Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home in Sparta, Wisconsin, is a full-service funeral home providing burial and cremation services.

In this world, there is simply nothing worse than when a friend, loved one, or family member passes on. It can be hard to know what to do, what steps need to be taken, or how to handle funeral arrangements while grieving a loss. In the Sparta area, Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home can provide helpful and compassionate funeral services and arrangements, guiding families through the process of arrangi

ng a funeral while providing support and care. The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home is the city’s oldest continuous business to operate at the same location; the company has been providing licensed, professional services for the Sparta community since 1858. The facilities at the Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home include ample parking, a large visitation area and service chapel, ADA restrooms, a kitchenette, and a fellowship hall, which is often used for catered receptions following services. The compassionate, experienced staff can help explain a variety of options, including affordable funerals, cremation costs, and direct funeral services. Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home also offers pre-planning services, working with families to set up funeral arrangements and needs; the company provides pre-payment options to make the arrangements go smoothly and ease the burden on family members. The staff can discuss a full range of services and can explain various options for funeral services, keeping in mind both budgets and the needs of the family. For more information on arranging a funeral in the Sparta area, cremation costs and affordable funerals, reach out to the compassionate, caring professionals at the Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home by calling (608) 269-6666.

Jason Janusheske, 55, of Briarcliff, TX and formerly of Sparta, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026.Arrangements will be ...
05/01/2026

Jason Janusheske, 55, of Briarcliff, TX and formerly of Sparta, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Arrangements will be announced by Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Ronald “Ron” E. Mitchell, 89, of Sparta, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Emplify by Gundersen, La Crosse. He w...
04/28/2026

Ronald “Ron” E. Mitchell, 89, of Sparta, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Emplify by Gundersen, La Crosse. He was born on February 4, 1937, in La Crosse, to Lester and Luella (Luckason) Mitchell. He grew up in the Portland, WI area, and graduated from Cashton High School.

After high school, Ron worked as a farmhand in the Cashton and Sparta area. He was then hired June 1st, 1968, by DHIA of Monroe County, where he served as manager for 58 years. In addition, he was involved and highly respected throughout Wisconsin DHIA.

Working in the dairy and farming industry was Ron’s whole life. He was very involved in the Monroe County Dairy Breakfast, Monroe County Fair, and he attended the World Dairy Expo in Madison on an annual basis. He was also involved in the Sparta community where he volunteered at Sparta Butterfest, serving as Parade Marshall in 2012, and he was also an active member of First Congregational Church of Leon. Family, community, and church were the cornerstones of Ron’s life.

Ron is survived by his sister, Beverly “Snookie” (Clinton) Bagstad of Westby; nieces and nephews, Lance (Tami) Bagstad of Arcadia, Linda (Chad) Barth of La Crosse, Scott (Stacy) Mitchell of West Salem, and Sheri (Dave) Mitchell of Spring Valley, MN; great-nieces and nephews, Tyler (Jennah) Bagstad, and their daughter, Nova, Jillian (Alex) Bagstad, Caitlin (Jared) Varner, and children, Brooks and Stella, Chloe (Johnny) Barth, Ella Barth, Elsa Mitchell, Celia Mitchell, Tula Mitchell, and Will Grant; dear friend and coworker, Richard Brown of Cashton; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Luella; brother, LaVerne “Bud” Mitchell; sister-in-law, Judith; and stepmother, Irene (nee Miller) Mitchell.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at First Congregational Church of Leon, with Chad Cummings officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Moen Cemetery, Cashton.

A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Congregational Church of Leon and Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Cashton. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

Dorothy M. Zillmer, 100, of Sparta, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Bridge Path, Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. ...
04/28/2026

Dorothy M. Zillmer, 100, of Sparta, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Bridge Path, Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. She was born on May 9, 1925 to Emil and Sophia (Sinner) Vieth, in Sparta. She graduated from Sparta High School.

Dorothy worked as a Dental Hygienist at Fort McCoy. Then during WWII, she worked at a factory in St. Paul. She married Richard Miller from Tomah, when he was in the Air Force. They were only married a few years, before he passed away from an electrical accident. She returned to Sparta and lived with her parents on their farm, in Bush Prairie. She later married Norman Zillmer. They lived in Sparta. Dorothy worked at Union National Bank in Sparta, from 1952 until her retirement in 1990.

Dorothy enjoyed travelling, and collecting glass baskets, along with other antiques.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Bev (John) Burke of Sparta, and Kim (Tom) Werner of Golden Valley, MN; 4 grandchildren, Paul (Heidi) Burke of Holmen, Amy (Collin) Burke Lepper of Chippewa Falls, TJ (fiancé, Emelia) Werner of Minneapolis, MN, and Abby (Jordan) Adams of Crystal, MN; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Sam, Amury, Caden, Colton, Wyatt, and Brynn; and great-great grandchild, Ophelia; sister, Carol (Charles) Burmeister of Kenosha; as well as many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Sophia Vieth; husband, Richard Miller; husband, Norman Zillmer; and sister, LaVina Ziegler.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Sparta United Methodist Church, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Burial will follow the service in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.

A visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, at the church. Memorials may be directed to Sparta United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

04/27/2026

Joan Kaye Roche (Scherer), 69, passed away on February 9, 2026. She was born on April 13, 1956, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to Harvey and Ethylin Scherer, and grew up in the close‑knit community of Juneau, WI. Joan attended Dodgeland High School and later continued her education at Marion University.

In 1978, Joan set out on a new adventure and moved to Montana. It was there that she met the man who would one day become her soulmate, Monte. Their journey together wasn’t always simple, but it was filled with devotion, humor, and a deep, enduring love. In 1984, Joan married into the joyful chaos of the Roche family, embracing it wholeheartedly and becoming an anchor within it.

Joan was the proud mother of two children, her son Michael Johnn and her daughter Kayla Marie. While she had two biological children, her heart had room for many more. Countless others came to know her simply as “Mom,” drawn to her warmth, her kindness, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome.

In 1987, Joan and Monte settled in Sparta, Wisconsin, where they built a home filled with love, laughter, and community. Sparta became the place where Joan’s roots grew deepest. Over the years, she dedicated herself to two workplaces that shaped her life and the lives of many others. In the 1990s, she worked at the Morrow Memorial Home, offering care and compassion to those who needed it most. Later, she discovered her true calling as a teacher’s aide at Sparta Senior High School. There, she found joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging, touching the lives of students and staff with her patience, humor, and unwavering support.

Joan was an avid camper, happiest when she was out in nature or planning her next trip under the open sky. Whether she was sitting by a campfire, exploring a new campground, or simply daydreaming about the next adventure, camping was her sanctuary. Her love for the outdoors was matched only by the strength of her faith. Joan was rock solid in her belief, confident that when her time came, she would be welcomed into the arms of her Savior.

Joan is survived by her husband, Monte Roche; her two children, Michael and Kayla Roche; her two grandchildren, Christian and Trevor Roche; and her older brother, Michael Scherer (Diane). Her biological family, though deeply cherished, represents only a portion of the many people who considered her a mother, a sister, and family in every way that matters.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta, with Pastor Brian Young officiating.

A visitation will be Saturday, from 9 A.M.-11 A.M. at the funeral home. There will be a luncheon at the Sparta American Legion 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.

Marjorie Ann Boisen (née Spors), formerly Cobb4/07/1937 - 4/19/2026Marjorie Boisen, age 89, of Sparta, WI passed away on...
04/21/2026

Marjorie Ann Boisen (née Spors), formerly Cobb
4/07/1937 - 4/19/2026

Marjorie Boisen, age 89, of Sparta, WI passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at Morrow Memorial Home Community in Sparta.

She was born on April 7, 1937 in Sparta, WI to John and Ann (Kinghammer) Spors of Cataract, WI. Marge had two sisters, Jeanette and Shirley, who both passed away in infancy, making Marge the remaining and much cherished daughter. Marge was the oldest of four other siblings; Robert (Bob), Darrel, William (Bill), and Terry being the youngest. Marge helped look after Terry, her baby brother, at a young age and eventually considered him like one of her own children.

In 1957, Marge married Dwight Cobb of Hutchinson, KS, and together they welcomed their daughter, Julie. After their marriage ended in 1961, Marge lovingly devoted herself to raising Julie as a single mother. In 1979, Marge married Mahlon Boisen and she had another daughter named Marti. Marge and Mahlon spent 36 years together until Mahlon preceded her in death in October of 2015.

Marge's career began at St. Mary’s Hospital as a nurse’s aide, a passion that was ultimately curtailed by the lingering effects of polio. She then attended secretarial school in Madison and worked as a secretary for the VA Hospital in Tomah, the Veterans Service Office at the Monroe County Courthouse in Sparta, and later at the Army Reserve Readiness Training Center (ARRTC) at Fort McCoy. She enjoyed lasting friendships with coworkers from the courthouse and ARRTC.

The caption to her senior yearbook picture aptly captured her spirit stating, “Fair of face of manners sweet, always a smiling face to meet.” Marge had an inner grace, kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for family that truly defined her. And nothing outshined her smile. She devoted herself to her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother, nurturing her children and grandchildren with boundless affection and love throughout her life.

She was an exemplary homemaker, maintaining a clean, attractive and welcoming home. The house was frequently filled with the scent of delicious home-cooked meals, pies and desserts. In her spare time, she read historical biographies, kept up with current events, tended to her beloved cat, and found joy in restoring antique furniture, making needlepoint pictures, and sewing. Marge and Mahlon's yearly vegetable garden at their home in Cataract remained a fixture for many years.

Marge was an early Elvis Presley fan. Her brother, Darrel, remembered playing ball out in the field one day until she heard that Elvis would be playing on the Ed Sullivan show which had her running inside to see him. She even went to see him in concert. She also enjoyed antique shopping later in life, and would go around on flee market trips to Minnesota and Illinois with Mahlon, Darrel, and her sister-in-law, Suz.

Marge was preceded in death by her infant sisters, Jeanette and Shirley Spors; her parents, John and Ann (Kinghammer) Spors; her husband, Mahlon Boisen; her husband's parents, John and Mildred Boisen; and her brothers, Terry and Robert (Bob) Spors.

She is survived by her daughters, Julie Johnson of Oakdale, MN and Marti (Joshua) Berry of Galesville, WI; three grandchildren, Calvin Cobb of Minneapolis, MN, Samuel Berry of Galesville, WI; and one other grandson; her brothers, Darrel (Susan) Spors of Durand, IL and Bill (Bev) Spors of Angelo, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Joel Nuemann officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.

Family and friends are invited for visitation 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.

04/16/2026

Pauline M. Drew, 45, of Sparta, WI, passed away on November 24, 2025, at her home in Sparta. She was born on April 6, 1980, in La Crosse, WI, to Richard and Leona Drew. Pauline grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1998. After graduation, she pursued a career in nursing, a field where she cared deeply for the people she served.

Pauline had her first child, Madison. She later married Ryan Antony at Trinity Lutheran in Sparta WI, Together, they had two children, Kara and Autumn. They later divorced.

Pauline dedicated more than 20 years to her work as a nurse, caring for others with the same compassion, patience, and strength she showed her family. Her compassionate heart and steady presence made her someone people relied on and trusted.

In her free time, Pauline loved being outdoors. You could often find her hiking, rock hunting, or tending to her garden. She treasured time with her kids and family above all else. Pauline had a free spirit, a love for adventure, and a deep affection for all animals. Her curiosity, kindness, and love for the simple joys in life touched everyone who knew her.

Pauline is survived by her children, Kara (David) Antony and Autumn (Blake) Antony; and her granddaughter, Odessa VonRuden.
She is also survived by her mother, Leona Drew; her siblings, Patty (Kris) Kuhnke and Doug (Rebecca) Drew; her niece, Makayla Kuhnke; and her nephews, Jordan Kuhnke, James (Leona) Drew, and Zach Drew. Pauline is further survived by several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Pauline is preceded in death by her father, Richard Drew; and daughter, Madison Hauser.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12 p.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Club Oasis in Sparta.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

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

Donald 'Don' David Vandervort, 97, passed away on April 12, 2026, at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. Don was born in Spart...
04/13/2026

Donald 'Don' David Vandervort, 97, passed away on April 12, 2026, at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. Don was born in Sparta, Wisconsin on August 18, 1928, the second son of Harold and Hazel (Janes) Vandervort. He grew up in Sparta, attended the Depot Primary and Ward Schools, and graduated from Sparta High School with the Class of 1946.

Don then briefly attended the University of Wisconsin and worked at various jobs until he was drafted into the Army in 1950. After being stationed at numerous locations in the States, he was sent to Augsburg, Germany, and worked as a surgical technician with the 900th MASH, 11th Field Hospital. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1952.

Don met his future wife, Shirley Peterson, in Madison. They were married on March 20, 1954, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Sparta. Their marriage has endured for seventy-two years. He had joined his parents at their neighborhood grocery store in 1953. In the mid-sixties, he was employed as a school bus driver and also joined the US Postal Service. He worked at the post office as a letter carrier and clerk for thirty-one years, retiring in 1992.

In the 1990's and early 2000's, Don and Shirley travelled extensively; including trips overseas to the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Greece, and Israel. Their motor trips took them to almost all the States, and to Canada and Mexico.

Don was a well-known member of his beloved Sparta community. He walked several times daily under all weather conditions. He was active in Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the Building and Grounds Committee. He was a twenty-year member of Sparta's Kiwanis Club where he could support their mission and social activities. He volunteered at the Monroe County History Room and the local food pantry. He golfed at River Run in retirement with a senior pass, and regular week-day tee times at eight a.m. Living his final years near his favorite Evans-Bosshard Park was a blessing to him.

Don is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters, Amy Misener (Matthew) of Middleton, Wisconsin, and Sarah Locke (Tony) of Atlanta, Georgia; son, Christian (Traci) of Voorheesville, New York; grandchildren, Eli Misener of Madison, Wisconsin, Kevin (Amy) Misener of North Potomac, Maryland, David (Amira) Vandervort of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Samuel Locke of Atlanta, Georgia, Jenna Vandervort of San Diego, California, and Alyssa (Connor) Grey of Loganville, Georgia, great granddaughters, Gamila and Hadley; sister-in-law Carol Peterson of West Salem, Wisconsin, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gordon Vandervort, sister, Barbara Eddy, parents-in-law, Morris and Myrtle Peterson, and Shirley's four brothers: Dean (Pat), Dale, Burton (Shirley) and Lee Peterson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Sparta, with Reverend Joshua Buzbee officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.

A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, 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.

Nicholas F. (Antony) Dunnum, 62, of Sparta passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. He was born on April 27, 1963 to Nich...
04/01/2026

Nicholas F. (Antony) Dunnum, 62, of Sparta passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. He was born on April 27, 1963 to Nicholas F. and Janice C. (Young) Antony.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Puent; siblings, David (Peggy) Dunnum, Mischell Markin, Michael (Mary) Antony, Terri (Roger) Kendhammer, Scott (Amy) Dunnum, and Nicolette/Nikki (Steve) Oesterle; special family friend, Deanna Rabuck; in-laws, Rich and Sally Puent, Kimberly (Scott) Schamens and Richard Puent Jr.; as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at Club 16, Sparta.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sparta Area Cancer Support (SACS).

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

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.

Jerome (Jerry) H. Schanhofer, 79, of Sparta passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at his home, surrounded by family. ...
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.

Lon H. Wittmershaus, 71, of Sparta, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Tomah Nursing and Rehab Center, Tomah. He w...
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.

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