February 2018

Gary Lee Baxter, 82, of Montfort, formerly of Prairie du Chien, died peacefully at his home on Monday, February 26, 2018. He was born on August 26, 1935 in Dodgeville, WI, the son of Royal and Lulu (McMillan) Baxter. Gary moved to Madison WI for a short time, attending Madison East High School. He then moved to Montfort where he graduated from high school in 1953. Gary married Shirley (Volenec) Baxter in Rockville, Maryland, January 29, 1956, while serving in the US Army. Gary and Shirley traveled throughout the United States, eventually making Fennimore, Wisconsin, their home. Gary attended UW …

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Mary E. O’Brien, age 87, of Mt. Hope died on Friday Feb. 23, 2018 at the Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. Mary was born on Sept. 14, 1930 in Mt. Hope the daughter on Louis and Vera (Collins) O’Brien. Mary did maternal homecare for various families throughout the Mt. Hope area until going to work at 3M in Prairie du Chien. She was employed there for 26 years until retiring in 1992. Mary enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing and loved being outside spending time with her two Russell Terriers. She also liked spending time with family at reunions and picnics. …

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Montfort, WI-Hazel A. Straka, age 85, died on Friday evening Feb. 16, 2018 surrounded by her loving family at Upland Hills Nursing and Rehab in Dodgeville. Hazel was born on Aug. 25, 1932 in rural Fennimore, WI the daughter of John and Velma (Hayes) Vesperman. She was united in marriage to Joseph Straka on Jan. 26, 1952 in Fennimore and together they had 11 children. Following graduation from Fennimore High School, Hazel and Joseph began farming in rural Montfort. Being a dedicated wife, Hazel milked the cows and was always willing to lend a helping hand. As the family got …

Hazel A. Straka View

John Michael Lenz, age 63, of Mossyrock, Washington, went home to God in peace on February 8, 2018. John was born in Stitzer, Wisconsin on October 25, 1954 to Lloyd and Barbara (Kasper) Lenz. John proudly and honorably served in the United States Army after graduating high school, and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington until 1977. He had a love of Washington and made Mossyrock his home in 1979, where he remained until his death. On October 25, 1980 he married Joanne (DiBella) Lenz and had three daughters Teresa, Melissa, and Micheal. John was a talented carpenter and project …

John M. Lenz View