Obituaries

Marlene Hazel (Davis) Fish, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, at the age of 88. Born on August 27, 1936, to Ruby (Rhinehart) and Gladyn Davis, Marlene spent her formative years surrounded by the warmth of a close-knit family. Her life was a testament to love, service, and joy, which she shared generously with everyone she encountered.

 Marlene was a proud graduate of New Lisbon High School, class of 1954, having attended various schools including three years at Wonewoc High School.

United in marriage to Bob Fish July 27, 1956, Marlene’s primary commitment was always to family, spending many years at home with her girls nurturing their growth and independence with genuine love and compassion.

Marlene’s dedication and adaptability led to her working in a variety of positions starting out as a telephone operator which allowed for a few clandestine conversations with Bob who was then away serving in the army. Marlene also took temporary/ part-time positions at various businesses including New Lisbon’s own department store; Skogmos, the local newspaper and the New Lisbon Chamber of Commerce.

 Most notably however was Marlene’s welcoming presence at the family business, Andy’s Service Station, which she and Bob ran together for 30 years, until their retirement in 2003. Bob and Marlene’s partnership at work and at play was the kind of love story that makes you believe in happily ever after! 

Family was the cornerstone of Marlene’s life whose nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate household. She was preceded in death by her beloved, Robert Fish, her parents Ruby and Gladyn Davis, her infant sister, Irene, brothers Joe and Jim Davis, and brother-in-law Joe Ruland. Her legacy lives on through her sister Loraine (Buzz) Rose, her sisters-in-law Donna Davis, Barb Davis, and Betty (Fish) Ruland (Alan Gerds, S.O.) As well as through her treasured and lovingly appreciative daughters; Susan (John) Rattunde, and Teresa Fish (Jeff Peters, S.O.). She was adored by grandchildren John Duray, Jessica (Noah) Rous Crosby, Kris (Ann) Parker, and Kasey (Ryan) Wilson. Her cherished great-grandchildren include Gwyn, Collin, Amara, Adylyn, Noelle, Kohen, and Hazel. She deeply touched the lives of many special nieces, nephews, and cousins as well. 

Marlene’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Her involvement in church and community organizations reflected her commitment to faith and fellowship. She was a beacon of support and spirituality within her community, always ready to lend a hand or offer a prayer. Her presence will be deeply missed by her church family, where she was not only a member but a friend to all.

With a passion for music, Marlene’s love for singing and dancing was infectious, bringing joy to countless gatherings. Her hobbies also included gardening, crafting, camping, and travel. Marlene embraced every opportunity to spend time with family and friends with a game of cards a party, or big family picnic. Her love for life was evident in her every action, and her song for every moment will resonate in the hearts of those who knew her for years and years to come. 

Marlene will be remembered as a loving, friendly, and faith-filled woman. Her warm smile and generous spirit were her trademarks, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome was unparalleled. Marlene’s life was a beautiful symphony of love, kindness, and unwavering faith, and her memory will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Marlene Hazel Fish was a beacon of love and joy, and her legacy will continue to flourish in the lives of her family and the countless others she touched. As we bid farewell to Marlene, we celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the indelible mark she has left on our world. 

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 12:00P.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church (618 W. River St) in New Lisbon.  Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday at Bethany Lutheran Church from 10:00A.M. until the time of service.  Rev. Lucy Hardie presiding.  The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

Tracy Lynn Witz, age 54, of Friendship, Wisconsin unexpectedly passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024 at her home in Friendship, Wisconsin.
Memorial services will be 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. John Krebs will officiate. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Followed by a Celebration of Life at the VFW Post 6279 in Adams, WI.

Tracy was born October 11, 1969 in Waukesha, Wisconsin to Warren and Yvonne (Ebbott) Klumb. The family moved to Adams County in 1972, where she graduated from Adams Friendship High School in 1988, she attended The Beauty Academy in Menominee, WI and worked for Cost Cutters in Wisconsin Rapids, then for Best Power in Necedah, WI and later working for Phillips Pharmacy and Wisconsin Tool and Mold.

During Tracy’s first marriage to Bruce Schilling she was blessed with a baby girl Morgan Rose. She then married the love of her life Jeremy Witz on May 13, 2017 in Lake Delton, Wisconsin, they were married up until the time of Tracy’s death

Tracy loved spending time with her daughter Morgan, and in September of 2016 she was blessed with her granddaughter Kaydence Rose and her grandson Elliott Adam in 2020. She love attending soccer and t ball games and gymnastic events. She especially loved REO Speedwagon and attending their concerts with her bestie Jeannie. Tracy was an avid Packer fan, cheering them on every game. She was a very social person, loved spending time with family and friends enjoying the love and laughter. She adored Crocker Spaniels and especially her beloved Karlie. She loved community events at the local winery, lawn mower races, live music, campfires and most of all spending time with family.

Tracy was preceded in death by her parents: Warren and Yvonne (Ebbott) Klumb; brother Richard Klumb, maternal Grandparents Walter and Corrine Klumb and paternal grandparents Florence and William Ebbott.

Survivors:
Husband: Jeremy A. Witz of Friendship, WI, daughter Morgan (Johnathan] Biba, granddaughter Kaydence Rose Swanson, grandson Elliott Adam Biba all of Endeavor, WI, brothers Warren (Natalie) Klumb of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. and Robert (LeAnn) Klumb of Adams, WI, Mary (Dale) McKinster of Nekoosa, WI and in laws Ramon and Cheryl Witz of Friendship, WI and brother in law Ramon(Sarah)Witz of Isanti, MN, and several nieces and nephews, including Ryan Klumb, Hannah Farley, Jake Klumb, Matt Klumb, Bradley Stevens, Brittni Stevens, Seth Klumb, Melissa Klumb, Dylan Witz, Allyson Witz, and life long friend Jeannie Hilson.

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

Bette J. Smart, age 80, of Mauston, Wisconsin passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Gunderson Healthcare in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  She was born in Mauston, Wisconsin on January 19, 1944, to Eugene and Viola (Blackburn) Smart. 

Bette graduated from Mauston High School and the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Winona State University. Bette began her career in 1966 as a first and then second grade teacher at West Side School.  She then became the Elementary Principal retiring in 2004.

She was a member of the National Education Association (NEA) and the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators.  Bette was a lifelong member of Saint Patrick’s parish in Mauston. 

Bette’s love of sports included all things Wisconsin – Badgers, Packers, and Brewers.

During her lifetime Bette enjoyed travel to Europe, Canada, and points north, south, east, and west in the United States.  Though struck by transverse myelitis in 2003 Bette knew no bounds. 

Bette is survived by Gerald (Mary Ann) of Machesney Park, Illinois, Robert of Zephyrhills, Florida, Sally of Janesville, Wisconsin, 13 nieces and nephews, and several grand nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her and the Smart family’s dear friend Peg Schmitz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers Kenneth, William, and James, and one sister Jennifer.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday October 12, 2024, at 11:00 am at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mauston, officiated by Father Berns and Father Cruz.  A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday October 11^th and on Saturday from 10:00 am until time of service at St. Patrick’s. Luncheon to follow. Interment will be at Saint Patrick’s cemetery.

For online condolences please go to www.crandallfuneral.com

Barbara J. Perschke, age 64, of Arkdale, Wisconsin passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at her home.

A memorial gathering will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin.

Barbara was born February 22, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John and Florence (Erfourth) Battige. She was raised in Milwaukee and attended Milwaukee Bayview High School.

Barbara married Alan M. Gillessen on June 4, 1983, in Milwaukee. Alan passed away on June 20, 2001. She later married Mark Perschke on August 13, 2016, in Wisconsin Rapids at her most favorite restaurant the Branding Iron.

In her earlier years while living in Milwaukee, Barbara worked at George Webb. After moving to Adams County, she focused on her family and loved being a homebody. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, knitting, and doing arts & crafts. She had a huge “green thumb” and loved to take care of her plants. She also loved getting her nails done with her daughter, Tammy and making people laugh. Barbara would talk on the phone for hours, and especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters & friends, and going for bike rides with Mark on the Yamaha.

Barbara was preceded in death by her late husband: Alan Gillessen; parents: Florence & John Battige, and her grandmother: Bernice Godfrey.

Survivors include her husband: Mark Perschke; children: Tony (Tara) Battige, and Tammy (Justin Pierce) Gillessen; grandchildren: Jayden, Jesse, Jiovanni, Hendrix, Angalice, Aaliyana, Natalia, Romeo, Little Tony, Florence, and Francis “Frannie Cakes”; siblings: Donald (Gina) Battige, David (Jennifer) Battige, Joe Battige, Corey (Heather) Battige, Bernice “Pebbles” Battige, and Barbara Cavanaugh. She is further survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many other relations, and friends.

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