13 November 2019

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Irving (Bud) F. Bischoff

Irving (Bud) F. Bischoff


Irving (Bud) Bischoff, 92, of Horicon passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 9., 2019, at the Hillside Manor Nursing Home in Beaver Dam. Bud was born on January 3, 1927, to Ervin and Isabella (Weidig) Bischoff. He was united in marriage to Elaine Spettel on June 14, 1952. At the age of 18, Bud was called to serve his country in WWII. He was a member of the United States Army infantry, 32nd division, the “Red Arrow” division. He spent a year in the occupation of Japan upon its surrender. He was the company clerk for a time, but his main duty was working as a military policeman. He was very proud to have served his country. Upon his return to Horicon, he worked at John Deere in the foundry department for a couple of years. After his marriage to Elaine, they became the proprietors of the Rock River Tap for most of the 1950s. In 1962, he took the opportunity to become partners in what was to become Bud and Martin’s Bar in Mayville. After Martin’s retirement, he became the sole owner of Bud’s Bar in Mayville until his own retirement. As a young man, Bud enjoyed playing baseball for the Horicon Hurricanes. He played first base and also right field for the team. In addition, he played for the Horicon City Basketball team. Later, he played in the local fast pitch softball league as a third baseman. During his marriage to Elaine, the couple could often be found at several different “hot spots” on the Horicon Marsh or the Rock River fishing for northerns and bullheads. It was a fairly common sight to see Bud and Elaine driving down the road with their cane poles sticking out the passenger window of their car. Bud was also quite well known for his bullhead fish fries. Whether he was frying in his garage in Horicon or in the parking lot at Budahn’s Bar, a great time and a full belly was enjoyed by all. Bud is survived by his son, Brian (Lisa) Bischoff and his grandson, Aaron Bischoff, all of Horicon. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elaine; his brother, Donald; and sisters, Violet (Leslie) Spittel, and Grace (Darrell) Gritzmacher. Visitation will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Horicon with the Rev. Sandra Schieble officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Army Honor Guard and the Horicon American Legion Post #157. Special thanks to the staff at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam for their care and kindness shown to Bud. Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. For online condolences and other information, please visit www. KoepsellFH.com
11 November 2019

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Karmen Marion Bishop

Karmen Marion Bishop


Celebration of Life:  Saturday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m.  Location:  Ettrick Town Hall/Fire Station in Ettrick Karmen Marion Bishop (Reynolds), 56, of Blair, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at the UW Health University Hospital in Madison. Karmen was born on July 9, 1963 in LaCrosse to Jean Goodenough and James Reynolds. She married Donald Bishop on April 5, 1986, in Ettrick where they made their home with their two daughters, Danielle and Brittany. Karmen and Donald later divorced. Karmen’s two daughters and five grandbabies were her whole life. Being a Mom and Nana was her life’s purpose. She had a zest for life and a heart big enough to hold the whole world. Karmen is survived by her daughters, Danielle (Cory) Komperud and Brittany (Kevin) Thompson, both of Ettrick; her fiancé, Bruce Wells of Blair; her parents, Jean and Duane Whitish of Blair and James (Judy) Reynolds of Hartford; her brothers, Marc Reynolds of Hartford, Jon (Laura) Reynolds of Wakefield, KS, and Jayson (Lori Dean) Reynolds of Trempealeau; her grandchildren, Charles “Charlie”, Patrick “Tricky” and Roland “RoRo” Komperud, Meredith “Mere Bear” and Jameson “JMan” Thompson, all of Ettrick; her Godmother and special aunt, Mary Wiltsie; special aunt, Jeanne Reynolds as well as many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Karmen was preceded in death by her “Baby Sister” Kellie Ritter; a brother, Joey, in infancy; her beloved Grandma, Helen Goodenough and Grandpa, Len Goodenough; her Godfather/“Uncle Dad,” Mike Reynolds; grandmother, Jean Anderson as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of Karmen’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Ettrick Town Hall/Fire Station in Ettrick. In lieu of flowers, memorials for the family would be greatly appreciated. The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.
05 November 2019

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Wilmer H. Wellhoefer

Wilmer H. Wellhoefer


Visitation:  Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 to 11 a.m.  Service:  Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m.  Location:  St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee Wilmer H. Wellhoefer, 92, of Mayville, was given the gift of Eternal Life when he passed away on November 3, 2019 at Crossroads Nursing Home in Mayville. Wilmer was born the son of Fred and Blandina (Derge) Wellhoefer on November 3, 1927. He was united in marriage to Shirley Belling on May 2, 1953, at St. Luke’s in Knowles. Wilmer retired from Gleason Reel after 40 plus years of employment. He was an active member of St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee and served his church as an elder, treasurer, and usher. In his spare time, Wilmer enjoyed being outdoors while tending to his garden and flowers and also taking care of the birds which he loved to watch. He was a skilled woodworker. Wilmer also liked puzzles. Wilmer is survived by his wife, Shirley of Mayville; his sons, Ronald Wellhoefer of Mayville and Randal (Jodi) Wellhoefer of Oshkosh; his grandchildren, Austin and Randi Wellhoefer; his brother and sisters-in-law, Gordon (Betty Jane) Belling of Farmersville, Audrey Belling of Mayville, and Sherry Belling of Fond du Lac. He is futher survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Elton (Mildred) Wellhoefer and Harvey (Lois) Wellhoefer; sister, Irma (Harvey) Westphal; brothers-in-law, Fremont Belling and Garland ‘Jack’ Belling. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee. Funeral services for Wilmer will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee with the Rev. Dennis Bratz officiating. Burial will take place at St. Luke’s Cemetery in Knowles. Memorials in memory of Wilmer may be directed to St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee. Special thanks to the staff at Crossroads Care Center in Mayville and Generations Hospice for their care and support shown to Wilmer and his family. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com
04 November 2019

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Alice E. Pieper

Alice E. Pieper


Visitation:  Monday, Nov. 4, from 12 to 1:30 p.m.  Service:  Monday, Nov. 4, at 1:30 p.m.  Location: St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville Alice E. Pieper, 100, of Mayville passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, at Hope Senior Living in Lomira. Alice was born the daughter of Robert and Martha (Seering) Boeck on February 27, 1919. She was united in marriage to Clarence Pieper on November 11, 1939. Through her life, Alice worked various jobs around Mayville, such as, the Canning Factory, Mayville Shoe Factory, and Mayville Metal. Alice was a faithful member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville and served her church on the Altar Guild and also in the Dorcus Society, where she served as treasurer. In her spare time, Alice loved to fish on Big Sand Lake in Phelps and always seemed to be successful. She also enjoyed playing cards and gaming trips. Alice, along with her husband Clarence, liked to travel after retirement. Alice also cherished her family and especially her grandchildren and their families. Alice is survived by her children, Eileen (Orville) Schulz of Allenton, James (Tamara) Pieper of Mayville, David (Sue) Pieper of Horicon; her son in law, Richard ‘Dick’ Ebert of West Allis; her eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; daughter, Diane; son, Richard in infancy; and her siblings, Anita (Louis) Figge, Leona (George) Rosenau, Laura Boeck, Elmer (Laura) Boeck, Marvin (Marian) Boeck, Lorraine (Al) Starr, and Betty (Bernard) Stippich. Visitation took place on Monday, Nov. 4, from 12 p.m. until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. at church. Funeral services for Alice took place on Monday, Nov. 4, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Rev. Don Weiss officiating. Burial took place at St. John Cemetery in Mayville. Memorials may be directed to St. John Ev. Lutheran Church or Hope Senior Living in Lomira. Special thanks to the staff of Hope Senior Living in Lomira for their care and support shown to Alice and her family. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com
28 October 2019

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Leonard J. Laufenberg

Leonard J. Laufenberg


Visitation:  Monday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. (Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville) and Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon)Service:  Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m.  Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon Leonard J. Laufenberg, 76, of Iron Ridge passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. Leonard was born the son of Roman and Margaret (Link) Laufenberg on November 21, 1942, in Black River Falls. He was a graduate of Mayville High School. Leonard was married to Charlotte M. Smith on October 10, 1964, at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Hartford. Leonard was a lifelong farmer near Iron Ridge. Leonard was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Woodland, where he served as trustee and cemetery board member, and was currently a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Horicon. He was active in the Mayville FFA Alumni. Leonard was chairman of the Dodge County Drainage Board. He loved gardening and was a handy person who enjoyed woodworking. Leonard enjoyed being with his neighbors and friends playing cards. His grandchildren were the joys of his life and he supported all their activities and events. Leonard is survived by his wife, Charlotte of Iron Ridge; three children, Julie DeJong of Oconomowoc, Brian Laufenberg of Beaver Dam, and Nick (Diana) Laufenberg of Glen Ellyn, IL; four siblings, Maynard Laufenberg of Juneau, Eugene (Frances) Laufenberg of Iron Ridge, Dennis (Gail) Laufenberg of Iron Ridge, and Monica (David) Sennhenn of Cuba City; seven grandchildren, Garrin and Lauren DeJong, Kyneesha, Sierra, and Evan Laufenberg, and Nathan and Grace Laufenberg; nieces, nephews, close family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother in infancy; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law. A visitation took place at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28; and also on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon with Rev. Justin Lopina officiating. Interment took place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Woodland. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. www. koepsellfh.com.

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Jane Marie Ford Bennett

Jane Marie Ford Bennett


Visitation:  Friday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Service:  Friday, Nov. 1, at 12 p.m.  Location:  Burke Lutheran Church in Madison Jane Marie Ford Bennett, 66, passed away at home on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, with her loving husband by her side following a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma Jane was born on January 14, 1953, in Shawano, to Leland and Borgny (Bruland) Ford. She and G. Cortez Bennett were united in marriage on October 29, 1994, at Zion Lutheran Church in Horicon. She was a graduate of Horicon High School and MATC and worked the last 22 years as a senior grade recorder at UW Law School. Jane is remembered as being a tireless, kind, smart, efficient and cheerful colleague. In 2018 the UW Law School faculty awarded Jane with their Unsung Hero’s Award. She loved her family and friends unconditionally, always there with a helping hand, advice, a shoulder to cry on, or a reprimand if called for!  With her generous heart, Jane would readily cook up a meal, bake cookies or pies as needed, or go off on a shopping spree to buy gifts. Jane had the voice of an angel and loved to sing. She made the best of any situation and always looked at life with a positive outlook. Jane is survived by her husband, Cortez; she was ”Mama Jane” to step-sons, Cortez (fiancée Dawn) and Curtis (Jennifer); Grandma Jane to Monique, Nigel (fiancée Rachel), Isaiah, Jaden and Jasmine; and Great-Grandma Jane to Avyanna, Ry’Kia, Amiyah, Olivia and Ezra. She also leaves behind siblings, Kathleen (William) Brewer, Karen (Donald) Krajeck, Robert (Linda) Ford, and Susan (Peter) Oechsner; also sisters-in-law, Margaret Jefferson and Treva King, along with many other dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant niece, Amber Oechsner.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service on Friday, Nov. 1 at Burke Lutheran Church in Madison. A celebration of life will be held at Burke Lutheran Church, 5720 Portage Rd, Madison, WI on Friday, Nov. 1, at 12 p.m. with Pastor Robert Neubert officiating. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the UW Law School for their kind gifts of friendship, meals and support during her illness; UW Hospitals, Capitol Lakes Rehab, the Agrace Magenta team and Good People for their kind and compassionate care. Memorials may be made to Annshope.org
25 October 2019

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Gail M. Strohbusch

Gail M. Strohbusch


Private family services were held Gail M. Strohbusch, 57, of Horicon passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. Gail was born the daughter of Michael Bath on February 19, 1962. Gail was raised by her father Michael and his wife Mary. She was a 1980 graduate of Beaver Dam High School. Gail was then united in marriage to Donald Strohbusch on July 23, 1982, in Horicon. She continued her schooling and went on to serve and take care of others as an LPN. She had worked for 20 plus years at Columbus Care Center and then went on to work 10 plus years for Dodge Correctional until her health declined. In her spare time, Gail loved going on gaming trips as well as playing casino games online. She loved to travel with her husband to see her children and her grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered as a remarkable and strong woman with a quick wit who couldn’t be held down and was always the bigger person. Gail is survived by her husband, Donnie of Horicon; her children, Angela (Charlie) Roze of Green Bay, Leah (fiancé Sam Hinz) Strohbusch of Horicon, Shawn Strohbusch of Pierre, SD; her special son-in-law, Nathan Lyman of Horicon; her grandchildren, Justin, Shaun, Andrea Lyman and Ben Roze; her siblings, Michael (Sue) Bath of LA, Jim Bath of NC, Jeff Bath of Baltimore, MD, Michelle Munday of Taylorsville, NC, Barb Farley of Franford, DE, Dawn (Don) Strahota of Beaver Dam, and Scott (Holly) Bath of Taylorsville, NC; further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandmother, Isabelle Guthrie. Private family services were held. Memorials may be made in memory of Gail to: Heritage for the Blind, The Diabetes Association, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness. *The pain is finally over… you were welcomed into the nonjudgmental arms of the afterlife. Koepsell Murray Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com

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John “Jack” A. Puerling

John “Jack” A. Puerling


John “Jack” A. Puerling, 91, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, while in hospice care in Ormond Beach, FL. Jack was born October 15, 1928, in Grafton. Witty, charming, and an avid hunter, he enjoyed travel, numbers, math, musical instruments, playing cards, ping pong, chess, tennis, golf, building architecture, and business.  He was an accomplished pilot, an accountant with accreditation from the International Society of Accountants (1948), and a member of the Navy Reserves from 1946 to 1952.  A lifelong businessman and successful entrepreneur, Jack owned and operated Capitol Motors (automotive sales), and J.P. Investments (building spec homes). Jack is survived by his daughter, Lee Annette (Ken) Nyberg; his grandson, John (LeEllyn) Nyberg; his granddaughter, (adopted daughter) Lindsey Puerling; his nephew, Mark (Dawn) Puerling; and extended family, relatives, and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his wife Catherine; his daughter, Elizabeth Puerling; and his grandson, Brian Nyberg.  Visitation will be held at Phillip Funeral Home at 1420 W. Paradise Drive, West Bend, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.  Private family graveside burial service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans or the Alzheimer’s Association. The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family, (262) 338-2050, www. phillipfuneralhome.com
23 October 2019

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Maryann Kenitz

Maryann Kenitz


Visitation: December 7 from 10 to 11 a.m.  Service:  December 7 at 11 a.m.  Location:  Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Beaver Dam Maryann Kenitz, 90, was born to eternal life on October 21, 2019, at Serenity Villa in Slinger. Maryann was born the daughter of John and Mary (Starszak) Rzutkiewicz on August 6, 1929, in Milwaukee. She attended Pulaski High School in Milwaukee and Milwaukee-Downer College. She was a nurse at Milwaukee County Hospital and St. Francis Hospital for 15 years. She was united in marriage to Curtis Kenitz on September 7, 1949. After moving to Mayville, she worked with her husband, Dr. Curtis Kenitz, in his office. Maryann was a Sunday school teacher for 26 years, a member and a secretary of Wisconsin Foundation for Vision Awareness. She was also active in the Badger Shrine Auxiliary, Mayville Rotary Club, Mayville Senior Center, and the Friends of the Horicon Marsh. She was a member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Beaver Dam. Maryann is survived by her sons, Scott (Mary) Kenitz of Hartford and Gregg (Tamara) Kenitz of Lancaster, PA; her grandchildren, Mike (Rachel), Dan, Joe (Kim), Steve (Ally), Erin, John (Leigh), and Jeremy (Christina), and step-grandchildren, Lacy (Thomas) Ayer, Kyle (Shannon) Stoltzfus, and Kayla Stoltzfus. She is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren; further survived by sisters-in-laws, Rosina Kenitz of Oak Park, IL, and Ginger Dable of Wales, WI; as well as, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Curtis; her in-laws, Curtis and Ann; and brothers, John and Justin (Boots); sister, Agnes; and brother-in-law, Bill. Visitation will be held on December 7, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Beaver Dam. A memorial service in memory of Maryann will be held on December 7, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Beaver Dam (700 Mill St., Beaver Dam, WI. 53916) with the Fr. Oscar Rozo officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Beaver Dam. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Patti Liethen and nurse Deb, the nursing staff at Aurora Medical Center Washington County, the staff of Horizon Hospice Care, and all of the staff at Serenity Villa for their loving care and generous support. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com
22 October 2019

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John M. Youngbeck

John M. Youngbeck


Visitation:  Friday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to noon  Service:  Friday, Oct. 24, at 12 p.m.  Location:  St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville John M. Youngbeck, 87, was born on February 29, 1932, at his Aunt Eva Steinhorst’s house, located at 313 Bridge Street in Mayville. He passed away on Friday, Oct. 18. He was especially happy to reach the leap year age of 21 in 2016, so he could finally drink legally. John proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. In 1954 John was deployed to the Korean War, where he served as a Sergeant Major in the 366th Aviation Engineers. John was an active participant in Mayville community life. He was a member of the American Legion Post 69 for 55 years, and served as president of both the Mayville Lions Club and the Mayville Chamber of Commerce. For years you could find him cooking large batches of chicken over an open barbecue for the Lions Club, or manning the beer tent at any number of community celebrations. As a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, John served on the board of elders, and sang with his wife Evelyn in the church choir for more than 50 years. Music was an important part of John’s life. As an accomplished saxophone player, John played in high school and community bands, but he was most proud of playing with the University of Wisconsin - Madison marching band. He reminisced about how, after UW home games, the marching band would march to the VA hospital in Madison and play to an audience of veterans in their hospital rooms. John was the owner and operator of Youngbeck Oil Company, a family petroleum distribution business, which he ran as a third generation owner for 43 years. He served over 425 farm, factory, and fuel oil customers in Mayville and the surrounding area. His yellow gas truck and his friendly wave were recognized by many in the community and countryside. In the early 1970s, John opened Mayville’s first recreational vehicle business, Sportcraft, where he sold Ski-doo snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles. John’s hobby was travel. Family vacations to destinations like Disneyland, the Grand Canyon and Washington, DC, evolved into European and South American adventures. He loved to visit son, John, in Atlanta, and daughter, Barbara, in San Francisco, where he delighted in discovering the latest and best in dining and entertainment. John worked hard and played hard. He was well known for his joke-telling, hijinks, and keen sense of humor. He was most happy when celebrating any occasion with family and friends, always with a gin martini in his hand. John was married to Evelyn May Sang on February 15, 1952. They were married for 45 years, until Evelyn’s death in 1997. In 1999, John met his current partner, Betty Ann Beall. They have been together for 20 years. John is survived by his children, John, Jr., and Barbara; his grandchildren, Nathan, Carey, Wren, Jessica and Elizabeth; his great-grandchildren, Lilly and Lucy; his partner, Betty Beall; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Blagoue. In lieu of flowers, memorials to your favorite charity are appreciated. A memorial gathering will be held prior from 11 a.m. to the time of the service at noon at church. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, at 12 p.m. noon at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Rev. Don Weiss officiating. Burial 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.