Obituaries

CROSS PLAINS–James G. “Jim” Miller, 59, of Cross Plains, passed away peacefully on Sept. 13, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his four children. He was born on March 21, 1964, in Zion, IL, the son of James “Sunny” Miller and Ruth (Rogers) Cross.

Jim graduated from Southland High School in Cardwell, MO. He married Lynn on Sept. 18, 1982. He worked as a foreman for Olson Toon Landscaping for 32 years. He had an incredible work ethic, was a talented landscaper, enjoyed working with his hands (he could fix just about anything) and was passionate about cars.

Jim loved listening to classic rock, building things (most recently he began building 3D wooden models) and motorcycles–Harley Davidsons. One of his favorite things was spending time with family and friends.

Darlene ‘Darce’ Endres

PRIARIE DU SAC–A celebration of life will be held for Darlene “Darce” Endres on Sept. 16 from 1-4 p.m. at Lake Wisconsin Country Club at N1076 Golf Rd., Prairie Du Sac. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Darce passed away on June 26, 2023 at the age of 76.

BLACK EARTH–Frances I. “Fran” (Schlimgen) Michels-Beuthin, 90, died on Sept. 4, 2023, just four days shy of her 91st birthday. She was born on Sept. 8, 1932, to Arthur and Florence (Goelz) Schlimgen and grew up in Madison.

MIDDLETON–Joan Elizabeth Knudson, age 92, of Middleton, passed away on July 27, 2023, at BeeHive Homes of Oregon. Joan was born on March 21, 1931, in Elkhorn, the daughter of Max and Mabel (Evans) Wolters.

Joan graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1949 and graduated from Mercy Hospital Nursing School in 1952. She married Richard (Dick) Knudson on Jan. 17, 1953, in Elkhorn. Joan worked as a Registered Nurse for 30 years on the maternity floor at St. Mary's Hospital until she retired in 1993.

DEFOREST–Daniel "Dan" Pierstorff, 55, of DeForest, passed away on June 28, 2023, at UW Hospital due to liver disease and a stroke. He was born on Oct. 12, 1967, in Madison, the son of Robert and Lois (Tiedeman) Pierstorff.

In Dan's youth he and his brother, Paul, would play with toy trucks and farm equipment for hours pretending to farm outside in the dirt or inside on the living room rug. In his teen years Dan joined FFA and loved raising his beef cattle on the family farm and dreamed of maybe becoming a farmer.

Dan graduated from Middleton High school in 1986 and enjoyed working as a truck driver for various companies over the years delivering meats and produce or farm supplies from the CO-OP. In later years Dan obtained his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

MIDDLETON–Darlene Helen (Acker) Endres, known affectionately as ‘Darce” to friends and family, passed away age 76 on June 26, 2023 at Russell Manor in Ripon. Darlene was born on Sept. 2, 1946, in Madison, the daughter of Joseph Acker Sr. and Elizabeth (Ziegler) Acker. She lived a life full of passion and friendship, touching the lives of those around her with her vibrant spirit.

Darlene graduated from Middleton High School in 1964. Prior to her retirement, she worked at the University of Wisconsin as a data processor and as an accountant and tax preparer at H&R Block.

Darlene will be remembered for her gentle and friendly nature and the joy she found in her family, friends and hobbies. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, golfing, listening to music and dancing. She was a huge Packer fan and loved to travel. 

MIDDLETON–Holy Wisdom Monastery will celebrate its 70^th anniversary with an event planned on July 9.

The monastery has seen some changes over the years and its prioress of 43 years, Sister Mary David Walgenbach, gave some history of the space last week. 

The monastery began as a Catholic high school when the original building was constructed in 1956.

“It used to be farmland,” said Walgenbach, who came to the monastery in 1959 and has been there ever since.

Bishop William P. O’Conner, who lived across the road from where the property sits on CTH M. brought in three Sisters of St. Benedict from Sioux City, IA to help start the school.

“It was a school for girls, a grade was added every year until 1959,” said Walgenbach.

The school was only in existence for seven years and closed in 1966.

MIDDLETON–Syrie Schmitz, 71, passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2023. She was born on Nov. 7, 1951, in Iron Mountain, MI, the daughter of Stanley and Marjorie (Meyers) Nestingen.

Syrie graduated from James Madison Memorial High School, then continued her studies at UW-Oshkosh, where she received her bachelor’s degree. She was united in marriage to Thomas Schmitz on Aug. 15, 1981, in Madison.

Syrie worked as a teacher for the Madison Area Metropolitan School District for over 25 years before her retirement, primarily working at the school now known as, Vel Phillips Memorial High School. She enjoyed knitting, reading, volunteering and especially spending time with her family and friends.

MIDDLETON­–Nancy Acker-Skolaski, 68, of Waunakee, lost her long and courageous battle with cancer on June 6, 2023. She was born April 3, 1955, to Walter J. and Magdalene (Ziegler) Acker. She graduated from Waunakee High School in 1973.

After they spent many years working for Felly's Flowers and Greenhouses, Nancy and Stan took over her father’s orchid business in 1990 and spent 17 years working side by side, providing gardening tips and smiles to all their customers. Nancy's incredible floral design skills were sought after for weddings, proms, and many other special occasions.

MADISON–Judith A. "Judi" Green, 79, of Madison, passed away on May 30, 2023. She was born on March 3, 1944, in Sturgeon Bay, the daughter of Harvey Fairchild and Dorothy Krause.

Judi graduated from Gibraltar High School in 1962 and went on to earn her degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1966. In 1967, Judi married the love of her life, Douglas Green.

Judi dedicated her life to helping others, working as a social worker for Dane County. Throughout her distinguished career, she was highly respected by the Dane County Human Services and made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families.

Judi had a passion for the arts and frequently attended performances at The Overture Center. She was an avid ballroom dancer and could often be found showing off her latest pair of dancing shoes on the dance floor.