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.
Stuart Allen Schwartz
Jul 23, 2025
Stuart A. Schwartz (Judge) died on July 23, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Darlene; son, Jeffrey (Devra) Schwartz, and daughter, Deborah (John) Carbone; grandsons, Jacob and Benjamin Carbone, Levi and Judah Schwartz. His family was most important to him and he will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Schwartz graduated from...
James R. "Jim" Schmitz
Jul 15, 2025
A cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend James R. “Jim” Schmitz left his pain and suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease behind on July 15, 2025. He was born on July 25, 1936, the son of Sylvester & Norma Ella Lexa (Wendorff) Schmitz, in Sparta WI. He married Linda Marty on January 2, 1993.
He attended St John’s Evangelical Lutheran School and Sparta...
Curt Ellmann
Jul 9, 2025
Curt J Ellmann, age 61 of Madison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 after courageously waging a 26 year battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). He was born October 23rd, 1963 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of William and Margaret Ellmann.
He left us with his humor intact. His dad jokes, puns, and life philosophy of "Could Be Worse" will...
Jonathan "Jon" Ambrose MacDonald
Jul 8, 2025
Jonathan (Jon) Ambrose MacDonald, age 52, devoted father, son, brother, and beloved friend, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Carlsbad, CA.
Born on October 27, 1972, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Michael John and Kathryn Mary (McFadden) MacDonald, Jon was raised in Madison, Wisconsin where he cherished his Midwest upbringing spending his winters playing ice hockey and downhill skiing...
Thomas Ronald Herrling Sr.
Jul 22, 2025
Thomas Ronald Herrling Sr. passed away on July 22, 2025 at the age of 83. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 6 at Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., from 5-8 pm. PLEASE dress casual, wear bright colors, or Hawaiian shirts.
A full obituary will be coming soon.
Cress Center
608-238-8406
Mary E. Naggatz
Jul 22, 2025
Sun Prairie - Mary was born on July 28, 1944, in Amery, Wisconsin, and grew up on a farm alongside her brother, Chuck. From an early age, she embraced hard work, faith, and fun – qualities that would define her for the rest of her life. She adored her horse, Cocoa, and often rode him over to visit her high...
Brock Mintie
Jul 21, 2025
Brock Daniel Mintie, age 36, of Windsor, WI left us too early on Monday, July 21, 2025. He was born on January 13, 1989 in Wichita, Kansas to Fred and Trina (Hatch) Mintie. He married the love of his life, Charlotte (Stanford) Mintie on October 10, 2015 and loved his son, Rowan, with a love that stretched to galaxies far,...
Patrick "Pat" Louis O'Connor
Jul 21, 2025
Patrick “Pat” Louis O’Connor, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2025, in the comfort of his home. Pat was born on Oct.25, 1953, the oldest of nine children to Harold and Bernette O’Connor, Waunakee. Pat attended Saint John School for grades first thru eighth and graduated from Waunakee High School in 1971. Pat continued his education at MATC...
Linda L. Neumann
Jul 21, 2025
Sun Prairie - Linda L (Wiersma) Neumann, 84, Sun Prairie (formerly of Beaver Dam, WI) passed away after a brief illness on July 21, 2025.
She was born February 16, 1941in Hustisford, WI to Wm and Margaret Wiersma. On September 24, 1960, she was united in marriage to Wilbur Neumann at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Beaver Dam, WI. Together they farmed...
Theodore Schnese
Jul 20, 2025
Theodore Ferdinand Schnese, age 86, of Stoughton, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025 after a severe head injury. He was born February 14, 1939 in Chippewa Falls, the son of Theodore and Alta (Willman) Schnese. Ted married Pauline (Polly) Wegner on August 3, 1963, in Spencer, Wisconsin.
Ted attended Sheboygan Central high school, earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in...
Fnu Tsering
Jul 20, 2025
Cress Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave. Madison
(608) 238-8406
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com
Gary Zimmerman
Jul 19, 2025
Gary E. Zimmerman, age 83, passed away peacefully in Middleton, Wisconsin on July 19, 2025. A private celebration of life will be held by his family. A full obituary will be shared soon.
Walter Lee Wagener
Jul 17, 2025
Walter Lee Wagener of Madison, Wisconsin was born on July 7, 1936, and died of a cardio-respiratory event on July 17, 2025, at University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison. He was 89 years old.
Walt was the kind of person who made everyone's life better. His smile was as wide as a mile. His faith and serene nature were a salve in...
Jo Ann Green
Jul 17, 2025
Jo Ann (Smith) Green passed away at Sylvan Crossings in Waunakee on July 17, 2025. She was 96. Jo Ann was born in Kansas City, MO, and spent most of her younger years in Kansas, until she went to Oklahoma City during her teens. She graduated from high school there in 1946. She met Jack Green on a blind date...
Jake Martin
Jul 17, 2025
With deep sorrow, we share the passing of Jake Martin, a beloved son, father, brother, friend, and cherished member of his family. Jake departed on July 17 at the age of 54, held in the arms of those who loved him. Jake was loyal and kind; he lived his life with a gentle heart that drew people close. He loved...
Samuel Moss
Jul 17, 2025
Samuel Moss, longtime resident of Madison, WI, passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 86.
He is survived by Rabbi Yona and Faygie Matusof and their children, who lovingly served as his surrogate family.
Sam was preceded in death by his beloved, mother Reva Moss, Grandparents, Samuel and Ida Moskowsky, Uncles, Harry Moss, Irving Moss, Arthur Moss and Simon...
Nick W. Beerntsen
Jul 16, 2025
Livestream link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUFK8n1UbSE
Nick Walter Beerntsen, 67, was taken to the Lord suddenly on Wednesday, July 16. He was born December 9, 1957 in Green Bay, WI. He attended St. Mary of the Angels grade school and Premontre High School. He earned his Business degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After a brief insurance career in Chicago, Nick worked as...
Herman (Hermie) Pongratz
Jul 16, 2025
Herman (Hermie) Pongratz, age 85, passed away peacefully July 16, 2025 at the VA Hospital in Madison, WI following a progression through Alzheimer's disease.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Marie Pongratz, and brothers Ray and Ralph.
Herman is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Eileen, sons; Brian (Kris), Jeff (Jackie), grandchildren; Sarah, Grant, Katelyn, &...
Shirley Johnson
Jul 16, 2025
Shirley Johnson, most recently of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, with her daughter, Jana, and her granddaughter, Claire, by her side. Shirley was 92 ½ years old.
She lived an amazing, full, loving, faith filled, honorable and generous life, that ended a year after being diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. She took her treatment head on...
Lois J. Erickson
Jul 15, 2025
Lois J. Erickson, daughter of Lewis and Helen Harrison, born on the 16th of May 1939 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on the 15th of July 2025. She married Donald R. Erickson, July 3, 1957, and enjoyed going dancing, baking cookies, but spent most of her time on their farm raising tobacco, and taking care of her...
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