FENNIMORE – Craig Alan Ward, age 75, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Craig was born in Freeport, Illinois on March 26, 1950, the son of Dr. C. George and Charlotte Mae (Heard) Ward. He lived in Warren, Illinois from birth until his graduation from Warren High School. Craig served with the U.S. Army from June 1972 until July 1973 being honorably discharged with a rank of E-4. After his military discharge he returned to UW-Platteville to continue his education receiving his Bachelor of Science, Art and Education degree in 1975. The following […]
FENNIMORE – David C. Nelson, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Dave was born on November 9, 1936, in Flandreau, South Dakota. He graduated from Salem High School in Salem, South Dakota. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. As a flight engineer on the C-47, Dave took great pride in his role and was privileged to fly around the world in service to his country. While stationed at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California, he met the love of his life, Patricia […]
MONTFORT – Donna M. Bisbach, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Uplands Hills NRC in Dodgeville. She was born on September 28, 1942, in Platteville, the daughter of Bill and Madeline (Kreul) Masbruch. She graduated from Montfort High School in 1960 and was united in marriage on August 20th to Neil Bisbach of Montfort, that same year, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Montfort. Donna married a soldier and was a proud Army wife. They were stationed in many locations over the years including Germany, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Minnesota before settling back in […]
MONTFORT – Margaret “Maggie” Ann Peterson, age 79, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday February 7, 2026, at St Mary’s Hospital in Madison. She was born on August 24, 1946, the daughter of Russell and Vera (Russell) Wachter. Maggie grew up in the Woodman area and graduated from West Grant High School. She devoted her life to raising and caring for her family, a role she cherished more than anything. Her strong faith guided her daily life and shaped the kindness and generosity she shared with others. Maggie found joy in many simple pleasures, especially gardening […]
PLATTEVILLE – Paul D. Peterson, age 72, passed away on February 6, 2026, Agrace Hospice, Madison WI, after a short battle with cancer. Paul was born on July 12, 1953, to Vernon D. & Evelyn A. Peterson. Paul shared his birthday with his mother, Evelyn, which was a special bond they shared throughout their lives. Paul graduated from Platteville High School in 1971. He was married to Luann Bendorf, formerly Burr, and had two daughters, Leann Handel and Lynn Wolf. Paul worked at WP&L in Cassville WI for many years, where he was in an apprenticeship program. He later moved […]
DARLINGTON – Myrtle Gail Friesen (Gail), age 86, of Fennimore (more recently Darlington), Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026. Gail was born on August 31, 1939, in Morden, Manitoba, Canada, to Donald Ross and Verna (Monaghan) McNaughton. Gail attended school in Morden and after graduation, she moved to Winnipeg for secretarial school. Gail was an avid teenage athlete during high school where she was the catcher for the Morden Whiz-Bangs, traveling the country with her team. On June 21, 1958, Gail married Bernhard Alvin Friesen (Doc). The couple moved to Kansas where Doc attended Kansas State University. After his […]
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 […]