Mauston, WI
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Thul, Roger E. Age 87 of Elroy
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Roger E. Thul passed away early in the morning on Friday October 25, 2024 with family and his partner, Betty Lackas, at his bedside.
Roger was a wonderful man and well-liked by all that new him. He was born on December 13, 1936 in Dubuque, IA and moved with his family to Elroy, WI when he was 12. In the spring of 1950, Roger’s parents purchased the Gambles Hardware store in Elroy.
Over the years in Elroy growing up, he enjoyed coon hunting and fishing with his father in addition to the typical mischief boys can get into. As Roger got older, he helped his father and mother at the Gambles Store. It was a frequently visited business by all in Elroy.
When Roger’s father passed, he and his mother ran the store. Roger eventually took over the responsibility of the store for many years. He went out of his way to support his customers by providing exceptional service and advice. It was commonly said that Roger Thul had it all, regarding the store. He truly did, but Roger was the only person able to find it. A highlight for his nephews, John & Scott Carpenter was to visit the store and see all that was happening. Roger shared many good stories with his nephews during their visits.
Roger was very devoted to his mother, Eleanor Thul. He took very good care of her from the time of his father’s passing until she passed on. They lived in the family home together for many years.
Roger was always ready to spend time with his nephews, John & Scott. Many adventures around Elroy including the Elroy Sparta bike trail. He was an exceptional uncle and a fine example of what being a man truly meant.
When Roger decided to retire and sell the store, he embarked on a new life. In 2001, Roger’s best friend mentioned there was a great person he should meet, Betty Lackas. She was the very best thing to ever happen to Roger. In 2002, Roger moved from Elroy to Mauston, to be with Betty.
Together, Roger and Betty traveled, creating wonderful gardens at their home, and truly lived their best lives together. Roger also enjoyed fishing whenever possible. He volunteered many hours supporting the Elroy Meals Senior Meal Site and delivering meals in the Lyndon Station area for the Lyndon Station Senior Meal Site.
Roger also volunteered at the American Legion Bingo night as part of the Elroy Area Advancement Corporation. When the new Main Street in Elroy was opened, Roger joined Governor Tommy Thompson for the ribbon cutting. Roger gave back to the Elroy community at every opportunity.
Betty’s family, April and Phil Martell treated Roger as their own. He was delighted in watching and guiding, (sometimes involving mischief), Betty’s grandchildren, Kierstin and Chandler Schmid as they grew into adulthood. The very best years of Roger’s life were with Betty and her family. At this point in his life, Roger Thul truly had it all.
Roger was preceded in passing by his father, Edmund Thul and his mother Eleanor Thul. Survivors to Roger include Mary Ellen (Tom) Liska, his favorite sister, Nephews John Carpenter (Angela) and Scott (Lynn) Carpenter. His life partner, Betty Lackas and her family: April (Phil) Martell, and grandchildren Kierstin and Chandler Schmid.
A Service and luncheon with be at the American Legion Hall in Elroy, WI on November 9,2024. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. until the start of the service at 11:30 a.m. A great luncheon will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Elroy Area Chamber.
The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Mile Bluff Medical Center hosts monthly diabetes discussions
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
If you are looking for answers and tips on how to live your life to the fullest while managing diabetes, plan to attend this month’s Diabetes Connect. At this informative and engaging discussion, Mile Bluff’s team of experts will be available to cover a variety of key topics, while you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others and get tips from those on a similar health journey.
This event is free and open to everyone, including individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight toward living your best, and healthiest, life.
Diabetes Connect will be held on Thursday, November 7 at 1pm at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston.
Registration is not required to attend. A virtual option is also available. Call 1 week in advance for details.
For more information, call 608-847-1848 or visit the upcoming events page at milebluff.com.
Gov. Evers, WisDOT Announce $1.5 Million Transportation Economic Assistance Grant to Support Nearly 400 Jobs
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in State News
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced an over $1.5 million Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant to the village of DeForest. The grant will help the village complete the road construction needed to serve the new Kwik Trip Inc. (KTI) distribution center and assist in supporting 398 jobs in South Central Wisconsin. “This investment will not only benefit Dane County and the surrounding communities, but it will help generate jobs, bring in revenue that will bolster our statewide economy, and benefit communities all across the state,” said Gov. Evers. “I look forward to seeing the results of this project as we continue our work improving and building the 21st-century infrastructure Wisconsin needs to support a 21st-century economy and improve the quality of life for folks across our state.” The DeForest KTI distribution center is only the second of its kind in the state, with the first located in La Crosse. The project will expand Metro Drive, North Towne Road, and Pepsi Way on the village’s west side. The center will help reduce distribution costs, lower prices for consumers, assist the La Crosse center with growing production and delivery operations, and includes a truck maintenance facility. “This project is another example of how TEA grants have helped economic expansions all across the state,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “We are excited to see the village of DeForest succeed with this project and want to thank all local partners involved for their hard work to make this project a reality.” The TEA program provides financial assistance to communities to support transportation infrastructure improvements that will help attract new employers or encourage existing employers to expand. Since 2019, the Evers Administration has awarded more than $11.9 million in TEA grants, contributing to an estimated more than 2,294 new jobs. The TEA grant program has also helped retain 5,608 jobs across the state. “The village of DeForest is grateful for our partnership with WisDOT in providing essential support for one of Wisconsin’s most beloved companies—Kwik Trip,” said DeForest Village President Jane Cahill Wolfgram. “Kwik Trip’s new distribution facility and employment campus will bring valuable jobs to the region and spur further economic development, some of the key goals of the TEA grant program.” “The TEA grant program is a crucial financial investment tool for the village of DeForest to attract great businesses like Kwik Trip,” said DeForest Village Administrator Bill Chang. “The grant award will facilitate the construction of critical roadway infrastructure, ensuring that increased truck traffic is safely accommodated.” A municipal or county unit of government must sponsor a TEA application. The project must have the local government’s endorsement, and it must benefit the public. More information about the program, including instructions to apply for a grant, can be found here. |
| An online version of this release is available here. |
Hillsboro Volleyball Wins 1st Regional Final since 2019
7 months
The Hillsboro Tigers Girls Volleyball team swept their way to a regional championship taking down Brookwood 3-0 by scores of 27-25, 25-17, and 25-17. It was Hillsboro’s first regional championship since 2019. Michelyn Hansen led the way with 16kills and 13 assists. Maddie Herritz had 17assists in the victory improving Hillsboro to 26-9 on the season. Brookwood finishes 20-11. Hillsboro will travel to Mineral Point on Halloween for a sectional semi-final matchup.
WIAA Regional Final Volleyball & Soccer Scores from Saturday 10/27
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Full Games
D3
Nekoosa 3 Poynette 1
D4
Hillsboro 3 Brookwood 0
Fall River 3 Necedah 0
Mineral Point 3 Cashton 0
D5
Royall 3 Highland 1 (Royall rallied down 24-19 to win set 4 and the match for the upset.)
WIAA Soccer Regional Finals
D2
DeForest 4 Tomah 0
D3
Delevan-Darien 1 Wisconsin Dells 0
Mauston Boys Cross Country Team Advances to State with Alexys Smith Earning Sport on Girls Side
7 months
The Mauston Golden Eagles had a great day at the 2024 WIAA Division 2 Sectional Cross Country Championships held at Skyline Golf Course in Black River falls on Friday October 25th..
The top two teams as well as the top 5 place finishers from non-qualifying teams advance to the state cross country championships held at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin rapids on Saturday November 2nd,,,
In the girls 5000 Meter race, Mauston Golden Eagle, Alexys Smith punched her ticket to race at the state championships with her 4th place overall finish. Alexys covered the 3.1 mile course in 20:11 a new personal best effort for Alexys. The girls Division 2 race starts at 12:40 on Saturday.
The Maustonboys team punched their ticket for the boys Division 2 race with their outstanding 2nd place at the BRF sectional. The top five team scores were: West Salem 30, MAUSTON 46,Richland Center /Ithaca 105, G-E-T 131 and Reedsburg Area 153..There were 14 complete teams in the boys race…The boys team placed five runners in the top 20 places. Josh Ellerman 2nd 16:50, Brekk Peterson 5th 17:18, Weston Pouillie 8th 17:26, Sebastian naquayama 13th 17:50, Haakon Peterson 18th 18:10. The balance of the team Noah Cortez 26th 18:40 and oscar Spindler 52nd 19:15. The boys Division 2 race starts @ 2:40 on Saturday.
Bartz, Josephine M. (Jo) Age 102 of Mauston & Formerly of Wilton
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Josephine M. (Jo) Bartz, age 102 of Mauston and formerly of Wilton, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Fair View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mauston, WI. She was born on June 8, 1922, to Joseph and Maude (Johnson) Druschba in Griggs County, North Dakota where she began to develop the strong will and determination she will be remembered for. Life on a small farm on the Prairie was difficult and brought many challenges, but she always felt love and her values of faith and family grew. After graduating from high school as Valedictorian of her class, Josephine attended vocational business training. On September 17, 1949, she was united in marriage to Kermit L. Bartz in Shell Lake, WI. He preceded her in death on February 21, 1983. In addition to raising their children, they spent their early years together on a farm raising chickens and then opening and operating Kermy’s Supermarket in Wilton. Later, Josephine worked at Fort McCoy in the civilian personnel department until retiring from Government Service. She continued to work at various jobs including Burnstads Department Store and Tupperware sales. She lovingly helped care for her grandchildren, filling their hearts with sweet joy and lasting memories. With a gracious and giving heart, she volunteered for many years with Church functions, Pro Life groups, and while in Champaign, IL with The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.
She was a faithful and devoted member of St. Johns and St. Patrick Catholic churches. She was a member of the Hanson-Stark-Leath-Peth Post 508 Ladies Auxiliary. Although she came from humble beginnings, she always shared what she had with numerous charities. Life to her was not about things but rather sharing time and talents.
In her spare time, Josephine enjoyed quilting and sewing. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were blessed with beautiful handmade clothing, quilts, and creative crafts and toys. Her works were very often gifted to others and will live on in their memories. Her workmanship was detailed, and her creations filled with love. She was also a fabulous baker and cook and loved to can and freeze all kinds of produce from Kermy’s garden.
She will be remembered by all who knew and loved her for her longevity, her strong faith, her love of God, family, and country, her wit and humor, and her giving and compassion for those less fortunate than herself. She truly represented what many call “The Greatest Generation,” and her presence in this world made it a better place.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Wanda) Bartz of Fitchburg and Ann (Christopher) Graham of St. Joseph, IL; 6 grandchildren Kyle (Anna) Bartz, Jessalyn Bartz, Derek Bartz, Ashley (Ben) Gorman, Rachael (Austin) Dallas, Hannah (Steve) Oxley, Morgann Graham; 4 great grandchildren Lincoln Bartz, Chase Gorman, Jack Gorman, and Olivia Oxley. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Maude Druschba, her husband Kermy, two sons Daniel and John, her sisters Leone Haas & Edna Peterson, and her brother Leonard Druschba.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 504 Enderby Street, Wilton. Father John Ofori-Domah will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson/Sonnenburg Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Memorials in Josephine’s memory can be given to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Mauston and St. John’s Catholic Church, Wilton.
Lally, Joesph “Joe” Francis Age 80 of Wonewoc
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Joe Lally, age 80, of Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away from Parkinson’s Disease on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Casa De Oaks in Reedsburg.
He was born on February 7, 1944, the son of Gerald and Mary “Betty” (Macke) Lally in Clinton, Iowa. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Clinton, followed by Junior College in Clinton, then graduated from William Penn College in Oskaloosa, Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Sociology.
Joe became a Medical Laboratory Specialist in the U.S. Army at Brook General Hospital in San Antonio, Texas in 1967 – 1968. From 1968 – 1970, he was at the 249th General Hospital in Asaka, Japan, a 1000-bed evacuation hospital, working in patient and environmental testing. He studied Cytology at the University of Wisconsin in 1970 – 1971.
He married Nancy Baker on May 6, 1972 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Wonewoc. They lived in Minneapolis, where both worked in laboratories. They moved to Wonewoc where they made their home since 1977.
Joe began working at Merrick Foods in Union Center, directing plant operations, until 1995 when he became an Environmental Health Specialist for Adams, Juneau and Sauk Counties.
Joe and Nancy also started The Flower Barn in Wonewoc, where they had a flower shop and, on the farm, they raised plants, Christmas Trees and nursery stock. The “Lally’s Tree Farm” will be in business for the 44th year of serving area customers with Christmas Trees and other decorations.
Joe was a member of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Wonewoc, the American Legion Post 206 where he has served as Chaplain and on their Color Guard. He served on the Juneau County Board. He enjoyed the outdoors, shooting trap in La Valle and Reedsburg, working with the Christmas Trees, fishing from the bridges in the Florida Keys and taking Wilson, his dog, for a ride around town every morning.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy; brother, Dr. Tom (Nancy) Lally; sister, Mary (Terry) Camp; sister-in-law, Madge Baker; brother-in-law, Steve (Colleen) Baker; his faithful companion, Wilson; and Drew Benish, a special member of their family.
A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc and a Memorial Service will be on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Wonewoc. Interment with military rites will be in the Pine Eden Cemetery in Wonewoc.
The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Local Prep Level 1 Playoff Football Scores
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
D3
Reedsburg 62 Whitnall 48
D4
Berlin 35 Campbellsport 7
Mayville 42 Waupun 6
Lodi 37 Wisconsin Dells 20
D6
Abbotsford 42 Nekoosa 28
D7
Bangor 49 Iowa-Grant 14
River Ridge 55 Cashton 14
Cambria-Friesland 48 Hillsboro 12
Ithaca 7 Randolph 0
Johnson Creek 26 Royall 22
Raisner, Wywanda Jane Age 73 of Baraboo
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Wywanda Jane Raisner of Baraboo, Wisconsin passed away on October 23,2024,peacefully at home surrounded by her daughters following a lengthy and very hard fought battle with multiple chronic illnesses. She was born on November 15, 1950 in Portage, Wisconsin and was raised on the family farm in Lewiston Township. Wanda spent her working years as a cook, waitress, school bus driver and most proudly, the mother to her 3 daughters. She enjoyed fishing and camping and was well known for her amazing pies and potato salad.
Wywanda was preceded in death by her parents, Violet and Edward Raisner; sister, Donna (Raisner) Benson and special aunt, Florence Ebert.
She is survived by her daughters, Niccolle (Kurt) Boaz, Robin Raisner, Michelle (Tanya) Raisner. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren Joshua (Nicole) Boaz, Tanner (Taylor) Boaz and Nychelle Raisner and great-grandchildren Emery, Jovie, Marli and Jameson Boaz who all brought her so much joy.
Per her request, there will be no services.
