Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, 430 Wisconsin Street, Portage, WI (2026)

04/20/2026

PORTAGE – Thomas H. Jacobs, age 83, of Portage, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Tivoli Assisted Living in Portage.

Tom was born on August 1, 1942, in Portage, the son of Philip and Margaret (VanWormer) Jacobs. He was an alumnus of St. Mary Grade School and graduated from Portage High School; class of 1960. Tom served his country in the U.S. Army. He had been a driver for UPS from 1973 until 2003; with a safe driving record throughout his tenure. Tom was married to Sandra Stearns on October 17, 1964, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pardeeville. He was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage.

Better known as “Jake” to his friends, he loved cars, going for his daily neighborhood walk, and being around his grandchildren. You could find him tinkering in his garage regardless of the weather or the time of day. His love of the El Camino was unmatched. Tom was passionate about family, traditions, and holidays.

He is survived by his children, Stephen (Judy) Jacobs and Dawn (Michael) Nelson; grandchildren, Jacob Nelson, Sydney Jacobs, Riley Nelson, Logan Jacobs, Jack (Shelby) Nelson and Hilary (fiancé, Konnor Smith) Nelson; his great-grandson, Baker Thomas Nelson; his sisters, Mary (Kent) Parkovich and Kathleen (Jack) Barth; sisters-in-law, Loris Jacobs and Karen Jacobs; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra on November 1, 2018; and two brothers, Phillip and John Jacobs.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, in Portage, following the Mass, with Military Honors provided by Portage American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom’s name to St. Mary School Portage WI.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Bristol Hospice for their care and concern, and to the staff at Tivoli.

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

04/19/2026

OXFORD – Kurt David Alexander, age 67, of Oxford, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Meriter Hospital in Madison.

Kurt was born on July 16, 1958, in Portage, the son of Donald and Salliann (Clark) Alexander. He was a proud Marine, stationed at Camp Lejeune and later in Okinawa. Kurt looked forward to spending time with Jim and Harry, celebrating the yearly Marine Corp birthday. He was married to Kim Dreyer on July 28, 2007. Kurt was a fun-loving, enjoyable person, with a great sense of humor. He liked to cook and was very creative in his recipes. Kurt loved boating and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren and was proud of his family. Kurt was a Kwik Trip enthusiast and loved fishing and camping. He was very proud of his mother’s business, The Friendly Tavern.

He is survived by his wife, Kim; his children, Sara, Becky (Kevin) Jensen, and Mandy (Terry) Ashley; his step-children, Justin (Kaleena) Prate, Daniel (Jessica) Prate, Derek (Joelle) Prate, and Crystal (Anthony) Hayes; many grandchildren; his siblings, Jim “Alex”, Ronnie, Lori, Doug, and Richie (Kim); his best friend, Harry Jensen; many nieces and nephews; friends and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jacob; his brother-in-law, Gary; his nephew, Ryan; and his niece, Sarah.

A Celebration of Kurt’s Life to be held at a later date, is being planned by the family

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Meriter Hospital and the Aspirus Divine Savior Dialysis Unit for their exceptional care of Kurt. A shout out to the staff at Portage North Kwik Trip for the early morning Tornados before dialysis.

Memorials may be made to Donate Life Wisconsin, 17145 J W Bluemound Rd. #179, Brookfield, WI 53005, in Kurt’s name.

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

04/18/2026

PORTAGE – Phyllis M. Stanley, age 97, of Portage, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital.

Phyllis was born on July 22, 1928, in Portage, the daughter of Harry and Ruth (Killoran) Fahey. She graduated from Portage High School in the Class of 1946. Phyllis was one of the last two surviving members of the class still in Portage. She was married to Charles Stanley, on February 14, 1953. He preceded her in death on September 3, 2008. Phyllis had owned and operated a dress shop in Portage, Mode O’Day, with her sister, Ruthann. She held various jobs after that and never really retired. Phyllis was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage. She was known as a loyal friend and for the scarves and sweaters she knit. Phyllis enjoyed gambling and had a great sense of humor. She loved to travel, especially to Florida and Las Vegas. Phyllis loved the Green Bay Packers but also had a love for the Chicago Cubs. She loved to watch her children and grandchildren play sports. Phyllis was an avid bridge player for many years and also enjoyed bingo.

She is survived by her son, Charles (Barb) Stanley; grandchildren, Christopher (Stacey) Stanley, Matthew Stanley, Kyle Stanley, and Kelley (Devin) Bressers; two step-grandchildren, Trina (Brian) Schultz and Nathan Simonson; 10 great-grandchildren; her sister, Ruthann (Bill) Helmann; many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her son, Daniel; her daughter-in-law, Sandra; her step-great-grandson, Mitchel Simonson; and her siblings, Helen (Lonnie) Schumann, Joe Fahey, Bill (Janet) Fahey, and Tom (Nora) Fahey.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Portage. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday at the church.

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

04/18/2026

PORTAGE – Kathleen M. Boyle, age 75, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at St. Mary Hospital, in Madison.

Kathleen was born on May 15, 1950, in Portage, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Rose Marie (Kearns) Brunt. Kathleen was married to Hugh Boyle, on January 23, 1971, in Portage. He preceded her in death in 2012. Kathleen enjoyed counted cross stitch, crocheting, reading and all Wisconsin sports teams. She was a big fan of the Badgers, Packers and Brewers. Kathleen was known for her potato salad. She had worked at Kwik Trip for five years and retired from there.

She is survived by her three children, Matt (Tsugako) Boyle, Patrick Boyle, and Megan (Jim) Gade; seven grandchildren, Ian, Shawn, Wyatt, Rhylee, Aiden, Harper, and Madison; two brothers, John (Cathy) Brunt and Dan (Jenny) Brunt; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh; her parents; and stepsister, Beverly Ann Siverly.

Memorial services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, with Chaplain Nancy Davis officiating. Inurnment will be private at a later date. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association in her name.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Mary Hospital for their excellent care.

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

04/17/2026

PORTAGE- James (Jim) N. Schliesman passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 81.

Jim was born on December 20, 1944, at the Poynette hospital, the son of Norbert and DeVota (Knutson) Schliesman. He graduated from Poynette High School in 1963 and received a BA Degree, majoring in Accounting from Madison Business College graduating in 1966. Jim married Charlene Kopplin at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Poynette, WI on January 13, 1968. They settled in Portage and were blessed with the birth of three beautiful children. Jim began his accounting career in 1968 with the CPA firm Miller, Brussell, Ebben and Glaeske (formally Miller and Hoppe). In 1977 Jim became controller of Portage Casting & Mold, Inc. retiring on December 31, 2010, after 33 years of service.

Jim and Charlene enjoyed camping with their children as well as traveling throughout Wisconsin and several western states including Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and other mountain areas. This joy of camping and travel was apparently passed on to their children as they now have seasonal camping sites where they spend time with their families. Jim was active in sports while in high school, especially curling, which he continued by playing throughout his adult life. He passed on his love of curling to his children and his grandson, Dylan, as well as his great-grandson, Lucas.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Brenda (John, Jr) Panten of Markesan, grandson, Dylan (Kendra) Knackert and great grandsons, James and Yannis, of Kingston, WI, granddaughter, Trinity (Cameron) Nelson and great grandson Sutton, of Beaver Dam; his son Michael (Julie) Schliesman of rural Montello, granddaughters Meagan McConley and great grandsons Jackson and Lucas also of rural Montello and granddaughter Kelsey Borchers of Beaver Dam; also one brother, Earl (Nancy) Schliesman of Knoxville, TN., Sister-in-law Sandra Schliesman of Menomonee Falls, WI and brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Marliss Dierdorf of Portage. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Charlene, son Shannon, his parents Norbie and DeVota, brothers William (Willie) and Robert (Bob) sister-in-law, Carole and other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, with Rev. Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. at the church in Portage.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.

PORTAGE- James (Jim) N. Schliesman passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 81.

Jim was born on December 20, 1944, at the Poynette hospital, the son of Norbert and DeVota (Knutson) Schliesman. He graduated from Poynette High School in 1963 and received a BA Degree, majoring in Accounting from Madison Business College graduating in 1966. Jim married Charlene Kopplin at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Poynette, WI on January 13, 1968. They settled in Portage and were blessed with the birth of three beautiful children. Jim began his accounting career in 1968 with the CPA firm Miller, Brussell, Ebben and Glaeske (formally Miller and Hoppe). In 1977 Jim became controller of Portage Casting & Mold, Inc. retiring on December 31, 2010, after 33 years of service.

Jim and Charlene enjoyed camping with their children as well as traveling throughout Wisconsin and several western states including Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and other mountain areas. This joy of camping and travel was apparently passed on to their children as they now have seasonal camping sites where they spend time with their families. Jim was active in sports while in high school, especially curling, which he continued by playing throughout his adult life. He passed on his love of curling to his children and his grandson, Dylan, as well as his great-grandson, Lucas.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Brenda (John, Jr) Panten of Markesan, grandson, Dylan (Kendra) Knackert and great grandsons, James and Yannis, of Kingston, WI, granddaughter, Trinity (Cameron) Nelson and great grandson Sutton, of Beaver Dam; his son Michael (Julie) Schliesman of rural Montello, granddaughters Meagan McConley and great grandsons Jackson and Lucas also of rural Montello and granddaughter Kelsey Borchers of Beaver Dam; also one brother, Earl (Nancy) Schliesman of Knoxville, TN., Sister-in-law Sandra Schliesman of Menomonee Falls, WI and brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Marliss Dierdorf of Portage. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Charlene, son Shannon, his parents Norbie and DeVota, brothers William (Willie) and Robert (Bob) sister-in-law, Carole and other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, with Rev. Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. at the church in Portage.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.

04/14/2026

ENDEAVOR – Clifford John Sauer, age 78, of Endeavor, died on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from Pancreatic Cancer, with his family by his side. Cliff fought as long as his body would let him.

Clifford was born on July 20, 1947, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, the son of Sylvester and Viola (Seegert) Sauer. He graduated from Horicon High School in 1965, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. On March 4, 1967, Cliff married Mary Hibner. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1969.

Cliff worked at Mayville Metal Products for 38 years, retiring on December 21, 2007. He loved watching sports, especially the Badgers, Packers, Brewers and Bucks. Cliff and Mary loved to go to the casinos, take family trips and meeting up for breakfast with their friends. In his earlier years he was a Sunday School teacher at United Methodist Church in Portage. Cliff enjoyed bowling with the Odd Fellows.

Cliff is survived by his children, Ronald (Lisa Kluge) Sauer, Nicole (Larry) LaSure and Traci Sauer; grandchildren, Alexis (Hunter) Hayes, Kaylee (Leven) Davey, Austin LaSure (Esperanza) and Aden Daniels; great-grandchildren, Sophia Hayes and Luka Hayes; his brother-in-law, Richard Mitchell; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Hibner; nieces, nephews and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Viola, his wife, Mary Sauer in 2025, his brother and sister-in-law, Delmar and Helen Sauer, his sister, Lorraine Mitchell, his infant brother, his in-laws, Vern and Mary Hibner, and five brothers-in-law, Richard, Kenneth, Donald, David and Maurice Hibner.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Pastor Kay Hallanger officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery in Endeavor, with Military Honors provided by local veterans. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home. Cliff would like you to wear your favorite sports team.

The family would like to thank the VA and UW doctors and staff for the care he received, and making it possible for him to come home to spend his remaining time with his family. Thank you to Agrace for helping the family make him comfortable toward the end of his life. Also, thank you to Mario and Gigi Hernandez for bringing the family food. Dad said from the very beginning he was going to do everything he could to fight, even though the odds were against him with all his other health issues. From the beginning, chemo was not an option. He decided to do surgery to remove the tumor and spleen, as they felt it was in an early stage. He pushed and pushed for chemo, which he was finally able to have, but infection had other plans. He had one obstacle after another, and then said if all the poking and proding can help someone else, it was worth it.

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

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.

04/10/2026

PORTAGE – Conrad Martin “Marty” Gavinski, Jr., 80, of Portage, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, following a long battle with cancer.

Marty was born on March 10, 1946, in Portage, WI, to Conrad and Esther (Kobza) Gavinski. He was one of the first group of students to attend St. Mary Catholic School. After graduating from Portage High School in 1964, Marty earned an accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1968 and completed his CPA exam in 1972. While at UW-Whitewater, he met Sharon “Sherry” Eckhardt and they were married on August 15, 1970.

He began his accounting career at a CPA firm in Madison before returning to Portage in 1973. He went on to serve as the controller for ABG Plastics and later became CFO and co-owner at Penda Corporation and TriEnda. Over the years, he also owned 51 Classics and Title Experts, LLC.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Marty earned nine varsity letters in high school for football, basketball, and baseball and later found a love for men’s fastpitch softball. That passion stayed with him, and he spent more than 40 years coaching numerous teams, especially at St. Mary and Portage High Schools. He was also a devoted fan, holding season tickets for the University of Wisconsin Badgers for football and basketball, as well as the Green Bay Packers. He and Sherry spent their summers playing golf as members of Portage Country Club.

Many people remember Marty for his coaching voice echoing throughout the gym, but it was his generous spirit and dedication to giving back that was felt most throughout the Portage community. He was a founding member of the Greater Portage Youth Education Foundation to raise funds for a new high school, served as president of the Portage Area Economic Development Corporation, volunteered for 50 years on the St. Mary Church finance committee, and was president and board member for Portage Country Club. In 2007, he was inducted into the Portage High School Hall of Fame.

Marty is survived by his wife, Sherry; his three children: Tom, Todd (Anjie), and Gregg (Sarah); seven grandchildren; sisters, Joann (Gary) Armson and Deb (Bill) Schumann; sister-in-law, Sue Gavinski; brother-in-law, John (Sandy) Eckhardt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, L.H. and Gwen Eckhardt; and brother, Steve Gavinski.

The family would like to thank Dr. Justine Bruce and her team from the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Jill Pogorelec at Aspirus, Dr. Joseph Holt at UW Hospital, and the staff at the Serenity House in Tomah, WI, for their care.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, with Rev. Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage and from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. on the day of the funeral at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family for St. Mary Catholic School, the Portage Warrior Fund, or Serenity House.

1946-2026: It’s not the start date or the end date; it’s the dash in between that counts!

04/08/2026

PORTAGE – Kenneth E. Olson, age 94, of Portage, died on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena.

Ken was born on September 28, 1931, the son of Issac and Anna (Anderson) Olson. He married the love of his life Dolores Mary Okan on June 27, 1953.

Kenneth served in the United States Marine Corps and served in combat in Korea. He diligently and proudly worked for the Wisconsin Power and Light (WP&L) for over 40 Years. He later served as a member of the Columbia County Board and was a member of the St. Mary Catholic church, in Portage.

He is survived by his children, Ken (Theresa) Olson and Cheryll (Dave Collins) Olson-Collins; his grandchildren, Julie and Kenneth Olson; great-grandchildren, William and Remi, brother, Bernie Olson: nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Dolores Olson; his brothers, Harry, Hubert, Al, and Raymond; and his sisters, Lorraine, Mildred, and Joan.

The family wishes to recognize the incredible and sincere care that the Columbia Health Care Center in Wyocena provided.

A private funeral service, for immediate family only, will be held at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage. A private inurnment will be at the St. Mary Cemetery.

04/07/2026

POYNETTE – Frederick Walter Dahnke, age 82, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at University Hospital in Madison.

Frederick was born on September 15, 1943, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the son of Walter F. and Esther M. Dahnke. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army after graduating from Poynette High School. When his military time was through, Fred tried his hand at many things to include owning and operating a gas station in Poynette and, for many years, an auto detailing business in various locations. After a turn in the economy, those endeavors went by the wayside, and he began work as a forklift operator for several companies before his retirement years.

He is survived by his two sons, Tim Dahnke and Jesse Dahnke; ten grandchildren; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren; multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; along with his constant cat companion, Moo. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dennis Dahnke; his half-sisters, Edith (Tammi) Dahnke, Dorothy (Hubred) and Myra (Specht) Zins; and his half-brothers, Orlo, Anton, Eugene, and Richard Zins.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday April 25, 2026, at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, with Chaplain Brinks officiating. Inurnment will follow in Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

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

04/06/2026

POYNETTE – Timothy Randall Larson, age 77, of Poynette, died on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena, surrounded by his loving family.

Tim was born on September 29, 1948, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Willard and Dolores (Larson) Larson. He graduated from Guilford High School in 1966. Tim obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Montana and his Master’s from SIU, Southern Illinois University. He had worked for the Wisconsin DNR for 32 years as a fish biologist, retiring on December 31, 2008.

Tim made his “best catch” when he married Linda Garland on November 30, 1974. Tim’s life was centered around his family and was driven by his faith. He was sweet, patient, kind and encouraging. Tim was extremely proud of his four grandchildren and found great enjoyment and pride attending their activities. He enjoyed the outdoors, including hunting deer and turkey, fishing, golfing, gardening, curling and cross-country skiing. Tim loved Hayward, Wisconsin; enjoying the family cabin and relaxing days in the hammock where he enjoyed the lake; swimming, fishing, and a good ole campfire. Tim took great pride in hosting an annual fish fry in his back yard for family and friends. He was a huge family man, always putting everyone else first.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; two children, Amy (Jeff) Koch and Ryan (Sarah) Larson; four grandchildren, Savannah, Sawyer, Elli and Theo; siblings, Jill (Lon) Weberg, Brent (Cathy) Larson, Garry (Jodie) Larson and Janene (the late, Ken) Pollack; nieces, nephews, many friends and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Ken Pollack.

A Celebration of Tim’s Life will be at 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Poynette Village Hall, 106 S. Main St., Poynette. Private inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery with Pastor Sally Williams officiating.

The family would like to extend special thank you to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, the staff of the Columbia Healthcare Center, Interim Home Care, and many friends for their loving care that helped along the way.

Immense gratitude to Columbia Healthcare Center for their extraordinary compassionate care for Tim and our family in his last days. We are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena.

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

03/31/2026

POYNETTE – In the early morning of March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday, the stars aligned and angel wings carried Shirley Panas to the home of our Lord.

Shirley, age 91, was born August 4, 1934, in Dane, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Theresa (Fell) Keller. She was married to the love of her life, Nicholas “Nick” Panas on November 3, 1956, at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Madison.

Shirley was a devoted, faithful, loving wife and mother. Her family was her pride and joy. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Our Easter memories will always be of her in the kitchen making dad’s family recipe of Greek Easter bread. Nobody ever left her kitchen hungry.

She was devoted to God and found joy and fulfillment in volunteering in her church and community.

She always had a smile on her face, that then would bring one to yours. Spending time with family was always a priority that has left behind countless memories filled with love, laughter and warmth.

She enjoyed making crafts and scrapbooking. She lovingly made beautiful cards for all her family and friends.

She was a great friend to many and enjoyed spending time and traveling with her friends. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her loving children, Michael (Cindy) Panas, David (Dawn) Panas, Linda Kelly, Kathleen (Mark) Budensiek; her grandchildren, Nathaniel, Matthew, Alicia, Stephen, Alexander, Benjamin, Amanda, Ryan, Camille, Brenton, Anna and Mason; her great-grandchildren, Sadie, Shay, Olivia, Sofia, Audrey, Theodore, Scarlett and Henry; her brother, Donald (Nancy) Keller; and her sisters-in-law, Chris Keller and Judy Keller.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Nicholas Panas; her son, Theodore John Panas; her sister, Evelyn Fleming; her brothers, Robert and John “Jack” Keller; her sister-in-law, Nancy Keller; and brother-in-law, Russell Fleming.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Poynette, with Fr. Bala Kasipogu and Fr. Raymond Dischler con-celebrating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the church until the time of the service.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.

03/27/2026

PARDEEVILLE – Richard Arlen Preston, age 90, of Pardeeville died on Friday, March 20, 2026, from prostate cancer at U.W Veterans Hospital in Madison.

Richard was born on June 16, 1935, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Amos and Dorothy (Jacobson) Preston. As a child, Richard moved frequently-Minneapolis, Arkansas, and back to Milwaukee where he met his wife-to-be, Irene (Stockero) Preston, in 1950. They were married on October 1, 1955.

Richard was in the United States Air Force, stationed in England. Irene joined him there in February 1956. They moved back to Milwaukee in 1958 and then to Poynette in 1961. Richard and Irene were members of St. Thomas Church. Richard enjoyed helping make syrup at the MacKenzie Center, re-enacting the fur-trading era, and playing cards.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene and daughter, Katherine Elizabeth.

He is survived by his children, Steven (Elaine) Preston, Susan (Randy) Brue, Patrick (Heather) Preston; his grandchildren, Katie France, Matt (Emma) Brue, Keegan Preston, Madeline (Carson) Preston-Triplett; his great-grandchildren, Marlaina, Charlene, Felicia, Reese, Riley; many cousins and other relatives and friends.

Masonic services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the funeral home, until the time of service. Inurnment will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Poynette.

The family would like to give special thanks to all the doctors and nursing staff at the VA Hospital for their care and support.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.

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