Obituaries

Johns, Bonnie Maureen Age 75 of Tomah

Bonnie Maureen Johns, 75, of Tomah, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Serenity Hospice House in Tomah. On March 3, 1949, Bonnie was born to Martin and Laura (Sutton) Johns in Phillips, Wisconsin. She was a member of the Tomah High School’s graduating class of 1967. After graduation Bonnie lived in Madison, Racine, Michigan where she worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Chicago before settling back in Tomah. She ran the Greyhound Bus Station in Tomah for a time also. She loved going for rides, visiting with family and friends, until health declined.

 

Bonnie is survived by her Brother, Ronald Johns and wife Diane, Sister, Cheryl Hernandez and husband Ron, Sister, Monica and husband Marvin Groothuis, Brother, Randie Johns and wife Pam, Sister-in-law, Avon Neupert; Nieces and Nephews, Norma and Bill Schmudlach, Stacy Johns and Liana Lewis; Rhonda and Don Killgo, Rocky and Sandy Johns, Patrick and Khristina Boyle, Zachary Boyle, Asha and Ryan Olson, Rob Meyer, Josie Wilson, Julie Lalor, Amy and Bruce Hofstetter, Vaughn and Melissa Groothuis, Jenny and Robbie Ledford, Jon and Rebecca Groothuis; Jeremy Johns, Jamie and Brian Hyer, Jared Johns and fiancé Kelly Lupton. She is further survived by her Great Nieces and Nephews, Bryor and fiancé Heather, Jasmine and Jerry, Zelda, Juliette, Cass, Justin, Hanna, Ross, Lynsey and Andrew, Bailey, Madison, Korayma, Emma, Kellee, Asha, Bethany, Michael, John, Amire, Zach, Tyler, Blake, Riley, Delaney, Ambur Lynn, Zachary, Kai, Judah, Danielle and James, Mackenzie and Dilan, Abigail, Dillyn, Katie and James, Brittany and fiancé Chandler, Gracie, Christopher and fiancé Anna, Cori, Jada, Jacob, Adler, Jordyn, Carl John (CJ), Brailyn, and Zaiden; Great-Great Nieces and Nephews, Isla, RJ, Judy, Amelia, Charlotte, and Javon; Aunts, Sandy Feryance, JoAnn Sutton, and Ruth Sutton; Special friends, Barb Minor, Bonnie Hogan, and Vicki Janusheske; Neighbors, who were the best and did so much for her, Mike and Geri Hodur, and James Sherman; and her beloved Fur-Baby, Sadie.

 

Bonnie was preceded in death by husband, Ray DeHate; parents, Martin and Laura Johns; brother, Robert Johns; nephew, Scott Johns; nieces, Sandra Kay and Nannette Johns; great-nephews, Carson and Shelton; and her fur babies Bucky, Ruby, Holly, Bonbon.

 

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 held on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Bible Ev. Free Church, 625 W. Veterans Street, Tomah. Family and friends are invited for a time of visitation from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Reeves, Sandra June Age 71 of New Lisbon

Sandra June Reeves, age 71, of New Lisbon, WI passed away at home in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 18th, 2025. Born in Milwaukee, WI on April 13th, 1954, she was known for her incredible drive, embracing and overcoming life’s challenges, and her ability to make fun and crazy memories.

 

Sandi was a devoted and much loved mother, sister, grandma, great-grandma, and aunt. She leaves behind a legacy of great love that will be forever remembered.

After retiring from Seneca Foods in Baraboo,WI, Sandi dedicated herself to making lasting memories with her family.

Sandi was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Gloria (Bruyette) Reeves; a sister, Linda (Reeves) Kirkpatrick; 2 brothers, Marvin Reeves and Bruce Reeves; a loving step mother Grace (Perillo) Reeves.

She is survived by 3 siblings, Kenneth Reeves, Dale Reeves, Phyllis Mickelson; 2 very loved sister-in-laws Kathy Reeves, Donna Reeves; 4 children, Tanya (Elmer III) Anderson, Shane (Amy) Talty, Chris Talty, Tiffany (Aaron) Talty; 14 grandchildren, Tiara, Cynthia, Christopher, Nicholas, Katrina, Andrew, Aurora, Jade, James, Ayden, Thomas, Zachary, Graede, Annabelle; 7 great-grandchildren Nanette, Natalie, Jaxson, Hunter, Michael, Tanner, Riley. She is also loved and remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at the Bible Baptist Church, 148 Grayside Ave, Mauston, WI 53948 on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, guests are invited to stay for food, refreshments, and a Confetti Salute in celebration of Sandi’s life.

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

Schnolis, Frank Stanley Age 80 of Adams

Frank Stanley Schnolis, Jr. Frank Stanley Schnolis, Jr., age 80, of Adams, WI passed away December 3, 2024, at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be from 12 Noon until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Easton-White Creek Lions Park. Military honors will be presented 12 Noon on Saturday, May 31st by the Ryan Larson American Legion Post.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Pollex, Charles August Age 81 of Quincy Township

Charles August Pollex, age 81, of Quincy Township, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

 

Services include a visitation on Friday May 23rd, from 4-7 p.m. at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Saturday May 24th, at St. John’s Lutheran Church Quincy 10am-11am visitation. 11a.m. church service. Internment will be at a later date.

Charles was born on September 26, 1943, in Quincy Township, Wisconsin, to Walter and Katherine (Heitman) Pollex. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from White Creek School, Castle Rock School and Adams-Friendship High School in 1961. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees. While completing law school, Charles also taught in Mount Horeb. He graduated from UW Law School in 1968.

On April 8, 1967, Charles married Sharon Lee Boerner in Adams, Wisconsin. After beginning his career teaching Business Law and Math in Reedsburg, he returned to Adams County and was elected District Attorney, a role he served in for three terms. In 1976, he formed a law partnership with Don Hollman, practicing for 25 years. Charles also served as Corporation Counsel, Family Court Commissioner in 1991, City Attorney for the City of Adams for many years, and as Town Attorney for several area Townships. In 2003, Charles was elected as a judge in Adams County, where he served two terms with distinction before retiring in 2015.

Deeply devoted to his community, Charles served on the Adams County Memorial Hospital Board. He coached Little League baseball and Bantam basketball, and remained active in local sports, playing baseball into his 50s for teams including Easton and the AF Angels.

A lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charles served in many leadership roles, including as President and Elder, and occasionally led services in the pastor’s absence. His faith, integrity, and service to family and others were hallmarks of his life.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Katherine; his son, Eric; and his brother, Fred.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sharon Pollex of Wisconsin Dells, WI; daughter, Danielle Rabl of Portage, WI; sons: Walter Pollex of Adams, WI and Mark (Jessica) Pollex of Pewaukee, WI; grandchildren: Dalton Pollex, Grace (Arlen) Pollex Rabl Castro, Hadley Pollex, Harper Pollex, and Hayden Pollex; sisters: Anita Schnolis of Adams, WI, and Dolores (Jon) Roseberry of Friendship, WI; He is further survived by many other cherished relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Charles’s honor to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2823 County Rd Z, Adams, WI 53910.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences and additional information are available at www.roseberrys.com.

Cernicka, Sandra L. Age 74 of Necedah

Sandra L. Cernicka, age 74, of Necedah, WI, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Necedah.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday.  The Torkelson Funeral Home in Necedah is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com

Gnirk, Greg Age 63 of Hillsboro

Greg Gnirk, age 63, of Hillsboro, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer. The wake will take place at Picha Funeral Home, Hillsboro, on Thursday, May 22, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Hillsboro, on Friday, May 23 at 3 p.m. Interment will be in St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Mt Tabor.

 

Gregory Gerhardt Gnirk was born on August 15, 1961, in Green Bay. He was adopted by Gerhardt “Pete” and Evelyn Gnirk of rural Elroy on May 26, 1964. He grew up on the family farm, graduating from Royall High School in 1979. He attended Milton College for two years, majoring in Criminal Justice. On June 27, 1981, he married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Brey, of Hillsboro, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elroy. They were blessed with three children.

 

Greg entered the United States Army on May 3, 1985, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before his Honorable Discharge on September 23, 1994. He served as a Military Policeman, Traffic Accident Investigator and Desk Sergeant while being assigned to Ft. Riley, Kansas, Defense Nuclear Agency Johnston Atoll, Hawaii and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal twice, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal three times and a Joint Services Award, the last of which very few service members ever receive.

 

After military service, Greg co-owned a logging company and eventually began a lawn care/landscaping company, which he operated with his oldest son. He was also a part-time Rural Postal Carrier for Elroy for many years, becoming a full-time Rural Postal Carrier for New Lisbon in 2010.

 

He was a member of St Aloysius Parish and the St Christopher Knights of Columbus.

 

Greg is survived by his wife of 43 years, Brenda; two sons Walter, of Hillsboro; and Mathew (Amanda), of Muskego; one daughter, Angela (Brandon), of Appleton; seven grandchildren, Sophia, MacKenzie, Lucas, Fiona, Liliana, Aria and Aiden; one brother, Darin (Jennifer), of LaValle; one sister, Lynn Kranz, of Elroy; one aunt, Judi Halbmaier, of Washburn, Iowa; several cousins, nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Evelyn Gnirk; his father-in-law, Roger Brey; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

 

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

Cowan, Geneive, “Genny” Lorene Age 88 of Mauston

Geneieve “Genny” Lorene Cowan, age 88 of Mauston, Wisconsin, died on Wednesday,
May 14, 2025, at Serenity House in Tomah. Geneieve was born to Edward A. Krueger and Hazel L. (Boyce) Krueger on January 19, 1937, in Hillsboro, Wisconsin.


Geneieve was united in marriage to William Cowan on September 8, 1956, in Mauston, Wisconsin. After they married, Bill and Genny spent a year living in Illinois before moving back to Mauston. Genny was a hard worker and loved working with people. Through the
years, she worked at Jean‘s Café in downtown Mauston, Rusty’s Red Dot Bar, and at the Alaskan Supper Club. She came to her retirement from Mile Bluff Medical Center in the kitchen and linen departments. Bill and Genny spent several years bowling in couples’ leagues at the
Mauston Bowling Alley. They took pride in and spent hours in their yard and flower gardens. Even after moving into an apartment later in life, Genny had the best-looking front step in the neighborhood. Over the years, Genny valued her time with loved ones and good friends.
She filled her time spending endless hours playing cards with her friends, casino bus trips, and watching her grandkids play sports. There is no place else she would rather be than in the stands at her grandkids’ sporting events.


Genny was predeceased by her husband, William Cowan, parents, Edward A. Krueger and Hazel L. (Boyce) Krueger, siblings, Betty Krueger, Helen Krear, Ralph Krueger, Harold Krueger, Paul Krueger, and Eddie Krueger. Genny is survived by her children William John (Joan) Cowan of Eau Claire, Cindy Lorene (Jason) Jerome of West Salem, and Gary Allen (Nancy) Cowan of New Lisbon, her grandchildren, Scott Pellegrin, Stacie Cowan, Andrew Cowan, Brandon (Kaytlyn) Beilke, Ciana (Karl) Kroner, Kinsey Smith, Jacob (Jessica) Smith, Chance (Thom) Smith, Mallory Cowan, and Garrison Cowan, her great-grandchildren, River Pellegrin, Makenzie Caldwell, Tori Cowan, Khloe Cowan, Xena Cowan, Ruby Smith, Blair Smith,
William Kroner, Addie Kroner, Russell Kroner, Edynn Beilke, Karrick Beilke, and Kreighton Beilke, along with many nieces and nephews.


A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, at 11:30 A.M. at the New Lisbon Community Center (110 Welch Prairie Rd) in New Lisbon.  Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday at the Community Center from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Rev. Lucy Hardie presiding. Lunch will be served following the memorial service. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

Johnson, Cheryl Wynn Age 66 of Friendship

Cheryl Wynn Johnson, age 66, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Villa Pines Living Center in Friendship, following a courageous battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17th  at the Arkdale Lions Park in Arkdale, Wisconsin.  

Cheryl was born on February 22, 1959, in Portage, Wisconsin, to James H. and Shirley H. (Gibbens) Johnson. She was raised in the Adams-Friendship area and graduated from Adams-Friendship High School with the Class of 1977. Over the years, she dedicated her time and care to several local employers, including Pine Bluff Farms, IGA, and most recently, Villa Pines Nursing Home.

On September 9, 1978, Cheryl married Charles Page. Together, they had one child before later divorcing. Cheryl was blessed with two more children in the years that followed.

In addition to her dedication to work and family, Cheryl devoted over a decade to the care of Mt. Repose Cemetery, taking great pride in maintaining its peaceful and well-kept appearance.

Cheryl had many interests, including gardening, cooking, collecting antiques, and solving puzzles. Her love of flowers and the outdoors was evident in the beautiful spaces she cultivated and enjoyed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Shirley Johnson.

Cheryl is survived by her children Curtis (Samantha) Page of Arkdale, WI; Travis Johnson of Arkdale, WI; and Cassi Williams of Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; grandchildren: Austin Page and Oliver Page; her siblings, Randy (Nona) Johnson of Adams, WI, Rodney (Pam) Johnson of Friendship, WI, and Carole (Bruce) Bain of Arkdale, WI; as well as extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.roseberrys.com.

Smith, Gladys M. Age 91 of Friendship

Gladys M. Smith, age 91, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids.

 

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, with Pastor Gretchen Viney officiating. Interment will follow at Gould Rock Cemetery in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

 

Gladys was born on February 3, 1934, in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Vida (Allison) Hirst. She was raised in Wild Rose and graduated from Wild Rose High School. On February 21, 1952, she married Robert A. Smith in Mt. Morris, Wisconsin. The couple lived briefly in the Wautoma area before relocating to Chicago and later Wauconda, Illinois. While in Illinois, they raised their family before returning to Central Wisconsin in 1978 and settling in Grand Marsh. In 2014, Gladys moved to Friendship, where she lived until her recent health decline.

 

A devoted mother and homemaker, Gladys found joy in quilting, sewing, and cooking. She especially enjoyed baking cheesecakes and bread and was known for creating heartfelt cards for residents at Villa Pines and patients at the hospital.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Vida Hirst; her husband, Robert Smith; sons, Scott and Tony Smith; sisters, Jean and Jeanette; and brothers, Bill and Oakley.

 

Gladys is survived by her children: David (Jeannie) Smith of Huntsville, TX; Rod (Nancy) Smith of Brighton, IL; and daughter-in-law, Shianna Smith of Grand Marsh, WI; as well as her brother, Roger Smith of Rockford, IL. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jennifer, Mikayla, Ashley, Justin, Jake, and Nate, and many great-grandchildren: Ben, Gavin, Jaxon, Nolan, Carson, Brayson, Journey, Jenna, Avery, and Merideth. She leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will remember her fondly.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider sending a funny card to someone that could use a smile, just as Gladys would have done.

 

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences and additional information, please visit www.roseberrys.com.

Olson, Pamela S. Age 69 of Elroy

Pamela S. Olson

 

Pamela S. Olson, age 69 years, of Elroy, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

 

She was born on September 14, 1955 in Hillsboro, the daughter of Martin and Mabel (McNamer) Connors.  Pam graduated from the Hillsboro High School.

 

Pam was married to Arlie Buchal and they had two sons, Todd and Timothy.  They later divorced.

 

Pam was united in marriage to Raymond “Nip” Olson Jr. on February 17, 1990.  They made their home in Elroy for many years.  He preceded her in death on March 7, 2020.

 

Pam worked at Brunner Manufacturing for 35 years and retired January 2024. 

 

She enjoyed going camping, taking care of her yard and loved visitors.  She loved her puppy, Ginger very much.

 

Survivors include her son, Todd Buchal (Dawn); step son, Brian Olson; grandson, Derek; granddaughters, Daniale, Hannah and Abigail; siblings, Phil (Pat) Connors, Sandy (Gordy) Vierck, Tom (Kathy) Connors and Linda (Randy) Scheidegger and many nieces and nephews.

 

In addition to her husband, Nip; she was preceded in death by her Parents; son, Timothy Buchal; sisters, Charlotte Scheeler and Bonnie Solchenberger and brother, John Connors.

 

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy.  Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Wonewoc.  A time of visitation will be at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com

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