Obituaries

Pamela S. Olson

Pamela S. Olson, age 69 years, of Elroy, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

She was born on September 14, 1955 in Hillsboro, the daughter of Martin and Mabel (McNamer) Connors.  Pam graduated from the Hillsboro High School.

Pam was married to Arlie Buchal and they had two sons, Todd and Timothy.  They later divorced.

Pam was united in marriage to Raymond “Nip” Olson Jr. on February 17, 1990.  They made their home in Elroy for many years.  He preceded her in death on March 7, 2020.

Pam worked at Brunner Manufacturing for 35 years and retired January 2024. 

She enjoyed going camping, taking care of her yard and loved visitors.  She loved her puppy, Ginger very much.

Survivors include her son, Todd Buchal (Dawn); step son, Brian Olson; grandson, Derek; granddaughters, Daniale, Hannah and Abigail; siblings, Phil (Pat) Connors, Sandy (Gordy) Vierck, Tom (Kathy) Connors and Linda (Randy) Scheidegger and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Nip; she was preceded in death by her Parents; son, Timothy Buchal; sisters, Charlotte Scheeler and Bonnie Solchenberger and brother, John Connors.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy.  Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Wonewoc.  A time of visitation will be at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com

 Mrs. Rose Baumel, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, April 28, 2025. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend to many, Rose touched countless lives with her warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to family.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the South Burr Oak Methodist Church in Coloma, Wisconsin. Reverend Leonard Capobianco will officiate. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service.

Rose was born on July 26, 1932, in Westfield, Wisconsin, to William and Mildred (Hayes) Reichhoff. She graduated from 8th grade in Friendship in 1947 and worked alongside her siblings on the family farm during her youth. Her life changed forever when she met the love of her life, Vic Baumel. The two were married on February 23, 1952, and together they raised four children.

Rose dedicated her life to her family, finding joy and purpose in supporting her husband, children, and grandchildren. She also worked for many years at Adams Friendship Hospital, where she was a valued and compassionate member of the team. Deeply committed to service, Rose was an active member of the American Legion and the Adams-Friendship VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Vic and Rose enjoyed fishing and gardening together, often spending quiet days outside tending to their plants or waiting for a bite on the line. Rose also had a deep love for cooking—but even more so, she cherished the smiles on the faces of her loved ones as they gathered to enjoy the meals she prepared. Her homemade rolls, mashed potatoes, and apple slice became legendary in the family, with frequent requests and playful disagreements over who liked them the most.

Rose was a woman of deep faith, finding guidance and community at South Burr Oak Methodist Church, where she was a proud member of the congregation. She generously volunteered her time and efforts to worthwhile causes and to those in need throughout her community.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband Victor, her parents Bill and Mildred, her children Roger Baumel and Terry Buzzell, her granddaughter Lindsey McFadden, and her siblings Robert, Blanche, Shirley, William, and June.

She is survived by her children: Victor (Cheryl) Baumel of Janesville, Richard Baumel of Green Bay, and sister, Jane Boer of Adams. She is further survived by her grandchildren: Victor (Christie) Baumel, Bobbi (Steve) Chapman, Holly Baumel, Peter Baumel, Gary Rickabaugh, Adam Baumel, Brian Baumel, Becky Rickabaugh, Phillip (Jackie) Baumel, and Ashley Buzzell; as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the support and kindness shown during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Rose’s memory to her family.

The Baumel family is being assisted by Roseberry’s Funeral Home. For online condolences and further information, please visit www.roseberrys.com.

Grenneth D. Nelson, age 97, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Moundview Memorial Hospital & Clinics in Friendship.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church in Arkdale, Wisconsin, with Pastor Terri Skildum officiating. Visitation will take place at the church that day from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow at the church.

Interment at East Arkdale Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Grenneth was born on July 22, 1927, in Roscoe, Illinois, to Ward Raymond and Matilda Alta (Nagles) Lake. She was one of the twelve children listed in birth order, Clarence, Stanley, Glenn, Alice, Arthur, Mary, Leota, Robert, Raymond, Frank, Grenneth and Audrey.  Her family moved frequently during her youth before settling in Brooks, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Brooks Elementary and later Oxford High School. Grenneth was the only surviving biological child.  She has a sister-in-law, Marion, still surviving.

On November 13, 1948, Grenneth married Nels Nelson at Davis Corners Methodist Church. The couple initially farmed in Big Springs, but after facing difficult times, they relocated to Rockford, Illinois, where Grenneth worked for Chiclets Gum. In 1959, they returned to Arkdale, Wisconsin, and resumed dairy farming for many years. During their time on the farm, Grenneth assisted many friends and neighbors by transportation to Dr. appointments etc.  Grenneth also worked at Diamonds Grocery Store in Arkdale, where she worked with very special friends.  She also was the Strongs Prairie Treasurer for many years where she collected taxes in her home. While on the farm she welcomed many family visitors on the wk-ends. She always welcomed everyone with open arms and of course great food.  In 1981, they built a log home on the family farm. Following Nels’s retirement in 1983, they began spending their winters in Florida. She made some good friends there and enjoyed the weather. In her later years, Grenneth lived with her daughter, Cathy, before moving to Villa Pines Nursing Home.

Grenneth had a passion for hard work, cooking, canning, reading, music, and volunteering at her church. She was an active member of several organizations, including 4-H, band, choir, the Strongs Prairie Community Club, PTA, the Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, the Ladies Aid, and girls’ softball.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Nels Jr.; her son, Kenneth; her brothers, Clarence, Stanley, Glenn, Arthur, Robert, Raymond, and Frank Lake; and her sisters, Alice Frazer, Leota Wicker, Audrey Coon, and Mary Steffen.

Grenneth is survived by her son, Steven Nelson of Big Flats, Wisconsin; her daughter, Cathy (Dennis) Rathermel of Friendship, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Cynthia, Casey, Tanya, Tammy, Justin, Tyler, and Lance; her foster grandchildren, Tammy, Crystal, Tammy, Jeff, Jonathan, and Hannah; and her foster great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Nevaeah, Isaiah, Saren, Alba, Leo, Rose, and River. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Marion Lake, as well as many other relatives and friends.

The family is being assisted by Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Online condolences and further information can be found at www.roseberrys.com.