October 2025

COBB – Donald “Chief” R. Ritchie, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday October 27, 2025, at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. He was born on April 10, 1934, in Cobb, WI, the son of James “Pete” and Lucille (Ward) Ritchie. Don graduated from Cobb High School in 1952. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Leix in 1954. Together they raised three children until choosing to go their separate ways in 1995. In 1961 Don and Bonnie started Ritchie Motors. They received many honors for their accomplishments, even being acknowledged as a top 100 Allis- Chalmers dealership in the […]

BOSCOBEL – William (Bill) Russell, age 59, joined his parents and brother and his Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven on October 23, 2025. He was born April 30, 1966, to Paul and Harriet Russell in Boscobel. Bill grew up on the family farm in Homer, raising goats for a number of years. He attended Boscobel Schools, after which he joined his dad working at the Boscobel Cemetery for 30 years. During this time Bill also started a lawn mowing/snow removal business. He enjoyed riding the tractor, mowing and giving people directions for finding a grave in the cemetery. When he

LIVINGSTON – Barton “Bart” J. Baker, age 67, passed away on Saturday October 18, 2025, at his residence with his family by his side. He was born on May 15, 1958, in Dodgeville, the son of William and Barbara (Crayton) Baker. Bart was united in marriage to Cynthia Baker on February 8, 1986, in Montfort. As a young man, Bart began working on the Baker family farm. As the years passed, he was also employed as a mechanic, Jim’s Building Center, and Cleary Building out of Verona. Bart eventually found his passion and worked for Premier Co-op of Hazel Green

Leo Stelpflug, 98, Lifelong Farmer and Devoted Family Man, Dies Peacefully. LANCASTER – Leo B. Stelpflug, age 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday morning October 18, 2025, at his residence. A devoted husband, father, veteran, and friend, Leo lived a full and rich life rooted in love, hard work, and deep connection to others. Leo was born on May 10, 1927, in Potosi, WI the son of Bernard and Margaret (Siepker) Stelpflug. Leo spent his life working the land as a dedicated farmer, embodying the values of perseverance, gratitude, and humility. He proudly served his

PLATTEVILLE – Wanda Lee Reukauf-Hooks, age 75, passed away on Saturday morning October 18, 2025, at Upland Hills Health Nursing and Rehabilitation in Dodgeville, WI. She was born on January 10, 1950, in Prairie du Chien, the daughter of Karl and Edna (Budd) Reukauf. Wanda married John Hooks on September 28, 1968, at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fennimore. She and John went their separate ways in 2005. Wanda graduated from Fennimore High School in 1968 and then attended Southwest Technical College in Fennimore. She and John moved to the Hooks’ family farm in the early 1970’s in Lima Township.