Gerald Strutz

M, b. 16 August 1947, d. 25 April 2013
Father*Harold Strutz b. 15 Dec 1907, d. 4 Jun 1967
Mother*Evelyn Frieda Ziech b. 19 Mar 1917, d. 2 Feb 1995
Jerry Strutz 1965 senior portrait Webb High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, WI
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationGerald Strutz was also known as Jerry.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth16 August 1947Gerald Strutz was born on 16 August 1947.
He was the son of Harold Strutz and Evelyn Frieda Ziech.
Death25 April 2013Gerald Strutz died on 25 April 2013 at age 65 Jerry A. Strutz, age 65, of Reedsburg, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2013, at UW Hospital in Madison. He was born on August 16, 1947, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, the son of Harold and Evelyn (Ziech) Strutz. Jerry farmed in Winfield Township, Sauk County, most of his life until 1999. Jerry then worked at Land’s End until this past January.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsburg. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching the Badgers, Packers and the horse races. He looked forward to frequently having breakfast with his buds. He will be remembered by his family as being a fun- loving person who would help family and friends any time he had the chance.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Myrna Strutz and Delores Holmes; and brother, Richard.

Jerry Is survived by his brothers and sister, Carolyn Strutz of Sun Prairie,

Garland (Sandra) Strutz of Reedsburg,

Bernie (Polly) Strutz of Reedsburg,

Jim Strutz of Reedsburg,

Fred (Rita) Strutz of LaValle;

Sister-in-law, Audrey Strutz of Reedsburg;

21 nieces and nephews, along with several great nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

We celebrate Jerry‘s life with a service at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsburg. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, and again on Tuesday morning from 10:00 until the time of the service at the church.
  • Gerald Strutz graduated in 1965 at Webb High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin.

James A. Strutz

M, b. 29 August 1954, d. 5 September 2014
Father*Harold Strutz b. 15 Dec 1907, d. 4 Jun 1967
Mother*Evelyn Frieda Ziech b. 19 Mar 1917, d. 2 Feb 1995
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationJames A. Strutz was also known as Papa Jim.
Name VariationJames A. Strutz was also known as Jim A.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth29 August 1954James A. Strutz was born on 29 August 1954 at Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin.
He was the son of Harold Strutz and Evelyn Frieda Ziech.
Death5 September 2014James A. Strutz died on 5 September 2014 at age 60 Jim A. Strutz, “Papa Jim”, age 60, of Reedsburg, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2014, unexpectedly at his home.

He was born on August 29, 1954, in Reedsburg, the son of Harold and Evelyn (Ziech) Strutz. Jim recently retired from Grede Foundries where he worked for 42 years.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsburg. During his earlier years, Jim spent many summers organizing and coaching Reedsburg Little League. He spent much of his time on the golf course, cheering on any Wisconsin sports team, and bowling. When he wasn’t doing any of that he was following his grandchildren around to any of their activities. He made his family priority and his children will cherish the memories they made at their “adult” dinners every year and on their vacations. He will be remembered as being spontaneous in his behavior such as busting out in the Hee-Haw tune, or participating in the ice bucket challenge.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Myrna Strutz and Delores Holmes; brothers, Richard and Jerry Strutz; and niece, Lisa Holmes.

Jim is survived by his children: Kevin (Sue) Strutz,
Jason Strutz,
Niki (Jamie) Schulenburg,
Amanda (Lucas) Koenecke;
Grandchildren: Kaylee and Tyler Strutz, Zach and Jacob Schulenburg, Braeden and Rylan Koenecke;
Brothers and sister: Carolyn Strutz,
Garland (Sandra) Strutz,
Bernie (Polly) Strutz,
Fred (Rita) Strutz;
Sister-in-law, Audrey Strutz;
Many nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.

Though his life on Earth was short, he shared many memories with all of his family and friends that we will hold close to our heart. He was a great man who gave all he could, when he could. His grandchildren were the light of his eye and he left this Earth with every one of them knowing he loved and cared for them. His children are who they are because of his strength and resilience that he demonstrated upon them.
“A limb has fallen from the family tree that says Grieve not for me, remember the Best Times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was STRONG. –unknown

Since we have heard you sing which lead to laughter, Dad,that is a memory we will cherish forever as you were STRONG.

We celebrate Jim’s life with a service at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 12, 2014, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsburg, with Pastor Paul Crolius officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, and on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.

Edna Emma Martha Lutterman

F, b. 25 February 1917, d. 5 February 2001
Father*Henry William Lutterman d. b Feb 2001
Mother*Emma Voss b. Oct 1880, d. 30 Sep 1960
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name16 November 1941As of 16 November 1941,her married name was Thies.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth25 February 1917Edna Emma Martha Lutterman was born on 25 February 1917.
She was the daughter of Henry William Lutterman and Emma Voss.
Marriage16 November 1941Edna Emma Martha Lutterman married Carl Martin Thies, son of Henry F. Thies Sr. and Bertha E. Ritzer, on 16 November 1941.
Death5 February 2001Edna Emma Martha Lutterman died on 5 February 2001 at age 83 Edna Emma Martha Thies, age 83, of Reedsburg, died on Monday, February 5, 2001 at the Edward Snyder Nursing Home in Reedsburg. She was born on February 25, 1917 in Westfield Township, Sauk County, the daughter of Henry William and Emma (Voss) Lutterman. She was married to Carl Martin Thies on November 16, 1941 at St. John Lutheran Church in Loganville. This marriage was blessed with four children. Her husband Carl preceded her in death on July 20, 1994. Edna was a long time member of St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsburg, where she served as a member of the Ladies Aid for over 40 years. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her children: Carl (Cynthia) Thies of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Lowell Thies of Elkhorn, Edith (James) Barnhart of Marshall and James (Judy) Thies of Baraboo; four grandchildren; Lance (Anne) Thies, Adam Thies, Darcy Barnhart and Alicia Barnhart; sisters; Esther Fuller of Madison, Lydia Pickar of Reedsburg, Evelyn Froehlich of Reedsburg; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Edna Emma Martha Thies will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2001 at St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church, Reedsburg with Rev. Kevin J. Kohnke officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Farber Funeral Home and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Radio Fund in lieu of flowers. The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Taken from the Reedsburg Independent.

Child of Edna Emma Martha Lutterman and Carl Martin Thies

Henry William Lutterman

M, d. before February 2001
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage1905Henry William Lutterman married Emma Voss in 1905.
Deathbefore February 2001Henry William Lutterman died before February 2001.

Children of Henry William Lutterman and Emma Voss

Emma Voss

F, b. October 1880, d. 30 September 1960
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name1905As of 1905,her married name was Lutterman.
Life EventDateDescription
BirthOctober 1880Emma Voss was born in October 1880 at Sauk, Wisconsin.
Marriage1905She married Henry William Lutterman in 1905.
Death30 September 1960Emma Voss died on 30 September 1960 at Sauk, Wisconsin, at age 79.

Children of Emma Voss and Henry William Lutterman

Lowell Thies

M, b. 25 December 1945, d. 22 February 2017
Father*Carl Martin Thies b. 6 May 1911, d. 20 Jul 1994
Mother*Edna Emma Martha Lutterman b. 25 Feb 1917, d. 5 Feb 2001
Life EventDateDescription
Birth25 December 1945Lowell Thies was born on 25 December 1945 at Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin.
He was the son of Carl Martin Thies and Edna Emma Martha Lutterman.
Death22 February 2017Lowell Thies died on 22 February 2017 at age 71 Lowell William Thies, 71, of Elkhorn, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017.
Lowell was born December 25, 1945 in Reedsburg, to the late Carl Martin and Edna (Lutterman) Thies. He attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School and graduated from Webb High School in 1965.
Lowell was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Delavan, where he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was employed by Vocational Industries in Elkhorn for over 30 years.
Survivors include his brothers and sister:
Carl (Cynthia) Thies of Ft. Wayne IN,
Edith (James) Barnhart of Marshall, WI
James (Judy) Thies of Baraboo,
Nieces; Darcy (Adam) Paape of Grafton and Alicia Barnhart and fiancé Jason Pamplona of Madison.
Nephews; Lance (Anne) Thies of Rockport, IL and Adam (Anne) Thies of Bloomington, IN.
Eight great-nieces and nephews,
And other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services for Lowell will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 12:00 NOON, at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Reedsburg. The Reverend Paul Crolius, Pastor, will officiate. Visitation will also be on Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will follow services at St. Peter Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established in his name.
The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Esther Louise Lutterman

F, b. 2 April 1907, d. 6 April 2001
Father*Henry William Lutterman d. b Feb 2001
Mother*Emma Voss b. Oct 1880, d. 30 Sep 1960
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Fuller.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageEsther Louise Lutterman married Clarence W. Fuller.
Birth2 April 1907Esther Louise Lutterman was born on 2 April 1907 at Sauk, Wisconsin.
She was the daughter of Henry William Lutterman and Emma Voss.
Death6 April 2001Esther Louise Lutterman died on 6 April 2001 at age 94.

Children of Esther Louise Lutterman and Clarence W. Fuller

Clarence W. Fuller

M, b. 19 May 1899, d. 26 March 1970
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageClarence W. Fuller married Esther Louise Lutterman, daughter of Henry William Lutterman and Emma Voss.
Birth19 May 1899Clarence W. Fuller was born on 19 May 1899.
Death26 March 1970He died on 26 March 1970 at age 70 Clarence Fuller obituary.
The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) 27 Mar 1970 - Clarence Fuller obituary

Children of Clarence W. Fuller and Esther Louise Lutterman

Lydia Lutterman

F, b. 22 May 1914, d. 2 December 2002
Father*Henry William Lutterman d. b Feb 2001
Mother*Emma Voss b. Oct 1880, d. 30 Sep 1960
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name15 September 1935As of 15 September 1935,her married name was Pickar.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth22 May 1914Lydia Lutterman was born on 22 May 1914 at Loganville, Sauk, Wisconsin.
She was the daughter of Henry William Lutterman and Emma Voss.
Marriage15 September 1935Lydia Lutterman married Edmund Pickar on 15 September 1935.
Death2 December 2002Lydia Lutterman died on 2 December 2002 at age 88 Lydia E. Pickar, age 88, of Loganville, died on Monday, Dec. 2, 2002, at the Premier Rehabilitation Center, Beloit. She was born on May 22, 1914, in Loganville, the daughter of William and Emma (Voss) Lutterman. On Sept. 15, 1935, Lydia was united in marriage to Edmund "Butch" Pickar at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Loganville. He preceded her in death on Aug. 3, 1996. Lydia was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Loganville, where she was active in the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Loganville Homemakers. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Esther Fuller and Edna Thies. She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Froehlich of Reedsburg; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, many godchildren, other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Lydia E. Pickar will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, at ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, Loganville, with Pastor Duane Daeke officiating. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, Westfield township. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, at FARBER FUNERAL HOME, Reedsburg, and from noon until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Memorials of remembrance may be made to St. John Church, Loganville. Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Edmund Pickar

M, d. 3 August 1996
Name TypeDateDescription
NicknameEdmund Pickar also went by the name of Butch.
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage15 September 1935Edmund Pickar married Lydia Lutterman, daughter of Henry William Lutterman and Emma Voss, on 15 September 1935.
Death3 August 1996Edmund Pickar died on 3 August 1996.

Evelyn Lutterman

F
Father*Henry William Lutterman d. b Feb 2001
Mother*Emma Voss b. Oct 1880, d. 30 Sep 1960
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Froehlich.
Life EventDateDescription
Evelyn Lutterman was the daughter of Henry William Lutterman and Emma Voss.
MarriageEvelyn Lutterman married (?) Froehlich.

(?) Froehlich

M
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage(?) Froehlich married Evelyn Lutterman, daughter of Henry William Lutterman and Emma Voss.

Josephine M. Lindsay

F, b. 31 May 1921, d. 17 June 2002
Father*Joseph Lindsay d. b Jun 2002
Mother*Jenette Smith d. b Jun 2002
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name15 April 1939As of 15 April 1939,her married name was Traxler.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth31 May 1921Josephine M. Lindsay was born on 31 May 1921.
She was the daughter of Joseph Lindsay and Jenette Smith.
Marriage15 April 1939Josephine M. Lindsay married Eugene E. Traxler, son of Perry John Traxler and Lena M. Carpenter, on 15 April 1939.
Death17 June 2002Josephine M. Lindsay died on 17 June 2002 at age 81 Josephine M. Traxler, age 81 of Baraboo, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17, 2002 at St. Clare Meadows Care Center in Baraboo, in the company of her family. Josie, the daughter of Joseph and Jenette (Smith) Lindsay, was born on May 31, 1921 in Baraboo and had been a resident all her life. She was married to Eugene E. Traxler on April 15, 1939 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo. Eugene and Josie founded the Baraboo Asphalt Company in 1947, and incorporated in 1969, keeping it a family-owned business. She retired in 1986. Mrs. Traxler was a life-long member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo. She is survived by 2 sons, Phillip (Paula) Traxler of Baraboo, Gerald (Barb) Traxler of Baraboo; 1 daughter, Jolene (Bill) Crowley of Baraboo; 5 grandsons, Mike Knoop and friend, Lisa, John (Heidi) Traxler; Thomas (Liz) Knoop, Joseph (Libby) Knoop, Rob (Kara) Traxler; 3 granddaughters, Teri (Keith) Kimball, Laura (Brad) Lois, Sandie (Steve) Rohrer; 12 great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1993; her parents; two sisters; three brothers; and a grandson, James Knoop. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 22, 2002 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo with Father Gerald Vosen officiating. Interment will take place in the Walnut Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday, June 21, from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the Redlin Funeral Home in Baraboo; and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of Mass at the church.

Joseph Lindsay

M, d. before June 2002
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageJoseph Lindsay married Jenette Smith.
Deathbefore June 2002Joseph Lindsay died before June 2002.

Child of Joseph Lindsay and Jenette Smith

Jenette Smith

F, d. before June 2002
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Lindsay.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageJenette Smith married Joseph Lindsay.
Deathbefore June 2002Jenette Smith died before June 2002.

Child of Jenette Smith and Joseph Lindsay

Donald N. Oncken

M, b. 23 January 1933, d. 5 July 2016
Father*John Hajo Oncken b. 8 Jun 1901, d. 9 Dec 1984
Mother*Melva Lillian May Levenick b. 3 May 1905, d. 29 Dec 1989
Life EventDateDescription
Birth23 January 1933Donald N. Oncken was born on 23 January 1933.
He was the son of John Hajo Oncken and Melva Lillian May Levenick.
Death5 July 2016Donald N. Oncken died on 5 July 2016 at age 83 Donald N. Oncken, age 83, of Stoughton, passed away at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., on Tuesday, July 5, 2016. He was born on Jan. 23, 1933, in Madison, the son of John H. and Melva L. Oncken.

Don attended and graduated from Stoughton High School and Carroll College. He continued his education at UW-Madison, earning a master's degree in psychology. Don proudly served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1951 to 1954, where he became an active duty seaman from 1954 to 1956, spending four months in the North Pole. He married Karen Tuhus on June 4, 1955, in Loganville. Don, Karen and their girls lived in Kabul, Afghanistan, from 1966 to 1968. Throughout his life, he was employed by Texaco, Uniroyal, Morgan Stanley and Raymond James.

Don was the first athletic director and men's basketball coach at MATC. He was influential in hiring his successor, Doug Redston, and continued on as his assistant coach. Don was a member of the Carroll College Athletic Hall of Fame and a member of the UW-Extension staff for 30 years. He was also a member of several organizations, including Jaycees, FFA, National Honor Society and Who's Who in Colleges and Universities.

Don is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters, Rebecca (Gary) Behling of Stoughton, Kim (Norm) Monsen of Stoughton, Brenda (Dave) Beck of Alexandria, Va., and Michelle (Robin) Brietzman of Evansville; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, John Oncken; sister, Audrey Ebert; and sister-in-law, Sandra (Ralph) Carlson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

(?) Tuhus

M
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage(?) Tuhus married unknown (?).

Children of (?) Tuhus and unknown (?)

unknown (?)

F
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Tuhus.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageUnknown (?) married (?) Tuhus.

Children of unknown (?) and (?) Tuhus

Kenneth Tuhus

M
Father*(?) Tuhus
Mother*unknown (?)
Life EventDateDescription
Kenneth Tuhus was the son of (?) Tuhus and unknown (?).

Sidney Tuhus

M
Father*(?) Tuhus
Mother*unknown (?)
Life EventDateDescription
Sidney Tuhus was the son of (?) Tuhus and unknown (?).

Mabel Tuhus

F
Father*(?) Tuhus
Mother*unknown (?)
Life EventDateDescription
Mabel Tuhus was the daughter of (?) Tuhus and unknown (?).

Esther Tuhus

F
Father*(?) Tuhus
Mother*unknown (?)
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Coleman.
Life EventDateDescription
Esther Tuhus was the daughter of (?) Tuhus and unknown (?).
MarriageEsther Tuhus married (?) Coleman.

(?) Coleman

M
Life EventDateDescription
Marriage(?) Coleman married Esther Tuhus, daughter of (?) Tuhus and unknown (?).

Bertha Koenig

F, b. circa 1888
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Namebefore 1910As of before 1910,her married name was Uphoff.
Life EventDateDescription
Birthcirca 1888Bertha Koenig was born circa 1888.
Marriagebefore 1910She married Otto Uphoff, son of Charles F. Uphoff Jr. and Auguste L. Voights, before 1910.

Children of Bertha Koenig and Otto Uphoff

Diana Uphoff

F, b. circa 1911, d. 21 July 1931
Father*Otto Uphoff b. May 1883
Mother*Bertha Koenig b. c 1888
Life EventDateDescription
Birthcirca 1911Diana Uphoff was born circa 1911.
She was the daughter of Otto Uphoff and Bertha Koenig.
Death21 July 1931Diana Uphoff died on 21 July 1931 Miss Diana Uphoff, 20, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Uphoff, route four, died Tuesday afternoon, July 21, 1931 at the St. Joseph's hospital at Milwaukee. The young lady had been ill but two weeks with pneumonia and her sudden death comes as a shock to her many friends and relatives in this locality. Miss Uphoff had resided in this vicinity all her life with the exception of the past several years when she had been employed at Milwaukee. She was a graduate of the Baraboo high school and had studied a Beauty culture course at Milwaukee for a year. The deceased is survived by her parents, one sister Lila, and her paternal and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Uphoff of Ableman and Mr. and Mrs. John Koenig, route four. She is also survived by a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins who reside in this locality. Funeral services are to be held on Frdiay afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the home and 2 o'clock at St. John's Lutheran church. Taken from the Baraboo Paper of July 1931.

Lilah Uphoff

F, b. circa 1910
Father*Otto Uphoff b. May 1883
Mother*Bertha Koenig b. c 1888
Life EventDateDescription
Birthcirca 1910Lilah Uphoff was born circa 1910.
She was the daughter of Otto Uphoff and Bertha Koenig.

Harry L. Vertein

M, b. 25 January 1906, d. 23 January 1993
Father*Henry Vertein b. 3 Nov 1869, d. 18 Mar 1951
Harry Vertein - Reedsburg High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, WI 1924
Life EventDateDescription
Birth25 January 1906Harry L. Vertein was born on 25 January 1906 at Wisconsin.
He was the son of Henry Vertein.
Marriagebefore 1930Harry L. Vertein married Amanda M. Harms, daughter of August Harms and Regina C. Schacke, before 1930.
Death23 January 1993Harry L. Vertein died on 23 January 1993 at age 86.
  • Harry L. Vertein graduated in 1924 at Reedsburg High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin.

Children of Harry L. Vertein and Amanda M. Harms

Merrell H. Vertein

M, b. 19 March 1930, d. 8 October 2002
Father*Harry L. Vertein b. 25 Jan 1906, d. 23 Jan 1993
Mother*Amanda M. Harms b. 24 Jul 1908, d. 17 Nov 1986
Merrell Vertein 1948 senior portrait Reedsburg High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, WI
Life EventDateDescription
Birth19 March 1930Merrell H. Vertein was born on 19 March 1930.
He was the son of Harry L. Vertein and Amanda M. Harms.
Marriage14 June 1952Merrell H. Vertein married Wava Jean Bender, daughter of Lloyd Bender and Vera Frambs, on 14 June 1952.
Death8 October 2002Merrell H. Vertein died on 8 October 2002 at age 72 Merrell H. Vertein, age 72 of North Freedom, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison following a stroke. Merrell was born in Janesville, Wisconsin on March 19, 1930 to Harry and Amanda (Harms) Vertein. He graduated from the Reedsburg High School. On June 14, 1952, he was united in marriage to Wava Bender in North Freedom. Merrell served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He owned and operated Bender's Feed Mill for 48 years and Vertein Oil Company for 30 years. Merrell served on the Board of Directors of Baraboo Farmers Mutual Insurance Company and was a member of the Mid-Continental Railway and American Legion Post 172 in North Freedom. He also served on the North Freedom Fire Department for 38 years. He is survived by his wife, Wava Vertein of North Freedom; two children, Cynthia (Jeffrey) Haertlein of North Freedom, and Gregory (Dawn) Vertein of Stevens Point; two grandchildren, Nicholas and Brenna Vertein; a sister, Harriet (Ray) Schroeder of Richland Center; a brother, Donald (Lyla) Vertein of Bloomington, MN; his mother and father-in-law, Vera and Lloyd Bender; two brothers-in-law, James (Sandy) Bender and Keith Bender, all of North Freedom, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Merrell was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Randall. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11, 2002 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Baraboo with Pastors Deb and Steve Ohrtman officiating. Interment will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom. Friends may call on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Military rites will be accorded at the grave.
  • Merrell H. Vertein graduated in 1948 at Reedsburg High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin.

Child of Merrell H. Vertein and Wava Jean Bender

Wava Jean Bender

F, b. 29 May 1932, d. 25 April 2018
Father*Lloyd Bender b. 1908, d. 2007
Mother*Vera Frambs b. 1912, d. 2012
Wava Jean (Bender) Vertein
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name14 June 1952As of 14 June 1952,her married name was Vertein.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth29 May 1932Wava Jean Bender was born on 29 May 1932.
She was the daughter of Lloyd Bender and Vera Frambs.
Marriage14 June 1952Wava Jean Bender married Merrell H. Vertein, son of Harry L. Vertein and Amanda M. Harms, on 14 June 1952.
Death25 April 2018Wava Jean Bender died on 25 April 2018 at age 85 Wava Jean Vertein, 85, of North Freedom, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at St. Clare Meadows.

Wava was born on May 29, 1932, the daughter of the late Lloyd and Vera (Frambs) Bender. She married Merrell H. Vertein on June 14, 1952, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Freedom. Wava was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1955. A lifelong member and supporter of the Mid-Continent Railroad Museum in North Freedom. Together with her husband they owned and operated Benders Feed Mill located in North Freedom and Baraboo along with the Vertein Oil Company of North Freedom. She enjoyed playing cards and traveling.

She is survived by her children, Cindy (Jeff) Haertlein of North Freedom, Greg (Dawn) Vertein of Stevens Point; two grandchildren, Nicholas Vertein and Brenna Vertein, both of Stevens Point. She is further survived by her two brothers, James (Sandy) Bender and Keith Bender; an uncle, Roger Frambs; in-laws, Harriet (Ray) Schroeder, Don (Lyla) Vertein; and many other loving nieces, nephews; cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Merrell; a son, Randall Vertein; and in-laws, Harry and Amanda Vertein.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo, with Pastor Karen Hofstad officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service at church. Burial will follow at Oak Hill in North Freedom. Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Child of Wava Jean Bender and Merrell H. Vertein

Harriet L. Vertein

F, b. circa 1932
Father*Harry L. Vertein b. 25 Jan 1906, d. 23 Jan 1993
Mother*Amanda M. Harms b. 24 Jul 1908, d. 17 Nov 1986
Harriet L Vertein - Reedsburg High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, WI 1950
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Schroeder.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageHarriet L. Vertein married Ray Schroeder.
Birthcirca 1932Harriet L. Vertein was born circa 1932.
She was the daughter of Harry L. Vertein and Amanda M. Harms.
  • Harriet L. Vertein graduated in 1950 at Reedsburg High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin.