February 2025

BLOOMINGTON – Sarah “Sally” M. Dressler, age 77, passed away on February 26, 2025, at Lancaster Health Services. She was born on October 10, 1947, in Lancaster, the daughter of Thomas Sr. and Letha (Martin) Giesen. Sarah attended Lancaster High School and married Donald Mullikin on June 5, 1965, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster. They moved to Janesville, where she enjoyed being a homemaker and loved raising her three children. After deciding to go their separate ways, Sarah returned to the area and married Russell Dressler on Nov. 12, 1977, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. […]

HIGHLAND – Richard “Dick” Casper Laufenberg, aged 84, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 22, of natural causes. Born on December 31, 1940, in Dodgeville, he was the son of Casper and Viola (Blabaum) Laufenberg. Richard’s journey began in Highland Schools, when he met Sharon Tucker, the love of his life, in 1956. They married on August 13, 1960, and initially resided in the village of Highland for seven years before moving to the Tucker family farm outside of Highland where they raised their six children. They supported them in their various activities and sports throughout their high

FENNIMORE – Donald L. Weist, age 81, passed away on Friday February 14, 2025, surrounded by his family, at Dove Healthcare – Fennimore. Born on September 25, 1943, Donnie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Throughout his childhood, Donnie moved frequently but found his home in Fennimore in 1962, where he resided in the same home, until August 2023 when he transitioned to Dove Healthcare. While he struggled greatly with this change, the warmth and humor from the staff made his stay more comfortable. Donnie began his career at Stout’s Grocery Store and dedicated 37 years to Kowalski-Kieler

FENNIMORE – Thomas “Rocky” R. Blackbourn, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday February 11, 2025. He was born on June 4, 1955, the son of Roger and Donna (Pettera) Blackbourn. Rocky was united in marriage to his first wife and mother of his children, Donita “Blondie” Bean on June 17, 1983. They shared many wonderful years together until her passing in 2020. He was then united in marriage to Kim Burkheimer on November 9, 2022. From the very beginning, Rocky’s life was fueled by his passion for truck driving. His journey started with IOCO in 1982, and in 2001,

FENNIMORE – Gary B. “Herb” Biddick, age 84, passed away unexpectedly on Monday February 10, 2025, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. He was born on June 26, 1940, in Platteville; the son of Willard and Marie (Brechler) Biddick. Gary was united in marriage to Mary Gutweiler on September 9, 1961, in Fennimore. Herb, as Gary was affectionally known by his family and friends, loved to spend time up in northern Wisconsin in Boulder Junction and Mercer. He looked forward to many family reunions and time spent fishing there, always out fishing everybody he was with. Herb and Mary