08 December 2021

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Michael J. Schmidt Sr.

Michael J. Schmidt Sr.


Michael J. “Mike” Schmidt Sr., 85, of West Bend, passed away on November 27, 2021, at Ivy Manor in West Bend. Mike was born on March 20, 1936, in Kewaskum, the son of the late Phillip and Antoinette (nee Kozlowski) Schmidt. Mike was united in marriage to Mary Coulter in 1962 at Salem United Church of Christ in Wayne. Mary preceded Mike in death on September 7, 1987. On May 22, 1992, he was united in marriage to Colleen Tolle.Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a journeyman roofer for many years with Haug Roofing and retired from FJA Christiansen Roofing in Milwaukee. Mike enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, watching the Brewers and being the neighborhood watch. He also enjoyed being a chocolate chip cookie tester.Those Mike leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Colleen; children, Mike Jr. (Tonnie) Schmidt, Dale Schmidt, Dennis (Kris) Tolle, Tim (Chris) Tolle, and Denise Tolle; grandchildren, Michael III (Caleb) Schmidt, Cody Schmidt (Abby), Tanner Schmidt (Jose), Drew Schmidt, Bryce (Brittany) Schmidt, Mary Kate Schmidt, Dayeton Tolle, Joelle Tolle, Lexi Tolle; two great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Art (Sherry) Smith, Cele Schmidt, Theresa Vorpahl, Elsa Coulter; brothers-in-law, Ronnie Coulter, Wayne Coulter, Mike Coulter, and Robert Coulter; other relatives and friends.In addition to his parents and his first wife, Mary, Mike was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Schmidt; David Tolle; his brothers, Willie Schmidt, Robert (Barbara) Schmidt, Marvin Schmidt, Jerry Schmidt; brothers-in-law, Alan Coulter and Ervin Coulter Jr.; sisters-in-law, Pat (Jake) Wiesner and Barbara (Richard) Kern.Visitation: Mike’s family will greet relatives and friends at Peace United Church of Christ, 343 First Street, in Kewaskum on Friday, December 17, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.Memorial Service: A memorial service for Mike will be held at Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Eric Kirkegaard officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date at Peace United Church of Christ Cemetery in Kewaskum.The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Ivy Manor III in West Bend and to Preceptor Hospice for the care they provided to Mike.The Myrhum – Patten Funeral and Cremation Service has been entrusted with Mike’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

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Virginia Lou Kettling

Virginia Lou Kettling


Virginia (Reuthe) Kettling, 89, of Cedarburg, was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, George, on November 22, 2021. She peacefully passed from her home at Lasata Care Center with two of her daughters by her side.Ginne (as she was best known) was born in August of 1932 in Toledo, OH, the youngest of eight children.Ginne was a strong, dynamic, and accomplished woman, who touched many lives around the world through, not only her career, but also her thoughtfulness. Ginne’s hard work and dedication were rewarded in so many ways, and she was extremely proud of all of her achievements.Ginne graduated from Capital University in Columbus, OH, in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and received her Masters of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Ohio State University in 1962. Originally, Ginne had plans to become a missionary, but God had other plans for her.She married the love of her life, George, in June of 1962. They shared 51 incredible years together, creating a loving and caring family of their own four children, as well as many “extended family” members they gathered along the way. Ginne’s career grew from RN to Dean of Students at the University of Cincinnati, nursing administrator as well as VP of Nursing at both Christ and Bethesda Hospitals in Cincinnati, OH, Mt Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee, and United Samaritans Hospital in Danville, IL. When she and George moved to Cedarburg, Ginne continued her career as a parish nurse for Luther Manor as well as Advent Lutheran Church. Ginne finally retired in 2007, but continued her caregiving for George. For both of them, their favorite place was simply with each other.In 2017, Ginne received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for achieving career longevity and demonstrating unwavering excellence in her chosen field of Nursing.For the past 13 years, Ginne’s home was the Lasata Senior Living Campus, where she continued to shine her light on the world, through volunteering and just loving others for who they were. Living her life independently as a caregiver herself, it was hard for Ginne to accept others taking care of her. She cer -tainly lived her faith, being true to her many friendships, and showing compassion for those in need. Throughout her most recent challenging days, Ginne did her best to take one day at a time, and always took the time to thank those who cared for her. Ginne will be remembered as a thoughtful, generous, kind soul who stood up for what was right, rooted for the underdog, and had quite a sense of humor. She always looked for rainbows, as they were a comfort that George was near and that God heard her prayers. She and George shared a soft spot in their hearts for all animals, especially cats, and they adopted several during their life together. In her later years, Ginne loved to play cards and especially loved doing jigsaw puzzles. She also delighted in hearing about her grandkids and in simply watching “her birds” outside her window.She is survived by her four loving children: Elys (Mike) Law of Wooster, OH, Kandy (Roger) Lindgren of Kewaskum, Gynevra (Tim) Benson of Glendale, and Geoffry (Karen) Kettling of Reno, NV. She is further survived by six beautiful grandchildren: Tina (Kyle) Schlieve, Nolan (Jaalah) Benson, Lucas Benson, Chase and Lily Lindgren and Grace Kettling, as well as great-granddaughter, Zaida Tomasini, and two great-grandsons: Arik and Korbin Schlieve.Ginne was preceded in death by her parents, her three sisters and four brothers.Ginne’s family would like to extend their immense gratitude to the staff at Lasata Care Center for all the loving care they have provided through the years, as well as providing so many special friendships she so dearly cherished.For most of her life, Ginne donated to many various charities. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to any charity of choice.A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Peace UCC, with Pastor Eric Kirkegaard presiding. The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please refer to their website for details closer to the time of the service. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com
01 December 2021

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24 November 2021

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Frederick A.E. Boehlke

Frederick A.E. Boehlke


Frederick “Fred” A.E. Boehlke, 79, of Kewaskum, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at Clement J. Zablocki VAMC in Milwaukee. He was born at home in (Freistadt) Mequon, on December 21, 1941, the son of John H. and Erna C. Bartel Boehlke. He was baptized December 28, 1941, and confirmed in his faith on March 25, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mequon. Fred served in the United States Army, from January 29, 1964, to November 2, 1967, serving in the Philippines and Thailand. He married his beloved wife and partner, Arlene A. Kannenberg, on May 10, 1969, at David’s Star Lutheran Church, in Jackson. He was a member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, in Mt. Calvary.Fred was the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for Hustisford and Kewaskum School District for 30 years. He was a member of the Wisconsin Society of Ornithology, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and American Legion Post 384 in Kewaskum. Fred enjoyed traveling, birding, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and outings with his family and friends.He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Arlene Boehlke of Kewaskum; his son, Jonathan (Melisa) Boehlke of Oshkosh; his daughter, Jennifer (Patrick) Bobb of West Bend; his grandchildren: Mackenzie Boehlke, Parker Boehlke and Iterion Boehlke; and his siblings: Neal Boehlke, Leona Lund and Carolyn Abbiehl.He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Raymond Boehlke, Lillian (Donald) Otting, John F. (Virginia) Boehlke, Margaret Groth and Alvin (Barbara) Boehlke.Visitation: Friends called from 1-3 p.m., on Sun - day, November 21, 2021, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, W2090 Hwy 23, Mt. Calvary.Service: Funeral Services were held at 3 p.m., on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, with Rev. Robert Oberg officiating. Burial took place at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021, at Lutheran Memorial Cemetery in Kewaskum.Memorials in Frederick’s name may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or School, Mt. Calvary, or Winnebago Lutheran Academy, Fond du Lac.Special thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and Hospice Staff at Clement J. Zablocki VAMC for their care and compassion shown to Frederick and family.Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420.

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Jerry Kleinke

Jerry Kleinke


Jerry Kleinke of Port Washington passed away at Lawlis Family Hospice Center in Mequon Thursday morning, November 18, 2021. He was 83 years old. Jerry was born in Fond du Lac on July 7, 1938, son of Wilbur and Marie Oppermann Kleinke. He grew up on the family farm in New Fane and attended local schools, graduating from Kewaskum High School, Class of 1956.On December 13, 1975, Jerry was united in marriage with Jean Schultz at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Washington. Together they raised four children. Mr. Kleinke was a machinist at Bolens Mfg., retiring in 2008, and later took on a position at Port Washington High School as a custodian.A faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Washington, Jerry had served as an elder, a deacon and an usher. He was a longtime member of the Port Washington-Saukville Jaycees. Jerry enjoyed working outside, playing baseball, shooting darts and playing cards… especially a good game of sheepshead! More recently, he loved spending time with his grandkids. His family will always remember Jerry’s love of sweets and his optimistic outlook on life.Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jean; children, Daniel (Michele) Bichler of Random Lake, Cherie (Steve) Ewig of Port Washington, Phil (Lisa) Kleinke of Campbellsport and Scott Kleinke of Jackson. He is further survived by grandchildren, Zach Kleinke, Amanda Bichler, Brad Bichler, Alysia Gibes, Hunter Kleinke and Taylor Kleinke; greatgrand children, Xavier and Scarlet Kleinke; sister, Welda (George) Simousek of Sun City West, AZ; brothers, Jim (Dianne) Kleinke of Hot Springs, AR and John (the late Diane) Kleinke of Fond du Lac; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, at St. John’s Lutheran Church 217 Freeman Drive, Port Washington. Rev. John Klieve will preside. Jerry will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery, Saukville later that afternoon.The family will receive visitors at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until services begin at 11:30 a.m.If desired, memorials are suggested in Jerry’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church Port Washington or the Parkinson’s Foundation.Jerry’s family wishes to thank the Aurora Medical Center and Lawlis Family Hospice Center for the exceptional care they provided to Jerry.Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.

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Ethel Kathryn Knoeck

Ethel Kathryn Knoeck


Ethel Kathryn Knoeck (née Walters), age 93, of West Bend passed peacefully on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, with family by her side. She was born on May 28, 1928, to Joseph and Edna Walters. She was born in Chicago and lived there until moving to West Bend with her mother and brother when she was a young child. Along with being a wife and mother, Ethel worked as a library aide for many years sharing her love for books with students in the Kewaskum and West Bend schools.Ethel was a long time member of the “Red Hat Society”. She enjoyed the luncheons and gatherings while sporting her red hat. Around the kitchen farm table, Ethel was known for holding the queen of clubs until the final hand during a game of Sheepshead. As a resident of Cedar Bay Health Care Center, Ethel was comforted by praying the daily rosary. She enjoyed reading mysteries and watching them on PBS, playing bingo (and winning many of the prizes!), singing in the choir, playing the handbells, and tooling around in her wheelchair making sure everyone was doing their job.Ethel met Oscar Knoeck, Sr. one day when he stopped by to deliver milk to her house. They soon fell in love and married on June 30,1948. Oscar passed away on their 55th wedding anniversary (June 30, 2003).Ethel is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as beloved relatives and friends.Oscar (Maren) Knoeck, Jr. of Iola Tracy Knoeck of West Bend and her children, Amber (Gordon) Winker Glidewell (and their chil - dren, Damian and Jordy), Rusty Winker, Bianca Romero Knoeck, and Jose’ Romero Knoeck; Tony (Beth) Knoeck of Hartford and their children, Austin, Trey, Jax and Ashley; Travis (Jessica) Knoeck of Flower Mound, TX and their children, Logan, Lucas and Londyn; Terianne (Dan) Knoeck-Nehls of DePere and their children, Daniel and Lilyann; and Oscar’s stepgrand son, Jovon Ashworth of Mount Pleasant Chuck (LeAnn) Knoeck of Neenah Ben (Stephanie) Knoeck of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Zac (significant other Courtney Mueller) Knoeck of Grand Chute Kathleen (Craig) Smith of Mesa, AZ Christopher (Giselle Cardona-Lawrenz) Lawrenz of Queen Creek, AZ and children, Payton Lawrenz (significant other Christian Wilson), McKenzie (Jacob) Nagy (and their expected Willow), Dylan Lawrenz and Christopher’s step-son Elijah Cardona; Matthew (Tracey) Lawrenz of Glendale, AZ and their child Orion Doug (Mary) Knoeck of Kewaskum Jen Knoeck of Kewaskum Nettie Knoeck of Fond du Lac Jess (Mike) Rasmussen of Burnsville, MN. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Joseph Walters, who served in the Air Force during World War II and is listed as MIA (English Channel); her husband, Oscar (and his siblings and their spouses); her grandson, Joel Knoeck; her grand - daughter, Julie Knoeck; and daughter-in-law, Janna Knoeck.The family would like to thank the staff at Cedar Bay Health Care Center, especially Darcie, for their loving care over these past years. In addition, thank you to all of Ethel’s visitors over the years who took the time to stop by to brighten her day, or to send a card, flowers and other treats, especially Jeanne Knoeck, Dennis Crass, Arnie and Nancy Dittbrenner, and Judi Jacak.Funeral services were held on Monday, November 22, 2021, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church with Father Howard Haase presiding. Burial followed at Holy Angels Cemetery.The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.

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Richard Otto Backhaus

Richard Otto Backhaus


Richard “Richie” Otto Backhaus, age 86, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021, at the Samaritan in West Bend. He was born on September 28, 1935, in Kewaskum to Herbert and Selma (nee Miller) Backhaus. He is known in West Bend for owning M& R Bar for 41 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trap shooting. He loved his Packers and especially the Brewers.Richard is survived by his three children, Rashelle (Scott) Wiedmeyer, Kevan and Ryan; his five grandchildren; other relatives and friends.Richard is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn; grandson, Aaron; his parents; three sisters and two brothers.A Funeral Service was held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend) with Pastor David Schoob presiding. Visitation was at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 23, from 3:30 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. Private Interment at Washington County Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Trinity Lutheran Church (140 N. 7th Ave., West Bend).The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family.(262) 338-2050 / www.phillipfuneralhome.com

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Sandra L. John

Sandra L. John


Sandra “Sandy” L. John, (nee Staab), 81, of Kewaskum found peace with the Lord on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. She was born on June 18, 1940, to the late William and Jean Staab. On October 18, 1958, she was united in marriage to Ronald C. John in Mil - waukee. Sandy was a CNA for many years, and devoted her life helping people. She was a member of the Church Veterans and the Red Suspenders. Sandy and Ron loved traveling and have visited many states. She spent a lot of time in the kitchen cooking and baking, and her breads will be missed. Sandy especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.Those Sandy leaves behind to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 63 years, Ronald John; three children, Julie (Kurt) Allison, James (Jenny) John, and Jeff (Sandy) John; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Shannon) Allison, Kyle (Kari) Allison, Justin (Jamie) John, Katie (Cody) Nichols, Alley (Colton Roesel) John, Kasey (Fredrick) Turnes, Nicholas (Ashley) John, and Amberly (Tanner) St. Mary; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Susie; two brothers, Billy and Richard; two sisters-in-law, Candy Kluss and Marilyn Meylor; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her three sisters, Shirley, Patty, and Marilyn.A private family service in remembrance of Sandy will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ.Her devotion to helping others, she donated her body to science.
17 November 2021

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Mark A Darge

Mark A Darge


 Mark A. Darge, 58, of Mayville, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton.   Mark was born on June 16, 1963, the son of Fredrick and Sharon (Bender) Darge in Beaver Dam.   He was a 1981 graduate of Mayville High School.   On September 8, 1995, he was united in marriage with Christine Wagner in Mayville.   Mark had been a welder at MEC, Metalcraft and Signicast.   Mark enjoyed hunting, fishing and archery. He was a very good artist and had been a 4H Leader for the art project for the Lomira Clover Leaves. Mark was also a great craftsman of many projects.   Mark is survived by his wife, Chris; his son, Matthew (Lauren) Jimenez of Oshkosh; and his daughter, Megan Darge of Mayville; his sisters, June (Efrain) Morales of Beaver Dam, Kathy (Dean) Arndt of Mayville, Tom (Sue) Darge of Campbellsport; his in-laws, Charles and Louise Wagner; sisters-in-law, Charlene Juoni of Fond du Lac and Corinne (Bob) Zurad of Franklin. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents.   A Celebration of Life for Mark was held on Sunday, Nov.14, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Horicon American Legion.   The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Aurora Medical Center in Grafton and also to Frisenius Kidney Care Center in Slinger.   The Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville served the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.