Obituaries

Sidney Gene Mead was born March 4, 1938 (“the day the lights came on in the valley”) at his home in Henrietta Township in Cazenovia, Wisconsin. He went to be with his Lord on Saturday, August 31, after a long battle with many health issues.

He was the middle child of Henry and Mildred (Satterlee). Growing up on a farm cultivated his hard work ethic and love for animals. Sid attended Richland Center High School (Go Hornets!) where he was a featherweight Golden Glove boxer.

 After high school, Sid enlisted in the U.S. Army and served six years in the Army Reserves as a supply clerk. During this time, he found the love of his life, Mary McGarty. The story goes that Mary felt sorry for people in the military who did not receive letters, so she was given Sid’s address from her friend, and they became penpals. They first met when he got off the train in Elroy, coming home on leave. Sid and Mary proceeded to have dates playing Monopoly and Canasta under the watchful eye of Mary’s mother. They were married on September 7, 1957, at St. Patrick’s Church in Elroy. They were looking forward to celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary. Sid and Mary’s marriage was blessed with six children.

Sid was an auto mechanic in the area for many years. He then started Mead’s Road Service, a 24 hour towing service which he and his wife ran for 13 years. Always putting others first, Sid’s kindness, compassion, and generosity was felt throughout the community.

Sid was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Mauston for most of his life. He was the president of the Metropolitan Car Club of Wisconsin. Sid and Mary enjoyed many road trips with their little black and white “Met”. He and Mary enjoyed camping and making friends with fellow campers.

Sid was known for his great sense of humor. He had a zest for life and desire to lift the spirits of all those around him. People who knew him will always remember him laughing, joking, playing harmonica, and trying to make others smile.

Sid is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his brother Carl Mead (Reedsburg); his children: Peggy (Randy) Adank of Lone Rock, Sidney Jr. (Sally Mulroy) Mead of Florida, John (Karen) Mead of Mauston, David (Audra) Mead of Wautoma, and Richard (Amy) Mead of Plover; his grandchildren: Adam, Heather, Amanda, Rabi, Damion, Katie, and Riley. He also had twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mildred Mead, his daughter, Kathleen, his siblings, Charlotte Daniels, Shirley Kidd, Cecil Mead, and his brother-in-law, Rich McGarty.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Fairview Nursing Home for the excellent care and love they gave Sid.

 Services for Sid will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Church in Mauston. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. and the funeral Mass will be at 11:30 with a luncheon to follow. Sid will be buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery with military honors.

In loving memory of Joseph Dominic Artuso, also known as Joe, Joey, Jofess, age 35, who tragically passed away on August 22, 2024.  Joe was born in Harvey, Illinois and grew up in Arkdale, Wisconsin. Joe attended Adams-Friendship high school where he played football, was Homecoming King, and graduated in 2007. He went on to attend DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois graduating with a bachelors degree, focusing on Business Finance and Marketing. After graduating, Joe worked in banking and finance. His passion for working with people led him to the service industry, where he remained for many years employed in Illinois and Wisconsin. He took pride in working at Yak-Zies located in Wrigleyville in Chicago, bartending during the 2016 World Series, when the Cubs took the win. In recent years he was well known and loved as a caddy at Sand Valley Golf Course in Rome, WI as “Spiderman” and worked at Jacoby Custom Cues in Nekoosa, WI. Joe found playing guitar to be therapeutic. He dedicated countless hours to learning how to read music, play guitar and sing. He was vocalist and lead guitar in a local band he founded with his childhood friend, The New Toys. He wrote an original song and knew how to play many. His heart belonged to the blues, but his love for music was vast. He also loved being on the golf course and playing pool (billiards). He played in multiple tournaments and on various teams. Pool also became a therapeutic outlet and major focus of his life. He loved nature and adventure. Joe traveled throughout the United States exploring National Parks and Cities. He dreamt of living a nomadic lifestyle seeing the world. He enjoyed hiking, bass fishing and kayaking. He was a phenomenal uncle and his legacy will live on through River, Ryan, Joe and Sean. In every stage of his life, Joe made lasting friendships and touched the lives of those he met and spent time with. Joe’s wisdom, kindness and generosity was received by many. He is survived by his mother, Nancy Artuso, his sisters Alexis Artuso (Don) and Laurie Yankauskas (Dominick) his brothers Leo Artuso Jr. (Karen) and Josh Ready (Missy) and his partner Kalissa Winkels. He also left behind his companion, his dog Rosie. Joe is preceded in death by his father Leo Artuso and sisters Theodora Artuso and Angel Artuso. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Nancy Artuso at 1149 15th Avenue Arkdale, WI 54613

Or give online

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at the Lake Arrowhead Park Shelter, 324 15th Ave., Nekoosa, WI 54457.

Donald M. Evans, age 77, of Oxford, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024, following a brief battle with cancer with his wife and daughters by his side at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

Memorial services will be at 12:30 p.m. with military honors to follow on Saturday, August 31,2024, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin.  Rev. Sam Downey will officiate. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Davis Corners Cemetery, at a later date.

Don was born June 26, 1947, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin to Max and Lorraine Evans.

He proudly served in the United States Army from October 26, 1966, and was honorably discharged on October 25, 1968. Following his active status he then completed 4 years reserve time. 

Don married Gail M. Coon on December 20, 1969, in Davis Corners, WI.

He drove for Brakebush Bros Transportation for 37 years before his retirement in 2012.

Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching the Brewers & Packers, and doing word puzzles. He loved gardening, his most favorite to grow was corn. His family would so often hear him say, “I love corn”, they don’t even know how many times they have heard that! Above all, Don especially loved his family and his chocolate labs. 

He was a member of the Snider-Richardson Post 273.  

Don was preceded in death by his parents: Max & Lorraine; father-in-law & mother-in-law: Walter & Audrey Coon; sister-in-law: Linda Evans; 3 brothers-in-law: Larry, Alan & Rick Coon, and niece Rhonda Reetz.

Survivors include his bride of 55 years: Gail; three daughters: Marci (Kory) Drew, Wendi (Dan) Schueler & Traci (Eric) Meyer; brothers: Tom Evans & Dennis (Kay) Evans; sister-in-law: Cherie; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two step-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Don’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at UW Hospital who he called his “team” especially the nurses who gave him exceptional care.    

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and

further information.

Lance Wagner, age 66 of Mauston, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. 

A Celebration of Lance’s life will take place on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 12:00 – 4:00 PM at the American Legion in Mauston, Wisconsin. 

Lance was born on April 20, 1958 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The son of Clarence “Bud” and Maryanne “Tiny” (Gradinjan) Wagner. He married his beloved Lynn Pieper on August 9, 1986, and just recently celebrated their 38th year of marriage. Lance was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and mentor.  He was known for his compassion, loyalty, persistence, stubborn nature, and honesty (even though he enjoyed spinning tall tales).  He never shied away from a challenge, whether in work or play. His energetic and laughter-filled presence was contagious, leaving everyone with a smile. In his younger days, he was an all-around athlete who enjoyed busting moves on the dance floor, spinning records as a DJ, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  Further highlighting his creative side, he participated in choir and numerous plays in his school days.  He had a strong passion for the food and beverage industry which left a lasting impact during his 50+ year career and was a recipient of many awards, recognition and accolades. Lance took pride in being involved within his community, providing meals on wheels for seniors and hosting many local fundraising events. His idea of a perfect day involved being with family, cheering on his favorite sports team (GO PACK GO) with his sons and a cold drink, or winning at slots with the love of his life Lynn. He cherished life’s simple pleasures: watching his grandchildren play, bonfires, birdwatching, morning coffee chats, fantasy sports as the 2023 Fantasy Football Reigning Champion, watching movies, tv shows and lately anime. Lance has left us with many unforgettable memories to cherish and will be greatly missed and forever loved, LUM.

Lance leaves behind his wife Lynn, and sons; Jacob (Olivia), Eli (Ally), A.J. (fiancé Kayla), and Quinn; brothers; Kurt (Sharon), David (Colleen) Gary, Kent, Glenn (Tina) and Don (Stacey); sisters Karen (Wayne), Kim (Jeff); and his 5 grandchildren: Reeve, Ryn, Wayklee, Paisley, and Jackson. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark, sister-in-law Barb Wagner, and nephew Bradley. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lance’s name can be sent to the family at:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-lances-family-and-memorial

The Wagner Family would like to thank the Conway-Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin assisting with arrangements.