Obituaries

James “Jim” A. Peterson, age 80, of Camp Douglas, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Jim was born on January 5, 1946, to Leslie and Elizabeth (Petersen) Peterson. He was raised on the family farm, where he developed the strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, and appreciation for the simple things in life that would remain with him throughout his years.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army before returning home to the farm. He later began working at the Tomah VA Hospital, where he retired in 2006. It was also at the VA Hospital that Jim met the love of his life, Vicki Sanford. Together, Jim and Vicki built a beautiful life and a beautiful home. They spent much of their time pouring their hearts into their home, creating a sanctuary filled with the warmth, comfort, and love that reflected who they were. Some of Jim’s favorite moments were the everyday ones. He especially looked forward to his daily visits with his brother, Pete, sharing coffee, cookies, and conversations.

Above all, Jim was simply a good man. He was the type of friend everyone wished they had and the type of man fathers hope their daughters will one day marry. He was hardworking, kind, and quick with his wit and a good-natured sense of humor. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing and trapping; and could often be found enjoying the things that came naturally to him—working with his hands, spending time outside, and woodworking. He took pride in doing things well and never needed much recognition for it.

Jim was a wonderful husband and partner in life to his wife, Vicki. His family will remember him for his kindness, his sharp humor, his steady presence, and the love he gave.

Jim is survived by his wife, Vicki, his children, Sheila (Jim) Sprackling, Tia (Jerry) Moore, Theresa Gerdes, and Toni (Greg) Johnson; grandchildren, Teann, Derek (Katie) Belcher, Lindsey (Scott) Comrie, Austin Blencoe (girlfriend, Grace), Brenden Lacey (girlfriend, Leslie), Aysia Moore, Blake Moore, Leslie (Brandon) Olsen, Kevin Gerdes, Jr., Samantha (Augustus) Johnson, and Adam Johnson; great-grandchildren, Evalynn, Sophia, Zarya, Rowan, Elliott, Tucker, River James, Evelynn, and Amelia; siblings Ellen (Gail) Chapman and Pete Peterson; brother-in-law, David Madison; and his beloved companion cat, Sylvia. He is further survived by many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and the Camp Douglas community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Elizabeth Peterson; his in-laws, Rollin and Beverly Sanford; his sister, Edna; sister-in-law, Barbara; daughter, Tammy; and grandson, Cayden.

A visitation for Jim will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with military honors beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to a veteran-based organization, Tomah Hospice Touch, or, in Jim’s memory, simply give the gift of kindness to someone else. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com

John Robert Jones, age 92, passed away on August 26, 2026, following a long and fulfilling life.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Pastor Denny Kenepp will officiate. Interment will follow at Mount Repose Cemetery in Friendship. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Please visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and complete obituary information.

Jocelyn Maria Johnson, 73, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin, surrounded by family.

Born May 10, 1953, in Milwaukee, Jocelyn graduated from James Madison High School in 1971. She was known for her loving and generous heart, quick sense of humor, and special ability to make everyone feel welcome. She loved her family, music, entertaining, and spending time with those she loved.

In 2015, Jocelyn and Floyd made Wisconsin Dells their home, and it didn’t take long for Jocelyn to become part of the community. She made friends everywhere she went. She had a special way of turning strangers into friends and couldn’t go anywhere without striking up a conversation. She loved her home there and the many friendships she made along the way.

Jocelyn is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Floyd Johnson; daughters Neyahte Martins (Kevin) and Nikeyah Flagg (Jason); five grandchildren, Justin, Delea, Jalen, Ethan, and Neomi, whom she lovingly called her “Grashie”; brothers Ed and Todd Thomas; and a host of family and friends.

She was loved deeply and will be missed by all who knew her.

Memorial Service

A memorial service celebrating Jocelyn’s life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 973 Overland Trail, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965. The obituary will be read at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life and repast at 1:00 p.m.

Cards and condolences may be sent to the family at 973 Overland Trail, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.

After a lifetime of tending  his family’s land, Dale Abbas, surrendered his stewardship on August 19,2026, passing peacefully  at the age of 89.  Dale was born in 1936 in the town of Orange to George and Dorothy Abbas, becoming the eldest of 5 children. He was raised in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, in a small farming community with his extended family next door.  After graduating high school, Dale enlisted in the U.S. Army serving 3 years in Panama. Upon his return to the states, he found himself in Rockford, Illinois, where the National Lock Company offered him a paid position as a tool & dye apprenticeship. He was skilled at working with his hands and crunching numbers. He used his craft until he retired from Ohio Medical Products in Madison, Wisconsin. He then returned to the family farm and became its primary caretaker for his remaining years.

 He met and married Michaelene Abbas (nee Anastasi) in 1963, and together they had two children-Lisa and Todd Abbas.  While the union ended, Dale remained in his children’s lives, raising his son during his high school years. Todd would precede Dale in death in 2002.

Dale’s siblings have also preceded him in death: Elaine Anderson (Leonard), Dianne Raveling (Ray), Vern Abbas, and Maureen Jacox (Albert).  Dale is survived by his daughter, Lisa Abbas of Rockford, Illinois, and his two grandchildren, Olivia Goral and Zane Hathaway. He is loved and remembered by many nieces and nephews whom he kept in contact with throughout his life. He has left the guardianship of the family land to them. He is also remembered by his special friend Jeanette Johnson.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Close to Home in Tomah, Wisconsin, who provided Dale with the care, vigilance, and the family he needed in the last many months of his journey. Danelle Godfrey and Barb Morrow were two of Dale’s favorites and terrific support for Lisa.

There will be a visitation at Hare Funeral Home (217 W. Pearl St) in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, on Monday, August 24, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.  A private burial with Military Honors in the Camp Douglas Cemetery will follow. He will rest beside his son and amongst his family.    A celebration of life will take place in Rockford, Illinois, at a time and place to be determined in the upcoming weeks.    The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com