Mauston, WI
WRJC WebMaster
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Mauston Truck Driver Escapes Accident another Man Dead
1 year
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
1 year
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
1 year
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
1 year
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.
Leake, Rosemary Fredricka Age 97 of Oxford
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Our beloved Rosemary Fredricka Leake passed away on June 16th, 2024, in her home at the age of 97. Rosemary was born February 24th, 1927, in Ironton, WI. She lived in Brooklyn, WI and moved to Oxford, WI in 1987 where she lived her long and fulfilled life.
Rosemary enjoyed spending time at church, with her family and friends, and with her flowers and garden. She was always complimented on her garden and because of her “green thumb”, she has many beautiful flowers in her yard. Rosemary enjoyed feeding the birds and watching them come to her feeders throughout her yard. Rosemary also enjoyed sharing her knowledge and life experiences with everyone that came to visit.
Rosemary is survived by her daughters Carolyn Rhinehart, Rosalie (Micheal) Bredeck, Sandra Klinge, Debra Ledbetter, Barbara Dreger and son Dale (Debbie) Leake. At Rosemarys last count she is survived by 54 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and great- great-great grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings Jerry (Violet) Sass, Clarence (Sharon) Sass, Betty Langenfeld, and Bonnie (John) Berndt.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, daughters Donna and June, son Roger, grandson Daniel, great-granddaughter Letty; Husbands Donald and Arther; siblings Fred (Shirley) Sass, John (Yvonne) Sass, Bertha (Marvin) Klitzke, Luella Klitzke, Rosella Sass, Mary Ann Sass, Laurence Sass, Anna Marie Madden, and many aunts and uncles and other relatives.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father David Bruener will officiate. Interment will be at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Town of New Chester, Adams County, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home.
A luncheon will follow at the Grand Marsh Community Center.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Holton, Julie Ellen Age 47 of Juneau County
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Julie Ellen Holton, a beacon of love and selflessness, left this world on June 18, 2024, in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 10, 1976, in Mauston, Wisconsin. Julie’s infectious passion for life touched everyone she met and her smile could light up a room.
Julie grew up in a warm and loving family, cherished by her parents, Cheri and Tom Hopper. She was a nurturing sister to Rob, Jamey, and Billi Jo. She carried this nurturing spirit into her own family, becoming a devoted wife to Jason Holton and a loving mother to Lexie and Carter. Her family was her pride and joy, and she instilled in them the values of compassion, perseverance, and joy for life.
A proud graduate of New Lisbon High School, Julie’s thirst for knowledge led her to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a focus on Genetic Science. This academic achievement paved the way for her fulfilling career as a Clinical Lab Technician. Julie excelled in her profession, contributing to the field with her keen intellect and meticulous attention to detail.
Beyond her professional life, Julie was a cornerstone in her family’s business, where she applied her talents and dedication to ensure its success. Her work ethic and team spirit were unparalleled, and she was respected by all who had the pleasure of working alongside her.
Julie’s interests were as diverse as they were profound. Her love for music filled the rooms of her home with melodies and joy (even if that meant waking everyone up in her household with her morning jam sessions) while her skill in creating stained glass art brought beauty and light into the world. Her creations were not just displays of her artistic talent, but also reflections of her vibrant soul.
Those who knew Julie describe her as loving, selfless, and passionate. She approached every day with an open heart, ready to give her all to her family, friends, and the community. Julie’s legacy is one of generosity and kindness, as she always put the needs of others before her own.
Julie’s presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her adoring husband Jason; her children, Lexie and Carter, who were the very essence of her being; her mother, Cheri Hopper; her father, Tom Hopper; and her siblings, Rob Hopper, Jamey Peltonen, and Billi Jo Peltonen. Each family member carries a piece of Julie’s spirit, and her love will continue to guide them through every step of their lives.
As we bid farewell to Julie Ellen Holton, we celebrate the remarkable life she led and the countless lives she enriched. Her journey on earth may have ended, but her spirit will forever dance in the light of the stained glass she so lovingly crafted, and her melodies will resonate in the hearts of those she loved. Julie’s memory will be cherished, and her legacy will endure, inspiring all who knew her to live with the same boundless love and selfless passion she embodied every day.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Hustler Exhibit Hall (110 Omaha St.) in Hustler, WI from 12:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com
Ontario Woman Arrested After Trespassing
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Local News
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports on Friday night, June 14, 2024, at
approximately 9:45 PM, the Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center was notified of a Trespassing
incident at a residence on Hoff Valley Road, rural Ontario, WI, in the town of Whitestown.
The caller reported that a female, who appeared to be under the influence of a drug or
intoxicant, entered their private residence without consent.
At approximately 10:15 PM, deputies located a female walking nearby. She was identified as
Stacie Lynn Welter, age 41, also of rural Ontario, WI. The investigation continued, and Welter
was taken into custody and transported to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
Welter was booked for:
1) Criminal Trespass to Dwelling
2) Disorderly Conduct
3) Felony Bail Jumping
4) Welter was also taken into custody pursuant to four arrest warrants, issued by Vernon
County Circuit Court, because of Failure to Appear in Court on one pending Felony court
case and three pending Misdemeanor court cases
Stacie Welter appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court on Monday, June 17th, and the
Honorable Timothy J. Gaskell ordered Welter held on a $1,000.00 cash bond of which was paid
today, June 18 th. Welter is due back in court today at 2:00 PM and again on July 3rd, at 9:00 AM.
S HERIFF’S OFFICE
ROY TORGERSON NATHAN CAMPBELL
SHERIFF Chief Deputy Sheriff
1320 Bad Axe Ct (608) 637-2123
Viroqua, WI 54665 vcso@vernoncounty.org
Continuing a tradition of serving our community since 1851
Page 2
Stacie Lynn Welter Trespassing
News Release – July 18, 2024
Welter is subject to several bond conditions to include not being allowed to have any contact
with the victims in this case or their residence. Formal charges are being sought through
Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher.
If you have any information about this crime or any other crime, call Crime Stoppers at 608-
637-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.p3tips.com Callers are eligible for a reward of
up to $3,000.00 for information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property.
The incident remains under investigation by the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office.
Passport to Healthier Living with Diabetes
1 year
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 FREE event. Passport to Healthier Living with Diabetes will explain the importance of managing diabetes through diet, medication, glucose monitoring, and stress management.
The Diabetes Education team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and give you tips on how to better manage your diabetes. They will address any questions and concerns that you may not think to ask when you visit your healthcare provider.
This event will be held on Thursday, July 11, at 1 pm at Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston.
If you would like to know more about this program, please call 608-847-1846.
Brauner, John Frank Age 87 of Adams
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
John Frank Brauner passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of June 16, 2024 at the Columbus Health and Rehab Center. He was born on April 14, 1937 in Black River Falls to John and Mary Brauner, the youngest of 7 children.
He enlisted in the US Army and served from 1955 – 1957. Upon returning home, he worked at the Wisconsin Gas Company until his retirement from the same in 1995. He married DeLayne Joy (Affeldt) Brauner on December 4, 1965. They have two children, Kenneth Robert, born in 1966, and Anthony Joseph, born in 1969.
John was also a volunteer firefighter with the Adams County Fire Department, working his way through the ranks to Battalion Chief.
He enjoyed gun rifle season; watching NASCAR and INDY car racing; spending time with his family ~ especially visiting the township of Irving and Soupbone Road, where he was raised; pontoon boating on Castle Rock Lake; car and truck shopping; spending time on his hunting land in Adams and enjoying the company of one very special ruffed grouse, who he affectionately named Patti; driving laps through town, and over the last few years, going on car rides with his son Anthony; and sharing his home with numerous cats and dogs through the years.
John is preceded in death by his parents; brothers John Brauner and Robert Brauner, sisters Marie Garber, Lillian Stetzer, Helen Brauner and Mildred Hutchins; and dear friends Bud and Lillian Goggins.
He is survived by DeLayne Brauner; sons Kenneth (Melissa Jacobson) Brauner and Anthony (Dawn) Brauner; grandchildren Gavin Brauner and Alexis and Dalton Brauner; numerous nephews and nieces; and his beloved golden retriever, Scarlett.
Memorial services will be 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father David Bruener will officiate. Visitation will be prior to the service on Wednesday at the Church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Military Honors will be provided by the Adams County Honor Guard.
The family would like to thank the staff at Our House Assisted Living in Portage, Wisconsin, Columbus Health and Rehab in Columbus, Wisconsin, Bristol Hospice Care, and Roseberry Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your local human society or to Alzheimer’s research in John’s name.
Dells Clobbers Royall in Woodside League Baseball Opener
1 year
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
The Wisconsin Dells American Legion Post 187 baseball team defeated Royall 10-0 to kick off the summer Woodside League schedule. The Dells jumped on top with a big 4 run first inning. Ethan Pope went 2×2 with a pair of RBIs for the Dells. Nolan Pope went 2×4 with 2runs scored. Carter Syverson picked up the win pitching 6 scoreless innings scattering 5 hits while striking out 7 and walking none. Cole Eberhardt went 2×3 for Royall while Trey Wildes went 1×3 with a double. Royall drops to 0-1 in Woodside League action.
