Obituaries

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.

_____________________

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

James “Jim” Douglas Burch, age 78, of rural Elroy, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, on March 8, 1947, to Russell and Audrey Burch. He spent most of his childhood on the family farm in Ontario. Jim attended a one-room country school through the 5th grade. Jim loved fishing and spent most of his time fishing on a small creek on the farm. He moved to Kendall and then attended Royall High School. That’s where he met the love of his life. Monica spotted Jim at a school concert. After Monica made many bike rides to Kendall to see Jim, they officially began dating at the age of 16.

Jim and Monica were married at Waukon, Iowa, on July 15, 1964. They were blessed with four children – Kristi, Kelley, Steffen, and Michael. In 1970, Jim and Monica established their lives on Monica’s home farm, where Jim farmed with his father-in-law and his sons. While farming, Jim was an agent for Wonewoc Mutual Insurance. He was on the town board and a member of the Lions Club.

After leaving farming, Jim worked part-time in maintenance at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hillsboro. Then he became the buildings and grounds director at the Wonewoc School District and then the Royall School District. Jim was known for his hard work, dedication, willingness to help, and ability to fix anything, which sometimes required duct tape and WD-40.

Jim and Monica enjoyed traveling across the United States along with their son Steff.  They also enjoyed spending time at their home in Texas.  A favorite pastime for Jim and Monica was their love for dancing. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandchildren, hunting, fishing, and the annual “old-fashioned” Christmas with family and friends.

Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor, Facebook postings (censored by his wife), and his constant smile. He always opened his heart and saw the good in everyone. 

Survivors include his wife, Monica (Steffen) Burch; Daughters, Kristi Burch-Zimmerman (Greg), Kelley Burch-Tormoen (Craig); Son, Steffen Burch; Sisters – Cheryl (Wayne) Mattison, Suzie (Ron) Mislevecheck; Brother – Howard (Sadie) Burch; Sister-in-law Judy (Frank) Juresh, and many nieces and nephews. Grandchildren – Garrett Zimmerman (Carrie), Gavin Zimmerman (Kylie), Marlina Kutzke (Kyle), Jade Zimmerman, Grace Zimmerman, Jace Tormoen, Marquette (Dylan) Falk, Kaela Stark (Sunny), and Jimmy Ingold. Great Grandchildren – Graham, Finley, Oliver, Jackson, August, Bennett, Gwendolyn, Trace, Jason, Leon and Cherry and chosen family members, Tony Madden (Barb), Amber (Eric) Bradley, Don and Betty Jefferies, Ryan McCracken, Hannah Lustila and special friends, Marita and Bill Shaker, and the Breakfast Club friends, Terry Sosinsky, Mark and Janet, Mary Housner and Jim’s Boundary Water Buddies.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Son, Michael Burch; Parents – Russell and Audrey Burch; Brother – Ron Burch; special Aunt, Dorothy (Peg) Smith.

The family would like to thank Emplify of La Crosse and Hillsboro, especially his doctors and support team, Hospice, H.O.P.E., and Bill and Marita Shaker for all of your support during Jim’s short fight with cancer.

A time of visitation will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy, followed by a memorial service at noon.  A luncheon at the American Legion Hall in Elroy will follow the service.  Interment will be at a later date at Millard’s Prairie Cemetery.

In place of flowers, memorials may be provided to the Patient transportation van project at St Joseph’s Hospital – P.O. Box 527, Hillsboro, WI  54634 https://bit.ly/4lH93nd  or H.O.P.E. Cancer Walk fund – P.O. Box 274, Hillsboro, WI  54634

The Picha Funeral Home is assisting. For online information, go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com

 “Lonely rivers flow, To the sea, to the sea, To the open arms of the sea, yeah, Lonely rivers sigh, Wait for me, wait for me, I’ll be coming home, wait for me.” The Righteous Brothers.

Wanda Mae Hover, 90 of Mauston passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 at her home.

Wanda loved to laugh with friends and family. She and her husband Jim often hosted card parties. On one New Year’s Eve, Bruce and Charley remember the assembled friends singing, Oh Johnny Boy into the wee hours of the night.

Wanda was very proud of her two sons and their families. On many Christmases Wanda and Jim drove down to Oklahoma to be with Charley’s family, resting at casinos along the way. They also made many summer trips to visit Bruce’s family in Montana.

Wanda enjoyed creating hand embroidered cards, singing in the choir, bowling, and her flower garden. She was an active member of Mauston Methodist Church and Eastern Star. Her husband Jim drove midget cars in parades with the Shriners, which they both very much enjoyed.

Wanda will be missed by the many who loved her, especially her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim and her sister Linda, and is survived by sons Charley and wife Sandra, Bruce and wife Darcy, sister Loretta, granddaughters Lisa and Kayla and grandsons Dustin and Ryan, and three great grand children, Cooper, Avery and Parker.

A memorial service for Wanda will be held later this year and a notice will be announced as to the day and time.

Memorial service 11:00 a.m., Wednesday July 23, 2025, at the Mauston Methodist Church, where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of service

For online condolences please go to www.crandallfuneral.com