18 November 2019

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Jeanne M. Gietzel

Jeanne M. Gietzel


Visitation:  Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m.  Service:  Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m.  Location:  St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon Jeanne M. Gietzel, 91, of Burnett passed away on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, at Clearview Nursing Home in Juneau. Jeanne was born the daughter of Clifford L. and Clara L. (Taylor) Simmons on July 6, 1928, in Richland Center. She was raised in Viola and then moved to South Wayne. Jeanne graduated from South Wayne Union Free High School in 1946 and then went on to receive her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in home economics from the University of Wisconsin in 1950. She taught home economics in Horicon for two years. On August 11, 1951, Jeanne was united in marriage to Ralph D. ‘Butch’ Gietzel in South Wayne. While Butch was stationed overseas, Jeanne and her daughter Debbie moved to South Wayne and she .taught one year in South Wayne. When Butch returned they moved back to Horicon. In her spare time, Jeanne enjoyed sewing clothes, knitting, counted cross stitch, and collecting Wedgwood. Jeanne was an active member of St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon and served on the Fellowship Board, Ladies Guild, Altar Guild, and was on the building committee for the construction of the new church. She also taught Sunday School. Jeanne was also an active community member and took part in the Horicon Women’s Club, Garden Club, Bridge Clubs, blood drives, The United Way, and the election board. She also taught knitting for adult education. Jeanne was a wonderful example of what it meant to be a volunteer. Jeanne is survived by her children, Debbie (Dennis) Dehn of Horicon, Barbara (Rick) Geis of Fond du Lac, and David (Barbara) Gietzel of Monticello; her grandchildren, Benjamin (Erin) Dehn, Matthew (Lisa) Dehn, Timothy (Jessica) Dehn, Aaron (Katie) Geis, Megan (David) Payne, Ethan (Katie) Geis, Clare Gietzel, and Emilie Gietzel; her great-grandchildren, Trenton, Alyssa, Zander, Emma, Harper, Samuel, and a baby boy due in January; her niece, Heidi (Roger) Schieldt; her nephew, John (Julie) Gietzel. She is further survived by other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Butch; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marvin and Maxine Gietzel and her nephew, Tom Gietzel. Visitation took place on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon. Funeral services for Jeanne were held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m. at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon with the Rev. Daniel Seehafer and Rev. Jonathan Szczesny officiating. Burial took place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon. Memorials may be directed to St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon. Koepsell Murray Funeral Home in Horicon served the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com
14 November 2019

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Jeaneane A. Welsch

Jeaneane A. Welsch


Visitation:  Tuesday, Nov. 19, noon to 2 p.m.  Funeral:  Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m.  Location:  Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville Jeaneane A. Welsch, 88, of Mayville, formerly of Sarasota, FL, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at Vitas Ruth Hospice in West Allis. Jeaneane was born the daughter of Theophil ‘Ted’ and Emma (Lichtenberg) Moldenhauer on April 10, 1931. She was united in marriage to David Welsch, Sr. on July 14, 1948, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville. Jeaneane spent much of her life taking care of the ones she loved, her children. She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville, as well as the Mayville Legion Auxiliary for over 50 years, where she was also there to volunteer and lend an hand when it was needed. In 1986, Jeaneane moved to Sarasota, FL, to escape the cold Wisconsin weather and to be by family. While there she was able to enjoy quality time with family and especially her grandchildren. Jeaneane is survived by her children, Renee (David) Stachow of Lebenon, PA, Cindy (Bill) Knight of Myakka City, FL, Sue (Bob) Brongel of Sarasota, FL, and Tom (Kathy) Welsch of Wilmot, WI; her 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; her beloved canine companion, Buddy. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David, Sr.; her son, David, Jr. and her siblings. Visitation took place on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 12 noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m. A funeral service for Jeaneane was held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville with the Rev. Sara Gillespie officiating. Burial took place at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville. Memorials in memory of Jeaneane may be directed to the Mayville Legion Auxiliary. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com
13 November 2019

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Therese Isabelle Weiss

Therese Isabelle Weiss


Therese Isabelle (Oechsner) Weiss, 82, of Leroy, earned the wings of an angel on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019 at Agnesian Healthcare in Fond du Lac, taking her last breath in Don’s arms. Therese fought bravely after recovering from open heart surgery. Therese was born on July 30, 1937 to Andrew Jr. and Josephine (Ehrike) Oechsner. On May 4, 1957 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville, Therese married her high school sweetheart and love of her life of 62 years, Don. Together they dairy farmed for 43 years, before starting Don Weiss Insurance. Therese will be remembered for her commitment to her family and friends. She could often be found at grandchildren’s sports games, music concerts and plays, in the kitchen baking her spritz cookies during the holidays, playing cards with friends, praying her daily rosary and prayer line, researching for the family tree or putting together photo albums. She loved gardening, canning, traveling, Maggie Mae concerts, and spending quiet time with her husband, Don. Therese had an infectious laugh, remained active and on-the-go. Therese’s favorite childhood memories were of riding horses with her brothers and sisters. Therese is survived by her husband, Don; their children, Patti (Jim R.) Koehn of Fond du Lac, Stan (Wendy) Weiss of Mayville, Dale (Heidi) Weiss of LeRoy, Arnie (Mary) Weiss of LeRoy; grandchildren, Ashley Koehn (partner Jimmy), Angela Koehn (Orlando Jones), Brittany (Adam) Freund, Natasha Weiss (partner Adam), Miranda Weiss (fiancé Cody), Jacob (fiancée Marlena) Weiss, Nick (Kaitie Jo) Weiss, Zachary Weiss, Emelia Weiss and Amber Weiss; great-grandchildren, Evelynn Freund, Jace Freund, River Jo Weiss and Malayah Boyd. She was excited and looking forward to 3 great-grandbabies from Angela (twins) and Kaitie Jo due in the spring and the weddings of two grandchildren, Jacob and Miranda, this coming year. She is also survived by her sisters, Margaret (John) Oechsner and Joan (Ralph) Muenchow; and her in-laws, Mary Lou Oechsner, Darlene Oechsner and Carol (Carl) Freitag. She is also survived by other relatives and friends. Therese was preceded in death by her children: infant daughter, Barbara and her son, Carl; her parents; brothers, Francis Oechsner, Jerome “Tuffy” Oechsner and Andrew III “Butch” Oechsner; her sisters, Marilyn Schinerle, Rose Ann Rake, and Connie Pilsner, her in-laws, Mary Ann Oechsner, Harold Rake, Donny Pilsner, Karl Slade and James Schinderle. A visitation for Therese will be held on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in LeRoy. And on Monday, Nov. 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in LeRoy. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, with Rev. Father Tom Biersack presiding. Burial will take place St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in LeRoy. A special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Agnesian Healthcare in Fond du Lac for their care and support. 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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Irving (Bud) F. Bischoff

Irving (Bud) F. Bischoff


Irving (Bud) Bischoff, 92, of Horicon passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 9., 2019, at the Hillside Manor Nursing Home in Beaver Dam. Bud was born on January 3, 1927, to Ervin and Isabella (Weidig) Bischoff. He was united in marriage to Elaine Spettel on June 14, 1952. At the age of 18, Bud was called to serve his country in WWII. He was a member of the United States Army infantry, 32nd division, the “Red Arrow” division. He spent a year in the occupation of Japan upon its surrender. He was the company clerk for a time, but his main duty was working as a military policeman. He was very proud to have served his country. Upon his return to Horicon, he worked at John Deere in the foundry department for a couple of years. After his marriage to Elaine, they became the proprietors of the Rock River Tap for most of the 1950s. In 1962, he took the opportunity to become partners in what was to become Bud and Martin’s Bar in Mayville. After Martin’s retirement, he became the sole owner of Bud’s Bar in Mayville until his own retirement. As a young man, Bud enjoyed playing baseball for the Horicon Hurricanes. He played first base and also right field for the team. In addition, he played for the Horicon City Basketball team. Later, he played in the local fast pitch softball league as a third baseman. During his marriage to Elaine, the couple could often be found at several different “hot spots” on the Horicon Marsh or the Rock River fishing for northerns and bullheads. It was a fairly common sight to see Bud and Elaine driving down the road with their cane poles sticking out the passenger window of their car. Bud was also quite well known for his bullhead fish fries. Whether he was frying in his garage in Horicon or in the parking lot at Budahn’s Bar, a great time and a full belly was enjoyed by all. Bud is survived by his son, Brian (Lisa) Bischoff and his grandson, Aaron Bischoff, all of Horicon. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elaine; his brother, Donald; and sisters, Violet (Leslie) Spittel, and Grace (Darrell) Gritzmacher. Visitation will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Horicon with the Rev. Sandra Schieble officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Army Honor Guard and the Horicon American Legion Post #157. Special thanks to the staff at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam for their care and kindness shown to Bud. Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. For online condolences and other information, please visit www. KoepsellFH.com
11 November 2019

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Karmen Marion Bishop

Karmen Marion Bishop


Celebration of Life:  Saturday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m.  Location:  Ettrick Town Hall/Fire Station in Ettrick Karmen Marion Bishop (Reynolds), 56, of Blair, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at the UW Health University Hospital in Madison. Karmen was born on July 9, 1963 in LaCrosse to Jean Goodenough and James Reynolds. She married Donald Bishop on April 5, 1986, in Ettrick where they made their home with their two daughters, Danielle and Brittany. Karmen and Donald later divorced. Karmen’s two daughters and five grandbabies were her whole life. Being a Mom and Nana was her life’s purpose. She had a zest for life and a heart big enough to hold the whole world. Karmen is survived by her daughters, Danielle (Cory) Komperud and Brittany (Kevin) Thompson, both of Ettrick; her fiancé, Bruce Wells of Blair; her parents, Jean and Duane Whitish of Blair and James (Judy) Reynolds of Hartford; her brothers, Marc Reynolds of Hartford, Jon (Laura) Reynolds of Wakefield, KS, and Jayson (Lori Dean) Reynolds of Trempealeau; her grandchildren, Charles “Charlie”, Patrick “Tricky” and Roland “RoRo” Komperud, Meredith “Mere Bear” and Jameson “JMan” Thompson, all of Ettrick; her Godmother and special aunt, Mary Wiltsie; special aunt, Jeanne Reynolds as well as many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Karmen was preceded in death by her “Baby Sister” Kellie Ritter; a brother, Joey, in infancy; her beloved Grandma, Helen Goodenough and Grandpa, Len Goodenough; her Godfather/“Uncle Dad,” Mike Reynolds; grandmother, Jean Anderson as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of Karmen’s life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Ettrick Town Hall/Fire Station in Ettrick. In lieu of flowers, memorials for the family would be greatly appreciated. The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.
05 November 2019

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Wilmer H. Wellhoefer

Wilmer H. Wellhoefer


Visitation:  Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 to 11 a.m.  Service:  Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m.  Location:  St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee Wilmer H. Wellhoefer, 92, of Mayville, was given the gift of Eternal Life when he passed away on November 3, 2019 at Crossroads Nursing Home in Mayville. Wilmer was born the son of Fred and Blandina (Derge) Wellhoefer on November 3, 1927. He was united in marriage to Shirley Belling on May 2, 1953, at St. Luke’s in Knowles. Wilmer retired from Gleason Reel after 40 plus years of employment. He was an active member of St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee and served his church as an elder, treasurer, and usher. In his spare time, Wilmer enjoyed being outdoors while tending to his garden and flowers and also taking care of the birds which he loved to watch. He was a skilled woodworker. Wilmer also liked puzzles. Wilmer is survived by his wife, Shirley of Mayville; his sons, Ronald Wellhoefer of Mayville and Randal (Jodi) Wellhoefer of Oshkosh; his grandchildren, Austin and Randi Wellhoefer; his brother and sisters-in-law, Gordon (Betty Jane) Belling of Farmersville, Audrey Belling of Mayville, and Sherry Belling of Fond du Lac. He is futher survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Elton (Mildred) Wellhoefer and Harvey (Lois) Wellhoefer; sister, Irma (Harvey) Westphal; brothers-in-law, Fremont Belling and Garland ‘Jack’ Belling. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee. Funeral services for Wilmer will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee with the Rev. Dennis Bratz officiating. Burial will take place at St. Luke’s Cemetery in Knowles. Memorials in memory of Wilmer may be directed to St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Kekoskee. Special thanks to the staff at Crossroads Care Center in Mayville and Generations Hospice for their care and support shown to Wilmer and his family. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com
04 November 2019

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Alice E. Pieper

Alice E. Pieper


Visitation:  Monday, Nov. 4, from 12 to 1:30 p.m.  Service:  Monday, Nov. 4, at 1:30 p.m.  Location: St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville Alice E. Pieper, 100, of Mayville passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, at Hope Senior Living in Lomira. Alice was born the daughter of Robert and Martha (Seering) Boeck on February 27, 1919. She was united in marriage to Clarence Pieper on November 11, 1939. Through her life, Alice worked various jobs around Mayville, such as, the Canning Factory, Mayville Shoe Factory, and Mayville Metal. Alice was a faithful member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville and served her church on the Altar Guild and also in the Dorcus Society, where she served as treasurer. In her spare time, Alice loved to fish on Big Sand Lake in Phelps and always seemed to be successful. She also enjoyed playing cards and gaming trips. Alice, along with her husband Clarence, liked to travel after retirement. Alice also cherished her family and especially her grandchildren and their families. Alice is survived by her children, Eileen (Orville) Schulz of Allenton, James (Tamara) Pieper of Mayville, David (Sue) Pieper of Horicon; her son in law, Richard ‘Dick’ Ebert of West Allis; her eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; daughter, Diane; son, Richard in infancy; and her siblings, Anita (Louis) Figge, Leona (George) Rosenau, Laura Boeck, Elmer (Laura) Boeck, Marvin (Marian) Boeck, Lorraine (Al) Starr, and Betty (Bernard) Stippich. Visitation took place on Monday, Nov. 4, from 12 p.m. until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. at church. Funeral services for Alice took place on Monday, Nov. 4, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Rev. Don Weiss officiating. Burial took place at St. John Cemetery in Mayville. Memorials may be directed to St. John Ev. Lutheran Church or Hope Senior Living in Lomira. Special thanks to the staff of Hope Senior Living in Lomira for their care and support shown to Alice and her family. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH.com
28 October 2019

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Leonard J. Laufenberg

Leonard J. Laufenberg


Visitation:  Monday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. (Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville) and Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon)Service:  Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m.  Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon Leonard J. Laufenberg, 76, of Iron Ridge passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019. Leonard was born the son of Roman and Margaret (Link) Laufenberg on November 21, 1942, in Black River Falls. He was a graduate of Mayville High School. Leonard was married to Charlotte M. Smith on October 10, 1964, at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Hartford. Leonard was a lifelong farmer near Iron Ridge. Leonard was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Woodland, where he served as trustee and cemetery board member, and was currently a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Horicon. He was active in the Mayville FFA Alumni. Leonard was chairman of the Dodge County Drainage Board. He loved gardening and was a handy person who enjoyed woodworking. Leonard enjoyed being with his neighbors and friends playing cards. His grandchildren were the joys of his life and he supported all their activities and events. Leonard is survived by his wife, Charlotte of Iron Ridge; three children, Julie DeJong of Oconomowoc, Brian Laufenberg of Beaver Dam, and Nick (Diana) Laufenberg of Glen Ellyn, IL; four siblings, Maynard Laufenberg of Juneau, Eugene (Frances) Laufenberg of Iron Ridge, Dennis (Gail) Laufenberg of Iron Ridge, and Monica (David) Sennhenn of Cuba City; seven grandchildren, Garrin and Lauren DeJong, Kyneesha, Sierra, and Evan Laufenberg, and Nathan and Grace Laufenberg; nieces, nephews, close family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother in infancy; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law. A visitation took place at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28; and also on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Horicon with Rev. Justin Lopina officiating. Interment took place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Woodland. Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. www. koepsellfh.com.

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Jane Marie Ford Bennett

Jane Marie Ford Bennett


Visitation:  Friday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Service:  Friday, Nov. 1, at 12 p.m.  Location:  Burke Lutheran Church in Madison Jane Marie Ford Bennett, 66, passed away at home on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, with her loving husband by her side following a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma Jane was born on January 14, 1953, in Shawano, to Leland and Borgny (Bruland) Ford. She and G. Cortez Bennett were united in marriage on October 29, 1994, at Zion Lutheran Church in Horicon. She was a graduate of Horicon High School and MATC and worked the last 22 years as a senior grade recorder at UW Law School. Jane is remembered as being a tireless, kind, smart, efficient and cheerful colleague. In 2018 the UW Law School faculty awarded Jane with their Unsung Hero’s Award. She loved her family and friends unconditionally, always there with a helping hand, advice, a shoulder to cry on, or a reprimand if called for!  With her generous heart, Jane would readily cook up a meal, bake cookies or pies as needed, or go off on a shopping spree to buy gifts. Jane had the voice of an angel and loved to sing. She made the best of any situation and always looked at life with a positive outlook. Jane is survived by her husband, Cortez; she was ”Mama Jane” to step-sons, Cortez (fiancée Dawn) and Curtis (Jennifer); Grandma Jane to Monique, Nigel (fiancée Rachel), Isaiah, Jaden and Jasmine; and Great-Grandma Jane to Avyanna, Ry’Kia, Amiyah, Olivia and Ezra. She also leaves behind siblings, Kathleen (William) Brewer, Karen (Donald) Krajeck, Robert (Linda) Ford, and Susan (Peter) Oechsner; also sisters-in-law, Margaret Jefferson and Treva King, along with many other dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant niece, Amber Oechsner.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service on Friday, Nov. 1 at Burke Lutheran Church in Madison. A celebration of life will be held at Burke Lutheran Church, 5720 Portage Rd, Madison, WI on Friday, Nov. 1, at 12 p.m. with Pastor Robert Neubert officiating. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the UW Law School for their kind gifts of friendship, meals and support during her illness; UW Hospitals, Capitol Lakes Rehab, the Agrace Magenta team and Good People for their kind and compassionate care. Memorials may be made to Annshope.org
25 October 2019

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Gail M. Strohbusch

Gail M. Strohbusch


Private family services were held Gail M. Strohbusch, 57, of Horicon passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. Gail was born the daughter of Michael Bath on February 19, 1962. Gail was raised by her father Michael and his wife Mary. She was a 1980 graduate of Beaver Dam High School. Gail was then united in marriage to Donald Strohbusch on July 23, 1982, in Horicon. She continued her schooling and went on to serve and take care of others as an LPN. She had worked for 20 plus years at Columbus Care Center and then went on to work 10 plus years for Dodge Correctional until her health declined. In her spare time, Gail loved going on gaming trips as well as playing casino games online. She loved to travel with her husband to see her children and her grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered as a remarkable and strong woman with a quick wit who couldn’t be held down and was always the bigger person. Gail is survived by her husband, Donnie of Horicon; her children, Angela (Charlie) Roze of Green Bay, Leah (fiancé Sam Hinz) Strohbusch of Horicon, Shawn Strohbusch of Pierre, SD; her special son-in-law, Nathan Lyman of Horicon; her grandchildren, Justin, Shaun, Andrea Lyman and Ben Roze; her siblings, Michael (Sue) Bath of LA, Jim Bath of NC, Jeff Bath of Baltimore, MD, Michelle Munday of Taylorsville, NC, Barb Farley of Franford, DE, Dawn (Don) Strahota of Beaver Dam, and Scott (Holly) Bath of Taylorsville, NC; further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandmother, Isabelle Guthrie. Private family services were held. Memorials may be made in memory of Gail to: Heritage for the Blind, The Diabetes Association, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness. *The pain is finally over… you were welcomed into the nonjudgmental arms of the afterlife. Koepsell Murray Funeral Home in Horicon is serving the family. For online condolences and other information please visit www.KoepsellFH. com