15 October 2020

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13 October 2020

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Anton S. Westimayer

Anton S. Westimayer


Anton S. Westimayer, 97, of Horicon, passed away October 10, 2020 at his home with his loving family by his side. Tony was born on August 26, 1923, to Anton and Anna Repp Westimayer in Horicon. He attended Horicon High School where he was active and excelled in basketball, football, baseball, and track. Tony was awarded an Athletic Scholarship to attend Carroll College in Waukesha. He was an active and long-time member of Saint Malachy’s/Sacred Heart Parish in Horicon. Tony proudly served his Country as a Marine from 1942 to 1946. Upon his return, he completed his college degree. Tony accepted a position with Monarch Range in Beaver Dam, where he met the love of his life Helen Marthaler. Tony and Helen were blessed with 69 years of marriage. He was the loving husband and father of 10 children. In 1950, Tony took a position at John Deere Horicon Works until he retired in 1982, with 32 years of service. Family was always most important to Tony and he passed that onto his children and their families. Tony looked forward to visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed hearing the stories about all the things that were new in their lives. Other things he enjoyed were fishing, taking his family to the annual northern Wisconsin vacation spot in Crandon (with U-Haul in tow), occasional trips to visit relatives on the west coast, and his retirement job of driving John Deere employees to their destinations. Many of these employees requested Tony as they enjoyed his outgoing personality and wonderful conversations. Tony is survived by his loving wife, Helen; 10 children and their families: Dave (Jane) Westimayer, Barb (Dale) Keach, Tom Westimayer (Desi Wild), Tony (MaryKay) Westimayer, Pat Spettel (Gary Klein), Susie (Jim) Schumacher, Sandy (Randy) Franke, Mike (Jodie) Westimayer, Jon Westimayer (Elizabeth Kotewa), Kathy (Wes) Elford; grandchildren, Julia (Nate) Schultz, Ann (John) Hansen, Chris Westfall (Pam Hupf), Matt Westfall (Laura Hammer), Dylan Westimayer (Alley Nehls), Katie (Jose) Torres, Karyn (Jay) Kroschel, Cody (Rachel) Westimayer, Adam (Annie) Spettel, Lucas (Kristie) Spettel, Jason (Andrea) Schumacher, Jenni (James) Dietz, Nick (Brittany) Franke, Hailey (Cody) Apfelbeck, Emma Westimayer (Robert Van Abel), Chloe Westimayer, Hunter Westimayer, Tanner Westimayer, Kayli Westimayer (Andrew Patenaude), Seth Westimayer (Amanda Sorce), Aiden Westimayer, Karina (Carter) McCauley, Wesley Elford; great-grandchildren, Sam and Sully Westfall, Maya, Johnny, and Caden Hansen, Isaac, Adrian, Jackson, and Oliver Torres, Clayton, Coltyn, and Kynlee Kroschel, Aspen, Dakota, and Charlotte Westimayer, Natalie, Nolan and Lincoln Spettel, Avery Dietz, Jace Apfelbeck, Liam Westimayer, Charlotte McCauley. He is further survived by nephews, John (Kathy Parker) Westimayer of Brookfield, Steve (Pat) Westimayer of Madison; sister-in-law, Barb Marthaler of Beaver Dam; nephew, Mike (Julie) Marthaler of LaCrosse; nieces, Julie (Jeff) Grip of Wausau and Jamie (Bill) Bonenberger of Glen Burnie, MD. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Westimayer; in-laws, Erwin and Cynthia Marthaler; brother-in-law, Floyd (Flip) Marthaler; nephew, Mark Marthaler; and infant granddaughter, Christian. The family would like to thank Maria, our guardian angel, for her wonderful care and loving support given to our father, and making his last wish to remain in his home with family until God called him to his side. And a special thank you to the team of nurses and caregivers of Hillside Hospice for their compassionate care. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to Sacred Heart Parish, Horicon. Due to current health restrictions a private family mass will be held at Sacred Heart Parish in Horicon with the Rev. Fr. Justin Lopina presiding. Military Honors will follow the Mass at St. Malachy Cemetery conducted by the Horicon American Legion Post #157. Koepsell Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com

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Norma Virginia Walther

Norma Virginia Walther


Family Graveside Service:  Saturday, Oct. 23   Location:  St. Petri Cemetery in the Township of Lomira Norma Virginia (Lau) Walther, 95, of Eau Claire passed away on May 15, 2020. Norma was born on July 5, 1924, on the family farm in Lomira Township, just north of Mayville, the daughter of Ferdinand and Lucilia (Heldt) Lau. She grew up on the family farm and was a 1941 graduate of Mayville High School. After high school she worked as a telephone operator for Wisconsin Bell. On September 6, 1947, she married Robert Walther at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lomira Township. They then lived in Mayville for the next 62 years. After Bob’s passing in 2009 she remained in Mayville until 2011 when she moved to a retirement home and later to an assisted living facility in Eau Claire to be near her son. She remained there until her passing. After marriage, Norma became a homemaker to raise her family. Son Tom was born in August, 1948 and Dick was born in March, 1951. In the late 1950’s Norma returned to work as a telephone operator and remained with Wisconsin Bell until 1967 when the Mayville exchange became the very last exchange in Wisconsin to change over to dial telephones. After that Norma went to work for Old Fashioned Cheese in the company cheese store until her retirement. Norma was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mayville, most notably sewing with the quilting circle for 25 years. She also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Mayville Senior Center. Norma was also an avid bowler hitting her only 600 series at the state tournament in Madison in 1983. Norma also enjoyed fishing, especially during the 15 years she and Bob maintained a camper alongside Buffalo Lake at Montello. Also after retirement she enjoyed traveling with Bob to events such as the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl, to Cancun and in 1994 a trip to Europe in commeration of the D-Day invasion. Norma is survived by sons, Thomas Walther of Eau Claire and Richard (Patty) Walther of Pompano Beach, FL; grandchildren, ReNee (Marc) Hanson of Anoka, MN; Brian (Christina) Walther of Chippewa Falls; Jess (Pam) Walther of Hartland; Karlee Walther of Boston, MA, Kasey Walther of New York, NY and honorary granddaughter Jasmine of Mayville. Norma is also survived by seven great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by brother-in-law, Ervin Walther of Princeton, and sister-in-law Betty Lau-Steger of Fond du Lac, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 62 years; her parents, Ferdinand and Lucilia Lau; brothers and sisters and their spouses, Ruben (Hortensia) Lau, Vernon Lau, Harvey (Nora) Lau, Palmer (Eleanor) Lau, Lorinda (Vilas) Adelmeyer, Bernice (Harvey) Lindert. Additionally she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ervin (Edna) Walther Sr.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Helen (Joseph) Gleissner, Lorraine (Donald) Heintz, Margaret (Waldemar) Rupnow, Ardis Walther and daughter-in-law LaVon Walther. A family graveside service will take place on Saturday, Oct. 23, at St. Petri Cemetery in the Township of Lomira. Per Norma’s request all memorials received will be donated to St. Petri’s Cemetery perpetual care fund. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. To make an online condolence or for more information visit www. KoepsellFH.com.

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Karen Kae Vorlob

Karen Kae Vorlob


Karen Kae Vorlob, 61, of Mayville passed away peacefully in her home in Mayville on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. Karen was born on August 4, 1959, to James and Marjorie (Pederson) Schneiter in Beaver Dam. She married Jerome C. Vorlob on October 13, 1979, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Horicon. Karen was a stay-at- home mother to her four children. She also did the bookkeeping for the family business, Vorlob’s Service. She was a very creative individual and it was always interesting to see what type of project she would do next. Karen received the Volunteer of the Year award from St. John’s Lutheran School for using her creativity; she made all the felt banners in the gymnasium as well as volunteering her time in the classrooms. She used her sense of humor to get through the difficult times, but also was known for her fun-loving pranks. Karen enjoyed camping and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also loved visiting her children and grandchildren in Pennsylvania and Georgia. She was a devoted mother and (Oma) grandmother. She will truly be missed by all. Karen is survived by her four children and their families, daughter Brooks (Gabe) Vorlob-Keeley and their children Maple and Russel of Brown Deer; daughter, Ashley (Matthew) Rosenkranz and their children, Preston and Rome of Fort Benning, GA; son, Mathew (Allison) Vorlob and their child, Emma of Harrisburg, PA; and daughter, Nicki (Meng) Thao and baby Thao on the way of Evansville. She is also survived by her dad, James Schneiter of Horicon; her sister, Beverly (Jeff) Kahlhamer of Horicon; and her brother, Bob (Carey) Schneiter of Mayville. She was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence and Hertha Vorlob; her mother, Marjorie Schneiter; and her husband, Jerome Vorlob. There will be a private graveside service at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Koepsell Funeral Homes in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com

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Kurt R. Schoebel

Kurt R. Schoebel


Visitation:  Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 to 11:45 a.m.  Service:  Saturday, Oct. 17, at 12 p.m.  Location:  St. John Catholic Church in Rubicon Kurt R. Schoebel, 51 of Hustisford, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. He was born June 27, 1969, in Hartford to Nancy F. (Kress) and John “Jack” T. Schoebel. Kurt graduated from Hustisford High School in 1987. He worked at Broan for 28 years where he built many great relationships. Kurt enjoyed being outside: boating, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and rides in his Mustang. He spent many hours with his close friends enjoying a beverage in “the shed”. Kurt will be remembered for his courage, generosity, kindness to all and as one of the genuine good guys that will be missed by many. Kurt is survived by his mother, Nancy of Hustisford; love of his life, Kris Watry of Horicon; siblings, Kim (Craig) Hahn of Germantown, Kelly Schoebel of Theresa, and Kerri (Philip) Frey of Johnson Creek; loved nephews and nieces, Stephen, Collin, Lauren Hahn and Josie Frey; and aunts and uncles, Patricia Hoerth, Mary (Bob) Aufdermauer, Karen Madell, Kaye (Harold) Schladweihler and Sue Kress. He is further survived by many other loved relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack; and uncles, George Kress, Gene Hoerth, and Richard Madell. Visitation for family and friends at St. John Catholic Church in Rubicon on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 to 11:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial for Kurt will be celebrated at St. John Catholic Church, 1780 Rome Rd, Rubicon on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 12 p.m. with Fr. Britto Suresh presiding. Masks/facial coverings are required. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to American Cancer Society or charity of donor’s choice. Condolences can be found at www.shimonfuneralhome.com.

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Joseph R. Putsch

Joseph R. Putsch


Joseph R. Putsch, 84, of Janesville, died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, at home. He was born on June 22, 1936, in Mayville, the son of Joseph John Putsch and LaVern (Smith) Putsch Griepentrog. Joe graduated from Mayville High School in 1955 and from the University of Wiscon-sin–LaCrosse, in 1959. He followed the Rock River to Janesville to begin his teaching career that spanned 35 years. He was part of the United States Army National Guard, Red Arrow Division, called up during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He returned to teaching at the original Marshall Jr. High and lent his knowledge and expertise to develop the physical education department at Edison Jr. High when it was first built. Joe coached tennis and swimming, encouraging young people to pursue sports to enjoy for a lifetime. Over many summers, he taught drivers ed, helping teens achieve the desired goal of driving. He married Mary Jane Canary in 1963, living on the Rock River with their son, Joe W., for 57 years. Joe enjoyed wood carving, especially making shorebirds and Santas for friends and family. He became a fly fisherman, making flys and learning to make bamboo rods, a very demanding skill. Many years were spent fishing our country’s trout streams, especially the Wisconsin coulees. Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Putsch; and his son, Joe W. Putsch. He was preceded in death by his parents. A private committal service will be held at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, due to Covid concerns. A Mass of remembrance will be held on a later date, at the Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, where Joe was a member for 50 years. His family would like to thank Agrace Hospice for their care and concern. Memorial donations can be made to the Nativity of Mary Catholic Church or to Agrace Hospice. Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

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Russell Pluedeman

Russell Pluedeman


Russell L. Pluedeman, 86, of Mayville, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at Edenbrook of Fond du Lac. Russell was born the son of Erich and Hedwig (Pribnow) Pluedeman on June 9, 1934, in the Town of Theresa. He was a 1953 graduate of Mayville High School. On September 29, 1956, Russell was united in marriage with Lorraine F. Brandt at Zion Lutheran Church in the Town of Theresa. He retired from Mayville Metal Products as a brake press operator. Russell was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac and a former member or St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Kekoskee Fire Department. Russell enjoyed going hunting and fishing, gardening and his Michigan Peach Runs. Russell is survived by his wife, Lorraine, four children, Kathleen (Rick) Korb of Fond du Lac, Roger (Carol) Pluedeman of Eagle River, Karen (Bob) Carroll of Leesburg, FL, Richard (Wendy) Pluedeman of Eagle River; brother, Roland (Dorothy) Schroeder of Horicon; eight grandchildren, Sara Pluedeman, Jason Pluedeman, Jacob (Amber) Pluedeman, Ashley (Kurt) Woodruff, Elizabeth Sazama, Cassandra (Zachary) Vircks, Kimberly (Bryan) Barfknecht and Christopher Carroll, and seven great-grandchildren. Russell is further survived by his in-laws, Ronald (Marion) Brandt, Hildegard Brandt and Joanne Brandt, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A private family memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac with the Rev. Phillip Enderle officiating. Inurnment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Mayville. The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. To make an online condolence or for more information visit www. KoepsellFH.com.
06 October 2020

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Edward August Hessler

Edward August Hessler


Edward August Hessler, 79, of Horicon, died peacefully in his sleep joining Jesus Christ in his eternal mansion on September 30, 2020. Ed looked forward to hearing Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) But he knew that “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Ed was born August 14, 1941, in Wyandotte, MI, to The Rev. Edward and Ruth (Lichtsinn) Hessler. He was born a child of God in his baptism on August 31, 1941, performed by his father Pastor Edward Hessler in Trinity Lutheran Church, Wyandotte. Ed publicly confessed his faith in confirmation on May 22, 1955, and received the precious life-giving body and blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, also from his father, Pastor Edward Hessler in Trinity Lutheran Church, Manistee, MI. He graduated from Manistee High School and earned his Bachelors and Masters in education from Concordia Teachers College R.F. (now Concordia University Chicago). In college he met his future wife Janet Blase. After graduating in 1964, they were married on August 1 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hamel, IL, and started their teaching ministry together at St. Peter Lutheran School in St. Peter, IL. In 1973 Ed accepted a call to be principal and teacher at St. Stephen’s School, Horicon, serving until 1996. From 1997 to 2000, Ed substitute taught, assisted the principal at the Mayville Middle School and taught summer school at Wayland Academy Beaver Dam. He taught at St. John’s Lutheran School, Mayville from 2000 to 2005. From 1997 until his death, he was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. Ed’s main joys were following and serving his Savior Lord Jesus Christ, his wife, his family, teaching children, and playing golf. He was RRH Club Champion in 1974 and 1979 and Second Place three times. Beyond helping as a vital member of the local congregation, he served on the LCMS-SWD board of directors, the Wisconsin Association of Nonpublic Schools, and in numerous congregations. His spiritual gifts of encouragement and prayer brought blessings to many. If you met him as a stranger, you would leave him as a friend. He is survived by his wife Janet, married 56 years; son, Jonathan of Oregon, and his children Benjamin, Angela, Nathaniel and Christopher; daughter, Michelle (Andreas) Buescher of Sersheim, Germany, and her daughters Melanie and Marie; daughter, Lisa (Craig) Switalla of Portland, OR, and children Gillian and Caleb. Ed was the oldest of six siblings and is survived by David (Martha) Hessler of Westlake, OH; Dorothy (G. David) Downton, Carleton, MI; The Reverend William (Janis) Hessler of Saginaw, MI; Peter (Viola) Hessler of Seven Hills OH; and Sara (The Rev. Thomas) Marcis of Bismarck, ND. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be planned in 2021 when the time is right. Memorials may be directed to Peace Lutheran Church 400 Hillcrest Dr., Beaver Dam, WI 53916, any Concordia University, either Concordia Seminary or any recognized service organization of the LCMS. The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.
28 September 2020

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John C. Volkert

John C. Volkert


Visitation:  Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Service:  Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 12 p.m.  Location:  Springfield Community Church in Lomira John C. Volkert, 67, of Mayville passed away on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at his home with his loving family by his side. John was born the son of John and Dolores (Belke) Volkert on January 28, 1953, in Milwaukee. He was united in marriage to Susan Miller on August 18, 1973, in West Bend and raised their children there for 20 years. John and Sue then moved to Mayville and have now made their home there for nearly 30 years. John was a skilled carpenter and worked in the Milwaukee area for over 35 years and then enjoyed working at Walmart in various positions for another 10 years before fully retiring. John’s faith and family were most important to him. He found it important to share his faith and how proud he was of his family with others. He loved the outdoors, especially the times spent camping, swimming and fishing with his children and grandchildren in Rio. He also looked forward to building projects at his home or helping others with theirs. John was a faithful member of Springfield Community Church in Lomira. John is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sue of Mayville; his children, Jesse (Jamie Kufeldt) Volkert of West Bend, Briana (Mark) Harmon of Berlin, Sara (Chad) Britten of Zearing, IA, Melanie (Gerad) Strong of Fate, TX, Ryan (Breanne) Volkert of Kansas City, MO, Amy Volkert of Cameron, Alex Maze of San Diego, CA, Zakary Miller of Fond du Lac, Ramon Volkert of Mayville, Marcus Volkert of Mayville, Dylan Volkert of Mayville, and his foster children; his grandchildren, Serena, Jacob, Kayden, Arielle, Devin, Micah, Gabriel, Noah, Mary, Aubrey, Levi, Elisha, Hannah, Payton, Malachi, Aribella, Shiloh, Michael, Laureli, Loyal, and Elisha; his siblings, Richard (Nancy) Volkert of Coloma, Ellain (Ken) Puls of Germantown, Barb (Joe) Kowalski of Tomahawk, Dr. Paul (Trish) Volkert of Janesville, Karen (Rick) Langdon of Neenah, and Steve (Joni) Volkert of Hartford. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Adrianne Swingen. A visitation took place from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 p.m. at Springfield Community Church in Lomira. A memorial service for John took place on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 12 p.m. at Springfield Community Church in Lomira with Pastor Ray La Batte officiating. John’s memorial service streamed live on Springfield Community Church’s facebook page-https://www. facebook.com/lomirascc/ Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com