Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service

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,...

Kevin Bernard Dyer, 60, of Beloit Wisconsin died peacefully at his home in his sleep on June 26, 2021, of heart disease. Kevin was born on November 11, 1960 in Janesville, Wisconsin, the son of Bernard and Lila (Thingvold) Dyer. Kevin attended Craig High School in Janesville Wisconsin. He worked construction for 15 years with K & H Exteriors and also with Foundries at the state line as a Bobcat operator. Kevin enjoyed fishing, cooking, building, and making things with his creativity, drinking beer and hanging out with friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernie Dyer on December 28, 2020. Survivors include his mother, Lila Harris, brother, Mitchell (Carol) Dyer, sister,...

Craig Lee Kaukl, 59, of Richland Center died Monday, February 15, 2021 at the Richland Hospital. He was born on March 17, 1961 in Madison the son Donald and Claudine (Miller) Kaukl. Craig grew up in the Milton/Janesville area and graduated from Milton High School in 1979. He started selling sporting goods in 1984 for Maurice Sporting Goods and for nearly 30 years he was a top salesman in his field. Craig was incredibly knowledgeable about his products and his customers loved working with him. For the past several years Craig has been working at Engelhart Sports Center in Madison and NAPA Auto in Richland Center and both companies have been very compassionate and understanding with Craig...

Elizabeth 'Betty' Ann Crye, 90, of Fitchburg and formerly of Avoca, died Saturday, January 16, 2021 at St. Mary's Care Center in Fitchburg. Betty was born on January 2, 1931 the daughter of Ralph and Adell (Rubado) Randall. Betty and John were Homecoming King and Queen and on June 26, 1954, Betty married John Crye. She grew up on her family's farm in Avoca and eventually moved to McFarland where they raised their six children. Betty loved to volunteer at The Christ The King Church in McFarland. She was always happy and had a smile on her face. She loved spending time with her family and especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren. Betty is survived by her six children:...

Bernard F. Dyer, 88 of Blue River, WI, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Schmitt Woodland Hills in Richland Center, WI. Bernie was born on January 4, 1932, on the family farm in Richwood Township, WI, the son of Ray and Cora (Dalton) Dyer. Following graduation from Blue River High School Bernie enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Alaska during the Korean War. After his enlistment in the military was complete, Bernie married Lila J. Thingvold and they settled in Janesville where they raised three children. He worked at the General Motors plant and retired after 32 years as a member of the UAW. Bernie enjoyed working on small engines, woodworking, and negotiating a...

William Paul (Bill) Stanek of Muscoda passed away Wednesday March 4, 2020, at the age of 81. He was born on July 15, 1938, to John and Mary (Biba) Stanek. He attended the Blue River Mill School and graduated from Muscoda High School in 1956, and then began farming the family dairy farm. He immersed himself in farmer organizations and Young Farmers night classes to become the best farmer he could be. Bill married the love of his life Mary Winkers of Highland, Wisconsin on May 30, 1961. She was an elementary school teacher for Highland and Riverdale Schools. They became the parents of two sons, Nicholas and Gary. Bill was an active member of his church St. John Nepomuc Catholic Church, Castle...