Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home

12/01/2025

POYNETTE – Carol A. Zamzow, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin.

She is survived by her husband, Harold, of 35 years; 2 sons; 2 stepsons; and many grandchildren; and great grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents and her daughter.

Services and inurnment will be at a later date.

Family would like to extend a special thank you to Carbone Cancer Center and staff at UW Health. All donations can be made in Carol’s name.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.

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11/28/2025

PORTAGE — Julie A. Anderson on November 26, 2025, lost her long hard-fought fight against cancer.

Julie was born on August 15, 1952. She enjoyed sewing for family, planning their many travels, and camping. She learned photography and loved taking pictures of her family and her many travels, even abroad. She had a great love for animals, and became the editor of the Dutch Reporter Magazine, worked at the Columbia County Humane Society, and the UW Veterinary of Medicine Diagnostic Lab, at Madison, WI.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Lillian Ladwig & Mum; father and mother-in-law, Ken and Golda Anderson; daughter, April Waugh; brothers, Tony Conder and Roy Ladwig.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Anderson; daughter, Mandy Bengtson; sons, Adam Waugh and Nolan Anderson and family; extended family sons, Todd (Kelly) Anderson, Troy (Kim) Anderson; brothers, Michael (Jan) Stuemke and Richard (Linda) Ladwig; extended family brothers and sister, Julie (Trevor) Burton, Len (Ann) Phillips, and Glyn Phillips; grandchildren, Fletcher, Macallister, Emerson, and Dorian Bengtson; extended grandchildren, Connor and Molly Anderson; many loving and wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews, and their families; very special friends, Kelly and Kris Windus, Janet Kipp, John Washa, Beekah Bree, and Kris Grotzke.

Special thanks to SSM Hospice, their wonderful nurses, and social workers. If you wish, donations can be made to: Epilepsy Foundation, 3540 Crain Highway, Suite 675, Bowie, MD 20716, or Northwoods, Inc. of Wisconsin, N6510 US Hwy 51 South, PO Box 357, Portage, WI 53901-0357.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, is assisting the family.

11/28/2025

POYNETTE – Dolores Mary Lake, age 84, passed away on November 20, 2025, in Columbus, Wisconsin.

Dolores was born on May 29, 1941, in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, the daughter of Rudolph and Esther (Pawlak) Prucha. She graduated high school in Waunakee, WI, before working at a meat market, Jack Linscotts, in California, where she learned to design platters of food and cater them to parties. Dolores and Lucy Riddle ran a free clothing store in Poynette. She worked at Academy Lodge which is a Veterans home and a safe haven for Veterans primarily with AODA and mental illness. Dolores volunteered and worked at St. Vincent De Paul in Columbus and at Lost Lake Acres Greenhouse. Mom modeled for a bit while we lived in California, and would iron clothes for some Hollywood stars.

Mom loved to embroider, make quilts, and sew catnip bags; many times giving them away to people and cats. She was kind, very organized, and loved nature, plants, and animals. Her favorite place we lived was in Newhall, California, where we had two horses, a cow, chickens, rabbits, pheasants, and a pig. Dolores enjoyed cooking for others. Mom loved angels, and was an angel to many people whom she helped along her journey through life and to those making the transition from life to the hereafter. Mom was well known by many people, mostly for being kind and helping others. Her mantra was “Everything happens for a reason”. Mom purchased a Winnebago camper and drove herself and her dog, Sharina, from Wisconsin out to Sedona, Arizona and California to visit friends, then lived at a campsite in Wisconsin for awhile until settling back down.

Mom, you set a beautiful example of kindness and service to others. You were one of a kind and you will be missed.

Services and inurnment in the Hillside Cemetery in Poynette will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family for a memorial fund that has been established in Doe’s name.

Family would like to extend a special thank you to Peggy Knudson for the love and support when we needed her most.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.

Hi, Everybody! “It’s vacation time”. My bags are packed, I’m heading “Home”. See you all when you get there. Until then, take care. I love all of you. Love, Dolores

11/28/2025

PORTAGE — Carl J. Simonson, age 63, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Carl was born March 6, 1962, in Portage. He was the son of Clayton and Verna (Bartels) Simonson. He attended Portage high school, until he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, in 1981. During his service as an Aviation Munitions Technician, he received numerous accommodations for his knowledge, leadership, performance, attitude, and his determination for the Corp - including two good conduct medals and a letter of appreciation. Corporal Carl J. Simonson was honorably discharged, in 1985, bringing home stories he would continue to share with great pride.

He married Frances McDougall, on April 6th, 1984. They share two daughters, Jessica and Jennifer. After returning from the Marines, he was employed at Spartec, until the time of their closing, and was most recently employed at Lycon.

Carl enjoyed being outdoors. He especially enjoyed activities he shared with his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, baking, gardening, and sharing his life stories over campfires. He was an amazingly devoted father and grandfather, who was always willing to give and help anyone.

He is survived by his daughters, Jessica (Shane Chapman) Simonson and Jennifer (Phil) Canales; his nine grandchildren, Leilen, Clayton, Lily, Kennedy, Lawson, Lylah, Everett, Lochlyn, and Leighanna; his siblings, Wanda Simonson, Rio, Velma (Steve) Helgerson, Portage, Sharon Cook, Marshfield, Clayton (Deb) Simonson, Jr., Portage, Daniel (Lori) Simonson, Portage, and Patricia (Tim) Dover, Rio. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Sr. and Verna Simonson; and his sister, Deborah Simonson.

Carl was loved by many including Jeffrey and Ashley Smith and Gavin Kassner, whom he also called family.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, with military honors provided by the Portage Area Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. A celebration of life, with refreshments and desserts, will follow at The Knights of Columbus Hall, in Portage, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

11/16/2025

PORTAGE – Randy Lee Schwenke, age 60, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 16, 1965, to Ron and Nancy (Tennyson) Schwenke, of DeForest/Portage.

Randy had a natural talent for welding. Randy began his career at Marquip, where he quickly became known for his exceptional ability and was even sent overseas to apply his expertise. In 1999, Randy fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening his own welding shop on the family farm in Portage. He often said with a smile that he could “weld anything but a broken heart,” a reflection of both his humor and his passion for the trade.

Randy faced many challenges throughout his life, including alcohol use disorder. Through it all, his faith in God remained unwavering — a guiding light that carried him through even the hardest days. His family finds comfort in knowing that his struggle has ended and that he now walks with Jesus in paradise.

To those who knew him, Randy will be remembered as a kind-hearted man who could make you laugh, lend a helping hand, and show kindness without ever expecting anything in return. He had a knack for saying the funniest — and sometimes the most inappropriate — things that could make anyone laugh, no matter the moment. His heart was as strong as his welds, and his spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Randy is survived by his son, Tyler (Becky) Kamrath of Portage, his loving mother, Nancy Schwenke of Portage; his siblings; Clint (Deb) Schwenke of DeForest, Sandy (Harley) Legried of Arlington, Steve (Deb) Schwenke of DeForest, and Matt (Stephanie) Schwenke of Kernersville, NC; grandchildren, Aidan, Kenlee, and Colton. He is further survived by his nieces and nephews, Chad, Chelsea (Nate), Taylor (Johnny), Tanner (Samantha), Mikaela (Benton), Braden, and Colton; great-nieces and great-nephews, Miles, Ryder, Callum, and Collins; as well as many dear friends and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ron Schwenke; his grandparents, Herbert and Amanda Schwenke and Mabel and Clarence Tennyson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Portage, with the Rev. Jaime Benson officiating. A private family burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery following the luncheon. A visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Hernkind family for their unwavering support and generosity throughout this difficult time. His family and friends will miss him deeply but take comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.

11/11/2025

PACIFIC TOWNSHIP – Paula Jean Smith, age 65, passed away with family by her side on November 10, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

Paula was born on March 19, 1960, in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Francis and Marilyn (Roberts) Smith. She graduated from Portage High School, in 1978, and continued furthering her education. She was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Leeds, WI. Paula worked for AMPI in Portage for 20 years and at Walmart briefly. She enjoyed baking, woodworking, ceramics, and kept active with other hobbies.

Paula is survived by her brothers, Jeff and Glenn Smith; nephews, Scott Smith, Shawn Smith, and Tim (Madlyn) Smith; niece, Stephanie (Jon) Carpenter; and other great and great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents; brother, Lee Smith, and his wife, Kathy Smith; sister-in-law, Dianne Smith; and her sister, Kelly Hopkins.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Leeds, WI, on Monday, November 17, 2025, with Rev. Jacob Scott officiating. Burial will be at Zion Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.

11/11/2025

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11/05/2025

POYNETTE / WAUNAKEE – Kathryn D. Lapacek, age, 100 years 9 months 5 days, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the The Meadows, in Fall River, Wisconsin.

Kathryn was born on February 7, 1925, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Anton P. and Johanna F. (Kriplean) Pogatetz. She graduated from Medford High School, in 1942. Following High School, she earned her Teaching Certificate from Taylor County Wisconsin Normal School. She taught for 2 years at a one room schoolhouse, in the Town of Browning.

Kathryn married Frank G. Lapacek, on June 17, 1944, in Medford, Wisconsin. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, and traveling in their Avion travel trailer. Frank and Kathryn had resided in rural Poynette for 35 years.

Kathryn is survived by her loving family; her sons, David (Peggy) Lapacek, Rio, Frank (Diane) Lapacek, Poynette, Bob (Jill) Lapacek, Poynette, and Denver (Ofelia) Lapacek, Poynette; her grandchildren, Shaun (Maria) Lapacek, Kimberly (Lee) Wallander, Kate Lapacek, Jared (Kim) Lapacek, Kassie (Shawn) Hefty, Karma (Matt) Peters, Carly (Victor) Arias, and Denver Lapacek II; her great-grandchildren, Kamryn, Cedi, Payton, Capri, Brody, Pip, Nadia, Hannah, Charlie, Kathryn, George, and Enzo; her siblings, Marlene Hartman and James Pogatetz; other relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank, in 2010; her granddaughter, Carlene Lapacek; and her sisters, Janet and Dorothy Jane.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, in Poynette, with Fr. Joji Reddy Thirumalareddy and Fr. Kumud Nayak presiding. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until Mass at the church.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Agrace Hospice, The Meadows of Fall River for their kindness, care, and support, and Fr. Raymond Dischler for his friendship and love. A very special thank you to Alexis, of RAH, for her loving care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison Wisconsin, 53711.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.

11/05/2025

ENDEAVOR – Richard Lee Fosnot, age 82, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at Aspirus Tivoli Community in Portage.

Richard was born in Madison, WI, on November 23, 1942, the son of James and Dorothy (Dix) Fosnot. 44 years ago, Dick married the love of his life, Karla, on December 6, 1980. He was an avid model train collector. Richard was a member of the Dells Area Cruisers Classic Car Club, in Wisconsin Dells. He worked for 14 years making furniture for Marshall, Erdman & Associates and for 8 years at Cardinal Glass in Portage. Richard loved his family dearly. Richard had a deep commitment and love for the LORD JESUS who delivered him from alcoholism.

Richard is survived by his wife, Karla; children, Lisa (Casey) Stroemer, Rachael Fosnot, Jason (April) Stroemer, and Rebecca (Heath) VanKooy; sister-in-law, Janet Fosnot, and her family, Tim (Kris) Fosnot, and their children, and Ken (Lisa) Fosnot; brother-in-law, Rick (Kim) Schutz, and their children, Lindsay (Clint) Schutz and Michael (Elisabeth) Schutz; grandchildren, Nichole Robinson, Shawn Stroemer, E.J. Peterson, and Emily Breunig; great grandchildren; and other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded by his parents; son, Matthew; grandchild, James; great grandson, Aiden; brother, Don Fosnot; and his twin brother, Robert, in infancy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Aspirus Tivoli Community Chapel in Portage, Wisconsin, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, with Dr. Shonn Northam officiating. Inurnment will be at the Briggsville Protestant Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be in the chapel from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Light refreshments to follow the service.

Memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice in his honor.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Tivoli Memory Care and deep appreciation to those who loved and cared for him together with the residents of Tivoli. Also, Agrace Hospice for their special love and care, and those who made it possible to take Richard on his last earthly train ride with his family on October 19, 2025.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.

11/03/2025

POYNETTE/ARLINGTON -- On Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, our family was devastated by the sudden loss of a son, life partner, father, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, in a tragic car accident.

Gregory Dellmann was born on April 19th, 1978, in West Bend, WI, to Kathleen and Glenn Dellmann. The family moved to Poynette in 1986. Greg was a proud graduate of Poynette High School, where his lifelong love of music started. He then graduated from Madison Media Institute and followed his passion into sound, production, and performance, dedicating himself fully to his craft.

Greg shared his life with his beautiful partner, Desiree Tiffany, and his amazing children — Grayson, Rayne, Braelyn, Jordan, Lilith, and Trinity, who adored him. He had currently been working at Full Compass Systems where his professionalism and humor made the workplace brighter.

Greg was a pillar in the Wisconsin music scene. He was the heartbeat behind so many moments of magic. He believed in artists before they believed in themselves, opened doors for new voices, and promoted shows that gave bands their first break. Greg didn't care if your music didn't fit the mold-if it came from the heart he gave it a stage. He built a community of mutual respect and creativity and that generosity changed lives. Greg and Desiree owned 301 Productionz, Studio 301, and were creating music in their bands, avé Imperator and Grindge.

To his family, friends, and loved ones, words can hardly express the pain of this loss. Greg was the beloved partner and twin flame to Desiree, who shared his dream. His sudden passing is a tragedy that has shaken everyone who loved him; but his legacy will never fade. Every artist he lifted, every note that echoed from his venues, and every life he touched continues to carry his energy forward. Greg embodied what it means to live passionately and give selflessly. The music will play on, but there will forever be a silence where his laughter and light once stood. May his memory inspire us to keep creating, believing, and moving forward just as he always did.

Rest in peace Greg. Your sound will never fade.

Greg is survived by his parents; his twin flame; his children; his brothers, Dan and Jeff (Andrea); and his sister, Lissa. He also leaves behind many relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his sister-in-law, Junko Dellmann; and his uncle and godfather, Michael Francois.

A celebration of life will be held on December 6th, 2025, at Studio 301.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.

10/31/2025

PORTAGE – Verona Dorothy Gray, age 107, passed away, with family by her side, on October 31, 2025, at her home in Portage.

Verona was born, the daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Krinke) Broesch, on October 10, 1918, in Portage, WI. She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Verona enjoyed playing cards and fishing. She was a huge fan of the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers. She loved to cook and share her baked goods. Verona was known for her potato salad.

Verona is survived by her children, Gary (Joanne) Hendrickson, Gail (Ronald) Thurley, Judy (Bill) Haase, Willard “Bill” (Mary) Hendrickson, Toni (Joe) Busha, Roger (Debbie) Carlin, Jean (Greg) Winchell, Timmie Carlin, and James Carlin; step-children, Bonnie (Marshall) Gerbitz, and Cinde (Dan) Killoran; special friends, Joanne Pritchard and Judy Ebeneter; and her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded by her parents; husbands, Willard Hendrickson, Francis Carlin, and Harvey Gray; children, Susie Carlin and John Carlin; grandsons, Dennis and Todd Hendrickson; great grandson, Corbin Dansie; brothers, Eugene, Clayton, Roger, Donald, John, and William; and a sister, in infancy.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Portage, Wisconsin, on Friday, November 7, 2025, with Rev. Greg Hovland officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery following the service. Visitations will be at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, on Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The family extends a special thanks to her granddaughter, Megan Carlin, for her excellent care of Verona and Agrace Hospice nurses, Erin and Stacey, for their care and concern.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.

10/31/2025

POYNETTE – Sharon Lydia Smith, age 86, passed away in Deforest, Wisconsin, on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Sharon was born on July 25, 1939, in Lacrosse Wisconsin, the daughter of Carl and Charlotte Jaekel. She grew up in a creative home where she enjoyed art and music. She was a talented artist and musician who learned organ, piano and the accordion. Sharon loved the marshes and bluffs around Lacrosse and had a lifelong appreciation of nature. She maintained contact with family and friends in the area much of her life.

Upon graduation from High School, Sharon was encouraged to move to Madison by her aunt, Orma. This is where she met and married her first husband Alan Ramsden, in 1963. They raised 3 children but eventually divorced. Sharon was a wonderful mom who provided a solid presence for her kids Audra, Kris, and Sean – always offering strength and quiet support with a smile. She was innately honest, sincere and loving. These attributes were present as she faced dementia in her later years with acceptance and grace.

While in Madison, Sharon worked as a graphic designer at UW Horticulture until taking an early retirement at the age of 54 to pursue her true “calling”. She was born into a long line of ministers including the first horseback Lutheran preacher in Wisconsin and had never let go of childhood dreams of becoming a minister herself. She followed her heart on this path by serving as a Pastor at Honey Creek, Poynette and Inch United Methodist Churches.

Sharon met her second husband, Ron Smith, in Poynette. They married in 2001. Ron was very supportive of her ministry and over the years they shared a deep commitment to the church, mission works throughout the country, volunteerism, recreational travel, companionship, family, friends, community, and a mutual love of gardening.

While in memory care; she loved visits from Ron, her daughters, granddaughters Cierra, Ashley, Hannah, and great grandchildren. She smiled through her illness, offering wisdom in her way, and life lessons to others as she lost her words and her focus shifted from the past or future to the present. Those who helped support Sharon expressed appreciation for her smiles and the peace they would feel in her presence.

Sharon was preceded in death by her son, Sean,; brother, Gary; and parents, Charlotte and Carl. She is survived by her husband, Ron; her daughters, Audra (Nelson) and Kris (Todd); Ron’s children; Dan (Patti), Nola (Roger), and Tim; along with grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many other cherished family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Poynette Community United Methodist Church, 402 S. Main St., Poynette, WI. A visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. until the start of the service at 2:30 p.m. Inurnment will follow the service at Zion Cemetery in Leeds, Wisconsin.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.