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Jean E. (Birch) Kissinger, age 84, of Arkdale, Wisconsin passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by her family under the loving and heartfelt care of the medical staff of Wisconsin Rapids Riverview Hospital. Born on September 15, 1940, to the late William and Ethel (MacDonald) Birch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jean graduated from Waukesha Catholic Memorial High School with the class of 1958. With the union of her first marriage, she had three children, Sue, Cindy and Jerry. Jean raised her children, as a single mother. She worked for Pewaukee Stark Candy Company, Waukesha County Health Department, then worked many years for Waukesha County Human Services until retiring in 1995. On April 15, 1989 she married a long time friend, Bob Kissinger, who became the love of her life. They were married and resided in the City of Waukesha then moved permanently to the weekend/vacation lake home in the Town of Rome. After retirement their final move was to Arkdale.

Following Jean’s retirement she volunteered her time reading to young children in the local elementary school. She loved children and always wanted to work in an orphanage. She also volunteered her time with the Department of Aging of Adams County and in her earlier years she enjoyed and taught line dancing with her husband Bob. A few of her favorite hobbies were her daily devotions, praying for her family and friends, quilting, Tai Shi, gathering at the town hall for a weekly game of bunco, or creating a new community involved activity, jumping on the four wheeler or golf cart for a ride in the woods. Jean was an avid reader, exchanging books with family members. In her earlier years she hunted deer alongside Bob, which later developed into happily hosting the hunters year after year. Most of all, she loved spending time with or having family around. She especially loved Christmas time when we would all gather together. If you couldn’t make it, she would make her way to you. She was very involved with her family with daily and weekly calls or text messages, not missing what was going on in their lives. She was so proud of each and every one of them. If she couldn’t be at a ball game or activity, she was online watching. If there was something going on in the family, she would do her best to get there.

She was a member of Lake Area Christian Fellowship in the Town of Rome and had recently returned to her faith as a Catholic at Sacred Heart Church in Nekoosa. Jean will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends as a kind, strong, giving person who was always there for you, ready to listen. She had a strong faith in God. She continually amazed her loved ones.

Jean is survived by her children: Sue Smaaland, Cindy (Kurt) Knutson, Jerry (Rachel) Hoeppner, Chad Kissinger, Todd Kissinger, grandchildren: Billy (Joanna) O’Malley, Donny (Natalie) O’Malley, Bryan O’Malley, Dan (Jenny) Knutson, Jenessa (Matt) Eales, Nicki Hoepner, Jessica Hoeppner, Alex Thomas (fiance’ Lizzy Leidel), Brooke Thomas, Ashlynn Hoeppner, Codey (Ashley) Kissinger, Sheena Kissinger, 11 great grandchildren, sister MaryJo Kaatz, brother-in-law George Balles, sister-in-laws: Lorie Birch and Karen (Mark) Holzwordt, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob Kissinger, sister Catherine Balles, brother Chuck Birch, brother-in-law Del Kaatz and son-in-law Terry Smaaland.

Celebration of Life to be held on September 13, 2025 at the Monroe Township Townhall, 981 County Rd Z, Arkdale, WI 54613 at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Reverend Sue Smaaland.

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Gary George Ernsting age 79 of Mauston, known to many as “Big Red”, “Russell” and “Turkey” passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at his home in Mauston, Wisconsin. Born on Independence Day in 1946, in Elgin, Illinois, Gary’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of hard work, dedication, and love for his family and community.

Gary’s early years were spent in Elgin, where he attended Dundee Crown High School in Carpentersville, Illinois. After graduation, he would later meet and marry Janet Lortie on July 4,1970. To this union they had two daughters; Lisa and Amy. His strong work ethic took him to working as a department manager for Eagle Foods grocery store until 1994. His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to establish GE Landscaping, a venture that reflected his love for the outdoors and his green thumb.

The journey of his career later took him to the Forge Company in Spring Grove, Illinois, where he continued to apply his skills and industrious nature.

Eventually, Gary and Janet separated, leading Gary’s path back to Mauston, Wisconsin, where he purchased his parents’ house and transitioned into a role as a custodian for the Mauston School system. His dedication to his work was matched only by his devotion to the water.

Gary’s interests extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was an avid outdoorsman, with a passion for fishing and hunting that was only surpassed by his love for “more fishing.” Wherever his travels lead him, his rod and reel were at his side ready to hit the next waterway that came along his path. His enthusiasm for the sport was contagious, and he spent countless hours by the water, always eager to cast a line and enjoy nature’s tranquility. Gary was also a long time member of the winter wanderers snowmobile club.

Family was the cornerstone of Gary’s life. He is survived by his loving daughters, Lisa Redfern of Greenwood, Wisconsin, and Amy Larson Bianchi (Joseph Bianchi) of Wonderlake, Illinois. His former spouse, Janet Lortie of McHenry, Illinois, also remembers him fondly. Gary’s siblings, Kent (Janice) Ernsting of Gloucester, Virginia, Cynthia (Steve) Orsen of Mauston, Wisconsin, and Karen (Jeff) Reynolds of Foster City, Michigan, will miss his presence dearly.

Gary’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Brandon Redfern of Cadott, Wisconsin; Ashley (Alex) Linkert of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; Melissa Ernsting of Wonderlake, Illinois; Mitchel Redfern of Mauston, Wisconsin; Mason Gureczny, Taylor Gureczny, and Brooklyn Gureczny, all of Wonderlake, Illinois. He was also a proud great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren. His numerous nieces and nephews will carry with them the memories and lessons learned from their beloved uncle.

Gary’s life was a beautiful patchwork of fishing, gardening, and canning. He loved all the moments spent with those he cherished and his faithful companion until the end little Elmer his dog.  We can’t forget all his many trips he would take to Canada with his cousin Ed Dollar and family and many friends.

His memory will be held in the hearts of all who knew him as a symbol of a true fisherman, perseverance, and the joy found in life’s simple pleasures.
Gary’s story is one of a life well-lived, and while he will be deeply missed by all who knew him, his spirit will continue to inspire and guide his family and friends.

He is proceeded in death by both his parents Elmer and Elaine (Fish) Ernsting and his little brother David Ernsting.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, August 5^th, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at the Hare Funeral Home (217 W. Pearl St.) in New Lisbon, WI.  The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com