Obituaries
Stormoen, Mary “Evelyn” Age 67 of Friendship
Mary “Evelyn” Stormoen, age 67, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025 at her home following recent decline in health.
Funeral services will be 12 Noon on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Evelyn was born on September 16, 1957, in Marion, Kentucky, to Clarence and Mable (Wafford) Belt. She was raised in Kentucky as part of a large and loving family alongside her seven siblings. From an early age, Evelyn developed a passion for cooking, a skill she learned and cherished under the guidance of her mother.
On January 14, 1993, she married Richard Leroy Stormoen in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The couple made their home in Colorado Springs until 1997, when they relocated to Adams County. Together, Evelyn and Richard were proud to help operate the Skyline Restaurant.
Evelyn found joy in gardening, bird watching, and spending time outdoors. She especially treasured moments shared with her children and grandchildren. Her love for baking and cooking remained a lifelong passion.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents: Clarence and Mable; husband, Richard; siblings: Kenny, Louise, and Joyce; nephew, Kevin; and grandson, Matthew.
Survivors include her children: Nakita (John) Stormoen of Friendship, WI; Michael Hicks of Gunneson, Co; and Veronica (Roger) Soular of Piedmont, NC; grandchildren: Trinity, Gianna, Everly, Brian, Chelsy, Tesla, Melissa, Mikey, Sarah, Zack, Liv, and Willow; siblings: Austin (Anna), Gene (Kathy), Brenda (Butch), and Tina (Phillip). She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Brogan, William “Bill” Charles Age 74 of Adams
Bill spent his early childhood in Arcadia, Wisconsin, before the family settled in Adams in 1961—a place he would call home for most of his life. Known for his adventurous spirit and zest for life, Bill embraced every opportunity that came his way. He excelled in a wide range of school sports, drove a dynamite truck in the rugged mountains near Clatskanie, Oregon, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969. A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Bill was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor in recognition of his courage and service.
He had a deep and abiding love for the American West, wildlife, and the outdoors. His family, friends, and especially his beloved dogs—whom he lovingly referred to as “his children”—were central to his life. Bill will be remembered for his sharp intellect, remarkable memory, and unwavering loyalty.
Bill is survived by his sisters: Patricia Haines, Mary Dockendorff, Grace Ann Costello, and Susan (Ken) Curry, along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers-in-law, two nieces, and his cherished canine companions: Turk, Nitro, Bubba, Sadie, Xerxes, Arthur, and Recon.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Rosebrook Senior Living and Heartland Hospice for the compassionate and attentive care they provided Bill in his final days.
A Memorial Gathering to honor Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, 512 Main Street, Friendship, Wisconsin, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Military Honors will be presented at 5:45 p.m.
Hammond, Douglas A. Age 83 of White Creek
Douglas A. Hammond, 83, of White Creek, passed away at his home on March 29th, 2025. Doug was surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren.
Doug was born March 27th , 1942 at the family home in White Creek, WI to Kermit (Casey) Hammond and Alma (Reuterskiold) Hammond. Doug was a lifelong resident of White Creek. He attended the White Creek School House, Castle Rock Grade School, and Adams-Friendship High School. When Doug was 56 years old he obtained a GED and his fellow classmates awarded him an Honorary High School Diploma. Doug married his dance partner and the love of his life Jean Babcock, at the White Creek Church on August 22nd, 1964.
In his early years, Doug worked alongside his father Casey and brothers, on the family sawmill. Doug also spent time working at Carpenter’s Pure Oil Station and the Arkansas Traveler Boat Factory in Adams. Doug then worked 45 years at Theisen Lumber. Doug was known to family and friends as a “Jack of all trades”. Doug could solve most any difficult plumbing or electrical problem, even if requiring a “MacGyver” type fix. After retiring, Doug took on other part time work that included delivering car parts. Doug cared a great deal about the neighborhood he was born in, lived in, and raised his children in. He built his house, razed a tumbled down abandoned house and remodeled four other homes in White Creek.
Doug enjoyed playing golf in his middle years. He played frequently, until losing his golf partner in 2006. Doug coached Pete’s Little League Team for neighborhood children including his three sons. Doug enjoyed following the Brewers, Badgers and Packers. He was quick to remind us that he was old enough and tough enough to have attended the Ice Bowl in 1967.
Doug was passionate about auto racing. He started with go-karts alongside his brothers. He later moved on to full-size stock cars at A-F Motor Speedway. His passion for racing extended to his three children and then grandchildren. Doug could be found in the racetrack pit area helping any of his 3 children or grandchildren. In his later years, you could find Doug in the grandstands cheering them on. Doug enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in all their activities.
Doug and Jean loved to travel, almost always ending up on a beautiful beach. They enjoyed trips to The Great Lakes, Gulf Shores, Myrtle Beach, Nova Scotia and Hawaii. Doug and Jean always planned vacations around racing schedules and included an ASA tour in one of their adventures.
Doug is survived by his wife Jean, brother-in-law Mark Theisen, sister-in-law Lilah Hammond, Sons; Eric (Dawn) Hammond, Ross (Tammy) Hammond, Jason (Cathy) Hammond. Grandchildren; Taylor Hammond, Dillon Hammond, Megan (Kameron) Dickman, Gunner Hammond, Sophia Hammond, and Ethan Hammond. Step Grandchildren; Johanna Hudson, Emily Banie, Patricia Bass, Zach Bass, and Amber
Bass. Great Grandchildren; Aurora, Henry, Eloise, Connor, Anna, God Daughter Shelly Harvey, and numerous family and friends.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents: Casey and Alma; Siblings: Vern, Willy, Kenny, Kay, Myrna, and Linda; sisters-in-law: Georgiana and Mary; brothers-in-law: Ronnie and Larry, and beloved niece and nephew Emily and Triston.
Doug believed that his hand held out, was a hand up. When you lend a helping hand to someone in need, think of Doug. When you defend someone’s honor think of Doug. Doug was fond of children’s charities. He would be honored if you added one to your giving list. St. Jude Children’s Hospital was the most frequent recipient of his generosity. The family is grateful that Doug’s wish of donating his body to a teaching university is being fulfilled at the University of Wisconsin.
The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice and all its wonderful staff. Especially Katrina and Pastor Derek for all that they have done. We would also like to thank family and friends who have supported and sent their thoughts and prayers. Special visits, cards, and calls are appreciated. No service will be held.
Rurup, Douglas E. Age 85 of New Lisbon
Douglas E. Rurup, age 85 of New Lisbon, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at his home, in New Lisbon. Doug was the son of Albert and Doris (Weber) Rurup and was born on March 21, 1940, in Britton, South Dakota.
After graduating from New Lisbon High School in 1958, Doug ventured to Kenosha, where he began his career working for General Motors. His life took a joyful turn when he married Marleta Preston on November 24, 1960. Doug’s path led him to serve his country in the US Air Force, where he specialized in aerial photography and was stationed across the globe, from Virginia to Thailand, and from Minnesota to Germany, before retiring after 22 years of dedicated service.
Following his military career, Doug’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he and Marleta owned and operated Maranatha Auto in South St. Paul. His professional journey continued as he worked as an electrician and later for BowMaster in Minnesota. Eventually, Doug and Marleta returned to New Lisbon, and Marleta passed away on February 14, 2014. Doug later found love once more and married Maryann Sterling on August 7, 2017, at the Necedah Assembly of God Church. Their time together was cherished until Maryann’s passing on December 18, 2022.
Doug’s life was enriched by his family, including his daughter, Gina Heckel of St. Paul, MN; siblings, Charmaine (Bill) Reid of Henderson, NV, Kristy Koca of New Lisbon, Randy (Christine) Rurup of Adams Friendship, and Mark Rurup of Marshall, WI; grandchildren, Danielle (Derrick) Sherwood, Lindsey Heckel, Nichole Heckel, Perry Jr., Becky Jo and Debbie Barts; and several great-grandchildren. He also found joy in his foster sons, Andreas (Monica) Schumacher of Germany and Perry Nelson of New Lisbon. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Leo and Howard Rurup, and his sister Dawn Rurup.
An avid outdoorsman, Doug loved to hunt and fish, and he found camaraderie and relaxation in skeet shooting. His membership in the Necedah Assembly of God Church was a cornerstone of his life, reflecting his faith.
A Memorial Service will be held on April 9, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Hare Funeral Home (217 W. Pearl St.) in New Lisbon. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday at the Hare Funeral Home from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Inurnment with Military Honors will be in the Potter Cemetery in Summit Township. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Schroeder, Jimmy A. Age 73 of Kendall
Jimmy A. Schroeder, Sr., 73 of Kendall passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Tomah Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Tomah.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Necedah, W6295 23rd Street W., Necedah, WI 54646. Pastor Kevin Meinke will officiate. Burial will be at a later date. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, 112 E. South Railroad Street, Kendall and at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Morgan, Shirley M. Age 81 of Milwaukee and formerly of Adams County
Shirley M. Morgan, age 81, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Easton Cemetery, with Pastor Terri Skildum officiating.
Shirley was born on March 15, 1944, in Lincoln Township, Adams County, Wisconsin, to Floyd and Beatrice Cavanaugh. She grew up in Grand Marsh and moved to Milwaukee in 1962. On November 19, 1966, she married Wayne Allen Morgan Sr. in Milwaukee. After moving to Milwaukee, she worked at Brill Bros Sewing before taking on several roles at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Later, she became a cook at Atwater Elementary School, a position she cherished. She earned her GED from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1994.
Shirley had a passion for embroidery, crocheting, and traveling the world on cruise ships. She was also a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Beatrice;her stepfather: Bill Kemnitz; her husband, Wayne Morgan Sr.; her siblings Mary Starling, Jimmy Cavanaugh, Melvin Cavanaugh, and Jerry Cavanaugh; and sisters-in-law Lorraine and Geraldine and brother in-law Lloyd (Skip).
She is survived by her children: Wayne (Renee) Morgan, Kandi Phelps, and Michaela (Charles) McNeil; her grandchildren: Talen, Kali, Autumn (Steven), Noah, Alex, James Henry, Olivia, Natori; her Great-grandkids: Donterius, Tiyee, and Kaylani, Olive; and her siblings: Freddie (Connie), Caroline (Richard), Carol Jean (Keith), and Priscilla (Douglas). She was also deeply loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed to her children in Shirley’s memory.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
McPeek, Patricia A. Age 75 of Necedah
Patricia A. McPeek, beloved mother, grandmother and sister, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 75 on Thursday, March 27, 2025. She was born on March 7,1950, to Stanley and Evelynann (Dominiak) Wodecki in Chicago, Illinois and resided there till 2008 when she moved to Necedah, Wisconsin to be closer to her daughter Lori and her family. Throughout her career she held various customer service positions. She loved keeping up with friends and family, especially through social media and the internet. She will be remembered for her infamous stories starting with “I seen…!” “I heard…!” “I read…!”
She is survived by her daughter, Lori (Andy) Janociak; grandchildren, Andrew (fiancée, Christy Heusser) Janociak of Necedah, WI and Anthony (Gabby) and baby to be Janociak of Necedah, WI; brother, Stanley (Irene) Wodecki of Cicero, Illinois; nieces Patricia (Ron) Waymire of Justice, IL, Elizabeth (Jose) Wodecki of Chicago, IL, and Annie (Brandon) Sprau of Downers Grove, IL; and many great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Evelynann Wodecki; and great grandchild, Angel Anne Janociak
A time for visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service concluding at 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Necedah. A burial will be held at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church in her name. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Necedah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at
www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Mergenthaler, Randy Charles Age 74 of Wisconsin Dells
A Celebration of Life will be held at Barrel Springs Bar and Grill on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Military honors will be presented at 3:00 p.m. with a celebration of life gathering to follow.
Randy was born on May 30, 1950, in Hartford, Wisconsin, to Ray and June Rose (Lamprecht) Mergenthaler. He grew up in the Hartford/Slinger area and graduated from Hartford High School in 1968. A proud veteran, Randy served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded several medals for his service and bravery on the front lines.
Throughout his career, Randy worked in landscaping and welding in Milwaukee before moving to Adams County in 1981. Randy worked for Ronald E. Collins pulpwood & Logging, owned and operated Randy Mergenthaler’s Forestry Service for 20+ years.
Randy had a passion for riding his Harley and cherished time spent socializing with friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and June.
Randy is survived by his children, Jesse (Lori) Mergenthaler, Shane (Angela) Mergenthaler, and Eve Mergenthaler; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Colin, Bailey, and Kasandra.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences and further details, please visit www.roseberrys.com.
Elwort, Corliss James Age 59 of Grand Marsh
Memorial service will be 12 Noon on Saturday, April 26th, at the Village Hall, 507 W Lake Street, Friendship, WI 53934. Visitation will begin that day at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the memorial service.
Corliss was born February 08, 1966 in Friendship, Wisconsin. He graduated from Adams-Friendship High School. Corliss worked at Seates Inc, Paste Company, Trienda, and several area potato farms.
He married Jeanie Stone on October 16, 1992 in Adams-Friendship.
Corliss enjoyed shooting darts, pool, fishing, walking, watching tv, and gaming.
Memorials may be directed in Corliss’s memory to his family.
Corliss was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanie Stone; mother, Patricia Page and step-father, Charles A. Page; grandparents: Louie Russell, Millie Zychowitz, and step-grandfather, Joseph Zychowitz; and uncle, Charles Cavanaugh.
Survivors include his children: Jessica Ambrose, Joseph Orick, and Crystal (Matt) Mahoney; grandchildren: James Stone, Cassie Stone, Brooklynn Retzer-Orick, Audreyanah Peterson-Orick, Skyler Allen, Ashton Diamond, Jaxsin Wedde, Jonah Wedde, Caleb Albiter; siblings: Dale (Brenda) Elwort,
Gail Dobbs, Charles Page, and Teresa (Mike) Carlton. He is further survived by nephew and niece, Michael “Mikie” (Naomi) Carlton and Bethany (Adam) Spaw, other relatives and friends.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Connor, Steven Joseph Age 64 of New Lisbon
Our loving and joyful Steven Joseph Connor, 64, of New Lisbon passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 25, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife Loretta and their five children; Kami, Michael, Renee, Stephanie and Sami.
Steven was born on June 28, 1960, to Myles and Joanie(Schumann) Connor. He attended Hustler Community School in his early years, followed by New Lisbon Schools, where he graduated from high school in 1978. On August 21, 1982, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Loretta Bailey.
Steve wore many hats throughout his life, but he was best known in the community as a hardworking farmer, a beloved bus driver for New Lisbon Schools and sports teams, and a dedicated PCT at Sand Ridge. When diagnosed with cancer, Steve retired and spent the last three years enjoying what mattered most—time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
He found joy in the simple things: logging firewood, listening to the backyard waterfall, and feeding the birds year-round. Steven had a quiet reverence for the beauty of God’s creation and never missed a chance to pause and appreciate it. Even in his final days, he kept his signature big smile and a light-hearted spirit, often cracking jokes with loved ones. Most of all, he continued to express profound gratitude for each day, often saying what a truly blessed man he was and that he has lived a blessed life.
Steve was a jack of all trades—a handyman in every sense. He believed in fixing things, not replacing them. His greatest ambition was to love his family well and to reach Heaven. He succeeded.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Loretta (Bailey); his children, Kami (Paul) Hansen of Cottage Grove, WI; Michael (Anna) of Vienna, Austria; Renee (Jay) Woinarowicz of Apache Junction, AZ; Stephanie (Dan) Couey of New Glarus, WI; and Sami Connor of New Lisbon, WI; as well as his cherished grandchildren; Hunter, Riley, Dylan, Ellie, Connor, Jack, Sarah, Aaron, Myles, Chloe, and baby to be; his siblings: Gigi (Scott) Rysdahl, Dave (Susan) Connor, Steve (Loretta) Connor, and Geralyn (Paul) Klinkner; his brothers-in-law Larry Mueller and Don Hemmersbach.
He was preceded in death by his parents Myles and Joan, his siblings Kaye (Connor) Hemmersbach, Mary (Connor) Mueller, his mother and father-in-law Raymond and Joan Bailey and brother-in-law, Kenneth Bailey.
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A visitation will take place from 4pm-7pm on Monday, March 31st at Saint James Catholic Church in Camp Douglas, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 1st, at 10:30 a.m. with a private family burial taking place at St. James Catholic cemetery on a later date. Fr. Peter Raj Mariasamy presiding. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
In leu of flowers, send firewood (Just kidding–though he’d have appreciated it). Charitable donations are welcome and will be thoughtfully directed toward causes and opportunities that were close to Dad’s heart.
“A man is truly blessed when he finds joy in the simple things, love in his heart, and gratitude in his soul.” — Unknown