Condolences

John M. Shank Jr., Milwaukee… age 80, passed away on March 25, 2024. Beloved husband and constant companion of Jen Shank for over 58 years. Loving father of Christopher Shank, Peter (Deneen) Shank, and Robin Shank Sanderson. Private services will be held.

Herman Kafura, Green Bay… age 83, passed away on January 12, 2025.  He was born of German immigrant parents who came to the United States in the early 1920s. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and then continued his education with a M.A. graduate program in Russian Studies.

Truman Everson, rural Ettrick…age 90, died of cancer on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his children. Truman dedicated his career to vocational agriculture instruction and farm training. He was an active member of the community, participating in various organizations and activities. Truman served as president of the Lions Club in Westby and president of the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church.

Richard Larsen DVM, Appleton…husband, father, grandfather and veterinarian passed away at age 87 on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. He was employed by the Manawa Veterinary Clinic and later at Dairyland Animal Health in Weyauwega, where he treated large and small animals until his retirement in 1993. Dick was a life-long Catholic and his faith was very important to him. He was a member of several churches throughout his life including St.

Lawrence Schiedermayer, Appleton… age 98, died on January 12, 2025 in his own home, sitting at his kitchen table with his favorite clothes on and his shoes on.

George Woelfel, Suring … age 91, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.  George and his late wife, Joan, built a home on the family farm in New Berlin and retired to their lake home on Anderson Lake in Suring in 2004. He enjoyed spending time by the lake and he was a long-time WWOA member.

Robert “Bob” P. Rusch, Rib Lake…age 82, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife and family, at the Rib Lake Nursing Home. Bob was a founding and life member of WWOA. He filed many of the necessary legal documents to create the organization. He served on the first Board of Directors, serving as secretary.

Dr. David R. Downs, MD, Madison and Dodgeville… age 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 21st, at his home in Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge, Madison, Wisconsin. Dave was born on February 1st, 1933, in Madison to Leslie and Lois (Ross) Downs. After graduating from Madison West High School, he studied medicine at UW-Madison. In 1955, Dave married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean Tuttle, in Madison.

Joanne Wittek, Thorp… age 75, passed away on August 3, 2024 in Thorp surrounded by family after her four-year battle with melanoma. She grew up on her family farm near Owen-Withee. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Education from UW-River Falls in 1970. She served as the choir director for both Thorp Catholic Parochial School and Thorp High School in addition to various youth music activities.

Richard “Dick” Camp, Boscobel…age 90, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024 at Soldiers Grove nursing Home in Soldiers Grove, WI, surrounded by his family. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, in 1955, where he met his wife, Connie. Dick served in the Air Force as a helicopter pilot.