Obituaries

May 13, 2026

Mary (Van Asten) Schultz, age 67, Little Chute, our precious angel, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on May 13, 2026 with her loving family and friends by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of immense love, joy, and beautiful memories. She was the cherished wife of Timothy Schultz, with whom...

May 11, 2026

Beverly A. Schmidt, age 95, died Monday, May 11, 2026, at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Appleton. She was born in Fond du Lac, WI on July 3, 1930, to the late Gus and Sadie (nee Johnson) Gueths. She married Lowell M. Schmidt at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac on June 22, 1957. Beverly was a...

May 9, 2026

David Arthur “Dave” Peterson, formerly of Little Chute.

Dave passed away peacefully, with Mary holding his hand to his last breath on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom. On December 1, 2014 Dave was involved in a serious car accident. After Mary could no longer take care of him at home, he was placed at Country...

May 8, 2026

Ellen Gaffney, age 62, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026. She was born on May 18, 1963, to the late John and Helen Gaffney.

Ellen loved spending time with her late significant other, Bill Kilsdonk, and loved her dog Budweiser. She enjoyed playing poker, cribbage, and having a drink with her many friends.

Survivors include her siblings: John (Cindy) Gaffney, Joe...

May 7, 2026

Rosie W. Rojas, of Kaukauna, age 28, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Appleton, the daughter of Juan Rojas and Amy (Wellner) Jacobs. Rosie came into life like a hurricane – vibrant, fearless, and impossible to ignore. Her energy filled every room, and her adventurous spirit carried her toward every new...

May 3, 2026

Steven Anthony Schmalz, age 70, of Menasha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026.

Steven was born on January 19, 1956, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Peter V. Schmalz and Genevieve (Van Gompel) Schmalz, who preceded him in death. He graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School in Neenah, Wisconsin, and spent much of his life working as a truck driver.

On...

Apr 30, 2026

James A. Reinke, Kaukauna, age 80, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 30, 2026. A Kaukauna native, Jim was born on November 25, 1945, to the late William and Madge (Keough) Reinke. He married Barbara Seidl on August 27, 1970. Jim worked for the railroad, spending most of his career with Chicago Northwestern Railway. He enjoyed spending time...

Apr 30, 2026

Joel Edward Quella, Sherwood, age 36, died Thursday, April 30, 2026, of stage 4 melanoma. He was born on February 26, 1990, the son of Ken and Carolyne (Harcus) Quella. Joel worked as a Rural Mail Carrier in Hortonville. He was a strong, quiet and compassionate presence in our daily lives and will be missed beyond comprehension. Joel was an...

Apr 27, 2026

Peter Harold Jochman (Pete), age 68, passed peacefully at home on April 27, 2026. He was born on July 4, 1957, the son of Edward P. and Eunice M. (Schmeichel) Jochman. He grew up on the family farm in Black Creek, WI, and graduated from Seymour High School with the class of 1975. He graduated from Fox Valley Technical College...

Apr 20, 2026

Lynda L. Rode, Little Chute, passed away at her home on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on December 11, 1951, to the late Richard and Dolores (Pivec) Connors.

Throughout her life, Lynda found joy in the simple pleasures—playing cribbage with friends and family, spending time outdoors, and expressing her creativity...

Apr 19, 2026

Gerrit S. Janssen, Kimberly, age 97, died at his home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, April 19, 2026. He was born in Little Chute on June 22, 1928, to the late Peter and Martha (Ebben) Janssen. Gerrit married Marjorie Leanna on July 18, 1953. She preceded him in death on June 20, 2025, after almost 72 years of marriage.

Gerrit...

Apr 15, 2026

Richard G. Cotton, age 74, died peacefully at his home in Little Chute with his wife, Ginger, at his side.

A celebration of life for Richard will be held May 3, 2026, at the GENESIS CLUB (1213 N. Appleton Street, Appleton) beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Genesis Club. 

Live Free, Ride Free

Mar 31, 2026

Patrick D. Stache, Hilbert, age 74, died at his home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.  He was born in Appleton on March 29, 1952, to the late Reuben Stache and Jeanne (Fisch) Anthony.

His passion was farming, and he took great pride in sharing his agricultural knowledge with others and at times using antique equipment.  In his...

Mar 30, 2026

Monday evening, March 30th, 2026, Ruth Ann Gorski went to sleep and left her earthly body.

Ruth Ann, age 88, was born January 2, 1938, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the daughter of George and Marcella (Jackels) Mielke. She married Clarence Gorski on October 20, 1956, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sherwood, Wisconsin.

Ruth Ann was a...

Mar 29, 2026

Chester G. Kaleta II, Appleton, age 75, died Sunday, March 29, 2026.

A private service was held.

Mar 28, 2026

Beverly A. Senso, age 82, died peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, surrounded by immediate family. She was born on July 19, 1943, to the late Edward and Marion (Arnoldussen) Coffey. Bev married the love of her life and her best friend, Gary Senso, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Kaukauna on July 29, 1967. Bev and Gary loved...

Mar 24, 2026

James E. "Pimmers" Adams, of Appleton, age 76, passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.  He was born on June 13, 1949, to the late James and Agnes (Beyer) Adams.  Jim worked as a key punch operator in the U.S. Air Force.  Following his honorable discharge, he worked for 43 years at Graphic Packaging (previously James...

Mar 24, 2026

Dionne M. Patterson, Little Chute, age 73, died at her home on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

No funeral will be held.

Mar 21, 2026

Judith M. Schmalz, age 74, died Saturday, March 21, 2026, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center—Appleton. Judy was born in Appleton on February 18, 1952, to the late Kenneth and Delores (Verhagen) Hennessey. Judy married John Schmalz in Little Chute on April 24, 2004. Judy spent many years working as a teacher's aide in Texas before retiring as an infant...

Mar 14, 2026

Patrick Glen Rydberg, age 74, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026. A man of harmony and heart, Pat lived with a positive disposition, always choosing to see the good in everyone he met.  Music was the heartbeat of Pat's life. He began his career as a music teacher and found a lifelong community in barbershop harmony. An avid...