Obituary Category: Columbus

Janet M. Hastings, 86, formerly of Pardeeville, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Tivoli Community in Portage.

Janet was born on June 30, 1940 in Beaver Dam to Matthew “Pat” and Lorraine (Schafer) Callies. She was a 1958 graduate of Beaver Dam High School. Janet was married to Larry N. “Newt” Hastings on May 6, 1961 at First Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. Janet was co-manager of Village Lanes in Monona, owned and operated the Chocolate Shoppe in Monona, and ran the bar at the Monona Community Center. She retired from F&M Bank in Columbus.

Jan found joy in playing the piano, drawing, and making creative gifts she shared with her grandchildren. She loved to sing and was a devoted member of the Sweet Adelines chorus for many years. She also adored the many pets she had throughout her life, especially her beloved dogs, Reba and Joey, whom she spoiled with the same affection she gave so freely to everyone around her. She cannot say the same thing for the alligator that her husband brought home once, without her permission.

Jan’s home was always a gathering place, where there was never a shortage of food or love. To her grandchildren, it felt as though it had been created just for them. Game nights were a favorite tradition, with lively rounds of Scrabble, Uno, and Sequence that brought laughter, (mostly) friendly competition, and lasting memories. To this day, each family member (including the in-laws) knows they are secretly her favorite.

Every holiday was made special by her beautifully decorated home, especially her stunning Christmas trees and the perfectly wrapped presents waiting beneath them. She had a beloved collection of chicken decorations, many of which were gifts from her family over the years, each one bringing a smile and reminding her of those she loved.

More than anything, she treasured time spent with her family, filling their lives with love, kindness, and traditions that will continue to be celebrated for generations. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created, the talents she inspired, and the love she gave so generously.

The family would like to thank Dawn Wescott, the staff at Tivoli, and Andrew and Heidi Crotty for caring for Jan.

Janet is survived by her children: Annette Hastings, Sally Hastings, and Nancy (Greg) Hastings-Frisch; grandchildren: Cory Hastings, Amanda Jakups, Alyssa Frisch (Tyler Vincent), and Racie Frisch; great grandchildren: Jonathan Hastings, Brianna Hastings, and Karson Jakups-Gross; friends: Kathy Weir, Jim Brown, Pat as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Larry in 2022; daughter Kim Hastings; and grandson Mark Jakups.

A visitation will be held at the Koepsell-Zeidler Funeral Home in Columbus on Monday, July 20, 2026 from 4 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6 p.m. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus.

Jacqueline J. Saunders, 88, of Columbus, WI passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 at Prairie Ridge Health center in Columbus.

She was born May 16, 1938 the daughter of E.M. Goodman and Ethel (Bowen) Goodman in Oak Park, Illinois. Shortly thereafter they moved to Evansville, Wisconsin. And in the following years they lived in various places, including Milton, Edgerton, and Janesville. She loved being on the farm and raising animals.

During her high school years, she attended Wisconsin Academy in Columbus, along with her older sister Nancy. It was there that she learned to play piano. What she didn’t learn from lessons, she taught herself. She was a wonderful singer, singing in choir and in several different trios. On one occasion, she sang with Del Delker.

After Academy, she went to college at Andrews University for a short time, married, and had two boys who were her pride and joy. She loved them tremendously, raising them through many hard times.

On November 19, 1993, she was married to Richard “Dick” Saunders in Madison, WI. They were very happy together.

Jackie had been an administrative secretary for the Wisconsin conference of SDA in Madison for many years, as well as the Colorado conference. Earlier in her career, she worked at the Hinsdale Sanitarium in Hinsdale, Illinois. Then was a house parent and managed Lariat Boys Ranch in Nebraska.

Jackie is survived by her sons, Greg (Veronica) Minier of Penn Valley, California and Michael (Judy) Minier of Oxford, WI; grandchildren: Rachel Minier, Josh (Charlene) Larson, Amy (Michael) Bartelt and Randi Jo Dewees; 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; her sisters: Nancy England and Ruthann Tucker and her step children: Dick Saunders Jr. , Don (Eileen)Saunders , Pam Saunders, and Beth ( Phil) Buss.

She is further survived by nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dick, sisters, Caroline and Ellen, brother Eugene, and step sons: Dave and Dale Saunders.

Inurnment will take place at Prairie Mound Cemetery in Oregon, WI. A Celebration of Life will be held at Madison East SDA church in Madison, WI on Sunday, June 21st. at 11:30 am.

 

 

Donalda K. Sauer, 71, of Columbus, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, at her home.

Donalda was born on August 27, 1954, the daughter of Ludden “Fritz” and Esther (Kuehl) Benson in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She was the salutatorian of the Columbus High School class of 1973. On September 17, 1983, she was married to Allen E. Sauer in Portage, Wisconsin.

Donalda dedicated many years of her professional life as the manager of the estimating and billing department at Royle Printing (Sun Prairie) where she was respected for her strong work ethic and kindness to coworkers and customers.

She enjoyed finding a great bargain, and could often be found at local estate sales and many city-wide garage sales. She was known for swinging in just before a sale opened, often skipping her seatbelt between sales in town because it just “slowed her down.” She also had an extensive antique collection, and sold antiques as a side business, with multiple booths in the area.

An avid reader, she would fly through novels, especially James Patterson. She also enjoyed a good Hallmark Mystery movie.

Later in life, she found her love of the northwoods and enjoyed spending time at the cabin, relaxing on the sun porch before hitting up local flea markets.

Above all, Donalda’s greatest joy was her family, whom she loved fiercely. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother who treasured time spent with those she loved. She was always on the go, supporting her grandkids at sporting events. She had a warm heart, a caring spirit, and a special love for her dogs that brought her much happiness throughout her life.

Donalda will be deeply missed by her husband Allen and her children: Larry Douma of Watertown, Laura (Todd) Grossman of Marshall, Lance (Kristin) Douma of Holland, Michigan, and Kimberly (Thomas) Etter of Friendship; loving grandchildren: Justin (Emily), Jayden, Kale (Sydney), Kobe, Karter, Eleanor, Claire, Arabella, Tyden, and Adaya. She is further survived by her cousin Karen Papouschek and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her Aunt Laura Murphy.

A Celebration of Donalda’s life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Savanna Oaks Community Center in Fall River, Wisconsin. All are welcome to come support the family and share their memories.

Raymond Alden Owens, 91 of Columbus, WI, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Larson House.

Ray was born on April 25, 1935, along with his twin brother, Robert, at Lutheran Hospital, Sioux City, Iowa.

He attended school in Ute, IA.  After graduation, he worked on various farms before he and two brothers along with a few good friends joined the Military.  He joined the US Army and was stationed in San Francisco, CA from 1955-1957.

He met the love of his life, Barbara Kirchberg, while working at Cedar Rapids, IA, at a Radio Factory.  They married on October 19, 1957.  They started their marriage in Sun Valley, California.  They had two children, Michael and Pamela.  He worked at The National Gas Company in Los Angeles.  They moved to DeForest, WI, where he was employed at Sears as a Maintenance Repair Man.   After their retirement Ray and Barb moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas for many years before returning to Wisconsin.  Ray and his bride were married for 62 years, before Barb’s passing in 2019.

Ray had unwavering faith in our Lord and attended Church Services as often as possible. He instilled this faith in his family and cherished spending quality time with them.  Besides family, he enjoyed various activities such as playing basketball, softball and dartball as well as watching sports.  Although a Badger Fan, his favorite team has always been the Iowa Hawkeyes.   He also relished camping, traveling and “Happy Hour” with his Korbel Manhattans.

Ray is survived by his children, Michael (Nicole) Owens and Pamela (Roger) Timm; Grand-children; Joshua Timm (Ashley), Jacob (Jennifer) Timm, Joel Timm (Liz), Anthony (Cassie) Owens, Paige Owens (Johnny) and Echo Klemolin ; Great-Grandchildren; Jordan Owens, Michael Owens, Shay Timm, Cassius Timm and Amelia Timm; a brother Harold (Pat) Owens; two sisters, Mary Cunningham and Dona Colyer and many Nieces and Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav and Elizabeth Owens; his wife, Barbara Owens; Brother & Sister-in law, Gordon and Ruth Owens, Brother and Sister-in-law, Robert and Lou Ann Owens; a sister and Brother-in-law, Beverly and Howard Uhl; and a sister and brother that died at infancy.

Dad “Papa,” we will always love you and cherish the wonderful memories with you, but we know Mom “Grammy” was waiting with her arms wide open for you in heaven.

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

Ray’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Linda and the hospice team at St. Croix as well as the Larson House for all their wonderful care and support.

Patrick L. Powers, age 54, of Columbus, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Pat was born on March 31, 1972, in Columbus, the son of Richard and Sharon (Brumm) Powers. He was a 1990 graduate of Columbus High School and proudly dedicated 29 years of service to SGX Print Solutions, where he worked as an Account Director. Pat was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus, and his faith in God was a meaningful and guiding presence throughout his life.

In his free time, Pat found great joy in walking his golden retriever, Barkley, throughout town for many miles each week. Barkley was his constant and faithful companion, bringing Pat comfort and happiness, and the two were rarely seen apart. Pat took great pride in attending and faithfully following his nieces’ and nephews’ activities and cherished quality time spent with family. He was known for being neat, organized, and meticulous, especially when caring for his yard. A loyal friend to many, Pat will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor.

Pat is survived by his mother, Sharon Powers of Columbus; his sister, Pam (Mike Finnestad) Powers of Beaver Dam; his brother and best friend, Kevin (Kelli) Powers of Columbus; nieces and nephews: Zachary (Kristi) Erdman, Leighton Finnestad, Courtney Finnestad, Saylor Powers, Peyton Powers, and Sam Powers; great-nephew and great-nieces: Braden, Phylicity, and Aylah; along with aunts, uncles, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father, Richard “Dick” Powers, in 2021.

A memorial gathering will be held at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 12 p.m. Rev. Timothy Schwartz will officiate. Inurnment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus.

Memorials may be directed to the Columbia County Humane Society or to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus.

Susan L. Sherbon, 54, of Verona and formerly of Columbus passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at UW Hospital in Madison.

Susan was born on December 17, 1971 in Columbus to Erwin and Barbara (Bauer) Yuds. She was a 1990 graduate of Columbus High School. Susan was a 1994 graduate of Ripon College and in 2001 received her master’s degree in social work with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She later received an additional master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.  Susan was most recently employed as a clinical therapist. Previously, she was employed with the Rockford Public School District specializing in consulting and training in classrooms for children with special needs for over 20 years. Susan was a kind person who was always willing to help people. Her mission in life was to help kids.

Susan is survived by her children: Hannah (Troy King) Sherbon and Tanner Sherbon both of Machesney Park, IL; her significant other Julian Gardner of Verona; her father Erwin Yuds of Columbus; brothers: Warren (Michelle) Yuds and Richard Yuds both of Columbus; nieces and nephews: Ali Sherbon, Anthony Sherbon, Mason Yuds, and Mackenzie Yuds; her puppies: Poppy and Venzo; as well as cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her mother Barbara and her grandparents.

A private memorial service will be held at the Koepsell-Zeidler Funeral Home in Columbus. A celebration of life gathering will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Columbus Country Club.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

Jeffrey Wade Krakow, 69, of Columbus, WI passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. He was able to continue his service to others through organ donation.

Jeffrey was born on April 1, 1956 in Columbus to Arden and Geraldine (Franz) Krakow. He was a graduate of Fall River High School. He attended UW-Madison and also received his Evangelism certificate from Martin Luther College which he was very proud to accomplish. Jeff served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years and later in the Marine Corps Reserves. He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service in Columbus, and later in Madison where he retired. In retirement Jeff enjoyed driving special needs children to school with Lamers bus company. Jeff was married to Melody Weihert on May 16, 1981 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Columbus.

Jeff lived a life of service to others and to the Lord. He was a faithful and very active member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Columbus where he was called to visit homebound members. He was a proud life member of the Marine Corps League Det. #359 and was currently serving as Assistant Vice Commandant of Central Division. He was also a life member of the American Legion Post #62. Jeff enjoyed coaching for Wodill’s softball team. He loved coaching his daughters’ basketball and volleyball teams at Zion School.

Jeff is survived by his wife Melody of Columbus; his daughters: Mamie (Timothy) Nickel of Kaukauna and Katrina (Philip) Meinel of Verona; seven grandchildren: Jonah, Julia, and Jasmine Toppe, and Grace, Noel, Josiah, and James Meinel; siblings: Judy Wedeward, Steve (Tina) Krakow, Beth (Tom) Stout, Sue Krakow, Josephine Sennhenn, Patricia (Kevin) Welch, Rodney (Melissa) Krakow, Barbi Kemper, and Kenneth (Lisa) Krakow; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: Andrew and Henry.

A memorial gathering will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Columbus on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. until the time of the Christian funeral at 11 a.m. Rev. Tim Schwartz and Rev. Ben Zuberbier will officiate. Military honors will immediately follow the funeral at the church.

Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church in Columbus.

 

Terry L. Murray age 72, passed away peacefully at her home in Columbus with her family by her side on November 3, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Terry was born on July 21, 1953, to William and Marlene (Chase) Marks. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1972. On October 5, 1974, Terry married her high school sweetheart, Brian Murray, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Columbus, Wisconsin. Terry worked part-time through the years to be able to stay home and raise her children, before retiring from the Colonial Club in Sun Prairie after 15 years. Terry’s greatest joys in life were her two granddaughters, Gretta and Chloe.

Terry is survived by her husband of 51 years, Brian Murray; daughter, Megan (Jeremy) Kelm; son, Joseph Murray; and her grand-fur dog, Cali. She is further survived by two grandchildren, Gretta and Chloe Kelm; her sisters, Julie and Lori Marks; brother, Billy (Amber) Marks; sister-in-law, Brenda Marks; brother in law, Michael (Suzi) Murray; sister in law, Bridget (Gary) Schroeder; as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Terry was preceded in death by her parents, William and Marlene; her brothers, Bobby and Jan (earlier this year); and her in-laws Joseph and Sara Murray.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the doctors and nurses who have treated Terry through her cancer journey and to Hillside Hospice in Beaver Dam for their care and compassion in her last weeks of life.

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

If desired, memorials made be made to Terry’s family or to Hillside Hospice in Beaver Dam.

Kenneth Wayne Sharpee, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and dedicated farmer, passed away on October 24, 2025, at the age of 81 after injuries sustained from a farming accident.

Kenneth Wayne was born on June 7, 1944, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Palmer and Ruth (Vine) Sharpee. Ken married Mary Lou Hutchison on August 10, 1974, forming a partnership and family built on shared visions and goals.

Ken was a throwback to America’s greatest generation and was focused on education and an honest day’s work. Some of his proudest achievements, aside from fatherhood and being a grandpa, were his academic successes, which started in a single room schoolhouse in the township of Hampden, WI and led to a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and a master’s degree in Soil Science, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He completed his educational journey with a Doctorate in Soil Science from Cornell University. During his freshman year at UW-Madison he rowed for the UW crew team and he reminisced fondly about his time on the water. A fervent supporter of UW-Madison, Ken enjoyed being on campus, going to football and hockey games, and attending any UW Marching Band event. He enjoyed staying up to date on new UW research findings and communicating with the UW Agriculture Extension specialists about new farming practices – he would even occasionally sneak into a campus lecture. His career as a fourth-generation farmer on his family farm, which he considered to be his greatest legacy, blended perfectly with his love of science. Ken often treated the farm as a laboratory to test new agricultural innovations, allowing him to continue his fascination in and commitment to the scientific process. While his passions were farming and science, his heart was filled with a love for dogs and his two granddaughters.

Ken built many strong friendships working with his wife for the Columbia County Democratic Party and was a tireless advocate for education, environmental justice and research funding. He was the living embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea, which promoted advancing science for the benefit of all Wisconsin citizens. He demanded a lot of himself yet was always willing to help a neighbor or friend whenever needed.

Ken is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Rio; children, Katharine (David Gerk) Sharpee of Arlington, VA, and William Carey Sharpee of Laurel, MD; grandchildren, Elin and Malin Gerk; brothers, Richard (Jeri) Sharpee of Lake in the Hills, IL and Rolf (Barbara) Sharpee of Rhinelander, WI; nieces and nephews; cousins, neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The visitation for Ken will be at Spring Prairie Lutheran Church in Keyeser, WI on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:50 p.m. The funeral service will follow at the church on Monday at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Rick Bursh officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Wisconsin Madison Extension would be greatly appreciated.  https://extension.wisc.edu.

Donald Herbert Klug, 88, passed away on August 1, 2025. He was born on February 12, 1937, in Columbus, Wisconsin, to the late Herbert Klug and Edna (Lewke) Klug.

On August 22, 1964, Don married Suzanne M. Murphy at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Columbus, Wisconsin. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Suzanne; daughter, Jennifer Adams (Jim); and grandchildren Katherine, Daniel, and Caroline of Bernardsville, New Jersey. He is also survived by his sister Sharon (Ernie) Lambeth of Munising, Michigan; brother-in-law Bob Porter of Aurora, Colorado; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Judy Porter.

Don attended Columbus High School and, upon graduation, joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a degree in Economics. He began his career with Kemper Insurance in Chicago, later completing the rigorous program of the American Institute for Property and Liability Underwriters, Inc., earning the designation of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). Don worked in Kemper’s Chicago office for several years before transferring to their Summit, New Jersey office. He spent his final working years as a Commercial Bond Manager at the World Trade Center in New York City.

Don enjoyed hiking, traveling, camping, skiing and visiting with his beloved family and friends. He especially loved the frequent visits back to Columbus and special trips to explore Alaska and the Netherlands. A devoted reader of military history, Don could often be found with a book in hand. He was a loyal Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers fan, enjoying a good-natured rivalry with Jennifer when his Badgers played her Penn State Nittany Lions.

Don was also a talented woodworker and an exceptionally handy craftsman, known for fixing almost anything—rarely, if ever, bringing his car to a mechanic. Above all, he cherished time spent with his wife, family and grandchildren, attending their concerts, sporting events, and school activities. Known for his quiet demeanor and sense of humor, he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Don was buried at St. Columbkille Catholic Cemetery in Columbus on Tuesday, August 10, 2025. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Don’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project.