Blog Articles

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…

As reported on NBC Channel 26 by: Valerie Juarez Nov 04, 2022 A Wausaukee man is battling for his life after a tick bit him this summer. Since August, 71-year-old Al Dennis hasn’t been able to walk or talk. Doctors said the tick that bit him was carrying an extremely rare disease and it was not Lyme Disease, but was the Powassan virus.

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.

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.

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 partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has detected emerald ash borer (EAB) for the first time in Menominee County. County forestry staff detected this ash tree-killing beetle along the roadside right-of-way of non-tribal land in the area of Legend Lake on August 3. The county is unique because it shares coterminous boundaries with the Menominee Indian Reservation.

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…

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.