Obituaries
Churchill, Raymond D. Age 76 of Friendship
Raymond D. Churchill, age 76, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away Monday, October 14, 2024, at his home.
Graveside services with military honors will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Monroe Center Cemetery in Monroe Center, Wisconsin.
Raymond was born July 6, 1948, in Mannheim, Germany to Darwin and Gertraud (Ries) Churchill. Following high school Ray was drafted and honorably served in the United States Army. He married Nancy L. Ostrum on October 11, 1975, in Monroe Center.
Ray worked at FCI-Oxford until his retirement in 2002. After that he greatly enjoyed working part-time for the Town of Preston and most recently at Coloma Farms.
Ray loved hunting, fishing, doing projects, and building anything. He was a very talented woodworker and built his own home, he could fix anything. Ray also loved watching his grandkids play sports. He especially enjoyed night fishing with his son and grandson. Ray would help anyone that he could and took time to visit with his brother-in-law Wade. He enjoyed spending January every year at Gulf Shores, Alabama fishing on the ocean and eating seafood. He especially loved spending time with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, his friend Jerry, and his friends at the Faith Baptist Church.
Ray was preceded in death by his father: Darwin Churchill; father-in-law: Ralph (Eddie) Ostrum, and mother-in-law: Ruthie Ostrum.
Survivors include his wife: Nancy Lee Churchill of Friendship; son: Raymond Lee Churchill of Antigo, WI; daughter-in-law: Promise Rejoice Churchill of Antigo; grandson: Samuel Douglas Churchill of Antigo; granddaughter: Pearl Rae Churchill of Antigo; mother: Gertraud Churchill of Wis. Rapids, WI; sister: Alida (Ron) Hamrick of Haymarket, VA; brother: Thomas (Tammy) Churchill of Nekoosa, WI; sister-in-law: Joy (Dale) Casperson of Adams, WI; sister-in-law: Helen (Von) Ibbotson of Albion, IL; brother-in-law: Wade Ostrum of Oshkosh, WI; nephew: Nathan (Bri) Winchester of Boulder, CO; niece: Hannah Powell of S. Milwaukee, WI; niece: Harmony Powell of Oshkosh; niece: Haven Powell of Oshkosh; nephew: Brandon (Meghan) Hamrick of Herndon, VA; niece: Ashley (Michael) Rodriguez of Haymarket, VA; nephew: Tyler (April) Churchill, and niece: Anna Churchill. Ray is further survived by several great nieces & nephews.
Ray’s family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice; Dr. Yeboah, and Julie; the nurses at Marshfield Clinic-Wis. Rapids; his church family; sister-in-law Helen, sister-in-law Joy, brother-in-law Dale, and good friend Jerry who came to check on him every day.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Bohlmann, Barbara J. Age 83 of Wonewoc
Barbara J. Bohlmann, age 83, of Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Sauk County Health Care Center in Reedsburg.
She was born February 10, 1941, the daughter of Marvin and Hazel (Brooks) Jurkowski and graduated from Wonewoc High School.
Barbara was a hard worker, working at Badger Ordinance, Ray-O-Vac and eventually retiring after 35 years from Hankscraft/Gerber/Nuk in Reedsburg. She rarely missed a day of work. The stories she would tell about driving to Badger in so much snow you couldn’t see the road. Driving to Hankscraft, we think she hit at least four deer in one year and called her the deer magnet of Hwy 33. She had a work ethic like no other. She instilled that in her kids by being that example.
She was a loving mother. We didn’t have much growing up, but we did not “want” for anything. When we would order fish on a Friday night (a big treat) she would never get any for herself. She would say she wasn’t hungry and would eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We found out as adults; she couldn’t afford fish for all of us so that was the story she told.
She was a good friend who loved to have fun. She told some great stories about the “Summit” kids and the shenanigans they got into growing up. She didn’t let the grass grow under her feet. She enjoyed playing in a dart league with her mom, Hazel; her sister, Shirley and daughter, Tonia. She bowled for years in a women’s league and with Dale in a couple’s league in Wonewoc. She loved to gamble. Her and her brother, John would have a great time at the casino and playing cards with their mother, Hazel and brother, Ed and Jody into the wee morning hours. She had a big sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was quite feisty and had no problem telling you what she really thought about pretty much anything…whether you wanted to know or not.
She loved her children, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her joy in this life. Christmas was magical at Gramma Barb’s. You could barely see the floor there were so many presents. She gave the best gifts. Her fudge was amazing and quick to be eaten. She had the best time shopping, baking and cooking for the holiday celebration. She was just a big kid herself when it came to Christmas.
Even though her health issues kept her homebound and stuck in her chair in her later years, she enjoyed phone calls and visits from her many friends and relatives across the country and here at home. She loved to watch the old westerns along with Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel(s) and QVC. She devoured the newspaper and magazines she received, reading articles to me she found interesting.
Her legacy will be how completely and unconditionally she loved her family and friends. No judgement. Just love. Don’t get me wrong, she could get mad and give you an earful. That was her “tough love”. She was generous to a fault and stubborn as the day is long. How do you sum up a life like hers? She did the best she could with what she was given and had a lot of fun along the way. There was never a dull moment and she always left you smiling.
Survivors include her daughter, Tonia Schumann; daughter-in-law, Sue Bohlmann; grandchildren, Emma Schumann, Toby Bohlmann, Jessica Bohlmann and Allison Bohlmann (Fiancé Spencer Stubbs); great-grandchildren, Isabella, DeSean, Kaydence Jo, Madison and Benjamin; siblings, Bonnie Gamble, Ed (Jody) Decot, Nancy (Elmer) Preuss and many other family, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Jurkowski; mother, Hazel Decot; stepfather, Morris Decot; father of her children, Arlen Bohlmann; son, Troy Bohlmann; brother, John Jurkowski; sister, Shirley Sussek and the last love of her life for 18 years, Dale Wolfe.
A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc. Interment will be in the Pine Eden Cemetery in Wonewoc at a later date.
The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Schultz, Jennie A. Age 100 of Mauston
Jennie A. Schultz, age 100, of Mauston, WI, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Fair View in Mauston after suffering a fall. She was born in Millville, MA, on August 9, 1924, to John and Honora (Laczka) Polesky.
Jennie had an independent spirit; at age 16 she left school and went to work to support herself and help a younger sister. When she was 18, she met a handsome soldier, Robert Schultz, who was stationed at a nearby Army base. They married three years later in 1945 and Jennie, a small-town girl, became a farmer in Columbus, WI. Robert, who passed away in 2017 at age 100, was a native of Mauston.Jennie and Robert moved to the Schultz family farm in Cattail Valley (Mauston)in 1954, where they lived until 2008 when they moved into Mauston.
Jennie thrived on the farm where she gardened, foraged for berries and nuts, canned and froze the bounty she harvested, fed hungry farm crews, and milked cows. Even though she didn’t graduate from high school, Jennie was a continuing learner. She read widely and took several week-long summer classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
For many years, Jennie and Robert were reliable volunteers at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mauston. They taught Sunday School, and Jennie was especially good at organizing potlucks and funeral receptions. She also volunteered at the Hospital Thrift Store, where she always had an eye for a bargain.
For her 100th birthday, Jennie enjoyed celebrations with family and friends who gathered from many places to honor her. Jennie is survived by her daughter Carol Schultz (Craig Adams) of San Diego and a number of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, daughter Barbara Schultz, sisters Julia Long and Stella Gray, and brother Walter Polesky.
The funeral will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 517 Grayside Avenue, Mauston, at 11:00 AM Thursday, October 24, 2024. Visitation at the church will precede the service from 10:00-11:00 AM Thursday. After the church service, a graveside service will take place at the Mauston-Oakwood Cemetery on Attewell Street, followed by a lunch reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, please consider a donation to a charity of your choosing in Jennie’s memory.
Wilson, Jon Of Necedah
Jon Wilson lost his medical battles on October 19, 2024 at the age of 87.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 10:30 a.m. at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Bayview Cemetery, Necedah, WI. Family and friends are invited for visitation Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Torkelson Funeral Home in Necedah, WI from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Visitation will also be held Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church; a lunch will follow the service, prior to interment. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Necedah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Fish, Marlene Hazel Age 88 of New Lisbon
Marlene Hazel (Davis) Fish, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, at the age of 88. Born on August 27, 1936, to Ruby (Rhinehart) and Gladyn Davis, Marlene spent her formative years surrounded by the warmth of a close-knit family. Her life was a testament to love, service, and joy, which she shared generously with everyone she encountered.
Marlene was a proud graduate of New Lisbon High School, class of 1954, having attended various schools including three years at Wonewoc High School.
United in marriage to Bob Fish July 27, 1956, Marlene’s primary commitment was always to family, spending many years at home with her girls nurturing their growth and independence with genuine love and compassion.
Marlene’s dedication and adaptability led to her working in a variety of positions starting out as a telephone operator which allowed for a few clandestine conversations with Bob who was then away serving in the army. Marlene also took temporary/ part-time positions at various businesses including New Lisbon’s own department store; Skogmos, the local newspaper and the New Lisbon Chamber of Commerce.
Most notably however was Marlene’s welcoming presence at the family business, Andy’s Service Station, which she and Bob ran together for 30 years, until their retirement in 2003. Bob and Marlene’s partnership at work and at play was the kind of love story that makes you believe in happily ever after!
Family was the cornerstone of Marlene’s life whose nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate household. She was preceded in death by her beloved, Robert Fish, her parents Ruby and Gladyn Davis, her infant sister, Irene, brothers Joe and Jim Davis, and brother-in-law Joe Ruland. Her legacy lives on through her sister Loraine (Buzz) Rose, her sisters-in-law Donna Davis, Barb Davis, and Betty (Fish) Ruland (Alan Gerds, S.O.) As well as through her treasured and lovingly appreciative daughters; Susan (John) Rattunde, and Teresa Fish (Jeff Peters, S.O.). She was adored by grandchildren John Duray, Jessica (Noah) Rous Crosby, Kris (Ann) Parker, and Kasey (Ryan) Wilson. Her cherished great-grandchildren include Gwyn, Collin, Amara, Adylyn, Noelle, Kohen, and Hazel. She deeply touched the lives of many special nieces, nephews, and cousins as well.
Marlene’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Her involvement in church and community organizations reflected her commitment to faith and fellowship. She was a beacon of support and spirituality within her community, always ready to lend a hand or offer a prayer. Her presence will be deeply missed by her church family, where she was not only a member but a friend to all.
With a passion for music, Marlene’s love for singing and dancing was infectious, bringing joy to countless gatherings. Her hobbies also included gardening, crafting, camping, and travel. Marlene embraced every opportunity to spend time with family and friends with a game of cards a party, or big family picnic. Her love for life was evident in her every action, and her song for every moment will resonate in the hearts of those who knew her for years and years to come.
Marlene will be remembered as a loving, friendly, and faith-filled woman. Her warm smile and generous spirit were her trademarks, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome was unparalleled. Marlene’s life was a beautiful symphony of love, kindness, and unwavering faith, and her memory will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Marlene Hazel Fish was a beacon of love and joy, and her legacy will continue to flourish in the lives of her family and the countless others she touched. As we bid farewell to Marlene, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the indelible mark she has left on our world.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 12:00P.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church (618 W. River St) in New Lisbon. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday at Bethany Lutheran Church from 10:00A.M. until the time of service. Rev. Lucy Hardie presiding. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Anderson, Marion V Age 81 of Necedah
Marion V. Anderson, 81, of Necedah, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26th, 2024 at Bible Baptist Church, 148 Grayside Ave, Mauston, WI 53948.
Born on January 25, 1943, in Vilas Township, Wisconsin, to William and Ethel Marie (Hatchkiss) Jolowiec, Marion grew up in a loving family and attended Antigo High School. On January 27, 1973, she married Elmer J. Anderson in Houston, Minnesota. While Marion held various jobs throughout her life, her greatest role was as a devoted homemaker, dedicated to her family.
Marion found joy in dancing, fishing, birdwatching, and baking, all of which reflected her zest for life and the love she shared with those around her.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her son. Marion is survived by her beloved husband, Elmer; eight children; four siblings; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
Arrangements are being handled by Roseberry’s Funeral Home.
Witz, Tracy Lynn Age 54 of Friendship
Tracy Lynn Witz, age 54, of Friendship, Wisconsin unexpectedly passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024 at her home in Friendship, Wisconsin.
Memorial services will be 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. John Krebs will officiate. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Followed by a Celebration of Life at the VFW Post 6279 in Adams, WI.
Tracy was born October 11, 1969 in Waukesha, Wisconsin to Warren and Yvonne (Ebbott) Klumb. The family moved to Adams County in 1972, where she graduated from Adams Friendship High School in 1988, she attended The Beauty Academy in Menominee, WI and worked for Cost Cutters in Wisconsin Rapids, then for Best Power in Necedah, WI and later working for Phillips Pharmacy and Wisconsin Tool and Mold.
During Tracy’s first marriage to Bruce Schilling she was blessed with a baby girl Morgan Rose. She then married the love of her life Jeremy Witz on May 13, 2017 in Lake Delton, Wisconsin, they were married up until the time of Tracy’s death
Tracy loved spending time with her daughter Morgan, and in September of 2016 she was blessed with her granddaughter Kaydence Rose and her grandson Elliott Adam in 2020. She love attending soccer and t ball games and gymnastic events. She especially loved REO Speedwagon and attending their concerts with her bestie Jeannie. Tracy was an avid Packer fan, cheering them on every game. She was a very social person, loved spending time with family and friends enjoying the love and laughter. She adored Crocker Spaniels and especially her beloved Karlie. She loved community events at the local winery, lawn mower races, live music, campfires and most of all spending time with family.
Tracy was preceded in death by her parents: Warren and Yvonne (Ebbott) Klumb; brother Richard Klumb, maternal Grandparents Walter and Corrine Klumb and paternal grandparents Florence and William Ebbott.
Survivors:
Husband: Jeremy A. Witz of Friendship, WI, daughter Morgan (Johnathan] Biba, granddaughter Kaydence Rose Swanson, grandson Elliott Adam Biba all of Endeavor, WI, brothers Warren (Natalie) Klumb of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. and Robert (LeAnn) Klumb of Adams, WI, Mary (Dale) McKinster of Nekoosa, WI and in laws Ramon and Cheryl Witz of Friendship, WI and brother in law Ramon(Sarah)Witz of Isanti, MN, and several nieces and nephews, including Ryan Klumb, Hannah Farley, Jake Klumb, Matt Klumb, Bradley Stevens, Brittni Stevens, Seth Klumb, Melissa Klumb, Dylan Witz, Allyson Witz, and life long friend Jeannie Hilson.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Reichoff, JoAnn Age 70 of Adams
A memorial gathering will be from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Interment will follow at the Easton Cemetery. A celebration of life will be 2:00 PM at Connell’s Cedar Shack in Adams, Wisconsin.
JoAnn was born October 20, 1953, in Baraboo, Wisconsin to Willard and Belva (Neff) Parr. JoAnn was a 1971 graduate of Adams-Friendship High School. She served Adams County for nearly 4 decades at the Register of Deeds.
JoAnn was a very social person, spending many evenings bowling or playing cards with friends. A night out with her large family and friends brought joy and laughter. Lunch with “the girls” provided many fond memories. Time spent in her garden or tending to her flowers gave peace and solitude when needed. JoAnn was also a talented cook and baker. Creative birthday cakes for her children or wedding cakes for others helped make their special days even better. Her potato salad made many a summer BBQ even tastier. When the Wisconsin winter was long and dark the annual escape to sunny Florida provided a well-deserved respite.
JoAnn was preceded in death by parents: Willard and Belva Parr; twin-brother, Johnny Parr; father-in-law & mother-in-law: Harold “Stub” and Harriet Relchhoff; husband, Marty Reichhoff; half- siblings: Chuck (Alice) Parr and Dee Davis.
Survivors include
Children: Jason (Sheri) Reichhoff and Nikki (Hans) Thiel
Grandchildren: Kaylee Reichhoff and Kai Thiel
Beloved Partner of 28 years: Dave Dehmlow
Children: Suzy (Jay) Nolet and Mike (Tammy) Dehmlow
Grandchildren: Amber Dehmlow, Ava Buchanan, and Tanner Dehmlow
Brothers: Bill (Dolly) Parr, Ed (Patty) Parr, and Jim (Elia Parr)
JoAnn is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Smart, Bette J. Age 80 of Mauston
Bette J. Smart, age 80, of Mauston, Wisconsin passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Gunderson Healthcare in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She was born in Mauston, Wisconsin on January 19, 1944, to Eugene and Viola (Blackburn) Smart.
Bette graduated from Mauston High School and the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Winona State University. Bette began her career in 1966 as a first and then second grade teacher at West Side School. She then became the Elementary Principal retiring in 2004.
She was a member of the National Education Association (NEA) and the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators. Bette was a lifelong member of Saint Patrick’s parish in Mauston.
Bette’s love of sports included all things Wisconsin – Badgers, Packers, and Brewers.
During her lifetime Bette enjoyed travel to Europe, Canada, and points north, south, east, and west in the United States. Though struck by transverse myelitis in 2003 Bette knew no bounds.
Bette is survived by Gerald (Mary Ann) of Machesney Park, Illinois, Robert of Zephyrhills, Florida, Sally of Janesville, Wisconsin, 13 nieces and nephews, and several grand nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her and the Smart family’s dear friend Peg Schmitz.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers Kenneth, William, and James, and one sister Jennifer.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday October 12, 2024, at 11:00 am at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mauston, officiated by Father Berns and Father Cruz. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday October 11th and on Saturday from 10:00 am until time of service at St. Patrick’s. Luncheon to follow. Interment will be at Saint Patrick’s cemetery.
For online condolences please go to www.crandallfuneral.com
Alstine, Donna Mae Age 75 of Big Flats and Wisconsin Rapids
Donna Mae Van Alstine of Adams, WI formerly of Big Flats and Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully in the morning hours October 3rd surrounded by her loving family.
Donna was born October 30, 1948 in Wisconsin Rapids to Bernice and Sylvester Vechinski. She was a free spirit that lived life to the fullest. Donna was a devoted mother and wife who could often be on outings with her husband, Richard, or covered in dirt in her incredible flower beds that she tended and weeded incessantly. She will be missed more than words can describe, and leaves a void that can not easily be filled. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, brother “Babe,” and loving husband, Richard. She is survived by her daughters: Michelle (Robert Wilhorn) and Shannon (Paul) Schanen; son, Scott (Shereen) Ostrowski; seven brothers; grandkids: Austin, Skyler, Allisa, Emily, and Allison; great-grandkids: Nikko, Stormy and Axel, and special friends Devin and Dillion.
Memorial services will be 12 Noon on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Chaplain David Borton will officiate. Visitation will be at Roseberry’s Funeral Home beginning on Tuesday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
