Visitation:  Saturday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.  Service:  Saturday, Aug. 15, at 3 p.m.  Location:  St. John's Lutheran Church in Mayville Linda Lou Giese was born on August 28, 1949, in Beaver Dam Lutheran Hospital to Clarence and Loretta (Koepsell) Giese. She was born to new life in Jesus Christ in Holy Baptism on September 18, 1949, and confirmed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Immanuel Lutheran Church (River Church) in the Town of Theresa, on May 19, 1963, with the Rev Lauterbach officiating. Linda graduated from Mayville High School in June 1967. Later on, she attended Moraine Park Technical School receiving an Associate Degree in business. Linda was united in marriage to Sigismund Semrau on July 26, 1969, at Immanuel Lutheran Church (River Church), in Town Theresa, with the Rev Otto Schreiber officiating. The Lord blessed their union with four loving children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Linda and Sig farmed together in Iron Ridge for the first five years of their lives together. They moved to Mayville in 1975 and have resided in this town she loved to call home ever since. Along with her husband, Linda worked hard her entire life to provide a wonderful life for her family. She retired in 2015 from Gleason Reel Corporation to spend more quality time with her husband. Linda dedicated her life to being God's servant here on Earth. She enjoyed volunteering and willingly offered to help anyone in the time of need. She was a faithful member at St. John's Lutheran Church, and actively participated as a greeter, on the altar guild, on finance committee, on scrip committee, and was a member of the Dorcas Society (LWML). Serving on LWML allowed Linda to utilize her God-given talents in feeding the stomach as well as the soul. She made food and served at funerals, chili dinners and potlucks (Linda’s deviled eggs and Poppy seed tortes were the best!) She visited with members of the church who were unable to leave their residence, sharing peace, prayer and friendship. Linda looked forward to being a secret prayer friend to a confirmation student each year, and was dedicated to providing the student hope, love and encouragement as they traveled in their journey of faith. Linda very much enjoyed cooking and baking, reading, playing piano and gardening. Linda and Sig grew the most beautiful flowers. For many years Linda and Sig were able to enjoy going to polka dances. Together, they enjoyed going to dinner theater productions with family and friends at the Fireside dinner theater in Fort Atkinson and attending Marias Players productions in Mayville. As well, they enjoyed bus trips and had a few site opportunities to travel outside of Wisconsin with close friends. Linda especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She attended sporting events, music events, and never missed a parents’ or grandparents’ day. She especially enjoyed going to their show choir competitions, concerts and musicals. She enjoyed traveling with Sig to Florida to see her kids and grandkids and was looking forward to a time when travel would be safer once again. Linda loved reading to and playing games with the grandchildren. Linda was very detail oriented and thorough. She lovingly cared for her husband after retirement and ensured her mother’s care needs were being properly met and managed. Linda never gave up on anything. However, her faith and trust in the Lord was even stronger than her earthly fight. As she was nearing her courageous battle, she was reassured that it was ok to quit fighting; that Jesus wanted her home and she could live a better life with Him. Surrounded by her children, Linda peacefully fell asleep enveloped in the arms of her Savior on August 11, 2020. Linda is survived by her husband, Sigismund, of Mayville; her four children and their families: daughter, Heidi (Dale) Weiss and their children, Brittany (Adam) Freund, Evelynn and Jace, Natasha (fiancé Adam Klienke) and Miranda (fiancé Cody Legas); son, David (Julie) Semrau and their children, Garrett (friend Delaney Daugherty), Alexus (fiancé Justin Lamonte), Paige (friend Joe Kotz) and Treyton; son, Eric (Elizabeth) Semrau and Alessandra; and son, Jonathan (Tracy) Semrau, Olivia and Harper and Chloe Adia Heyres-Semrau. She is also survived by her mother, Loretta Giese; her brothers, Larry (Sylvia) Giese, Lloyd (Karen) Giese, Loren (Shirley) Giese and Leroy (Cynthia) Giese and their families; her mother-in-law, Martha Semrau; her brothers-in-law, Hartmund (Robin) Semrau and Wolfgang (Sharon) Semrau and their families; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Giese; her father-in-law, Adolph Semrau; brother-in-law, Ewald Semrau and sister-in-law, Lylas Semrau. A visitation was held on Saturday, Aug. 15, at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3 p.m. Rev. Dr. Mark Cutler and Rev. Joshua Frazee officiated. Interment took place at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Mayville. The Semrau family strongly encourages attendees to wear a face mask per the government mandate and for the health and safety of their father and grandmother. In lieu of flowers, it is Linda's request that memorials be directed to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Debt Fund. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com “I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth; and after my skin has been thus destroyed, then from my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see on my side, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.” Job 19:25-27

Aurelia M. Schraufnagel, 95, of Lomira, and formerly of Mayville, passed away on August 7, 2020 at Hope Senior Living in Lomira. Aurelia was born on December 26, 1924 to Albert and Ida (Troll) Vollmer in the township of LeRoy. She was united in marriage to Clarence Schraufnagel on May 8, 1948, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in LeRoy. Aurelia retired from Maysteel in 1981, where she was employed as an assembler. Aurelia was a member of St Mary’s Parish in Mayville. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, cooking, card games, and casino visits. Aurelia is survived by her children Steven (Lora) Schraufnagel of Janesville, Stanley (Mary-Alice) Schraufnagel of River Falls, and Karen (Joel) Breselow of Mayville; six grandchildren, Chad Schraufnagel, Erin Zimmerman, Nick Schraufnagel, Brendan Barbieri, Corrine Schraufnagel, and Daniel Schraufnagel; two great-grandchildren, Zach and Noah; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Aurelia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clarence in 2016, three sisters, Josephine Collien, Ida Rediske, and Lorraine Schultz; nine brothers, Frank, Albert, Felix, Edmond, Gilbert, Aaron, Philip, Raymond, and Oswald. There will be a private funeral mass for immediate family at St. Mary’s Church in Mayville with the Rev. Fr. Tom Biersack presiding. Inurnment will take place in St Mary’s Cemetery in Mayville. Aurelia was a sister, wife, mother, aunt and friend to many. She enjoyed a good party and would have liked nothing better than a large gathering to celebrate her life. To insure the safety of all who loved her, that is not possible. Aurelia had a legendary sweet tooth. We encourage all who knew Aurelia to mark her passing with a favorite torte, bowl of ice cream or other dessert. We’ll miss you Mom, rest in peace. Special thanks to Hope Senior Living in Lomira and Heartland Hospice in Fond du Lac. Memorials preferred to St Mary’s Church or Hope Senior Living. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH .com

Visitation:  Friday, Aug. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m.  Service:  Friday, Aug. 14, at 4 p.m.  Location:  Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home in Lomira Gerald L. “Jerry” Stark, 77, of Brownsville, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020, at Edenbrook in Fond du Lac. Jerry was born on July 16, 1943, in Owen, the son of Louis and Rosemary (Carter) Stark. Jerry joined the Navy after graduating Kewaskum High School and worked on a repair ship for four years before returning to Wisconsin and meeting his future wife, Janice (Jan) Tomczyk. They married February 10, 1968, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Stetsonville and welcomed daughter, Jennifer, in January and son, Joseph, in December the following year. Jerry spent many years coaching softball, enjoyed bowling, going up north, and going on gambling trips with his wife. They shared many wonderful years watching their children grow and become adults and begin their own families before her passing on September 7, 2002. Jerry worked as an electrician for Mercury Marine until his retirement in 2003. In his retirement, Jerry spent time watching his grandkids sports, volunteering with the Theresa American Legion Post 270, gambling, fishing and hunting, traveling, and bowling. He is fondly remembered for doing his Friday Fish Frys over the camp fire up north On a daily basis, he enjoyed playing solitare just as much as he did playing cribbage and doing the crossword with Nancy, his girlfriend of over a decade. Those Jerry leaves behind to cherish his memory include his son, Joseph (Christine) Stark; five grandchildren, Samantha Stark (fiancé, Josh), Thomas Borges, Savannah Borges (boyfriend, Matt), Christian Borges (girlfriend, Morgan), and Alexander Stark; two sisters, Zora Neitzel and Laurel Stark; his Navy “brother,” Ken (Laura) Hillman; his girlfriend, Nancy Andrews; his legion friend, Ching Lau; many nieces and nephews and in-laws from both Stark and Tomczyk sides. In addition to his wife and parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Borges and his brother-in-law, Gordy Neitzel. Jerry’s family will greet relatives and friends at Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 350 Main Street, in Lomira on Friday, Aug. 14, from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Funeral services for Jerry will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 350 Main Street, in Lomira with military honors. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Lomira. The Myrhum – Patten Funeral Home has been entrusted with Jerry’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

While surrounded by loved ones, the Lord extended His hand to William John Zirbel on August 7, 2020, when he was peacefully led to his eternal home. Willie was born on September 20, 1932, to Wilmer and Lucinda (Schaumberg) Zirbel in the Town of Theresa. Born on the family farm homestead, he maintained a lifetime love of the land. He enjoyed his 40-acre hobby farm where he raised crops and beef and, later took up the hobby of restoring vintage tractors. It was a great delight when he made his parade debut at the 2017 Audubon Days Parade, driving his 460 Farmall tractor. Dancing is what led Willie to the love of his life, Geri, in 1953 when they met at Zivko’s Ballroom in nearby Hartford. They were married on June 18, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church in the Town of Theresa. Not only did dancing bring great joy throughout their 65 years of marriage, it also won them the “longest married couple on the dance floor.” A steadfast soldier of the Lord, Willie was passionate about his service to God. He was a longtime member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Browns Corners, welcoming guests as an usher and serving as an elder for 30 years. He was a gamer, but of the era when this meant board and card games and had nothing to do with a computer. Cribbage was a way to teach his kids math and playing sheepshead was another way to spend time with friends and family. Willie worked for 30 years at Purity Cheese and the Dodge County Park System for another 12 years. His most enjoyable job, however, was driving school bus for the Mayville School District. Adored by the kids, he still gets Christmas cards from some of the kids he transported. After retirement, Willie and Geri also enjoyed traveling and camping. He could build the prettiest campfires, using hollow logs a garden hose and copper pipe. Willie was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Schneiter); six children, Dennis (Laura) Zirbel; Debra (Roy) Hale; Cindy Zirbel Wrucke; Brian (Nancy) Zirbel; Mark (Susan) Zirbel; and Jodi (Douglas) Marose; 13 grandkids, Justin, Kelly, Brandon, Ben, Sarah, Nick, Megan, Ian, Erica, Tyler, Sawyer, Stephanie and Cassie; and 14 great grandkids Ainsley, Willa, Hayden, Myles, Myka, Addison, Noah, Owen, Wiley, Aubrey, Brody, Claire, Thatcher and Blakeleigh. He was further survived by one brother, Richard (Judith) Zirbel; sisters-in-law, Lillian Wondra and Georgia Schneiter; brothers-in-law, James and Kenneth Schneiter. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Nathaniel; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley (Dale) Derge and Marjorie (Arthur) Koepsell; brother, David Zirbel; and infant brother, Robert. There was a private family funeral service on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Browns Corners, with the Rev. Jonathan Szczesny officiating. Burial followed at St. John’s, Browns Corners Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to Generations Hospice and St. John’s Church Evangelical Lutheran Church, Browns Corners. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. To make an online condolence or for more information visit www. KoepsellFH.com.

Kevin M. Giese (fondly known as “Toad” to many) age 56, of Iron Ridge passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at his home. Kevin was born the son of Rodney and Rita (Liegl) Giese on September 11, 1963 in Beaver Dam. Kevin was a 1982 graduate of Mayville High School. Kevin had worked for Napa Auto Parts in Mayville for many years as a sales manager. Kevin had a love for the outdoors and a passion for all things hunting and fishing. Family was important for Kevin and he treasured his role as an uncle and cherished the time spent with his nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered as ‘Uncle Buck’ who had a world famous fish fry. Kevin sometimes had a tough demeaner but was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was quick to laugh, had a joke or smile for everyone and was loved by many. He will be deeply missed. Kevin is survived by his father, Rodney of Beaver Dam; his siblings, Jeff Liegl of Brownsville, Denice (Gary) Sternat of Lomira, Roxann (Cesare) Mazzolari of Iron Ridge, Tammy (Robert) Haugen of Iron Ridge, and Kim (Andy) Hanke of Mayville; his nieces and nephews, Jeremy (Jessie), Danielle (Matt), Chad, Corissa (J.J.), Tyler, Erica (Dan), Cody, Alia, Brady, Kendra (Dominick), Stacey (James), Brock (fiancé Kasey), and Bryce; his great- nieces and nephews, Mitchell, Matthew, William, Jackson, Adela, Emerson, Preston, Collin, Rory, Dax, Victoria, and Declan with another boy due in December. He is further survived by other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita. A memorial gathering for Kevin is pending at this time. Koepsell Funeral Homes is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com

Celebration of Life:  Saturday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m.  Location:  Juneau Community Center Joan Kay Hodgson, 76, of Horicon, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 25, 2020. Joan Hodgson was born to Arthur and Jeanette (Gerlach) Plansky on April 9, 1943, in Beaver Dam. Joan married her sweetheart, Dennis Hodgson, on October 11, 1975 in Juneau. Joan was employed in many fields. Joan worked as a waitress, factory assembler, co-owned a craft store in Horicon, got her real estate license and sold real estate and wallpapered in many people’s homes. Her last and most favorite job was driving school bus for her "kids.” Joan is survived by her husband, Dennis; son, Derek (Cindy) Kreckow and family; Cory, Justin, Jenna and Jenna’s daughter Joslynn; Joan’s granddaughters, Ashley (Shawn) Sinotte and their daughter, Briella, Amber (Travis) Basler and their mother, Janice (Joe) Murphy; sisters and brother, Dorie (Don) Gourlie, Judy Behnke, Elaine Schabel, Art (Jeanie) Plansky, Mary (Bob) Bonack, Peggy Streit and brother-in-law, Bob Taglipietra; Joan’s in-laws, Betty (Wayne) Hildebrandt, Dale (Diane) Hodgson and Bonnie Hodgson; nieces, nephews and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Donna Taglipietra; brothers-in-law, Don Behnke, Nubby Schabel, John Sreit; her mother and father-in-law, Edna and Hilbert Hodgson. Joan loved people, all people, and enjoyed spending time with them, playing games, camping, fishing and going out to eat. Most of all she loved her Lord and wanted everyone to know Him and let Him into their hearts and lives. A going home celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8,​ at 11 a.m. at the Juneau Community Center with a meal and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, balloons are encouraged. A special Thank You to the staff at E-2 Clearview in Juneau. Memorials may be made to Special Touch Ministry or Operation Smile c/o Dennis Hodgson, 512 N. Finch Street, Horicon WI 53032. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. To make an onlinecondolence or for more information visit ​www. KoepsellFH.com​.

Phyllis Ruth Poppe, 93, of Watertown, passed away July 27, 2020. She was born June 11, 1927, in Mayville, the daughter of Adolph and Elizabeth (Uhl) Mahnke. She married the love of her life, Richard Poppe on June 26, 1948 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mayville. Phyllis and her husband Richard, a cheesemaker, worked together at their business ‘The Poplar Grove Dairy,” making cheese for the area farmers. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sugar Island. Phyllis was a devout Christian who read and often wore out her many bibles. She was an energetic and a fun-loving Gramma who taught her grandchildren many wonderful things about life. A fond memory of her, as a child, she loved roller skating through Mayville. Another favorite memory was her roller skating in the kitchen for dinner, eating with her skates on, then cleaning up while still on her roller skates! She is survived by her children, Dawn (Mike) Lake, Lorilyn “Lurp” (Ronnie) Geisthardt, Timberly Poppe (Trina). Also, survived by her grandchildren, Christipher (Jenny), Rachael, Amber (Travis), Ethan, Cheyenne, Katie and Samantha; her great-grandchildren, Skyler, Justin, Derek, Natalee, Harlee, Jack, and Dominik. Also, survived by her sister, Alice Lebakken, and sisters-in-law Carole and Janet. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her daughter, Pamela Davidson; her grandson, Shayne; her great-granddaughter, Paige; her brothers, Victor, Adolph and Carl, and her sister, Marion. A private family funeral service and visitation will be at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Sugar Island. Interment will be at St Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Family would like memorials if you so desire, to be given to St. Paul’s “Her small little church”. The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home in Hartford is serving the family. Private condolences may be placed on our website www.berndt-ledesma.com