Obituaries

Jon David Woggon, age 54, of Camp Douglas WI, passed away on May 19, 2024, at his home in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. Born on October 8, 1969, in Madison, Wisconsin to Paul and Phyllis (Langendorf) Woggon. Jon’s life was marked by his enduring spirit, creative mind, and adventurous heart.

Jon graduated New Lisbon High School in 1988 and went on to further his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for three years. While studying, he worked at Hill Farms Heating Plant in Madison, Wisconsin, laying the foundation for a career marked by diligence and a strong work ethic. In 2003, Jon began working as a power plant operator and later as an electronics technician, showcasing his technical acumen. By 2005, he became a Building and Ground Supervisor in Waupan, Wisconsin, and in 2007, he joined the team at Sand Ridge in Mauston, Wisconsin, as Building and Grounds Superintendent, where he remained until his passing.

Jon’s interests were as diverse as his skills. An avid deer hunter, he found solace in the quiet of the woods. He was always ready to lend a hand on the farm helping his brothers, and enjoyed ATV riding. A master in the garden and with yard work, Jon took pride in cultivating beauty around him. He also had a passion for remodeling his home, where his handy and creative nature transformed spaces with love and care. Jon was the go-to guy for deep frying turkey for his family gatherings, he also enjoyed his BBQs, which brought friends and family together in celebration of good food and company.

A life member of the NRA, Jon’s younger years were filled with boating and golfing, activities that spoke to his adventurous heart. His legacy will be remembered through the many lives he touched with his generosity and his zest for life.

Jon’s legacy is carried on by his loving siblings, Daniel (Mary) Woggon of Camp Douglas, Catherine Gearing of Hixton, Sandra Woggon of Hustler, Deborah Peterson of Camp Douglas, and Donald (June) Woggon of Camp Douglas. He was a cherished brother-in-law to Louis Siller. Also surviving are his maternal Uncle Burton (Helen) Langendorf and Aunt Arlene (Chuck) Franke. His nieces and nephews, Michelle (Chris) DuPont, Sarah, Jacob, Nicolette, Lukus Woggon, Matthew (Manjusha) Siller, Alisha Siller, Desiree (Mike) Lancaster, Taryn (Clark) Hughes, Guy Gearing, Andrea Rockney, Christine Hurth, Lynn Benson, Thor Peterson, Hans (Danielle) Peterson, Kassandra, Joshua, and Faith Woggon, will fondly remember their uncle’s adventurous stories and handy tips.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Timothy, sister Jacqueline, and brothers-in-law William Gearing, Tucker Burge, and Ronald Peterson. Each of these individuals played a significant role in his life, and their memories will continue to be honored through Jon’s enduring influence.

Those who knew Jon would describe him as a man of many talents – handy, creative, and adventurous. He had a knack for fixing things, a vision for creating, and a zest for exploring new horizons. Jon’s presence was a source of strength and inspiration to his family, friends, and colleagues.

As we bid farewell to Jon David Woggon, we celebrate a life lived with passion and purpose. His story does not end here, for his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. Jon’s memory will be cherished, and his legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, May 28^, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Hare Funeral Home (217 W. Pearl St), and a Memorial Service on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Lukes Evangelical Lutheran Church (208 Allen Rd, New Lisbon, WI 53950), with a visitation at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Rev. Jason Zuehlke presiding.  Internment will take place in St. Stephen’s Lutheran Cemetery. The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com.    

 Thomas Alfred Robertson, age 81, of Adams, Wisconsin unexpectedly passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024, at George Washington University Hospital in Washington DC during a Honor Flight trip.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 25th from 10 am. to 1:00 pm. at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. There will be a Celebration of Life later in Fall, on August 3, 2024.

Thomas was born August 01, 1942, in Adams, Wisconsin to Burton and Alta (Grassman) Robertson. Tom Graduated from A-F- High in 1960 and spent his whole life in Adams. Except for the time he served in the Army as part of the Army Security Agency in Okinawa, Japan. He returned to Adams after his service to his hometown of Adams. Tom met Rita Bork and married her in 1964. Tom had many jobs with his main career being a Firefighter at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant in Baraboo. Tom also had a few businesses in Adams during his life, including Robertson’s Photo Studio, In-Town Storage, and Grind my Stumps.

Tom was an active member of the community service with the Adams Fire department for 30+ years’ service at all ranks including Chief for over 15 years, retiring from the fire department when the Adams County Fire District was formed. Tom also served on the City Council in Adams and was instrumental in the development of Burt Morris Park and getting the swimming pool that was once in Adams. Tom was a part-time deputy of the Sheriff’s Department in the 1970’s and served as Bailiff from the court some 20+ years later.

Thomas enjoyed woodworking, trap shooting, collecting “Early Everything” but mainly coins and Adams County bar tokens, hunting, Classic Old Cars, and spending time in his shop working on projects for friends and family. He also loved spending time with his Grandchildren and Great Grandchild William.

Tom was very active and supportive of the community throughout his life. One of Toms passions was bow hunting and archery. As a member of the Roche-a-Cri Bowman league he was instrumental in rallying the community and raising fund to purchase youth bows and arrows to start a youth Archery program back in the 1970’s. Tom also was the driving force of the restoration of one of Adams’ First Fire Trucks back to a parade vehicle and he took on the challenge of getting the cannon in front of County Courthouse refurbished, as well as many other projects in the community.

Until his death Tom remained active with the American Legion and was on the Adams County Housing Authority Board.

Memorials donations will be made to the Honor Flight, The American Legion.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rita, and his only brother Jack.

Survivors include his special friend and companion Becky Schmidt, Son Burton (Holly) Robertson, Grandsons Andrew (Chantelle) Robertson and Alex Robertson, and Great Grandchild William Robertson, fur baby Kilty along with many other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to the doctors, staff and volunteers of the Star & Stripes Honor Flight and the medical staff at Washington DC Fire Department, George Washington University Hospital for their concern and comfort. A special thank Southwest Airlines for their continued support of the Honor Flight program and Veterans. They are being so gracious and our bringing Dad back to Wisconsin at no cost.

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

Robert “Bob” Birdd Jr., 67, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, journeyed home on May 16, 2024. Bob was diagnosed with late-stage gastric cancer in the summer of 2022. He and his wife, Ann, took on the many challenges of the last two years with courage and strength and the support of their community.

Bob was born on April 11, 1957, to Florence (Piatkiewicz) and Robert Birdd Sr. in Hillsboro, WI.  Bob’s boyhood was filled with endless days among neighborhood friends. He and his cousins often ventured around the Piatkiewicz farm, located where the Hillsboro schools and athletic fields are today.  During this time, he established many lifelong bonds. Bob was a Hillsboro boy through and through. 

Bob graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1975. Throughout high school, he spent many hours playing football, basketball, and baseball. Bob and his friends attended the school dances and thoroughly enjoyed their youth. Throughout college, he spent summers working with the Hillsboro Summer Recreation program, which aligned with his education and athletics values. He supported himself throughout his schooling with jobs at Frito Lay in Racine, Kickapoo Stations, and Elroy Community Dairy. He went on to obtain his degrees in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Education from UW-Stevens Point in 1980. 

In the summer of 1981, Bob met his future wife, Ann Christianson. Bob and Ann both played in a coed summer softball league. After games, they celebrated wins (or losses) at local bars – Hynek’s or Mabel’s. Ann caught Bob’s eye with a zinger throw to first base, securing a surprise out. Bob and Ann married on September 13, 1986, at St. Aloysius Church in Hillsboro.   

Bob began his 37-year career with the City of Hillsboro in 1982. He served as a Wastewater Treatment Operator and the City Forester.  It was under Bob’s direction that the City of Hillsboro was initially recognized as a Tree City USA. Throughout his tenure, he received many consecutive growth awards.  The locals labeled him “The Tree Guy,” and he was well known for his Tree Top Tidbits and Arbor Day proclamations in the local papers. He also received several awards from the National Weather Service for his daily recording of local weather observations.  He was always happy to assist in his quiet and helpful manner.  Bob retired in 2019 but continued learning best practices in forestry and served as a forestry consultant.

One of the most joyous events of Bob’s life was the birth of his daughter, Stephanie.  To say that she brought him so much joy through the years is an understatement.  He was beyond proud of her and how she grew up to be a fantastic woman.  The best gift he ever received from Stephanie and her husband Jacob was his two beautiful granddaughters, Josephine (Jojo) and Scout.  He loved being a grandpa and made sure their time together was all about their happiness.  

Bob’s quiet personality allowed him to be an excellent listener everyone around him. He had an unassuming sense of humor characterized by a short chuckle or a slight smirk. Bob felt at home being outside in nature. He was content to be alone in the woods and enjoyed the serenity in the whisper of the leaves.

Bob is survived by his wife and best friend, Ann, daughter, Stephanie (Jacob) Board and granddaughters, Josephine Joy and Scout Marie, as well as his sister, Stella (Kevin) Walker, nephew, Eric (Kim) Walker and children, and niece, Nicole Monks (Jeff Caher), and children.  He is further survived by several cousins and special friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert Sr. and Florence (Piatkiewicz) Birdd, his mother-in-law, Emily (Hynek) Christianson, and father-in-law, Rolland Christianson.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 4 to 8 PM with a time of remembrance, fellowship, and a shared meal at 6 PM at the Field Veterans Memorial Park, 209 Water Avenue, Hillsboro, Wisconsin.  

His family wishes to preserve his memory by establishing a scholarship fund. Memorials may be made to the Robert E. Birdd Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.

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