News Center newsletter

by Amy Robinson, PT
Director, Veterans Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation

In order to avoid hurting the back when shoveling snow from the sidewalk or driveway, be sure to warm up your muscles before you begin. Walk a few minutes or march in place. Stretch the muscles in the arms and legs, because warm muscles will work more efficiently and be less likely to be injured.

It is also important to pick the appropriate shovel for yourself. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body. Be sure to lift with your legs and not your back. Bend your knees and keep your back as straight as possible so that the lifting comes from your leg muscles and keeps the strain off of your back.

Memorials were received by the Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation in memory of Julie Christianson by Trent and Lori Jacobs, Dave and Laurie Martin, Lorraine Drew, Mary Ann Hager, Marilyn Bulman, Richard and Susan Schulte, James and Jill Kiesau and Dennis and Sandy Deal.

Memorials were also received in memory of Maury Gallagher by Dave and Laurie Martin, Pat Pettingill, Dr. David and Susan Hahn, Mary Ann Hager, Lorraine Gallagher and family and friends of Maury Gallagher.

Memorials were received in memory of Rita Kregel by Mary Ann Hager and in memory of Robert “Bob” Malli by Gwen Brainard.

In addition, a general donation was received by Lawrence and  Marsha Benda as well as a donation for both breast cancer detection and diabetes education from Mary Ann Baker.

The holiday break came to an early end for both the Waukon and Kee girls basketball teams, as the two intra-county opponents took to the court together in Lansing Saturday, January 2 to begin the 2021 portions of their schedules. The larger school Indians used their team depth and aggressive nature to build double-digit leads in each of the game’s two halves, but also had to hold off some late Hawk charges in each of those halves before coming away with the 55-42 Waukon victory.

The Waukon and Kee boys basketball teams got the new year off to an early competition start when the Indians traveled to the home of the Hawks Saturday, January 2 for a non-conference match-up to start the 2021 portions of their respective schedules. Although the host Hawks had the leading scorer in the contest, with junior Dalton Dibert pouring in 23 points, the Indians had five players finish in double figures and nine players score overall on the way to an 88-42 win over Kee.

The Waukon girls and boys bowling teams are scheduled to resume their post-holiday competition schedule Friday, January 8 by hosting North Fayette Valley. The Waukon wrestling team will get action back underway on the mat following the holiday break with a Thursday, January 7 dual at Oelwein before competing at the Crestwood Tournament Saturday, January 9.
 

Darwin Ellis, 92, of Postville died Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Good Samaritan Society in Postville. Private family services will be held a later date.

Darwin Gene, the son of Clifford “Kip” and Dorothy (Schlitter) Ellis, was born February 21, 1928 in Postville. He was baptized April 12, 1936 at the United Brethren Church and confirmed November 29, 1953 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Darwin attended Postville Schools. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1946 and served until December of 1948.

October 15, 1950, Darwin was united in marriage with Marilyn Backhaus of Postville at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Their marriage lasted 69 years. Darwin and Marilyn worked for Marilyn’s parents’ family farm until 1961, they then moved to Postville to start an appliance and electrical service business.

Lori Donelle Knutson, 60, of Viroqua, WI passed away unexpectedly December 24, 2020. A visitation was held Sunday, January 3, 2021 at the Coulee Region Cremation Group Gathering Place in Onalaska, WI. Mail memorials to Heather Medd at 1606 Caroline Street, La Crosse, WI 54603.

Lori was born November 2, 1960 to Donald and Doris (Ingvalson) Pothast in Waukon. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon. She married Ron Tallman in August of 1980 in La Crosse, WI, and they later divorced. She then married Jeff Knutson in Onalaska, WI, and they later divorced.

Lori’s happiness was found by serving all of the people that were in her life. She had a unique and special bond with each and every person she knew, and all she wanted was to spread joy into everyone’s life.

Maureen A. Becker, 85, of Waukon passed away peacefully at her home Friday, January 1, 2021. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, January 6 at 11 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon with Pastor Keith Selberg officiating. In consideration of concerns regarding COVID-19, social distancing and wearing of masks is required.

The service will also be live streamed on Martin-Grau Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to Neil Becker at 704 Makee Drive NE, Waukon, IA 52172.

Maureen Ann Becker was born June 4, 1935 in Waukon, the daughter of Ora and Viola (Moe) Smith. She was baptized at First Presbyterian Church, confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, and received education at Waukon Elementary and High School. Over her lifetime, Maureen worked at Cote Theaters, Waukon Newspapers and the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office. She was also an active member at Zion United Church of Christ.

Robert “Bob” M. Oden, 88, of Waukon died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, December 27, 2020 at his home. Memorial services were held Monday, January 11 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Steve Oden officiating. Inurnment was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Condolences may be sent to Steve and Robin Oden at 309 First Street NW, Waukon, IA 52172.

Robert “Bob” Miles Oden was born November 28, 1932 at St. Ann’s Hospital in Chicago, IL, the son of John Selby and Agnes Muirhead Jack (Duff) Oden. In 1951, he graduated from Theodore Roosevelt Senior High in Des Moines. He then attended Drake University for one year. While young, Bob had a myriad of interests including but not limited to: bronc riding in rodeos, modeling, competitive diving, and drumming for a band.

Violet M. Beneke, 93, of New Albin passed away surrounded by family Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Private family funeral services will be held at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, Caledonia, MN. Burial will be in St Peter’s Cemetery in New Albin.  Date of services are pending at this time. Pastor Dick Wohlgemuth of St. Peter’s Church will be the officiant.

Violet was born January 31, 1927 to George and Martha (Rudnick) Solberg in Caledonia, MN. She married Alvin G. Beneke September 18, 1945. Together they farmed and raised their family on the farm on Pool Hill in rural New Albin.

Violet was an active member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in New Albin. She enjoyed working outdoors with her yearly large garden and yard to tend. She loved baking her special caramel rolls and bread for her family. When Violet moved to assisted living in 2017, she continued to bake bread, sending the delicious aroma throughout the facility.