LAVERN J. VONRUDEN, 83, WILTON DIED JULY 5th, 2004

LaVern J. Von Ruden, age 83 of Wilton died on Monday, July 5, 2004 at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta surrounded by his children. He was born Oct. 10, 1920 to Victor and Jesse (Creviston) Von Ruden in the Town of Wellington. He was united in marriage to Irma Geier on Oct. 30, 1946 at Norwalk, WI. LaVern and Irma worked side by side on their farm outside Wilton. LaVern was a hardworking farmer a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a quiet and generous man always willing to help neighbors or anyone that asked for his help. He was proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them all.

He is survived by 4 children, Kenneth of New Albin, Iowa, Karen Wallace (and Stan Schwier) of Holmen, Kathleen Davis of Dallas, TX and Jana (Jon) Muehlenkamp of Norwalk, 9 grandchildren Brandon and Tiana Von Ruden, Josh (Janine) and Jessica Wallace, Tracy, Nicola and Hannah Davis, Kolin and Kendra Muehlenkamp, 2 great grandchildren Sofia and Jacob Wallace, a brother Leonard Von Ruden of Ontario, a sister Evelyn Galauner of Beloit, he is also survived by sisters-in-law Sylvia Von Ruden of Wilton, Connie (Carl) Lewis of Slaton, TX, Helen (Evan) Summerfield of Wilton, Marlene (Larry) Peth of Tomah and Berdella (Gerald) Butzler of Sparta, Karen Geier of Wilton, Bonnie Geier of Sparta, and Karen Geier of LaCrosse. Brothers-in-law, Isidore "Ike" (Bertha) Geier and Arnold (Mary Ann) Geier of Sparta, Larry (Myrtle) Geier of Tomah, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irma, a son-in-law Dick Wallace, two brothers Glen and Lyle, several brothers-in-law and several sisters-in-law.

A Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2004 11:00 A.M. at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton. Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church on Tuesday from 4 until 8:00 P.M. and on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Mass. Parish Rosary will be recited on Tuesday evening at 7:30 P.M. Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Wilton is assisting the family with arrangements.