Obituaries

Thomas “Tom” H. Bechtel, age 90, of Caledonia, MN passed away June 3, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, June 13 at the New Albin Town Hall, located behind the bank. Burial with military honors will take place at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, New Albin.

Tom was born January 14, 1935, in Lansing, the son of Theodore and Harriet (Peterson) Bechtel. Tom graduated from high school in 1950. He served in the United States Army in Korea in 1955, until he was honorably discharged in 1957. He married Mary Whalen June 17, 1961, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, New Albin.

Shirley Anne Meyer passed away Sunday, June 1, 2025, surrounded by family at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. A memorial service was held Friday, June 6 at St. Luke’s Church in Eitzen, MN with Rev. Michael D. McCann officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Shirley was born October 31, 1935, and grew up on a farm between Eitzen, MN and New Albin, where she attended country school.  She was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member of St. Luke’s Church in Eitzen. In 1953, Shirley graduated from Waukon High School in Waukon.

Kristine Marie (Plunkett) Selberg, 62, of Chippewa Falls, WI passed away peacefully May 30, 2025, at home surrounded by loved ones, soft blankets, and floral sheets.

Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, June 10 at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Chippewa Falls. Fr. David Nowicki officiated. Interment was at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls. For those unable to attend, the service was recorded and available to view at https://www.pedersonvolker.com/obituaries/kristine-selberg.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you live with intention, just like Kristine did. Hug your family, take a drive with the windows down, and make something special for someone you love.

May 31, 2025, Daniel M. Fisher set out on his final Harley ride. His adventurous spirit and love for the open road will not be forgotten.

A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, June 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lance Park in Twin Lakes, WI for family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues of Dan. A second celebration will be held for Dan’s friends and neighbors in Iowa at a future date.

Dan was born September 15, 1960, in Burlington, WI, to John and Donnafae Russell Fisher. January 15, 1994, in Kenosha, WI, Dan was united in marriage with Tura Louise Poreden. Dan grew up and raised his family in Kenosha County before he and Tura found a love for the Driftless Region and moved to the banks of the Mississippi River in Lansing.

Early Saturday, May 31, 2025, Sandra Jean (Shafer) Fish, 85, was reunited with her Lord. There was never a time Sandra didn’t know the overflowing love her family had for her, even as they cared meticulously for her in final days. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 3 at First Baptist Church in Waukon with Pastor Duane Smith officiating, followed by an honorary escort by the Wednesday Night Motorcycle Riders to the burial at Zalmona Cemetery, rural Waukon.

Sandra Jean Fish was born in Waukon to Elmer and Eunice (Kruger) Shafer February 19, 1940. She attended Waukon High School, graduating in 1958. Sandra shared in Elmer’s love for monkeys, and sense of humor and wit. She never missed a thing or an opportunity to test you with her orneriness.

Cletus V. Fish, 81, of Waukon died Monday, May 26, 2025, at his home in rural Waukon. Memorial services were held Sunday, June 1 at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Karla Johnson officiating. A private family burial was held at Rossville Cemetery.

Cletus Vernon Fish was born December 28, 1943, in Monona, the son of Lester Vernon and Laura Ruth (Decker). He grew up in the Rossville area, attending country schools and Waukon High School. His first car was a light blue 1960 Chevy Bel Air with a white top and double muffler, and he also had a Harley; much to his future father-in-law’s dismay, they could always hear him coming up the road to visit Norma.

Sharon M. Decker, 82, of Waukon died Monday, May 26, 2025, at her home in Waukon. Memorial services were held Friday, May 30 at United Methodist Church in Lansing with Pastor Sedar Shako officiating. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Sharon Mae Decker (best known as Shorty) was born May 4, 1943, to Irene and Donald Steiber of Lansing, one of five children. She shared wonderful memories of growing up in the Wexford area.

She was married December 3, 1961, to Robert James Decker. To her credit she raised six children while Bob was an over the road truck driver. She was tiny in stature but mighty in keeping them all in line.

Jeffrey Walter Middendorf passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, May 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 74 years old.

A Celebration of Jeff’s life will be held from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, July 2 at Elsie’s Bar and Grill in Caledonia, MN. Jeff will be laid to rest at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN July 11, 2025.

Jeff was born July 9, 1950, to Junior and Carmen (Anderson) Middendorf in La Crosse, WI. He grew up on the family farm in Winnebago Valley. Jeff attended grade school at the District 615 Country School in Winnebago Valley, and then attended Caledonia High School graduating with the class of 1968. After graduation, he attended Winona State College graduating with a Bachelors Degree of Science.

Martha Jane Jenkins was born in Mattoon, IL to V. Lucille (Thompson) and Wayne Jenkins. At the age of two, the family moved to northeast Iowa where her father farmed in rural Lansing and Waterville until his death in 1963. The family then moved to Waukon.

Martha graduated from Waukon High School as part of the Class of 1965. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where she earned a teaching degree.

Her first teaching position was in rural Wisconsin. She later earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin and American University. In total, she was an educator for 37 years including nine years at the Philippines Clark Air Force Base and the Frankfort International School in Germany. She then continued her teaching career at Stone Middle School in Centreville, VA until retirement.

Lucille O. Smock, 95, beloved daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully May 22, 2025, at Wellington Place in Decorah. Funeral service was held Tuesday, June 3 at Decorah Lutheran Church with Pastor Peter R. Kowitz presiding. Burial was held at the Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah. Memorial gifts may be sent to Decorah Lutheran Church.

Lucille Tollefson was born June 11, 1929, in Decorah, the daughter of Emma and Theodore (Leo) Tollefson. Lucille was the oldest of 12 children. Her eight surviving siblings include Elaine Wanless, Sandra Langfitt, Leonel Tollefson, Darlene Stoen, Ardyce Wolrab, Jim Tollefson, David Tollefson, and Julie Lubahn.