Barbara M. Kurczek, age 101, of Berlin, died peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Brown-Wilcox Home in Berlin, surrounded by family and loved ones.
She was born April 19, 1924, in the Township of Berlin, the daughter of Isadore and Bridget Drover Bednarek. Barb was a 1941 graduate of Green Lake High School and attended Green Lake County Normal School. On September 2, 1944, she was united in marriage to Frank Kurczek at St. Michael Catholic Church in Berlin.
Cynthia Marie Bloy, age 69, of Wild Rose, formerly of Pine River, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Rosemore Village, in Wild Rose.
She was born August 7, 1955, in Berlin, WI, the daughter of Winnie Stumpner.
Cindy worked as a waitress for Griff’s Restaurant in Redgranite, Pike’s Peak Café in Poy Sippi and the Truck Stop at the Four Corners in Auroraville.
Carolyn Joyce Holz, age 86, of Redgranite, went to be with her Lord, with her family by her side, on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Preston Place in Redgranite.
She was born December 24, 1938, in Oshkosh, WI, the daughter of Royal and Erna Bahr Peterson. Carolyn was a 1956 graduate of Oshkosh High School. On September 19, 1959, she was united in marriage to Richard Holz at First English Lutheran Church in Oshkosh.
Carolyn worked for SNC Manufacturing in Oshkosh as an assembler. She had also cooked at the former Sonny’s Bar in Oshkosh. Carolyn was a member of First Lutheran Church in Poy Sippi, where she made bread for communion and went to bible study. She enjoyed making jewelry and doing macrame. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was very important to her and especially entertaining during the holidays.
At sunrise, at 5:15 a.m., on Saturday, June 14, 2025, Patricia Lynn Friday, age 73, of Pine River, met God.
She was born March 17, 1952, in Oshkosh, WI, the daughter of Roger and Evelyn Howe Steinhilber. Patty attended Oshkosh High School. On May 22, 1971, she was united in marriage to David Friday at Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Oshkosh.
Her final weeks were wrapped in love, surrounded by the family she helped create - and while they tried to prepare for her goodbye, nothing truly prepared them to lose someone so special. Patty and David built a life filled with love and laughter, raising seven children and creating a family that has now grown to over 60 people – kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and all the ones they’ve brought into the fold. All because two people fell in love.
Ardella M. Esten, age 84, of Eagle River, formerly of Berlin, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital.
She was born August 8, 1940, in Berlin, WI, the daughter of Robert and Gwendolyn Pigorsch Borchardt. Ardella was a 1957 graduate of Berlin High School.
Ardella worked in the kitchen at Main Street restaurant and the ABA Conference Center in Green Lake. Many ladies in the area know Ardella through her Avon and Tupperware businesses. She was also talented at making plastic canvas crafts which she sold.
Rex Edward Prohl, age 82, of Montello, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Juliette Manor in Berlin.
He was born June 9, 1942, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Wilbert and Dorothy Hoff Prohl. Rex was a self-employed truck driver for many years. He also worked security for Pro Health in Oconomowoc. Rex loved to garden and grew a big display of hostas. He was a NASCAR fan and loved to fish.
Gary Lee Cotanch, age 85, of Poy Sippi, died peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah.
He was born July 14, 1939, in Berlin, WI, the son of Dale and Florence Selle Cotanch. Gary was a 1957 graduate of Weyauwega High School. On June 10, 1961, he was united in marriage to Beverly Quimby.
Gary worked for the Wisconsin State Highway Department for 39 years. He kept Highway 49 in Waushara County clear of snow and ice in the winter and mowed the roadsides throughout the county. He took pride in keeping the roads safe. Gary was known as “49er” to many in the area because you could always find him “working hard” on the road. He also drove a milk truck for a number of years. Gary enjoyed listening to polka music, sitting in his garage watching the cars go by and waving at his neighbors. His greatest joy was mowing his lawn and keeping it immaculate. Gary was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Redgranite.
Kristine Kay “Kristi” Schweder Green, age 75, of Marquette, died peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at University Hospital in Madison.
She was born November 4, 1949, in Hustisford, WI, the daughter of Merrill and Dolores A. "Del" Strahota Schweder. Kristi was a 1967 graduate of Markesan High School, where she was involved in numerous clubs and activities including Forensics Club, Girls Athletic Association, Library Club and cheerleading. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Kristi spent her summers as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. Following family tradition, she also worked at Del Monte Foods canning plant during green bean season. After college, she moved to Chicago and began working at the Chicago Board of Trade, where she met Michael Green, whom she married in 1982.