Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Julie Higbee

Julie Higbee

2026

Julie Higbee, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She was born on September 18, 1959, and was raised in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She arrived 10 minutes after her twin brother Jim, and was a surprise to everyone including the doctors...

Jeffery K. Arndt

Jeffery K. Arndt

2026

Jeffery K. Arndt, age 73, of De Pere, WI, passed away on July 5, 2026. Jeff was born in Manitowoc, WI on December 15, 1952. He graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School with the Class of 1970.

In 1972, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Nuclear Weapons Electronics Specialist, and was honorably discharged in 1974. Following his service in...

Ann M. Zelinski

Ann M. Zelinski

2026

Ann M. Zelinski, age 65, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on July 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ann was born in Manitowoc on November 18, 1960, to her parents James and Dolores (Ozga) Rezba. She attended Holy Innocents Catholic School and then graduated from Roncalli High School in 1979. Ann then graduated...

Mark E. Schelwat

Mark E. Schelwat

Jun 28, 2026

Mark E. Schelwat, age 69, of Manitowoc, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

Mark was born on May 13, 1957, in Sheboygan to his parents, Edmund and Ruth (Berger) Schelwat. He attended Sheboygan North High School and went on to have a successful career as an over-the-road truck driver, traveling all across the country....

Robert J. Orth

Robert J. Orth

Jun 28, 2026

Robert J. Orth, age 82, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Sunday morning, June 28, 2026 at the Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay.

Bob was born on March 28, 1944 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Herbert and Grace Panosh Orth. Bob attended Lincoln High School and graduated with the class of 1962. He...

Timothy W. Bruzzino

Timothy W. Bruzzino

Jun 23, 2026

Timothy William Bruzzino, age 51, passed away on June 23, 2026, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, following a long, hard-fought battle with alcoholism that ultimately led to liver failure. While his disease took a heavy toll on his health in recent years, it does not define the entirety of the brilliant, sharp, and uniquely humorous man he was.

Tim was born on January...

Bernice A. Mason

Bernice A. Mason

Jun 23, 2026

Bernice A. Mason, age 76, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2026 at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers.

Bernice was born on May 5, 1950 in Two Rivers to the late Arthur and Josephine (Hutchison) Klein.

There are some people who walk into a room and instantly change it — not because they’re loud, not because they’re...

Steven C. Wedel

Steven C. Wedel

2026

Steven C. Wedel passed away on June 22, 2026, at age 73. Steve was born on October 17, 1952, in Charleston, South Carolina to his parents Charles and Anne (Kodai) Wedel. The family settled in Manitowoc and Steve graduated from Lincoln High School in 1970. He went on to attend the University of California - Davis and received his Bachelors...

Valerie Michelle Schaefer

Valerie Michelle Schaefer

Jun 13, 2026

Valerie Michelle Schaefer was a devoted mother whose greatest joy and proudest accomplishment were her children, Brandon Schaefer and Brianna Schaefer. She loved them fiercely, unconditionally, and dedicated her life to supporting and caring for them.

Valerie had a vibrant, bubbly personality that could light up any room. Her contagious laughter, uplifting spirit, and ability to make others feel welcomed left...

James W. Bergner

James W. Bergner

Jun 12, 2026

James W. Bergner passed away peacefully with family by his side on June 12, 2026, at age 85. Jim’s story began on August 19, 1940, when he was born to Woodrow and Julie (Bauer) Bergner in Wausau, Wisconsin. Growing up in Mishicot, WI, Jim developed a lifelong love of sports. Often coached by his father, he played football, basketball, and...

Harriet T. Peach

Harriet T. Peach

Jun 11, 2026

Harriet T. Peach, age 100, a resident of the Villas at Felician Village in Manitowoc, entered Eternal Life on June 11, 2026, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls.

Harriet was born on August 3, 1925, in Chicago, IL, to her parents Harry and Anna (Napolski) Szyperski. After graduating high school, she worked with her father at her uncle’s...

William J. Kurth

William J. Kurth

Jun 9, 2026

William J. “Bill” Kurth, age 81, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at St. Mary’s Home under care of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice.

Bill was born on July 6, 1944 at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc, to the late William P. and Loyola (Buchner) Kurth. He attended St. Paul’s Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1962....

John W. Grapentine

John W. Grapentine

Jun 8, 2026

John W. Grapentine, age 72, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Monday, June 8, 2026 at his home.

He was born April 20, 1954, son of the late John A. and Gladys (Jachimstal) Grapentine. John attended Lincoln High School. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing and camping. In his younger years, John liked to hang out with friends and enjoyed...

Mary M. Klawonn

Mary M. Klawonn

Jun 4, 2026

Mary M. Klawonn, age 61, a resident of Manitowoc, and formerly of Plymouth and Kenosha, entered eternal life with family by her side on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at New Day Assisted Living in Manitowoc.

Mary was born on May 29, 1965 in Kenosha to the late Raymond and Linda (Corradini) Koski. She graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in...

Gary J. Wasurick

Gary J. Wasurick

Jun 2, 2026

Gary J. Wasurick, age 75, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at ThedaCare Medical Center – Neenah, surrounded by his family.

Gary was born May 15, 1951, in Manitowoc, to the late Robert and Elizabeth (Kates) Wasurick. From a young age his paternal grandparents Lillian and James Wasurick played a large role in his life, eventually...

Cheryl Ann Morton

Cheryl Ann Morton

May 31, 2026

Cheryl Ann Morton, 70, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, in Manitowoc, WI. Born on April 9, 1956, Cheryl lived a life filled with love and dedication to her family.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Christopher Morton; her son, Michael Keller; her daughter, Amanda Boeker; and her cherished grandchildren: Blake Keller, Erik Keller, Myleah Keller, Evelyn Keller, and...

Ruth Ann Herriges

Ruth Ann Herriges

May 30, 2026

Ruth Ann Herriges of Jericho, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Saturday May 30, 2026, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Ruth Ann was born April 13, 1955 to Clem and Lillian (Sippel) Herriges. After High School she worked at ARPS Corporation in New Holstein, Wisconsin, before moving to Green Bay and working in the restaurant business.

On July 1, 1972 she was married to...

Elizabeth "Liz" L. Ochs

Elizabeth "Liz" L. Ochs

May 29, 2026

Elizabeth L. Ochs, age 66, a Manitowoc resident, passed away peacefully Friday, May 29, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born January 29, 1960 in Two Rivers, daughter of the late Wesley and Winifred (Loeser) Coenen. Liz attended Mishicot High School, graduating with the class of 1978. On April 29, 2000, she married Duwayne Ochs at...

Donna L. Buchholz

Donna L. Buchholz

May 26, 2026

Donna L. Buchholz, age 89, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers.

She was born August 30, 1936 in Marinette, WI, daughter of the late Alfred ‘Swanny’ and Astrid ‘Auty’ (Ostling) Swanson.

Donna grew up in Marinette and later spent time in Chicago working for the Salvation Army and finished her schooling, lived in...

Richard J. Hall

Richard J. Hall

May 25, 2026

Richard James Hall, age 86, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at his home.

Richard was born on February 27, 1940, in Manitowoc, to the late Samuel Hall and Lorraine (Milske) Carrol. Richard graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1958 and served in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge. Richard then...

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