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.
Jane Pettinger
Apr 20, 2026
Jane Pettinger, 86, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. She leaves behind a legacy of tireless work ethic, resilience, and a deep-seated love for Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Born on May 19, 1939, in Gary, Indiana, Jane was a woman who defined herself through her remarkable efficiency and "get-it-done" spirit. No task...
John Steven Jaeschke
Apr 9, 2026
John Steven Jaeschke, 56, of Middleton, passed away on April 9, 2026. Born on December 7, 1969, John was a man defined by his warmth, his quick wit, and a genuine kindness that he shared with everyone he met. He leaves behind a legacy of music, service, and deep devotion to his family and friends.
A gifted musician, John’s passion for...
Larry Kleinheinz
Apr 24, 2026
Lawrence "Larry" R. Kleinheinz, age 74, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026 at St. Maria Goretti, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Entombment will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow.
A full obituary is...
Sarah Whelan Blake
Apr 22, 2026
Sarah Whelan Blake, 88, of Monona, Wisconsin was born on August 8, 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Margaret and Augustine Whelan. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on April 22, 2026.
When asked, “What do you want your obituary to say?” she said, “They charge by the word, so just say ‘She had a good run. Google me’”. We...
Matthew Marshall Cooperrider
Apr 8, 2026
Matthew Marshall Cooperrider, 39, passed on to be at peace with God after a courageous struggle with OCD and depression. A radiant and ever-inspiring soul, Matthew’s smile could light up the world, and when in his presence, one could feel the light and love of the universe shining upon, with, in, and through all things.
Matthew was born in Cleveland, Ohio...
Susan M. Fey
Nov 12, 2025
A bright light was born to Betty and Will Fey on April 16,1954 in Madison Wisconsin. The middle of three children, Sue was a spirited, independent child with boundless curiosity. She had a rural lot in Verona and then a 140 acre farm in Dodgeville as her playground. It was at the family farm and on vacations in northern Wisconsin...
Linda Ciofu Baumann
Apr 13, 2026
Dr. Linda Ciofu Baumann was a trailblazer in nursing, behavioral medicine, and interdisciplinary health education. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of Michigan and a PhD in social psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Baumann integrated clinical practice, research, and teaching to advance health equity and improve patient outcomes. As...
Richard V. Trameri
Apr 4, 2026
Richard V. Trameri, age 98, of Madison passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2026. Richard was born January 29,1928 in Madison, WI to Carlo and Pierina (Praolini) Trameri.
Richard grew up in the Greenbush Neighborhood. He graduated from Central High School in 1945. In 1946 he enlisted in the army and was stationed at the Atomic Lab in Los...
Robert W. Burns
Apr 25, 2026
Robert W. Burns, age 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. Born on December 9, 1948, in Madison, Robert was the son of Benjamin and Virginia (Dalton) Burns.
He was a proud graduate of Madison East High School. Robert dedicated 31 years of service to Oscar Mayer, beyond his professional life, Robert was...
Leslie Nan Grant
Apr 25, 2026
Leslie Nan Grant died in the morning on April 25, 2026. Her husband, Bill, and daughter, Eliana, were present with her when she died, and she was also supported by an amazing community of family and friends. Leslie was deeply committed to increasing kindness and peace in the world. She had a beautiful smile that spread happiness, and a gentle...
Esperanza C. Herbas Bustamante
Apr 23, 2026
En Memoria de Esperanza C. Herbas Bustamante
Esperanza C. Herbas Bustamante, de 68 años, originaria de Cochabamba, Bolivia, falleció el 23 de abril de 2026 en Middleton, Wisconsin, dejando tras de sí un legado de fortaleza, calidez y despreocupación.
Esperanza llevó siempre consigo el espíritu de su tierra natal. De niña, encontraba una alegría pura en la belleza tranquila de un arroyo...
Patricia "Tricia" Smith
Apr 22, 2026
Tricia was born Patricia Eleanor Anderson on Nov. 2, 1940, to Roy and Eleanor Anderson. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota in education and taught for one year in Wisconsin. She went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a masters of nursing administration degree at the University of Wisconsin. Later as a practicing...
Sheryl L. Lippitt
Apr 21, 2026
Sheryl L. (Sheri) Lippitt, age 62, of Waunakee, passed away on April 21, 2026 in Middleton, WI. She was born in Wisconsin Rapids to Eugene and Janice (Saeger) Zager. On September 2, 2001 she married Gary Lippitt.
Sheri was a longtime, active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Waunakee.
She attended and graduated from UW La Crosse. During college, one of her...
Susan A. Wheaton
Apr 21, 2026
Susan Alice Wheaton, age 70, of San Diego, California, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 14, 1956, in Batavia, New York, the daughter of R. David and Alice (Miller) Wheaton.
Susan studied drawing and graphic design in college and had a lifelong passion for creativity. She loved crafting and...
Don Fornasiere
Apr 21, 2026
Donald L. Fornasiere, born January 13, 1933, died April 21, 2026, at age 93 in DeForest, WI at the Parkside Village Assisted Living Facility.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Fornasiere, Jr. and Clara Heiman Fornasiere Lehman, his wife of 65 years Mureil Moore Fornasiere and sister, Dorothy Fornasiere Peterson.
He is survived by his brother, Dick (Donna) Fornasiere,...
Alyce Sherry Duckwitz
Apr 21, 2026
Alyce Sherry Duckwitz, age 98 of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Born in Sauk City, on August 15,1927, she was the youngest of eight children of the late John Carr, and Lucille (Johnson) Carr.
Alyce grew up in Middleton, Wisconsin. She started grade school in a one-room school house in Middleton, and then went on...
Gloria M. Risberg
Apr 20, 2026
Gloria M. Risberg, age 97, of Madison, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026. She was born on April 18, 1929, in Amery, Wisconsin to the late Orval and Ruby (Sylte) Gabriel. She attended Superior State College and upon graduation came to Madison to teach for 6 years.
On April 18, 1953, she married Dick K. Risberg. Two children were born...
Mary Kuzdas
Apr 19, 2026
Our dear Mary, age 81, left this life peacefully on April 19, 2026 at Sage Meadow Memory Care Facility in Middleton, WI.
Mary Kuzdas was born Mary Kathleen Gensmer on July 5, 1944 to Alvin and Kathleen Gensmer in Horicon, WI, and was the oldest of seven children. As the oldest child, she did an excellent job training her parents and...
Martina S. Kilby
Apr 19, 2026
Sun Prairie - Martina Kilby, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026 in Madison. She taught for 38 years in the education field in various places throughout the state of Wisconsin. She enjoyed camping and watching horse racing in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. She was preceded in death by her father, husband and mother.
In lieu of services, if you would...
John Aehl
Apr 18, 2026
John Aehl did not want an obituary, and he certainly would have had something to say about this one, but his editing skills are no longer available, and his children have a tendency to not listen, so here we are. John Thomas Aehl passed away peacefully, with family present, on April 18, 2026, following what he always said was a...
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