Visitation:  Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 to 11:45 a.m.  Service:  Saturday, Oct. 17, at 12 p.m.  Location:  St. John Catholic Church in Rubicon Kurt R. Schoebel, 51 of Hustisford, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. He was born June 27, 1969, in Hartford to Nancy F. (Kress) and John “Jack” T. Schoebel. Kurt graduated from Hustisford High School in 1987. He worked at Broan for 28 years where he built many great relationships. Kurt enjoyed being outside: boating, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and rides in his Mustang. He spent many hours with his close friends enjoying a beverage in “the shed”. Kurt will be remembered for his courage, generosity, kindness to all and as one of the genuine good guys that will be missed by many. Kurt is survived by his mother, Nancy of Hustisford; love of his life, Kris Watry of Horicon; siblings, Kim (Craig) Hahn of Germantown, Kelly Schoebel of Theresa, and Kerri (Philip) Frey of Johnson Creek; loved nephews and nieces, Stephen, Collin, Lauren Hahn and Josie Frey; and aunts and uncles, Patricia Hoerth, Mary (Bob) Aufdermauer, Karen Madell, Kaye (Harold) Schladweihler and Sue Kress. He is further survived by many other loved relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack; and uncles, George Kress, Gene Hoerth, and Richard Madell. Visitation for family and friends at St. John Catholic Church in Rubicon on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 to 11:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial for Kurt will be celebrated at St. John Catholic Church, 1780 Rome Rd, Rubicon on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 12 p.m. with Fr. Britto Suresh presiding. Masks/facial coverings are required. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to American Cancer Society or charity of donor’s choice. Condolences can be found at www.shimonfuneralhome.com.

Joseph R. Putsch, 84, of Janesville, died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, at home. He was born on June 22, 1936, in Mayville, the son of Joseph John Putsch and LaVern (Smith) Putsch Griepentrog. Joe graduated from Mayville High School in 1955 and from the University of Wiscon-sin–LaCrosse, in 1959. He followed the Rock River to Janesville to begin his teaching career that spanned 35 years. He was part of the United States Army National Guard, Red Arrow Division, called up during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He returned to teaching at the original Marshall Jr. High and lent his knowledge and expertise to develop the physical education department at Edison Jr. High when it was first built. Joe coached tennis and swimming, encouraging young people to pursue sports to enjoy for a lifetime. Over many summers, he taught drivers ed, helping teens achieve the desired goal of driving. He married Mary Jane Canary in 1963, living on the Rock River with their son, Joe W., for 57 years. Joe enjoyed wood carving, especially making shorebirds and Santas for friends and family. He became a fly fisherman, making flys and learning to make bamboo rods, a very demanding skill. Many years were spent fishing our country’s trout streams, especially the Wisconsin coulees. Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Putsch; and his son, Joe W. Putsch. He was preceded in death by his parents. A private committal service will be held at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, due to Covid concerns. A Mass of remembrance will be held on a later date, at the Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, where Joe was a member for 50 years. His family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their care and concern. Memorial donations can be made to the Nativity of Mary Catholic Church or to Agrace Hospice. Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

Russell L. Pluedeman, 86, of Mayville, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at Edenbrook of Fond du Lac. Russell was born the son of Erich and Hedwig (Pribnow) Pluedeman on June 9, 1934, in the Town of Theresa. He was a 1953 graduate of Mayville High School. On September 29, 1956, Russell was united in marriage with Lorraine F. Brandt at Zion Lutheran Church in the Town of Theresa. He retired from Mayville Metal Products as a brake press operator. Russell was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac and a former member or St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Kekoskee Fire Department. Russell enjoyed going hunting and fishing, gardening and his Michigan Peach Runs. Russell is survived by his wife, Lorraine, four children, Kathleen (Rick) Korb of Fond du Lac, Roger (Carol) Pluedeman of Eagle River, Karen (Bob) Carroll of Leesburg, FL, Richard (Wendy) Pluedeman of Eagle River; brother, Roland (Dorothy) Schroeder of Horicon; eight grandchildren, Sara Pluedeman, Jason Pluedeman, Jacob (Amber) Pluedeman, Ashley (Kurt) Woodruff, Elizabeth Sazama, Cassandra (Zachary) Vircks, Kimberly (Bryan) Barfknecht and Christopher Carroll, and seven great-grandchildren. Russell is further survived by his in-laws, Ronald (Marion) Brandt, Hildegard Brandt and Joanne Brandt, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A private family memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac with the Rev. Phillip Enderle officiating. Inurnment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Mayville. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. To make an online condolence or for more information visit www. KoepsellFH.com.

Edward August Hessler, 79, of Horicon, died peacefully in his sleep joining Jesus Christ in his eternal mansion on September 30, 2020. Ed looked forward to hearing Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) But he knew that “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Ed was born August 14, 1941, in Wyandotte, MI, to The Rev. Edward and Ruth (Lichtsinn) Hessler. He was born a child of God in his baptism on August 31, 1941, performed by his father Pastor Edward Hessler in Trinity Lutheran Church, Wyandotte. Ed publicly confessed his faith in confirmation on May 22, 1955, and received the precious life-giving body and blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, also from his father, Pastor Edward Hessler in Trinity Lutheran Church, Manistee, MI. He graduated from Manistee High School and earned his Bachelors and Masters in education from Concordia Teachers College R.F. (now Concordia University Chicago). In college he met his future wife Janet Blase. After graduating in 1964, they were married on August 1 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hamel, IL, and started their teaching ministry together at St. Peter Lutheran School in St. Peter, IL. In 1973 Ed accepted a call to be principal and teacher at St. Stephen’s School, Horicon, serving until 1996. From 1997 to 2000, Ed substitute taught, assisted the principal at the Mayville Middle School and taught summer school at Wayland Academy Beaver Dam. He taught at St. John’s Lutheran School, Mayville from 2000 to 2005. From 1997 until his death, he was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. Ed’s main joys were following and serving his Savior Lord Jesus Christ, his wife, his family, teaching children, and playing golf. He was RRH Club Champion in 1974 and 1979 and Second Place three times. Beyond helping as a vital member of the local congregation, he served on the LCMS-SWD board of directors, the Wisconsin Association of Nonpublic Schools, and in numerous congregations. His spiritual gifts of encouragement and prayer brought blessings to many. If you met him as a stranger, you would leave him as a friend. He is survived by his wife Janet, married 56 years; son, Jonathan of Oregon, and his children Benjamin, Angela, Nathaniel and Christopher; daughter, Michelle (Andreas) Buescher of Sersheim, Germany, and her daughters Melanie and Marie; daughter, Lisa (Craig) Switalla of Portland, OR, and children Gillian and Caleb. Ed was the oldest of six siblings and is survived by David (Martha) Hessler of Westlake, OH; Dorothy (G. David) Downton, Carleton, MI; The Reverend William (Janis) Hessler of Saginaw, MI; Peter (Viola) Hessler of Seven Hills OH; and Sara (The Rev. Thomas) Marcis of Bismarck, ND. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be planned in 2021 when the time is right. Memorials may be directed to Peace Lutheran Church 400 Hillcrest Dr., Beaver Dam, WI 53916, any Concordia University, either Concordia Seminary or any recognized service organization of the LCMS. The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.

Visitation:  Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Service:  Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 12 p.m.  Location:  Springfield Community Church in Lomira John C. Volkert, 67, of Mayville passed away on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at his home with his loving family by his side. John was born the son of John and Dolores (Belke) Volkert on January 28, 1953, in Milwaukee. He was united in marriage to Susan Miller on August 18, 1973, in West Bend and raised their children there for 20 years. John and Sue then moved to Mayville and have now made their home there for nearly 30 years. John was a skilled carpenter and worked in the Milwaukee area for over 35 years and then enjoyed working at Walmart in various positions for another 10 years before fully retiring. John’s faith and family were most important to him. He found it important to share his faith and how proud he was of his family with others. He loved the outdoors, especially the times spent camping, swimming and fishing with his children and grandchildren in Rio. He also looked forward to building projects at his home or helping others with theirs. John was a faithful member of Springfield Community Church in Lomira. John is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sue of Mayville; his children, Jesse (Jamie Kufeldt) Volkert of West Bend, Briana (Mark) Harmon of Berlin, Sara (Chad) Britten of Zearing, IA, Melanie (Gerad) Strong of Fate, TX, Ryan (Breanne) Volkert of Kansas City, MO, Amy Volkert of Cameron, Alex Maze of San Diego, CA, Zakary Miller of Fond du Lac, Ramon Volkert of Mayville, Marcus Volkert of Mayville, Dylan Volkert of Mayville, and his foster children; his grandchildren, Serena, Jacob, Kayden, Arielle, Devin, Micah, Gabriel, Noah, Mary, Aubrey, Levi, Elisha, Hannah, Payton, Malachi, Aribella, Shiloh, Michael, Laureli, Loyal, and Elisha; his siblings, Richard (Nancy) Volkert of Coloma, Ellain (Ken) Puls of Germantown, Barb (Joe) Kowalski of Tomahawk, Dr. Paul (Trish) Volkert of Janesville, Karen (Rick) Langdon of Neenah, and Steve (Joni) Volkert of Hartford. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Adrianne Swingen. A visitation took place from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 p.m. at Springfield Community Church in Lomira. A memorial service for John took place on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 12 p.m. at Springfield Community Church in Lomira with Pastor Ray La Batte officiating. John’s memorial service streamed live on Springfield Community Church’s facebook page-https://www. facebook.com/lomirascc/ Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com

Sylvester “Sal” F. Okon, 81 of LeRoy passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, after a courageous year and a half battle with cancer. Sal was born on December 3, 1938, in Browns Corners, son of George Sr. and Erna (Pilsner) Okon. He was a 1957 graduate of Mayville High School. He furthered his education by attending electrical, plumbing and engineering schools. On June 21, 1958, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Giese at St. Mary’s Church, in Mayville. Together they raised their two children. Sal worked for the State of Wisconsin DOT for 41 years until his retirement in 2001. Following retirement he focused on building his business, Okon Soil Testing and Land Surveying. Through his determination and hard work, he was able to enjoy his passion of hunting and fishing which took him to Arkansas, Colorado, Ohio, Texas, Alaska and Canada to name a few. Throughout the years, he was involved with many organizations and activities such as the Mayville Fire Department, Mayville EMS, Mayville Boy Scouts, Mayville Planning Commission, Mayville Gun Club, Oakfield Conservation Club, Horicon Marsh Bowman’s Club, and Board Member for the Village of Lowell, 1240 River City Hunting Club and Easter Bunny for the City of Mayville. When he wasn’t hunting or working, he spent his time throwing horseshoes, swinging golf clubs, building martin houses, attending NASCAR races, Green Bay Packer games, traveling around the world or BS’ing at the local watering hole with friends. One of his greatest accomplishments was donating time and travel to Mission of Panama, a mission to help engineer a dam in the Panama jungle to supply area villages with water. Sal leaves behind his significant other, Judy Cook; his children, Brian (Juanita) Okon of LeRoy, and Sheri (Mike) Feucht of Rubicon; his grandchildren, Jessica (Marvin Voss) Okon, Jamie Okon, Nikki (Mitch) Wegner, Stephanie (Vince Hoffman) Feucht, Doug (Casey) Feucht; his great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Kora, Kenzie Wegner, Emma and Henry Feucht; his extended family, Chris (Marybeth) Cook, Michelle "Shelley" (Duane "Red") Eilbes, Lincoln Cook, Casey (fiancé Brock Hanke) Cook; his brother, Jerome (Pearl) Okon; his sister-in- law, Eunice Okon, former wife, Bonnie Okon; former in-laws, Marion Giese, Dorothy Krueger, Ralph (Faye) Giese, Ron Coulter and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George Jr. (Evelyn), Richard Okon, David (Lila) Okon and Art Okon; former in-laws, Verona (Frank) Hartwig, Oscar (Ruth) Giese, Ruth Mary (Lenord) Schultz, Marvin Giese, Oliver Krueger, Janet Coulter and Norman Gruber. A private inurnment of Sal’s cremated remains will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville with Father Tom Biersack presiding. Due to current restrictions, a Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of Froedert Cancer Center, Agnesian Cancer Center - Fond du Lac, Agnesian Hospice of Fond du Lac, and Father Tom Biersack of St. Andrews Parish, Reverend Monica of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, friends and family who visited, sent prayers and well wishes. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. To make an online condolence or for more information visit www. KoepsellFH.com.

Visitation:  Friday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Service:  Friday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m.  Location: St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville Nellie Irene (Straveler) Thurk, 88, of LeRoy passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home after a short battle with cancer on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, with her family by her side. Nellie was born the daughter of Joseph and Laura (Eastling) Straveler on December 1, 1931, in Brantwood. On November 15, 1951, she was united in marriage to her one and only love George C. Thurk, Sr. in Oshkosh. Together they built their home and farm in the Town of LeRoy where they raised their two children. Besides farming, Nellie worked numerous jobs. Over the years, she worked at a canning factory in Brownsville, National Rivets in Waupun, and Grande Cheese. She also did home care for numerous people and her last job was a custodian worker for the town of LeRoy. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville. In her spare time, Nellie enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking, canning, and drinking a good beer along with spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed going on casual car rides, looking at nature and wildlife and stopping at the casino. She is survived by her daughter, Christine (Larry) Kraemer of Theresa; her grandchildren, Richard Kraemer, Joan (Jacob) Breitkreutz, Jennifer (Christopher) Davison, George (Kari) Kraemer, Keith Kraemer, and Penny Kraemer; her 10 great-grandchildren, Jacob (Amanda) Kraemer, Tristan Breitkreutz, Brandon Breitkreutz, Skyler White, Justin Davison, Derek Davison, Kayla Kraemer, George Kraemer, Dominick Kraemer, and Jonathan Kraemer; great-great-grandchildren, Parker Giese and Izabella Kraemer; her sister, Josephine Schutt of Vestal, NY. She is further survived by other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Sr.; her son, George, Jr.; her sisters, Catherine Weisinger and Rosemary Cooley; her five brothers, Joseph, Norman, Hubert, Ernest, and Eugene Straveler. A visitation for Nellie took place on Friday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville with a private family funeral service (due to current health restrictions) followed at 1 p.m. with Rev. Sara Gillespie officiating. Burial was held at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kenny and Theresa Schraufnagel for your great kindness and a thank you to the hospice Metro team. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com