John Thorwald Ofstedahl

John Thorwald Ofstedahl was born May 15, 1928. His earthy journey ended October 17, 2016. He was the youngest son of Walter and Laura Ofstedahl. He was of the fourth generation of the Lewis Valley Lutheran congregation and was baptized and confirmed there. John served on the church council many times and was president when the old church burned 12/16/76, and during the building process of the new church. He served on the Lewis Valley Norden Cemetery board, taped church services many years and brought them to shut-ins.

On March 8th, 1952 he married Dorothy H. Wehling. They were blessed with 3 children Dennis (Linda), Joan (David) Beecken, Eric (Lea), 5 grandchildren Jessica (Daniel) Franco, Abby (Wes) Rivers, Paige (Andrew) Knight, Grant, Gavin, and 2 great grandchildren, Elianna and Esme Franco.

John farmed most of his life in the Lewis Valley area. He served 2 three year terms on the Sugar Creek Bible Camp board during its formative years. John also was elected several times to the local committee for Riverland Energy. He attended the men’s Bible study group for many years at Christ the King Lutheran Church.

John went to the Union Mills one room school 1-8 grades, Holmen High School 1942-1946, and graduated from Farm Short course at the University of Madison. His many singing experiences included the Lewis Valley Church choir, Wisconsin State 4-H chorus, Holmen FFA quartet, Holmen Men’s Chorus, Holmen Community Choir, Coulee Region Gospel Choir, Galesville Gospel Choir, and solos. For many years he presented monthly nursing home programs with his cousin, Evelyn Skogen.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Lewis Valley Lutheran Church. Pastor Fred Thoni will officiate. Burial will be in the Lewis Valley Norden Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of Onalaska are in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be given to: Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, www.dakotaranch.org or the Lewis Valley Norden Cemetery Association.