Obituaries

Don Alden Evje, affectionately known as “Painter,” was born on October 22, 1959, in Racine, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, JoAnn Vivian Evje (née Kosloske) and Carl Alfred Evje. Don grew up in Caledonia, Wisconsin, and graduated from J.I. Case High School with the Class of 1978. In his younger years, he worked on various local farms before beginning a long career as a Master Painter at Wyss Auto in Cudahy. He later moved to Iron Ridge, Wisconsin, where he helped a friend start Dodge County Cycle. Don eventually finished his working years on the road as a semi-truck driver for Kreilkamp Trucking. Don is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary (Messner) Evje; his daughters, Danielle Evje, Carlie Crego (Richard), and Theresa Vytlacil; and his grandchildren, Taylor Woldseth (Joshua), Kelsie Mitchell, Brooklyn Mitchell, Victoria Crego, Wyatt Crego, Scarlett Crego, Jerimya Vytlacil, and Jacob Vytlacil. He is also survived by his brother Douglas (Sara) and Dirk (Michelle). He is further survived by many dear friends and extended family members who were fortunate to know him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at The Iron Ridge Inn Restaurant, 131 S. Main Street, Iron Ridge, Wisconsin 53035.

James Paul Rizor, age 74, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was born on July 6, 1952, in Pennsylvania, to the late John Rizor and Wilma (Quinn) Rizor. James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he worked in construction, a career that reflected his hardworking and determined nature. James will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Karen (Kolodzyk) Rizor; his children, Leeann Rizor and Christopher (Angelique) Case; and his grandchildren, Dylan, Gabby, and Alivia, who brought great joy to his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Wilma Rizor, and his son, James Rizor. James will also be deeply missed by his longtime buddy, Kenny Lovas, as well as his cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends who were blessed to know him. James leaves behind memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. His family and friends will remember him for the life he shared with them and the special place he held in their hearts. No services have been finalized at this time.

In Loving Memory of Mary Rose Georg. Mary Rose Georg, born in Wisconsin on July 7, 1943, passed away on September 7, 2026 in Mequon, Wisconsin at the age of 83. Family is not sharing service information at this time. Please keep them in your thoughts. May she rest in peace.

Diana Sue Wegner, 71, of Rochester, WI, passed away on the evening of September 3, 2026 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee surrounded by her three sons and family. 4th of 8 children, Diana was born on Valentine’s Day 1955 in Des Plaines, IL to John and Vera Wegner. Growing up Diana loved picking tulips and being mischievous. She was often found singing to herself, and she always looked good in yellow. Diana was known for her quick wit and infectious laugh, but more importantly for her kindness. She loved family get togethers, always bringing the best baked beans anyone ever had. She could always be found rooting for the Cubs and Bears, even during their losing streaks. But, above all, Diana treasured her three sons Jonathan, Christopher, and Tyler and especially her grand children. Diana is survived by her children Jonathan McCracken, Christopher (Jaclyn) McCracken, Tyler (Bricia) McCracken; her grandchildren Lexi, Kendall, Devin, Benjamin, Connor, Isabella, Charlotte, and Adalynn; her siblings Barb (Keith) Swichtenberg, Janice Link, Linda (Warren) Heir, Carol (Chuck) Wendt, Tamora (Jon) Ramsdell, David (Janis) Wegner. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, in-laws, and friends. Diana was preceded in death by her parents John and Vera Wegner, her sister Cynthia (Dan) Flodin, and her ex-husband Mickey McCracken. A celebration of Diana’s life will be held Saturday October 10, 2026 in the old Lake Zurich Firehouse located at 77 S Old Rand Road Lake Zurich, Il 60047 at 2pm. And when we find ourselves missing her most, may we look for her in the laughter of her children, the smiles of her grandchildren, the stories we share, and the love she so freely gave, for that is where she will always be.

In Loving Memory of Sandra Lee Foley Sandra Lee Foley, born in Illinois on March 10, 1949, passed away on August 30, 2026 in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin at the age of 77. Family is not sharing service information at this time. Please keep them in your thoughts. May she rest in peace.

In Loving Memory of Melinda Maureen Yuhas Melinda Maureen Yuhas (Manke), of Jefferson, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the age of 51. She was born on December 19, 1974, in Chicago, Illinois. Melinda was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, compassionate caregiver, and a friend to so many. Melinda leaves behind her beloved husband, Trevor Yuhas; her two daughters, Mariah Oestreich and Mikayla Yuhas; and her cherished grandson, Theo Oestreich, who brought so much joy and love into her life. Melinda had a heart that seemed to have room for everyone—especially animals. She was happiest caring for the many animals she loved, including her four dogs, goats, chickens, and turkeys. She had a special gift for providing animals with loving, safe homes and was always willing to help others care for their animals as well. Her compassion extended far beyond words; she showed her love through the countless lives she cared for and helped. Melinda was generous, hardworking, funny, and never afraid to have a little fun. She loved playing pranks and bringing laughter to the people around her. Her sense of humor, kind heart, and willingness to help others made her someone who was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Melinda dedicated her entire working life to nursing. Through her career, she cared for and helped countless people, giving them comfort, compassion, and kindness when they needed it most. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she left a lasting impression on many lives. Melinda was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Manke; her father, Delbert Sr. Manke; her brother, Delbert Jr. Manke; and her brother, Jeffrey Buchanan. Though Melinda’s life was far too short, the love she gave will continue through her family, the people she cared for, and the many animals she rescued and loved. Her laughter, generosity, mischievous spirit, and enormous heart will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of her family and all who knew and loved her. Memorial Donations  In memory of Melinda, whose heart was always open to animals in need, her family kindly asks that donations be made to local animal shelters or rescues in her honor. Melinda found so much joy in caring for animals and giving them the love and safe homes they deserved. A donation in her memory would be a beautiful way to carry on her legacy of compassion and kindness, helping animals in need feel the same love she so freely gave.

Michael W. Gulsvig, 75, of Germantown, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in his home on August 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. Mike was born on December 28, 1950, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Walter and Jeannette Gulsvig. He attended high school in Davenport, North Dakota, and proudly graduated from North Dakota State University. He built a successful career in marketing and management, working with International Harvester, J.I. Case, and Tennant Company. In 1971, he married Shirley (Olson) Gulsvig at Helendale Church, and together they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage. Mike is survived by his wife, Shirley Gulsvig; daughter, Phylane (Jason) Slutzky; son, Matthew Gulsvig; and his grandchildren, Sawyer and Silvia Slutzky. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Gulsvig; his mother, Jeannette (Glock) Gulsvig; and his grandson, Isaac Slutzky. In keeping with Mike's wishes, a private family service was held. Those wishing to honor his memory are invited to make a contribution to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or a meaningful charity of your choosing

In Loving Memory of Janis Lee Gotz. Janis Lee Gotz, born in Wisconsin on August 19, 1943, passed away on August 21, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the age of 83. Family is not sharing service information at this time. Please keep them in your thoughts. May she rest in peace.

Gary S Dankert, age 72, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026. Gary was a man of remarkable patience. Known for his easy going energy, patriotism, and a meticulous clean nature that reflected his deep pride in everything he did. Gary loved the summer season and shared countless adventures with his family. Camping at Castle Rock Lake was a tradition he especially enjoyed. He was in his element jet skiing with his sons and many friends on Big Cedar Lake and the Wisconsin River. Gary was a devoted father to his two sons and a supportive brother to his sister, who was also his best friend. They shared an unbreakable bond filled with many stories of life’s hurdles and their perseverance with each others loving support. Gary was preceded in his death by his parents, Louise and William Dankert, and his older brother Gordy Dankert. Gary is survived by his two sons Matthew and Kyle Dankert; his sister Robin Nichols; his niece Jamie (Travis) Laux; his nephews Jason (Lynette) Dankert; Nick (Cassndra) Dankert; and many family and friends. A celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.