January 2026

MONTFORT – Linda Lepeska, age 80, passed away on January 26, 2026, surrounded by her family at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, after a short battle with cancer. Linda was born on November 22, 1945. She graduated from Fennimore High School in 1963, and attended Beauty School in Dubuque, IA. Linda ran a Beauty Salon out of her house and loved cutting and styling the hair of many community members and even gave state exams to beauticians. She was a cosmetologist until 1985, when she decided to be a stay-at-home mom for her 3 youngest children. Once they were in […]

MONTFORT – Robert “Bob” A. Witzig, age 66, passed away January 23, 2026, peacefully surrounded by his family. Bob was born April 28th, 1959, in Lancaster, WI to Charles and Betty Witzig. Bob spent his years growing up on his family farm in Ellenboro. Bob enjoyed the outdoors – fishing on the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers and was a weather dependent hunter. Most recently, he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, Anna, who referred to him as “Bob.” Bob held many jobs in his years but, most recently, Bob was employed at Lands’ End where he retired in June 2025.

FENNIMORE – Duane L. Furrer, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday January 22, 2026, at Southwest Health in Platteville. He was born on November 3, 1938, the son of Clifford and Eleanor (Bergum) Furrer. Duane spent his senior year at Fennimore High School, where he graduated. During his time in high school, Duane was a remarkable athlete who excelled in every sport he played. Whether it was football, basketball, or baseball, he gave his all to every game. His talents gave him the opportunity to try out for the minor league with the Chicago Cubs. On October 18, 1958,

FENNIMORE – Jacqueline “Jackie” S. Hatlevig, age 69, passed away on Sunday January 18, 2026, at her home in Fennimore. Jackie was born on May 17, 1956, in Boscobel, the daughter of Stanley and Marilyn (Lyght) Davies. She Married Larry Hatlevig on February 12, 1993, in Janesville, becoming a mom to his son, Royce. Jackie graduated from Fennimore High School in 1974 and then went on to cosmetology school. She owned and operated her own beauty shop, Country Clippers in Fennimore. Jackie later moved to Madison where she worked and eventually retired from John Deere Financial. Jackie is survived by

BOSCOBEL – Evelyn M. Becwar, age 88, passed away on Friday January 16, 2026, at home. She was born on July 5, 1937, the daughter of Charles and Dorothy (Fritsche) Becwar. Evelyn was a woman of quiet strength and unwavering dedication.  A devoted mother, she always put her children first. She offered her love, guidance, and steady support, not only in their childhood, but as adults as well. She took great pride in her work and was a dependable presence in the Boscobel community. She never stopped caring for others, even when she herself needed care. For many years, she