05 January 2021

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Russell A. Fleischer

Russell A. Fleischer


Russell A. Fleischer, 71, of Mayville passed away on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, at his home in Mayville. Russ was born the son of Gerald and Charlotte (Olson) Fleischer on June 12, 1949, in Milwaukee. He was united in marriage to Margaret Walczak on April 3, 1971, in Mayville. Russ was employed at Ru-Mar Manufacturing in Mayville. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, boating, gambling, Wisconsin sports, and WWE wrestling. Russ also cherished the time spent with family. Russ is survived by his wife, Margaret of Mayville; his daughters, Tami (George) Jacob of Lomira, Tricia Ballbach of Fox Lake, and Melissa (Ali) Kamberi of Prairie du Chien; his siblings, Dennis (Mari) Fleischer of Horicon and Christine Stortz of West Bend; his nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; further survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joel; sister, Jeri Ziegler; and great-grandson, Hunter. No formal services will be held. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com

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Margaret Pauline Feucht

Margaret Pauline Feucht


Margaret Pauline Feucht, 94, of LeRoy passed away on December 30, 2020, at Hope Senior Living in Lomira. She was born on July 24, 1926, the daughter of George and Agnes (Bauer) Feucht in LeRoy, the youngest of seven children. Margaret moved to Pomona, CA in the mid 50s. She worked as an optometric assistant for Drs. Jack and James Worden. In 1974, she was named Pomona California Business and Professional Woman of the Year. Following her retirement, she worked several part time jobs, one of her favorites was working for Mrs. See’s candy, and she was often told she looked just like Mrs. Sees. Margaret returned to Mayville, WI, in 2011, to be closer to family. Margaret was an avid crafter; she especially enjoyed knitting, sewing and crocheting. She was the family historian. In recent years her short term memory waivered, but she recalled with great detail her memories of the depression, war years and the Feucht family life of her youth. Margaret is survived by her sister, Isabelle Guse of Lomira, and many nieces and nephews who will miss her greatly. She was preceded in death by her brothers, August (Lorene), Alex (Vernie), Albert (Agnes), Norman (Florence), Gilbert (Florence); and her brother-in-law, Erwin Guse. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Jan. 8, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville with the Rev. Tom Biersack presiding. The family would like to thank Hope Senior Living of Lomira for the care and compassion they gave Margaret the past few years. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www. koepsellfh.com.

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Marianne (Ingles) Brown

Marianne (Ingles) Brown


Marianne (Ingles) Brown, 81, of Pahrump, NV, formerly of Horicon, passed away from complications of COVID 19 on November 25, 2020. Marianne was born on June 1, 1939, in Bushnell, IL, the first-born child of William and Marian Ingles (Swanson). The Ingles family moved to Horicon in 1952 and Marianne graduated from Horicon High School in 1957. She married Donald Blodgett in 1958 and the couple had two children, Debra and Mark. Donald predeceased her in 1989. She later married Wilson Brown and he predeceased her in 2006. Marianne worked as a business professional her entire life and was very accomplished in many aspects of office management and sales. She retired in 2015. Marianne had a great passion for writing and was also a talented cook. She also loved to camp, read, sew, knit and spend quality time with her family. Marianne is survived by her daughter, Debra Bumgarner of North Las Vegas, NV; grandson, Alex Finn; sister, Monilou Carter of Half Moon Bay, CA; sister, Barbara Teekle of Delhi, CA; and brother, John Ingles of Lowry City, MO. She was predeceased by her parents; son, Mark; her two husbands; and her brothers, Dr. Jerry Ingles and James Ingles. The family is planning a memorial service at a later date.

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Craig A. Batzler

Craig A. Batzler


Craig A. Batzler, 60, of Lomira was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at his home. He was born on May 19, 1960, to Hillary and Joy (Riffel) Batzler in West Bend. Craig worked for Mayville Engineering for 25 years until he retired in 2019. On March 19, 2010, he was united in marriage to Tabetha Schneider in Lomira and were together for 25 years. Craig was a big Green Bay Packer fan as well as the Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him. Those Craig leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Tabetha Batzler; three children, Heather (Henrique) Hilgenberg, Anthony (Rachel) Batzler, and Sarah (Charles) Bock; a step-son, Steven (Miranda) Neuy; 13 grandchildren, Elizabeth Hilgenberg, Evelyn Hilgenberg, Leonardo Hilgenberg, Emily Hilgenberg; James Batzler, Nathan Batzler, Olivia Bock, Paige Bock, Edwin Bock, and baby Hilgenberg coming this June; four step-grandchildren, Damien Kenowski, Danton Kenowski, Athena Neuy, and Gwendolyn Neuy; a sister, Debby Lewis; two brothers, Steven Batzler and Clayton Batzler; sister-in-law, Whisper Batzler; many nieces nephews, other relatives and friends In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Darryl Batzler; and brother-in-law, Jim Lewis. A private service will be held. 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. Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Craig’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
30 December 2020

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DeLoris VanderVelde

DeLoris VanderVelde


DeLoris (Dee) Madelyn Schwantes VanderVelde died of Covid at age 100 years, 11 months Friday, December 18, 2020. She was born to Arthur and Alma (Rohde) Schwantes at Rushy Glen farm in Juneau on January 25, 1920 during a blizzard. Dee always prized education. At age four, Dee convinced her parents and ultimately the school board, to allow her to attend school early, along with her older sister at the nearby one-room school, Riverview School. Dee eventually became the teacher there at age 17. She was the first in her family to graduate from high school, riding her bicycle along country roads the five miles to Horicon High School. She then attained her teacher’s license from Dodge County Normal and UW-Oshkosh. She eventually earned a master’s degree (UW-Madison) in reading. All in all, Dee taught in Wisconsin schools for almost 50 years in Dodge County, Monona, Madison, and McFarland. She found innovative ways to reach struggling and reluctant students. She made friends and visited teachers in Wales. In her 60s, Dee became the reading and GED instructor at Taycheedah and Fox Lake Correctional Institutions. At 17, Dee met her future husband, Harry VanderVelde. They were engaged before he enlisted in the Army in WWII. While Harry was stationed in the Pacific, Dee taught school and they corresponded daily for years. After the war, they married and settled in Monona where they worked hard and raised two daughters. Dee always dedicated herself toward improving communities and institutions where she lived. In the 1950s, Dee co-founded one of the first nursery schools in the Madison area, the Monona Grove Nursery School, which still serves children today. She saved trees along Monona Drive and preserved land from unnecessary development. She was a founding member of Lake Edge United Church of Christ in Madison. In the 1970s, she opposed the Vietnam War and in the 2010s protested changes that would harm Wisconsin’s education system. In the 1980s she served as a senior intern for Democratic Congressman Robert Kastenmeyer, living in Washington, D.C. As a reading teacher at Taycheedah, she initiated a program that allowed inmates to qualify for drivers’ licenses, so they would gain that skill on their parole. Even in retirement, Dee continued to develop a reading pedagogy and materials with the intention of reaching developing readers at Nichols School. She made sure that she voted in the last election. She travelled widely, exploring the U.S, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Dee had a creative side and she loved to dance. She designed and built two homes in Monona. She enjoyed fashioning original holiday decorations for her home, which Harry would help her execute. Every year, she invented Easter Egg hunts with rhyming clues for her children. She enthusiastically designed her flower beds and sought out new varieties of blooming plants. She wrote short stories. Dee was a loyal friend and a devoted mother. She followed closely the lives of each child, grandchild and greatgrandchild and delighted in their development. In later life, she found sustenance from monthly gatherings with Lake Edge friends to study the teachings of Jesus. Dee is survived by her daughters, Lea VanderVelde (Johannes Ledolter) and Lori VanderVelde (Geoffrey Herbon); her grandsons, Keenan Herbon (Goldy), Will Herbon (Allison Kirby), Thomas Ledolter and Jeffrey Ledolter; and her great-grandchildren, Jack Herbon, Bodhi Herbon and Ryo Herbon as well as several close relatives. Dee is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Harry; granddaughter, Sarah Helena Ledolter; and sister, Pearl Vellema. She will be buried beside her husband in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree or donating to the Nature Conservancy or to Monona Grove Nursery School, 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53716. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.

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Lester Unferth

Lester Unferth


Lester George Unferth, 97, from the Town of Lomira, went home to the Lord on December 26, 2020, from Hope Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lomira. Lester was born June 2, 1923, to the late Arthur and Irene (Fritz) Unferth. He attended Lomira area schools, graduating from high school in 1941. He was the fourth generation to run the family farm which his great-grandfather, Frederick Unferth, established in 1869. In 1969, the homestead dairy farm was named a Century Farm at the Wisconsin State Fair. Lester was active in Associated Milk Producers Incorporated and the South Byron Grange. After selling his dairy herd, he continued crop farming and had more time to enjoy other interests like traveling; attending shows at the Fireside Dinner Theater, where he was a season ticket holder for over 20 years; and making occasional trips to casinos. Lester was a selfless, active, and outgoing member of the community involved in a number of organizations. Lester practiced his faith as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served on the Ebenezer Cemetery board in Lomira Township. He was involved with the Lomira Lions Club and Lomira High School FFA alumni helping with the annual brat fry and chicken barbecue among other events. Since 2003, the Lester and Arlene Unferth Scholarship has been awarded to a Lomira High School graduating senior intending to study an agriculture-related field, and Lester enjoyed selecting the recipient each year. In 2011, he was awarded Lomira Citizen of the Year for community involvement. In addition to these organizations, Lester enjoyed bowling in leagues and golfing until the spry age of 95! Lester was especially proud when inducted into the Fond du Lac Bowling Hall of Fame in 2013, based on both his 27 years of service as league secretary for the Brownsville Senior Leagues and his instrumental role in getting the leagues sanctioned with Fond du Lac USBC. Lester loved being at and talking about all things related to the farm, visiting family, driving cars for Ernie von Schledorn, talking about local history, having a well-cooked meal, and stopping at Gilles or Culvers for a sweet treat. Those he leaves behind include his three daughters, Vickie (Boris Pritychenko) Unferth, Julie (Jeff) Richter, and Debra Unferth; three grandchildren Craig Richter, Kelsi (Chris) Kaczmarek, and Carly (Joe) Mattson; and two great-grandchildren, Rhett and Clare Mattson. Lester also leaves behind many bowling and golfing buddies, cousins, nieces and nephews, and special friend, Kathy Mintner. Lester is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Arlene (Marquart) Unferth. The family will be having a private memorial service due to current circumstances. An event to honor Lester’s life will be held at a later time. Condolences may be shared online or mailed to the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home (1315 W Washington St., West Bend, WI 53095). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Lomira in Lester's name. The Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home in Lomira has been entrusted with Lester's arrangements.

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Patricia M. Sabel

Patricia M. Sabel


Patricia M. (Dauer) Sabel, 88, passed away on December 21, 2020, at Hope Health and Rehab in Lomira after contracting Covid-19. Pat was born the daughter of George and Mary Dauer on May 21, 1932, in Milwaukee. She graduated from Messmer High School and received her nursing degree from Alverno College. On September 8, 1956, Pat was united in marriage to Raymond G. Sabel. Pat and Ray retired to their summer home in Winneconne in 1989. Pat was a volunteer at Fr. Carr’s Place 2B in Oshkosh for many years until 2017 when she could no longer. Patricia is survived by her children, Thomas (Diane), of Elmhurst, IL, Lisa (Dale) of LeRoy, and Susan of Park Ridge, IL; five grandchildren, Greg, Dante (Jaime), Amanda (Nate), Ashley (Ryan), and Steven; two great-grandsons, Jase and Jaxon; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceding Pat in death were her parents; her husband; two sisters; a brother-in-law; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law. A funeral Mass was held on Saturday, Dec. 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Dr., Winneconne, with Fr. Tom Long and Sr. Pam Biehl officiating. Burial followed in the Winneconne Cemetery. Due to Covid-19, there was no visitation or luncheon. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne assisted the family with arrangements. Memorials in Pat’s name may be directed to Fr. Carr’s Place 2B in Oshkosh. Thank you to the staff of Hope Health and Rehab for Mom’s care. A special thank you to her roommate and special friend, Sharon Germain, for her loving care of Mom all these months, especially during COVID. If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net. Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne, WI 920-582-4242

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Charles A. Mola

Charles A. Mola


Charles A. Mola, age 80, of Hancock, died Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, at his daughter’s home outside of Juneau. Charlie was born on January 18, 1940, in East Chicago, IN, to James and Victoria (Fliter) Mola. He was united in marriage with Karen Nagel on June 9, 1962, in East Chicago, IN. They moved to Wisconsin in 1969 and he went to work at John Deere Horicon Works. Charlie worked there for 31 years, retiring on November 1, 2000. But he couldn’t be idle so he and Karen became the manager and head of maintenance of the American Mobile Home Community for over 10 years. Charlie enjoyed shooting in trap league and in various trap tournaments and shooting pool and earned many trophies in both sports. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting and tinkering around in his garage. He spent the last 10 years at his second home in Adams County...his favorite place to be ...peaceful, quiet, and simple Survivors include his two daughters, Shelley Simich of Beaver Dam and Debra (Phillip) Buss of Juneau; four grandchildren, Jacob and Aaron Simich, Chelsea Plummer, and Charlie Mola, IL; two great-grandchildren, Caydn Thompson and Phoebe Simich; his brother, Mike (Rose) Mola of Idaho; other relatives and friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Karen; two sons, Charlie Mola, II and Thomas Mola; and his grandson, Corey Mola. Due to Covid-19, the visitation and service for Charlie will be private. Burial will be at Colburn Leola Cemetery near Hancock The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com

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James D. Kukuk

James D. Kukuk


James D. Kukuk, 81, of Janesville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Monroe Health Services Assisted Living Facility. He was born on May 9, 1939 in Horicon; the son of Wallace and Gladys (Redetzke) Kukuk. James graduated from Horicon High School as the salutatorian of the class of 1957 and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962, with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 1961, Jim married Mary (Zuleger) Kukuk at Zion Lutheran Church in Horicon. He worked his entire 38-year professional career with the Parker Pen Company, retiring in 1999. Jim was an avid fisherman and hunter, spending most of his growing up years at the Horicon Marsh. He was a lifelong member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and ASME. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Janesville; children, Scott (Lori) of Milton, Beth Kaphing of Grand Rapids, MI, and Pam (Jeff) Teddleton of Morgan Hill, CA. He is also survived by his seven7 granddaughters, Emily, Katie, Sara, Rachel, Morgan, Caitlin, and Hannah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Gladys; his brother, Wally and sister-in-law, Jeanne; and in-laws, Gilbert and Bernice Zuleger. Per Mr. Kukuk’s wishes, no visitation or service will be held. Jim’s family would like to thank Agrace Hospice and the many wonderful staff at Monroe Health Services Assisted Living Facility. Your care and kindness were truly appreciated. Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting his family.

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