Mauston, WI
Obituaries
Johns, Bonnie Maureen Age 75 of Tomah
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Bonnie Maureen Johns, 75, of Tomah, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Serenity Hospice House in Tomah. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at Serenity House, in Tomah, for being Bonnie’s final blessing. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Reed, Sally Maureen Age 88 of Lake Arrowhead
5 months
Sally Maureen Reed passed away peacefully November 20, 2024 at the age of 88. Sally was born May 17, 1936 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Harry Frank and Anne L’Heureux. She graduated from Pulaski High School and soon after married her first husband Gerald Hansen, parenting 3 children, Lori, Mike and Mark in Milwaukee. Sally was a secretary for Fischer Printing company and retired from the Marcus Corporation. She then married William Reed and they built a beautiful home in Lake Arrowhead, Wi where they enjoyed golfing, gardening and visiting with their granddaughters Zoey, Trinity, Jaziana and Jayda until Bill’s death in 2018. Sally is survived by her sons Mike (JoAnn) Hansen, Mark (Christa) Hansen, daughter Lori (Tim) Sparks and step daughters Paula (Joe) Perry, Lori Ann Page and step son Ken Reed, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, friends and relatives. She is preceded in death by her husbands Jerry and Bill, brothers Tex and Tom Frank and step son Larry Reed. A private memorial Mass will be held at the VA cemetery in Union Grove, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.roseberrys.com where she was cremated.
Schnurr, Mary Barbara Age 88 of Hillsboro
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Mary Barbara Schnurr, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the age of 88. She was surrounded by her loving family, who will forever remember her warmth, generosity, and deep love for them.
Mary was born on April 1, 1936, and spent much of her life in the Hillsboro area, where she raised her family and built lasting relationships within the community. For 30 years, she dedicated herself to her work as a cook at the Hillsboro Hospital.
Above all, Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always ready to offer love, support, and guidance. Her home was a gathering place for family celebrations and holiday traditions, and she took immense pride in decorating for each special occasion.
Mary’s culinary talents were legendary, especially her baking. She had a special gift for making breads, rolls, and her signature ?eský Kolá?, which she lovingly prepared and shared with those she loved. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, where her family and friends could always count on a delicious meal and a comforting presence.
Mary is survived by her children: Nancy Schnurr, Steven (Barb) Schnurr, Rick Schnurr, Sue Schnurr, her grandchildren: Christopher (Kelsey) Fatzinger-Schnurr, Kaite (Josh) Dalke, Kim (Olive Kaiser) Schnurr, and her great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts forever. She was preceded in death by her Parents: Edward and Emma (Pliner) Novy, and brothers: Raymond Novy, Lester Novy, and sister Ramona (Novy) Raab.
Mary’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Private family services will be held at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Baerbock, Evelyn Lucille Age 101 of New Lisbon
5 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Evelyn Lucille Baerbock, 101, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in New Lisbon, WI.
She was born on April 9, 1923, in LaGrange Township, WI to Fred and Iva (Mentz) Quass, being an only child. She graduated from College High in Whitewater, WI in 1941.
Evelyn married Donald Baerbock on November 8, 1945, in East Troy, WI. They were married for 58 years until his death
In 1957 they moved to Elkhorn, WI. She was employed at Lakeland Hospital for 10 years and then Doctors Clinic SC in Elkhorn for 20 years. She worked various positions in healthcare.
Evelyn and her husband retired to Adams County, WI in 1987. For 16 years she served on the ACMH (now Moundview Hospital) board, 12 of those years as president. She was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of the Mauston Methodist Church and also served as local and district president of the United Methodist Women.
She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Evelyn and her husband loved to travel. Places visited: Alaska, Hawaii, England, Caribbean, and the continental US. She also loved visiting with friends that she forged lifetime friendships with.
Evelyn loved finding a good deal. Often going to garage sales, thrift stores, and antique shops. She collected antiques throughout her life a lot of them including family heirlooms from glassware to furniture. Evelyn was also an avid gardener.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Donald Baerbock (December 2003). She is survived by her children Duane (Linda) Baerbock of Lake Geneva, WI and Eileen (Larry) Williams of Niagara, WI, 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Mauston Methodist Church on Monday, November 18, 2024 at 10 am, funeral services following at 11 am.
Peters, Lois E. Age 76 of Tomah
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Lois E. Peters, 76, died on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Tomah Health surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 14, 1948, to Steven and Edith (Bonsall) Kelly in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. She was a member of the Delavan High School Graduating Class of 1966. Lois was united in marriage to Lewis Peters in 1972 in Delevan, WI. After they were married they lived in Darien, WI and in 1978 they relocated to the Tomah area. Throughout her life, Lois worked at the O’Rustic Inn, Burnstad’s Packporch, and also cleaned homes. She loved crafting, and antiquing. She enjoyed working around the house; making it into a warm and welcoming home, working with her flowers and gardens. Lois loved being a mom, grandmother and great-grandmother and her family camping trips were always special. She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart knowing she loved you more!
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Lewis Peters; father, Steven Kelly of Monument, CO; step father, Bob Schiller of New Lisbon; daughter, Kim (Aaron) Mockler of Sun Prairie; grandchildren, Cody (Kailyn Schaitel) Peters, Hayden (Alayna) Peters, Brady Mockler, Beau Mockler; great grandchildren, Kyler and Chad; siblings, Linda (Tony) Kaderabek of Appleton, Patrick Kelly of Rochester, Peggy (Allen) Eaves of Grandview, TN, Pamela (Jim) Parco of Monument, CO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Chad Peters; her mother, Edith; and her father and mother-in-law, Maynard and Marian Peters.
A Prayer Service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, 7:00 PM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Pastor Robert Gerke will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Camp Douglas Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Monday at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Lorenzen, Scott Earl Age 62 of Nekoosa
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Scott Earl Lorenzen in his home in Nekoosa, November 7, 2024 at the age of 62. Scott was born on September 30, 1962 in Milwaukee to Earl and Georgiana Lorenzen (Janssen).
Scott attended school in Columbus, WI until 5th grade when the family moved to Adams-Friendship. He enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball in High School. Graduating in 1981 he then went to trade school in Wisconsin Rapids. Having his CDL license he moved to Texas working as a surveyor and Vibe Operator for an oil company. After a couple years the company moved him to Montana and Wyoming. He worked out West for 2 ½ years before moving back to Wisconsin. Scott enjoyed traveling and was not a fan of Wisconsin winters so off he went to work in Florida.
In 1987-1988 he moved back home and worked for Rhinehart Building, then for Best Energies as a shipping clerk. When Best downsized Scott joined a tower painting crew then started his own business. When he became ill, and diagnosed with cancer at the age of 59, he took a part time maintenance position for the town of Rome. He was in remission at time of his passing.
Scott had met the love of his life, Sherry Marie Cook. So very kind and good they were to one another.
Scott very much enjoyed strumming away on his guitar, sitting outside watching the wildlife, campfires, spending time with and helping friends. He belonged to The River Rats Camping group.
Scott was preceded in joining the Lord: Mother and Father, Earl Lorenzen and Georgiana Klicko (Lorenzen).
Scott is survived by Sherry Marie Cook (soulmate); Sister Donna Abfall (Lorenzen); Brother-in-law Roger Abfall; Nephew Mac Abfall; Nieces: Jocelyn Feest (Abfall), Georgiana Reichard (Abfall), and Mikkin Budiac (Abfall); and 4 great nieces.
Visitation 11:00 followed by 12 noon service on November 16, 2024 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship followed by a gathering and meal at 1:00 at VFW in Adams, WI.
Rhinehart, Chris John Age 88 of Easton
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Chris John Rhinehart, age 88, of Easton, Wisconsin passed away Monday, November 4th, 2024 at Our House Senior Living Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
Oldest child of Kenneth Keith and Beulah Ione (Byers) Rhinehart, Chris was born on September 21, 1936. He graduated Adams-Friendship Area High School in the class of 1954. He ran cross country and was a FFA member. Chris served in the US Army from February 1959 to January 1961 in Korea doing construction work. He received an Honorable Discharge and was a Decorated Marksman (rifle). Chris worked for DL Gasser Construction starting April 1966 (36 years) retiring on December 31, 2002. He remains a legend as Bony among crews still today. After retiring from DL Gasser Construction he continued working for his cousin Dale at Rhinehart Construction Adams, WI until 2017. Chris purchased the family farm in Easton, WI from his parents in 1968, milking cows and crop farming.
On December 23, 1973 he married the love of his life Clara Ann Burdi Nero in Chicago, IL.
Chris enjoyed spending time with family, nightly dinners at Jeff and Sara’s house, Wednesday night supper club and Friday night Fish Fries at his brother’s Springville Tap along with helping his family with all their projects.
Chris enjoyed watching the Wisconsin Badges, Packers and attending games of the Adams-Friendship High School basketball team.
Chris loved his work, cutting wood and the outdoors. He enjoyed taking rides to see what was happening in his community, stopping for visits with neighbors and family, watching for deer with a stop for ice cream on the way.
He had a passion for fishing: Trout fishing, bluegill fishing, and ice fishing… Chris could be found at the creek behind his house, the Easton Mill Pond or on one of many special fishing trips to the lake in Birchwood with his family and fishing buddy, Jordan.
Deer hunting was also a family event, hunting opening weekend in the marsh with his son Joe, grandchildren Ryan, Tracy and Rocco. For years Uncle Chris’s house has been the meeting point for the family’s annual Thanksgiving Day deer drives.
In life, he was Uncle Chris to most in the community. Uncle Chris always choose to give back the youth of the community supporting scholarships for students at Adams Friendship Area Schools, Adams Friendship FFA, and supporting youth at the Adams County Fair livestock sale. He said the previous generations helped him gain his education with a scholarship to UW Ag Short Course, so it was his turn to give back. Chris and his late wife, Clara, were also great supporters of our local hospital foundation.
Chris was preceded in death by his wife Clara Ann (Burdi) Rhinehart, step-son Joseph Michael Nero, parents Kenneth and Beulah (Byers) Rhinehart, brothers George and Larry Rhinehart, sister Carol Babcock, in laws Nick Babcock, Ernelle, Cathleen, & Judith Rhinehart.
Survivors:
Brother: Kenneth “Jerry” (Linda) Rhinehart,
Daughter-in-law Deborah Nero
Grandchildren: Joseph & Stephanie Nero, Ryan & Tracy Nero; Robert & Amanda Nero; Steven & Corinne Nero- Great Grand Children Madison, Samantha, Chloe, Rocco, Ashlyn, Natalie, Michael, Joseph Frank Nero, Brooklyn, Samantha and Iris Aragon. Great-great-grandchildren Stella Szot and Luca Devereux
Nieces & Nephews:
Kristy (Joe) Huber – Jeffrey (Sara) Huber, Josh (Emma) Huber, Jordan (Heidi) Huber
Mike (Tori) Babcock- Kendall Babcock, Chris (Rachel) Babcock
Scott (Kim) Babcock, Beth Babcock, Ben (Brenna) Babcock,
Dan (Ellen) Babcock,
Rhonda (Gary) Henningsen. Nicki Babcock, Monique Rios,
David (Julie) Rhinehart and family
Connie (Ron) Frymark and family
Andy (Cathy) Rhinehart and family
Michelle Rhinehart-Friedli and family
Great-Great Nieces and Nephews with two more expected this spring
Uncle Chris will be deeply missed by his cousins, and extended family members and the community.
Special Thanks to his cousin Vernon Rhinehart, care-givers Bonnie Stratton, Emma Hamilton and caregivers from Cooperative Care of Wautoma and the staff from Our House Senior Living in Wisconsin Dells.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father David Bruener will officiate. Military honors will follow Mass at church. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday December 1, 2024, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home, and again from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church on Monday.
Interment will be a private family ceremony at the Easton Cemetery, Town of Easton, Wisconsin.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Bliss, Verona D. Age 82 of Wonewoc
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Verona D. Bliss, age 82 years, of Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, surrounded by her loving family, giving her the ability to finally meet her infant daughter, that had passed, so many years ago.
She was born on March 9, 1942 in Vernon County, Wisconsin, the daughter of Glen and Yula (Berg) Revels and attended the Hillsboro Schools.
Verona was united in marriage to Donald Bliss on December 14, 1957 at the Mount Pisgah Church near Ontario. Together they farmed and raised their family in the rural Elroy area. Don preceded her in death on April 10, 1994.
Verona was an active lady who enjoyed so many things and there was always room for one more……of anything or anyone it seems. She was an avid grower and gardener of flowers and plants and continued looking for more at Amish greenhouses, you know all roads lead to somewhere.
She enjoyed cooking, attended all the family functions, and gave blood – she was a donor of 15 gallons and 2 pints. She also worked at La Crosse Footwear in Hillsboro and seasonally at Swiss Colony. In more recent years you could usually find her sitting on her front porch in Wonewoc, watching the people and traffic go by in her squeaky rocking chair.
Survivors include her family that she enjoyed so much, children, Barb Bliss, Brad (Amy) Bliss, Mark (Drea) Bliss and Chris Bliss (Dave Waterman); grandchildren, Logan (Theresa) Bliss, Jacob Bliss, Branda (Tyler) Muller, Mitchell Bliss and Olivia Bliss; great grandchildren, Sophie and Maxsin; sisters, Veda Hatfield and Lois Revels; sister-in-law, Diane Revels and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Donald; she was preceded in death by her Parents; infant daughter, Rebecca; longtime partner, Marlin “Ray” Gehri; brothers, Carl, Ronald and Alvin Revels and sister, Linda Kettle.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro, with Rev. Alan Tripp officiating. A time of visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a charity of your choice.
The Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
Demaske, Marion E. Age 94 of Rural Wonewoc
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Marion E. Demaske, age 94 years, of rural Wonewoc, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 at her home.
She was born on February 15, 1930 in North Freedom, the daughter of William and Helena (Kumke) Dunse. She attended school in Wonewoc.
Marion was united in marriage to Kenneth Demaske on November 29, 1947 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wonewoc.
Together they farmed in the Town of Summit for many years. She was also very active making rag rugs, baking wedding and birthday cakes and decorating them, raising flowers in her gardens and enjoyed the many birds at their home. Kenneth preceded her in death on May 20, 2008.
Survivors include her children, Donna Fiscus (Thom Kent) of La Crosse and Gordon (Esther) Demaske of Wonewoc; son-in-law, Bill McDermott of Wonewoc; grandchildren, Jo (Tony) Johnson, Jeremy Demaske (Dona), Jeff (Bobbi) Demaske, Melissa Demaske, Shane (Brooke) Jefferies, Travis Jefferies (Angie), LeaAnn Raupp (Rich), Brent Demaske, Olivia Demaske (Dillon), Josh Hubele (Kimmy), Jerita Hubele (Travis) and Kyle Hubele; many Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Kenneth; she was preceded in death by her Parents; an infant daughter, Linda Kay; son, Eugene (Roxann) Demaske; daughter, Eileen McDermott and siblings, Viola, Florene, Gilbert, Melvin, Lila, Lyle, Lloyd, William and Lester.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wonewoc, with Rev. Jacob Limpert officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Wonewoc. A time of visitation will be at the Church on Friday from 1 to 2 p.m.
The Picha Funeral Home in Wonewoc is assisting with arrangements.
Sawyer, Claudette LaRaine Age 86 of Friendship
6 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Obituaries
Claudette LaRaine Sawyer, age 86, of Friendship, Wisconsin, died Monday, October 28, 2024, at Villa Pines Living Center in Friendship, Wisconsin.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adams, Wisconsin. Rev. John Krebs will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Claudette was born on October 5, 1938, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Harold (Happy) Strand and Mildred Strand (née Meiller). The family moved to the Adams-Friendship area in 1948. She graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1956. She enjoyed high school and was a cheerleader and baton twirler. Her sons believed she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Winning the Adams County Fairest of Them All in 1956 and her occasional striking resemblance to Jackie Kennedy Onassis only reinforced their heartfelt admiration.
Claudette’s greatest love, Tom Sawyer, first noticed her cheerleading at a high school basketball game and felt compelled to pursue her. After a year of dating and several proposals later, they embarked on a beautiful love story that lives on through their “4 Lads,” grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Claudette and Tom spent their early years in Germany while Tom was stationed in the U.S. Army. Upon returning, Claudette embraced her greatest role as a mother; raising her four boys while also working in various positions, including Adams City Treasurer, school cook, waitress, and bookkeeper at Roberts Motors.
In addition to motherhood, Claudette was active in her community, serving on the Adams-Friendship School Board in the late 1970s, as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Sunday School teacher, and PTA member. She loved playing softball and teaching her boys baseball, rarely missing their games, and continued to attend her grandchildren’s sports activities until she could no longer travel.
As her health declined and after losing Tom, Claudette found joy in family visits and cherished photos of her grandchildren. Known for her sense of humor and quick wit, her mind remained sharp until her final days.
While she could no longer attend church over the last several years, she became a prayer warrior for her family. Her love for the Lord Jesus was real, quiet, and firm. She is now enjoying worshiping Him face-to-face alongside her lifelong love, Tom. They are both more alive than ever, and her boys look forward to that soon-coming day when Jesus will gather us all to Himself for the best church service ever.
Claudette is survived by her sons, Alan (Chris) Sawyer, Coy (Mary) Sawyer, Lance (Amy) Sawyer, and Jay (Misty) Sawyer; 17 grandchildren: Scott Sawyer, Brett (Becky) Sawyer, Jacob Sawyer, Talitha (Nate) Groshek, Josiah (Rebekah) Sawyer, Moriah (Ethan) Keller, Sara (Zane) Skiff, Chad Sawyer, Ashlee Sawyer, Chantz Sawyer, Olivia (Kolt) Rogers, Haley (Spencer) Kuehl, Matthew Sawyer, Courtney Sawyer, Jerrica Pierce, Jaina Pierce, and Jaryn Sawyer; 19 great-grandchildren: Millie Sawyer, Peyton, Landon, Piper, and Lukas Groshek; Elsie and Laura Sawyer; Thomas, Carolyn, and Abigail Keller; Brielle, Tenley, and Paisley Cammack; Declan Kolstad; Ryla Kuehl; Goku Sawyer; Aidyn and Alaina Schneider, and Lilith McCartney ; along with her sister Sharon Boersma, brother-in-law Raymond (Rose) Sawyer, and sister-in-law Dorothy Sawyer.
She was preceded in death by her beloved Tom; her parents, Harold and Mildred Strand; sister Wanda Strand; brother-in-law Ronald Boersma; and brother-in-law Robert Sawyer.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
