Obituaries

Mar 9, 2026

Katherine "Kathy" Lynne Urbanek, age 66 of Eau Claire passed away on Monday, March 9 2026.

She was born to Dean and Nora Urbanek in Rockford, Illinois on February 15, 1960. In her early childhood, she grew up in Rockford, Illinois until 1971. Her family then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas and she lived from 1971 until 1995 where...

Mar 9, 2026

Jack "Bud" Gerlach, P.E. passed away on Monday, March 9th 2026 peacefully at home with family by his side.

Jack is survived by his wife of 52 years Jane, son Jeremy, daughter Hilary and fiancé Jeff, and two granddaughters that he adored, Sloane and Kameron.

He is preceded in death by his father Jack R Gerlach, mother Norma Joyce...

Mar 8, 2026

Eloise Jay Van Tassel, 84, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away on March 8th, 2026. Eloise, originally named Eloisa Isela Chacon, was born in El Paso, Texas on February 15th, 1942, to Jose and Celia Chacon. She graduated from Irving High School in El Paso, Texas. Eloise worked in Quality Assurance for Presto in Alamogordo, New Mexico for many years.

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Mar 7, 2026

Mike Penny, 74, of River Falls, passed away on March 7th.

Mike was born on August 9, 1951 to Leo and Rosemary in Hudson, WI. At age 19, Mike was drafted into the US Army where he was later honorably discharged.

After leaving the service, Mike worked in the marine industry and was employed by Kings Cove Marina. Mike was...

Mar 5, 2026

Michael James Soronen, age 81, died Thursday, March 5, 2026, at his home in Thorp, WI. Michael was born December 10, 1944, in Park Falls, WI to Charles and Buelah (Lemke) Soronen. Mike married Marjorie Mazes on August 20, 1966. They were married for 38 years until her passing in 2005. Mike spoke very fondly of his late wife and...

Mar 5, 2026

Ruth Mae Thompson, age 90, of Eau Claire passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Ruth was born May 24, 1935, in Trempealeau County to Theodore and Nina (Olson) Berg, the fifth of thirteen children.

Ruth met Rodney Thompson during their freshman year at Whitehall Memorial High School. They married on October 30, 1954, while Rodney was...

Mar 3, 2026

Judy Goodwin, age 78 of Chetek WI , passed away on Tuesday March 3, 2026 in Rice Lake.Arrangements are pending.Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.

Mar 2, 2026

Richard C. Kling, age 88 of New Richmond, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Deerfield Gables in New Richmond.Arrangements are pending.Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.

Feb 28, 2026

Julia Swartz, age 56 of Eau Claire, passed away on Saturday February 28, 2026 in Eau Claire.Arrangements are pending.Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.

Feb 26, 2026

William Scott Ottinger, age 60, died Thursday, February 26, 2026, at his home in Chippewa Falls, WI. William was born August 22, 1965, in St. Paul, MN to Aldon and Donna (Krszjzaniek) Ottinger. William was an avid sports fan with his favorites being the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. He enjoyed going to local games with his brothers and caregivers. He...

Feb 23, 2026

Donna Jean Naedler, 53, of Bloomer, Wisconsin, passed away on February 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Donna was born on June 2, 1972, in Neillsville, Wisconsin. She grew up on her family farm in Granton alongside her three sisters, Debbie, Lisa, and Sandy. She graduated from Granton High School and went on to dedicate 32 years...

Feb 22, 2026

Carol Ann Hillert (Kohel), 85, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on February 22, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center in Neillsville.

Carol was born at home on January 17, 1941, in Auburndale, Wisconsin, to Hilda (Bohn) Kohel and Charles Kohel. She attended Auburndale Elementary School and graduated from Granton High School in 1959.

On November 19, 1966, Carol...

Feb 22, 2026

Feb 21, 2026

Roger L. Flaskrud, 71, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away on February 21, 2026.

​Life & Career

Roger was born in Eau Claire on March 12, 1954. A proud graduate of North High School, he went on to earn a technical degree in welding-a craft he turned into a lifelong career. Roger worked as a dedicated welder at Phoenix Steel...

Feb 21, 2026

Barbara A. Kopplin age 91, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away in Eau Claire on February 21, 2026.

She married Attorney David F. Kopplin and they were together for 40 years. In her working career, she was employed by Marquette University for 30 years preparing graduates for career employment, having retired as Director of the Career Service Center.

Barbara is survived...

Feb 21, 2026

Bernice "Beaty" McRae BestulBeloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend



Beaty Bestul of Eau Claire, a cherished soul whose kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the age of 94.

Born on November 5, 1931 in Chatfield, Minnesota to John and Olive McRae. Beaty was the middle child...

Feb 20, 2026

Richard L. Lindahl, age 87 of Eau Claire, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Eau Claire.Arrangements are pending.Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.

Feb 18, 2026

James L. Wellner, age 85 of Edson Township, Chippewa County, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Bee Hive Homes of Eau Claire. He was born on July 18, 1940 to the late Joseph and Eleanor Wellner.

He grew up on the family farm in Edson Township and graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School. He bought his first motorcycle at...

Feb 16, 2026

Pat L. Allen passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, surrounded by family at Cambridge Senior Living in Hudson, WI. He was born on July 21, 1955 to Frank (Bud) and Marian Allen and raised in Cumberland, WI. Pat graduated from Cumberland High School in 1973. Following graduation, he entered the work force in retail positions at Gambles and Erickson's...

Feb 15, 2026

Frances Gemma Campbell, age 97 of Eau Claire, passed away with on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire.Arrangements are pending.Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.