Ruth E Schultz, 93, of Beaver Dam passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 at Clearview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Juneau.    Ruth was born on December 8, 1930, the daughter of Elsmer and Anna (Miller) Sperling in the Town of Herman.   On July 29, 1950, she was united in marriage with Rayno R. Schultz at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church in Iron Ridge.    Ruth was a graduate of Dodge Co. Teachers College and had been an Elementary school teacher for 20 years. She loved music and had served as an organist at churches since 1960. Additionally, Ruth was an accompanist and a choir director for many years.   She was a member of St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam and Wisconsin Lutheran Ministries.   Upon retirement, Ruth and Rayno moved to Pray, where they owned and operated Rayno’s Whistle Stop for 10 years, later lived in Neshkoro and finally moved back to the Beaver Dam area.    Ruth will be deeply missed by her children, Julie (Douglas) Evenson of Fort Atkinson and Joel (Karen) Schultz of Horicon; daughters-in-law, Carla Schultz of Horicon and Cindy Schultz Conkey of Hartford; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.    She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rayno, in 2017; sons, Jan Schultz and Jeff Schultz; and her brothers, Harvey Sperling and Wilbur Sperling.   A memorial gathering for Ruth will be held on Friday, Nov. 15, from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. A memorial service will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the Rev. Paul Stratman officiating. Inurnment will take place later at Juneau City Cemetery.   Memorial donations in Ruth’s name may be made to St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church or to Clearview Nursing and Rehablitation in Juneau.   The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.

  Dennis J. Gerth, 70, of Iron Ridge, passed away on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Jefferson Memory Care in Jefferson.   Dennis was born the son of Horst and Norma (Zimmerman) Gerth on April 18, 1954, in Beaver Dam.   He had been a farmer in Iron Ridge for over 25 years and most recently was a semi driver for JLP in Horicon.   Dennis was a member of St. John Ev. Lutheran Church- Browns Corner.   In his spare time, Dennis loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and having a beautiful, manicured garden. He was also a master tinkerer who could fix just about anything and was skilled at restoring antique tractors.    Dennis is survived by his longtime companion, April; his children, Tracy (Keith) Antoniewicz of Waukesha, Tiffany (Brian) Barrow of DeForest, Corey (Heidi) Gerth of Johnson Creek, and Jason Dettmering of Beaver Dam; his siblings, Carl (Gail) Gerth of Iron Ridge, Roland Gerth of Horicon, 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; his grandchildren, Malia Barrow, Corrin Barrow, Tyler Gerth, Addison Gerth, Jackson Dettmering, Graham Antoniewicz, and Vivienne Antoniewicz. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda Aaroen.   A funeral service for Dennis will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 12 p.m. at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church - Browns Corner with the Rev. Allen Behnke officiating. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon at the church. Burial will take place at St. John’s Cemetery.   The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff at Jefferson Memory Care and Rainbow Hospice for providing excellent care and support in Dennis’s final days.    Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com

   Shari Lynn Zergiebel, 70, of Mayville passed away on September 19, 2024, at SSM St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.   Shari was born the daughter of Al Buchta and Carol Staude on September 7, 1954. She was a 1972 graduate of Mayville High School.   Shari was united in marriage to Richard Zergiebel on October 18, 1975, at St. John’s in Mayville.   Shari had worked for a longtime at TAB Products in Mayville.   She was a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville.   In her spare time, Shari loved nature and enjoyed taking car rides, rides in the UTV, and taking photos of nature and wildlife. She was a talented chef, who loved to cook for her family, especially her famous Thanksgiving feasts! She also enjoyed traveling while searching for antiques. Shari also loved to collect dolls and cookbooks from all over!   Shari is survived by her husband, Richard of Mayville; her mother, Carol Staude of Mayville; her siblings, Randall Buchta of Mayville and Karen Askew of Mayville; her sister- and brother-in-law, Eileen (Bob) Rasmussen of Mayville; her nephew, Eli Buchta; her nieces, Miranda (Aaron) Zuege, Jennifer (Brad) Westergard, and Keri (Nate) Mendl; her great-nieces and nephews, Lillian, Henry, Oliver, Louis, Evelyn, and Madeline; her beloved canine companion, Bella; further survived by other relatives and many friends.   She was preceded in death by her father and her brother-in-law, Todd.   A private family funeral will be held.   Special thanks to the staff of SSM St Agnes Hospital and SSM Hospice for the care and support shown to Shari and her family. Also, special thanks to Shari’s TAB friends for the friendship and love over the years.    Koepsell Funeral Home is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com

   Helen Westimayer, 95, of Horicon, died peacefully at her home Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.    Helen was born on December 21, 1928, in Beaver Dam, the daughter of Erwin and Cynthia (Bohnert) Marthaler. She graduated from Beaver Dam High School and went on to work as a secretary at Monarch Range. Here is where she met the love of her life Tony Westimayer.    On April 14, 1951, Helen and Tony were united in marriage. They were blessed with ten children and were able to enjoy 69 wonderful years together!    Helen's greatest joy in life was family. With the love and support of her mother-in-law and father-in-law, who lived right next door, she was able to devote her time to making their home and family a priority. As parents, they always put everyone else's needs before their own, providing loving guidance and generosity.    Helen's favorite titles were Mom, Mumsy, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Any time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her most memorable treasures. All she wanted was for her family to be happy, to be healthy, and to know that she was always there for them. Mom and Dad had the biggest smiles whenever the little ones came around. Mom could always make you feel better just by hearing her voice, and the hugs she gave. Our memories are many.    If you knew Mom you were lucky. We can truly say that with all of our hearts, we couldn't have been blessed with a more loving, caring, generous and compassionate Mother. Our hearts are broken, but our amazing memories and her love will help us heal.    Helen is survived by nine children and their families, Dave (Jane) Westimayer of Horicon, Barb (Dale) Keach of Markesan, Tony (MaryKay) Westimayer of Horicon, Pat Spettel (Gary Klein) of Juneau, Susie (Jim) Schumacher of Horicon, Sandy (Randy) Franke of Horicon, Mike (Jodie) Westimayer of Burnett, Jon Westimayer (Elizabeth Kotewa) of Horicon, Kathy (Wes) Elford of Neshkoro; 23 grandchildren, Julia (Nate) Schultz, Ann (John) Hansen, Chris (Pam Hupf) Westfall, Matt (Laura Hammer) Westfall, Dylan (Alley) Westimayer, Katie (Jose) Torres, Karyn (Jay) Kroschel, Cody (Rachel) Westimayer, Adam (Annie) Spettel, Lucas (Kristie) Spettel, Jason (Andrea) Schumacher and Kenna, Jenni (James) Dietz, Nick Franke, Hailey (Cody) Apfelbeck, Emma Westimayer, Chloe Westimayer, Hunter Westimayer, Tanner Westimayer, Kayli Westimayer, Seth (Amanda) Westimayer, Aiden Westimayer, Karina (Carter) McCauley, Wesley Elford and 28 great-grandchildren, Elijah Schultz; Caden Hansen; Sam and Sully Westfall; Ella Westimayer; Isaac, Adrian, Jackson and Oliver Torres; Clayton, Coltyn, and Kynlee Kroschel; Aspen, Dakota, Charlotte, Bristol and Granger Westimayer; Lincoln and Addison Spettel; Natalie and Nolan Spettel; Avery Dietz; Lorelei Franke; Jace and Jack Apfelbeck; Liam Westimayer; Charlotte and Brooks McCauley. Helen is also survived by son Tom's life partner, Desi Wild; sister-in-law, Barb Marthaler of Beaver Dam; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.    Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; her son, Tom; a granddaughter, Christian; her parents, Erwin and Cynthia Marthaler; her in-laws, Anton and Anna Westimayer; her brother, Floyd "Flip" Marthaler; nephews, Mark Marthaler and Steve Westimayer.    A private family funeral service will take place at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam. Interment will take place at St. Malachy Cemetery in Horicon.   The family would like to thank Maria, our guardian angel, for her wonderful care and loving support given to our Mother, which enabled her to remain in her home until God called her to his side.    A special thank you to the team of nurses and caregivers of SSM Hospice for their compassionate care.    The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to SSM Hospice Care.   Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.

   Paul L. Farkas, 78, of Fond du Lac and formerly Hoosick Falls, NY, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at the St. Agnes Hospice Home of Hope.   Paul was born on June 15, 1946, in Hudson, NY, to Louis and Elza (Aust) Farkas.   Brought together by their love of dogs, Paul married Marlene (Buehner) Kottke on February 4th, 2003, in Bennington, Vermont.    Paul retired from the state of New York as a Worker’s Compensation auditor; however, his greatest passion was music. Paul graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Music. He enjoyed sharing his love of jazz with his students when he was a music teacher, as well as anyone that would listen to him play one of his many beloved guitars.    While playing his guitar was his greatest pleasure, studying the Civil War was his greatest obsession. He spent much of his life reading books, watching movies, visiting historical sites, collecting artwork, and building beautiful replica guns from the Civil War era.   Paul and Marlene lived in Hoosick Falls, NY, until September of 2020 when they moved to Fond du Lac to be closer to family.   Paul is survived by his stepchildren, whom he loved as his own, Jeff (Tammy) Kottke of Slinger, Greg Kottke of Fond du Lac, Debbie (Greg) Krapfl of Leroy, Kim (Tony) Weinberger of LeRoy, and Julie (Mike) Gemmel of Mayville; 12 step-grandchildren and five step-great grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife, Marlene.      A visitation for Paul will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. Tom Biersack presiding at the chapel inside the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in the Ledgeview Memorial Park in Fond du Lac.   The family would like to thank the staff at the Hospice Home of Hope for their dedication to providing the highest level of care, compassion, and dignity to Paul and his family over the last several months.    If desired, memorials may be made in Paul’s name to the St. Agnes Hospice Home of Hope.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is caring for the family. www.Koepsellfh.com

   Sandra K. Lichtenberg, 81, of Mayville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at Hope Health and Rehabilitation in Lomira.   Sandra was born the daughter of Theodore and Virginia (Swantz) Batterman on December 12, 1942. She was a 1960 graduate of Mayville High School.Sandra was united in marriage to Roy A. Lichtenberg on August 7, 1965, at St. Paul’s in Mayville.    She had worked as a waitress at Schreiner’s in Fond du Lac for over 40 years.   Sandra was an active member of St. Paul’s in Mayville and served her church as a Sunday school teacher, confirmation assistant and mentor, puppet ministry, and the sewing circle. She was also member of the Mayville American Legion Post #69 Ladies Auxiliary.   In her spare time, Sandra enjoyed the outdoors while gardening, taking care and feeding the birds. She was a wonderful cook and loved taking care of animals. Sandra will be fondly remembered for selflessness and how she was always there to take care of others.   Sandra is survived by her husband, Roy of Mayville; her children, Cindy (Dan) Mueller of Sussex, Gina (Troy) Rosedahl of Brownsville, and TJ (Nicki Luehring) Lichtenberg of Mayville; her brothers, David (Kathy) Batterman and Dennis (Laura) Batterman, both of Mayville; her grandchildren, Jordan (Lauren) Mueller, Jacob (Kathy) Mueller, Josh (Shannan) Mueller, Isaiah (fiancé Nolee) Rosedahl, Hannah (Owen) Halsne, Zachariah Rosedahl, and Rachael Luehring; great-grandchildren, Tayln and Lucas Luehring and one great-grandchild on the way; further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Daniel; and brother, Roger Batterman.   A funeral service for Sandra took place on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Pastor Traci Maas officiating. A visitation was held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church in Mayville. Interment took place at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville.Memorials in loving memory of Sandra can be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mayville.   Special thanks to the staff of Hope Health and Rehabilitation in Lomira and St. Croix Hospice for the care and support shown to Sandra and her family.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com

   Mark Alan Kuhlman, 55, passed away Sep­tem­ber 17, 2024, after his 10-year coura­geous bat­tle with melanoma skin can­cer.   He was born Jan­u­ary 15, 1969, at Waupun Hos­pi­tal to Roy and Thirza (Tillema) Kuhlman.    Mark was born to be a farmer. From a young age, he helped his par­ents on the farm out­side of Hori­con. When he was about to enter kinder­garten, his Grandpa Kuhlman had to pay him to go to school be­cause he didn’t want to miss what was hap­pen­ing on the farm.   While he was in high school, he was in FFA and worked for Larry Pautz. After grad­u­at­ing Hori­con High School, he worked for Floyd Meinke while also help­ing on the fam­ily farm. Along with his fa­ther and mother, they built a suc­cess­ful dairy and grain farm.   On April 5, 2014, Mark met the love of his life, Stephanie Frei (the same day he was di­ag­nosed with can­cer). They were mar­ried dur­ing a bliz­zard on De­cem­ber 17, 2016. To­gether, they grew the Kuhlman fam­ily farm to what it is today.   While Mark was not one to join groups, he did like to sup­port things he be­lieved in. He con­tin­ued to sup­port the Dodge County Dairy Pro­mo­tion Com­mit­tee that his par­ents helped es­tab­lish, and in 2022 he and Stephanie hosted the Dodge County Dairy Brunch.    In 2023, he do­nated The Great Wall (grain bin en­trap­ment res­cue tool) to the Hori­con Fire De­part­ment.   Mark en­joyed going out to eat and host­ing friends for reg­u­lar Pack­ers par­ties. He val­ued all the friend­ships he made over the years, but es­pe­cially long-time friends Bill Haase, Fred Feucht, John Kraus, Den­nis Roskopf, Jeff Shaus, Rick But­ler, Todd Smith, and long-time friend and em­ployee, Ron Billings.   Mark was pre­ceded in death by his par­ents, Roy and Thirza; his sis­ter, San­dra Kuhlman; grand­par­ents, Clarence and Bar­bara Kuhlman, Jess and Mary Alice Tillema; un­cles, George Tillema, Ross Tillema, Ray Kuhlman; and his aunt, Shirley Rein­hardt.    He is sur­vived by his wife, Stephanie; his sis­ters, Laura (Bryan) Schmude, Linda Kuhlman, and Amy Kuhlman; step-sons, Mer­rick and Cody Frei; nephew, Zack (Dana) Schmude; niece, Ste­fanie Schmude; and great-nephews, Mason and Liam Schmude. Mark is fur­ther sur­vived by many other rel­a­tives and dear friends.    Fu­neral Ser­vices for Mark were held on Tues­day, Sept. 24, at Em­manuel United Methodist Church in Hori­con with Rev. Renae Dy­mond of­fi­ci­at­ing. Vis­i­ta­tion for Mark took place on Mon­day, Sept. 23, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Koepsell Fu­neral Home in Beaver Dam and again on Tues­day Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. until the time of ser­vice at 11 a.m. In­ter­ment took place at the Low­ell Cemtery in Low­ell.    In lieu of flow­ers, do­na­tions can be made to the Dodge County Dairy Pro­mo­tion Com­mit­tee, SSM Health Can­cer Care in Fond du Lac, or the Juneau United Methodist Church.    Koepsell Fu­neral Home in Mayville is car­ing for the fam­ily. www.​Koepsellfh.​com

   Bonnie L. Fechhelm, 94, of Mayville, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Fond du Lac. After thirty years apart, Bonnie was reunited with her husband, Leo, on his birthday.   Bonnie was born to Dorothy Otto on May 22, 1930, in Mayville. She was a 1948 graduate of Mayville High School.   Bonnie was united in marriage to Leo A. Fechhelm on November 27, 1948, at St. Mary’s in Mayville.   Bonnie had worked for the Mayville School District as a bus driver for over 45 years and loved every minute of it!   She was a faithful and active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and the Mayville American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Bonnie was also a member of the Mayville Senior Center and the TAG Center in Mayville.   In her spare time, Bonnie enjoyed gaming trips, playing bingo, and traveling. She also liked to knit and crochet. In her earlier years, she also raced cars for Don Schuppel. Her smile and kind heart will be deeply missed.   Bonnie is survived by her children, Rose Marie (special friend Ed) Cauwels of St. Cloud, Dennis (Sharon) Fechhelm of Delafield, Ralph (Mary Anne) Fechhelm of Simpsonville, NC, Faye Becker of Ripon, Barb (Bob) Keller of Mayville, and Judy (Mark) Marschall of Fond du Lac; her sisters, Carol (Marvin) Mueller of Fox Lake and Nancy (Russell) Kellum of CO; her 66 grand, great-, and great-great-grandchildren; further survived by other relatives and many friends.   Bonnie was preceded in death by her mother; her husband, Leo; son, Al; and daughter, Michele ‘Miki’.    A memorial Mass of Christian Burialwas held on Tuesday, September 24, at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville with Rev. Fr. Ed Kornath presiding. A visitation was held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. at the church. Inurnment took place at St. Mary Cemetery in Mayville.   Memorials in loving memory of Bonnie may be directed to St. Jude’s or the American Heart Association.   Bonnie’s family would like to thank mom’s caregivers and special friends she met over the years at Adult Day Services. Also, the nurses and staff of SSM Hospice, thank you to Michelle Fleury Ries for her years of visits and friendship with mom.   Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville is serving the family. www.KoepsellFH.com

   Elaine E. Schulz (nee Meyer,) 91 of Rubicon, passed away Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in her home surrounded by her loving family.   Elaine was born November 10, 1932 in Hillpoint (Sauk County), to Hedwig D. (nee Brandt) and Silas M. Meyer. She was baptized on November 24, 1932, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hillpoint by Rev. J. H. Wiening. She graduated from Reedsburg High School on June 1, 1950, and worked for a law office in Baraboo for a short time.   She was united in marriage to Elmer J. Schulz on May 17, 1951, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hillpoint, officiated by her brother-in-law, Rev. Gilmore Lueck. Elaine and Elmer worked the family farm until their retirement in 1996. Elaine was a dedicated longtime member, choir member, and organist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Huilsburg.   She was a member of Poh-Rab Snowmobile Club, Ridge & Valley Cruisers, FFA Alumni, AMPI, Partners of America, and Hartford Senior Friends, where she helped with ticket sales and played Sheepshead. Elaine enjoyed selling Sarah Coventry Jewelry, putting puzzles together, crossword puzzles, crocheting doilies and latch hooking, computer games, and baking cookies for children of all ages.   Elaine is survived by her children, Richard (Jolene), Gerald (Linda) of Neosho, Jeffrey (Bonnie) of Rubicon, Susan (Glenn) Wagner of Watertown, Terry (Robin) of Hartford and Rodney (Amy) of Slinger; 18 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Irmgard Meyer, among many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.    Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Elmer; sisters, Viola (Rev. Gilmore) Lueck, Margaret (Robert) Jensen, Valera (Rev. Willard) Koch; and brother, Elmer Meyer; parents-in-law, Thekla (nee Quandt) and Walter Schulz; brother-in-law, Armin (Gladys) Schulz and sister-in-law, Norma (Hillary) Strehlow.   Funeral Services for Elaine will be held Sunday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, W691 County Trunk S, Hartford (Huilsburg).   Family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shimon Funeral Home, 824 Union Street, Hartford, WI 53027. Additional visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 22, at the church from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.    Immediately following service, interment in the church cemetery and further fellowship will be held at the Trinity Community Center, N6409 County Road P, Mayville, WI 53050.    In lieu of flowers, memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or to a charity of one’s choice, are appreciated.   The Shimon Funeral Home is serving the family. (262) 673-9500.  Condolences and tributes may be shared online at: www.shimonfuneralhome.com