May 2024

LANCASTER – Donna R. Smith, age 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 26, 2024, surrounded by loving family, at Orchard Manor in Lancaster. She was born on December 11, 1929, in Platteville the daughter of Benjamin and Mabel (Newhall) Bell. She was united in marriage to Loren Smith on September 8, 1951, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA, where they also renewed their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary. Donna graduated from Fennimore High School in 1948. After raising her children, Donna worked outside of her home at Orchard Manor. She worked there for 15 years before […]

FENNIMORE – Richard “Dick” P. Champion, age 74, passed away on Tuesday morning May 21, 2024, at his residence in Fennimore. He was born on March 4, 1950; the son of Arnold and Anita (Wurm) Champion. Dick was united in marriage to Paula Curley on October 18, 1986, in Lancaster. Dick graduated from Benton High School in 1968. He worked various jobs over the years including Kowalski Kieler for 12 years and Cabela’s for 7 years. Dick attended Southwest Tech where he received two degrees in small appliance repair and small engine repair. He was a skilled handy man and

Stitzer, WI – Nikki J. Whitaker, age 67, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI. She was born on August 8, 1956, the daughter of Leslie “Chick” and Hazel (Martin) Klais. She was united in marriage to William “Bill” Whitaker on June 28, 1987, and although they later separated amicably, Bill remained her close companion until his passing. Nikki graduated from Fennimore High School, where she excelled in music and loved being part of the chorus groups and high school plays. After high school, she entered the workforce and worked for many years at

BARABOO/MONTFORT – Courtney Marie Shaben, age 32, passed away unexpectedly on Friday evening May 10, 2024, at her residence in Baraboo due to her declining health. She was born on October 6, 1991, in Platteville; the daughter of David “Goose” and Tina (Smith) Kite. Courtney was united in marriage to Joe Shaben on October 24, 2014, and then later went their separate ways. Courtney attended Iowa-Grant High School and then entered the workforce. While in high school, she received her CNA license. Courtney later worked at Land’s End in the embroidery department and at Subway in Mineral Point. She had

MONTFORT – In 1937 January 2 this rippling thoroughbred was born on a small farm outside of Mauston, WI. It was here he started to hone his legend at a young age. As a boy, Lloyd was happiest training dogs, walking in the woods, hunting and fishing. When it came to dogs Lloyd was a regular dog whisperer. He taught them to hunt, climb step ladders, dig tunnels and walk with him in the woods for many happy hours. He continued his love for dogs and training them well into his adult years. However, dogs, hunting, fishing, and walking in