07 May 2024

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Gary David Bath

Gary David Bath


Gary David Bath, a cherished member of the Kewaskum community, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024, at the age of 55. Born on April 7, 1969, and raised on the historic "Bath" family homestead, Gary graduated from Kewaskum High School and remained deeply connected with his high school friends throughout his life. Gary dedicated himself to the family business, working alongside his father, Clarence, and later took the reins after Clarence retired. He was not only a devoted son but also a loving brother, uncle, and friend. Gary played a significant role in the lives of his nieces and nephews, always offering guidance and support. An active member of the community, Gary's passion for music, family, and friends was evident to all who knew him. He found joy in attending concerts, particularly those of the Grateful Dead, working with his hands, searching for treasures, cheering on races, and sharing laughter with his friends. Gary appreciated the simple pleasures in life, often unwinding with a brat and cold beer, at the end of the day. His warm heart, generous spirit, and infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Those Gary leaves behind to cherish his memory include two sisters, Jean and Joan Bath; four brothers, David Bath, Ronald Bath, Daniel Bath, and Allen J. (Debra) Bath; nieces and nephews, Gary Ronald (Anita) Bath, Jennifer (Kevin) Breitkreutz, Mary Jo Bath, Mathew Bath, Michelle Bath, Mark Bath, Jessica Bath, Nicole Utecht, Tiffany Bath, Lucille Crites, Jean Crites, Savannah Crites, Marvin Crites, Keesha Hersh, Alicia Balboa, and Lissette Balboa; 19 great-nieces and nephews; friends, Dayle Ponath, Ken Weiss, Wendy Ulrich, John Tischendorf, Ben O’Leary, Kevin Egelseer, Mike Murre, Mike (Kate) Limberg, Ron Dorzok, Mark Glamann, Allen L. & Twyla Bath, Heath Wiskerchen, Brian & Patty Homojen, Jesse & Lana Alexandra, and Stanley (Bud) Menzynski. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Bath; his mother, Lucille Bath; a sister, Diane Bath; and two great nieces, Lucinda Bath and Iris Balboa. A Celebration of Life for Gary will be held at River Hill Park in Kewaskum on May 18, 2024, beginning at Noon. The family would like to thank Froedtert West Bend (ICU) and Froedtert Wauwatosa (MICU).
06 May 2024

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Robert A. Staehler

Robert A. Staehler


Robert A. (Bob) Staehler, age 93 of Kewaskum entered eternal life on May 2, 2024, at Kettle Gardens Assisted Living Facility where he had been a resident for a short time. Bob was born August 29, 1930, in Kewaskum. He was the son of the late Alois and Margaret (Karius) Staehler. Bob was a graduate of Kewaskum High School, with the class of 1948. He married Jeanne Ann Gill on May 9, 1953, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Parnell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne. He is survived by his sister, Kathy (Staehler) Boegel of Niles, IL; four children, Patrick (Deb) Staehler of Richfield, Kerry (Barb) Staehler of Wittenberg, Christine Staehler of Granger, IN, and Jack Staehler (Wendy) of Deer Park, IL; grandchildren, Ryan (Pamela) Staehler, Adam (Jessy) Staehler, Scott (Tuesday) Staehler, Sarah (Jason) Fox, Brandon (Debra) Koth, Joey Staehler, Samantha Staehler; and step-grandchildren, Melisa (Matt) Britten, Matt (Kelly) Gray; and several great-grandchildren. After high school, he entered the Navy as a seaman and became member of VF133 Fighter Squadron supporting the Military Air Transport of the Berlin Airlift, then a Flight Deck Director on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier on tours across the Atlantic and into Mediterranean. He was very proud of his naval service, and in 2018, along with his sons, walked with pride across the flight deck and throughout the entire USS Midway Museum in San Diego. After four years in the Navy, Bob was literally a jack-of-all-trades and held various jobs, appliance and electronics repair, bartender, heating oil delivery, carpet layer. He was employed for over 20 years at Weasler Engineering and retired in 1992. He was very active in local fund raising for volunteer social clubs: American Legion, Lions and Kiwanis as well as a rescue squad lead on the Kewaskum Voluntary Fire Department. Since 1970, Bob was a very dedicated advocate for the advancement the sport of snowmobiling in Wisconsin, having served as the founder, instructor and president Kewaskum Snow-Chiefs and president of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs. He also represented the sport as a member of the Wisconsin Governor’s Council. He continued riding snowmobiles and ATVs until he was 91 years old! In retirement, he was an avid wood worker having built cradles, clocks and furniture and was a relentless problem solver, learner and deeply curious about mechanical and electronics. He attended deer hunting camp with generations of friends and family through 2023. He loved big band music so much he had his own Pandora station ready to go upon voice command – he loved that! He continued to make new friends wherever he went and welcomed new members of his family with love. Of all the things Bob had undertaken over the course of his life, his greatest joy was spending time with people and was happy to tell everyone his most profound accomplishment is his family. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (331 Main St. - Kewaskum, WI 53040). The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday at Church from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Inurnment will be at Holy Trinity Cemetery following Mass. The family would like to thank the staff at Kettle Gardens Assisted Living in Kewaskum and Preceptor Hospice Care whose professionalism and compassion ensured Bob’s last days. For full notice see www.myrhum-patten.com.

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Thomas Joseph Fay

Thomas Joseph Fay


Thomas “Tom” Joseph Fay, 68 of Boltonville, passed peacefully on Wednesday May 1, 2024, at The Kathy Hospice, West Bend.  He was born on August 7, 1955, to the late Thomas and Mae (nee Riley) Fay in West Bend.  Tom grew up in the Town of Farmington, where he attended elementary school.  He graduated from Kewaskum High School.  Tom honorably joined the United States Navy. He worked at Weasler Engineering for 47+ years until retirement, 2022. He was a proud Union member where he served as the Stewart and Vice President for many years.  He was the President of the Washington County Snow Mobile Club.  Tom was a long-time member and Vice President of the Boltonville Sportsman Club, where he enjoyed cutting the grass at the pond and observing the geese.  He served on Kewaskum and Boltonville Volunteer Fire Departments. Tom was big into racing, being a part of several race car crews most importantly the Maas Race Team.  He loved sports, Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and NASCAR. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and four wheeling with his son Joe. They were looking forward to going on a bear hunt together this fall. Tom especially loved spending time with family and friends while serving his community.  Those Tom leaves behind to cherish his memory include his son, Joe (Kimberly W.) Fay and their two dogs Mc & Zeb; a sister, Kathy (Gene) Wenzlaff; two brothers, Kevin (Chris) Fay and Kerry Patrick Fay; three nieces, Holly (Steve) Feucht, Shannon Schill, and Carissa (Mark) Jacox; four nephews, Barry (Renee) Wenzlaff, Shad Wenzlaff, Korey Fay, and Colton (Jaclyn) Fay; other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Francis Fay and Mae Catherine (nee Riley) Fay.  
VISITATION: Tom’s family will great relatives and friends on Friday May 10, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 3:45 p.m., at St. John of God Catholic Church, 1488 Highland Dr, Kewaskum. 
SERVICE: A funeral service will follow the visitation at the church at 4 p.m.  Burial to follow in the church cemetery. 
RECEPTION:  All are welcome to join the family at the Boltonville Fire Department for Dinner, Drinks, & Stories after the service. Dinner will be catered by The Great Outdoors Supper Club. The family asks that if those who wish to donate any funds to please do so to the Boltonville Sportsman Club in Tom’s honor.  
Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Tom’s arrangements. Additional information and Tribute Wall may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com

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Marie Lena Cochran

Marie Lena Cochran


Marie Lena Cochran of Kewaskum, passed away in her sleep on May 1, 2024, at the young age of 90. Marie, an only child, was born on November 17, 1933, in Milwaukee to Henry and Mary Tschurwald. Marie had a spirit like no other. She held many different titles in life from cat lover to business manager; however, her favorite titles of all were mom, grandma, and great-grandma. Marie’s fondest memories were with her late husband, Wayne. Marie married Wayne in May of 1955 after having met in summer school…..although most of you may have heard that story already. Marie lost Wayne, her true love, on April 29, 1997. Marie loved sharing her faith in Jesus, spending time surrounded by her family, and the Brewers. Marie’s greatest accomplishments were being an exceptionally generous, compassionate, and strong woman. Even at the end, Marie found a way to laugh with her family. She carried herself with dignity and strength. Marie will be remembered for her fervor for life and all its opportunities. Marie is survived by her sons, Vincent (Rebecca) Cochran, Chris (Sally) Cochran, Paul (Melissa) Cochran; and her daughter-in-law, Joan Cochran. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Marie is preceded in death by her sons, Steven, Andrew and Anthony Cochran; as well as her parents and many extended family members. In each one of us is Marie’s spirit. It is a happiness with life. It is a passion for people, and it is a love you can’t explain. Marie will truly be missed by all. A grave-site service was held at Washington County Memorial Park. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Kettle Moraine Gardens and Preceptor Hospice for the loving care provided to Marie. The Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend is assisting the family, 262-338-2050 / www.phillipfuneralhome.com.
01 May 2024

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Kewaskum Holds  Groundbreaking for  New Municipal Complex

Kewaskum Holds Groundbreaking for New Municipal Complex


Kewaskum Holds Groundbreaking for New Municipal Complex STATESMAN STAFF Members of the Kewaskum Village Board, village employees, volunteers and residents gathered on Friday, April 26, at the site of the municipal complex to celebrate the old buildings forthcoming demolition and the construction of a new nearly $10 million police department and village hall. Kewaskum Police Chief Tom

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Two Old Bills

Two Old Bills


Two Old Bills KARL MCCARTY CONTRIBUTOR Neighbors and friends shared stories about what it was like to be in Schlaefer’s Hardware store in Campbellsport. The story would eventually intertwine two old men, both respected. Bill Schlaefer (1896-1987) William Schlaefer had an impressive store in Campbellsport, located east of what was the Health Hut. He was a veteran of World War I. According

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RURAL WRITES

RURAL WRITES


| RURAL WRITES | G.A. SCHEINOHA CONTRIBUTOR Earth Day was last week. For 24 hours we’ve all recognized how fragile the planet really is. Some have used the occasion as an excuse to do something as simple as pick up trash along the roadside. We get a lot of that thrown out here. As if a quarry town is a dump. But that was then, this is now. What have you done recently to do your part? Do you

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