Audrey Backeberg was first reported missing after she left her family's home in Reedsburg According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice the family’s babysitter stated that she and Backeberg had hitchhiked to Madison Wisconsin before taking a Greyhound bus to Indianapolis Backeberg was reportedly last seen walking around the corner away from the babysitter Backeberg’s missing person case eventually went cold the case was taken up by a detective with the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin After reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses, the sheriff’s office recently announced that Backeberg had been found "alive and well" and living out of state. The sheriff’s office also stated that Backeberg’s disappearance was by choice. “The sheriff’s office would like to acknowledge the work of investigators, both past and present,” the announcement from the sheriff’s office reads. “Despite the significant challenges that many cold cases present, this resolution underscores both the importance of continued work and the dedication of the Sheriff’s Office to providing answers to families and the community.” saying he'd killed the mother of his child which features a swimming beach and splash pad in the venerable Farmers and and Mechanics Savings Bank building was found dead in the Cylon Marsh Wildlife Area one day after he was reported missing At the time of her disappearance, she was 20 years old and living in Reedsburg. SAUK COUNTY, Wis (Civic Media) – The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office has announced the resolution of a decades-old missing person’s case. The case involves Audrey Backeberg, who disappeared in July 1962. At the time of her disappearance, she was 20 years old and living in Reedsburg. Over the years, investigators pursued numerous leads in an effort to determine Audrey’s whereabouts. Despite these efforts, the case eventually went cold. Earlier this year, the case was assigned to a Sheriff’s Office detective for a comprehensive review as part of an ongoing examination of cold case files. After thorough re-evaluation of all case files and evidence, combined with a re-interviewing of witnesses and the discovery of new insights, the Sheriff’s Office is now able to report that Audrey Backeberg is alive and well, and currently resides out of state. Further investigation has revealed that Ms. Backeberg’s disappearance was her own choice and not the result of any criminal activity or foul play. The Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of all the investigators who contributed to the case.  Despite the significant challenges that many cold cases present, this resolution underscores both the importance of continued work and the dedication of the Sheriff’s Office to providing answers to families and the community. Want More Local News?We've got you. Scan it to get it. News Ethics and Standards | Privacy Policy REEDSBURG, Wis. -- Reedsburg Police have arrested a Minnesota woman on drug charges after finding her hiding in a basement on Saturday, according to a statement from the City of Reedsburg Police Department. Officers were dispatched to a business at around 11:46 p.m. to collect a plastic bag that allegedly contained a white powdery substance that business staff had found. An investigation was conducted, leading to a connected residence. Kiaela R. Bracy, of Winona, was arrested for possession of cocaine (second offense) and possession of a controlled substance. Bracy is believed to have been in possession of Ecstasy. Sign inMail24/7 HelpFor premium support please call: The babysitter said she last saw Backeberg walking away from the bus stop Investigators pursued different leads on her whereabouts for years with no criminal activity or foul play involved The woman who spent more than 60 years listed as a missing person in Wisconsin is now living in another state The case was assigned to a Sauk County detective early this year as part of an ongoing review of all cold case files "That was pretty key in locating death records Hanson phoned the local sheriff's department and asked someone to stop by at the address he found An abusive husband may have been a factor in her disappearance but he promised their conversation would remain private The sheriff's office also did not disclose what state Backeberg is living in According to The Chippewa Herald Backeberg had two children with a former husband Hanson confirmed to the Herald that Backeberg did remarry and has a new last name that he declined to share Hanson told the Herald he notified Backeberg's family members who had mixed emotions but were "elated." Show commentsif (window.performance) {window.performance.mark && window.performance.mark('Middle-0-Rmp');window.performance.measure && window.performance.measure('Middle-0-RmpDone','PageStart','Middle-0-Rmp');}Advertisement Show commentsif (window.performance) {window.performance.mark && window.performance.mark('Middle-1-Rmp');window.performance.measure && window.performance.measure('Middle-1-RmpDone','PageStart','Middle-1-Rmp');}Advertisement Show commentsif (window.performance) {window.performance.mark && window.performance.mark('Middle-2-Rmp');window.performance.measure && window.performance.measure('Middle-2-RmpDone','PageStart','Middle-2-Rmp');}Advertisement the daughter of John and Marie (Demaske) Schneider Diane was a 1964 graduate of Webb High School in Reedsburg John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reedsburg Diane worked for 35 years as a cook for the Reedsburg School District where she took pride in serving generations of students and staff Despite living with severe rheumatoid arthritis believing movement would help her keep going She had a pain threshold higher than anyone we knew yet faced each day with strength and resilience Diane had a special gift for sending birthday cards to people right on time—never early She was an avid gardener who took pride in her floral garden and pots surrounding their home She also canned the many vegetables that she and Tom grew in their garden Diane always loved following Badger basketball and the Brewers She cherished the chronological photo display of her grandchildren she kept on her refrigerator Lutheran in Reedsburg where she served on the Altar Guild She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Ulreka “Reke” Demaske; and her in-laws and Brent (Theresa) Douglas of Prairie du Sac; her grandchildren Marion (Kenny) Wilson; in-laws Don and Shari Douglas nephews along with other relatives and friends A memorial service for Diane will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday Lutheran Church in Reedsburg with Pastor Kris Totzke officiating Visitation will be held on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the church Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice is assisting the family with the arrangements WI was called by God from this life on February 11 Bob had a beloved twin brother and best friend He was born to Florence and August Tourdot on February 17 1939 on the family farm in Reedsburg where he and his family learned the value of a hard day’s work Bob graduated from Webb High School in Reedsburg in 1957 with many lifelong friends He played football at UW-Stevens Point and later graduated from Sauk County Teachers College Following that he received a Masters of Secondary Education from UW-Platteville The majority of his teaching career was at Reedsburg Area Middle School where he taught math for 31 years and also served as a defensive football coach for the Reedsburg Beavers for several years Through the years he would run into students who thanked him for what he taught them in the classroom and appreciated his discipline Robert and Donna (Churchill) Tourdot were married on June 10 1961 at Sacred Heart Church in Reedsburg where they have been long-time members He always enjoyed spending quality time with his daughters and friends above all and considered his family his greatest achievement Bob was someone who found humor in everyday life and was able to pass it along to others with ease Bob and Donna enjoyed traveling (like the trip to Hawaii they won and the time they renewed their wedding vows on the Good Morning America cruise) Friday night cocktails with friends were very common and humor will be deeply missed by his family and friends His spirit will always be with us.  We love you.  Robert was preceded in death by his parents August and Florence Tourdot his mother- and father-in-law Lloyd and Louise Churchill Robert Eugene Tourdot is survived by his cherished wife Donna Mae (Churchill) Tourdot Beloved grandchildren include Kara (Tyler) Ruchti he is survived by his sister Evelyn (Edward) Bulin A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert Eugene Tourdot will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday officiating.  A light luncheon will follow the mass A private burial with Military Honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Reedsburg February 20th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg and on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to the Reedsburg Area Public Schools Athletic Department or the City of Reedsburg Recreation Department -- A 49-year-old Reedsburg woman died Wednesday morning after a crash in the Town of Winfield The single-vehicle crash was reported at around 5:15 a.m An investigation found that an SUV driving north on County Highway K failed to negotiate a corner Middleton VA Hospital in Madison surrounded by family.  as the first of four children to Rollin and Marie (Blau) Mead in Reedsburg WI.  He was a 1960 graduate from Reedsburg Webb High School.  He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era from 1964 to 1966 He was a proud veteran who was dedicated to service of his country he was united in marriage to Rita Biesek.  This union was blessed with two children Bill devoted his working career to being a truck driver This vocation enabled him to work independently as well as engage with patrons which he often described his favorite part of his job.   Prior to entering the service and later worked 42 years as an LP gas sales and delivery driver for United Co-op in Reedsburg.  Throughout his career he was honored multiple times with delivering over one million gallons of LP gas to his customers per year.  He was very proud of this accomplishment Bill was a 50-plus year member of the American Legion Post 350 Reedsburg and served 10 years as Commander.  Bill was instrumental in developing and maintaining the Military Funeral Honor Guard for many years.  It was shared with him just recently that the Reedsburg American Legion Post 350 was honored for being the Best Military Funeral Honor Guard in the State of Wisconsin.  Bill can be very proud of this legacy Bill was also an active member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1916 Reedsburg.  He and his wife Rita were chairpersons of the monthly breakfast for 10 years.  This was project they both considered a labor of love.  Bill was a life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and his faith was a priority in his life.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus organization and was exemplified as a 4th Degree Knight.  He enjoyed spending time with his fellow knights Liam Greenwood (Calee Rudersdorf) and Payton Mead One great-grandson: Jay Rollin Skaife.  He is further survived by one brother: Verllin (Carol) Mead and two sisters: Rollene (Mike) Marslender and Geralyn Dauti brothers-in-law Bill (Fran) Biesek and Marty Biesek sisters-in-law JoAnn Johnson (Joe Sletten) Gwen Biesek Joanne Biesek and numerous nieces and nephews The Mass of Christian Burial for Bill Mead will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg on Friday 2025 at 11:30 a.m.  Burial with military rites at Calvary Cemetery will follow.  Friends and family may call on Thursday evening on Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers memorials of remembrance may be made to American Legion Post 350 Reedsburg Cannon Restoration Project WI 53959; Sauk County Veterans Care Trust Fund WI 53913; or to Sacred Heart Catholic School Endowment Fund The family wishes to express its gratitude to the RAMC Emergency Department and the health care team at William S Middleton VA Hospital in Madison for their excellent care and compassion these past two weeks Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInMADISON (WMTV) - Reedsburg Police reported on Tuesday that a driving complaint led to a man being arrested for allegedly driving under the influence on Monday evening to a report of a vehicle cutting off another vehicle swerving sharply and failing to stop at a stop sign Authorities found the vehicle in the 1400 block of Pineview Drive and spoke with the 31-year-old man they noticed signs of impairment and he was arrested for a second OWI offense The man is also facing charges for disorderly conduct resisting an officer and threat to a law enforcement after officials said he become uncooperative during the arrest Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app Reedsburg Area High School canceled its first two varsity football games this season because of an ongoing investigation involving several players.  The school made the announcement last week only saying the investigation “into a matter in the community” left the varsity team without enough players.  “Due to confidentiality concerns with any issue involving students there is nothing further that can be shared with you about this matter,” the news release said the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department cited nine juveniles for disorderly conduct on Aug 11 after multiple reports of harassment of Amish people in the area.  “Sauk County Deputies were conducting extra patrol in the rural Reedsburg area after multiple reports of harassment behavior towards members of the Amish Community,” according to an Aug 25 press release from the sheriff’s department “Contact was made with a suspect vehicle involved nine juveniles from the Reedsburg area were cited for disorderly conduct.”  Reedsburg High School principal Katie Mathews said she is “devastated that many of the student athletes will be missing out on contests.”  we empathize with our seniors who will be facing a shortened season,” Mathews wrote we are a teaching and learning institution we will never compromise the integrity of the Reedsburg Area High School or its students 30 varsity football games have been canceled it is unclear if the students cited for disorderly conduct will face further disciplinary action from the school.  Officials with the Reedsburg school district did not return requests for further comment.  According to hundreds of social media posts speculating about the event the students were cited after vandalizing property owned by the Amish community including a school and a barn. Students also allegedly threw firecrackers and shot paintballs at horses owned by Amish families The Sauk County Sheriff’s Department would not immediately release further information to WPR Monday because the incident involves juveniles.  Reedsburg resident Amanda Jean posted that she visited several Amish houses that were vandalized and the people she talked to were “kind and forgiving.” Jean is hosting a community dinner on Sept 11 in Reedsburg to raise money for the Amish community According to data submitted to the state Department of Justice there were two reported hate crimes in the county While DOJ does keep data on hate crimes for dozens of protected religious groups and classes it does not have a specific category for the Amish community Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board Education, at her home.  She was born on September 29 the daughter of Gerald and Elizabeth (Lehmann) Zick Mary was a graduate of Richland Center High School.  She later went on to receive her Teaching Degree.  She was an elementary school teacher for 34 years in the Richland Center and Spring Green School Districts.  Mary was awarded the Who’s Who Among American Teachers.  She loved teaching and loved children and was honored to provide education guidance and friendship to many students for so many years 1964 to Michael McMillin.  Together they raised three children Marty and Mitchell.  Mary was an avid golfer and a member of the Reedsburg Country Club where she could be found on the course most days She had a love of music and performed as Maryoke Karaoke for many social outings She was a member of the Sauk County Women’s Pool League reading and dancing.  She was also a longtime member of St She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Michael “Marty” McMillin of Madison and Mitchell (Holly) McMillin of LaValle; grandchildren Jaden and Tristan Fargen of the United Kingdom; sister A memorial service for Mary McMillin will be conducted at 12:00 Noon on Saturday with Pastor Kris Totzke officiating.  Visitation will be held on Saturday March 15 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church Burial will take place a later date in Resting Green Cemetery The Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements the son of Richard and Pamela (Avery) Thompson He was proud of being a third generation driver and equally proud of the millions of safe miles he completed This marriage was blessed with three children Terry had a love for adventure and was an adrenaline enthusiast A couple of his favorite adventures were that of skydiving Terry could walk into a room and make anyone laugh with his endless stories He was also an active member of the Bible Baptist Church in Reedsburg Tiffany; children: Vanessa (Lucas) Hoeschele Ty Thompson and Pauline Bechet; grandchildren: Witten and Preston Hoeschele Jade Bechet; brother Troy Thompson; father-in-law Louis (Margaret) Raupp; brothers and sisters-in-law Sue Thompson and Angie Thompson; nieces and nephews: Eric Funeral services for Terry Thompson will be conducted at 11:30 AM on Saturday with Pastor Fred Weiss and Pastor Chris Anderson officiating Burial will follow in Butterfield Cemetery Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:30 until 8:00 PM at the Farber Funeral Home and on Saturday from 10:30 AM until the time of the service at the church Memorials may be made to the Bible Baptist Church or Fish Family Fight Against Cancer in lieu of flowers the son of Donald and Elizabeth (Hilmer) Farrar He served in the Army from April 1957 to April 1960 in radio repair including two years stationed in Germany He completed a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education administration at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee He worked for Reedsburg School District in various teaching and administrative roles until retirement in 1993 and Drew (Nick); great-grandchildren Emma and Paxton; and brothers Jack (Cheryl) Farrar and Daniel (Kathy) Farrar A private family service will be held at the Reedsburg Veteran’s Memorial at Nishan Park on Monday please donate to the Reedsburg Food Pantry Sylvia Helen Jean Weiss was born on July 28 1926.  She was the daughter of Elsa and Walter Rusch of Reedsburg and younger sister to Marcella (Behn) Sylvia was a nurse’s aide at the Sauk County Health Care Center.  More importantly she gave birth to and raised seven children Glenn Weiss (Mary) and Dianne Harvey (Don).  She was blessed with 12 grandchildren 19 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren Friends and family remember Sylvia as a kind sweet and caring woman.  Her children would say she was also courageous and loving.  On her 98th and final birthday celebration in July she said  “My wish is that you all know how much I love you”  with the additional hope that she had been a good mother we have always known how much you love us and yes Mom’s Christian faith was strong.  When she closed her eyes for the last time on Friday she was prepared to join her Father in Heaven.  She died peacefully at the Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center John Lutheran Church, 307 6th Street A visitation will be held at 10 AM until the time of service at church on Wednesday  A private burial and luncheon will be held for family members please consider a gift in Sylvia’s memory the Reedsburg Food Pantry or Reedsburg Area Helping Hands a nonprofit whose purpose is to “serve children and families by providing food Thank you for your messages of love and support 2024 leaving a void her family cannot fill.  1960 daughter to Ronald “Jerry” and Alma (Schaefer) Hutchens she worked at Kwik Trip and enjoyed spending her time there joking around with both co-workers and customers She would be sure give you the trademarked: “see ya next time”.  She will be remembered for her contagious laugh her superb cooking/baking and being one of the most selfless people you’d ever meet She was a collector of pigs - knick knacks big or small Chris loved crafting and painting and had so looked forward to spending time choosing her next projects with her brother Samantha (Jason) Erie and Hannah Heiking; her grandchildren who she loved dearly - Brycen Erie Connor Herritz and Avery Erie; her brother Alan (Trish) Hutchens; nieces and nephews: Jeremy (Amber) Hutchens She leaves us to join her parents and her brother Duane Hutchens (although he was quite sure she was either adopted or left by the gypsies); as well as beloved grandparents and the memories she gifted us…love you more Visitation will be held from 9 A.M until the time of service.  passed away at Meriter Hospital on October 22 Joy was a graduate of the class of 1985 from Reedsburg Webb High School and of MATC Reedsburg where she studied accounting Joy worked as a server at Denny’s Diner and an analyzer at Lands’ End in Reedsburg long-term and through both positions made many connections she cherished.  Joy loved to spend time with family and enjoyed traveling to places like Door County and nieces were always an adventure with Joy She was blessed to spend time not only with her nieces and nephews but also with her great-nieces and nephews Joy is loved by so many and will be missed dearly Joy was an incredibly kind and caring woman who treated all of her nieces and nephews as her own children and her love will be carried in her family's hearts forever.  Joy is survived by her siblings: Julie Ernstmeyer (Jeff) and Tony Fuller (Taira Schultz); her nieces and nephews: Jessica Connery (Chris) and Clayton Fuller (Kylee); her great nieces and nephews: Maximus and many other special friends dear to her heart and Lauretta and John Fuller; along with many aunts and uncles Funeral services for Joy Fuller will be held at 11:00 A.M 2024 at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg with Deacon Ron Pickar officiating Visitation will be on Monday from 4:00 P.M at the funeral home and on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M of La Valle sadly fought his last battle on October 28th 2024 in his home after a courageous fight with cancer Timothy Lawrence Brandt (Tim aka Bones) was born on December 13 to Lawrence Benjamin Brandt and Joan Marie Brandt in Reedsburg Tim grew up in Reedsburg where he attended Reedsburg Area High School playing football and basketball while working summers for his father at Service Electric he earned a degree in Packaging at the University of Wisconsin Stout he developed even more friendships and a skill in throwing darts he came back to Reedsburg to work at Service Electric and complete his Journeyman and then Masters in Electrical Tim worked for his father at Service Electric of Reedsburg until he eventually became a partner in the business he took over the business and worked there until his final days Tim's pride in Service Electric and all those who work there was unbelievable; the men who work for Service were like his second family Tim met Melissa Brandt and were married at Sacred Heart Church in December of 2004 They quickly added to their family with four beautiful children His family was the only thing he loved over anything else; he never put anything above them Every moment with his kids from the second they were born to watching them grow into the wonderful people they are today was a true visual of love He was such a remarkable father and husband He was able to find the true importance in life and that is love Tim built his family their forever home on the Brandt family farm in 2006 with his bare hands along with family and a devoted friend He loved living on the farm with his family and creating endless memories from building a football field in the front yard and playing with the kids and their friends over the years to hiking in the woods looking for deer sheds Everything he built on the farm was for his family and himself to enjoy together Hunting the farm has become a great tradition with family and friends over the years and one that has created memories for his children that they will cherish forever Tim was predeceased in death by his father Lawrence Brandt His mother and father-in-law Kenneth and Donna Bradley His sisters and brothers-in-law Laurie (Scott) Ross We will remember Tim with love at his Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 until 6:00 pm at the Farber Funeral Home and again on Monday from 9:45 am until 10:45 am at the church We hope to see all his family and friends who can attend the services to help remember Tim and what an amazing man he was Tim’s last advice was to not worry about the small stuff Tim made our world big and our problems small The impact that he had on his family and so many others will be greatly missed but could never be forgotten the family requests donations be made to Pancreas Cancer Fund UW Carbone Cancer Center an organization Tim felt strongly about because of the care he received from Dr Wisconsin Dells Golfers Battle at Reedsburg Invite Wisconsin Dells Golfers battled at the Reedsburg Invite Logan Cunningham finished 12th overall and achieved a personal record of 80 ****************************************** 2024-25 OnFocus Central Wisconsin Area Conferences: Conference and Team Links, Schedules Hear about top athletes and top teams in our area ********************************************** We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected] David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected] a long-time resident of Reedsburg passed away August 12 2024 of natural causes at his home in Reedsburg Peter was an active Christian devotional writer with three books to his credit He had a small tax preparation business in Reedsburg serving his clients conscientiously Peter was a member of New Life Assembly of God church in Reedsburg He also was active in the Reedsburg Legion.  He is survived by his brother Tim of Arkansas He was preceded in death by his wife Jean Knuth of Port Washington and his parents At his request there will not be a memorial service He will be returned to Port Washington to be laid to rest with his wife Jean on the family farm.  He was born on October 17 the oldest son of Harvey and Vera (Pugh) McWilliams Bob attended grade school in LaValle and was a member of the Reedsburg High School Class of 1949 He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard Bob drove a milk truck route for a few years following high school and married Arlene Downing on June 1 1951.  This union was blessed with three daughters.  Arlene preceded him in death in 1982 In 1954 Robert purchased a farm adjoining his parent’s farm in rural LaValle- a place he loved spending time throughout his life.  He enjoyed raising and milking Jersey cows and later raised beef cattle well into his 90’s  Bob was the Constable for the Town of LaValle for many years and a patrolman on Lake Redstone He also maintained his pilot’s license Bob helped to build the 400 Trail under the direction of the DNR and worked on the transport team for the Sauk County Sherrif Department until he turned 90 Bob was united in marriage to Marie (Eastman) Krier in St John’s Lutheran Church in Portage.  She preceded him in death in 1999.  He later married Delores (Fields) Luedtke on July 26 2003.  She preceded him in death in 2022.  Peter’s Lutheran Church of Reedsburg and the Wisconsin Retired Sheriff and Deputy Sheriffs Association He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter TN; grandchildren: Bridgett (James) Hawley Jeffrey (Bonnie) Bennett; 28 great grandchildren; sister Richard McWilliams of Janesville; several nieces and  nephews; along with other relatives and friends McWilliams will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday with Pastor Paul Crolius officiating.  Burial with military rites will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery LaValle.  Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00 PM at the Farber Funeral Home and on Monday from 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM at the funeral home.   the son of James and Margaret (Mortimer) Olson.  Dale was a 1992 graduate of Wonewoc High School.  He went on to study at WTC Dale delivered the Shopper Stopper in the area while being employed with Reedsburg Hardwoods for several years after college.  For the past 12 years Dale was employed with Primex in Reedsburg WI.  This marriage was blessed with one daughter He was a member of the Advent Christian Church in LaValle where he was active in the church choir and enjoyed serving as a counselor at church camp cutting wood and preparing for the hunting season at his cabin.  He especially found happiness in spending time with his daughter Autumn.  Dale was a Packer and Badger fan able to fix almost anything; he had skills in the kitchen and was known for his delicious cooking He will be missed by his family and friends Margaret of Wonewoc; mother and father-in-law Peter and Sharel Hartlaben of Bonduel; sister Paul Olson of Reedsburg and Jerry (Sara) Olson of Wonewoc; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Todd (Nicole) Hartlaben of Shawano; nieces and nephews Olson will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Saturday with Pastor Andy Johnson officiating.  Visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers at the Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center.  She was born on September 3 the daughter of Walter and Ethel (Eden) Tessmer 1935 in Zion Lutheran Church LaValle and Confirmed in her faith on April 16 1949.  Lucy was a 1953 graduate of Cazenovia High School Lucy was united in marriage to Duane Reinecke in Zion Lutheran Church LaValle and became a hard working farm wife Duane preceded her in death in 2018.  An auction of farm machinery was held in 2019 Lucy very much loved her church and church family Old Settlers Association and her quilting club She was known to give her chocolate chip cookies to family Lucy enjoyed sending greeting cards for any and all occasions and she always tried to include a note or letter Her family would like to thank the Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center for the excellent care she has received from them since she became a resident in January of 2023 She was also preceded in death by her parents; son Ken Laukant; step-daughter and son-in-law,Linda and Dennis Hohl; brothers Gus Tessmer and Hollis Tessmer; four infant brothers and sisters grandchildren:  Brian (Tracy) Zietlow Keiran Laukant; great-grandchildren: Vella nephews along with other relatives and special friends Funeral services for Lucille Reinecke will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Tuesday with Vicar Jay Kiel officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery March 4 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center Activities Department Zion Lutheran Stone Church or the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers 2024 at Our House Assisted Living in Reedsburg 1937 to Walter and Esther (Gundlach) Koenecke in the Town of Excelsior Gloria was a 1955 graduate of Reedsburg High School.  On July 7 Virgin Islands.  During their marriage Texas and Arizona.  She worked a variety of jobs in her lifetime including at Reedsburg Egg Company she also ran a taxi service and managed a hotel.  While living in Bullhead NV casino.  Following Tom’s death she returned to Reedsburg and was employed at Ho-Chunk Casino as a cashier.  She loved dogs and ran a dog care business for six years during her retirement.    where she had been baptized and confirmed.  When living in Reedsburg she was an active member of St John where she sang in the choir helped with funeral luncheons and belonged to a Bible study circle.   She also enjoyed volunteering at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center and was recognized for 1500 hours of service.  In her spare time especially embroidering.  Gloria was an avid Packer and Badger fan Gloria is survived by a special nephew Steven Skinner and his family; a very special great-grandnephew William Caden Skinner.  Additionally she is survived by her nephew Keith (Tammy) Koenecke and five nieces Linda (Larry) Williams Kathleen Koenecke, Geri (Larry) Gorman Susan (Will) Abel and Kristine Koenecke (Greg Ketelsen); a sister-in-law Barbara (Michael) Donnelly; brother-in-law Robert Crawford; step daughter Mary Adamczyk; special friend Sue Peterson; along with other relatives and friends.   Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Tom on September 23 Kenneth (LaVonne) Koenecke and Evelyn (William) Skinner; a dear nephew Lenny Koenecke; a brother-in-law Donald Crawford and sisters-in-law Patricia Horton and Constance Batty.   Funeral services for Gloria Crawford will be held Saturday with Pastor Kris Totzke officiating.  A visitation will be held at church from 11:30 A.M A burial will take place at Wood National Cemetery Reedsburg | Cazenovia 1-608-524-2339     1-608-524-2339   please call us.We will begin the process of bringing your loved one into our care right away Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for a year New details have emerged in an alleged harassment case of a Sauk County Amish community that resulted in the School District of Reedsburg canceling the opening two games of the varsity high school football season after players were cited for disorderly conduct According to a redacted incident report shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in response to an open records request nine juveniles were cited for disorderly conduct in connection to a traffic stop near La Valle in Sauk County Sauk County Sheriff's Department deputies were patrolling the area the night of Aug 11 in response to reports of Amish communities in the area experiencing harassment in the form of groups of juveniles lighting off fireworks honking horns and running on to properties and knocking on doors and windows deputies stopped a diesel truck "rolling coal" and a trailing sedan in the area they were patrolling in response to the previous reports and made contact with a juvenile passenger whom the report describes as "visibly nervous." After the deputies explained their reason for patrolling the area one deputy asked the passenger about a used firework container and empty beer cans in the open bed of the truck After initially denying possession of any other firework material one of the juveniles produced a handful of bottle rockets A further search of the truck by deputies also produced a smoke bomb and a black face mask The incident report stated prior reports from the Amish had indicated the use of a smoke bomb on their property and individuals seen in black face masks The incident report includes other deputy contacts made with juveniles in the days after Aug One juvenile claimed to have been "peer pressured" by others to join in the alleged harassment Another admitted to being involved while stating they and others knew "the Amish did not have cameras" and were "an easy target." 24 in connection to the investigation expressed to a deputy her displeasure with the school district being made aware of the incident the School District of Reedsburg acknowledged the inclusion of members of the football program among the nine cited for their alleged involvement The district has also acknowledged that the cancellation of two varsity football games (at River Valley on Aug 30) was in correlation with the alleged conduct of members of the program "It is an understatement to say we were disappointed to learn about the allegations against students enrolled in the District and participating in our athletic program Please understand that not all students involved in the Football program were involved in these incidents The behavior alleged is inconsistent with our values in the District and it is not a reflection of our school community as a whole." Vote for the top football player: Cast your votes: Who will be the Journal Sentinel high school football player of the year? Court will review Halter case: WIAA petitions State Supreme Court to review Hayden Halter title The statement also detailed that the district does not comment publicly on disciplinary information in compliance with state and federal laws The School District of Reedsburg did not respond to an additional request for comment In a Sauk County Sheriff's Department statement also from Tuesday the department confirmed it had substantiated the following activities to have occurred in its investigation: Air horns being blown outside residencesLights being shined at the exterior of residencesDoorbells being rung during hours of darknessKnocking on exterior windows during hours of darkness"The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office is aware of numerous other reported behaviors that were rumored to have been taking place and at this time they were found to be unsubstantiated," the statement concluded The football team plays in the Mississippi Valley Conference The team went 1-8 overall last season and 0-7 in the conference Reedsburg is located about 16 miles southwest of Wisconsin Dells at the Sauk County Medical Center in Reedsburg farmed into his teens until serving two years in the Army as a Nike Missile Technician in Milwaukee in Milwaukee’s Trinity Presbyterian Church where they resided for 36 years until moving to Reedsburg in 2007 Owen worked primarily as a Customer Service Representative to dealers for Bolens lawn and garden equipment and Western Plows Owen loved to create and fix things with his hands He was an expert in model building and his family will tell you there was nothing he couldn't repair He took these skills to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom where he worked on the painting and lettering of restored railroad cars for his last 16 years Owen is survived by his half-sisters Alva Brown and Marion Troftgruben; son Randall Hughes and his wife Janice; daughter Lori Penkwitz and her husband Terry He has five wonderful grandchildren; Logan Visitation will be held at Grasse Funeral Home in Reedsburg from 4-7 on Friday John’s Evangelical Church on Saturday Visitation will also be held at 10am at the church until the time of service Attendees are welcome to join the family afterwards for Owen’s burial at St John’s Cemetery and a luncheon at the church memorials can be made to Mid-Continent Railway Museum: E8948 Museum Rd. -- The School District of Reedsburg named its new superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year on Thursday Tom Burkhalter was appointed by the Board of Education for the School District of Reedsburg Burkhalter is currently the Viroqua Area Schools superintendent and has worked for that school district since 2020 He previously had work in the Clintonville School District as an elementary principal for two years and one year as the athletic director and associate middle school principal He also has other administrative experience such as being a parochial school principal dean of students in both Waupun and Princeton School Districts Burkhalter grew up in Union Center and recalls Reedsburg being the "big city" where his family and him did their shopping "I've spent my career focused on building strong schools through clear communication As superintendent for Viroqua Area Schools for the past five years and ensured access to important community resources I look forward to bringing that same commitment to collaboration and transparency to Reedsburg," said Burkhalter He earned his bachelor's from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and obtained his principal licensure from Marian University He got his superintendent licensure from Edgewood College where he will also complete his doctorate later this year “We are thrilled to appoint Tom Burkhalter as our next superintendent because we believe he has the ideal blend of visionary leadership and a commitment to student growth and achievement We look forward to seeing Tom's impact on our students and community as we move forward together," said Board President will continue serving until his retirement on June 30 A former Reedsburg woman whose family reported her missing 63 years ago and has been looking for her ever since has been found “alive and well,” according to authorities was found after detectives re-evaluated the evidence and conducted new interviews with family members and other witnesses Sauk County Sheriff Chip Meister said Thursday after following a hunch that led him to request the help of an out-of-state law enforcement agency Isaac Hanson said he succeeded in speaking with Backeberg by phone for about 45 minutes She chose not to reveal her current location but he declined to provide her new last name or indicate if she had any children with her second husband I told her I wouldn’t discuss her location because it is important to her I think that she is confident in the decision that she made Backeberg had been reported missing in July 1962 and was last seen in the Sauk County city on July 7 A witness said she last saw Backeberg walking around the corner from a bus stop in Indianapolis according to the state Clearinghouse for Missing and Exploited Children and Adults Hanson spoke with the witness roughly a month ago Complaints made to the police shortly before her disappearance suggested she had been abused by her husband then-sheriff Randy Stammen said in a 2002 interview on the 40th anniversary of her disappearance “(She reported) her husband had loaded a couple of guns and put them into the trunk of his car and threatened to kill her,” Stammen told the Baraboo News Republic in 2002 Isaac Hanson asked a detective at a law enforcement agency outside of Wisconsin to check an address the detective reported he had found Audrey Backeberg Family members had long accepted that Backeberg had been murdered a sister said she just hoped Backeberg’s body would be found and the person responsible for her killing brought to justice Bennett said in 2023 that their mother died without knowing what happened to Audrey Backeberg largely corroborated the account of her disappearance adding that she had left of her own accord and has been “living her life ever since then.” He said the two did not discuss the abuse allegations “I was happy that she talked with me and I was able to get as much as I did.” While not seeming upset at having been discovered Backeberg seemed to want to protect her privacy when she doesn’t want to be bothered or located.” Bennett and other family members were “elated” but also experiencing mixed emotions at the news that Backeberg was alive Bennett could not immediately be reached Friday Backeberg had two children with her former husband Hanson said he had not spoken with Backeberg’s surviving daughter once an official report of Hanson’s investigation is completed Hanson was assigned the case in late January the first time it had been opened since 2002 he examined police records from around the time Backeberg disappeared and other archived files spoke with roughly 20 witnesses and family members and consulted with about 10 law enforcement agencies around the country “I essentially got a box with all the case files from the ‘60s all the way up to present time,” Hanson said adding that the most recent entry was from the mid-1960s an arrest record from an undisclosed location outside Wisconsin and an alleged sighting around Reedsburg Most of the records related to the case from other law enforcement agencies were unavailable in digital format meaning he had to go through microfilm archives and other archived files He also relied on other records from the 1960s unrelated to the case “Good things happen when everybody works together,” Hanson said An account of Bennett’s on Ancestry.com “It was just a bunch of puzzle pieces,” Hanson said adding that the sources led him to an address that he suspected was Backeberg’s He contacted a law enforcement agency in the area which sent a detective to the address to investigate the detective reported he had gone to the address and that the woman was indeed Backeberg it was just digging and digging and digging and digging and kind of putting it all together,” Hanson said Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter Email notifications are only sent once a day "Australian Labradoodles typically love everyone they meet and that makes them ideal for therapy work," breeder Heather Clark said Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account He graduated from Baraboo High School with the class of 1958 and on June 3rd 1961 he was united in marriage to Judy Schubring at St Their marriage was blessed with two children he worked at General Motors in Janesville for 11 years before going to work for Briggs Transportation in Baraboo Power & Light for 16 years and then Fish Lumber in Sauk City for 5 years before retiring in 1999 After retirement he stayed busy detailing cars driving limo for Classic Limo Service and mowing fairways at the Baraboo Country Club John’s Lutheran church and ushered there for many years He was a member of the Baraboo Lion’s club and enjoyed being their tail twister He was also past president of the Circus City Rod & Gun club and past president of the Baraboo Bowmen’s club He loved the outdoors and always looked forward to deer and turkey hunting He had many fond memories of his fall fishing trips up at the Chippewa Flowage with his son-in-law and others He was very proud of his family and loved getting Snapchats and pictures from them and hearing what was going on in their lives His five granddaughters: Lindsey (Matt) Muchow of Reedsburg Myckenzie (Brian) Kloos and Brooke Sefkar (Luke Bruss) all of Minnesota He is also survived by seven great grandchildren and another one due in June His sisters: JoAnn DePonte (Bob Ivey) of Davis He is also survived by his brothers and sisters- in- law: Arthur (Kathy) Schubring John (Judy) Schubring and Jean (John) Darrow He was preceded by his parents and in-laws his brother Lorin and sister Rosie Butler and two brothers in-law and two sisters in-law He was also prededed by several nephews and a niece Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM on Tuesday March 11 Funeral service will be Wednesday morning March 12th at 11:00 AM at St Visitation will also be from 10:00 AM until time of the service Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Cemetery His family would like to give a big thank you to Dr Randy Krszjzaniek for his many years of care for Jerry and also to Agrace Hospice and to his nurse the family kindly request donations be made to Agrace Foundation at giving@agrace.org and/or Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church Reedsburg 1930.  Angela was born at home in Dilly on one of the coldest days in November to Stanley and Mary (Kouba) Stanek had to warm Angela up over the black iron cook stove Angela graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1949 She married Jim at the Congregational Church in Hillsboro she was known for her remarkable skills as a baker and seamstress always creating delicious treats and beautiful clothing with her own hands Her artistic talents shone through in her love of drawing fashion gowns and she also had a passion for playing the piano and singing and was an active member of the Sacred Heart Church choir Angela was a proud member of the Eastern Star Angela’s love of life was reflected in her many other hobbies from gardening to cruising around the world always dressing in elegant gowns and making each trip a memorable experience Angela was a beautiful woman and the star of the ball She took pride in her appearance and always looked very glamorous She looked like she belonged on a magazine cover She is survived by her sisters Mary Ellen (Jim) Bahan of Phoenix AZ and Monica Nevins of Reedsburg WI; several nieces and nephews; and special friend Johnny Wehrmann She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Clarence Stanek and George Stanek; sister Mildred Steckel; and her husband Jim Angela’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at Sauk County Healthcare Center for providing 11 years of care and friendship A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday until the time of service at church Friday A luncheon will be held at Grasse Funeral Home in Reedsburg after Angela will be laid to rest by her loving husband Jim at a later date at Our House Assisted Living on Mack Drive in Reedsburg the daughter of Theron and Olive (Sanders) Townsend.  Florence was united in marriage to Samuel W Abbs.  This marriage was blessed with one son Bill.  Samuel preceded her in death in 1990 Samuel and Florence enjoyed riding their motorcycle and were members of the Retreads Motorcycle Club.  Florence frequented garage sales and enjoyed finding hidden treasures.  She was an avid traveler.  The standing joke in the family is that Florence asked family and friends to ‘make an appointment’ to visit with her.  There was no telling where she may have ventured on any given day Florence was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Reedsburg for many years and a registered member of the Order of the Eastern Star She was also preceded in death by her parents In accordance with Florence’s wishes a graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Friday He attended the North Freedom Grade School for eight years and then attended Baraboo High School being the first class to do so after the North Freedom High School closed He began farming after high school for neighbors in the area.  he married Carol (nee Thieding) Myers and they farmed all of their lives on Carol's home farm near Loganville.  served on the Reedsburg Farmers Coop Board of Directors for  many years and was a member of the Town of Westfield governing board for three years and Chairman for eleven years He also served on the Webb Ag Advisory Board He graduated from the first class for Young Farmers at MATC Reedsburg and graduated with state graduates at the Coliseum He was 4-H Dairy leader for Loganville Friendship 4-H Club.  Besides dedicating his whole life to farming and being open to new and improved ways in farming He enjoyed traveling and among the most memorable was his trip on a large Navy AirCraft Carrier from Hawaii to San Diego with his son He made memorable trips with friends to Alaska He served on several mission trips to repair homes after Katrina hit New Orleans He worked on six homes in partnership with other builders of homes for Habitat for Humanity in Sauk County He is survived by his children David (Sheila) Loganville; Grandchildren Joshua (Jennifer) Myers and Raegen; Also surviving are Sister-in-laws Delores Wetterer and Gloria (friend Ted) Thieding Nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Carol; sister Norene Koenig; Sister-in-law Joan Thieding Brother-in-laws Carl Koenig and Michael Wetterer.  the daughter of Leonhard and Emma (Wenzel) Kuhnau.  Irene was Baptized on May 20 John’s Lutheran Church in Prairie du Sac Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Freedom.  She was a 1941 graduate of North Freedom High School and graduated from Sauk County Teacher’s College Irene was united in marriage to Reinhard H North Freedom.  This marriage was blessed with six children.  Irene’s greatest joy was spending time with her family.  She was a very social person She enjoyed organizing family gatherings; she shared those events listing the attendees and any changes in the family with her writings in the local papers Funeral services for Irene Harms will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday Visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church Burial will take place before the visitation in St