Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, 430 Wisconsin Street, Portage, WI (2025)

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.

10/28/2025

PORTAGE – Larry E. Gustafson, age 88, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, in Portage, surrounded by his loving family.

Larry was born on November 22, 1936, in Nebraska, the son of Harry and Evelyn (Peterson) Gustafson, and moved to Portage when he was one year old with his family. He graduated from Portage High School in 1955. On June 21, 1958, Larry married the love of his life, Sandy Roecker, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. They led a wonderful life raising their two sons, Jeffrey and Michael. Larry enjoyed traveling and attending Badger Basketball games, as a season ticket holder. He also liked to hunt and enjoyed hanging out with his friends on Tuesday mornings. Larry coached and played fast pitch softball for Service Drug Store. He was a member of the Portage Curling Club and enjoyed curling at various curling clubs. Larry was part of the Portage Boat Club and enjoyed boating on Swan Lake and the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. Larry was a licensed plumber and retired from Schadde Plumbing and Heating in Baraboo after 39 years. Larry was a funny guy with a great sense of humor and soft heart.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sandy; sons, Jeffrey (Lisa) and their sons Timothy (Amber) and their daughter Madalyn, Spencer (Miranda)and their son Harvey; Michael (Marlo) and their son Mitchell; brother, Thomas (Peggy) Gustafson; and by other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Marge (Vern) Galli and Shari (William) Goetz.

Our husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend was loved dearly.

Because of Larry’s love for animals, donations to the Columbia County Humane Society Portage, Wisconsin, may be made in his name, in lieu of flowers.

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

10/27/2025

PORTAGE – Donald Allen Coleman, age 67, peacefully passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, in his home, with the love of his life for over 30 years, Barb, by his side.

Donald was born on June 19, 1958, in Michigan, the son of Robert and Doris [Shirley] Coleman. He was a truck driver and enjoyed riding his motorcycle with friends. He loved spending his time fishing and meticulously caring for his yard.

Donald is survived by his love, Barb; his daughter, Amanda Coleman; sister, Judy (Mike) Charleston; brothers, Bill Coleman, Scott (Terri) Coleman, and Mike Coleman. He was preceded in death by parents; his son, James; brothers, Gary (Jeanne) Coleman and Bob Coleman, and his German Shepherd, Shiloh.

At Donald’s request, there will be no services.

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

10/24/2025

LODI, WI – Daniel Joel Rodefeld, age 76, passed away, Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, with family by his side.

Daniel was born on October 30, 1948, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Kenneth and Frances (Dann) Rodefeld. He graduated from Madison East High School and then proudly served his country in the US Army – a soldier through and through. His time in Thailand and Vietnam was a tale he loved to tell. After proudly serving, Daniel worked for the City of Madison – Streets Department East for 35 years.

He loved his “Duck-tape” Express truck – 330k miles, the wave runner, boating on the pontoon, fishing on Lake Wisconsin, and spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was a proud member of VFW Lachmund-Cramer Post 7694 - Sauk Prairie and loved bonding with others at his military reunions with the 79th Engineer Brigade.

Dan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Paula; sons, Joe (Lori) and Jason (Jill) Rodefeld; grandchildren, Logan, Ava, Grayson, Cooper, and Gigi; he is further survived by his brothers, Bob (Janice), Dennis (Sheri); and sister, Janeen Seifert. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, Kay (Jack) Perkl.

We will all miss him forever on the lake.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home (www.pmmfh.com), in Portage, with military honors given by the Portage Area Honor Guard at noon. A private burial will follow.

10/23/2025

PORTAGE, WI / VALE, NC – Mark K. Christensen, age 55, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the ranch, doing what he loved.

Mark, better known as “Frog” to his Wisconsin family, was born on August 25, 1970, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the son of Dale Christensen and Michelle Metcalf. He was a 1988 graduate of Portage High School and later obtained a bachelor’s degree in education at UW-Stevens Point. On June 10, 2000, Mark married his beautiful wife, Jenny Underkofler, who was truly his soulmate. On August 25, 2002, his son, Riley Christensen, was born, followed by his daughter, Maddie Christensen, on August 30, 2004.

Mark was a lover of life and all things that came with it. He loved the Green Bay Packers, hunting deer and pheasants, fishing, nicknames, the ranch, his morning coffee (with plenty of whipped cream, always making sure to share a squirt of it with his dogs), his animals, hockey, Christmas gnomes, and early mornings. Mark was a simple man who built the exact life he wanted. His dream was always to live on land, far out in the country with lots and lots of animals, surrounded by those he loved - and he got that wish. Mark was happiest when living out that dream on his beautiful farm with his beloved donkeys, dogs, chickens, wife, and children.

For a lack of better words, Mark was an absolute badass of a human being who was a friend to all. He exemplified passion, commitment, loyalty, resilience, kindness, encouragement, dedication, and generosity. He was known for being a big teddy bear with a sense of humor that was impossible not to appreciate. Above all, Mark was truly the best husband and father. He poured his heart and soul into his wife and children, making sure that he never missed a single milestone or moment. He spent his weekends either coaching his daughter’s softball team or serving as a boat captain for his son’s fishing team. He left a lasting impact on not just his own children, but their friends and teammates as well. His consistent presence, love, and admiration for those he loved should serve as an inspiration to us all.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jenny “Bugsy” Christensen; children, Riley “Bob” and Maddie “Beavis” Christensen; father, Dale (Mari) Christensen; mother, Michelle Metcalf, grandmother; Delilas Christensen; sister, Dawn (Mark) Jacobson; mother-in-law, Mary Underkofler; brother and sister-in-law, Becky (Chris) Kopfhamer; nieces, Sydney Kopfhamer and Kristina Kanitz; nephew, Ethan Kopfhamer; many cherished aunts, uncles, friends, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Chuck Metcalf and Alan Christensen; grandmother, Loretta Metcalf; father-in-law, Mike Underkofler.

A special thank you to Mark and Lukas Paske and numerous other cherished family and friends who stayed by our beloved Mark’s side through it all.

While this loss is beyond devastating and heartbreaking, Mark was a believer in celebrating life. His wish would be for those that he loved to lean on one another and laugh over their favorite memories, stories, or moments of him - there are so many beautiful ones to reminisce on. So, in honor of our beloved Mark, we ask that you crack open a beer (or a Diet Mountain Dew) and remember him as the humorous, joyful, and fun-loving guy that we all knew him to be.

In lieu of flowers, please forward donations to the family to be used for a future memorial in Mark’s memory.

Mark, you are loved and missed more than you know. You left behind one hell of a legacy and our promise to you is to make sure that you live on through everyone that loves you. Thank you for being a stand-up husband, father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. Cheers to you.

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

10/17/2025

PORTAGE – Eugene A. Spychalla, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital.

Gene was born on July 22, 1937, in Antigo, Wisconsin, the son of Edward and Louise (Knapkavage) Spychalla. He married Loretta Jean Bobholz on October 17, 1964, in the St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage, Wisconsin.

Gene grew up poor, but rich in adventures with his brothers in the Baraboo area. His first job was at Neuman’s Drive-In and Gift Shop in Wisconsin Dells, serving crowds of tourists. He moved to Antigo during his junior year of high school and lived with his grandparents, Lawrence and Frances Knapkavage. While in Antigo, he worked at the Vulcan Corporation before moving to Pardeeville. He then worked at the Racine Glove Factory in Rio, where he met his future wife, Loretta.

Enlisting in the US Army Reserves in 1960, Gene served on active duty for ten months at Fort Bragg during the Berlin Crisis. He was transferred to the 322nd Chemical Company (Depot) in Baraboo, with an honorable discharge in 1966.

Gene used his supply clerk skills in positions at Sommer’s Hardware, Portage, and Badger Ordnance Works, before joining the Postal Service, in 1973. He worked as a mail handler, postal clerk, and window clerk in Portage, retiring in 2000.

He was the ultimate handyman, doing carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and automotive repairs throughout his life. He enjoyed Packer games, car shows, farm auctions and Sunday drives. In retirement, Gene enjoyed golf, playing at Christmas Mountain Village in Wisconsin Dells with his friend Jerry Burns. He looked forward to monthly breakfasts with retired Post Office colleagues until illness prevented his attendance. He was a deeply curious person, striking up easy conversations with everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta; children, Brenda (Richard Kunert) Spychalla and Scott Spychalla; brother, Duane (Juanita) Spychalla; sisters-in-law, Mary Spychalla and Marlene (James, Jr.) Hon; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Edward, Jr. and Jerome Spychalla.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Collin Kreple and Lindsay Everly, of UW Health Neuromuscular Disorders Clinic, for their compassionate and expert care and Brenda Stencil, of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, for her outstanding support. The family would also like to thank the medical staff at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, for end-of-life support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage, on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Savio Yerasani presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, in Portage, with military honors given by the Portage Area Honor Guard. A visitation will be held at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home (www.pmmfh.com), in Portage, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UW-Madison Department of Neurology ALS Research Fund or the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

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

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home

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