Obituaries

Palamaruk, James K. Age 71 of Kendall

James K. Palamaruk, 71 of Kendall passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

 

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.  Sonnenburg/Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Online condolences can be offered to the family by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com

Jorandby, Robert J. Age 85 of Necedah

Robert J. Jorandby, age 85, of Necedah, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026.

 

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Necedah United Methodist Church in Necedah, Wisconsin. Pastor Damon Pfile will officiate. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Necedah United Methodist Church.  Interment will be at the West Arkdale Cemetery at a later date.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.

Edgerton, Phyllis B. Age 81 of Oak Creek and Formerly of Juneau County

Phyllis B. Edgerton 1944-2026

 

Phyllis Edgerton (née O’Dell), 81, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, died peacefully at her residence with family by her side on February 6, 2026.

 

She was born in Necedah, Wisconsin on September 18, 1944 to Percy and Ruby (Blake) O’Dell. She was the second youngest of seventeen children and the youngest daughter of a large and close-knit family, an upbringing that shaped her lifelong devotion to family.

 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Lynn Edgerton, her parents and siblings. She is survived by her children Deborah (Mike) Nichols, Brian (Mary) Edgerton, Charles Edgerton and Shelley Brandt. Her grandchildren Christopher Edgerton, Shane Winder, Amara Brandt, Amelia Lutz, Abigail Lutz, Sara Hopper, Nathan Rose, Kade Ross, Mary Jane Hopper, Jesse Bendel, Dalton Bendel, Kasen Edgerton, Karey Edgerton, Kallan Edgerton, and several great-grandchildren.

 

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date; details will be shared with family and friends.

Miller, Verda Jean Ae 94 of Elroy

Verda Jean Miller, age 94 years, of Elroy, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Milestone Senior Living in Hillsboro.

 

She was born on April 8, 1931 in Oakes, North Dakota, the daughter of Leslie and Mabel (Peterson) Leigh. 

 

Verda Jean graduated with a teaching degree from La Crosse State College.

 

She married Robert Miller on June 20, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Mauston and moved to the Elroy area in 1956.  He preceded her in death on March 23, 2006.

 

Verda Jean taught school for a short time in New Lisbon and then worked for the Elroy-Kendall-Wilton school system as a Title 1 and Chapter 1 Reading Specialist for 25 years in the kindergarten to 4th Grades. 

 

She was a beloved school teacher and piano teacher.  She loved the Winnie the Pooh books and would often read them to her grandchildren.  She had that small town kindness where she would ask servers their names and follow up with where are they from and if they are related to anybody in town.

 

Verda Jean lived at the piano.  Even in the past few months, the caregivers could wheel her in front of one of the pianos and she would still play.  Music always awakened something in her.  In her nineties and as her memory started going, you play a song on the piano and her eyes would turn into the eyes of that woman from the 50’s and 60’s.

 

She was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Elroy, Juneau County Retired Educators and Millards Prairie Homemakers.  She had a passion for genealogy, travel in the United States and she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. 

 

Survivors include her children, James (Jane) Miller, John (Teresa) Miller and Roxanne (Mike) Breden; grandchildren, Aaron (Sarah) Miller, Ted Miller, Joshua (Mary) Breden, Sam Breden, Nathan (Johna) Miller and Amber Miller; and five Great Grandchildren.

 

In addition to her husband, Robert; she was preceded in death by her Parents; brother, Morris Leigh and sister, Irma Jaquish.

 

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Elroy, with Rev. Damon Pfile officiating.  Burial will be in the Millards Prairie Cemetery, rural Elroy.  A time of visitation will be at the Church on Monday, February 16th from 10 to 11 a.m.

 

The Picha Funeral Home in Elroy is assisting with arrangements, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com

Eberhardt, Dennis Scott Age 81 of Rural Mauston

Dennis Scott Eberhardt, age 81, of rural Mauston, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in the comfort of his home.  He was surrounded by his loving family and faithful companions, Lucy and Daisy.

 

He was born on August 2, 1944 in Sauk City, WI to Clayton and Elsie (Shimniok) Eberhardt.  The family moved to the Mauston, WI area in his youth and it was during that time that he fell in love with the outdoors.  He graduated from Mauston High School in 1962 and post-graduation went to work logging with his dad, Clayton.

 

As a member of the Signals Intelligence Division of the United States Army, Dennis proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. His buddies in the service called him “Pops” because he was the oldest of the group.  Most of the stories from this time involve some mischief that he and his buddies were up to while stationed in Germany before his deployment to Vietnam.

 

He had a deep love for the outdoors and found great enjoyment in camping, sitting around the fire, fishing and hunting. Dennis also loved animals, especially his dogs, who were loyal companions and held a special place in his heart.

 

Dennis was united in marriage to Cynthia Raese on November 17, 1992 in Juneau County.

 

Dennis was a devoted Christian and most of the last several years was spent talking about the Christian men’s group that he belonged to. 

 

He leaves behind his loving wife, Cindy; his children, Suzanne (Troy) Derengowski, Becky (Andy) Carda, Carrie (Ronald) Bailey, Paul (Beth) Eberhardt, Kristin (Jason) Graves, Daniel (Alexis) Eberhardt and Sara (Travis) Schultz and his 15 grandchildren.  He also leaves behind his sister, Cathleen (Joe) Hetzel and many other family members and close friends, including his Brothers in Christ from his Men’s Church Group in La Valle.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Elsie (Shimniok) Eberhardt; his mother-in-law, Charlotte (Geier) Raese and his sister, Mona Bagnowski.

 

Dennis will be remembered for his love of the word of God, his military service, his appreciation of nature, his love of animals, and the life he lived. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

 

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 12 noon at the Advent Christian Church – 200 La Valle Street, La Valle, WI, with Pastor Andy Johnson officiating.  Burial with military rites will be in the Plymouth Cemetery – N4239 Johnson Road, Mauston, WI at approximately 3:00 p.m.  A time of visitation will be at the Church on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting the family.

Roller, Victor Age 69 of Adams County

Victor Roller was born on January 1, 1957, in Adams County, Wisconsin, to Robert and Alice (Hollman) Roller, and lived his life with quiet strength and independence.  A man of few words, Victor spoke most clearly through his actions, showing his character, loyalty, and love without needing to say much.  He is survived by his three children, Victor Roller, Derek Roller, and Nicole Gonzalez, who carry forward his legacy and spirit.  Victor is also survived by his brother, Duane Roller; and sisters: Eleanor Bonnett and Dorothy Cook.  One of Victor’s greatest joys was riding his Harley motorcycle, where he found peace and freedom on the open road.  He will be remembered for his steady presence, his silent devotion to those he loved, and the lasting memories he leaves behind.   Roseberry’s Funeral Home (www.roseberrys.com) assisted the family.

Leis, Alvena Bernadine Age 93 of Rural Westby

Alvena Bernadine Leis, age 93, of rural Westby, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Vernon Health Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, Wisconsin.

Demaske, Albert Charles Age 90 of Mauston

Albert Charles Demaske | 1935 – 2026 | Obituary

 

Albert Charles Demaske, age 90, passed peacefully and went to his Lord the morning of January 23, 2026 in the company of his wife Jeanette and daughters, Joanne and Susan.

Albert was born to Helen (Pfaff) and Erwin Demaske on May 25, 1935 in the township of Lindina, WI. He attended Alton Grade School and graduated from Mauston High School in 1953.

Albert lived a full and meaningful life bringing joy, guidance and love to his family and friends. He was a devout Christian, having been baptized, confirmed and married at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mauston, WI. He married Jeanette Rose Preston on June 7, 1958, and they shared 67 wonderful years of companionship.

Albert was dedicated to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, instilling values of kindness, integrity, and hard work. Known for his storytelling, generosity and creativity, Al’s impact extended beyond his family to friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Albert had many interests and accomplishments. He was a proud veteran of The Wisconsin National Guard. He had a resounding community spirit and loyalty to Mauston and the greater Juneau County area. He served on various boards: the Mauston School Board, Juneau County Fair Board and Juneau County Historical Society Board. He volunteered his time mowing the Boorman House lawn for 30 years.

Albert was a 4H member and leader. He was an FFA member and Alumni. Grandpa Al enjoyed gardening with Grandma Jeanette in their retirement where he was very passionate about nurturing his vegetable garden. He was always proud of his concord grapes and apple tree harvest.

Albert and Jeanette were Jack Pine Travelers for many years bringing their daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and friends along for camping trips. He also found joy traveling the country with “Builders for Christ” to assist with church related construction. He was an avid carpenter and welder making many gifts for family and friends.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Arnold Demaske. He is survived by siblings Roger Demaske, Carol Grant, Dorothy Boxhorn, and Donald Demaske; daughters, Joanne Anderson (Paul) and Susan Covarrubias (José de Jesús); 5 grandchildren, Gretchen Cunningham (Tim), Heidi Pyfferoen (Ryan), Rebeca Covarrubias, Martín Covarrubias, and Erik Anderson (Samantha) and 5 great-grandchildren; Evelyn, Bennett, Millie, Eloise, and Cora Leigh; beloved foreign exchange student daughter, Ximena Arrieta and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his legacy and honor his life on Saturday, January 31st, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mauston, WI. Visitation will be held from 9 – 11 am with funeral service and lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts will be donated to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Juneau County Historical Society.

Stallman, Joan Margaret Age 81 of Grand Marsh

Joan Margaret Stallman, age 81, of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Moundview Memorial Hospital & Clinics in Friendship, Wisconsin.

 

Joan was born on December 21, 1944, in Wheaton, Minnesota, the daughter of Bert and Margaret (Sikora) Gibson. She was raised in Beardsley, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school. On September 27, 1962, Joan was united in marriage to Robert B. Stallman in Gardena, California.

Joan and Robert made their home in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where they raised their family. In 2002, they relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, and in 2013 retired to Grand Marsh, Wisconsin.

Joan found joy in sewing, baking, gardening, and caring for her flowers. Above all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Margaret Gibson; her stepfather, Bernard Dieckmann; her sisters, Theresa and Dorothy; and her brother, Gerry.

Joan is survived by her husband, Robert B. Stallman of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin; her son, Bill Stallman of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin; her daughter, Debbie (Craig) Dahl of Las Vegas, Nevada; 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Interment will take place at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, Wisconsin.

The family asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences and additional information may be found at www.roseberrys.com

Brickl, Virginia (Ginny Joy) age 82 of New Lisbon

On January 27, 2026, in the comfort of her daughters, a flock of Angels carried Virginia (Ginny Joy) Brickl on a path lined with roses where she roller skated into a symphony of drums, tambourines and a choir of Angels in celebration to meet Jesus.

Ginny was born to Roger and Joyce Cady on May 10, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan. The oldest of four siblings, Ginny spent her youth surrounded by the music and love of her parents and her grandparents Arthur and Grace Cady. She spent her time watching over her sisters, singing in the church choir, and getting into mischief with her best friends Candy and Penny.  She graduated from Webb High School where she starred on the varsity basketball team with her stylish “patented” layups, was always up for a good debate (or just plain talking, of course), and looked forward to Friday nights of skating. It was on the ice rink, after a dramatic fall, that she met her future husband, John Brickl, who carried her to safety thus leaving her dream of marrying Burt Reynolds on the ice. She wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Ginny was everybody’s cheerleader and solace. Her steadfast ability to love everyone, and forgive, was forged in the red lines of Jesus. While the daisy was her favorite flower, Ginny lived her life like a Pansy, a flower of beauty, vibrancy, and diverse rich colors and patterns that always seem to fit the perfect moment; a flower acclaimed for thoughtfulness reflection, and the ability to ease the heart from “sorrow, heartbreak, and melancholy” while never fading in the cold and troubling weather. It was this “heartsease” she invested all her might into her family. While Ginny had the curiosity and talents to be a renaissance woman, she used her oversized heart to dedicate her soft power and strength to her family, with ease, by being the loving mother the world dreams about. Familial love, a little inspiration from John Denver, Jesus, and her love for everyone was Ginny’s compass.

Ginny had the best years of her life ahead of her, determined to be a grandmother who never let a day go by without her grandkids knowing she was rooting for them, when Parkinson’s tried to distract her. “Bring it on,” she would tell the disease.  Instead of experimental procedures and drugs, she decided to embrace it “like just another body part God blessed me with” with using it as part of her missional journey to make the world a better place. She inspired us, she stayed true to joy, and to the gift God gave, her putting others first. She continued to make us laugh even in her last years when the journey’s toll made it difficult for her to speak.  Those of us who spent time with Ginny knew she would do anything to be surrounded by laughter. She was infamous for her “drive through” jokes, clowning around, and shocking her children into using proper anatomical terminology when we called each other names not so proper. Unorthodox is an understatement when describing Ginny. Her infamous “reverse psychology” fooled her children into doing the right thing…and the dishes without being asked. She was always present for all of us.

Saying Ginny was a sweet person is an understatement…saying she was tough is also an understatement.  She is a LIFEFORCE that will continue to live in all of us. And whenever you feel “sunshine on your shoulder,” know it is Ginny reminding you that she is rooting for you.

Survivors include her four children, Terry Brickl, Tammy Waltemath, Bobbi (Todd) Steele, and Daniel (Kelly) Brickl, as well as honorary family member and sister Karen (Scott) Davis. She is also survived by her sisters Julie and Debbie, and her cherished grandchildren Michael, Mandy, Chad, Kristen, Kalli, Brenden, Danielle, Nickolas, Dominick, Kaleb, Kyhlie, Keith, Charlie, Ruby, and Clark and 18 great grandchildren. Ginny was preceded in death by her parents Roger and Joyce, and John, her loving husband.

 

The family would like to thank Crestview Nursing Home, Mile Bluff Hospital and Hospice for their generous care.

 

The family will receive friends and relatives from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Church in Mauston, Wisconsin. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery, located in Mauston, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carl W. Nelson Animal Shelter, Mauston, WI online by going to www.carlnelson.org or sending a check to PO Box 345 Mauston, WI 53948.  The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

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