Obituaries

Daniel “Dan” Schluter, 66, of rural Lyndon Station, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mauston, WI, with Father Cruz Divakaran Iruthayam celebrating. Visitations will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Conway-Picha Funeral Home in Lyndon Station from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and again on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
Dan was born on July 25, 1958, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, to Edmund and Mary (Fuller) Schluter. He grew up with a strong sense of family and hard work; values that he carried throughout his life. In October 1981, he married the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” Burns. Together, they built a life filled with love and cherished memories, sharing 38 wonderful years until her passing in 2020.
From an early age, he developed a love for the outdoors and fast cars—two things that defined some of his life. Whether he was out in the woods hunting or cheering on his favorite driver on race day, he always found joy in the things he loved most.
A dedicated outdoorsman, Dan spent countless hours hunting and enjoying nature. The thrill of the chase, the quiet moments in the woods, and the camaraderie of hunting season were things he cherished deeply. When he wasn’t in the great outdoors, he was tuned into a NASCAR race, passionately rooting for his favorite driver and soaking in the excitement of the track. He made every Daytona 500 a special event, whether attending in person or watching from home surrounded by family and friends.
He took great pride in keeping his yard lush, green and flawless, earning plenty of friendly teasing from neighbors and friends about his unwavering dedication to his “lawn masterpiece.” Whether meticulously mowing in perfect lines or ensuring every blade of grass was just right, his yard was always a reflection of his care and attention to detail. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered with every freshly cut lawn and blooming garden.
Above all, Dan was a devoted family man. He cherished every moment with his loved ones, from cheering on his children, Jason and Brittany in sports to later beaming with pride as he watched his granddaughters’ activities. His kind heart, steadfast work ethic, and unwavering love for his family will be profoundly missed but forever remembered.
Dan is survived by his loving daughter, Brittany (Joe) Dolphin, and his cherished granddaughters, Adalyn, Harper, and Madison. He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers, Richard (Kathleen) Schluter, Dean (Claudia) Schluter, and Jeff (Brenda) Schluter.
He is now at peace, lovingly reunited with his beloved wife, Patty, and his son, Jason, finding comfort together once more. Along with his parents Edmund and Mary.
Though he may no longer be by our side; his love, wisdom, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Kenneth (Kenny) C. Fauska, 83, of Warrens, WI went home to be with Jesus on February 20, 2025. 

Funeral Services for Kenny will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Tomah. Pastors Bryan Johnson and Thomas Coleman will officiate. Kenny will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Dannavang Cemetery in Warrens. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Additional visitation will be held on Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church.  The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.

Yvonne M. Ganster, age 76 of Camp Douglas, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at her home in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Urban and Vivian (Weidner) Welter and was born on February 18, 1948, in Elgin, Illinois.

Yvonne’s early years in Elgin set the stage for a life rich in values. She was a proud graduate of St. Viator & Sacred Heart of Mary’s Catholic High School, where she cultivated her faith-filled spirit and a dedication to lifelong learning.  She would later move back to the Elroy area in 1986, then to Mauston in 2001 and then to Arkdale with her husband Ken in 2020.  After Ken’s passing she moved to Camp Douglas. For many years, she worked for the Dumore Cooperation in Mauston, skillfully building small electric motors until her well-deserved retirement in 2013.

Throughout her life, Yvonne’s interests and hobbies reflected her loving and generous character. She found joy in the simplicity of gardening, canning the bounty of vegetables she and her family grew together. Her home was a hub of activity, with ducks and chickens she delighted in raising. Yvonne and her late husband, Ken, shared a passion for woodworking, creating countless treasures for their loved ones. Their homemade Christmas presents, a tradition started in 2018, were crafted with love and cherished by all who received them. Yvonne’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. As a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mauston, she embraced her community with open arms and a warm heart.

Family was the essence of Yvonne’s world. She is survived by her loving children, Dawn Dittburner of Sparta, Candi (Chris) Brow of Hustler, Johnny (Jessica) Clark of Tomah, Briana Clark of Sheboygan, and Matt (Angela) Clark of Baraboo. Her grandchildren, Amber, Kaleb, Chelsey, Shelby, Alexis, Christian Jr., Kadin, Grace, Jorah, Harrison and step grandson Landon, along with great-grandchildren Amaya, Athrun, and Kiran, will carry forward the joy and love she instilled in them. Yvonne’s siblings, Rick (Randi) Welter of Burlington, Bonnie Rosensteel of Oshkosh, and Terry (Jeff) Fischer of Lake Zurich, IL, will forever cherish the memories of their sister. Her life was also graced by an infant son, Jimmy, and a grandson, Dustin Brow, who preceded her in death, as did her parents.

As we bid farewell to Yvonne, we take solace in knowing that her journey has not ended but merely transformed, as she is now embraced by the love that knows no bounds. Her life was a testament to the beauty of giving, the strength of faith, and the enduring power of love.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 26^th, 2025, at 11:00 A.M at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (401 Mansion St) in Mauston.  Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service.  Inurnment will take place in St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in New Lisbon.  Fr. Cruz Divakaran Iruthayam presiding.  The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting with the arrangements.  Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com