Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Posts by WRJC WebMaster
Tahoe vs Buggy Accident in Monroe County
20 hours
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
One person was seriously injured in a traffic crash Thursday Morning when a vehicle struck a horse drawn
buggy on Highway 33 in the Town of Sheldon.
On January 15 th, 2026, at around 8:10am, a Chevy Tahoe traveling westbound on Hwy 33 near Opera Road,
struck an occupied horse drawn buggy as it turned into a driveway. The driver of the buggy was seriously
injured in the crash and taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
The initial investigation showed that vehicle was passing the buggy when the buggy turned in front of the
vehicle in an attempt to enter a driveway on the south side of the road.
The crash caused the highway to be closed for about an hour while emergency crews worked the scene.
Names of the vehicle operators are not being released at this time.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Monroe County 911 Communications Center, Vernon
County Sheriff’s Office, Ontario Ambulance, and the Ontario Fire Department.
Gunder, Jim L. Age 79 of Wonewoc
23 hours
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Jim L. Gunder on January 14, 2026 at the age of 79. He was born on November 1, 1946 in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa.
Jim was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather as well as friend to all who knew him. He spent his early years farming in rural Camp Douglas alongside his father, Carl for many years. After selling the farm, Jim moved with his family to Wonewoc, WI, where he resided for the past 41 years.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Pamela for the past 57 years. He is further survived by daughter, Becki (Lance) Skaro, daughter, Deb (Ian) Judd and son, Brian (Jennifer) Gunder. Jim was lovingly known as grandpa to James (Brittany) Thew, Gabrielle (Michael) Schneider, Ryan (Desirae) Sherwood, Kaitlyn (Trevor) Roach, Brent Gunder and Riley Gunder. He was great grandpa to Mason, Chasten and Chantel; a brother to Larry, Steve, Terry, Diane Weigel and Julie White; uncle to several nieces and nephews and had many good friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Betty Gunder; in-laws, August and Beverly Langer; brother, Michael and a son in infancy.
Jim will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His love, laughter and sometimes stubbornness will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
The Family would like to thank Wonewoc Ambulance, the Juneau County Sheriff’s Department and Emplify Health Hillsboro Emergency Room Staff.
A time of visitation to honor Jim’s Life will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc.
The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting with arrangements, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Schuster (Board), Abbey Jean Age 46 of Elroy
23 hours
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Abbey Jean (Board) Schuster, age 46 years, of Elroy, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Emplify Health in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
She was born on April 6, 1979 in Hillsboro, Wisconsin to Gary Board and Pam (Weger) Board. She graduated from Royall High School in 1997 and earned a Bachelor of Science with honors from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in General Science. She continued her education throughout her career and earned a Masters of Education in Professional Development from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Abbey was married to Jason A. Schuster on June 14, 2008 in Elroy. They were delighted to welcome home Jackson and Cai to complete their family.
Abbey returned home to teach for the Royall School District in 2002. She taught a variety of grade levels and after earning her Master’s degree in 2006, became a Reading Specialist for the Royall School District. Abbey delighted in helping her fellow staff members and students in every way she could. From becoming an expert in Information Technology to running fundraisers, she could be found at every event. She also served at many high school sporting events in a variety of ways. Abbey’s hobbies were quilting, building legos with her boys, swimming, loving her pets and watching every single event her boys ever participated in.
Abbey knew she was loved by her Heavenly Father and out of that love came a passion for serving those she loved and the causes that were dear to her heart. She was a devoted and fiercely loyal wife, mother, daughter and sister and was deeply compassionate and tenderhearted. Abbey loved well.
She was a lifelong member of the Elroy United Methodist Church and served as Sunday School teacher and youth group leader. She was co-treasurer with her dad for the church, the Elroy Lion’s Club, and the Millard’s Prairie Cemetery. She also replaced her grandfather as a member of the Elroy Public Library Board.
Survived by her husband, Jason Schuster and sons, Jackson (14) and Cai (8); parents, Gary and Pam Board; siblings, Kasey (Charles) Vlasak, Chelsey (Quintin) Baldwin, and Zachary (Ami) Board; parents-in-law, Clair and Sharon Schuster; sister-in-law, Heidi (Chris) Rasmussen; nieces and nephews, Ryan, Gracie, Joshua, Matthew, Charlie David, Lillie, Kayla, Alexis, Maddie, Caleb, Everett, Samuel, Olive, Emma, Amelia and great-nephew, Hudson; and many, many other loving aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
Visitation will be at the United Methodist Church in Elroy on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 1p.m., with Rev. Damon Pfile officiating. Luncheon to follow in the church basement. Interment will be in Millards Prairie Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated.
The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Local Prep Scores from Tuesday 1/13
2 days
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Boys Basketball
Hillsboro 60 Necedah 41 (Malekai Simpson 22points to lead Hillsboro, Luke Murphy 14 to lead Necedah)
New Lisbon 49 Cashton 45
Bangor 73 Wonewoc-Center 64
Mauston 76 Viroqua 57 (Jase Navis 30points)
Nekoosa 56 Amherst 50
Westfield 76 Rio 63
Wisconsin Dells 60 Reedsburg 47
Berlin 71 North Fond Du Lac 43
Campbellsport 85 Ripon 71
Holmen 90 Tomah 69 (Jaden Bartels 32points for Holmen)
Girls Basketball
Hillsboro 56 Necedah 23 (Michelle Hora 16points for Hillsboro)
Stoughton 62 Reedsburg 53
Holmen 68 Tomah 28
Boys Hockey
Tomah/Sparta 5 Baraboo/Portage 4
Girls Hockey
Tomah/BRF 10 Medford 0
Royall Holds Off Fighting Brookwood Team in SBC Boys Basketball
2 days
The Royall Panther boys basketball team held off a feisty Brookwood Falcons basketball team Tuesday night 64-48. Royall could never pull away completely from the Falcons in the game. Dylan Velazquez led the Panthers with 22points while John Muehlenkamp and Braxton Board each added a dozen points. Brookwood was led by Drew Thurston who scored 16points off the bench for the Falcons. Royall improves to 4-1 in the Scenic Bluffs Conference and 10-2 overall while Brookwood drops to 1-3 in the conference and 3-7 overall. Royall will travel to Wonewoc-Center Friday night.
Miller, Virgil Carl Age 87 of Friendship
3 days
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Virgil Carl Miller, age 87, of Friendship, Wisconsin peacefully passed away Friday, January 02, 2026 at home, with his family by his side.
Virgil was born June 15, 1938, to Carl Frederick Miller and Alvina (Lubenau) Miller; He was raised in the Fall River area. After graduating from Fall River High School he started work at the American Red Cross where he worked for over 45 years. He proudly served as his local union president for many many years. In that time he met Judith Czajkowski and they got married and raised a family together in the Sun Prairie area. In 2002 they moved to their cottage in Dellwood WI.
Virgil was a “collector” He left behind a heck of a lot of stuff to his 2 sons who have no idea what to do with it. So if you’re looking for an extremely large TV from the 80s, boxes of 8 track tapes, vhs player or a concrete “stork” at least that is what we think it is, a trophy from 1995 for “best family float” or a rug shampooer (not sure of working condition) please contact Kirk Miller as Kyle’s number is conveniently unavailable, but please wait for an appropriate amount of time. Tomorrow will work. LOL But this is not an ad for a garage sale, it’s an obituary for a great and loved father, grandfather, and husband.
Virgil loved to volunteer. He was a youth group leader for Peace Lutheran church in Sun Prairie. He helped with the Quincy volunteer fire department. A long time member of the Petenwell and Castle Rock Property Owners, Petenwell and Castlerock Stewards and The Duck Creek Watershed group. He helped start the Quincy Neighborhood watch. Along with his work on the planning and zoning committee, Virgil was voted to the Ambulance committee as a citizen representative to help get a new ambulance service to the area. He also liked helping however he could at the Maggie Mae barn dances. He really enjoyed dressing up for St. Patrick’s Day and going to local care centers and the King Veterans home dressed up as a leprechaun and passing out little gifts. He loved watching sports especially the Wisconsin Badgers, racing and the Green Bay Packers GO PACK Go!!
He loved going for rides on his motorcycles and truly enjoyed hunting and fishing. However, we believe that hunting and fishing was just his way of spending more time with his sons more so than actually catching fish or bagging deer or ducks but he was skilled at both.
He would always carry dog biscuits in his coat pocket because like he would say “you never know when you’re going to see a dog who needs a treat. Or one to toss so I can jump a fence to get away from”
He always said his greatest accomplishment in his life was his two boys Kirk and Kyle and the lives they made for themselves and their families. Virgil would always put the needs of his family and friends before his own without hesitation or expecting anything in return. He was a man with the biggest heart. He was an extremely proud grandpa and cherished watching his granddaughters grow and succeed in life.
THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT WE’LL EVER HEAR IS YOU’RE JUST LIKE YOUR DAD.
Virgil was preceded in death by his Parents (father) Carl Miller, (Mother) Alvina Miller, (wife) Judith Lee (Czajkowski) Miller and two infant brothers.
Survivors include his sons: Kirk Miller, Kyle Miller (Leigh Ann (Niedermeier) Miller; granddaughter, Emma Miller; granddaughter, Hannah Miller; Kinship cared Granddaughter, Emilee Niedermeier and Kasey and Kalvin and his pride and joy his grand-Dog, BENNY!!
The Millers would like to give a special thank you to Virgil’s friend and companion Johhna Lee Mozny for her care and dedication to our father/grandfather. We would also like to thank the close friends and neighbors who helped with his care. You are all greatly appreciated.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31st, 2026 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. John K. Stake will officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 31st, from 12 Noon until the time of service. Interment will be at Fall River Cemetery at a later date and a celebration of life will be held later in the Summer details to follow.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home (www.roseberrys.com) is assisting the family.
Morgan, Elaine Claire Age 84 of Adams
3 days
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Elaine Claire Morgan (Vana, Johnson), age 84, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Elaine was born on February 25, 1941, in Mauston, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Virginia (Werner) Johnson. She attended Adams-Friendship High School and graduated with the Class of 1958. From there, she began a life marked by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love of people.
Elaine lived fully and with purpose. She had a passion for travel, was an accomplished pianist who could move an audience, and faithfully served as church organist at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church for 25 years. Alongside her husband, Fred, she enjoyed boating, camping, cheering on the Badgers, Packers, Bucks, and the Kansas City Chiefs, and attending NASCAR and local races throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. Both were avid readers, especially of Westerns.
Elaine found great joy in cooking and baking, particularly traditional Norwegian recipes, and she shared her talents while working in restaurants and school kitchens. Over the years, she also served as a school bus aide and worked at Parker Pen in Janesville, SSI, and later at Oscar Mayer in Madison, from where she retired.
Elaine was deeply involved in her community. As a young woman, she belonged to Rainbow Girls, and later was active in the Sons of Norway, Camper Club, and the Red Hat Society. She volunteered with the Historical Society, Antique Tractor Club, the Grand Marsh Corn & Tater Festival, her church, and local 4-H programs.
Above all, Elaine was known for her kindness, generosity, and welcoming spirit. She loved to entertain—whether preparing a home-cooked meal, playing the piano, enjoying a lively game of euchre, or sharing quiet conversation over coffee. There was always room for dessert. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and meaningful conversation.
Elaine treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, faithfully attending their school programs, music recitals, sporting events, and dance performances. She was immensely proud of their accomplishments. She cherished her family, her friends, and most of all her husband, Fred. Her radiant smile and gentle spirit touched all who knew her. Elaine was a woman of remarkable grace, whose example will be remembered and whose presence will be deeply missed.
Elaine was married first to Russ Nichols, with whom she had three children, and later to John Vana Jr., with whom she had two children. In 2003, she was united in marriage to Fred Morgan.
She is survived by her husband, Fred Morgan; sister, Frances Synova Brien; son, Brian (Lisa) Vana; daughter, Cheryl (Rick) Duncan; son, Jeff Vana; daughter-in-law, Kathy (Mike) Kuss; brother-in-law, Dan (Marilyn) Morgan; sister-in-law, Lola Williams; step-sons, Kelly (Carla) Morgan and Kerry Morgan; step-daughter, Teri Ann Chambers; brother-in-law, Dave Marsh; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Frank) Chudyk and Sharon Morgan; first cousin, Rick (Sari) Ostby; 19 grandchildren: Justin, Jacob, Alyssa, Josh, Ashley, Dusty, Nick, Cam, Zach, Morgan, Jon, Keiryn, Kyle, Chelsea, John, Dustin, Rick, Ryan, and Lindsey; 25 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Vana Jr.; daughter, Brenda (Rob) LaMar; son, Dennis Nichols; parents, Clarence and Virginia Johnson; brothers, Bob Haakenstad and Allen Johnson; sisters-in-law, Nancy Marsh and Maureen “Sis” Holden; brothers-in-law, Harold Morgan and Howard Morgan; son-in-law, Ray Chambers; and great-nephew, Adam Brien.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Terri Skildum officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.
Elaine was a blessing, her memory a treasure.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home (www.roseberrys.com) assisted the family
Vondrak, Ronald G. Age 84 of Phillips and Formerly of Adams
3 days
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Ronald G. Vondrak, age 84, of Phillips, formerly of Adams, Wisconsin, passed away at home on Friday January 2, 2026. He fought a courageous battle against cancer-adenocarcinoma of the GE Junction.
Memorial services, with military honors to follow, will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at South Burr Oak Methodist Church in Coloma, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at Westfield East Cemetery at a later date.
Ronald was born on April 19th, 1941, in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin, to Edward Vondrak Jr. and Susie (Boer) Vondrak. He was united in marriage to Judith Thurber which ended in a divorce and on January 26th, 1986. He married the love of his life Judy (Kouba) Green in Adams County. Ronald served in the United States Army and was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. Throughout his working career he worked as a car detailer at Sharapotta’s Motors in Friendship and Greenwood Motors in Wisconsin Dells until he started a secondhand store in Westfield, Wisconsin and sold the business and built a Ron’s Liquor Store that he ran until he sold the business and returned to Adams, Wisconsin and started working at Castle Rock Container in which he met Judy, and then he started working with Adams County Community Programs as an Economic Support Specialist. He also was a part-time jailor for Adams County. After retirement from the county, he started a family-owned medical transport company with his wife Judy and son Jason, known as R&J Medical Transportation they ran the business and serving the community of Adams County for eighteen years.
Ronald was a proud member of the VFW in Adams, Masonic Lodge in Friendship, and the South Burr Oak Church. He valued the fellowship and service that each organization represented.
In his leisure time he enjoyed snowmobiling, especially drag racing with his son, Jason, demo derby’s especially participating in building and be the biggest fan for his son Jason and his team, camping, riding motorcycles, classic old cars, fishing, elk hunting in Romeo Colorado with his brother Mitchell, nephews, Richard and Mitchell Jr., wild boar hunting in Searcy, Arkansas with his two sons both named Jason. On his bucket list was to do a bear hunt, and he finally received a tag, for applying for many years when he was in his late seventies in which that was made possible by his son Jason, Pete Fusak and Mike Fusak for use of the land, with hunting camper that he and Jason shared to be successful bear hunt to complete his bucket list.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Susie Vondrak, Jr.; brothers, Mitchell, Robert, Raymond, and Richard, maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins brother in-law: Doran Truex, sister-in-law: Viola Vondrak, daughter: Charmaine Allen, nephews: Richard Vondrak, Mitchell Vondrak Jr., and Peter Vondrak and his fur baby: Scooby
Ronald is survived by his wife Judy; children Jason Vondrak, and Marie Vondrak; beloved grandchildren, Rhianna Vondrak (his special granddaughter), Scott Cline, Shawn Lloyd, Robert, Rachel, and Casey; sister: Ramona Truex; sister-in- law: Donna Shaw; special nieces: Betty Jo Person, and Lorie Albrecht. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, extended family: Jason Manthey (Jessalyn Mountezuma) and family, Mike Fusak, Jack Holling, Joseph DeLeasky, and his fur baby: 187.
Special thanks to Nurse Angie Thomas, for her exceptional care from Avanti Home Care and Iron Mountain VA for all of their help and cares they provided.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
