Cremation Society of Milwaukee

Wendy C. Collier, of Wauwatosa, WI, passed away on April 11th, at home peacefully in her sleep. Wendy, was born on August 17th, 1965, to Gary and Barbara Sphar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, bringing great joy and excitement into the world. During high school in Upstate New York, Wendy found the love of her life, prom date, sweetheart, and soulmate, Michael. They met while painting the yellow brick road in a production of The Wizard of Oz. Wendy and Michael were married happily for over 38 years and have three children, Cameron, Caroline, and Trent. Wendy was an excellent wife, mother, friend, fantastic cook/baker, fan of flowers, and a people-person who was beloved by all. Wendy will always be...

Lori A Fuhrmann of Oconomowoc, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 65. Lori attended Appleton High School East, Fox Valley Technical College, as well as the Appleton School of Cosmetology. Lori began her 40 year career in the hospitality industry as a travel consultant, meeting planning coordinator, and eventually sales management at various Milwaukee area hotels. Lori was a participant in the Mrs. Oconomowoc Pageant as well as a past member of the Oconomowoc Kiwanis. Lori is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Fuhrmann of 45 years; her son, Jason Fuhrmann (Mandi) and four grandsons; her sister, KayMarie Gregory; brother, Dale Schenian (Mickie); her...

Michael Fleming passed peacefully on September 21, 2024. For condolences and the full obituary, please visit: https://obits.cremationsocietyofwaukesha.com/michael-fleming.

Francis Anthony Jaroch, known affectionately as Randy, passed away on August 17, 2024, at 76, in West Allis, WI. He was born on December 24, 1947, in Chicago, IL, and spent his later years touching lives through his humor, care, and dedication to others. Raised in Mundelein, IL, Randy was one of 13 children who somehow flourished in a home with one bathroom. Randy served in the Air Force, and his military tenure shaped his early adult years and instilled in him values that he carried throughout his life. Professionally, Randy was a creative force and an empathetic soul. His early professional career included working as a radio announcer, being the Poetry Editor at the Omaha World-Herald,...

Gundi Dwyer passed away peacefully following a valiant battle against cancer. Gundi was born Aug. 21, 1955, to her parents, Robert and Barbara (nee Block) Kluttermann in Watertown. Gundi is survived by her husband, Bill, and their son, Ian Dwyer of Watertown, WI; sister, Marty (Dale) Gottschalk of Monona, WI; brother, Rich (Shari) Kluttermann of Chapel Hill, N C.; and niece and nephews: Ernst, Karl, Dylan, Erica, and Julian. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert Kluttermann and Barbara Kluttermann Folz; brother, Russel Kluttermann; nephew, Brandon Kluttermann; and stepfather, Francis Folz. Gundi worked many years at Detjens Northern Trails. She loved motorcycle rides with her husband...

Darrah Perry Chavey, 69, of Beloit, WI passed away, surrounded by family, on January 6, 2024 from complications following heart surgery. Full obituary can be found at: https://obits.cremationsocietyofmadison.com/darrah-chavey. Remembrances can be sent to: [email protected] or added to the obituary website. Darrah is survived by his spouse, Peggy Weisensel Chavey; his 2 children, Rhiannon (Stephen) Rudisill and James (Lexie) Chavey; the grand-twins, Ethan & Avalon; 2 brothers; 2 sisters; 3 step-brothers; and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, and sister, June Wiekierak. Memorial contributions may be made to: Chumash Indian Museum...

Sara Jane Toenes, educator, patron of the arts, loving friend, aunt, sister, and daughter, passed away in her home on Saturday, December 23, 2023. Sara spent her early childhood in Union, New Jersey, until the family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, when she was seven. There, she excelled in school and was able to skip a grade. She enjoyed taking care of her pet ducks, writing, and playing the clarinet in the school band. Always at the top of her class, she won the State French Contest in her senior year of high school, the prize for which included a scholarship to the Womenundefineds College of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. After graduating from UNC, she earned her...

Jean M. Montella, age 76, passed peacefully in her home in Cedarburg, WI, on December 15, 2023, with family by her side. Cherished mother of Anthony, Joseph (Rebecca) Montella, and Elizabeth (Steven) Melchior. Beloved grandmother of Matthew and Abigail Richter. Jean was the second oldest of eight children of Clarence and Bertrice Waldow, who proceed her in death, along with brothers Charles (Skeeter) and Robert Waldow. Jean retired from Exacto Spring Corporation in Grafton, WI, after 15 years of employment. Jeanundefineds favorite pastime for most of her life was playing BINGO with family and friends. Jean will be remembered as an extremely kind, loving, giving, strong-willed person, and...

Thomas John Varney passed away at age of 76 on December 14, 2023, in Wauwatosa, WI. Tom was born in Marshfield, WI, on March 24, 1947, to Emery and Jeanette Varney. Tomundefineds parents preceded him in death. Tom is survived by his loving wife, June Varney (Baake); sister, Mary Fisher (nee Varney) (Robert); their children, Christopher Fischer and Lexi Grayvold (nee Fischer) (Brady); stepson, Shawn Friedeck and Tammy Ritzman; grandson, Cody Ritzman; special daughter, Amy Barth (nee Jones) (Dan Simion); and grandsons, Josh Barth (often Tomundefineds traveling partner) and Alec Simion. Tom was a 38 year veteran of WE Energies and enjoyed his work there very much. After retirement, Tomundefineds...

Steinhorst Lorraine Ann, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 10th, 2023. For condolences and the full obituary, please visit: https://obits.cremationsocietyofmadison.com/lorraine-steinhorst.

Richard "Dick" A. Mack, 94, of Grafton, WI, passed away peacefully at home on December 9, 2023. He was born on March 14, 1929, in Trego, WI. Dick was a hard worker and could tackle any project, despite challenges with his eyesight. He enjoyed his job as a machinist at Starline Manufacturing for over 40 years and cherished the friendships he made there, especially with his best work friend, Ken Czerniak, and his wife, Sandra. Dick was an avid woodworker and could fix almost anything. He found joy in keeping busy and making things for people or helping them. Outside of work, Dick and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed doing everything together, including dancing and caring for their dogs. Peaches, his...

James Conrad Baxter, known affectionately as Bax, passed away on December 6, 2023, at the age of 71 in Delafield, Wisconsin. Born on October 2, 1952, in Milwaukee, James brought joy and laughter to the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. James graduated from Greendale High School, class of 1970. He was a master auto mechanic and a talented artist renowned for his museum-quality Tiffany lamp replicas. James was a good friend to many. He was always willing to come to the aid of someone's car in need of repair. He had a special bond with his beloved birds, Dana and Amanda, who brought him immense joy and...

Rita Marie Johnston passed away November 25th,m 2023. She was born on July 25th, 1932, in La Crosse, WI, to Al and Nora (Geier) Frederick. A memorial service and Mass will be held January 19th at 10:30 a.m. at Guardian Angel Chapel in Wauwatosa, WI, and a burial service will take place on January 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse, WI. Please visit this website for the complete obituary: https://obits.cremationsocietyofwaukesha.com/rita-johnston.

Peter Mathew Friedland, 62, of Madison, WI, passed away on November 22, 2023. He was born on August 14, 1961, in Madison to the parents of Kathy Morrow and "Pete" Vernon (Cathy) Friedland. Peter was a loving husband to Sherri Friedland and a proud father to his son, Clayton (Jodi) Friedland. He adored his grandchildren, Emily and Owen Friedland. Peter had a deep passion for the outdoors and cherished spending time with his dogs. He found solace and joy in fishing, and his skill and dedication earned him the world's tiger trout record, a feat he held proudly for many years. He also took pleasure in cheering for the Badgers and the Packers, showing his unwavering support for his favorite...

Dennis "Denny" Norman Blackmore, age 82, peacefully passed away on November 20, 2023. For condolences and the full obituary, please visit: https://obits.cremationsocietyofmadison.com/dennis-blackmore.

Dennis "Denny" Norman Blackmore, age 82, peacefully passed away on November 20, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 12, 1941, in Middletown, Ohio, to his loving parents, Leah and Thomas Blackmore. Denny met his wife, Jean, while stationed at Truax Field in Madison, WI, just after Jean graduated from Nursing School. As a dedicated husband, and father to his children, Laura, Heather, and Christopher, he showed loving kindness, patience, empathy, and gave hugs like no other. After Denny served in the Air Force from 1961 to 1965, he attended the University of WI La Crosse where he graduated in January 1969 with a degree in Education, with emphasis in English and...

Dennis "Denny" Norman Blackmore, age 82, peacefully passed away on November 20, 2023. For condolences and the full obituary, please visit: https://obits.cremationsocietyofmadison.com/dennis-blackmore.

Casimir (Casey) Zarczynski, age 77, of Beaver Dam, passed away on Friday, November 17th, 2023, at Madison Veterans Hospital. Casey was born April 6th, 1946, to Eryk and Agnes in Germany. He was united in marriage to Della Degeler on June 12th, 1971. He came to the United States in 1949 and became a US Citizen in 1973. Casey spent 3 years serving our country as a US Marine, from 1966 to 1969. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, his children and grandchildren, beloved dog, Bucky, and being around his friends. Casey is survived by his wife of 52 undefined years, Della; his children: Brenda Mueller (Tony Arvold), Robert (Melissa) Zarczynski, Jessica (Brian) Schuster, and Daniel (Jennifer)...

Richard ("Rick') Lee Berg, age 73, passed away on November 11, 2023, at UW Hospital in Madison, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on August 17, 1950, in Madison, son of Robert and Phyllis Berg. Rick spent most of his life in or near Madison. He loved the city, and the state of Wisconsin, namely its sports teams (Packers, Brewers & Badgers), its small towns and natural beauty. He also lived in San Diego, Lake Mills and Fort Atkinson during his formative years. Rick graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1968, and UW-Madison School of Journalism in 1974. He married Carla Kleinheinz on September 3, 1977, in Madison. They divorced in 1999, but remained lifelong friends. Rick...

Nancy Jane (Sebby) OundefinedMara, 75, died on November 7, 2023, in Madison, Wisconsin. For condolences and the full obituary, please visit: https://obits.cremationsocietyofmadison.com/nancy-omara. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Nancyundefineds life on January 13th, 2024, from 12pm to 4pm at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, located at 3330 Atwood Avenue in Madison, WI.

Darlene K Dolphin, age 75, passed away on Thursday, November 2nd, after a short illness. She was born in Madison on January 8, 1948, to Edwin and Laura Dolphin (Graves). Darlene graduated from Madison East High School in 1966. She worked as a waitress at the Madison Club and at St Maryundefineds Hospital for more than 30 years in the housekeeping and laundry departments. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Ackeret (Brian), and grandchildren: Alexandra, Zachery, William, Megan, and Adam. Darlene is further survived by her sister, Beverly Whiting (Ronald), and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Wayne, Jerry, and Jim. The family plans to...