March 2024

ELMHURST, IL – Edward C. Straka, aged 67, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024. Born in southwest Wisconsin, he grew up on a farm and knew what a hard day’s work was. After high school, he joined the Navy. He moved to the Chicago area in the 1980’s using skills learned in the Navy to find work and became a Sheet Metal Journeyman. Edward became an avid runner in his 50’s, participating in many marathons and half marathons and other local races. He enjoyed fishing with his family and friends. He loved to garden and grew potatoes, tomatoes, beets, […]

FENNIMORE – Barbara E. Gratz, age 87, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Dove Healthcare in Fennimore. She was born to Daniel and Evelyn (Ransom) Riley on April 7, 1936, in Mt. Ida Township, Lancaster, Grant County, Wisconsin. Barbara attended Mt. Ida and Rowdon rural grade schools. She graduated from Fennimore High School in 1953.  She then attended Platteville and Stevens Point State Colleges until she went home to help on the family farm. She met Guerdon Gratz, and they were married July 29, 1956, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Platteville, WI. They resided and farmed on

BOSCOBEL – Lynn Ann Vial, mother of Jeri Lynn, Levi, and Ashley; age 72, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Gundersen Boscobel Hospital. She was born on August 24, 1951, to Louis and Victoria (Kaleta) Biddle. While attending North Crawford High School, Lynn worked along-side her parents at the Golden Glow Cheese Factory in Rolling Ground, WI. Lynn then worked for many years at Advance Transformer and later at Lands’ End, in Dodgeville, WI. In addition to raising her kids, Lynn enjoyed bowling league, shopping to find the ‘bargain of the day,’ socializing with friends, traveling to

REWEY – On the morning of March 8, 2024, Dan Liddicoat, age 51, lost his life doing what he loved – driving the milk truck for the family business for 34 years. He was born on April 29, 1972, in Dodgeville, WI, the youngest son of Keith and Betty (Prochaska) Liddicoat. In elementary school, Dan was very involved in the Linden Little League Baseball Team. During high school, Dan was a member of FFA and Swing Choir and he played basketball and football all four years. He graduated from Iowa-Grant High School in 1990. He immediately went to work on

BLOOMINGTON – Donna Knapp, age 70, passed away on Sunday March 3, surrounded by her daughters and loved ones.  She battled cancer over the last 9 months and proved to be a warrior in her fight. Donna was born on January 9, 1954; the daughter of Catherine and James Ley, in Prairie Du Chien.  She graduated from Cassville High School in 1972.  It was not until the 1980’s when she met the love of her life and married Jim Knapp in 1985. They are now reunited with their love in heaven. Donna could be described as one of the most