April 2025

STITZER / FENNIMORE – Laverne “Butch” James Fry, age 77, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday April 8, 2025, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born on March 8, 1948, in Platteville, the son of Walter and Ruth (Warne) Fry. Laverne graduated from Platteville High School and then entered the workforce. He went to work at John Deere in Dubuque for a few years and then was employed at Orchard Manor of Lancaster in their maintenance department for a brief time. Laverne became a familiar face at Fennimore Interiors for over 25 years, especially […]

FENNIMORE – Geraldine L. Croft, age 97, passed away on Wednesday April 9, 2025, at Southwest Health in Platteville. She was born on June 12, 1927, in Mount Hope, the daughter of Allen and Doris (Merry) Belscamper. Geraldine was united in marriage to LaVern Croft on September 14, 1950, in Lancaster. Geraldine graduated from Lancaster High School. After her marriage to LaVern, she became active in his business, Croft’s Lime & Gravel, where she was a bookkeeper for many years. She was employed with the Fennimore School System as a lunch lady, which she thoroughly enjoyed. In her spare time,

MUSCODA – John “Buck” A. Nowak, age 60, passed away on Wednesday April 2, 2025, after a short, but hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on November 11, 1964, the son of John F. and JoAnn (Foyt) Nowak. After graduating high school, John enlisted and proudly served in the United States Army from 1984 to 1987. He spent time in Germany, Italy, Juarez, and El Paso. After his military service, John pursued a career as an operating engineer. He recently retired and was looking forward to spending his golden years on the farm with his wife, Kim. John was

FENNIMORE – Paul “Buck” F. Conley, age 85, passed away on Saturday April 5, 2025, at Dove Healthcare in Fennimore. He was born on May 18, 1939, and graduated from Mount Hope Senior High in 1958. Paul married Anna Carlin on August 28, 1976, in Boscobel and together they raised three children. Paul was a hardworking man who owned and operated B&B Builders in Fennimore for 20 years. He enjoyed fishing and loved taking his grandchildren on fishing trips, creating lasting memories with them. In addition to his concrete work, Paul plowed snow in town during the winters. Paul had