Obituary Category: Reeseville

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.

Frank Lauersdorf, age 74, died Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at his home in the Town of Lowell.

In keeping with his wishes, private family services have been held.

Franklin James Lauersdorf was born on February 21, 1950, to Arnold William Carl Lauersdorf and Ethel Elisabeth Rennhack in the Town of Lowell. He married the love of his life, Barb, and was a father to Jason (Carol) Lauersdorf, Troy (Jessica) Lauersdorf, Tracy (Janelle) Lauersdorf, Nicole (Craig) Wolff and Josh (Ami) Lauersdorf and stepfather to Michelle (Rob) Ellis-Hutchings and Christopher (Aldonza) Ellis. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers, and his stepfather, Raymond “Mac” McMillan.

His greatest loves were his wife Barb, his children, and his grandchildren (Cody, Sarah, Mitch, Keegan, Brooke, Briana, Brynlee, Braya, Joslyn, Eugene, Jayk, Levi, Lilli, and Caleb and Grace). He loved the smiles, giggles and antics of his grandkids when making gingerbread houses or playing cards. He enjoyed perfecting his bread making skills, roasting coffee, beer and wine making, rebuilding his ’39 Chevy, and marveling at the hummingbirds, orioles, blue jays, and cardinals.

He worked at Ptaschinski Construction Inc of Beaver Dam for 16 years before starting Lauersdorf Excavating in 1985 as a sole proprietor. After many years of hard work, he formed a Limited Liability Company and eventually a Corporation before retiring in 2014.

He was a firm supporter of Immanual Lutheran Church in Reeseville, the Reeseville Community Center, the Reeseville Library, the Lowell VFW, PAVE in Beaver Dam, Rawhide, and WWII Honor Flights. Frank loved talking to farmers and watching the progression through the years which was interesting and enjoyable to him.

He would never forget the support of local businesses, the community, and the people who helped make his success possible. Yes, in the United States of America, this is possible.

David R. Galston, Sr., age 72, of Lowell, died on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Watertown Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

The memorial gathering will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The memorial service will follow on Tuesday at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Nerswick officiating.

David Ronnie Galston was born on March 19, 1951 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to Herbert and Lila (Allen) Galston. He was united in marriage with Alvina “Bunny” Kueffer at United Church of Christ in Lowell, on October 4, 1980. David worked as a farm hand and was a truck driver. He worked for Terra Fertilizing and later for Caine Transfer. He liked to hunt and fish and was a member of the Wisconsin Bow Hunting Association. David was also an avid motorsports fan. Dave loved the companionship from his dog, Lucky, as well as the numerous good dogs he had over the years. He enjoyed time spent with family, especially with his boys.

David is survived by his wife, Alvina “Bunny” Galston of Lowell; sons, David (Jill) Galston, Jr. of Beaver Dam, and Matthew Galston of Lowell; grandchildren, Kyle, Victoria, Isabella, and Josephine; siblings, Dennis Galston of Sun Prairie, Joy Vander Sanden of Columbus, and Allan (Lori) Galston of Columbus; sisters-in-law, Marie Galston and Dinah Galston; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph Galston; and siblings, Loren Galston, Billie Galston, Jean Mayberry, Bernard Galston, Gerald Galston, Emajean Galston, and Herbert Galston.

 

 

 

 

David Glenn Westlake, 85, flew west on Friday, February 23, 2024.

David was born on June 5, 1938, to Glenn and Grace (Metz) Westlake in Geneva, Illinois.  Most of his youth was spent in Lombard, Illinois, where his father was superintendent of schools.  He was active in the Boy Scouts, earning the distinction of Order of the Arrow.  After graduating from Glenbard High School in 1956, Dave attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he became a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

He spent ten years in the U. S. Navy, having joined the reserves as a high school senior, and participating in NROTC at Miami University. He was called to active service in 1958 and deployed to Miramar Naval Air Station, San Diego.  While there, he applied and was selected to attend Naval Aviation Cadet training in Pensacola, Florida.  He was commissioned Ensign and awarded his Wings Of Gold on August 9, 1961.

On August 19, 1961, he married the girl next door, Sybil Peterson, in Lombard. (He opined that he was a bachelor officer for only ten days.) Their love would last for 63 happy years.

During his Navy career he served on five aircraft carriers: Bennington, Ticonderoga, Antietam (where he qualified for carrier landing), Randolph, and Lake Champlain.  While at Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island, he flew jet helicopters in an anti-submarine hunter-killer task force.  In October of 1962, during the Cuban missile crisis, he took part in the blockade of Soviet ships in the Caribbean.

In 1965, Lieutenant Westlake was honorably discharged from the Navy and hired by United Airlines.  In his 33 years with United he flew DC-6, Viscount, Caravelle, Boeings 727, 737, 747,757,767, and retired as Captain on the Boeing 777 in 1998.

In 1972, the family settled on the farm near Reeseville, Wisconsin.  There they raised registered Angus cattle.  Dave was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reeseville, where he served as an elder on the church council.  He belonged to the VFW Post 9392, Lowell, Wisconsin and the American Legion Post 90, Reeseville, Wisconsin.  He also belonged to the Midwest Field Trial Club. He was an avid hunter and loved spending time with his Labrador Retrievers in the field.

Survivors include his wife, Sybil; daughter Kristen Westlake (husband Don Armour); son Glenn (Karin) Westlake and their children: Andrew (Emily) Peterson and son Theo, Connor, and Claire Westlake; son David (Amy) Westlake and their children: Madison, Ben, and Zoë; and daughter Mandy Westlake.

A visitation for David will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon at Trinity Lutheran Church Reeseville. A funeral service will begin at Noon.  Interment will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Graveside Military Honors will be provided by the Lowell VFW Post 9392.

 

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds-and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence.  Hovering there

I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue

I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,

Where never lark or even eagle flew.

And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

John Gillespie Magee, Jr. September 3, 1941