Natalie Witte, Madison … passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022.  Natalie was wife of Ken Witte (deceased) an active, long-time WWOA member.   She was born in Menomonie and her parents took her home to the house she has lived in, visited or owned her entire life.  She was a registered nurse and was active in the Wisconsin Nurses Association and UW School of Nursing Alumni Association.  She enjoyed participating in a couple of Women of WWOA gatherings.  She greatly appreciated her natural surroundings and always wanted to learn more.

Service will be held at Roselawn cemetery in Madison, WI in the future.  Notice of the Memorial will be in the newspaper at that time.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Madison Area Food Pantry Garden would be appreciated.

Carl Mueller, Onalaska…died in the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, from complications of cancer.

During his working years, he did research at UW-Madison, served as Assistant Superintendent at the Hancock Experimental Station, did research with Oconomowoc Canning Co. and was an instructor and head of the Agribusiness Department of Western WI  Technical College in LaCrosse, now Western Technical College.

Carl was appointed to fill a vacant position on the WWOA Board of Directors and he served in this role from 2002-2004. He served as the past President of WWOA’s local Chippewa Valley Chapter.  He also served as Chairman of the Wildlife Abatement Committee for LaCrosse County.

Memorials may be given to Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 1500 Sand Lake Road, Holmen, WI 54636 or Onalaska Food Basket, 735 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, WI 54650 or Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association.

Thor C. Sande, Jr, Marshfield…passed way at home with family at his side on Saturday, October 15, 2022.  Thor had a deep love of nature and the great outdoors.  Hobbies included canoeing and fishing on small lakes in Northern Wisconsin.  Thor’s favorite was the Family Tree Farm, but above all were his family and friends.

Memorials may be designated to North Lakeland Discovery Center, Manitowish Waters at DiscoveryCenter.net

Ray Steiniger, West Allis…born into eternal life September 10, 2022.

Ray proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Michigan State. Long time owner/operator of Tompkins Velvet Freeze in Racine, WI. He really enjoyed spending time in the woods on his property in Merrill, WI. Ray was an avid sports fan of all Wisconsin teams, especially the Packers and the Brewers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wisconsin Woodland Owner’s Association appreciated.

Ronald Crass, Tomahawk…passed away peacefully on Monday, January 31, 2022.  Ron never stopped “working.” He enjoyed his garden, raising chickens and turkeys, farming, logging, woodworking, beekeeping, making maple syrup, hunting and time spent with the gang at the hunting shack. His biggest enjoyment and pride were his four children and his six grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Tomahawk Special Olympics.

Clarence Olson, Madison…died where he was born, October 28, 2020 in Westby, WI.  Clarence joined the UW Dairy Science Dept in 1961 as a leader of educational and training programs for the National Dairy Herd Improvement program.  He was also active in judging county fairs, organized the Dairy Schools for Farm Women, and honored with many state and national awards for his innovative professional work and volunteer work including the Boy Scout National Scoutmaster of the Year Award twice. Memorials may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, Glacier’s Edge Council Boy Scouts of America, or UW School of Agriculture.

Robert “Bob” A. Barletta, Sr., Sobieski…was called home by Jesus on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022.  Bob loved to hunt, fish, snowmobile, kayak, and work in his woods.  His favorite hobby was woodworking.  Bob loved making beautiful pieces of furniture and made many for his family and friends.

Gordon Ovan, formerly Redgranite… passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, June 3, 2022.  After completing his student teaching in Michigan, he returned to Wisconsin where he met his wife and purchased a property near Redgranite. In 1992, he received the “Gift of Life” through a kidney transplant.  This re-energized his tenacious curiosity and sustained his crusade to promote organ donation.

Financial contributions can be sent to a special memorial fund established in Gordon’s name at the UW Foundation, Nephrology Fund for Excellence, supportuw.org/giveto/kidney or can be mailed directly to the US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278.  Gordon’s family will be matching dollar for dollar any donations up to $5,000.  For those interested in paying forward the gift of life, you are encouraged to register as an organ donor with DonateLife.  Donate Life America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and can also accept donations.  Donations can also be made to American Society of Transplantation to support Advocacy, Education and Research around effective organ transplant.

Gregory Deering, Kaukauna…died Friday, April 29, 2022 with his wife at his side, after a 1½ year battle with Sarcoma Cancer.  He owned a cabin in Mountain, WI, where he loved spending time in the woods with his dog Maple, sitting by the fire, renovating the cabin, making Maple Syrup, hunting, and woodworking.

A memorial is being established.

Rev. James Rivers, Janesville (formerly of Wild Rose)…passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022.
He retired to a Tree Farm in Wild Rose in 2001 because of his wife Nancy’s failing health.  Their woods was a Golden Sands RC&D demonstration forest for many years. He became a life member in WWOA and was an active Central Sands Chapter board member.  He then served on the WWOA Board of Directors from 2008-2013, serving as Secretary from 2009-11 and Vice President from 2011-12.  During this time, he helped create the 2010-15 strategic plan and assisted in drafting some WWOA policies.  He moved to Cedar Crest in Janesville in September of 2016.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Cargill United Methodist Church, 2000 Wesley Avenue, Janesville; with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Janesville C.R.O.P. Hunger Walk or ECHO (Everyone Cooperating to Help Others) of Janesville.