04 March 2024

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Gloria S. Rodenkirch

Gloria S. Rodenkirch


Gloria S. Rodenkirch
(nee Schaefer)
 passed peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the age of 83, with her family by her side. She was born in West Bend and grew up in Kewaskum. She is the daughter of the late Reuben and Gertrude (nee Regal) Schaefer. Gloria graduated from Kewaskum High School in 1958 and married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Mark A. Rodenkirch, on Valentine’s Day, February 14,1961. They recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Together they raised five children. She worked several part time jobs, including Regal Ware, Schroeder’s Jewelry, Honeck Chevrolet, Behnke Insurance, Remax, before becoming a full-time realtor at Hometown Realty and Coldwell Banker. Gloria spent countless hours volunteering at Kathy Hospice and the West Bend Clinic, and visited with recently diagnosed breast cancer patients. She and Mark spent many years remodeling an old farmhouse; and in 1976, their home was part of the Kewaskum Junior’s Women’s Club Tour of Homes. In retirement, Mark and Gloria moved full time to their lake house on Green Lake near West Bend. They enjoyed traveling the country; her favorites being the East Coast and Door County. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends, and all her new great-grandchildren in her later years. She loved her lake life at “Sunset Beach” and enjoyed spending time tending to her gardens and looked forward to her evening pontoon rides. Gloria is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Mark; her children, Todd (Maria) Rodenkirch, Lisa (Tony) Champagne, Renee (Dan) Kaehler, Michele (Pete) Wiedmeyer, and Mark Rodenkirch. She was the cherished grandmother of Matt (Rachael) Rodenkirch, Marissa (Maxwell) Jones, Alex Witke, Dominic Champagne, Heather (Kristian) Ring, Michael (Becki) Champagne, Brett (Angie) Kaehler, Cassie (Matt) Nolan, Zach (Hailey) Kaehler, Tricia (Shane) Schutz, and Ashley (Darren) Vandenberg. She was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren: Mason and Jaxson Kaehler, Kayler Nolan, Hudson and Sawyer Kaehler, Kellan, Beckett and Decker Schutz, Bryce and Levi Vandenberg, Sam Jones, Nolan and Layla Champagne, and Mia Saucedo and Olivia Ring. She is further survived by her sister, Donna (Frank) Stoffel; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Dave Weber, Russ (Dolly) Rodenkirch, Norman (Sheila) Rodenkirch and Margaret (Bob) Lyons; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; her mother and father in-law, Wallace and Marjorie Rodenkirch; and her dear sister, Dianne Weber. It was Gloria’s wish to have a simple private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gloria’s name to the Kewaskum Food Bank would be appreciated. Special thanks to Dr. Mooney, at The Kraemer Cancer Center, and the caring staff at Froedtert West Bend Hospital. 
The Phillip Funeral Home is serving the family, 262-338-2050 / www.phillipfuneralhome.com
01 March 2024

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Sally Lynn Toellner (Buhalag)

Sally Lynn Toellner (Buhalag)


   Sally Lynn Toellner, 77, a longtime resident of Mayville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday Feb. 28, 2024, at the Hospice Home for Hope in Fond du Lac.   She was born in Fond du Lac on August 18, 1946, to Florence (Lindert) and Otto Buhalag. She graduated from Mayville High School in 1964. After graduation, she moved to Madison and worked for the DMV for two years.   Moving back to Mayville, she married Donald Toellner on April 28, 1967. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked for nearly 25 years at TAB Products, later for Infinity Plastics, and lastly for Metalcraft of Mayville.   She loved cooking and baking, sewing and many different crafts.    She is survived by her sister, Wendy Giese; daughter, Michelle Toellner (Corey); Michelle’s daughters, Marissa (Joe) Baum and Shelby Toellner (Logan); and great-grandchildren, Malachi and Elijah Baum, and Laken Becker, along with Michael’s son, Jesse Toellner. Sally was also blessed with a loving relationship with her extended family, Ken, David (Fred), and Rick Toellner, Sue Krentz, and Jesse’s family, Kurt and Tina Schrab, Nikolas Giese, and Norma Bell.   Sally was preceeded in death by her parents: father, Otto, in 1983; and mother, Florence, in 1999; husband, Donald, in 1999; and son, Michael in 2019.    A funeral service for Sally took place on Tuesday, March 5, at 1 p.m. at Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville with Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiating. A visitation was held prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. A private family inurnment took place at St. John’s Cemetery in Mayville at a later date.   Special thanks to the staff of the Hospice Home for Hope in Fond du Lac for the excellent care and support shown to Sally and her family.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com
28 February 2024

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Elton O. Kirchner

Elton O. Kirchner


Elton “Ellie” O. Kirchner of Kewaskum passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024 with his family at his side at the age of 89. He was born June 13, 1934, in the Town of Kewaskum, the son of the late Oscar and Alma (Ramel) Kirchner. He was baptized on July 1, 1934, and a current member of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Bend. Elton grew up on the family farm and honorably served on active duty with the Army of the United States from December 1, 1954, to November 29, 1956, in Germany during the Korean Conflict years. Upon his arrival home, he was united in marriage to Beverly Schubert on December 27, 1957, and settled in the Town of Kewaskum, where he raised his three loving children. Elton was the owner and operator of Elton Kirchner’s Excavating Service from 1964 to the mid-1970s before becoming the owner and sole proprietor of Ellie’s Sanitation Septic Tank Service until his retirement. Elton enjoyed working with the many people in the community and will be fondly remembered by friends and families he served in the community. Entering retirement, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren, and looked forward to the times spent at the cabin, where he enjoyed the “silence and solitude” of nature and its simple living. His yearly cabin calendars chronically archived the many memories and adventures of his times spent at the cabin with the family to be shared years after his passing. These moments truly uplifted his soul. Those Ellie leaves behind to cherish his memory include two sons, Mark Kirchner and Russ Kirchner; daughter, Sandra Kirchner, all of Kewaskum; three beautiful and loving granddaughters Makinley, Harper, and Paige Kirchner, all from Kewaskum. He is further survived by other relatives. In addition to his parents, Elton was preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly, of 65 years on May 26, 2023; and by three brothers, Marvin (Lila) Kirchner, Orin (Lorinda) Kirchner, Wilton (Patsy) Kirchner; and two sisters, Arline (Leonard) Brown and Laverne (Roman) Laubenstein. Ellie’s family welcomes immediate relatives and friends to celebrate his life on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Phillip Funeral Home, 1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend. A private Funeral Service for Ellie will be held on Tuesday, March 5, at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church, West Bend, with Rev. Robert Hein officiating. Private entombment will be at Washington County Memorial Park with Military Honors. In memory of Dad’s love of nature and God’s amazing grace, donations can be made to the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the friends, neighbors, relatives and healthcare staff who comforted Ellie in his final hours. A very heartfelt thank you to the staff of Kettle Moraine Gardens in Kewaskum and Preceptor Hospice. We appreciate all of the love, support, and care you generously gave to our Dad in his final months. “How beautiful the leaves grow old. How full of light and color are the last days.” – John Burroughs. The Phillip Funeral Home is serving the family, 262-338-2050 / www.phillipfuneralhome.com

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Mary Louise Pennington

Mary Louise Pennington


Mary Louise Pennington, age 61 of Appleton, peacefully let go of life Sunday, February 25, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Mary was born July 29, 1962 in Fond du Lac to Earl and Shirley (Serwe) Pennington of Campbellsport. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Shirley Pennington; brothers, Michael of Florida and Scott of Campbellsport; sisters, Jane Freeman of Brandon and Sharon Pennington of Ripon; and nephew, Jeramy Pennington of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Mary is survived by daughters, Christina (Joel) Raduenz of Green Bay and Theresa (Jason) Lienhard; and grandson, Gavin of Appleton; brothers, Mark (Christina) Pennington of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Leslie “Chet” (Rochelle) Pennington of West Bend; and sisters, Jeannie (Gary) Heller of Fond du Lac and Debra Pennington of San Antonio, Florida. Mary leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-niece and nephew, along with many friends and the children she so lovingly cared for throughout her life. Mary’s smile was contagious with a heart big enough to love everyone in her life as though they were her own. Mary danced through life with arms full of cookies and songs in her heart full of joy and strength. Mary was a loving and dedicated caretaker to many children and families over the years, her passion was to see them flourish and grow. A “Celebration of Life” will be held March 6, 2024, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Wichmann Funeral Home (537 North Superior Road, Appleton, WI 54911, 920-739-1231). In lieu of flowers, Mary’s family asks to make a donation to Pillars Adult and Family Shelter in Appleton by visiting www.pillarsinc.org and clicking the “donate” button.
27 February 2024

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Gladys B. Miller

Gladys B. Miller


   Gladys B. Miller, 91, of Mayville passed away peace­fully on Sun­day, Feb. 25, 2024, at Cedar Com­mu­ni­ties in West Bend.    Gladys was born the daugh­ter of George and Adela (Giese) Franke on Jan­u­ary 28, 1933.   She was united in mar­riage to Lyle Miller on May 16, 1953, at Zum Krip­plein Christi Lutheran Church in Town Her­man.   Gladys worked var­i­ous jobs over the years, such as the Mayville Fur­ni­ture Fac­tory for over 18 years and re­tired from Net­tie’s Jew­elry in Mayville. Gladys was the past trea­surer of the VFW Aux­il­iary in Mayville. She was an ac­tive mem­ber of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville. Gladys served her church on the Altar Guild and was a mem­ber of the quil­ter’s group. In her spare time, she en­joyed gam­ing trips and trips up north with her fam­ily and friends.    Gladys is sur­vived her daugh­ters, Bar­bara (Steven) John­son of Wood­inville, WA, and Susan Giese of Slinger; her brother, Mar­vin (Dar­lene) Franke of Mayville; sis­ter-in-law, Betty Miller of Mayville; her grand­chil­dren, Mason (Amanda) Giese, Kris (An­drea) Giese, Kyle John­son, and Blake John­son; her great-grand­chil­dren, Brett and Jaed­lyn; her great-great-grand­daugh­ter, Everly; fur­ther sur­vived by nieces, nephews, other rel­a­tives, and many friends.   She was pre­ceded in death by her par­ents; her hus­band, Lyle; and her sis­ters and broth­ers.   A fu­neral ser­vice for Gladys will take place on Fri­day, March 1, at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cut­ler of­fi­ci­at­ing. A vis­i­ta­tion will be held on Fri­day, March 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church. In­ter­ment will take place at St. John’s Ceme­tery in Mayville.   Spe­cial thanks to the staff of Cedar Com­mu­nity in West Bend and Com­mon­heart Hos­pice for the care and sup­port shown to Gladys and her fam­ily.   Koepsell Fu­neral Home in Mayville is serv­ing the fam­ily. www.​KoepsellFH.​com
26 February 2024

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Carol Mae Koth

Carol Mae Koth


Carol Mae Koth (nee Schmidt), 90, went to her Heavenly home to be with her Savior on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Hamilton House Assisted Living in Cedarburg. Carol was born on July 11, 1933, in the Town of Mitchell, to the late Otto and Erma Schmidt (nee Wittenberg). She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dundee. She graduated from Kewaskum High School in 1951 and there met the love of her life, Kenneth Koth. She married her high school sweetheart in 1954 and recently celebrated 69 years of marriage. They were blessed with two children, a daughter, Shary; a son, Terry; and an infant son, Timothy, who passed away at birth. Carol had several jobs during her lifetime, some being Browns Floral, Amity Leather, and the General Antique Store in Kewaskum where she enjoyed meeting new people. Carol had a passion for baking special recipes, traveling, watching the Brewers and Green Bay Packers and making fun road trips to Shawano. Carol’s number one priority was always her family. Her favorite times were spent shopping with her daughter and granddaughters and cheering on her son and grandchildren at all their athletic events. Those left to cherish Carol’s memory include her husband, Kenneth Koth; daughter, Shary (John) Witte; son, Terry (Lori) Koth; grandchildren, Kali (Chris) West, Kyle (Corrine) Witte, Taylor (Andrea) Koth, and Morgan (Paul) Fitzgerald; great-grandchildren, Kierstyn, Kenlyn, Karyss West, Landon and Skylar Witte, Brooklyn and Madison Koth; sister, Phyllis Narges, sisters-in-law, Lois, Gayl, and Joyce Schmidt; nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and infant son, Carol is preceded in death by her sister, Sylvia Burke; brothers, Mike, Eugene, Jerome, and Elmer Schmidt; sisters in-law, Lillie Schmidt and Shirley Koth; step-sisters-in-law, Ruth Ramel and Shirley Birkholz; brothers-in-law, Ralph Koth and Howard Narges. VISITATION: Carol’s family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m., at St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1417 Parkview Drive, Kewaskum. MEMORIAL SERVICE: A memorial service for Carol will follow visitation at 3 p.m. with Pastor Timothy Henning officiating. Carol will be laid to rest at nearby Lutheran Memorial Park in Kewaskum following the service. A light dinner at St. Lucas Lutheran School will then be provided. Memorials in honor of Carol can be directed to St. Lucas Lutheran Church and Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Carol’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

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Fredric A. Seefeldt

Fredric A. Seefeldt


Fredric “Fred” A. Seefeldt, 85, of West Bend passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2024, surrounded with the love and presence of his family. He was born on April 27, 1938, to the late Alfred and Margaret (nee Diesner) Seefeldt in Kewaskum. Fred had a big heart, keen mind, and strong faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior. He had the gift of hospitality. No one remained a stranger to him for very long. In health and in sickness, he never stopped planning projects, be they for home, church, cottage, or farm. He was a man of integrity in whom many people confided and sought advice. He was a proud member of the 1960 class of Lakeland University and dedicated twenty years of service on its Board of Trustees. Finding the hobby of collecting and refurbishing antique tractors brought excitement to his retirement. Everyone knows he was a fascinating storyteller. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his true pride and joy and he loved spending time with them. Those Fred leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 41 years, Barbara Gumm-Seefeldt; three children, Mark (Christine) Gumm, Rachel Gumm, and Mary (Russell) Demmon; four grandchildren, Eric (Abby) Gumm, Amanda (Tristan) Brown, Kaitlin Demmon, and Hunter (Savannah) Demmon; three great-grandchildren, Claire and Ava Gumm, and Hadley Demmon; a sister, Mariel (Warren) Heinke; sister-in-law, Karen Bass; the Andrew Gumm and Paul Gumm families, several nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Aldwin Seefeldt. VISITATION: Fred’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 501 Walnut St., West Bend. SERVICE: A funeral service will follow the visitation at the church at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Lutheran Memorial Park Cemetery in Kewaskum. The family would like to thank the staff at the Aurora Grafton Hospital, Cedar Lake Community and Common Heart Hospice for the passionate care of Fred and his family. It is respectfully requested that, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Immanuel United Church of Christ, or Joyful Journeys, Inc. for House Pastors in Madhavapatnam, India, or Cedar Community of West Bend. Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Fred’s arrangements. Additional information and Tribute Wall may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com. The love of Fred we have enjoyed deeply we can never lose. He has become a part of us forever. Thanks be to God!

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Marian L. White

Marian L. White


Marian L. White (nee Backhaus), 95, of the Town of Scott, entered eternal life on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Gables on the Pond in Random Lake. Marian was born on December 6, 1928, the daughter of the late Arno and Elda (nee Ramel) Backhaus. Marian was united in marriage to Douglas D. “Doug” White on October 15, 1949. Doug preceded Marian in death on October 16, 2016. Marian was a hard worker. She was a weekday farmer, milking cows and doing anything else that needed to be done. She was a great cook; she made the best baked goods. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in the town of Scott where she taught Sunday School for 20 years, served and was a member the Ladies Guild, and was in the choir for 50 years. Marian worked until she was 83 years old at the cheese factory in Beechwood. Marian enjoyed bowling and bowled for over 30 years. Those Marian leaves behind to cherish her memory include her loving children, Susan (James) Buechel of Kewaskum, Karen (John) Norman of Cedarburg and Randal (Jackie) White of Texas; a daughter-in-law, Jean White; 11 grandchildren, Douglas (Kathy) Buechel of Kewaskum, Jeffrey (Melissa) Buechel of Kewaskum, Melissa (Colin) Choby of West Bend, Angela White (fiancé, Matt Newman) of Port Washington, Rachel (Dan) Madsen of Menomonee Falls, Kathryn (Aaron) Fields of Grafton, Jack Norman of Cedarburg, Evan (Melanie) White of West Bend, Christopher White of West Bend, Sean White of Wausau, and Samantha White of Texas; thirteen great-grandchildren, Bradley and Matthew Buechel, Maddie, Kendall, Isabella and Charlotte Choby, Keagan, Finley and Piper Madsen, Penelope White, Emma and Brooks White, and Delilah Fields; a sister, Doris Frost; sister-in-law, Lyla Lee Backhaus; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Marian was preceded in death by four children at birth, Robin, Christina, Bruce, and Shawn White; a son, Daniel White; a great-grandchild, Emery Fields; parents-in-law, Gordon and Clara White; sisters, Margaret (Harold) Langkabel, Mildred (Arthur) Gerpoltz, and Mavis (Norbert) Zitzelsberger; brothers, Robert Backhaus and Carl Backhaus; a sister-in-law, Sharon Lynch; two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Frost and Donald Lynch; other nieces and nephews. VISITATION: Marian’s family will greet relatives and friends at Immanuel Lutheran Church, (W8497 Brazelton Dr., Random Lake) in the Town of Scott, on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. SERVICE: A service for Marian will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Brian Krueger officiating. Memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church is appreciated. The family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Gables on the Pond in Random Lake “The best place to be” and “I put myself here”- Marian The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Marian’s arrangements. Additional information and guestbook may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

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Gerald M. Kreckow

Gerald M. Kreckow


   Gerald M. Kreckow, 86, of Waupun, formerly of Horicon, passed away on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at the Waupun Christian Home in Waupun.   Gerald was born the son of Orin and Ruth (Miller) Kreckow in Horicon on April 9, 1937.   He was a 1955 graduate of Horicon High School and then went on to serve his country honorably in the US Army, serving in the 101st Air Born Division in Fort Campbell, KY, and through the Pacific.   After the Army, Gerald worked for Gardner Manufacturing in Horicon and retired after 45 years.   Gerald was also a talented taxidermist.   He was a longtime member of St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon. Gerald was also a life long member of the Horicon American Legion Post #157.   Gerald is survived by his son, Derek (Cindy) Kreckow of Columbus; grandchildren, Ashley (Shawn) Sinotte of Lomira and Amber (Travis) Basler of Waupun; great-grandchildren, Briella and Savanna. Further survived by other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; and step-sister, Marlene Rupnow.   A private family funeral will take place at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon and burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors to be conducted by the Horicon American Legion Post #157.   Memorial may be directed to the Dodge County Humane Society.   Special thanks to SSM Hospice and the staff of the Christian Home in Waupun for the care shown to Gerald and his family.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com