Obituaries

May 2, 2026

Paul Hilgendorf, 'Hook" a devoted father, grandfather, and cherished member of the Portage community, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, in his hometown of Portage, Wisconsin. Born on January 18, 1946, Paul’s life was marked by dedicated service, steadfast loyalty to family, and a rich tapestry of cherished memories.

A native of Portage, Paul proudly served his country as a...

Apr 25, 2026

Edward T. Elliott “Bud”

Edward Elliott, age 90, of Blair, WI passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Grand View Nursing Home. He was born April 16, 1936 to Edward and LaVern (Pretasky) Elliott in La Crosse, WI. He was the oldest of 9 children.

He was married to Marilyn Herber Dec. 1955 to May 2001. They had 6 children, Angel McKellar,...

Apr 23, 2026

Ronald Leo Donahue, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on April 23, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Dementia. Born on May 31, 1937, Ronald's life was marked by dedication, love, and an enduring spirit despite the challenges he faced in his final years.

Ronald proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy,...

Apr 12, 2026

Richard “Rich” Brian Reick passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2026, from complications due to an illness. Rich was born on June 9, 1963 in Portage, WI to Karen and Bill Reick. He graduated from Portage Senior High School in 1981. After living in various cities and traveling abroad, Rich settled in Boise, ID. He married Pamela Meyers...

Apr 12, 2026

Lyla Marie Schultz, age 89, of Merrimac, WI passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026 She was born on February 5, 1937, the daughter of Dorothy and Thaddeous Pearson. Lyla graduated from Baraboo High School in 1955. As an adolescent, Lyla enjoyed skating, Music, dancing, art and nature.

Lyla married Willis Delmar Schultz on August 5, 1955, they honeymooned in South...

Apr 6, 2026

Cynthia Rae (nee Berg) Anderson passed away on April 6th, 2026, with her family she held so dearly by her side. Cynthia was born on September 5th, 1948 in Whitehall, WI to James and Isla Berg. A proud lifelong resident of Blair, Cynthia grew up traveling around the coulee region with her father, delivering poultry to restaurants and businesses from...

Mar 26, 2026

Dean L. Hoel, 79, passed away on March 26, 2026, in Madison, WI. Born on July 13, 1946, in Portage, Wisconsin, Dean was a cherished member of his community and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Dean dedicated over 40 years to working as an engineer for the railroad, a career filled with countless stories of crossings...

Feb 28, 2026

James A. Yonkie, age 70, of Pardeeville, Wisconsin, passed away on February 28, 2026 at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, Wisconsin. James was born on December 6, 1955 in Portage, the son of Albert and Virginia (Falk) Yonkie.

James loved his Harley Davidson “Elizabeth” and was known to his Vision Riders biker club brothers as “Crazy.” He spent the first...

Feb 20, 2026

Debra "Debbie" Ann Shadel passed away peacefully early morning on February 20th, 2026 with her loved ones by her side after a long list of health issues and a courageous battle to cancer.

Debbie was born on February 19th, 1960 in Baraboo, WI. She grew up in Hillpoint, WI where many family memories were made. After her...

Feb 17, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of James Harry Crawford, 82, of Portage, WI announces that he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 17 after a battle with cancer.

Jim was born on April 17, 1943 to Delbert Patrick Crawford and Helen Harriet Crawford (Schnabel) in Portage, WI. He attended St....

Feb 2, 2026

Steven Donald Monthey, 60, passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2026, in Portage, Wisconsin. A gentle soul with a calm demeanor, Steve was known for his unwavering love for his family. He was a devoted son, brother, and uncle — roles he embraced with sincerity and care. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence and the quiet...

Jan 29, 2026

Marcia Adell (Anklam) Hardie, 87, of Chippewa Falls and formerly of Taylor died Thursday, Jan. 29. Marcia was born Feb. 6, 1938 in Adams County, WI to Rudolph and Virginia (Blabaum) Anklam. Her mother died in childbirth when Marcia was 2 and she and her father moved to live with her grandparents Walter and Adella Blabaum in Highland, WI,...

Jan 24, 2026

Mary Judith Strang (nee Tanke), age 87, born April 20, 1938 to William Tanke and Hattie Albrecht Tanke, was called home to heaven on January 24, 2026. She is survived by her daughter Susan (Gary) Voigt, son Kevin (Kathleen) Wruck, and daughter Janell (Randy) Dorn; grandchildren Alex (Mallory) Dorn, Brooke (Jacob) Batterman, and Hannah Dorn (significant other Braxton Brown);...

Jan 10, 2026

RANDY GUCKENBERGER, 62, PASSED AWAY JANUARY 10, 2026 AT RIVERS OF PORTAGE, ASSISTED LIVING CENTER, 601 LATTON LANE, PORTAGE, WISCONSIN. AFTER A LONG ILLNESS. RANDY WAS BORN ON JUNE 16, 1963 IN SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN TO DEWAYNE AND EILEEN GUCKENBERGER. RANDY WAS A MAN WITH A BIG HEART, MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP ANY FRIENDS OR RELATIVES. HE ALWAYS...

Jan 3, 2026

Julia Plier passed away peacefully January 3, 2026 at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, Wisconsin after a long illness.

She was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Roy and Hope (Smith) Bersie. Julie was a kind and caring person – who was loved and respected by many.

Julie spent her childhood summers in Egg...

Dec 30, 2025

Joseph Vern Gray age 90 died on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Wisconsin Dells Health Service. Joseph was born on March 10, 1935 to Joseph and Beatrice (Lafler) Gray.

Joe was a man of many hats, Literally, known by many as "Scooter Joe"

He was employed at Rayovac for many years and drove truck...

Dec 23, 2025

Cathy A Beckett, age 65, of Portage, WI passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 surrounded by her family, at home.

Cathy was born on September 13, 1960, in Milwaukee, WI. She married Thomas Brent Beckett on August 27, 1991.

Cathy dedicated her career to Trienda Corp. for many years until her retirement.

...

Dec 7, 2025

James "Jim" E. Garetson passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, and was reunited with the love of his life, LeeAnna Faye, whom he has missed dearly since her passing in 2016.

Born on November 4, 1942, to Maxine and Paul Garetson, Jim grew up with strong family values that guided him throughout his life. He graduated...

Nov 29, 2025

Thomas Michael Fahey age 66 of Frankfort, Indiana, formerly of Portage, Wisconsin. Died after a short battle with cancer on Saturday November 29, 2025 at the Clinton House Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Frankfort Indiana.

Tommy is the first of four boys', born on August 21, 1959 to Thomas and Nora (Vesely) Fahey.

Graduating...

Nov 26, 2025

Jean M. Greenwood, age 91, passed away on November 26, 2025, in Portage, Wisconsin.

Jean was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Kenneth and Julia (Hand). She worked for the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office in Madison and Baraboo for many years.

Jean enjoyed dancing, gardening, her many cats, and the years she spent living in...