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

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.

03/25/2026

PORTAGE – Meredith “Hoot” M. Kilmer, age 96, of the Township of Dekorra, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Hamilton Park Place, in Portage.

Hoot was born on March 20, 1930, in Richland Center, the daughter of Albert and Diane (Stanley) Clausius. She was married to Jay D. Kilmer, on March 27, 1947, at the Presbyterian Church in Mauston. Hoot and Jay were avid supporters of the Wisconsin Badgers. They had season tickets for over 35 years. Hoot and Jay followed the Badgers all over the country and attended several Rose Bowls. They enjoyed traveling and even took the entire family to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary. Hoot was gifted in her needle work. She attended craft shows all over Dane and Columbia counties. Hoot loved animals; she had many cats in her lifetime and cared for many strays.

She is survived by her son, Nick (Kayla) Kilmer and their sons, Klaus and Hans, Pardeeville; her daughter, Paulette Kilmer, Toledo, Ohio; granddaughter, Laura (Robert) Steele, Shorewood; great grandchildren, Meredith and Lochlan Steele; very, dear friend of the family, Steve Baumgartner, Mequon; nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay; her parents; her son, Vaughn; and her dear friend, Vivian Baumgartner.

Graveside services will be private in Dekorra Cemetery.

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

03/22/2026

ROCK ISLAND, IL / PORTAGE, WI – Gerald “Jerry” H. Wilcox, 95, Rock Island, IL passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

There will be a rosary at 3:30 PM with visitation following from 4 - 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish – St. Ambrose Campus, Milan. An additional funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, WI, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Portage, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alleman Catholic High School or the church.

Jerry was born on March 16, 1931, to Ga***rd and Addie (Leggett) Wilcox in Tomahawk, WI. He grew up in Wisconsin where he graduated high school and attended the University of Wisconsin. He then enlisted in the United States Army where he served for 21 years. After retiring from the military, he moved to Las Vegas where he started his career in the gaming industry and met his future wife, Candice.

Jerry and Candice were married on April 16, 1982. The couple lived in Nevada for a time before relocating to the Quad Cities where Jerry got a job as the Operations Manager for President Riverboat Casino. During his 30-year career, he was instrumental in opening the riverboat and starting a gaming school.

In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed reading and doing yardwork. He liked to keep busy, working out at the YMCA three days a week and having breakfast with his friends every Tuesday at Panera. He also loved going to the activities of his children and grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 44 years, Candy; children, Brittani (James Jr.) LaMay, Collin Solorzano, William “Bill” (Kathie) Wilcox, Steven “Duke” Wilcox, Penny Harley, Peggy Jo Wilcox and Patricia “Patti” (Steve) Heise; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Virginia Nyman, Mildred McCarty, Margaret Pitera, William Wilcox, Blanche Plumb, and Marjory Vesley.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan and Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, Portage, WI. To leave condolences for the family visit wheelanpressly.com.

03/12/2026

ARLINGTON– In the twinkling of an eye, Robin C. Gifford (83), of Arlington, Wisconsin transformed into heavenly glory on March 11th. Robin passed peacefully in the home that she and her beloved husband, Allen Lee Gifford, built with their own hands in 1972.

Robin was born on October 14, 1942, in Portage, Wisconsin. She spent part of her childhood living on Pointers Creek outside Linn, Missouri, in the foothills of the Ozarks. Robin’s early life was simple, spirited, and full of wonderful, imaginative adventures with her brother, Jim, under the watchful eye of their older sister, Mary. She attended a one-room schoolhouse and, for a time, lived without electricity. She remembered those years with great fondness, especially swimming with Jim among the fish at the Fish Hatchery Pond, discovering an unlocked quarry shed filled with dynamite, playing in a neighbor’s barn, exploring the beautiful outdoors, and growing up in a way that taught her how rich life could be without much at all. She said that she would not have traded her childhood for any amount of money. In 1956, Robin came to live with the Klemp Family at their family farm where she gained three additional siblings Peg, Rick, and Mike.

Robin married her beloved, Allen Gifford, on December 14, 1963, and together they enjoyed 53 years of marriage until Allen’s passing in 2017. They built their family with love, grace, and dedication to their family and celebrated having two blue-eyed girls of their own, Pamela and Bridget “Boo” Gifford.

Over the years, Robin wore many hats (both literally and figuratively) and worked many jobs. She worked for Uncle Rusty’s Sweet Bottling Company. Robin worked for Charles Kennedy Attorney at Law and worked for the federal government. After her daughters were born, Robin worked at Del Monte, Demeter, and Oscar Meyer. In her later life, Robin worked for Tim and Sara Brandsma in the h**p fields. She also worked at the Lodi All Stop, where she was a true crowd favorite as the emcee of Tuesday Cruisedays, delighting everyone with her megaphone and larger-than-life spirit. True to Robin’s nature, she remembered them all as “super fun jobs”. She joked that her only regret was that she never tried her hand at waitressing.

Robin loved gardening, adored her treasured pets, loved her readings, and carried deep and steady faith through every season of life. She was a licensed amateur radio operator, a reflection of both her curiosity and independent spirit. She met life with grace, humor, and quiet strength. One of her greatest gifts was the love of reading, which she passed on to her family. She taught her two daughters, and granddaughter, Abigail, to read, planting in them the delight of digging into books and getting lost in a good story. Robin was also deeply creative. Her hands were rarely still, and she loved crafting and made many beautiful quilts. She was always willing to try something new, whether it was painting, stained glass, or diamond art, and she brought patience, care, and beauty to everything she made. She will be remembered for her warmth and steadiness, the home she built, the family she nurtured, the flowers she grew, the pets she loved, the faith she carried, her open arms for many hugs, twinkling, mischievous, blue eyes, and playful spirit. Her life was a beautiful testament to simple joys, steady love, and enduring grace. She will be profoundly missed.

Robin is survived by her two daughters, Pamela (Glenn) Puntney and Bridget (Andy) Gifford-Thiessen; her granddaughter, Abigail Gifford; step-grandsons, Riley (Kristina) and Cody (Madison) Puntney, and their children. She is also survived by her siblings, James (Jeanette) Chamberlain, Peg (Mike) Blaska, Rick (Karen) Klemp, and Mike Klemp; sister-in-law, Jean (Roger) Arnce; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Robin was blessed with a circle of precious friends, Marty Brey, Allen and Linda Pease, her Tuesday night dinner chums, Mike and Delores, Judy, Sandy, and Lorraine, Operating Engineers Lunch Group, Carol and Jim, Dennis and Sharon, Roger and Marilyn. Rollie and Cristi Maier, Gladys’ Painting Crew, and her family at Wyocena Community Church. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allen “Gif” Gifford; her sister, Mary; and foster parents, Kenneth “Red” and Virginia Klemp.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, at Wyocena Community Church, Pastor Mark Brandel is officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service, at 11:30 a.m. A private Inurnment will be set for a later date. Memorials can be made, in her name, to Poynette Area Public Library. Please wear cheerful colors to celebrate Robin!

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

03/11/2026

ARLINGTON – Mary Louise Falk, age 88, of Arlington, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Columbia County Health Care Center in Wyocena.

Mary was born on April 26, 1937, in Columbus, Wisconsin, daughter of William A. and Dorothy (Watson) Gundlach. Dr. Eldon Watson, Mary’s uncle, delivered her. She grew up in the small village of Arlington and attended Poynette High School, where she graduated in 1955 as class valedictorian.

Mary married Glenn “Mike” Falk on November 10, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Islip, Long Island, New York. Mike and Mary enjoyed camping and spent 42 summers at Holiday Shores Campground in Wisconsin Dells. Mary was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Arlington where she was a member of the choir for several years and played piano for Sunday school for 50 years. Music was a huge part of her life, and she instilled that love in her daughters and grandchildren. Mary learned to play piano and accordion at a very young age and continued all her life. She loved playing for family functions, especially the Falk Christmas Party. Mary also played for Solo & Ensemble for the Poynette School District, various clubs in the area, along with many church functions, weddings, and funerals.

Mary is survived by her two daughters, Maureen Garske of Portage, and Molly (Greg) Frank of Arlington; four grandchildren, who were the light of her life; Megan (Ben) Kreyer, Miranda (Sean) O’Melia, Stephanie Frank (Mike Brady) and Patrick Frank; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Tomlinson of Georgia, Joan O’Brien of Florida and one brother-in-law, Tom Falk of Poynette. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and brother, William W. Gundlach.

Memorial Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 303 Park Street, Arlington. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will be served at the church.

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

03/07/2026

PORTAGE - Elizabeth Lenora 'Betty' Brozowski (Follstad), age 95, of Portage, passed away on March 5, 2026.

Betty was born on March 21, 1930, at Antigo City Hospital, Langlade County, Wisconsin to Arnold and Lenora Follstad of Badger Street. Her father worked for the county and mother was a nurse serving the Antigo City Hospital. During the Depression the family moved to Milwaukee where Betty went on to attend West Division High School. She then entered the Milwaukee County Medical Complex - School of Nursing, graduating in 1951. On November 22, 1952, she married Robert 'Bob' Brozowski at Trinity Lutheran Church and moved to Menomonee Falls. While living and raising their three young boys in 'the Falls', she volunteered at Hiawatha Public Schools working in the library and in the school health room. After her boys were in school full time, she went on to work for Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex for the remainder of her nursing career, even ride-sharing with her husband to and from each respective workplace. They were members of Grace Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls. Bob and Betty retired to the Portage area in 1995, transferred to St. Johns Lutheran, and enjoyed their retirement life there. She enjoyed time with her grandchildren and family as well as their many friends.

She is survived by her two sons, James (Mari) Brozowski and Paul (Terri) Brozowski; three grandsons, Shane (Cheyenne) Brozowski, Matthew (Rachel) Brozowski and Noah Brozowski; great grandson, Oliver Brozowski; two sisters-in-law, Jeanne Follstad & Shirley Brozowski; numerous relatives and friends. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob, middle son Mark, older brother Arnold Follstad, Jr. and brother-in-law Edward Brozowski.

Private memorial services will be at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage with Rev. Rod Armon officiating. Inurnment will be private at Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage.

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

02/23/2026

PARDEEVILLE – Virginia Elaine Pache, age 103, 8 months, 24 days, of Pardeeville, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Columbia County Health Care Center in Wyocena.

Virginia was born on May 29, 1922, in the town of Lowville to Charles and Ora (Stebbins) Selle. She was educated through the eighth grade at Jefferson School in a one room schoolhouse in rural Poynette. Virginia married Daniel M. Pache on November 6, 1940, who preceded her in death. They were married 52 years. They farmed on shares with Tom Hefty in Poynette, later buying a farm in Arlington where they raised four children, Duane, Sharon, Harlan, and Danene. Virginia enjoyed raising chickens and selling eggs on their farm. Many people remember her for working at the Owl’s Nest in Poynette for many years. Virginia enjoyed neighborhood card parties and a few trips to Vegas with friends, as well as gathering at local cafes with friends over breakfast. She also enjoyed trips to northern Wisconsin for family visits in Sarona. While there, Virginia enjoyed fishing and gambling. She took lots of car rides with her grandson Dustin, enjoying the scenery. Virginia loved to cook for her family. She always made sure to have desserts around. One of the highlights of her life was seeing her family and she would light up anytime she would see them.

She is survived by her children, Sharon (Sylvan) Johnson of Sarona, Danene Pache (special friend Bruce Cunningham) of Pardeeville, grandchildren; Shane (Sarah) Johnson of Glenwood City, Scott (Brian) Johnson of Alexandria Virginia, Dustin (Paige) Wollschlager of Montello, great grandchildren; Kendra (fiancé Andrew) of St. Paul, Alexus of Menomonee, Carson and Sydney Hulback of Durand, Brody Fern of Boyceville, Lilly Johnson of Glenwood City, Harlan & Waylon Wollschlager of Montello, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Daniel, sons; Harlan Pache, Duane (Marsha) Pache, brother and sister-in-law Donovan (Phyllis) Selle, brother-in-law; Andy (Dorothy) Pache, Ruthie Pache, Bill (Iva) Pache, grandchild; Shonda Mikelson, and Dustin’s father, Willie Wollschlager.

Many thanks for all the loving care to the health care center and to the gals that helped mom at her home.

Per Virginia’s request, there will be no services.

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

02/21/2026

PORTAGE – Rischel Marie Howell, age 25, of Portage, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at her home.

Rischel was born on July 25, 2000, in Portage, the daughter of Daniel and Sara (Welsh) Howell. She had graduated from Portage High School in 2018. Rischel had worked as a kitchen aide at Heritage House in Portage, where her grandfather, William, is currently living. She had a special bond with him, spending time with him everyday. Rischel enjoyed reading, art, painting, crocheting, drawing and especially spending time with her friends, being her goofy self. She also loved playing video games and especially her cats.

She is survived by her mother, Sara Howell; her father, Daniel (Mary Tessmer) Howell; her brother, Nico Howell; her sisters, Kacy Karcher, Jennifer (Derek Lainberger) Tessmer and Kelsey Tessmer; two nieces, Kali and Kennedy Tessmer; a nephew, Kylo Sanders; her grandfather, William Welsh; her grandparents, Freeman (Marla) Grover; her godfather and special uncle, Vito Cefalu; her uncles, Bill (Jeanne) Welsh, Greg Welsh, Rick Welsh, Tim (Mary) Welsh, Peter Welsh and John (Brian Culley) Welsh; her aunt, Crystal (Steve) Arloff; her two cats, Binx and Luna; many friends, cousins and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Shirley Welsh and her aunts, Teri Welsh and Alice Welsh.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Pastor Kay Hallanger officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Columbia County Humane Society, and the family would appreciate flowers sent for Rischel.

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

02/19/2026

PORTAGE – Virgil Dale Chance went to bed and woke with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early in the morning on February 15, 2026, at the age of 93. He would have turned 94 on June 1. He was born on June 1, 1932, at his grandmother’s house in Alva, Oklahoma, to Joseph Stong Chance and Nellie Madeline (Lord) Chance.

His schooling took place in several locations, as his father was in the military. In the 1940s, he attended school in Alva while his dad was in England working with Eisenhower. He graduated from Alva high school in 1950 and continued his education at Northwestern Teachers College in Alva.

He went into business with his father at Joe Chance & Son Neon Signs after learning neon tube bending in his basement. During his senior year, he met Gladys Rae Abbott while she was a freshman. They were married on July 8, 1952. They lived with his Aunt in the same house where he was born.
Their son Jimmy Dale was born in 1953, daughter Linda Darlene in 1954. In February 1956, needing more income they moved to Portage, Wisconsin and Joseph Stong Chance II was born in 1958. After a short trip back to Alva to help his father, daughter Marilyn Sue was born in 1961. In 1962, they returned to Portage.

Midwest Sign Company was his life’s work until his retirement in 2000. He also worked as a crossing guard for the Portage schools for several years. He loved children and truly enjoyed serving in that role. He had many special kids in his life. In 2000, after suffering a heart attack, he received many get-well cards in a box from the kids. He joined the Gideons which strengthend his faith and he loved passing out New Testaments to children and to people at the fair.

In 1964, he and Gladys joined the Curling Club, where he served as men’s president in 1970. They made many friends and enjoyed those years well into the 1980s. He also spent years golfing and loved fishing. Their favorite dates were spent fishing, and he wanted to fish up until his last day.
Virgil was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He greatly enjoyed gardening—big or small. He loved woodworking and tinkering to fix everything, always seeming to have an answer for any problem. His special laugh will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
As we say goodbye, we love you.

He is survived by his wife of almost 74 years, Gladys Rae (Abbott) Chance; daughter Linda (Larry) Klosiewski of South Milwaukee; daughter-in-law Shirley Chance of Portage; son-in-law Kenneth Jahn of Portage; sisters-in-law Betty Chance of Alva, Oklahoma, Jane Abbott of Portage, Nancy Brown of Bristow, Oklahoma, and Lila Altamirano of Rillito, Arizona; brothers-in-law Lewis Byfield of Fairview, Oklahoma, and Bob (Barbara) Abbott of Copperas Cove, Texas; grandchildren Karl and Kori Klosiewski, Michael and Tina Klosiewski, Zem Zander Chance, Joe and Becky Chance Schauf, Allyson Chance and Ben Gladwin, Ryan Jahn, Joseph and Katie Jahn, Nicholas and Lindsey Jahn, and Jesse Chance Jahn; and great-grandchildren Morgan(Leo Gormez) Klosiewski, Quin Lenore Chance Hart, Neve Alexander and Luis Jimenez, Dylan and Kara Alexander, Trystan Jahn, Bristol Jahn, and Autumn Schauf.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to nieces Kathy Young, Barbara Haltom, and Brenda Rhodes for their love, caring and help from Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his son Jimmy Dale Chance (August 18, 2023); daughter Marilyn Sue Jahn (October 19, 2023); son Joseph Stong Chance II (July 10, 2025); granddaughters Whitney Rae Jahn and Stephanie Ruth Jahn; his parents; his brother Donald A. Chance; his sister Terrie Jo (Chance) Byfield; brothers-in-law Thomas L. Abbott, Max A. Abbott, Ambrosio Altamirano, and Daniel Tidwell; and sister-in-law Donna Abbott Tidwell.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Karl Klosiewski, Ryan Jahn, Joe Jahn, Nicholas Jahn, Jesse Jahn, and Mike Klosiewski; great-grandson Trystan Jahn; and nephew Tad Abbott.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage with Rev. Rod Armon officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 9:00 am to 10:45 am Inurnment will be at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in Portage, with Military Honors provided by Portage American Legion Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage or to the Gideons International.

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

02/19/2026

POYNETTE – Stephen C. Robson, age 65, of Poynette, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St Clare Hospital in Baraboo surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born in Poynette, Wisconsin on October 9, 1960, the son of Clinton and Virginia (Hoodie) Robson. He attended school in Cambria and graduated, part of the graduating class of 1978. Steve participated in football, FFA, and played drums.

Steve was a master plumber for 40 plus years, retiring in October 2025.

Steve was involved and enjoyed racing, anything mechanical, and was known for his 1955 GMC “green truck” that he built from the ground up and cherished. He enjoyed anything outdoors, especially doing yard work, mowing and splitting wood. Steve was known for his great sense of humor. He was truly kind and generous, he would give anyone the shirt off his back. Steve was a loving and dedicated father to his children. Many friends and family would call him “Mr. Mom”. Steve’s dog “Remi” was his pride and joy and held an incredibly special place in his heart.

He is survived by his mother; Virginia “Ginny” Robson, children; Tracy (Teddy) Merwin, Chase (Erin) Robson, “bonus son”; Jim Brumm, a soon to be granddaughter, step-grandsons; Terrell (Jazmine) Merwin, Carter Merwin, step great-grandsons; Brantley and Braydon, sisters; Barb Robson, Jan Derr, Mary (Steve) Hensen, as well as many other relatives, and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, and grandchildren; Cashton and Dalton.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. Services will be held at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette with Pastor Susan Shands officiating. While attending the visitation or service, the family requests wearing green or racing attire.

Donations can be made to the family for future plumbing scholarships.

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

02/19/2026

PORTAGE- Virgil Dale Chance went to bed and woke with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early in the morning on February 15, 2026, at the age of 93. He would have turned 94 on June 1. He was born on June 1, 1932, at his grandmother’s house in Alva, Oklahoma, to Joseph Stong Chance and Nellie Madeline (Lord) Chance.

His schooling took place in several locations, as his father was in the military. In the 1940s, he attended school in Alva while his dad was in England working with Eisenhower. He graduated from Alva high school in 1950 and continued his education at Northwestern Teachers College in Alva.

He went into business with his father at Joe Chance & Son Neon Signs after learning neon tube bending in his basement. During his senior year, he met Gladys Rae Abbott while she was a freshman. They were married on July 8, 1952. They lived with his Aunt in the same house where he was born.
Their son Jimmy Dale was born in 1953, daughter Linda Darlene in 1954. In February 1956, needing more income they moved to Portage, Wisconsin and Joseph Stong Chance II was born in 1958. After a short trip back to Alva to help his father, daughter Marilyn Sue was born in 1961. In 1962, they returned to Portage.

Midwest Sign Company was his life’s work until his retirement in 2000. He also worked as a crossing guard for the Portage schools for several years. He loved children and truly enjoyed serving in that role. He had many special kids in his life. In 2000, after suffering a heart attack, he received many get-well cards in a box from the kids. He joined the Gideons which strengthend his faith and he loved passing out New Testaments to children and to people at the fair.

In 1964, he and Gladys joined the Curling Club, where he served as men’s president in 1970. They made many friends and enjoyed those years well into the 1980s. He also spent years golfing and loved fishing. Their favorite dates were spent fishing, and he wanted to fish up until his last day.
Virgil was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He greatly enjoyed gardening—big or small. He loved woodworking and tinkering to fix everything, always seeming to have an answer for any problem. His special laugh will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
As we say goodbye, we love you.

He is survived by his wife of almost 74 years, Gladys Rae (Abbott) Chance; daughter Linda (Larry) Klosiewski of South Milwaukee; daughter-in-law Shirley Chance of Portage; son-in-law Kenneth Jahn of Portage; sisters-in-law Betty Chance of Alva, Oklahoma, Jane Abbott of Portage, Nancy Brown of Bristow, Oklahoma, and Lila Altamirano of Rillito, Arizona; brothers-in-law Lewis Byfield of Fairview, Oklahoma, and Bob (Barbara) Abbott of Copperas Cove, Texas; grandchildren Karl and Kori Klosiewski, Michael and Tina Klosiewski, Zem Zander Chance, Joe and Becky Chance Schauf, Allyson Chance and Ben Gladwin, Ryan Jahn, Joseph and Katie Jahn, Nicholas and Lindsey Jahn, and Jesse Chance Jahn; and great-grandchildren Morgan(Leo Gormez) Klosiewski, Quin Lenore Chance Hart, Neve Alexander and Luis Jimenez, Dylan and Kara Alexander, Trystan Jahn, Bristol Jahn, and Autumn Schauf.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to nieces Kathy Young, Barbara Haltom, and Brenda Rhodes for their love, caring and help from Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his son Jimmy Dale Chance (August 18, 2023); daughter Marilyn Sue Jahn (October 19, 2023); son Joseph Stong Chance II (July 10, 2025); granddaughters Whitney Rae Jahn and Stephanie Ruth Jahn; his parents; his brother Donald A. Chance; his sister Terrie Jo (Chance) Byfield; brothers-in-law Thomas L. Abbott, Max A. Abbott, Ambrosio Altamirano, and Daniel Tidwell; and sister-in-law Donna Abbott Tidwell.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Karl Klosiewski, Ryan Jahn, Joe Jahn, Nicholas Jahn, Jesse Jahn, and Mike Klosiewski; great-grandson Trystan Jahn; and nephew Tad Abbott.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage with Rev. Rod Armon officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, PORTAGE-March 6, 2026 from 9:00 am to 10:45 am Inurnment will be at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in Portage.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage or to the Gideons International.

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

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home

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