Obituaries

Lucille Jensen, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Cranberry Court in Wisconsin Rapids.

Born August 20, 1940, in the Town of Richfield, WI, Lucille was the beloved daughter of Darwin and Violet (Nelson) Payne.  She graduated from Adams-Friendship High School and went on to build a life filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections.

On May 8, 1971, Lucille married her soul mate, Deone Jensen.  Together they shared a beautiful life and welcomed their daughter Peggy.  Lucille was a devoted wife and mother, whose warmth and wit enriched the lives of everyone around her. 

Lucille enjoyed a successful career as a sales manager for Tupperware, where her charisma and dedication earned her the admiration of colleagues and customers alike.  She also had a clever eye for rummage sales, delighting in the thrill of the hunt and the joy of sharing her finds.  Her favorite moments were spent with family and friends-playing cards, traveling, dancing, camping and creating lasting memories.

Lucille had a devoted listening ear for her family, always offering comfort, wisdom, and a safe place to share.  Her presence was a source of strength and love, and she made each person feel truly heard and valued.

Lucille will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children: Peggy (Dave) Moddes, Terry (Debra Brooks) Baggs, Thomas (Charlene) Baggs, Michele (Lewis II) Holmes, and Mike (Jean Paulson) Baggs. 

She is a proud grandmother to Misty, Jenny, Jaime, Amber, Lewis III, Tim, Jody, Jordan, Sheldon, and Tom; a loving great-grandmother to Alex, Makaela, Taylor, Colin, Ryan, Blaine, Skylar, Jacaup, Madison, Wyatt, Hadley, Gavin, Gabriella, Ivan, Watson, and Lainey: and a cherished great-great-grandmother to Briar and Ariella.

She is survived by her siblings, Dori Saladino, Gordy Payne, Danny (Myrt) Payne, and

sister-in-law Lucy Payne, Donna Jensen, and many nieces and nephews.

She is further preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Deone, family, Carl Payne,

Ella and Richard Corris, Gus Saladino, Kathy Payne, Art and Helen Payne, Cleone Jensen, Marlyn Jensen, Harlyn Jensen and her grandson Jason Baggs.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Debra K. Ferguson, age 73, of Cazenovia, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center. She was born on October 7, 1952, in Richland Center, WI, the daughter of Delford and Mary “Mattie” (Connors) Ferguson.

Debra was a 1970 graduate of Weston High School.  Debra owned a floral shop in Richland Center, and later took college courses.  She was an EMT for the Cazenovia Ambulance Service in the 1980’s. Debra was an Accountant for Endeavor Hardwoods from 1993 until her retirement in 2017. Debra enjoyed watching sports like basketball and football.  Though she was not fond of cooking, her family remembers her as being a great cook.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Michael Ferguson and Pat “Pape” Connors; nephews, Pete and Steve Connors.

Debra is survived by her children, Brad Hutchens (Katrina Aide) of Cazenovia, Angie (Scott) Dahlke of Reedsburg, Chris (Rick) Blood of Wisconsin Dells; beloved friend, Dave Hutchens of Cazenovia; grandchildren, Logan Coy (Allie Steinhorst), Hunter Coy; great grandchildren, Macie and Aubrie Coy; brother, Jim “Jitt” Ferguson of Cazenovia; nephews, Trevor Ferguson, Mike (Patti) Ferguson, Marty (Jenni) Ferguson; niece, Carla Connors; along with other relatives and friends.

A visitation celebrating Debra’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Cazenovia Chapel, 111 E. Main Street, Cazenovia from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, rural Cazenovia. A luncheon will follow.

The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

 William (Bill) E. Manke, age 77 passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday October 29th, 2025 at his residence doing what he loved to do.

Bill was born March 19th, 1948 in Round Lake, IL to Erich L. and Gertrude (Dash) Manke. He was baptised and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Chicago, IL.

Bill was a proud veteran serving during the Vietnam war from March 28th, 1968 and honorably discharged March 19th, 1970. During that time Bill was awarded the National Defense Medal, Marksman with grenade launcher, pistol and rifle, and Good Conduct Award.

On December 4th, 1971 Bill married Darlene Bergeron and moved to the Juneau County area in 1972. In 1973 Bill and Darlene built their permanent home in Lemonweir township. Bill was very proud of his farm, raising beef cattle, chickens, and horses as well as a large garden to share vegetables with friends and neighbors.

Bill worked several jobs before he married but devoted 43 years before retiring from BigJoe in Wisconsin Dells, doing assembly work along with many other jobs. His retirement allowed more time to be outside on his farm. During Bill and Darlene’s 54 years of marriage 4 children were born, then 8 grandchildren.

Bill had a wonderful gift of gab. He made many friends throughout the years and could carry on a conversation with a complete stranger. Bill was always willing and ready to help wherever he was needed and remained true to his christian faith.

To the man that could make anyone laugh in a room full of sadness, to the guy that always had a smile on his face and always showed up to places at the strangest times.

He could brighten your day with his jokes and awkward sayings. He was truly our rock and a person to look up to. We know you will be looking down watching over your family and friends. You will still be the grandkids biggest fan as you watch each one of them accomplish so much. We all will continue to look up to your christian driven personality and stubborn self. This is not a goodbye, it’s a see you later grandpa.

Bill is survived by his wife Darlene, children Dawn Schwartz, David Manke, Jessica (Chris) Skinner, and Melissa (Joe) Laack. Grandchildren, Mallory, Tyler, and Mariah Schwartz, Zack Evans, Christopher and Ben Skinner, Ericha Edgerton and Maddie Laack. HIs brother Robert Manke. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his little dog Teddy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joan.

Visitation will be held at Crandall Funeral home in Mauston, WI on Monday November 10th, from 3-7pm. A memorial service with Military Honors will be held at 11am Tuesday November 11th, 2025 at St.Lukes Lutheran Church in Lyndon Station, WI. Where friends and family may call from 10am until time of service. A luncheon will follow.

Bill’s family would also like to thank the Juneau county sheriff’s department, Juneau county dispatch, Juneau county medical examiner, the kindest of everyone in the ER, pastor Butler, first responders and all the love, prayers and support during this difficult time. Thank you all, nothing has gone unnoticed.