The Obituary Section

Sherry A. Maves

, Wisconsin

Sherry A. Maves, age 72, of Edgerton, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Janesville. She was born in Edgerton on February 15, 1953, the daughter of Irving “Bud” and Dorothy “Dot” (Balfanz) Horan. She was a 1971 graduate of Edgerton High School. Sherry married Glenn L. Maves on August 28, 1971, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Edgerton and he preceded her in death on April 19, 2021. She enjoyed crocheting, playing on-line games, cooking, visiting with friends on social media and trips with her daughter and granddaughter. Sherry was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.Sherry is survived by her 2 children; Tonya (Bob Smith) Maves and Tim (Geraldine "Trixie") Maves both of Edgerton; 2 grandchildren; Skyler and Ashtin; sister, Flo Finn; and other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn; and a brother, Wally Horan.A…

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Joan Marjorie Kratke Meister

, Wisconsin

May 12, 2026

Joan Marjorie (Kratke) Meister passed away on May 13, 2026 at Oak Park Place in Janesville, Wisconsin after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was born on July 3, 1943 in Nebraska, the daughter of Deloy and Marjorie (Gilster) Kratke. Joan met Duane, the love of her life, at a gathering in Omaha, Nebraska and they were united in marriage on February 11, 1964. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage, two sons, and six grandchildren.Joan was very quick witted and had an amazing sense of humor. She always selflessly put the needs of others before her own and did so with grace and humility. She had an extremely close bond with her sister Jane and they talked almost every day. No matter the distance between them, their bond remained strong.She was an accomplished quilter and created many heirloom pieces for weddings, births, and graduations. She poured her…

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Kathleen Ann "Kathie" Higginbotham

, Wisconsin

Kathleen Ann “Kathie” Higginbotham, age 71, passed away at home in Janesville on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. She was born on August 29, 1954, in Janesville, the daughter of Glenn Jacob and Mary Jane (Chilson) Schindler, Jr. On August 6, 1974, she married Richard Dade Higginbotham in Janesville.Kathie worked for Kwik Trip at several locations for many years. Bowling was a big part of her life, playing in many leagues and tournaments. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, camping, and the company of her faithful fur babies, Carson and April. Most of all, Kathie enjoyed family game nights playing cards, especially cribbage.Kathie is survived by her sister, Linda Lou; nieces and nephews: Nicole (Eric) Walker, Jason (Courtney) Lou, Amanda (Chad) Mitchell, Jamie (Steven LaBak) Schindler, Jacob Schindler, Ben (Kelly) Hayes, and Heather Hayes; and is further survived by many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her…

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Katie Dean

, Wisconsin

May 15, 1978

Katie Dean, daughter of Anna Moss and the late Mike Dean, died Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at her Adult Family Home in rural Whitewater.Katheryn Emily Dean, 47, was born May 16, 1978, in Madison. Her birth was seven weeks premature; she weighed three pounds, one ounce. Post-natal care for preemies was itself in infancy. As a result, Katie was afflicted with a host of maladies, chief among them cognitive impairment, deafness and epilepsy.But she had a champion in her mom, Anna, who never rested in her search for good care and a good life for Katie. And they found it—with the help of doctors, teachers, counselors, aides and Adult Family Homes.Katie attended the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan, where she was befriended by aide Betsy Perkins and her family. Katie attended Franklin Middle School in Janesville and graduated from Parker High School. There, she made many friends among…

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Joann Marie Dagostin

, Wisconsin

Joann D’Agostin, 72, of Janesville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at her home onMonday, May 11, 2026. She was born on May 1, 1954, in Woodstock, IL, the daughter of Henry R. Ebert and Barbara Allen.Joann was raised on her father’s dairy farm, where she learned the value of hard work early in life. That hardworking spirit stayed with her throughout the years and became one of the qualities people admired most about her. One of her first jobs was at the Dog-and-Suds drive-in in Byron, Illinois, a place she often spoke about fondly and remembered for the simple joy of bringing home treats for the family after work.For much of her life, Joann worked as a grocery checker at Woodman’s Market in Janesville. She genuinely loved her job and built lasting connections with both coworkers and customers over the years. Many customers would specifically wait to go through her line…

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Patricia Ann Venable

, Wisconsin

Patricia Venable, Age 88 of Janesville, passed away at home on May 15, 2026. She was born on December 27, 1937, the daughter of John and Harriet (Langer) Prusansky. She was in the last graduating class from Janesville High School in 1955.Patricia worked for Parker Pen Company for over 40 years before retiring in 1999. In 1970, she married the love of her life, Elmer R. “Bud” Venable. They shared 39 years of marriage together making cherished memories before he passed in 2009.She was a member of Nativity of Mary Catholic Church and the Catholic Women’s Club. Patricia loved to read, crochet and play the organ.Patricia is survived by her stepchildren: Patrick, Joseph (Ruth), Michael (Jennifer), Catherine Eccles, Patricia (John) Gourley and Timothy; 12 step grandchildren: Dan, Mark, Brooke (Arick) Ecker, William (Micky), Venessa, Amanda (Todd) Olson, Andrea (Steve) Pease, Hannah Corrigan, Neil (Smantha) Corrigan, Jessica (Chuck) Seblom, Cody (Kenzie)…

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Todd A. Lee

, Wisconsin

May 11, 2026

Todd A. Lee, age 69, passed away on May 12, 2026 after a battle with depression. He was born in Beloit, WI on May 15, 1956, the son of Arnold T. and Marica A. (Miller) Lee. Todd graduated from Beloit Memorial in 1974. He served in the Navy from 1974 until 1981. He also served in the Navy Reserve and Army National Guard until his retirement from the military in 2002. On September 13, 1980 he married Margaret Bowen at St Mary Catholic Church in Janesville.He lived in Janesville and most of his career was spent in controls and automation engineering, including 20 years at Rath Manufacturing in Janesville.Todd was a member of Nativity of Mary Catholic Church.As a boy Todd loved to visit his grandparents’ farm in Minnesota. Todd loved his woodworking and home improvement. He was constantly in the midst of a project and learning a new skill.…

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Dorothy Ione Illbeck

, Wisconsin

Dorothy Ione Illbeck, age 98, passed away peacefully at home in Janesville on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. She was born on December 23, 1927, in Merrillan, WI, the daughter of Oliver and Selma Oline (Mickelson) Heath. On August 9, 1947, she married James Willard Illbeck in Merrillan.Dorothy was a huge college basketball fan, but also loved cheering on the Brewers, Cubs, Packers, and Badgers. She also loved to work craft shows, collect cow memorabilia, and her annual tradition of making lefsa. Most of all, she will be remembered for her talent of baking and decorating cakes.Dorothy is survived by her children: James (Deb) Illbeck, Keith (Deanna) Illbeck, Kay (Timothy) Ransom, and Mary (Eric) Hayden; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings: Orville Olsen, Mary Jane (Bill) Kakuske and Susan Hart; and sisters-in-law: Clarita Mather and Nancy Illbeck. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five children: Terry Illbeck, JoAnn Illbeck,…

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John Elver Richardson

, Wisconsin

John Elver Richardson, age 72, passed away peacefully at home in Janesville surrounded by his children and grand-children on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. He was born on September 29, 1953, in Janesville, the son of Elver Silas and Berneta Louise (Woletz) Richardson.John was employed with GM for 33 years where he made many, many lifelong friends. John had a love of the outdoors, including fishing, camping, and going for a ride in one of his convertibles. He especially loved ice fishing; his close friend Steve spent many hours on the ice with him. When John was at home, he enjoyed feeding the orioles and hummingbirds in his yard or simply the company of his loving chihuahua, Daisy.John is survived by his daughters, Rachael (John) Lewandowski and Julie (David) Duncan; six grandchildren: Izak, Victoria, Logan, Izabella, Marcus, and Nicole; and his special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by…

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