Obituaries

Paula Ahlers passed away peacefully at her home on April 22, 2024, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 24, 1957, in Mauston, she was the youngest daughter of Denny and Donna (Bauer) Kennedy. Paula’s life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and the deep bonds she forged with those she held dear.

Paula’s journey through life was shared with her devoted husband of 48 years, Tony Ahlers. Together, they built a family foundation strong enough to withstand any storm. She was a loving mother to her children, April (Jeremy) Lee, Alicia (Kevin) Weinshrott, Ashley (Jeff) Kelley, Allison (Aren) Evans, and her only son, Tony (Jodi) Ahlers. Each of her children carried a piece of her heart and her legacy.

The role of grandmother was one Paula cherished above all else. She beamed with pride for her grandchildren Cole, Brendan, Maddy, Owen, Benjamin, Josiah, Isaac, Amelia, Adrian, Alaina, and Luna. They were the light of her life, and she reveled in every moment spent with them. Her love for her grandkids was boundless and will continue to be felt by them in the years to come.

Paula was the baby sister to Trish Kennedy, Pam (Cassie) Kennedy, and Mickey/Steve (Judy) Kennedy. Her family extended beyond blood to her brothers and sister-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and special friends. She was preceded in death by her infant grandson Noah Paul Weinshrott, whose memory she held close to her heart. She’s surely holding him tight today.

Paula dedicated several years of service to Mac’s in Lake Delton, where she formed lasting friendships and was known for her generosity and warmth. Her colleagues became family.

Described by those who knew her best as loving, kind, and generous, Paula’s impact on the world was profound. She approached life with a heart full of grace and a smile that could light up any room. Her compassion knew no bounds, and her legacy is one of unconditional love and selflessness.  Her memory will be cherished and kept alive in the stories we share and the love we continue to give.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 29^th, 2024 at 12:00 noon at the New Lisbon Community Center (110 Welch Prairie Rd), in New Lisbon.  Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday at the Community Center from 10:00a.m. until the time of service.  Rev. Lucy Hardie presiding.  The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com

Robert Allen York, age 68 of Nekoosa, Wisconsin passed away Monday April 15, 2024 at Marshfield Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin from complications of lung disease, with his daughter and sisters by his side.

Memorial services will be Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Arkdale Lutheran Church, Arkdale, Wisconsin. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Visitation will be at 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at the East Arkdale Cemetery, Arkdale, Wisconsin.

Robert was born August 25, 1955, in Mauston, Wisconsin to Clarence and Viola (Pederson) York. As a child he enjoyed growing up on the family farm, especially driving the John Deere tractors. He graduated from Adams-Friendship high school in 1974. After graduation, he worked for Jim Stoerman’s Gas Station, Roche-A-Cri gas, Rhinehart Construction, Rock County Highway Department and Portage County Highway Department before retiring in 2017.

Robert loved being a Dad to Brenda and Grandpa “Grandpa Whiskers” to Gracie, he was a family man and would often spend time with his sisters and brother. He enjoyed being outside enjoying nature and always took pride in his yardwork, making sure he had the best-looking lawn in the neighborhood. Going for a ride to count deer was a regular occurrence and after moving to Nekoosa he had a lot of them in his yard allowing him to sit back and enjoy his little friends daily. When Robert was younger, he loved playing ball for the old mill, he also loved the brewers, he would watch every game, and went to a couple of games with his sister, Evie. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting with his Dad, Brother & Nephews, snowmobiling, camping when Brenda was small, family reunions and having campfire’s with family and friends. He also enjoyed spending time with and helping his parents before they passed away. He was a “helper” at heart and was always willing to drop everything and help out whenever someone needed something. He loved watching live music, especially watching his son-in-law, Johnny’s bands over the years and liked being his “roadie” and hanging out backstage. Robert was an amazing man, Father, Grandpa and will be missed dearly by many.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Viola York, Brother Donald York, Grandparents Irwin & Jessie York and Hans & Hilda Pedersen.

He is survived by:
Daughter – Brenda (Johnny) Nielsen, West Salem, Wisconsin
Granddaughter – Gracie Nielsen, West Salem, Wisconsin
Step Granddaughter – Emma Nielsen, Tomah, Wisconsin
Sister – Evelyn (Larry) Johnston, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Sister – Dee (Special Friend Russ) Draeger, Friendship, Wisconsin Sister-in-law – Barbara (Michael) (York) Kroetz Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Nephew – Scot (Danielle) York, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nephew – Brent (Jalane) York, Coloma, Wisconsin
Nephew (Godson) – Richard Draeger, Friendship, Wisconsin
Niece- Kimberly (Nick) Draeger-Cleland, Friendship, Wisconsin
Niece-Tara Johnston, Willison, North Dakota
Nephew – Jim (Laura)Johnston, Greenville, Wisconsin
Further survived by many Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, other relatives and friends.

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

further information.

Kenneth J. Witkowiak, age 84, of Arkdale, Wisconsin passed away Friday, April 12, 2024, at his home.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Kenneth was born March 4, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Roman and Josephine (Witucki) Witkowiak.  He graduated from high school in Milwaukee and honorably served in the Air National Guard from 1958 until 1965. He worked as a new home construction expeditor in the Milwaukee area and later did lawn care & maintenance. 

Kenneth enjoyed being with family and friends, spending time enjoying the outdoors maintaining his lawn and spending time on the lake with friends.  He was a member of the Mukwonago Fire Department as a volunteer, the American Legion, the Lions Club, and was A Mukwonago Police Commissioner. 

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents: Roman & Josephine; brother: Ronald, and aunts & uncles. 

Ken was the cherished husband of Peggy; proud father of Susan (Bart) Liegeois, Randy (Vickie), Scott (Tracy), Robert (Michele), Jack (Vickie) Miller; loving grandfather of Jonathan, Justin, Jacob, Jared (Annie), Kamryn, Kyle, McKenzie & Ethan, and beloved brother-in-law of Patricia.

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

Dora Rae Willison, age 76, of Nekoosa, Wisconsin passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin following a sudden illness.

A Celebration of Dora’s Life will be held from 12 Noon to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at the Ranks Bar in Adams, Wisconsin.    Interment will be at the Mt. Repose Cemetery, Friendship, Wisconsin.

Dora was born October 21, 1947 in Adams, Wisconsin to Willard and Daphene Johnson.   She married Steven Roy Willison on June 6, 1968.

Dora enjoyed taking in the beauty of nature, especially bird watching.  She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents:  Willard and Daphene; husband, Steven;

Survivors include her son, Willard (Michelle) Willison of Adams, WI; daughter, Stacey Mitchell of Nekoosa, WI; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two sisters.  Dora is further survived by other relatives and many good friends.

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