Mauston, WI
Obituaries
Haschke, Artress Annie Age 98 of Fountain Township New Lisbon
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Artress Annie (Hysell) Haschke, age 98, of Fountain Township, New Lisbon, Wi., passed away on November 25, 2024, peacefully at Crest View Nursing Home in New Lisbon, Wisconsin. Artress was born on September 12, 1926, to Theodore and Lucille (Wilcox) Hysell at Rolla, North Dakota. She moved at an early age to the Juneau County area in Wisconsin. She attended several grade schools in Juneau County, graduating from Hustler Grade School.
On August 27th, 1941, she married Alfred Haschke in New Lisbon, Wi. Artress and Alfred farmed for many years in the Town of Fountain, Juneau County. She worked at various local factories, retiring from the Garment Factory in Mauston, Wi.
Artress, a cherished member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hustler, WI, devoted her life to her family and community, crafting quilts for the military during Desert Storm and providing clothing for tsunami victims in Haiti, all while nurturing her loved ones with her gentle spirit, and boundless love. Artress was able to complete all of this, while cherishing 72 years as a devoted wife, embracing life to the fullest with a passion for cooking, sewing, and tending to her beautiful flower gardens.
Artress, a gentle soul with boundless patience and a heart devoted to her family’s joy, touched the lives of everyone she met, offering warmth, friendship, and her beloved homemade delights – especially her cherished cookies and comforting chicken and noodles-ensuring no one ever left her home feeling anything but cherished and nourished; her absence will be deeply felt by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Artress was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Alfred (in 2013), her sisters, Beatrice Zilkowski, Violet Jones, Arlene Due, Stella Hysell and Lucille Van Dusen, her brothers, Theodore Hysell and Edward Hysell and her grandsons, Edward Stubbe, Kenny Geiger and James Geiger.
She is survived by her four children; Theodore Haschke of New Lisbon, WI, Marian Greene of Mauston, WI., Robert (Joan) of Sussex, WI, and Cathy (Steve) Legler of Sun Prairie, WI, sisters-in-law, Janice Hysell of Somers, WI, and Donna Hysell of Windsor, WI, and by 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 15 great great grandchildren.
The family thanks the staff at Crest View Nursing Home, Dr. James Logan, MD and Chris Custer, APNP for their support and caring of/for Artress.
Blessed be our memories of Artress.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church (301 E. Main St) in Hustler, WI. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday at the church from 10:00A.M. until the time of service. Rev. Michael Pechman presiding. The burial will be in the Brewster Cemetery. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Leikness, Lela L. Age 87 of Necedah
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Lela L. (Steen) Leikness, age 87, of Necedah, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at Crestview Nursing Home in New Lisbon, WI. She was born on April 7, 1937 in Necedah to John and Alvera (Davis) Steen. Lela was united in marriage to Robert “Moe” Leikness in Iowa, and they spent most of their life together in the Necedah community, except for a few years they lived in Stoughton, WI.
Lela’s professional life was spent at the heart of industry in Necedah, where she played a pivotal role at Triple P Assembly at Farnum Manufacturing. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence were matched only by her kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Lela’s colleagues will remember her not just for her professional contributions but also for the warmth and camaraderie she brought to the workplace.
An enthusiast for life’s simple pleasures, she found joy in socializing with her loved ones, dancing to the lively tunes of country and polka music, and embracing the companionship of her cherished pets. Lela’s love for all animals was profound, and she shared her life with many special dogs and cats, each of whom held a dear place in her heart.
She is survived by her children, Dale (Lisa) Leikness of Marshfield, WI, Sherri (Mark) Burgireno of Helenville, WI, and Rhonda Braund of Tomah, WI; brothers, Brian (Holly) Steen of Necedah, Danny Steen of Necedah, and Linda (Pete) Wollschlager of Necedah; along with 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 10 great- great grandchildren.
Lela was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alvera Steen; husband, Robert “Moe” Leikness; sisters, Ellen Carter, Doris (John) Hayden; and brothers, Pete, David, and Ronald Steen.
A Celebration of Lela’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Necedah Veterans Hall, 105 Plum St. Necedah, WI, 54646. A private burial will be held in the Bayview Cemetery. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Necedah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Stechmesser, Linda Lou Age 78 of Coloma
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Linda Lou Stechmesser, 78, of Coloma, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah.
A celebration of Linda’s life will take place on Monday, December 2, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 Noon, officiated by Pastor Russell “Chip” Wilke III. Interment at Trinity Cemetery in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, will be held at a later date.
Linda was born on August 4, 1946, in Augusta, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Jessie (Stephan) Lipke. She graduated from Augusta High School in 1964. Linda married Larry Westphal on July 29, 1967, and together they welcomed three children: Loren, Lisa, and Lonnie. After Larry’s untimely passing in 1973, Linda found love again with Loren Wathke, whom she married on August 10, 1974. They were blessed with their daughter, Lynette. Loren passed away in 1990. Linda’s journey brought her to Harold E. Stechmesser, whom she married on July 25, 1992. Together, they shared 32 wonderful years.
Linda was a devoted homemaker whose creativity and passions enriched her life and those around her. She loved fishing, gardening, knitting, crafting, and sewing, finding beauty and purpose in her hobbies. She was a proud and faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Friendship.
Linda is lovingly remembered by her husband of 32 years, Harold; her children, Loren Westphal, Lisa (Larry) Smiskey, Lonnie (Kendra) Westphal, and Lynette (Gilbert) Kvatek; her grandchildren, Kayla (Corey), Nathan (Chelsey), Jacob (Courtney), Easton, Makkena, Kadin, Lane, Laith, Ridley, Max, Shayla, and Dash; and her nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Robert (Sue) Lipke; her sister, Mary Rahl; her sister-in-law, Ruth Petrie; and numerous extended family members and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Jessie; her first husband, Larry Westphal; her second husband, Loren Wathke; brothers-in-law, Robert and Gene; sisters-in-law, Hazel (Harvey) Guse and Esther Stechmesser; and many other cherished family members from her earlier marriages.
Linda’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered support during this difficult time.
Arrangements are being handled by Roseberry’s Funeral Home. To share condolences or memories of Linda, please visit www.roseberrys.com.
Rogers, Roiette Jane (RJ) Age 70 of Mauston
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Roiette Jane (RJ) Rogers, age 70, of Mauston, Wisconsin, passed away on November 27,
2024, at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Born on January 6, 1954, in La Crosse, RJ was the daughter of Roy and Alice McMichael. She
graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1972 and earned a degree in Computer
Programming from Western Wisconsin Technical College in 1983.
On May 21, 1983, RJ married Edwin Allen Rogers. The couple moved to Mauston, Wisconsin in
June of that same year. They were blessed to raise four daughters: Krista, Stacey, Amanda, and Courtney.
RJ was deeply dedicated to her family, serving as both a loving mother and grandmother. She
and her husband Ed proudly raised their four daughters and cared for their grandchildren. She
was known for her nurturing nature, teaching her grandchildren valuable skills like baking
cookies, learning numbers, and playing games.
Her commitment to education extended beyond her family. RJ was a longstanding member of
the Mauston School Board, serving for 24 years in various leadership roles. She held the
positions of Vice-President during the construction of the new High School and President during
the building of the new Elementary School. Her passion for education was evident in her
unwavering support of students and her desire to see them achieve their best.
RJ cherished travel and family time. She and Ed enjoyed memorable trips, including visits to
Germany to see their daughter Krista and son-in-law. She returned to Germany for the birth of
her twin granddaughters and later embarked on two Caribbean Cruises with her husband, sister
Trish, brother-in-law Brian Nicholls, and family friends. She also traveled to Texas and Kansas
to visit relatives.
A devoted grandmother and family-oriented woman, RJ found great joy in visiting her daughters’
families and spending time with her grandchildren. She was an enthusiastic supporter of school
activities, regularly attending plays, musicals, and sporting events, and took immense pride in
the Mauston School System.
RJ is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Edwin Rogers, and four daughters. Krista
(Robert) Brooks, Stacey (Phil) Klein, Amanda (Charlie) Staniger, and Courtney (Alex) Tomany.
She is also survived by her thirteen grandchildren: Stephanie and Emily Brooks, Brody and
Aubrey McCluskey, Carson and Lindsay Klein, Kaylee, Ellie, and Molly Staniger, Sophia
Brummund, Grayson, and Gavin Tomany.
She is also survived by her sister, Patricia “Trish” Nicholls, her husband Brian, and their four
children and families. As well as, brothers and sisters-in-law, Judy and Jim Droster, Jody and
Sandy Rogers, and their families.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Mauston. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 5th from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church.
A special thank you to all the medical support staff at Gunderson Lutheran of LaCrosse, Mile
Bluff Medical Center of Mauston, and Fair View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Mauston
Hagenah, Forrest J. “Frosty” Age 74 of Hillsboro
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Forrest J. “Frosty” Hagenah, age 74 years, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Bluffview Memory Care in Holmen.
He was born on December 6, 1949 in Richland Center, the son of John and Belva (Dempsey) Hagenah. Frosty graduated from the Hillsboro High School in 1968 and then served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in 1970-1971.
Frosty returned to Hillsboro and worked in the family logging business. He then attended the Nicolet College for Logging and lived in Rhinelander for a time, before returning back to Hillsboro where he owned and operated the E. Hagenah Lumber Company for many years. Later, Frosty also worked at Whitehall Specialties in Hillsboro.
He was a longtime member of the Hillsboro Area Fire Department and volunteered at their many functions, including the Labor Day festival. He also enjoyed playing softball, golfing, shooting darts, attending Wisconsin Badgers football games in Madison and continuing to visit the Rhinelander area.
Survivors include his siblings, Terry “Scoot” Hagenah (Mike Griffin), John “Twig” (Marsha) Hagenah, Dirk “Chip” (Joanne) Hagenah, Tamara “Tiz” Hagenah and Karl “Dutch” Hagenah; many nieces and nephews and special friend, Joann Biermeier.
A celebration of Frosty’s life will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. A graveside gathering with military rites will take place at the Mount Vernon Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. and then family and friends are invited to the Hillsboro Firemen’s Community Center in Hillsboro for continued celebration.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to an animal shelter or humane society.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting with arrangements, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Maynard, Lee W. Age 81 of Grand Marsh
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Lee W. Maynard, age 81, of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at his home in the Town of Lincoln, Grand Marsh, Wisconsin.
Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 at Arising Christian Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. Dennis Quinnell will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday, December 7th, from 10:00 am until the time of service. Military honors will be presented following the service. Friends and family are then invited to stay for a luncheon beginning at 12:00 Noon.
Lee was born on March 16, 1943 in Adams, Wisconsin to Walter J. and Beulah (McChesney) Maynard. Lee married his loving wife Leonida Remoto on July 19, 1979 in the Philippines.
Lee Maynard graduated from Adams-Friendship High School. He received an Associate’s Degree in military technology and was assigned to Roosevelt Road, Puerto Rico. He retired after 20 years in the United States Navy in 1980. He also received a Word Processor Specialist degree at Mid-State Technical College in May 1990. He then went on to work for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the Wisconsin Council for Developmental Disabilities as a word processing specialist and retired from the State of Wisconsin in 2007. Lee loved God and was very devout. In his spare time Lee enjoyed reading, walking, and carpentry.
Lee was preceded in death by: Walter J. Maynard (Father), Beulah R. Maynard (Mother), and David Maynard (Brother), Renea Maynard (Niece).
Lee Maynard is survived by his wife, Nida (Remoto) Maynard at Grand Marsh; Children, Zander R. Maynard, Spouse Jennifer (Baker) Maynard in Madison, WI; Timothy R. Maynard in Madison, WI, Grandchild: Michael Baker in Madison, WI. Also survived by his brother, Roger J Maynard, Spouse Mary (Cox) Maynard at Beloit, WI.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Stark, Dennis Age 79 of Mauston
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
A memorial funeral service for Dennis Stark, age 79 of Mauston, Wisconsin will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:30 A.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church in New Lisbon, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:30 AM.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila; step-children, Christine (Larry) Arens and Mark (Janet Gibbens), brother Dwight (Reen) Stark, brother-in-law Bick Brockman, grandson Jacob (Jade Mardjetko) Arens; granddaughters, Miranda Stark and Allyson (Christopher) Wilkinson and great-grandson Jayce Wilkinson. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.
The Conway-Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements. For On-Line condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com
Van Pool, Linda Ann Age 66 of Mauston
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Today we celebrate the life of a remarkable soul, Linda Ann (Raese) Van Pool, who walked among us with grace and has now been called home to glory. Linda passed into the heavenly realm on Friday, November 15, 2024, on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Born on the 6th of December 1957, in the town of Tomah, Wisconsin, Linda was a beacon of love and warmth, a daughter to Wayne and Joan Raese, and a sister to James, Dan, and Larry Raese, each accompanied by their loving spouses Sally, Julie, and Maryanne respectively. Linda was blessed with one son Kristopher, as well as a loving relationship and marriage to Harold Van Pool.
Linda’s journey on this earth was marked by her unwavering courage, her loving heart, and her thoughtful nature. After attending Edgerton Senior High School, Linda embraced various roles in her life, from factory work to the noble calling of homemaking, to serving others with a smile as a waitress at Denny’s restaurant where her warm smile and caring nature made her a favorite among patrons. Linda’s colleagues and customers alike will remember her as someone who always went the extra mile to make others feel welcome and cared for. She had a natural ability to connect with people, a quality that endeared her to many.
Linda found joy in the art of cooking and baking, often sharing her delicious creations with friends and family. Her passion extended beyond the confines of her kitchen to the outdoors, where her flower and vegetable gardens stood as a testament to her connection with God’s creation, each bloom and harvest a reflection of her tender care and patience. Linda found joy in the simple pleasures of tending to her plants and sharing their beauty with friends and neighbors.
As we stand together today, let us remember Linda not with the sorrow that death often brings but with the joy of having known such a courageous, loving, and thoughtful soul. She faced the trials of cancer with the same strength and dignity that characterized her life, a testament to her unwavering faith.
We take solace knowing that she rests in the Lord’s embrace, free from pain and suffering. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her spirit will continue to live on through the lives of her family and the countless individuals she touched.
As we bid farewell to Linda, we do so with a sense of profound gratitude for the time we were privileged to share with her. Her journey on this earth may have come to an end, but the memories she created, the love she gave, and the lives she enriched will endure forever. Linda’s story is not one of sorrow, but a celebration of a life well-lived, filled with moments of joy, kindness, and the unwavering courage that defined her.
Linda was preceded in death by her grandparents and husband Harold Van Pool. She is survived by her parents, siblings and son Kristopher as well many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to give special thanks to Agrace Hospice Care. With their kindness, skill, and dedication, Linda was able to spend most of her final days in the home she loved. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the family of Linda (Raese) Van Pool.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 29th at 11:00 A.M. at Faith Christian Church in Mauston. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at the Faith Christian Church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Pastor Ken Kayhart presiding. Burial will take place in the Raese Cemetery in Wonewoc. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.
Lampe, Richard “Dick” Carl Age 83 of Big Flats
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Richard “Dick” Carl Lampe, age 83, of Big Flats, WI and Edinburg, TX (formerly of Eagle, Muskego and Okauchee, WI), found peace on Wednesday, November 14, 2024 and is without doubt ecstatic to be with his Lord and Savior.
Born September 6, 1941 in Okauchee, WI he was the son of Carl and Elizabeth (nee Mortenson) Lampe. A graduate of Oconomowoc High School, Dick worked as a Draftsman and later in Purchasing roles for Waukesha Foundry/Waukesha Pump and Waukesha Cherry-Burrell, retiring in 2007 from Buell Motorcycles as a Purchasing Engineer.
Dick was an avid fisherman and hunter most of his life, a malt beverage enthusiast, loyal Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed playing cards, softball, bowling, golfing, motorcycling and traveling – in particular, to Mexico, the Indianapolis 500 and WI Badger Rosebowl Games.
Upon retiring full-time in Big Flats, WI, (his version of ‘paradise’) he took on civic leadership roles as a Town Board Supervisor 1, Neighborhood Watch Patroller, Planning Commission member, and a frequent attendee of Town Hall Meetings.
A dedicated Christian who read the bible front to back multiple times, Dick participated in a 2012 missionary trip to the Holy Land (Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, Nazareth and Amman). He looked forward to one day meeting Jesus Christ, and often declared his love of his ‘little church,’ Zion Lutheran Church, Big Flats, WI, where he would volunteer for various events and projects.
Dick is survived by ex-wives Kathy (nee Hoskins) and Cheri (nee Lowe), his children Debra Lampe-Revolinski of Milwaukee, Jeffrey (and Lisa) Lampe of Wind Lake and Cheryl (Cheri) Lampe of North Prairie, as well as six grandchildren, Adam Raap, Dylan (and Ashley) Raap, Megan (and Jake) Uttke, Morgan (and Brandon) Challe Daniels, Jordan Lampe and Piper Lampe, eight great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Pauline Kopatich (nee Lampe).
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Marshfield Clinic, Cattails Place and St. Croix Hospice for their swift response and wonderful compassion. In addition, we extend our gratitude for the love and affection of his neighbors and friends. You embraced our father, and he was blessed by your love. You know who you are – God’s blessings upon you all!
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, 886 Bighorn Avenue, Big Flats, WI 54943 (3 miles east of Hwy 13). Visitation will begin at 11:00AM, followed at 12:00 pm with a service and interment of ashes, and a luncheon at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of the following non-profits supported by Dick is encouraged: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital, UNICEF USA and Zion Lutheran Church in Big Flats, WI.
The service will be live streamed on Facebook at: https://facebook.com/events/s/richard-lampes-memorial-servic/3936855329859254/
Huber, Albert Fritz, Age 92 of Grand Marsh
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Albert Fritz Huber, age 91, passed away on November 23rd, 2024 due to a stroke.
He was born on June 15, 1933. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Laura Bea Huber. Also his siblings Heinrich Huber, Verena Vinti-Huber, Maria Ritter, Bernhard Huber, and Markus Paul Huber; many nieces and nephews; and a vast spiritual family of brothers and sisters. His parents Albert and Ida Huber and two sisters Marion Huber and Ursula Theiler preceded him in death.
His early life was spent in Richterswil, Switzerland on Lake Zurich. At age 23 he immigrated to Canada and after various stops finally settled in Germantown, Wisconsin near Milwaukee. He was a bus driver for 27 years in Milwaukee and during this time he was introduced to his first love, his Creator Jehovah God. His focus from the time of baptism on June 29th 1974 then became his ministry. This led to his finding his second love, his wife eight years later on February 10th, 1982 and they were married on July 31, 1982.
They led an adventurous and fulfilling life in the ministry which caused them to settle in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin on June 28th, 1989. Here they made many friends and found fulfillment in the ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
He was known for his baking abilities from his early training in Switzerland. Also for his chocolate clusters and was often called, “The Candy Man” by many of his friends. His yodel was a common feature enjoyed by all. He will be greatly missed by all of his friends and relatives.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 30th, 2024 at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 1826 State Hwy 13, Friendship, WI. Visitation will begin on Saturday at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall at 12:30 p.m. until the time of service.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.
