Verna M. Stefanski

Verna Mae Stefanski (Gonia), 86, passed away peacefully at Hope Stay, in Holmen, WI on 3/23/24. Verna grew up in Black River Falls, WI in 1937. From there, she ventured to Milwaukee, WI, where in 1958, she met and married the love of her life, Donald Stefanski. A year later, they were blessed with their only son, Richard (Rick). Afterwards, they moved to Barrie Mills, WI, then to West Salem, WI, and then their final move was to Onalaska, WI, where they purchased and managed a 9-unit motel, Lake Onalaska, for 26 years. They loved their customers dearly, especially the fishermen and repeat customers. After a day’s work of cleaning and laundry, they’d spend evenings sitting outside, overlooking the lake, with customers, listening to their stories and life events. Many had become long-time friends. After Don’s passing in 1998, running the motel was too much for one person, so Verna sold the motel and moved into an apartment in Holmen. Later, she had a stroke and was also diagnosed with dementia and moved into memory care for the remaining time of her life.

Verna enjoyed spending time with her family, chatting with her grandchildren about what they had been up to and hanging out with the family dog, Spud. She especially loved taking many trips to South Dakota with Rick, viewing the sites, which always included getting her 5-cent coffee at Wall Drug. And in the last few years, she enjoyed taking scenic rides in the area, and going to dinner at the La Crosse Family Restaurant.

Verna was the youngest of eight children born to William P. and Olga (Young) Gonia, in the Town of Albion, Jackson County, WI.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Lora), two grandchildren, Brooke and Brianna, and her sister, Delores Polege.

Verna is preceded in death by her husband, Donald in 1998, two brothers, William “Bud” Gonia, 2004 and Russell, 1999: and four sisters, Evelyn Torkelson, 2009, Eileen Balsiger, 2003, Lucille Stenulson, 2001, and LaVon Yahnke, 1996.

Verna and her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Hope Stay Memory Care, Marinuka Manor Nursing Home, Gundersen Medical Center, and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care, and to Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 9th Street N., La Crosse. Father Mike McElwee will officiate. Friends may visit with the family at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest giving to the Verna Mae Stefanski memorial at Christ Episcopal Church (please make checks payable to Christ Episcopal Church and put in memory of Verna Mae Stefanski in the note section) or to a charity of your choice.