Obituaries

Debra Stevenson Troendle, 65, of Lansing passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services were held Saturday, September 9 at Utica Lutheran Church in rural Ferryville, WI with Pastor Lynn Schreck officiating. Burial was at the church cemetery. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing handled arrangements.

Debra Sue Troendle was born November 27, 1957 in Viroqua, WI, the daughter of Ivan and Evelyn (Warren) Stevenson. She grew up on a farm near Ferryville, WI and graduated from North Crawford High School in Gays Mills, WI. She worked for Northern Engraving and while there, met Dennis Troendle. They married in September of 1980.

Catherine A. Batteen, 81, of Lansing died Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Graveside services were held Friday, September 8 at Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing with Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing handled arrangements.

Catherine Ann Batteen was born April 1, 1942 in the Sand Cove area of New Albin, the daughter of Leonard and Theresa (Freilinger) Gander. She was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Albin and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing. Cathy attended Immaculate Conception schools before graduating from St. George High School in Lansing; her class was the second class to graduate from St. George High School.

November 24, 1979, she married William L. Batteen in Lansing. Besides farm work, Cathy also worked in the housekeeping department at Thornton Manor for 28 years. She loved playing euchre and completing word searches.

Donald James Eslinger, 83, passed away peacefully May 31, 2023 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A Memorial Service was held at the New Hampton Cemetery Saturday, September 9. Online condolences may be left for the Eslinger family at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Born on the family farm near Reinbeck January 16, 1940 to Hattie (Glasner) and Vincel Barfels Eslinger, Don spent much of his youth on the family farm in Chickasaw County, north of New Hampton, where his love of nature and the outdoors began.

Charles E. Weipert, 74, of Waterville died Friday, July 21, 2023 at his home in rural Waterville. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 9 from 1-5 p.m. at Open Door to the Soul, formerly the Waterville Lutheran Church in Waterville. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.
 

Kerry Gene Nuehring, age 60, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023. His life was celebrated Monday, September 4.

Kerry was born October 7, 1962 in Waukon to Betty and Oliver Nuehring. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon. In May 2022, Kerry accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Kerry lived in Waukon until he passed away.

For over 20 years, Kerry worked as a Supervisor for Agriprocessors out of Postville. He was an animal lover and had an astonishing green thumb for gardening. Kerry loved riding his Harley and spending time with his family. He always worked on tractors, cars, motorcycles or go-carts in his garage.

Kerry was a loyal friend and always ready to help anyone in need.

William “Bill” J. Walsh, 82, of Waukon died Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Graveside services were held Tuesday, September 5 at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon with Pastor Grant VanderVelden officiating. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled the arrangements.

William James Walsh was born March 5, 1941 in Waukon, the son of Ray and Alice (Plein) Walsh. He attended St. Patrick Catholic School, graduated from Waukon High School, and served his country in the United States Navy from 1959-1963.

Bill drove bus for Hawkeye Stages, served as a deputy sheriff for Allamakee County, and worked for the Allamakee County maintenance department. February 5, 1973, he married Doris Winters Clark in West Union. He enjoyed going for rides with Doris and going to coffee at Hardee’s with their friends.

Joan L. Walleser, 97, of Lansing passed away peacefully in her home August 11, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born October 8, 1925.

A celebration of life will be held October 13 from 4-7 p.m. and October 14 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing. The funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. October 14.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Walleser; a granddaughter, Emily Walleser; her sisters Helen, Cecelia and Rita; her brother, Joseph; five brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law.

Joan is survived by a brother, William Brouillet; and seven children: Terry Walleser of Ravalli, MT, Tim Walleser (Gwen) of Janesville, WI; Linda Hartwich (Roger) of River Falls, WI, Leo Walleser (Ruth) of Menomonie, WI, Anne Rundall (James) of Amboy, IL, Donald Walleser of Lansing and Josie Ehlert of Janesville, WI. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Jeremy J. Johnson, 48, of Waukon died Sunday, August 27, 2023 at his home. A prayer service was held Tuesday, September 5 at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Fr. John Moser officiating. Private family graveside services were held at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Jeremy Joe Johnson was born September 29, 1974 in Waukon, the son of Virgil and Kathryn “Kay” (Cunningham) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Jeremy attended St. Patrick Catholic School, graduated from Waukon High School in 1993, and attended Vermilion Community College in Ely, MN, where he received a degree in forestry.

Jeremy worked as an independent carpenter for area contractors for several years. He was very instrumental in starting Sportsmen’s Unlimited in Waukon, which his brother, Justin, currently owns and operates.

Jay S. Schon, 69, of Waukon died Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. Memorial services were held Saturday, September 2 at First Baptist Church in Waukon with Pastor Duane Smith officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of NE Iowa in Decorah (checkout.shelterluv.com/donate/hsni) or to Helping Services for Youth and Families serving Northeast Iowa (www.helpingservices.org/donate).

Robert P. “Rip” Reinke, 78, of rural New Albin passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at Gundersen-Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, MN. Funeral services were held Friday, September 1 at St. John’s UCC (Wheatland Church). Pastor Michael McCann officiated and burial followed in the church cemetery.

Robert Paul “Rip” Reinke was born May 18, 1945 in La Crosse, WI at St. Anne’s Hospital to Henry and Irma (Kruse) Reinke. He was a tiny baby that fit in a shoebox and was kept warm behind the wood stove. It’s been a standing joke that his mother wanted to name him Romain - thank goodness his dad won that argument.