Irene Ruth Christian, 87, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, at her home in Sun Prairie. She was born on September 12, 1932, to Elmer and Leona (Messer) Kluge in Beaver Dam. She was baptized on October 16, 1932, at the home of her parents. She was confirmed on April 14, 1946, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Town Trenton. Irene graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1950. She met the love of her life, Harold, at Crystal Lake Beach dance hall. They were wed on May 16, 1953, at St. John's Lutheran Church and made their home in Madison. In 1956 they built their forever home in Sun Prairie and enjoyed a beautiful marriage lasting almost 66 years. Irene worked at the Wisconsin Cheeseman (part-time) and later retired from American Family Insurance after 31 years. In her retirement, she and Harold enjoyed working seasonally at the American Girl Company. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church for 64 years and served on the Ladies Aid also serving as treasurer for a time. Irene enjoyed traveling, having been to all 50 states and Europe with Harold, journaling, canning, baking and collecting angels, but most of all, spending time with family and friends. She is survived by four children, Brian (Judy) Christian of Verona, Barbara Kruger of Pine Island, MN, James (Anne) Christian of Wauwatosa, Julie (Keith) Hanson of Stoughton; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Christian, and a brother-in-law, Robert Wendlandt. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; sister, Geraldine Wendlandt; son-in-law, Rick Kruger; father-in-law, Edward Zimmerman; brother-in-law, Arnold Christian; three sisters-in-law, Norma (Reinhold) Grulke, Clara (Ronald) Bowe, and Arlene (Lester) Zimmel; and step-sister-in-law, Irene (Walter) Koepsell, Due to current events, a private burial was held on April 16, at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens. A celebration of life service will be held on a future date and family and friends will be notified. Memorials may be directed to Peace Lutheran Church & School or Agrace HospiceCare. The family of Irene Christian would like to thank Pastors Luke Werre and Shawn Arndt for their steadfast support; Doctors Alyssa Weber and David Kass; the staff of SSM Health Cancer Center; Heather, Meagan and Aimee of Agrace Hospice, and the many family, friends, and church members for their outpouring of love. Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral & Cremation in Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400, served the family, www.newcomerfh.com.

Dennis C. “Bingo” Beske, 60, of Horicon passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at his home. Dennis was born the son of Eugene C. and Carol (Wollenburg) Beske on April 23, 1959, in Beaver Dam. He was a 1977 graduate of Horicon High School. Dennis was married to Sharon Loest on November 10, 1979, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mayville. Dennis retired from John Deere in Horicon in 2014 after 35 years of service. Dennis was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon. He was a retired member of IAM Local 873 in Horicon. Bingo enjoyed hunting, fishing and gambling. He loved sports and enjoyed coaching and cheering for the LA Rams. Dennis especially loved time with his grandchildren and family. Dennis is survived by his wife, Sharon of Horicon; his children, April (Tim) Lindert of Horicon and Ashley (Anthony) Dylak of Fond du Lac; three grandchildren, Alexis, Khloe, and Hailey; sister, Diane (Dale) Hodgson of Horicon; brother, David (Patricia) Beske of Juneau; mother-in-law, Dorothy Loest; in-laws, Larry and Patricia Loest, Jerry and Theresa Loest, Terry Loest (Pat Ribarcheck) and Karen Feucht (Tom Franke); many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Landon Dylak; sister, Darlene Gonzalez; and father-in-law, Ruben Loest. A private family graveside service will take place at Burnett Central Cemetery, Burnett, with Rev. Dan Seehafer officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to UW Carbone Cancer Center or to St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon. Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. www.koepsellfh.com.

Robert H. Westphal, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in Naples, FL, from complications related to COVID-19. Born on May 4, 1944, in Hartford, to Harold and Marcella (Ringle) Westphal. Bob grew up on a farm outside of Iron Ridge. He graduated from Mayville High School. He married Jone Schultz on November 10, 1963. Bob was still actively working for Michels Corporation, the company he joined in 1965. In his career, he filled many roles, including laborer, operator, foreman, superintendent, general superintendent, vice president, senior vice president and, at the time of his death, senior construction advisor. He helped guide Michels’ development and execution of strategic business initiatives domestically and internationally. Those who knew him saw he was completely devoted to his work, which in his later years he considered his hobby. The success of Michels was his passion. Bob demonstrated a deep love for his family. There are no words to describe his dedication as a husband to Jone, a father to his sons and a grandparent to his beloved grandchildren. He was a great motivator, negotiator, mentor and most of all, “friend.” A statesman in the construction industry, Bob was a valued member of many trade organizations. In 2019, he was inducted into the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) Hall of Fame and was named NASTT’s Trenchless Technology Person of the Year in 2011. Bob was also an active member of the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA), where he served on the Board of Directors for 13 years and as president in 2005. In 2018, he was named an Honorary Member. Bob and Jone spent many weekends at their home in Three Lakes, during the summer and in Naples, FL, in the winter. He was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jone Westphal; his sons: Scott (Liz) Westphal, Jeff (Gena) Westphal, Matt (Kristin) Westphal and Chad Westphal; his grandchildren, Nick, Lauren, Lexus, Max, Lily, Jensen (fiance’ Reney Bagnall), Noah, Eva, Sullivan and Murray; step-grandchildren, Lauren Muenier and Molly Muenier; his sister, Patricia Porter; nephews, Chuck Jr., Brian Porter, Maurice Porter and Shane Rhodes; and niece, Stacey Trainor. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister in-law, Julie Rhodes; and his brothers-in-law, Charles Porter and Mike Rhodes. Due to current public health restrictions, Bob’s memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Youth programs at Faith Lutheran Church and School, Fond du Lac Area Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac and Fond du Lac Humane Society. Fuller Funeral Home & Cremation Services is serving the family.

Edwin A. Birr, 100 , of Watertown, and formally of Mayville, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020, at Highland House in Watertown. Edwin A. Birr was born the son of Richard and Ella (Spars) Birr on December 22, 1919, in Mayville. He was united in marriage to Elsie Birr on June 28, 1947, in Mayville. Edwin is a WWII veteran that served his country in Italy and Africa from 1940-1945. Upon returning home he went to work at Maysteel for 45 years then Gleason Reel for 20 years. He also was a bartender for 30 years and then after retiring he was a school crossing guard and lawn mower/ snow remover for 20 years. He was a member of Legion Post #69 in Mayville for 75 years, serving as part of the drill and firing squads. Edwin is survived by his children, David (Roseanne) Birr of Mayville and Beth (Daniel) Zastrow of Watertown; three grandchildren, Eric (Becky) Birr, Anthony (Johanna) Birr and Branden Zastrow, two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Madison Birr. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Edwin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elsie; one sister, Marion; and one brother, Clarence. He will be greatly missed for his contagious smile, laughter and stories told. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Rainbow Hospice, St. Paul’s Church in Mayville or the American Legion Post #69 in Mayville. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. To make an online condolence visit www. KoepsellFH.com.

Wilma E. (Roll) Wilson, 91, of West Bend, found peace with our Lord on Saturday, April, 4, 2020. She was born on February 10, 1929, to Otto and Ida (Frank) Roll. Wilma grew up on the family farm near Mayville. She raised her five children in West Bend. Wilma worked at Amity Leather for 28 years until retirement. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 55 years and was very active in Bible studies and the church bake sales. Wilma liked gardening, cooking, baking, and sewing. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her. Those Wilma leaves behind to cherish her memory include her five children, Linda Wilson-Stahl, Ann (Gary) Geib, Carolyn (Ken) Lyons, Steve (Gail) Wilson, and John (Mary) Wilson; 12 grandchildren, Mike (Terri) Skeris, Shelly (Bob) Kleinschmidt, Tony (Jackie) Geib, Christie (Pat) Wetzel, Tim (Rosie) Geib, Tammy Koontz, Michael (Rachael) Koontz, Sarah (Eric) Grotegut, Nathan (Amber) Koontz, Joshua (Alissa) Koontz, Katie Wilson, and David Wilson; 15 great-grandchildren, Zack Kleinschmidt, Kate Kleinschmidt, Owen Geib, Abbie Geib, Alex Wetzel, Jayson (Samm) Wetzel, Kahlya Wetzel, Keith (Paola) Geib, Jaron Gilbert, Cheyenne Gilbert, Cyd Gilbert, Preston Koontz, Joy Grotegut, Ryan Koontz, and Stella Koontz; two great-great-grandchildren, Jayden Geib, Ryleigh Wetzel, and another on the way; two sisters, Pearl Schwandt and Marlene McEathron; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Anita Gerbitz and Emily Weber; a son-in-law, Carey Stahl, and four brothers-in-law, Norbert Gerbitz, Marlin Weber, Paul Schwandt and George McEathron Due to current restrictions, a private service and burial will be held for Wilma’s family now. A public visitation and service at Trinity Lutheran Church has been postponed to a future date. Please follow up on our website for future service details. Please consider signing our online guest book (www.myrhum-patten.com) to share your condolences with the family. Cards addressed to the family may be sent in care of: Myrhum – Patten Funeral and Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095. In lieu of flowers, memorial in Wilma’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church is appreciated by the family. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at The Samaritan for all their help and care. Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Wilma’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Claude Joseph Miller, 87, died peacefully on April 3, 2020, at Cedar Crest, Janesville. He was born on July 21, 1932, in Mayville, the son of Claude and Lorella (Hoepner) Miller. Claude graduated from Mayville High School and attended college at UW-Oshkosh, where he earned degrees in English and Political Science. In 1960, he was united in marriage to Patricia (Patty) Smith. They began an exciting and eventful life together raising three sons and two daughters. As a parent, Claude had enormous pride in his children and their accomplishments. In addition to his family, Claude’s greatest joys were sports, reading, nature, hunting, and his beloved dogs. He had dogs as his companions for over 75 years. Claude enjoyed playing sports in high school, college, and recreationally. He volunteered as a coach for Janesville Youth Baseball for 34 years, sharing his love of the game and his coaching skills with generations of Janesville’s youth. He took great pride in all the athletes he coached, and followed their careers and future endeavors. His volunteer service was recognized in 2013 when he was inducted into the Janesville Sports Hall of Fame. Claude worked for the State of Wisconsin as a labor market analyst for 37 years, retiring in 1994. During retirement, he and Patty enjoyed spending time with family and friends, social activities at the Janesville Elks Lodge, dining out, and attending sporting events. They also enjoyed traveling, returning often to their favorite destinations, Door County and St. Germain. He was a longtime member of the Janesville Elks Lodge and an enthusiastic supporter of UW-Whitewater athletics. He was a member of St. Mary’s and St. John Vianney Catholic churches throughout his life. Claude’s greatest legacy and gift to all who knew him was his genuine, friendly nature and positive attitude. He saw the best in everyone and every situation he encountered. Claude is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Patty; five children, Maureen (Patrick) Dorn of McFarland, Danny (Penny) Miller of Janesville, Patrick (Kirstin) Miller of Fort Atkinson, Michael (Sloan) Miller of Janesville, and Megan Miller (Bob Wambach) of Cottage Grove; 14 grandchildren, Carolyn, Patrick and Danielle Dorn, Ella and Jack Miller, Mitchell and Trevor Listol, Benjamin and Laurel Miller, Sydney, Allison, and Madelyn Miller, and Dylan and Cameron Wambach; sister, Judy (Doc) Schwartzmiller of Sedona, AZ; many brothers and sisters in law; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of Claude’s dear friends who blessed him with relationships that he truly treasured. Special thanks to all staff at Cedar Crest for their thoughtful and compassionate care. In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, private family services will be held. Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

Lee Ellen Dornfeldt of Horicon, passed away on March 30, 2020, at her home in rural Horicon. She was born on March 9, 1948, in Beaver Dam to Melvin and Jeanne (Ruppenthal) Dornfeldt. She enjoyed her cats, gardening, and going to rummage sales. She also loved the time spent with her cousins, Robert Dornfeldt, Patti Bath, and Norbert and Jeanne Dornfeldt. Lee is survived by her sister, Lynn (Dennis) Persha and her foster sister, Debra (Del) Kramer and many cousins and friends. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com