09 January 2020

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Jayne Blodgett Murray

Jayne Blodgett Murray


Visitation:  Friday, Jan. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m.  Service:  Friday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m.  Location:  Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville America has lost a great patriot. Jayne Blodgett Murray, 93, of Mayville, who boasted of beating JFK in Chinese checkers passed away on January 7, 2020.  Jayne Adelaide Blodgett was born October 23, 1926, in Fond du Lac, the second child of William Morris Blodgett and Adelaide (Docter) Blodgett.  She was much like her mother whom she adored. In the third grade, Jayne was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and as a result was often confined to bedrest while her playmates were running and playing on bright sunny days.  Others may have viewed this as unfair, but Jayne said of her childhood, “I was lucky.” Lucky, she meant, because of the books she read while cooped up in her room; books like The Bobsey Twins, Nancy Drew, Black Beauty and The Wind in the Willows. Books opened to Jayne the larger world of imagination and possibilities.  She and her brother Billy, also homebound with the disease, capitalized on their plight by telling each other elaborate tales of travel and adventure.  The writings of Longfellow, Tennyson, Frost and others combined with encouragement (but never pity) from her parents and civic-minded family, stirred her imagination and inspired her to a lifetime of service to her country. At a very tender age, the die was cast. Jayne was proud of her ancestry, and for good reason.  Her maternal grandfather was Christian William (C.W.) Docter (1868 - 1946), a prominent entrepreneur who arrived in Mayville in 1889 with only three cents in his pocket yet went on to operate a successful photography studio, novelty store and the Modjeska (later called the May) Theater.  On her father’s side the first Blodgetts arrived in 1637 from England. Jayne's great-great-grandfather Nathan Blodgett proudly fought in the American Revolution. Jayne excelled in school.  She had a natural talent for drawing and painting for which she was quick to credit her grandmother Kate, a gifted teacher, artist and poet.  Upon graduating high school in 1944, Jayne studied art for two years at UW-Madison, joining the Chi Omega sorority and Sigma Lambda art society. In 1947 a fortuitous trip to California would set her life on a new and exciting course.  On a train called the Santa Fe Chief, Jayne was discovered by a Hollywood agent who prompted her into a successful modeling career with the Harry Conover Agency in New York City, creating no small buzz back in Mayville.  It was during this time that Jayne became best friends with pioneering war reporter, Gloria Emerson. A small town girl in the Big Apple, Jayne had quite the time fending off several would-be suitors, including a young congressman by the name of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who she would date for over a year.  JFK invited Jayne to his wedding and inauguration, and he would later receive Jayne and her husband into the oval office for a visit. The ultimate winner of Jayne’s affections and her hand in marriage was handsome insurance broker and New York socialite James Gordon Murray. They married March 4, 1950; their four-month European honeymoon a grand adventure in itself.  They settled in Bedford, NY, had three children and Jayne was very involved in their education. In this idyllic setting, Jayne became involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution and politics at every level, such as campaigning for Thomas Dewey and Barry Goldwater.  In 1951 Jayne was admitted into the exclusive New York Social Registry. Jayne and James would ultimately divorce in 1973. After 40 years in New York state, during which time she was a successful real estate agent, Jayne returned to her beloved Mayville where she operated the River's Bend Inn, a beautiful bed and breakfast with a decidedly early-American motif.  Never truly retired, Jayne continued to be active in local and state politics. A lifelong reader, Jayne was strongly influenced by “Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand. These books helped develop her Libertarian leanings. A powerful lyric poem titled "Renascence" by Edna St. Vincent Millay was a favorite of Jayne’s. A brief excerpt: O God, I cried, no dark disguise         Can e’er hereafter hide from me  Thy radiant identity!    Thou canst not move across the grass     But my quick eyes will see Thee pass,    Nor speak, however silently,     But my hushed voice will answer Thee.    I know the path that tells Thy way       Through the cool eve of every day;       God, I can push the grass apart  And lay my finger on Thy heart!  Jayne is survived by her children, Jaynie Blodgett Murray of Juneau and James Gordon Murray of Asheville, NC; grandchildren, Emily (Thomas) Poulton, Sarah Murray, and Abigail (Joseph) Adams; great-granddaughter, Maisie Joy Poulton; close friend, Alan Johnson of Coer d’Alene, ID; and many other family and friends.  Jayne was preceded in death by her parents; her dear brother, Billy; and her beloved dog, Daisy. Today the lights that shine on the cupola of the White Limestone School Museum bear witness to the generosity and love of country of Mayville's favorite daughter. Jayne's amazing life is described in her own book, “The River's Bend; Memoirs of Mayville, Modeling and JFK's Blue Jeans.” A visitation took place on Friday. Jan. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville . A funeral service for Jayne took place on Friday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville with the Rev. David Koch officiating. Burial took place at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville. In lieu of flowers, Jayne has requested that everyone read the book, The Law by Frederic Bastiat and/or donate to the Dodge County Humane Society. Special thanks to Jayne's special caregivers, Trish, Leah, Mary, and Rachel and the doctors, nurses, and staff at AngelsGrace Hospice In Oconomowoc for all of their love, support, and care shown to Jayne and her family. Lastly, thank you to the many, many, friends that Jayne has made over the years in Mayville for their friendship and care. Koepsell Funeral Home In Mayville served the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www. KoepsellFH.com

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Morris “Morry” “Leif” Erickson

Morris “Morry” “Leif” Erickson


Service:  Friday, Jan. 10  Location:  St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Brownsville Morris “Morry” “Leif” Erickson, Jr., 91, of Brownsville was called home to be with the Lord on January 7, 2020, at Hope Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lomira. Morry was born on March 29, 1928, in Fond du Lac to Morris (Sr.) and Bessie Mae (Hodge) Erickson. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, June Wallender, on May 14, 1949, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Fond du Lac. Morry was an excellent athlete at North Fondy High and was called “The Sizzler.” He enjoyed sports all his life and would watch them on TV. Morry loved fishing/hunting, and was a very social person. His greatest joy in life was spending time with all his family. Those Morry leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 70 years, June; three children, Marcia (Daniel) Valle of Brownsville, Mary (Dan) Dalle Nogare of West Bend, Laurie (Michael) Marvin of Kaukauna; daughter-in-law, Claudia Erickson of Lomira; nine grandchildren, Joel (Vicki) Valle, Dawn (Jeff) Faber, Melissa (Corey) Sanders, Jennifer (Allen) Kiernan, Amanda (Nathan) Bodden, Angela (Brett) Kaehler, Danielle (Dave) Kubal Kelli (Derek) Harmsen, and Keith Erickson; 19 great-grandchildren and one due in May. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Morry was preceded in death by his son, Michael Erickson; grandson, Michael Marvin; brother, Howard (Jean) Erickson; nephew, Glenn Erickson, and other close relatives. Memorial Service for Morry was held on Friday, Jan. 10, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (605 Highland Ave. – Brownsville, WI 53006) with Pastor William Carter officiating. Memorials to nationalhospicefoundation.org preferred. Morry’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Hope Health and Rehabilitation Center and Agnesian Hospice for the loving care they provided. Myrhum Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Morry’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
07 January 2020

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06 January 2020

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Beverly J. Jacobson

Beverly J. Jacobson


Visitation:  Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m.  Service:  Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m.  Location:  St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville Beverly J. Jacobson (Marohl), 87, of Brownsville passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, at Hope Health and Rehabilitation in Lomira with her family by her side. Beverly was born the daughter of Herman J. and Evelyn A. (Baehler) Marohl on July 2, 1932, on her grandparents farm in the Town of Byron. She was a 1950 graduate of Mayville High School. She then went on to graduate from Dodge Co. Normal School in 1952 and continued on to UW-Platteville and Marian College. Beverly was united in marriage to Harry A. Jacobson on May 27, 1961, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville. She went on to become a school teacher for 11 years teaching at Riverview, Brownsville Public, and Herman Consolidated Schools. Beverly was a past member of Brownsville Fireman’s Auxiliary, Brownsville Community Club Volunteers serving as past president. She was an active member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville and served her church in the Dorcas Society and the LWML Women in Mission. Beverly was also the past president of the Dodge County Teachers Association. Beverly is survived by her husband, Harry of Fond du Lac; her daughter, Terri of Brownsville; her special cousin, Nancy (Dean) Conger of Oakfield; her God Children, Laurie Trepanier of Fond du Lac, Matthew Westphal of Brownsville, Rhonda Strook of Fond du Lac, Amanda Mathey of Pardeeville, Daniel Cowles of Griffen, GA; her sister-in-law, Virginia Armour of Wait Park, MN; the family dog ‘Mollie,’ one niece, five nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will take place on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville. A funeral service for Beverly will take place on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 450 Bridge St., Mayville, with the Rev. Allen Behnke officiating. Burial will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Mayville. Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Living Trust, Agnesian Hospice, and WLA - Student Assistance Fund. Special thanks to ‘Home Instead’ especially Janet Lauber, her physical therapists Emily and Wade, and nurse Adam from Agnesian Home Care, the staff at ‘Brightstar’ especially Susan. Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Agnes Hospital floor 5 West and the Brownsville First Responders. Also to Agnesian Hospice and their nurse Emily. Finally, a special thanks to Beverly’s special neighbors Ron and Julie Freitag. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com

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Beryl D. Pedersen

Beryl D. Pedersen


Visitation:  Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m.  Service:  Saturday, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m.  Location:  Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Horicon Beryl D. (Stone) Pedersen, 90, of Juneau passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. She was born June 3, 1929 in Randolph, the daughter of Gerald and Ruth (Ward) Stone. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Roy Pedersen on June 9, 1949, at the Methodist Church in Randolph. She was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church in Juneau. She was a member of the church choir and the Juneau United Methodist Women. She was an active member of the Rock River Radio Club holding an amateur call sign KA9BAC. Beryl was a recording secretary for the Friends of the Parks and Recreational Wild Goose Trail. She was also a volunteer at Clearview for more than 40 years. She was an avid sewer and loved to crochet, knit mittens, scarves, hats and baby sweaters. Beryl is survived by her sons, Gary of Juneau and Michael of Horicon; one sister, Doris; and a special family friend, Wayne Kikkert. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy in 2008; and by her sisters, Donna and Lois; and brother, Warren. Visitation will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Emmanuel United Methodist, 222 S. Cedar St., Horicon. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. The Rev. Renae Dymond will officiate. A luncheon will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will be at the Juneau City Cemetery. The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home-Juneau is serving the family. Online Condolences may be placed at www.berndt-ledesma.com

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03 January 2020

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Robert R. Haessly

Robert R. Haessly


Robert R. Haessly, Sr., 83, of Horicon passed away on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, at the Crossroads Care Center in Fond du Lac. Robert was born the son of Ceasar N. and Ann (Buhalag) Haessly on February 4, 1936. He was a graduate of Mayville High School and retired from John Deere experimental department. He was united in marriage with Lorelei Day on October 11, 1985, in Juneau. Robert was a veteran of the US Navy, US Army Reserves the Wisconsin National Guard, and was also a member of the Horicon American Legion Post #157. He also served his community as a member of the Horicon Fire Department. Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and softball. He is survived by his children, Pam Velarde of Brandon, Robert (Barb) Haessly, Jr. of Mayville, and Margaret (Dan) Drews of Waupun; stepchildren, Debra (Ron) Beall of Horicon and Dan (Julie) Day of Horicon; grandchildren, Cameron, Samantha, Ashley, Amanda, Jesse and Sophia; and two great-great grandchildren. He is further survived by other relatives and friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lorelei; and his brother and sisters. No formal funeral services will be held. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. To make an online condolence visit www. KoepsellFH.com.
27 December 2019

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