Obituary Category: Reeseville

Vivian Gloria Benninger, left this world on July 21, 2025, at the age of 97. Vivian was born on October 8, 1927, in Reeseville, Wisconsin, to the loving parents, Edwin and Edna (DeGroff) Buntrock. She lived a life filled with warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Vivian was united in marriage to Leonard C. Benninger on October 15, 1946, in Iowa. Their love story blossomed into a beautiful family, and together they nurtured their three children on their family farm. She also worked in the mail room at Perry Printing until she retired in 1990. Vivian was not only a devoted mother and grandmother; she also had a loyal canine companion, Lukie, who brought her comfort and companionship throughout her life. She embraced each day with optimism and joy, finding solace in her beloved pets and the love of her family. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Reeseville where she dedicated her time to serving her community. She took pride in her role as the church cleaner and lent a helping hand during chili and ham dinners. She enjoyed playing cards, especially the game of sheepshead, where she would often gather with friends and family for lively games filled with laughter. Dancing was a passion of hers; she adored polka music and embraced the joy of movement and rhythm. Vivian was also an avid gardener, finding peace and fulfillment in tending to her flowers and maintaining her lawn. Her garden was a reflection of her vibrant personality, filled with color and life, much like her approach to living.

Vivian is survived by her children, Ronald (Annette) Benninger of Reeseville, Barbara (Lawrence) Stangler of Waukesha, and Randy Benninger of Reeseville; grandchildren, John Benninger of Reeseville, Todd (Lora) Stangler of Brookfield, Teri (Jim) McArdel of Mequon and Abby (Chase) Davison of Willis, TX; great grandchildren, Emma and Leonard Benninger, Fritz Stangler, Ethan (Mara) Maricle, Carson, Cooper and Tripp Davison; a great-great granddaughter that’s on the way, Miley Maricle; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leonard; her parents; her brothers, Virgil and Harvey Buntrock; a granddaughter-in-law, Mandy Benninger; and a dear friend, Eugene “Duke” Stahnke.

Vivian’s family would like to thank the caring staff at Columbus Health and Rehab for all the love they have shown her during her time there.

A visitation will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in Reeseville from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025. The funeral service will follow at the church on Monday with Rev. Douglas Bergelin officiating. Interment will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Reeseville.

Ruby R. Means (nee, Kohn), age 92, died on August 1, 2024 in Green Valley, Arizona. She was born on January 12, 1932 in Reeseville, Wisconsin.

John R. “Dick” Means, age 93, died on January 24, 2025 in Green Valley, Arizona. He was born on June 16, 1931 in Madison, Wisconsin.

The funeral service will be at Reeseville Community Center on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Jim Wendt officiating. Inurnment will follow at Reeseville Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the community center.

Dick and Ruby are survived by six children; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.

Audrey J. Sack, age 91, died Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Clearview Health & Rehabilitation in Juneau.

Visitation for Audrey will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salem-Lowell Campus, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 11:00 am to 11:50 am. Funeral services will follow at church on Thursday beginning at 12:00 noon. Rev. Nicholas Mount will officiate. Burial will be at Lowell Cemetery.

The former Audrey Jean Kugler was born on October 10, 1933, in Watertown, Wisconsin to the late Walter and Irene (nee: Terwedow) Kugler. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1951. Audrey worked at Bentzin Grocery Store in Watertown after high school and prior to being married. On September 10, 1955, Audrey was united in marriage with Harold Sack. They lived near Lowell and had two wonderful children, Linda and Harold, Jr. They were members of Salem Lutheran Church in Lowell. Audrey was a wonderful wife and mother who was dearly loved by her family.

Survivors include her son, Harold Sack, Jr of Lowell; a granddaughter, Amber (Martin) Hobbs; a great granddaughter, Isabella Hobbs; step great grandson, Andrew Hobbs; a son-in-law, Mark Kaiser; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Kugler and Irene Kugler; other relatives and friends. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Linda Kaiser; and three brothers, Robert Kugler, Wayne Kugler, and David Kugler.

Kathleen Ann “Kathy” (Guenther) Lenz passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 75. She was welcomed into the arms of her Maker, reunited with her beloved husband, and the children she lost too soon.

Kathy was born on July 7, 1949, in Yankton, South Dakota and grew up in Crofton, Nebraska. She was the eldest of thirteen siblings. After enduring harsh winters, her parents, Lawrence and Hedwig (Boecker) Guenther, moved the family to Reeseville, Wisconsin, where they purchased a small farm from the Lenz family. It was there that Kathy’s life became intertwined with Larry Lenz, the oldest son of the previous farm owners. Their love grew over the years, and they married on May 24, 1969.

Kathy faced profound hardships throughout her life, including the tragic loss of three children in a house fire, the passing of a newborn shortly after birth, and later, her middle son’s paralyzing car accident. After more than 25 years of marriage, she also endured the loss of her beloved Larry. Despite these trials, Kathy remained a beacon of strength and love. She never complained or gave in to negativity but instead embraced each day with gratitude.

Known affectionately as “Granny” to many, Kathy found immense joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She touched countless lives with her kindness and unwavering resilience.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her legacy of love and perseverance continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Kathy will be missed by her children, Jennifer (Michael) TerLaan of Beaver Dam, Ryan (Lezley) Lenz of Columbus, Derek (Stephanie) Lenz of Reeseville, and Casey (Erin Sydow) Lenz of Reeseville; siblings, Ken (Bonnie) Guenther, Diane (Kenneth) Wylesky, LuAnn (Robert) Rake, Mike (Glenda) Guenther, James (Linda) Guenther, Lavern Guenther, Marcia (Dennis) Neuberger, Cheryl (Steve) Richard, Jean Schumacher, and Mary (Jeff) Winheimer; brother-in-law, David Stratman; grandchildren, Olivia, Alexander, Zoey and Bryce, Allison Julian and Isaac; great grandchildren, Emersyn and Dezriel; so many nieces and nephews; and numerous special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; children, Daniel, Joel, Frank and Nicole; sisters, Rose (Myron) Nehring and Karen Stratman; and brother-in-law, Ronald Schumacher.

A gathering will be held at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in the Town of Elba, Dodge County, on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday at 12:00 noon with Fr. Thomas Naidu officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Columbkille Cemetery. There will be food and fellowship to follow at Ryan and Lezley’s home.

Stuart Ralph Snow, age 75, of Reeseville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a prolonged illness. He was born on July 6, 1949, in Columbus, Wisconsin to Marshall and Verna (Emerson) Snow.

Stuart was a hardworking man throughout his life. He graduated from Lowell Reeseville High School and worked alongside his father and brother on the family farm, primarily cultivating cash crops. Stuart proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years. He served as an air force mechanic and did a tour in Okinawa. He was honorably discharged on December 10, 1971. When his father retired from his role as a rural mail carrier, Stuart took over the route. It was during this time that he met Sharon Rennhack Hamann, a kindhearted widow along his route. Their friendship blossomed into love, and they married on September 11, 2011. Stuart embraced his new role as a husband, father, and grandfather with great pride.

An avid outdoorsman, Stuart enjoyed fishing and had a lure for every type of fish. He was also passionate about deer and turkey hunting. His love for nature extended to his lake house near Westfield, where he spent cherished time. He found joy in canning everything from fruits and jams to meats – sometimes even experimenting with items that perhaps shouldn’t have been canned. He also enjoyed dehydrating foods and making homemade sausage, venison jerky, smoking turkey and other meats.

A skilled carpenter, Stuart owned an extensive collection of tools – often more than one of each. He also had a deep appreciation for stamp collecting when stamps held significant value. Cutting wood for hours was another pastime he relished.

The last four years were difficult for Stuart after contracting COVID-19, which left lasting effects on his health. Though he could no longer engage in the physical activities he loved, he never lost his happiness or spirit.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Sharon; step children, Thomas (Tori) Hamann and Beth (Scott) Schwanke; step grandchildren, Tristen, Ethan and Aidan Hamann, Noah and Faith Eckert; brother, Dave (Ruthie) Snow; nephew, Troy (Kristine) Snow; niece, Tasha (Brad) Manthey; great nieces and nephews, Jackson and Kennadi Snow and Rylan, Austyn “AJ” and Levi Manthey; many in-laws; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his niece, Amber Snow; and step son, Matthew Hamann.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to all of Stuart’s caretakers with Rainbow Hospice. Your care has made this transition a peaceful one and we are forever grateful.

The visitation will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The funeral service will follow at the funeral home on Friday at 12:00 noon with Rev. Dominick Thoman officiating. Military honors will be provided by the John E. Miller American Legion Post #146. Inurnment will be at a later date at Grove Prairie Cemetery in the Town of Lowell, Dodge County, Wisconsin.

Memorials may be made in Stuart R. Snow’s name to Rainbow Hospice.

Carolyn E. Gray, age 93, of Reeseville, died peacefully at home on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

A private graveside service will take place at Reeseville Cemetery.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Reeseville is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com.

Loriene L. Benninger, age 93, of Reeseville, died Tuesday, November 19, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones, at Prairie Ridge Health in Columbus.

Visitation for Loriene will be at the First United Church of Christ in Reeseville on Monday, November 25, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:50 am. Funeral services will follow at church on Monday at 12:00 noon. Inurnment will be at the First Reformed Church Cemetery in the Town of Lowell.

The former Loriene Lillian Lynch was born on December 22, 1930 to the late Ernest and Ivah (nee: Boness) Lynch. On April 24, 1947, she was united in marriage with LeRoy Benninger. Together they farmed outside of Reeseville for many years. As the family matriarch, she loved hosting family holidays and get-togethers. Loriene’s language of love was food. She loved cooking and baking and it seemed like she always had buns, or cinnamon rolls, or cookies on hand. She also canned every fall and made tomato juice and tomato soup. Loriene loved to travel when she was able. She also enjoyed watching game shows and the Packers on TV. Family was very important to Loriene and she enjoyed keeping-up on the activities of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of First United Church of Christ in Reeseville and was active with the choir and the consistory. Loriene was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include her two sons, Albert (Carleen) Benninger and Carl Benninger, both of Reeseville; her son-in-law, Van Clark of Reeseville; seven grandchildren, Jon (Tammy) Benninger of Windsor, Andrew (Kendra) Benninger of Reeseville, Beth (Karl) Crave of Waterloo, Eric Clark of Watertown, Jennifer (Bob “Wilson”) Albrecht of Reeseville, Daniel Benninger of Watertown, and Carissa Benninger of Indiana; 15 great grandchildren, Jared and Morgan, Brooke, Drew and Ellie, Emma and Kolbe, Brysen, Caleb, Atticus and Katelyn, Ashlyn, Madisyn and Kyson, and Liam; a brother, John “Jack” (Crystal) Lynch of Portland, OR; a sister-in-law, Gladys Lau of Reeseville; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Loriene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Karen Clark; seven brothers, Marvin, Robert, Gerald, Ernest, Kenneth, Richard, and Clayton Lynch; and two sisters, Betty Jane Lynch and Donna Jean Leverentz.

If desired, memorials may be made in Loriene Benninger’s name to First United Church of Christ in Reeseville.

Sherrie L. Witt, age 67, of Reeseville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, September 16, 2024.

The visitation will be at the Reeseville Community Center, 406 North Main Street, on September 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. Funeral Services will follow at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Dean Howell officiating. Interment will be at Lowell Cemetery.

Sherrie Lynn Auchtung was born on June 7, 1957, in Madison, Wisconsin to David and Joyce (King) Auchtung. She was united in marriage with Paul R. Witt on May 2, 1980, in Madison. Sherrie worked as a maintenance supervisor at a Madison area apartment complex. She then went to work for Kline Dickert Glass in Madison, where she worked for many years. In more recent years, she worked as a CNA in Marshall and Watertown. Sherrie loved crafting and she was known to frequent the thrift stores and the antique stores looking for bargains. She was an avid fan of the Packers, the Badgers, and NASCAR; she loved watching wheel of fortune with her son while they ate dinner together. Anyone who knew Sherrie would attest to her love of Chicken Wings. She was a great mother, a loving, kind, generous and caring person. Who will be deeply missed by many

Survivors include her children, Jennifer Kramer of Waterloo, Marjorie Witt and Paul R. Witt, Jr., both of Reeseville; grandchildren, Mercedes and Orlando, and Jared, Adison, and Julieanne; four great grandchildren; four siblings, Terry (Cindy) Auchtung of Sun Prairie, Julie (Jim) Zbigniewicz of Sun Prairie, Dave (Martha) Auchtung of Marshall, and Randy (Jerri) Auchtung of Marshall; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Sherrie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

The family would like to thank SSM Health at Home – Hospice for the exceptional care that was given to Sherrie.

If desired, memorials to the family are appreciated.

Thomas M. Czeszynski, 73, of Lowell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 7th, 2024 at home surrounded by love.

Tom was born on October 24th, 1950, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Roman and Marie Czeszynski. He was the baby brother of the family, the youngest of 7.

Tom will always be remembered for being his loud, goofy, stubborn, friendly, oh so particular, non-stop worrying, one of a kind, loving self. His immediate family circle was small and he enjoyed anything that involved them.

He worked many jobs over the years but his most fulfilling, favorite title and the only one that mattered in the end was “Gramp”. He was beyond proud of his two grandchildren, Olive and Frankie. His world revolved around them and they lit up his life.

Tom will forever be missed by his wife of almost 52 years, Mary, who remained by his side caring for him at home until the very end, his only daughter Elise Leer, son-in-law Jeremy who was more like a son and often times his partner in crime, his two beloved grandchildren, a brother-in-law Jeff Holubowicz, sisters Betty Dvorak and Nancy Barlow, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, and other relatives. The family is having a small, private celebration of life.

Raise your beers, God heard him coming and had one waiting.

Vida R. Neuberger, age 94, passed away at Bay Harbor Assisted Living in Beaver Dam on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

A graveside service will be held at the Lowell Cemetery in Lowell on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. David Brandt officiating.

Vida Ruth (Firari) Neuberger was born on October 17, 1929 in Lowell, Wisconsin to August and Vera (Westphal) Firari. On January 15, 1950, she was united in marriage to LaVern Neuberger in Lowell.

Vida enjoyed doing crafts, embroidery, and making rugs.

Vida is survived by her children, Dennis (Marcia) Neuberger of Beaver Dam, Dale (Debbie) Neuberger of Reeseville, and Darcel “Darcy” Rydquist of Juneau; her grandchildren, Jason (Jodi) Neuberger, Shallon (Greg) Parr, Danielle (Patrick) Bomkamp, Shawndel (Tim) Henning, Travis (Janice Stadler) Neuberger, GeNelle (John) Petrie, Terra (Mike) Reider, and Zack (Haley) Rydquist; 22 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. She is further survived by her siblings, Carolyn Gray and Ralph Firari of Reeseville; sister-in-law, Delores Kelm; brother-in-law, Wayne Neuberger; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Vida was preceded in death by her husband, Lavern in 2016; parents; siblings, Lorraine Firari, August E. Firari, Melva Krinke and Hilda Heller; three brothers-in-law, William Gray, James Heller, DeWayne Krinke; one sister-in-law, Sherri Firari; son-in-law, Daniel Rydquist in 2023; and two great granddaughters.

The Neuberger family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Hillside Hospice and Bay Harbor Assisted Living in Beaver Dam for their care and compassion. Rest in peace mom.