Ryan Funeral Home

Marcia L. (Speranza) Olson, age 87, passed away, peacefully, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Marcia is survived by her daughters, Chris Black-Puckett and Tina (Scott) Glaser; siblings, Joanne Levenick, Robert Wacholz Sr., Tom (Pat) Speranza, and Kay (Ron) Speranza-Piazza. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:30AM at ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona. A visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 9:30AM until time of service. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Avenue 608-249-8257

Verona/Ridgeway- Ronald William Leary, age 79, of Verona and Ridgeway passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital. Ron was born on June 3, 1944, to Dennett E. Leary and Lola M. Blumke in Madison, WI. Ron grew up in Verona, Wisconsin where he met and married Linda Sharer in 1962. They had a daughter together named Dawn. They were together for 37 years. Ron worked construction where he drove dump and cement trucks playing a crucial role in the Madison area infrastructure. Ron loved going to auctions and was an avid collector of sports memorabilia. In his younger years he bowled and played softball in several competitive leagues. Those close to Ron knew he was an...

LeRoy R. Hall, age 84, passed away March 25, 2024 in Cary, NC. A Funeral Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church, 220 S. Main St., DeForest, WI. A visitation will take place at the church two hours prior to the service, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Norway Grove Cemetery, DeForest. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com. Ryan Funeral Home 6924 Lake Road 608-846-4250 "I am from 100 acres in rural Wisconsin Teeming with holsteins, work horses, and chickens I am from threshing, plowing and baling And rubbernecking on the party line I am from Louise's home baked bread drenched in butter And klub,...

LeRoy R. Hall, age 84, passed away March 25, 2024 in Cary, NC. A Funeral Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, April 5, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church, 220 S. Main St., DeForest, WI. A visitation will take place at the church two hours prior to the service, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Norway Grove Cemetery, DeForest. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Windsor/DeForest Chapel 6924 Lake Road 608-846-4250

Winnifred H. (Olson) Urban, age 91, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 N. Main Street, Verona. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass on Saturday at the church. Lunch will be served. Burial at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Verona Chapel 220 Enterprise Drive 608-845-6625

Max Marvin Westrich was born to Eunice J. Westrich and Ralph M. "Whitey" Westrich in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 8, 1952. He passed away by natural causes at his home in Madison, Wisconsin on March 9, 2024. Max grew up in the idyllic community of Indian Village residing with his parents, his sister Vickie, and their maternal grandmother Maude (Nan) Myers. He was a graduate of Elmhurst High School after which he earned his Graphic Arts Degree from Indiana University, Fort Wayne. Max married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Louise Berry, on June 22, 1974, at Christ United Methodist Church. While in college Max lived in the Fort Wayne Arts district after which he and his wife Vicki took a VW...

Dr. Arthur Carl Plautz, Jr. age 89, passed away peacefully on March 9th, 2024, with Alice, his wife of 57 years, and family members by his side. Art was born June 6th, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Arthur and Gertrude Plautz. He graduated from Rufus King High School, and went on to attend Marquette University and Medical School. After completing the medical program in 3 years, he earned his MD in 1958. He then completed his residency in the Milwaukee area. After being drafted into the military, he went to Vietnam and served as a surgeon in the US Army. He met the love of his life, Alice, on July 8th , 1966, at the 85th EVAC in Qui Nhon. It was love at first sight. The two were...

DEFOREST- William "Bill" Charles Hayes, age 71, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at UW Hospital surrounded by family after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born on July 7, 1952, in Marshfield, Wisconsin the son of Elizabeth "Betty" Mary (Dumas) and Charles "Charlie" Edward Hayes. Bill was a 1970 graduate of Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield, WI. He then went on to attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison to receive a bachelor's degree in health and safety education. He retired after a 30-year career in pharmaceutical sales at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (becoming Pfizer later in his career). He had many interests and wore many hats being the world's best grandpa,...

William "Bill" Charles Hayes, age 71, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at UW Hospital surrounded by family after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born on July 7, 1952, in Marshfield, Wisconsin the son of Elizabeth "Betty" Mary (Dumas) and Charles "Charlie" Edward Hayes. Bill was a 1970 graduate of Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield, WI. He then went on to attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison to receive a bachelor's degree in health and safety education. He retired after a 30-year career in pharmaceutical sales at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (becoming Pfizer later in his career). He had many interests and wore many hats being the world's best grandpa, grill...

Constance Ellen Nelson, age 95, passed away at Our House in Lodi on Friday, March 1, 2024. Connie was born on October 1, 1928, in Morrisonville, WI to Julius and Florence (Lee) Brue. She grew up in DeForest, attending a one room school and later graduated from Poynette High School in 1946. Connie married Russell M. Nelson on April 3, 1948, at Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest, where their likeness was used for a church mural. Connie was a stenographer for the MacKenzie Center/Game Farm - pheasant section, in Poynette for 33 years. She was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Poynette and Christ Lutheran in DeForest. At Christ Lutheran she was active in the Altar Guild, Quilting...

Constance Ellen Nelson, age 95, passed away at Our House in Lodi on Friday, March 1, 2024. Connie was born on October 1, 1928, in Morrisonville, WI to Julius and Florence (Lee) Brue. She grew up in DeForest, attending a one room school and later graduated from Poynette High School in 1946. Connie married Russell M. Nelson on April 3, 1948, at Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest, where their likeness was used for a church mural. Connie was a stenographer for the MacKenzie Center/Game Farm - pheasant section, in Poynette for 33 years. She was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Poynette and Christ Lutheran in DeForest. At Christ Lutheran she was active in the Altar Guild, Quilting...

Larry L. Collins was born at home in Westfield, Wisconsin to Chester Lee Collins and Evelyn Grace (Dewar) Collins on February 18, 1934. After earning his bachelor's degree from Stevens Point State Teacher's College (Now UW Stevens Point) Larry was hired to teach for the public schools in Madison, Wisconsin. After teaching for about six weeks, he was drafted into the Army. When he was honorably discharged Larry returned to Madison to continue working as a teacher and later as a middle school counselor with his master's degree from UW Madison. He served the Madison Public Schools for over 30 years. On August 12, 1951, Larry married Mary (Peg) Margaret McCormick. They enjoyed 62.5 years...

Dean Peter Paul Zimmerman, age 76, passed away after heart surgery on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Dean was born on July 14, 1947, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Henry and Joan (Sturgis) Zimmerman. He grew up in Amherst and Stevens Point and graduated from UW Stevens Point. Dean taught in the Wisconsin Rapids and Plymouth school districts. Some of his proudest moments were in creating a diversity club, in Plymouth, where hundreds of students attended yearly conferences; coaching debate in middle and high school, including his two children; and leading the Teacher's Union in the Wisconsin Rapids School District during the strikes of the 1970s. One of his true loves was hiking in Glacier National...

Dean Peter Paul Zimmerman, age 76, passed away after heart surgery on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Dean was born on July 14, 1947, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Henry and Joan (Sturgis) Zimmerman. He grew up in Amherst and Stevens Point and graduated from UW Stevens Point. Dean taught in the Wisconsin Rapids and Plymouth school districts. Some of his proudest moments were in creating a diversity club, in Plymouth, where hundreds of students attended yearly conferences; coaching debate in middle and high school, including his two children; and leading the Teacher's Union in the Wisconsin Rapids School District during the strikes of the 1970s. One of his true loves was hiking in Glacier National...

Gretchen Ann Speerstra passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan 31, 2024 at Meriter Hospital surrounded by close friends. She was born in 1938 in Stevens Point to Walter and Clara Speerstra. Gretchen taught Unified Arts /Home Economics at Cherokee Junior High School in Madison from 1960 to 1998. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon, Friday, February 9, 2024 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, WI, with Fr. Jay Poster presiding. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the Mass from 11:00 - 12:00 at the church. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Verona...

Eileen Hahn, age 85, gained her heavenly wings on January 31st surrounded by family at her home in DeForest. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer just 16 days before. Her prayers were answered when she was able to go quickly, in her sleep, and with her family near. Eileen was born on May 6, 1938, to Helen and Carl F. Statz. She lived and attended school in Waunakee. On June 7, 1956, Eileen married Dean Hahn, moved to and farmed west of DeForest for the next chapter of their lives. They were married for 65 years before Dean passed in August of 2021. Eileen was raised a "city girl" but quickly learned to love life on the farm. In additional to helping with field work, cows, hogs,...

Robert M. Hesslink, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at his home in the Town of Montrose south of Verona on January 17, 2024. Bob was born to Robert, Sr. and Camilla (Reisner) Hesslink in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on November 7, 1945. In 1963, he graduated from Sheboygan South High School. He obtained a BS in Accounting from Lakeland University in Sheboygan in 1968 and then enrolled in UCLA School of Law. He was drafted into the Army shortly thereafter and was stationed in Worms, Germany from 1969 to 1971. He enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1971 and received his JD in 1973. He began his legal career as an attorney for the Tennessee Valley Authority. In 1975, he was appointed...

Ila J. Mazanet, age 94, of Westport passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 3, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, WI. She was born on March 8, 1929, to Arnold and Brita (Farham) Andrews in Madison, WI. Ila married Howard Mazanet on November 11, 1950, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Ila loved her flower garden, long walks on the beach in Florida and her swimming pool. Ila is survived by her husband; together they raised 3 sons, Thomas (Mary) of Westport, Robert (Shirley) of Blue Mounds, William (Brenda) of Westport; 7 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Arnold Andrews...

Richard Willard Goth, age 81, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. He was born in Madison, WI on December 25, 1942, to parents, Willard, and Hazel (Rung) Goth. Richard "Dick" was a 1961 graduate of Verona High School and was a long-time resident of Verona. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving during Vietnam in 1969-1970. During his military service, he was a crew chief, mechanic, and door gunner with the 68-assault helicopter company. He was based in Bien Hoa. He was a dedicated life member of the following: VVA, VFW, Legion and Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Chapter 3. Dick had a fifty-year plumbing career. He was a master...

We are sad to announce that Vicki Ann Scheel (nee Banks), age 72, passed away on December 25th, 2023, after suffering from a stroke. Vicki was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and wife with a zest for life. She will be greatly missed. Vicki was born in Macomb, IL, May 7,1951 to William and Hazel Banks. Vicki grew up with two brothers Mike and Kent in Illinois, moving frequently to keep up with her energetic father Bill. Vicki, being the middle child and only girl, was a force to be reckoned with for her two brothers and parents. She was full of life, had a quick wit and wasn't afraid to tell you how it was. Vicki enjoyed dancing and music, fashion, and loved to be the life of the...

Esther H. Wing, age 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Esther was born on December 2, 1936 in Oregon, WI to Walter and Marie (Richner) Hoffman. She attended one of the last one room schoolhouses in Dane County, Oak Hall. Later she graduated from Oregon High School in 1954. She attended UW Platteville, receiving a degree in elementary education. Esther married the love of her life, Robert Wing, July 7, 1957, in Oregon, WI. Her faith was an important part of her life and was active in numerous church activities. Esther enjoyed cooking, baking, crafting, gardening, playing cards, and entertaining family and friends. She took on the role...