Obituary Category: Columbus

Ruben “Rube” J. Christian, of Columbus, left this world on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at The Meadows of Fall River.

Rube was born on December 19, 1932 to Ruben and Edna Christian. He attended Zion Lutheran School in Columbus and Graduated from Columbus High School. Rube was very proud that he was part of the football team, and they were the first to win a state championship for Columbus. He was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard for several years.

In 1956, he married Dolores Derr at St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Bristol. Together they had three children, Dawn (Kevin) Kunkel, Debra (Johnathon) Stadler and Jon (Kris) Christian. He had five grandchildren, Heather, Eric, Krista, Kendra and Jaclyn; five great grandchildren, Amelia, Piper, Claire, Niahm and Henry. Rube also has an AFS daughter, Leda Cortes Masis of Costa Rica, who has come to visit him several times. Rube and Dolores made the trip to her home as well.

Rube worked for the Columbia County Highway Department for several years before many years of over-the-road semi driving for Nuendorf, ANR and ATL. Yet to this day, he will always meet someone who will say, “You were my school bus driver.”, which he did for a few years, part-time.

Rube enjoyed tinkering in his shop. He was always tinkering to “make something work”. He is probably the only person to own five John Deere lawn mowers and one Scag; it seemed like a mower for every project.

Rube was from a family of 14, of which ten are deceased and four are living. Rube is also survived by his wife, Dolores and his canine best friend, Charlie.

A celebration of Rube’s life will be held at the Columbus Country Club on Sunday, July 27, 2025 from noon until 3 p.m.

The family would like to thank Katy and Jimmy for their wonderful care, SSM Hospice, Home Instead and The Meadows.

Memorials may be made in Ruben J. Christian’s name to Columbus Museum, PO Box 144, Columbus, WI 53925.

Phyllis A. Herzberg, 94, of Columbus passed away after a short illness on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Prairie Ridge Hospital in Columbus.

Phyllis was born in Columbus on October 22, 1930 to Reuben and Eva (Pashley) Cripps and was raised in York Center. She was a 1948 graduate of Columbus High School and afterwards worked for the local dime store. Phyllis was married to Ralph A. Herzberg on May 29, 1954 at Olivet Congregational United Church of Christ in Columbus where she was still a member. Phyllis along with her husband Ralph lived and worked at their farm on Moriah Road where they raised their four children.

Phyllis was an active member of Olivet Church where she was a member of the Social Circle and also quilted. She loved gardening. Her ample vegetable garden provided for the family throughout the year and her flowers brought everyone great joy. She was an excellent cook and baker. Phyllis supplemented her family’s income by working at Wisconsin Cheeseman, Wilshire Shop and Schultz’s Greenhouse. She was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by her three sons: Dale Herzberg of Columbus, Alan (Jennifer) Herzberg of Columbus, and Gary (Jean) Herzberg of Waunakee; her daughter Barbara (Gary) Davidson of Columbus; six grandchildren: Kristin (Kevin) Pellerin, Casey (Jessica) Davidson, Sam (Elyse Hobson) Herzberg, Anne (Nick) Angevine, Mark (Paige Petronio) Herzberg, and Lisa (Luke Deubler) Herzberg; four great grandchildren: Ava, Owen, Crosby, and Milo; her brother Donald (Shirley) Cripps of Princeton, New Jersey; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ralph in 1999; and her sister and brother-in-law Jean and Wayne Purves.

A visitation will be held at Olivet Congregational – UCC in Columbus on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Pastor Sandra Schieble will officiate. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus and a luncheon will follow back at the church.

Memorials may be directed to Olivet Congregational – UCC in Columbus.

The Herzberg family would like to thank Dr. Sam at the Poser Clinic and the nurses at the E.R. and 4^th floor of Prairie Ridge Hospital for all their care and support.

Diane L. Sennhenn, 70, of Columbus passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025 at her home.

Diane was born on June 26, 1954 in Columbus to Frederick and Dorothy (Lange) Sennhenn. She was a graduate of Carroll College in Waukesha. Diane was employed with Schumann Printers in Fall River for many years. She was married to James L. “JC” Myers on June 20, 2006.

Diane enjoyed throwing darts and playing softball in her younger years where she was able to play with her niece. She was an excellent wrist wrestler and was featured on ESPN. Diane had a love of cats throughout her life and most recently her companion Gabby.

Diane is survived by her siblings: Donald Sennhenn of IL, David (Monica) Sennhenn of Cuba City, and Deborah (Kent) Albers of ND; sister-in-law Jean Sennhenn of Columbus; as well as neices, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband JC Myers in 2023; brother Dale Sennhenn; sister-in-law Carolyn Sennhenn.

A celebration of life will be held at the Columbus American Legion on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Paula L. (Zeidler) Montgomery, 78, of Cambridge passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Paula was born on January 29, 1947 in Columbus, WI to Paul and Ruth (Gruhn) Zeidler. She was a Madison East High School graduate and later UW – Madison with a degree in teaching. Paula taught at Purdy Elementary School in Fort Atkinson for many years until her retirement.

Paula loved being a mom and raising her two daughters. She loved nature and enjoyed feeding birds and squirrels and keeping her yard a natural space for many animals. Paula enjoyed her time with many caring friends at Senior Lunch in Cambridge. She cherished the love of her family, friends, and neighbors.

Paula is survived by her daughters: Carrie Anne Montgomery of Oregon, WI and O Megan (Dave) Jarosinski of Madison; two grandsons: Emet Jarosinski and Calvin Hicks; her brother H. Fredrick Zeidler of Columbus; stepsister Rox Anne Engelke; stepbrother Rodd (Doris) Schmitt; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother Rosalind Zeidler; siblings: Peter Zeidler, Randall, Rhonda, and Robin Schmitt; and the love of her life George Amend.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Koepsell-Zeidler Funeral Home in Columbus on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. with a celebration of life service to immediately follow. Inurnment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus.

James Michael Feuling, 83, of Plover, WI passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025.

James was born on June 28, 1941 in Milwaukee to Michael C. and Vera V. (Hoehne) Feuling. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 – 1964. James was employed as a mechanic for his career until retirement. After retirement, Jim traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe and shared many stories of his adventures.  James had a passion for his classic cars and going to car shows. He enjoyed baseball and cheering on the Brewers. Above all else, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

James is survived by his three children: Tracy (Earl) Sparks of Stevens Point, Jody Feuling of Plover, and Michael (Kristi) Feuling of Burlington; six grandchildren: Alicia (Brock Menard) Sparks, Megan (Wil Smith) Sparks, Katie Feuling, Ryan Sparks, Cal Feuling, and Eli Feuling; three great grandchildren: Makena, Aiden, and Olivia; his former wife, Victoria; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert Feuling.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus with military honors to be conducted.

On March 18, 2025, a beautiful, crisp spring morning, with John Denver playing softly in the background and her daughter, Leann, by her side, Judith Ann Borchert—affectionately known as Grandma Judy, her favorite title—took her last breath.

Born on May 3rd, 1941, to Ingvald and Hazel (Benzine) Jacobson in Rio, Wisconsin, Judy attended Rio High School and later received her L.P.N. license from MATC. She married Donald Borchert Sr. on May 26th, 1962, in Columbus, Wisconsin, where they raised their children: Donald Jr., Susan, and Leann. Judy lived a life of service and was incredibly proud of her nursing career. She worked at Saint Mary’s/Columbus Community Hospital for nearly 30 years, followed by another 23 years at Dean Health Plan. Judy was also immensely proud to be a breast cancer survivor for almost 18 years.

After retiring, Judy continued to dedicate her time to helping others by volunteering at Home Health United Hospice, Custom Canines Service Dog Academy, and supporting LiveMSFree.

Judy loved to travel with her friend Sandy, often to gambling destinations, and in her later years, she enjoyed sports betting with Kevin and The Boys. She also loved spending time outdoors, gardening, or working on projects with Ty, or simply enjoying a beautiful day. If you were lucky enough to receive one of her many crocheted blankets, you knew you held a special place in her heart. But, her greatest joy was being called Grandma Judy—those who knew and loved her cherished her as such.

Judy is survived by her son, Donald Jr. (Beth) Borchert; her daughters, Susan (Jeff) Henning and Leann (Kevin) Vick; grandchildren: Kaitlyn (David) Markle and their son Benjamin, Anthony “Ty” Vick, Christopher (Tori) Henning, and Carly Borchert; as well as her bonus grandson, Dalton (Kim) Miller and their children Quinn and Theo. Judy was also blessed with a very special niece and nephew, Thomas Jacobson, and Jean (Doug) Frea, along with their children: Amy, Jill (Erick) Fleener, and Joe (Jordan Hester). She also shared a special bond with her friend, Sandra Lewke, and was lovingly cared for by her life-saving dog, Alpha.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald Sr., her brother Robert, and sister-in-law Delores.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to At Home Again Assisting Living in Columbus, Prairie Ridge Hospital, and Generations Hospice for their love and compassion. A special thank you is also extended to Lucy Vick for always being there when we needed you.

In lieu of flowers, Judy would have appreciated donations made to two organizations close to her heart: LiveMSFree and Custom Canines Service Dog Academy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14th, 2025, at the Columbus Country Club from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Christina C. Stanek, 40, of Columbus passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at her home.

Christina was born on January 18, 1985 to David and Sheryl Ann (Meshke) Stanek. Throughout her life, Christina will be remembered as an avid photographer. She loved to fish especially ice fishing and was a member of the Wisconsin Women Fish group. Christina had volunteered with Healing Horsemanship in Stoughton.

Christina is survived by her sons: Max and Ben Milawski; her sisters: Thea Janisch, Justine (Bryce) Toles, and Erica Stanek (special friend Tarl); step-father Andy Schabel; step-brothers: Hershel (Jamie) Miller, Brad Schabel, and Nick (Justine) Schabel; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Cameron Stanek.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. Inurnment will take place at Ostrander-Northport Cemetery, Northport, WI at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Healing Horsemanship Foundation, 2655 Cty. Rd. BN, Stoughton, WI 53589.

It is with great sadness that the family of Jan Marks announces his passing on March 8, 2025, at his home in Columbus, WI from a long journey with cancer.

Jan was born June 26, 1954, to William and Marlene Marks (Chase). Jan attended Columbus public schools and started working as a Cement finisher at the age of 16 until his retirement in 2007.

Jan is survived by his wife of 35 years Brenda Marks (Hartwig), son Josh, daughter Amanda (Jason) Schultz, three grandsons who were his pride and joy, Jeff Marks, Lane Schultz, Levi Schultz and Baby Schultz due in June. He is further survived by sisters Teri (Brian) Murray, Lori Marks and Julie Marks, and brother Billy (Amber) Marks, mother-in-law, Linda Hartwig, sisters-in-law, June (Doug) Weiss, Rebecca (Dan) Woolever, Jackie (Bill) Hopfensberger, brother in laws, Jeff (Kristen) Hartwig, and Brian Hartwig as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jan was preceded in death by his brother Bobby, father-in-law Albert Hartwig, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to give special thanks to Jan’s niece Mackenzie Dilley and the Hillside Hospice nurses Jess and Shelley for their timeless compassion and help with Jan as he advanced along his journey. The family would also like to acknowledge John Neesam and Billy Fritz for being great friends to Jan over the years.

Per Jan’s wishes, there will be no service.

Judith R. Thiede, 79, a resident of The Meadows of Fall River and formerly of Columbus passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

Judith was born on February 18, 1945 in Columbus to Herbert R. and Ruth E. (Wendt) Thiede. She was a graduate of Columbus High School. Judy was employed with the Department of Transportation in Madison for many years until her retirement in 2002.

In her younger years, Judy was an avid bowler and enjoyed many Las Vegas trips and gambling excursions. She enjoyed dice shaking and playing cards with her family throughout her life. Judy loved her “gambling” trips to Cenex with her partner in crime, her great nephew Jonah who added great joy to her life.

Judy is survived by her sister Bonnie Rostad of Wausaukee; two brothers: Ronald (Marj) Thiede of Columbus and Roger (Judy) Thiede of Trinity, FL; and further survived by nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Darrell Rostad.

It was Judy’s wish that no formal funeral services be held, and cremation is to take place. A private family burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus at a later date.

Judy’s family would like to thank the staff of Generations Hospice, Stephanie and staff of Epic Care Solutions, and Lorelia and the staff of The Meadows of Fall River for all their care and support.

Adeline Elfrieda Voss, age 95, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, surrounded by family, at The Meadows Assisted Living in Fall River, Wisconsin.

Adeline was born on October 16, 1929 in Fountain Prairie Township to Theodore and Elfrieda (Pergande) Adam.

Adeline was married to Roger W. Voss on October 23, 1954.  She worked as a telephone operator for 8 years before staying home to raise four daughters.  She then worked for Mietzel’s Bakery in Columbus for 27 years.

She was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus, Wisconsin, and her faith in God was evident in her daily life.  Adeline enjoyed growing a large vegetable garden and spent many hours canning her produce.  She also enjoyed cooking and baking, especially making several varieties of Christmas cookies every year.

Adeline will be deeply missed by three daughters, Debbie (Larry) Meyers, Nancy (Joel) Pitzlin and Judy (Robin) Roberts; eight grandchildren, Megan (Julius) Weisensel, Cory and Jamie Meyers, Whitney Pitzlin, Kyle Pitzlin, Kayla (Dryden) Watry, Alex and Derek Roberts; two great grandchildren, Audra and Jordy Weisensel; sister Marian Marshall and brother Eugene (Betsy) Adam, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger W. Voss, daughter Diane (David) Ashley, son-in-law David Ashley, brothers Lester Adam and Donald Adam, sisters-in-law Margaret Adam and Beverly Adam, and brother-in-law Eugene Marshall.

The visitation will be at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Columbus on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at church on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Timothy Schwartz officiating. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Meadows of Fall River and Rainbow Hospice for their care and compassion.  Your kindness and support will always be remembered.

Mom, you were such a wonderful and supportive mother, your caring and understanding will never be forgotten.

2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”