Obituary Category: Horicon

Barbara Dorothy (Buck) Raue, 87, formerly of Horicon, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, WI.

Barb was born in Lancaster, WI on June 22, 1937 the daughter of Elvin and Dorothy (Enloe) Buck.  She attended Lancaster schools and graduated as the valedictorian of her class in 1955.  Barb attended U.W. Platteville and graduated in 1958 with her teaching degree in both History and Music.  She began her teaching career in Horicon, then taught briefly at Wisconsin Dells and at Neosho before returning to Horicon where she retired in 2000.

From her first piano lesson at age 5, Barb was a dedicated musician.  She often said how thankful she was that her parents provided her with so many opportunities in music because it became her life’s work. Not only was she a music teacher, but she also accompanied both school and church choirs, accompanied numerous students for solo and ensemble, and played for chapel services at St. Stephen Lutheran School even after her retirement.  Barb was active in the handbell choir and mixed choir and played for contemporary services at St. Stephen Lutheran Church.  For over 40 years, she was the church organist at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Juneau.

Barb met her husband, Adolph (Al) Raue during her first teaching assignment at Horicon.  They were married on July 29, 1961 at the Congregational Church in Lancaster, WI.

Barb was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Alumni Association of U.W. Platteville, Wisconsin Historical Society, and American Legion Auxiliary, Post 157.  She was also an avid sports fan including the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers.  She and Al had season tickets to the Wisconsin Badger Football games their entire marriage.

Barb is survived by her daughter by marriage, Kristina (Daniel) Whalen, Le Claire, Iowa; Ellen Raue, Neenah, WI; David (Amber) Raue, Beaver Dam, WI; and Diane (Michael) Schommer, Fond du Lac, WI.  In addition to her children, Barb is further survived by her grandchildren who brought her much joy and happiness through the years, Amanda (Omar) Hunigan, Christopher (Erin) Scupham, Katherine and William Schommer, Mathew and Mitchell Raue, Piper Lehner, and five great grandchildren.  She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Buck, niece Jennifer Randle and nephew Peter Buck.

In addition to her husband Al, Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin and Dorothy Buck, her in-laws Adolph and Hilda Raue, brother Gerald Buck, niece Suzanne Chaffee, nephew Greg Buck, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A visitation for Barbara will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church.  Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Horicon, WI; St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, WI; or SSM Hospice, Fond du Lac, WI.

Barb’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Francis Home and SSM Hospice for their loving care and compassion during her time there.

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

 

Ernest Peter Jauert, 97, passed away peacefully at his home in Wisconsin Dells on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Ernest was born August 23, 1927 to William and Mathilda (Klemmer) Jauert in Ossian, Iowa.

During his life, Ernest was a farmer, ran his own portable feed mill, and worked in manufacturing before retiring from John Deere Horicon Works. He was united in marriage to Delores Koster on August 22, 1949 in Mitchell, South Dakota. In later years, he and his wife enjoyed camping and traveling across the United States. Recently he enjoyed wood working, doing Intarsia Art and tinkering with old tractors.

The visitation will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Mark Brandl officiating. Burial will be at St. Malachy Catholic Cemetery in Horicon.

Ernest is survived by his special friend and companion, Joyce Kuehl; children, Diane (Tom) Lechner of Fond du Lac, Gary Jauert of Horicon, Charlene (Dan) Frost of Waupun, and Eugene Jauert of Horicon. He is further survived by grandchildren, Christine Adamavich, Jessica Miller, Jasmine Linden, Joshua Jauert, Kindra Pierce, Cheryl Kornely, and Brian Frost; fifteen great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; his siblings, Leon (Betty) Jauert, Doris Stade, Jean Player, Kenny (Ruth) Jauert, Carol Boe, Bonnie di Gesualdo, Marilyn Gibner and Joseph Jauert.

Ernest was preceded in death by his wife, Delores; children, Donald, Ronald and Kathy Jauert; and grandson, Darrell Jauert. He was further preceded in death by his parents, William and Mathilda Jauert; sisters, Armella Zweibehmor, Inez Willingham; brother, Mark Jauert; and son-in-law, James Sperling.

Randeen L. Kranz, age 76, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 18, 2024 at her home in Waupun.

Private services will be held. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon.

Randeen was born on July 20, 1948, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to the late Francis and Joyce (Hintz) Hoffman. On January 23, 1971, she was united in marriage with Myron Kranz in Beaver Dam. Randeen loved animals, especially the cats and dogs she had as pets through the years. She enjoyed traveling and camping and always had time to watch a football game. Even living in Packerland, she remained a fan of the Chicago Bears, just like her father.

Survivors include her two daughters, Holly (Mark) Gerber of Waupun and Tracie (Edward) Garczynski of Beaver Dam; six grandchildren, Travis (Tamara) Gerber, Ryan (Ashley) Gerber, Nicole (Brett) Meli, Megan Gerber, Hannah (Ryan) Boedefeld, and Allyson (Dustin) Parrish; 12 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Linda (Jack) Yuds; other relatives and friends. Randeen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Tyler Kranz; and a brother-in-law, Randy Kranz.

Helen Westimayer, age 95, of Horicon, Wisconsin died peacefully at her home Wed. Sept. 18, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

Helen was born on December 21, 1928 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, the daughter of Erwin and Cynthia (Bohnert) Marthaler.  She graduated from Beaver Dam High School and went on to work as a secretary at Monarch Range.  Here is where she met the love of her life Tony Westimayer.

On April 14, 1951 Helen and Tony were united in marriage.  They were blessed with ten children and were able to enjoy 69 wonderful years together!

Helen’s greatest joy in life was family. With the love and support of her Mother- in- law and Father- in- law, who lived right next door, she was able to devote her time to making their home and family a priority.  As parents they always put everyone else’s needs before their own, providing loving guidance and generosity.

Helen’s favorite titles were Mom, Mumsy, Grandma, and Great Grandma.  Any time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her most memorable treasures.  All she wanted was for her family to be happy, to be healthy, and to know that she was alway there for them. Mom and Dad had the biggest smiles whenever the little ones came around. Mom could always make you feel better just by hearing her voice, and the hugs she gave.  Our memories are many.

If you knew Mom you were lucky.  We can truly say that with all of our hearts, we couldn’t have been blessed with a more loving, caring, generous and compassionate Mother.  Our hearts are broken, but our amazing memories and her love will help us heal.

Helen is survived by 9 children and their families, Dave (Jane) Westimayer of Horicon, Barb (Dale) Keach of Markesan, Tony (MaryKay) Westimayer of Horicon, Pat Spettel (Gary Klein) of Juneau, Susie (Jim) Schumacher of Horicon, Sandy (Randy) Franke of Horicon, Mike (Jodie) Westimayer of Burnett, Jon Westimayer (Elizabeth Kotewa) of Horicon, Kathy (Wes) Elford of Neshkoro; 23 grandchildren, Julia (Nate) Schultz, Ann (John) Hansen, Chris (Pam Hupf) Westfall, Matt (Laura Hammer) Westfall, Dylan (Alley) Westimayer, Katie (Jose) Torres, Karyn (Jay) Kroschel, Cody (Rachel) Westimayer, Adam (Annie) Spettel, Lucas (Kristie) Spettel, Jason (Andrea) Schumacher and Kenna, Jenni (James) Dietz, Nick Franke, Hailey (Cody) Apfelbeck, Emma Westimayer, Chloe Westimayer, Hunter Westimayer, Tanner Westimayer, Kayli Westimayer, Seth (Amanda) Westimayer, Aiden Westimayer, Karina (Carter) McCauley, Wesley Elford and 28 great grandchildren, Elijah Schultz, Caden Hansen, Sam and Sully Westfall, Ella Westimayer, Isaac, Adrian, Jackson and Oliver Torres, Clayton, Coltyn, and Kynlee Kroschel, Aspen, Dakota, Charlotte, Bristol and Granger Westimayer, Lincoln and Addison Spettel, Natalie and Nolan Spettel, Avery Dietz, Lorelei Franke, Jace and Jack Apfelbeck, Liam Westimayer, Charlotte and Brooks McCauley.

Helen is also survived by son Tom’s life partner Desi Wild, sister-in-law Barb Marthaler of Beaver Dam, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Tony, her son Tom, a granddaughter Christian, her parents Erwin & Cynthia Marthaler,  her in-laws Anton and Anna Westimayer, her brother Floyd “Flip” Marthaler, nephews Mark Mathaler & Steve Westimayer.

A private family funeral service will take place at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. Interment will take place at St. Malachy Cemetery in Horicon.

The family would like to thank Maria, our guardian angel, for her wonderful care and loving support given to our Mother which enabled her to remain in her home until God called her to his side.

A special thank you to the team of nurses and caregivers of SSM Hospice for their compassionate care.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to SSM Hospice Care.

Frederick Ernst Kasten

Fred Kasten, 87, of Horicon passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center in Beaver Dam with his daughters at his side.

Fred was born on May 19, 1936 in Horicon to Carl and Alma (Michael) Kasten.  After graduating from Horicon High School in 1954, Fred served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1954 – 1958 where he was stationed aboard the USS Leyte. Fred tended bar at Fat’s Tavern, his parents’ bar in Horicon.   He was then employed with Gardner Manufacturing and later with International Harvester.

Fred was united in marriage with Mary Ann Marlock in 1960, and although their union didn’t last, they had five children together who they adored.

Fred enjoyed fishing, hunting, his friends, and family, but most of all loved being a grandpa and great grandpa.

Fred is survived by his children: Kraig (Kari) Kasten of Beaver Dam, Kevin (Patty) Kasten of Ripon, Kelly Kasten of Waupun, Korey Kasten of Horicon, and Kimberly Kasten of Horicon; seven grandchildren: Kolin Kasten, Kortnee (Chris Neuman) Kasten, Kii (Morgan) Kasten, Kyle Kasten, Kelsey (Jonathon) Lubbers, Katlyn Kasten, and Kristian Kasten; great grandchildren: Lyla, Graycen, Maisel, and Karoline; sister-in-law Janet Kasten; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters: Lorraine Rohloff, Carol ‘Kate’ Kasten, and Lois Plautz; and his brother Michael Kasten.

Fred was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon from 10 a.m. until noon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon with Fr. Justin Lopina officiating.  Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon with military honors to be conducted.

 

 

 

Joseph (Joe) Albert Lake or “007, Joe Cool or Missouri Joe” was taken too soon from our world to be with his Heavenly Father. His family honors his passing on January 12, 2024.

Joe was born April 25, 1967, to Howard and Carmen (Elder) Lake in Hannibal, Missouri. He graduated from Philadelphia, Missouri’s Marion County R-II high school in 1985. Over the years he earned numerous certificates, furthering his education in his fields of work.

Joe grew up in the Hannibal, Missouri. In his youth he was very active in riding and showing horses with the Tri-County Buffalo Rangers Saddle Club. He also raced cars, ran demo derby cars, and rode bulls in the local rodeo circuits. He loved farming with his dad and helping him repair farm equipment. Joe loved being out in the woods, hunting and fishing. He also played banjo and guitar in the Lake Family Band. Joe loved to restore farm equipment and he restored his grand dad’s John Deere GP, which is still running and used in many parades in Missouri.

Joe will be remembered for his outgoing, friendly personality. He never met a stranger, always making friends. You would know Joe was in the room before you saw him by his infectious and unique laugh. He was legendary for his card playing and board games winnings. Joe also had impressive cornhole bean bag skills, notorious for being able to drop air mail bags almost all the time. He was very active in local, Wisconsin, and Midwest tournaments.

Joe was a jack-of-all trades. In his life he worked various jobs in farming, trucking, cement work, railroad mechanic, security, and cable installation. He put his whole heart and soul into helping people out. His ability to trouble-shoot and come up with solutions was well-known and people sought his help on various projects. Joe was also active in his church, Sacred Heart in Horicon, Wisconsin. He loved to help with youth pizza making, always kidding around and telling jokes.

Joe and Melissa (Sette) met in February 2000 and were married in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin in June 2002 and eventually settled on her family farm in Juneau, Wisconsin. Joe loved his family and always looked for ways to celebrate together and help out when needed.

Joe is survived by his wife, Melissa and daughters Carmen and Rose Lake; Father-in-Law, Robert Sette (Juneau, WI). Sons, Aaron King (Sarah Hope, children: Samara Darlene Muller-King, Robert Lee King II, Malachai Maverick Odin King) (Collinsville, Illinois) and Tyler Lake (Moberly, MO). Daughters Ashton Lake (Aaron Speek, children: Granden Lake, Essence Lake, Kynsten Whisenand, Aurelia Speek)(Moberly, MO), Molly Lake (Korbyn and Kyzer Luckett) (Palmyra, MO), and Abby Stratton (Josh) and children, Genevieve and Edith (Osage Beach, MO). His father, Howard J. Lake; brother, Junior Lake (Linda); Christina Blair (James); Tonya Lake; Teresa Brown (Dennis); Dot Lake (Tami Lyons); Liz Donath (Mike); Cecelia Obert (Rick); Jenny Bemis (Ron); and brother, Stacey Lake. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was proceeded in death by his mother, Carmen O. (Elder) Lake; mother-in-law, Rosemary Schulz; brother-in-law, James Blair; niece Lisa (Lake) Parshall and nephew, James Vincent Lake and several great aunts and uncles.

Visitation for Joe will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, there will also be a visitation at church from 9:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at church on Wednesday beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Justin Lopina officiating. Burial will be at Juneau City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family (Melissa Lake) for Joe’s children and grandkids.

Robert Franklin Weiss, 94, of Horicon passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Marvin’s Manor in Horicon.

Robert was born on July 28, 1929 the son of Frank and Hulda A. (Key) Weiss in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  Bob was a graduate of Juneau High School.  He proudly serviced his Country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  Bob returned to Horicon and then served the Horicon Community in many ways.

Bob was a police officer for the City of Horicon for 26 years.  He was a former member of the Horicon City Council and was instrumental in the building of the Fire and EMS building.  He was on the Horicon Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council, and an alderman.  He was a member and served on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Dodge County Parks.  Bob worked on building the Wild Goose Trail, the development of the Gold Star Trail and was instrumental in the establishment of the Horicon Marsh International Educational Center.

Bob was a faithful member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon and enjoyed singing in the choir.  He was a member of the John Deere Retirees Spitfire Club.  Bob was a member of the Horicon American Legion Post #157 and was proud to be able to go on the Badger Honor Flight.  He was a member of the Pomeranian German Society Freestate. He was a lifelong avid Packer fan.  Bob was humorous, kind, proud of his Community and a true gentleman.  He will be deeply missed.

Bob is survived by his brother Allen Weiss of Beaver Dam; nieces and nephews: Loralee (Robert) Engels, Lee Allen (Kay) Weiss, Ellen (Mike) Christians, Marcia (Craig) Kadinger, Ryan (Nicole) Helmer and Teresa (Chris) Sawyer; great nieces and great nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Carol, second wife Delores and his niece Rachel Hammons.

A visitation for Bob will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark C. Wilkens officiating. Interment will be at St. Malachy Cemetery. Graveside Military Honors will be conducted by the Horicon American Legion Post #157.

Memorials in Bob’s name may be directed to St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 505 N. Palmatory Street, Horicon, WI  53032.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Marvin’s Manor and Heartland Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Bob.  Also special thanks to Rev. Mark Wilkens for your visits and pastoral care which meant so much to Bob. Your kindness will always be remembered.

 

 

 

Anna LuElla “Lu” Pedigo, age 97, passed away on December 27, 2023 surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 28, 1926 in Stoddard County, Missouri to Therman “Bert” and Velma (Tate) Weaver.  When she was a teenager she moved to Lewistown, Ill where she graduated from Lewistown High School.

On June 25, 1949, she married Robert E. Pedigo.  They had four children Robert IV “Bob”, Elizabeth “Beth”, Margaret “Meg” and Julie.  She was very active in her children’s lives leading Girl Scout, Boy Scout and United Methodist Youth groups.

Lu was an avid homemaker.  She was skilled at sewing, quilting, knitting and doll making. She won several awards, including a second place worldwide in doll competition. She enjoyed crafting with her grandchildren and was able to meet all of her great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and son.  She is survived by her daughters Beth (John) Sullivan, Meg (Ted) Trumpp and Julie Pedigo; her grandchildren, Colleen Dunne, John Sullivan, Tim Sullivan, Kristen Johnson, Bob Pedigo, Austin Trumpp and Allison Beck and 13 great-grandchildren.

According to LuElla’s wishes a private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to Blank Children’s Hospital, 1200 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.

 

 

 

Earl Ritter, 89, of Beaver Dam and formerly of Horicon, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023.

Earl was born on July 19, 1934, in La Crosse WI, the son of Jacob Robert and Viola (Jerue) Ritter. His passion for the visual and performing arts was cultivated in his youth with dance and art lessons. After graduating from Aquinas High School, he began college at UW-L and worked as a shoe salesman at Doerflingers Department Store until he was drafted into the United States Army.

After his military service, he returned to La Crosse to complete his degrees in history and art education. Thanks to his friend Jim Kerrigan, Earl was convinced to join Jim and his future wife Mary Lee, when they set him up on a blind date with Anita Langen.  Earl and Anita celebrated the anniversary of this first date for the next 62 years.  A year after that blind date, Earl and Anita were married in La Crosse on June 2, 1962.

Earl started his teaching career in Alma Center, WI and then he and Anita settled in Horicon, WI where he would spend the next 35 years teaching art, along with directing plays and musicals, coaching forensics, and being the advisor for the Junior Prom and the high school yearbook.

Family and friends were at the center of Earl’s life. Whether it was sitting at a baseball or softball diamond, attending a play and dinner with friends, spending time with his grandchildren creating the perfect Christmas gifts for their parents, or setting someone in a hand of Euchre, Earl lived for special moments with the people he loved.  His grandchildren were his biggest pride and joy and he always made the effort to stay connected to the people he cared about.

Earl’s faith was a very important part of his life and he was an active member of St. Malachy Parish in Horicon and was instrumental in the design of the new church that was built when the Sacred Heart Parish was formed.

His love of the visual and performing arts led Earl to become involved with the Beaver Dam Area Arts Association as a member of the Board of Directors, an exhibit chairperson, and an exhibitor; as well as the Beaver Dam Community Theater, being active on the Board of Directors, directing many summer musicals, and designing the sets for many others.

Surviving Earl are his wife of 61 years, Anita; his children, Cathy (Rich) Loomans, and Mark (Liz McFarland)  Ritter; Grandchildren: Amber (Rufus) Manual, Derek (Grace) Loomans, Holly Loomans, Courtney (Bobbie Stephens) Ritter, and Isaac (Janae) Loomans; and Great Grandchildren: Bella, Jordan, Mia, Giovanni, Charlotte and Noelle; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; cousins; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law Norbert and Marie Langen, and his daughter-in-law Gina Ritter.

Earl was very proud of the number of his students that pursued careers in the arts. He enjoyed following their careers and connecting with them through the years.  To honor his legacy, in lieu of flowers, Earl’s family requests that memorials please be made to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, 1020 S. Main Street, Suite E, Fond du Lac, WI  54935, or online at https://payv3.xpress-pay.com/org/F1FA1E74C8C0488  for the establishment of a fund that will support visual and performing arts, as well as, arts education in the Horicon and Beaver Dam areas.

Earl’s family welcomes friends and family to Sacred Heart Church, Hwy 33 Horicon, on Monday, November 27th from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 28th from 10:00 a.m.  –  Noon for a time of visitation followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at Noon with Father Justin Lopina officiating.

 

Steven E. Schoeffel, age 71, a resident of Horicon, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at his home.

Steven was born the son of Elmer and Evelyn Schoeffel on November 21, 1951. Steven is survived by numerous cousins and was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, and uncles.

A graveside service is being planned for later this fall at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon. Rev. Daniel Schoeffel will officiate.