Obituary Category: Beaver Dam

Tina L. Breckenridge, 59, of Beaver Dam passed away suddenly on Monday, December 9, 2024 at her home.

Tina was born on October 6, 1965 the daughter of Gary and Lorraine Moody in Wisconsin.

In 1992, Tina and William Breckenridge were united in marriage on Christmas Eve in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  Tina was a loving wife and mother and enjoyed taking care of her family.  She also was the creator of the YouTube cooking channel “Teaser Pleasers”.  This passion evolved into a career that brought comfort, creativity and a connection to many inspired viewers.

Tina will be deeply missed by her husband Bill; her children: Nikkita Breckenridge (Elizabeth Hopkins) Nikko Breckenridge (Julia Ochoa), Nathan Krenz and Nicole Krenz; seven grandchildren; and her brother Timothy Moody.  She is further survived by her canine companion Somo and her cats: Leo, Kalie and Khaleesi.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her best friend Wanda.

It was Tina’s wish for cremation and no formal services will take place.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved son, Thomas Raymond Putz-Huettner, who was embraced by eternal rest on December 8,2024, at the tender age of 19.

Born on July 4, 2005, in Columbus, Wisconsin. Son to Christopher and Crystal Huettner, and brother to Anastasia Putz- Huettner, and those that he saw as brothers Brandon Daley, Michael Feltzkowski, and PrinceAries Temen.

Thomas’s journey began in the Montello school district, where his athletic talents unfolded. His passion for wrestling, football, and singing painted a vibrant color across his formative years. Upon the family’s move to Beaver Dam in 2020, Thomas continued to shine as number “33” on the Golden Beavers Football team, weaving bonds of brotherhood that still lives strong in the football community.

Thomas’s world was a tapestry vibrant with love and kindness. Norse Mythology “Vikings” was a passion that he wanted to explore and learn more of. He adored the elemental beauty of rocks and marveled at the craft of blacksmithing. His hands carved stories from the wood, while his spirit found the rhythm in the welders’ dance. He delighted in the game Call of Duty that he and his mother Crystal would play for hours into the blanket of the night sky. Whether he was jamming out with his friends or finding inspiration in his own voice, with Jay Schwartz’s songs lifting him.

Thomas cherished his family and friends, every moment strengthened by his boundless heart. He found time for his passions. He was a practical joker, who loved to make people smile and laugh. He enjoyed fly fishing at Mecan River in Coloma with his beloved Uncle Mark. Thomas could turn any gathering into a feast of love and laughter.

Thomas had a knack for style, favoring cowboy boots and the love for older cars and Harley’s. Thomas had a love for all animals but his pets, Rosko, Zues, and Poseidon held a sacred place in his heart. His passion and dance in culinary arts and helping cater with so many amazing, loved ones and friends was a blessing that he cherished always. Thomas was raised and believed in paying kindness forward, always a gentleman that would run to help those in need.

Thomas leaves behind a legacy of love with his parents. Chris and Crystal Huettner; sister Anastasia; Grandparents, Kenneth and Marian Huettner; Godmother and Aunt, Tammy Temen, Aunts Stephanie Dukish, Victoria Fairbanks, Kari Burback, and Michelle Hallada, an Uncle Dan Bender, Aunt Tina (John) Steele, Aunt Kari Huettner (Michale McCutchen), and Uncle Kevin (Melissa) Huettner. Godfather’s Andy Miller and Scott Palzewicz, and a world of love by cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Thomas and Carol Putz; His Godfather and Uncle Kenneth Temen, and his Great Aunt Sharon Kast along with many other cherished loved ones.

Thomas’s vibrant and free spirit and loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His memory will forever remain in the hearts and souls of his family and friends, and he dances amongst the stars.

There will be a celebration of life for Thomas at St. Katharine Drexel Mission Hall, 408 South Spring Street in Beaver Dam, on Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon with a service and meal to follow.

Ethel B. Uttech, 99, of Beaver Dam passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Ethel was born on July 1, 1925 in Columbus, WI to Louis and Hilda (Ladwig) Benzine. She was a graduate of Columbus High School. Ethel was married to Carl H. Uttech on June 12, 1948 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown.

Ethel was a longtime member of St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam where she served on the Ladies Aid and Mission Aid. She was an active volunteer for Clothes for Kids. Ethel enjoyed being a member of the Westford Homemakers Group and loved square dancing with her husband Carl over the years.

Ethel is survived by her children: Eugene (Debra) Uttech of Rhinelander, Julie (Richard) McCutchin of Pardeeville, and David (Cheryl) Uttech of Beaver Dam; grandchildren: Michael (Sara) Uttech of Fall River, Jessica (Kent) Russell of Grafton, Angela (Bradley) Chopp of Lake Mills, Lisa (Jon) Eder of Madison, Derek (Emily) McCutchin of Pardeeville, Lindsi (Joshua) Anderson of Eden Prairie, MN, Constance (Nathan) Gundacker of Delafield, and Jacqueline (Travis) Davenport of Madison; 19 great grandchildren; her brother Richard Benzine of Sun Prairie; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Carl in 2007; brothers: Lyle and Ralph Benzine and a brother in infancy; and her sisters: Joyce Reirson and Judy Benzine.

A visitation will be held at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Rev. Paul Stratman will officiate. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Memorials may be directed to Clothes for Kids or St. Stephen’s Lutheran School.

Susan M. Jarapko, 73, of Fox Lake passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at her home.

A memorial gathering for Susan will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until Noon at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam.  A memorial service will begin at Noon with Rev. Jim Wendt officiating.

Susan Marie was born on November 20, 1951 the daughter of Alonzo “Lutz” and Sophie (Urbush) Jarapko in Racine, Wisconsin.  She graduated from St. Catharine High School in Racine and also U.W. Oshkosh.

Susan had worked for Title and Abstract Insurance companies for many years. She was a partner in Dodge Central Title Company until her retirement.  After retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at the Waupun Area Animal Shelter, gardening and playing games on her computer.  Susan enjoyed spending time with her girlfriends and she especially treasured her Thursday outings for shopping and lunch with her special friend.

Susan will be deeply missed by her partner of 32 years, Randall Schroeder; her sisters: Patricia (Raymond) Lehner and Judith (Don) Rogalsky; her brother Frank (Mary Lou Beahm) Jarapko and her sister-in-law Barbara Jarapko.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Lutz and Sophie Jarapko, her brother James Jarapko and her sister-in-law Terri Jarapko.

Memorial donations in Susan’s name may be made to the Waupun Area Animal Shelter, 901 N. Madison Street, Waupun, WI  53963.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.

Corrine Phyllis Hammer died on Dec 2, 2024, at age 89, at Home Again Memory Care in Waunakee.

Visitation for Corrine will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at church on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

She was born in Lebanon, WI, on May 17, 1935, to Harold and Josephine (Lauzon) Kempfer. Corrine married Robert (Bob) J. Hammer on October 11, 1952. They resided in Beaver Dam until they moved to Oregon, WI, where they raised their four children.

In the 1970s, Corrine operated her own art shop, first in Madison, then in Oregon, where customers could paint their own statues and hanging plaques. Corrine later retired from a data entry position at Graber (Springs) Industries in 1989, and she and Bob moved back to Beaver Dam to spend their golden years.

Corrine is survived by her children Barbara (David) Sperry, Michael (Cynthia Bacon) Hammer, Wayne (Cindy) Hammer and son-in-law George Davis. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Bretni, Chasidey, Chyenne, Elijah, Hannah, Maggie, Mary, Nicholas, and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved spouse, parents, sister Rosella in infancy, infant son Lee Michael, sister Ethel Bilke, sister Jean Fietz Davis, brother Harold Kempfer, daughter-in-law Sandra (first wife of son Michael). Her youngest, Lynn (George) Davis, sadly passed just a few months ago.

If desired, memorials may be made in Corrine’s name to St. Katharine Drexel Parish.

Alice Marie Borkowski, 79, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 28th, 2024. She was always one to find a way out of cooking for Thanksgiving.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, with visitation from 10:30am-12:30pm, and a short service to follow.

Alice was born to Theodore and Lillian (Klapper) Treder on November 26th, 1945 in Milwaukee, WI. She married the love of her life, Edward George Borkowski Jr, in 1971, and regaled fondly on it as being one of the hottest and happiest days of her life. The two of them continued to build a loving family of 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Alice is now reunited with her beloved husband, Ed, and her first born son, Eddie.

In addition to being a loving mother and grandmother, Alice worked several jobs over the course of her life, including Green Giant in Beaver Dam, Alsum Produce, the Waupun Christian Home, and even a time working with her sister Ruthanne at her store, Woodsong Gallery, in Pembine, WI.  She would also reminisce about her European travels with her sister Ruthanne and enjoyed traveling around the US with her husband and family the past 10 years. Alice and Ed were also very fond of taking bus trips to casinos and even loved to have a good card or board game night with family.

Alice enjoyed spending time with her family making delicious meals, playing games, doing puzzles, or watching one of her many favorite TV shows. Unmatched in her love for TV was her devotion to watching Days of Our Lives, something she had been diligent in keeping up with since it first started in 1965! Alice also enjoyed word puzzles, reading, and just relaxing the day away.

She is survived by her children: Daniel Borkowski (Bridget), Cheryl Behymer (Christopher), Suzanne Reissmann, and Karen Borkowski (Ryan Altschwager); her grandchildren: Erin, Shannon, Meghan (Josh), and Daniel Jr; Laurel (Chris), Gabriyel (Dominic), Isaiah (Hanna) and Elias; Colten and Lilyana; Jackson, Zayne, Tabitha, and Olivia; her great grandchildren: Azariah and Hezekiah; sisters: Ludgeria and Ruthanne (Matthew), as well as many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her parents-in-law: Germaine Borkowski and Edward Borkowski Sr, her infant son Edward G Borkowski III, her brothers: Joseph and Clarence Treder, brother-in-law Robert Jonas, and sisters-in-law Christine Treder and Barbara Conway.

A very special thanks to the Agnesian Cancer Center in Fond du Lac for the great care and treatment they provided to Alice these past 5 years, as well as to her nurses and caregivers from Hillside Hospice who provided in-home care to her.

Memorials in Alice’s honor may be directed to the Agnesian Health Care Foundation.

Helene M. Berezinski, 69, of Beaver Dam passed away suddenly on November 27, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Helene was born on July 31, 1955 the daughter of Raymond and Rosemary (Speck) Kurlowski in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She was a graduate of Pulaski High School.

Helene was a loving dedicated wife and mother and enjoyed caring for her family.  She was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Beaver Dam.  She enjoyed traveling. Her travels were highlighted by a trip to Hawaii to celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary, Disney trips, Niagara Falls and Washington DC, among many others.  She enjoyed music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s especially Barbara Streisand and the Bee Gees.  Helene was an extreme Disney fanatic and was passionate about collecting figurines and other Disney memorabilia.  She enjoyed embroidery and gambling. Helene was affectionately known as Mrs. Muffs.

Helene will be deeply missed by her husband of 49 years, David “Muffs”; her son Edward and her daughter Lisa; her brother Jeff (Pam) Kurlowski and her niece and goddaughter Mandy Ronczka.  She is further survived by aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her parents.

A visitation for Helene will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from Noon until 2:00 p.m. at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Deacon Ed Cody officiating. A dinner will be served after the funeral at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com

Isaiah M. Bahls, age 20, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Isaiah Michael was born on April 20, 2004, in Columbus, Wisconsin. He is the beloved son of proud parents, Michael Bahls and Jennifer Westphal, and #1 brother to Caleb. Isaiah grew up in Beaver Dam, where he developed a passion for baseball, playing throughout his youth and high school years. He was a graduate of Beaver Dam High School in 2022 where he was known for his hard work and generous spirit.

Isaiah’s love for the outdoors was evident in his fondness for deer and coyote hunting. He cherished the companionship of his dogs, Pepper and Chandler, and his cat, Pixy. He had vibrant personality and was often the life of the party, bringing joy and laughter to gatherings with family and friends.

He is survived by his parents, Michael Bahls and Jennifer Westphal; his brother, Caleb Bahls (Paige Posthuma); his grandparents, Jeffrey (Suzanne) Bahls, Diane (Patrick) Buhr, and Jeffrey and Cheryl Westphal; great-grandmothers, Betty Schultz and Kathleen Westphal; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends who will deeply miss him. He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Robert Schultz and Donald Westphal, and his special great uncle, Jeff Schultz.

Isaiah’s amazing, shining bright smile reflected his even more beautiful heart that will forever shine bright, filled with nothing but LOVE.

Isaiah is soaring his wings like the eagles.

A gathering to honor Isaiah’s life will be held at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Isaiah’s memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

If you wish to help with Isaiah’s final expenses, please do so at this link. It is not expected but greatly appreciated. Donate to Honoring Isaiah’s Selfless Spirit, organized by Michael Bahls

 

 

 

 

Monna M. Meyer, age 94, of Beaver Dam, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Charleston House in Beaver Dam.

A private inurnment will be held at St. Peter Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Monna was born on November 21, 1930 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to Derald and Mildred (O’Hara) Wells. She was united in marriage with Joseph N. Meyer on September 22, 1951. They operated a dairy, hog, and crop farm in the Town of Beaver Dam.  She was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church. Monna served as the Beaver Dam Town Clerk for 30 years, an accomplishment she was very proud of, having accounted for every penny.

Monna is survived by her daughter, Barb (Danny) Mullin of Beaver Dam; great grandchildren, Caleb Seibert and Brody Schadt; nieces and nephews; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe in 2021; her parents; granddaughter, Heather; grandson, Joe; four brothers-in-law, Paul, Richard, Lawrence, and Eugene; and sisters-in-law, Margaret Meyer, Agnes Meyer, and Lee Meyer.

Donna L. Kastenmeier, 59, of Beaver Dam passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 at her home.

Donna was born on November 1, 1965 in Beaver Dam to Steven and Ellen (Schweiger) Kastenmeier. She was a graduate of Beaver Dam High School.

Donna is survived by her son Cody (Diana) Kastenmeier; siblings: Dawn (Scott) Fry of Janesville, Bruce (Ludita) Kastenmeier of the Philippines, and Stephanie Kastenmeier (Steven VanRensselaer) of Reeseville; and further survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

It was Donna’s wish that no formal services be held and cremation is to take place.