spent in day care. She cared for many generations of families. Bonnie later worked for Lands' End as a customer service representative until her retirement in 2009. Bonnie had an undying love for her family. Her family and their presence in her life was her greatest pleasure. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her brothers: Mike (Jan) Gray, Milwaukie, OR; Donald (Kathy) Gray, Howards Grove; many nieces and nephews; many great nieces and great nephews; one great-great niece and one great-great nephew.

In addition to her parents, Bob and Lorraine, Bonnie was preceded in death by her step-mother, Mary Ann Gray; her sister, Sandy (Larry) Wagner; and a great-niece, Zoe Gray.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethlehem E&R Church in Lancaster with Reverend Mark Dieter officiating. Burial was in Liberty Ridge Cemetery, rural Lancaster. Family and friends called on Monday, April 13, 2014, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Bonnie L. Gray Memorial Fund has been established.

Odelia M. Gray

Odelia M. Gray, age 82 of Glen Haven, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. She was born August 27, 1930 the daughter of Floyd and Irene (Esser) Gray. Delia graduated the eighth grade from Glen Haven School. She then became a home caregiver to many in the area who needed her help. Delia was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Glen Haven and its Altar Society. She enjoyed keeping up with her family, garage sales and playing bingo.

Surviving is a brother, Clarence (Kay) Hampton of Potosi; a sister Evelyn Krohn of Bloomington, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Floyd and Irene, and her step-father Theodore Hampton, her brothers Robert and Frances Hampton and a brother-in-law Stanley Krohn.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Glen Haven, with Fr. John Meinholz officiating. Burial was in the Gockel Cemetery, rural Glen Haven. Friends called on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 from 12:00pm (noon) until time of services at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington is assisting the family.

James L. Greene

Jim served his country in the United States Navy attached to the S.S. Roosevelt, Fleet Air Squadron Five out of Norfolk, VA. While in the service, he competed as undefeated middle weight champion boxer of his naval fleet.

While working full time and helping to raise three sons, Jim continued his undergraduate work in Mechanical Engineering at UW-Milwaukee. He took additional college study in computer science, business administration, and real estate. He also held a private pilots license with aerobatic training, and owned and operated a business called Airpool Travel International. For a while, he and his youngest son owned a twin engine Piper Apache which they used in his business.

Jims employment history includes: shining shoes and pressing clothes in his dads tailor shop and doing maintenance work at the Madison Bus Co. and the Gisholt Machine Shop. In 1950-1955, he became the first black machinist (a gear hobber) at a time when most blacks were held to foundry and yard labor status. Although he competed and placed in the top five ranks on all the exams (written, oral and physical) for the Madison Police Department in 1955; he was denied a position by the police chief who desired no blacks on the force. At that time, there were no laws on the books to protect qualified black applicants form racial discrimination. So, Jim moved to Milwaukee, qualified as a Milwaukee Fire Fighter (ranked #2), and inspector for General Electric, an engineer assistant for Allis Chalmers, and a computer operator for the Milwaukee tax department from 1955-1960. In 1960, Jim was appointed to supervise the entire installation of the Milwaukee Public Librarys data processing system. With this management experience, he returned in 1965 with his family to McFarland and Madison to work for state government as a management information specialist, where he worked until his retirement in 1985. There he had been responsible for all data processing operations at the old University Hospitals; for coordination and planning of the teleprocessing/communications systems and facilities of the state; for leadership in establishing and implementation of the states program planning budgeting system (PPBS); and as an Emergency Number Systems Manager was responsible for the installation of over 35 county and local ENSs. Jim was known as THE 911 Coordinator. In addition, Jim was co-founder and Executive Director of NENA (National Emergency Number Association) charged with implementing 911 nationwide. His team had gone to Washington D.C., the Executive Office of the President, and consulted with Ed Messe, then the US Attorney General, and received his staff support for establishing NENA. While handling these various professional duties, he also served as his State Division of Administrations AA Officer and Employee Assistance Counselor.

Throughout his life, Jim served as a volunteer with many local community organizations and his church, wherever he lived, including: UW Badger Buddy Program (Mike Reid of the Atlanta Falcons was his last buddy), NAACP (established an emergency cash fund for helping black citizens with bail bonds, food, clothing. etc.), United Way (executive budget committee), Urban League (Pal Program which introduced local youth to aviation), Boy Scouts of America (established a black explorers troop in St. Marks AME Church in Milwaukee), and state Employees Tennis League (founder and director 1980-1982). He was also a member of Negro Airmens International Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter Chairman of the Association of Computing Machinery, and Delta Delta Delta Engineering Fraternity.

Jim became interested in ambidexterity as it applied to tennis. He and his wife, Dolores, researched and wrote a manual called Ambidextrous Tennis For Everyone, which highlighted natural tennis play and was published in 1979. Jim continued instruction in Natural Tennis in Madison, Freeport, Bahamas, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands and in Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Coast, FL and Gainesville, FL as a USPTA Certified professional since 1990. His Natural Tennis Association members are spread as far as West Germany, Hawaii and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Besides tennis, jogging and flying across the US, Jim spent his first retirement years running his Amway Company, Commonwealth International, which was cut short due to a serious auto accident, which further disabled his wife. His most satisfying project was continuing to raise funds for young needy black high school youth by way of the George M. Greene, Sr. Scholarship Trust Fund. The fund was established in 1980 in memory of Jims father, a tailor, and was operated in conjunction with African Methodist Episcopal churches. The trust fund helped to send many youth on to college, started some in their own businesses, provided books, tools and in one case, a school bus, to further career aspirations. Jims work in the AME church also included serving as a Sunday School Superintendent, heading an Evangelist program, helping to found the SS Morris Community AME Church and other Methodist endeavors such as serving on the Administrative Board and in the prison ministry of Christ Church, the United Methodist Church of Ft. Lauderdale, and with facilitating a Bible study group and CDL training ministry at First AME of Palm Coast, FL. His final church work was with the SW United Methodist after moving to Gainesville in 2002, prior to becoming a resident of Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, a CCRC, where he died on Sunday, December 19, 2010, overtaken by dementia.

Jim was a devoted and loyal Christian, always believed in God and His Son Jesus Christ. He studied the Bible and tried to pattern his life after its teachings. He strived to be worthy and believed fervently in life after death.

Jeffrey W. Greene

Jeffrey Warren Greene, age 55, died on Monday, May 5, 2008, at St. Marys Hospital, Madison. He was born on April 3, 1953, in Madison, the son of James L. and Dolores E. (Simms) Greene. His early years were spent in Milwaukee and his high school years were in McFarland, where he excelled in athletic events, played in the band, sang in the choir, was a class officer and received special awards. Jeffrey was raised in the AME Church. After graduation, he attended Wartburg College in Iowa. Jeffrey worked as a property manager, youth counselor, firefighter, baker and various other jobs until his health deteriorated.

Survivors include his parents, James L. and Dolores E. (Simms) Greene of Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, Gainesville; his brothers, Gary A. (Theresa) Greene, Marietta, GA; David M. (Jocelyn) Greene, Madison; an aunt, Dr. Muriel Simms, many cousins including, Michael A. Simms, Madison and Claudia Latta, Palm Coast, FL; two nieces and many friends including, Stephanie Louise Shores who was by his bedside at his time of death.

Graveside services were held at the Family Wisconsin Historical Society Cemetery Site at Pleasant Ridge at a later date.

Richard Grindell

Richard W. Grindell, age 90, of Platteville, passed away Thursday, August 14^th at Grays Nursing Home in Platteville. He was born Jan. 13^th, 1924 in Platteville to John L. and Marcia (Rundell) Grindell.

For many years Dick worked in the family monument business with his mother and brother, Ed, which was a great source of pride for him. He was musically gifted and enjoyed playing piano, organ, guitar, and accordion-all by ear. A CD of his music will be playing at the visitation. He was an incredible marksman with a 22 rifle and was well known for his abilities at area turkey shoots. He constructed and used slingshots and gave away many over the years. Many area residents remember the 7 kites he made and would fly in the pasture along highway 81. Several friends enjoyed sharing his interests with him through the years. Dick thoroughly enjoyed his motorcycle and logged many miles on it, riding it into his 80s., later in life he constructed bird feeders out of plastic jugs, filled them with seed, and would give them to area food pantries to distribute. He took much pleasure in raising mammoth sunflowers, harvesting them, and feeding the birds.

Ed and Elaine Grindell, Dicks brother and wife, were dedicated caregivers to him for many years involving him in family and community activities. Dick looked forward to traveling to be with family for the holidays up North in Wisconsin and in Missouri. He took his first train ride in his early 80s to St. Louis and enjoyed the view from the top of the Arch. He was a Packer and Brewer fan and enjoyed attending a couple of baseball games.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Jack, George, Bob, and Ed.

Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2014, at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville, with Reverend Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville. Friends called from 9 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a Richard Grindell Memorial Fund has been established.

A heartfelt thanks to Michelle and Jim Klein, Rita Hoffman, David McDermett, Deb and Doug Custer, and Diane Paynter for their care and special friendship to Dick. The family is also very grateful to Grays Nursing Home staff for the excellent care and compassion they provided the past few months.

Mary I. Griswold

Mary I. Griswold, age 90, of Lancaster, died on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at the Lancaster Care Center, Lancaster. She was born on December 17, 1921, on her family farm in North Lancaster Township, the daughter of Ora and Cora (Croft) Govier. Mary attended Badger Country School and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1940. On January 27, 1945, Mary was united in marriage to Robert Griswold. After their marriage the couple farmed the Griswold family farm and has lived there for sixty-two years. Mary was the baker and cook at the Lancaster High School for ten years. She was a member of the Merry Mixers 4-H group and was a 4-H leader for sixteen years. She was also a member of the United Methodist Church and its church circle. Mary enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, and traveling, but most of all, she loved her family. After retirement, she found time to quilt and discovered that she had a talent for painting pictures, something that surprised her and that she truly enjoyed.

Survivors include her loving husband of sixty-seven years, Robert of Lancaster; their children: Jerry (Jean) Griswold, Madison; Susan (John) Maresh, Oconomowoc; Cindy (Earl) Heimerdinger, Pearl City, IL; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Dorothy (Harold) Wetter; Patricia (Don) Hauth; Veda Govier, all of Lancaster; Evelyn Govier, Phoenix, AZ; brother-in-law, Robert Swenson, Fennimore; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her siblings: Lyle, Lela, Donald, Charlie, Ivan, Edna, Dorothy and Glenn; and a sister-in-law, Ada (Maynard) Sanger.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 20, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lancaster United Methodist Church with Reverend Barbara Cook officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Sunday, August 19, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Lancaster and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Mary I. Griswold Memorial Fund has been established.

Lewis W. Groom

Ronald J. Gross

Services were held in Mandan, ND at Weigel Funeral Home.

Joseph A. Grosser

Joseph A. Grosser, age 85, of Potosi, died on Monday, January 21, 2008, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home in Lancaster. He was born on May 15, 1922, in Waterloo Township, the son of Arthur and Louise (Jaeger) Grosser. Joe graduated from St. Andrews Catholic High School. He farmed his entire life on the Grosser family farm in Waterloo Township. Joseph was on the Board of Directors for the former Farmers Telephone Company and a supervisor for Waterloo Township. He was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church and its Knights of Columbus. Joe was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed deer hunting.

Survivors include his sisters: Lucille Gutenkauf, Des Moines, IA; Mary Louise Kowalski, Devils Lake, ND; his extended family: Mike (Kim) Baliff and their children, Joseph and Nathan of Potosi; two nephews and five nieces.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church, Tennyson, with Father Richard Leffler officiating. Burial was in St. Andrews Cemetery, Tennyson. Friends called on Wednesday, January 23, 2008, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home in Potosi. Friends also called on Thursday, January 24, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Darlene L. Guanella

Survivors include her son, Joel (Susan) Guanella, Eau Claire; her sister, Carol (Russell) Anderson, Whitehall; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services were held on Friday, November 5, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Bagley. Burial was in Lower Coon Valley Cemetery, Stoddard. Family and friends called on Thursday, November 4, 2010, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington and from 10:00 a.m. on Friday until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Darlene J. Guanella memorial fund has been established.

Donald F. Guinn

Russell F. Gursky