Mauston, WI
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Boshardy, Steve Frank Age 73 of Mauston
7 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
7 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
7 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
7 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
7 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
7 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
7 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.
Mile Bluff Mauston to Host 2 Day Blood Drive
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Donating blood is a generous act that can save lives. As flu season begins, illnesses often prevent regular donors from giving, leading to shortages at a time when hospitals need blood the most. Please consider donating at our two-day blood drive, held at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston on Wednesday, October 29 and Thursday, October 30 from 9 am to 2 pm.
Appointments are strongly encouraged for anyone who would like to donate, but walk-ins will be welcomed.
To reserve your spot, call the Blood Center of Wisconsin at 1-877-232-4376 or visit donate.wisconsin.versiti.org and search for Mile Bluff Medical Center in the mobile drives.
Booby Trapped Safe Leads to Adams County Fire District to Respond to Business
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
On Friday afternoon around 4:30pm the Adams County Fire District was requested for a special duty at a local business for a unique HazMat response. The owner of the business had a very old safe that needed a locksmith to open. When the locksmith cracked the safe, a security device that consisted of a glass vial with an unknown substance in it was present. This was done in 1800’s to stop thieves from drilling out the safe. The vial usually would contain a chemical that acted like very powerful tear gas. Our county Emergency Manager was contacted to facilitate the disposal of the vial once it was secured. A team of fire department personnel wearing breathing apparatus placed the vial in a locking poly drum with padding for safekeeping. The responsible party will have the vial disposed of by a HazMat contractor with the Sheriff’s Department following up to confirm the vial makes it to its final destination. This call reminds us that we never know what we will be requested to respond to. Incidents large or small are handled in the same professional manner. This call also shows how collaboration and teamwork by our County’s emergency responders are the key to success.
