Obituary Category: Horicon

Helen C. “Nell” Vander Schaaf, age 75, of Horicon, died peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

In keeping with her wishes, the family will have a private inurnment at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon at a later date.

Helen Catherine was born on October 4, 1950 in O’Neill, Nebraska to Joseph and Rosemary (Bauer) Langan. Nell later moved to Juneau, Wisconsin and after graduating high school, she married Dale Vander Schaaf on April 18, 1972.

Nell is survived by her husband, Dale; children, Shawn (Joanna) Vander Schaaf, Jody (Ryan) Hegge, and Katie Huffman; grandchildren, Madeline, Maggie, Jacob and Marissa, Dominic and Clare, Nolan, Wyatt and Colton; other relatives and friends.

Marlene R. Lentz, 74, of Horicon passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Clearview Nursing Home in Juneau.

Marlene Rose was born on November 12, 1951 in Beaver Dam to Roland and Anita (Ruhland) Froemming. She was a 1969 graduate of Horicon High School. Marlene was married to David E. Lentz on May 26, 1973 at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Horicon. Before becoming a mother and full-time homemaker, she worked a variety of jobs. Marlene was employed with Marlin Toy Factory in Horicon, Stokely Canning Co. in Horicon, Broan Manufacturing in Hartford, and as an office assistance at John Deere.

Marlene was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Horicon. She enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors. She enjoyed taking family trips and her family was her priority in life.

Marlene is survived by her daughter Teresa (Chris) Sawyer of Horicon; two grandsons: Alexander Sawyer (Jennifer Schmidt) of Janesville and Zachery Sawyer of Horicon; brother David (Kathy) Froemming of Lancaster; sister Janice (Dan) Roethle of Horicon; nieces Ellen (Michael) Christians, Marcia (Craig) Kadinger, Caitlin (Brad) Engelmann; nephews Ryan (Nicole) Helmer, Brian (Natalie) Froemming; their families and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband David in 2023; and her niece Rachel Hammons.

A visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Fr. Mark Brandl will officiate. Interment will take place at St. Malachy Cemetery in Horicon.

Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry or to the American Diabetes Association.

Carl E. Twardokus, 95, of Burnett, WI went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Carl was born at home on November 28, 1930, the son of Carl W. and Clara (Beneditz) Twardokus. He was born in Burnett, WI. He met Dorothy F. Block as a teenager and later married her on May 3, 1952, at Zion Lutheran Church in Horicon. They raised their six children on their dairy farm in Burnett that has been in the family over 100 years. Carl enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He also enjoyed Polka, playing Sheepshead and Black Jack. His greatest joy was spending time with five generations of family. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Ev. Church in Horicon where he served as an elder and he ushered until well into his 80’s.

Carl is survived by his children, Carl A. Twardokus of Burnett, Susan Twardokus of Beaver Dam, Steven Twardokus of Burnett, Joel (Debra) Twardokus of Mayville and Diane (Brian) Tietz of Beaver Dam; grandchildren, Beth (Scott) Guenther, Carl J. (Kristin) Twardokus, Tracy (Dale) Hawkinson, Shelly Ann (Mike) Laing, Christopher (Shelly) Twardokus, Bryan (Stephanie) Twardokus, Randi Twardokus, Cassie Heideman, Kayla Stevie and Michelle Tietz; great grandchildren, Andrew (Courtney) Twardokus, Caleb, Joshua, and Elisha Guenther, Bryce and Paityn Twardokus, Colten, Aiden, Landyn, Weston and Kenton Hawkinson, Luke and Hallie Laing, Grace and Carly Twardokus, Baya, Barron and Burke Twardokus; great-great grandchildren, Esther, Gabriel and Ruth Twardokus; other relatives and friends. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Twardokus; infant daughter, Gail Marie; his parents, Carl W. and Clara Twardokus; his daughter-in-law, Joyce Twardokus; his sister and brother-n-law, Gertrude (Gerald) Rex.

There will be a visitation on Friday, April 17, 2026 at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at church on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Daniel Seehaffer officiating.  Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon.

Memorials may be made in Carl E. Twardokus’ name to St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church or to Hillside Homecare and Hospice.

Mildred C. “Millie” Snyder, 103, of Horicon, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Charleston House in Beaver Dam.

Millie was born January 11, 1923, in Horicon to Arthur and Marguerite (Hinterthuer) Lehman. She was a graduate of Horicon High School class of 1940 and worked for Wisconsin Power and Light before marrying Donald E. Snyder on March 15, 1946, in Fond du Lac.  Millie was a member of the Horicon American Legion Auxiliary as well as a member of the John Deere Spitfire Club. She was a member of Grace Presbyterian church in Beaver Dam and formerly of First Presbyterian Church of Horicon. She enjoyed dancing throughout her life, which started early on with tap. She and Donald enjoyed dancing with friends at clubs in Milwaukee. Millie enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, socializing with friends at exercise classes, spending time with family and friends, and going on yearly trips to Hawaii for 25 years.

Millie is survived by her children: Don L. (Sue Ann) Snyder of Horicon and Bette Lindert of Menomonee falls; grandchildren: Brandi (Van) Nguyen of De Pere, Jerae (Peter) Preble of Las Vegas, Robert (Jennifer) Lindert of Brookfield, Jeffrey Lindert of Menomonee Falls, Timothy (April) Lindert of Horicon, and Rebecca (John) Vanden Langenberg of Casco; 15 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Carol Lehman of Green Bay; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald in 2011; brothers Arthur and Howard Lehman; sister-in-law Elda Mae Lehman; and granddaughter Sarah Stefaniak.

A visitation will be held at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Horicon on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Christopher Davis officiating. Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon.

Millie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Charleston House for their loving care over the years and the Bristol Hospice nurses for all their care and support.

Memorials may be directed to the Horicon American Legion Post 157, 735 S. Hubbard St, or to Grace Presbyterian Church in Beaver Dam.

 

Albert (Al) William Lumby, age 75 of Horicon, WI, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Las Vegas, NV.

Al was born on October 24, 1950, in Adams, Wisconsin, to Bertrum and June Lumby. After graduating from Lomira High School in 1968, he chose a path of service and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. His mechanical aptitude was quickly recognized, and he was assigned to Naval Aviation, a role in which he excelled. After completing his service in the United States Navy, Al held several jobs, excelling in each one. He eventually found his true calling at John Deere in Horicon, where he built a thirty‑year career before retiring in 2009. In the latter part of his tenure, he served as an Experimental Technology Mechanic in the Product Engineering Department, a role that perfectly matched his skill, curiosity, and dedication.

Al’s talents reached well beyond his professional life. He poured his energy into helping the people around him, never hesitating when someone needed support. From hauling heavy appliances to fixing a broken lawn tractor, Al was always the first to step forward — dependable, capable, and eager to make life easier for others.

Al had a remarkable gift with children — an effortless way of making every young person feel genuinely seen and valued. He formed instant, heartfelt connections, whether with infants, curious toddlers, or teenagers finding their way. To children of all ages, Al was always an immediate favorite.

While working at John Deere in 1984, his coworker Vicki asked Al if he might be interested in going on a blind date with her aunt. He agreed, and from that simple invitation, a true fairy‑tale romance began. Al married the love of his life, Gail Hansen, on May 25, 1991. For  forty-two years, the romance blossomed and the honeymoon never truly ended.

Al found joy in many things, but nothing meant more to him than time spent with his wife and family. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, and loved being outdoors, especially when he was fishing or deer hunting.  Al took great pride in the six trophy deer he had mounted over the years. He also enjoyed the fun and challenge of video poker and Texas Hold ’em, often emerging as the winner of the family’s spirited card tournaments.

Al is survived by his wife Gail Lumby; his daughter Tracy (John) McGuire; sisters: Vereena (William) Schliewe, Waneeta (Kent) Loomis, Merri (John) Woodke, and Lisa (Dan) Hutchinson; brothers: Ralph (Donna) Woodke and Matthew (Layna) Woodke; grandchildren: John McGuire and Lacy (Cody) Carpenter; great grandchildren: Andrew Carpenter and Madison Carpenter; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Bertrum and June Lumby; stepfather: Ralph Woodke; sisters: Sherry Wilke and Judy Lumby; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Irving and Anna Hansen.

A visitation will be held at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. Rev. Daniel Seehafer will officiate. Military honors will be conducted immediately following the funeral at the church. Interment will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Gillet, WI the following day.

Gerald J. Gremminger, age 72, of Beaver Dam, WI, entered into eternal rest on February 1, 2026 at Clearview Nursing and Rehab in Juneau.

A memorial gathering will be held at First Baptist Church in Horicon, 604 Janssen St. on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The memorial service will follow at the church on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. Military honors will follow at the church.

Jerry was born on October 31, 1953 in West Bend, Wisconsin, the son of Raymond and Henrietta (Sperger) Gremminger. Jerry grew up and graduated in Kewaskum. He enlisted in the United States Navy, stationed in California and also served time in Japan. He was employed at Serigraph in West Bend until his retirement, following a stroke.  He enjoyed family get togethers, cooking and grilling, yard work, and had quite a sweet tooth! He attended First Baptist Church of Horicon with his brother Rick and his wife, Lori when he was able to in the past seven years.

Jerry is survived by his five children, Jason, Scott (Stephanie), Sean (Gretchen), Nathan, and Joshua (Anna), and 13 grandchildren. He is further survived by his mother, Henrietta; five siblings, Ray, Jr. (Robbie), Andrew, Richard (Lori), Carolyn (Joe), and Randall (Jill); other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond.

The family appreciates the care given to him by My Choice, Katrina and Samantha, his brother, Rick (Lori) and family members in these past years.  They also appreciate the attention and care he received at Dimensions Living, and his last days at Clearview.  Any cards and condolences may be sent to: Henrietta Gremminger P.O. Box 379, Kewaskum, Wisconsin 53040.

Joyce Louise Twardokus, 70, of Burnett, Wisconsin, was called to her heavenly home on January 26, 2026 from natural causes.

Joyce was born on February 1,1955 to Albert and Ruth (nee Puterbaugh) Gilbert in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  Joyce was a graduate from Horicon High School in 1974.

In the fall of 1972, Joyce started dating Carl A. Twardokus and went on to marry her high school sweetheart on May 24, 1975.

Joyce was the kind of woman who would do anything for anyone, without question or expectation of thanks. Her love was unconditional and boundless—poured out freely upon her family, whom she cherished with every beat of her heart, and upon her Lord, whose light she carried faithfully through every season of her life.

For many years, she walked hand in hand with her beloved husband, Carl, working side by side on their dairy farm. The rhythm of their days was one of devotion, laughter, and shared purpose—a testament to their enduring love and partnership. She found joy and peace in God’s creation, delighting in her gardens, her kitchen, and especially in making her treasured cheesecakes that brought smiles to all who tasted them. The biggest joys in her life were attending sports, music, and rodeo events to support her grandchildren along with her husband.

Her gift was service, and she gave it abundantly. Through youth ministry at St. Stephen’s Church—her spiritual home from childhood to her call to Heaven—she nurtured hearts, guided young souls, and lived the gospel through action. She coached cheerleading with kindness and encouragement, and her hands were always open to volunteer wherever there was need. In recent years, her compassion reached across oceans as she served with ministries supporting orphanages in the Congo through The River Church in Waupun, Wisconsin.

Her life was a reflection of grace—faith in motion, love without measure, and hope that never waned. Even in her passing, she continued to give, choosing to donate what she could, so that others might find healing and new life. Her final act of generosity was yet another echo of the way she lived—selflessly, lovingly, and steadfastly devoted to others.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Carl A. Twardokus;  her children, Beth (Scott) Guenther, Carl J. (Kristin) Twardokus, Tracy (Dale) Hawkinson, and Shelly Ann (Mike) Laing; her grandchildren, Andrew (Courtney) Twardokus, Caleb, Joshua and Elisha Guenther, Bryce and Paityn Twardokus, Colten, Aiden, Landyn, Weston and Kenton Hawkinson, Luke and Hallie Laing; three great-grandchildren, Esther, Gabriel and Ruth Twardokus; father-in-law, Carl E. Twardokus; her sisters, Jean (Ross) Hoeft, Glenna Gilbert and Kelly (Greg) Bennett; nieces and nephews and many dear family members and friends who will carry her love within their hearts forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Joanne and Mary Ann Gilbert; her brother, Richard Gilbert; and her mother-in-law, Dorothy Twardokus.

A celebration of her beautiful life and steadfast faith will be at St Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. The funeral service will follow at the church at 12:00 noon with Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon.

A special Thank you to Horicon EMS, Burnett First Responders, Waupun Memorial Hospital, St. Mary’s Madison, and those that were passing by that assisted them in their time of need.

Karen J. Schoenwetter, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025, at Clearview Nursing Home in Juneau, Wisconsin.

Karen was born on July 16, 1942, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to Harold and Erna (Weinheimer) Maas. She lived a life marked by love, devotion, and unwavering support for her family. She graduated from Juneau High School in 1961, embarking on a journey that led her to marry her high school sweetheart, Roger L. Schoenwetter, on July 15, 1961. Together, they created a nurturing environment for their children. Throughout her life, Karen was dedicated to her community and her profession. After taking CNA classes, she began her career at Clearview Nursing Home in Juneau, where she worked diligently for 30 years, first as a certified nursing assistant and later in housekeeping. Her commitment to her work and the people she cared for reflected her gentle spirit and nurturing nature. She was an avid reader with a love for the outdoors. Karen enjoyed camping and cherished the moments spent with her family under the stars. She was a keen supporter of Wisconsin sports teams, passionately following the Brewers, Packers, and Badgers, and found joy in watching NASCAR races. Her active involvement in 4-H for eight years and her membership of the Juneau Snow Marauders Snowmobile Club showcased her love for community and the outdoors. Above all, Karen’s heart belonged to her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the centers of her universe, and she found her greatest joy in their achievements and milestones. Her nurturing spirit and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Karen’s legacy lives on through her cherished children, Terri (Scott) Chyko of Nekoosa, Tami (Russell) Nampel of Juneau, and Jeff (Lisa) Schoenwetter of Juneau; grandchildren, Stephanie (Dan) Edgette, Kristofer (Samantha) Chyko, Benjamin (Kayla) Schoenwetter, and Brittany (Brandon) Hack and Alex Nampel; great grandchildren, Brianna and Elsie Edgette, Easton and Colton Chyko and Brady Hack; brothers and sister, Dick Maas, James (Judy) Maas, and Janice (Gerald) Schoppe; beloved dog, Sophie; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and infant sister, Sandra.

The visitation will be at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 9:30 until 10:50 a.m. The funeral service will follow at the church on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. Burial will be at Juneau City Cemetery.

Memorial’s may be made in Karen J. Schoenwetter’s name to St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church.

Rebecca A. Hodgson passed away peacefully at her home in Burnett on Sunday, August 24, 2025, surrounded by her family that brought her so much joy.

Rebecca Ann Thomas, known affectionately as Becky to her friends and family, was born on June 1, 1977, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to Daryl and Carol (Spittel) Thomas. She was united in marriage with Nathan Hodgson on April 22, 2006 in Mayville and they made their home in Burnett.

Becky’s journey through life was marked by a deep commitment to caring for others. After graduating from high school, she became a certified nursing assistant, a role that allowed her to touch the lives of countless individuals. Her passion for helping those in need shone brightly at Clearview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she worked in the behavioral health unit. Even in the face of her own health challenges, Becky’s dedication never wavered, and the decision to step back from work earlier this year was one of the toughest she ever had to make.

Becky’s interests were a reflection of her love for life and family. Shopping with her daughter Cora was not just a pastime but a cherished ritual, while cheering on her son Kaleb at his baseball and football games was a source of immense pride. She treasured the quality time spent with her sister Heather and was a doting figure to all her great-nephews, embodying the role of a second grandmother. Her love for planting flowers was more than a hobby; it was a symbol of her nurturing soul, tending to life in all its forms.

Throughout her life, Becky was a symbol of strength and resilience. Since her diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma in 2017, she faced her cancer with a courage that inspired everyone around her. In her heart, there was no place for hate—she loved everyone unconditionally. Her optimistic outlook, loving nature, and courageous demeanor were the hallmarks of her character.

We will forever celebrate Becky’s life, her legacy, and the incredible impact she had on those fortunate enough to know her. She taught us that love is the most powerful force, that courage can overcome the darkest of times, and that a life lived with joy and optimism is a life well-lived.

Rebecca is survived by her husband, Nathan and children, Cora and Kaleb, all of Burnett; her mom, Carol Thomas of Horicon; siblings, Heather (Steve) Margelofsky, Jeremy Thomas and Sarah Saverino; mother-in-law, Diane Hodgson; siblings-in-law, Jonathan Hodgson, Chadwick (Kari) Hodgson, Andrew Hodgson and Angela Hodgson; many special nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lloyd and Virginia Thomas, Leslie and Violet Spittel; her father-in-law, Dale Hodgson; and her father, Daryl Thomas.

A celebration of Becky’s life will be held at the Horicon American Legion on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Inurnment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon at a later date.

Arland Arthur Reetz, of Horicon, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

A Celebration of Arland’s life will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Horicon American Legion Hall at 2:00 p.m. The Horicon American Legion Hall is located at 735 S Hubbard St, Horicon, WI 53032.

Arland Arthur Reetz, an only child, was born on May 12, 1931, to Arthur and Evelyn (Pischke) Reetz in the Town of St. Marie, Green Lake County, Wisconsin.

He was confirmed on April 23, 1944, in Oakfield, Wisconsin. The Bible verse he chose for his confirmation was: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Arland graduated from Oakfield High School in 1949.

On October 4, 1952, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Hanson, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mayville, Wisconsin.

Arland proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, including one year stationed at a remote site in Alaska. After his military service, he worked for Horicon Sand and Gravel, eventually purchasing the business with Bonnie and renaming it Reetz Ready Mix. After selling the business, Arland continued to lend his expertise to other ready-mix companies.

He was a member of the Wisconsin Ready Mix Association and the American Legion Post 0157. He also served as president of the Horicon Kiwanis Club and was an active member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Horicon, where he held various leadership roles including president, usher, trustee, deacon, and finance committee member.

Arland and Bonnie shared a love for motorcycling and traveled extensively throughout the United States. They enjoyed time at their cottage near Park Falls, Wisconsin, as well as fishing, camping, and spending winters in South Padre Island, Texas, and Haines City, Florida. Arland also enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles and, most of all, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children: Darryl (Sharon) Reetz and granddaughter Mariah Reetz (Herman Aparicio, Jr., fiancée); Darlynn (Chris) Katke, grandson Brian (Britney) Katke, granddaughter Lauren (Ben) Wilkerson, and great-granddaughter Isla; Brian (Judith) Reetz, grandchildren Jenna (Alex) Kreuzer (great-grandchildren Gabe and Eleanor), Kyle (Kelsi) Reetz, and Erica (Ryan) Reetz; Bruce (Terri) Reetz, grandchildren Faline Reetz (great-grandchildren Brooklyn [great-great-granddaughter Londyn], Angel [great-great-grandson Rylan], Azaliah, Azariah, Sevyn), Kaleb Reetz (great-grandson Keegan [great-great-grandson Emekai), Jerod Reetz, step-grandchildren Alicia, Jessica, and Joshua (Jessica) Weissenburger, and step-great-grandsons Lucas and Vincent.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie, and his parents.