Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation

05/20/2026

John “Jack” R. Hodgkins, 72, of West Salem, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Lakeview Health Center.

Jack found lasting homes and loving support with families who became an important part of his life story.

For nearly 35 years, Jack made his home with LaVerne and Carol Krueger, where he especially enjoyed life on the farm. Whether he was crushing aluminum cans, feeding the cats, or simply spending time outdoors, Jack found joy in the everyday routines that meant so much to him. He later became part of Tim and Janel Griffin’s family for another eight years, where he continued to share in family life and special memories.

Jack enjoyed attending horse pulls, family gatherings, and visiting with those he cared about. He attended Tomah Handishop for many years and took pride in his work at Wehrs Chevrolet and the Monroe County Rest Areas.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Steve Olson officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Farmers Valley Cemetery, rural Sparta.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

05/13/2026

Jason Janusheske, 55, died April 12, 2026 in Briarcliff, TX. He was born on July 19, 1970, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Sparta, WI to William and Edith Janusheske Richmond.

Jason was united in marriage to Michele Faulkner on March 17, 2012 in Austin, TX.

Jason graduated from Sparta Senior High School, and later earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from University of WI- Stevens Point. He later became a certified massage therapist, a profession that truly reflected his gift for caring for others. He loved his work and took great pride in serving others, through healing hands and a compassionate spirit. He worked at the prestigious Lakeway Resort and Spa on Lake Travis, TX; where he was cherished by both his clients and coworkers.

Jason loved sports of every kind; especially the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. He followed many teams closely; and could talk at length about players, coaches, and games, with anyone who shared his passion. One of his favorite traditions was attending annual Green Bay Packers games with his son, Grayson, his father, his brothers, and his lifelong friends, Shane Burkwalt and Kurt Erickson.

Jason also had a deep appreciation for music. He enjoyed attending live performances and discussing the stories behind songs. In the final years of his life, he began learning the harmonica; and often shared his recordings with others.

Grayson was the love of Jason’s life. Together they made many treasured trips to visit family in Wisconsin and Colorado, creating memories that will be forever cherished.

Jason loved people and had a deeply kind heart. His beautiful smile could light up every room he entered. He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, his laughter, and the joy he brought to others. Faith was an important part of Jason’s life, and gave him strength, hope, and peace through life’s journey. He trusted in God’s grace, and carried that faith with quiet humility and kindness toward others. While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing he now rests in the loving arms of his Savior, free from pain and surrounded by eternal light.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in God’s promise of everlasting life and look forward to the day we are reunited again. May the Lord’s peace comfort all who knew and loved Jason.

Jason is survived by his parents, Bill Janusheske of Sparta, WI, and Edith Richmond and step-father, Leonard Richmond of Camp Douglas, WI; his wife, Michele and beloved son, Grayson, of Briarcliff, TX; stepsons, Taylor Copland and Landon Lacour, of Briarcliff; brothers, Shawn Janusheske of Winona, MN, and Jeffrey (Coreen) Janusheske of Milliken, CO; his uncles, Milt Armstrong, Howard (Diane) Webster, and Bruce (Betty) Webster of Sparta; aunts, Patricia Armstrong of Merrillan, WI and Susie (John) Springer of North Platte, NE; niece, Skylar Windholz of Thornton, CO; nephews, Zander and Zayne Janusheske of Milliken, CO; as well as several cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Milton and Alvera Armstrong, Dolores and Bill Tronick, and Eugene Webster; aunts, Donna (Lance) Travis, and Joanne (Wally) Dutton; and his cousin, Cliff Travis.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 15, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, in Sparta, with Pastor Randy Williamson officiating. A luncheon will be provided at the funeral home, following the service.

A visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., on Friday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Grayson Janusheske fund.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

05/12/2026

Carlene J. Thompson, 28, of Holmen, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026. She was born on September 23, 1997, to Gary Isensee and Patrice Zietlow.

Carlene was the kind of person who left pieces of light behind wherever she went. She had a smile that could soften even the hardest days, and a laugh that made everyone around her feel alive for a moment. There was something so beautiful about the way she existed in the world – gentle yet unforgettable. She carried so much love inside of her even when life felt heavy.

It is impossible to understand how someone so full of warmth could leave this world before she truly had the chance to live the life that she deserved. There were still so many dreams waiting for her, so many memories left unmade, and so many chapters that should have stretched far beyond where her story ended. Her life feels like a song that stopped in the middle of the most beautiful verse, and we will never get to hear how it ends.

And yet, even though she is gone, she doesn’t feel far away. She is in the quiet moments. She is in that feeling you get when you gaze across a field of sunflowers. She is in the embers that dance in the sky above a fire. She is in the song that suddenly makes our heart ache. She is in the sunsets that are too beautiful not to mean something. Her soul lingers in the spaces she once filled with love, laughter, and her unmistakable presence.

The pain of losing her is immeasurable because our love for her was immeasurable too. Some people leave footprints behind, but Carlene left pieces of herself in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to know her. Nothing can erase that. Not time. Not distance. Not even death itself.

Carlene was beautiful in ways that words will never fully capture. And though her time here was far too short, the love she gave to all of us will echo through our lives and the lives of those she touched forever and always.

Carlene is survived by her husband, Austin Thompson; parents, Gary (Mary) Isensee, and Patrice Zietlow; Pauline Kolbo (who was like a mother to Carlene); siblings, Alex Lueck, Derek (Alayna) McDonald, Nick (Angie) McDonald, and Desarae Isensee; nieces and nephews, Delilah, Mackenzie, Savannah, and Bryce, Gavin, and Olivia; in-laws, Carole Schumacher, Elvera Hollibaugh, Jamie (Tara) Thompson and their children, Ashton and Everest; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved and were loved by Carlene.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Donnell and Patricia Zietlow; and paternal grandparents, Bob and Margaret Isensee; as well as her beloved cat, Tw***ie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gary Isensee’s home, 7013 Hamlet Ave, Sparta, on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Family will gather privately from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., and open to all others starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

05/09/2026

Daniel (Dan) Thomas Loeffelholz, 64, of Sparta, passed away Friday, May 8, 2026. He was born on April 23rd, 1962, in Sparta to George and Emma (Cordner) Loeffelholz.

He met the love of his life, Michelle (Koskovich) Loeffelholz in 1991. They were inseparable ever since. They were united in marriage on December 5th, 1992. Within 5 years of marriage, they welcomed three children into the world; Scott, Nicole and Tyler. Of course, his life would never be complete without his beloved dogs and cats. His dog was always by his side, first was Max of 17 years, and recently Blue of 10 years.

Dan was an avid hunter, but in his later years, fishing became his passion. Through his passion, he made his own custom arrows, spinner baits and various types of fishing lures. He never passed up a deer tail along the side of the road to use to make his own buck tails. His nephew never failed a turkey season to drop off turkey feathers for arrow fletching. When he was not fishing or hunting, he had weekend adventures with his family. He enjoyed being out in nature and just being fully present. In addition, weekly Sunday dinners were a tradition. He greatly enjoyed hearing about everyone’s work week and enjoyed everyone’s banter with each other.

Dan started his career in the 1980’s working at Pamida, for which he made many lifelong friends. He then took his training for a CDL driver and started his trucking career as a long-haul driver in 1990. He quickly realized that being away from home for long periods of time did not suit him. He then started his career in concrete, which was first with McNeilus and not long after, Croell Redi-Mix bought the plant. He worked at Croell for 34+ years and became friends with many of his coworkers.

Dan loved going Up North to the Hayward area. He had family vacations up there every summer. Other vacations that he enjoyed were cruises to the Caribbean, Pacific Ocean, Disney World and Atlantis Resort in Nassau. He enjoyed going out East to eat seafood and going out West to see the mountains.

Dan is survived by his wife, Michelle; his three children, Scott Loeffelholz, Nicole (Ben) Atteln, Tyler Loeffelholz; and granddaughter Alice. He is further survived by his three sisters and many nieces and nephews.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents; numerous aunts and uncles; dog, Max; and cats, Cozy and Chloe.

A Memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta, with pastor Randy Williamson officiating.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements.

05/08/2026

Margaret “Dolly” M. Heintz, 101, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at her home, in Onalaska. She was born on September 16, 1924 to Leo and Bertha (Herricks) Schroeder, on St. Mary’s Ridge.
Dolly grew up on the Ridge, and attended a 1 room school house until 8th grade, then Cashton High School, where she graduated.
Dolly married Linus Heintz on April 22, 1950. They lived in Wilton, then moved to Tomah in 1959. They eventually settled in Sparta, in 1973.

Dolly was a homemaker her whole life, and worked part time at St. Patrick’s School. In her free time, Dolly enjoyed quilting, puzzles, cooking/baking, playing cards, and spending time with her family.

Dolly is survived by her children, Jerry (Lois) Heintz, Debra (Ron) Keene, Kenny (Cindy) Heintz, and Greg (Jessica) Heintz; grandchildren, Amanda, Chelsey, Chris, and Nicole; great-grandchildren, Luke and Calvin; half-sisters, Thelma and Ramona; nieces; nephews; and many other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Linus; brothers, Otto, Harold, Fritz, Ole, and Jim Schroeder; and sister, Isabelle Ferries.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Todd Mlsna officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Sparta, with a luncheon following back at the church.

Family and friends are invited for a visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

05/07/2026

05/04/2026

Duane E. Miller, 87, of Sparta passed on Sunday, May 3, 2026 surrounded by family, at his home. He was born on November 15, 1938 to Edmond and Josephine (Jordan) Miller Jr. on French Island.

He grew up in Leon, and graduated from Sparta High School in 1958.

After high school, Duane joined the Army National Guard. He met Lois Hoag, and they were married on September 19, 1959 in Warrens.

Duane worked as a mechanic for Jelco Bus, and Jackson Chevrolet; and the Monroe County Highway Department, where he remained until his retirement.

In his free time, Duane was a guitarist and soloist in a band. He enjoyed camping, and telling off color jokes at Lynda Lou’s. He was a lifelong Packers and Brewers fan, and had a love/hate relationship with the teams.

Duane is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Pamella Collins, Jill Miller, Gwen (William) Weekley, and Gary (Mary) Miller; 9 grandkids; 12 great-grandkids; one great-great granddaughter; sister, Jane Jerome; and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William and James (Hop); and sister, Zona.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Randy Williamson officiating. Burial will be at Ox-Bow Cemetery, in Melrose, with military honors provided by the Melrose American Legion Post 439. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Sparta American Legion Post 100.

A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

05/03/2026

Michael Joe (Mike) Johnson
January 11, 1956 – May 1, 2026

Michael Joe (Mike) Johnson, 70, of Sparta, passed peacefully at home after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Mike was the youngest son of Kenneth and Dorothy (Middleton) Johnson, who preceded him in death, along with his brother Nelvin Johnson, brothers-in-law Gary Ewers and Robert Hammer, and his nephew Gregory Hammer.

A proud graduate of Sparta Senior High School in 1974, Mike went on to dedicate over 35 years of service at the Tomah VA Medical Center, where he worked in patient transportation. His commitment to his work was not only a testament to his character but also a reflection of his deep respect for the Veterans he served.

With his warm smile and endless light-hearted jokes, Mike was a true people person who seemed to know everyone and never missed a chance to say hello. His love of both playing cards and golf live on in his grandchildren.

Mike leaves behind a loving family: his daughter Elizabeth (Bobby) Hess, sons Nicholas (Chelsea) Johnson and Joshua (Brittany) Johnson, and seven beloved grandchildren—Nolan, Natalie, Brady, Hazel, Jay, Bo, and Cal—who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his siblings Cheryl Hammer, Steven (Kathleen) Johnson, and Barbara Ewers, along with several nieces and nephews. His family, always his greatest pride, will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

A service to celebrate Mike's life will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta with visitation from 9 a.m. until 11a.m., service at 11 a.m. with luncheon to follow. The family invites all who knew and loved Mike to join them in honoring his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick's Church. The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff of St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care during Mike's final days.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

04/28/2026

Ronald “Ron” E. Mitchell, 89, of Sparta, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Emplify by Gundersen, La Crosse. He was born on February 4, 1937, in La Crosse, to Lester and Luella (Luckason) Mitchell. He grew up in the Portland, WI area, and graduated from Cashton High School.

After high school, Ron worked as a farmhand in the Cashton and Sparta area. He was then hired June 1st, 1968, by DHIA of Monroe County, where he served as manager for 58 years. In addition, he was involved and highly respected throughout Wisconsin DHIA.

Working in the dairy and farming industry was Ron’s whole life. He was very involved in the Monroe County Dairy Breakfast, Monroe County Fair, and he attended the World Dairy Expo in Madison on an annual basis. He was also involved in the Sparta community where he volunteered at Sparta Butterfest, serving as Parade Marshall in 2012, and he was also an active member of First Congregational Church of Leon. Family, community, and church were the cornerstones of Ron’s life.

Ron is survived by his sister, Beverly “Snookie” (Clinton) Bagstad of Westby; nieces and nephews, Lance (Tami) Bagstad of Arcadia, Linda (Chad) Barth of La Crosse, Scott (Stacy) Mitchell of West Salem, and Sheri (Dave) Mitchell of Spring Valley, MN; great-nieces and nephews, Tyler (Jennah) Bagstad, and their daughter, Nova, Jillian (Alex) Bagstad, Caitlin (Jared) Varner, and children, Brooks and Stella, Chloe (Johnny) Barth, Ella Barth, Elsa Mitchell, Celia Mitchell, Tula Mitchell, and Will Grant; dear friend and coworker, Richard Brown of Cashton; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Luella; brother, LaVerne “Bud” Mitchell; sister-in-law, Judith; and stepmother, Irene (nee Miller) Mitchell.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at First Congregational Church of Leon, with Chad Cummings officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Moen Cemetery, Cashton.

A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Congregational Church of Leon and Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Cashton. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

04/28/2026

Dorothy M. Zillmer, 100, of Sparta, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Bridge Path, Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. She was born on May 9, 1925 to Emil and Sophia (Sinner) Vieth, in Sparta. She graduated from Sparta High School.

Dorothy worked as a Dental Hygienist at Fort McCoy. Then during WWII, she worked at a factory in St. Paul. She married Richard Miller from Tomah, when he was in the Air Force. They were only married a few years, before he passed away from an electrical accident. She returned to Sparta and lived with her parents on their farm, in Bush Prairie. She later married Norman Zillmer. They lived in Sparta. Dorothy worked at Union National Bank in Sparta, from 1952 until her retirement in 1990.

Dorothy enjoyed travelling, and collecting glass baskets, along with other antiques.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Bev (John) Burke of Sparta, and Kim (Tom) Werner of Golden Valley, MN; 4 grandchildren, Paul (Heidi) Burke of Holmen, Amy (Collin) Burke Lepper of Chippewa Falls, TJ (fiancé, Emelia) Werner of Minneapolis, MN, and Abby (Jordan) Adams of Crystal, MN; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Sam, Amury, Caden, Colton, Wyatt, and Brynn; and great-great grandchild, Ophelia; sister, Carol (Charles) Burmeister of Kenosha; as well as many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Sophia Vieth; husband, Richard Miller; husband, Norman Zillmer; and sister, LaVina Ziegler.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Sparta United Methodist Church, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Burial will follow the service in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta.

A visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, at the church. Memorials may be directed to Sparta United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.