Obituary Category: Columbus

Carolyn J. Vertz, 84, a resident of The Meadows of Fall River passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024 at the Watertown Regional Medical Center.

Carolyn was born on August 17, 1939 in Jackson, WI to Harry and Selma (Gierach) Tews.  She was baptized on September 3, 1939 and later confirmed her Christian faith on March 29, 1953 at David’s Star Lutheran Church in Jackson.  She was a graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac and Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN.  Carolyn was married to Rev. Karl Vertz on August 25, 1963 at David’s Star Lutheran Church.  Carolyn taught for six years after college and later dedicated herself as a caring homemaker.  She was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Columbus.

Carolyn is survived by her three children: Tod (Beth) Vertz of Sturgeon Bay, Tricia (Matthew) Affholter of Canton, MI and Joy (Matthew) Huber of Columbus; her daughter-in-law Peg Vertz of Lemoyne, OH; seven grandchildren: Laura (Shane) Christianson, Michael (Megan) Vertz, Sara (James) Jamieson, Logan Affholter, Derek Affholter, Carter Huber, and Megan Huber; four great grandchildren; her siblings: Roger (Lynne) Tews and Judy Diener; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Karl; and her son Jon.

A memorial gathering will be held at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Columbus on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10 a.m.  Rev. Benjamin Zuberbier will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to the Zion Lutheran School Building Fund.

John T. Ehlers, age 73, of Neillsville, WI; Columbus, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Keller, TX and lastly Oconomowoc, WI, passed away Feb. 24, 2024.

John would like to share his life journey to thank the people along the way who helped mold his wonderful life.

I was born August 26, 1950 in Milwaukee, WI to Eugene and Mildred Ehlers.  I was the big brother to Brownie, Donald, Roger, Doris, Ruth, and Gordon.  I lived in Neillsville until age 10 where I attended a one room school house which I rode my horse Bud across the field to attend.  I was driving tractor at age 7 to work the fields with my father.  We moved to Columbus, WI in 1960 where I attended school and graduated in 1969.  During my life in Columbus my father owned the Mobil Station where I worked many hours helping him out and learned a great deal about automobiles which contributed to my love for fine cars and motorcycles.  My parents were wonderful, loving and giving and were great examples of how to work hard and live life well.

I served in the US Air Force as a weekend warrior with the WI Air National Guard from July 1969 until July 1975 which entitled me the honor of being a Vietnam Era Veteran.  My military service gave me many wonderful memories and lifelong friendships.

In 1971 I began my life long employment with the railroad.  I Retired in 2016 after 45 years with the distinguished title of Director of Dispatch for the Union Pacific Coal Division.  I began my work with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad and ended my career with the Union Pacific Railroad.  My career also gave me so many wonderful memories, good times and lifelong friendships that filled my life with joy and laughter in Milwaukee, Chicago, Omaha and Fort Worth TX.

Throughout my life I loved cooking, gardening, especially roses, and helping many friends and family with yard work.  One of my biggest joys was treating family and friends to a great meal at one of my many favorite restaurants.  The nice weather in TX allowed me to fall in love with bicycles. I spent many years riding my bike 30 miles to work, teaming up with buds and touring many of the roads around TX.  I celebrated 21 years of my birthdays doing the Hotter ‘N Hell 100 bike ride in Wichita TX with family and friends.  Most of all I loved camping along the Black River every year and working on the beautiful land I grew up on in Neillsville WI.

I was preceded in death by my parents, my grandparents, my brother, many aunts and uncles and cousins, who I have missed dearly.  I am survived by my two loving and wonderful daughters and son-in-law’s, Jamie (Brian) and Jackie (Steve) and my beautiful grandchildren who I am so proud of and love dearly, Ashley and Hunter; my stepson Scott and my stepdaughter Heather whom I have both loved unconditionally,  many nieces, nephews and cousins, my sister Doris and my brother Brownie who have been my go-to people throughout my life.

In closing, thank you to everyone who gave me a life which was so fulfilling and full of love.  You will never know how much help, joy and satisfaction you all gave me.  And always remember that Cardinals appear when Angels are near!  Celebrate my life with a glass of good wine.

 

 

 

 

 

It is with profound sadness that the family of Corine (Cyrus) Bastien announce her sudden passing on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. We bid farewell to a soul whose essence radiated love, kindness, and enduring memories. Affectionately known as Cori, her journey, which began on January 5th, 1975, unfolded as a testament to compassion and generosity.

As a dedicated nurse practitioner, Cori devoted her life aiding those less fortunate, leaving an indelible mark of fairness and love on all she touched. Her contagious laughter filled every room, creating an atmosphere of joy and warmth that will be forever cherished. The unwavering love she had for her sons Xavier and Marcus is a timeless testament to a mother’s enduring devotion, shaping their lives with the gift of warmth, guidance, and boundless affection.

Cori’s presence illuminated the lives of all who knew her. She possessed a rare ability to uplift others, offering solace during times of hardship and celebrating joyous moments with an infectious spirit.

Cori’s legacy lives on through those she held dear; sons, Xavier (age 10) and Marcus (age 7); their father, Andre Bastien; father, Chet Cyrus; and brother, Joseph (Amanda) Cyrus; niece, Elle; and nephew, Cash. Her impact extended beyond immediate family, and was a cherished cousin and niece to many across the country. In heaven she joins her mother, Brenda Cyrus; brother, Nick Cyrus; aunt, Bonnie Carney; grandmother, Rita Gavinski; and grandfather, William Gavinski.

Cori’s legacy shines as a beacon of hope and love, leaving an irreplaceable void in her absence. In mourning, we celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the lasting influence she leaves behind. May she rest in peace, forever cherished and never forgotten.

In honoring her memory, the family kindly requests donations to her GoFundMe.com/corine-cyrus-bastien account to assist with funeral costs and support of her children.

The visitation will be at Koepsell-Zeidler Funeral Home in Columbus on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The funeral service will follow on Saturday at 11:30 am. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus, following the service.

Ruth I. Esser, 81, formerly of Oconomowoc, WI passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Parkside Village in DeForest with family by her side.

Ruth was born on February 14, 1942, the daughter of Earl and Isabel Tremaine in Oconomowoc, WI.  On September 17, 1966, she was united in marriage to Robert J. Esser.  They shared 53 wonderful years together before his passing in 2020.

Ruth lived her entire life in the Oconomowoc and Ashippun area. Oconomowoc is where she and Bob raised their family, where Ruth was a beloved cafeteria lady at Greenland elementary, and the family snowmobiled with the Throttle Jockey Snowmobile Club.  With her family grown, Ruth helped Bob operate the family business, Bob’s Blacktop Sealing.  After retirement, they enjoyed taking bus tours and motorcycle trips and traveled all over the United States. Ruth was a faithful member of the Holy Name of Jesus Ev. Catholic Church in Ashippun, WI. She loved her yard and took great pride in keeping it free of leaves and dandelions. She dearly loved her faithful canine companion, Sparky and captured the hearts of all she met throughout her life.

Ruth will be deeply missed by her daughter Tina Esser of Watertown; her son Tim (Sue) Esser of De Forest; her grandchildren: Amanda, Danielle, Kyle, and Kade; great grandson Ferris, her brother Dale (Jane) Tremaine, and sisters-in-laws: Joan Raasch, Mary Priesgan, and Carole Esser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, stepsons Mike Esser and Joey Esser; and her sisters: Frances Tremaine, Lois Baker and Shirley Gourlie.

A visitation for Ruth will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. at Glenview Memorial Gardens, W1219 Glenview Ave., Ixonia, WI. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Dave Verhasselt officiating.  Entombment will follow at Glenview Memorial Gardens.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and residents at Parkside Village of DeForest for making Ruth feel at home, and to Brighton Hospice for their compassionate care the last few months.

 

 

 

Nancy May Kind, age 81, was called to her eternal home on February 09, 2024 from complications related to a stroke that took place in early December.

Nancy was born on May 27, 1942 in Hampden Township, Columbia County, to Raymond and Grace (Helwig) Kind.  She graduated from Doctor Martin Luther High School and Doctor Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota.  Nancy was a teacher in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod for over 25 years, serving in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin before returning to Columbus and working at the F&M Bank for many years.   She was very active in civic and charitable causes. Nancy married Wallace (Wally) Weidemann on October 29, 1993 and was married until his passing in 1996.

Nancy was true to her name – a ‘Kind’ person who gave freely of her time to help family and friends. Though she had no children of her own, she was a special Sister, Aunt and Great Aunt to her extended family, often driving hours to attend sporting events, plays, concerts or ceremonies. She loved her church, enjoyed traveling, collecting clocks and Ford tractors and dabbling in investments.

She is survived by her sister Janice (Len) Blau, a step-son David (Marcia) Weidemann and a step-daughter Karen (John) Plantenberg and a step daughter-in-law Mary Jane Weidemann and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wallace Weidemann, her parents, two brothers, Charles and Roger Kind, two sisters, Doris Price and Beverly Adam, two brothers-in-law, Eugene Price and Donald Adam and one sister-in-law, Marlene Kind and one step-son Roger Weidemann.

Visitation will be at Zion Lutheran Church in Columbus on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30. The funeral service will follow at the church on Monday at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Tim Schwartz officiating. The burial will be at Hampden Cemetery and will be followed by a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, the American Kidney Foundation or a charity of your choice.

 

 

 

 

 

Dale F. Sennhenn, 76, of Columbus passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Alden Estates of Jefferson Rehab Center.

Dale was born on December 30, 1947 in Columbus to Frederick and Dorothy (Lange) Sennhenn.  He was a graduate of Columbus High School.  Dale served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Purple Heart.  He was married to Jean Drews on July 17, 1970 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fox Lake.  Dale worked as a carpenter and handyman in the area for many years.  He also spent many years working on his sister’s farm in North Dakota.

Dale was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Columbus.  He was member of the Columbus VFW, Legion, and 40&8.  Dale was an avid bowler and bowled a 300 game.  He enjoyed fishing and in his later years enjoyed spending time at his cabin up north.

Dale is survived by his wife Jean of Columbus; three children: Jennifer (Paul) Manssen of Watertown, Rebecca Sennhenn of Columbus, and Brian (Lyndsy) Sennhenn of Fall River; three grandchildren: Brett Schraufnagel (fiancée Melanie) and Greysen and Nolen Buckingham; four siblings: Donald Sennhenn of IL, David (Monica) Sennhenn of Cuba City, Deborah (Kent) Albers of ND, and Diane Sennhenn of Columbus; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death his parents; sister-in-law Carolyn Sennhenn; and brother-in-law JC Meyers.

A visitation will be held at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Columbus on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Additional parking is available at the Columbus Nursing and Rehab Center.  A visitation will also be held at church on Saturday, February 3^rd from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m.  Rev. Benjamin Zuberbier will officiate.  Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus with graveside military honors to be conducted.

 

 

 

John F. Feuling, 85, of Columbus passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at his home.

John was born in Columbus on February 22, 1938, to Eugene “John” and Dorothy (Murphy) Feuling. He was a 1956 graduate of Columbus High School. John honorably served in the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 1960 – 1966. He was married to Mary Debbert.

John was a mail carrier in Columbus for many years. From 1989 to 2001, he owned and operated Village Liquors in Cambridge. He enjoyed being a part of these communities and made many long-lasting relationships.

John had an enduring passion for sports, both on the field and off. During his school years he played baseball, basketball, and football. After graduation he played baseball for the Columbus Home Talent League and coached baseball in Columbus and Marshall. He enjoyed following the sports careers of the players and teammates he worked with and was always happy to reminisce about their games.

When John was not playing or coaching, he was helping young players improve their performance and learn good sportsmanship as a WIAA state sports official. He officiated basketball for 35 years, baseball for 39 years, and football for over 50 years. In 2012, he was recognized by the Wisconsin Conference Commissioners Association as the District 3 Official of the Year. Over his career, he worked in multiple state conferences; officiated four state championships football games and four state championship baseball games. In 1993, he was awarded Umpire of the Year by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association. John made every effort to make fair judgements on the field and took pride in his performance and accomplishments.

These officiating milestones could not have been achieved without the skilled teamwork, professionalism, and fellowship he found among the gentlemen he worked with in his officiating crews and with the members of the Yellow Thunder Officials Association. The friendships he made among his fellow officials, coaches, and athletic association members meant a great deal to him.

From his youth into his early eighties, John was an avid golfer. His golf bag was a semi-permanent passenger in his van; whether to squeeze in nine holes at a local course or to travel to enjoy the challenge of courses around the state. Early on he spent many hours on the course at the Columbus Country Club, where his diligence would later win him multiple championships. John would later serve on the Columbus Country Club board of directors.

Later into his retirement, he looked forward to the weekly get-together with a group of former classmates, neighbors, and friends, at Julie’s Java House and later at the Columbus Senior Center, where important discussions were held over coffee and treats, to dissect the latest game, current events, or trade local news.

John was an active member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Sun Prairie. His faith was an extremely important part of his life and he found great comfort and made many cherished friendships at St. Albert’s.

John is survived by his daughter Jennifer Feuling of Lake Mills; his former wife, Mary Thompson of Lake Mills; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Koepsell-Zeidler Funeral Home in Columbus on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 1p.m. Fr. Michael Johnson will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

 

 

 

Sylvia Sue Stadler, age 81, a resident of The Meadows of Fall River, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, December 21, 2023.

She was born to Reinhold Sr. and Regina (Toppe) Seemann of Rio on July 3, 1942, in Columbus, WI.  Sylvia married Clarence E. Stadler on April 15, 1961, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown, WI.  Sylvia and Clarence purchased a farm in Columbus in 1965. She worked alongside her husband, driving tractor, raising beef cattle, and selling eggs from her chickens.

When all of her children became school age, she worked as a laboratory technician, testing milk for Alto Cooperative Creamery in Astico, WI until it closed.  Sylvia worked for 24 years serving as a Treasurer for the Town of Elba and as a bookkeeper for C.D. Farm Supply.

Sylvia loved baking pies, gardening, canning garden produce and playing euchre with the card club.  When her children were in 4-H, she served as a photography and gardening leader in their club.

Sylvia was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church.  She enjoyed working with the Ladies Aide, Church Altar Guild and volunteered at many of Zion’s blood drives.

Sylvia is survived by her four children: Jonathan (Debra) Stadler of Madison, Carrie Stadler of Yuma, AZ, Cindie Stadler of CA, and James (Lisa) Stadler of Columbus; grandchildren: Abbey, Morgan, and Caleb Stadler; her siblings: Gertrude (Norman) Stilson of Columbus, Reinhold (Yvonne) Seemann Jr. of Cambria, and Loren Seemann of Columbus; sister-in-law Carol Seemann of Fond du Lac; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Clarence in 2012; brother Bruce Seemann; and nephew Gary Seemann.

A visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Columbus on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m.  Rev. Benjamin Zuberbier will officiate.  Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus.

The family would like to thank the entire Poser Clinic for their years of care. Words cannot express our appreciation towards every staff member of Home Again of Columbus, The Meadows of Fall River, and Generations Hospice for providing exceptional care to Sylvia over the past four and a half years.

Memorials in Sylvia’s name may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association, Generations Hospice, or your favorite charity.

 

 

 

 

Edwina “Eddie” Ruth Cline, 93 years old of Beaver Dam, WI. passed away peacefully at Beaver Dam Healthcare Center Nursing Home on Dec. 1, 2023. She was the daughter of Edward and Eleanor Smith of Portage, ME.

Eddie, as she was fondly called by family and friends, was an RN. She was very caring, kind, compassionate and loved helping people. During the time she raised her children she stepped away from nursing, temporarily. She would not only be a nurse to her children, but also to the animals and birds outside. Eddie loved nature and she was quite knowledgeable in the names and types of plants, trees and flowers. She loved watching nature shows. She had quite the green thumb and she loved gardening. One of her joys was to feed all the little animals and birds that would come to her porch.

Eddie was a hard worker and a strong woman. Any task that needed to be done, she did it. She went back into nursing after all her children graduated high school. She chose to work for the Red Cross, drawing blood from the volunteers. She laughingly called herself a “vampire.”

Eddie is survived by her sister Kathari Findlin, currently living in Florida; her brother Douglas Goss of Middleburg, NY. She is also survived by her daughter Bonnie Campbell of Tulsa, OK.; son Bill Cline of Houston, TX.; daughter Sharon Washington of Brandenburg, KY.; daughter Terry Osofsky of Huntington, WV.; son Tim Cline of Madison, WI.; son Tom Cline of Windsor, WI., and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Eddie was preceded in death by her husband William R Cline; her twin brother Edward Smith; her sister Rita Littlefield; her brother Burton Goss; her brother Lloyd Owens and her grandson Chris Osofsky.

Graveside services will be held in Spring 2024 at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus, WI.

Delores J. Hasenfuss, 92, of Columbus passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at The Meadows of Fall River.

Delores was born on March 4, 1931 the daughter of Herman and Alma (Peterson) Homman in Rio, Wisconsin.  She was united in marriage with Virgil C. Hasenfuss on June 12, 1951 in Rio, Wisconsin.

Delores will be remembered for her compassionate care and respect she brought to patients during her decades of work as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  She enjoyed watching both her children and grandchildren’s sporting events and was an avid fan of the Packers and Brewers.  Delores was a faithful member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed being a Greeter for many years.

Delores will be deeply missed by her daughter Karen (Tony) Richie of St. Paul, MN; her son Randy (Jean) Hasenfuss of Columbus; daughter-in-law LuAnn Hasenfuss of Columbus; her six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; step sister Darlene (Dennis) Lerum of Rio; sister-in-law Dorothy Homman of Randolph.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Virgil, son Richard, sisters: Geraldine (in infancy), Darlene (Gordon) Allen and Sharon Homman and her brother Mervin Homman Sr.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Koepsell-Zeidler Funeral Home in Columbus on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Tim Schwartz officiating.  Inurnment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus, Wisconsin.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Meadows of Fall River, Generations Hospice and to Dr. Sam Poser and Dr. Rolf Poser for their compassionate care and support.  Your kindness will always be remembered.