Obituaries

Benjamin I. Bader, known to many as Ben, age 58, of New Lisbon, WI, passed away on June 9, 2026, in Watersmeet, MI. He was the son of Floyd and Alice Bader and he was born on October 29, 1967, in Rockford, Illinois, and lived a life marked by love, service, hard work, and devotion to the people around him.

Ben grew up with a strong sense of family and responsibility, qualities that remained with him throughout his life. He graduated from New Lisbon High School in 1986, and soon after, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps in January of 1987. He served honorably for eight years, including four years on active duty. His time in the Marine Corps reflected the discipline, commitment, and quiet strength that those who knew him came to admire.

Following his military service, Ben built a life centered on hard work and dedication. He worked for the AmericInn in Mauston as the manager for the last eight years, where he was respected for his dependable nature and steady presence. He took pride in his work and truly enjoyed being busy and useful. Those who knew Ben understood that he found purpose in doing his best and in being someone others could count on.

Ben enjoyed fishing in his younger years, and he also liked watching television and spending time in familiar, comfortable routines. He appreciated the simple things in life and found joy in moments that many might overlook.

He is survived by his siblings, Tina (Larry) Moore of New Lisbon, Brenda (Jim) Anderson of Hartford, Cheryl (Carl) Leis of Wilton, Raymond Bader of Janesville, Teresa Thompson of Tomah, Heather (Paul) Brownell of Watersmeet, Michigan, and Amy Good of Mauston. He is also survived by special nieces and nephews, Emma (Dakota) Bryant of Mauston, Jassen Bryant Jr. of Mauston, many other nieces and nephews, relatives and friends and a special friend, Todd Burbey.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Alice, and by his sister, Pam Davis.

Ben will be remembered for his loving heart, his selfless spirit, and the steady way he lived his life. He touched the lives of those around him through his kindness, his work ethic, and his devotion to family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 20^th, 2026, at 11:00A.M. at the Church of the Nazarene (975 Nazarene Dr.) in Mauston, WI. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, at the church from 10:00A.M. until the time of service. The family requests that everyone wear blue in honor of Ben. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

Karl M. Hagen age 87 of Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly of Elroy, WI died June 7, 2026.

Funeral Services for Karl Hagen will be held on Saturday June 13, 2026; 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services.

Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Arrangements are with the West-Kjos Funeral Home of Detroit Lakes.

Judith Arlene Wehinger, 83, of Friendship, WI, formerly of South Wayne, WI passed away on  June 2, 2026. She was born August 17, 1942, to Arleigh and Hazel Johnson. 

Raised in Woodford, WI and graduated from South Wayne High School (now Blackhawk  School District), and then UW-Stout with Home-Ec/English dual major. She married James  Wehinger Sr on August 10, 1963 at the East Wiota Lutheran Church.  

For about the next 20 years she ran the office for the family business in South Wayne. For a  few years after that managed a women’s clothing store in Austin, TX, until returning to  Friendship, WI where she was the office manager for a local realty office until retirement. 

She was active with many different organizations throughout the years, and especially  cherished memories of serving as an advisor for Luther League. Then a 9-month commitment to be a host for an exchange student turned into hosting 3 (all from the same  family), and a blessed relationship with their family for nearly 49 years. 

She enjoyed many activities including softball, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, dancing,  baking, travel, entertaining, and later in life playing Bridge and Suduko. Of course, being a  grandmother topped the list as it provided special moments – like teaching her  granddaughter to throw a baseball; in the living room! She admired her step-grandchildren;  always proud of their accomplishments and wanted to be fully briefed on their activities  and next adventures. 

She is survived by her son, James Jr (Phyllis); granddaughter Jordyn; step grandchildren  Justine (Anthony) Brechtel, Joshua Roatch; step great grandson Dominic Roatch; brother A. David (Mary Ann) Johnson; her exchange children Guillermo, Gerardo, and Gabriella  Oseguera (and families); nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Predeceased by her husband James Sr (2007); parents; sisters Ruth Stelter and Donna  Johnson; brothers-in-law Laverne Stelter and John Enzinger.  

Judith’s wishes were for a private family service with interment at East Wiota Lutheran  Church. Celebration of life at a later date. Online condolences can be made at  www.roseberrys.com 

The family would like to thank the staff at Jefferson Meadows and SSM Hospice for their  compassionate care for Judith during her final days.