Obituaries
McGowan, Donald F. Age 58 of Montello
Donald F. McGowan, age 58, of Montello, Wisconsin passed away of natural causes on Monday, September 2, 2024, at his home.
Memorial services will be 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Donald was born October 25, 1965, in Mauston, Wisconsin to Merlin and Joan (Smith) McGowan who brought him home to their farm in Brooks, Wisconsin. He attended Adams-Friendship area schools all throughout his school years, first attending Brooks grade school, then Grand Marsh middle school and finishing at Adams-Friendship high school in 1984.
Donald worked on the family farms near Brooks, WI from a very young age until his 20s, he moved onto Castle Rock Container in his 30s, had his own painting business in his 40s and worked at Brakebush in Westfield, WI until his death. Donald enjoyed driving around in old cars since before he had a driver’s license and in his later years, he acquired older cars because they needed a good home. He also enjoyed spending time on his land, hunting, making trails in the woods and having fun at the fire pit with friends and family. His biggest achievement was raising his son Austin with former Partner Jan Baumgartner of Adams. Their greatest joy came when they became grandparents to two very loved granddaughters.
Donald was preceded in death by his father, Merlin McGowan, paternal grandparents Hugh F. and Ada B. McGowan, maternal grandparents Walter Smith and Bertha (Marsh) Green, uncle Bernard McGowan, aunts Marlis (Robert) McLean, Marcella (Irvin) Erickson, Marie (Frank) Srb, Dorthy (Curt) Kleeman. Cousins Frank Srb, Larry (Sigi) Laing, Cynthia Baumgartner, Keith (Terry) Russell
Survivors include his son Austin McGowan of Rhinelander, WI; mother Joan (Nate) Kronstedt of Friendship, WI; sisters Deb Stevens (Frank) of Mauston, WI, Julianne McGowan of Madison, WI; and Sherrie (Karl) Bluedorn of Lyndon Station, WI; granddaughters Aria and Aliyah McGowan of Rhinelander, WI; nephew Brandon Stevens of Reedsburg, WI; nieces Bethany Sonnick of California, Travis Airforce Base; Devon Lem of New Lisbon, WI; and Samantha Lem of Lyndon Station, WI; uncles James Smith of Adams, WI; and Hugh Duane McGowan (Loretta Swinehart) of Brooks, WI; aunts Betty (Kenneth) Dehmlow of Friendship, WI, and Margaret (John) Laing of Westfield, WI; and Friend Linda Lauer of Montello, WI. Donald is further survived by many great nieces & nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were like family spread near and far but always close to the heart.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Haugh, Chase B. Age 34 of Rural Wonewoc
Chase B. Haugh, age 34 years, of rural Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
He was born on June 29, 1990 to Jon and Jodi (Teal) Haugh in Hillsboro, Wisconsin.
Chase worked for Whitehall Specialties, which is now Ornua in Hillsboro.
He was a member of the Rooster’s Car Club and participated in their many functions. Chase also enjoyed hunting and fishing, being with his chocolate lab, Cody and taking his daughter, Makenna out for Chinese food.
Survivors include his daughter, Makenna; mother, Jodi (Mark) Lankey; father, Jon Haugh; brother, Justin (Andrea) Haugh and his daughter, Izebell; sister, Mindy (Toby) Boldon and children, Ella, Rhett and Riley and grandfathers, Tom Teal and Dick Lankey.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Brock Haugh; sister, Nicole Boldon; grandparents, Frank and Mayva Haugh and grandmothers, Janice Stanley, ReDonna Lankey, Pam Teal and Sherry Lankey.
A time of visitation to celebrate Chase’s Life will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
A graveside gathering will be held on Monday, September 9th with a service at 11 a.m. at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Wonewoc, with a meal to be held at Station 2 in Hillsboro following.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Boehm, Anna Age 86 of Lyndon Station
Anna Boehm, age 86 of Lyndon Station, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024 at Meadow Ridge in Baraboo surrounded by her family.
A mass of Christian burial for Anna will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Fr. Cryton Outschoorn celebrating. Visitation will be at Conway-Picha Funeral Home from 9:00 until 10:45 A.M. and at 10:45 A.M. we will process over to St. Mary’s to begin mass at 11:00 A.M. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery following mass.
Anna is survived by her sons, Randy (Vicki), Paul (Barb), Jim (Kirsten), and Don Boehm, and daughter Sue (Doug) Teska. She is also survived by her sister Viola Boehm and 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Anna is preceded in death by her parents, husband Julian and daughter Mary Boehm.
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.
Schneider, Cheryl Age 74 of Mauston
A Memorial Service for Cheryl Schneider, age 74, of Mauston, Wisconsin will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Lyndon Station, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M. Cheryl will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
Cheryl is survived by her husband Kenneth, daughter Tiffany Dixon, 3 grandchildren, and stepchildren Mike and Kristi Schneider.
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.
Gurecki, Myrtle L. Age 95 of Adams
Myrtle L. Gurecki, age 95, of Adams, Wisconsin passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Serenity House in Tomah, Wisconsin.
Memorial services will be 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15,2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Pastor Philip Waldschmidt will officiate. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at the church. Interment will be at the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin at a later date.
Myrtle was born March 17, 1929, in Taylor, Wisconsin to Clarence and Esther (Brown) Halverson. She grew up on the family farm with her 9 siblings where they relied on their own resources. Myrtle met Chester Gurecki at a diner in Melrose and they were later married on April 10, 1948, in Taylor, Wisconsin. They were blessed with three children, Norma Jean, Tom, and Lisa.
Myrtle was a fabulous cook and loved to bake. In her earlier years she worked for several restaurants before working for the West Bend Company and lastly before her retirement she worked for Farnum in Necedah.
Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents: Clarence & Esther; husband: Chester; daughter: Norma Jean; siblings: Marion, Grace, Gordon, Curtis, Genevieve, Beatrice, Lila, Edith, and Junice; son-in-law Rodney Babcock, and special friend Jack McManus.
Survivors include her son: Tom (Kathy); daughter: Lisa; grandchildren: Chris (Debbie), Kaitlyn (BJ), Matt (Amber), Josh, and Connor; great-grandson: Hunter, and nieces, nephews.
Myrtle’s family would like to thank Serenity House in Tomah for their excellent care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Larson Jr., Francis Age 75 of New Lisbon
Francis Larson Jr., age 75 of New Lisbon, WI passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024.
There are no services planned at this time.
Francis was born March 30, 1949 in Mauston, Wisconsin the son of Francis and Ella (Raemish) Larson. He loved spending his time hunting and fishing and telling tall tales about all his trips in the woods or on the water.
He is survived by his brother, Robert (Doreen) Larson, brother-in-law Larry Firlus.; further survived by many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister June Firlus.
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.
Larson Jr., Francis Age 75 of New Lisbon
Francis Larson Jr., age 75 of New Lisbon, WI passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024.
There are no services planned at this time.
Francis was born March 30, 1949 in Mauston, Wisconsin the son of Francis and Ella (Raemish) Larson. He loved spending his time hunting and fishing and telling tall tales about all his trips in the woods or on the water.
He is survived by his brother, Robert (Doreen) Larson, brother-in-law Larry Firlus.; further survived by many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister June Firlus.
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.
Webster, Austin James “Webby” Age 79 of Mauston
Austin James Webster – “Webby” 79 of Mauston, passed away peacefully at Tomah Health’s Serenity House on September 1, 2024.
A Celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Hagemann, Lawrence A. Age 84 of Rural Mauston
Lawrence A. Hagemann
Lawrence A. Hagemann, age 84 years, of rural Mauston, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hillsboro.
He was born on February 14, 1940, the son of Vern and Marie (Laack) Hagemann in the Town of Summit, Juneau County, Wisconsin. He graduated from Wonewoc High School in 1958 and then served from 1963 to 1965 in the U.S. Army, Battery C, 94th Artillery, rank of Corporal E4.
Lawrence was united in marriage to Leola Dempsey on September 25, 1965 in Mauston. She preceded him in death on October 26, 2018.
He was a life long farmer in the Town of Summit and also worked a few years at Ray-O-Vac in Wonewoc. He enjoyed gardening. Lawrence was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mauston and the Wonewoc American Legion Post 206.
Survivors include his children, Lloyd Hagemann of Wonewoc, Lori (Tim) Manville of Mauston and Lesa Boynton (Craig Larson) of Elroy; grandchildren, Kimberly (Alec) King of Wisconsin Dells, Timothy Boynton of Elroy, Bobbi Jo Manville of Jacksonville, Florida, Nickolas Manville of Mauston and Brianna Manville (Austin Finnigan) of Camp Douglas; great grandchildren, Hailey and Keirah Lehmann, Elana King, Colt Finnigan, Gideon and Leola Hagemann – Boynton; a brother, Edward Hagemann of Mauston and by several nieces and nephews and extended family.
In addition to his wife, Leola, he was preceded in death by his Parents; siblings, Arnold (Lillian) Hagemann, Laura (Edmond) Lewerenz and Alvin (Frieda) Hagemann and a great grandson, Grayson.
Memorial Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – 517 Grayside Avenue, Mauston, WI with a time of visitation at the Church from 9 to 11 a.m. Private burial will be at a later date.
The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Mead, Sidney Gene Age 86 of Mauston
Sidney Gene Mead was born March 4, 1938 (“the day the lights came on in the valley”) at his home in Henrietta Township in Cazenovia, Wisconsin. He went to be with his Lord on Saturday, August 31, after a long battle with many health issues.
He was the middle child of Henry and Mildred (Satterlee). Growing up on a farm cultivated his hard work ethic and love for animals. Sid attended Richland Center High School (Go Hornets!) where he was a featherweight Golden Glove boxer.
After high school, Sid enlisted in the U.S. Army and served six years in the Army Reserves as a supply clerk. During this time, he found the love of his life, Mary McGarty. The story goes that Mary felt sorry for people in the military who did not receive letters, so she was given Sid’s address from her friend, and they became penpals. They first met when he got off the train in Elroy, coming home on leave. Sid and Mary proceeded to have dates playing Monopoly and Canasta under the watchful eye of Mary’s mother. They were married on September 7, 1957, at St. Patrick’s Church in Elroy. They were looking forward to celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary. Sid and Mary’s marriage was blessed with six children.
Sid was an auto mechanic in the area for many years. He then started Mead’s Road Service, a 24 hour towing service which he and his wife ran for 13 years. Always putting others first, Sid’s kindness, compassion, and generosity was felt throughout the community.
Sid was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Mauston for most of his life. He was the president of the Metropolitan Car Club of Wisconsin. Sid and Mary enjoyed many road trips with their little black and white “Met”. He and Mary enjoyed camping and making friends with fellow campers.
Sid was known for his great sense of humor. He had a zest for life and desire to lift the spirits of all those around him. People who knew him will always remember him laughing, joking, playing harmonica, and trying to make others smile.
Sid is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his brother Carl Mead (Reedsburg); his children: Peggy (Randy) Adank of Lone Rock, Sidney Jr. (Sally Mulroy) Mead of Florida, John (Karen) Mead of Mauston, David (Audra) Mead of Wautoma, and Richard (Amy) Mead of Plover; his grandchildren: Adam, Heather, Amanda, Rabi, Damion, Katie, and Riley. He also had twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mildred Mead, his daughter, Kathleen, his siblings, Charlotte Daniels, Shirley Kidd, Cecil Mead, and his brother-in-law, Rich McGarty.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Fairview Nursing Home for the excellent care and love they gave Sid.
Services for Sid will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Church in Mauston. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. and the funeral Mass will be at 11:30 with a luncheon to follow. Sid will be buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery with military honors.