September 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008 12:49 PM CDT
September 25, 2008Ronald KapheimAPPLETON - Ronald J. Kapheim, 72, of Appleton, died Monday, Sept. 22, 2008.
Ron was born on April 10, 1936, in Milwaukee, the son of the late Clarence and Marie (Nessman) Kapheim. He graduated from Water-town High School in 1953, and went on to earn his master's in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Ron is a retired major of the United States Air Force where he served 23 years. In 1962 he married the former Monica Grant in Sparta. Over the years Ron was employed by S.C. Johnson & Co., Kimberly-Clark and the Institute of Paper Chemistry. He worked for many years with the Boy Scouts of America and served as a liaison for the Air Force Academy. He was a private pilot, and enjoyed photography, skiing and tennis.
Survivors include a daughter, Mary Frances Kapheim, of Appleton; three sons, Joe (Jackie) of Charlotte, N.C., Greg (Krista) of Appleton, and Jeff (Joy) of Menasha; grandchildren, Haley, Nick, Olivia, Cameron, Brianna, Madelyn and Kenny; his twin brother, Donald G. (Marge) Kapheim of Menomonee Falls; another brother, Larry (Marry) Kapheim of Milton; as well as numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law and their families, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Monica.
A funeral liturgy for Ronald was held this morning at St. Bernadette Catholic Church with Father Don Zuleger officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ron's name.
Wichmann Funeral Home 537 N. Superior St. Appleton
Gordon Kohl
BEAVER DAM - Gordon R. Kohl, 84, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, at Golden Living Center-Continental Manor in Randolph.
Visitation for Gordon will be at Holy Family Catholic Church in Reeseville on Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at the church on Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. The Rev. Jerome Rinzel will officiate. Burial will be at St. Columbkille Cemetery in the town of Elba, Dodge County.
Gordon Richard Kohl was born on June 18, 1924, in Beaver Dam to the late George and Gertrude (Ken-nedy) Kohl. He served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1947. On Sept. 17, 1949, Gordon was united in marriage with Gabriel LaCaeyse in Reeseville. Gordon retired from Kraft Foods in 1987 after 31 years of service. He also farmed in the Reeseville area for over 30 years and was a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Reese-ville.
Survivors include his wife, Gabriel Kohl of Beaver Dam; three sons, Gordon Kohl (Pat Frinak) of Randolph, Dennis (Mary) Kohl of Waterloo and Paul Kohl of Watertown; five grandchildren, Benjamin Kohl, Stephen Kohl and Bethany Kohl, all of Waterloo, Emily Kohl of Fargo, N.D. and Kayleigh Kohl of Water-town; a brother, Delmar (Shirley) Kohl of Beaver Dam; a sister, Marjorie Adamzak of Le Sueur, Minn.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Robert Adam-zak.
The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made on our Web site at
www.MurrayFH.com.
Murray Funeral Home 131 E. Maple Beaver Dam
Norma F. Seibel
WATERLOO - Norma F. Seibel 93, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at Highland House in Waterloo.
She was born June 16, 1915, in Waterloo, the daughter of Emil and Aden (Deppe) Fentzlaff.
She married Oscar O. Seibel in 1945 and he preceded her in 1958. She was employed at Winneberg Shoe's and Jim's Cheese in Waterloo. Norma was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Waterloo. She was an avid Packer and Brewer fan. She loved gardening, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors include daughter Marge (Marc) Wernick of Oregon; son Oscar (Karen) Seibel of Middleton; five grandchildren, Jackie and Jessica Wernick of Oregon, Christopher (Kerry) Bakken of Meadville, Pa., Aaron Bakken of Oakland, Calif., Heidi (Kyle Michel) Seibel of Sauk City; two great-grandchildren, Sophia Grace Bakken and Alexander Oscar Bakken; also a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded by her parents; husband; two brothers, Lester and Zeno Fentzlaff; special niece, Mary Helen Fentzlaff; and nephew Michael Fentzlaff.
The family wishes to thank the extraordinary and caring staff at Highland House and Rainbow Hospice for their services.
Memorials may be made to UW Health Partners Watertown Regional Medical Center Foundation for Highland House Waterloo or Rainbow Hospice Care, Inc. Jefferson.
Funeral services will be on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Waterloo with the Rev. Thomas Gillespie officiating. Burial will be at St. Henry Catholic Cemetery, Watertown. Visitation will be Monday at 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Pederson Funeral Home Waterloo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.pedersonfuneralhomes.com.
Pederson Funeral Home 213 S. Fifth St. Watertown
September 24, 2008
Irma E. Buelter
Irma E. Buelter, 96, of Watertown, passed away Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 23, 2008, at Marquardt Memorial Manor in Watertown.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ixonia with the Rev. Kenneth Ewerdt officiating. Burial will be in Glenview Memorial Gardens, Ixonia.
Relatives and friends may call to pay their respects at the Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In memory of Irma, memorials may be given to St. Paul's Handicapped Fund, Marquardt Memorial Manor, Marquardt Hospice or the charity of one's choice.
The former Irma E. Zimdars was born in the town of Seneca on March 5, 1912, daughter of Emil and Ella (Salzman) Zimdars. On June 17, 1931, she married Otto Buelter at United Brethren Evangelical Church in Tilleda. He preceded her in death on June 5, 1991.
Irma was a homemaker and had been employed at Ixonia State Bank. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ixonia and its ladies aid. She was also a member of the senior center in Ixonia and Watertown, the Ixonia Twilight Homemakers, AARP and the Watertown Hospital Auxiliary. Irma enjoyed playing cards.
Survivors include her daughters, Loraine Ackatz of Watertown and Ruth (Wayne) Weber of Ixonia; 13 grandchildren; one stepgrandchild; 23 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; two stepgreat-great-grandchildren; a brother, Alvin Zimdars of Tilleda; a son-in-law, Ron-ald Maas; and a sister-in-law, Emgard Zimdars of Barris.
Irma is further preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Sharon Maas and Doris Fawcett; and three brothers, Irvin, Herbert and Harry.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Sullivan and Marquardt Hospice for their wonderful care.
Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown
September 23, 2008
Rosemary Ault
Rosemary E. Ault, 81, formerly of Cambridge, died on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, at Marquardt Memorial Manor in Watertown.
She was born on May 27, 1927, in Lake Mills, daughter of William and Frieda (Kelch) Finger. She married Jack Hanson. She later married Clifton Ault. They preceded her in death.
Rosemary was a graduate of Lake Mills High School, class of 1945. She had been employed at Roedl Egg Plant and later worked at Lakeland Egg in Lake Mills. She was a member of Lake Mills Moravian Church.
Survivors include three children, Thomas (Daryl) Hanson of Thibodaux, La., Theresa (David) Palmer of Waterloo and Michael (Valerie) Ault of King, N.C.; one son-in-law, Elmer “Butch” Matusiewicz of Lone Rock; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gladys (Fred) Luedtke of Fort Atkinson and Florence Sobrolske of Lake Mills; other relatives and friends.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey John; a daughter, Judy Matusiewicz; a sister, Doris Maddox; a grandson, Jeffrey Thomas; a brother, Phillip Finger; and a brother-in-law, John Sobrolske.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Lake Mills Moravian Church in Lake Mills. Burial will be in Rock Lake Cemetery.
Friends may call after 10 a.m. Nov. 1 at the church until the time of service.
The Claussen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
If desired, memorials would be appreciated to Lake Mills Moravian Church, Marquardt Memorial Manor or Marquardt Hospice.
Claussen Funeral Home 416 W. Lake St. Lake Mills
Marian P. Bargo
Marian P. Bargo, 84, of Watertown, died on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at home with her family by her side.
She was born on Aug. 3, 1924, in Chicago, Ill., daughter of Walter and Irene (Kamowski) Mumenthal. Marian attended elementary school at St. Hyacinth and graduated from St. Hedwig's in Chicago.
Her employed life began at Goldblatt's. She then spent several years at Teletype, where she helped develop the conversion of the 60-minute hour to a one hundred unit measurement for time clocks.
It was at Teletype that she met her future husband, Alexander Bargo, whom she married Aug. 4, 1945, and enjoyed 58 years with before being separated by his death on Dec. 16, 2003.
Marian enjoyed good cooking and fashion. She had two restaurants, Uncle John's in Milwaukee and in Randolph. She also had a dress/uniform shop, The Marian Shoppe, in Oconomowoc.
In 1985 Marian and Al followed their two younger sons to St. Petersburg, Fla., where they enjoyed sunshine, fresh-squeezed orange juice, grandchildren and bingo daily.
Her love of her children led her back to Wisconsin in 2005. Here she was an integral part of her son Julian's family's life and a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church.
Marian will be missed by her surviving three sons, John (Nora Staring) of Milwaukee, James (Catherine Ward) of Tampa, Fla., and Julian (Tracy Fairbanks) of Watertown; grandchildren Charity, Amanda, AJ, Glenn, Jeremy, Eric, Madison and Nicholas; as well as five great-grandchildren; a sister, Leona (Walter) Jakubik; a brother, Frank Mumenthal; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who were very dear to her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Al; her sister, Adeline Magnus; a granddaughter, Julianne Bargo; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Bernard's Catholic Church with the Rev. Thomas Marr officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Adalbert's Catholic Cemetery in Niles, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Marquardt Hospice or St. Bernard's Catholic Church would be appreciated.
The Pederson Funeral Home in Watertown is serving the family (pedersonfuneralhomes.com).
Pederson Funeral Home 213 S. Fifth St. Watertown
Jeanette Hans
LAKE MILLS - Jeanette M. Hans, 83, of Lake Mills, died on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison.
She was born on Aug. 1, 1925, in Lake Mills, daughter of the late Frank and Myrtle (Briesemeister) Zade. She married Kenneth F. Hans of Jefferson on Aug. 24, 1946, in the parsonage at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jefferson.
Jeanette was a graduate of Lake Mills High School, class of 1943. She had been employed at Rural Life and later worked at Hamlin, Inc. in Lake Mills. She was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Mills.
Jeanette was an avid card player. She especially loved to play cards with Ken at the Fort Atkinson Senior Center.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Ken of Lake Mills; their children, Ronald (Jane) of Lake Mills, Peggy (Michael) Hans-Kotkin of Waukesha, James (Dawn) of Oregon and Laurie (Bob) White of Lake Mills; nine grandchildren, Craig (Jenny) Hans, Kyle (Jennifer) Hans, Mandi (Greg) Frohmader, Jennifer Hans, Ashley Hans, Rachel Kotkin, Chandler White, Cody Hans and Hayden White; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Larry (Sandy) Zade of Neenah; one sister, Marilyn (Wayne) Osterlie of Marshall; nieces; nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Mills with the Rev. James E. Rath and the Rev. Bruce A. McKenney officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Claussen Funeral Home and also after 10 a.m. on Thursday at the church until the time of service.
If desired, memorials would be appreciated to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran School.
Claussen Funeral Home 416 W. Lake St. Lake Mills
September 22, 2008
Regina E. Kottwitz
Regina E. Kottwitz, 87, of Watertown, died peacefully Friday evening, Sept. 19, 2008, at Marquardt Memorial Manor in Watertown following a brief illness.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown with Father Brian Wilk officiating. Burial will be in St. Henry Catholic Cemetery, Watertown.
Relatives and friends may call at the Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass.
Memorials, if desired, may be directed to St. Henry Catholic Church or the charity of one's choice.
The former Regina Elizabeth Peirick was born Oct. 10, 1920, in Watertown, daughter of Henry and Mary (Popp) Peirick. She graduated from St. Henry Catholic Grade School in 1936 and Watertown Senior High School in 1940.
On Dec. 11, 1948, she married Earl E. Kottwitz in Watertown. He preceded her in death on Aug. 13, 1993.
Regina had been employed at the former F.W. Woolworth Co. in Watertown and at the Watertown Daily Times for over 20 years. She was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in Watertown. Regina enjoyed archery and was a former member of the Watertown Archers. She enjoyed sewing, reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, polka music and baking her beautiful cut out Christmas cookies.
Survivors include two daughters, Carol (Ken) Zastrow of Watertown and Patsy (Paul) Engel of Watertown; two sons, Donald (Irene) Kottwitz of Watertown and Warren (Sally) Kottwitz of Brookfield; and eight grandchildren, Trudy (Lee) Draeger, Taylor Kottwitz, Douglas Kottwitz, Lindsay Kottwitz, Carmen (fiancé Matt Burdick) Zastrow, Kaylee Zastrow, Cameron Zastrow and Matthew Engel.
Regina was the last member of her immediate family being further preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Anne Peirick; and a brother, Lawrence Peirick.
The family would like to thank Marquardt Memorial Manor and Marquardt Hospice for the wonderful care they provided. Regina will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown
Merlyn J. Seitz
JEFFERSON - Merlyn “Squirrely” J. Seitz, 67, of Jefferson, passed away on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center in Madison.
He was born on Nov. 22, 1940, in Watertown, son of the late Marvin and Ruth (Vogel) Seitz. He married the former Arlene Altwies on July 20, 1968.
Merlyn was employed at Carnation (Friskies Pet Food) for 30 years, retiring in 1999. He also drove bus part-time for St. Coletta of Wisconsin for a few years, and enjoyed bartending for several years.
He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson and the Reinhardt-Windl American Legion Post No. 164.
Merlyn loved his garden, flowers, his coin collection, baking and cooking. He enjoyed going to country shows, on road trips with his wife, and watching NASCAR and the Packers.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene of Jefferson; two daughters, Pamela (Steven) Zagar of Luxemburg and Charlene Porter of Fort Atkinson; three granddaughters, Stephanie (Jon) Jakoblich of Boston, Mass., Lisa Zagar of Milwaukee and Kayli Porter of Fort Atkinson; one stepgrandson, Zach Stuka of Chicago; one great-grandson, Timothy Jakoblich of Boston; two sisters, Barbara (Dean) Stephan of Jefferson and Cindy (Steven) Strom of Madison; two brothers, Norbert (Sherri) Seitz of Oshkosh and Eugene (Karen) Seitz of Jefferson; his father- and mother-in-law, Clifford and June Altwies of Johnson Creek; five sisters-in-law, Barbara Wester of Fort Atkinson, Marleen (Everett) Borth of Watertown, Yvonne Habermann of Watertown, Karen (Virgil) Olszewski of Jefferson and Wanda (John) Selje of Jefferson; one brother-in-law, Richard Herz; many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; a sister, Rita Herz; three brothers, Monte, Neil and Donald Seitz; and two brothers-in-law, Richard Haber-mann and Allen Altwies.
Memorials may be given in Merlyn's name to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or to hospice.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon on Wednesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the parish cemetery.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home in Jefferson and at the church on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of Mass.
With his heart of Gold he touched many lives.
Due to the construction on Highway 18, guests and families are asked to use the funeral home entrance on West Milwaukee Street.
Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home LLC 900 W. Racine St. Jefferson
September 19, 2008
Marie A. Major
Marie A. Major, 84, of Watertown, died on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, at Watertown Regional Medical Center following a fall at home.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown with the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Loggans officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, Ill.
Friends and relatives may call to pay their respects at the church on Monday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Memorials are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church.
The Pederson Funeral Home of Watertown is serving the family.
The former Marie A. Reed was born Aug. 3, 1924, in Decatur, daughter of Irvin and Mary (Colburn) Reed. She married Hugh Major on Feb. 11, 1944, in Champaign, Ill. She had been a production worker at Eldorado Garment Factory in Decatur for 24 years, from 1962 to 1986. She was a volunteer at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur for many years. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown.
Surviving are two daughters, Sandra Major of Watertown and Carol (Bill) Blackledge of Las Vegas, Nev.; a grandson, Scott (Lynn) Major; a granddaughter, Krista (Scott) Shaw; a stepgranddaughter, Elizabeth Blackledge; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara (Marvin) Perry and Lilly Reed, both of Decatur; two brothers, Donald Reed and Nathan (Trudy) Reed, both of Decatur; a number of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, David; her parents; three brothers and two sisters.
Pederson Funeral Home 213 S. Fifth St. Watertown
Karl Magnussen
JEFFERSON - Karl H. Magnussen, 93, of Jefferson, formerly of Lake Mills, died on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, at Eagle View Manor in Jefferson.
He was born on March 6, 1915, in Augusta, son of R.G. and Hazel (Strader) Magnussen.
Karl married Bessie Vondracek on Feb. 22, 1937. She died on Oct. 16, 1972. They moved to Lake Mills in 1942 from Hebron, Ill. He had been a lifetime farmer and in later years became an insurance salesman for Rural Insurance.
Karl was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Lake Mills.
Survivors include three daughters, Caryol (George) Longenecker of Morgantown, W.V., Joan (William) Schultz of Cambridge and Sally (Ed) Bruggeman of Chaska, Minn.; one son, Robert (Cheryl) of Lake Mills; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bessie; his brother, Milton; his sister, Eileen Taylor; and his son, Roger Magnussen.
Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, at First Congrega-tional United Church of Christ in Lake Mills with the Rev. Neil D. Partington officiating. Burial will be in Rock Lake Cemetery.
Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the church until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Rainbow Hospice, Inc. of Jefferson County or to the church.
The Claussen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Claussen Funeral Home 416 W. Lake St. Lake Mills
Barbara Abendroth
WATERLOO - Barbara A. Abendroth, 82, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008, at Highland House in Waterloo.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waterloo with the Rev. James Adomeit officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Waterloo.
Visitation is at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
The Pederson Funeral Home of Waterloo is serving the family.
Memorials are suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice.
The former Barbara Homan was born Sept. 7, 1926, in Waterloo, daughter of August and Anna (Lange) Homan. She married John Abendroth in 1947 at Calvary Lutheran Chapel in Madison.
Barbara was a 1943 graduate of Waterloo High School and employed as a secretary for F&M State Bank-Waterloo for 20 years and also had worked for Attorney Gus Harms.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Waterloo and its Dorcas Society. She loved to cook for family and friends and was an avid reader.
Surviving are a son, John (Catherine) Abendroth of Holmen; two grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two sisters, Lorraine (Stanley) DeRose of Madison and Jane (James) DuBois of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; two brothers, Robert (Ruth) Homan of Waterloo and Roger (Collen) Homan of Naperville, Ill.; a number of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 1979; a son, Gary in 1997; her parents; and two sisters, Elverna DuBois in 1993 and Geraldine Finder in 2007.
Pederson Funeral Home 143 S. Washington St. Waterloo
May F. McMaster
BRANDON, Fla. - May F. McMaster, 100, of Brandon, Fla., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008.
She was born March 13, 1908, in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry L. McMaster, and a daughter, Irene O'Donnell of Fort Atkinson, Wis.
A loving and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, George H. and Kay McMaster of Brandon, and a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Richard Saur of Fort Atkinson; grandmother of Kimberly and Eugene Lee Jr. of Valrico, Jill and Kemble Bennett of College Station, Texas, Shari and David Beaver of Valrico, Kathy Reese of Milwaukee, Wis., Barbara and Rod Cooley of Colorado Springs, Colo., Karen and Joe Salvato of Fort Worth, Texas, Kris and David Crownover of North Richmond Hills, Texas, Tom Saur of Rancho Mirage, Calif., and Liane and Michael Porzkey of Watertown, Wis.; and 19 great-grandchildren.
“Now at rest - forever in God's loving care”.
Graveside services will be held at a later date in Union Cemetery, Fort Atkinson.
The family wishes to express their thanks for the special care given by Good Shepherd A.L.F. of Brandon and requests that donations be made to LifePath Hospice, 12973 Telecom Parkway, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, Fla., 33637.
(SouthernFuneralCare.com).
Southern Funeral Care 10510 Riverview Drive Riverview Fla.
September 18, 2008
Margaret Kehrer
Margaret Evelyn Kehrer, 94, who was born, raised and educated in Watertown, and spent most of her life here, died Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, in Pullman, Wash.
Margaret was born Sept. 5, 1914, in Watertown, daughter of William and Lena (Roth) Hoefs. She attended Douglas Elementary School, graduated from Watertown High School and received a college degree in education from Whitewater State Teachers College, now known as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
After graduating, she taught business education for six years, and long said she would have continued her career in education longer if the “rules” at the time had not prevented women teachers from marrying.
On Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day, she and fiancé Paul C. Kehrer were in the doctor's office for blood tests prior to their marriage. After hearing the news, they moved up the date and were married Dec. 28, 1941. Paul Kehrer, who died in 1996, was a community leader in Watertown for some 40 years and president of Watertown Savings & Loan, which became First Financial Corp. and later Associated Bank.
In 1997, Margaret created The Paul Kehrer Family Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation that has sponsored scholarships at several schools, including Watertown High School, and has also supported programs in the arts, education, health care and sciences in several parts of the country.
While living in Watertown, Margaret was active at Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving in various capacities over the years as youth choir director, financial secretary, a member of the adult choir, Sunday school teacher and member of the Women's Mission Society. Margaret had a lifelong love of music, making certain that her two young sons took piano lessons. She played the piano and organ at church functions well into her 80s, and her interest in music also led her to a membership in the local Euterpe Club.
Margaret and Paul both loved to travel, and made numerous trips crisscrossing America and also traveling to Europe, Australia and elsewhere. After Paul's retirement in 1985 the couple moved to Green Valley, Ariz., where they continued their active church participation at the Lutheran Church of Green Valley. After Paul's death, Margaret moved to Austin, Texas, to be near her son, Dr. James Kehrer at the University of Texas. She later moved in Pullman, Wash., when Dr. Kehrer became dean of the College of Pharmacy at Washington State University.
Margaret loved Watertown - especially the many “small town” advantages it offered to both her and her family growing up - and always missed it after moving away.
Margaret was a hard-working, frugal and generous woman who steadfastly looked after her family and was eternally devoted to her husband. She rarely spoke an angry word, and was extremely proud of her grandchildren, never failing to ask how each was doing in school, sports and other endeavors. She enjoyed playing bridge, socializing with friends and reading.
Survivors include Dr. James Kehrer and wife Debra of Pullman, and their two sons, Paul of Chicago and Marc, a student at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.; Daniel Kehrer and wife Kaye Kittrell of Los Angeles, and their teenage sons Walker and Will.
She was further preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Doris Goetsch; and her brother, William Hoefs.
A graveside burial service is set for 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown.
The Hafemeister Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Tax-deductible memorials may be made to The Paul Kehrer Foundation, which supports education opportunities for deserving students, among other charitable activities, at 881 Alma Real Dr., Suite 220, Pacific Palisades, Calif., 90272.
Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown
September 17, 2008
Leona Schuster
WALES - Leona M. Schuster, of Wales, died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital at the age of 94.
She was born on Jan. 1, 1914, in Ixonia, daughter of Hugh and Annie (Rowlands) Rees. Leona was a graduate of Oconomowoc High School and Whitewater Normal School. She taught all eight grades at Brandybrook School.
On June 5, 1943, she married Herbert C. Schuster, who preceded her in death on Sept. 1, 1991. She was a member of Jerusalem Presbyterian Church. Leona was also a member of the Welsh Club of the Milwaukee area. She enjoyed traveling, especially visiting Wales in Great Britain.
She will be sadly missed by her children, Anna Mae (Frank) Badciong of Wales, Janet Schuster of Wales and Charles (Jackie) Schuster of Hustisford; dear grandmother of Steven (Ruth) Badciong of Winona, Minn., Jeffery (Jean) Badciong of Eagle, James (Julie) Badciong of Wauwatosa, Judith Schuster of Hustisford and Elly Schuster of Pewaukee; proud great-grandmother of Timothy, Peter, Joshua, Matthew, Megan and Sydney Badciong. She is further survived by many cousins in Wales, Great Britian, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert; brothers, Thomas, Hugh and John Rees; sisters, Elizabeth Schuster and Marion Rees; and a special cousin, Helen (Rees) Ellison.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 p.m. until the 7 p.m. funeral service at Randle-Dable Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha, with the Rev. Al Nichols presiding. Graveside services will take place on Friday in Jerusalem Cemetery at 1 p.m., please meet at the cemetery.
Memorials in Leona's name are appreciated to Jerusalem Presbyterian Church, 207 Main St., Wales, 53183; Kettle Moraine Scholarship Foundation, 563 A. J. Allen Circle, Wales, 53183; or Welsh Club of Milwaukee Area, 2757 N. Frederick Ave., Milwaukee, 53211.
For further information, call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at (262) 547-4035, or go to waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave an on-line tribute.
Randle-Dable Funeral Home 1110 S. Grand Ave. Waukesha
September 16, 2008
Anita M. Grabow
Anita Marie Grabow of Watertown was born to everlasting life, 90 years, 11 months young, on Sunday morning, Sept. 14, 2008.
A funeral service and celebration of her life will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Watertown with the Rev. Paul Kuckhahn officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery, Watertown.
Relatives and friends may call to pay their respects on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home in Watertown and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Anita was born in Oconomowoc on Oct. 25, 1917, daughter of Ferdinand and Augusta (Freitag) Ihlenfeldt. Anita has gone home to join the love of her life, Louis Grabow, to whom she was married for 70 years.
As a young woman, Anita attended Northwestern College for two years, where she studied business. She worked for the Carnation Company in Oconomowoc until she married Louis in 1938, at which time she retired to become a mother and a homemaker.
After her children were grown, she returned to work with the Watertown Unified School District for 19 years, retiring in 1983. Anita worked in the elementary libraries, a setting that was very fitting for her, as she loved children.
Anita's two greatest loves were her family and her church. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Anita was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 70 years and was an active member of Trinity Ladies Aid for most of those years. She also served on the Trinity visiting committee. She enjoyed visiting her homebound friends bringing them smiles and good cheer.
Anita was always ready for a challenge. In addition to being a talented seamstress, she studied cake decorating, furniture upholstery, and acrylic painting. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.
Anita was young at heart. She was never too old to play games with her grandchildren, never too tired to sing or dance to a favorite old song, never too busy to go fishing, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy a good laugh.
She is survived by her son, Jack (wife, the former Lucille Wolff) Grabow; her daughter, Kay Ann (David) Horstick; four grandchildren, Pammy (Scott) Rice, Sandy (Bill) Schwenkner, Ted Horstick and Gabe Horstick; two great-grandchildren, Alyssa Rice and Stacey Schwenkner; two nieces, other relatives and friends.
While Anita only lived at Shorehaven for a short time, she quickly became a beloved member of their family too. We, the family and friends of Anita Grabow, mourn our loss today, but will continue to celebrate Anita's life forever.
Pederson Funeral Home Watertown is serving the family. pedersonfuneralhomes.com.
Pederson Funeral Home 213 S. Fifth St. Watertown
Kenneth DeGrand
LAKE MILLS - Kenneth William DeGrand, 85, formerly of Milwaukee and Lake Mills, died on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, at Virginia Health and Rehabilitation Center in Waukesha.
He was born on Oct. 6, 1922, in Milwaukee, the son of Harry and Anna (Ohm) DeGrand.
Kenneth married Florence Jeannette Lucarelli of Virginia, Minn., on Dec. 28, 1946. Together they raised their family in Milwaukee, Oconomowoc and Palmyra. After retirement they moved to Lake Mills. She died in 1989.
He had been employed by United Van Lines and also bartended at the Elks Club in Watertown.
A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Survivors include three sons, Rocci from Cameron, N.C., Roland (Diane) and Robin (Tammy), both of Oconomowoc; five daughters, Roxanne Novotny of Hazelhurst, Renee of Over-land Park, Kan., Roberta Marcus of Hazelhurst, Rochelle of New York and Regina (Walter) Scruggs of Oconomowoc; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Traudt, his stepbrothers and stepsisters.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at the Claussen Funeral Home in Lake Mills with the Rev. Jeffrey L. Nicholas officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Cemetery, Johnson Creek.
Friends may call after noon on Friday at the funeral home until the time of service.
Claussen Funeral Home 416 W. Lake St. Lake Mills
September 15, 2008
James Shulenburg
James D. Shulenburg, 67, of Watertown, died at his home on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Rainbow Hospice Inc.
The Pederson Funeral Home of Watertown is serving the family.
James was born July 11, 1941, in Little Falls, N.Y., son of Albert and Grace (Levee) Shulenburg. He was a graduate of Burlington, Conn., High School. He married the former Rosemarie Glanovsky Dec. 12, 1959, in Burlington.
He was a journeyman bookbinder, retiring from Rollins Printing in Orlando, Fla., in 1986.
Surviving are his wife, Rosemarie Shulenburg of Watertown; two daughters, Grace (John) Roberts and Julie Pearson, both of Orlando; two sons, John Michael (Jane) Shulenburg of Hartland and Jeffery James Shulenburg of Watertown; five grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.
Pederson Funeral Home 213 S. Fifth St. Watertown
Gertrude Wanke
Gertrude V. Wanke, 75, of Watertown, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at the home of her daughter.
Gertrude was born on Oct. 5, 1932, in Watertown, daughter of Elizabeth (Martin) and Walter Scharp. She married Harold Wanke on June 27, 1953, at St. Henry's Parsonage in Watertown.
Gertrude was an employee of Mid-State Shoe Factory for 21 years, where she served as union shop chairman until its closing in 1971. She was an accomplished drum majorette and instrumental in establishing the Watertown Baton Corps, where she taught baton twirling to a number of students.
In 1973 she, along with her husband, owned and operated the Chief Motel in Holbrook, Ariz. They moved to Las Vegas in 1980 where she worked for the Las Vegas Hilton until her retirement.
Gertrude was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Watertown.
Survivors include a daughter, Rochelle (Al) Day of Watertown and grandchildren, Sara and Joshua Day, both of Watertown; sisters, Elizabeth Hall and Hildegarde Kijewski, both of Watertown; a brother, Herman (Audrey) Scharp of Watertown; brothers-in-law, LaVern (Mary) Wanke and Howard Reith, both of Watertown; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Justmann of Markesan; a beloved aunt, Judy Martin of Las Vegas, Nev.; along with special nieces, Anne Wanke and Gail Hall, both of Watertown. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold on March 31, 2008; a sister, Pauline Reith; and brothers-in-law, Elwyn Hall, Al Kijewski, Clark Justmann and Rueben Raabe.
Gertrude enjoyed her trips to Europe and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. Michael Jensen officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Private burial will be in Glenview Memorial Gardens, Ixonia, at a later date.
There aren't enough words to express our deepest thanks to Gloria Brunk and the rest of the team at Rainbow Hospice for the dignified and tender care that was given to both Harold and Gertrude Wanke during their greatest time of need.
Additional thanks go to Dr. Eastman and his team at Johnson Creek Cancer Center and to Dr. Yafai and his staff for providing care of the highest caliber, and to all her friends at Johnson Arms for their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to St. Mark's School Building Fund or Rainbow Hospice of Jefferson.
Pederson Funeral Home 213 S. Fifth St. Watertown
Heather Mullin
Heather Mullin, 27, died on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008.
Friends may call at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam Saturday from 8:30 until 11 a.m. A celebration of Heather's life will follow at the funeral home on Saturday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mark Swanson officiating. The family invites people to dress casual for the celebration.
Heather Nicole Mullin was born on Nov. 1, 1980, in Beaver Dam, daughter of Darvin and Tunie Seibert and Barbara and Dan Mullin. She had a love for all different types of music, from swing to rock and everything in-between. Heather was also athletic and enjoyed playing softball and baseball. She played all through high school and continued to play for bar leagues after she graduated, most currently for The Pit Stop. Heather was very proud of her enrollment at MATC in Watertown and was on her way to finishing the IT program. She was an outdoor person and enjoyed riding four wheelers around as well as biking with her son, Brody. Heather's biggest success in her life was her son. She loved the time that she spent with him and was even a volunteer at Dodgeland School, helping out in his classroom. Heather was a strong willed and very independent person. She loved her family and friends very much and was always there for them. She will remain in their hearts forever and will continue to watch over them.
Heather is survived by her son, Brody Schadt, Watertown; her parents, Darvin and Tunie Seibert, Beaver Dam, and Barb and Dan Mullin, Lowell; brothers and sister, Joe (Jeanette Zache) Seibert, and his son Caleb, of Watertown, Kayla (Dan Higgins) Seibert, Watertown, Matt (Melinda) Bublitz, and their children Madelyn and Makenzie, of Oconomowoc, Anthony Bublitz, and Jacob Bublitz, both of Beaver Dam, and Andy Melchoir, of Manitowoc. She is further survived by her soulmate, Jared Kohn and his children, Kaleb and Jada of Watertown, her grandparents, Joe and Monna Meyer, of Beaver Dam, Bill and Barb Mullin of Fox Lake and Shirley and Bill Ziehme of Packwaukee, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. Heather was preceded in death by her grandparents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested. A memorial fund is being established for Heather's son, Brody.
The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made on our Web site at www.MurrayFH.com.
Murray Community Funeral 131 E. Maple St., Beaver Dam
Lydia Schneider
FORT ATKINSON - Lydia M. Schneider, 85, of Fort Atkinson, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008.
The former Lydia Mathilda Splett was born to Wilhelmina (Strunk) and Gustav Splett on Feb. 9, 1923, in Almena. She attended Pewaukee High School where she was elected prom queen in 1940 and graduated in 1941.
Lydia married Harold O. Schneider on Nov. 19, 1942. During their early marriage, Lydia worked at Allis Chalmers for the war effort. They moved to Fort Atkinson in 1946 where together they owned and operated a construction business, building many custom homes in the area. At retirement in 1974, they moved to Pueblo West, Colo., returning to Fort Atkinson in 1981. Harold preceded her in death on Feb. 4, 1997.
Lydia enjoyed spending time with her family and loved serving in her church. She was a member of the Dorcas Society at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 2004, she wrote a memoir of her life titled “My Name Wasn't Always Grandma.” This treasured gift has allowed her family to share her memories and life with future generations in her words. Through her quiet strength and never-ending faith, Lydia has taught her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren important life lessons, values they will pass on to their children.
Lydia is survived by her three children, Dianna (Lee) Pitzner of Watertown, Daryl (Linda) Schneider of Fort Atkinson and Dave (Jane) Schneider of Cambridge; 11 grandchildren, Matthew (Crystal) Pitzner and Scott (Heidi) Pitzner, both of Jefferson, Jennifer Pitzner of Watertown, Brett (Kathy) Pitzner of Lake Mills, Darren Pitzner of Milwaukee, Dustin (Kelly) Schneider, who is serving in the USMC in Iraq, Rachel (Mitch) Crim of Poplar Grove, Ill., Michelle Altenburg of Middleton, Catie Schneider of Fort Atkinson, and Sam and Joe Schneider, both of Cambridge. There are 11 great-grandchildren, Cajin, Jacob, Amber, Billy, Hunter, Alex, Christian, Harrison, Gavin, Mason and Caleigh. Lydia is further survived by her sister, Eleanor Buchs of Delavan; sister-in-law, Ethel Becker of Jefferson; brother- and sister-in-law, Russell and Hilda Schneider, Aurora, Ill.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was further preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and three sisters.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Rainbow Hospice for their loving care and comforts during Lydia's last weeks.
Friends may call at the Dunlap Memorial Home, 604 S. Main St., Fort Atkinson, on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 Roosevelt St., Fort Atkinson.
A lunch will be provided at the church following the burial in Evergreen Cemetery, 1105 Main St., Fort Atkinson.
Memorials may be made to Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church of Fort Atkinson.
Dunlap Memorial Home 604 S. Main St. Fort Atkinson
Edgar Zimdars
SOLANA BEACH, Calif. - Blue skies smiled on Edgar E. Zimdars and his blessed 90-year life.
Our dear father, grandfather and friend passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008. He will be greatly missed.
Ed was born July 23, 1918, in Watertown, Wis., son of Heino A. and Anna (Schumacher) Zimdars. He was the eldest of five children and worked very hard in his rural community. The family took great pride in his attendance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a pre-med student. However, when World War II began, like so many valiant folks of his generation, he joined the Navy. Recognizing his engineering mind, he was trained and served as a pilot on an aircraft carrier, and then became an instructor pilot in Pensacola, Fla., training others for aircraft carrier flying.
Ed continued in that career after the war. He was hired by Northwest Orient airlines, based in Minneapolis, Minn., where he then lived. With his great love of learning and of tackling new projects, as well as his capacity to understand mechanical engineering, he built his family home in Bloomington from the ground up - design, plumbing, electrical, framing, every nail, every joint, everything, he did single-handedly!
He enjoyed 34 years of a wonderful flying career. Ed thoroughly loved being a pilot, and ended his career as a Boeing 747 captain, flying primarily to the Orient. When he retired, he and Vera decided the ideal place to reside was Solana Beach. He lived independently in his home from 1979 until his death.
Ed and his beloved Vera, his wife of almost 58 years who passed away in 2000, had four children, Karen Britten of Karlstad, Minn., who died in 2002 and her husband, Jim Britten, who has been devoted to his family-by-marriage, acting as another son to Ed, Kristine Engholm, the second daughter who lives with her husband in Bloomington, Minn., Mark and his wife, Terri, in Encinitas, Calif., and Nancy Seidel and her husband, Ken of Scripps Ranch, San Diego, Calif.; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Heino X. Zimdars and Gary (Diana) Zimdars, both of Watertown; and a sister, Lucille Clough of Waukesha; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was further preceded in death by two sisters, Lorena Lenius and Doris Zimdars in infancy.
We know Ed was tremendously proud of his family tree, as much as we are tremendously proud to be related to him.
Now Ed Zimdars has returned to the blue skies, beyond the stormy clouds, and over the rainbow. This time, he traveled on the wings of angels.
A memorial service was held Sept. 7 in Encinitas.
Memorials may be directed to St. Mark Lutheran Church, 522 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, (760) 753-4776.
September 12, 2008
Dorothy Polensky
Dorothy A. Polensky, 75, of Watertown, passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 11, 2008, at the Watertown Regional Medical Center following a brief illness.
A funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown with the Rev. Michael Jensen of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Watertown officiating. Burial will be in Glenview Memorial Gardens, Ixonia.
Visitation will be at the funeral home Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorials may be given to the charity of one's choice.
The former Dorothy Anna Wendt was born in Watertown on Dec. 21, 1932, daughter of Alfred and Hedwig (Storbeck) Wendt. On Oct. 30, 1954, she married Kenneth Polensky at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Watertown.
Dorothy was a 1950 graduate of Watertown High School and a member of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Watertown.
Survivors include her husband, Ken of Watertown; a daughter, Debra Polensky, and a son, David Polensky, both of Watertown; a grandson, Brett Polensky; two great-grandchildren, Rhea Matti and Gavin Matti; a brother-in-law, Lyle (Sylvia) Polensky; sisters-in-law, Gloria (Bill) Nelson and Rita (Richard) Klawitter; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a half-brother.
Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown
September 11, 2008
Mary E. Nielsen
EARLVILLE, Ill. - Mary E. Nielsen, 71, of Earlville, Ill., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, at Mendota Community Hospital in Mendota, Ill.
She was born Sept. 15, 1936, in Watertown, Wis., daughter of Lester and Tekla O. (Shack) Schuett. She married Howard T. Nielsen on Sept. 12, 1959, in Watertown.
Mary was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Earlville, where she was the first lady to be church council president. She was a member of its Ruth Circle and served as president, the sewing group and served on the altar committee. She worked as a bookkeeper at Strong & Strong, E.W. Malley Plumbing, and for 18 years before retiring at the Earlville Farmers Co-op.
She is survived by her husband, Howard of Earlville; two sons, John Nielsen of Earlville and Giles (Jennifer) Nielsen of Eau Claire, Wis.; and two grandchildren, Mitchell and Lauren Nielsen.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Earlville with Rev. Donald L. Knowles officiating. Burial will follow in Precinct Cemetery, rural Earlville.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Earlville.
Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.
For more information or to sign the online guest book go to TurnerBurkhartFH.com.
Hanley-Turner-Eighner Funeral Home 407 S. Ottawa St. Earlville Ill.
September 10, 2008
Christine Mierendorf
FORT ATKINSON - Christine M. Mierendorf, 57, of Fort Atkinson, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, at her home in Fort Atkinson.
She was born on June 28, 1951, in Monroe. She was employed as a Web master for the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development for many years, retiring in 2003.
She was a free spirited “Gypsy Lady” at heart. Her life was filled with love from her family and friends. She enjoyed camping, watching her children race cars, loved antique shopping and would always be looking for that bargain around the corner. She always had such a big heart and gave love to those that crossed her path. She lived her life for her kids and would spend as much time with them for they were her life, heart and soul. Her smile filled the room and her heart she gave to all. She would never turn down a friend in need and always knew what to say.
With daisies in her hair, Gypsy Lady flew away knowing in her heart that she just could not stay. Love on her wings and her family in her heart. Gypsy Lady knew she had fulfilled her part, never again will one be on earth like her. But Gypsy Lady danced that way, for this you can be sure. Thanks Gypsy Lady for the dance, the laughs and the love. The memories and all the strength you gave to us. So now we dance too, only to your song, together around the campfire we dance all night long.
She is survived by her parents; one son, Scott (Stacey) Bleecker of Fort Atkinson; one daughter, Cheryl Mierendorf of Jefferson; one grandson, Cale Thom; one sister; two stepsisters; five stepbrothers; and so many friends that are her family as well.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Howard Werner.
There will be a gathering of friends and family to share memories of Christine on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Fair View Inn in Jefferson beginning at 5 p.m. till close. Come as you are, because our Gypsy Lady loved everyone the way they were.
Schneider-Michaelis Funeral Home LLC 900 W. Racine St. Jefferson
Henry R. Wallace
SULLIVAN - Henry “Duke” R. Wallace, 89, of Sullivan, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dinah (LeBlanc); caring father of Beth Wallace and Patrick Wallace. Also survived by a sister, Barbara Bastien; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents, Harvey Wallace and Henrietta Zephirin; and a brother-in-law, Joseph P. Bastien Sr.
Funeral visitation will take place on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a rosary service starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Pagenkopf Funeral Home. Visitation is also planned Saturday at St. Mary's Church, W856 State Highway 18, Sullivan, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian burial starting at 10:30 a.m.
Memorials are suggested to a charity of one's choice.
Henry was a beekeeper who moved bees all over the state for crop pollination and honey production. Henry sold several varieties of honey to valued customers at local farmers markets, festivals and area specialty shops.
Henry also enjoyed hunting and fishing trips and was always up for a good game of cards. He also served in the Army and was a Quarter Master. He was stationed in Germany in 1951 and 1952 during the Korean War.
Pagenkopf Funeral Home 1165 Summit Ave. Oconomowoc
Elizabeth Lenius
ARLETA, Calif. - Elizabeth R. Lenius, formerly of Watertown, Wis., died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, in Arleta, Calif.
Elizabeth was born Nov. 24, 1926, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Hanke. She married Oscar Lenius Aug. 19, 1945.
The couple had four children, Judith (Ronald) Tremaine of Watertown, Lois of Watertown, Gloria (Bill) Wandler of Arleta, and Ken of Watertown. They have four grandchildren, Lisa Lenius, Laurie (Mark) Freson, Kristie (Donavon) Steinmetz and Brian Tremaine. They were also blessed with four great-grandsons, Anthony and Jerimiah Hanke and Alexander and Ethan Steinmetz.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar on May 23, 2005; a granddaughter, Lisa Lenius on Nov. 16, 1996; a brother, Edwin Hanke; and a sister, Alice Dobbratz.
Surviving are her four children, grandchildren, great-grandsons and a sister, Florence Arndt.
Elizabeth had been employed at Mid-State Shoe Factory and retired from Bethesda Lutheran Home. She graduated from St. John's Lutheran School and was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Hustisford, Wis.
A memorial service is being planned in California for friends, with a memorial service for family and friends to be held at a later date at Bethany Lutheran Church in Hustisford.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of one's choice.
September 9, 2008
Marvin Altreuter
Marvin E. Altreuter, 82, of Watertown, passed away Monday morning, Sept. 8, 2008, at Highland House in Watertown.
A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farmington with the Rev. Richard Pagels officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call to pay their respects at the Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the church, Highland House or Rainbow Hospice.
Marvin Eugene Altreuter was born in the town of Watertown on April 19, 1926, son of Fred and Martha (Wendorf) Altreuter. He married the former Bernice Splittgerber on March 11, 1950, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Helenville. Bernice preceded him in death on March 8, 2008.
Marvin attended a country school near his home and graduated from Johnson Creek High School in 1943. He also attended a one year Farming Short Course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Marvin farmed in Farmington for 35 years and retired from the Jefferson County Highway Department. After his retirement, he was a part-time Watertown township employee.
Marvin was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farmington and its Men's Club. He was also a member of the Johnson Creek FFA Alumni, Plattdeutscher Verein, Jefferson County Agri-Business, Farmington Recreation Association and served as a Jefferson County board supervisor. He enjoyed dancing, polka music, card playing and was an avid fan of local baseball games.
Survivors include his two sons, Leland (Debbie) Altreuter of Watertown and Harland (Wanda) Altreuter of Neosho; two daughters, Cheryl (Garry) Peter of Fort Atkinson and Connie (Scott) Vinz of Watertown; 11 grandchildren, Kurt (Trisha) Altreuter, Michelle (Rob) Keller, Ryan (Gina) Altreuter and Nathan Gerth, all of Watertown, Gwen Gerth of Madison, Galen Christian of Johnson Creek, Abigail Vinz of Watertown, Kam Altreuter of Shaumburg, Ill., Aaron Altreuter of Milwaukee, Laurie Peter of Steamboat Springs, Colo., and Gregg (Jody) Peter of Fort Atkinson; four great-grandchildren, Haddie Altreuter, Molly Altreuter, Nolan Altreuter and Logan Keller; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Marvin was the last member of his immediate family.
He was further preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wilmer and Lawrence; and a sister, Shirley.
The family would like to thank everyone at Highland House and Rainbow Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.
Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown
Clara Grassnickle
CHIPPEWA FALLS - Clara M. (Borgwardt) Grassnickle, 81, of 435 N. State St., Chippewa Falls, died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.
She was born March 25, 1927, on her grandfather's farm west of Mondovi, daughter of Edith (Nichols) and Frank Borgwardt. She grew up around Mondovi and after high school went to Eau Claire to work as a dietary aide and in laundry at Luther Hospital.
Clara married George Grassnickle on June 18, 1955, in Mondovi. They moved to Milwaukee and lived there for many years. After her husband's retirement, they moved to Rice Lake and then to Bruce where they lived until George's death in 1999. In 2003, Clara moved to Chippewa Falls to be near her daughter.
She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls and its ladies aid. She enjoyed reading, sewing, doing puzzles and volunteering her time.
Survivors include one daughter, Beatrice Grassnickle of Chippewa Falls; one son, David (Kathy) Grassnickle, 153 Serenity Oaks, Watertown 53098; two grandchildren, Adam and Cassandra “Cassie,” both of Watertown; a sister, Cleo Peuse of Eau Claire; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 44 years; a son in infancy, Vernon Lee Grassnickle; a granddaughter in infancy, Stephanie Grassnickle; a sister, Gladys Borgwardt; two sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.
A funeral service was held Monday morning at Faith Lutheran Church in Chip-pewa Falls with burial in the Village of Bruce Cemetery in Rusk County.
The Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel in Chippewa Falls was in charge of arrangements. Visit pedersonvolker.com to express online condolences.
Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel 44 E. Columbia St. Chippewa Falls
September 6, 2008
Kenneth Wegner
Kenneth “Ken” J. Wegner, 50, of Watertown was taken to his heavenly home on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008.
A funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Watertown with Rev. Rodney Warnecke officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown.
Visitation will be on Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In memory of Ken, memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran School Building Fund, the Alzheimer's Association or to the family.
Kenneth John Wegner was born June 10, 1958, in Milwaukee, son of Donald and Beverly (Werner) Wegner. He was a 1972 graduate of Mount Lebanon Grade School and graduated in 1976 from Wisconsin Lutheran High School. On Sept. 27, 1980, he married his high school sweetheart, Diane Zahn. They were blessed with two children, Nicole Marie and Daniel Ray.
He had been employed at Bliffert Lumber, KJN Builders and was currently employed at Carpet Mill Outlet.
Ken was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Watertown. He played in bands for many years as a guitar player and lead singer. He was a Boy Pioneer leader, basketball coach and men's dartball captain, all at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Ken enjoyed music, fishing, cooking, swimming, wine making and most importantly, spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his loving wife, Diane Wegner of Watertown; his children, Nicole (Michael Brezonick) Wegner and Daniel (Maggie Hatch) Wegner, both of Watertown; his mother, Beverly (Lloyd) Hansen and Marlene Wegner; his brother, Dennis (Kathleen) Wegner; his sister, Joanne (Thomas) Schwanke; mother-in-law, Kathleen Zahn; sisters-in-law, Barb Pariseau, Mary (Michael) Rein, Janet (David) Tomczek, Sharon (Fred) McCormik, Karen (Kenneth) Boudwine, Peggy (Scott) Wright and Terri (Karl) Fels; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Wegner; an uncle, Thomas Werner; and his father-in-law, Raymond Zahn.
Hafemeister Funeral Home, 611 E. Main St., Watertown
Joshua Nimm
Joshua J. Nimm, 11, of Johnson Creek, passed away Thursday afternoon, Sept. 4, 2008, at his home.
A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farmington with Rev. Richard Pagels officiating. Burial will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Farmington. Relatives and friends may call to pay their respects at the Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be directed to the church, the Watertown Humane Society or to the charity of one's choice.
Joshua James Nimm was born on April 10, 1997, in Watertown, son of Brian and Tracey (Degner) Nimm. He was a sixth-grade student at Johnson Creek Elementary School and attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farmington. Joshua had a great interest in airplanes, especially World War II aircraft. He also enjoyed video games, swimming, four wheeling, his dirt bike, snowmobiling and other outdoor activities.
He is survived by his parents, Brian and Tracey Nimm of Johnson Creek; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Shirley Degner of Watertown; paternal grandmother, Gloria Nimm of Juneau; great-grandmothers, Grace Wittenebel of Jefferson and Evelyn Bergman of Watertown; great-grandfather, George Nimm of Watertown; his aunts and uncles, Tricia Haines of Watertown, Robert (Bonnie) Grant of Cottonwood, Ariz., and Jason Nimm; three cousins, Mia Haines and Marissa Haines of Watertown and Austin Grant of Cottonwood, Ariz.; his best friend, Noah Stevenson of Johnson Creek; other relatives and many friends.
Joshua was preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas Nimm; great-grandparents, Melvin and Violet Thoma, Irene Nimm, Melvin Degner, Gerald Heiman, and a special cousin, Wendy Heiman.
Hafemeister Funeral Home, 611 E. Main St., Watertown
September 4, 2008
Elizabeth Lepple
JUNEAU - Elizabeth “Betty” L. Lepple of Juneau, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born April 22, 1924, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Mayer) Schell Sr. On Sept. 30, 1944, she married her husband William Lepple. Betty was an active member of the Farm Bureau, a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church and a loving, devoted and cherished mother and grandmother.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband William, her son, John and daughter, Linda, her brothers, Henry Schell Jr. and John J. Schell, her brothers-in-law, Eugene Kienest, Walter Rosing and Arthur Paul, and her sisters-in-law, Arleen Lepple and Bernice Rosing.
Betty is survived by her son, Robert (Beverly) of Oak Grove, her daughter-in-law Barbara Lepple of Burnett, her grandchildren, Paul Lepple, Phillip Lepple, Steven (Kelly) Lepple, Stacey (Adam) Kuehn, and Shawn Lepple; her great-grandchildren, Tyler and Morgan; her sisters-in-law, Lillian Paul, Dorothy Kienest, and June (Elmer) Hammann; and her brother-in-law, Robert (Lillian) Lepple.
Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 S. Main St., Juneau.
Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Paul Hirsch officiating. Interment will be in Stone Cemetery, Burnett.
Memorials to the St. John's elevator fund would be appreciated.
The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home of Juneau is serving the family.
Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home 150 W. Oak St., Juneau
Gordon Witz
YUBA CITY, Calif. - Gordon Ivan Witz, a resident of Yuba City, Calif., peacefully entered his heavenly home Aug. 29, 2008.
A native of New Lisbon, Wis., he was born May 19, 1922 to Ivan and Verna Witz.
Upon leaving the farm, Gordon obtained his master's degree in education and filled positions as a classroom teacher, high school principal and guidance counselor. He also served as a pastor of a small mission church. He lived in Watertown, Wis., where he served at Calvary Baptist Church and School for 32 years. He also served in various positions, including executive director, of the Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools for 27 years.
Witz and his wife, Virginia, were married 61 years. They have three grown children, Daniel of Sun Prairie, Wis., Sharon (Robert) Schultz and Lori (Russell) Rohleder, both of Yuba City, Calif.
A memorial service is scheduled at the First Baptist Church in New Lisbon on Friday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. A luncheon is planned after the service.
Memorials may be sent to Grace Christian Academy in Yuba City, Calif., or Camp Chetek in Chetek, Wis.
There is an online guest book at www.lakesidecolonialchapel.com who is also handling the arrangements.
Lakeside Colonial Chapel 830 D Street Marysville, Calif.
September 2, 2008
Faye Harris
Faye Jean (Carlson) Harris, formerly of Watertown, was called home by The Lord Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, after suffering from a lingering illness.
Faye was born July 22, 1945, to Gib and Mary Carlson. She married Jimmy Dale Harris April 16, 1966, at the Methodist Church in Watertown.
Faye and Jimmy later moved to Tennessee in 1974 where she resided to the time of her death.
Survivors include one son, Floyd (Peggy) Harris of Adamsville, Tenn.; one daughter, Tammy (Robert) Meyer of Watertown; seven grandchildren, Justin Harris, Matthew Meyer (formerly of Watertown), Samantha Harris all of Bethel Springs, Tenn., Monica Meyer of Watertown, Emily Rickman, Amber Cowart and Brandon Hawkins, all of Adamsville, Tenn.; and three great-grandchildren, Zoey Hernandez, Keeley Hawkins and Llana Cowart, all of Adamsville.
Also surviving are sister and brothers-in-law Emmett and Wilma Holley and Bill Harris (Brenda) all of Selmer, Tenn. Among other special family members and friends are her beloved cat "Patches."
She was proceeded in death by her husband, Jimmy Dale Harris; her parents Gib and Mary Carlson; her only sibling, Floyd Carlson; and both her paternal and maternal grandparents and her other beloved cat "Puddin."
Faye was born and raised in the Watertown area and lived there until moving to Tennessee with her husband and two children in 1974.
Faye was retired from Wal-Mart where she worked in various positions over her 26 year span, all at the Selmer Wal-Mart. She loved being with people. Besides working at Wal-Mart she loved spending time with her friends and grandkids. She will be greatly missed by her children. She collected owls and tea cups, and every one of them she had a story for. She loved puzzle books and playing games on the computer. She loved living in Tennessee, but always referred to Watertown as “home.”
Services for Faye Harris will be Wednesday at The Shackaford Funeral Home in Selmer. The memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. with visitation starting at 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Lebanon, at a date to be determined later by the family.
The family would like to express their thanks to all the thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.
"Our heart aches that the Lord took you away, but knowing you walk beside Jesus now helps dry our tears away, you may be gone from this earth, but you forever will be in our hearts, we love and miss you, till we meet again."
Joyce Kowalski
Joyce M. Kowalski, 66, of Farmington, passed away Saturday morning, Aug. 30, 2008, at her home.
A memorial service will be held at the Hafemeister Funeral Home in Watertown at 7 p.m. on Thursday with Gene Priebe officiating. Relatives and friends may call to pay their respects at the funeral home on Thurs-day from 5 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to the Watertown Humane Society.
Joyce Marie Steinbach was born on Nov. 4, 1941, in Milwaukee, to George and Susan (Fietz) Steinbach. She married Kenneth Kowalski on Oct. 25, 1962, in Alabama.
Joyce had been employed at Philips Circuits in New Berlin. She loved to garden, was an avid animal lover, enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, her dogs and in the pool.
Survivors include her husband, Kenneth; a son, Keith Kowalski; a daughter, Dawn Kowalski, all of Farmington; a sister, Patricia (Gene) Priebe of Milwaukee; two nephews, Brian and Kevin Cleppe; two nieces, Debbie Nickle and Cindy Wells; a special friend, Sue Busalacchi of Farmington; two dogs, Archie and Mac, along with other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Ted Steinbach.
Hafemeister Funeral Home 611 E. Main St. Watertown
Katherine Kimball
HUSTISFORD - Katherine “Kathy” (Nelson) Kimball of Hustisford passed away in her sister's home after a six-month battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, at the age of 62 years.
Kathy was born on Oct. 1, 1945, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Edwin and Mary Edith (Hogencamp) Nelson.
She lived her childhood in Sioux Falls, graduating from grade school and Washington High. She worked at several places in Sioux Falls including Dins Moore Corp. and Kirk's Restaurant where she met and later married Jerry Kimball on June 6, 1967.
Kathy eventually moved to Wisconsin with her family. Kathy worked at Broan Manufacturing in Hartford for 10 years. She was an amazing person with so much to give to the world and her children. She passed along stories of when she was a child living back in Sioux Falls living in the old military barracks on Kiwanis Avenue, or camping in the Black Hills when a thunderstorm just about washed them away in a flash flood. Kathy was never afraid of tackling any project. She wired houses and set explosives in the mines for Homestake Mining Company. She loved to travel with her family. She saw Germany, Washington State, Colorado, Missouri, Yellowstone, Mount St. Helens and California to mention a few. Kathy enjoyed working around the house, cooking, baking, genealogy, taking pictures and working on her computer. She loved painting walls, even refinishing a floor and remodeling the kitchen. Nothing was beyond her determination to accomplish. Kathy will be loved and missed by everyone she touched with her laughter and friendly smile. She had a good life here with family and friends. May God bless this beautiful soul. Her suffering is gone. She is gone now and leaves a family that loved and cared for her very much.
Kathy is survived by her children, Danny (Angie) Kimball of Lovilia, Iowa, Randy Kimball of Hustisford and Bonny Kimball of Madison; her grandchildren; Savannah, Aubrey, Melinda, Jenifer and Devin Kimball; her brother, Ron (Jan) Nelson of Sun Prairie; a sister; Debbie Nelson of Hartford; cousins Kathy (Ed) Paugh and Karen Juenemann of Minnesota. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Kimball; her parents; a sister, Mary Lou Nelson; and her stepfather, Stan Behm.
Memorial services for Kathy will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Shimon Funeral Home, 824 Union St., Hartford.
Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Memorials to the VNA or Helping Hands are appreciated.
Inurnment will be in Hustisford Cemetery.
Shimon Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Shimon Funeral Home 824 Union St. Hartford
Dr. Charles Brink
LAKE MILLS - Dr. Charles F. Brink, 81, Lake Mills, died on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, at his home.
He was born on Oct. 14, 1926, in Medford, the son of the late Dan and Goldie (Jensen) Brink.
Charles married Virginia M. Barfknecht of Lake Mills on Sept. 4, 1954, in Lake Mills.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He graduated from the Lincoln Chiropractic College in Indianapolis, Ind., and had been a long time chiropractor in Lake Mills, retiring in 1989.
Dr. Brink was a member of the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association and had served as treasurer for many years.
He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, the Lake Mills Rotary Club and had served as treasurer for several years, and had served on the Lake Mills City Council.
He was interested in organic farming and gardening.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia; three sisters, Fern Munson of Madison, Ilaine (Elmer) Blasel of Stetsonville, Virginia (Gene) Harder of Medford; two brothers, Melvin (Leona) Brink, Donald (Clarice) Brink both of Medford; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church with the Rev. Frederic J. Reaman officiating.
Burial will be in the Rock Lake Cemetery.
Friends may call from 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church until the time of service.
The Claussen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
If desired, memorials may be made to the church.
“I will miss you Sparkles.”
Claussen Funeral Home 416 W. Lake St. Lake Mills
Edna Strasburg
LAKE MILLS - Edna L. Strasburg, 99, formerly of Lake Mills, died today, Sept. 2, 2008, at the Marquardt Manor in Watertown.
She was born on July 31, 1909, in rural Cambridge, the daughter of the late Edward H. and Louise (Dehnert) Latsch.
Edna married Lloyd Strasburg on Jan. 12, 1929, at the home of her parents. He died on May 17, 1978.
She and her husband had farmed in the town of Lake Mills, moved to Lake Mills in 1961 and retired in 1975.
Edna moved to Marquardt Village in Watertown in 1992.
She was a member of the Lake Mills Moravian Church, the Women's Fellowship and had been a member of the Women of the Moose of Chapter No. 830 well over 50 years. She also was a past senior regent of the Moose.
Survivors include four daughters, Phyllis George of Madison, Arlene (David) Schulz of Racine, Joan (Rev. Dr. William) Allinder of Cadillac, Mich., and Jerilyn (John) McFarlane of Sauk City; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Also preceding in death were three brothers, Carl, Martin and Edward Latsch; one sister, Rosa Radloff; and a son-in-law, Dean George.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Lake Mills Moravian Church on College Street in Lake Mills with the Rev. Bruce Nelson officiating.
Burial will be in the Rock Lake Cemetery.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church until the time of services.
Memorials may be made to the Marquardt Foundation or the church.
The Claussen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Claussen Funeral Home 416 W. Lake St. Lake Mills
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