Obituaries
Van Pool, Linda Ann Age 66 of Mauston
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
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
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.
Johns, Bonnie Maureen Age 75 of Tomah
Bonnie Maureen Johns, 75, of Tomah, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Serenity Hospice House in Tomah. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Serenity House, in Tomah, for being Bonnie’s final blessing. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Reed, Sally Maureen Age 88 of Lake Arrowhead
Schnurr, Mary Barbara Age 88 of Hillsboro
Mary Barbara Schnurr, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the age of 88. She was surrounded by her loving family, who will forever remember her warmth, generosity, and deep love for them.
Mary was born on April 1, 1936, and spent much of her life in the Hillsboro area, where she raised her family and built lasting relationships within the community. For 30 years, she dedicated herself to her work as a cook at the Hillsboro Hospital.
Above all, Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always ready to offer love, support, and guidance. Her home was a gathering place for family celebrations and holiday traditions, and she took immense pride in decorating for each special occasion.
Mary’s culinary talents were legendary, especially her baking. She had a special gift for making breads, rolls, and her signature ?eský Kolá?, which she lovingly prepared and shared with those she loved. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, where her family and friends could always count on a delicious meal and a comforting presence.
Mary is survived by her children: Nancy Schnurr, Steven (Barb) Schnurr, Rick Schnurr, Sue Schnurr, her grandchildren: Christopher (Kelsey) Fatzinger-Schnurr, Kaite (Josh) Dalke, Kim (Olive Kaiser) Schnurr, and her great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts forever. She was preceded in death by her Parents: Edward and Emma (Pliner) Novy, and brothers: Raymond Novy, Lester Novy, and sister Ramona (Novy) Raab.
Mary’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Private family services will be held at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Baerbock, Evelyn Lucille Age 101 of New Lisbon
Evelyn Lucille Baerbock, 101, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in New Lisbon, WI.
She was born on April 9, 1923, in LaGrange Township, WI to Fred and Iva (Mentz) Quass, being an only child. She graduated from College High in Whitewater, WI in 1941.
Evelyn married Donald Baerbock on November 8, 1945, in East Troy, WI. They were married for 58 years until his death
In 1957 they moved to Elkhorn, WI. She was employed at Lakeland Hospital for 10 years and then Doctors Clinic SC in Elkhorn for 20 years. She worked various positions in healthcare.
Evelyn and her husband retired to Adams County, WI in 1987. For 16 years she served on the ACMH (now Moundview Hospital) board, 12 of those years as president. She was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the Mauston Methodist Church and also served as local and district president of the United Methodist Women.
She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Evelyn and her husband loved to travel. Places visited: Alaska, Hawaii, England, Caribbean, and the continental US. She also loved visiting with friends that she forged lifetime friendships with.
Evelyn loved finding a good deal. Often going to garage sales, thrift stores, and antique shops. She collected antiques throughout her life a lot of them including family heirlooms from glassware to furniture. Evelyn was also an avid gardener.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Donald Baerbock (December 2003). She is survived by her children Duane (Linda) Baerbock of Lake Geneva, WI and Eileen (Larry) Williams of Niagara, WI, 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Mauston Methodist Church on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 10 am, funeral services following at 11 am.
Peters, Lois E. Age 76 of Tomah
Lois E. Peters, 76, died on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Tomah Health surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 14, 1948, to Steven and Edith (Bonsall) Kelly in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. She was a member of the Delavan High School Graduating Class of 1966. Lois was united in marriage to Lewis Peters in 1972 in Delevan, WI. After they were married they lived in Darien, WI and in 1978 they relocated to the Tomah area. Throughout her life, Lois worked at the O’Rustic Inn, Burnstad’s Packporch, and also cleaned homes. She loved crafting, and antiquing. She enjoyed working around the house; making it into a warm and welcoming home, working with her flowers and gardens. Lois loved being a mom, grandmother and great-grandmother and her family camping trips were always special. She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart knowing she loved you more!
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Lewis Peters; father, Steven Kelly of Monument, CO; step father, Bob Schiller of New Lisbon; daughter, Kim (Aaron) Mockler of Sun Prairie; grandchildren, Cody (Kailyn Schaitel) Peters, Hayden (Alayna) Peters, Brady Mockler, Beau Mockler; great grandchildren, Kyler and Chad; siblings, Linda (Tony) Kaderabek of Appleton, Patrick Kelly of Rochester, Peggy (Allen) Eaves of Grandview, TN, Pamela (Jim) Parco of Monument, CO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Chad Peters; her mother, Edith; and her father and mother-in-law, Maynard and Marian Peters.
A Prayer Service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, 7:00 PM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Pastor Robert Gerke will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Camp Douglas Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Monday at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Lorenzen, Scott Earl Age 62 of Nekoosa
Scott attended school in Columbus, WI until 5th grade when the family moved to Adams-Friendship. He enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball in High School. Graduating in 1981 he then went to trade school in Wisconsin Rapids. Having his CDL license he moved to Texas working as a surveyor and Vibe Operator for an oil company. After a couple years the company moved him to Montana and Wyoming. He worked out West for 2 ½ years before moving back to Wisconsin. Scott enjoyed traveling and was not a fan of Wisconsin winters so off he went to work in Florida.
In 1987-1988 he moved back home and worked for Rhinehart Building, then for Best Energies as a shipping clerk. When Best downsized Scott joined a tower painting crew then started his own business. When he became ill, and diagnosed with cancer at the age of 59, he took a part time maintenance position for the town of Rome. He was in remission at time of his passing.
Scott had met the love of his life, Sherry Marie Cook. So very kind and good they were to one another.
Scott very much enjoyed strumming away on his guitar, sitting outside watching the wildlife, campfires, spending time with and helping friends. He belonged to The River Rats Camping group.
Scott was preceded in joining the Lord: Mother and Father, Earl Lorenzen and Georgiana Klicko (Lorenzen).
Scott is survived by Sherry Marie Cook (soulmate); Sister Donna Abfall (Lorenzen); Brother-in-law Roger Abfall; Nephew Mac Abfall; Nieces: Jocelyn Feest (Abfall), Georgiana Reichard (Abfall), and Mikkin Budiac (Abfall); and 4 great nieces.
Visitation 11:00 followed by 12 noon service on November 16, 2024 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship followed by a gathering and meal at 1:00 at VFW in Adams, WI.
Rhinehart, Chris John Age 88 of Easton
Oldest child of Kenneth Keith and Beulah Ione (Byers) Rhinehart, Chris was born on September 21, 1936. He graduated Adams-Friendship Area High School in the class of 1954. He ran cross country and was a FFA member. Chris served in the US Army from February 1959 to January 1961 in Korea doing construction work. He received an Honorable Discharge and was a Decorated Marksman (rifle). Chris worked for DL Gasser Construction starting April 1966 (36 years) retiring on December 31, 2002. He remains a legend as Bony among crews still today. After retiring from DL Gasser Construction he continued working for his cousin Dale at Rhinehart Construction Adams, WI until 2017. Chris purchased the family farm in Easton, WI from his parents in 1968, milking cows and crop farming.
On December 23, 1973 he married the love of his life Clara Ann Burdi Nero in Chicago, IL.
Chris enjoyed spending time with family, nightly dinners at Jeff and Sara’s house, Wednesday night supper club and Friday night Fish Fries at his brother’s Springville Tap along with helping his family with all their projects.
Chris enjoyed watching the Wisconsin Badges, Packers and attending games of the Adams-Friendship High School basketball team.
Chris loved his work, cutting wood and the outdoors. He enjoyed taking rides to see what was happening in his community, stopping for visits with neighbors and family, watching for deer with a stop for ice cream on the way.
He had a passion for fishing: Trout fishing, bluegill fishing, and ice fishing… Chris could be found at the creek behind his house, the Easton Mill Pond or on one of many special fishing trips to the lake in Birchwood with his family and fishing buddy, Jordan.
Deer hunting was also a family event, hunting opening weekend in the marsh with his son Joe, grandchildren Ryan, Tracy and Rocco. For years Uncle Chris’s house has been the meeting point for the family’s annual Thanksgiving Day deer drives.
In life, he was Uncle Chris to most in the community. Uncle Chris always choose to give back the youth of the community supporting scholarships for students at Adams Friendship Area Schools, Adams Friendship FFA, and supporting youth at the Adams County Fair livestock sale. He said the previous generations helped him gain his education with a scholarship to UW Ag Short Course, so it was his turn to give back. Chris and his late wife, Clara, were also great supporters of our local hospital foundation.
Chris was preceded in death by his wife Clara Ann (Burdi) Rhinehart, step-son Joseph Michael Nero, parents Kenneth and Beulah (Byers) Rhinehart, brothers George and Larry Rhinehart, sister Carol Babcock, in laws Nick Babcock, Ernelle, Cathleen, & Judith Rhinehart.
Survivors:
Brother: Kenneth “Jerry” (Linda) Rhinehart,
Daughter-in-law Deborah Nero
Grandchildren: Joseph & Stephanie Nero, Ryan & Tracy Nero; Robert & Amanda Nero; Steven & Corinne Nero- Great Grand Children Madison, Samantha, Chloe, Rocco, Ashlyn, Natalie, Michael, Joseph Frank Nero, Brooklyn, Samantha and Iris Aragon. Great-great-grandchildren Stella Szot and Luca Devereux
Nieces & Nephews:
Kristy (Joe) Huber – Jeffrey (Sara) Huber, Josh (Emma) Huber, Jordan (Heidi) Huber
Mike (Tori) Babcock- Kendall Babcock, Chris (Rachel) Babcock
Scott (Kim) Babcock, Beth Babcock, Ben (Brenna) Babcock,
Dan (Ellen) Babcock,
Rhonda (Gary) Henningsen. Nicki Babcock, Monique Rios,
David (Julie) Rhinehart and family
Connie (Ron) Frymark and family
Andy (Cathy) Rhinehart and family
Michelle Rhinehart-Friedli and family
Great-Great Nieces and Nephews with two more expected this spring
Uncle Chris will be deeply missed by his cousins, and extended family members and the community.
Special Thanks to his cousin Vernon Rhinehart, care-givers Bonnie Stratton, Emma Hamilton and caregivers from Cooperative Care of Wautoma and the staff from Our House Senior Living in Wisconsin Dells.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father David Bruener will officiate. Military honors will follow Mass at church. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday December 1, 2024, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, and again from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church on Monday.
Interment will be a private family ceremony at the Easton Cemetery, Town of Easton, Wisconsin.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.