Obituaries
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Jeffrey L. Dufour December 5, 1959 – October 11, 2025 Jeffrey L. Dufour of Germantown, Wisconsin, passed away on October 11, 2025, at the age of 65, after a long journey with health challenges. Born in Milwaukee on December 5, 1959, Jeff was a graduate of Slinger High School and a lifelong Wisconsinite who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Jeff had an appreciation for the beauty of his home state, often taking short, spontaneous trips to explore its towns and landscapes. One of his favorite destinations was Mickey-Lu-Bar-B-Q in Marinette, where he enjoyed not just the burgers, but the memories made along the way. Those Jeffrey left behind to cherish his memories include his five brothers, David, Michael, Thomas, and Timothy Dufour; and his two sisters: Tracy (James) Breuer and Kristine (Dale) Hendrickson. Jeff also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Gerald and Mary (née Way) Dufour; his sister, Kelly Ciriacks Roesler; and his wife, Barbara Dufour (née Taylor), whose love and companionship he deeply missed. Though his absence leaves a void, we find comfort in knowing Jeff is finally at peace. His life was marked by resilience and strength that carried him through both joyful and challenging times. A private ceremony will be held with the family to honor Jeff’s life and legacy at a later date.
Nelda I. Manter, 91, passed away peacefully on October 11th, 2025, with family present, at Anita’s Gardens of Brookfield. Nelda was born in Indiana, graduated from St. John High School in Dyer, and from Elmhurst University in Illinois. She earned a master’s degree from Western Washington State College. She was employed as a math teacher in Hoppeston, Illinois, and in Columbus, Indiana, before moving to Wisconsin, where she conducted a pre-school in her home for eleven years. She then worked at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as the math specialist in Student Support Services for twenty-seven years, before retiring in 2005. Nelda married her high school classmate Paul Manter. The couple relocated to Wisconsin and bought a home on Lake Neshonoc, where they raised four children. Their beautiful lakefront property was Nelda’s pride and joy. It was the scene of many summer beach parties and winter sledding parties. Nelda was a doting grandmother, and one of her great delights was her grandchildren’s frequent visits for lake fun, rummage sale-ing, and Grandma’s cooking. Special favorites were her spaghetti (made from tomatoes she grew herself) and her raspberry jam (made from raspberries she grew herself). Nelda loved to travel, taking advantage of summers off from work by orchestrating many family camping trips throughout the U.S. When exchange student Nena’s year ended, Nelda packed the entire family up for a roadtrip to Mexico to take Nena home. After Nelda’s retirement (at the age of 71), she and Paul traveled widely with extended family and many friends. They gathered their adult children, spouses, and families for large group vacations in Orlando, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Dells, and Mishicot. Nelda loved going on cruises and visiting different locations, but her favorite place was definitely her home on Lake Neshonoc, where she lived for more than 56 years. Nelda is survived by three children and their spouses: Valerie (Bruce) Kapanke, Vernon (Dawn Manthei) Manter, Venitha (Jim Anderson) Manter, and Jeff Zagar; seven grandchildren: Kalyn (Ryan Saari) and Kendra Kapanke, Erich and Lara Manter, Jake Zagar, and Zoe and Sadie Anderson; brother Melvin (Janet) Piepho, sister-in-law Nancy Piepho, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and youngest daughter, Vadrian. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of West Salem, with a date to be announced soon.
Frank Gerhartz of Milwaukee, WI was taken home to be with his Savior on October 11, 2025 after a 20-year battle with cancer. He was married to his soulmate, Susan (of West Allis, WI), for 62 years and they were still in love. They had 2 beautiful children, Richard and Kimberly. The foundation of Frank’s life was his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. This was evident to all who knew him personally. He was an amazing husband, devoted and loving father, and also a terrific grandfather. By trade, he was an auto body repair man for 48 years, and then in semi-retirement he worked for Menards part-time. He was never lazy, always doing something. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball, trap shooting, deer hunting, and fishing. He also really liked going pheasant hunting with his son and beloved Labrador retrievers. For relaxation he thoroughly appreciated watching Wisconsin sports with his family. He was a master of the grill, and he made the best steaks on planet earth! He attended Word of Grace Bible Church. Besides his own home, he was at church more than any other place. He thoroughly enjoyed greeting and conversing with fellow Bible believing Christians. The sound teaching at Word of Grace helped him in learning the Word of God, which then enabled him to walk by faith in his ongoing Christian life. He came from a large family, and is preceded in death by Don, Virginia, Lyle, Dorothy, Theresa, Walter, Eugene, Dennis, Kenny, and James. He is survived by, Marie, Robert, Ethel, Wayne, and Sandra. He is survived by his children, Rick (Katie) Gerhartz, and their son Isaac, and Kim (David) Schuster and their four sons Andy (Kelsey), John (Ruva), Jake, and Joe. Frank is survived by five great grandchildren, David, Josiah, Luke, Olivia, and Beau. FUNERAL SERVICE to be held Monday, November 3, 7:00 PM at… Word of Grace Bible Church 2660 So. 88 th Street West Allis, WI 53227
Sara Jean Stetter-Decker passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 7th, 2025 surrounded by her family and friends. Preceded in death by her dad Joe Stetter, son Shane Patrick Stetter-Decker and grandparents. Beloved wife of Sean Decker, mother of Katrina Dietrich, Dakota and Ellejean Stetter-Decker. Daughter of Joe and Kathi Stetter, Loving sister of Joe Stetter, Amy (Frank) Medina and Jenny Stetter. Further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and her ex-husband Eric Dietrich who remained good friends until the end. A celebration of life will be held at the Moose Lodge S86W21693 Janesville Rd. Muskego, WI 53150 on Sunday November 16th, 2025 from 12noon to 4pm.
Kilps, Ronald Richard Ronald (Ron) Kilps, 68, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 26, 2025 after a courageous battle with liver cancer. Ron was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 26, 1956, to Richard and Nancy Kilps. He received an Associates Degree in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and worked in this field until his retirement in 2020. He married his soulmate, Megan (Malkowski), on November 3, 1984 and had 3 beautiful children, Emily, Daniel, and Maddie. The foundation of Ron’s life was his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, which was evident to all who knew him. He was an amazing dad, devoted husband, entertaining grandpa, and loyal friend. His sense of humor was like no other (although often inappropriate) and he had the ability to make anyone laugh. Ron's passion was going up to “The Shack” with Pappo and his other close friends. Although hunting and fishing were the main reason for going up to “The Shack”, they were also always able to fit in a "couple hours” at Lake of the Torches and Billy Bob’s. Ron coached all of his kids in various sports and especially enjoyed his time as a soccer coach for the Oak Creek Ladybugs, where he was admired and respected by all of the players. He was an avid Brewers, Bucks, and Packers fan. Ron was a "Mr. Fix-It”; there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. He was truly selfless. He always volunteered to help others but would never ask for help from anyone else. Ron is survived by his 7 siblings, Robert, Nancy, Keith, Joanne, Jackie, Richard, and Janet; his wife Megan; his 3 children, Emily (Eric) Kilps, Daniel (Mariah) Kilps, and Maddie (Chris) Bournelis; and 6 grandchildren, Lily, Emmett, Scottie, Zoey, Murphy, and Callie. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering on Thursday, October 9, 2025 starting at 3 pm at the Oak Creek Lions Club located at 9327 S Shepard Ave, Oak Creek, WI 53154.
In Loving Memory of Gary Michael Acreman. Gary M. Acreman, born in Yuma, Arizona on August 8th, 1959, passed away on September 25th, 2025 in Waukesha, Wisconsin at the age of 66. Family is not sharing service information at this time. Please keep them in your thoughts. May he rest in peace.
In Loving Memory of Brian Duncan Holley 1963-2025 Brian Duncan Holley was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 20, 1963, grew up in Naperville, Illinois and was residing in Algoma, Wisconsin when he passed away on September 23rd, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the age of 62. He was a huge Chicago sports fan, always rooting for the Bears, Cubs, Bulls, and the Blackhawks. He loved the outdoors and the “Up North” vibe and frequently spoke about his trips up to Brule, Wisconsin and fishing and swimming in those frigid waters. Brian had a big heart and demonstrated more love to people than worldly possessions. Brian is survived by brothers Scott (Sandy), Mark (Crissy), and Greg. Brian was always so proud of his niece and nephews; Jake, Krysten and Zak (Scott & Sandy) and Michael and David (Mark & Crissy). Private ceremony will be held amongst close family and friends . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackie Nitchke Center. Click here to donate to the Jackie Nitchke Center.
In Loving Memory of Janice C. Henschel Janice C. Henschel born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on November 11th, 1938, passed away on September 16th, 2025 in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin at the age of 86. Family is not sharing service information at this time. Please keep them in your thoughts. May she rest in peace.
In Loving Memory of Patrick "Pat" Brown Patrick J. Brown born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 27th, 1957, passed away on August 30th, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the age of 67. Family is not sharing service information at this time. Please keep them in your thoughts. May he rest in peace.
Gordon Dean "Gordy" Shogren Jr. 1973 - 2025 Gordon Dean "Gordy" Shogren, Jr., age 52, of Fox Lake, Illinois, passed away on August 21, 2025, at St Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Born on March 28, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois, Gordy lived a life marked by compassion, humor, and unwavering generosity. A devoted husband and father, Gordy is lovingly remembered by his wife Lauren Shogren; his children Carter Shogren, Avery Shogren, Abigail (Elijah) Goodwin, Faith Sobyra, Lillian Sobyra, and Caleb Chrzanowski; his mother Kathleen (Diehl) Harju; sisters Christine Bolz-Hott, Jennifer Fera, and Anessa Kaul; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his father Gordon Shogren, Sr., and his stepfather William Harju. Gordy was a Christ-follower who lived out his faith through everyday acts of kindness. Whether pulling over to help a stranger on the side of the road or offering the shirt off his back to someone in need, he embodied the love and compassion that he believed Jesus had for all people. His actions spoke volumes about the depth of his character and the sincerity of his beliefs. Known for his sharp wit and smart aleck remarks-often delivered with a twinkle in his eye-Gordy brought laughter wherever he went. His sarcasm was legendary among those who knew him best, but it was always paired with a warm heart and an open hand. Gordy found joy in simple pleasures and shared them generously with others. He enjoyed playing card and board games-especially cribbage and Monopoly-and could often be found immersed in role-playing games, enjoying sports, or at the pool table. While he loved to teach his children how to play games, he reveled in beating them at those games even more. He shared his love for golf and disc golf with Carter and his obsession with estate sales and thrift stores with Abby. Gordy was his children's biggest cheerleader, and he attended every game, match, concert, and performance he could, even if it meant watching on his phone. One of his favorite pastimes was attending rock concerts with Lauren; music brought them closer together and created cherished memories they carried throughout their marriage. Gordy was also a huge movie fan, from classic westerns to superhero movies to action and yes, even sappy rom coms. He enjoyed seeing movies with his family, but his favorite thing was to see movies with his movie group. Meeting at the theater, ranking movies, and discussing their rankings was a treasured pastime. Gordy grew up in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, where he attended Zion-Benton High School. He then attended Taylor University, Mississippi State University, and Christian Brothers University. He worked at the Zion Park District and Windyke Country Club in Memphis, TN before working at Abbott Laboratories. After the passing of his father in 2014, Gordy took over his business, Stateline Storage, with his friend and business partner Steve Hollister. In 2017, Gordy received a second chance at life through a kidney and pancreas transplant-a gift that extended not only his years but also deepened his gratitude for every moment. In honor of this life-changing gift, donations may be made to his Donate Life America fundraiser at https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/6586418. Gordy's legacy lives on through the lives he touched with kindness, laughter, and love. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Johnny'z Pour House 10936 Sheridan Rd, Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin. There will be a Memorial service followed by open-ended time to share stories and honor the amazing man that Gordy was. His mother and sisters have also planned a service at Grace Missionary Church 1415 27th St. Zion, IL. at 4pm with time beforehand to greet them.
