Obituary Category: Reeseville

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

 

 

 

Helene Kohn (nee Maas) passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 10th, 2023, surrounded by her immediate family and hospice caregivers.

Helene was born Helene Margaret Maas on April 17, 1935, to Emma and Herbert Maas of Markesan. She was the youngest of five children. As a child, Helene attended several one room schools in the Randolph/Fox Lake area. She graduated from Randolph High School in 1953 and was her class’s salutatorian as well as class president. She went on to earn her teaching degree from Columbia County Teachers College in Columbus. While attending, she was introduced by a mutual friend to her future husband, David Kohn. They married on August 2, 1958 at County Line Lutheran Church near Markesan. After David’s return from the Army, they moved to their farm on Highway G where Helene and David farmed together for over sixty years and raised their four children. Before her marriage, Helene taught in a one room school and after her marriage she substitute taught for many years. Helene enjoyed baking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed tending to her flowers and especially enjoyed her field of sunflowers. Additionally, she was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aide organization, the general leader of Lakeside 4-H Club for many years and advocated for the reorganization of the local school district in the early 1970’s.

Helene is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, David. She was also a loving mother to her daughters Joy (Tim) Sellnow of Reeseville, Sue (Mike) Knowles of Irmo, SC; Holly of Reeseville and son, Kent (fiancée Laurie) of Lake Mills as well as 5 grandchildren, Alex (fiancée Meghan) Knowles, Hannah (Chris) Hennighan, Krista (Erik) Knowles, Jenna (fiancée Nick) Kohn and Christopher Kohn; 2 step-grandchildren, Michael (Michelle) Sellnow and Renata (Chad) Theis, 2 great grandchildren, Gabriella and Matthew Hennighan and 5 step great grandchildren, Emma and Cole-Sellnow and Ryli, Tripp and Croix Theis. She is also survived by her twin brother, Allen (Sally) Maas of Beaver Dam and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Edwin and Harold and her sister, Marilyn Davison.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 18 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, Reeseville. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am at the church. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

The family would also like to express its appreciation and gratitude to Commonheart
Hospice services for the compassionate care they provided Helene.

Joanne E. Zirbel, age 82, of Lowell, died on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.

The visitation will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church: Salem Lowell Campus in Lowell on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. The funeral service will follow on Thursday at 12:00 noon with Rev. David Brandt officiating. Burial will be at Lowell Cemetery.

Joanne Elizabeth was born on April 5, 1941 in West Bend, Wisconsin to George and Sally (Besch) Penoske. She was united in marriage with David “Zip” Zirbel on April 10, 1965 at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church in Lowell. Joanne was a resident of Lowell for many years. She served as the Clerk Treasurer for the village and for sewer and water. Joanne enjoyed being a school bus driver for 42 years for the Dodgeland School District. She was an avid bowler for many years, enjoyed snowmobiling and gardening. Joanne and Zip had a Cabin in Florence County where she enjoyed hunting bear, deer and turkey. Joanne was one of the first women volunteer fire fighters in the nation and was honored by the State Historical Society with a marker placed by the village fire station in 1999.

Joanne is survived by her husband, David of Lowell; children, David (Lynn) Zirbel and Julie (Don) Regan; grandchildren, Dustin (Lisa) Zirbel, Chad (Jenny) Zirbel, Matthew Zirbel, Jessica (Mark) Kohnlein, Dominick Regan (Molly Michels) and Casey Zirbel; great grandchild, David “Riley” Zirbel; sister-in-law, Brenda Penoske; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Danny Zirbel; brothers, Eugene and Frederick; sister, Sally Miescher; brother-in-law, Fred Miescher; parents-in-law, Norman and Erna Zirbel; and special relatives, Clarence and Arline Bensley.

Dean E. Ziegel, age 72, of Reeseville, died Thursday, November 2, 2023, after battling cancer for over three years.

Visitation for Dean will be at the Reeseville Community Center on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Funeral services will follow beginning at 4:00 p.m. with Rev Donald Steinberg officiating.

Dean Edward Ziegel was born on December 26, 1950, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to Edward and June (Joranger) Ziegel. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1969. On May 22, 1980, he was married to the love of his life and soul mate, Noreane Schmid in Beaver Dam. Dean worked for the Village of Reeseville for approximately 35 years serving as the Director of Public Works. Dean wore many hats working for the Village and loved serving the people of Reeseville. He formerly served as both a firefighter and a first responder for the Village of Reeseville. He enjoyed hunting with his wife, Noreane and his Grandsons, Jim and Kyle; deer, bear, turkey, trips to Montana, together they had many adventures. He taught many youths how to hunt and enjoyed participating in both the Learn to Hunt program and the Youth Hunts. Dean was active in the NWTF for 20 years and served as President of the Dodge County Chapter.

Survivors include his wife, Noreane Ziegel of Reeseville; three children, Mark Schmid of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Rene (Mark) Kussmann of Oshkosh, and Cindy Williams of Centennial, CO; four grandsons, Jim (Daisy) Chase of Omro, Kyle Chase of Oshkosh, AJ (Jamie) Williams and Ben Williams, both of Centennial, CO; five great grandchildren, Aiden, Sofia, Liam, Eli, and Casey; four siblings, Sandra (Bruce) Priewe of Beaver Dam, Julie (Gary) Hopkins of FL, Corey (Connie) Ziegel of TX, and Diane (Roger) Stieglitz of Beaver Dam; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dean was preceded in death by his parents.

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Ronald D. Mears, age 17, of Reeseville, died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

A celebration of Ronald’s life will be held at the Reeseville Community Center on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m.

Ronald David was born on September 3, 2006 in Richland Center, Wisconsin to David and Laurie (Eauslin) Mears. He attended Dodgeland School District and was currently enrolled at Moraine Park Technical College to earn his HSED. Ronald was so kind and generous to all that he loved. He was always willing to give someone in need food, and even cook for them. Ronald could turn someone else’s trash into treasure. He was willing to take apart anything and tinker with it until it worked. He loved fishing, and especially loved being the best uncle to all his nieces and nephews.

Ronald is survived by his mother, Laurie Mears (Roland Trepanier) of Reeseville; brother and sisters, Dominick Eauslin, Rebecca Mears (Corey Lewis), Julie Mears (Austin Memmel) and Kiara Trepanier; special nieces and nephews, Layfon, Layla, and Laycee Lewis, Zariah, Eliyanah and Jaxon Memmel; grandparents, Mike and Carla Eauslin; aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, David Mears and his grandparents, Kathleen Gahl and Ronald Bass, Sr.

J. Nancy Dippong, age 85, died Friday, September 22, 2023 at her home in Beaver Dam.

Nancy was born at Lowell, WI on April 2, 1938 to Louis and Ethel (Weigert) Firari, one of eleven children, seven brothers and 4 sisters. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Salem of Lowell, WI, first to Ralph Rennhack on March 16, 1957 and then to John Dippong on March 18th, 1988.

Visitation will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salem-Lowell Campus on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Funeral services will follow at church on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. David Brandt officiating. Burial will follow at Lowell Cemetery.

Nancy was an active member of Salem Ladies Aide and also the Altar Guild. She enjoyed visiting the shut-ins and serving for many funeral meals. She enjoyed gathering her sisters and brothers together at Christmas and reminiscing of days gone by. Then with her own family, lots of homemade goodies, family games and presents. Her many hobbies included; house decorating, painting, sewing, gardening (especially flowers) and cooking.

She is survived by her husband John, daughters Lori (Norio) Miyazato, Linda (Richard) Walsh, son Ronald (Kristine) Rennhack. Also her stepson John (Linda) Dippong and stepdaughter Diane (Ron) Meyers, 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 1 brother Herbert (Delores) Firari and special family member Kathy Strand. She was preceded in death by: her parents, her first
husband Ralph in 1981, 3 sisters and their husbands; Dorothy (Edwin) Schwoch, Shirley (Allen) Briet, Joanne (Ray) Briet and 6 brothers and their wives; Ray (Ginny) Firari, Robert (Gladys) Firari, Louis Firari, Edward (Dolores) Firari, Ronald (Rose) Firari, Milton (Lucielle) Firari and also her son-in-law Tery Vierck and mother-in-law Luisa Kaiser. Also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

If desired, memorials may be made in Nancy Dippong’s name to Hillside Hospice in Beaver Dam.

Sherri Lee Weidman, 64, of Reeseville passed away peacefully on Monday, August 14, 2023 at her home after a trying battle with lung cancer.

Sherri was born on June 6, 1959 the daughter of Edwin and Dorothy (Firari) Schwoch in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Sherri was a graduate of Horicon High school.  In December of 2001, she was united in marriage with Robert M. Weidman in Juneau, Wisconsin.

Sherri has been employed as a forklift driver for Sussek Machine in Waterloo for many years until her retirement.  Sherri enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts and gardening.  She loved going fishing with Bob and also watching NASCAR.

Sherri is survived by her son, Joshua Pick (Danielle Rogge) of Reeseville; her siblings: Donald (Sharon) Schwoch of Juneau, Susan (Ken) Strahota of Reeseville, Judith Eichorst of Horicon, Jeffery (Beth) Schwoch of Horicon and Douglas Schwoch of Waupun. She is also survived by her beloved cats Fluff and Wilson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert “Bob” in 2017, and her sister Cindy Schwoch.

A memorial gathering for Sherri will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Community Center in Reeseville, Wisconsin.

Gerald W. Yerges, age 82, long-time banker for the State Bank of Reeseville, died Monday, August 14, 2023, at his home in Fox Lake.

Visitation for Jerry will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salem-Lowell Campus, on Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Funeral services will follow at church beginning at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. David Brandt officiating. Burial will follow at Reeseville Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Lowell VFW Post #9392.

Gerald William Yerges was born on May 29, 1941, on the family farm in the Town of Lowell, along with his twin sister, Jo Ann. He graduated from Reeseville High School in 1959. On June 1, 1968, he was united in marriage with Carol Pollasch at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Juneau. Jerry served in the US Army Reserves from June, 1964 to February, 1970. He attended Madison Business College and completed the Graduate School of Banking Program at UW Madison in 1972. Jerry began his employment with the State Bank of Reeseville in 1961. He loved serving the people in the area and was always willing to be of service. Jerry served as President & CEO of the bank and was a member of the bank’s Board of Directors. He retired in 2006 after 45 years of service. He was a member of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, and the Dodge County Bankers Association.

Jerry was a life-long member of Salem Lutheran Church in Lowell where he was an active member serving as a Sunday School Teacher, usher, and took his turn on each of the various positions on the church board. Jerry understood the value of education and served on the Board of Regents at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee from 1986 to 1991. Jerry loved baseball, boating, bowling, and a good game of cards. Jerry was especially devoted to his family.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Carol Yerges of Fox Lake; three sons, Jay (Sarah) Yerges of Appleton, Todd (Rachael) Yerges of West Bend, and Brian (Sena) Yerges of Maricopa, AZ; seven grandchildren, Moriah (Marcel Maculan), Ethan, Cade, Jaden, Nora, Nadia, Leo; great granddaughter, Dinah and his twin sister, Jo Ann (Jerome) Fedkenheuer of Deerfield. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, William and Evelyn (Zimmerman) Yerges.

If desired, memorials may be made in Gerald Yerges’ name to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Richard F. Seufzer, age 93, formerly of Tomahawk, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at his home in Lowell surrounded by his family.

The visitation will be at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Watertown on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Tim Renz officiating. Burial will be at St. Henry’s Catholic Cemetery in Watertown.

Richard Francis was born on October 3, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Joseph and Mary (Slowinski) Seufzer. He was a 1948 graduate of Owen High School. He was united in marriage with Annabelle Eslinger on April 14, 1956 and was blessed with nine children. Richard was a hard worker and his career started at Pied Piper Shoe Company in Wausau. He then started a concrete block company, Rib River Concrete, in Wausau in 1963 until 1964.  For a period of time, he lived in Illinois, where he worked for Butcher Boy Door Company and a TV manufacturer. He spent the last several years of his career working at Waukesha Foundry and transferred to Watertown, retiring in 1991. Richard was united in marriage with Lorraine Boehm on October 9, 2006. In retirement, he became a MacGyver of trades, a master of scrolling and woodworking, blossomed as a gardener, and learned the art of fishing. Richard looked forward to having coffee with the guys every morning and just enjoying his life. He was member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tomahawk, the Northwoods Garden Club, and What’s Brewing Coffee Clutch.

Richard is survived by his children, Peter (Lisa) Seufzer of Ixonia, Christopher (Serene) Seufzer of Lowell, Mary Speidel of Florida, Kathryn (Robert) Cottone of Watertown, John (Jessica) Seufzer of Reeseville, Rita (Troy) Alvarado of Clyman, Patricia Seufzer of Whitewater, Queena (John) Buske of Ixonia, and Gregory (Darlene) Seufzer of Florida; brothers, Jim (Theresa) Seufzer of Augusta, Don Seufzer of La Crosse, and David (Maggie) Seufzer of Augusta; brother-in-law, Russ Trulher; step children, Donna (Tom) Pederson and family, Debbie (Bill), Lee (Mary Lou), and Sharon (Dale) and family; 20 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; special care angel, Sue Lindert; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives; a sister, Mona Trulher; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Seufzer; a granddaughter, Kristie; and grandsons, Richie and Brian.

The family would like to express great appreciation to Sue Lindert in caring for their father. They would also like to thank Ken & Mary Jo and Donna for all of their help in the past years.

Carolyn F. Rennhack, 92, of Reeseville passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Hillside Manor Nursing Home in Beaver Dam.

A visitation for Carolyn will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Reeseville.  A funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Don Steinberg officiating.  Burial will be at Okeeg Cemetery in Danville, followed by a funeral dinner at the Lowell VFW Hall.

Carolyn was born on August 23, 1930 the daughter of Archie and Mary (Versema) Anhauser in Columbus, Wisconsin.  She was a 1948 graduate of Columbus High School and graduated Cosmetology School in 1949. On February 24, 1951, she was united in marriage with James Rennhack in Columbus, Wisconsin.

Carolyn owned and operated Carolyn’s Beauty Salon since 1963. She enjoyed her customers and her work for over 60 years.  She also took great pride in her community and was involved in many organizations such as the Library Board, Lioness, Chamber of Commerce, Okeeg Cemetery Board, Post #9392 VFW Sweethearts, American Legion Auxiliary #190.  She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Reeseville and enjoyed traveling.

Carolyn loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She also appreciated all her wonderful neighbors and their kindness to her.

Carolyn will be deeply missed by her daughters: Ann Barszcz of Green Bay, Jeanne (Charlie) Neis of Juneau and Katherine (Ken) Roth of Beaver Dam; 17 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; her sister Bette Crum of Columbus.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James in 1981, daughters Lynda Lagodney and Marilyn Roth; grandson Brian Lagodney and sons-in-law Joe Lagodney and Gene Barszcz.

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