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Kearney, Michael J. Age 63 of Adams
A Remembrance of Life will be held on Saturday, November 15th at the Cedar Shack in Adams, Wisconsin from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Michael was born May 26, 1962, in Friendship, Wisconsin to Claude and Mary Ann (Becker) Kearney. He was a life-long resident of the area.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman and had many hobbies including shooting pool, hunting, trapping, fishing, and an overall love for the outdoors.
His careers started with his father Claude at C+M Motors and consisted of working for Scott’s Construction, the Township of Adams, and operating his own salvage yard. He was a man of many talents and could fix anything.
Mike was a man of very few words but always quick with a great comeback. He did have a few favorite sayings which were always sure to bring a smile:
• “Don’t ever lose your happy!”
• “There are only 2 kinds of beer, Pabst and free.”
• “Quiet, Waylon is on.”
• “Do you still love me?”
Those who knew him knew he was someone who could always be relied on and trusted, and he absolutely loved life.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Claude Kearney, and other relatives and family.
He is survived by his sons, Trevor Kearney, Trent Kearney, and Jason Robinson; his life-long friend Cindy Phillippi (the mother of Trevor and Trent); his significant other, Barb Solchenberger; her children, Amanda (Solchenberger) Burmaster and Jen Solchenberger (stepdaughters); and his “bestest girl” George (Savanah Revels – granddaughter). He is also survived by his mother, Mary Ann (Becker) Kearney; his siblings; as well as many other relatives and family.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Clark, Leo Varnham Age 82
Leo Varnham Clark, age 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025, with his devoted and loving wife of 30 years by his side.
A Celebration of Leo’s Life will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Janet Sterken will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Oakdale cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Manke, William (Bill) E. Age 77 of Lemonweir Township
William (Bill) E. Manke, age 77 passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday October 29th, 2025 at his residence doing what he loved to do.
Bill was born March 19th, 1948 in Round Lake, IL to Erich L. and Gertrude (Dash) Manke. He was baptised and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Chicago, IL.
Bill was a proud veteran serving during the Vietnam war from March 28th, 1968 and honorably discharged March 19th, 1970. During that time Bill was awarded the National Defense Medal, Marksman with grenade launcher, pistol and rifle, and Good Conduct Award.
On December 4th, 1971 Bill married Darlene Bergeron and moved to the Juneau County area in 1972. In 1973 Bill and Darlene built their permanent home in Lemonweir township. Bill was very proud of his farm, raising beef cattle, chickens, and horses as well as a large garden to share vegetables with friends and neighbors.
Bill worked several jobs before he married but devoted 43 years before retiring from BigJoe in Wisconsin Dells, doing assembly work along with many other jobs. His retirement allowed more time to be outside on his farm. During Bill and Darlene’s 54 years of marriage 4 children were born, then 8 grandchildren.
Bill had a wonderful gift of gab. He made many friends throughout the years and could carry on a conversation with a complete stranger. Bill was always willing and ready to help wherever he was needed and remained true to his christian faith.
To the man that could make anyone laugh in a room full of sadness, to the guy that always had a smile on his face and always showed up to places at the strangest times.
He could brighten your day with his jokes and awkward sayings. He was truly our rock and a person to look up to. We know you will be looking down watching over your family and friends. You will still be the grandkids biggest fan as you watch each one of them accomplish so much. We all will continue to look up to your christian driven personality and stubborn self. This is not a goodbye, it’s a see you later grandpa.
Bill is survived by his wife Darlene, children Dawn Schwartz, David Manke, Jessica (Chris) Skinner, and Melissa (Joe) Laack. Grandchildren, Mallory, Tyler, and Mariah Schwartz, Zack Evans, Christopher and Ben Skinner, Ericha Edgerton and Maddie Laack. HIs brother Robert Manke. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his little dog Teddy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joan.
Visitation will be held at Crandall Funeral home in Mauston, WI on Monday November 10th, from 3-7pm. A memorial service with Military Honors will be held at 11am Tuesday November 11th, 2025 at St.Lukes Lutheran Church in Lyndon Station, WI. Where friends and family may call from 10am until time of service. A luncheon will follow.
Bill’s family would also like to thank the Juneau county sheriff’s department, Juneau county dispatch, Juneau county medical examiner, the kindest of everyone in the ER, pastor Butler, first responders and all the love, prayers and support during this difficult time. Thank you all, nothing has gone unnoticed.
Schultz, Jennifer “Jenny” Lynn Age 50 of Adams
Jennifer “Jenny” Lynn Schultz, age 50, of Adams, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025.
Jenny was born on May 14, 1975, in Friendship, WI, to Richard and Sharon (nee Cook) Gulas. She graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1993, where she excelled at basketball and volleyball. She was captain of the volleyball team her senior year and was on both the homecoming and prom courts. In 1994, she married her high school sweetheart, Jeff Schultz. Although it ended in divorce, the marriage created a beautiful daughter, Mikayla.
Jenny was a creative and artistic soul who had a special gift for working with flowers. Many memorable occasions in Adams County were made even more special by the beauty of the floral arrangements she created and the joy they inspired. Countless husbands were able to ensure happy homes when Jenny happily fulfilled last-minute orders for birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Days.
Jenny was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she was baptized and confirmed. Faith and family were important to her and she enjoyed spending time with family and close friends – especially holidays, Packer parties and friendly, but fiercely competitive, card games. She was also an excellent cook and baker and enjoyed sharing her culinary creations with others.
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). With an honesty rooted in love, Jenny was not afraid to be honest – even if it sometimes hurt. Yet greater still were her kindness, compassion and willingness to help others – especially those going through tough times that she herself sometimes endured.
Jenny was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Gulas and Sharon Mattox, stepfather William Mattox, a dear friend, Aaron Myott, and a beloved canine companion, Riley. She is survived by her daughter, Mikayla (Cole) Trzesniak, sisters Lisa (Ron) Allen and Carol (Dan) Wood and brother David (Bobbi) Gulas; nieces Danielle (Mark) Baughman and Victoria (Kainen Dyer) Collins; nephews Christopher (Allexys Meyers) Collins and Chase Gulas; great-nieces Harper Baughman and Willow Collins; and great-nephew Ezra Sasser. She is further survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins as well as a dear network of wonderful and caring friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Friendship on November 9 at 2:00 pm, with refreshments being served. The memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm. A private, family graveside service will be held following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mikayla Trzesniak, 1897 Lakeview Drive, Friendship, WI 53934.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home (www.roseberrys.com) is assisting the family.
Hansens IGA Takes Home State Top Grocer Honors
Wisconsin Grocers Association closed out the 2025 Innovation Expo on Sept. 30 with an awards banquet to celebrate the WGA Award Winners at the Wilderness in Wisconsin Dells.
The WGA Awards consists of four categories: Community Service, Excellence in Operations, Vendor of the Year and Grocer of the Year. There can be multiple winners for the Community Service and Excellence in Operations categories, but only one winner in the Vendor of the Year and Grocer of the Year categories.
2025 Grocer of the Year
The 2025 Grocer of the Year is Greg, Kari and Nick Hansen of Hansen’s IGA Market. The Grocer of the Year is Wisconsin grocery industry’s highest honor and recognizes an individual for a lifetime achievement within the grocery industry. These honorees exemplify the highest quality of leadership in business and in their community; their influence has positively enhanced the lives of others.
Hansen’s IGA Market operates 16 stores across Wisconsin and employs more than 600 team members. The company has earned national recognition, including being named IGA USA Retailers of the Year and receiving the NRAB Chairman Excellence in Leadership Award in 2025.
Founded in 1968 with a single store in Bangor, Hansen’s has grown into a network of “hometown proud” supermarkets known for quality products, outstanding service and community engagement. This award represents a legacy in Wisconsin’s grocery industry. In 2008, Leo and Rosemary Hansen won the WGA Grocer of the Year award.
“This truly is a team award,” said Kari Hansen. “We are truly honored and humbled. There is no way this could happen without 600 other Hansen’s IGA Market team members.”
Mike Semmann, WGA President and CEO, added, “The Hansen family’s leadership blends tradition with innovation. Their dedication to customers, employees and communities across Wisconsin makes them a model for the grocery industry.”
Godshalk, James “Jim” Age 97 of Kendall
James “Jim” Godshalk, age 97, of Kendall, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Tomah VA Hospital after an extended illness.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the American Legion Hall in Elroy, WI. The service will begin at 12 p.m. (noon) with military honors at 1 p.m. Family and friends are invited to stay after the military honors to enjoy one another’s company, stories, and refreshments. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Reedsburg Man Arrested for Slew of Car Thefts
A local man was taken into custody after Reedsburg Police received numerous reports of theft from vehicles in Reedsburg.
Reedsburg Police Dispatch Center received ten (10) separate calls from residents who were victims of theft or attempted theft from a parked vehicle. The reported thefts began on October 8th and continued until officers took Alejandro Leal (45) of Reedsburg into custody on October 21st at around 11:30pm when he was witnessed trying to enter a vehicle. Reedsburg Police Detectives executed a residential search warrant on October 23rd which resulted in the recovery of stolen property and drug related items.
Alejandro Leal has been charged and/or referred to the Sauk County District Attorney’s Office for the following: Theft (9 counts), Obstructing an Officer, Possession of THC (2nd+), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
These charges are merely an accusation of criminal conduct where probable cause existed for an arrest. This individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation is continuing. If you have any information regarding this or other criminal activity, you are encouraged to contact the Reedsburg Police Department (608)524-2376 or Sauk County Crime Stoppers @ 1-888-TIP-SAUK (1-888-847-7285).
Reedsburg Police would like to thank the community for their assistance in providing surveillance video during the investigation. Residents are also encouraged to lock their vehicles while unattended.

