All Obituaries

Joyce A. Gray. 89, of Pardeeville, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2021 at the Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena. Funeral arrangements are pending. A complete obituary to follow.

Theresa Irene (Powell) Miller, 64, of Pardeeville, walked into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Saturday, April 3, 2021 following a brave fight with cancer. She was born and raised in LaCrosse, to William and Marcia (Denton) Powell. Theresa graduated from Central Sr. High School in LaCrosse and had a year of secretarial course at Winona Technical College. She spent most of her working career working at the Humane Society and Saputo Cheese Company both of Fond du Lac and where she...

Patricia Kay Keepes, 67, of Portage/Rio, passed away unexpectedly March 31, 2021 from health complications. She was born February 2, 1954 to Urban "Tiny" and Margaret Renz in Watertown, Wisconsin. Joining a large family, she couldn’t get away with much as a youngster. Even when she was young she was always coming up with different ideas and could find a use for everything. Later in life, she met her husband Anthony (Tony) Lee Keepes, who she married not only once, but twice,...

Helen R. “Sue” Katze, 78, of Pardeeville, was welcomed into her Savior’s loving arms Thursday, March 25, 2021, after a four-year battle with cancer.  Sue was born at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage January 19, 1943, to Raymond and Helen (Kramer) Udell.   She graduated from Rio High School in the spring of 1961.  She married the love of her life, Lawrence L. Katze October 7, 1961.  Their marriage was blessed with three children:  Darcy...

Laura E. Donaldson, 46, of Bloomington, MN, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in Portage. A complete obituary to follow.

Gerald Skaar, 85, Pardeeville, found peace on Monday, March 21, at the Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena, where he had resided for over three years. Jerry was born in Viroqua, Wisconsin, to Scheldrup and Judy Skaar. He attended Viroqua Schools and received a music education degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Jerry was called into the U.S. Army in 1960, and while at Fort Monroe in Virginia, he earned his administrative degree from George Washington University in Washington D.C....

Thomas S. Tupper, 79 of rural Pardeeville, passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021 at his home. He was born July 7, 1941 to William and Lucinda (Stevens) Tupper. Tom worked at Wisconsin Power and Light for 24 years until his retirement. He was an amazing man who had a love for his family and a caring heart for animals.  Tom is survived by his wife Sue of 59 years; two children Mark (Robin) Tupper and Pam (Andrew) Bennett; grandchildren, Evan Bennett (Emma Reiter),...

Thomas Dowdell, 63 of Rio, passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg. He was born July 26, 1957 in Portage, the son of Donald and Vera (Babcock) Dowdell. He is survived by his siblings, James (Kathy) Dowdell, Mary Ann (Charles) Taylon, Jane (Michael) Nauert, and twin brother Timothy Dowdell, and many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Vera.  Graveside services at St. Joseph Cemetery and a...

Elizabeth E. McLean, 66, of Pardeeville, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2021 at Columbia Healthcare Center in Wyocena. She was born April 14, 1954 the daughter of Charles McLean and Joanne Schwoch. Elizabeth graduated from Pardeeville High School in 1972. She was a very kind-hearted person, she never forgot a birthday, and loved her family. She enjoyed watching NASCAR and seldom missed a race. She had a love for flowers and in her earlier years enjoyed flower gardening. In more recent...

Gertrude “Gert” E. Wylesky of Doylestown, passed away peacefully March 9, 2021 at her residence. She was born January 5, 1931 in Doylestown, the daughter of William and Ella Schloesser. Gertude was the proud owner of the Do Drop Inn for over 45 years where the village was greatly influenced by her generosity and character through her beloved tavern, restaurant, grocery store, and endless stories. She left behind her son Michael Wylesky; daughters, Jeanita Oliver, and Gladys...