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.

Chester "Chet" B. Thomas

Chester "Chet" B. Thomas

Oct 16, 2025

Chester “Chet” Bruce Thomas died at home in his sleep at the age of 83, early on the morning of Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was born in Oakland CA on July 20, 1942, a fourth generation native Californian. Polio at age six affected his throat muscles and left him with a mild lifelong stammer. He graduated from Oakland Technical...

Victor "Paul" P. Gorman

Victor "Paul" P. Gorman

Nov 16, 2025

Madison – Victor “Paul” Gorman, age 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 16, 2025, at home.

Paul is survived by his wife Dorothy Gorman; children Linda Snow, Kristina DiLorenzo and Barb Tumidajewicz; his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and his sister Debbie Nofsinger.

A gathering will be held from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Tuesday November 25, 2025, at CRESS FUNERAL...

Craig Allen Halverson

Craig Allen Halverson

Nov 16, 2025

Craig "Butch" Halverson, 73, of Madison, WI, passed away on November 16, 2025, in his home. Craig was born to Edmund and Marilyn Halverson on October 1, 1952. After attending McFarland High School, Craig went on to serve as an HVAC technician. Before his retirement, he worked at Home Depot as a sales generator for 20 years.

Craig was an avid...

Margaret Rintala

Margaret Rintala

Nov 16, 2025

Margaret Ann Rintala, 81, a beloved mother and friend, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025.

Margaret was born in Wakefield, Michigan, and spent her younger years in that area before moving to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, where she spent her later years.

Margaret possessed a rare combination of unwavering faith and playful humor. She carried a steady faith in God that shaped...

Michael "Mike" L. Manville

Michael "Mike" L. Manville

Nov 15, 2025

Sun Prairie - Michael “Mike” L. Manville, passed away peacefully at his home on November 15, 2025. He was 73 years old.

He was born on August 26, 1952, in Madison, WI, the son of the late Lawrence and Agnes (Schenck) Manville.

In 1973, Mike married the love of his life, Cynthia “Cindie” Gove, and together they raised two daughters, Heather and...

Margaret "Peggy" Ann Wilson

Margaret "Peggy" Ann Wilson

Nov 15, 2025

Margaret “Peggy” Ann Wilson, age 89, of Madison, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 15, 2025. She was born in Janesville, Wisconsin and moved to Madison, Wisconsin when she was 2. She was the youngest of four siblings. She graduated from St. Bernard’s Catholic School and Edgewood High School before pursuing nursing studies.

Peggy married Glenn Wilson on...

Dr. Rolf W. Wegenke

Dr. Rolf W. Wegenke

Nov 15, 2025

Rolf W. Wegenke died on Saturday, November 15, 2025. He was born on May 19, 1948, the son of Ingwald and Gertrude (Otto) Wegenke. He was raised on Montello, Wisconsin, baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Ev. Church, and enrolled in St. John’s School K-8. He graduated from Montello High School where he was president of the Student Council and...

Lawrence "Larry" J. Mattie

Lawrence "Larry" J. Mattie

Nov 15, 2025

A full obituary will appear here soon.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Judith "Judy" M. Schwerdtfeger

Judith "Judy" M. Schwerdtfeger

Nov 15, 2025

Judith “Judy” M. Schwerdtfeger, age 83, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025 with her family by her side. She was born on February 24, 1942 in Spring Green, WI to Wilbert and Angeline (Haas) Holler, Sr. Judy grew up in Pine Bluff on a farm, and she graduated from Mount Horeb High School, Class of 1960. She married Gene...

Carter Morgan Ayres

Carter Morgan Ayres

Nov 15, 2025

Carter Morgan Ayres "Morgan", age 77 years, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025.  

Services are pending at this time.   Please share your memories of Morgan for the family in the meantime.





Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road       608-238-3434

Steven "Steve" M. Schultz

Steven "Steve" M. Schultz

Nov 14, 2025

An obituary will be published here soon.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

206 W. Prospect, P.O. Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Susan M. Fey

Susan M. Fey

Nov 12, 2025

Susan Marie Fey, passed away due to a sudden medical event on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the young age of 71.  

Please return at a later date for Susan's full obituary and details of when we will all gather this coming summer to celebrate Susan's life. 

In the meantime, please share a memory of Susan.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway...

Bessie J. McMahon

Bessie J. McMahon

Nov 12, 2025

Sun Prairie - Bessie Juanita (Vest) McMahon, age 89, passed away November 12, 2025. She was the youngest child of Marie and William Vest. She grew up in small towns around Richland County and called Richland Center her hometown.

In January 1954, at a dance hall in Sextonville, WI, Lester McMahon asked her for a dance. They dated and married later...

Kenneth John Kennedy

Kenneth John Kennedy

Nov 10, 2025

Kenneth (Ken) Kennedy (86) of Madison, Wisconsin passed away November 10th, 2025.

Ken was born in Beaver Dam in 1938 to Clara and Joseph. He grew up in Watertown and graduated high school in 1957. Throughout high school and college he worked at Mullins Dairy to support himself. He met Sharon, his wife of 60 years, in high school and they...

Kimberly Schmudlach

Kimberly Schmudlach

Nov 9, 2025

Kimberly Jean "Kim" Schmudlach, age 57, passed away on November 9, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. Born on August 4, 1968, in Madison, she spent her life rooted in the community that shaped her and which she gave so much back to in return.Kim was the beloved daughter of Florence Schmudlach and the late Thomas Schmudlach. She grew up in Poynette,...

Donna Belle Calvert

Donna Belle Calvert

Nov 8, 2025

For those unable to attend Donna's Celebration of Life, you may register at the following link to view the service live stream: 

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=fe07a373-2330-46f7-8f26-83ca0ee0c34f

Donna Belle Calvert, age 89, passed away surrounded by family at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg on Saturday, November 8, 2025. She was born October 30, 1936 the daughter of Myron and Sara (Maddrell) Williams in Beloit, WI.

Donna attended Evansville...

Lucas John Tonstad

Lucas John Tonstad

Nov 7, 2025

Lucas “Luke” John Tonstad, age 32, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on November 7, 2025, at UW Hospital in Madison after a tough battle against a rare illness.

Luke was born on July 30, 1993, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Rick and Judy Tonstad. He loved being with family and friends, all of whom cherished his humor, kindness, and generous spirit.

Luke is...

Jeannette A. Smithback

Jeannette A. Smithback

Nov 6, 2025

Jeannette A. Smithback, age 87, passed away on November 6, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born on August 24, 1938 in Woodburn, Orgeon the daughter of Joseph and Violet (Bratvold) LaBansky. She married Raymond Smithback on May 18, 1963 in Rockford, Illinois.

Jan was a generous, loving and authentic woman who shined so bright. She was known for and...

Penny Lamb

Penny Lamb

Nov 4, 2025

Penny L Lamb, 73, of Madison passed away on November 4, 2025, at UW Hospital with her daughters by her side.

Penny was born on January 4, 1952, in Monroe, WI to Bert & Isabel (Sandley) Beecher.

Penny was one of seven children who she had remained close with throughout her life.

Penny enjoyed taking short trips to the casino, reading, gardening &...

Subscribe

To Email Notifications

Subscribe to receive an email when we add new obituaries to our website. Your email will not be used for any other purpose and will not be shared. You may unsubscribe at any time.

365 Days of Grief Support

Sign up for one year of grief messages designed to offer hope and healing during difficult first year after a loss



HeartLight offers a variety of support groups, education, resources, and special programming related to grief and loss.

Learn More