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.

Gary Hougland

Gary Hougland

Oct 25, 2025

The eagle has landed!

Gary “Eagle Eye” Hougland is now peacefully resting in the arms of Jesus in heaven. Gary, also frequently mistaken for Harrison Ford or Clint Eastwood, led a blessed and beautiful life. All made possible by marrying his high school sweetheart, Sharon Hotmar. Gary often described his life like the Wizard of Oz– going from black and white...

Ronda Lou Sauer

Ronda Lou Sauer

Oct 24, 2025

Ronda Lou Sauer passed away quietly at the age of 83 at Cardinal View Senior Living Center in Middleton, Wisconsin at 12:07 PM on October 24, 2025. Surviving are her brother, Stephen John Sauer of Lincoln, Illinois, and his wife of 53 years, Donna (Hertz) Sauer, niece Jennifer Leigh Davis Sauer (husband Evan Davis), Springfield, Illinois, and nephew Jason John...

Jim P. Jesse

Jim P. Jesse

Oct 23, 2025

James "Jim" P. Jesse passed away in his home in Madison, Wi Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Jim was born to Elmer and Jean (East) Jesse on Dec. 28, 1954 in Hartford, WI. He grew up in Sun Prairie and graduated from Sun Prairie High School.

Jim loved watching basketball and baseball and enjoyed the times he could attend games.

Jim is survived by...

Joshua L. Bockhop

Joshua L. Bockhop

Oct 23, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joshua Bockhop, who left this world far too soon on October 23, 2025.

Josh was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and the joy he brought into the lives of everyone who knew him. He had a special way of connecting...

Judy Kasper

Judy Kasper

Oct 23, 2025

Judith J. Kasper, age 88, died surrounded by her loved ones, at home on October 23 , 2025. She was born on Wednesday, August 18, 1937 to Gilsey and Josephine Grabbert in Madison, Wi. She was married to the love of her life, Roger W. Kasper, on September 19, 1959.

Judy was a graduate of Edgewood High School and attended UW...

Beverly Ann Young

Beverly Ann Young

Oct 22, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Beverly Ann (Penny) Young, who departed peacefully on October 22, 2025, at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, WI. Born on March 13, 1937, in Canton, Ohio, to Frank L. Penny and Helen Pauline Poulos. Beverly lived a life filled with dedication, joy, and an unwavering love for...

Jesus Cabrera Gallegos

Jesus Cabrera Gallegos

Oct 21, 2025

Jesus Manuel Cabrera Jr. age 40, of Madison, Wl passed away on October 21, 2025. He was born on March 19, 1985 in Gomez Palacio, Durango, MX, the son Jesus Cabrera Sr. and Blanca Gallegos. He met his other half Megan Carr on November 11, 2020 in Madison, WI. Jesus - known lovingly as Chuy to those closest to him,...

Linda Miller

Linda Miller

Oct 19, 2025

Linda Marie Miller, age 75, passed away peacefully at Dove Healthcare on October 19, 2025.

She was born on July 31, 1950 in Madison, Wisconsin to Joe “Pucky” and Lenore “Pat” (Jahr) Adkins. She graduated from Madison East high school in Madison, Wisconsin.

She moved to California where she met Michael W. Miller. They married and had 3 boys together. She eventually...

Michael Byron Peterson

Michael Byron Peterson

Oct 19, 2025

Michael Byron Peterson, age 61, passed away unexpectedly on October 19, 2025, at his mother’s home in Madison. He was raised by his parents, Byron and Dorothy Peterson, along with his sister Kathie, in the Madison suburb of Orchard Ridge.

For about the past eight years, Michael has been struggling with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and currently was waiting for...

Thomas "Tom" J. Zillner

Thomas "Tom" J. Zillner

Oct 19, 2025

Madison – Thomas “Tom” Zillner, age 73, beloved father and grandfather passed away on October 19 ,2025 after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday November 5, 2025 at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Dr. in Madison. Visitation begins at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to...

Ann Horstmeyer

Ann Horstmeyer

Oct 19, 2025

Ann was reunited with her beloved husband, Robert L. Horstmeyer on October 19, 2025 at the age of 74. Ann is survived by two sons, five grandchildren, long time friend, Beth, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Ann was the co-owner of Walgenmeyer's Carpet and Tile for many years. Ann and Bob liked to...

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...

Gerald Lee Paffenroth

Gerald Lee Paffenroth

Oct 16, 2025

Jerry's service will be live-streamed. Please follow the directions below to connect:

Gerald Lee Paffenroth, 86, of Waunakee, died peacefully in his home on Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was born on March 19, 1939, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the son of the late William and Beatrice (Baier) Pfaffenroth.

He first married Patricia Ann Bartow on October 24, 1959, in Oshkosh. They are...

Carol B. Hartshorne

Carol B. Hartshorne

Oct 16, 2025

Carol B. Hartshorne, age 91, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025. She was born on January 16, 1934 in Riley, WI to Martell and Lynette (Helgeson) England.

A single mom early on, Carol raised her five children and devoted her life to the success of her family. She was the glue that kept her family together.

Carol loved being a school...

John D. Mell

John D. Mell

Oct 15, 2025

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

Mary Ellen Kussow

Mary Ellen Kussow

Oct 15, 2025

Mary Ellen Kussow, 84, of Madison, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, two months after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

Born August 27, 1941, in De Pere, WI, Mary Ellen was the beloved daughter of the late Ardeil and Agatha Van Dalen. Graduating from De Pere High School in 1959, she...

Tony Souvannasone

Tony Souvannasone

Oct 14, 2025

Cress Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Steven D. Anderson

Steven D. Anderson

Oct 14, 2025

Steven Donald Anderson, 68, of McFarland, WI, headed out on his final road trip, peacefully surrounded by family and love. Born February 2, 1957, in Rockford, IL, Steve graduated from Duluth East High School in Minnesota and eventually put down roots in McFarland, where he’s lived since the early 1980s.

Steve spent his life on the road, proudly driving semi trucks...

Sandy Junkeris

Sandy Junkeris

Oct 13, 2025

Sandra “Sandy” Lynne Junkeris, age 79 from Sun Prairie, our cherished loved one, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025. She lived a wonderful life! Last March, she suffered a stroke and faced many challenges. Sandy was supported and surrounded by her family, friends and caregivers until her time she left this earth. After a courageous battle, she is now...

Robert "Bob" L. Sparks

Robert "Bob" L. Sparks

Oct 13, 2025

Robert (Bob) Lutherman Sparks, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge in Madison, Wisconsin, with his family by his side.

Bob was born in Harvey, Illinois, in 1935, the oldest child of Ruth and LeRoy Sparks. Raised alongside two brothers and a sister, his parents supported his diverse interests, from attending classes at the...

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