Mauston, WI
Obituaries
Thul, Roger E. Age 87 of Elroy
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Roger E. Thul passed away early in the morning on Friday October 25, 2024 with family and his partner, Betty Lackas, at his bedside.
Roger was a wonderful man and well-liked by all that new him. He was born on December 13, 1936 in Dubuque, IA and moved with his family to Elroy, WI when he was 12. In the spring of 1950, Roger’s parents purchased the Gambles Hardware store in Elroy.
Over the years in Elroy growing up, he enjoyed coon hunting and fishing with his father in addition to the typical mischief boys can get into. As Roger got older, he helped his father and mother at the Gambles Store. It was a frequently visited business by all in Elroy.
When Roger’s father passed, he and his mother ran the store. Roger eventually took over the responsibility of the store for many years. He went out of his way to support his customers by providing exceptional service and advice. It was commonly said that Roger Thul had it all, regarding the store. He truly did, but Roger was the only person able to find it. A highlight for his nephews, John & Scott Carpenter was to visit the store and see all that was happening. Roger shared many good stories with his nephews during their visits.
Roger was very devoted to his mother, Eleanor Thul. He took very good care of her from the time of his father’s passing until she passed on. They lived in the family home together for many years.
Roger was always ready to spend time with his nephews, John & Scott. Many adventures around Elroy including the Elroy Sparta bike trail. He was an exceptional uncle and a fine example of what being a man truly meant.
When Roger decided to retire and sell the store, he embarked on a new life. In 2001, Roger’s best friend mentioned there was a great person he should meet, Betty Lackas. She was the very best thing to ever happen to Roger. In 2002, Roger moved from Elroy to Mauston, to be with Betty.
Together, Roger and Betty traveled, creating wonderful gardens at their home, and truly lived their best lives together. Roger also enjoyed fishing whenever possible. He volunteered many hours supporting the Elroy Meals Senior Meal Site and delivering meals in the Lyndon Station area for the Lyndon Station Senior Meal Site.
Roger also volunteered at the American Legion Bingo night as part of the Elroy Area Advancement Corporation. When the new Main Street in Elroy was opened, Roger joined Governor Tommy Thompson for the ribbon cutting. Roger gave back to the Elroy community at every opportunity.
Betty’s family, April and Phil Martell treated Roger as their own. He was delighted in watching and guiding, (sometimes involving mischief), Betty’s grandchildren, Kierstin and Chandler Schmid as they grew into adulthood. The very best years of Roger’s life were with Betty and her family. At this point in his life, Roger Thul truly had it all.
Roger was preceded in passing by his father, Edmund Thul and his mother Eleanor Thul. Survivors to Roger include Mary Ellen (Tom) Liska, his favorite sister, Nephews John Carpenter (Angela) and Scott (Lynn) Carpenter. His life partner, Betty Lackas and her family: April (Phil) Martell, and grandchildren Kierstin and Chandler Schmid.
A Service and luncheon with be at the American Legion Hall in Elroy, WI on November 9,2024. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. until the start of the service at 11:30 a.m. A great luncheon will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Elroy Area Chamber.
The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Bartz, Josephine M. (Jo) Age 102 of Mauston & Formerly of Wilton
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Josephine M. (Jo) Bartz, age 102 of Mauston and formerly of Wilton, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Fair View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mauston, WI. She was born on June 8, 1922, to Joseph and Maude (Johnson) Druschba in Griggs County, North Dakota where she began to develop the strong will and determination she will be remembered for. Life on a small farm on the Prairie was difficult and brought many challenges, but she always felt love and her values of faith and family grew. After graduating from high school as Valedictorian of her class, Josephine attended vocational business training. On September 17, 1949, she was united in marriage to Kermit L. Bartz in Shell Lake, WI. He preceded her in death on February 21, 1983. In addition to raising their children, they spent their early years together on a farm raising chickens and then opening and operating Kermy’s Supermarket in Wilton. Later, Josephine worked at Fort McCoy in the civilian personnel department until retiring from Government Service. She continued to work at various jobs including Burnstads Department Store and Tupperware sales. She lovingly helped care for her grandchildren, filling their hearts with sweet joy and lasting memories. With a gracious and giving heart, she volunteered for many years with Church functions, Pro Life groups, and while in Champaign, IL with The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.
She was a faithful and devoted member of St. Johns and St. Patrick Catholic churches. She was a member of the Hanson-Stark-Leath-Peth Post 508 Ladies Auxiliary. Although she came from humble beginnings, she always shared what she had with numerous charities. Life to her was not about things but rather sharing time and talents.
In her spare time, Josephine enjoyed quilting and sewing. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were blessed with beautiful handmade clothing, quilts, and creative crafts and toys. Her works were very often gifted to others and will live on in their memories. Her workmanship was detailed, and her creations filled with love. She was also a fabulous baker and cook and loved to can and freeze all kinds of produce from Kermy’s garden.
She will be remembered by all who knew and loved her for her longevity, her strong faith, her love of God, family, and country, her wit and humor, and her giving and compassion for those less fortunate than herself. She truly represented what many call “The Greatest Generation,” and her presence in this world made it a better place.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Wanda) Bartz of Fitchburg and Ann (Christopher) Graham of St. Joseph, IL; 6 grandchildren Kyle (Anna) Bartz, Jessalyn Bartz, Derek Bartz, Ashley (Ben) Gorman, Rachael (Austin) Dallas, Hannah (Steve) Oxley, Morgann Graham; 4 great grandchildren Lincoln Bartz, Chase Gorman, Jack Gorman, and Olivia Oxley. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Maude Druschba, her husband Kermy, two sons Daniel and John, her sisters Leone Haas & Edna Peterson, and her brother Leonard Druschba.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 504 Enderby Street, Wilton. Father John Ofori-Domah will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson/Sonnenburg Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Memorials in Josephine’s memory can be given to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Mauston and St. John’s Catholic Church, Wilton.
Lally, Joesph “Joe” Francis Age 80 of Wonewoc
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Joe Lally, age 80, of Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away from Parkinson’s Disease on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Casa De Oaks in Reedsburg.
He was born on February 7, 1944, the son of Gerald and Mary “Betty” (Macke) Lally in Clinton, Iowa. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Clinton, followed by Junior College in Clinton, then graduated from William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Sociology.
Joe became a Medical Laboratory Specialist in the U.S. Army at Brook General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas in 1967 – 1968. From 1968 – 1970, he was at the 249th General Hospital in Asaka, Japan, a 1000-bed evacuation hospital, working in patient and environmental testing. He studied Cytology at the University of Wisconsin in 1970 – 1971.
He married Nancy Baker on May 6, 1972 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Wonewoc. They lived in Minneapolis, where both worked in laboratories. They moved to Wonewoc where they made their home since 1977.
Joe began working at Merrick Foods in Union Center, directing plant operations, until 1995 when he became an Environmental Health Specialist for Adams, Juneau and Sauk Counties.
Joe and Nancy also started The Flower Barn in Wonewoc, where they had a flower shop and, on the farm, they raised plants, Christmas Trees and nursery stock. The “Lally’s Tree Farm” will be in business for the 44th year of serving area customers with Christmas Trees and other decorations.
Joe was a member of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Wonewoc, the American Legion Post 206 where he has served as Chaplain and on their Color Guard. He served on the Juneau County Board. He enjoyed the outdoors, shooting trap in La Valle and Reedsburg, working with the Christmas Trees, fishing from the bridges in the Florida Keys and taking Wilson, his dog, for a ride around town every morning.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy; brother, Dr. Tom (Nancy) Lally; sister, Mary (Terry) Camp; sister-in-law, Madge Baker; brother-in-law, Steve (Colleen) Baker; his faithful companion, Wilson; and Drew Benish, a special member of their family.
A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc and a Memorial Service will be on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Wonewoc. Interment with military rites will be in the Pine Eden Cemetery in Wonewoc.
The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Raisner, Wywanda Jane Age 73 of Baraboo
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Wywanda Jane Raisner of Baraboo, Wisconsin passed away on October 23,2024,peacefully at home surrounded by her daughters following a lengthy and very hard fought battle with multiple chronic illnesses. She was born on November 15, 1950 in Portage, Wisconsin and was raised on the family farm in Lewiston Township. Wanda spent her working years as a cook, waitress, school bus driver and most proudly, the mother to her 3 daughters. She enjoyed fishing and camping and was well known for her amazing pies and potato salad.
Wywanda was preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Edward Raisner; sister, Donna (Raisner) Benson and special aunt, Florence Ebert.
She is survived by her daughters, Niccolle (Kurt) Boaz, Robin Raisner, Michelle (Tanya) Raisner. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren Joshua (Nicole) Boaz, Tanner (Taylor) Boaz and Nychelle Raisner and great-grandchildren Emery, Jovie, Marli and Jameson Boaz who all brought her so much joy.
Per her request, there will be no services.
Sroka, Stanley F. Age 79 of Arkdale
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Stanley F. Sroka, 79, of Arkdale, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield, Wisconsin.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Big Flats Community Church in Big Flats, Wisconsin, officiated by Pastor Milt Duntley. Burial will follow at Big Flats Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place afterward beginning at 12:45 p.m. at Friendship Congregational Bible Church in Friendship, Wisconsin.
Born on October 17, 1944, in Rib Lake, Wisconsin, to Stanley Sr. and Irene (née Suchowski) Sroka, Stan spent over 30 years as a professional truck driver and cab driver, later he worked as a security guard at the Mercedes-Benz Auto Dealership in Chicago. However, his true passion was his unwavering devotion to his faith. He shared his beliefs through the distribution of thousands of tracts and his lifelong commitment to evangelism.
Stan loved the “country life” and cherished his time spent at his second home in Wisconsin, where he enjoyed fishing at Castle Rock Lake and Petenwell Lake. After retiring, he returned to the place he always considered his true home.
Stan was the beloved husband of the late Judith “Judy” (née Malewicki) for 38 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judy, and his son Thaddeus “Taj” Sroka.
He is survived by his devoted companion and caregiver, Lisa S. Cotey; his son, Cameron Sroka; and his siblings, Joseph (Linda) Sroka, Johnny (Arlene) Sroka, Catherine “Kitty” (John) Steljes, Brindel (Jordan) Tilden, and Robert (Donna) Dziura. He is also fondly remembered as a brother-in-law, father-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, second father, and cherished friend to many.
Stan’s kindness, deep faith, and love for his family, friends, and community will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
On Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 5:55?PM Roseberry’s Funeral Home <fd@roseberrys.com> wrote:
Stanley F. Sroka, 79, of Arkdale, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield, Wisconsin.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Big Flats Community Church in Big Flats, Wisconsin, officiated by Pastor Milt Duntley. Burial will follow at Big Flats Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place afterward beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Friendship Congregational Church in Friendship, Wisconsin.
Born on October 17, 1944, in Rib Lake, Wisconsin, to Stanley Sr. and Irene (née Suchowski) Sroka, Stan spent over 30 years as a professional truck driver and cab driver, later he worked as a security guard at the Mercedes-Benz Auto Dealership in Chicago. However, his true passion was his unwavering devotion to his faith. He shared his beliefs through the distribution of thousands of tracts and his lifelong commitment to evangelism.
Stan loved the “country life” and cherished his time spent at his second home in Wisconsin, where he enjoyed fishing at Castle Rock Lake and Petenwell Lake. After retiring, he returned to the place he always considered his true home.
Stan was the beloved husband of the late Judith “Judy” (née Malewicki) for 38 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judy, and his son Thaddeus “Taj” Sroka.
He is survived by his devoted companion and caregiver, Lisa S. Cotey; his son, Cameron Sroka; and his siblings, Joseph (Linda) Sroka, Johnny (Arlene) Sroka, Catherine “Kitty” (John) Steljes, Brindel (Jordan) Tilden, and Robert (Donna) Dziura. He is also fondly remembered as a brother-in-law, father-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, second father, and cherished friend to many.
Stan’s kindness, deep faith, and love for his family, friends, and community will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences.
Anderson, Helen J. Age 88 of Wisconsin Rapids
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Helen J. Anderson, age 88, passed away on October 21, 2024 at Arborwood Lodge, Wisconsin Rapids, surrounded by loved ones.
Helen was born December 13, 1935 In Wyeville, Wisconsin to Charles and Jennie Cole. She attended Adams-Friendship High School. On August 12, 1952 she married Charles Anderson at the Monroe Center Church. Charles preceded her in death on November 10, 2020. Charles and Helen farmed their homestead for many years, later renting out the farmland to local farmers. Helen was a member of the Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church. Throughout her career, Helen worked at Badger Army Ammunition Plant, Triple P in Necedah, and retired from Job Center of Wisconsin. She also served as Treasurer for the Town of Monroe for several years.
Helen enjoyed reading, cruising, RVing at Gulf Shores, cooking, baking bread, watching her birds, and tending to her flowers. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family.
Helen is survived by and will be greatly missed by her children Debra (Jim) Gerlick, Sheryl Holmes, Kathie (Dave) Anderson, Charles (Brooke) Anderson, Brenda (Rick) Anderson Yesse, and brother Eugene (Dawn) Cole. She is further survived by grandchildren Rick Reichhoff, Ken Anderson, Jennifer Brown, Emily Gerlick, Scott Anderson, Bethany Gaddis, Megan Kautzer, Lindsey Gerlick-Danielson, Katie Fait, Christian Anderson, Jace Yesse, Gabe Anderson, and Brienna Anderson, together with 14 great-grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, son-in-law James Holmes, brothers Robert, Daniel, Charles, and Gerald, and sisters Ruth, Wanda, Gloria, and Sharon.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church, with visitation from noon to 2 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Monroe Center Cemetery with a lunch to follow at the Monroe Center Town Hall. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate.
Helen’s family would like to thank the staff at Arborwood Lodge and Heartland Hospice for the loving care they have shown. Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Brogan, Jane E. Age 67 of Onalaska
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Jane E. “Janie” Brogan, 67, of Onalaska, WI passed away on October 8 2024.
Janie was born on September 30, 1957 to John and Joyce (O’Toole) Brogan and raised in Adams-Friendship, WI. She lived in many places but her most loved and longest “home” was in Texas on the Gulf of Mexico. She loved the water and you would find her on a boat, at a marina, or at the beach. Janie had many jobs but her favorite ones always entailed getting her feet wet. Whether it was helping out on a shrimp boat, delivering yachts along the coast, or helping friends clean, varnish, repair or launch their own boats. Janie’s prized possession was her own little sailboat.
Janie returned to Wisconsin after many years to be nearer to family while she dealt with health issues.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Joyce Brogan, her sister Shannon Brogan, and nephew James Brogan. She is survived by her siblings: Peggy (Loren) Bahls of Helena, MT, Peter
(Melinda) Brogan of Friendship, WI, Michael Brogan (Kathryn) of Friendship, WI, and Colleen Brogan-Raasch (Robert) of Onalaska, WI, many nieces and nephews and her dearest friend, Andy.
A private family memorial will be held at a future date.
Churchill, Raymond D. Age 76 of Friendship
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Raymond D. Churchill, age 76, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away Monday, October 14, 2024, at his home.
Graveside services with military honors will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Monroe Center Cemetery in Monroe Center, Wisconsin.
Raymond was born July 6, 1948, in Mannheim, Germany to Darwin and Gertraud (Ries) Churchill. Following high school Ray was drafted and honorably served in the United States Army. He married Nancy L. Ostrum on October 11, 1975, in Monroe Center.
Ray worked at FCI-Oxford until his retirement in 2002. After that he greatly enjoyed working part-time for the Town of Preston and most recently at Coloma Farms.
Ray loved hunting, fishing, doing projects, and building anything. He was a very talented woodworker and built his own home, he could fix anything. Ray also loved watching his grandkids play sports. He especially enjoyed night fishing with his son and grandson. Ray would help anyone that he could and took time to visit with his brother-in-law Wade. He enjoyed spending January every year at Gulf Shores, Alabama fishing on the ocean and eating seafood. He especially loved spending time with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, his friend Jerry, and his friends at the Faith Baptist Church.
Ray was preceded in death by his father: Darwin Churchill; father-in-law: Ralph (Eddie) Ostrum, and mother-in-law: Ruthie Ostrum.
Survivors include his wife: Nancy Lee Churchill of Friendship; son: Raymond Lee Churchill of Antigo, WI; daughter-in-law: Promise Rejoice Churchill of Antigo; grandson: Samuel Douglas Churchill of Antigo; granddaughter: Pearl Rae Churchill of Antigo; mother: Gertraud Churchill of Wis. Rapids, WI; sister: Alida (Ron) Hamrick of Haymarket, VA; brother: Thomas (Tammy) Churchill of Nekoosa, WI; sister-in-law: Joy (Dale) Casperson of Adams, WI; sister-in-law: Helen (Von) Ibbotson of Albion, IL; brother-in-law: Wade Ostrum of Oshkosh, WI; nephew: Nathan (Bri) Winchester of Boulder, CO; niece: Hannah Powell of S. Milwaukee, WI; niece: Harmony Powell of Oshkosh; niece: Haven Powell of Oshkosh; nephew: Brandon (Meghan) Hamrick of Herndon, VA; niece: Ashley (Michael) Rodriguez of Haymarket, VA; nephew: Tyler (April) Churchill, and niece: Anna Churchill. Ray is further survived by several great nieces & nephews.
Ray’s family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice; Dr. Yeboah, and Julie; the nurses at Marshfield Clinic-Wis. Rapids; his church family; sister-in-law Helen, sister-in-law Joy, brother-in-law Dale, and good friend Jerry who came to check on him every day.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Bohlmann, Barbara J. Age 83 of Wonewoc
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Barbara J. Bohlmann, age 83, of Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Sauk County Health Care Center in Reedsburg.
She was born February 10, 1941, the daughter of Marvin and Hazel (Brooks) Jurkowski and graduated from Wonewoc High School.
Barbara was a hard worker, working at Badger Ordinance, Ray-O-Vac and eventually retiring after 35 years from Hankscraft/Gerber/Nuk in Reedsburg. She rarely missed a day of work. The stories she would tell about driving to Badger in so much snow you couldn’t see the road. Driving to Hankscraft, we think she hit at least four deer in one year and called her the deer magnet of Hwy 33. She had a work ethic like no other. She instilled that in her kids by being that example.
She was a loving mother. We didn’t have much growing up, but we did not “want” for anything. When we would order fish on a Friday night (a big treat) she would never get any for herself. She would say she wasn’t hungry and would eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We found out as adults; she couldn’t afford fish for all of us so that was the story she told.
She was a good friend who loved to have fun. She told some great stories about the “Summit” kids and the shenanigans they got into growing up. She didn’t let the grass grow under her feet. She enjoyed playing in a dart league with her mom, Hazel; her sister, Shirley and daughter, Tonia. She bowled for years in a women’s league and with Dale in a couple’s league in Wonewoc. She loved to gamble. Her and her brother, John would have a great time at the casino and playing cards with their mother, Hazel and brother, Ed and Jody into the wee morning hours. She had a big sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was quite feisty and had no problem telling you what she really thought about pretty much anything…whether you wanted to know or not.
She loved her children, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her joy in this life. Christmas was magical at Gramma Barb’s. You could barely see the floor there were so many presents. She gave the best gifts. Her fudge was amazing and quick to be eaten. She had the best time shopping, baking and cooking for the holiday celebration. She was just a big kid herself when it came to Christmas.
Even though her health issues kept her homebound and stuck in her chair in her later years, she enjoyed phone calls and visits from her many friends and relatives across the country and here at home. She loved to watch the old westerns along with Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel(s) and QVC. She devoured the newspaper and magazines she received, reading articles to me she found interesting.
Her legacy will be how completely and unconditionally she loved her family and friends. No judgement. Just love. Don’t get me wrong, she could get mad and give you an earful. That was her “tough love”. She was generous to a fault and stubborn as the day is long. How do you sum up a life like hers? She did the best she could with what she was given and had a lot of fun along the way. There was never a dull moment and she always left you smiling.
Survivors include her daughter, Tonia Schumann; daughter-in-law, Sue Bohlmann; grandchildren, Emma Schumann, Toby Bohlmann, Jessica Bohlmann and Allison Bohlmann (Fiancé Spencer Stubbs); great-grandchildren, Isabella, DeSean, Kaydence Jo, Madison and Benjamin; siblings, Bonnie Gamble, Ed (Jody) Decot, Nancy (Elmer) Preuss and many other family, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Jurkowski; mother, Hazel Decot; stepfather, Morris Decot; father of her children, Arlen Bohlmann; son, Troy Bohlmann; brother, John Jurkowski; sister, Shirley Sussek and the last love of her life for 18 years, Dale Wolfe.
A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc. Interment will be in the Pine Eden Cemetery in Wonewoc at a later date.
The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Schultz, Jennie A. Age 100 of Mauston
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Jennie A. Schultz, age 100, of Mauston, WI, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Fair View in Mauston after suffering a fall. She was born in Millville, MA, on August 9, 1924, to John and Honora (Laczka) Polesky.
Jennie had an independent spirit; at age 16 she left school and went to work to support herself and help a younger sister. When she was 18, she met a handsome soldier, Robert Schultz, who was stationed at a nearby Army base. They married three years later in 1945 and Jennie, a small-town girl, became a farmer in Columbus, WI. Robert, who passed away in 2017 at age 100, was a native of Mauston.Jennie and Robert moved to the Schultz family farm in Cattail Valley (Mauston)in 1954, where they lived until 2008 when they moved into Mauston.
Jennie thrived on the farm where she gardened, foraged for berries and nuts, canned and froze the bounty she harvested, fed hungry farm crews, and milked cows. Even though she didn’t graduate from high school, Jennie was a continuing learner. She read widely and took several week-long summer classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
For many years, Jennie and Robert were reliable volunteers at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mauston. They taught Sunday School, and Jennie was especially good at organizing potlucks and funeral receptions. She also volunteered at the Hospital Thrift Store, where she always had an eye for a bargain.
For her 100th birthday, Jennie enjoyed celebrations with family and friends who gathered from many places to honor her. Jennie is survived by her daughter Carol Schultz (Craig Adams) of San Diego and a number of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, daughter Barbara Schultz, sisters Julia Long and Stella Gray, and brother Walter Polesky.
The funeral will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 517 Grayside Avenue, Mauston, at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 24, 2024. Visitation at the church will precede the service from 10:00-11:00 AM Thursday. After the church service, a graveside service will take place at the Mauston-Oakwood Cemetery on Attewell Street, followed by a lunch reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, please consider a donation to a charity of your choosing in Jennie’s memory.
