Obituaries

Calaway, Thomas E. Age 65 of Grand Marsh

Thomas E. Calaway, age 65, of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 09, 2025.

 

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. John K. Stake will officiate. Interment will be at the Gould Rock Cemetery, Grand Marsh, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Grand Marsh Community Center following the internment.

Thomas was born December 05, 1959 in Geneva, Illinois to Ray and Anna G. (Duhai) Calaway. He served in the Army from 1985 to 1987. Thomas enjoyed hunting and horses.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Anna G. Calaway

Marchetti, Margaret (Donovan) Age 89 of Necedah

Margaret (Donovan) Marchetti, age 89, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Necedah.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Queen of the Holy Rosary Mediatrix of Peace Cemetery in Necedah. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

The Torkelson Funeral Home in Necedah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers or any donations, the family requests you spend a few minutes on your own reflecting on the many blessings we all have each day. 

Tomschin, William A. “Billy” Age 55 of Friendship

William A. “Billy” Tomschin, age 55, of Friendship, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Big Flats Town Hall in Big Flats, Wisconsin. Interment will be at the Niebull Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his parents.

Billy was born on June 16, 1970, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to William E. and Lois (Rogers) Tomschin. He grew up in Adams County and attended Adams-Friendship High School.  Billy found joy and purpose in the farming life, where he loved working.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lois Tomschin; brother-in-law, Delbert Babcock, his niece, Heather Tomschin; and his nephew, Matthew Henriksen.

He is survived by his life partner, Sharon Tallman; his children, William Challoner and Jenna Tomschin; and his cherished grandchildren, William, Ace, and Novalee. He is further survived by his siblings: Tom (Louise) Tomschin, Jerry Tomschin, Carol (Al) Karsner, Jeff (Mary) Tomschin, Terry (Pam) Tomschin, Cheryl (Kenny) Roberts, Cathy (Scott) Williams, Bobby Tomschin, Charlene (Tom) Baggs, Cindy (Todd Stammen) Babcock, and Candy (Mike) Henriksen; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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

Poppler, Courtney R. Age 43 of Tomah

With deep sorrow and immense love, we announce that Courtney R. Poppler, 43, of Tomah, passed into the loving arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior on June 26, 2025.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 12:00 pm at Bible Evangelical Free Church, 625 W. Veterans St., Tomah, with Pastor Neil Nelson and Pastor Ben Upham officiating. Burial will be private.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, July 9th from 4 to 8 PM at Bible Evangelical Free Church. Friends and relatives are also invited on Thursday, July 10th from 11 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Courtney’s memory are appreciated and may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.sonnenburgfh.com. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the Poppler and Sanford families with arrangements.

Spohn, Timothy W. Age 63 of Camp Douglas

Timothy W. Spohn, 63, died on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 25, 1962, in Mendota Illinois, to Edward and Myrna (Moore) Spohn. When Tim was five, his family moved to the farm in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. It was situated right next to the Volk Field Military Base which sparked his fascination with airplanes. He would watch the airplanes fly by as they tipped their wings in his direction while farming out in the fields. That also led to him joining the United States Military. Timothy joined the National Guard when he was 17 years old before enlisting for active-duty Army. He was united in marriage to Christine Peterson on July 30, 1983, at Fountain Lutheran Church, just outside of Hustler, Wisconsin. They met in Camp Douglas at Armed Forces Day while seeing who could throw rocks the furthest. During his time in the military, he and Christine traveled to South Korea where their first child, Sara, was born. They also spent time in Ft. Lewis, Washington from 1984 until 1987. He was honorably discharged in 1987. After Tim’s military career, he worked alongside Christine for their tree service business. Tim also worked at Brunners in Mauston, Wisconsin and lost his fingers to an industrial accident while stretching steel.

In his free time, Tim enjoyed being outdoors, riding his lawnmower and riding his Harley. He was a talented mechanic and he and his daughter, Sara, rebuilt a John Deere A Tractor. His son, Ian, will cherish his memory of Dad taking him flying at Bloyer Airport and to meet LeRoy Butler. His daughter, Kayla, will always cherish the precious time she spent with him. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

Tim is survived by his wife of 41 years, Christine; his children, Kayla (Stephen) Mwaniki, and Ian (Alison) Spohn; grandchildren, Nancy and Christine Wandore, and Benji and Liam Spohn; his fur babies, Soxx and Carmel. He is further survived by 5 siblings and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sara; granddaughter, Baby Nancy; two dogs, Apple and Lucy, and two sisters.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, 1:00 P.M. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St. Tomah. Father Raj Mariasamy will officiate. Burial will be at a later date.

Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Saturday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with the service.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tomah Hospice Touch; RN, Sarah; Chaplain, Shane; and his social worker. They would also like to thank the Tomah Respiratory Therapists and very special friends, Everett and Dennis.

Brogan, Jane E. “Janie” Age 67 of Onalaska

Jane E. “Janie” Brogan, 67, of Onalaska, WI passed away on October 8 2024.

Janie was born on September 30, 1957 to John and Joyce (O’Toole) Brogan and raised in Adams-
Friendship, WI. She lived in many places but her most loved and longest “home” was in Texas on the
Gulf of Mexico. She loved the water and you would find her on a boat, at a marina, or at the beach.
Janie had many jobs but her favorite ones always entailed getting her feet wet. Whether it was helping
out on a shrimp boat, delivering yachts along the coast, or helping friends clean, varnish, repair or
launch their own boats. Janie’s prized possession was her own little sailboat.

Janie returned to Wisconsin after many years to be nearer to family while she dealt with health issues.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Joyce Brogan, her sister Shannon Brogan, and
nephew James Brogan. She is survived by her siblings: Peggy (Loren) Bahls of Helena, MT, Peter
(Melinda) Brogan of Friendship, WI, Michael Brogan (Kathryn) of Friendship, WI, and Colleen Brogan-
Raasch (Robert) of Onalaska, WI, many nieces and nephews and her dearest friend, Andy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Friendship Village Hall, 507 W. Lake Street on Saturday, July 19th,
from 1:00pm – 4:00pm for friends and family who wish to gather and share memories of Janie.

Jacobson, Jacob Charles Age 90 of Adams

Jacob Charles Jacobson, age 90, of Adams, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Villa Pines Living Center in Friendship, Wisconsin.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church in Arkdale, Wisconsin, with Pastor Terri Skildum officiating. Burial will follow at West Arkdale Cemetery in the Town of Strongs Prairie. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. Military honors will be presented by the Adams County Honor Guard.

Jacob, fondly known as Jake, was born on July 7, 1934, in Big Springs, Wisconsin, to Jacob G. and Beulah Vivian (Perkins) Jacobson. He was raised in Necedah and attended Necedah Grade School and High School. After school, he began his career with the Chicago NorthWestern Railroad. From 1951 to 1959, Jake proudly served his country in the United States Army, returning afterward to continue his work with the railroad.

On December 30, 1960, Jake was united in marriage to Sadah Pearl Sparby at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church. Together, they made their home in Arkdale, Wisconsin. Together, they were blessed with three children.

Jake married LaVerne Truex on November 7, 2009.

Jake had many passions throughout his life. He loved hunting, fishing—especially trips to Canada—woodworking, and aviation. He earned his private pilot’s license and even restored an airplane, a project that brought him great pride. He was a founding member of the Old Farmers Antique Club where he enjoyed working on tractors and hit and miss engines. He also remained dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Great Northern Railroad.

Jake’s memory will be cherished by his children: Jacob (Jodie) Jacobson of Mauston, WI; Kathy (Ken) Bork of Friendship, WI; and Paula (Terry Foulk) Jacobson. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Christopher (Marisa Miller) Jacobson, Brittney (Chris) Clements, Katie (Jesse Williams) Jacobson, Chase (Brittany) Jacobson, Ian (Shawna Gibeaut) Jacobson, Mallory (Jacob) Servais, Luke (Summer) Jacobson, Annie (Jared) Litty, Kade Alt, Alesha (Jacob) Tennie, Faith (Jacob) Soule, and Kyler Bork; as well as 13 great-grandchildren, 7 bonus great-grandchildren, siblings: Glen Jacobson, Carol (John) Buttner, Emily (Robert) Bethke. Jake is further survived LaVern’s daughter, Rita (Dale) Kolstad, and her children: Tara (Marc) Pernacciaro and Heather (Brent) Frank and families.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family.

O’Brien, Frances Kaye Age of Loganville

Frances Kaye O’Brien passed away in Madison on April 30, 2025, following complications from heart surgery.

Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 20205 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, N3765 CTH-K Mauston, WI 53948.  Visitation will be prior to the service at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses from 12 Noon until the time of service.

Frances was born and raised on a farm south of Loganville, Wisconsin. She attended Reedsburg Web High School, and afterward attended MATC, studying business machines. She worked in computer operations. In 1982, Fran married Patrick H. O’Brien, devoting her life to him throughout their long marriage. Since 1989, they served together in the full-time ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses until Pat’s death in 2023. Fran has had the great joy and privilege of seeing a
number of students dedicate their lives to Jehovah. Together, Fran and Pat relished the great outdoors, taking many camping trips through the years and continually hiking the beautiful parks in Sauk County. Fran was well known for her kindness, selflessness and generosity, becoming an important, loving stepmother to Maureen since age 11. She lived modestly, with humility and grace, treating all with compassion and understanding.

Fran is preceded in death by her parents George C. Schlieckau and Esther (Getschman) Schlieckau, as well as her sister Jean (Donald Haney), brother Dennis Schlieckau and brother-in-law Carl Goetz. Fran is survived by her sisters Judie Goetz and Sylvia Schlieckau (Michael Benesh). She is further survived by her stepdaughter Maureen P. O’Brien Busalacchi (Stephen) and their daughters Olivia and Serena.

Memorials in France’s memory may be given to the Nature Conservancy.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home (www.roseberrys.com ) is assisting the family.

Hazel, Gerald Duane Age 84 of Wisconsin Dells

Gerald Duane Hazel, age 84, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

 

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Interment will be at the White Creek Cemetery, White Creek, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday at Roseberry’s Funeral Home and again on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Jerry was born November 11, 1940 in Eastman, Wisconsin to Dorance and Lydia (Duha) Hazel . He grew up in White Creek, and graduated from it’s one-room schoolhouse and later from Adams-Friendship High School . He married Lynette Ewald on September 16, 1961 in Bruce, Wisconsin. Jerry worked road construction before starting his own Logging/Pulping business around 1967, in which he still worked in the business until the Fall of 2024.

Jerry enjoyed card parties with family and friends, bowling, horseshoes, hunting, and trap shooting. His greatest love was baseball, he played and also managed for the Easton Baseball team for many years. He also served 25 years as Eastern District Commissioner for the (WSBC) – Wisconsin State Baseball Commission and ran the District Baseball Tournament for many years.

Jerry was a member of JayCee’s and Easton White Creek Lions.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Dorance and Lydia; sister, Charlotte Schachtner; brother, Harry; sister-in-law, Wanda; and nieces: Melody and Jackie.

Jerry is survived by his wife: Lynette Hazel of Wisconsin Dells, WI; children: Janine (Bob) Zander, Lori (William) Banovec, Dennis (Rebecca Evers) Hazel, Kathleen (JR) Ems, Jo Ellen (John) Webb, and Royce (Cynthia) Hazel; brother, Arlie (Carol) Hazel; grandchildren: Tiffany Williams, Gregorick Johnson, Megan Zander-Conboy, Jessica Shisler, Monnie Banovec, Michael Banovec, Kayla Hazel, Amanda Chavez, Joshua Meisenheimer, Jessie Fritz, Jena Ems, JJ Ems, Sydney Web, Jacob Webb, Gavin Hazel, Zoe Hazel; and 13 Great-grandchildren. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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

Tomaska, Alice R. Age 73 of Wautoma

Alice R. Tomaska, age 73, of Wautoma, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Heartland House in Wautoma, Wisconsin.

Alice was born on February 17, 1952, in Joliet, Illinois, the daughter of Beldon Elmer and Ruth Mae (Knupp) Schroeder. She grew up in Arkdale, Wisconsin, and graduated from Adams-Friendship High School with the Class of 1970.  Throughout her life, Alice was known for her strong work ethic and caring spirit. She held a variety of jobs, including serving as a Federal Meat Inspector, working alongside her Aunt Beverly at the Mokena Quik Serv Gas Station in Mokena, Illinois, and later at Butra’s Fruit Market in Des Plaines, Illinois.  On October 6, 1980, Alice married John “Jack” Tomaska, who preceded her in death on January 21, 1986. In 1991, she met Tom Welsh, with whom she shared her life until his passing on March 8, 2014.
Alice will be remembered for her sharp wit, generous heart, and quiet strength. She had a love for the open road and the freedom it brought-something we imagine she’s found again, perhaps with a motorcycle waiting for her just beyond the clouds.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Tomaska; her partner, Tom Welsh; her parents, Beldon and Ruth Schroeder; her brother, William Schroeder; and her nephew, Christopher Piechowski.
She is survived by her brothers: Dale (Carol) Schroeder of Mattoon, WI, and David (Gretchen) Schroeder of Champlin, MN; sisters: Mary (George) Piechowski of Redgranite, Wi, and Rebecca (David) Smith of Cleveland, TN; sister-in-law: Laurie Schroeder of Arkdale, WI; and 12 beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Chaplain Ben Frei will officiate. Interment will follow at East Arkdale Cemetery.

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