LANCASTER – Barbara Jean (Oehme) Ekedahl, 91, passed away on Friday November 7th, at 11:15pm, with her son Erik at her bedside reading her the Psalms she loved. Barbara was born to Gaylord Paul Oehme and Helen Evelyn (Simpson) Oehme, on December 7th, 1934, the second child of five (Katy, Nancy, Dale and Lynn). She grew up with her siblings in Grayslake, IL. Barbara experienced the Pearl Harbor attack on her seventh birthday, and her father died at the age of 38 when she was 11 years old. Barbara’s first job was with a small local bank, finding an affinity […]
FENNIMORE – Marilyn J. Davies, age 93, passed away on Tuesday November 11, 2025, at UW Hospital in Madison. She was born on November 30, 1931, the daughter of Orville and Laura (Baker) Lyght. Marilyn was a hardworking and devoted farm wife who filled her life with her family, community, and faith. On December 8, 1948, Marilyn was united in marriage to Stanley Davies and began their farming journey together in Fennimore Township. They remained on the farm until moving to town in the fall of 1978. No matter where life took her, Marilyn’s strong work ethic and dedication to […]
FENNIMORE – Shirley Mae Stelpflug, age 72, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday morning November 9, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on March 2, 1953, in Prairie du Chien, the daughter of Vincent and Germaine (Weber) Mumm. Shirley was united in marriage to the love of her life, David Stelpflug on September 15, 1973, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington. Shirley grew up on her family farm and graduated from Bloomington High School in 1971. Shirley’s dedication to hard work began early on. During and right after high […]
FENNIMORE – Donna L. Brugger, age 89, of Fennimore, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg on October 28, 2025. Donna was born on February 19, 1936, in Platteville, Wisconsin, to Frankie and Verna (Wehnke) Shepard. Donna graduated from Platteville High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from Madison General School of Nursing. On November 30, 1957, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Brugger. After living in Platteville for a few years, Bob and Donna moved to Fennimore in 1964 where they made their home and raised four sons. Donna dedicated her career […]
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. […]
MONTFORT – Margaret M. Schult, age 70, passed away on Friday October 17, 2025, at Mineral Point Health Services. She was born on September 16, 1955, the daughter of Clement and Thelma (Lee) Riley. Margaret was united in marriage to Dan Schult in Platteville on May 1, 1976. Margaret was a hardworking and devoted wife, mother, and friend who always put her heart into everything she did. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her family and close friends-whether gathering for holidays, sharing laughter at the cabin in Wisconsin Dells, or enjoying the company of her Livingston Ladies […]