17 April 2020

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David J. Runge

David J. Runge


David J. Runge, 68, of Mayville, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee with his family by his side. Dave was born the son of Roland and Joyce (Sander) Runge on January 28, 1952, in Palatine, IL He was a graduate of Mayville High School and then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from Marian University with honors in Fond du Lac. Dave was united in marriage to Janice Voight on September 21, 1974, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville. He had enjoyed working in management at Mercury Marine from 1970-1999. Dave retired from Wal-Mart in Hartford. Dave loved coaching soccer for his, and many Mayville area kids in the Flyway Soccer Association. Family was important to Dave and he cherished the time spent with his children, grandchildren, and his sisters. Dave is survived by his sons, Nathaniel (Mandy) Runge of Eau Claire and Adam (Jackie) Runge of Fond du Lac; his grandchildren, Niko, Molly, Emery, Jesse, and Lincoln; his mother, Joyce Runge of FL; his sisters, Debbie (John) Gadziala of FL, Denise (Dave) Well of Sun Prairie, and Deanna (Mark) Koepsell of Mayville; his sister-in-law, Carolyn (Don) Wendorff of Mayville; his brother-in-law, Kenneth (Diane) Voight of Mayville. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Roland; his wife, Janice; and his in-laws, Ray and Eleanor Voight. A memorial service for Dave will take place at a later date at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville due to the current health restrictions. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com
16 April 2020

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Henry “Hank” L. Kern

Henry “Hank” L. Kern


Henry “Hank” L. Kern, 91, of Mayville passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Mayville with his wife by his side. Hank was born the son of Adam and Leona (Golemgeske) Kern on February 14, 1929, in Waukesha. He was a veteran of the US Army, having served overseas during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Jane Walker on December 30, 1950, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville. Hank had worked as a police officer in Mayville before working at Mayville Die and Tool until his retirement. In his spare time, Hank loved the outdoors especially hunting, fishing, and golfing with his family. Hank is survived by his wife, Jane of Mayville; his daughter-in-law, Sheryl Kern of West Bend; his grandchildren, Jason (Sally) Milz and Jaime (Jesse) Umentum; his great-grandchildren, Rachael, Jordan, Peyton, Caden, Mason, and Brexton; his great-great-granddaughter, Isabell. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David; and his four brothers and four sisters. A memorial service will be held at a late date at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Rev. Sara Gillespie officiating and military honors to follow by the Mayville American Legion Post #69. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com
14 April 2020

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Andrew E. Schnitzler

Andrew E. Schnitzler


Andrew E. Schnitzler, 94, of Fond du Lac, went to his heavenly home on Friday, April 10, 2020, at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Beaver Dam. Andrew was born on October 15, 1925, in the Town of Theresa, the son of Edwin and Angela (Schmidt) Schnitzler. On April 22, 1950, he was united in marriage to Marion Doll. Marion preceded Andrew in death on September 4, 1978. On March 25, 1981, he was united in marriage to Eugenie Roehl. She preceded Andrew in death on August 20, 2000. Andrew farmed from childhood until 1980, where he then went to work at Baker Canning Company and later worked at Eden Oakfield Canning Factory until 2001. Andrew enjoyed gardening, wood crafting, restoring Case tractors and going up north to spend time with his son, Ed. Those Andrew leaves behind to cherish his memory include seven children, Gloria Perisee, Ed Schnitzler, Andy (Karen) Schnitzler, Joan Schnitzler, Carol (Larry) McDowell, Janet (Norm) Martin, and Paul (Debbie) Schnitzler; a son-in-law, David Weninger; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Joseph Schnitzler; a step-daughter, Carol (Larry) Merrill; four step-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and Marion and Eugenie, Andrew was preceded in death by two daughters, Elaine (Christopher) Mauritz and Rita Weninger; grandchildren, Ed Mauritz and Kelly Schnitzler; two brothers, Martin (Annie) Schnitzler, Henry (Shirley) Schnitzler; a sister-in-law, Henrietta Schnitzler; two step-children, Eugene (Lucy) Roehl and Charlotte (Earl) Morgan. Due to current restrictions, a private burial service with Rev. Tom Biersack officiating will be held for Andrew’s family at St. Theresa Memorial Gardens in Theresa. Andrew’s service will be recorded. The video of the service will be posted on our website at www. myrhum-patten.com. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at St. Theresa Catholic Church, date and time to be announced. 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 memorials, donations to St. Theresa Catholic Church in Theresa or the charity of your choice is appreciated. The family would like to thank the Prairie Ridge Staff and Agnesian Hospice Hope and for the care provided to Andrew.

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Irene Ruth Christian

Irene Ruth Christian


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.
10 April 2020

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Dennis C. Beske

Dennis C. Beske


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.
09 April 2020

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Robert H. Westphal

Robert H. Westphal


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.
08 April 2020

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07 April 2020

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06 April 2020

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Edwin A. Birr

Edwin A. Birr


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.

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Wilma E. Wilson

Wilma E. Wilson


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.