Obituaries
Recent obituaries in Madison, WI
The obituaries in the Madison, WI Area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity Madison's history and identity.
Jerold Willard Apps
Dec 23, 2025
DECEMBER 29, 2025
Jerold “Jerry” Willard Apps: July 25, 1934 – December 23, 2025.
Jerold W. Apps Ph.D., 91, peacefully passed away at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg after a short illness. He was still actively writing books at the time. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, brother Darrel, and parents Herman and Eleanor.
Jerry is one of the Midwest’s most...
Jessica Ann Schroeder
2026
With heavy hearts, we share that Jessica Ann Schroeder, passed away on January 31, 2026, at the age of 40, after an unexplained, sudden medical illness and brief hospitalization.
Jessica was born in Madison, WI to Sharon (nee Taylor) Schroeder (Rick) and Dwain “Sonny” Schroeder (Karen). She grew up with her parents and sister, Rhonda, in Waunakee, WI. Jessica graduated from Waunakee...
Walter Jerome Frautschi
Jan 8, 2026
Walter Jerome Frautschi passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Boca Grande, Florida, closing a long and remarkable life that began on September 9, 1931, in Madison, Wisconsin. Born to Dorothy and Walter Frautschi, Jerry grew into a man whose quiet strength, unwavering devotion to family, and deep-rooted kindness touched everyone around him. He is survived by his...
Diane Marie Althaus
Jan 17, 2026
Diane Marie Althaus, age 69, of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. She was born July 17, 1956, in Woodstock, IL, to Harold and Grace Stilling, number six of nine children. She grew up in McHenry, IL; during her junior year in high school moved with her family to Cambridge, WI....
Ruth E. Sander
Jan 21, 2026
Ruth Eileen Sander, a loving mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, and treasured friend, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the age of 94. She was born on March 11, 1931, in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin. After her marriage to Robert Sander, she made her home in Eau Claire, where she raised her family and built a strong community for more than...
Floyd F Stautz
Feb 3, 2026
Floyd F. Stautz Madison, WI
Floyd Frederick Stautz, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, 3 weeks shy of his 92nd birthday. He was born on February 24, 1934, on his family’s farm outside of Kewaskum, Wisconsin, the youngest son of Clifford and Elsa (Bruessel) Stautz.
From an early age, Floyd embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He was deeply involved in...
Starr Watson-Fehrman
Jan 30, 2026
Starr Lea Watson-Fehrman, beloved Mother, Wife, Grandmother and matriarch passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30th, surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by her husband, David Fehrman; eldest son, Kendall Kjaldgaard; only daughter, Kelly (Tom) Teuschl; youngest son, Seth Roach; and her sister, Tracy (John) Sutter. She was deeply loved by each of her 8 grandchildren, Billy (Jen) Burnham,...
Gladys "Boots" Starkweather
Jan 30, 2026
Gladys “Boots” Starkweather passed away peacefully at home, with her daughter by her side. Gladys was born in Columbus, Wisconsin to the late George and Viola (Siede) Hermann. She spent her formative years on a farm between Columbus and Sun Prairie. At the age of 17, she moved to Madison and her first job was with CUNA Mutual Insurance Society...
Lorraine Meisner
Jan 29, 2026
Lorraine Faxon Meisner, Ph.D., age 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin, where she resided for many years.
Lorraine was a trailblazing scientist, educator, and humanitarian whose career spanned more than five decades at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She received her Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Chicago in 1966 and joined the faculty at...
David Oliver Aaroen
Jan 29, 2026
David O. Aaroen, a devoted father, proud grandfather, and lifelong lover of the outdoors, passed away on January 29, 2026, at the age of 72.
Dave found his greatest joy in simple meaningful moments – time spent outside, surrounded by nature, and spending time cheering on his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a day in the woods, a walk under...
Donald Orr
Jan 28, 2026
Madison — Don Orr, age 97, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. A much-loved father, husband, grandparent, and friend, he lived a long life marked by kindness, resilience, and deep devotion to his family.
Don was born on March 19, 1928, in Waukon, Iowa, to Bert and Kathryn Orr. During his senior year of high...
John Thomas "Tom" Woodard
Jan 27, 2026
It’s with heavy hearts we share that our beloved brother, John Thomas (Tom) Woodard died on January 27, 2026 after a seven year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Tom was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on July 2, 1956 to Austin and Sarah Woodard who proceeded him in death. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Carol Woodard...
Cliff Conover
Jan 27, 2026
A full obituary will appear at a later time, thank you.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
201 Bue Street, P.O. Box 376, Deerfield
(608) 764-5369
Michael P. Smithson
Jan 26, 2026
STOUGHTON – Michael (Mike) Phillip Smithson, age 68, of Stoughton, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, after a long and valiant 14-year battle with cancer. He fought tirelessly to overcome his illness, driven by his deep love for his family and his unwavering desire to remain by their side.
Mike was born on August 31, 1957, in Sauk Prairie,...
Arthur Edward Meinholz
Jan 24, 2026
Arthur Edward Meinholz, age 67, of Ashton passed away unexpectedly at home following an apparent heart attack on Saturday, January 24th, 2026.
Art was born in Madison on August 31st, 1958, to William and Dorothy (Miller) Meinholz. Art was a graduate of St. Peter Catholic School, Middleton High School and UW Farm and Industry Short Course. He spent his school years...
Mark Gerard Nitka
Jan 24, 2026
Mark passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 71. Mark is survived by his brothers: Joseph of San Diego, CA, Michael (Pat) of Sun Prairie, WI, Paul (Debbie) of Pueblo, CO, and Ken (Deanna) of Richland Center, WI, brother-in-law, Jerry Blum, of Madison, WI, sister-in-law, Joanne Nitka, of N Ft...
George E. Fuller
Jan 24, 2026
We are saddened to announce the passing of George Fuller, who left this world on January 24, 2026, at the age of 92. He was born on May 14, 1933, in Friendship, Wisconsin, to his parents, Frank and Maraget Fuller (Hebard). His parents, brother Bob and sisters Betty and Marian have passed and sisters Sally and Joan survive.
In 1959, George...
Joan Pearl Mandt
Jan 23, 2026
Deerfield - Joan Pearl Mandt, age 95, passed away peacefully on Friday January 23, 2026, at Our House assisted living in Cambridge. She was born May 31, 1930, in Medina, Wisconsin the youngest of 4 girls to the late Fred and Ann (Hahn) Schenck. She is a graduate of Marshall High School. Joan married John Mandt on March 1978 in...
Joy D. Schimek
Jan 22, 2026
Cress Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3325 E. Washington Ave.
Madison (608) 249-6666
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com
Barbra Winter
Jan 22, 2026
Barbra “Barb” H Winter, 93-years-old of Madison, Wisconsin, joined her husband Bill and son Willie in Heaven on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She is survived by her daughter Laurie Hable (Ben) and her grandchildren and great-granddaughter: Burton Hable (Chloe Dedic, Sarah), Robbie Hable, and Allie Luca (Nick).
Barb was born on February 10, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, to her parents H....
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