Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Mauston Wins 2 at Monday Woodside Baseball League
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
The Mauston Summer baseball team stayed undefeated in the Monday Woodside League with a pair of victories Monday night. Mauston opened the night with an 8-6 victory over Nekoosa. Mauston fell behind early 3-0 but took the lead in the 5th on an RBI single by Eli Rader. Mauston would add some much needed insurance in the 6th inning capped off by an RBI double from Evan Freimuth. Tyler Link had a triple and was the winning pitcher on the mound for Mauston. Mauston would later win a pitchers dual over Madison East 1-0 to move to 4-0 on their Monday Woodside League Schedule.
Hutchins, Willis Eugene Age 70 of New Lisbon
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Willis Eugene Hutchins Jr., passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, at the age of 70. Willis was born on July 16, 1953, in Somerville, NJ, to the parents of Willis Sr. and Evelyn (Conway) Hutchins. Willis was a man of remarkable creative spirit, courage, and wisdom. His life was a testament to these virtues, which shone brightly not just in his personal endeavors but also in his service to his country.
After graduating from Somerville High School in 1971, Willis answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. His military career was marked by dedication and bravery, taking him to Fort Knox and Fort Benning in Georgia, and including one tour in Panama and three tours in Korea. He embraced his role as a platoon leader, earning the respect and admiration of his peers. Willis married the love of his life, Freida A. Hutchins in 1980 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tomah WI. He later retired from the military in 1993 and chose Wisconsin as his home, where he continued to live a life marked by service and community engagement.
Willis’s creative spirit shone brightly in his hobbies. He was a skilled artist, finding joy in drawing and painting. A lifelong NASCAR enthusiast, Willis found joy in the thrill of the race and the community of fans it brought together. His love for the outdoors was evident in his devotion to fishing, hiking, and camping, often crafting his own fishing lures from bottle tops in a display of his inventive nature.
Willis’s commitment to nurturing future generations was evident in his involvement with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, where he served as an assistant leader and committee member for 7 years. He took great pride in guiding young minds and helping them develop the skills and values necessary to become responsible citizens.
Willis is survived by a loving family who cherished every moment spent with him. His beloved wife Freida Hutchins of New Lisbon, his daughter Jennifer Hutchins of Reedsburg, and his son Joeseph Hutchins of New Lisbon will forever hold his memory dear. Willis also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Nancy Hutchins, his brother-in-law, Dave Allen, his aunt, Helen Eicke, and his nieces, Roseanne (Nick) Nevins and Patricia Hutchins, along with several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Harold and Stella Larson, his sister Ellon Sue Allen, and his son-in-law Ben Bowman.
Willis’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of service, creativity, and love.
He leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished and remembered by all who were touched by his presence. As we bid farewell to Willis Eugene Hutchins Jr., we take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and the countless lives he impacted.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church (618 W. River St) in New Lisbon. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Military Honors will take place following the service. Rev. Dawn Lindberg presiding. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Wittig, Michael E. (Mike) Age 73
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Michael E. Wittig (Mike), aged 73, passed away peacefully on June 14th at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville, TN, following a brief battle with a rare condition. Born on January 11th, 1951, in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of Eugene and Carmella Wittig, and one of eight siblings.
Mike graduated from Boy’s Tech High School in Milwaukee and proudly joined the Marine Corps in 1969. His military service was a significant part of his identity, including time spent in both the Marine Corps and the Army, though he always identified as a Marine. In the mid-1990s, Mike discovered his true professional calling as a financial planner, a role he deeply believed in and excelled at. He built countless friendships and touched many lives in his job, friendship that lasted a lifetime.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike took immense joy in the achievements of his family, and his pride in them was unwavering. He was known for his eloquent writing and thoughtful advice, which he generously shared with those around him.
Mike was married to his first wife, Patricia, for 40 years until her passing in 2013. He later married Elizabeth (Liz), with whom he spent nine wonderful years.
He is survived by his wife Liz, children, Mikel (Kellie) Klossner (Mark) and Vincent Wittig (Kate), and his stepchildren, Christine Koerner, Jamie Percifield (Glenn), and Jim Lewis. He was a proud grandfather to Harrison, Bennett, Scarlett, Sidney, Sylvia, Kevin (Amanda), Jacob, April, and Nolan. Michael was also blessed with great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A graveside service will be 12 Noon on Friday, July 12th, 2024 at Fordham Cemetery, Friendship, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fisher House, which supports veterans’ families with housing during medical crises.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at the Nashville VA and his care team at Cumberland Medical Center. Mike will be deeply missed and remembered for his kindness, generosity, and ferocious love of his family.
Wittig, Michael E. (Mike) Age 73
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Full Games
Michael E. Wittig (Mike), aged 73, passed away peacefully on June 14th at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville, TN, following a brief battle with a rare condition. Born on January 11th, 1951, in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of Eugene and Carmella Wittig, and one of eight siblings.
Mike graduated from Boy’s Tech High School in Milwaukee and proudly joined the Marine Corps in 1969. His military service was a significant part of his identity, including time spent in both the Marine Corps and the Army, though he always identified as a Marine. In the mid-1990s, Mike discovered his true professional calling as a financial planner, a role he deeply believed in and excelled at. He built countless friendships and touched many lives in his job, friendship that lasted a lifetime.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike took immense joy in the achievements of his family, and his pride in them was unwavering. He was known for his eloquent writing and thoughtful advice, which he generously shared with those around him.
Mike was married to his first wife, Patricia, for 40 years until her passing in 2013. He later married Elizabeth (Liz), with whom he spent nine wonderful years.
He is survived by his wife Liz, children, Mikel (Kellie) Klossner (Mark) and Vincent Wittig (Kate), and his stepchildren, Christine Koerner, Jamie Percifield (Glenn), and Jim Lewis. He was a proud grandfather to Harrison, Bennett, Scarlett, Sidney, Sylvia, Kevin (Amanda), Jacob, April, and Nolan. Michael was also blessed with great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A graveside service will be 12 Noon on Friday, July 12th, 2024 at Fordham Cemetery, Friendship, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fisher House, which supports veterans’ families with housing during medical crises.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at the Nashville VA and his care team at Cumberland Medical Center. Mike will be deeply missed and remembered for his kindness, generosity, and ferocious love of his family.
Loring, Willard “Willie” Robert Age 96 of Friendship
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Willard Robert Loring “Willie”, age 96, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27th, 2024 at the Arising Christian Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. Dennis Quinnell will officiate. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Willard was born July 31, 1927, in Freeport, Illinois to Russell and Alice (Toelle) Loring. He was a WWII veteran serving in the Army Air Corp in Okinawa, Japan. Willie married Linda Jane Stachowicz on June 2, 1984, in Freeport, IL.
He was an avid Chicago Bears Fan and loved watching the Bears and Packers games. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting and sharing lots of great stories, smiles, laughter, and memories made along the way. He loved sitting outside listening to country music.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents: Russell and Alice Loring; first spouse, Jean Loring; daughter, LeAnne Golden; great-granddaughter, Elise Moyer; and siblings: Donna, Joyce, and Dwyane.
Survivors:
Wife: Linda Loring of Friendship, WI
Daughter: Toni (Randy) Picha
Son: Kevin Loring
Daughter: Robin Timmer
Grandchildren: Chad Picha, Angie Picha, Brad (Taryn) Golden, Michael Golden, Jared Loring, Sarah (Chris) Moyer, Meghan (Andy) Stith
Great-Grandchildren: Ember, Ireland, Kara, Brooke, Ryan, Megan, Sonni, Dante, Kaylyn, Charleigh, Kaylie, Aubriella, and Madalynn
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
TOMAH MAN SENTENCED TO 35 YEARS IN PRISON FOR CHILD SEX CRIMES
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger announced today that Mark Brooner, 54, of Tomah was sentenced to 35 years in prison on his convictions for child sex crimes. The decades-long sentence was imposed by Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Richard Radcliffe. Brooner will be 89 years old when he is released. Brooner will then be supervised by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for 20 years following his release and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
Brooner was convicted by a Monroe County jury of 23 child sex crimes after a 4-day jury trial in April. Brooner committed the offenses against 2 victims over an 11-year period between 2008 and 2019. He began victimizing each child when she was approximately 8 years old and continued into each’s teenage years. At sentencing, one victim provided insight into the childhood innocence snatched from her by noting she still had baby teeth when Brooner first began sexually assaulting her.
Brooner’s convictions mandated a minimum prison sentence of 25 years but allowed for a
possible maximum prison sentence of over 435 years. The Department of Corrections recommended
a prison sentence between 25 and 40 years. The prosecution recommended 135 years, arguing
Brooner’s perverted and heinous actions, combined with his previous conviction for sexually assault a
teenager in 1988, justified confinement exceeding Brooner’s life expectancy.
Assistant District Attorney Sarah Skiles, who handled the case, observed, “Brooner used and
abused people for his own perverse sexual gratification for the entirety of his adult life without regard
for the trauma he left in his wake.” Skiles continued, “Sexual predators belong in prison to prevent
them from inflicting future harm. Monroe County will be a safer place for many decades with Brooner
in prison.” She also noted, “This outcome would not have been possible without the brave victims who
came forward to stop Brooner. It would also not have been possible without the dedicated
professionals who poured their hearts into seeking justice in this case, including Detective John Brose
of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, as well as paralegal Sara Kast, victim specialist Anje Schmitz,
and Investigator Andrew Kuen of the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.”
For more information on this case, please go to Wisconsin Circuit Court Access at
https://wcca.wicourts.gov and search for Monroe County Case No. 2022CF000234. Please direct
media inquiries to Kevin Croninger, Monroe County District Attorney, at 608-269-8780 or
monroe.call@da.wi.gov.
Mauston Truck Driver Escapes Accident another Man Dead
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Further information is being released related to the crash that occurred on June 11th that left an area man dead.
Justin Hackett (45), of Sparta, died due to the injuries he sustained after his vehicle crossed the center line on Hwy 21 near Tunnel City and struck a dump truck traveling the other direction. The driver of the truck, Matthew Strohmeyer of Mauston, was able to extricate himself from the truck just before the truck caught fire.
The crash remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and no further information is planned to be released at this time.
News Release
Fatal Traffic Crash
June 11, 2024
On June 11, 2024 just before 3:30pm the Monroe County Communications Center was informed of a crash on State Highway 21 near Flagpole Rd in the Town of Greenfield. It was reported that the crash involved a dump truck and a passenger vehicle. As a result of the crash the driver of the vehicle died and the dump truck caught fire.
During the initial investigation it was determined that a 2023 Hyundai Sonata was traveling east on Highway 21 when it crossed the center line and collided with a 2020 Kenworth dump truck that was traveling west. The driver of the Sonata was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the dump truck was not injured. The names of the drivers are not being released at this time.
Highway 21 was closed for approximately 7 hours to allow for investigation of the scene, removal of the vehicles involved and cleanup of the scene.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oakdale Fire Department, Tomah Fire Department, Tomah Ambulance, Tomah Area Medical Responders, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, PER Towing, Arnolds Towing and the Monroe County Highway Department.
The crash remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Wisconsin State Patrol.
Anderson, Raymond James “Porky” Jr. Age 81 of New Lisbon
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Raymond James “Porky” Anderson, Jr., 81 of New Lisbon passed away on June 22, 2024, at Elroy Health Services. He was born in Tomah, Wisconsin to Raymond Sr. and Helen (Fell) Anderson on October 22, 1942. He grew up in the Valley Junction area on the Grygleski Cranberry Marsh. Ray was baptized at the Methodist Church in Valley Junction. Raymond attended grade school in Valley Junction and graduated from Tomah High School in 1960. After graduation he attended WWTI for automotive repair. He began working at Larsen Chevrolet in Tomah and then for Milwaukee Railroad. In 1964 he began working for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in Madison, transferring to the Department of Military Affairs at Volk Field in Camp Douglas in 1972. At that time, he and Jeanette purchased a farm in rural New Lisbon, where they grew corn and soybeans, and later an additional 2 acres of Upick Blueberries. Ray retired in 1998 after 32 years of service for the State of Wisconsin. Raymond married Jeanette Christensen on October 1, 1966, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Shennington. They enjoyed travelling and in 2004 purchased a second home in Picayune, Missouri, where they spent their winters. Ray enjoyed racing stock cars and watching them on TV. He was a private pilot and enjoyed flying his Piper Cherokee 235. His pastime was going to auctions, and was a collector of many old cars, railroad memorabilia, and other miscellaneous items.
Raymond is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jeanette; siblings-in-law, Marilyn Anderson and Bernie Fortman; and many other nieces, nephews, and family members.
Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Helen, and siblings, Kent Anderson and Karen Fortman.
A Prayer Service will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024, 11:00 AM at Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Pastor Brad Lindberg will officiate. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Shennington immediately following the graveside committal service. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday at the funeral home from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Leak, Shirley Kay Age 79 of Mauston
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Shirley Kay (Rieck) Leak entered her heavenly home on June 20th, 2024, where she is now singing, talking, and laughing again after an 8-year battle with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.
Shirley was born March 6th, 1945, in Sparta Wisconsin to William and Violet Rieck. She grew up in Kendall on the family farm where she loved exploring the woods and getting into mischief with her 2 brothers Charlie and Alan (Butch). In 1963 Shirley graduated from Royal High School in Elroy. After graduating high school Shirley and her best friend Phyllis moved to Milwaukee to begin exploring the world.
On April 3rd of 1965, Shirley was united in marriage to the love of her life Duane (Pete) Leak in Kendall, Wisconsin. In 1966 after deciding that Milwaukee wasn’t their final home, they chose Mauston, Wisconsin to be their forever home. While living in Mauston, Shirley enjoyed working at Curan & Curan Law Firm and Hess Memorial Hospital while she searched for her ideal career. She found that at Walker Stainless for 34 years where she not only enjoyed her co-workers but also the customers that she assisted daily. Shirely and Pete enjoyed bowling weekly in league and playing cards with family and friends.
Shirley’s biggest joys were found in the birth of her two children Dennis and Susan. She was an active mother that enjoyed reading books, playing games, bike rides, and assisting in their FFA, 4-H, and church activities.
Music was always one of Shirley’s biggest passions. She loved listening to music; Elvis and the Statler Brothers were common artists to be heard coming out of the record player on the weekends. Shirley also enjoyed singing in the St. Paul’s church choir and performing at nursing homes with her brother Butch and neighbor Bob Pellegrin. Shirley’s faith found her volunteering for the church library and as a youth group leader. It was common to find Shirley reading her romance novels, competitively playing cards with co-workers and her daughter Sue and her son-in-law Tony and baking her famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Saturdays were spent cheering on the Wisconsin Badger football team and Sunday’s you would find Shirley in church, making a delicious roast, and then watching the Green Bay Packers.
Her four grandchildren Jerome, Courtney, Sydney, and Jacob brought excitement to her life. She loved spending time with them and spoiling them. Baking her famous cookies, mini golfing, shopping trips, and Christmas wish lists were always exciting experiences. Shirley’s special “kid wine” was always a treat for the grandkids on holidays and special occasions.
Shirley loved traveling with family and friends. Florida and Disney World were family favorites where they enjoyed rides, parades, and beaches. Wintertime in Biloxi, Mississippi and other warm destinations with their best friends Phyllis and Hank was always an adventure. After retirement casino trips were part of Shirley’s exploring with her cousin Lucy and her husband Dave.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving and caring husband Duane; children Dennis (Corina) Leak of New Lisbon, and Sue (Tony) Seebecker of Algona, Iowa. Her precious grandchildren: Jerome (Cassie) Leak of Mauston, Courney (Joe) Cook of Necedah, Sydney, and Jacob Seebecker of Algona, Iowa. Great Grandsons; Kyan and Kolt Leak of Mauston. Step-Grandchildren Cole Haschke of New Lisbon, Cade (Adele) Haschke of Silverdale, Washington, and Cody Haschke of West Salem. Shirley is also survived by her brother Alan (Darlene) Rieck, Brothers in laws; Darryl (Karen) Klawitter, David (Joan) Leak, Sister-in-law; Sherry Shields. Best Friends; Phyllis and Hank Betthauser and Mary Pellegrin.
Shirley was proceeded in death by her parents William and Violet Rieck, mother and father-in-law Leilah and Harold Leak, brother and sister-in-law Charles and Linda Rieck, sister- in-laws; Shirley Klawitter and Joanne Leak and brother-in laws; Roger Leak and Mike Shields.
A special thank you to Shirely’s care givers while at home, the staff at Crestview nursing home, Cristina Custer, APNP and Dr. James Logan MD.
Memorials may be given to St Paul Lutheran Church Library Fund or St Jude’s Children Hospital in Shirley’s name.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 517 Grayside Ave, Mauston. Pastor Russell Wilke, III will officiate.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday at the church from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Droste, Arlene M. Age 78 of Lebanon, TN, and formerly of Necedah
2 years
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Arlene M. Jacobson Droste, age 78, of Lebanon, TN, formerly of Necedah, WI passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Tri Star Summit Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 12:00 Noon until the time of service on Saturday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Interment will be at a later date at the Niebull Cemetery, Town of Big Flats, Adams County, Wisconsin.
Arlene was born July 2, 1945, in Necedah, Wisconsin to Jake & Beulah (Perkins) Jacobson.
She married Robert Droste in 1969 and together they raised 8 children. Arlene was a loving mother and is survived by her 7 children: Diana (Greg) Lesperance, Karen (Ron) Amell, Robert (Theresa) Droste, David (Beata) Droste, Ledah (Rod) Billington, Malinda (Kevin) Krutza, and Theron (Sarah) Droste. She was a loving grandmother of 32 grandchildren & 25 great-grandchildren.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years Robert (4/3/2018); daughter Sharon Lee; parents Jake & Beulah; sister Evelyn Droste, and brother Merlin Jacobson
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and
further information.
