OBITUARIES
Recent Obituaries
The obituaries in the in Marquette County Area reflect the region's close-knit population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity Wisconsin's history and identity.
Stanley Karkowski
Aug 3, 2026
Stanley J. Karkowski was a devoted husband, loving dad, proud grandpa, and a friend to many. He loved his family deeply, and his greatest joy came from the time he spent making memories with those he loved. Stan passed away surrounded by his family on August 3, 2026 at his home in Montello.
Stan found joy in helping others: offering advice,...
Kathleen Troost
Jul 31, 2026
Kathleen “Kathy” A. Troost, age 81 of Montello passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, July 31, 2026 at her home. Kathy was born in Portage on June 21, 1945 to Robert and Mae (Teske) Bell. She graduated from Portage High School in 1963 and married Bryan Troost at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello on October...
James Thill
Jul 30, 2026
James "Jim" Thill, age 60 of Montello passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 30, 2026 at his home on Buffalo Lake.
Honoring Jim wishes, no services will be held.
Peggy Elmhorst
Jul 25, 2026
Peggy L. Elmhorst, age 59 of Oxford passed away surrounded by her family at her home on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Peggy was a loving and devoted mother whose greatest joy in life was her family. She cherished each of her six children and loved them with all her heart. She delighted in cultivating childlike wonder and filling moments with...
Arthur Schmidt
Jul 25, 2026
Arthur “Art” E. Schmidt, age 86 of Oxford (formerly of Racine) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as he finally met his LORD and Savior, Jesus, face to face. Art was born in Gackle, North Dakota on September 18, 1939. His family moved to Milwaukee when he was young and he...
Debra Parrish
Jul 24, 2026
Debra “Debbie” Elsie Parrish, age 69 of Oxford passed away Friday, July 24, 2026 at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. Debbie was born in Merrill on April 3, 1957 to Lawrence and Eloise (Duranceau) Schultz. She graduated from Montello High School in 1975. She married the love of her life, Steven Parrish in 2006 and together they enjoyed life...
Barbara Clauson
Jul 23, 2026
Barbara Jean Clauson, age 81 of Montello, passed away on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her daughter Rhonda and her beloved niece, Brenda Schroder. Born on April 1, 1945, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Daniel and Gracie (Robinson) Manes. Her life was defined by love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Barbara...
Edna Mesmer
Jul 22, 2026
Edna Ann Mesmer, age 81 of Montello (formerly of Westmont, IL) passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Affectionately known as “Tillie” by many, she graduated in 1962 from Hinsdale High School and worked for many years as a computer operator. She and her husband, Elroy moved to Lake Puckaway in 2002 and he preceded her...
Natalie Bussan
Jul 19, 2026
Natalie Tashner Bussan, age 51, of Oxford, passed away at home surrounded by her family on July 19, 2026, after a long and heroic battle with cancer that lasted over 11 years.
Born in Dubuque, Iowa on December 30, 1974, Natalie graduated from Cuba City High School, where she was a state champion in high jump and part of two state...
Richard Marotz
Jul 15, 2026
Richard Arnold Marotz, age 78, of Westfield, passed away on July 15, 2026. Richard was born on November 13, 1947, in Portage to Arnold and Esther (Gates) Marotz. He graduated from Westfield High School and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where he earned his Masters in Agricultural Education.
On April 27, 1974, Richard married the love of his...
Steven Allen Schwersinske
Jul 9, 2026
Steven Allen Schwersinske, age 69 of Packwaukee, passed away on Thursday, July 9th 2026 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on February 11th, 1957 in Edgerton, WI to Darwin Donald and Mildred Ann (Krueger) Schwersinske. Steve was employed at Eagles Homes II until retirement in 2020. Prior to that he was employed at Broan MNG (Nortec) for 25...
Fae N. Williamson
Jul 9, 2026
Fae Norine (Campion) Williamson, age 101 of Montello, WI, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in the home where she lived since 1950. Mom was a kind, gentle, humble, and peaceful lady, and leaves behind a legacy of peace.
Mom was born at home on the Campion homestead, Montello on June 7, 1925. She was the youngest of eight children...
Ronald A. Wilken
Jul 7, 2026
Ronald A. Wilken, age 70 of Montello, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. He was born on April 5, 1956 in Blue Island, IL to Leslie and Sarah (Steinfatt) Wilken.
Ron graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, IL in 1974. He attended Joliet Junior College where he received an Associate’s...
Steven Daniel Hankins
Jul 6, 2026
Steven Daniel Hankins, age 69, of Montello passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026, surrounded by family.
Steve was born on August 30, 1956 in Oak Park, IL to Daniel and Theresa (Maturo) Hankins.
Steve grew up in Chicago and was a diehard Bears and Cubs fan. He met the love of his life, Terry (Shermer) at summer camp and they...
Jean Chowaniec
Jul 4, 2026
Jean L. Chowaniec, age 85 of Oxford passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026 at the Montello Care Center. Jean was born on June 7, 1941 to Raymond and Vivian (Olson) Aitchison in Milwaukee. She married James Chowaniec October 26, 1963. Jean worked at Lowell Elementary School in Waukesha as a school aide and in 2005 she and James moved...
Sherry Roney
Jul 1, 2026
Sherry Lynn Roney, age 75 of Adams (formerly of Oxford) passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse surrounded by family. Sherry was born in Waukesha on March 17, 1951 to Carroll and Nina (Goodhue) Holliday. She was raised in Oxford and attended Oxford Schools and was united in marriage to Glendon Roney...
Eunice Hutchings
Jun 28, 2026
Eunice S. Hutchings, age 103 of Montello passed away at her home on Sunday, June 28, 2026 surrounded by her family. Eunice was born at home in Stevens Point on December 4, 1922 to George and Mildred (Dake) Stelter. She was raised in Plover and attended a one-room school and later graduated from high school in Stevens Point. Eunice was...
Phyllis Farrell
Jun 20, 2026
Phyllis Sylvia (Smith) Farrell, age 103, of Dalton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at her home with her loving family by her side.
Phyllis was born on September 3, 1922, on the family farm near Galesburg, North Dakota, the daughter of Henry and Selma (Stundahl) Smith. In the fall of 1943, she met the love of her life,...
Mark Steffen
Jun 8, 2026
Mark Dennis Steffen, age 63 of Montello passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 8, 2026 as the result of a UTV accident. Mark was born in Fond du Lac County on May 13, 1963 to Dennis and Eileen (Buetow) Steffen. He graduated from North Fond du Lac High School in 1981 and worked at Mercury in the Racing Division for 35...
Ashley Bednarek
Jun 5, 2026
Ashley Marie Bednarek, age 39 of Budsin passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 5, 2026 at her home. Ashley was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Anthony and Jean (Lindaman) Martorana and raised in Neshkoro. She graduated from Westfield High School in 2005 and married Lucas Bednarek on July 3, 2019 in Budsin. Together they have been blessed with two children....

