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Local Prep Scores from Thursday 10/23

WIAA Regional Semi-Final Volleyball Scores from Thursday

D1

Middleton 3 Tomah 1

D2

Reedsburg 3 Mauston 1 (kira Clemens 17digs 3aces for Mauston)

Lakeland 3 Wisconsin Dells 0

D3

Onalaska Luther 3 Wautoma 0

D4

Bangor 3 River Ridge 1

Cashton 3 Wisconsin Heights 1

Brookwood 3 Riverdale 0 (Ava Gruen 33assists for Brookwood)

D5

Royall 3 North Crawford 0

De Soto 3 Hillsboro 0

Wonewoc-Center 3 Seneca 1 (Estyn Fry 17kills for Wonewoc-Center)

 

WIAA Regional Final Soccer

D3

Fort Atkinson 3 Wisconsin Dells 0

D4

Nekoosa 1 Adams-Friendship 0

Royall Blasts North Crawford in Volleyball Regional Semi

The Royall Panthers volleyball team routed North Crawford 3-0 Thursday night in a WIAA D5 Regional Semi-Final matchup.  Royall won by scores of 25-18, 25-11, and 25-13.  Bria Gruen led the way with 16kills while Laya Wainwright also had double digit kills for the Panthers.  Royall will move on to face De Soto in a WIAA Regional Final in Elroy Saturday night.  Royall improves to 23-7 on their season.  North Crawford finishes their season at 7-17.

Schnell, Eldon Lee Age 93 of Mauston

Eldon Lee Schnell, age 93 received his heavenly upgrade on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease among other things.  He passed peacefully holding his wife Ardis’s hand.

Eldon was born on July 8, 1932, to Edwin Frank Schnell and Amanda Minnie (Claire) Schnell.  He was the youngest of 3 children.  Eldon attended Waters Country School through 8th grade and graduated in a class of 12 from Royall High School in 1950.

After high school Eldon worked at the Badger Ammunition Plant between Baraboo and Sauk City in Maintenance and Groundskeeping until the plant closed.  Then he tried his hand a driving semi.  He partnered with a friend, and they drove long hauls all over the country for approximately two years.  When the truck driving came to an end, Eldon got a job at the John Deer Plant in Waterloo, Iowa.  He enjoyed his job and would have stayed there but Uncle Sam called him for service in the Army from 1955 to 1957.  He was a Specialist 2nd class where he was a radio repairman and was stationed in Japan for 16 months of his two-year term.  Eldon has said he was quite an attraction for the ladies over there because of his blue eyes.

After serving his two-year term he was honorably discharged from the Army and came home to Kendall Wisconsin to help his parents on the family farm.  Eldon was always very handy as he knew quite a bit about plumbing, electrical, mechanical, carpentry, etc. and therefore helped remodel their home along with taking care of the cattle and other chores.  Eldon started painting with an established painter in the area and before long decided he could do better on his own. He was well known all over Juneau County and surrounding areas for his excellent painting both interior and exterior.  Over the years he had friends and then his sons who also helped with his painting business.  One of Eldon’s biggest accomplishments was his ability to transform a gray steel door into what looked like beautiful wood grain with his time and talent.   Other bragging points for Eldon was the work he; his son Lee and other volunteers did at his home church, St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran in Ontario, WI in the mid-1980s.  When St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church was being built in the early 1990’s Eldon, Lee and countless others contributed their time and talents to the beautiful church we enjoy today.  Eldon and Ardis also donated the Little Lambs Daycare sign that our church established in recent years.

Eldon loved roller skating, bowling, shooting pool, hunting and dancing which is where he met his wife Ardis (Robinson) Schnell.  They met at a dance at the Kendall Community Hall in March and were married on December 2, 1961, that same year at the St. Matthews Parsonage.  Eldon then moved to Mauston, and they went on to raise four children on the Century old Robinson-Schnell dairy farm. (Was a century farm in 1974)  For about 4 years Eldon was doing chores both in Mauston and for his parents in Kendall.  After his parents quit farming, Eldon was able to concentrate on the Robinson-Schnell farm milking cows, doing chores in the morning, painting during the day and doing chores and milking again at night.  Raising a family, working together in the barn, fields, house or garden was not always easy, but Eldon had a strong belief in faith and family.  He has served multiple terms with our church counsel over the years.  After the dairy cows were sold in 1999, Eldon continued to do painting well into his 70’s.  Eldon and his son Lee were blessed to work together for 40 years and now Lee continues to paint part time and carry on the tradition.  All the family members, including some grandsons, have done some painting at one time or another.

Eldon was very proud of his Allis Chalmers tractors, of which there were many over the years.  The farm was known as the one with orange tractors and blue buildings.  He loved painting them up and receiving compliments on how nice they looked.  Some have been in parades in recent years as well.

Both Eldon and his wife Ardis were proud of their four children and the legacy they leave behind.  They all excelled in their chosen professions, and all were willing to help out whenever asked by family, friends, or strangers.  The fact that all four have raised great families made them both comment: “We must have done something right.”

Eldon is preceded in death by his parents Edwin Schnell, Amanda (Claire) Schnell, his brother Harland Schnell, his sister Darlene Banach, aunts, uncles, and in-laws.  He is survived by his wife Ardis Schnell, his children: Lee (Michelle) Schnell of Mauston, Gary (Kay) Schnell of Grafton, WI, Todd (Elizabeth) Schnell of Cottage Grove, WI, Peggy (Craig) Smith of Mauston; Grandchildren: Mitchell (Karen) Smith, Cody (Chelsea) Smith, Alex (Lucy) Evangelista, Kevin, Kaylee, Adam, Taylor, Ari and Michael Schnell; Great Grandchildren: Logan, Colton and Mariana Smith, nieces, nephews and friends.

The Schnell and Smith family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Cottage Care Circle and their staff for the wonderful care, time, and countless hugs and laughter that Eldon and Ardis have both benefited from over the last 4 years.  We are truly grateful for having our parents close by and well taken care of.  It truly takes special people to be in long term care.

Services will be held at St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Monday, October 27th, 2025.  Visitation will be held from 10 am to 12:00.  Service will start at 12 with a meal to immediately follow.  Internment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery after the meal for those that want to join the family.  Crandall Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. 

Firlus, Larry P. Age 77 of Rural Wonewoc

Larry P. Firlus, age 77 years, of rural Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 on his tractor at the farm.

 

He was born on July 15, 1948 in the Town of Summit, Juneau County to Tony and Erma (Sloniker) Firlus and graduated from the Wonewoc High School.

 

Larry was united in marriage to June Larson on May 8, 1971 at East Lemonweir Lutheran Church, rural Elroy.  They lived on the family farm in the Town of Summit for many years.  She preceded him in death on July 7, 2022.

 

Larry worked as a Construction Supervisor at Friede & Associates in Reedsburg for many years.  In addition, he also ran the family farm and raised Hereford Cattle.  He enjoyed farming and hunting.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mauston.

 

Survivors include his son, Scott (Kelly) Firlus; grandchildren, Dawson and Morgan; sister-in-law, Sandy Firlus and her children, Jesse Firlus and Julie Weier; nephews, Bill (Kathy) Zietlow and Wayne Zietlow and other family and friends.

 

In addition to his wife, June; he was preceded in death by his Parents; sister, Patricia (Paul) Zietlow; brother, Edward Firlus and nephew, Dale Zietlow.

 

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mauston.  Visitation will be at the Church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.  Burial will be in the Potter’s Cemetery in the Town of Summit, Juneau County.

 

The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com

Mauston School District Board Meeting 10-27

Juneau County Arrest Report 10-24

Arnold, William R. Age 76 of Oxford

William R. Arnold Sr., age 76, of Oxford passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 while on vacation in Kariba, Zimbabwe, Africa.

 

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Diane: his son Bill Jr (Sue), his daughter Corcinna (Cori), his grandsons Dustin (Kyla), Chase (Kortney) and Bryce; his granddaughter Samantha; his great grandsons Owen and Kase; and his great granddaughters Emma and Blake, and a sister, Cathy Arnold. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Aly, who will greatly miss her ‘Daddy’.
Bill was born on December 9, 1948 in Beloit, WI to Ralph and Eva (Meech) Arnold. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1967. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War as a Spec 4 in the Big Red One and Americal Divisions of the US Army where he received two Purple Hearts (one in each division). He served from February 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1971.
Bill married his high school sweetheart Diane Maly on March 2, 1970 in Honolulu, Hawaii while on R & R from Vietnam. He returned to his job at the Chrysler plant in Belvidere, IL which he retired from in 1999. He graduated from Rock Valley College Rockford, IL with an Associate’s Degree in Earth Science.

Bill and his wife built their dream home in the Oxford area completing it in 2020. Bill called it his “Paradise on Earth”. While living in Beloit, WI, Bill was active with the Turtle Volunteer Fire Department where he also served as an EMT and paramedic. He served at one time as the Turtle Township Chairman. He was also a former member of St. Stephen’s Parish in Clinton and the Knights of Columbus.

Bill loved to trap, hunt, fish, and shoot trap as well as traveling all over the World. He was a former member of the Rock Valley Anglers, the Beloit Rifle Club and Ducks Unlimited. Bill was the Parade Marshall for the 2024 Fourth of July parade in Adams/Friendship.

Bill was a life member and Chaplain of the Oxford VW Post 6003 where he enjoyed calling Bingo on Monday nights when he wasn’t traveling or trapshooting at the Pine Bluff or Westfield trap clubs. He was a life member of VVA.

Bill participated in 2019 as part of the Badger Honor Flight to Washington DC accompanied by his daughter Cori. He also went proudly on the Vet’s Roll in 2024 to Washington DC.
Bill was a devout member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he enjoyed serving as an usher and greeter. He was third degree knight at the St. Joseph’s KC Council #6718 where he served as an Inside Guard. He was the sextant of Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Bill was the current Commander of the Adams County Honor Guard. He was also on the Veteran Service Commission to help with the new memorial at the courthouse.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister Barbara Brown; and nephew Jason Brown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Oxford VFW Post 6003, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or the Knights of Columbus Council #6718.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin, with Father David Bruener officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Brooks, Wisconsin.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, and again at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Boshardy, Steve Frank Age 73 of Mauston

Steve Frank Boshardy Jr. – or what we knew him as, “Pa” – passed away October 19, 2025. He was born on June 16, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Wisconsin during his teen years, and to Mauston in his early twenties, where he created more than a home – he built a family, and more memories than any of us could ever count.

 

Pa was a builder, not just of homes and projects, but of relationships with the people he worked with and for. When I was young, he would come pick me up to help him at his work. I never made his job any easier, but it was some of the best quality time I got to spend with him. He taught me the importance of hard work and taking pride in the work we were doing.

Though he was passionate about his work, his real pride was his family. His wife, Debbie; and his daughter, Stephany were his world. He loved them endlessly – and when the family grew and “Lukie” and the grandkids came along, his love grew right with it. Growing up, I could always count on Grandma and Pa to be at every game, every school event, and every milestone big and small. He was always there – and you knew he was there by the trail of people pointing at the guy who had just offered their kid a cigarette.

That’s just who he was: loving, but rarely serious. Constantly pushing people’s buttons and finding a way always to keep people on their toes. He had a big heart, but an even bigger personality.

“Pa taught us a lot without ever really trying to. He taught us to work hard, love each other, and to take life as it comes. He was one of a kind – someone who could never be replaced. The world feels quieter without him, but we’ll keep him with us in our laughs, our milestones, and every project we finish with his same stubborn ways.” – Written with love by his oldest grandchild Josh Georgeson

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Debbie (Bohnsack) Boshardy; son, Tom (Alison) Boshardy; daughter, Stephany (Luke) Georgeson; grandchildren, Joshua Georgeson, Haddie Georgeson, Steve Georgeson, and Colin Boshardy; sister, Terry (James Sr.) Hayward; nieces and a nephew, and special friends Dick and Natalie Schwab.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister-in-law.

No formal services are planned; the family asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences.

Rhodes, M. James “Jim” Age 76 of Wisconsin Rapids

James M. “Jim” Rhodes, age 76, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Edenbrook Nursing Home in Wisconsin Rapids.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2:00pm until the time of service.

Jim was born on February 17, 1949 in Rockford, IL, to James and Clara (Bader) Rhodes. He attended high school and some college in Milwaukee, and then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Jim worked for the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal for 17 years before moving to Stevens Point in 1984, where he was employed by the U.S. Post Office in Wisconsin Rapids. He later moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 2006 and retired from the Post Office after 28 years in 2013.

Jim had a lifelong love of sports, playing them in his younger years, later enjoying watching games on TV, and would talk sports with anyone. He enjoyed visiting the casino and dog racing. Jim loved spending time with good friends at local bars, where everyone knew him as “Jimbo”. He was really into Family Tree building for many years, and even helped friends with theirs. Jim also had a great sense of humor, had a joke for any occasion and could put a smile on anyone’s face. He was loved by many and regarded as a great person, great dad, and would help anyone in need.

Jim is survived by his son, Travis Rhodes; grandchildren, Lily and Royce; step-grandchildren, Devon, Jason, and Brittney; sister, Lillian (Gary) Fuchs; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Jason Rhodes; and sister, Susan (Norm) Thrasher.

Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Merritt, Melanie Grace Age 76 of Necedah

Melanie Grace Merritt, 76, of Necedah, Wisconsin passed away Monday, October 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Marshfield Medical Center in Wisconsin. Her doting husband George (of 53 years), held Melanie gently in his arms as she passed.

Melanie was born January 06, 1949 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Alden E. and Dorothy G. (Davis) Cowen. Melanie was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School, and later earned an Associate’s degree in accounting from Western Technical College.

She married George, her partner in love and life, and was blessed

with three children, Joseph, Anastasia, and George, Jr. She worked at American Motors/Chrysler until she retired in the mid-eighties. After retiring, she and George moved to central Wisconsin where they ultimately ended up settling in the village of Necedah. Although, “semi-retired,” George accepted a position with Marshfield Clinic as their in-house courier, and Melanie put her love of numbers and sunny disposition to work at the Mauston Medical Clinic. Both positions were a perfect fit for their effervescent personalities, and it showed for many years. They were the epitome of sunshine and happiness, enjoying the ride. Moreover, when immediate and extended family also began moving to, and residing in the local area, they were absolutely thrilled!

Melanie was a lifelong learner and always up for adventure, whether she was cruising on an ocean liner or skippering their pontoon boat-she did it with class and style. She was affectionately known as, “The River Queen,” coined by a good friend of the family who also named George-“The River Rat!”

Melanie enjoyed the game of life! She gladly accepted any board game challenge, played Euchre to Old Maid, camped from tent to motor home, read anything she could put her hands on, and, above all, rejoiced in spending time with family. You never saw her without a smile on her face. (Or without George far behind!) She exemplified the definition of positivity and you were always greeted and treated to one of Melanie’s radiant smiles, that was typically complemented with her infectious laughter. She truly personified positivity and the warmth from her smile made your heart happy!

Melanie took pleasure (and challenge) learning new things, even through her seventies! She was always a wealth of knowledge – whether it was how to thread a needle or how to thread a pipe, Melanie was our “Go-to,” gal.

Melanie was preceded in death by her father-Alden E. Cowen, mother-Dorothy G. Cowen, grandson-Mitchell P. Merritt, great grandson-Anthony A. Epstein, and great granddaughter Abigail E. Epstein.

Survivors: Husband-George M. Merritt, Children-Joseph (Tina) Boissonneault, Anastasia (David) Epstein, George (Alicia) Merritt, Brother-Timothy (Bonnie) Cowen, Sister-Cynthia (Walter) Merritt, Grand

children-Danielle (Brad) Barton, Brittany Hintz, Andrew (Kelli) Epstein, Kayla Merritt, Cody (Cristina)

Boissonneault, Noah (Ashley) Boissonneault, Connor (Cailin) Epstein, and Joseph Boissonneault.

 

Great-Grandchildren- Chace, Braden, Cambry, Jonathan, Madelyn, Damon, Camden, Levi, Keegan, Waverly, Michael, Peter, and Thomas. Melanie also adored her many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She loved them and they loved their, “Auntie Melanie,” right back!

Melanie’s kind heart, penchant for life, and beautiful smile are already missed by those who loved and adored her. So, please join us for:

A Celebration of Life

Saturday, November 8, 2025 Noon until 3:00 p.m.

Strongs Prairie Town Hall

1588 State Hwy 21

Arkdale, WI 54613

In honor of Melanie, please wear a bright color of some sort! Not required, but all who knew Melanie, knew she had an affinity for bright, fun, colors, especially ORANGE!

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.

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