Obituary Category: Reeseville

Larry R. Ludtke, age 83, of Reeseville, died peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Bellville Senior Living in Green Bay, WI.

The gathering will be at First United Church of Christ in Reeseville on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The memorial service will follow on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Carrie Schuett officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Oakridge Cemetery in East Troy, WI.

Larry Robert was born on December 5, 1942, in Burlington, WI, to Ellis and Mabel (Springer) Ludtke. After graduating high school, he continued his education at Wisconsin State University –Whitewater, where his talents and passion for teaching continued to grow.

On July 1, 1978, Larry was united in marriage with the love of his life, Barbara Schmid, in Beaver Dam. Together they built a life filled with faith, music, and devotion to family and community.

Music was the heartbeat of Larry’s life. He shared that gift as band director at Lowell Reeseville High School before later teaching at Dodgeland Middle School.  Through patience, encouragement, and song, he inspired countless students until his retirement in 2000.

Larry’s love for music extended far beyond the classroom. His time as an organist started at First Congregational Church UCC in East Troy, WI and eventually transitioned into his time in Reeseville. For more than 42 years, the melodies of his organ filled First United Church of Christ in Reeseville, lifting hearts in worship and celebration. He also shared his talents for many years at Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Whether teaching a child, directing a band, playing hymns from the organ bench, or providing music for weddings and funerals, Larry left a lasting harmony in the lives of all who knew him.

In addition to his love for music, Larry also enjoyed other hobbies, including cooking and photography.  He was the head chef for his family and shared his culinary skills preparing community spaghetti dinners, cooking meals during the Dodgeland 6^th grade camp trips, and teaching Dodgeland middle school students Chinese cooking skills during the Mini-Courses week.  He also had a passion for photography, capturing lasting memories at many local weddings and passing along his talents to his son Matt, who would go on to pursue a career in photography/videography.

Larry is survived by his children, Stephanie Ludtke of Grafton and Matt (Rebecca) Ludtke of DePere; grandchildren, Sam and Jonah Ludtke; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Linda Tauchen.

The family wishes to thank Brian and Vicki Miller and Bill and Darlene Goodhue for their everlasting friendship and extra care and help they provided Larry in the recent years.

In lieu of memorials for the family, they request you consider a memorial donation in Larry’s name to First United Church of Christ Reeseville.

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Michael Paul Eauslin, Sr., lovingly known as Mike, who left us on November 30, 2025, at the age of 75 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. This was the third time Mike fought against cancer in his lifetime, and he faced each challenge with unwavering strength and spirit.

Mike was born on April 15, 1950, the oldest of six children to William and Harriet Eauslin, in Milwaukee, WI. He grew up on a farmette with an apple orchard in Pewaukee, WI, operated by his mother, after his father, Paul, passed away at a young age. He graduated from Waukesha Catholic Memorial High School in 1968 and married his loving wife, Carla Marie Vetta, in 1970. They have had 55 years together as husband and wife. Their family quickly blossomed into a large crew with five wonderful children: Shannon M. Angell (Shannon Goodman), Jeannette A. Eauslin (Kim Schoenberger), Wayne A. Eauslin, Michael P. Eauslin, Jr., and Laurie J. Mears (David Mears-deceased)

For the last 50 years, Mike called 309 N Main St in Reeseville, WI, home; sharing countless memories with Carla and their family. He was the proud grandpa of eight incredible grandchildren: Thomas Beal, Dakota Beal, Dominick Eauslin, Marissa Angell, Rebecca Mears (Corey Lewis), Amanda Angell-Read (Nathan Read), Julie Mears (Austin Memmel), and Ronnie Mears. He also delighted in being a great-grandfather to Layfon Lewis, Layla Lewis, Laycee Lewis, Zariah Memmel, Eliyanah Mears, Jaxon Memmel, and Delilah Mears.

Mike had a special bond with his grandchildren, often taking time to take plan exciting day trips, teaching them about nature, gardening, rock collecting, animals and making sure they had experiences they might not otherwise have had, such as horseback riding lessons, boating trips, playing games with them, and passing on his love of fishing. Mike once remarked that he felt his grandchildren were a “second chance from God for him to get it right”.

Mike had a great love of meeting new people, visiting with family, exploring nature, fishing, live music, rock collecting and prospecting for gold, gardening, cooking and hosting family get-togethers.

Mike was known to host barbecues year-round, smoking meats and grilling up huge delicious meals and boasting about his wife’s “world famous potato salad”, as well of the cooking talents of his adult kids.  His favorite restaurant to go to for any celebration was Mings in Beaver Dam, and of course he became friends with the owners and enjoyed learning about their culture.

His life was marked by service, spending time in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1973 as a logistics specialist. After his military service, Mike worked for the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, dedicated himself to the community as a volunteer firefighter for the Lowell and Reeseville Fire Departments, and a role as a police officer for the Village of Reeseville in the 1970’s. He also served as an ambulance driver for Bell. Later in life, he enjoyed truck driving for Wisconsin Fineblanking and driving for a lab into his retirement years, with a final retirement from work in 2021, at the age of 71. His adventurous spirit never faded, whether it be taking a class, fishing trips, exploring natural wonders, or traveling with lifelong friends like Dennis LaFratta, Mike Dorn, Dick Rhode, and Bill Piotrowski.

Mike had a deep love for animals, rescuing several animals in his lifetime. Two Huskies in particular were his heart dogs- first “King”, whom he rescued sometime after he and Carla had an empty nest, and after King had lived a spoiled life into old age, the animal distribution system struck again with another stray Huskie in need of a loving home- “Solomon”; he gave him many years of wonderful care and companionship. Mike also enjoyed feeding and identifying local birds and in his later years, feeding and caring for local cats in his neighborhood. He enjoyed sharing the joy of life with his family, and family pets, including a baby raccoon they once rescued and kept.

Though Mike faced significant health challenges in his last few years, he became a kinder and gentler person who cherished every moment. His family and friends rallied around him. His loving family ensured he spent his final days at home in comfort, listening to the beloved songs of his youth with 24/7 family at his side. The family would like to thank Commonheart Home Health and Hospice for the excellent care they provided during his final days.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Harriet and William, two brothers; Richard and Mark Eauslin, one sister, Kathryn Ann Eauslin, his son-in-law, David Mears and grandson, Ronnie Mears.

Mike will be deeply missed but never forgotten. In line with his love of nature, he chose a green burial cemetery in Milwaukee that will allow him to be buried in a Prairie of wild flowers, with no environmental contamination. We will carry his love, laughter, and stories with us always. A celebration of his life will be held at a later time.

Peggy Sue Kruckenberg, of Lowell, passed away peacefully after a long illness on November 22, 2025 at her beloved home.

Peggy was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin and went to Custer High School in Milwaukee.

She worked at several local food canners and packers. She passed time watching TV, crocheting and treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

The visitation for Peggy will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Monday, December 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at the funeral home on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Lowell Cemetery.

Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Lawrence; her children, Jessica (Clyde) Hahn and Charles Kruckenberg; siblings, Le Nora (Don) Ketterhagen, Mary (Wayne) Kaddatz, Betty (Greg) Voleski, Donald (Kathy) Kirton and Henry (Theresa) Kirton; grandchildren, Solan, Liam and Amara; sisters-in-law, Judi Kirton, Sharon Kirton and Kathleen Kirton; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Kirton, Sr. and Beaulah Mellem (Leo Muller); and siblings, Robert Kirton, Samuel Kirton, Jr., James (Marjorie) Kirton, William (Janice) Kirton, Ezekiel Kirton, Austin Kirton, Richard (Theresa) Kirton, Annette (James) Paul and Alice Kirton.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amy Muchow for the exceptional care that was given to Peggy.

Matthew C. Kreuziger, 54, of Reeseville passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 17, 2025.

Matthew was born on July 14, 1971 the son of Steven D. and Melanie A. (Neitzel) Kreuziger in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  He was a 1989 graduate of Huntingdon High School in Huntingdon, TN.  He worked for Tennessee Metal in Huntington, TN before going to spend some time in Nashville, TN. Matthew had moved to Wisconsin where he has been employed for 25 years with Caine Warehousing as a fork lift driver and a material handler. Matthew “Jose” had worked out at Stanton Legacy Acres as the right hand-man for John Stanton.

Matt enjoyed the outdoors hunting, fishing and golfing.  He enjoyed watching NASCAR.  Matt also loved to travel, especially to see family.

Matthew is survived by his daughter: Corrina (Alex) Winchel of Waupun; his sisters: Shannon (Bob Earl) Kreuziger and Stacy Kreuziger; his step dad: Richard Owens; his aunt and uncle: Paul (Vick) Neitzel and his close friend John Stanton. He is further survived by other aunts, uncles, other relatives and many many friends.

Matthew was preceded in death by his grandson Wyatt Winchel, mother Melanie Owens, father Steven Kreuziger and grandparents: Eugene and Violet Neitzel and Ben and Gertrude Kreuziger.

A Celebration of Life for Matthew will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Lowell VFW Hall, Lowell, Wisconsin.

Roy L. Schmitt, 71, of Lowell, passed away on Oct. 30, 2025, at his home on the farm.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held on Friday, Nov. 7th, at 12:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church Salem-Lowell campus with Rev. Tim Gumm officiating. Family and friends may gather from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at the Lowell Cemetery.

Roy Leon Schmitt was born on February 14th, 1954, in Beaver Dam, the son of Leon “Butch” and Yvonne “Toby” (Rennhack) Schmitt. He graduated from Dodgeland High School in 1972 and was a lifelong member of St. John’s Salem-Lowell Lutheran Church. Roy married Christine K. Fenz on June 8, 1974, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Watertown.

Roy was a devoted husband and father whose life centered on his family and farming. He and his wife Christine recently celebrated 54 years of farming on Sept. 24th. Roy started dairy farming right after high school purchasing his first small herd of cows from the Leonard’s farm auction and renting their barn growing the herd. A short time later Roy and Christine bought their home farm, milking 120 cows for most of their dairy farming career. They sold the cows in 2006 and Roy bought a dump truck where he enjoyed 15 years hauling for road projects. He continued farming throughout his life growing corn, soybeans and wheat, as well as, raising a small herd of red angus cattle.

Roy was also an avid turkey and deer hunter and enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and nephews hunt both turkeys and deer. He went on three elk hunting trips in Colorado and came home from the first trip with one large 5X5 bull elk. Roy also loved fishing, making his own fishing pond on the farm and stocking it every spring with fish. Bullheads were his favorite.

In high school he was very active in Dodgeland FFA serving as vice president. He often talked about his time on the dairy judging team where they won first in state and the trip he took to Oklahoma for land judging with the FFA.

Over the past few years, he took up making maple syrup and enjoyed tapping and collecting sap from the trees in the big woods. He loved John Deere tractors and also enjoyed collecting and gifting hunting knives.

His wife was the love of his life and he often talked about finding her in the second grade. He was very proud of all of his kids and their spouses and he also was the biggest fan of all of his grandchildren in anything they did from sports to FFA and 4-H.

Roy is survived by his wife Christine; his children Allan (Kayla) Schmitt, of Waterloo, children Alyssa, Henry, Lorelai and Natalie; Amy (Jay) Panetti, of Waupun, children Avery, Leo and Campbell; Teresa (Ralph) Stowell, of Fox Lake, children Wyatt, Oscar, Lucy and Oliver; Crystal (Brandon) Soldner, of Lowell, children Braxton and Milo; Kimberley (Kurt) Swanson of Middleton, children Juniper and Viola. He is further survived by his siblings, John (Sandy) Schmitt, Bonnie (Kenneth) Guenther, Sue (Jerry) Ebert, Nancy Hussli, Frieda Kern, Cindy Kadinger, Marilea (Pat) Groves, Gina (Andrew) Oemig, and Leon (Annette) Schmitt; his sisters-in-law, Susan (Bob) Smithson and Karen (DuWayne) Grosenick, as well as, many nieces and nephews and friends.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Butch and Toby; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Luanna and Walter Fenz; his brother-in-law, Bill Kern; his nephew, Tom Schmitt; and niece, Michelle Guenther.

Ronald H. Schoenwetter, 88, of Reeseville passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.

Ronald was born on October 27, 1936 the son of Harvey and Viola (Schultz) Schoenwetter.  He was a 1954 graduate of Juneau High School.  On June 6, 1959, he was united in marriage with Phyllis Greinert at Zion Lutheran Church in Clyman, Wisconsin. Ron had been employed for over 40 years at the Dodge County Highway Department, retiring as a supervisor.

Ronnie proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955 – 1958. He continued his dedication to fellow veterans and generously donated his time and talents to the Lowell VFW Post 9392 serving as its Commander, Military Honors Drill Squad and other roles throughout his lifetime.  He also spent years as a volunteer at the Madison VA Hospital helping veterans to their appointments. Ron was also a charter member of the Reeseville First Responders.

Ronnie loved nature and was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish.  He enjoyed his home in the country which allowed him to watch the deer and birds that were plentiful in his backyard and Buddy his cat, was always nearby.

His faith was important to him as well.  He attended Lowell United Church of Christ his entire life and was active on consistory.  Going to breakfast after church with the other parishioners was a highlight of his Sundays.

Ron will be deeply missed by his daughter Denise (James) Wild of Reeseville and his son Michael (Bethany Netek) Schoenwetter of Corpus Christi, TX; his granddaughters: Samantha (Deven) Adams of Winneconne, Alexandra (Benjamin Wanezek) Wild of Omro and Stephanie (Austin) Neis of Reeseville; great grandchildren: Emelia, Evelyn and Eleanor Adams, Brooks and Brynn Neis, and Huxson Wild; step great grandchildren: Caleb, Ella and Eli Wanezek; and sister-in-law Mary Jo Schoenwetter  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Phyllis in 2015, and his brother William Schoenwetter.

A visitation for Ron will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam.  A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Nerswick officiating. Interment will be at Lowell Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Lowell VFW Post 9392.  Reception to follow at Lowell VFW Hall.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Linda, Kathy and Joyce, his wonderful caregivers while he was a home.  You were patient, loving and truly cared for Dad. Your care for him will never be forgotten and we are thankful and blessed you were a part of his life.  The family would also like to thank Spero Heritage Homes for their outstanding care. And finally, a thank you to Rainbow Hospice. Even though his stay was short, the level of care and compassion that was given to him and family was amazing.

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

 

 

Lois Mae Means left this world peacefully on September 25, 2025, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was born on August 19, 1938, in Columbus, Wisconsin, the daughter of Lawrence and Alice (Huebner) Strahota. Lois graced our lives for 87 wonderful years, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

Lois was united in marriage to the love of her life, Duane Means, on October 19, 1958, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Reeseville. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their family with warmth and devotion. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into nurturing them.

Lois’s professional journey was marked by dedication and hard work. She served as a lead operator in electrical manufacturing before transitioning to a hospitality manager role at a resort, where her warmth and attention to detail left a lasting impression on guests and colleagues alike. Beyond her career, Lois was a woman of many passions. She had a green thumb and found joy in planting flowers and tending to her garden, where she cultivated beauty and tranquility. Her love for animals, especially her dogs, reflected her nurturing spirit and compassion.

In her retirement, Lois and Duane moved to the Tripoli area, where they made their home until Duane’s passing in 2012. In seeking to be closer to her family, Lois later relocated to Necedah, where she continued to share her love and wisdom with those around her. Lois was an active member of her community, always finding ways to connect with others and spread joy.

Lois is survived by her children, Rachel Means, Randal Means, and Victoria Means; 14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; sisters, Cheryl (Robert) Stelter and Joan Beal; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Cynthia Dampier; sister, Karen Polowski; and two great grandchildren.

The visitation for Lois will be at the Reeseville Community Center on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will follow at the community center on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Douglas Bergelin officiating. Burial will be at Reeseville Cemetery.

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.