James "J.R." Brown

January 1, 1946 – June 11, 2011

AO Admission: 08 Mar 2012

United States Army

James “J.R.” Brown, 65 Years of Age of Van Dyne, WI died June 11, 2011 at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wl. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1969, serving three tours in Vietnam. He was a recipient of three Purple Heart Medals, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He worked for The Goldsmith, Fox Jewelers and was a Cable Linemen Supervisor for many years. He married the love of his life, Jane Merrill, in 1974 in Woodstock, Illinois. His wife Jane of 37 years survives him. Also survived by one Daughter, Tamilyn (Merrill) Crego (Nick Sr.); one Son, Todd Merrill; Grandaughters, Jennifer (David) Davies, Katlyn Merrill and KTJ Juedes; Grandson, Joshua Merrill. Great Granddaughters, Isabelle and Elizabeth Davies. He is further survived by his Mother, Luella Snyder and his Step-Dad Luther; four Brothers, Michael, John (Joan), David Brown and Dale (Bridgett) Pevonka. One Sister, Theresa (Cliff) Nehring. Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, In-laws and many other Relatives and Friends. Also his two special dog companions, Vinnie and Skittles. Jim was passionate about motorcycles. He was Past State President of the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club. He was a member of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association, DAV, American Motorcycle Association, American Rifleman Association, North American Hunting Club, Wind hover Center for the Arts, Purple Heart Association, Van Dyne Sportsmen’s Club and a Past President and Life Member of the Amvets Post 41 of North Fond du Lac. Jim will be greatly missed by all!

Gene "Grunt" Lebon

June 1, 1949 – November 20, 2016

AO Admission: 02 Jan 2017

United States Army

With his family by his side, Eugene “Geno” C. Lebon, age 67, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2016 at his residence. 

Eugene was born in Racine, June 1, 1949, son of Roger and Margaret (Nee: Torosian) Lebon. During the Vietnam War, Geno aka “Doc Lebon” proudly served as a field medic in the United States Army Delta 4-31st, 196th light Infantry Brigade and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, amongst several others. On June 4, 1983 he was united in marriage to Gwen E. DeCheck at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church where he was a longtime member. Employed by J.I. Case Company for thirty-two years Geno had the privilege of driving the last tractor out of the Clausen Works Assembly Plant prior to retirement in 2004. After retirement he enjoyed working at the Auto Auction. Geno was a member and past treasurer of American Legion Post #494 and a member of The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Assn, Chapter 45-1. An avid Harley enthusiast, rider, and one of the original H.O.G. members of Racine, Geno enjoyed fixing motorcycles, cars, and was able to take on any project. Geno will be fondly remembered for his love of hunting, fishing, gardening, tending to his yard, and enjoying a good Jack and Coke. Above all he loved spending time with his family.

Adam "VooDoo" Clough

July 25, 1975 – October 17, 2019

AO Admission: 29 Jan 2020

United States Army

Adam William “Voodoo” Clough, age 44, was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 25, 1975 to Karen and Ronald Clough.  Sadly, Adam passed away October 17,2019 following a motor vehicle accident.

Adam graduated from Oshkosh West High School in 1995.  Later joining the United states Army in 2001, serving in the 911th Forward Surgical Team.  Adam was a combat veteran, deployed in Iraq as a medic.  He enlisted in the Army Reserves in 2008 and served until 2012.  He studied nursing a Fort Sam Houston and successfully completed the program in 2011.  Adam earned military recognitions including the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal.  Following his discharge, he studied massage therapy at Globe University and graduated in 2014.  He opened his own clinic, PriModern Therapeutic massage, and served the needs of his community up until his death.

Adam met his match, Jenn Larson, and they were married in 2014, having the “party to end all parties”.  Together they built a solid foundation to raise their four children, who he adored.  He was also extremely fond of their 3 dogs. 

If you live in the Mauston area you’ve probably seen Adam riding his Harley with his red beard gloriously floating in the breeze.  He’d be wearing his military vest, showing support to his fellow veterans.  He loved a good ride and rode as often as he could, resembling Animal from Sesame Street.  Despite his tough exterior, he was known for his kind heart and generous nature.  He was passionate about helping others and had a soft spot for his fellow veterans, joining the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association to assist with bettering the lives of those who served.  The CVMA, where he made amazing bonds with  brothers and sisters all over the USA, was dear to his heart.

Adam thought he was good at tinkering, trying to fix or build just about anything.  However, his friends and family would tell you this was not his strong suit.  He did excel in, and enjoyed a good time and could find a reason to celebrate even the smallest of occasions, often taking over the jukebox and dancing like no one else was around.  This was always “entertaining”.  These celebrations included somewhat “amusing” stories and kept people entertained for hours, demonstrating how important his relationships were to him.

Those who knew Adam best would tell you what he loved more than anything was his family and friends.  Adam leaves behind his loving wife, Jenn,  his “Rock”; his four children who he was so proud of:  Hailee Jefferies, Kelvin Taylor, Joe Larson and Gavyn Clough; his mother Karen Moyle and stepfather Bill Moyle  of Oshkosh; his Step mother Jo Ann(Dan) Clough of Black Earth; his siblings Tracy Moyle, Jeff (Mary) Moyle, Nick (Brenda) Moyle and Lindsey (Ben) Clough his best friend Matt Vaughan.  Adam was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Clough and his grandparents, Robert and Bernice Frey and William and Lorraine Clough.

Dennis "Axe" Axelsen

August 8, 1946 – January 18, 2020

AO Admission: 26 Feb 2020

United States Army

DENNIS E. AXELSEN age 73 of Jefferson passed away on Saturday January 18, 2020 at the University Hospital in Madison.  He was born on August 8, 1946 to Loren and Pearl (Rose) Axelsen in Marshfield, WI.  Dennis served in the United States Army 1970-1972 during the Vietnam War, where he was the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. 

He attended Northland College and received his degree in History.  He then attended Whitewater University and received his Master’s degree in Counseling.  Dennis taught at Parkview High School in Orfordville from 1969-1978 and then became the schools Guidance Counselor.   He worked for the Government as a Government Service Manager retiring recently.

Dennis was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and a member of the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association. Dennis and his Vietnam Buddies made it a point to get together and go on trips.

He will be deeply missed by his family; Daughters Connie Markee (Dan Landes) of Orfordville, Heather (Josh) Burtness of Janesville, son; Bryan Axelsen of Scottsdale AZ; Five grandchildren; Cullin Markee, Taytum Markee, Brady Markee, Graham Burtness, Dane Burtness. Sister Bonnie Koebrel of Brownsville, WI and brother Ronald (Marge) Axelsen of Deforest, WI and Many nieces and nephews.   He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister PearlRose Birge.

Chris "Buffalo" Estebo

April 12, 1968 – January 20, 2022

AO Admission: 31 Jan 2022

United States Navy

Christopher P. Estebo “Keracomąąnį”, age 53, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away January 20, 2022. He was born April 12, 1968, to Paul Estebo and Carole Laustrup in West Covina, California. He served in the United States Navy during Desert Storm, and his squadron was attached to the aircraft carrier Ranger, something he was always proud of. One of the schools he was stationed at for military training was at Miramar in Southern California.

Chris was united in marriage to Kristin Luther June 11, 2011. He was a jack of all trades and worked in many different areas for the Ho Chunk Nation.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Carole (Karl) Laustrup, his father and step-mother, Paul (Aiko) Estebo, his wife, Kristin, children, Skye Hampton, Christine (Edgar) Estebo, Matt Estebo Jr., Winter Estebo, Tama (Jayce) Sallaway, Mya Estebo and Andrea (Trenton) McCaskey, grandchildren, Royce, Jaylen, Tahira, Ivy Faith, King Rory, Booker and Bowie, his brother, Matthew (Sabrina) Estebo Sr., sisters, Stephanie Begay, Katina (Josh) Matson, and Carole Bedeau, his step-sister, Anna Aguilar, uncles, Richard, Randall and Robert (Winona) Mann and Phillip Estebo, aunts, Joanne Estebo Nowlin and Roberta (Francis) Decorah, many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Estebo, aunt, Rebecca Mann, paternal grandparents, Joseph and Evelyn Estebo, maternal grandparents, Ralph and Christine Mann.

Robert "Buck" Manske

October 2, 1961 – June 28, 2022

AO Admission: 01 Jul 2022

United States Army

Bob was born on October 2, 1961, in Berlin, Wisconsin, the son of Robert and Linda (Garceau) Manske. He was married to Karen Beatty on April 27, 1985.  Bob served our country for 27 years in the U.S. Air Force as Aircraft Crew Chief, then the Flight Line Supervisor and finally as Senior Chief of Maintenance.  He was also a member of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association – Wisconsin (CVMA Wisconsin), Knights of Columbus, and a hunter safety instructor.  Bob was an avid outdoorsman, loved to hunt, and just be outdoors.  He enjoyed “tinkering” in the garage and traveling, especially on the motorcycle.

He is survived by his parents; children, Nicki (Nick) Kovalaske, Baraboo and Brent Manske, Portage; grandson, Emerson Kovalaske; sister, Theresa Manske, Poy Sippi; brother, Tim (Amy) Manske, Almond; and other relatives and close friends.  He was preceded in death by father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Julia Beatty.

Tom "T" Tradewell

1947 – August 2, 2022

AO Admission: 12 Aug 2022

United States Army

Thomas J. “Tommy” Tradewell was elected commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Aug. 20, 2009, at the 110th VFW National Convention, held in Phoenix, Arizona.

Past VFW Commander-in-Chief Tommy TradewellHe served in the U. S. Army from 1966-1968 and earned VFW eligibility while serving with B Company 26th Engineers 198th Light Infantry Brigade (Americal Division) in South Vietnam as a demolition specialist. His decorations included the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal.

Tradewell joined the VFW in 1968 at Post 6498 in Milwaukee where he remained a Life member. He served in elected and appointed positions at the Post, District and Department (state) levels culminating with his election as Department commander in 1999-2000. He served as national inspector general in 2001-2002, and served as the District 11 National Council representative for the Departments of Wisconsin and Iowa in 2003-2005.

Tradewell earned an associate degree in industrial safety, and retired from Briggs and Stratton in 1998 as a metallurgy laboratory technician after 30 years of service.

He was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

Tim "Venom" Kubik

March 8, 1964  –  September 21, 2022

AO Admission: 29 Sept 2022

United States Army

Master Sergeant (E-8) Timothy John Kubik passed into eternity suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 21st, 2022, from complications of myocarditis. Timothy and his family were currently stationed at Fort Stewart Army Base, Hinesville, GA.

Timothy is survived by his wife of 30+ years; Wendy; his six children; Jennifer Barber (Dan), Ryan Kubik, Emily Kubik (Dustin), Kimberly Mummert (Will), Samuel Kubik, Sophie Kubik, His grandchildren; Noah Mummert, Lucy Watson, Clint Barber, and (tba) baby Watson, also his dear mother; Odelia (Bea) Kubik, and his brother; Tony Kubik, both of Milwaukee. Tim was preceded in death by his father, Robert Kubik of Milwaukee in 2017.

Tim proudly served his country first in the US Army as a reservist, then as an active duty soldier as of 2008, for a total of 26 years.

His still found time to further his education and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2018. He was an avid muscle car enthusiast and member of the Challenger Demons of WI Chapter, Mopar Club, and Combat Veterans motorcycle association 45-6 (CVMA). He has left a deep and lasting void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Tim enlisted in the Army reserves in July of 1986 as an infantry man. In 2004 he was called to active service. His duty locations include Fort Benning GA; Fort Drum, NY; Department of Defense Joint Complex, Suffolk, VA; and Fort Stewart, GA. During his service he deployed three times to combat theaters; Iraq in 2004; Afghanistan 2011-2012; Afghanistan 2013-2014.

Mike Perrigoue

September 4, 1970  –  November 23, 2022

AO Admission: 18 Dec 2022

United States Army

Michael R. Perrigoue Sr., 52, passed away on November 23, 2022. He was born on September 4, 1970 to Dorothy Brickner and the late Michael John Perrigoue. Mike graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 1988. Mike served in the United States Military, Navy, including time during Desert Storm where he was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. He was a proud veteran and became a member of the Combat Veteran’s Motorcycle Association of Northeast Wisconsin supporting veterans. After serving in the Navy, Mike began his career in the tire business, working with Pomp’s Tire Service for 21 years. He enjoyed his career, especially enjoyed his customers. He was an avid motorcyclist, golfer and loved hunting and fishing with his son. Mike Jr. was his best friend. 

Michael is survived by his son, Michael Perrigoue Jr.; parents, Dorothy and Dr. Jack Brickner; brother, Robert John Perrigoue; sisters, Vanessa (Dr. Kyle) VanSyckle and Kassandra Brickner; niece, Ava Brickner; nephew, Oberyn Kebir; and many more aunts, uncles, family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Michael John Perrigoue; grandparents, Arthur and Sylvia Wieber, Robert and Doris Perrigoue, and Clarence and Janet Brickner.

Marc "Toothpick" Sohm

April 18, 1947  –  November 15, 2022

AO Admission: 19 Dec 2022

United States Marines

Marc T. Sohm, 75, of Milwaukee died Peacefully at home on November 16, 2022. He was born to Donald C. Sohm and MaryJane (Thoma) Sohm on April 18, 1947. Marc was a graduate of Lourdes High School, class of 1965. He was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 17, 1966. He served 2 tours in Vietnam and was honorably discharged March 5, 1970. He was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 437 of Oshkosh as well as Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association nickname Marc “Toothpick” Shom. 

Marc was preceded in death by his parents and niece Courtney Sohm. Survivors include his children; Tiffany Ward (Kirk), Tennessee; Tony Knobel, Oconomowoc; his grandchildren; Alex, Evan, Garrison, Ian,Ashley, Aydain; great granddaughters; Nyxx, Maya; his siblings; Michael (Janet) Sohm, Oshkosh; Mitchell (Arlene) Sohm, Florida; Malcolm (Terry) Sohm, North Carolina; Melissa (Timothy) Greupink,Milwaukee; Melanie Sohm, Berlin; Merrick (Bernie) Sohm; Oshkosh. He is survived by other relatives and many friends. 

Mary "Tweety" Hottenstine

May 24, 1965  –  March 11, 2019

AO Admission: 11 Mar 2019

Mary Rebecca Hottenstine, age 53, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away Monday, March 11, 2019. She was born May 24, 1965, to James and Rebecca (Waarala) Gilsoul in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Mary was united in marriage to David Hottenstine on July 1, 1999, in Pulaski. Together they enjoyed motorcycling and traveling. In 2007, the family moved to Tomah, Wisconsin. She was a faithful member of Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah.

Mary worked many years at the Tomah VA Hospital with their veterans programs. She loved serving her community and working with people. Mary was a member of the Tomah Legion Auxiliary, the Sparta VFW, Cooties, and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Auxiliary member.

She is survived by her husband David of Tomah, children and grandchildren, Rebecca (Drew Miller) Hottenstine and her daughter, Ava, Harley Hottenstine, Jeanne Hill and her children, Coutre, Cailyn and Taylor, David Hottenstine Jr. and Amanda Walpole and her children, Jamie, Robbie and Persephony, a brother, Thomas (DeeDee) Gilsoul, a nephew, Paul Gilsoul, special cousin, Jeanne Kope, aunts, Barbara (Don) Coppens, Fae Gribble, Joan Schroeder and Irene Belongia, sisters-in-law, Patricia Erickson, Shirli (significant other, Linda) Hottenstine, brother-in-law, James (Cyndi) Hottenstine, three special friends, Krissy Healey, Diana Fischer, Kimberly Raap, along with many other dear friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Rebecca, an infant sister, Ann, along with several uncles, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and many other dear relatives.

Christine "Stiletto" Boyer

March 15, 1978  –  December 27, 2019

AO Admission: 26 Feb 2020

Christine Ann Boyer, age 41, of Tomah, WI, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2019 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. She was born on March 15, 1978 in Milwaukee, WI to Jerry and Sharon (Sentkowski) Gedig.

She is survived by her husband, Gregory Boyer; father, Jerry, siblings, Kenneth Cebertowicz, Michelle (Joe) DeVito, and Jody Cebertowicz.

Christine was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon.

Karen "Tigress" Manske

June 13, 1962  –  June 28, 2022

AO Admission: 1 Jul 2022

Karen A. Manske, age 60, of Portage, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

Karen was born in Munising, MI on June 13, 1962, the daughter of Joseph and Julia (Severson) Beatty. She was married to Robert Manske on April 27, 1985.

Karen had worked in the Register of Deeds office for Columbia County for many years. She was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and had served on the Church Finance Council. Karen was on the Town of Lewiston Plan Commission and was active in the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association – Wisconsin (CVMA Wisconsin). She enjoyed traveling, especially on the motorcycle. Karen also enjoyed spending time outdoors and loved being a grandma.

She is survived by her children: Nicki (Nick) Kovalaske, Baraboo and Brent Manske, Portage; her grandson, Emerson Kovalaske; her brother, Greg Beatty, Munising; her in-laws, Robert and Linda Manske, Poy Sippi; other relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.