Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation

12/31/2025

Steven H. Bohnert, 72, of Sparta, died peacefully at his home Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Per Steven’s request, no services will be held.

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

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

12/28/2025

Judith “Judy” A. Johnson, 85, of Sparta, died Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at American Legion Post 100, Sparta. 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...

12/26/2025

Charles R. Brabant, age 90, of Sparta, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. He was born on November 27, 1935, to Frank and Anna (Sanders) Brabant.

Charles attended Franklin School in La Crosse. Along with his four brothers, he shared many stories of the mischief they got into as typical boys, memories that were fondly recalled throughout his life.

Following in the footsteps of his father and his brother, Frank Jr., Charles joined the United States Navy in 1952. He proudly served aboard the USS Midway.

After his military service, Charles married Mary Arnold. Together they had two children, Bob and Sue, and lived in Union Grove, Wisconsin. Charles worked at American Motors in Kenosha, and in 1968 the family moved to Sparta, where they purchased a home in the country.

Charles worked at several factories in the area before beginning his career at Fort McCoy, where he remained until his retirement in 1996.

An avid deer hunter, Charles enjoyed hunting until his health no longer allowed it. Some of his physical ailments were jokingly attributed to years of cutting firewood with his best friend, Denny Olsen. Together, the two cut enough wood to “heat the state of Wisconsin for years.” Even as health challenges slowed him down, Charles rarely missed his nearly daily trips to Walmart, where he enjoyed stopping to say hello to the ladies.

Charles will be deeply missed by many and fondly remembered for years to come. His sense of humor was unmatched, and his passing leaves a hole that can never be filled.

Charles is survived by his children, Robert Brabant and Susan Olsen; one grandchild; many nieces and nephews; his former wife, with whom he remained friends; his sister-in-law, Peggy Brabant; and his best friend, “Cat.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Brabant; his brothers, Frank Jr., David, Doug, and Daryl; and his sister, Beverly Becker.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Justin Arnold officiating. Burial, with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 both of Sparta, will take place in Farmers Valley Cemetery, rural Sparta.

Family and friends are invited to visitation from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday 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.

12/23/2025

Laura Johnson Funeral

12/22/2025

Michael Douglas LaForce, 71, of Sparta, Wisconsin, passed away on the morning of December 12, 2025 at Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Black River Falls, WI.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Michael spent his life working in a variety of jobs, including roofing and carpentry. He took pride in his work and was always well spoken of by co-workers.

Michael was well liked by those around him. He had a natural sense of humor, a kind streak that showed up in small ways, and a personality people gravitated toward. He had a special love for animals—especially cats—who were a constant source of comfort to him throughout his life.

Among the things he cared about most were his two sons, Steve and Chris, of whom he was immensely proud. He also remained close with his brother Don, maintaining a strong bond that lasted his entire life.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Charlotte and Roy LaForce, and his sister, Catherine.

He is survived by his sons, Steve (Thalia) and Chris (Melinda) LaForce; his brother, Don LaForce; his grandchildren—Remington, Serenity, Beckett, Patience, Caitlyn, Camryn, Jocelyn, and Abel; and his beloved cat, Magi.

Michael will be remembered with affection for the kindness, warmth, and laughter he brought into the lives of family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

A special thank you to Betty Doxrud, whose care, compassion, and steadfast support during Michael’s health challenges brought comfort and dignity to him and his family.

A celebration of life will be held on January 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 2:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall at St. John’s Church in Sparta, Wisconsin. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

12/22/2025

Jean L. Kempfer, 85, of Sparta, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, La Crosse. She was born on October 8, 1940, to Jack and Lila Rasmussen. She was one of two daughters; along with Carol (Rasmussen) Jenkins. She grew up in Sparta, and graduated from Sparta High School in 1958.

Jean married Alvin Schaitel, with whom she had 4 children; Steven (deceased), Suzanne, Carol, and Christine. She had 5 grandchildren; Ashley, Sydney, Sierra, Natasha, and Christopher. They later divorced.

Jean was a business owner, having owned The ETC Shoppe and Soap Scentsations, in downtown Sparta. Her love of life was the ocean. She lived in Florida for many years, deep sea diving and snorkeling. She had a passion for sewing and seashells. The seashells were brought from the ocean, then sold and traded. In 1981, she married Dave Kempfer, who was her avid companion in diving and attending trade shows. He preceded her in death, in 2012.

A Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. A graveside service will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at 11:15 a.m. A gathering at The Zone, will follow.

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

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

12/22/2025

Diana L. Jackson, 79, of Onalaska passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at the Onalaska Care Center surrounded by her loved ones after a brief battle with cancer.

Diana was born Nov. 26, 1946, in Beloit, Wis., to Lester and Lillian George, the second of four sisters. The George family moved to Sparta, Wis., in the 1950s, and Diana enjoyed a close relationship with her sisters for her entire life. She attended Sparta High School, graduating in 1964.

Diana married Harlan McLain Sr. in 1965 and they had five children: Harlan Jr., Kevin, Lisa, Angela and Heather. They later divorced.
In 1984, she met Robert Jackson Sr., the love of her life, while walking down the street in Sparta. They married 10 years later on May 30, 1994, and built a life together in Warrens, Wis., before moving to Onalaska to be closer to their family.

Diana worked as a rural postal carrier out of the Warrens Post Office for many years before retiring in 2008.

Diana was known for her generous spirit. She was devoted to her grandchildren and would do everything in her power to help them. She loved to sew, making clothes, costumes and pillowcases for her children and grandchildren throughout their lives. She made hundreds of quilts in her life, both for her family and to donate to Project Linus and other charitable causes.

Diana loved to shop, especially for her grandchildren. She loved to pick out the perfect thing for her family and -- even better -- find a good deal.

Diana is survived by her sisters, Bonnie Nelson and Sandie (Mike) Mitchell; four children, Kevin (Cindy) McLain, Lisa (Paul) McLain-Sharp, Angela Imgrund and Heather (Chad) Richey; daughter-in-law, Kathy McLain; stepson, Robert (Muriel) Jackson II; stepson-in-law, Kyle Lorenson; 18 grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; and six great grandchildren.

Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jackson Sr.; son, Harlan McLain Jr.; son-in-law, Michael Imgrund; stepdaughter, Wendy Lorenson; sister, Jaci Krueger; brother-in-law, Al Nelson; and parents, Lester and Lillian George.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 7, 2026, at Lanham Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, 106 W. Franklin St., Sparta. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. prior to the service. She will be laid to rest in St. Johns Cemetery.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

12/18/2025

Carol Elizabeth Rohde, 87, formerly of Spooner, WI, was welcomed into her eternal home in heaven surrounded by her family in La Crosse, WI, on December 3, 2025.

Carol was born December 16, 1937 in Casey Township, Washburn County, WI, the daughter of Charles Chase and Jane VanLeeuween. She was born at home. She was raised in Spooner, WI and attended the Julia Schoolhouse through 8th grade. She then attended and graduated from Spooner High School. She went on to obtain her cosmetology license and worked at the Palace Beauty Lounge with her best friend, Pearl Kline.

On October 11th, 1958, Carol was joined in marriage to Vernon Herman Rohde at St. Albans Episcopal Church in Spooner, WI. They went on to raise two children, David and Jeannett.

In addition to working as a cosmetologist, she also worked as a Bartender at the Spooner Bowling Alley, where she fell in love with the sport. Carol served as treasurer for the Spooner Cemetery Association for 40 years. After retiring from Cosmetology, she worked part time as a Bartender at the Wobblin’ Duck Saloon, where she had many beloved friends who would stop in to visit her for a “Carol Pour.” In her free time, she enjoyed crocheting, and had mastered making potholders.

Carol was full of love and joy, and her fondest moments were spent with her family and friends. She was most proud of her Episcopal faith, and her greatest joys included fellowship at church, bowling, the casino, and spending quality time with children and grandchildren. As a lifetime Green Bay Packers fan, her bucket list was fulfilled when she had the opportunity to hold the American Flag for the National Anthem at Lambeau Field on Christmas day. She was also a lover of animals, and in her final days she very much enjoyed the pet therapy and all recreational activities provided at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Jeannett Love (Peter Solberg) of Rockland, WI; two granddaughters, Kali Thorson (Scott) of Holmen, WI, and Krista Love of Bangor, WI,and their father and former son-in-law, Dennis Love. She is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Elinor Rohde of Rice Lake, WI, Beverly Cuskey (James) of San Antonio, TX, and Joyce Sutherland of Waukesha, WI; and her “adopted” daughter, Tammy Ostermann of Spooner, WI, and her children and grandchildren. Carol is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Vernon Rohde; one son, David Allen Rohde; her father, Charles Chase; her mother, Jane VanLeeuween; her step-father, George VanLeeuween; her brother, John Chase; and sister, Arilla St. Laurent.

The family would like to thank Gundersen Health System, Mulder Health Care Facility, and Bethany St. Joseph Care Center for their compassionate care for Carol in her final years and days, as well as Lanham Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation for their assistance with final arrangements.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St. Albans Episcopal Church, Spooner, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:30am - 11:00am with services starting at 11:00am. A meal will follow at Tony’s Riverside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church or the Recreation Therapy department at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

12/17/2025

Laura M. Johnson, 90, of Holmen and formerly of Sparta, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Emplify Health by Gundersen, La Crosse. She was born on February 28, 1935 to Leslie and Bernice (Tallman) Jerome, in the Town of Burns, La Crosse County. She grew up in Burns, La Crosse, and Onalaska. She graduated from Onalaska High School in 1952.

Laura married Melvin Johnson on October 11, 1952 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, West Salem. They lived in Sparta, West Salem, and Onalaska. They divorced in 1987.

Laura was a stay-at-home mom and caregiver for many years, and managed to also work at various jobs including La Crosse Garment Co., Ben Franklin, Heritage Hotel, and St. Mary's Hospital kitchen; while raising three children.

When Laura was 55, she attended WWTC to become a Health Unit Clerk, graduating with highest academic honors in 1991. She then worked at Rolling Hills Nursing Home in Sparta and Mulder Health Care Center in West Salem. She retired in 1998 to be more available to help care for her mother.

Laura was known for her kindness to those she considered her family and taking care of those in need. She had a beautiful smile that could melt the hearts of those lucky enough to know her.
Laura enjoyed cooking, gardening, taking care of her home in Sparta, and spending time with her family. She had a deep passion for growing flowers and was always proud to share her growing secrets and their floral beauty with neighbors and passersby.

Watching the birds return each spring to build their nests in one of her many birdhouses was an annual pleasure for her. She also was a member of the Sparta Lioness'.

In her later years, Laura enjoyed traveling with her daughter, Kelley, throughout many of the states, including Hawaii. She also was proud of her trip to the Dominican Republic for her grandson's wedding.

Laura is survived by her children, Cathy (Dennis) Abbott of West Salem, Michael (Linda) Johnson of Ormond Beach, FL, and Kelley (Michael) Proksch of Holmen; three grandchildren, Nathan (Laurie) Abbott of Appleton, Kirsten Johnson of Palm Coast, FL, and Jessica Smith of Tomah; great grandchildren, Devon (Brittany) Smith of Spring Valley, WI, MacKenna Johnson of Palm Coast, FL, Joseph, Benjamin, and Ava Abbott all of Appleton; 2 sisters, Beverly Gunderson of La Crosse and Mary Dokkebaken of Holmen; a sister-in-law, Marie Baronsky of Kenosha, and many nieces and nephews and extended families.

She is preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Melvin (Pete) and Evelyn Johnson; previous husband; brother, Duane Jerome; sisters-in-laws, Myrtle Jerome, Kathryn (Boots) Johnson, Dianna Brandt, and Audrey Bakkestuen; and brothers-in-laws, Carl Gunderson, Willard Dokkebaken, Lyle Johnson, Norbert Brandt, and Jerome (Bud) Bakkestuen; and many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend their thanks to and recognize the staff of Hearten House III in Holmen for the excellent and tender care provided to Laura while she resided there for nearly 3 years.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Burial will be in Burns Cemetery, Burns, following the luncheon.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a local Alzheimer's Association.

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

12/17/2025

Pamela R. Becker, 74, of Sparta, passed away Saturday December 13, 2025 at the Serenity House in Tomah after a brief battle with acute leukemia. She was born on July 10th, 1951 to Selvia and Dorothy (Irons) Brooks in La Crosse, WI. Pam and her brothers grew up in La Crosse, later moving to Bangor, then Leon. Pam graduated from Sparta High School in 1969.

Pam married Carl W. Becker Jr. on July 12, 1969 at the Bells Coulee Lutheran Church in Bangor, Wisconsin. Together they had one child, Curtis Jon.

Pam dedicated 25 plus years of her life to providing care for our veterans at the Tomah Veteran’s Administration, retiring in 2008. Family and friends were an important part of Pam’s life. Whether it was out for coffee with her dear friend Helen Riley, or going to see one of her five brothers and their families.

Pam is survived by her husband, Carl Becker of Sparta; son, Curtis (Tami); grandchildren Brandt Becker, Megan Hemmersbach, and Jestin Hemmersbach; brothers, Dan (Julie) of Rockland, Randy (Nancy) of Leon, Darrell of Minneapolis, and Jeff of Garrison, MN; and foster parent, Stanley Hansen of Leon; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister, Vicki; brother, Robert S. Brooks; along with foster parent, Virginia Hansen; and many aunts and uncles.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Burial will be in Leon Cemetery, Leon. A luncheon will follow the burial, at American Legion Post #100, Sparta.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

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

12/17/2025

Our in house Rotarian, John Schanhofer, helped to raise over $500 at Sparta Kriskindlmarkt, this year. We are so proud!