Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation

11/05/2025

Francis “Frank” E. Stockel, 67, of Sparta, died Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at his home. He was born on June 30, 1958 in Sparta to Valery and Alice (Haugen) Stockel. He graduated from Sparta High School and from UW Stout. He moved to St. Louis, MO in 1980 pursuing a career at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Engineering and started a family. He moved back to Sparta in 2006, becoming an active member at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He was well known to many in Sparta, cruising in his wheelchair and waiving to many in town, making jams with the neighbors, and, also enjoying many Packers games downtown.

Frank is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Angie Stockel; grandsons, Carter, Jude and Jonas Stockel; sisters, Lavonne (Joe) Rivers, Kay (Alan) Austin, Mary Stockel; brothers, Thomas (Bonnie) Stockel, Donald (Nancy) Stockel, Vincent Stockel, Russell Stockel, and Rodney Stockel; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in parents, Alice and Valery Stockel; brothers, David, Dale and Alan Stockel; and sister, Virginia Wiblin.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

11/03/2025

Michael P. Kindt, 69, of Sparta, died Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Tomah VA Medical Center. He was born on February 3, 1956 in Richmond, Virginia. He was sent to a boys home, and from there went into foster homes. One foster family, James and Katherine Kindt adopted Mike, and his brothers, William and Raymond.

At age 17, Mike enlisted in the Marine Corp. He proudly served his country for 22 years; traveling around the world, serving in multiple missions. He was also a recruiter for the Marines.

After his enlistment was complete, he worked at several manufacturing facilities; and food service management at Fort McCoy. His last position was a cashier at Walmart, which he loved dearly; meeting with all types of people.

Mike met Jaleata Schaitel in Wilton, WI and they were married in 2005. He helped her with her floral business, in many capacities. In 2016 they bought their present home. He designed the remodel and landscapes, to incredible results.

Mike loved sports, and participated in several of them throughout his life. He had a passion for pop and hard rock music, dune buggies, and billiard pool games.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jaleata; daughter, Jennie (Trevor); their children, Alena, Harrison, and Giddeon; a son, Jason (Erin); their son, Jackson; step-son, Jason (Randi); their children, Anthony, Becca, and Aiden; step-son, Mark; and brothers, William and Raymond.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. Full military honors, provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100, both of Sparta, will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse at 2 p.m.

A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Monday, 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.

11/01/2025

Phyllis Mae Abbott, 94, of Sparta passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday November 1, 2025 at Morrow Home-Marycrest apartments in Sparta. She was born on July 2, 1931 in Sparta, WI to Martin and Lyda (Stark) Paulson. Her parents passed away while Phyllis was young and she was raised by her grandparents, Morten and Hannah Paulson.

Phyllis married Basil Abbott on December 23, 1950 in Sparta.

Phyllis was an in-home nanny for a while. She also worked for Teasdale Phone Company as a phone operator, in Cataract. She was also a sales clerk and worked at the grocery store in Cataract.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Dennis (Cathy) Abbott of West Salem, Cheryl (Claire) Wenzel of Janesville, Sheila Abbott of Sparta, Darrell (Patti) Abbott of Cataract, Lee (Fran) Abbott of Sparta, and Lynn (Rhonda) Abbott of Cataract; grandchildren, Nathan (Laurie) Abbott, Bryan (Amy) Oesterle, Tina Oesterle, Ted (Sylvia) Wenzel, Tyler (Rachel) Wenzel, Brooke (Jared) Crocker, Brandi Strait, Jack Strait, Allisa (Dustin) Madison, Sierra (Jose) Tello, Ashley (Logan) Greeno, and Seth (Haylee) Abbott; great-grandchildren, Joe, Ben, Ava, Alexandria, Morgan, Montana, Macy, Zach, Samantha, Vivian, Tate, Christopher, Tristan, Parker, Weston, Corbin, Lydia, Sebastian, Jase, Cameron, and Sawyer; great-great-grandchildren, Harper, Ivy, Baby, and Raury; sisters-in-law, Elaine Paulson of Medford, Annamae (Abbott) Pollack of Angelo, and June Abbott of Tomah; brother-in-law, Warren (Caren) Abbott of Nevada; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Basil Abbott; paternal grandparents, Morten and Hannah Paulson; maternal grandparents, William and Martha (Zillmer) Stark; brother, William Paulson; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Chaplain Shane Haynes officiating. Burial will follow in the Cataract Cemetery.

Family and Friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

10/27/2025

Kadin Charles Ahler, born June 15th, 2003, age 22, found forever peace on September 22, 2025.

He was a resident and graduate of Cashton High School in Cashton, Wisconsin. His family was so proud of him for recently graduating from Viterbo University with his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration—Accounting, while interning at Marine Credit Union.

During high school, Kadin was recognized multiple times for his drive and work ethic, which earned him many substantial scholarships. His success was fueled by his desire to make his dad and family proud, and that speaks volumes about the man he was.

If you knew Kadin, you know he was borderline genius, which also showed up in his gaming skills. What started with a simple Sonic game as a kid quickly became a lifelong passion that led him to be ranked among the top players in the United States—an achievement he took seriously and worked hard to maintain.

In the last couple of years, Kadin’s drive, work ethic, and self-discipline carried over into his health and his confidence. He tirelessly worked and educated himself to reach the goals he set out for himself.

To know Kadin is to love Kadin. He had a light and a personality that one could not forget. Kadin had a way of truly seeing you in ways most people simply couldn’t. He showed up, and he listened—really listened—to every single word you said. It was evident how authentic his soul was, how pure his love was, and how deeply his heart poured out for every person around him.

Kadin showed up as everyone’s biggest fan, wanting nothing but the absolute best for those he cherished—and even for those he had only just crossed paths with. He left a mark and an impact on every heart blessed enough to be in his presence. To say Kadin will be missed is a gross understatement. He will be mourned, longed for, and countless souls will forever count down the seconds until they can once again feel the embrace of one of his bear hugs.
As Kadin’s family, if you are moved to do anything in his honor, we only ask this: show up like Kadin in this complicated world. Show up with a big heart. Put others before yourself. Tell people you love them. Show compassion. Educate yourself. Make someone laugh. Dial the number, even if you don’t know what to say. Talk too much and too often. Leave traces of love and yourself everywhere you go.

Remember that everyone is carrying burdens we know nothing about—big or small. If you have the chance to lighten someone’s load, do it. Spread love and positivity. If someone is on your heart, call them. If you think someone looks beautiful, tell them. If you see a mother at the store doing her best, remind her she’s doing great. If you’re proud of a coworker for getting sober, let them know. Don’t let love or encouragement go unsaid.

Kadin’s family was one of beautiful uniqueness—as though hand-chosen along the way. He is remembered with endless love by his father, Steve Ahler; his sisters, Stephanie (Tyson) Gullicksrud, Paige (Jordan) Kerska, Ashley Pomeroy, Shawna Pomeroy, Allie Pomeroy, and Kara Pomeroy; his nephews, Isaac Gullicksrud, Eli Gullicksrud, Zachary Halling, and Andrew Radar; and his nieces, Evelynn Pomeroy, Kinslee Jones, Layla Davis, Brea Davis, Natalie Pomeroy, Charley Bos, and Riley Bos.

Kadin was also deeply cared for by Robin Ahler, who held a special motherly role in his life, as well as Wade and Teresa Pulham and their family. He shared a lifelong bond of brotherhood with Jeremiah Zimmerman and Levi Kneifl.

He was preceded in death by his aunt, Tina Pomeroy; his maternal grandmother, Sheila Pomeroy; his Nana, Mary Ahler; his Papa, Charles Ahler; and his paternal grandmother, Shirley Ahler-Hankins.

A celebration of Kadin’s beautiful life will be held on November 2, 2025 at the Cashton Community Hall in Cashton, WI. Starting at noon with a small service at 1 p.m. Afterwards there will be food and refreshments.

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

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

10/24/2025

Beverly J. (Doane) Erickson passed over to heaven, at the age of 98, on October 24, 2025 at 4:30 a.m., at The Serenity House, in Tomah.
Beverly was born on March 8, 1927, in La Crosse, to Wilmer and Mary Doane. She was married to Walter Thomas Krop, in 1947. They had two daughters, Valorie and Deidre. She remarried in 1955, to Orville Erickson. They had a son, Lance.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Walter; and second husband, Orville.

Beverly is survived by her children, Valorie Burns, Deidre Erickson, and Lance Erickson; 1 grandson, Brandon Burns; and great-grandchildren.

There will be no public service, at the request of the deceased.

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

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

10/17/2025

Bertha Geier, 96 of Sparta, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Morrow Home Bridge-Path, Sparta. She was born on October 4, 1929, in Ridgeville, WI to Frederick and Margaret (Nauman) Schaefer. From the age of 8, after her mother passed, Bertha was fostered by her cousin Louie and Eleanore Schaefer.

Bertha married Isidore “Ike” Geier on September 28, 1955, in Sparta. They operated a family farm, residing in Coles Valley. Together they raised their family of eight children. Ike passed away in 2004.

Bertha was a devoted wife and homemaker. She built a life centered on faith, family, hospitality, and love. Her greatest accomplishments weren’t found in awards or accolades, but in the family she raised and the love she gave. Her family was her world. Her Legacy continues through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Bertha is survived by her children, Debra Geier, Richard (Colleen) Geier, Kathy Geier, Mary (James) Schwarz, Carol (Gene) Treu, David (Sue) Geier, and Barbara (Ed) Downing; daughter-in-law, Lori Geier; 24 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren with another one on the way; many nieces and nephews, other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ike; infant daughter; son, Linus; great granddaughter, Madison; and her 10 siblings.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Morrow Home Community/Bridge Path for the compassionate care that Bertha received.

A Mass Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will follow the service at the church cemetery. Lunch will be provided at the church.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 am until 12 noon on Friday at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

10/16/2025

Richard (Dick) John Yanke, 80, of Sparta, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, in his home. He was born January 14, 1945 to Frederick Yanke and Olga (Schroeder) Yanke in Sparta, WI. Richard lived his entire life In Sparta, WI.

At the age of 17 years old, he met the love of his life, Linda Carlone. Dick and Linda were united in marriage on June 12, 1965. To this union they had 2 wonderful daughters, Dawn and Heidi.

Richard was a High School graduate of the class of 1963. After, Richard received his degree from Western Wisconsin Technical Institute as a Tool and Die Maker. Richard began his career in the tool and die industry by taking a job with Southside Machine (a branch of Northern Engraving). There he completed his 5 year apprenticeship. At the age of 24, Dick taught a welding class at Sparta Senior High School. This was something Dick was very proud to say he did.

One of Richard’s accomplished moments was when he became Sparta’s fourth Ward Alderman from 1981 to 1983, and was a key player in making important decisions on the city council. One other accomplishment for him was starting his own business “The Yanke Company”, Sparta Brush being one of his best customers.

In 1985, Dick became the president of the Bass Masters Club. In 1995, Dick and a group of 3, represented the Bass Club at a fishing tournament called The Four Man Classic on Lake Michigan. The 4 were very successful in achieving 1st place in this tournament.

Dick’s most precious joy was his family and his friends. Dick was so proud and loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally. He was a person that was always kind and would help anyone in need. If you ever met Dick, (“Hi my name is Dick Yanke and I’m fun to be with”), you would instantly become friends.

Dick was survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Dawn (Scott) Rickert and Heidi (Tim) Bogenschneider; his pride and joy – grandchildren, Brittani (John) Nevin, Brandon (Jennifer) Rickert, and Lisa (Andrew) Karll; great grandchildren, Everett Nevin, Leelynd Rickert, Owen Nevin, Baby Karll; and many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Fred and Olga Yanke; in laws, Ray and Bev Carlone; sisters, Lorraine (Pidge) Reukauf and Irma Kemp; brother in laws, John Reukauf, Chuck Kemp, Larry Carlone, and William (Bill) Bohn; sister-in-law, Judy Bohn; and many other special people that meant to world to Dick.

Richard’s family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to SACS, Emplify Hospice and healthcare, with special thanks to Dr. Oettel and his team.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta.

The visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. A luncheon will be held at WISCO 8 following the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

If you are unable to attend the services, it will be streamed on Facebook Live.

10/16/2025

Wyman H. Hoiland, 89, of Cashton, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Tomah VA Medical Center. He was born March 19, 1936, to Peter and Clara (Halverson) Hoiland in Genoa, Wisconsin. Wyman lived his entire life in Western Wisconsin.

At the age of 17, Wyman entered the United States Marine Corps. After completing his military service, he returned home and began a career at Dairyland Energy and a lifelong career in autobody work. Wyman was proud to celebrate 40 years of sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous was an important part of his life, and through it, he helped and inspired many others on their own journeys.

Wyman married Judy Ford, and together they raised four children. They later divorced. On March 19, 1995, he married Hillary Hoban at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Wyman and Hillary shared a hobby farm, where he found joy in caring for their animals and taking long drives through the countryside. Wyman loved his "sweets" and had numerous stashed that he loved sharing with grandkids, even against their parents' wishes. Wyman would always be there if someone needed help, no matter who or when, he would drop everything. Wyman hated asking others for help, even though he expected others to ask him. Wyman is the type of person we should all strive to be. Family meant everything to him.

Wyman is survived by his wife, Hillary; his children, Phillip (Shirley) Hoiland, Trina Hoiland, Shannon (Shawna) Hoiland, and Wendy Donahue; his stepson, Zachary Hibma; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; his sister, Betty (Jim) Feuerhelm; brothers-in-law, Jerry Pierce and James (Lamon) Hoban; sister-in-law, Veronica Hoiland; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Judy Ford; brothers, Richard, Gordon, and David; and sisters, Cleo Pierce and Shirley Lee, and stepdaughter Erin Hibma.

Wyman will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and the many lives he touched along the way.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the American Legion in Sparta, WI. Full military honors, provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100, both of Sparta, will take place at 1 p.m.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

10/14/2025

Alex W. Johnson, 37, of Sparta, WI passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 14, 2025. Alex was born to Wayne and Amy (Hobson) Johnson on December 9, 1987, in Sparta, WI. He grew up in Sparta, graduating from Sparta High School in 2006.

Alex was an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed watching the Brewers and the Packers. Alex loved to play pranks and share stories. When not watching sports, Alex could be found in the kitchen making something tasty or off on an adventure with Dad.

Alex is survived by his parents, Wayne and Amy; brother, Derek; sister, Breanna; and his two favorite dogs, Reggie and Willie. He also is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Alex was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wendell Johnson, June Johnson, Vernon Hobson, and Marion Hobson; and cousins, Heather Knoll and Adam Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta. Family is requesting everyone wear either Packers or Brewers attire, as Alex would want, being the big fan of sports that he was.

A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, and from 10 a.m. until 11 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.

10/14/2025

Marcus J. Mc Mahan, 64 of Sparta passed away on Oct.1, 2025; just 4 days shy of being 65 years old. He was born on Oct.5th 1960 to James and Judith (Stark) McMahan in Sparta. He died at Mayo Hospital in La Crosse. He grew up in Sparta, and graduated from Sparta High School in 1979.

Marcus never married and his cats were his kids. He had Sarge for over 12 years and loved him very much. This last May, he got Ollie and Stan; now they are still together and are very happy in their new home.

He was lucky to go to a Boy Scout Jamboree in 1977 to Moraine State Park in Pennsylvania. Marcus loved the boy scouts and loved helping the kids and the scoutmaster.

Marcus served 20 years in the Army National Guards as a computer specialist. He worked in Onalaska for almost 20 years doing computer work for an insurance company. The company changed hands a couple of times, before dissolving. Marcus then went to work for Kwik Trip.

He is survived by his siblings, Brenda and Greg Banfield of Platteville, WI, Mary and Bill Boyd of Elgin, IL, and Tim McMahan of Sparta; who helped whenever he called. He had very good neighbors, Randy and Debra Abbott, and Ward and Mary Zischke.
Both couples were a great help to Marcus in the end. He also had special hunting buddies, Kraig and Dan Hemmersbach.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Judy McMahan, and paternal grandparents, Frank and Sylvia McMahan; and maternal grandparents, John and Viola Stark.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Full military honors, provided by American Legion Post 100, and VFW Post 2112, both of Sparta, will be at 2:30 p.m.

A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday 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.

10/12/2025

Judy Ann Herr, 79, of Cataract, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 12, 1945, to George and Elizabeth Luther, Judy grew up on her beloved family farm, where she learned the values of hard work, faith, and family. She shared a joyful childhood with her siblings: Hedy Waite, Joan Sanders, Georgia Thomas, George Luther Jr., Randy Luther, Christine Stargard, and Brenda Luther.

On July 11, 1964, Judy married the love of her life, Donald William Herr I. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, love, and the wonderful chaos of family. They were blessed with three children: Kimberly Ahnen (Paul Ahnen), Donald Herr II (Lyndi Herr), and Melissa Herr (Jacob Wagner). Judy’s heart overflowed with pride and joy for her grandchildren—Aleshia Vieth (Matt Vieth), Benjamin Ahnen (Jessica Ahnen), Donald Herr III, Jenna Kast (Aaron Kast), Bethany Ahnen (Brock Craig), Laura Anderson (Tyler Anderson), and Lindsey Smith (Brian Smith)—and her great-grandchildren, Chase Vieth, Payten Craig, Lexi Vieth, RaeLynn Craig, Avery Anderson, Easton Ahnen, Jamesen Craig, Bryer Anderson, Raegan Kast, Oakley Smith, and Owen Kast.

Judy worked at Dairy Queen, Equity, and the Roma Pizza Plant, where she was known for her strong work ethic and cheerful spirit. But her greatest work was found in service to her faith and community. A devoted member of the Cataract Methodist Church, Judy led the Sunday School program for many years. She had a special gift for bringing people together through music and joy—organizing beautiful church programs and teaching children to sing. The annual Christmas program, her favorite event of the year, was always a highlight, reflecting her creativity, dedication, and love for the Lord. Judy’s kindness extended far beyond the church. For many years, she meticulously cared for the Cataract Cemetery, keeping it a beautiful place to visit.

She loved to bake and was often asked to make wedding cakes for friends and family. Her kitchen was always open, and no one ever left her table hungry. She taught her children that there was always room for one more, a lesson she shared with love through her famous recipes, many of which appeared in church and homemakers' cookbooks that she helped create. Judy was also a proud member of the Country Gals Homemaker Club and enjoyed snowmobiling, traveling, and taking her grandchildren to the ski hills every weekend. She cherished every adventure and every moment spent with those she loved.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Elizabeth Luther; her beloved husband, Donald William Herr I; her infant brother, Joseph Luther; her sister, Brenda Luther; her sister-in-law, Patty Luther; her brothers-in-law, Frannie Sanders and Earl Thomas.

Judy will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her boundless love, her laughter, and the countless ways she made life sweeter for others. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

A Funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Cataract United Methodist Church, Cataract, with Reverend Loretta Waughtal officiating. Burial will follow the service in Cataract Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial, at the church.

A Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Wednesday, at the church.

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

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

10/07/2025