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 […]
MOUNT HOPE – Joseph B. Hoffman, age 68, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Tuesday October 14, 2025, at his residence in Mount Hope. He was born on May 13, 1957, in Lancaster the son of Robert “Bob” and Elizabeth “Betty” (Riemenapp) Hoffman. Joe married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Catherine “Cathy” Mergen on August 20, 1977, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington. After graduating from West Grant High School, Joe proudly served in the National Guard for four years before being honorably discharged. He began college at UW-Platteville, but his […]
MONTFORT / FENNIMORE – Linda Lee Collins, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 11, 2025. She was born on March 4, 1944, the daughter of Virgil and Irene (Volenec) Lund. Linda was united in marriage to Bruce Collins on August 29, 1965, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fennimore. After graduating from Fennimore High School in 1962, Linda left the family farm to attend beauty school in Madison. Linda worked as a beautician at a variety of shops and eventually became an instructor for the cosmetology program at Southwest Technical College, where she also obtained her associate’s degree […]
Montfort, formerly of Fennimore -Jacque Lou Smith, age 75, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family and friends on Sunday evening October 12, 2025. Jacque was born on October 12, 1950, to Mark “Ike” McCluskey and Cleo (McCluskey) Reithmeyer. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, David Smith on November 16, 1968, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore. They would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this year. Jacque dedicated much of her career to her father’s family business, Koschkee Transfer, where she had the joy of working alongside her husband. […]
Bagley, formerly of Fennimore – John W. Northouse, age 78, passed away with his beloved wife and daughter by his side, on Friday October 10, 2025, at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien. He was born in Lancaster on November 22, 1946, the son of John “Jack” and Imelda (Riemenapp) Northouse. John was united in marriage to JoEllen Crawford on August 1, 1970, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster. John graduated from Fennimore High School in 1964. He enrolled at U.W Platteville and in 1966, he was drafted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. […]