Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation

03/26/2026

James “Jim” C. Edwards, 90, of Sparta, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center in Sparta.

Jim was born on March 10, 1935, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Conan and B. Marjorie (Gottsch-Rice) Edwards. He graduated from Port Edwards High School and went on to attend college, later earning his Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

Jim married Karen Hibbard in 1963.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army, including time stationed in Addis Ababa, Africa. Following his military service, he began a long and dedicated career in education. Jim taught school in Highland and Deerfield, Illinois, before returning to Wisconsin where he taught in West Allis for five years, at Franklin High School, and in Port Edwards for five years.

In 1972, Jim and Karen moved to Sparta where he continued shaping the lives of countless students. Throughout his career he served as a teacher, principal, and football coach until his retirement in 1994. Jim also served as a minister in the Community of Christ Church well into his 80’s. Jim was known for his commitment to education, leadership, and his deep care for the people and communities he served.

Outside of his work, Jim enjoyed golfing, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and following Wisconsin Badger athletics. He cherished time spent with family and friends and will be remembered for his dedication, faith, and service to others.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen Edwards of Sparta; daughter, Jo Ellen Edwards of La Crosse; siblings, Sue (Scotty) Sheets of Madison, Wisconsin; Mary (Rich) Steege of Blaine, Minnesota; and Jill (Jeff) Albro of Tullahoma, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, John Costick of Maryland and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael J. Edwards; and sister, Sandra Costick.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Scotty Sheets officiating. Burial with full military honors, provided by VFW post 2112 and American Legion post 100, both of Sparta, will be in Mt Hope Cemetery Sparta. A luncheon will follow at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, both at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sparta Area Cancer Support (SACS). Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

03/25/2026

Jerome (Jerry) H. Schanhofer, 79, of Sparta passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at his home, surrounded by family. He was born on December 17, 1946 to John L. and Frances (Creviston) Schanhofer, in Sparta. He grew up in Sparta, and graduated from Sparta High School.

He met JoAn Johnson in 1985. They were married in 1987. They lived in Sparta, and had their son, Alex in 1988.

Jerry farmed throughout his childhood. He worked in the Tool and Die field, at Northern Engraving for over 40 years. Retirement didn't last long for Jerry as he went on to work at Boyd GM Nameplate Inc. for ten years.

In his free time, Jerry enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, fishing, woodworking, canning, and traveling.

For Jerry, a request wasn't a burden but an opportunity to use his numerous skills. He was the person you called when the porch steps rotted, a mailbox needed straightening, to make anything you couldn't buy, or do anything you asked of him. He didn't just show up- he showed up with a toolbox, a smile, ingenuity, a steady pair of hands, and he didn't leave until the job was done better than you imagined.

He is survived by his wife, JoAn; son, Alex (Breanna); siblings, Susie (Ron) Nauman, Pauline (Jerry) Jones, Janet (Bruce) Randall, John J. Schanhofer, and Janice (Dan) Weber; grand-dog, Erie; grand-cat, Voodoo; in-laws, Lon Johnson, Gary (Pam) Johnson, Rosemary (Bruce) Aney, Darlene (Dave) Middleton, and Brian (DeeDee) Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews; relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joe; and sister, Jeannie Lower.

A Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. A private service for family will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, SACS, or A.S.A.P. Cat Shelter in Sparta.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

03/21/2026

Lon H. Wittmershaus, 71, of Sparta, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Tomah Nursing and Rehab Center, Tomah. He was born on June 26, 1954 to August and LaRayne (Hagen) Wittmershaus. He grew up in Bangor, then moved to Sparta. He graduated from Sparta High School.

Lon married Verna Kvistad, they later divorced. He then married Marilyn Stuart, they later divorced.

Lon drove school bus for Jelco in Onalaska and Sparta. He also worked for the Postal Service, as well as Sparta Parks and Rec. Department. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and darts, grilling, playing cards and softball.

He is survived by his children, Travis (Stacey) Wittmershaus of Tomah and Desiree Stuart of Sparta; 6 grandchildren, Corey (Jordan) Withers, Paityn Tadder, Josh (Victoria) Roth, Jessica Retzlaff, Coral (Austin) Calhoon, and Donovan Calhoon; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Candi O’Connell, Bruce (Janice) Wittmershaus, Mike Wittmershaus, Tina (Scott) Wright; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Vicki; brother-in-law, Gene O’Connell; and grandson, Nyckolas Tadder.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Randy Williamson officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Bangor.

A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

03/13/2026

Diane Elizabeth Kinsland, 78, of Clarksville, TN passed away March 11, 2026. She was born on June 12, 1947 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to James and Marjorie Brower. Diane enjoyed cooking, baking, and sewing, and she took great pride in caring for others through both her work and her hobbies. She worked at Rolling Hills, where she spent many years as a CNA and dietary aide. Diane worked for many years at the Morrow Home in Sparta, Wisconsin, where she served as the head cook and a dietary aide, preparing meals and helping ensure residents were well cared for.

Diane is preceded in death by her husband Ronald Kinsland. She is survived by her son, Jason Kinsland; daughter-in-law Heather Kinsland, granddaughter; Mariah Kinsland, sister Margaret (Rodney) Jones, brother James (Beverly) Brower, and many nieces and nephews.

Please visit Diane’s online guestbook at www.sykesfuneralhome.com and share a memory with her family.

03/12/2026

William “Bill” S. Brueggen, 67, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Sparta, Wisconsin. He was born July, 15, 1958 to Silverius “Shorty” and Beatrice “Betty” (Von Ruden) Brueggen in Cashton, Wisconsin.

He grew up in Cashton and Sparta, graduating from Sparta High School in 1976. Bill married his beloved wife Donna (Williams) on July 25, 1981. They were married almost 45 years, living and raising their children just outside Sparta.

Bill was lovingly known as Grandpa, Dad, Husband, Brother, and Friend to many. His ability to make you feel loved was one of his greatest gifts, and his sense of humor brought joy for all who knew him. Bill loved spending quality time with his loved ones under the large oak tree, always welcoming old and new friends.

One of Bill’s first jobs was with Milwaukee Railroad, and he still fondly remembered and told stories of his time there. He then worked as a Section Driver and eventually heavy machinery operator for the Monroe County Highway Department, retiring in 2023 after 40 years. His memory for roads, work done, and the details that made stories great was second to none. He loved to go for a drive, share his stories, and grab a sandwich.

After retiring from Monroe County, Bill drove dump truck for Wayne Bohl Trucking. He enjoyed his time there almost as much as those he worked with.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Ashley (Jose) Brueggen and Jered (Katie) Brueggen; grandchildren, Axl, Rae, Evie, and Dylan; siblings, Dorine Erickson, Herman (Janet) Brueggen, Bob (Barb) Brueggen, Nancy (Joe) Ekern, Beverly (Jose) Meno, and Al (Penny) Brueggen.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Shorty and Betty Brueggen; and brother-in-law, Richard Erickson.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, in Sparta. Burial will be at Farmers Valley Cemetery, in rural Sparta.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

03/11/2026

Robin A. Aney, 64, of Sparta, passed away Tuesday, March, 10, 2026 at his home. He will be greatly missed and deeply loved always by his family and friends.

Robin always had a smile and enjoyed making people laugh. He was a people person and also enjoyed music, Concert in the Park, Butterfest, camping, and fishing.

Robin is survived by his mother, Phyllis; brothers, Steve (Cindy) Aney and Rodney (Sue) Aney; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Duane Aney; maternal and paternal grandparents; and a niece, Ashley Aney.

Robin is now in the loving hands of our Father in Heaven.

“Forever Loved”

A Graveside Memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Monday, March 23, 2026 at Woodlawn Cemetery with Pastor Lourdes Magalhaes officiating. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

03/09/2026

Elvera “Tootie” Elizabeth Bernett received her angel wings on March 6, 2026 at the age of 94 at the Morrow Home in Sparta. She was lovingly surrounded by her family. Tootie was born on October 8, 1931 in Sparta to Robert and Ruth (Kremmer) Wegner.

Tootie spent her early years living on the farm in Little Falls and graduated from Sparta High School in 1949. She worked part-time at Schultz Bros. 5 and 10, Max Sparta Café and Northern States Power. In 1950 she was united in marriage to Russell Bernett at the Cataract Lutheran Church. In 1951, Tootie began her career at Camp McCoy which would span 37 years with the Army Air Force Exchange Service. During the last 16 years of her employment, she became the Exchange Manager for Fort McCoy, Volk Field, Truax Field in Madison and Fort Snelling in Minneapolis. She was a professional through and through and a wonderful mother to her 3 children that she raised along the way.

Retiring in 1988, Tootie became actively involved in the community. She was a faithful and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She organized the kitchen for the annual Bazaars (everyone remembers her amazing barbecues), Lenten lunches and just helping whenever needed. She also served as the WELCA treasurer for many years. Tootie was a member of the Sparta Lioness, worked at the election polls for over 30 years, volunteered at the Ecumenical Food Pantry and the Red Cross, and was a driver for the Monroe County Senior Social Services.

Tootie and Russell enjoyed retirement together, traveling in their motor home and spending winters in Arizona. Many fishing trips were taken to Canada with family and friends. Their most enjoyable vacation together was an Alaskan cruise celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Whenever holidays or any special event rolled around, Tootie was the “hostess with the mostest” opening her home to extended family and friends. Lots of wonderful memories were made for all of us.

Tootie was also very proud of her 3 children, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren. She loved them all deeply. She was a constant source of optimism, kindness and grace. We will forever cherish the love she shared and the memories she gifted all of us.

Tootie is survived by her children, Sheila Abbott, Steve (Judy) Bernett, and Greg (Deborah) Bernett; grandchildren, Jodi Mutschler, Gretchen Abbott, Mackenzie Bernett and Morgan Bernett; great-grandchildren, Derek (Taylor) Mutschler, Braeden Abbott, Macie Mutschler and Ethan Mutschler; great-great-grandchildren, Jace Mutschler and Ella Mutschler. Tootie is also survived by siblings, James Wegner, Joanne (Gene) Christenson, and Jeanette (David) Dukleth; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ruth Wegner; husband, Russell; brother, Richard (at age 4); son-in-law, Milo Abbott; grandson-in-law, Ryan Mutschler; sisters-in-law, Carla Wegner, Jeanne Cole, Yvonne Travis, and Patricia Bernett; brothers-in-law, Duane Bernett, Gale Bernett, Keith Bernett, and Lewis Travis; and other special family members.

Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sparta on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11am with Pastor Josh Buzbee officiating. Family and friends are invited for visitation at the church from 9:30am until the time of the service with a luncheon to follow. Burial will follow the luncheon at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, in Sparta.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or Sparta Area Cancer Support (SACS).

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

03/09/2026

Carol M. Bolster, 82, of Sparta, died Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Emplify Health by Gundersen, La Crosse.

There will be no services at this time. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home in Sparta, Wisconsin, is a full-service funeral home providing burial and cremation services. Our street-level facility is located in downtown Sparta. We offer ample parking, a large visitation/service chapel, family room, ADA restrooms, kitchenette, and a fellowship h...

03/03/2026

William “Brent” Nelson, age 45, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday January 24th, 2026 while on vacation out of state. Known to everyone as Brent, he was a devoted father, a loving son and a man whose presence meant more than he ever realized.

Above all else, Brent loved all of his children, both biological or adopted, whom he accepted fully under his wing. His children meant the world to him; they were the center of his life and the reason behind everything he did. He loved his family deeply and showed that love through his actions, by showing up, by being steady, and always putting the people he loved first.

Brent found joy in the simple things. From early childhood until his passing, he loved being outdoors. Sitting around a fire, camping, or canoeing on the river, these moments brought him peace and always brought his family closer together. He was a fantastic golfer who appreciated the game and a great cook as well. He loved to teach these things in particular, finding joy in watching others grow.

His talents extended to pool, bowling, darts, basketball, and many other skills.

A loyal San Francisco 49ers fan, Brent cheered them on with the same passion he brought to everything he cared about, and proudly passed that love on to his children. He had a natural ability for anything he was passionate about and never missed an opportunity to teach those around him.

Brent was born in Landstuhl, Germany, and later returned to the United States, eventually settling in Wisconsin after many moves across the country. He spent a large portion of his life in Tomah, Wisconsin, before moving to Waukesha County, where he married and soon started a family after high school. Eighteen years after starting his family, he relocated to the New Lisbon, Wisconsin area, where he spent the remainder of his life.

He is survived by his children, Dylan 23 (Chloe), Olivia 16, Jaxson 9, and Luke 8, his step children Savannah 29, Lyndell 25, Lucy 30, his love & partner Katie (Chris), his mother Kathy, his brother Ronnie, and many other family members and friends who are grieving a loss that feels impossible to put into words.

A celebration of his life is planned for March 7th at Wisco8 in Sparta, starting at 11am.

Brents life was far too short, but the love he gave, the lessons he taught and the memories he created will live on through his children and the people who loved him. He will be missed more than words can ever explain and will be remembered always.

02/26/2026

Barbara Lou Moskonas, 81, of Sparta passed away at her home surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. She was born on December 28,1944 to Erwin and Irene (Johnson) Neitzel. She grew up in New Lisbon and graduated from New Lisbon High School in 1963.

After high school, Barbara attended cosmetology school in Milwaukee. In 1966, Barbara met and married the love of her life, Douglas, and the love birds moved to Stevens Point to build their life together. She worked as a hairdresser for over 30 years in Stevens Point at Tower Beauty Salon, House of Thomas and eventually opened her own salon in their home. During this time, Barbara also cared for dozens of foster children, many of whom remain in her life, to this day. Barbara retired in 1994 to pursue her next career, that of a professional grandma, a role she wholeheartedly embraced.

Barbara was very active; and on her days off from grandma duties, she was busy creating beautiful gardens, sewing everything from quilts to custom teddy bears, curtains for the entire family and cherished "yaya blankies" for every grandchild. She painted, and refurbished furniture, concrete pottery, stained glass and the list goes on and on. She was active in her church and volunteered at the nursing home. She loved to serve on various committees and teams, and was known for being very flexible, as long as everyone agreed to do things exactly her way.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Douglas (Lovey Poo); children, Theodore (Janell) Moskonas and Nicole Moskonas; bonus sons, John Ziebel, Nate Newby and adopted son, Todd (Betty) Moskonas; grandchildren, Theodore Cosmo Moskonas, Thaddaeus John (Katrina) Moskonas, Abigail Barbara and Arabella Lyn Newby; and great grandsons, Theodore John, Colter Douglas and Wesley Eugene Moskonas. She is also survived by 6 siblings, including her beloved little sister, Linda Martin; numerous nieces and nephews; lifelong cherished friends; and a line of bonus children, who claim her as their own.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and her best friend of almost 60 years, Marilyn Tucker.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lahham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

02/25/2026

Batina Laxton Visitation