Lonnie Marek, Wausau… age 82, passed away on February 26, 2023.  He loved his wife, Peggy, and they had the deepest of bonds. He had a strong work ethic and took pride in a job well done.  Lonnie was a kind, gentle, spiritual man.

Sue Peskar, Woodbury, MN …age 83, died September 8, 2022 after a long battle with cancer.  She loved to travel, the love and dedication she had for husband was stronger still and is evident in the twenty years they spent building a little cabin north of Hayward.

Charles “Chuck” Lepinski, Berlin… age 97, passed away July 20, 2023.  Chuck and Sylvia celebrated their 75^th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Chuck was active in his community and proud of his service in the Navy. Charles was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the VFW, and AmVet. He was honored to be on the first Old Glory Honor Flight out of Appleton in October 2009. Chuck also participated in welcoming veterans back from Old Glory Honor Flights 28 times as part of the Honor Guard.

Harold O. Hansen Sr., Wild Rose… age 82, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023. Long-time WWOA member who enjoyed spending time on the Hansen Tree Farm. Harold was owner of Hansen Heating and Plumbing, JH Mini Storage and J & H Holdings.

Any memorial contributions can be made in his name to Saxeville Fire Department and First Responders, W4666 Portage St, Wild Rose, WI 54984.  As per Harold’s wishes, private family services will be held at a later date.

Daniel Lehrer, Menasha …age 90, passed away at home on June 14, 2023, with his family at his side.

 In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

Shirley Kopitske, Bonduel… age 93, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023.  Shirley became a tree farmer with her husband, Virgil, starting in 1960.  Virgil served as WWOA’s President from 1999-2001.  Shirley served as Secretary and President of the WWOA Wolf River Chapter.  She was a committee member of two WWOA Annual Meeting planning committees. Her Shioc River Tree Farm was a member of the American Tree Farm System.

A memorial fund has been established for St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Bonduel.

David Jackson, Gleason… age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023, with family by his side.

He took a job with the Wisconsin Conservation Department (later known as the DNR) working out of their Merrill office as a forestry technician, and spent the rest of his career there.  At age 40 and while working full time, he took classes at Menard College in Merrill, and later commuted to the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, where he earned a degree in Forestry. He became a forester for the DNR, and later also served as deputy game warden.

Dave taught his two sons from a young age the value of forestland and its careful management. Dave will be remembered as a kind, gentle, positive, disciplined, thoughtful and loving father, husband, grandfather, and uncle and a loyal and caring friend. He passed along his deep love of nature and the outdoors to his family and his many friends.

Per David’s wishes, there will be a family celebration of life at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to the Arbor Day Foundation, or a veteran’s charity of your choice.

Gerald Kress, Menomonee Falls… age 86, died on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

Jerry and Nancy built their dream retirement home on a 40-acre parcel of land purchased in 1969.  He pursued his love of the outdoors through his membership with the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association. He also enjoyed raising show and racing pigeons with the Montello Racing Pigeon Club along with gardening, fishing and hunting.

Helen Alexander, Naples, FL and Glidden, WI…age 79, passed away on September 4, 2022.

She loved and cherished her family. Helen had a love for creative art by doing display work for major retailers.  She loved to paint and make bead jewelry, a love she shared with many.  She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her warm and welcoming smile, and her goodness that welcomed and embraced all.  In accordance with Helen’s wishes, no formal service was held.

Patricia Burbach, La Crosse…age 81, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, surrounded by her family, following a brave battle with cancer.  Patricia was wife of Dave Burbach, WWOA North Central Chapter chair and WWOA life member.

Originally from La Crosse, Patricia and Dave spent many years in Merrill while raising their children.  She was very proud of her role as administrative assistant for the UWEC School of Nursing at St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield for nearly 20 years where she did much more than her title implies. Following her retirement, they moved back to La Crosse where Pat was able to enjoy her beloved Mississippi River.  She was a fun-loving grandma who enjoyed spending time with her grandkids joining in and watching many sword fights and nerf gun wars.

The family prefers memorials be directed to Catholic Charities for the Warming Center, Catholic Charities of La Crosse, Attn: Development, 3710 East Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601.