13 October 2021

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John H. Franke

John H. Franke


 John H. Franke, 54, of Juneau, passed away on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at Marshfield Medical Center in Beaver Dam.   John was born on April 10, 1967, the son of Harold and Marion (Dewitz) Franke in Beaver Dam.   He was a 1988 graduate of Beaver Dam High School.   He was employed at Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam.   John was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Brown’s Corner and St. John’s dartball league. He enjoyed competing with Special Olymics in bowling, sports, NASCAR and racing with his family.   John will be deeply missed by his sisters and brothers, Bonnie (John Vetta) Mengel, Ken Franke, both of Horicon, Tom (Karen Feucht) Franke of Lomira, Tammy (Steve) Blexrude and Jim (Patty) Franke, both of Horicon. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Diane in 1966; his brother, Dan, in 2012.   A visitation for John was held on Friday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. until Noon at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Browns Corner.   A funeral service began at noon with Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Browns Corner Cemetery.   The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.
12 October 2021

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Elizabeth “Ellen” J. Borges

Elizabeth “Ellen” J. Borges


   Elizabeth "Ellen" J. Borges (Wennekes), 79, of Iron Ridge, passed away on October 8, 2021, peacefully at her home with her family by her side.   Ellen was born on April 16, 1942, in the city of Utrecht, The Netherlands. She was the youngest of nine children.   Her many talents growing up were learning to speak several languages (Dutch, German, English, and some French) as well as knitting, sewing, crocheting. She was very talented in sketching/drawing. Coming from a musical family, she loved to sing and dance. Her family gave her the tools to become the kind, passionate and respectful woman that we all know today.    Ellen met the love of her life in 1957, coming out of church in the city of Zeist, The Netherlands.   During their courtship, Tom’s 1st Lieutenant (Air Force) had asked if he knew anyone to look after his child, in which Ellen did.    After dating for a year, they married in 1958, then had two children.   On Thanksgiving day, 1960, they landed in the USA, and resided in Pennsyvania (Toms’ home state).   After a month, Tom relocated to Wisconsin, on recommendation from his brother, of job opportunities.    They settled in Milwaukee for five years, then Menomonee Falls for three, where Ellen raised three more children (five at this point).   Being a Golden Guernsey milk truck driver, Tom came upon an opportunity to purchase a home with a little grocery store attached, out in the country, in a serene and beautiful area called Holy Hill. Not only did Ellen operate the store, maintain their home, sewed all outfits for herself and her children, they had two more children (seven total).   Ellen kept active in her Christian faith. She loved teaching CCD classes, was a Christian Mother, a member of the choir and was involved in the church activities including the “Fall Festivals” for St. Hubert’s/St. Gabriel’s in Hubertus. Ellen was at every sports event to support her children. She was a 4H teacher for knitting, crocheting and sewing. She joined Jazzercise, Aerobics, and did the TV Guide’s crossword puzzle faithfully every week! She loved to dress up and have her shoes, purse and jewelry match what she was wearing. She also enjoyed dining out, her morning tea, and shopping.   After 42 years living in Holy Hill, they moved to Iron Ridge, close to their two business’, one of which Ellen enjoyed working. If you visited Main Street Liquor, you would most likely see her knitting or crocheting baby outfits, blankets among other items for her grandchildren and friends. They joined St. Mary’s and began a new chapter in their lives. She became an avid supporter and fan of the Packers. For her, it was a day to celebrate with family, good friends, good food, and possibly winning a Packer pool! Ellen continued her exercise regimen by joining “Silver Sneakers” at the Tag Center. She loved meeting new people and socializing. She had a sincerity about her that drew people towards her.    There wasn’t an event that she didn’t miss with family. Family was her priority. She was a gift from heaven and touched many hearts. The impression she left will remain to grow in generations to come as her story continues through family and friends.    Ellen is survived by her husband, Thomas Borges Sr.; her seven children, Cathaleen Ali of Sheboygan, Mary-Ann Hennes (David) of Iron Ridge, Thomas Jr. (Pamela) Borges of Port Washington, Michele (Darin) Okrent of Kewaskum, Michael (Brenda) Borges of Hartford, Melissa (Ken Jr.) Kaiser of Erin, Mathew (Ann) Borges of East Troy; her 19 grandchildren, Rachel (Brad) Flouro, Andrew Hennes, Steven Hennes, Timmy (Rebekah) Borges, Vanessa (Kevin) Beere, Nadia (Ali) Ali, Salwa Ali, Atallah Ali, Alia (Sasa) Ali, Thomas Jr. 3rd Borges, Savannah Borges, Christian (Morgan) Borges, Sarah Okrent, Luke Okrent, Echo (Adam) Ashley, Baylee (Cody) Panek, Kenny Jr. 3rd Kaiser, Paige Kaiser, Angelina Borges; her 13 great-grandchildren, Anton Hennes and Reid Grupe, Jackson, Braelyn, Dylan and Devin Flouro, Frank Beere, Threa and Jennah Aldarorah, Teo and Natasa Simic, Lenora Ashley and soon-to-be-baby brother Ashley   She was preceded in death by her Oma and Opa; her parents; her siblings; and extended family.The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Aurora Hospice Care, and Koepsell’s Funeral Home Mayville, for the care and support shown to Elizabeth and her family.   Visitation was held on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 4 to 7 p.m. at Koepsell’s Funeral Home, 301 N. Walnut Street, Mayville and Thursday, Oct. 14, 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s.    A Mass of Christian Burial for Ellen will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. with Father Tom Biersack presiding. Interment will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Mayville.    Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com

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David Lee Messner

David Lee Messner


 David Lee Messner, 90, of Oakfield, passed away on October 6, 2021, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.   David was born the son of Harold and Lucille (Ollerman) Messner on November 1, 1930.   He was a 1949 graduate of Oakfield High School.   David was united in marriage to Jeanette Fink on July 7, 1962.   He was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean Conflict.   Together with his family, David farmed his entire life on the family farm.   He was a lifetime member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oakfield. David was also a member of the Oakfield VFW Post #8092.   In his spare time, David enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting pheasants with his dogs. He loved to watch them and enjoyed their hunting ability. David was a former longtime member of the Brownsville Sportsman Club and also a member of the Lomira Gun Club. He also liked shooting trap and sporting clays.   David is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jeanette of Oakfield; his daughter, Cheryl Stueber of Oakfield; his son, Steve (Kelly) Messner of Oakfield; his grandson, Vadim; further survived by other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, DuWayne; in-laws, Henry and Irma Fink; son-in-law, William Stueber; brother and sister-in-law, Roger (Carol) Fink; and his faithful canine companion, Maggie.   Visitation was held on Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at St. Luke's Church in Oakfield.    A memorial service for David was held on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oakfield with the Pastor Matthew Schwartz officiating. Inurnment will take place on Thursday, October 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Petri Cemetery, Tn. Theresa, with military honors to be conducted by the Bintzler-Waehler American Legion Post #347.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Luke’s in Oakfield or the St. Petri Cemetery Association in the Township of Theresa.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com
05 October 2021

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04 October 2021

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Gladys June Frentzel

Gladys June Frentzel


   Gladys June Frentzel, 95, of Watertown passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021.    Gladys was born on June 22, 1926, to William and Jessie (Boettcher) Lindemann in Watertown.    She graduated from Watertown High School in 1944.    She married Lloyd Frentzel on May 25, 1946. Together, they raised seven children.    Gladys worked in the office at Schweiger Industries for 19 years, retiring in October of 1988.    Gladys enjoyed crafting, watching the Brewers, playing board/card/video games, using her I-pad and visiting the zoo with family.    She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson.    She is survived by her children, Linda Frentzel of Monona, Michael (Bonnie Lees) Frentzel of Horicon, Thomas Frentzel of Romeoville, IL, Sally Frentzel of Watertown, Steven Frentzel of Beloit, Lori Frentzel (Brenda Stolzenburg) of Monona; daughter-in-law, Sharon Frentzel of Madison; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and special boys, Isaac and Chase Carpenter.    Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd; parents; son, Richard Frentzel; daughter-in-laws, Cheryl Frentzel and Julie Frentzel; three sisters and two brothers.    Thanks to Judy Corbett, Carrie McLees and Barbara Patchett for all their help and support. Very special thanks to all of the staff at Rainbow Hospice.    Memorials can be made to Rainbow Hospice, 1225 Remmel Dr., Johnson Creek, WI 53094.    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery. Masks are not required but use your best judgment.    Please visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence and to share a memory.

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Lee A. Luehring

Lee A. Luehring


   Lee A. Luehring, 82, of Fond du Lac, formerly of Mayville passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.   Lee was born the son of Carl and Agnes (Schraufnagel) Luehring on June 22, 1939, in Burnett.   He was united in marriage to Nancy Jane Boyd on October 21, 1961, in North Sacramento, CA. The two shared almost 60 years of marriage.    Lee had retired from Seneca Foods, where he worked as the plant manager.   Lee and Nancy attended Immanuel Trinity Church in Fond du Lac.   Lee enjoyed nature and loved to be outdoors, whether he was golfing or taking in a sunrise or sunset with Nancy.   Lee grew up playing hockey in his youth and later played semi-pro in California. He was a jack of all trades and liked to do many restoration projects such as classic cars or furniture. Lee was also an avid reader. Alongside Nancy, Lee loved to travel, and they cherished the trips to Cancun with their family. He enjoyed spending time with the family dogs, “the girls”, Zoey and Bailey. He will be dearly missed.   Lee is survived by his wife, Nancy of Fond du Lac' his sons, Jeffrey (Luann) Luehring of Combined Locks; Brian (Catalina Rojas) Luehring of Key Biscayne, FL, and Lee Michael (Holly) Luehring of Fond du Lac; his grandchildren, Austin, Matias, Sebastian, Christian, Hope, and Collin Kinney; his sister, Diane Beecham of GA; and brother, Tom (Marilyn) Luehring of Oconomowoc; further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dan Luehring.   In honoring Lee’s wishes, a private family funeral will be held.   Special thanks to the staff at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac for the care and support shown to Lee and his family.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com

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Ardis H. Pribnow

Ardis H. Pribnow


   Ardis H. Pribnow, 91, of Horicon, passed away on Friday, Sept. 30, 2021 at UW Hospital in Madison.   Ardis was born the daughter of Paul and Selma (Billings) Budahn on January 12, 1930. She was baptized in January of 1930 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville and later confirmed in June 11, 1944, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church (River Church) in the Township of Theresa.   She was united in marriage to Wilmer P. Pribnow on June 9, 1951, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church (River Church) in the Township of Theresa. She had worked as a custodian for the Horicon School District and also for the Stokely Canning Factory. Ardis also worked with her son, Gary, at Pribnow's Maple Inn in Ashippun where she was affectionally known as Grandma by everyone there.   Ardis was a member of St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon where she was a member of the Ladies Aid and Altar Guild. She also volunteered as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts and enjoyed cooking for the Lions Dinners.   Family was everything to Ardis and she cherished the time spent with them. She enjoyed making food for everyone especially Christmas cookies with her grandchildren. She loved to garden and canning for her family. Ardis instilled family values and taught the importance of faith, hard work, support and most importantly forgiveness. These lessons will be continued to be passed down throughout her family.   Ardis is survived by her children, Gary Pribnow of Ashippun, Carolyn (Elroy) Thurn of Horicon, Louise (Mike) Kuehl of Iron Ridge, Doreen Mueller of Iron Ridge, Linda (David) Sugden of Grand Rapids, MI., and Wayne (RaeMarie) Pribnow of Burnett; her siblings, Arline Justman of West Bend; her sister-in-law, Karen Budahn Kell of Lomira; her grandchildren, Angie (special friend Bill) Dibble, Tiffany (Lex) Lidisky, Rebecca (special friend Rich) Pribnow, Tracy Thrun, Carrie (Mark) Brooks, Timothy Thrun, Amanda (Bryan) Dusso, Kevin (Stacey) Kuehl, Angela Kuehl, Michael Mueller, Jason (Rachel) Mueller, Cory Mueller, Jennifer (Greg) Kuhn, Nichole Sugden, Andrew (Annie) Sugden, Erin Sugden, Katie Pribnow; great-grandchildren, Dustin (Ali), CJ (Josie), Kenzie, Rylee, Richard, Brayden, Emily, Kylan, Westyn, Corbin, Cyrus, Chloe, Sterling, Leo, Abigail, Olivia, Isaiah, and Quinn; further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wilmer; daughter, Kathleen; son-in-law, Michael Mueller; brothers, Paulie and Leonard Budahn; sister-in-law, Diane Billings; and nieces, Cindy Justman and Roxanne Lanser and nephew, William Budahn.    Visitation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church.   A funeral service for Ardis will take place at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. Interment will be held at St. Petri Cemetery in the Township of Theresa. Masks are optional.   Memorials may be directed to St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family for online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com

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John W. Berkevich

John W. Berkevich


   John W. Berkevich, 80, of Beaver Dam, died peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.   John William Berkevich was born on December 11, 1940, in Chicago, IL, to John and Valeria (Bartus) Berkevich.   He was united in marriage with Mary Margaret Kolstad on September 10, 1960, in Fond du Lac.   John worked as a building and repair technician at John Deere in Horicon for 31 years, retiring in December of 1995.   He was heavily involved with Boy Scouts for many years, where he was a Weblow Leader, Cub Master, and Assistant Scout Master.   In retirement, John taught drivers ed for about six years. He enjoyed wood working, hunting and fishing. John was also an avid Packers and Brewers fan.   John will be missed by his five sons, Bill of Westfield, Mike (Karen) of Beaver Dam, Jim (Monette) of Lakefield, MN, Dan (Barb) of Burnett, and David (Renee) of Rio; daughter-in-law, Pam Berkevich of Sun Prairie; 16 grandchildren, Megan (Josh) McAusland of Sun Prairie, Ashley (Scott) Behringer of Oshkosh, Emily (Steve) Bast of Sun Prairie, John (Katie) of Friesland, Joe of Stevens Point, Jenny (Paul) Walz of Columbus, Bob (Shelly) of Columbus, Laura (Dan) Schultz of Reeseville, Amanda (Ben) Zechser of Clyman, James Jr. (Christine) of Watertown, Thomas (Krystle Arriens) of Beaver Dam, Christopher (Emily) of Beaver Dam, Jessica (Joe) Kern of Beaver Dam, Jenna (Josh Corson) of Juneau, Brianna (Cody) Patel of Wesley Chapel, FL, and Jacob of Columbus; 20 great grandchildren; sisters, Ann Wallender of N. Fond du Lac, and Kathy (David) Inks of Waupun; in-laws, Barbara Nett of Fond du Lac, Dave (Rose) Kolstad of Fond du Lac, Sue (Ron) Kolb of Plattsmouth, NE, Steve (Nancy) Kolstad of Fond du Lac, and Kate Kolstad of Sun Prairie; his loyal companion, Gunner; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 2014; a sister, Margaret (Lee) Raven; and brother-in-law, Emil Wallender.   The memorial gathering will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Friday, Oct. 8, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.   The memorial service will follow at the funeral home on Friday at 6 p.m. Fr. Will Arnold officiating.   The family would like to thank Hillside Hospice for there dedication and compassion that was shown to John these last months.   Memorials may be made in John W. Berkevich’s name to Hillside Hospice.   The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com.

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Gerald A. Weiss

Gerald A. Weiss


   Gerald A. Weiss, 87, of Mayville passed away on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Mayville.   Gerald was born the son of Albert and Leona (Villwock) Weiss on October 5, 1933.   He was graduate of Mayville High School.   He was married to Shirley Wiersma and had two sons and then later to Elizabeth Strupp.   Gerald had worked as a dairy farmer and then retired from Metalcraft of Mayville.   He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Browns Corner.   In his spare time, Gerald enjoyed playing cards and wood working. He also loved being in the outdoors and liked bird watching, hunting, and gardening. He loved his family and spending time with them especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   Gerald is survived by his sons, Gordon (CeCe Eggers) Weiss of Mayville and Gary (Janet Fata) Weiss of Neosho; his grandchildren, Ashley (Devin) Wirtz of Wausau, Jared (Brenda) Weiss of Denver, CO, Jenny (Joe Keller) Weiss of Oshkosh, Michael Eggers of Beaver Dam, Melanie (T.J.) Cornell of Oakfield, and Savannah Eggers of Oakfield; his great-grandchildren, Tenley Wirtz, Kiptyn Wirtz, Allie Keller, and Mace Eggers; further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and brother, Earl Weiss; and sister, Phyllis Bogenschneider.   Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville on Friday, Oct. 8.   A funeral service for Gerald will be held on Friday, Oct. 8, at 12:30 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville with the Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. Inurnment will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville.   Special thanks to the staff of Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Mayville and Generations Hospice for the care and support shown to Gerald and his family.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com
03 September 2021

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David Lee Strassman

David Lee Strassman


 David L. “Donald Duck” Strassman, 73, of Brownsville passed away on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021 at his home.   David was born the son of Alvin and Cyrena (Wetzel) Strassman on May 31, 1948, in Fond du Lac.   He was married to Grace E. Gerth on August 25, 1973, at St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Knowles.   David was a veteran of the U.S. Army during Vietnam and was a member of the Lomira American Legion Post #347. David was a member of St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Knowles. He was a member of the Knowles Fire Department and a member of The Rat Club. Donald Duck was a longtime truck driver.   David is survived by his wife, Grace; his children, Brian (Anne) Steger of St. Lawrence and Paul (Julie) Strassman of Brownsville; his brothers, Art Strassman of Texas and Neil (Claudia) Strassman of St. Killian; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Allan, Roger, and Gordon; brother-in-law, David Gerth; sister-in-law, Carol Prost; two nephews, Randy and Allan Strassman.   A memorial gathering will be held at St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Knowles on Friday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1 p.m. Rev. Matthew Kuske will officiate. Inurnment will take place at St. Luke’s Cemetery in Knowles with graveside military honors conducted by the Lomira American Legion Post #347.   The Strassman family would like to thank Agnesian Hospice especially Amanda for their care and support.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.