Cress Funeral Service

Deborah Marie Yoder, age 58, passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2022. She was born in Dubuque, Iowa on March 18,1964 to Lawrence and Charlotte (Freiburger) Hansen. She grew up in Dubuque surrounded by loving family and friends, and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. She attended classes at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, where she met her future husband, Jim Yoder, at a restaurant where they both worked. They got married October 24, 1986, and were inseparable after that. They enjoyed watching movies, reading books together, and observing life. Debbie worked her whole life as a cosmetologist, and among other talents, specialized in hair extensions and insertions. She worked...

Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Lein, age 101, of Sun Prairie, formerly of Rockdale, WI went to be with the Lord in the early morning of April 25, 2022. The former Betty Hake was born on February 28, 1921 in Whitewater, to Alfred and Jennie (Rohrer) Hake. She grew up and attended schools in the Jefferson and Fort Atkinson areas. She was united in marriage to her husband, Carroll "Chub" Lein on January 20, 1941 in Iowa. They faithfully attended and served Faith Community Church in Fort Atkinson, until moving in 2001 to Sunwood Apartments in Sun Prairie. She was a very talented seamstress in her early years, making clothing for her daughters and herself. She continued knitting and crocheting into her...

Stewart "Buck" Atkinson, age 71, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022, peacefully at home with his family at his side, after a hell of a fight with cancer. He was born on August 11, 1950, in Portage, son to Wallace C. and G. Catherine (Meekma) Atkinson. Buck was united in marriage to Patty Schulz on April 20, 1974, in Oregon. Together they were married 48 years, and raised two children, Mike, and Michelle. Buck graduated from Oregon High School in 1968 and worked for the U. S. Post Office for 35 years. He enjoyed tinkering around with small engines and visiting Wayne's Automotive. He loved spending time in Oxford with his family, and he will be remembered for his love of life. Buck was the...

Thomas Michael Tritt, age 64, of Lodi, passed away unexpectedly, but naturally at his home on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Tom was born in Canton, OH on January 13, 1958 to the late James, Jr. and Barbara (Ross) Tritt. He was raised in Michigan and attended Oscar A. Carlson High School. His working years were spent in residential construction, insulation installation, and glass manufacturing. Tom's work with glass manufacturing brought his family to Wisconsin in 1990. Tom's absolute treasures in life were his grandkids. He'd often be seen cheering them on at sporting events. The grandchildren will always remember Fridays in the summer with grandpa at the pool, and their yearly trip to the...

Terry passed away peacefully in his sleep from a massive stroke at the young age of 35. Terry's genuine smile, fun antics and contagious laugh will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know him. Terry's children were the light of his life. He was the infamous middle child and always knew how to be noticed with jokes and wit. Terry grew up in Waterloo and graduated high school in 2005. He attended Bay de Noc College in Michigan. Terry loved and excelled in all sports; but wrestling was his favorite. Terry had many friends who consider him a brother. He cherished his friendship with Blake, Seth, Hunter, Jake, Aaron, Austin, Dan, Duane, Danny, but everyone held a special place in his heart....

Velda was born April 9, 1926, to Chester and Viola Trumble in Mauston, Wisconsin. Velda was United in marriage to Robert Thompson on August 17, 1946, in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Shortly after that, Velda started her career at Cuna Mutual in Madison, and they moved to Sun Prairie WI in 1951. Velda continued her career in bookkeeping for Piggly Wiggly until she retired. Bob & Velda were married for 72 years. Velda is survived by her two sons : Bruce Thompson (Nancy) of Sun Prairie and John Thompson of Madison; four grandchildren Jenny Simon (Pete), Andy Thompson (Chris) , Katherine Roberts (Elmer) and Dan Thompson (Kayla ) : 7 great grandchildren: Carter, Grace , Taylor , Luke, Paxton,...

Dennis J. (Denny) Farrell passed away at his home in the Town of Sun Prairie on January 19, 2022, where he lived for over 50 years. Denny was born in Milwaukee, WI on June 23, 1948, to Joseph C and Ardath E. (Glaser) Farrell. He married Diane Schwartz on March 29, 1969. Denny and Diane were avid boaters and water skiers and could be found on Madison lakes most weekends. Denny is survived by his brother Jim (Kathy) of Keller, TX, sister Judy James of Lodi, California, brother in law Jim ( Denny) Schwartz, a niece and nephew. Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Diane, parents, in- laws Floyd and Dorothy Schwartz and his grandparents. Funeral service will be held at Cress Funeral...

Ethlyn Alice "Penne" Heilmann Reckner passed away on January 9, 2022, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinic in Madison, Wisconsin after a prolonged illness at the age of 83, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in 1938 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She married Rodger Drake and the family moved to the Madison area where she lived for many years. She enjoyed traveling, knitting, reading, walking, and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children Gary (Jane), Debby, Linda (Tony), Greg (Joan), Lisa (Mike), Michael, T.R. (Jocelyn), and Patrick (Maria), ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in...

Dr. Alan Frederic Ketelhohn, age 85, passed away Monday, December 13, 2021 with his wife at his side. He was born on July 5, 1936 in Milwaukee, WI, to Alfred and Mabel (Sedlak) Ketelhohn. He became a child of God through Baptism on July 10, 1936 and confirmed his faith on April 12, 1950 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa. On September 3, 1960, Alan married his beloved, Marianne Ruth Kitzerow at St. John's Lutheran Church. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin receiving his medical degree in 1962. The Lord granted Alan and Marianne 61 years of wedded bliss and blessed them with two children: David of Great Falls, MT and Kristin (Andrew) Huebner of Sun Prairie, WI....

Brad G. Robinson, age 67, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. He was born January 21, 1954, in Tucson, Arizona. Brad joined the Marine Corps in 1971. He met the love of his life at the age of 10 and they were married for 48 years. Brad was a foster parent to 17 teenaged boys. He retired from the VA in 2009. He also served on the board of supervisors for the Town of Westport for 19 years. Brad was preceded in death by his parents; a baby sister; mother-in-law; and sister-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; two brothers, Gregory (Sandy) and Geoffrey; sister, Mary Robbins; three sisters-in-law, Marie (Norman) Showers, Cheri (Ted) Veith, Heidi (Peter) Bausch;...

SUN PRAIRIE Harold W. (Harry) Ripp, 74, of Sun Prairie, WI, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family after a battle with CMML leukemia that was difficult but never dampened his warm spirit and infectious smile. Harry was born January 28, 1947, in Madison, WI to Peter L. and Marcella (Dahmen) Ripp. He married Ann, his beloved wife of 50 years, July 10, 1971 in Cross Plains, WI. He graduated Queen of Apostles High School in 1965, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1969, and earned an Associate Business Degree from Sauk Valley College in Dixon, Illinois. He was with US Bank/First Wisconsin Bank for 28 years before...

Gene Walter Erdmann, age 82, died on November 10th, 2021, in Columbus Wisconsin. Gene is survived by his wife of 34 years, Judith Erdmann (Gottfried Laczniak), of Sun Prairie; his four Children: Renee Potrykus nee Erdmann (Bob Biertzer), Blaine Erdmann(Holly) , Terrance Erdmann (Suzanne), Rebecca Hurley nee Erdmann (Shane) as well as his three stepchildren, Jennifer Gumphrey (Chris Goodman) , Peter Laczniak (Kimberly), and Marc Laczniak. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, three great-grand children as well as many nieces, nephews and his former wife, Bonita Erdmann. He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Viola Erdmann (nee Ruthenberg), of Sussex, Wisconsin...

James W. Jaeger, 77, of Madison passed away on November 2, 2021, at Agrace hospice facility. He was born on October 17, 1944, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, the son of Carl Jaeger and Irene (Fick) Jaeger. He married Kandis (Candy) Edwards Elliot on the autumnal equinox of 1974. Jim attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received his BS in biochemistry and Master's and PhD degrees in Zoology. He taught in UW zoological courses for several years and was a researcher in the Porter Lab for 30 years until his retirement in 2006. He studied the effects of agricultural chemicals on native wildlife and was a proponent of maintaining and upgrading the health of watersheds, prairies, and...

Ralph J. Vivier, age 89, passed away at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital Hospice care center. Ralph served in the US Army in the Korean War, was a POW and his sacrifice awarded him the Purple Heart. Ralph worked alongside his brother Louis, who owned and operated State Street Army Surplus Store in Madison, WI, for 35 years. His hobbies were playing the guitar, harmonica and fixing cars. He is survived by his children Robert, Mary (Nick) Lemke, George, Ralph Junior, Tom (John), Doris Mendoza, and Rose (Dan) Drost; a sister, Isabel DeCoteau; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, of more than 60 years, Ethel; his parents; 2...

Martha L. Brill Bjorklund & Howard G. Bjorklund Madison, WI Martha L. Bjorklund, age 91, passed away April 30, 2019 and Howard G. Bjorklund, age 94, passed away October 22, 2021, both at Oakwood Village University Woods in Madison where they lived. Full obituaries appeared in earlier editions of local newspapers. A Celebration of Life for Marti and Howie will take place Saturday June 11, 2022. A graveside service with inurnment begins at 11:00AM at Luther Valley Cemetery, 7107 S. Luther Valley Rd., Beloit, WI, with Pastor Martha Nack presiding. A celebration gathering will follow, 12:00-3:00PM, at the Nelson Family Century Farm of Peggy & Roger Nelson, 8842 W. Plymouth Church...

MADISON Howard Gene "Howie" Bjorklund, age 94, passed away October 22, 2021. He was born October 2, 1927, in Chicago, the son of Alice (Nelson) and Casper Bjorklund. The family soon moved to a farm in Orfordville, WI, then to Beloit, WI. Howard and Martha L. "Marti" Brill met in Beloit High School, class of 1945, and married November 25, 1948. They were blessed with 70 years of marriage until Martha's passing in 2019. Howard graduated from Bradley University School of Horology, after which he worked for his father-in-law, Henry Brill Jewelers. Several years later Howard followed his desire to be in law enforcement and in 1953 he joined the Beloit Police Department, walking a beat and...

Carrie Ann (Woodburn) Amacher, age 42, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. She was born on October 11, 1979, to Dick and Connie Woodburn. Carrie graduated from DeForest High School in 1998. She married Darrin Amacher on June 27, 2009, and had two beautiful children, Abbygail (11) and Bianca (6). She was also a proud Mom to James Amacher (16), who she loved dearly. Carrie was a devoted mother who loved hunting and everything outdoors. She especially enjoyed spending time with family, friends and neighbors. She was a long-time employee of Fairway Independent Mortgage where coworkers became friends. Carrie will be dearly missed by daughters Abby and Bianca and stepson,...

Sun Prairie Lynette Owens died unexpectedly in her sleep Sunday evening October 10, 2021 at the age of 64. Lynette grew up in the Wausau area and graduated from the UW- LaCrosse. She had a rewarding career in health administration and education. After retiring she volunteered at the Madison Cat Project, the Dane County Humane Society and The Read Before Bookstore. Lynette was also a devoted foodie, always exploring new cuisines with bold flavors from countries across the globe. Her two great joys were traveling and her grandchildren. She traveled to Canada, London, France, Egypt, Ireland and most recently to Central Europe in the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Lynette always...

De Pere, WI--Luke Francis Lamb died on Aug. 28, 2021, at Unity Hospice in De Pere, Wis. Born in Pocatello, Idaho, on Sept. 15, 1932, to Mary Arlene Schwarz Lamb and Luke R. Lamb, Luke Francis (known in his youth as Fritz) lived with his extended family in Pocatello until marrying Marjorie Anna Brehm (of Rickardsville, Iowa) on Dec. 28, 1954. After graduating from Idaho State College in 1954, Luke began his career as a U.S. Army officer, serving at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla., and in Darmstadt, Germany. Later he attended graduate school at the University of Missouri, where he earned a doctorate in educational administration in 1961. Two years later, Lamb moved his family to Corvallis, Ore.;...

Judith Ann Welch, 85, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on August 21, 2021. She was born on September 12, 1935. She is survived by her loving husband Mike of over 63 years; daughters Cheri, Suzanne (Rick) Doucette, Kerry (Tim) Sheehan, Kellie Hardesty, and son Patric (Bonnie). She was a loving grandma to Logan, MacKenzie, Ryley, Ryan, Adam, Devin, and Aidan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Franklin Johnson, and her brother, Michael Johnson. Judy graduated from Marquette University in 1957, where she earned a degree in liberal arts and met Mike in Spanish class. The two were later married at Christ King Church in Wauwatosa the same year. Pursuing her...

Eldon William Grunewald, age 78, passed away on August 20, 2021, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born January 20, 1943, Medina, township, Dane County and was the son of Elmer and Ethel (Frentzel) Grunewald. He was united in marriage to Delores Henke on March 14, 1964, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Marshall, WI. They were married for 57 years and together raised their daughter, JoEllen, and son, Jason. Eldon graduated from Marshall High School in 1961. Following graduation, he worked for the Wisconsin Porcelain and Feuling Concrete Construction, both located in Sun Prairie, and Ball Corporation in DeForest. He was a longtime member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Eldon was an avid...