Cambridge News & Deerfield Independent

Mark "Fritz" Febock, age 70 and lifelong resident of London, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024. He was born on September 29, 1953 to Verne and Lois (Frey) Febock. Fritz attended London grade school through fifth grade, then went to Cambridge where he graduated in 1971 from Cambridge High School. Activities he enjoyed included hunting, fishing Spring Lake near Spooner, coaching The Spa girls softball team and playing slow pitch for the Spa. He also enjoyed playing fantasy baseball at the London Depot. After Fritz quit farming, he ran a bar called "Fritzy's," in downtown Cambridge. Survivors include brothers, Jon (Mary) and Dale (Ann); sister-in-law, Sandy (Greg) Vike; many...

Marica Jean Floerke (Behrens), 73, passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Marcia was born on October 18, 1950. She was an only child, adopted as an infant and raised by Emil "Pete" Behrens and Charlotte Behrens (Bentheimer). She grew up in Cambridge WI, but loved spending the summers on Rock Lake. Marcia graduated from Cambridge High School in 1968. She briefly attended college at UW-Stevens Point and eventually became a trusted career employee of Nasco in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Marcia was a very proud parent of her two children: Jeffrey Johnson and Amy Farrington (Johnson). Throughout her life, Marcia enjoyed her children and, later,...

Gary A. Johnson, age 74, of Fort Atkinson, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Home Again Assisted Living in Cambridge. He was born on Oct. 25, 1949, at Edgerton Hospital, the son of Arthur and Gladys (Larson) Johnson. Growing up on the Koshkonong Prairie, Gary and his brothers worked tirelessly raising cows and tobacco and then graduated from Cambridge high school. Post graduation he served in the U.S. Army, including traveling to Africa. Upon returning stateside, he worked on the railroad and finished his professional career as a welder at Sub Zero in Madison. Beyond his career, he truly enjoyed watching his children be involved in recitals, performances and sporting events. Gary...

Gary A. Johnson, age 74, of Fort Atkinson, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Home Again Assisted Living in Cambridge. He was born on Oct. 25, 1949, at Edgerton Hospital, the son of Arthur and Gladys (Larson) Johnson. Growing up on the Koshkonong Prairie, Gary and his brothers worked tirelessly raising cows and tobacco and then graduated from Cambridge high school. Post graduation he served in the U.S. Army, including traveling to Africa. Upon returning stateside, he worked on the railroad and finished his professional career as a welder at Sub Zero in Madison. Beyond his career, he truly enjoyed watching his children be involved in recitals, performances and sporting events. Gary...

Susan P. Anderson, age 77, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on Jan. 28, 1947, in Madison, the daughter of Ray and Helen (Dahl) Pavlak. Susan graduated from Deerfield High School in 1965 and received her bachelor's degree in teaching from UW-Whitewater. At the age of 14 years old, Susan met Nolan Anderson, who would become the love of her life. They married six years later on July 22, 1967, and formed an unbreakable union that would last over 56 years. Susan worked as a special education teacher for LaFollette High School. She poured her passion for education and helping others into her work. She was a strong advocate for her...

Julia M. Johnson, of Cambridge, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024. She was born on December 11, 1949 in Sittingbourne, Kent, England, to the late Arthur and Elsie (Young) Banfield. Julia married Edwin Johnson on October 2, 1972 in Jersey Channel Islands, UK. Julia and her husband emigrated to the United States in January 1978 and made their home in Madison, WI. Julia worked for Coca Cola. She then opened her own business, distribution of beauty products. Then she worked for the University of Wisconsin as a financial analyst. She retired in June of 2022. She was a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral in Madison, then St. Pius X Catholic Church after moving to Cambridge, WI. Julia...

Patricia (Pat, Patty) Lou Smith (DeForest, Dalby) 82, peacefully passed away March 5, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. Pat was born May 18, 1941, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Robert and Edith (Dillon) DeForest. She married Raymond Dalby July 11, 1959. They divorced after 18 years. She later met and married Romaine (Gene) Smith Sr on May 8, 1982. Pat loved watching all kinds of sports, football, baseball, basketball and of course NASCAR. Pat loved doing crosswords puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. She was on many bowling teams and softball teams. Early in her life she was a Sunday School teacher and a Girl Scout Leader. Pat worked at the Curve Caf?, Schweiger Ind, and...

Dennis "Denny" A. Prochnow, age 75, passed away at his home. He was born on July 26,1948 in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Donald and Lois (Kohl) Prochnow. He was baptized on December 12, 1948 at Rockdale Lutheran Church. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1966. He worked at Schweigers; D & J Ford Garage, John Ficher Ford and owned his own business, Denny's Country Garage, repairing vehicles at his home for 25 years until his retirement on January 1, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Judy, of 54 years; children Brian (Jeri) Boden and Kris Prochnow (Eric Lein); his grandchildren Zachery Boden, Tyler Tofte, Kaitlyn Tofte and great grandson Dallas Boden. He is also survived by...

A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, sister and friend. Elizabeth "Betty" Robinson, 90, of Daytona Beach, FL, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 surrounded by the loving presence of family. Elizabeth was born on Oct. 1, 1933 to Albert and Esther (Vick) Lough. She graduated from Waterloo High School,in Waterloo, where she excelled at being a drummer in the High School Band. She loved to march in parades and do formations on the football fields. She worked at the theatre selling tickets and loved to attend the shows. She had two brothers and six sisters. Elizabeth's mother died when she was only eight years old, so the family pooled together to raise the younger...

Judith Ann Pooch passed away on January 30th at age 76. She was born on August 26, 1947 the daughter of Robert and Eva (Thompson) Simonson. Judy graduated from Stoughton High School in 1965. She later met her husband, Edward Pooch, at Turner Hall where they tore up the dance floor. They were married on April 20, 1968. Judy worked for many years at Webcrafters making life-long friends. She was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed spending summers up north and being with her trusted companion, Pepper. She especially loved watching her grandchildren grow. Judy is survived by her best friend and husband of 56 years, Edward; daughter Heather (Brian) Campeau; two grandchildren, Emma and Gavin...

Duane Skaar passed away on January 28, 2024 at 90 years of age. He was born to Neli and Myrtle (Olson) Skaar on June 8, 1933, at Stoughton Hospital. He was able to roller skate to the one room school at Nora prior to attending and graduating from Stoughton High School in 1951. He was a lifelong member of West Koshkonong Lutheran Church. Duane married Dorothy Marty on June 8, 1957. Together they raised two sons, David and Dale. Duane farmed all his life and had a great work ethic. He believed in working hard and playing harder. He enjoyed raising sweetcorn for friends, neighbors, and the local food pantry. He was always there to help when people were sick, injured, or in need. He enjoyed...

While lovingly embraced by his parents Levi John Pospichal, age 30, took his last, but greatest journey on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. Levi was born at home in Cottage Grove, Wis., on Sept. 18, 1993, to Kevin and Judy Pospichal. In 2012 he graduated from Deerfield High School and went on to study at MATC Technical College. Shortly after, Levi started his career at Aramark, where he was a beloved and resolute colleague in his work community for 10 years. He enjoyed attending Heartland Church in Sun prairie with close friends. His spiritual journey throughout his life and in his final months brought him great comfort and peace. Levi had a strong passion for the outdoors, health and fitness. He...

Barbara Claire Nuland (nee Mullen) passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024, in La Crosse, WI. She was born on March 31, 1934, to Lyman and Irma (Havey) Mullen. She graduated valedictorian from Deerfield High School in 1952 and married the love of her life, Stanley Nuland, on October 2, 1954. She and Stanley raised four daughters and a son in Platteville, Wisconsin, where Stanley had his medical practice. After their children finished school, they moved to the Milwaukee area to pursue new adventures. Barbara worked for Milwaukee Public Schools for 20 years as a census taker, retiring in 1989. When she wasn't cooking great meals for her husband and family holidays, she spent time...

Frederick Robert Merg died on December 18th, 2023 in a room lit by the sunset and surrounded by his wife and three children. It was the conclusion of what he called "a great life" that began on July 13th, 1930 in Kenosha, Wisconsin during the first year of the Great Depression. Born to German immigrants, Paula Mathilda Merg nee Haubrich and Friedrich "Fritz" Merg, he spoke German at home before learning English in kindergarten. His father remained employed throughout the Depression, and was able to build a new home on the outskirts of Kenosha allowing his parents to realize their dream of owning land; Fred inherited that dream. After high school, Fred left home with a friend in a Model A...

Tobias William Arenz, of Deerfield, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 18, 2023 in Germany at the age of 19. He was born on September 14, 2004 in Wangen Germany, the son of Kendra Arenz (Dable). He graduated from Deerfield High School in 2023 where he was an extraordinary athlete. He excelled in track and cross country where he qualified for state 3 times. Tobi received multiple awards and recognitions in soccer including competing in the Maysa Cup. He was determined, extremely intelligent and excelled at every adventure he took. His passion and drive were unparallel. Tobi's personality was bigger than life and lived through all of those who knew him. He loved competition and...

Kaia Maxine (Jerdee) Fry, 77, of Deerfield, peacefully entered her heavenly home on December 6, 2023. Kaia was born on August 27, 1946 in Madison, Wisconsin to Edwin and Dora (Sperle) Jerdee. She grew up with two sisters, Ruth and Joyce, on the family farm located near Cottage Grove, Wisconsin (Rinden Road). Kaia attended West Koshkonong School, where she was the only student in her class for eight years. She then graduated from Stoughton High School in 1964 and went on to study Home Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, graduating in 1968. She met her future husband, Fred, at a dance at the former Madison Gun Club in 1965, and...

CAMBRIDGE - Matthew August Zibell, 48 years old, passed away peacefully with his loving parents by his side at home in Cambridge, WI, on November 27, 2023. Matt was born on March 19, 1975, in Stoughton, WI. At 3 hours old his dad Mike Sr drove baby Matt and a nurse to Madison General for surgery as a result of a rare form of spina bifada. Matt endured countless surgeries and care from Shriners Hospital in Chicago, Mayo in Rochester, Froedtert in Milwaukee, and UW Hospital in Madison. He was a tough little kid and always had a positive attitude. His health care teams throughout his life always commented on Matt's uplifting perspective. Matt was a 1995 Cambridge High School graduate. He...

Duane E. Woolever, 80, of Cambridge, Wisconsin passed away on November 26, 2023 at Home Again Assisted Living where he resided for the past four years. Duane was born on June 3 , 1943 in Reedsburg, Wisconsin to Maynard and Evelyn (Jones) Woolever. He was a 1961 graduate of Weston High School in Cazenovia, Wisconsin. On March 16, 1963 Duane married Jeanette Higginbotham and together they raised one son and four daughters in Deerfield. Duane held various jobs throughout his career and retired from Overhead Door Company of Madison, Wisconsin in 2000. Duane was a member of Willerup Church in Cambridge, Wisconsin. He enjoyed repairing small engines, gardening, riding his motorcycle and...

Richard A. Barfknecht, 83, of Christiana passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at his home. Richard was born on June 3, 1940 to Vivian (Christianson) and Arnold Barfknecht. Richard grew up in the Cambridge and Deerfield area. He graduated from Cambridge High School. After High School Richard worked for Highway Trailer in Edgerton for 10 years. Following that, he worked at GM in Janesville for 30 years before his retirement in 2000. On January 26, 1962 Richard married Carol Anderson at East Koshkonong Lutheran Church. Richard enjoyed Camping, Snowmobiling, Hunting, Fishing, and enjoyed going to see Polka and Country bands with his wife Carol and dancing to the music. Richard is survived...

Mary Margaret Gjermo, age 75, of Cambridge, WI passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, surrounded by her family at the Cleveland Clinic I.C.U. in Cleveland, Ohio after a prolonged recovery and complications following surgery. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin on Nov. 07, 1948, the only child of Lloyd and Margarette (Gunderson) Gjermo. Mary had a daughter, Amy, from her first marriage. In 1982 she met the love of her life, Theodore L. Kumbier, and they married in 1992. Mary enjoyed an idyllic childhood in the country with many pets, woods to explore, and even a rural schoolhouse in which to play and have slumber parties. She graduated from Cambridge High School in 1966, attended St....