Obituaries

MERRILLAN–Susan Margaret Thorstad, 66, of Merrillan, and formerly of Cross Plains, passed away on March 11, 2023, at her home after a recent history with heart disease. Sue was born April 17, 1956 and was raised in Racine by her parents Donald and Margaret (nee: Lurth) Pfeiffer. She attended St. John Nepomuk grade school, graduated in 1974 from St. Catherine’s High School, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Sue worked for a number of years as an office systems analyst for Sundstrand Corporation in Rockford, IL. In April of 1989 she married Thomas Carl Thorstad and they moved to Cross Plains where she was employed as a senior network engineer working in information technology and advanced communications at AAA of Wisconsin. Later, she owned and operated a landscaping and snow removal business. In 2021 she left Cross Plains and moved north to Merrillan.

HAZELHURST–Dale A. Schlough, 80, passed peacefully on March 11, 2023, surrounded by family after a short battle with lung cancer.

Dale was born on April 13, 1942, to Clarence “Buck” and Lillian (Ahrens) Schlough of Middleton. He married the love of his life, Patricia (nee Sills), on April 26, 1968. Together they raised five children.

Dale volunteered with the Peace Corps and served in the US Army, each for two years, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin. Both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees were earned at the UW-Madison. Dale had a long and very successful career in agricultural research at the University of Wisconsin and abroad.   He was a great leader who was held in high esteem by all who worked with him.

MIDDLETON–The remains of Pfc. William L. "Sonny" Simon of Middleton, killed in World War II are coming home after nearly 80 years.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has notified the family that the remains of Army Pfc William L. Simon of Middleton, killed on Nov. 5, 1944, have been accounted for, identified and will be brought home to Middleton, to be buried.

William LaVerne “Sonny” Simon was born on April 18, 1924, in Madison, to George and Margaret (Gorman) Simon. He loved his mother dearly and is fondly remembered as thoughtful and caring. Sonny’s military travel took him through various cities across Europe and he wrote home every few days. The family accumulated over 200 letters.

MONTELLO–Daniel Harry Relph, 77, of Montello, passed away on March 4, 2023, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Jan. 12, 1946, in Madison, the son of Harry Relph and Gail (Lewis) Relph.

Daniel enjoyed a career as a business and drivers ed teacher at Middleton High School, retiring after 46 years.  Throughout those years, he also enjoyed coaching track and boys’ volleyball. He was an advisor for Future Business Leaders of America for 36 years. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved making people laugh and treasured time with family and friends–he was the life of the party!

Daniel is survived by his son, Robert (Sheryl) Relph; sister, Bonnie Gail (Eugene) Juul; and two nieces, Shelly (Nick) Schroedl and Alicia (Scott) Lux; and six grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Pearl Burdick.

MIDDLETON–Billy Eugene May, 85, of Middleton, passed away on Feb. 18, 2023. He was born on Dec. 24, 1937, in Harrisburg, IL, the son of William May and Flora (Garrett) May.

Billy was the beloved husband of Ann (Meier) May; father to Michael May (Cindy), Mary May (Terry) and Peggy (Stephen) Beaver; and grandpa to Christian, Amanda, Sarah, Nicole, Elyse and Ella. He is also survived and cherished by many other relatives and friends. Billy is preceded in death by his parents, and daughters, Patricia May and Denise May. 

A celebration of life was held at American Legion Post #245, 2217 American Legion Drive, Cross Plains, from 1-4 p.m. on March 4, 2023.

To express condolences online, please visit gundersonfh.com.

BLACK EARTH/CROSS PLAINS–On Feb. 15, 2023, Betty’s journey ended as she flew on the wings of a snow-white dove. Betty came to life on March 31, 1934 and buckled up for an adventure of a lifetime. She proudly raised eight beautiful children (yes, we were more than a handful) and loved her nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Betty was a hard worker for many years at the State Bank of Cross Plains and Cross Plains Post Office. She formed lifelong friendships which gave her immense joy. She was a member of the American Legion Auxilary 245 as well as a staunch supporter of the fire department and the Rosemary Garfoot Public Library. 

Betty was an avid reader and bird watcher. It was the simple things in life that she enjoyed. A phone call, visits from family and friends would bring a smile to her face that would light up a room. She never stopped being a mother and would admonish, “What are you doing out in this weather?” 

MIDDLETON–On Jan. 7, 2023, Richard Jon “Dick” Miller departed this earth unexpectedly in a place he wouldn’t normally have chosen–Las Vegas.

Born on Feb. 20, 1940 to Alpha and Edward Miller, Dick lived his formative years in Oregon, IL. He had two older siblings, Eugene and JoAnn, whom he admired and idolized.

Dick was a standout athlete at Oregon High School and lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He received a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, Madison where he competed in track and cross country.

At UW, Dick developed an appreciation for other cultures and after one year of teaching Social Studies, he joined the Peace Corps. He spent two years teaching in Ethiopia. This decision to live abroad formulated his love of living a simple life and solidified his commitment to educating others.

MIDDLETON–Dennis Robert Sherraden, 76, of Middleton, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 26, 2023, surrounded by his family after he sustained an injury from a fall.

SAUK CITY–Dean Alexius Woodas, born Jan. 3, 1936, in Patras, Greece, passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2023, surrounded by his children. Dean lived a lively and interesting life, growing up in Greece and immigrating to the US in 1955. He is survived by three children, Nick Woodas, Andy (Brenda) Woodas and Dena (Robert) Radtke; grandchildren, Melissa, Ben, Sydney, Oliver, and Abigail as well as great grandchildren and a younger brother, Dimitri Goutas.  He joins his wife, Louise Woodas, son, Alex Woodas, brother, Nick Woutas, and other family and friends as he finishes his amazing journey here on earth.

Dean was a resilient, vibrant, social, and fascinating man who was fiercely protective and loving of his friends and family. He was always one for a hearty laugh, a hug, story, or joke.

CROSS PLAINS–Iris C. Brunner, 92, of Cross Plains, died on Jan. 8, 2023, after a very brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Nov. 9, 1930, in Blue River. She was the daughter of Harley and Alma (McKinney) Couey. She graduated from Blue River High School in 1948 and set off for the big city of Madison. On Mar. 27, 1951, she married her love, Gerald Brunner, from Cross Plains. Together they chose to make their home in Cross Plains where they owned Brunner’s Store, whose motto was “Pleasing you, Pleases us.” Those words were how she lived her life even after they sold the store in 1976.

In addition to helping run the store, Mom was busy raising eight children. When the kids were older, Mom worked several jobs including Lands’ End for all 17 years they had a call center in Cross Plains, retiring only when they closed in 2005.