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Erland D. Dregne
Erland Dregne

Erland D. Dregne, 82, of Viroqua, formerly of Soldiers Grove, died unexpectedly on Monday, May 14, 2012 at his home.

He was born in La Crosse on February 2, 1930 to Edwin O. and Elvera T. (Wangen) Dregne. He attended Soldiers Grove High School and then entered the U.S. Army on January 18, 1949 and served with the 9th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. On September 19, 1950, Erland was wounded in battle and was honorably discharged on November 30, 1951. On October 29, 1954 he married Janice Maybee in Soldiers Grove. Though Erland was 100% disabled from wounds received in Korea, he stayed very active. He sold and serviced TV’s and radios and did numerous carpentry jobs. Erland was President of: WI Emergency Management Assoc. and coordinator for 12 ½ years, Vernon Memorial Hospital Board, North Crawford Rescue Squad for eight years, Treasurer of Kickapoo School District, member of Ft. McCoy Retirement Council, Deputy Coroner for Crawford County, life member and past commander of V.F.W. Post 3032 and American Legion Post 220. Erland was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Crawford County Conservation Congress, Kickapoo United Lutheran Church and member of Crawford County Selective Service Board for 13 years. Erland loved his country, had great respect for the flag and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Erland is survived by his wife: Janice Dregne, Viroqua; children: Diana Wilhelm, Sally (Clint) Hirschfield, Tracy (Nancy Jacobson) Dregne, Annette (Paul) Olson, Darrin (Michelle) Dregne; grandchildren: Jeremy, Eric, Scott, Travis (Roelie), Jamie (Rachel), Lacy, Nikki, Trevor; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Mae and James Erland; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

His parents and two sisters, Marlene and Marion, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2012 at Kickapoo United Lutheran Church, Soldiers Grove. Officiating at the service will be Rev. Dr. Steve Fossum with burial and military honors to follow in the church cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua from 4-7 p.m. and again at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m.

On line condolences may be made on Erland’s memorial page at www.reetzfh.com

The Reetz Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.