Tomah Journal - Obituaries

William Michael O’Connor, Austin T. Peterson

William Michael O’Connor

William Michael O’Connor, age 57, of Warrens, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 17, 2008, at his home. He was born on Nov. 3, 1950, to Lano and Evelyn (Ludke) O’Connor in Sparta, Wisconsin.

Bill was united in marriage to Sue Ann Hendricks on Aug. 12, 1972, in Kingsford, Michigan. He attended WWTI and received an associate’s degree in Agri-Science. He was a partner with his father in the cranberry business. Bill was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Tomah. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed his CB radios, gospel singing, playing guitar, conservation and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Sue of Warrens, WI; his daughter, Theresa (Jonathan) Amberson of Norwalk, WI; his parents, Lano and Evelyn of Tomah, WI; his brother, Gail (Sammy Raide) O’Connor of Waukegan, IL, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alice and Grover O’Connor and Sylvia and Everett Ludke; and a brother-in-law, Jeffery Hendricks.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Tomah. Pastor William Swan will officiate. Burial will follow in the Wood Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Monday from 12 p.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church in Tomah or to St. Clare’s Mission of Sparta, WI. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements.

Austin T. Peterson

Austin Tyler Peterson, 8 years old, of Tomah, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008.

He was born May 26, 1999, to Phillip and Brandy (Linn) Peterson at La Crosse. He was in Mrs. Hagen’s third grade class at St. Paul Lutheran School. Austin loved the outdoors, especially when he was on a fishing adventure. He had a great curiosity to learn about nature and had a fine bug collection. Austin had a strong faith in God and a special relationship with Jesus. He was a loving son, a proud big brother, and a special grandson, great-grandson, nephew and friend.

He is survived by his parents, Phillip and Brandy, of Tomah; two brothers, Eugene and Erick Peterson, both of Tomah; maternal grandparents, Cheryl Linn of Tomah and Michael (his friend Teresa) Linn of Necedah; paternal grandparents, Linda and Eugene Peterson of Ontario; maternal great-grandparents, John (Delores) Schumann of Tomah and Ronald Linn of Tomahawk; step-great-grandparent, Art Griesen of Mauston; paternal great-grandfather, Tom Moore of Tygh Valley, OR; aunts and uncles, Justin (Angie) Linn of Tomah, Tony Peterson of Ontario, Melissa (Jared) Hemmersbach of Cashton, Sonya (Steve) Hericks of Tomah, and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by paternal great-grandmother, Lola Moore, and maternal great-grandmother, Mary Griesen.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. today (Monday) Jan. 21 at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave., Tomah. Pastor Donald R. Buch officiated. Burial was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in the Town of Tomah.

Visitation was Sunday, Jan 20, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave., Tomah, and today at the church from 10 a.m. until time of the service. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.