Betty Jean Kircher, 93, passed away Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at St. Luke's Hospice in Cedar Rapids, IA. Betty Jean Sorensen was born August 7, 1926, in Oasis, IA, the daughter of Alvin and Alice (Moore) Sorensen. After her mother, Alice passed away in 1931, Alvin then married Thelma. Betty graduated from West Branch, IA, High School, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Iowa. Betty was also a proud Iowa cheerleader during her years at the University of Iowa. Betty married Robert Dean Kircher on August 21, 1946. She was an instructor in the Moline, IL, public schools for five years. After moving to Horicon, in 1962, she held roles as an instructor, coordinator and supervisor at Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) in Fond du Lac, for 25 years. She also completed graduate work in special education and psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Betty facilitated support groups for prison families and parents of handicapped children; and adult peer counseling groups for seniors in cooperation with hospital, college and county Human Resources agencies. She developed a state-approved curriculum and taught mentally challenged adult classes at the Community Mental Health Center. She also taught handicapped and disadvantaged adults at MPTC. She also facilitated adult teacher instructional in-services for a staff of 50 on a quarterly basis. She established a consortium between MPTC and the University of Wisconsin - Fond du Lac for adult-parent-child college-level classes and developed the curriculum which was used. Betty also taught food service, nutrition and family living classes at MPTC. Betty served 15 years on Wisconsin county boards, including a joint conference committee overseeing medical and psychiatric staff of the Community Mental Health Center. She fostered and promoted a day treatment program for mentally challenged adults and other handicapped adults, which was self-supporting. Betty facilitated a Mental Health Advisory Committee that obtained funding and implemented the first co-ed residential treatment facility in Dodge County, with a crisis bed component for 12 adults. She was a charter volunteer member of the Dodge County Social Services Committee that implemented the first boys' group home in the county for delinquent and pre-delinquent boys from ages 11 to 17. Upon moving back to Iowa in June 2002, Betty completed 30 hours of in-service training related to dementia and alzheimer's caregiver training. Betty was awarded the Governor's Award for meritorious service in mental health in Wisconsin. Her biography has appeared in the "World Who's Who of Women" for outstanding achievements for community and state achievements and "Personalities of the West and Midwest”. Betty was an active member of United Methodist Church in Marion, IA. Betty is survived by children, Barbara A. (Kircher) Flouro and her husband, Kenneth Flouro of Ladysmith; and James A. Kircher, and his wife, Jeanie (Huinker) Kircher of Iowa City, IA. Betty is also survived by five grandchildren, Tonya Catlin of Larsen, Aaron (Melisa) Flouro of Denver, IA, Jacob Kircher of Des Moines, IA, Benjamin Kircher of Houston, TX, and Anna Kircher of Oakland, CA; four step-grandchildren, Christina Sullivan of Chicago, IL, Carley Sullivan of Des Moines, IA, Daniel Sullivan of Sicily, Italy, and Claire Sullivan; and five great-grandchildren, Carter Catlin, Harmony Grace Flouro-Hay, and Mallory, Evan, and Madilynn Flouro. Betty was preceeded in death by parents, Alvin and Alice (Moore) Sorensen; step-mother, Thelma (Moore) Sorensen; her husband, Robert Kircher; and daughter-in-law, Christine (Rettler) Kircher. A celebration of life is being planned for in the Spring of 2020 with service details to be announced later. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch, IA, is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be directed to Betty Jean Kircher Memorial Fund c/o Henderson-Barker Funeral Home, PO Box 206, West Branch, Iowa 52358.

Visitation:  Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Service:  Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 1 p.m.  Location:  St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville Phyllis Josephine (Tighe) Strasser, 95, died on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at Touchstone in Mayville. Phyllis was born in Oakfield on January 31, 1924, to parents, Walter and Elizabeth (Stadler) Tighe. She attended St. Andrew’s Catholic grade school in LeRoy. Phyllis was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in LeRoy . Phyllis and Max were married on July 19, 1947. As a young girl, Phyllis worked as a family helper for various farm families around the area. She also worked at the Box Factory in Fond du Lac, and a telephone operator in Mayville, before the city went dial. After her marriage to Max, they owned and operated Mayville Home Improvement with her brother, Ken Tighe. In 1971 they began a new adventure in the opening of the Pub in Mayville. Phyllis was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville, and she was a 62-year member of the Mayville American Legion Auxiliary. Phyllis is survived by her children, Mary Jo (Lon) Bartelt of Mayville, Jeanne (Danny) Luehring of Mayville, Sam (Tammy) Strasser of Beaver Dam, and Sally Strasser of Mayville. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Brad (Missy) Bartelt, Brett (Krystal) Bartelt, Heidi (Jon) Villwock, Dani Jean (Brian) Steiner, Matthew (Kimberly) Luehring, Max (Cassie) Strasser, Aaron (Rae) Westover, Sam Jr. and Connor Strasser. 13 great-grandchildren, Alia, Chase, Nolan, Grace, Claire, Elise, Serenity, Noah, Olivia, Maddox, Miles, Sophie; great-great-grandchildren, Jazmine and another baby girl Luehring due in February. Phyllis also had step-grandchildren, Sadie, Emme, Tianna, Mya, Jax and step-great-great-grandson, Ethan, and special friend Dustin Grimes. Phyllis is also survived by two sisters, Patricia Rusch and Georgene (Dan) Kohli; three sisters-in-law, Sue Tighe, Betty Tighe and Luanne Tighe, and many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Max, in 2010; her son, Max, in 1955; her daughter, Jennifer in 1953; and her grandson, Blaine, in 2015. Also her brother, Pat (Esther) Tighe, Jerry (Chico) Tighe, Ken Tighe and Carl Tighe; sisters, Irene (Frank) Youngbeck, Alice (Melvin) Guse, and Maxine Tighe. Visitation for Phyllis took place on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at the church at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Father Tom Biersack presiding. Burial took place at St. Mary Cemetery in Mayville. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. To make an online condolence or for more information visit www. KoepsellFH.com.

James Richard Widmer went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Christmas Day of 2019. He was reunited with the love of his life, Shirley, along with many dear family members and friends. Jim was born on May 1, 1926, in Theresa, the son of Swiss immigrants John Otto Widmer and Marie (Vaulett) Widmer. He grew up in a residence above Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, the family’s cheese business, in Theresa. Jim was a 1944 graduate of Mayville High School. Following high school, he served his country in World War II with the 77th Infantry Division in Okinawa. He also participated in the occupation of Japan and was very proud to be a member of the Greatest Generation. On November 9, 1957, he was united in marriage with Shirley Borgman. They were married for 56 wonderful years when Shirley passed away in 2014. Jim was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was also very involved with the Theresa Historical Society and was a member of Miller-Justman-Guelig American Legion Post #270. Jim was a lifelong cheesemaker, and with his two brothers, John and Ralph, operated Widmer’s Cheese Cellars following in the footsteps of their father John O. Widmer who started the business in 1922. He was extremely proud that the family business has been carried on by his nephew Joe and his great-nephew Joey. Jim was an avid bicyclist up to age 85, often meeting his friend Bob Coulter very early in the morning on a 16-mile ride on the backcountry roads between Mayville and Theresa. Photography was Jim’s lifelong passion. His photographs are archived in the Theresa Library, Lomira Quad Graphics Library, and online at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Jim was extremely proud of his four grandchildren and also had the special blessing of meeting his first great-grandchild. Jim will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his daughters, Brenda (Joseph) Wilz and Kay (Larry) Hren, all of Neenah; grandchildren, Chelsey (Adam) Marshall of Plymouth, MN, Parker Hren (special friend Maureen Sullivan) of Madison, Logan Wilz of Neenah, and Carly (Germain) Stewart of San Diego, CA; and great-grandson, Liam Marshall of Plymouth, MN. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; parents, John and Marie Widmer; brothers, John and Ralph Widmer; sister, Ruth Wray; and granddaughter, Angella Wilz. The family would like to extend thanks to all of the special people who helped make Jim’s last years so amazing: Angie, dear friend; Sarah, favorite therapist; Richard, excellent photographer and friend; Kandy, bicycling and photography friend; Chuck, groundskeeper and “go to” guy; Steve, landscaper; Chris, pet sitter; Sharon, project assistant; Jim, fellow Theresa historian; Jerry, church companion and longtime friend; Walter and Alice, loyal friends and frequent visitors; special niece, Rose and her husband, Fritz; and special nephew, Joe, his wife Penny, their son Joey, and daughter, Hannah; and many other loved family members and friends. Special thanks for the tender, loving care provided by Hope Health and Rehabilitation, Hope Senior Living, and Agnesian Hospice. Memorials in Jim's name can be directed to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Theresa, or Theresa Historical Society. A visitation will also be held at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Theresa from 1 to 3 p.m. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 113 E. Bonduel St., Theresa, at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, with Pastor Jon Learman officiating. Military honors will follow the service conducted by the Miller- Justman- Guelig American Legion Post #270. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Theresa Town Hall, N8679 County Rd. P, Theresa, following the memorial service. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH. com.

Visitation:  Sunday, Jan. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m.  Service:  Sunday, Jan. 5, at 4 p.m.  Location:  St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Brownsville Delmar Gottfried Rahjes went home to our Lord and Savior on Sunday, Dec. 22, at his home with his beloved cat Marley guarding him. Delmar was born the son of Johannes “Hans” and Magda (Koepke) Rahjes on December 23, 1928, in Theresa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Lomira. He attended school in Theresa until he was 16 when he began working at the Baker Canning Company. He was united in marriage to Ethel Schulz on December 29, 1948, at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Iron Ridge. They were married almost 63 years before her passing in 2011. Delmar was an avid farmer and gardener where he learned to love the land, the soil, the farm and the people. He loved to watch things grow and was amazed at how one could plant a little seed and it would produce such large quantities. He took great pride in his garden, the amount of asparagus, apples and pears his land could produce. Delmar was able to enjoy crops growing during his work career with Baker Canning Company and then Joan of Arc/ Seneca Canning companies in Mayville and then Ripon. He loved to bowl and rolled a perfect 300 game at Dan’s Village Bowl at the age of 80. He was a member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Brownsville and Brownsville Lions Club. He loved baseball, and he and Ethel spent a lot of time volunteering for the Brownsville Athletic club and watching baseball there - from little league games to Rock River Baseball. Delmar also had a love for felines! Especially orange ones. Delmar is survived by his daughter-in-law, Darcy Rahjes of Fond du Lac; his granddaughter, Rebecca (Mat) Dix of Sarasota, FL; his grandson, Matthew of Milwaukee; and his great-granddaughter, Ezry Dix of Sarasota, FL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ken (LaVerne)Schulz, Karen (Goar) Kahlhamer and Laverne Schulz. He is further survived by close friends, Jane Thomas, Ron and Janet Wendling, the Pete Buske family; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and wonderful friends. He is also survived by his beloved furry friend, Marley. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Ethel; his dear son, John; his sister, Annelise Hedwig Dobbe; and his brothers-in-law, James Dobbe and Glenn Schulz. Darcy, Rebecca, Mat, Matthew and Ezry wish to thank dear friends, Jane and Tom Thomas, Janet and Ron Wendling, Mary and Jim Jaster, Casey, Pete, Brett and Nora Buske and Trisha, Emily and Katie Schwanke all who helped Delmar stay at home until his passing. Visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Brownsville from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Brownsville on Sunday, Jan. 5, at 4 p.m. Inurnment will take place at Union Cemetery in Theresa at a later date. Memorials can be directed to Theresa Fire Department, Brownsville Lions Club or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brownsville. Koepsell Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Mayville is serving the family for more information or to leave an online condolence visit www. KoepsellFH.com.

Visitation:  Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9 to 11 a.m.  Service:  Saturday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m.  Location:  Sacred Heart Parsih in Horicon Louis J. Anthoine III, 82, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 14 surrounded by his wife in Horicon. Louie was born on September 18, 1937, to Louis John and Agnella (McDermott) Anthoine in Dubuque, IA.  Louie graduated high school in Dubuque from Loras Academy in 1955. After graduation he enlisted in the Army. Eventually, his love of history and education led him to pursue a career as an educator and in 1964 he graduated from UW-Platteville. In May 1969, Louie was united in marriage to Sandra K. Kirkwood at in Dubuque, IA. He was a U.S. history teacher at Horicon High School in Horicon. As a teacher, he was known for his quick wit as well as his firm yet fair no nonsense teaching and colorful wardrobe, handpicked by his wife. While teaching in Horicon, Louie coached several sports and spent many years as a driver's education teacher. In 1999, after 33 years of dedication to the field of education, Louie retired from teaching to spend time with his family. Louie enjoyed hunting and fishing. He could spend hours in a tree or on a boat. Louie loved the outdoors and sharing those experiences with his children. He was an animal lover and never met a dog he couldn't charm. Louie was a member of the American Legion Post 157 and loved to golf. Louie is survived by his wife, Sandra of Horicon; his children, Nicole Anthoine of Lake Havasu, AZ, Desiree' (George) Oswald of Marshall, and Louis (Shannon) Anthoine IV of Franklin; his grandchildren, Deven, Louis John V (LJ), and Trenten. He is further survived by his sister, Darla (John) Zanelli, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Louie was preceded in death by his son, Travis John; his parents, Louis and Angella Anthoine; in-laws, Wendell and Edith Kirkwood; sister-in laws, Diane (Kirkwood) Arnold, Wendy (Kirkwood) Kelly and other relatives. Visitation for Louie will take place on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Sacred Heart Parish 950 Washington St., Horicon from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. with Father Justin Lopina officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the Horicon American Legion Post #157. Following the funeral service Louie will be cremated and buried in Placid, IA. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the kindness and quality of care that Louis received at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, as well as Hillside Hospice Care out of Beaver Dam.  In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to:  The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, 269 Hanover St Building 3. Hanover, MA  02339. Koepsell Murray Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com