Corinne Theone Lerum

Corinne Theone Lerum, 89, of Durand, WI, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2013 after a short stay at Oakview Care Center from complications suffered from a stroke. Corinne was born July 7, 1923, at home in Buffalo County, Nelson township, to Carl T. and Sylvia A. (Anderson) Thompson. Corinne attended Nelson grade school and graduated from Kellogg High School in Minnesota. She went on to further her education by attending the Buffalo County Teachers College and later got her Bachelor of Science degree from Eau Claire University and her Masters from Winona State. Her teaching career started at Oak Hill and North Branch country schools. Residents will remember her as the kindergarten teacher at Elmwood Schools for many years. She also taught at the Bogus Creek School in Pepin. After retiring in Elmwood, she became the Elementary School principal at Pepin, WI. Corinne married Oliver Thompson, June 26, 1947. Corinne and Oliver made their home in Urne for many years. After Oliver’s death, Corinne married Arnie Lerum, October 6, 1977 and they made their home at Chippewa View Heights south of Durand. After retirement, Corinne enjoyed taking care of her home and spending time with family and friends. She took delight visiting her nieces and nephews and was always ready to lend a helping hand, no matter what the chore, it was a pleasurable day for her. Corinne was a wealth of information when it came to area families and relatives. Her family will miss the opportunity to ask her “the connection” of how people were related or where they grew up. Corinne was also the Urne news correspondent for our local papers. She took over the job from her mother, Sylvia Thompson, and enjoyed reaching out to write her column. Corinne is survived by one sister, Elaine Weisebeck of Durand; four brothers, Jeff (Alice) of Mondovi, Truman (Joan) of Durand, Schuyler of Milwaukee and Robert of Nelson. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and many great-nieces and nephews. Corinne was preceded in death by both of her husbands. Pallbearers for Corinne’s funeral will be nephews, Donald, Steven and James L. Weisenbeck and Jeffrey, Gary, Michael, Ron, Roger, Randy and Donald Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be nieces, Rose Pelke, Marlys Williams, Lori Thompson, Sharon Champayne, Nancy Schuler and Patty Plumb. A memorial service will be held June 8, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Lyster Lutheran Church in rural Nelson. Friends and relatives may call from 10 a.m. to the service time. Burial will be at the Lyster Cemetery. Talbot Family Funeral Homes/Scenic Rivers Cremation Center assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com