Florence Western

Florence Martha Hulda Western, 96, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 2, 2011.

She was born February 21, 1915 in Shell Lake to Amelia (Krumm) and Fred Ladwig. Her baptism took place on April 4, 1915 at St. John's Church in Shell Lake. While Florence was young, her family moved to Stanley, Wisconsin where she attended school.

Florence married Arleigh Western on June 21, 1941 in Stanley. After their marriage, they lived in the Stanley/Boyd area, then moved to Ladysmith, where they lived from 1949-1952. The couple then moved to Chippewa Falls where she had resided since that time. Arleigh preceded her in death on March 29, 1988.

Her faith was evident throughout her life and service to her church was very important to her. She was the oldest living charter member and oldest member of Faith Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls, where she volunteered in many capacities and made hundreds of special quilts for World Relief. She also volunteered her time at Bethesda in Eau Claire.

She is survived by three daughters, Arlene (Jim) Wright of Chippewa Falls, Judy Drivas of Chippewa Falls, Marilynn (David) Johnson of Menomonie; a brother, Kenneth (Janet) Krumm of Whitewater; a sister-in-law, Anita Ladwig of Amery; nine grandchildren, Lisa (Yuri) Bereznitski, Stacey (Eric) Kohler, Robin (Kevin) Parshall, Dana (Wayne) Mercer, Chris (Aimee) Drivas, Cory (Birdie) Drivas, Laurie (Kent) Schmidt, David Johnson and Tim Johnson; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Harold and John Ladwig; and a son-in-law, Pete Drivas.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 6 at Faith Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. William Plautz officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, July 5 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the Western family.

Visit pedersonvolker.com to express online condolences.


Afterservice

A funeral service for Florence Martha Hulda Western, 96, of Chippewa Falls, was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Faith Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls. Rev. William Plautz officiated, music was provided by Barbara Sandford and granddaughter, Stacey Koehler and grandson, David Koehler Jr. gave a reading.

Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls. Casket bearers were grandchildren, Lisa Bereznitski, Stacey Koehler, Robin Parshall, Dana Mercer, Chris Drivas, Cory Drivas, Laurie Schmidt, David Johnson and Tim Johnson

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the Western family.