Obituary Category: Beaver Dam

Kanda Thiede’s life was defined by sacrifice, unconditional love, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Kanda Thiede was born on August 17, 1941, in Bangkok, Thailand, the third of six children born to Jinda and Luang Lahfahroengron. She grew up in an affluent family where cooks, maids, and a driver cared for the household, yet she was happiest outdoors, exploring the family gardens and pond, returning home with muddy feet or sneaking away to ride the public bus into the city with friends. Independent from an early age, she was always ready for her next adventure.

Although her family practiced Buddhism, they enrolled her in a Catholic convent school in hopes of instilling a little more discipline. She found a circle of friends who remained among her closest companions for more than 70 years, welcoming her home whenever she returned to Thailand and, even in recent years, kept her connected through regular calls, photos, and videos.

After high school, Kanda attended college, taught school, and began working at an embassy in Bangkok. There she met Russ Thiede, a U.S. Air Force sergeant stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Their love story was not an easy one. Her father, a retired, awarded General and pilot in the Royal Thai Air Force, strongly opposed his daughter marrying an American serviceman, and her family did not attend their simple wedding in November 1970. But love has a way of changing hearts, and after the birth of their first child, Susanne, her family came to know and love Russ as one of their own.

In marrying Russ, Kanda made the greatest sacrifice of her life. She left behind her father, siblings, lifelong friends, and the only home she had ever known to begin a new life in America. They continued their married life in Omaha, Nebraska, before moving to Shreveport, Louisiana, where their son Mike was born. After Russ was discharged, they settled in Horicon, Wisconsin, near his family.

Life in America was a world away from the one Kanda had known, but she embraced it and learned to cook, bake, sew, garden, drive, and create a home filled with warmth and love. She cherished returning to Thailand every few years to visit her family and treasured welcoming relatives into her home over the years.

Kanda became an exceptional cook of both Thai and American food. Family and friends loved her fried rice, homemade breads, cookies, strawberry jam, and other treats. She and Russ spent hours gardening together, growing vegetables that were always shared with others. Whether cooking a meal, sewing her grandchildren’s Halloween costumes and pajamas, or mending clothes, Kanda found joy in staying busy.

Nothing brought Kanda greater joy than being “Grandma K.” Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved caring for them and attending their activities. She also had a lifelong love of her dogs.

Kanda worked for many years at Beatrice in Mayville while dedicating herself to raising her family. She was a long-time member of the Horicon Women’s Club. She enjoyed walking, regular coffee and lunch dates with friends, shopping, and later, life on Beaver Dam Lake.

Seven years ago, Kanda suffered a stroke with a small chance of survival, but after months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, she returned home. Dementia slowly took away many of the abilities she once treasured. Throughout it all, Russ remained faithfully by her side, caring for her with extraordinary love and devotion until her final day.

On July 23, 2026, Kanda passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by Russ, her children, family, and the compassionate care of hospice.

Kanda is lovingly survived by her husband of nearly 56 years, Russ; daughter Susanne (Tom) Barnet; son Mike (Heidi) Thiede; grandchildren Madi (Jacob), Tori, Owen, Riley, Kensington, Abby, and Brandon (Katie); great granddaughter Stella; three sisters; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kanda’s life on Saturday, August 1, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Highway 26, Burnett). Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow at Burnett Junction (former Burnett Hall), one block from the church.

Memorials may be directed to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, where Kanda was baptized 30 years ago, worshiped with her family, and served as a member of the Ladies Quilting Club.

Kanda’s adventurous spirit, resilient heart, and selfless devotion to others will continue to live on through the family she cherished and in all who were blessed to know her.

Nancy E. Hussli, 74, of Oak Grove, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 18^th, 2026, at her home.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Friday, July 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 12 p.m. Rev. Bruce Wietzke will officiate. Burial will take place at Lowell Cemetery.

Nancy Edith (Schmitt) Hussli was born on March 31^st, 1952, in the town of Lowell. She was the daughter of Leon “Butch” and Yvonne “Toby” (Rennhack) Schmitt. She graduated from Juneau High School in 1970.

Nancy was a devoted mother and grandmother whose life centered on helping and spending time with her family.

She was employed at Beaver Dam High School retiring after 33 years as the Audio-Visual Tech/Teacher. She printed all the papers and pamphlets for every event at the high school over those years and prepared audio-visual material for teachers. She grew many close friendships with teachers, and her classroom was often a place of solitude for many students of whom she made a lasting impact on over the years.

In her retirement she continued to work at the Town of Oak Grove Recycling Center. During her time there she was also known to be a true treasure hunter. She could find the most wonderful treasures in other people’s trash and could always see the potential.

In her younger years, Nancy grew up riding the family horse, Pixie, and continued to have a love for horses her whole life. She spent many years fishing with family at the lake and loved bullheads. While growing up in school she was an athlete and enjoyed playing softball. Nancy was very creative and artsy and enjoyed painting.

Above all, Nancy was always helping others. She was thoughtful and caring to not only her immediate family but also with her siblings and friends and extended family. She was the number one fan of her grandchildren and found the most joy in spending time with them. She was the true “rock” of her family and will be deeply missed.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Lindsey (Harold) Wilson and their children: Amie Daffeh, Kaddy Daffeh, Josiah Wilson and Quintessa Wilson; Nancy’s son Eric Hussli and his son Matthew (Brooklyn) Hussli; and great-granddaughter, Brynlee Hussli.

She is further survived by her siblings, John (Sandy) Schmitt, Bonnie (Kenneth) Guenther, Sue (Jerry) Ebert, Frieda Kern, Cindy Kadinger, Marilea (Pat) Groves, Gina (Andrew) Oemig, and Leon (Annette) Schmitt; sister-in-law Christine Schmitt; her step daughter, Heidi Petroselli; step granddaughter, Katrina (Trek) Hoinacki and their children Willow, Kaysen, and Derek Petroselli, daughter, Rumi; as well as many nieces and nephews and many friends.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Butch and Toby; her brother, Roy Schmitt; her brother-in-law, Bill Kern; nephew, Tom Schmitt; niece, Michelle Guenther and special best friend Roxanne. She is also preceded in death by her dear love Thomas Petroselli and her ex-husband, Paul Hussli.

Memorials may be directed to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Center for cerebral palsy research. https://www.waisman.wisc.edu/giving/

Julie Terlaan passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026. She was 73 years old.

Julie was a strong, spirited woman whose warmth and generous heart touched everyone who knew her. She approached life with determination and a deep love for her family. She worked hard throughout her life, always putting those she loved first and creating a home filled with love, laughter and lasting memories.

Julie found her greatest joy in her family. She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, resilience, and the love she gave so freely. Julie leaves behind her beloved family, who will forever treasure her memory. Her children, Michael and Jennifer (Lenz) Terlaan, Mark Terlaan; grandchildren, Olivia Lenz, Cody Terlaan and Jordan Roberts; Great grandchildren, Emersyn, Dezriel and Ahvia Williams; siblings, Patty (Harteau) and Kevin Willie, Scott and Cindy Harteau, Chris Harteau and other loved ones. She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband Ken Knoll; parents; brother-in-law; nephew and niece.

A celebration of life will be held at the Beaver Dam American Legion on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 11am-3pm. All are welcome to pay their respects; this is not a private funeral. There will be a luncheon, with soda and water provided. There is no ATM at the facility.

Though Julie’s presence will be deeply missed her love and the countless memories will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day.”

 

Travis J. Luedtke, 35, of Burnett, WI passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Travis was born on December 23, 1990, in West Bend, Wisconsin, the son of Ron J. and Chris L. (Frantzen) Luedtke.  He was a 2009 graduate of Horicon High School.

Travis had a passion for gaming and enjoyed working on cars.  He loved spending time outdoors, and some of his happiest moments were exploring the beauty of the mountains in Georgia.  He will be remembered for the joy he found in life’s simple pleasures and the memories he created with those who knew and loved him.

Travis will be deeply missed by his mother, Chris (Leo) Merkes of Burnett; his father, Ron (Jackie) Luedtke of Shawano; his brother, Brandon (Kindra) Luedtke of Mayville; his sister, Heather (Clinton) Larson of Burnett; his stepbrother, Eric Anderson of Waupun, his stepsister, Nicole (Tony) Goeller of Horicon.  He is further survived by nieces and nephews, Gwen Luedtke, Lucy Luedtke, Allison Larson, Violet Larson, Devyn Born and Josiah Douma; as well as his grandparents, Terry (Cindy) Frantzen of Calhoun, GA and Ralph (Norma) Luedtke of Campbellsport.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother Cheryl Abel.

A private family celebration of Travis’s life will be held at a later date.

Donald D. “Teal” Voss, 88, of Beaver Dam passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026 at his home after his battle with prostate cancer.

Donald was born on May 23, 1938 on the 90 acre family farm east of Horicon, a twin son to Harry and Martha (Lupnow) Voss. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Donald was a 1956 graduate of Horicon High School. After graduation, he was employed with Stokely Canning Co. in Horicon and after hunting season he joined the U.S. Army serving two years until his honorable discharge. Upon returning from service, Donald began working for Metal Fab in Beaver Dam. On July 17, 1965, he was married to Joanne L. Rupnow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Oak Grove. Donald retired from Finlay Industries in 2000.

Donald was a member of St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a lifetime member of the Wisconsin Bow Hunters, Pumpkin Center Sportsman Club, and a proud Endowment Member of the NRA.

Donald is survived by his daughter Jane “Janie” Voss of Beaver Dam; brother Chester Voss of Mayville; and friend Alice Oppermann of Waupun; as well as many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joanne in 2001; his siblings: Ruth (Ken) Swift, Orren Voss, Evie (Freddie) Dettmann and twin sister Dorothy (Aaron) Scheberl; his mother and father-in-law, Alex and Lydia) Rupnow; sisters-in-law; Marion Voss and Rosie (Ron) Zank.

A visitation will be held at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Monday, July 13, 2026 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A visitation will also be held at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam on Tuesday, July 14^th from 10 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 with graveside military honors conducted by the Juneau American Legion Post #15.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church Radio Fund.

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

Nancy B. Steinback, 90, of Beaver Dam passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.

Nancy was on born August 2, 1935 in Missouri to Edward C. and Olive Berry. She spent the first few years of her life traveling throughout Missouri and Washington State eventually ending up in Brookings, South Dakota where she attended grade school and high school, and graduating South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota with a bachelor of science degree in education. She was married to Harold Steinback back on June 5th 1957 after graduation and traveled to Fort Riley, Kansas where Dad completed his military service. Their son John was born November 1st 1958 in Junction City, Kansas. After their service they transferred to Sloan, Iowa where Susan Steinbeck was born on March 1st 1962. They were then transferred to Warren, Minnesota and then down to Le Sueur, Minnesota where Mom became a homemaker and dance instructor. In 1966, they moved to Poynette, Wisconsin and Nancy eventually took a job with the Poynette School District as a kindergarten through eighth grade art instructor. After 30 years of teaching, Nancy retired in 1996 with a master’s degree in art education.

In retirement she enjoyed traveling both domestic and around the world, camping, and tending to flowers in her yard. She volunteered at the Beaver Dam Hospital and served as president of the volunteers association as well as state president for the hospital volunteers association. She along with Dad volunteered at the Federal Horicon Marsh Visitor Center until the time of her death. She was also a member of the Beaver Dam a.m. Kiwanis Club which she took great pride in her activities there.

Nancy will be missed by all family and friends. She will be cremated as per her wishes with a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Federal Horicon Marsh Visitor Center in her name.

Audrey J. Buettner, age 93, of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.

A private service will be held and inurnment will be at Highland Memory Gardens, Town of Trenton, Dodge County, Wisconsin at a later date.

Audrey Jane White was born on May 28, 1933, in the Town of Mackford, Green Lake County, Wisconsin, to Henry and Hattie (Lewis) White. She graduated from Waupun High School with the Class of 1951. On June 26, 1954, she was united in marriage with Donald R. Buettner, and together they built a loving home centered on faith and family.

Audrey’s greatest joy and purpose in life was raising her children and caring for those she loved. Her family was the center of her world, and she found happiness in the simple moments spent together. She was a gifted homemaker who expressed her love through countless acts of service, whether it was preparing delicious baked treats, sewing, knitting, or creating beautiful cross-stitch pieces that will be treasured for years to come.

She had a special love for growing orchids and tending to her garden. Audrey also enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers. A lifelong member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam, she faithfully served as a member of the Altar Guild and volunteered whenever she was needed. She also dedicated 20 years of service as a volunteer at the Bethesda Thrift Store. In her free time, Audrey enjoyed bowling, researching her family’s history, and creating lasting memories with those she loved most.

Audrey is survived by her husband, Don Buettner; daughter, Colleen (Russ) Foster; grandchildren, Nicole (Larry) Pilgrim, Abby (Jon) Gaulke, and Mackenzie (Ann) Thiel; great grandchildren, Connor, Keondric, Annalese, Breleigh, Mikaela, Crindon, Temperance, Drake, Victoria and Ethan; sister-in-law, Connie White; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Suzanne (Dan) Thiel; granddaughter, Danni Jo Thiel; step grandson, Aaron Foster; great grandchildren, Harmony, Brett and Destiny; and siblings, Donald (Marie), Robert (Audrey), Orien (Myrtle), Kenneth (Alice), Henry Jr. (Margaret), Carol (Buryl), James (Shirley), Edward (Elaine), and Richard; and sister-in-law, Darlene (Joe).

David Alan Fink, age 85, of Juneau, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

David was born on March 4, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to LaVerne and Mavis (Nelson) Fink. He graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids with the Class of 1959.

Following graduation, David began his career with Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids and later worked for several family-owned businesses before moving to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he was employed by the City of Ottumwa. He eventually settled in Horicon, Wisconsin, where he spent ten years in the Engineering Department at John Deere. He later worked for longtime friend, Mark Tennessen Contractor until his retirement.

David enjoyed a lifetime of outdoor pursuits and took great pride in raising and training brittany spaniels. His first brittany, Bridgette, held a special place in his heart, and together they spent many memorable days pheasant hunting throughout Iowa. Over the years, he also raised several litters of puppies.

He cherished fishing and camping trips “up north” with his longtime friend, Gary Blankenheim. A skilled woodworker and craftsman, David built a wooden canoe by hand, enjoyed canoeing with his brother-in-law, David Martin, and later gifted the canoe to him. He was also an accomplished handyman and carpenter who found satisfaction in remodeling every home he owned.

David is survived by his daughter, Lori Dinkel of Madison, Wisconsin; his granddaughter, Kaitlin Dinkel of Chicago, Illinois; his brother, Dennis (Petra) Fink of Laramie, Wyoming; his sister, Deborah Prusia of Grand Junction, Colorado; along with nieces, a nephew, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVerne and Mavis Fink, and his daughter, Jodi Arneson.

In keeping with David’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Inurnment will take place in Laramie, Wyoming.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to his close friends, Mark Tennessen and Gary Blankenheim, as well as the staff of Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam for the compassionate care and kindness they provided to David during his time there.

Susan F. Williams, age 85 died Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at her home in Beaver Dam.

In keeping with her wishes, Susan will be cremated and services will be held at a later time.

Susan was born on October 9, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa to the late Howard and Lucita (nee Kachelhoffer) Schockemoehl.  After graduating from high school in 1958, she went on to Mount Mary College in Milwaukee where she graduated in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in education.  Susan taught school for many years in both the Madison and Waupun public school systems.  In her retirement, she worked at Happy Times Child Care.  Susan was united in marriage with Terence “Terry” Williams on August 13, 1982, at First Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.

Survivors include her husband, Terry Williams of Beaver Dam; her stepdaughter, Rachel (Steve) Saunders of Janesville; her stepson, Theodore (Jill) Williams of Waukesha; a grandson, Cassidy James Shepherd; step grandchildren, Laura, Angela, Ian, Alex and Spencer; her brother, Jack (Joyce) Schockemoehl of Virginia; several step great grandchildren; son-in-law, Christopher “Dante” Siehr; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Molly; and step daughter, Crystal.

Donald L. Selje, age 62, of Reeseville, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at the Pumpkin Center Sportsmen’s Club, N4840 County Road I, Juneau, WI 53039 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Don was born on February 24, 1964, son of Brian Karow and Emilie Selje. He was united in marriage with Michelle Braunschweig, and together they were blessed with two children. Their lives were forever changed when Michelle passed away, leaving Don to raise their young children on his own. While the journey was not always easy, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to his family, providing love, guidance, and unwavering support throughout their lives.

Don learned the auto body trade while working alongside his father and later fulfilled his dream of owning his own business. For the past 20 years, he proudly operated Don’s Auto Body in Waterloo. Known for his incredible attention to detail, Don took great pride in his work and earned the respect of customers and friends alike. He had a special talent for restoring classic cars and found great satisfaction in bringing old vehicles back to life.

One of Don’s greatest passions was racing. Many of his fondest memories were made at the Beaver Dam Raceway, where he spent countless hours both on and off the track. His dedication and skill earned him Hobby Stock Track Champion titles in 1994 and 1995, accomplishments he cherished throughout his life.

Don approached everything he did with a perfectionist’s eye. Whether he was restoring a vehicle, maintaining his business, or simply mowing the lawn, he believed in doing things the right way. Family and friends often joked that nobody could mow the grass quite like Don.

Away from work, he enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved ice fishing, camping, and creating memories with his children. Those moments together became some of the most treasured chapters of his life.

Don will be remembered for his hard work, determination, craftsmanship, and above all, the love and devotion he showed to his family. His legacy lives on through the children he raised, the lives he touched, and the countless memories shared by those who knew and loved him.

Don is survived by his children, Chase Selje and Callie Selje; aunts and uncles, Mary and Gil Hoerth, Susan Johnson, Sonya and Ken Kessenich, Nancy and Jeff Rademacher, Cindy and Joel Miller, Kathy Ladwig and Joel Cullen, and Douglas and Laurie Harvey; many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and uncle, Paul Harvey.