Dane Arthur Smethurst, age 62, of Berlin, died peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin.
He was born May 18, 1961, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Rodney and Gail Firlus Smethurst. Dane was a machinist for Grede Foundry in Milwaukee. Additionally, he had worked at Atlas Moving Co. and was a manager at both Kmart and Sentry Foods. He enjoyed woodburning like his father before him and was an avid NASCAR fan, who was not to be disturbed while the race was on.
Jean Marie Wenig, age 91, of Berlin, died peacefully on Christmas Day, at the home of her daughter’s in Franklin, WI.
She was born March 6, 1932, in Caledonia, MN, the daughter of Edward and Mathilda Aaberg Rice. Jean was a 1950 graduate of Caledonia High School. On May 28, 1955, she was united in marriage to Leland Wenig in Caledonia, MN.
Judith Ann “Judy” Fabricius, age 92, of Waupaca, formerly of Berlin, died peacefully on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Theda Care Regional Medical Center in Neenah.
She was born November 12, 1931, in Berlin, WI, the daughter of Merritt “Bill” and Helen Everz Gustin. Judy was a 1950 graduate of Berlin High School and received her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On December 21, 1957, she was united in marriage to Ralph “Lefty” Fabricius at Union Congregational Church in Berlin.
Donald John Schlichting, age 72, of the Township of Leon, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 10, 2023.
He was born July 19, 1951, at Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh, the son of Raymond and Alice Merkel Schlichting. Don was a 1969 graduate of Oshkosh West High School. On May 1, 1971, he was united in marriage to Carol Gruse at St. Peter Catholic Church in Oshkosh.
Don was a proud owner of The Driftwood and Reflections Supper Club in Poy Sippi, in addition to being the manager at Captain’s Steak Joynt in Appleton. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids playing cards, teaching them to gamble, and passing along his love for football to them, especially his love for the Packers. He was a past president of Poy Sippi Lions Club and life-long member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Poy Sippi.
Kenneth David Groskreutz, age 73, of Poy Sippi, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh.
He was born February 9, 1950, the son of Elmer and Ruth Schlueter Groskreutz. He was a 1968 graduate of Wild Rose High School. On September 4, 1976, he was united in marriage to Suzanne Ploetz in Manawa.
Kelly Marie Boening, age 46, of Green Lake, died peacefully at home on Monday, December 4, 2023.
She was born November 14, 1977, in Berlin, the daughter of Gary and Marjorie Rowland Boening. Kelly was a 1996 graduate of Berlin High School. On June 19, 2016, she was united in marriage to Chad Phillips in their back yard in Oshkosh.
In addition to being a full-time mother, Kelly worked in food service at Ripon College. She also had worked at Quad Graphics and was a familiar face bartending at various establishments. Kelly was a member of Grace English Lutheran Church in Berlin.
Gregory Allen Frankovis, age 76, of Poy Sippi, died peacefully on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at home in the Township of Poy Sippi.
He was born April 9, 1947, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Donald and Agnes Pashelk Frankovis.
Greg worked for Evinrude Outboard Motors after high school for a time, the Veterans Administration, and as a welder at a manufacturing company. He also proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1964-1970, during the Vietnam Conflict. Greg enjoyed collecting coins for a hobby.
William F. “Bill” Johnson, age 68, of Borth, died peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2023, at his home, while holding the hand of his loving wife, Sharon.
Bill was a 22-year U.S. Navy veteran, serving as a Navy Corpsman with Fleet Marine Forces, including service during Vietnam and the 1991 Gulf War. Among many assignments, he participated in the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon in April 1975, during the final days of the Vietnam debacle.