Obituaries

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Edna M. Jensen, age 82, of New Lisbon, WI. She peacefully left this world on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Fair View Nursing & Rehab Center in Mauston, WI.

Edna was born on April 13, 1942, to Otto and Augusta Baumgart. She grew up in a home filled with hard work and faith, values she carried throughout her life. A proud graduate of Necedah High School's Class of 1960, Edna later found the love of her life in Richard “Dick” Jensen. They married on September 19, 1964, at St. James Lutheran Church in Necedah, beginning a journey of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership that lasted 58 beautiful years until Dick’s passing in April 2023.

Together, Edna and Dick built not only a family but also a family business. Running their dragline and later concrete company, Edna’s sharp mind and meticulous attention to detail kept everything in order. She wasn’t just a business partner—she was the heart of their operation, ensuring that every job ran smoothly. After closing the business, she continued to serve her community, first as an aide at Necedah Schools, where she became a favorite among students and staff, and later as a transportation specialist at Best Power, where her dedication earned her the title of Employee of the Year.

Edna and Dick shared a passion for travel, exploring the country together and making every adventure special. They loved dining out, savoring the simple pleasure of a good meal, hot cup of coffee, and each other’s company. But of all her joys in life, nothing compared to her family. Edna was a devoted grandmother, never missing a game, a match, or a recital—always there, cheering from the sidelines with love and pride.

Her faith was a guiding light in her life. A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, she gave back through teaching Sunday school, organizing the Christmas program, and leading Girl Scouts. She was also the mom who made sure her daughters, Rena and Cindy, had the best Halloween costumes on the block, crafting them with love and creativity. Edna’s warmth and playful spirit shone brightest around the holidays. Her famous cut-out Christmas cookies, loaded with frosting, and potato salad were family favorites. And though she was an incredible cook, her grandchildren will always remember her for one of their favorite meals—Kraft Mac and Cheese, made just the way Nana did it. Her heart grew even fuller with the arrival of her first great-grandson, Baker, whose photos never failed to bring a sparkle to her eye.

Edna lived a life full of love, faith, and kindness. She was a woman who worked hard, loved deeply, and always showed up—whether it was for her family, her church, or her community. Her presence will be missed beyond words but remembered with every holiday tradition, every cheer from the sidelines, and every bite of a frosted Christmas cookie.

Edna is survived by her loving daughters, Rena (Ed) Sabey of Merrill, WI, and Cindy (Craig) Bell of New Lisbon, WI; her cherished grandchildren, Jessica (Josè) Matamoros, Jacob (Emily) Sabey, Adam (Olivia Adamson) Bell, and Derek Bell; and her first great-grandson, Baker James Sabey. She also leaves behind siblings and in-laws: Richard (Jeannie) Baumgart, Frances Wilson, Geraldine Rattunde, Joyce Baumgart, Glen (Sandy) Jensen, and Ruth Jensen, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She is now reunited in heaven with her husband, Dick, her parents, Otto and Augusta, her brother, Otto Baumgart Jr., and many other loved ones and in-laws who went before her.

A special thank you to Mile Bluff Hospital, Fair View Nursing Home, and Pastor Roger Erdman for their compassion and support in Edna’s final months. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Edna’s memory can be made to St. James Lutheran Church in Necedah.

A celebration of Edna’s life will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Necedah, with Pastor Roger Erdman officiating. She will be laid to rest beside Dick at Bayview Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A luncheon will follow at St. James Lutheran Church, where we can share stories, laughter, and memories of a woman who meant so much to so many.

We love you, Mom, Nana, and Great-Grandma Edna. You will always be in our hearts.

Daniel H. Nicholson, age 80 of New Lisbon, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, at the Serenity House in Tomah, Wisconsin. Danny was the son of Walter and Rowena (Wagner) Nicholson and was born on July 2, 1944, in Pontiac, Illinois.  His father later married Lorraine Vavryk and she played a huge role in Dan’s life as his stepmother.

Daniel, known affectionately as “Dan” to his friends and family, graduated from New Lisbon High School in 1962. His passion for the automotive industry led him to further his education with numerous certification classes. Dan was married to Diana Kling on June 19, 1965, and they had two children Sherrie and Mark, she later preceded him in death on January 22, 1978.  Dan later married Kathleen Wortner nee Voznak on September 29, 1978, and he welcomed Kathy’s children Jeffrey and Jennifer into the family, and they later had a son together, Jason.

His knowledge and his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to purchase a gas and service station on Adams Street, which he expanded into a successful auto parts business, and D&K pool supply business. Even in retirement, he continued to engage with his community by venturing into the motel business in Necedah. Daniel’s commitment to service was evident in the various roles he undertook, from driving a school bus for New Lisbon and Necedah to transporting veterans to their appointments. He also lent his talents to snowplowing for the New Lisbon airport and working at the Necedah auto parts store. In recent years, he was a valued employee at Rudig Jensen, where his wealth of experience and friendly demeanor were greatly appreciated.

Daniel’s community involvement extended beyond his professional pursuits. He was a proud member of the Masons, achieving the rank of Master Mason for the Juneau County Lodges. His dedication to the craft was further recognized through his induction into the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Additionally, he contributed his time and energy to the Lion’s Club, where he formed lasting friendships and made significant contributions to the community he cherished.

A man of many interests, Daniel enjoyed the great outdoors, whether it was fishing with his buddies in Canada and Wisconsin, hunting, or snowmobiling.  He also enjoyed NASCAR. He had a talent for tinkering and could often be found in his garage working on lawnmowers or any gadget that caught his fancy. His love for finding treasures took him to numerous auctions and garage sales, activities he relished in his leisure time.

Those who knew Daniel will remember him as a loving and friendly individual. He was the handyman of the family, always ready to lend a helping hand or share his expertise. His warm presence and infectious smile will be deeply missed.

Daniel’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Kathleen Nicholson, and his children: Sherrie Bester of La Crosse, Mark (Janice) Nicholson of Tomah, Jeffrey Wortner of Sarasota, FL, Jennifer Pray of Necedah, and Jason (Bridget) Nicholson of Shorewood, IL. He was a cherished grandfather to Danita Miller, Averii Bester, Marissah Bester, Bryce Nicholson, Mackenzie Nicholson, Jordan Smith, Maci Hutchins, and Aubrey Nicholson, and a great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Dale Nicholson of Pardeeville, John Nicholson of New Lisbon, Larry (Sue) Nicholson of New Lisbon, and Brenda Nicholson of New Lisbon, along with many other relatives and friends who held him dear.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Pauline, his first wife Diana, half-sister Maxine, his stepmother Lorraine, sister-in-law Mary Nicholson and many more beloved relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the New Lisbon Community Center (110 Welch Prairie Rd) from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.  The family requests memorials to the ALS foundation at, http://web.alsa.org/goto/DanNicholson     The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

John Vincent Gullo, aged 59, passed away peacefully on March 5,2025 after his tough battle with cancer at Mile Bluff Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on January 19,1966 in Chicago, Illinois to Vincent & Carolyn Gullo. John was a firefighter on Lake Delton Fire Department for 6 years along with being a truck driver. John loved watching his grandkids play sports, and spending time playing with his dogs Luna & Max.

He is survived by his children Mike Gullo (Misty), Christina Gullo and Brittany Waddell (Bobby) also his grandchildren Malachi, Cooper and Zech, Bobby and Nevaeh, Elise and Josslynn, Jared, Michala and his sister Denise D’Anna (Tony) and many loving family members & friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandson Tyler, and his grandmother Mary & grandpa Benjamin also uncle Butch, aunt Mary and uncle Frank.

A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 3:45 P.M.. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 East Monowau Street, Tomah Father Eric Berns will officiate.

Family, and friends are invited to a visitation from 12 Noon until the time of the service.  Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com