Baldwin Funeral Services

John F. Melvin

July 14, 1938 – May 14, 2026 

John F. Melvin, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026. 

He was born on July 14, 1938, in Monroe, WI, to Clarence and Ruth (Rohrbeck) Melvin. He graduated from Baraboo High School in 1956, lettering in both football and basketball. 

After high school, John enlisted in the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and earned a Certificate of Achievement in the Missile Battalion. His service included assignments in both Pennsylvania and New Mexico. 

John then went on to work at Midway Airport in Chicago before he and two friends decided to spontaneously move to California. Here, he attended Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. 

Before returning to Wisconsin, John moved to Storm Lake, IA, working at Citizens First National Bank. John was involved in both the Jaycees and the Elks Club over the years and enjoyed time with friends. 

Once in Madison, WI, he began working in sales at Skipper Buds before his career led him to Bachman Pools and Spas, where he spent many happy years. 

John met his significant other, Annette Pendleton, in the mid-1980s. The two enjoyed going out to eat, taking day trips, and cheering on the Badgers, Packers, and his stepson Mike at his sporting events. John shared his love of sports with family and friends, including an annual golf outing with his brothers and deer hunting at the family farm in Baraboo.

John is survived by his stepson, Michael (Andrea) Pendleton; his grandsons, Owen and Ethan; his sister, Joyce Klappstein; his sister-in-law, Sue (Dennis) Melvin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

John was preceded in death by his long-time companion, Annette Pendleton; his parents; his brothers, Richard, Robert, Eugene, and Dennis Melvin; his sisters-in-law, Marvel, Virginia, and Patricia Melvin; and his sister’s companion, Howard Thompson. 

A visitation will be held at Baldwin Funeral Services, 520 East St., Baraboo, WI, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. Graveside services will immediately follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo, WI. Family and friends are invited to join for a luncheon following the services. 

A special thank you to Agrace Hospice for their comfort care, especially to his nurse, Steffanie.

Esther Lange

September 7, 1926 - May 10, 2026

BARABOO – Esther Lange died peacefully on May 10, 2026 at the age of 99, after living with congestive heart failure. Esther was born in Burlington, WI, on September 7, 1926, and was the seventh child of Ida (Hinda) and Isaac Lipton.

Esther graduated from Burlington High School in 1944 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, where she received a BS degree in Spanish. During her senior year, she met her first husband, Kenneth Kassner. They married in 1948 and had two children, Philip (who died in 2024) and Enid.

In 1969, Esther earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science and became the middle school librarian in Mount Horeb. She established a central library including both books and audio-visual materials.

After parting ways with her first husband, Esther met the love of her life, Kenneth Lange, the naturalist at Devil’s Lake State Park in 1977. They married in 1979 and made their home in Baraboo. They were true soul mates, sharing their love of nature, travel, and reading.

Esther became the middle school librarian in Reedsburg, where she pioneered the use of computer technology. She enjoyed giving book talks and telling stories to encourage a love of reading. She also worked closely with teachers to assist with classroom projects. She retired in 1988.

In her later years, Esther enjoyed water color painting and focused on researching family history and genealogy. Esther developed extended family trees and created a document sharing the family immigration story up to present to share with relatives.

In 2024, after 47 years of marriage, Esther’s husband, Ken, passed away, having lived for several years with Parkinson’s disease.

Esther is survived by her daughter, Enid Kassner; grandchildren, Heather Kassner Straatsma and Avi Rose; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, and her son, Esther was preceded in death by her siblings, baby, Benjamin, Paul, Ethel, Samuel, Frances, and Ruth.

Memorial services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Oak Park Place, 800 Waldo St., Baraboo, Wisconsin, in the Big Top Room with Lisa Hartman and Mike Mossman officiating. In lieu of flowers, Esther suggested donations to the Sauk County Historical Society. Baldwin Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements

Betty Ast

July 13, 1944 – May 2, 2026

Baraboo, WI. - Betty J. (Whitford) Ast , Age 81, of Baraboo, WI, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026. She was born on July 13, 1944 in Edgerton, WI, to Millie (Gulbrandsen) Skallerud and Roy Clyde Whitford. Her father passed away shortly before her birth.

Betty graduated from Janesville Senior High School in Janesville, WI. in 1962. Shortly after graduation, she married David L. Ast, Sr. They moved to Baraboo in 1969 and raised their family there.

Betty was a believer in Jesus Christ and lived out her faith. She was a founding member of Living Hope Church in Baraboo. She served as the Church Secretary for many years. Betty also founded the Women of Hope ministry outreach that connected single mothers and women in need to community resources and clothing.

Betty loved to work on creative projects throughout her life. She especially enjoyed card making and sharing them with those she loved. 



Betty is survived by her children, Kim Hilario, David Ast, Jr. and Robert (Vicki) Ast; her grandchildren, Amber (Brad) King, Heather Ast, Devon Ast, Vanessa (Scott) Snesrud, Brandon Ast, Olivia Hilario, Piper Ast and Cheska Ast; as well as nine great-grandchildren, Dimitri, Nikolai, Geneva, Stella, Allison, Evelyn, Sawyer, Aurora and Annika; and a brother, Roy Whitford. She was preceded in death by her husband, David in 1982, and her parents.

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 with a visitation from 2:00 p.m. until time of service at 4:00 p.m. at Living Hope Church, S3963 Cty Rd. BD in Baraboo, WI, with Pastor Dave Bauman officiating. A potluck luncheon will follow the service. Private burial will take place at a later date. Baldwin Funeral Services, 520 East St., Baraboo, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Todd William Henderson

August 30, 1965 – March 25, 2026 

Baraboo, WI. – Todd William Henderson, age 60, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Harmony House Assisted Living in Richland Center, Wisconsin. 

Todd was born on August 30, 1965, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, the son of Richard and Mary (Laeseke) Henderson. Todd worked at VARC Inc. of Reedsburg as an assembler. 

He is survived by his mother, Mary, and several siblings. No formal services will take place at this time. Baldwin Funeral Services is assisting the family.

Ernest “Ernie” Hanger

February 21, 1950 - March 27, 2026

Baraboo, WI. - Ernest “Ernie” Hanger, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 27, 2026 surrounded by his family at the age of 76.

Ernie was born on February 21, 1950, the only child of Reuben and June Hanger. A lifelong resident of Baraboo, he moved to the family farm in March of 1953, where he would spend the rest of his life. Farming was not just his livelihood, but his way of life. He worked alongside his parents in his early years, and later with his sons.

Over the years, Ernie’s farming operations varied. He was a dairy farmer and raised beef cattle, and at different times also worked with pigs, sheep, and chickens. In addition to farming, Ernie worked as a tool salesman for Snap-on and later, Matco Tools, balancing both roles.

Ernie had a unique sense of humor, often joking that FFA stood for “Father Farms Alone,” especially after his three sons left home to join the Marines. He was incredibly proud of the men they became, but nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren, who were his greatest pride.

Ernie is survived by his three sons; Josh, Joe, and Jason (Jessica); and his five grandchildren; Cedar, John, Justin, Tianda, and Jacob.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Baldwin Funeral Services, 520 East St., Baraboo, WI, with Pastor Don Glanzer officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. A luncheon will follow at the Baraboo Arts Center, 323 Water St., in Baraboo, at 12:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join in sharing stories and celebrating Ernie’s life.

Ruben Torres Cavazos

February 21, 1945 – February 18, 2026

Baraboo, WI – Ruben Torres Cavazos, age 80, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI.

He served our country in the U.S. Army for 16 years, including service in Korea and Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division. His specialties included Helicopter Repairman and Aircraft Mechanic. His honors included the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, as well as other service medals and badges.

Ruben was a jack of all trades. He held endorsements to drive all types of semi-trucks and drove an oil tanker for an Army contractor in Iraq. He also performed industrial heating installation and maintenance at factories. In retirement, he remained humble, working as a groundskeeper, delivering pizza, and washing dishes. He showed respect and gratitude even in the smallest interactions.

Ruben loved fishing, working on cars, and building and fixing things. He enjoyed joking around, spending time with his dogs—especially Gertie and Max—being outdoors, and watching Westerns. Most of all, he treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Gretchen; his children, Ruben Jr. (Elena) Cavazos, Robert (Elsa) Cavazos, Joe (Bev) Cavazos, Jordan Cavazos, Becky (Forrest) Cavazos Smith, Daniel (Dawn) Cavazos, and Hannah (fiancé Travis) Cavazos; his grandchildren, Michael and Anthony; Brandon; Jake; Ruben and Sienna; Nolan; Abby and Freydis, and Izaiah; his brother, Robert (Maria) Cavazos of Lubbock, TX; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rosa Torres Cavazos; his father, Jose Cavazos; his sister, Helen Salgado; his brother, Noe Cavazos; and his beloved grandson, Corbin Cavazos.

A memorial service will be held at New Life Community Advent Christian Church, 1919 Elizabeth Street, Baraboo, WI 53913, with Reverend Jesse Stevens officiating. The service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, followed by military honors by the VFW Greenwood Memorial Post #987 and a luncheon at the church. Baldwin Funeral Services is assisting the family.

La Verne Margaret Braun

July 14, 1924 – February 5, 2026

Baraboo, WI. – La Verne Margaret Braun, age 101, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Meadow Ridge Assisted Living.

La Verne was born at home on July 14, 1924, in North Freedom, Wisconsin, the daughter of Julius and Minnie (Herritz) Hellpap. She attended the North Freedom School System and, after the passing of her father, moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to live with her sister, Dorothy.

While living in Milwaukee, La Verne worked various jobs, which included selling greeting cards at F. W. Woolworth Company, working for an airplane assembly manufacturing company, and at Pabst Brewing Company.

In 1943, La Verne moved to Baraboo, where she met Leon Braun. They were united in marriage on March 12, 1945, and from this union, they were blessed with two children: Dennis and Debra.

La Verne is survived by her daughter, Debra (significant other Michael D. Cody); three grandchildren, Daniel Braun, Christopher (Mary) Braun, and Tyler (Renee’) Potter; four great-grandchildren, Shane, Emily, Zach, and Mira; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Leon, La Verne was preceded in death by one son, Dennis; three brothers, Donald, Reginald, and infant Rex Hellpap; and three sisters, Evangeline Meyers, Lucille Hellpap, and Dorothy Owen.

Private family memorial services will take place at a later date. Baldwin Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joan Rosa Burson

January 16, 1938 – February 4, 2026 

Baraboo, WI. - Joan Rosa Burson, born January 16, 1938, quietly passed away on February 4th, 2026, just shortly after her 88th birthday. 

Joan’s soul was surrounded by family on her journey. Her devoted faith was also a comfort to her throughout her life and especially during her last days on earth. 

Preceded in joining the Lord, father and mother, Walter and Rosa Voiles, and her beloved husband, Edwin R. Burson. 

Joan is survived and truly missed by son, Todd (Deb) Burson; daughters, Stephanie (John) Burson, Vicki (Ted) Burson; grandchildren, John Eccles IV, DaCota Eccles, Dalton Eccles; and great-grandchildren, Jace Eccles and John Eccles V; brother, Duane (Anita) Voiles; and several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a private funeral service on February 11th, 2026, under the direction of Baldwin Funeral Services and St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pastor Kuske. Her final resting place will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery. She will be missed dearly by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Baraboo. She was a devoted member of her church for many years. Her life was guided by her love for God and the Church. Baldwin Funeral Services, 520 East St., Baraboo, WI, is assisting the family.

Nancy Jean Cone

September 24, 1930 – January 29, 2026

West Baraboo, WI. – Nancy Jean Cone, age 95, of West Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Nancy was born on September 24, 1930, the only child of Ada Aileen (Barnhart) and Roy Howard Ailes. She grew up in Carthage, Illinois, until her father died in 1941. Nancy’s mother then moved the family to Baraboo to be near Ada’s sister, Cleo Kart.

That is when Nancy met lifelong friends, Frannie Wilson and Mugs Jantz, in elementary school. They spent many years getting together and playing dominoes at each other’s homes. All three of them had reached the age of 95. Frannie passed just recently, and Mugs just celebrated her 96th birthday.

On September 19, 1947, Nancy was united in marriage to Fred E. Cone at the Church of God in West Baraboo. From this union, they raised three children: a son, Jerry, and two daughters, Barb and Gloria. Nancy also became a loved and valued member of Fred’s family of eight siblings.

Nancy’s working career was varied. She worked at Wickus’s Grocery in downtown Baraboo and at Oscar Mayer in Madison for over 11 years, and retired from Eagle Signal Timer Products in Baraboo. But retirement didn’t stop her; she worked several summers at a gift shop in the Wisconsin Dells and then finished out her career as a bus lady and greeter at Pizza Ranch.

Nancy was always on the road, where she enjoyed visiting friends and relatives in Madison, Iowa, and Illinois. She was always volunteering to drive friends and relatives to doctor appointments or just to have lunch together. As an only child, Nancy had an abundance of family and friends in her life.

She is survived by her son, Gerald (Joyce) Cone; her daughters, Barbara (Royce) Copus and Gloria Cone; nine grandchildren, Tina Waddell, Gary (Joleen) Engeseth, John Cone, Mike (Lisa) Cone, Keri (Johan) Engeseth, Nicki Cone, Stephanie (Tate) Morse, Jennifer Cone and Greg Pikel; 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Nancy is further survived by a sister-in-law, Sue Cone; many nieces, nephews, and special friends, MaryAnn Lee, Nancie Luce and Judy Berry.

In addition to her parents and husband, Fred, Nancy was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters-in-law.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Baldwin Funeral Services, 520 East St., Baraboo, WI, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Private interment will be held at a later date.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. James Mathers and the staff at SSM Health at Home Hospice for the exceptional care given to Nancy during her illness. Baldwin Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

Marian (Jensen) Gasner

April 8, 1946 – January 21, 2026

Baraboo, WI. – Marian (Jensen) Gasner passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. She was born on April 8, 1946, to Clarence and Thalia Jensen.

Marian was employed at Alliant Energy/Wisconsin Power and Light for 45 years.

She is survived by one daughter, Pamela (Dan) Harrison of Columbia, TN; two brothers, Gordon Jensen and John (Alice) Jensen; three sisters, Dorothy Ziemke, Linda (Mike) Kuwitzky, and Sue (Louie) Comte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Marian was preceded in death by one brother, Neil Jensen, and one sister, Hazel Mulryan.

In honor of Marian’s wishes, no services will be held. Baldwin Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

Marilyn Jane Parkinson

March 12, 1926 - January 6, 2026

Baraboo, WI. - Marilyn Jane Parkinson, age 99, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following a long illness.

She was born on March 12, 1926, on the family farm, east of Donnellson, Illinois, to Joel W. and Esther (Young) Laws. Marilyn attended the Walnut Grove one-room schoolhouse, a short distance over the field from their farm. She graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1944 and continued her education at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, receiving a B.S. degree in secretarial science. She completed her degree in just three years so she could marry Robert L. Parkinson. They were united in marriage on August 30, 1947, at the Donnellson Presbyterian Church.

The family lived in Cambridge, Illinois, for twelve years (1953-1965). In 1965, she moved to Baraboo, Wisconsin, with her husband and three children, where Bob was hired as the chief historian at Circus World Museum. There, Marilyn served for several years as secretary for the director of Circus World Museum and later volunteered often at the museum and at the Al Ringling Theatre. She was also periodically an officer of Circus World Museum, Inc., the bookkeeper for a local businessman in Baraboo, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Baraboo.

Marilyn Parkinson was a woman of unusual determination and independence. She embodied the expression, "Where there's a will, there's a way." She was a faithful wife as well as a loving mother and grandmother. Devoted to her family, she was very intentional about her generosity and how she expressed her love in meaningful and tailor-made ways to those around her.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marilyn was preceded in death by a daughter, Jo Lyn (Parkinson) Henning; sisters, Sarah (Eugene) Gray of Green Valley, Arizona, and Jo Ann (John) Noland of Decatur, Illinois.

Marilyn is survived by two sons, Greg (Nancy) Parkinson of Baraboo, Wisconsin, and Joel (Darla) Parkinson of Alliance, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Julie Parkinson, Emily (Ryan) Smith, Aaron (Sherry) Henning, Scott (Cortlynn) Parkinson, John (Sally) Parkinson, Ryan Henning, Becky (Jonathon) Cosgrove, Robert and Michael Parkinson; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Marilyn Jane Parkinson will be buried next to her husband, parents, and daughter in Donnellson Cemetery, Donnellson, Illinois. A private graveside service will be held for her family at a later date. Baldwin Funeral Services, 520 East St., Baraboo, WI, is assisting the family.