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Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Drive, Ripon, WI (2025)

07/24/2025

Jeffery A. Mueller

Jeffery “Jeff” A. Mueller, 74, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at his home with his family by his side.

Born in Ripon on January 23, 1951, Jeff was the son of the late Kenneth and Jeannette (Butzlaff) Mueller. He attended Ripon area schools. On August 2, 1975, Jeff was united in marriage to Sandra “Sandy” Przybyl at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, in Ripon. In his earlier years, Jeff worked as a farmer on his family farm, as well as a firefighter in Rosendale. He later worked at Smucker’s in Ripon for 30 years before his retirement. Jeff was an avid outdoorsman, often spending time hunting, fishing, and camping with his family and friends.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandy Mueller; sons, Kenneth (Jennifer), Michael (Heather) and Robert Mueller; grandsons, Jeffery K., Reid, Beau, and Gage Mueller; step-grandchildren, Jonathan and Jocelynn Ellis; sister, Vicki Burr; nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. Besides his parents, Kenneth and Jeannette, Jeff was preceded in death by his son, Jeffery Mueller, Jr.; brother, DuWayne Mueller; sister, Pamela Mueller; and brother-in-law, Allan Burr.

Visitation for Jeff will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr, Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for Jeff will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home in Ripon, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. A memorial is being established in his name.

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07/23/2025

Robert "Bob" B. Harper

Robert “Bob” B. Harper, age 82, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025 at his home.

Robert was born December 31, 1942, in Reedsburg, WI, at the Reedsburg Hospital. Robert’s mother, Gertrude Harper, was alone as Robert’s father, Robert Senior, was stationed in Australia during WW2. Robert Jr. did not see Captain Robert Sr. until Robert Jr. was two years old. Jr. embarrassed his mom more than once by throwing his arms around the legs of soldiers walking past the Harper residence. He would then cry out, “Daddy! Daddy!”.

Robert became an elementary teacher in the Waupun School System. He was lucky enough to spend his first ten years teaching third and fourth grades in Alto, WI. Robert then taught third and fourth grades at Jefferson Elementary School in Waupun for ten years, and was an elementary counselor in the Waupun School System until retiring in 1999.

Robert is survived by his fiancé, Gerry Nelson; son, Bruce (Veronica) Harper; daughter, Brenda (Chris) Schuelke; grandsons, Isaiah and Wyatt; brother, Bill (Anna) Harper; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and Robert Sr. Harper and sister, Merry Wellman.

Per Robert’s wishes, no services will be held.

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07/15/2025

Russell "Russ" R. Smith

Russell “Russ” or “Scoop” Ruben Smith, age 76, of Ripon, WI passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Whispering Pines in Ripon, with his loving family by his side.

Russ was born on December 7, 1948 in Ripon, son of Ruben and Helen (Wizner) Smith. He graduated from Ripon High School in 1967, and went on to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force, later remaining active with the Air National Guard. On October 7, 1972, he married Patricia Bruins at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Ripon. Russ worked for the Department of Corrections for nearly 25 years. He also was a proud volunteer with the Ripon Fire Department. He would take the fire truck to parades, fire prevention week at schools, and would be up in the bucket dropping cookies for Cookie Daze. Russ drove school bus as well, and was known for treating the kids on the last day of school with ice cream. Russ earned the nickname “Scoop” because of his ability to scoop baseballs that came to the outfield. He cherished going to his sons’ games and was always proud. Russ was an avid hunter, fisherman, and birder - he loved to feed them as well as the squirrels. He was a classic car enthusiast, and had an unexplained love and loyalty for the Minnesota Vikings. Russ will be dearly missed.

Russ is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia Smith; two sons, Jason (Nicole) Smith and Matt (Tanya) Smith; sisters-in-law, Karen (Jim) Stelsel, Marcia Graff, and brother-in-law, Mark Bruins; as well and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Helen Smith; father-in-law and step-mother-in-law, James and Gretchen Bruins; brother-in-law, Norman Graff; and sisters-in-law, Barb Downing and Kelly Bruins.

Visitation for Russ will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 1:00 until 3:00 pm at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54791.

Memorial service for Russ will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the funeral home, with Pastor Jeff Blain officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 3:00 pm by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. A final salute and full military honors will take place at the funeral home immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116; Alzheimer’s Association, 620 S. 76th St. Milwaukee, WI 53214; or to a church or charity of your choice.

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07/15/2025

Emma Jane Casper

Emma Jane (Wadsworth) Casper, age 87, of Ripon, WI (formerly of Morton Grove, IL) passed away surrounded by love on July 13, 2025.

Emma Jane was born in Brownsville Township, Fayette County, PA on February 22, 1938 to the late William and Mary Jane (Kelley) Wadsworth. Emma Jane was greeted in death by her sister, Genevieve Stagesin; brothers, Buddy Wadsworth and Jimmy Wadsworth; beloved stepdad, John Henry Perkins. Emma Jane is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Casper; children, Cherie (Michael) Casper-Mayan and Mary Jane Houge; brother, George (Leeann) Perkins; grandchildren, Marissa (Chad) Fuller, Jensen Houge, Carlye (Barry) Schmidt, and Cassandra (Michael) Vondra; and nephews, Jaimie Stagesin and Robbie Hayden.

Per Emma Jane’s and Jerry’s wishes no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be directed to Parkinson's Research.

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07/15/2025

Joyce A. Rudolph

Joyce Anne Rudolph, age 90, of Ripon, WI peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton, WI. Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her life was a beautiful journey of love, service, and joy.

Joyce was born on January 23, 1935 in Mountain, WI, daughter of Orville and Gertrude (Bunn) Belongia. Born into a family that traveled across various cities in Wisconsin as her father pursued work opportunities, Joyce’s early years were filled with movement and discovery. It was during this time, after settling in Oconto, that she discovered her lifelong love of music and learned to play the piano—a gift she would share with many throughout her life.

In the fourth grade, Joyce’s family moved to Ripon, Wisconsin, the place she would forever call home. It was in Ripon that she built a life rooted in community, compassion, and purpose.

Joyce held many roles throughout her life, each one reflecting her vibrant spirit and dedication to others. She began as an A&W Car Hop and later worked at Patrick’s Women’s Wear. But it was her work with individuals with mental disabilities that brought her the greatest fulfillment. Inspired by the love for her daughter Vicki, Joyce found a profound sense of purpose in her roles as the Green Lake County Coordinator of Disabilities and later as CEO of the Ripon Area Service Center for 13 years. Joyce was a tireless advocate and compassionate leader, touching countless lives with her empathy and strength.

Joyce's dedication to her community extended far beyond her professional roles. She volunteered for 10 years at the Ripon Historical Society, where she passionately preserved and shared the rich history of the area. Her commitment to helping others was also evident in her 15 years of service at Ripon Hospital, where her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many patients and staff. Additionally, Joyce served on the board for Health and Human Services in Oconto County for 10 years, where she played a role in shaping policies and programs that improved the well-being of individuals. Joyce's unwavering dedication and selfless service left an indelible mark on her community.

While in high school, Joyce met her future life partner, Carleton “Buda” Rudolph. They were the epitome of high school romance, crowned as the king and queen of both homecoming and prom. On June 20, 1953, Joyce and Buda embarked on a lifelong journey together as they exchanged vows. Together, they raised four children and built a life filled with laughter and adventure. Summers were a special time spent with family at their cottage on Crooked Lake. In their golden years, Joyce and Buda retired to Crooked Lake, where Joyce enjoyed bartending at the Pines Supper Club and never missed a chance for a good “shake of the day.”

Joyce found joy in the simple pleasures of life: walking in the woods, playing cards and board games with family, indulging in chocolate, spending winters in Gulf Shores, and deer hunting with loved ones. Above all, she cherished her roles as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandma, and adoring great grandma. Though she is no longer with us, her loved ones will continue to feel her presence each day—through the laughter around a game table, the quiet of a forest walk, or the warmth of a shared memory—because she passed these joys and values on to all who knew and loved her.

Her legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and joy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Joyce is survived by her children, Debby (Bill) Brooks of Seymour, WI, Sheila (Jeff) Thomas of Ripon, WI, and Scott (Janet) Rudolph of Appleton, WI; grandchildren, Jessica Brooks, Ryan (Kandice) Brooks, Maggie (Jason) Thomas, and Nathan (Kathy) Thomas; great-grandchildren, Logan Brooks, Walker Uhlenbrauck, Devon (Ivy) Brooks, Aidan Brooks, and Sullivan Thomas; step-grandchildren, Ben (Stacey) Sc*****er and Kevin (Jade) Sc*****er; step-great-granddaughter, Charlotte Sc*****er; sisters, Marge (Glen) Bach and Mary Sue Lukowski; and several nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Vicki Rudolph; parents, Orville and Gertrude Belongia; and her loving husband, Carleton Rudolph.

Visitation for Joyce will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for Joyce will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the funeral home, with Pastor Karin Derenne officiating. Inurnment will take place at Mountain Cemetery in Mountain, WI at a later date. Memorials in her name may be directed to Meadow Wood Assisted Living, 605 E. Bronson Rd., Seymour, WI 54165.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Meadow Wood, who became very dear to Joyce during the past year.

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07/11/2025

Beatrice E. Slager

Beatrice Elizabeth Slager, age 95, of Green Lake, WI, passed away on July 9th, 2025 at Prairie Place Assisted Living Facility at 749 E. Oshkosh St. Ripon, WI.

Beatrice was born on May 4, 1930, the daughter of Karma and Sarah Joseph. She graduated from The Oak Park School of Nursing in Oak Park, IL in 1951 and spent most of her career working in the Operating Room at Elmhurst Hospital in Elmhurst, IL. After leaving the Operating Room she transitioned to a Medical Licensing job which required her to learn computer skills. Beatrice was united in marriage to William Slager on November 22, 1952 in Cicero, IL. She was a member of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ripon where she participated in quilting projects and making Care Packages to send overseas. She was a member of the Princeton Garden Club, loved going to antique shops and craft shows. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed making big meals for the holidays when the entire family would gather together. She also played golf with her friends and with her husband.

Survivors include son, Michael Slager of Evergreen, CO; daughter, Barbara Slager of Surprise, AZ; daughter, Lisa Arnold of Massillon, OH; grandson, William Slager of Evergreen, CO; grandson, Adam Arnold of Canton, OH; and granddaughter, Abigail Arnold of Massillon, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband, William; her parents; and her brothers, Julius, Martin, Norman, and Luther.

No formal funeral services will be held.

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07/11/2025

Debra "Debbie" S. Uecker

Debra “Debbie” S. Uecker, age 69, of Markesan, WI passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at her home.

Debbie was born in Ripon on April 6, 1956, daughter of Richard and Dorothy (Giese) Quade. She graduated from Markesan High School and worked as a housekeeper at Markesan Resident Home as well as many other part time jobs over the years. Debbie loved playing Bingo, and enjoyed collecting jewelry, crocheting, and working with diamond arts. She had a passion for cats, wolves, fish, plants and pretty much all wildlife. More than anything she cherished her five children and time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a sweet soul and everyone’s friend. Her smile and laughter will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

Debbie is survived by her children, Christina (Chad) Wetzel, Cathleen Van Loo, Chad (Ariana) Van Loo, Cheralie (Joe) Prothero, and Curtis (Megan) Van Loo; grandchildren, CodyLee Wetzel, Victoria (Nathian) Ritter, Austin (Samantha) Wetzel, McKayla (Kyle) Sanchez, Damian Wetzel, Haley Van Loo, Kaylynn, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joselyn and Ezekiel Prothero, Grayson Van Loo, Evelynn & Adalee Schultz, Brooklyn, McKinlee and Emma; great-grandchildren, Bentley, Liam, Henry, Veronica, Amelia, Zayden, Braxton, Isabel, Danny and Tyffany; mother, Dorothy Quade; siblings, Danny Quade, Gary (Jacquie) Quade; as well as nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard; and grandparents.

A celebration of life for Debbie will be held at a later date. A memorial is being established in her name.

View Debra "Debbie" S. Uecker's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/09/2025

Audra L. Fitzwater

Audra Lou (Crowell) Fitzwater, aged 95, passed away on July 7, 2025 peacefully at home with family around her.

Audra was born in Battle Creek, MI to Esther Louise (Nordheim) and Leonard Alling Crowell on May 25, 1930. She attended elementary and high school in Battle Creek and later took coursework at Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, WI. During and after high school graduation she was employed at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek. On June 21, 1954 she married George E. Fitzwater, Jr, a career military man in the U.S. Army, who served in WWII and the Korean War. They began their married life in Ft. Carson, CO, and came to Ripon, WI in 1955 to stay. After becoming a consummate mother and home engineer Audra returned to employment as a medical transcriptionist at Ripon College Kemper Clinic and then Silver Creek Medical Associates for 20 years. After retirement she and George travelled and enjoyed family and friends for many years.

Audra was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, George. She is survived by her children, Candace Fitzwater of Ripon, WI, Mark (Sandra) Fitzwater of Burkesville, KY and Suzie (Jeff) Fude of Wild Rose, WI; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and her first great-great grandson, to be born very soon.

A Christian mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday July 19, 2025, at St. Peter Episcopal Church, 217 Houston St., Ripon, WI 54971. Inurnment will follow in the garden area at the rear of the church. There will be a light lunch and opportunity for companionship in the parish hall after inurnment.

Memorials can be directed to St. Peter Episcopal Church, The Green Lake Area Animal Shelter, PO Box 86, Green Lake, WI 54941, or The Boys and Girls Club – Ripon Campus, 209 E. Blossom St., Ripon, WI 54971.

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07/09/2025

Caroline Willis

Caroline Pier Roemer Willis, 97, of Green Lake, WI, Sun City West, AZ, and most recently Aspire Senior Living in Oshkosh, WI passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Caroline was born March 1, 1928. She was adopted to John and Caroline (Pier) Roemer and upon their untimely deaths was adopted by Dr. Ed “Bub” and Helen Roemer who raised her and her twin sister. Her grammar school years started in Forrest Hills, New York (PS 51) and then Fond du Lac (Bragg). Her high school years started at Post School at Fort Knox, KY where Bub was stationed. She graduated from East High School in Denver, CO in 1946. She attended college at UW-Madison from 1946 to 1948. She transferred to UW-Oshkosh, while living in Shorewood Hills, where she got her BS in primary education in 1952. Caroline met David at a dance at UW-O. Soon after graduation she came down with TB and was placed in the Madison Sanitarium. She made it through successfully and David waited for her to get married. They married at the Presbyterian Church in Fond du Lac on December 5, 1953. She taught in Waukesha, Princeton and Green Lake schools. Caroline took time off to have her family. During this time she was a den mother for the boys. She eventually went back and was a substitute teacher for a number of years. She loved bowling and bowled at Green Meadows and went to many tournaments around the country. She also loved golfing at Lawsonia, Tuscumbia and Utica. She even got a hole in one. She was a devoted mother and wife and was a big Packer and Brewer fan. Her family will all miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her adopted parents, Edward “Bub” and Helen Roemer; her twin sister, Kate Wilson; her nephew, Steve Wilson; nephew, John Roemer; and Marion Roemer.

She is survived by her husband, David of Oshkosh, WI; sons, Scott (Peggy) Willis of DePere, WI, Brian Willis of Fond du Lac, WI, and Glenn Willis of Oshkosh, WI; grandchildren, David (Megan) Willis of Green Bay, WI, Amy (Nick) Darnick of DePere, WI, and Jackie Willis of Milwaukee, WI; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Breleigh, Sawyer and Matthew; nephew, Rod (Anne) Wilson of Neenah, WI and their children, and Stan (Lisa) Wilson of Keshena and their children; and a brother-in-law, Norm Wilson of Neenah, WI.

Funeral and burial will be at a later date. Thank you to St. Croix Hospice for their help in the final days.

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07/08/2025

Denise L. McCauley

Denise L. McCauley, aged 73, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025 at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and siblings.

Denise was born on September 11, 1951 in Ripon, WI, the first child to Warren and Evelyn (Nimmer) Page. Denise was raised there and graduated from Ripon High School in 1970. As one of 51 grandchildren of the late Henry and Anna (Witt) Page, Denise was part of a large, loving family and grew up creating memories with aunts, uncles and cousins in the area, culminating in a Page reunion every August of her childhood and beyond. She worked for 30 years at the Condon Companies and for seven years at Ripon Medical Center.

Her children, Mark and Adam, were the joys of her life. She was extremely proud of Mark’s 20 year career as a United States Navy ‘nuke,’ and found great joy in going to numerous concerts in which Adam played trumpet. Special memories included going on a day-long cruise on Mark’s aircraft carrier in 1995, and of taking enough piano lessons to be able to play a duet in a recital with Adam. When they were grown and married, her sons blessed her with the grandchildren on whom she doted. For all of her life, Denise loved to read; libraries were special for her, and she tried to pass along this love of reading to her beloved grandchildren. She liked most kinds of music as well as movies, especially those from the 1930s and 1940s. Denise was a creative, intense and affectionate woman who planned parties, wrote, sewed, made scrapbooks, and went to breakfast, lunch and dinner with family and friends. She considered her friends one of the best parts of her life. She was so pleased to have had a pen pal since 1961; the pen pal was originally from Ripon in England and they became acquainted through a school project when Denise was in 5th grade.

Denise is survived by her sons, Mark (Patricia) Rasske of Hartford, WI and Adam (Oksana) Rasske of Brookfield, WI. She left behind grandchildren, Riley, Zoe, and Eli Rasske of Hartford, WI and Vladislav, Dmitri, and Ilya Rasske of Brookfield, WI. She is also survived by sisters and brothers, Patti (Douglas) Schrader, David Page, Phillip Page and Maureen (Ronald) Thayer. She is further survived by her aunt, Merle Good; as well as dozens of cousins; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Evelyn Page.

Visitation for Denise will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 9:00 until 11:00 am at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 401 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for Denise will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Immanuel United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Heather Brewer officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Inurnment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ripon, WI. Memorials are being established to benefit research on Multiple Sclerosis and on Autism.

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07/04/2025

Lorraine A. Jess

Lorraine Jess, age 95, of Ripon, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Maplecrest Manor.

Lorraine was born on August 3, 1929 in Ripon, daughter of Walter “Votch” and Leona (Gatzke) Wahoske. She graduated from Ripon High School in 1947, and from County Normal (Teacher’s College) in 1949. In 1950 she married Eugene Jess in Ripon. Lorraine loved teaching at 2 one-room school houses until the birth of their son, Cooper. Daughter, Connie soon followed. Lorraine and Eugene taught their children the importance of always supporting family, friends, and the community. Volunteering was a way of life for Lorraine.

Lorraine loved to travel, was a voracious reader and loved all card games. She had a passion for Bridge (she learned to play in high school and continued through most of her life). Lorraine enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes. She was never happier then when she was entertaining. The door was always open at the Jess home. Lorraine was someone you could always count on, and will be dearly missed.

Lorraine was very fortunate to make many friends throughout her life; grade school friends, high school friends, Eugene’s work and organization friends, their many boat racing friends, and especially her dear friends and neighbors on Emerson Ave. Lorraine was a devoted member of Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon.

Lorraine is survived by her son, Cooper (Mary); daughter, Connie (Charles); Wahoske nieces and nephews, Michael, Rhonda, Marsha, and Matthew; Jess nieces and nephews, Luanne “Punky”, Linda, Lee and their families; along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene; brother Ron Wahoske; and nephew, Mark Wahoske

Visitation for Lorraine will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 9:00 until 11:30 am at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for Lorraine will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. You may view a livestream of the service at 11:30 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Inurnment will follow at Garden of the Cross Cemetery in Ripon. Memorials in her name may be directed to the Ripon Public Library, 120 Jefferson St., Our Saviour’s UCC, 343 Scott St., or the Ripon Historical Society, 508 Watson St., Ripon, WI 54971.

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07/03/2025

John Emmet Zodrow

John Emmet Otto Zodrow, age 12, of Green Lake, WI, was tragically taken too soon from his life filled with love, family, friends, and baseball; the result of a woman striking him with her car while he was riding his bike on the sidewalk to the library in Green Lake on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Emmet was born on September 10, 2012 in Fond du Lac, WI, son of John and Angela (Grant) Zodrow. He attended school in Green Lake and also attended Odyssey Academy of Virtual Learning in Ripon.

Emmet was an incredible child, filled with love, kindness, gentleness, and a lust for life and learning. He had a rare ability to connect with people of all ages, often leaving a lasting impression after even the briefest interaction. To Emmet there were no strangers, just friends he had not yet met. Built of pure kindness, he could not grasp how people could be cruel.

Emmet was a favorite behind the counter at his family’s restaurant, Walk The Dog, easily discussing options with customers and charming them with his recommendations.

Fundraising came naturally to Emmet; he loved contributing to causes he cared about and had a gift for inviting others to care, too.

Emmet was very much his own person, unapologetically himself from day one. He would dye his hair any color - or all colors, pierced his ears early on, and relished any excuse to wear a suit and tie, happy even if everyone else was dressed more casually. He was eager to see new places and try new things, especially if he read about it in a book or saw it in a movie. He asked for ratatouille, not chicken soup, when he didn’t feel well. The fact that Hickory Honey Hams don’t exist was a disappointment, and the experiences of Turkish Delight and oysters were as well.

At just 12, Emmet had more interests and passions than many twice his age. Emmet loved to play, watch, and study baseball. When he decided on baseball as his sport, he consumed huge quantities of information on players past and present. He loved the Milwaukee Brewers and could identify any player just by their batting stance. (He could actually do that with most of MLB!) While he favored collecting memories of the games he attended, he also had fun collecting bobbleheads. He could cover any position but pitching was his favorite. He played for the Green Lake Anglers, Ripon Rec League, Ripon travel ball, and CBT in Little Chute. He was a proud member of First LEGO League team LEGO Multiverse, solving real-world problems with creativity and teamwork. He joined his dad for the AYA fishing tournament every year, applying all the tips he got from local fishing experts. He loved to paint and hide rocks in and around the Green Lake area and was as excited to find a treasure as he was to hide them to give others joy. He kept a collection of the rocks that held the most meaning to him, always able to tell you the story behind each one. He became an honorary Girl Scout, faithfully helping his sister Elliat sell cookies and attending the troop meetings mom and sister helped co-lead. He loved books and libraries and savored any chance to take part in a reading challenge.

Emmet loved music. He had recently begun playing the saxophone and took to it with ease. He had a naturally sweet voice and could often be caught singing along to whatever was playing. His music choice ran the gamut and he was fortunate to attend concerts by many of his favorites, from Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen to Gracie Abrams and his all-time favorite – Taylor Swift. He loved and knew them all, but Taylor Swift became the soundtrack of his life.

But more than anything, Emmet loved his family. Time spent with his parents and sister was his favorite thing in the world. Chess, cribbage, puzzles, or board games; movie nights or nights in the pool; walking the town with painted rocks or taking orders at lunch rush – it was all precious family time to him. His bond with Elliat was extraordinary—they were truly best friends, always supporting and celebrating one another. They valued spending time together in a way most siblings of their ages do not. He is featured prominently on her social media and if he wasn’t in front of the camera with her, he was often holding it for her. And she was his number one fan at every baseball game, even though she had no interest in the sport before he ever picked up a bat. They supported one another in everything they did and were an ever-present part of each other’s life.

Emmet’s love for life was truly felt by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He cherished his time with others and even those he hadn’t known long felt that through his ability to connect with people. To know Emmet was to feel deeply seen, valued, and loved. He lived in the moment and made others want to do the same. He worked hard, gave his best, and always tried to do the right thing. He didn’t need a spotlight to shine, he simply was the light.

Emmet’s life, though far too short, was filled with wonder, joy, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, authenticity, and connection that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Let Emmet be a reminder to us all to hold our loved ones a little closer, be more present, and live each day with the same pure, wholehearted love that Emmet shared so freely with the world around him.

Perhaps, after all, Emmet was simply too good to have to live amongst us.

Visitation for Emmet will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Ripon Community Church, 1 Westgate Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

A memorial service for Emmet will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Ripon Community Church in Ripon with Rev. Karen Gygax Rodriguez officiating.

In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Emmet’s big heart and his ability to reach others, memorials may be made out to “Emmet Is Love” and sent to the Green Lake Chamber Office, 550 Mill St., PO Box 337, Green Lake, WI 54941. All donations will be safely delivered directly to Emmet’s family.

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