All Obituaries

Helen Mary Boomsma, 95, of Rio, family matriarch, passed away Friday, September 25, 2020 at her home surrounded by family. She was born April 14, 1925 in Calamus Township, the daughter of George and Clara (Hepp) Neuman.  Helen was united in marriage to John Boomsma October 14, 1944 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lost Lake where she was also baptized and confirmed. They initially lived in Lost Lake, moved to Doylestown in 1951 where they operated their farm, and then moved to...

Cheryl L. Vandermolen, 63, of Wisconsin Dells, passed away Friday, September 25, 2020 at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage.  There will be no formal services.

Barbara “Barb” Rose Sands nee: Balzer, age 52 of Farley, IA/Portage, WI, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2020. I was born on October 6, 1967 to Gene and Diana (Giese) Balzer.  My childhood was spent living in rural Pardeeville, WI.  I have wonderful memories of attending Marcellon Elementary School.  I especially enjoyed playing outside, building forts, and sledding downhill.  I felt privileged to attend the small country school.  I graduated in...

David Earl Walker, 63, of Rio, formerly of Oxford, passed away unexpectedly of heart failure Friday, September 18, 2020. He was born August 23, 1957 to Kenneth “Pat” and Eva (Marshall) Walker in Berlin, WI.  Dave and his twin brother were the youngest of eight children. He graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1976. Dave married Martha Fischer in August 1981. He was then baptised and confirmed in September at St. John Lutheran Church in Pardeeville. Together he and...

Steve J. Stangel, 64, of Portage, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Randolph Health Services after a brief struggle with brain cancer. He was born January 11, 1956 in Michigan, the son of Wilbur and Elaine (Stenzel) Stangel. Steve was employed for over thirty years as a service writer in the automotive industry. Steve loved and was loved by his customers at Hill Ford where he worked for over 30 years. He was an outdoors person who loved camping, fishing, walking his dog, traveling,...

Timothy J. Benson, 81, of Montello, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at the Columbia County Health Care Center in Wyocena.  He was born June 30, 1939 in Chicago, IL.  Tim and his wife Rosalie were married April 27, 1963 in Chicago and were happily married for 57 years.  Timothy served in the US Coast Guard Reserves for 8 years.  He was a proud member of the Chicago Pipe Fitters Local 597 for 60 years and a member of the American Legion.  Tim enjoyed living in...

Robert J. Hatzinger, 90, of Baraboo, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2020 at St. Clare Meadows. He was born March 18, 1930 in Columbus, the son of Clement and Minnie Hatzinger.  Bob married Mary Ann Wakeman July 9, 1953. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After retirement at the age of 55, they moved to Southern Texas during the winter months to spend time together with his wife of 67 years. Bob also enjoyed traveling the country in...

Hazel M. Premo, 75, of Pardeeville, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2020 at her home. She was born September 1, 1944 in Saratoga Springs, NY, the daughter of Harry and Eleanor Jackson.  Hazel graduated from Saratoga HIgh School in 1963. She was employed in the grocery business for many years as a grocery store merchandiser. She was active in the Columbia County Homemaker’s Organization, Portage Women’s Civic League, a volunteer mother in 4-H and at the Pardeeville School...

Elaine V. Jensen, 86, of Pardeeville, passed away Monday, August 24, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. She was born August 29, 1934 in Reedsburg.  She married the love of her life, J. Glen Jensen November 5, 1955 at St. John Lutheran Church in Reedsburg and what a wonderful life they had together. Elaine is survived by her daughter Debra (Sandy); son Kerry (Barb); four grandchildren Aaron, Seth, Junell, and Karleen; four great grandchildren Jayden, Cameron, Marcus, and Frederick;...

    Nicholas Paul Polkowske, 67, of rural Pardeeville,  passed away August 24, 2020. He graduated from Eleva-Strum High School in 1972, joined the Army in 1975, then after returning home, graduated from UW LaCrosse.  He retired from the Army National Guard as a First Sergeant after 24 years and then retired from Cardinal Glass in Portage WI. Nick loved his family! He would drop most anything he was working on to help another in need. He loved to be in the outdoors...