Mauston, WI
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Juneau County Arrest Report 10-24
2 months
Arnold, William R. Age 76 of Oxford
2 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
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
2 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
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
2 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
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
2 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
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.
Water Leak Reported in Mauston
2 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
A water leak has been reported on Tremont St., between Division St. and Elm St. Please use extra caution when traveling through the 200 block of Tremont St., as our crew is on site making repairs. At this time, we do not have an estimated completion time for the repairs. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Mauston Holiday Parade Will Take Place December 13th
2 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
The Mauston Holiday Light Parade is back this year, with a theme of “Home for the Holidays”! To be a part of this fun event, please register at www.Mauston.com/tourism and look for the Holiday Light Parade registration button. The Parade will be held on December 13th!
More information and registration also available at www.Mauston.com/holiday
Get your parade floats and candy-throwing muscles ready!
Local Prep Scores from Tuesday 10/21
2 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
WIAA Regional Quarter-Final Volleyball Scores
Division 2
Mauston 3 Rhinelander 1
Division 3
Adams-Friendship def Westfield
Wautoma 3 Pardeeville 1
Ripon 3 Clintonville 2
Weyauwega-Freemont 3 Berlin 0
Division 4
Whitehall 3 Necedah 0
Riverdale 3 New Lisbon 1
Division 5
North Crawford 3 Ithaca 2 (North Crawford moves on to face Royall)
Hillsboro 3 Coulee Christian 0
Wonewoc-Center 3 La Farge 0 (Kaitlin Olson 8kills to lead the Wolves)
WIAA Regional Semi-Final Soccer Scores
D2
Marshfield 2 Tomah 2 (Marshfield wins shootout to advance)
Sauk Prairie 7 Reedsburg 0
Mauston Volleyball Advances Past Hodags
2 months
The Mauston Golden Eagle volleyball team moved on in the post season with a 3-1 victory over Rhinelander Tuesday night. The Golden Eagles won by scores of 25-18-25-18 23-25, and 25-7. Mauston got a team high 12kills from Bre Heller, Kira Clemens added 4aces. Mauston improves to 23-11 on the season. Mauston will travel to Reedsburg on Thursday for a D2 WIAA Regional Semi-Final game. Mauston fell 0-2 to Reedsburg in early September. Rhinelander finishes 3-33 on their season.
