Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service

Steven Wayne Barnett, 73, former Cassville, WI resident, passed away Friday, January 16th at Monroe Health Services in Monroe, WI. Steve was born April 20, 1952, in Roswell, New Mexico, the youngest son of Wayne and Ella Claire (Stewart) Barnett. A military brat for much of his childhood, Steve's family was stationed at numerous bases throughout the United States. When his parents retired in 1963, the family moved to Blue River, Wisconsin where they bought a large farm perfect for a young boy to find mischief. The stereotypical youngest child, there was nothing he couldn't get away with and he knew it. Steve graduated from Riverdale High School in 1970, where his impressive height made...

Henk Newenhouse of Richland Center and formerly of rural Gotham, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, of natural causes. Henk was 99 years old and was recently preceded in death by his wife Linda Gentes. Visitation will be Saturday, December 20, 11 am -1 pm at the Phoenix Center in Richland Center. A luncheon and celebration of life will be held following visitation. Henk wrote his own obituary: "I was nothing special, of this I am sure. I was a common man with common thoughts and I've lived a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough." ?from The...

Edwin Eugene "Gene" Slaney, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Schmitt Woodland Hills, surrounded by loving family and compassionate staff. Gene was born on July 18, 1936, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to the late Edwin and Agnes Slaney. Gene, the oldest of seven, grew up on a farm on Melancthon creek where he later built a house on the same property that he grew up on. He graduated from Richland Center High School. On April 28th, 1958, Gene married Marilyn Sandmire and had four daughters: Sandra (Alan) Matteson, Cindy Feltman, Sue (Jim) Hulberg, and Sally (Scott) Gald. After their divorce, Gene found love again with Kathy Keller. They shared nearly forty...

Delbert Charles Kolman, Jr., 85, passed away on October 9, 2025, at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehab shortly after moving to Iowa due to failing health to live with his sister Alice. He was born on January 4, 1940, to Delbert B. and Fern E. (Clary) Kolman. Delbert graduated from Lone Rock High School and entered the US Air Force and was stationed in Greenland. Upon his honorable discharge, he went to work for Wolf Kobly and Hersey/Block Iron Supplies until his retirement. On September 5, 1965, Delbert was united in marriage to Patricia Young and the couple had a son Bradley D. Kolman. While Delbert was a locksmith by trade - he was a carpenter at heart. He built many wooden pieces from...

Susan Mae Kreeger, 76, died on September 29, 2025, in Richland Center, WI. She was born on September 4, 1949, to Glenn and Victoria (Weiss) Manthe and grew up in Morrisonville, WI, with her five siblings. Susan graduated from DeForest High School in 1967. She worked at American Family Insurance for nearly 40 years, retiring as an executive secretary. She married Lonnie Kreeger on August 23, 1969, at Zion Lutheran Church in Arlington, WI, and they recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Susan and Lonnie had three children - Jeffrey, Jennifer, and Jessica. Susan and Lonnie lived in Morrisonville for many years, near Susan's mother, whom they were deeply devoted to. They enjoyed...

Ronald B. Stanek, 95, of Henreitta Township, died on Friday, April 11, 2025, in Beloit. He was born on March 15, 1930, in Henreitta Township, the son of Carl and Martha (Koaba) Stanek. Ron graduated from Richland Center High School in 1949. On June 14, 1950, he was united in marriage to Beverly Sugden in Richland Center. He drove school bus and hauled milk. Ron owned and operated Ron's Woodworking for over 20 years. At the age of 72 he went to work at Foremost Farms, and he retired when he was 84. Ron is survived by two sons: Ronald K. (Karen) Stanek, Jamie J. (Sheri) Stanek both of Beloit; six grandchildren: Nicole A. Stanek, Ericka M. (Steffen) Goerlitz, Adam R. Ford, Heather N. (Eric)...

Avis (Marvene) Subera, Richland Center High School class of 1953, passed away February 2, 2025. She was third in her graduating class. Marvene was born on June 5, 1935, in a small farmhouse on the Francis Shepherd farm near Sabin, Wisconsin. The attending physician at birth, Dr. Cecil Dull, brought his fishing pole as well as the black bag and went fishing in the adjacent Mill Creek while awaiting delivery. She was the daughter of Paul Bee and Dorothy (Dosch) Bee. Marvene's elementary education was at the one room Pleasant Ridge School in the town of Willow. After graduating from high school, she worked for the Richland County Department of Public Welfare. On September 21, 1954, she married...

Dr. James J. Tydrich, 88, of Grafton, WI passed away December 31, 2024 at home with his family at his side following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 24, 1936 in Richland Center, Wisconsin, the son of James F. and Anna K. (Slama) Tydrich. Jim grew up on a farm in Bloom City, Wisconsin where he developed his work ethic and love of caring for others. He graduated from Richland Center High School, where he participated in many activities, and most importantly, where he met Marilyn Edwards. They dated from their sophomore year and were married for 63 years from 1958 until her death in 2021. Following high school, Jim attended St. Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota. After...

Mary Frances Harms, 94, of Muscoda died on November 25th peacefully at home surrounded by the many things she loved. She was born at home in Bellmorel township on April 17, 1930, to Anton and Helen (Shedivy) Ruzicka. Her parents moved to Castle Rock township in Muscoda when she was little. There Mary went to school at Blue River School. On October 5, 1949, Mary was united in marriage to Marvin Harms. They moved to Stoughton in 1951 and raised three children: Bruce (Pam) Harms of Ashland, MO, Ross (Shirley) Harms of Rio Communities, NM, and Sandra (Joseph) Schmelzer of Highland, WI. Mary worked at Madison General Hospital in Madison for 10 years. She then worked in Stoughton for a dental...

Gerald Edward Wendorf, age 86, of Viola went to his heavenly home on Sunday, November 24, 2024. He was born at home in Leon, Wisconsin, the third child of Otto W. and Mary (Bass) Wendorf on March 24, 1938. Gerald attended Prince Creek and Stark Schools in Monroe County until moving to Richland County in 1951. Gerald graduated in 1956 from West Lima High School. Gerald married Brenda Wanless at the Hillsboro Congregational Church on March 11, 1961. The couple moved to Janesville where Gerald worked at the General Motors Plant. In 1963, they moved to the home farm on Pleasant Ridge where Gerald dedicated himself to caring for his family, the farm, and to God. He and Brenda took in and cared...

Proud mother, grandmother, and friend, Marcia Dalberg Gilbank lived life as an independent woman to be reckoned with, fun-loving and determined. With a variety of roles throughout her 82 years, being "Grandma Nana" topped the list. After a daunting battle with Alzheimer's disease, she is finally at rest. Marcia Ann was born in New Lisbon, Wisconsin the day after Christmas, December 26, 1941. Her Grandma Martin cared for her and several of Marcia's eight brothers and sisters at the time. When Mrs. Martin could no longer care for the children, Marcia was placed in the Sparta Orphanage. In December 1942, gifts were delivered to the children from the R.C. Lion's Club, by volunteer Harry...

Thomas Eugene Waalkens made his final transition the afternoon of July 8 2024 at Gundersen Boscobel Hospital after a lengthy illness. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Jonetta, his children Sara (Jason Skrzeczkoski) Glen (Billie Jo) Step-children Christine (Jaime) Liz (Zach, Hannibal & Oona) and Joe (Baylei). Grandchildren Adam (Jordan), Amanda (Neal) and great grandchildren Savannah and Trenton, sister Donna Polarski, pets Annie, Stella and his "opinionated, demanding, drop/dead gorgeous" Siamese cat, Sophie. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Marlene and Alfred Waalkens and his brothers Michael and Patrick Born February 7,1957 in Rhinelander, WI, Tom grew up in Starks, Wi,...

Thomas Eugene Waalkens made his final transition the afternoon of July 8 2024 at Gundersen Boscobel Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born February 7,1957 in Rhinelander, WI, Tom grew up in Starks, WI. To honor Tom's request, there will be no memorial service. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements. A full obituary can be viewed at the prattfuneralservice.com.

Sharon Panske, coach, athletic trainer and friend to many, passed away March 25, 2023 after a courageous journey with uterine cancer. She was 61. Sharon's love of competitive sports started at an early age in her hometown of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The youngest child of Mary and Jerome "Jim" Panske, Sharon was a key player in the neighborhood games, usually taking place in the big, vacant field next to her house on a dead-end street. Softball was her favorite sport, and there was never a shortage of players vying for the day's bragging rights. Kids' games turned into organized sports once she reached middle school, and Sharon was a standout in volleyball and basketball. Although she played...

Jeanette Schultz,82, of Muscoda, died Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Riverdale Healthcare in Muscoda. She was born on February 28, 1940, the daughter of Huebert J. and Ellen E. (Huntley) Frambs. Jeanette married Phillip Schultz on August 10, 1957. Together they raised their children in Waukesha. Jeanette enjoyed tending to her flower beds, gardening, canning homemade jam and riding motorcycles. She was an active church member and volunteered on the Waukesha First Responders for over 20 years. She was a talented photographer and had some of her pictures published. Jeanette loved spending time with her family and her beloved dog Bella. Jeanette is survived by her husband Phillip; children:...

Jeanette Schultz,82, of Muscoda, died Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Riverdale Healthcare in Muscoda. She was born on February 28, 1940, the daughter of Huebert J. and Ellen E. (Huntley) Frambs. Jeanette married Phillip Schultz on August 10, 1957. Together they raised their children in Waukesha. Jeanette enjoyed tending to her flower beds, gardening, canning homemade jam and riding motorcycles. She was an active church member and volunteered on the Waukesha First Responders for over 20 years. She was a talented photographer and had some of her pictures published. Jeanette loved spending time with her family and her beloved dog Bella. Jeanette is survived by her children: Steve (Carrie)...

Patricia A. Tiernan passed away March 17,2022. Patt served as the consultant of activities to the 14 Catholic nursing homes in the Chicagoland area from the 1960's to 1990's. To her, providing meaningful well-planned activities was the key to keeping residents happy and healthy. One of her greatest personal achievements was creating the annual Catholic Nursing Homes Senior Olympics. Residents from the various homes competed against each other and program directors were able to meet and exchange ideas to enhance their own programs. After leaving Catholic Charities, Patt continued her administrative duties. Even in retirement, she continued her passion for the elderly, making sure their...

Gary Wassinger, 75, of Sextonville, formerly of Sugar Grove, IL died, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Richland Hospital. He was born on January 23, 1947, in Chicago, the son of Carl and Evelyn (Krause) Wassinger. Gary attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He was a typographer for Ryder Type, later starting his own woodworking business, Wassinger Woodworking. Gary met his wife Debbie Goldman while they were members of the Chicago Royal Airs Drum and Bugle Corp. Gary and Debbie were both longtime passionate members of the Drum and Bugle Corp. He was very artistic, doing calligraphy and drawing. Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debbie; two children: Michael (Sarah)...

Mary Magdeline (Winkers) Stanek of Muscoda passed away Thursday January 13, 2022, at the age of 82. Visitation for Mary will be held Friday January 28, 2022 from 3pm to 7pm at Godager-Pratt Funeral Home in Muscoda. Additional visitation will be held Saturday January 29, 2022 at Saints Anthony and Philip Catholic Church in Highland from 10am until 11am. Funeral service will follow with Rev. Jim Murphy officiating. The family asks that all attendees wear masks and observe all guidelines to minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be given to the Riverdale Communities Education Foundation or the Avoca-Blue River-Muscoda Lions Club. The Pratt Funeral and...

Marilyn M. Tydrich, 84, of Grafton, WI passed away December 19th, 2021, at home following a sudden illness, with her family at her side. She was born January 2, 1937 in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Marilyn graduated from Richland Center High School where she was active in music and many other activities. She later attended Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin and became a Medical Technologist following training at Madison General Hospital. Marilyn married the love of her life, James Tydrich on September 6th, 1958. She assisted Jim in achieving his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin, before concentrating on raising a family in Richland Center Wisconsin. As her children entered...

Samuel Levi Helmuth, 27, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, formerly of Tony and Richland Center, Wisconsin, passed away on July 17, 2021 near Soldotna, Alaska due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident while on vacation with friends. Sam was born on the cold, early morning of January 15, 1994 at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin to parents Kevin Helmuth and Sara Jahr Helmuth and an extended family who most eagerly awaited his arrival. Sam was adventurous from the start. Early on he had a love for everything outdoors and all that swam, creeped, or crawled, with his most favorite being frogs, his collection of toy dinosaurs, and tacos. Sam enjoyed visits with Great Grandma Helmuth,...