Obituaries

CROSS PLAINS- Robert J. “Bob” Westphal, of Cross Plains, was called to rest on Aug. 29, 2020, surrounded by his wife and family after 95 years of a life well-lived. He was born on July 26, 1925, to Otto and Helen (Parman) Westphal at home in the Town of Berry. Following a successful blind date, Bob married Lorraine Greenheck in 1947. By each other's side for over 73 years, they raised six children and stayed strong in their faith. 

Bob was a lifelong farmer who worked hard, a husband who loved his wife, a father who loved his children and a neighbor who was always there to lend a hand. Many knew Bob from his long-time livestock trucking business and farming days in Cross Plains and Soldiers Grove.   

More recently, Bob enjoyed going for drives, feeding his orioles, and talking about the good ol’ days with family, friends and the Saturday breakfast crew. His familiar stories were always time-stamped with the year of whatever Model-T or tractor was involved.  

MIDDLETON–Ruth Clare Wood, age 85, of Middleton, passed away on Aug. 3, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on Dec. 17, 1934, in Portage, the daughter of Eugene and Esther (Gerstenkorn) McMahon. Ruth graduated from Portage High School. She married the love of her life, John "Jack" Wood, on Dec. 28, 1957.

Ruth was a longtime resident of Middleton, living in and staying involved in the community for over 50 years. She worked for the City of Middleton for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1998. She enjoyed spending time with her friends in card clubs, playing Bridge, bowling, traveling and shopping. Most of all, Ruth loved spending time with her grandkids and attending all of their events and activities. She loved celebrating the holidays with her family, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, and she brought joy to everyone with her presence. Her bright smile and kind heart will be missed by all who knew her.

MADISON - Von Lenord Byrd, age 81, of Middleton, passed away on Aug. 9, 2020. 

He was born on June 17, 1939, in Sevierville, TN, the son of Frank Byrd and Joanna (Lane) Byrd. Von graduated from Sevier County High School as Salutatorian of his class, and received a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and an MS from North Carolina State University in Raleigh. 

Von came to Madison to work at the US Forest Products Laboratory. He married Maralyn Pongratz on Dec. 18, 1965. He returned to Raleigh to pursue his Ph.D. in Wood and Paper Chemistry, which he received in 1971. In 1975 Von moved his family to Stockholm, Sweden, where he did a post-doctoral year of study at the Swedish Forest Products Research Laboratory.

CROSS PLAINS–Joyce E. (Murphy) Blair, age 92, of Cross Plains, died peacefully at home on July 30, 2020.  She was born on July 1, 1928, in Dane County, to Joseph L. and Gladys (Garfoot) Murphy. She grew up in rural Pine Bluff and graduated from Mount Horeb High School.  

As a single parent, her devotion to her four children was unmatched. She worked hard all her life including several years at Badger Ordinance, SPL, Oakwood, and Rest Haven nursing homes, finally retiring at age 81. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church and Cross Plains American Legion Auxiliary (Unit 245). She proudly carried our flag in parades for many years.

Boyd F. Johnson

VERONA/FT. MYERS FL–Boyd Frank Johnson, age 75, passed away July 23, 2020. He was born the son of Sype and Ethel Johnson in Rockford, IL. Boyd is survived by his brother Dennis Johnson of Roswell, GA, sister-in-law Diane Johnson, nephew Cliff Johnson, niece Denise Robins, and a grand-nephew Garrett Robins.  

STURGEON BAY–Barbara M. (Tagge) Asher, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away unexpectedly on July 30, 2020 at the age of 77.  Barb was born November 3, 1942, in Green Bay to Roger Tagge and Agnes (Kustka) Tagge. She graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1960. Barb went on to earn her Professional Nursing Diploma from Walther Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL in 1963.  

Barbara grew up at the Tagge Tavern (now the Stage Road Inn) as an only child and attended school in a one room school until high school. She played in the apple and cherry orchards and helped her mother in the dining room of the Tavern, and years after the Tavern has enjoyed new owners, it’s remained a beloved meeting place for the Asher family. 

Barb met Ken Asher in high school and they began dating in 1961. On Nov. 2, 1963, they married in Sturgeon Bay and remained happily together for 47 years until his death in 2010.  They have two children, Jill and Scott. 

MIDDLETON–Sharon Ann Wachholz died July 16, 2020. Sherry was born January 23, 1949 in Manitowoc, the first child of five to Norman and Dorothy Dirkman Wachholz. Sherry had a long challenge with depression and more lately Parkinson’s. Sherry is survived by her husband, Robert Chapman and his daughters, Amber Andrianokos (husband Jim), Kathleen Espich, (husband Sam) and granddaughters Morgan, Taylor, and Shawna; mother, Dorothy Wachholz; aunts, Dolores Dirkman and Dorothy Bouril; uncle, Steve Clingan and family; sister, Pat Woytal (husband Terry and sons Wade, Jay, and Craig); brother, John Wachholz (wife Mary and daughter Amanda and son Ben); sister, Sue Westphal (husband John and daughters Kristin and Katlin); and sister, Sandra “Sam” Wachholz (partner Ron Bilansky). She is survived by many extended family and numerous close friends in Wisconsin and Englewood, FL.

CROSS PLAINS/ MADISON–John Paul Peterson, age 94, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2020, in his home at Oakwood Village, Madison.  His parents were Paul A. Peterson and Sylvia (Kading) Peterson, of Black Earth.  

John grew up in Black Earth and attended the University of Wisconsin where he received a degree in electrical engineering. While attending the university, John met Evelyn Baum; they were married on Dec. 16, 1949, in Williamsville, NY  John and Ev moved to Elmhurst, IL., in 1950, where they lived for almost 40 years. After his career with Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Chicago, John and Ev returned to Wisconsin to retire in Cross Plains, then Madison.  

John loved outdoor activities including sailing, skiing, working in his back yard, and taking long walks in retirement with Evelyn.  

OREGON–Jeffrey Scott "Jeff" Eyers, age 54, of Oregon, passed away on July 18, 2020. He was born on Sept. 1, 1965, in Madison, the son of Neil and Judy (Kemper) Eyers.

CROSS PLAINS - Daniel Albert Meier, age 93, of Cross Plains, passed away on July 5, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 27, 1926, in the Town of Cross Plains, the son of Matt and Christine (Marking) Meier. He married Charlene "Char" (Tourdot) Meier on February 13, 1954 in Belleville. 

He served in the Army from 1954 until 1956. He was a member of the Cross Plains American Legion Post 245. Daniel worked for the Middleton/Cross Plains School Buses as a mechanic for 15 years.

Daniel loved to polka dance and was the best waltz dancer around. He enjoyed going fishing, hunting and playing golf. He was a very meticulous man and found great joy in fixing or making anything. He was known as the best mechanic by many and people often said if he couldn't fix it to just keep it. Daniel loved his cherries. Whether it was chocolate covered cherries or a cherry pie.