Obituaries
Steven “Steve” J. Bautch passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer, under the care of Aurora Hospice in Neenah, WI.
Steve was born March 29, 1954, to Rudolph and Sally (Dorava) Bautch. He was raised on the family farm in rural Whitehall. Steve enjoyed...
Debra “Deb” L. (Ihus) Mueller, 74, of Independence, following a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia, passed away peacefully, Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Deb was born October 6, 1950, to Sarah Thiel and Melvin Ihus. Her early years were spent in foster care until she found a loving family, Norm...
Faye Aileen Hilgart, 79, of Sun Prairie, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Friday, February 14, 2025.
Faye was born October 8, 1945, in Soudan, MN, to parents Arnie Branwall and Eline (Williams) Branwall. Faye was very connected to the earth, spending as much of her childhood as...
Ronald “Ron” Eugene Thompson, 69, of Whitehall, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer which was diagnosed last May. Reports indicated that he had conquered it but the treatments apparently took a toll on...
Robert “Bobby” John Mickelson of Black River Falls, went to join his Lord and Savior in Heaven in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Country Terrace, his place of residence for the past 10 years.
Robert was born July 28, 1957, in La Crosse, the fourth son of Lester and...
Lewis “Lewie” D. Sura, 90, passed away Monday, February 10, 2025, in his home.
Lewie was born August 4, 1934, in the Town of Chimney Rock, Trempealeau County, the son of Roman and Rose (Kampa) Sura. Lewie married Janice (Castad) Sura, August 23, 1957, at Fort Bragg, NC. Three children were born...
Janet Irene Smith, 88, of Arcadia, died Monday, February 10, 2025, at her home.
Janet was born June 20, 1936, in Independence, the daughter of Carl and Mary (Symicek) Matchey. She attended Farmers School in Traverse Valley and Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School. Janet graduated from Independence...
George R. Lyga, 88, of Independence, died peacefully, Friday, February 7, 2025, at Gundersen Tri County Hospital in Whitehall.
George was born May 22, 1936, in Buffalo County, to George A. and Marion (Hagenbarth) Lyga. He married Ethel Wivelstad, October 30, 1954. They recently celebrated their...
Curtis Duane Beck, 74, of rural Blair, passed away peacefully, Friday, February 7, 2025, at Gundersen Tri-County Hospital in Whitehall.
Curtis was born November 26, 1950, at Black River Memorial Hospital, to Curtis and Doris Beck of Taylor. Curtis grew up with a deep love for family and the land...
Thomas H. Cooke, of Shawano, died Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Scottsdale, AZ.
Thomas was born May 12, 1950, to Robert S. and Marguerite V. (Abend) Cooke. Tom was a smart man, and he planned well for the future. So it’s no surprise he was able to surround himself with loved ones in the weeks...
