Tomah Journal - Obituaries

Brian L. Ashwell, Elaine M. DuBord, Walter “Jim” Grabon

Brian L. Ashwell

Brian L. Ashwell, age 22, of Tomah, WI, died Sunday, May 25, 2008, at the Franciscan Skemp Hospital in Sparta.

Brian was born on May 19, 1986, to Brian Sutton and Jamie Ashwell, in La Crosse, WI. He graduated from Tomah High School in 2004 and enlisted in the Army National Guard.

Brian recently returned home from Iraq, after completing his first tour. While Brian was home, he was excited to be hanging out with his friends, electronic bull riding, hunting, fishing, creating art, cars, loving life; most of all he was excited about the upcoming birth of his son.

Brian is survived by his mother, Jamie Leis; father, Brian (Dinha) Leis of Norwalk; brothers and sisters, Bradly Leis of La Crosse, Kayla Leis of La Crosse, and Brandon Leis of Tomah; his grandparents, Erling (Sandy) Leis of Sparta; grandmother, Shirley Kolve of Eleva; grandpa, James (Sharon) Sutton of Iowa; great-grandmother, Erma Leis of Sparta; his best friend, Jon Einwalter; along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held today (Thursday), May 29, at 11 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Jay Cronholm officiated. Family and friends called from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors was held at Mount Prairie Cemetery in the town of Angelo. The Patriot Guards and close family and friends led the procession to the cemetery.

The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah assisted the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Elaine M. DuBord

Elaine M. DuBord, 83, of Tomah, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at the Fair View Nursing Home, Mauston.

Elaine was born on May 30, 1924, in Minnesota, the daughter of Arthur and Amelia (Perrault) Mitchell.

Elaine was united in marriage to Real F. DuBord on May 13, 1947, in Morehead, MN. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years Real “Frenchy”; her children, Tom (Bonnie) DuBord of St. Charles, IL, Vaughn “Porky” DuBord of Batavia, IL, Sandy Elliott of San Diego, CA, Denise “Bunny” (Ben) Sweeney of Mauston, Michele (Larry) Mehne of Mauston, Kevin (Danita) DuBord of Tomah; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; her faithful companion “Magic”; a brother, Barney Dickhouse of Morehead, MN, and other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Mass was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 24, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mauston.

Interment was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Friends called on Friday, May 23, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Crandall Funeral Home, Mauston.

Walter “Jim” Grabon

Walter “Jim” Grabon, age 73, of Tomah, WI, passed away at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, WI, on Monday, May 26, 2008. He was born on Aug. 1, 1933, to Walter James and Dorothy (Bauerfeind) Grabon in Thorp, WI.

He served in the United States Army. Jim was united in marriage to Julia “Julie” Helen Brzezowicz on July 14, 1962. He spent his working years as an engineer for Northwest Telephone, which is now CenturyTel. He was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, serving on the finance board and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim enjoyed hunting, traveling, playing cards, investing and watching Packer games. He was loved by all, and had a heart as big as one could ever have and could bring a smile to anyone’s face. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Julie of Tomah; his son, Bob (Suzanne) Grabon of Cedarburg; his daughter, Kristine (Timothy) DiGirolamo of Barrington Hills, IL; four wonderful grandchildren, Sam, Nicholas, Jennifer and Lisa; a sister-in-law, Helen Grabon of Savannah, GA; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frances “Frank” Grabon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 31, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tomah. The Very Rev. Steven J. Kachel will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, May 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, with a rosary by the Knights of Columbus at 8 p.m. Visitation will also be Saturday, 9 a.m. until 10 30 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.