OBITUARIES: Lt. Col. James John CANTLON, Ettrick, Trempealeau Co., WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Rita Boland Nutile 26 November 2001 ==================================================================== Many relatives and established roots in Trempleau County. My father Bernard J. Boland, Boland Valley, Buffalo County, Wisconsin was a cousin of James Cantlon. The Cantlons were highly regarded citizens. His Mother, Agnes Bill Cantlon, RN was in WWI and worked as the Treampleau County Public Health Nurse in early 20th century. "Aunt Aggie" was my Great Aunt, and I am the third generation graduate of St. Francis School of Nursing following her inspiration for service to humanity, in our family heritage. Rita Boland Nutile. --From the Winona Daily News staff, 23 Nov 2001 Lt. Col. James John Cantlon Sept. 29, 1926-Nov. 21, 2001 ETTRICK, Wis. - Lt. Col. James John Cantlon, 75, of Ettrick died suddenly Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2001, at his home. Jim was born Sept. 29, 1926, to James and Agnes (Bill) Cantlon. Jim grew up in Ettrick and graduated from Blair High School in 1944. He joined Wisconsin's Red Arrow 32nd Infantry Division and finished World War II in the Pacific Theater. Upon his discharge from the Army, Jim attended Notre Dame University and graduated in 1949 with a degree in commerce. Jim loved adventures and travel, so he joined the newly formed U.S. Air Force as a second lieutenant. He served his nation for over 20 years. While serving his country in Germany, he met Dolly Marie Green, whom he married in December 1954. He served his nation for over 20 years and fulfilled his wanderlust for travel in the countries of Germany, Korea and Iceland and the states of Alabama, Nebraska and Washington, D.C. He retired from the Air Force in June 1970, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. Jim eagerly returned to the family farm in Ettrick, where for over 30 years he was able to pursue his true calling - working a small farm of Herford cattle and crops. It was only one week ago that he sold the last of his cattle and completely retired. He was ready to travel and enjoy the fruits of his achievements. In May 2001, Jim married Elsie Anderson (formerly of French Creek and Holmen, Wis.) and formed a couple of two soul mates and companions. They enjoyed all the same activities and love of travel. He was active in the Ettrick community and church. He readily volunteered his services to activities for the Knights of Columbus, catechism instruction, serving as a member of the school board, Ettrick Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Elsie of Ettrick; two sons, James (Barbara) of Ettrick, and John (Jenise) of Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; one sister, Mary Saccomonna of Port Charlotte, Fla.; two stepsons, Ronald (Jan) Anderson of Red Oak, Iowa, and Loren (Kristy) Anderson of Holmen; one stepdaughter, Donna (David) Yourell of Muskego, Wis.; and 11 grandchildren. He also is survived by his cousin and special friend, Mike Cantlon of Ettrick, who is very close to the family. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolly, in January 1999. Mass of Christian burial for James will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2001, at the St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Ettrick. The Rev. Delbert Malin will officiate. Burial will be in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Military rites will be conducted after the service Saturday by the Ettrick American Legion Runnestrand-Pederson Post No. 354. Friends may call at the church Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Pop, Grandpop, Husband, Jim, Thank You! Thank you for everything you have provided to us over the years. Your love, compassion, advice and daily actions will keep you alive in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. You are truly a member of America's "Greatest Generation." The Fossum Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.