23 December 2024

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Gerald H. Rettler

Gerald H. Rettler


   Gerald H. Rettler of the Town of Auburn died on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at his home at the age of 72 years. He was born November 14, 1952, in Hartford to the late Donald and Frances (nee Ritger) Rettler.   On April 6, 1974, he was united in marriage to Jane Schmidt at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kewaskum.   In 1978, he began working for the Fond du Lac County Highway Department. He retired in 2008 after more than 30 years of service. After retirement, he worked part time plowing snow for the Town of Auburn.    He loved spending time outdoors. He shared his passion for hunting and fishing with his family, especially with his grandkids. He was a charter and co-founding member of the Avenue of the Giants Sportsman Club and Hunting Club. He had a natural talent for wielding a chainsaw. He also was a dedicated Packers and Brewers fan. There were very few Brewers games he missed, either in person or through tv or radio.   Above all else, he was a loving husband, proud dad and a kind and funny grandpa. He was a frequent and supportive spectator at their sports and other school events. He cherished his time as a coach, mentor and hunting and fishing buddy. He was a dependable and faithful babysitter.   Gerald fought hard through his illness. He measured the success of his treatments by how many deer hunting seasons he was able to enjoy.   Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jane; three children, Benjamin (Heather) of Slinger, Andrew (Susan) of Kohlsville and Melissa (Ricky) Kratz; ten grandchildren, Cameron Heesen (special friend Sydney), Clayton, Calvin and Kenzie Rettler, Lauren and Elsa Rettler and Kaylee, Abigail, Abel and Conner Kratz; six sisters and one brother, Mary Jane (Richard) Lang, Thomas (Susan), Carol (Sam) Maul, Joanne (Jim) Butler, Sharon (Keith) Kirchner, Barbie (Bryon) Nitz and Teresa (Ike) Eisenhauer; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Diane Zalewski, Joyce (Robert) Bernhagen and David Schmidt (Brenda Benishek); nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by twin infant brothers, Daniel and Donald; his parents-in-law, Harold and Ruth Schmidt and brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Jack Zalewski, Leroy and Mary Cay Schmidt   The family greeted relatives and friends during a period of visitation on Friday, Dec. 27, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kewaskum from 3 until 5:45 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 6 p.m. Burial was Saturday at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Allenton.   In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gerald will benefit the Outdoors Clubs at Slinger and Kewaskum High Schools. It is the hope of Gerald’s family that these clubs will instill the passion for the outdoors that Gerald lived, loved and shared.   The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. Messages for the family may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.

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Thomas A. Minz

Thomas A. Minz


   Thomas A. Minz, 79, formerly of Campbellsport, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.   He was born on July 5, 1945 in West Bend, the son of the late Hugo and Marie (nee Bohn) Minz.   On June 12, 1985, Tom was united in marriage to Barbara A. Kippenhan Schmitt in Las Vegas.   Tom and Barb operated Copper Mountain Arts; doing the production and sales. They enjoyed going to their cabin up north, traveling, and wintering first in Arizona and recently in Florida. Tom was a member of Jam for Kids for many years raising money for Special Olympics.   Survivors include his wife, Barb; daughter, Jennifer (Daniel) Minz Stowe; step-son, Chad Schmitt (Erin); sister, Carol (Ken) Weddig; brother-in-law, Tim Flatt; Godson, Mark (Lori) Minz; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   Along with his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his siblings, George Minz, Kaye Flatt, and Jean Minz; and his brother-in-law, Bruce Kippenhan.   Following Tom’s wishes cremation will take place and there will be no service.   If you wish, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Tom’s name.   The family extends a special thank you to the nurses and doctors in TICU at Froedtert Hospital for their concern and care of Tom.   Twohig Funeral Home is serving the family with guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com.

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Roland Erhard Gerth

Roland Erhard Gerth


   Roland Erhard Gerth, 69, of rural Horicon, passed away unexpectedly in a farm accident at his farm on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.   A funeral service for Roland took place on Monday, Dec. 23, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church - Browns Corner with the Rev. Allen Behnke officiating. A visitationwas held on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon at the church. Burial took place at St. John’s Cemetery.   Rollie was born the son of Horst and Norma (Zimmerman) Gerth on August 15, 1955, in Beaver Dam. He was a 1974 graduate of Mayville High School.   Rollie had worked at Reisteer Feed Supply for over 15 years. He was a lifelong farmer at Farm Homestead Farm and worked for Gerth Cattle Trucking, which he took over from his father.   Faith was important to Rollie, and he was an active member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church-Browns Corner, where he served his church as a lifelong usher.   In his spare time, Rollie enjoyed gardening and was proud of his garden and the vegetables he grew, and he loved to share them with friends and family. Rollie enjoyed taking walks and made sure to walk three miles a day and enjoy every mile of it! He will be fondly remembered for his big heart and his love of his family, especially of his nieces and nephews.   Rollie is survived by his siblings, Carl (Gail) Gerth of Iron Ridge, Chris (David) Schumacher of Fox Lake, Ernie (Phyllis) Gerth of Horicon, Wayne (Sherry) Gerth of Iron Ridge, Faith (Bill) Stroede of Mayville, and Monica (Dave) Roskopf of Iron Ridge; further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Linda Aaroen; and brother, Dennis.    Special thanks to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department, the EMS, and Dodge County Medical Examiner’s Office for the care and support shown to Rollie and his family. Also special thanks to Rollie’s neighbors, Tom, Luann, and Kevin Bunkoske for the friendship over the years.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com
16 December 2024

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Dale Francis Raschke

Dale Francis Raschke


   Dale Francis Raschke, 68, of Mayville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at Crossroads Care Center in Mayville.   A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held on March 8, 2025, at Sidelines in Mayville from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., where his children welcome you to share memories and a bowl of Dale’s favorite Chili.   Dale was born on March 7, 1956, the son of John W. and Lidwina P. "Nin" (Bornbach) Raschke in Marshfield. He grew up on the family’s dairy farm in Rozellville, went to Marshfield High School, and worked over 40 years as a welder, with most of those years spent at Metalcraft of Mayville and Maysteel.   Dale, or “Bear” as many fondly called him, loved Harley Davidson motorcycles, watching Packer games, and running several farms in Farmville. He enjoyed a comfy chair and getting lost in the mysteries of space and the unknown with classics like Star Trek, X-Files and Unsolved Mysteries. Dale was a big fan of action-packed movies, especially anything with Charles Bronson and Chuck Norris, but he also had a soft spot for a good belly laugh, especially when watching a good “comical” movie, like National Lampoon’s.   Dale also loved good tunes and good times. You could almost always find him sitting at the kitchen table, jamming out to the likes of the Doors, munching a good Wisconsin sharp cheddar with summer sausage, drinking Busch Lites, smoking cigs and doing scratchers.   He is survived by his children, LeAnn, Jesse and Corey; his grandchildren, Major, Olivia, Reed, and Kane. He is further survived by his brother and sisters, Grace Verhunce of Theresa, John Raschke of West Bend, Lois Verhunce of Allenton; and numerous nieces and nephews.   Dale was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Doris "Dory" Raschke, Jane Raschke, Betty Specht; and brothers, Richard Raschke and Duane Raschke.   Dale’s memory and good-natured spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is caring for the family. www.Koepsellfh.com

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10 December 2024

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Jeanette L. Gruenwaldt

Jeanette L. Gruenwaldt


 Jeanette L. Gruenwaldt, 98, of Mayville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac.    A funeral service for Jeanette will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, at 12 p.m. at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 p.m. Internment will take place at St. John's Cemetery in Mayville.    Jeanette was born the daughter of Robert and Emma (Mueller) Whitty on July 17, 1926, in Iron Ridge. She was a 1944 graduate of Mayville High School.   Jeanette was united in marriage to Wilbert "Willie" Gruenewaldt on May 24, 1947, at St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Walter Sterr officiating in Mayville.   Jeanette first went to work as an operator for the Wisconsin Telephone Company, and later the West Bend Company. In the early 1970s, Jeanette and Willie owned and operated the the Curve Inn in Farmersville.   Jeanette was a faithful lifelong member of St. John's Evangelical Church in Mayville, and a past member of the VFW Auxiliary where she was secretary for many years. During Jeanette's younger years, she enjoyed playing guitar and passed her love of music on to her two sons, Bob on guitar and Dave on drums. She enjoyed socializing with friends, traveling, especially to Arizona by Amtrak, playing Bingo, and card games (especially Garbage). Jeanette had a deep connection with her family, with Dianne and Dave calling her daily, and Bob and Karen visiting weekly. She made the best chocolate chip cookies ever, and loved eating one a day until nearly her last days.  She is survived by one daughter, Dianne Gruenewaldt of Fox Lake; and two sons, Robert Gruenewaldt (Karen) of Fond du Lac, and David Gruenewaldt of Tucson, AZ; her grandchild, Steve Breitkreutz (Jenny); two great grandchildren, Chris and Kyle, as well as nieces, nephews and friends, Marge and Kaye.   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Willie; daughter, Joyce; son-in-law, Dale; her brother, Maurice Whitty; and nephew, Thomas Whitty.   Jeanette’s family would like to thank everyone at Hospice Home of Hope for their love and caring during this difficult time.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com
27 November 2024

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Judith Ann Vogenthaler

Judith Ann Vogenthaler


   Judith Ann Vogenthaler, 83, of Mayville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at her winter home in Naples, FL.    A Mass of Christian Burial for Judy was held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville with Rev. Fr. Ed Kornath presiding. A visitation for Judy took place on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at church from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Interment followed the service at St. Mary Cemetery in Mayville.    Judy was born the daughter of Robert and Evelyn (Kunkhe) Lemmens in Milwaukee on January 22, 1941. She was united in marriage to her husband James on April 30, 1960, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Chicago, IL.    From the very start of their marriage, with the gift of their first child, Judy passed on continuing her job and future career to tend to a home for her husband and children. When tragedy struck, she was there to help in raising and caring for her granddaughter. This giving of herself continued later in life by serving on the human concerns committee of St. Mary’s, where she was instrumental in helping to create sometimes up to forty quilt tops a year to be stitched together to be given to the needy.    Judy’s smile would light up a room and that is what most people will remember. She set an example for her family and friends to follow by the beautiful Christian life she led. May she now enjoy the love and comfort of her Savior Jesus Christ.    Judy was the beloved wife of James, devoted and most caring mother of James Robert (Pam), Donna Fanning, Thomas (Mary), Joseph (Lynette), Michael (fiancée Kristen) Robert (Jenny) and John. Because of the love Judy and Jim had for each other, they were gifted by our Lord with 21 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one more on the way. Judy is further survived by her sisters, Kathy Roe and Gail Lemmens, as well as other relatives and friends.    Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert.   Memorials in loving memory of Judy may be directed to the Norbertine Canonesses of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph at Norbertinesisters.org and the Divine Word Missionaries in Techy, IL.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is caring for the family. www.Koepsellfh.com
26 November 2024

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Carl J. Klemme

Carl J. Klemme


Carl J. Klemme    Carl J. Klemme, 71, of the Town of Wayne, passed away Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.   Carl was born on November 30, 1952, in Milwaukee, the son of Arthur and Eleanor (nee Darling) Klemme. In 1972, Carl tossed his cap into the air at Kewaskum High School, ready to embrace the world. Soon after, he donned the uniform of the Army, serving his country with pride.   Following his military journey, he stepped into his father’s shoes at Milaeger Well and Pump, where he learned the ropes of the well-drilling trade. But Carl wasn’t one to stay in one place for long; he and his brother, Gary, took the plunge and launched their own well-drilling business, which they still operate today.   On May 11, 1979, he was united in marriage to Cheryl Roehrdanz in West Bend.   Carl’s commitment to his community was unwavering. He proudly served as a member of the Kewaskum American Legion and took on the role of town chairman in Wayne. His passion for service extended to the Kohlsville Fire Department and the Ozaukee Guzzlers, where he made lasting connections.   Known as a pool shark, Carl had a knack for running the table, often leaving opponents in awe. In his later years, he became a fixture at K-Town Tap, ensuring its success while also keeping a stool warm where stories and laughter flowed as freely as the drinks. Carl’s legacy is one of dedication, camaraderie, and a love for his hometown.    Those Carl leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Cheryl; three children, Laura Bartelt, Amanda (Brian) Prost, and Steven (Christina) Klemme; two step-children, Vicki (Rick) Kopeschka and Chris Koller; he was called Papa by 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and by several other close friends and family; his siblings, Gary (Diane) Klemme, Clarence (Merry) Klemme, Kathern Cleary, Bonnie Pesch, Cindy Klemme, Debbie (Kurt) Schmidt, Andrew (Lynne) Klemme, Sandy (Al) Phillips and June Klemme; his mother, Eleanor Klemme; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Janet (Art) Gilbert, Deb (Sylvester) Schoofs, Lee Roehrdanz, Diane Klemme; other relatives and many friends.    Carl was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Klemme; two brothers, James Klemme and Arthur Klemme Jr.; a step-son, Eddie Koller; a grandson, Layne Boylen; and two brothers-in-law, Michael Cleary and Richard Pesch.    VISITATION: Carl’s family greeted relatives and friends at the Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, in West Bend, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1.   SERVICE: A service for Carl was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the funeral home in West Bend followed by military honors performed by the Robert G. Romaine American Legion in Kewaskum.    The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Carl’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.   Carl's legendary Carlisms will echo in our memories for years to come. He will always hold a special place in the hearts of his friends and family.