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Larson, Deborah “Debbe” Lynn Age 77 of Kendall

Deborah “Debbe” Lynn Larson, 77, of Kendall, died on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Milestone Senior Living in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 307 Spring Street, Kendall, Wisconsin 54638. Father John Ofori-Domah will officiate. Family and friends are invited for a time of visitation from 9:30 A.M. until the start of the service. Burial will be held at St. Teresa Catholic Cemetery in Union Center, Wisconsin. Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com

Walker, Helen Elizabeth Age 88 of Mauston

Helen Elizabeth Walker, age 88, passed away April 22, 2026 in Mauston, WI. She was born to Ada and Wilson Robertson on May 8,1937 in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.

After the death of her father, Helen, her sister Mary and mother Ada moved to the United States settling in Mauston, WI. Helen graduated from Mauston High School in 1954.

Helen married Loren Walker on April 28, 1956. They resided in New Lisbon where they raised their 5 children. Helen was an active member of her community. In the late 70’s, she was involved with the Laotian resettlement in the New Lisbon area. She was a devoted volunteer at the New Lisbon American Legion and an officer of the Winter Wanderers snowmobile club. In 2012, Helen and Loren were named Citizens of the Year by the New Lisbon Chamber of Commerce.

Helen loved to bird watch and tend to her flower gardens. She enjoyed travelling (RVing) all over the U.S. She played piano and organ, and sang harmony. She was an avid reader, excelled at word puzzles/games and was an exceptional coloring book artist. She had a great sense of humor and was always quick with a quip or one liner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Carol, son John, husband Loren, brother-in-law Walter Froehlich and sister Mary Froehlich.

Survived by children Lori Walker (Chris Kimber), Dawn (Bob) Nicksic, Dann (Nancy) Walker; grandchildren Erin (Nick) Korpela, Joe Nicksic (Stacy Good), Brian (Amy) Nicksic, Ellie (Mike) Czys, Curtis (Lindsey) Walker, Kyle (Kaitlin) Walker, Craig (Samantha) Walker, Nathan (Kiersten) Roscovius, Hilary (Dustin) Gensch, Mitchell and Riley Paulson; and 18 cherished great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at Bethany Lutheran Church (618 W. River St.) in New Lisbon with visitation from 9:00-11:00 and service at 11:00. Rev. Lucy Hardie presiding.  Interment at the New Lisbon city cemetery and meal to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a cause of your choice – Carl W. Nelson Animal Shelter in Mauston was one of Helen’s favorites. The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Fair View Nursing Home in Mauston for all of the love and care they gave Helen.  The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

Local Prep Scores from Tuesday 4/28

Softball

Hillsboro 5 Cashton 4 (Gracie Herritz 2×4 walk off 8th inning single)

Bangor 13 Necedah 1

Bangor 17 Necedah 3

Royall 6 De Soto 2

Tomah 6 Sparta 1

 

Baseball

Hillsboro 6 Cashton 5

Westfield 3 Mauston 2 (Isaac Steinke 12 strikeouts on the mound for Mauston)

De Soto 11 Royall 1

Wautoma 7 Nekoosa 1

Wisconsin Dells 11 Berlin 0

Westby 13 Bangor 0

Wonewoc-Center 11 La Farge 1

Reedsburg 11 Stoughton 0

 

Girls Soccer

Tomah 13 Melrose-Mindoro 0

Richardson, Gloria Jean Age 78 of Adams

Gloria Jean Richardson, age 78, of Adams, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin, with Pastor Terri Skildum officiating. Interment will follow at Easton Cemetery in the Town of Easton, Adams County, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.

Gloria was born on May 9, 1947, in Eldorado, Illinois, to Lewis and Helen (Watt) Palmer. She graduated from Argo High School in 1965.

Gloria met her future husband, David Richardson, while working at BorgWarner Automotive in Bellwood, Illinois. They were united in marriage on October 12, 1968, in Summit, Illinois. They made their home in Bellwood for several years before moving to Justice, Illinois, where they lived for the remainder of their time in Illinois. Gloria and David both dedicated 35 years to BorgWarner before retiring in 2001. Following retirement, they enjoyed traveling and ultimately fulfilled their dream of building a home on their land in Adams.

Gloria found great joy in the beauty of nature. She loved watching the birds, deer, and turkeys that visited her backyard, with a special fondness for cardinals. She also had a love for flamingos and flowers, especially sunflowers. Gloria enjoyed photography and was rarely without her camera. When her children were growing up, she spent many hours crafting with them.

She and David shared a love of camping and fishing, often spending time with family and friends and creating countless cherished memories, including many crazy boating adventures. They also enjoyed traveling and visiting loved ones across the country.

In her later years, Gloria enjoyed word searches, and playing a game or two on her phone.  She loved to chat on the phone and keep in touch with family and friends. She rarely missed her favorite television programs, including The View, Live with Kelly and Mark, General Hospital, and Wheel of Fortune. Gloria was known for her kind and caring nature, always putting others before herself. She treasured time spent with her family, especially her nieces and nephew, her son Billy, her daughter Angie, and her great-nieces and great-nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, David Richardson; her parents, Lewis and Helen Palmer; her son, William “Billy” Richardson; her brother, Philip Palmer; and her sister, Marilyn Palmer.

She is survived by her daughter, Angie Richardson; her stepson, Scott (Tara) Burrows; her grandsons, Jace Richardson-Larrea and Keegan Burrowfield; as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences and further information are available at www.roseberrys.com.

Baumgart, Joyce E. Age 86 of New Lisbon

JOYCE E. BAUMGART  was born 08/09/1939 in New Lisbon, Wisconsin to Andrew Martin and Eva (Snyder) Martin.  She was the last living grandchild to James (Jens) Christian Martin and Anna Ferguson (Sorensen) Martin who were the first generation of immigrants from Sulsted, Denmark.  They came to Canada taking the St. Lawrence Seaway to Racine, Wisconsin then settling in New Lisbon.

Joyce attended school in New Lisbon. She was the 8th grade ping pong champion. In high school she played the clarinet in the band and played piano for boys, girls, and mixed choir. At the age of 17 she started playing the organ for the East Lemonweir Church until she married. Joyce loved to dance, her dance partner was John Belski, and they started dancing in the 6th grade and danced together until her wedding day. During the summers she would go to the Chicago Suburb and stay with her sister, Evelyn to work and make some money for her school clothes.

 After high school she attended the Juneau County Teacher’s College. It was there that she met her husband Otto Baumgart. They both got their license and moved to Rochester, Wisconsin to start their careers in education. Her first teaching job was a one room schoolhouse called Pleasant View Elementary, where she taught all 8 grades. In 1963 they moved to Adams, Wisconsin when Otto took a job teaching 8th grade in the Adams Grade School. Joyce began teaching for the Adams-Friendship School District in 1967. When she started back teaching in Adams, she told her children Sherry and Scott, now remember I don’t only have you two, but 24 other children now.  She was Title1 at Grand Marsh, Brooks and Castle Rock Grade Schools. Then she taught Kindergarten at Pineland and Roche-a-Cri, 8th grade at Castle Rock Grade School, 4th grade at Adams Grade School and Friendship Grade School. Her musical talent was admired when she and Bob Peligrin performed the Country Western Shows out at Castle Rock Grade School and when she had her 4th graders put on a Veterans Program for the veterans and community. She had a 30 year career in education.

It was in 1971 that Joyce received her Bachelor’s Degree from Stevens Point. It took her 15 years taking night classes, working full time and raising a family. She definitely was the example of perseverance.

Some of her past students have described her as one of their favorites. One stated that he didn’t realize it until he was older that she was firm, fair and direct and thinks of her fondly and frequently, especially now that he is close to 61 years of age. Another stated she showed empathy, compassion and made a difference to many students. When in public she loved running into her past students. They always approached her with respect and “Great to see you, Mrs. Baumgart” She felt her greatest achievement teaching was that her kindergartners were reading at the 1st grade level.

She did take a break from teaching for 2 years and was a social worker at Villa Pines Nursing Center in the 1970’s. Her love of teaching drew her back into that field.

She played organ for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adams from 1964 through the 1990’s and was also a Sunday school teacher.

In 1979 Joyce and Otto built their own home in which she still resided. She lost Otto after 26 years of marriage.

Joyce eventually met LeRoy (Shorty) Thompson and his son Tim. Joyce so enjoyed the spontaneity of adventures he brought to the relationship along with his kindness and love of life. They had 28 years together.  Tim married Donna Thurber and with their daughter Cammie have always remained close.

Joyce’s love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren made her bust with pride.  That love will never fade.

Joyce loved her dog Cuddles, she became her best friend and that dog made her laugh every day. Joyce enjoyed working in her yard picking up sticks, enjoying nature and riding her lawn mower taking care of her 6 lots.

She had great adventures traveling with Roberta Ebert upon retirement, going to dinner plays and bus trips and resale shopping with her daughter and visiting her son on his naval bases.

We extend love and gratitude to Cathy Barnes for always being available to our family anytime, to Jeff and Sandra Baumgartner and Vickie Totton for your 40+ years of love, friendship, cherished memories and laughter. Mark Hein the “prodigal” son who always found his home with us for security and stability. He brought so much laughter and adventures.

It was an early Sunday morning when Mark brought his younger sister to town for Sunday school, while waiting on her he made his way to the Baumgart house as usual made himself at home. He put on a pot of coffee. Otto and Joyce found themselves waking from their slumber to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. After asking one another if they had made it and realizing neither had they ventured out to the kitchen to find Mark enjoying a cup of coffee! He remarked “Good Morning!! I made you a pot of coffee!”

Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   John 13:34

 So thankful to Mile Bluff Emergency Dept, her primary caregivers (Christine, Dr. Dan, Laura and Margaret), Mile Bluff Physical Therapy Dept (Rachel and Amber), Mile Bluff Audiology Dept (Colleen), Heartland Hospice (Laura, MJ, Ashley, Katie, and Anne).

Family members who preceded:

Otto Baumgart (spouse)

Allen Martin (Gladys) (brother and sister in law)

Glenn Martin (Maria) (brother and sister in law)

Evelyn Nelson (Raymond) (sister and brother in law)

LeRoy Thompson (significant other)

Edna Jensen (Richard) (sister in law and brother in law)

Jon Wilson (brother in law)

Mark Wilson (nephew)

Eric Nelson (nephew)

 

Survivors:

 

Sherry Baumgart (daughter), Adams, WI

Scott Baumgart (Sarah) (son), Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Scott Baumgart Jr. (Sarah) (grandson) Springfield, MO

Brystal Kondratuk (Nathan) (granddaughter) Brookings, SD

Lois Baumgart (great granddaughter) Springfield, MO

Otto Baumgart III (great grandson) Springfield, MO

Nora Kondratuk (great granddaughter) Brookings, SD

Ellie Joyce Kondratuk (great granddaughter) Brookings, SD

Isaac Kondratuk (great grandson) Brookings, SD

Tim Thompson (Donna) (stepson) Lyndon Station, WI

Cammie Thompson (stepgrandaughter) Lyndon Station, WI

Geraldine Rattunde (Carl) (sister in law and brother in law) Necedah, WI

Frances Wilson (sister in law) Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Richard Baumgart (Jeanne) (brother in law and sister in law) Necedah, WI

 

Other survivors include nieces and nephews and their children.

 

Memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, WI 53934.  Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate.  Visitation will be on Saturday, May 9th from 10 a.m. until the time of service.  Interment will be at Bay View Cemetery in Necedah, Wisconsin at a later date.

 

Roseberry’s Funeral Home (www.roseberrys.com ) is assisting the family.  

Moore, Michael Allen “Mike” Age 81 formerly of Juneau County

Michael Allen Moore, known affectionately by friends and family as Mike, embarked on his heavenly patrol on November 24, 2025, in Tavares, Florida, after a life well-lived and filled with love.  Born on September 24, 1944, in Abilene, Texas, Mike was the epitome of service to his community and country.

 

Mike’s journey through life was a testament to his commitment to family, faith, and hard work. He shared 63 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Ruth (Hackl) Moore, a partnership that was as much about love as it was about adventure. Together, they raised a family that includes their son Jeffrey (Heather) Moore of Peyton, CO, and daughters Wendy (Dan) Murphy of New Lisbon, WI, and Christine (Jerry) Wiese of Lyndon Station, WI. Mike’s legacy continued to expand with his eight grandchildren, Megan Braund, Benjamin Murphy, Joseph, Tristan (Stephanie), and Quinn Moore, and Cameron (Melissa), Molly (Adam) Wildman, and Emily Wiese, and further blessed with seven great-grandsons who will carry on his generous spirit.

Mike’s sister, Linda (Bill) Fleming, and two nephews also survive him.  He was preceded in departure by a daughter-in-law, Erika Moore, who no doubt welcomed him with a warm embrace on the other side.

 

After graduating from Lone Rock High School in 1962, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate a milk distributorship. It was during this time that a friendly Wisconsin State Trooper, who frequented his route for milk and donuts, inspired Mike to pursue a career in law enforcement. On January 2, 1967, Mike joined the esteemed ranks of the Wisconsin State Patrol’s 16th class, marking the beginning of a distinguished career that saw him rise to the rank of Major at the State Parol Academy before his retirement in 1999. Mike’s dedication to his work was matched by his commitment to his Christian faith and his love for bringing joy to others.

 

In 1972 he built a motel at the I90-94 New Lisbon interchange because he recognized a need for travelers that needed lodging in that area. Ruth managed the motel with a staff of three children.

Travel was one of Mike and Ruth’s greatest joys, and together they explored all 50 states, parts of Europe, and other international destinations. Their houseboat on the Mississippi River in La Crosse became a floating haven of hospitality, hosting hundreds of family and friends over three decades. In 2022, Mike and Ruth transitioned to full-time residents of Florida, where the sunshine matched Mike’s sunny disposition.

 

Mike Moore’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of faith, family, and his total commitment to work and community as well as the needs of others.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at The Lodge (104 Lodge Ln) in Mauston, WI., Relatives and friends are invited at The Lodge from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M., with a Memorial service starting at 3:00 P.M. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

Juneau County Arrest Report 4-27-26

Local Prep Scores from Over the Weekend

Baseball

La Crosse Logan 15 Mauston 0

Poynette 10 Westfield 4

Pittsville 17 Hillsboro 0

De Soto 13 Brookwood 2

Cashton 13 Bangor 5

Tomah 3 Sparta 2

St. Mary’s Catholic 12 Ripon 4

Ripon 6 Howards Grove 4

 

Softball

Bangor 6 Cashton 1

Tomah 4 Sparta 0 (Anna Wall No Hitter for Tomah)

Pittsville 12 Hillsboro 8

Schmidtke, Larry J. Age 89 of Adams

Larry J. Schmidtke Sr., age 89, of Adams, Wisconsin passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Karen, and his children Peggy (Harold) Richards of Rockton, IL; Larry J. Schmidtke Jr. of Machesney Park, IL; Penny (Paul) Lipinski of Machesney Park, IL; Michael (Chenelle) of Toledo, OH., and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Larry retired from Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere, IL after 27 years.  Following his retirement, Larry and Karen moved to Quincy and most recently Adams.

 

A memorial gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Friendship Village Hall in Friendship, Wisconsin. A memorial service will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with Pastor Brian Beardsley officiating.

 

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

Miller, Edward “Eddie” Robert Michael Age 91 of Elroy

Edward “Eddie” Robert Michael Miller, age 91, of Elroy, Wisconsin, was born on September 29, 1934, to George and Selma (Johnson) Miller. A lifelong resident of Elroy, Eddie was called to his heavenly home on April 23, 2026, at the Serenity House in Tomah, Wisconsin, with his beloved wife and son?in?law by his side.

 

On May 19, 1956, Eddie was united in marriage to the love of his life, Eileen Neola (De Witt) Miller, in Norwalk, Wisconsin. Together they shared 70 devoted years of marriage, building a home and a life together on Eddie’s family farm in Elroy. Their partnership was one of deep love, laughter, and unwavering support, forming the foundation of a close and caring family.

 

Eddie was a dedicated farmer whose life was shaped by the land he loved. He farmed both dairy and crops, with a special love for custom combining, and he took great pride in caring for the soil and the work of feeding others. Among his fondest memories was earning a first?place finish at the Norwalk tractor pull, a reflection of both his competitive spirit and his joy in farm life.

 

A natural leader and committed servant to his community, Eddie served on the Mile Bluff Medical Center Board for 34 years, including several years as chair. He also faithfully served as Town Chair of Wonewoc Township, on the Grace Lutheran Church council, and on the Equity Livestock Board, always giving generously of his time and wisdom.

 

Above all, Eddie was a family man. He treasured time spent with his loved ones, enjoyed coffee clutch gatherings with friends, and was known for his infectious laugh that could light up any room. His warmth, humor, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

 

Eddie is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Miller; his daughter, Lynette (David) Livingston of Augusta, Wisconsin; his daughter?in?law, Mary Miller of Elroy; his sister, Dorna Mae Miller of Tomah; his brother? and sister?in?law, Roger (Rita) De Witt of Loveland, Colorado, and Marilee (Mike) Doerre of Rochester, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Michael Livingston, Matthew Livingston, and Marcus Livingston; Andrew Miller, Alan Miller, Brian Miller, and Madeline Kennedy; as well as six great?grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Selma Miller; his parents?in?law, Carrol and Walda (Sletten) De Witt; his brother?in?law, Blaine De Witt; and his children, Michael, Kim, and Kevin.

Edward’s legacy lives on in the land he tended, the community he served, the friendships he cherished, and—most of all—the family he loved so deeply.

 

Memorial Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Elroy, with Kris Stauffacher officiating.  A time of visitation will be at the Church from noon to 2 p.m.  A meal and fellowship will follow the service in the Church Fellowship Hall.  Interment will be in the Millards Prairie Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church in Elroy.

 

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

 

 

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