Obituary Category: Mayville

Laurelee “Lolly” Joan Hartwig, age 86, of Brownsville, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, May 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

A Funeral Service for Lolly will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Brownsville with Rev. William Carter officiating. A visitation for Lolly will be held at church on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Brownsville.

Lolly was born the daughter of Gordon and Jeanette (nee Feil) Panzer on January 1, 1939. Lolly was the first baby born at the hospital in Oshkosh. This was something she enjoyed sharing with the family every year on her birthday.

Lolly was united in marriage to Earl Hartwig on July 26, 1958. She was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Brownsville.

Early on in her career, Lolly worked as a teacher. She also worked for many years at Hoff’s in Brownsville and later retired from McDonald’s in Lomira.

Lolly had an adventurous spirit and often enjoyed traveling with Earl and their family. It often took a bit to convince Earl to go, but once they were on their way, the pair enjoyed taking in every moment. Lolly loved to watch Nascar and was especially fond of the #17 car. Lolly found peace being outside fishing and relaxing in the swing watching her daughter’s mini donkeys and pygmy goats. Lolly occasionally enjoyed an adult beverage, playing cards, bowling, and watching court shows.

Above all else, Lolly adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and treasured any time they were together. She was an incredible baker and loved to bake for her family. Her legacy will continue through them and the memories that they all share.

Lolly is survived by her children: Brian (Candi) Hartwig and Melanye (Herman) Steger; grandchildren: Tiffany Stafford, Shania (Mason) Roecker, Michael (Nicole) Gierach, Jason (Jessica) Gierach, Craig (Brenda) Hartwig, and Keisha (J.D.) Kruzman; her great-grandchildren: Tabitha, Morgan, Hunter and Dakota- who is proudly serving his country in the military, Claire, Hope, Danica, Elijah, Annabella, and Brenden, Leon, Gunner and Apprylia, Braeden and Piersen, Mariah, Olivia, and McKenna. Lolly is further survived by her loving animals Sassy, Brutis, and Buddy, other relatives, and friends.

Lolly was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Earl.

Sigismund “Sig” Semrau was born on July 26, 1942, in Lipno, Poland, to Adolph and Martha (née Guse) Semrau. On the same day, he was welcomed into the Christian faith through an emergency baptism performed at his home. While only 4 yrs old, Sig, accompanied by his mother and half-brother Ewald, heroically fled communism by crossing the East German border. In 1948, they were reunited with his father in Hanover, West Germany. At the age of nine, in 1952, the family emigrated to the United States, finding refuge and a new beginning in West Virginia. A year later, in 1953, they settled in Wisconsin, where they continued to build their life together.

Sig confirmed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on April 14, 1957, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newville, Wisconsin, with the late Pastor Walter Zank officiating. He graduated from Waterloo High School in June 1961 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966. On July 26, 1969, Sig was united in marriage to Linda Giese at Immanuel Lutheran Church (River Church) in the Town of Theresa, with the late Rev. Otto Schreiber officiating.

Sig dedicated over 30 years of his career as a Phlebotomist, serving at both the Hartford and Beaver Dam Hospital. Sig faithfully served as an usher at St. John’s Church and was a devoted member of the choir for several years. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of playing on the church’s dartball team. Sig had a deep passion for landscaping and gardening. Together with his beloved wife, Linda, he cherished attending polka dances; a joyful tradition they shared for many years. Above all, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He treasured every sporting event, concert, musical and additional moments spent with his children and grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of his life.

Sig is survived by his children: Heidi (Dale) Weiss, David (Julie) Semrau, Eric (Elizabeth) Semrau, and Jonathan (Tracy) Semrau;
grandchildren: Brittany (Adam) Freund, Natasha (Adam) Kleinke, Miranda (Cody) Legas, Garrett Semrau, Alexus (Justin) LaMonte, Paige Semrau, Treyton Semrau, Ali Semrau, Chloe Adia Semrau, Olivia Semrau, and Harper Semrau; great-grandchildren: Evelynn and Jace Freund, Gracelynn and Barrett Kleinke, Lincoln and Briggs Legas, Liam LaMonte.
He is also survived by his brothers: Hartmund (Robin) Semrau and Wolfgang (Sharon) Semrau and their families, his in-laws: Larry (Sylvia) Giese, Lloyd (Karen) Giese, Loren (Shirley) Giese and Leroy (Cindy) Giese and their families, as well as many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Linda; his parents, Adolf and Martha Semrau; his in-laws, Clarence and Loretta Giese; and his half brother and sister in-law, Ewald and Lylas Semrau.

A funeral service for Sig will take place on Friday, May 23, at 12 noon at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the service at noon at the church. Interment will take place at St. John Cemetery in Mayville.

Memorials may be directed to the St. John’s Lutheran School “Childcare & Youth Center Capital Campaign”.

Scott E. Giese, age 66, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Barrett House in Markesan.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Scott’s family at a later date.

Scott was one of eight children of Marvin and Marian (nee Schellpfeffer) Giese. He graduated from Mayville High School. Scott entered the United States Air Force serving in California, Michigan, and Shemya Island in the Aleutian Island of Alaska.

Scott drove for Batzler Trucking for many years. He enjoyed riding his Harley. Scott loved spending time at “the farm”. His true love was dance. Scott was a pillar in the larger Midwest dance community. His leadership skills and instruction in West Coast Swing, Nightclub, Two Step, Chacha, Waltz, and a host of others will greatly be missed.

Scott’s memory lives on through family and friends. He leaves behind siblings: Terry (Shelley) Giese, Rita (Fred) Nickel, John (Laurie) Giese, W. Jay Giese, and Lorna (Bill) Gensch; and his sister-in-law Kay Giese. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers Richard and Jeff.

A special thank you to the staff of Barrett House in Markesan and Generations Hospice.

Gordon Ervin Belling, age 89, of Mayville, Wisconsin, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Funeral Services for Gordon will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Knowles with Rev. Matthew Kuske officiating. A visitation for Gordon will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Mayville.

Gordon was born the son of Edwin and Ida (nee Zingler) Belling on June 3, 1935, in the town of Lomira. He was a 1953 graduate of Mayville High School. On May 25, 1963, Gordon was united in marriage to Betty Jane Neumeyer in LeRoy. Gordon was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Knowles.

Gordon had a profound love and understanding of the land that was evident in the way he farmed. He took great care and pride in everything he did and was a role model to future generations.
Gordon was thankful for his family and took every opportunity to attend his children and grandchildren’s sports and other activities. He truly loved and looked forward to family vacations to Disney World. The memories made will forever be cherished.

Gordon was an avid Wisconsin Badger, Milwaukee Brewer, and Green Bay Packer fan and made time to watch the games.

Gordon is survived by his wife Betty Jane; his children: Roger Belling, Darlene “Dar” (Brian) Rassmann, and Karen (Josh) Schwirtz; grandchildren: Trevor (Katie) Rassmann, Allie Schwirtz, and Colin Schwirtz; great-grandchildren: Matthew and Elizabeth; and his sister Shirley Wellhoefer. Gordon is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson Tyler Rassmann; his sister Audrey Belling, and his brothers Jack Belling and Freeman Belling.

Robert Matthew Winkelman, age 76 years, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. Robert fought a long, courageous battle with cancer.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Tom Biersack presiding. A visitation for Robert will be held at church on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, military honors will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post #69.

Robert was born on July 10, 1948, to Rudolph Sr. and Adeline (nee Yench) Winkelman in Dousman. Robert was united in marriage to Christine Jean Dragan on May 6, 1967, in Okauchee. Christine truly was Robert’s best friend and love of his life, and he passed away on the day the couple would celebrate 58 years of marriage. Robert proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy.

Robert and Chris enjoyed travelling to many different countries and engaging in new experiences. Robert delighted in hunting deer, gardening, and tinkering on his long-awaited retirement hobby farm. Robert will miss all his friends at St. Mary’s Parish where he volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister and was a faithful member.

Robert will be deeply missed by his soulmate Christine; his daughters Carrie Ann Beidel and Terri Lynn Seitz; his three grandchildren, Jackson Beidel, Wilson Beidel, and Grace Seitz; his siblings: Sharon Wilde, Rudolph Winkelman, Carol Martins, and Cheryl Fuerbringer. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter Madeline Seitz; and brother Rudolph Winkelman Jr.

In memory of Robert, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/

Jane Lewis, age 91, of Mayville, Wisconsin, passed away at her home on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place on June 13 at 12 o’clock at Holy Name of Jesus Ev. Catholic Church with Fr. David Verhasselt presiding. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 12 noon. Inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Waukesha after the Mass.

Jane was born the daughter of Martin and Evelyn (nee Bruno) Jautz on December 4, 1933, in Milwaukee. She was united in marriage to Francis A. Lewis on June 12, 1954, in Milwaukee. Jane was a creative soul and enjoyed making greeting cards for others. She loved playing cards, especially sheepshead. Jane liked crafting, gardening, baking and bowling. She had a soft spot for chocolate, we could always count on her having a hidden stash for us to find. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and had a passion for watching college football, musicals and the horse races.

Jane is survived by her children Jane (Tim) White, Francis (Judy) Lewis, Robert Lewis, Karen (DuWayne) Moyle, Diana Lewis, William (Denise) Lewis, Paul (Robyn) Lewis, and Judith (Bill) Mikkelson; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Marlyn Meier and Dawn (Paul) Mortimer. Jane is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Francis; and her sibling: Esther (Jerry) Schmidt and sibling-in-law Kenneth Meier and many other special in-laws, family and friends.

Dale Robert Christian peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at his home in Mayville, Wisconsin after fighting his battle with leukemia surrounded by his loving family at the age of 73.

A Celebration of Life for Dale will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon with Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. A visitation for Dale will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025 at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. A private family burial will follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in the town of Theresa.

Dale was born the son of Ewald and Mildred (nee Schrab) Christian on July 10, 1951. Dale was a 1970 graduate of Mayville High School. He was united in marriage to Joy Ish on April 24, 2010 in Richfield, Wisconsin.

Dale was a local carpenter and contractor all of his life. If you couldn’t find him on a job site, you could have a daily meet and greet at Kwik Trip every morning for his French twist and chocolate milk.

Dale has touched the lives of all his family and friends with his dedication to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dale was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church (River Church) in the Town of Theresa and recently transferred to St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon.

Dale’s legacy will live on through the countless acts of kindness and unwavering support for his family and the positive impact he had on the lives of those around him.
Dale was a devoted Christian husband to his wife Joy; a loving father to their children Keith (fiancée Brenda Pagel) Christian, Amber (David) Pfeifer, Sara Nack, Lindsay (Joshua) Vineyard, and Amanda Nack; grandchildren: Chelsea Christian, Adam Christian (Abby), Angelina, Raina, and Damien; and great grandchildren: Riverlyn and Raelynn. Dale is further survived by his siblings: Pat Laabs, Scott Christian; special cousin Danny Nickel; mother-in-law Rosemary Ish; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Wendy Christian; grandson Brett Christian; his three brothers Kenny, Jerry, and Bruce; and his father-in-law Wallace Ish.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Froedtert and Dr. Guru and his cancer care team for their service, kind hearts, and compassion shown to Dale. Also, thanks to all of the caregivers and staff at Heartland Hospice Services, and Bagging for A Cure.

Betty Jane Engmann, age 82, of Mayville, entered into Eternal life with the promise of the Resurrection on Saturday, April 26, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

A Funeral Service for Betty will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiating. A visitation for Betty will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the service at Union Cemetery in Theresa.

Betty was born on August 19, 1942, to Wilmer and Lucille (nee Schrab) Radke. She was a graduate of Mayville High School. Betty was united in marriage to Gerald (Jerry) Engmann on May 9, 1964, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church (River Church) in the Town of Theresa.

Betty was an active and faithful member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville. Her love and faith in the Lord were shown daily in how she lived her life and loved others. Betty attended Bible study weekly and looked forward to the fellowship time with her church family.

Betty worked for over forty years at Tab Products in Mayville and went on to work and retire from Mayville Engineering Company. She was a previous member of the Mayville Fire Department Auxiliary group.

Betty was a sweet and kind woman who adored her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Annual trips to St. Germain and going out to eat were some of her more cherished times with her loved ones. Betty took great pride in everything she did, especially tending to her garden, flowers, and her raspberries.

Betty is survived by her children: Julie (Dan) Day of Horicon and Jeffrey Engmann of Mayville; grandchildren: Jordan Day and Kayla (Ben) Dickenson; two great-grandchildren Noah and Lucas; and sisters-in-law: Joyce Jaeger and Elaine Engmann. Betty is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jerry in 2018; and her sister Lila Mae.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John’s Childcare and Youth Center.

Judith Lynn Dillman, age 72 beloved mother, grandmother and friend, of West Bend Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Judy was known for bringing joy with her beautiful paintings and amazing humor. Judy had a passion for learning and sharing that knowledge with others. She received her master’s degree in pastoral studies. She held various positions with the catholic church and was recently a reading tutor.

Judy enjoyed music and singing leading her to become a loyal follower of the musical group Straight No Chaser. She proudly described herself as a “chaser”.

Judy was born the daughter of Elmer and Marion Haas (Wiederrecht) on November 30, 1952, in Illinois.

Judy is survived by her children: Kate (Chris) Beukema, Jenny Majerus, Josh (Jennie) Dillman, and Tim (Jen) Dillman; grandchildren: Ava, Ariana, Aspyn, Trevor, Josie, Eve, Henry, and Oliver; and one great-granddaughter Oakley. Judy is further survived by her feline companion Gracie, other relatives, and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dennis Haas.

The Family invites you to join the Celebration of Life on June 28, 2025, between 12:00-3:00pm at Willowbrook Park (Pavilion) 774 E Sumner St Hartford WI 53027.

Memorials in memory of Judy may be directed to Reach out and Read Wisconsin https://reachoutandread.org/affiliate/wisconsin/

William (Bill) Wallace of Mayville passed away at his home on April 17, 2025, at the age of 79. Bill was born on February 4, 1946, to Bernice (Thacker) and William J Wallace of Evansville, IN. He graduated in 1964 from Bosse High School in Evansville and joined the Navy after graduation for four years, spending most of that time in Scotland.

When he returned to the states, he married and had two children, Tina Marie and William J Wallace III. He moved to Wisconsin in 1971 and started his career at MEC until he retired in 2001.

Bill enjoyed golf, fishing up north on Buckskin Lake, watching college basketball (especially Indiana, Wisconsin and March Madness), having family gatherings, going to all the kids and grandkids school, sports and music activities. But his favorite was waiting, so he was first in line, to pick up and bring the grandkids to the house after school.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Kathy) who he married in 1979. Children William J (Tammy) Wallace III, Tina (Aaron) Kaiser, Todd Bonack, Lisa (Bryant) Halverson and grandchildren Kris (Amy) Bonack, Stephanie Hartwig, Michael Hartwig, Katie Bonack, Alea Wallace, Sydney Wallace, Alex Bonack, Alyssa Halverson, Eli Bonack, Megan Halverson, Faith Bonack and great-grandchildren Savanna Bonack and Timmy Bonack. Along with a sister Reje Hayes, sister-in-law Laurie (Larry) Lawver, plus nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and other family members.

Visitation and service will be held at Christian Life Fellowship on Thursday, April 24. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 11:00 a.m. and Military honors will follow.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please direct Memorials to Mayville EMS.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Advocate Aurora Health Care and Health at Home Hospice for their support and help through his final days. Also, thank you to the staff at Aurora Hartford Hospital for the great care he was given this past month.