Obituaries
Hunkins, Daniel F. “Hunky” Age 74 of Necedah
Daniel F. “Hunky” Hunkins, the man whose laughter was as infectious as his legendary card-playing skills, left this world for the great sheepshead tournament in the sky on November 29, 2024. Born on April 16, 1950, in the town of Waukesha, WI, Hunky’s life was a vibrant hand well-played, filled with joy, humor, and a touch of mischief.
Hunky’s journey took him from the halls of Necedah High School, where he graduated in 1968, to the grounds of UW-La Crosse, earning his cap and gown in ’74. He wasn’t just the life of the party; he was the architect of it, owning and operating Red’s Bar for 13 years, where the drinks flowed as freely as the jokes. As a property owner and manager, and the mastermind behind Necedah Amusements since ’88, he passed more than just a successful business to his three sons; he passed on a legacy of work work work, after all, it’s all PR.
At home, Hunky was the beloved husband to Roberta “Bobbie” Hunkins, his partner in crime for 49 memorable years. He was the ringleader and patriarch to Matt (Rhonda) of Necedah, Mike (Tiffany), and Marc (Micki) Hunkins of New Lisbon. Let’s not forget the apples of his eye, his grandchildren, Isaac and Hannah, whose sports games he never missed, and who will no doubt inherit his playful spirit His sisterhood squad, Christine Cavadini from Minnesota and Donna Jorandby (Bill) from Eau Claire, along with beloved aunts Toni and Betty, will all miss the family prankster. Hunky was welcomed to the other side by his parents, Everett and Dorothy (Lombardi) Hunkins, his in-laws Robert and Eleanor (Bushee) Neibauer, and a line of aunts and uncles who had no doubt been waiting to pull his leg just like old times.
Hunky was a man who understood the value of a good bluff, the importance of a perfectly timed joke, and the thrill of the hunt in his younger days. His days were often spent at Randall’s, shuffling cards with longtime friends. Oh, and the shenanigans! Hunky was a maestro of mischief, each prank a symphony of snickers and guffaws. He was the architect of joy, building bridges of chuckles and highways of hilarity, ensuring that wherever he went, a trail of smiles was left in his wake. Dan was loved by many, and it’s a safe bet that the heavens are a little brighter now.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 8th, 2024 at the New Lisbon Community Center from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Orlowski, Richark (Rick) Joseph Age 76 of New Lisbon
Richard (Rick) Joseph Orlowski age 76 of New Lisbon, passed away on December 1, 2024 at his home. Born on December 4, 1947, in Bridgeport, CT, to Joseph Orlowski and Sophie (Federowicz) Orlowski. Richard’s early years were filled with the kind of mischievous antics that would later define his role as the family joker.
After graduating from Warren Harding High School in Bridgeport, CT, Rick proudly served his country in US Air Force, from 1967- 1971 as a Sergeant responsible for nuclear weapons at Volkfield. A role that, no doubt, benefited from his precision and ability to keep things light under pressure. Upon being honorably discharged, Rick’s life took on various roles, from draftsman at Leers to supervisor at Vacuum Platers, and finally, as a cashier at Ho-Chunk Casino, where he loved entertaining the public.
Rick’s personal life was as full and vibrant as his professional one. He first married Jean Clark, with whom he shared two wonderful children, Ryan and Janel, and they later divorced. In 1993, he married Judy Lovegreen in New Lisbon, and together they crafted a life filled with laughter and love.
Rick was a former Police & Fire Commissioner for Mauston, WI. Rick could be found in his workshop, where he was a master of woodwork and fixing just about anything. His hobbies also included tinkering around the house and being the life of the party, whether that meant cracking jokes, flirting harmlessly, or enjoying a few drinks with his buddies.
Rick was the proud father to Ryan (Marcie) Orlowski of Lyndon Station, WI, Janel Dietl of Reedsburg, WI, Michelle (Alan) Pinkham of Milton, WI, Eric (Sarah) Lovegreen of Wonewoc, WI, and Rachel (Chuck) Lamb of Wis. Rapids, WI. His legacy also includes nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom inherited his knack for humor and his generous spirit.
Rick’s sisters, Justine Gaffney of Bridgeport, CT, Norene (Jim) Corcoran of Bridgeport, CT, and Sandy (Tom) Thaxton of Englewood, FL, will remember him as the brother who could always be counted on for a good laugh or a helping hand.
He is proceeded in death by his parents and sister Peggy and two grandsons, Zachary and Shaun Lovegreen.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 6:00P.M. at the Hare Funeral Home (217 W. Pearl St) in New Lisbon. Relatives and friends are invited to a vistiation on Friday at the Hare Funeral Home from 4:00P.M until the time of service. Pastor Jill Nowlan presiding. Military Honors will take place after the memorial service. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Chambers, Roger Lee Age 86 of Friendship
Roger Lee Chambers, 86, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away suddenly in his home on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Roger was born on Aug. 24th, 1938 in Swea City, Iowa. His mother was Adeline Berniece Severson Chambers and his father Charles Henry Chambers. He had one brother, Theadore Allen Chambers. During their early years, Roger’s family lived in Livermore, Ia. When Roger and Ted started elementary school, the family moved to Oneal, Nebraska, where Charles was self- employed as an electrician. During Roger’s junior high school years, the family moved to Ringsted, Ia., where his father was employed in an implement farm dealership.
After high school graduation, Roger went on to Westmar College where he received his teaching degree in 1960. In June of 1960, Roger married his college sweetheart, Ellen Louise Durin. Roger went on to receive a masters degree in math education from Ohio State University and completed 30 credits after that through various universities. Roger taught math in Ida Grove, Iowa, University of Dubuque, Dubuque Senior High School, Black Hawk High School, South Wayne, WI., and Adams-Friendship High School, Adams, WI. After retiring from teaching, he served as executive director of Wisconsin Association of Student Counsel for 5 years in Madison, WI. He then retired in 2005.
Roger is survived by his wife Ellen of 63 years and three children: Catherine Louise Chambers, (Troy Castorena ) of Gilbert, Arizona, Marc (Jennifer) Chambers of Portsmouth, Virginia and William (Dawn) Chambers of New Glarus, Wisconsin. Grandchildren Carri Chambers , Morghan Castorena, Jake (Miranda) Castorena, Allison Donner and Katie Donner. Great grandchildren Ava, Camdon and Kaison Castorena.
In honor of Roger’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com to offer the family online condolences.
Haschke, Artress Annie Age 98 of Fountain Township New Lisbon
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
