Obituary Category: 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.

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, Generations 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.