Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home

01/05/2026

PORTAGE – Margaret Elaine Bowden Vail, age 98, of Portage, formerly of Platteville and Madison, died on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at The Tivoli Community in Portage.

Margaret E. Vail was born on February 7, 1927, in Cuba City, the daughter of John Delos and Mildred Eunice (Dearth) Bowden. She married Amza Crane Vail, of Benton, in 1952.

She grew up in Cuba City, where she graduated from high school in 1945. She attended Bayless Business College in Dubuque. Margaret was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and seven brothers (John, Warren, Fred, Lawrence (Tud), Philip, Truman, and Lloyd). She is survived by her children, William Banks, and Rebecca Jane; sister, Mary; extended family, Dona Schwichtenberg and Andy Limpel; and 30 nieces and nephews.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is in charge of arrangements.

No services will be held, with burial in the United Methodist Church Cemetery in Benton.

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01/05/2026

PORTAGE – Daniel J. O’Donnell, age 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at The Rivers in Portage.

Dan was born on February 5, 1952, in Portage, the son of Henry and Fern (Kleist) O’Donnell. He attended St. Mary Catholic Grade School. Dan graduated from Portage High School in 1970. He loved sports. In high school, he was on the wrestling team. He was a huge Packer fan, but enjoyed other sports as well, including the Olympic games. He liked listening to music from the 60’s. He was always very personable and had a natural wit. Dan really enjoyed visiting with his family. He genuinely cared about people, taking an interest in their lives. He was always very grateful and appreciative of anything anyone ever did for him. Dan was a kind soul.

He is survived by his siblings, Patricia Janes, of Newport Beach, CA; Raymond (Mary) O’Donnell, of Portage, WI; Richard (Jean) O’Donnell, of Mooresville, NC; Charlotte Viens, of Portage, WI; William O’Donnell, of Portage, WI; Mary O’Donnell, of Marquette, MI; Margaret (Robert) Strycharske, of Oregon, WI; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and John; and his sister, Rose Marie Petersen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 309 W. Cook St., Portage, WI 53901.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Rivers for their care and support.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

01/05/2026

PORTAGE – Matthew Duane Marchand, age 71, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage.

Matthew was born on November 25, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Duane and Audrey Ann (Geist) Marchand. He attended school in Illinois. Matthew married Margaret (Peggy) Ann Campion on October 12, 1974, in St. John’s Catholic Church in Montello, Wisconsin. Together they raised four children.

Matthew worked at Portage Industries/Spartech Plastics for many years. Matthew then owned and operated Unique Carpet Cleaning with his son-in-law, Brian Wooster. Matthew also was a Divine Savior Ambulance and City Cab driver over the years.

Matthew enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons and uncle Jimmy. He enjoyed their annual fishing trips to Devil’s Lake, North Dakota with his friends and also his trips to Las Vegas. Matthew loved cooking for his “pig roast” before his health started to decline. He loved watching baseball, football, and hockey and enjoyed teasing his grandchildren.

Survived by his wife, Peggy; children, Audrey Pawlowski, Stephen (Ashley) Marchand, Timothy Marchand, Christopher (Karla) Marchand; grandchildren, Zane Renner, Chris (Taylor) Wooster, Alex (Megan) Wooster, Trenton (Kim) Marchand, Mason (Luis) Marchand, Karter Marchand, Madelyn Marchand, Sala (Dennis Pittman) Marchand, Marissa (Travis Richardson, Jr.) Marchand, Timothy Marchand, Jr., Oliver Marchand, Milania, Bentley Marchand, Gabriel, Owen, Noah, Elias; great-grandchildren, Ashton and Weston Pittman; sisters, Ann (Rick) Lewallen, Doris (James) Culver, Duan (Jack) Hulett, Susan Zuhlke, Duane Jr. (Debbie) Marchand; stepmother, Esther Marchand; in-laws, Mona (Dave) Matijevich, Michael (Peggy) Campion, Mary Alice (Ray) O’Donnell, John Campion, Loretta (Mike) Corning, Charlotte (John) Hoffman, Charlie (Tessie) Campion, Richard (Paula) Campion, Patrick (Traci) Campion; as well as many other relatives, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Matthew is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brothers-in-law, Les Kozlowski and Tom Campion; father-and-mother-in-law, Maurice and Mary Lou Campion; sons-in-law Brian Wooster and Andzej Pawlowski.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage from 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m with a short eulogy at 5:00 p.m.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

12/29/2025

PORTAGE — On December 19, 2025, angels carried Darlene’s soul safely to heaven to await Resurrection on the Last Day. (Luke 16:22) The blood of Jesus Christ, her Savior, covered all of her sins. (1 John 1:7)

Darlene Elaine Brockopp was born on September 5, 1932, in Glidden, Wisconsin, to the Rev. William and Martha Brockopp. She was baptized on September 18, 1932. Five years earlier, her father had baptized a precious baby boy who would become her husband. She was Confirmed on April 16, 1946, and her Confirmation verse, given to her by her father, was: Jesus said “…I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Darlene had two older brothers, Elroy and Eugene, and a younger brother, Daniel.

Darlene grew up in Glidden and excelled in school and church activities. After high school graduation, she worked for the Aid Association for Lutherans in Appleton, Wisconsin. On August 3, 1952, Darlene married Theodore Edward Krueger, Jr., officiated by her father. Ted and Darlene lived in Springfield, Illinois, while he attended Concordia Seminary, and Silver Creek, New York, where he completed his vicarage. After Ted was ordained, they served churches in Melville, Saskatchewan, Canada, and also Fall Creek, Marshfield, and Westfield, Wisconsin, until 1995, when they retired to Portage, Wisconsin.

Darlene and Ted were blessed with seven children, whom they sometimes referred to as olive plants around the table (Psalm 128:3): David (Louise) Krueger, Ted III (Jean) Krueger, Linda (the late Paul Jacobson) Krueger, Karla (Pastor Mark) Meier, Kathleen (the late Bob) Thalacker, Paul (Soo-Yee Lim) Krueger, and Joy (Micheal) Witkowski. They have 17 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. The Bible was the foundation they used for raising their family.

Darlene was an excellent cook. She and Ted always had large gardens, and she canned and froze everything she could. She was very hospitable, providing homemade soups, cookies, and many other delicious meals to family and friends who made a point of stopping by to visit during their travels. Darlene liked to sew and crochet. She loved collecting figures of angels, and blue was her favorite color.

She organized bus day trips while in Westfield, which church members enjoyed. She was actively involved in many ways within the congregations they served. She and Ted traveled to China (Bible printing facility) and Latvia (Russian broadcasting of Lutheran Hour). They became significantly involved in the early formation of the worldwide humanitarian aid organization, Orphan Grain Train.

"…Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:21)

“Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.” (Exodus 23:20)

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Ted. Although we grieve deeply for our father and mother, we are also filled with inexpressible joy that, along with them, we will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God --- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

Visitation will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 850 Armstrong Street, Portage, on January 10, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Christian celebration of life service at 11:00 am. Burial will be at Springfield Cemetery, north of Westfield, on County Road CH, near 5th Road, at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to Wisconsin Orphan Grain Train (N4993 6th Drive, Westfield, WI 53964) or St. John’s Lutheran Ministries (850 Armstrong Street, Portage, Wisconsin 53901).

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

12/28/2025

ARLINGTON – Audrey A. Smith, age 90, of Arlington, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Wisconsin Dells Health Services.

Audrey was born on March 13, 1935, in Wisconsin, the daughter of Nels and Irene (Dieruff) Johnson. She was married to Neil Smith, who preceded her in death. They had lived in the Arlington area for over 40 years. Together with her husband, Audrey owned and operated the Prairie Inn in Leeds. Audrey had worked as a receptionist for Dean SSM Health and also drove school bus for over 20 years in the DeForest/Poynette area.

She is survived by her children, Gregory Alan (Dixie) Smith, Julie Anne (Randy) Mickelson and Darcie Lynne (Daniel) Steeves; her daughter-in-law, Jean Smith; twelve grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; her brother, Ronald (Jean) Johnson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-dad, Brooks Wigdal, her husband, two sons, Ned Louis Smith and Robert Kent Smith, and her sister, Gwen (Robert) Showers.

“Audrey, who nurtured and loved so many generations of family, will now be greatly missed and forever loved by all.”

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day … unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.”

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Scott Schwertfeger officiating. Inurnment will follow in Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Leeds.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.

12/26/2025

PORTAGE – Herbert J. Hilgendorf, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at his home.

Herb was born on June 7, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Herbert and Helen “Nellie” (Crawford) Hilgendorf. He married Donna Jane Davison at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage. Herb was a banker at City Bank and Trust for 42 years, retiring in 1991. Following retirement, he worked part-time at H & R Block, doing taxes. Herb was a man of faith: a proud lifetime member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, and a member of the Dr. C.W. Henney Knights of Columbus Council #1637, Portage. He enjoyed woodworking and furniture repair. He loved projects, whether it be on the house or farm, built two houses and remodeled many family homes. Herb loved numbers; anything to do with finances. He was a family man and caregiver, and enjoyed his family – especially the grandchildren.

Survived by his children, Michael (Mary) Hilgendorf of Waunakee, Kevin Hilgendorf of Portage, Joseph (Joanie) Hilgendorf of Arizona, and Lisa (Thomas) Casey of Portage; six grandchildren, Nicole (Nick) Marx, Claire Hilgendorf, Courtney (Andrew) Schneider, John Hilgendorf, Katharine (Alissa) Shortreed and Dylan Casey; five great-grandchildren, Vincent, Oliver and Ansel Marx, Calvin and Mabel Schneider; his brother, Paul (Dorothy) Hilgendorf; his sister, Dorothy Hansen; his sister-in-law, Deloris Hilgendorf; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Donna, his daughters, Patricia and Marcia, his daughter-in-law, Coleen Hilgendorf, and his siblings, Marie Mullenbach, Thomas Hilgendorf, William Hilgendorf, Margaret Hilgendorf and Helen Hilgendorf; his brothers-in-law, Harlan Davison and John Mullenbach, his sisters-in-law, Kathy Hilgendorf, Phyllis Russell and Colleen Davison.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Following the luncheon, inurnment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Portage. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic School.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to SSM Hospice, especially Julie and Tiki.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family.

12/26/2025

FORT WINNEBAGO TOWNSHIP – Donna Lawrence, age 83, of Shell Lake, Wisconsin passed away very peacefully with loved ones holding her hands then releasing her into her loving Savior’s arms on December 22, 2025. (John 3:16)

On November 25, 2025, Donna was sadly diagnosed with advanced aggressive pancreatic cancer and came home to live out her final weeks at the home of her oldest daughter and son-in-law in Portage, Wisconsin under the tender care of who she lovingly called her four girls with the assistance of Agrace Hospice.

Donna was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on January 29, 1942, to Carl and Ruby (Lauritsen) Erickson. Most of her young life was growing up in the farming community of Timberland, WI. She was involved in 4H and confirmed at the Timberland Ringebu Lutheran Church. At the age of 16, she married the handsome 17-year-old boy from up the road. Together they worked hard to raise their four girls. Later, they moved to Madison where she and Roger owned and operated D & R Construction Co., above all she was a mother and homemaker. In 2001, they retired and built a new home near their old stomping grounds by Sarona, WI. They became members of Shell Lake Northwoods Baptist Church where Donna served as secretary/treasurer for seven years.

On March 14, 2019, Roger would go on before his wife after living out his last weeks in the same room as Donna at their daughter’s home. Again, with all four of their girls by his side. Donna would soon move into Glenview Assisted Living in Shell Lake, WI, for a couple of years until she was diagnosed.

Missing her are her daughters, Terri (Kenny) Krizan, Shery (Greg) Smith, Tammy (Chris) Klohn, and Shannon (Doug) Grenier; 14 grandchildren, Michelle Christensen, Isaiah (Krissi) Krizan, Tasha (Jon) Crawford, Rick (Rachel) Krizan, Shawna (Chad) Rhyner, Nathan (Stephanie) Smith, Matt (Rose) Smith, Joe Smith, Carson (Josie) Klohn, Hannah (Mitch) Watson, Garrett Klohn, Corbin (Rachel) Grenier, Gavin Grenier, and Jayden Grenier; 16 great-grandchildren with number 17, Colter Corbin Grenier, due December 31st; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Carla Donatell and Verdell (Larry) Schwab; and a brother, Lee (Nancy) Erickson. Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; parents, Carl and Ruby Erickson; and great-grandson, Maddox Krizan.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice along with family and special friends who brought meals, sang, loved and prayed all of us through this short sad journey. To care for those who once cared for us, is one of the highest honors. We will love you forever, Mom.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church, in Portage, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with Pastor William McCoy and Pastor Jeremy Edmondson officiating. Burial will be private at Shell Lake Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.

12/22/2025

PORTAGE —Elaine Lucille Benson passed away at Dove Healthcare in Lodi, surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Elaine was born on June 5, 1937, in Reedsburg Wisconsin, the eldest of nine children of John and Evelyn (Stollfus) Hutchinson. Elaine was married to Dennis Benson, the love of her life on February 14, 1974, celebrating 51 years of marriage.

Elaine worked as a realtor and home healthcare aide. Her many loves were cooking, especially her famous baked beans, collecting cookbooks and pretty dishes. The lure of yard sales, traveling, real estate, driving the Amish, having adventures and always going down the road less traveled. She was a hardworking pioneering woman with an incredible work ethic, creativity, a teacher - wise beyond her years. She created proud, strong, hard working children and family stock, always leading by example.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughter Jennie (David), Linda (Jim), Angelina (Tim), Catherine; son Robert (Betty); daughter Laura (Bill); son Matthew (Sara); siblings Jim, Kay, Shari, and Jacque, 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; as well as her siblings Dennis, Patsy, Donna and Joyce.

The family would like to thank Dove Healthcare for their love and care.

Services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran in Portage. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 until the time of services. Inurnment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or VFW Post 1707 Women’s Auxiliary, Portage.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.

12/18/2025

PORTAGE —Leah Lavonne Combs, age 92, passed away at Prairie Ridge Health Hospital in Columbus, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Leah was born on December 28, 1932, in Postville, Iowa, the daughter of Lloyd and Violet (Bollman) Meyer. She had worked as a Registered Nurse at Divine Savior Hospital, in Portage. Leah was married to Roger Combs. He preceded her in death in 1981.

She is survived by her daughter, Kay (John) Herold; four grandchildren, Jodie (Kent) Maloney, Beau Baartz, Kerrie (Richard) Evert, and Angela (Jared) Dana; her great-grandchildren, Camila Baartz, Braiden Baartz, Colten Evert, John Dana, Harlie Dana, Samuel Bauman, Grace Bauman, and Dillon Maloney. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger; her daughter, Laurie Baartz; and her son-in-law, Donavon Baartz.

Private burial at Marcellon Cemetery.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.

12/17/2025

PORTAGE – Marie L. Bartels, age 98, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo, surrounded by her loving family.

Marie was born on November 20, 1927, in Portage, the daughter of Albert and Verna (Pfuehler) Fredrick.
She was united in marriage to Wilbur Bartels, who preceded her in death. Marie had worked at City Bank & Trust in Portage for many years. She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Marie enjoyed bowling, sewing and loved to garden.

She is survived by her two daughters, Elaine Schehr and her children, Kelly (Roman) Krueger and Jeremy (Lynette) Schehr and sons, Nicholas (Grace) and Kolbe Schehr, and Carol (William) Lester and their son, Shannon (Rebecca) Lester; her great- grandchildren, Joshua (Jessica) Krueger, Jennifer (Brian) Kabele, Emily (Lindsey) Thornton, Audrey, Parker, Graham and Cooper Lester; her great-great-grandchildren, Bowdyn, Audalyn, Emberlyn and Keelyn Krueger, Payton, McKenna, and Rilynn Kabele, and Dawsyn Thornton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Wilbur and her sister, Lucille Schmidt.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Greg Hovland officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com), is assisting the family.

12/15/2025

MERRIMAC – Robert “Bob” James Aide, age 82, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Sauk Prairie Healthcare, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born on May 9, 1943, in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, the son of Maynard and Nona (Roberts) Aide. He married Susan Kay Endress on September 24, 1999. Bob was self-employed as a pallet manufacturer.

Bob was a very hardworking man with a great sense of humor who loved his family with his whole heart. Bob loved animals, watching westerns and taking rides. He’ll be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Survived by his wife, Susan; first wife and mother of his children, Kay Aide, daughters, Patti Schnelle, Lisa (Patrick) Bennett and Devon (Philip) Taylor; step-son, Randy (Anne) Meier, brothers, Gary, Mike, Jeff, and Ken; sisters Sue, and Shirlee, grandchildren Andrea Jenkins, Regina (William) Cadwallader, Dillion Schnelle, Corey (Sophia) Kingsley, Jacob (Alicia Sonnenberg) Bennett, Faith Bennett, Austyn Taylor, Kaytlin Taylor and many great-grandchildren, other family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Gene, Dean, Larry, Ronnie, Jerry, sisters Patty, Mary and Janett.

Services will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage with Rev. Howard Edwards officiating. Visitation will be held before the service, starting at 9:00 a.m., until the time of service, at 11:00 a.m. Military Rites provided by Portage Area Veteran’s Honor Guard will be held following the service at the funeral home. Burial will be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Merrimac.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Homes, in Portage, is assisting the family.

12/13/2025

PARDEEVILLE – Russell E. “Russ” Falk, age 51, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at his home.

Russ was born on October 27, 1974, in Milwaukee, the son of Richard and Nona (Wakershauser) Falk. He had the biggest heart – a loving and kind man. Russ loved to deer hunt and he was a very good shot. He enjoyed camping and sometimes, fishing with his brothers. Russ was a lover of classic rock music and his favorites were Twisted Sister and Van Halen. He had a great sense of humor and loved animals, especially his cat, Merlin and his fish. Russ recently purchased a pigeon. His last two doves were named Einstein. He could cook and learned to grill, especially pork chops and steaks. He certainly perfected his pork chops.

He is survived by his brothers, David Falk and Richard Falk; other relatives, and many friends. He liked being by himself and in his own company. Russell did cause quite a ruckus when he was younger, giving his mother most of her grey hair. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.