Obituary Category: Beaver Dam

Donna M. North, 88, of Beaver Dam passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Marshfield Medical Center in Beaver Dam.

Donna was born in Beaver Dam on September 4, 1936 to Edwin and Leona (Klug) Essman. She was a graduate of Beaver Dam High School. Donna was married to Herman North on June 25, 1955 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. Donna was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.

Donna is survived by her husband Herman of Beaver Dam; her children: Robin (Kevin) Schick of Columbus, Randy (Mary) North of Beaver Dam, Roxann (Rod) Dashner of Wisconsin Rapids, and Ryan North of Beaver Dam; nine grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; her siblings: Donald (Linda) Essman of Virginia and Diane Brueckner of Shullsburg, WI; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter Heather Keith.

A visitation will be held at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. Rev. Mark Reichert will officiate. Interment will take place at Highland Memory Gardens, township of Trenton.

Memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.

William “Bill” “Chub” Stofflet, age 82, died Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Visitation will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home on Monday at 12:00 noon with Pastor Jim Wendt officiating. Inurnment will be at St. Peter Cemetery.

William Erwin Stofflet was born on February 14, 1942, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to the late Erwin and Margaret (Zweck) Stofflet. After graduating from Beaver Dam High School in 1960, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Bill taught school in Union Grove for several years before returning to Beaver Dam and working for Juneau Milbrew/Red Star Yeast/Sensient Flavors for close to 25 years. He then worked for Karavan Trailers, Specialty Cheese, and Kreilkamp in Horicon until he retired in 2010.

Bill loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed watching birds, gardening, Friday night fish fries, and Sunday drives. He was a huge Wisconsin sports fan and could be heard swearing at the Packers, Bucks and Brewers from his chair in front of the television.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Stofflet of Beaver Dam; two daughters, Kalen (Jeffrey) Ruck of Oshkosh and Whitney Stofflet of Minneapolis, MN; a granddaughter, Emily (Joseph) Schwartz of Neenah; his brother, Ronald Stofflet of Beaver Dam; his brother-in-law, Ron Hupf of Beaver Dam; three sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Marjorie Gramtham of Gransbury, TX, Connie Schoepke of Beaver Dam, Rachel (Ken) Longseth of Beaver Dam, and John (Peggy) Miller of Holmen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Barb Frankenstein and Mary Hupf; a brother-in-law, Herbert Frankenstein; and a sister-in-law, Kathleen Stofflet.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff of Hillside Manor and Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

If desired, memorials may be made in Bill Stofflet’s name to the Dodge County Food Pantry located at the St. Vincent DePaul Store in Beaver Dam for the purchase of food items.

Merlin “Sam” Dittberner, 87, of Beaver Dam passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at U.W. Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

A visitation for Sam will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until Noon at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. A funeral service will begin at Noon with Rev. Jim Wendt officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Merlin “Sam” was born on April 17, 1937 the son of George and Helen (Beich) Dittberner in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  He was a Horicon High School graduate. Sam proudly served his country in the United Stated Army from 1958 – 1960.  On August 5, 1967, he was united in marriage with Nancy L. Beletske in Juneau, Wisconsin.  Sam was a tool and die maker at Metalfab for 31 ½ years and also with MetalCraft in Mayville for 18 years.  He was a member of I.A.M.  Sam had also been a member of First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

Sam will be fondly remembered as a great guy that everyone loved.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and was the best Dad.

Sam will be deeply missed by his son Todd Dittberner; his brother Russell (Pat) Dittberner and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nancy in 2020, his brothers: Kenneth, Harold, Robert and George and his sisters Ruth Graff and Vivian Karst.

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

Elizabeth “Betty” R. Miller, 67, of Beaver Dam passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Unity Point-Meriter Hospital in Madison.

Elizabeth Rose was born on April 24, 1957 the daughter of Leslie and Phyliss (Schliewe) Sobrilsky in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  On October 29, 1983, she was united in marriage with David A. Miller in Milwaukee.

Prior to retiring in 2006 due to health reasons, Betty had been employed at Dollar Tree, Casey’s General Store and Super 8 Motel. Betty loved the Packers and the Brewers.  She enjoyed collecting Angel figurines.  Most importantly, Betty loved her family and was a wonderful Stay-At-Home Mom and adored being a Nana to her beloved grandchildren.

Betty will be deeply missed by her husband of 41 years, David; her children: Jenna Miller, Thomas (Megan) Miller, Ashley Miller and Barbara Miller; her grandchildren: Emily, Jessica and Natalee; her niece who she considered her daughter Heather (Joe) Tamez; and her sister Larayne Schick.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leslie and Phyliss Sobrilsky, brothers Mark Sobrilsky and Lee Sobrilsky; her sister Marilyn Condiff; and her In-Laws Leonard and Beverly Miller.

A memorial gathering for Betty will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. A memorial service will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Jim Wendt officiating.  Inurnment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

Jermaine Marvin Schears, age 86, died Thursday, December 26, 2024, at his home in Beaver Dam.

Visitation will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam on Monday, December 30, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at church on Monday at 11:30 a.m. with Fr. Will Arnold officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Jermaine was born on January 4, 1938, in Waupun, the son of Dick and Margaret (Pater) Schears. On September 13, 1958, he was united in marriage to Rose M. Zemp at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Jermaine worked as a machinist at John Deere in Horicon for 32 years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and viewing wildlife. An artist at heart, Jermaine enjoyed drawing, Intarsia woodcraft, and discovering an object he liked and then trying to re-create it in his own workshop.

He taught his kids to be observant (including spotting a deer along the wood line as you drove past at 60 MPH); how to problem solve (and fix things inside and outside the house); and that being able to ‘figure things out’ is a beautiful gift.

Jermaine is survived by Rose, his wife of 66 years; children Gregory (Raquel) Schears of Rochester, MN, Julie Schears of Madison, WI, and Christine (Steve) Henry of Asheville, NC; seven grandchildren, Markayle (Jonathan Ye) Schears, Kodiak Schears, Kendall Schears, Kaiden Schears, Greyson Henry, Wyatt Henry and Silas Henry; sister Joann (Jerry) Neumann of Waupun; brothers Milton Schears, Will Schears and Larry (Charlotte) Schears of Waupun; sisters-in-law, Joanne Schears, Linda Schears, Rita Schears, Charlette Schears, Doris Sabatke, Barb Schneck, Mag Recheck; brothers-in-law Dennis Linke, Jerry Neuman, Peter Schneck, Larry Savage; many nieces and nephews, and by other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Donald, Richard and Gerald Schears; sister Diann Linke; and other relatives.

Special thanks to those who helped care for Jermaine in hospice including Rita, Markayle, Linda, Denise, Joey, Sarah, Shannon, Kim, Doug, Rachel and Maria.

Robert E. Corey, 72, of Beaver Dam passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 surrounded by family and friends.

Robert was born on October 27, 1952 in Kenosha and was raised in Green Lake by his parents John and Madeline (Herter) Corey. He was married to Michelle Sack on July 7, 1973 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam.  Bob was employed as a welder throughout his working career retiring from Metalcraft of Mayville.  Bob enjoyed watching football and racing and he loved to hunt especially bow hunting.

Bob is survived by his wife Michelle of Beaver Dam; his children: Robin (Christopher) McCord and Andrew Corey all of Beaver Dam; his sister Charlene Heffner of Oshkosh; nephew Lee Heffner; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law: Rita and Eugene Sack; and brother-in-law Jim Heffner.

It was Bob’s wish for cremation to take place and a private family celebration of life will be held.

James A. Gregory, of Beaver Dam, passed away on December 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Born on January 29, 1961, in Waupun, Wisconsin, James lived a life full of love, service, and devotion to his family and community.

James grew up in Horicon, and graduated from Horicon High School in 1979. Shortly after, he proudly served in the U.S. Army for four years, including a memorable deployment to Germany.

On May 2, 1981, James married his high school sweetheart, Melanie (Mayo) Gregory, beginning a 43-year marriage rooted in love and partnership. Together, they raised two daughters, Casey Gregory and Abby (Cody) Schmitt, and James took great pride in being “Papa” to his cherished grandchildren: Sadie (23), Drake (12), and Theo (2).

James’s life was filled with passions that brought him joy. He was an avid fan of the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers, and he cherished time spent watching games with his family. He loved hunting deer—both bow and gun—and bird hunting with his beloved dogs. James also took great pride in supporting his family and coaching softball, where he impacted the lives of countless young athletes.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Melanie Gregory; his daughters, Casey Gregory and Abby (Cody) Schmitt; his grandchildren, Sadie, Drake, and Theo; his brothers, Jerry Gregory and Onnie (Echo) Gregory; as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Connie and Don Gregory; his brother, Don Gregory Jr.; and his in-laws, Janet and Donald B. Mayo.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors and staff at Poser Clinic and Rita Burmania from Hillside Home Health for their exceptional care and support during the final stages of James’s life.

James will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his love of the outdoors, and the kindness and encouragement he showed to everyone he met.

A visitation will be held at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 12:00 noon until 1:50 p.m. The celebration of life service will follow at the funeral home on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam with military honors provided by the John E. Miller American Legion Post #146.

Lynne K. Dehn, age 75 of Beaver Dam, died on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Waupun Memorial Hospital.

A memorial gathering will be held at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at the church on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Heather Brewer officiating. Inurnment will be at Garden of the Cross Cemetery in Ripon.

Lynne was born on June 9, 1949 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Raymond and Arlynn (Eimerman) Harms of Ripon, Wisconsin. Lynne was married to Mark J. Dehn on November 8, 1975 in Ripon.

Lynne was a beloved High School Spanish Teacher at Oakfield High School for the entirety of her professional career. She was adored by her students and involved in many extracurricular and social activities. Lynne was a devoted supporter of her family, including her children and grandchildren. Lynne enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, she was the best babysitter to her grandchildren.

Lynne is survived by her daughter Karalyn Dehn, grandchildren Henry and Evalynn of Lake Mills; grandchildren Colton and Addyson Dehn; sisters Jean Harms and Gail Clarke (married to Jeff Clarke and their daughter Melissa); as well as other relatives.

Lynne was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mark, and son Mitchell.

Roy R. Buske, age 65, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord his Savior on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Touchstone Living Care in Mayville.

Visitation for Roy will be at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam on Monday, December 23, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Will Arnold officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Roy Richard Buske was born on February 7, 1959, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to the late Allen and Lidwina “Bena” (Huss) Buske. Roy was a life-long resident of this area and lived most of his life in Beaver Dam. He worked at Green Valley Enterprise in Beaver Dam where he made many friends. Roy was also active with Arc of Dodge County and enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics and attending summer camps. Roy was very charismatic and was proud to have been a Boy Scout. His number one passion was Jesus. Roy also enjoyed wrestling, baseball and basketball, especially the Brewers and the Bucks, and he loved to play his PS4. Roy was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Parish.

Survivors include his sisters, Janet Breitweiser (Jack Ramey), Kate Beers, and Sandra (Terry, Sr.) Ferstl, all of Beaver Dam; an aunt, Jean Schweisthal; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Roy was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, a nephew; and great nephews.

Roy inspired the lives of his sisters, and many others, as well. He showed what true, unconditional love was by the way he lived his life. He always said he had the best sisters in the whole wide world – they certainly knew they had the best brother in the whole wide world. The lessons Roy provided and the gifts he gave are the legacy that is ingrained in the people who knew Roy, and they are better people because of it.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Touchstone Living in Mayville, Hillside Hospice in Beaver Dam, and all those who touched Roy’s heart through the years.

Charlotte A. Krause, 88, of New Berlin and formerly of Beaver Dam passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Linden Grove Nursing Home in New Berlin, Wisconsin. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Charlotte lived a life full of love, faith, and kindness.

A visitation for Charlotte will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam.  A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tom Kneser officiating. A luncheon will follow the funeral.  Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens in the town of Trenton after the meal.

Charlotte was born on May 31, 1936 the daughter of Clifford R. and Bernadine (Henke) Steinhaus.  She was a 1954 graduate of Beaver Dam High School.  On April 12, 1958, she was united in marriage with Alden D. Krause at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.

Charlotte was a longtime member of Woodlawn Lutheran Church in West Allis.  In her younger years, She was an active member of 4-H, where she cultivated a passion for gardening and flowers that lasted a lifetime.  Charlotte had a special talent for baking and cooking, acquiring a treasured collection of recipes over the years.  She made hosting family dinners seem effortless, creating meals that brought everyone together and left warm memories in the hearts of all who shared her table.

She also enjoyed collecting bells.  Writing letters to friends and family was another way Charlotte spread love and kept connections strong, a thoughtful tradition she maintained for many years.

Above all, Charlotte’s greatest joy was her family.  She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and found immense happiness in attending their activities and celebrating their accomplishments.  Her love and encouragement will forever be a guiding light in their lives.

Charlotte is survived by her husband of 66 years, Alden; granddaughters: Jennifer Christopher and Tiffany Schalk; son-in-law Craig Radue; great grandchildren: Mackenzie Schalk, Kenley Christopher, Kingston Christopher and Kyla Christopher.  She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clifford and Bernadine Steinhaus and her daughter Sharon Radue.

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