Esther Towers

F, b. circa 1918, d. before September 2001
Father*Wallace William Towers b. 1 Jan 1891, d. b Sep 2001
Mother*Amanda Shrieber b. c 1891, d. b Sep 2001
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Sacharaski.
Life EventDateDescription
Birthcirca 1918Esther Towers was born circa 1918 at Wisconsin.
She was the daughter of Wallace William Towers and Amanda Shrieber.
Deathbefore September 2001Esther Towers died before September 2001.

Marion A. Towers

F, b. 19 April 1915, d. 22 September 2001
Father*Wallace William Towers b. 1 Jan 1891, d. b Sep 2001
Mother*Amanda Shrieber b. c 1891, d. b Sep 2001
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Parks.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageMarion A. Towers married Gordon Parks.
Birth19 April 1915Marion A. Towers was born on 19 April 1915 at WIsconsin.
She was the daughter of Wallace William Towers and Amanda Shrieber.
Death22 September 2001Marion A. Towers died on 22 September 2001 at age 86 Marion A. Parks, age 86, died on September 22, 2001 at St. Care Meadows, Baraboo. Mrs. Park, the daughter of Wallace and Amanda (Schreiber) Towers, was born April 19, 1915 in Caledonia Township, Columbia County, Wisconsin. She is survived by a daughter, Joanne (Neil) Jensen, Merrimac; a son, Robert (Deborah) Parks, Island Heights, New Jersey; 8 grandchildren, Steve (Sharon) Jensen, Debra Jensen, Chris (Susan) Jensen, David Parks, Betsy (Scott) Dedrickson, Douglas Parks, Matthew (Dawn) Parks, and Andrew Parks; 9 great-grandchildren, Ryan and Rachel Jensen, Kristof and Karli Dedrickson, Sara and Emily Parks, Linsey and Dylan Parks, and Royal Parks; a sister, Dorothy (Herb) Feddick, Duluth, Minnesota; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, in 1993; her parents; a son and daughter-in-law, James and Sally Parks; a grandson, Braden Parks; and sisters, Margaret (Willard) Kindschi and Esther (Edward) Sacharaski. There will be no visitation. Burial will take place at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Merrimac. Since five members of her immediate family were or are motivated in firefighting, memorials may be made in Marion's name to your local fire department. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Child of Marion A. Towers and Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks

M, d. 1993
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageGordon Parks married Marion A. Towers, daughter of Wallace William Towers and Amanda Shrieber.
Death1993Gordon Parks died in 1993.

Child of Gordon Parks and Marion A. Towers

Dorothy Towers

F, b. circa 1921
Father*Wallace William Towers b. 1 Jan 1891, d. b Sep 2001
Mother*Amanda Shrieber b. c 1891, d. b Sep 2001
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Feddick.
Life EventDateDescription
Birthcirca 1921Dorothy Towers was born circa 1921 at Wisconsin.
She was the daughter of Wallace William Towers and Amanda Shrieber.

James Parks

M, d. before September 2001
Father*Gordon Parks d. 1993
Mother*Marion A. Towers b. 19 Apr 1915, d. 22 Sep 2001
Life EventDateDescription
James Parks was the son of Gordon Parks and Marion A. Towers.
MarriageJames Parks married Sally (?)
Deathbefore September 2001James Parks died before September 2001.

Sally (?)

F, d. before September 2001
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Parks.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageSally (?) married James Parks, son of Gordon Parks and Marion A. Towers.
Deathbefore September 2001Sally (?) died before September 2001.

Clarence Pieper

M, b. 1910, d. 2 December 1980
Father*Frank Pieper b. 1877, d. 1961
Mother*Lydia Essman b. 1880, d. 1918
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1910Clarence Pieper was born in 1910.
He was the son of Frank Pieper and Lydia Essman.
Marriage28 January 1934Clarence Pieper married Bessie E. Kohlmeyer, daughter of Otto Henry William Kohlmeyer and Elda M. Hoeverman, on 28 January 1934.
Death2 December 1980Clarence Pieper died on 2 December 1980.

William A. Tank

M, b. 2 December 1911, d. 1974
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationWilliam A. Tank was also known as Bill.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth2 December 1911William A. Tank was born on 2 December 1911.
Marriage30 October 1943He married Viola E. Kohlmeyer, daughter of Otto Henry William Kohlmeyer and Elda M. Hoeverman, on 30 October 1943.
Death1974William A. Tank died in 1974.

Child of William A. Tank and Viola E. Kohlmeyer

Frank Pieper

M, b. 1877, d. 1961
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1877Frank Pieper was born in 1877.
Marriagecirca 1900He married Lydia Essman circa 1900.
Marriage11 August 1922Frank Pieper married Clara Martha Louise Ehlers on 11 August 1922.
Death1961Frank Pieper died in 1961.

Children of Frank Pieper and Lydia Essman

Children of Frank Pieper and Clara Martha Louise Ehlers

Lydia Essman

F, b. 1880, d. 1918
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Namecirca 1900As of circa 1900,her married name was Pieper.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1880Lydia Essman was born in 1880.
Marriagecirca 1900She married Frank Pieper circa 1900.
Death1918Lydia Essman died in 1918.

Children of Lydia Essman and Frank Pieper

John H. Pieper

M, b. 13 September 1908, d. 23 October 2001
Father*Frank Pieper b. 1877, d. 1961
Mother*Lydia Essman b. 1880, d. 1918
Life EventDateDescription
Birth13 September 1908John H. Pieper was born on 13 September 1908.
He was the son of Frank Pieper and Lydia Essman.
Marriage3 October 1934John H. Pieper married Irma Neumann on 3 October 1934.
Marriage19 March 1983John H. Pieper married Viola Baumgarten on 19 March 1983.
Death23 October 2001John H. Pieper died on 23 October 2001 at age 93 John H. Pieper, age 93, of Reedsburg, died Tuesday morning, October 23, 2001 in the Edward Snyder Nursing Home. He was born on September 13, 1908 in the Town of Beaver, Clark County, the son of Frank and Lydia (Essman) Pieper. On October 3, 1934 he was united in marriage to the former Irma Neumann. She preceded him in death on December 24, 1981. He later married Viola Dreifke on March 19, 1983. She died on April 15, 2000. John farmed in the Town of Reedsburg for 38 years until his retirement. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and a former member of the church council. He was also a former member of the Reedsburg Town Board. He enjoyed traveling. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Lynette Pieper of Cazenovia; one granddaughter, Ashley Pieper; one brother, the Rev. Frank (Joyce) Pieper of Emden, Illinois; three sisters, Bertha Cook of Sheboygan Falls, Evelyn Bash of Milwaukee and Edna Cherney of Milwaukee; a special sister-in-law, Bessie Pieper of Reedsburg; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by a son, Douglas Dreifke; one sister, Verna Knuth; and four brothers, Walter Pieper, Clarence Pieper, Rueben Pieper and Robert Fabian. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 26, 2001 at ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in Reedsburg. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 8:00 PM on Thursday at the HOOF FUNERAL HOME in Reedsburg. The Hoof Funeral Home is serving the family.

Irma Neumann

F, b. 1911, d. 24 December 1981
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name3 October 1934As of 3 October 1934,her married name was Pieper.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1911Irma Neumann was born in 1911.
Marriage3 October 1934She married John H. Pieper, son of Frank Pieper and Lydia Essman, on 3 October 1934.
Death24 December 1981Irma Neumann died on 24 December 1981.

Viola Baumgarten

F, b. 1909, d. 15 April 2000
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name18 August 1932As of 18 August 1932,her married name was Dreifke.
Married Name19 March 1983As of 19 March 1983,her married name was Pieper.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1909Viola Baumgarten was born in 1909.
Marriage18 August 1932She married Verne P. Dreifke, son of Fred Ernest Dreifke and Minnie Bittrich, on 18 August 1932.
Marriage19 March 1983Viola Baumgarten married John H. Pieper, son of Frank Pieper and Lydia Essman, on 19 March 1983.
Death15 April 2000Viola Baumgarten died on 15 April 2000.

Child of Viola Baumgarten and Verne P. Dreifke

Bertha Pieper

F, b. 2 September 1913, d. 2 January 2012
Step-father*Frank Pieper b. 1877, d. 1961
Mother*Lydia Essman b. 1880, d. 1918
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Cook.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageBertha Pieper married Francis W. Cook.
Birth2 September 1913Bertha Pieper was born on 2 September 1913.
She was the daughter of Frank Pieper and Lydia Essman.
Death2 January 2012Bertha Pieper died on 2 January 2012 at age 98.

Francis W. Cook

M, b. 22 September 1911, d. 11 May 1989
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageFrancis W. Cook married Bertha Pieper, daughter of Frank Pieper and Lydia Essman.
Birth22 September 1911Francis W. Cook was born on 22 September 1911.
Death11 May 1989He died on 11 May 1989 at age 77.

Edna Pieper

F, b. 1922, d. 2009
Father*Frank Pieper b. 1877, d. 1961
Mother*Clara Martha Louise Ehlers b. 24 May 1894, d. 28 Sep 1975
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Cherney.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageEdna Pieper married Anthony Cherney.
Birth1922Edna Pieper was born in 1922.
She was the daughter of Frank Pieper and Clara Martha Louise Ehlers.
Death2009Edna Pieper died in 2009.

Anthony Cherney

M, b. 1919, d. 1980
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageAnthony Cherney married Edna Pieper, daughter of Frank Pieper and Clara Martha Louise Ehlers.
Birth1919Anthony Cherney was born in 1919.
Death1980He died in 1980.

Douglas G. Dreifke

M, b. 21 February 1939, d. 20 November 1993
Father*Verne P. Dreifke b. 1 Aug 1902, d. 9 Jun 1982
Mother*Viola Baumgarten b. 1909, d. 15 Apr 2000
Life EventDateDescription
Birth21 February 1939Douglas G. Dreifke was born on 21 February 1939 at LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
He was the son of Verne P. Dreifke and Viola Baumgarten.
Death20 November 1993Douglas G. Dreifke died on 20 November 1993 at age 54 Reedsburg Times Press Thurs, Nov 25, 1993 Douglas G Dreifke. Douglas Gerald Dreifke, age 54 of Glendale, formerly of Baraboo, died on Sat, Nov 20, 1993 at the Green Tree Health Care Center in Glendale following a long illness. He was born on Feb 21, 1939 in LaCrosse. He was the son of Verne Dreifke & Viola Baumgarten. Doug was a 1957 graduate of Baraboo High School. He enjoyed doing ceramics and was also an avid sports fan. Survivors include his mother and stepfather; Viola & John Pieper of Reedsburg; a stepbrother; Richard Pieper of Baraboo; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father in June 1982. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Mon, Nov 29, 1993 at the Hammer-Hoof Funeral Home in Reedsburg with Pastor Charles Wilson officiating. Interment will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo. The Hammer-Hoof Funeral Home is serving the family.

Vernon Knuth

M, b. 14 December 1939, d. 15 July 2023
Father*Hermann Robert Friedrich Knuth b. 14 Feb 1903, d. 21 May 1970
Mother*Verna Dorothea Albertina Pieper b. 29 May 1915, d. 20 Jan 1992
Vernon Knuth 1957 senior portrait Webb High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, WI
Life EventDateDescription
Birth14 December 1939Vernon Knuth was born on 14 December 1939 at Wisconsin.
He was the son of Hermann Robert Friedrich Knuth and Verna Dorothea Albertina Pieper.
Death15 July 2023Vernon Knuth died on 15 July 2023 at age 83 Vernon H. Knuth, age 83, was called home to be with the Lord July 15, 2023 in Loganville, Wisconsin. He was born December 14, 1939 in Baraboo, WI to Herman and Verna (Pieper) Knuth.

Vern was a devout Christian who shared his passion and servant heart with his family, friends, and community and always put others' needs before his own. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Vern grew up on a farm in Loganville and served his country in the Army Reserve. Vern met his wife, Joyce Wallsch, and the two were united in marriage on July 29, 1961. The couple raised their children on a dairy farm north of Reedsburg for 24 years. Vernon loved farming and continued working in the dairy industry working as a semi driver. In his retirement years, he thoroughly enjoyed driving for the Amish community.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children Cindy (Tim) Porter and Mike (Lesa) Knuth of Loganville; daughter-in-law Davina Knuth; grandchildren Katie (Jake) Meyer, Sara Knuth, Ryan Knuth, Brett (Brenna Benton) Knuth, and Lexie Knuth; great-grandchildren Rosalie and Marlena Meyer; siblings James (Kim) Knuth and Arlene Gregory; and many nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Knuth; brother Rodney Knuth; sister Bev Meyer, and brothers-in-law Robert Meyer and James Gregory.

Christian funeral services with full military honors will be held Friday, July 21 at 11 AM at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Loganville with Rev. Beth Voigt officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church Friday.
DateLocationDescription
1957Webb High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, WisconsinVernon Knuth graduated in 1957 at Webb High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin.

Walter Pieper

M, b. 1904, d. 1977
Father*Frank Pieper b. 1877, d. 1961
Mother*Lydia Essman b. 1880, d. 1918
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1904Walter Pieper was born in 1904.
He was the son of Frank Pieper and Lydia Essman.
Death1977Walter Pieper died in 1977.

Rueben Pieper

M, b. 1924, d. 1952
Father*Frank Pieper b. 1877, d. 1961
Mother*Clara Martha Louise Ehlers b. 24 May 1894, d. 28 Sep 1975
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1924Rueben Pieper was born in 1924.
He was the son of Frank Pieper and Clara Martha Louise Ehlers.
Death1952Rueben Pieper died in 1952.

Fern Ellen Clark

F, b. 5 June 1912, d. 23 October 1997
Father*Dr. John Clark d. b Oct 1997
Mother*Pearl Cameron d. b Oct 1997
Name TypeDateDescription
Married Name12 November 1930As of 12 November 1930,her married name was Powell.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth5 June 1912Fern Ellen Clark was born on 5 June 1912.
She was the daughter of Dr. John Clark and Pearl Cameron.
Marriage12 November 1930Fern Ellen Clark married Willis A. Powell, son of Fred J. Powell and Nancy (?), on 12 November 1930.
Death23 October 1997Fern Ellen Clark died on 23 October 1997 at age 85 Fern Ellen Powell, age 85 of 1415 W. Court street, died suddenly on Thursday afternoon, October 23, 1997 at her home. She was born on June 5, 1912 in LaValle, WI, the daughter of Dr. John and Pearl (Cameron) Clark. She attended elementary and high school in LaValle and Reedsburg, WI. Fern married Willis Powell on November 12, 1930 and they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in 1989. He preceded in death on January 19, 1990. Fern loved gardening, yard work, cats, dogs and any child or animal in need. She also enjoyed tracing her Irish ancestors. She was a member of the Rock County Genealogical Society. She is survived by her children, Willis D. "Bill" (Jean Farris) Powell, John (Margarethe) Powell, Donna (Jonathan) Bader all of Janesville; 2 granddaughters, Alice (Barry) Liss of Ashbury, NJ and Mary Bader of Waukesha, WI; a foster daughter, Alinda Schemerhorn of Bend, Oregon; 4 foster grandchildren, Brian (Jenny) Schemerhorn, Shawn (Helen) Schemerhorn, Todd Schemerhorn and their mother, Phyllis Schemerhorn of Janesville, WI, Aurora Sprott of Bend, Oregon; 5 foster great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen Sosinsky of Mauston, WI, a brother, Dr. Warren (Jeanette) Clark of Hillsboro,I; three special friends, Dorothy Pauls, Audrey Helgeson, and Pam Derringer, all of Janesville; three special animal friends, Sheba, Clinton and Reggie and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a foster son, Robert Schemerhorn. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm on Monday, October 27, 1997 at Schneider Funeral home with Rev. Andrew Siedama officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill cemetery. Friends may call on Monday 12:30 pm until time of service at the funeral home. "Mom loved her home on West Court St., and often remarked "Its not new or fancy, but, it is home". It was the center of her life and the center of ours as well. When she returned home from her hospital stay, she seated herself in her favorite chair and remarked "It's so good to be home and I hope I never have to leave again until they have to carry me out feet first". God, in his graciousness granted her wish and only God in his infinite wisdom can know how much we miss her. We Love You Mom. Your family. Taken from the Janesville Gazette of 10-25-1997.

Dr. John Clark

M, d. before October 1997
Life EventDateDescription
MarriageDr. John Clark married Pearl Cameron.
Deathbefore October 1997Dr. John Clark died before October 1997.

Child of Dr. John Clark and Pearl Cameron

Pearl Cameron

F, d. before October 1997
Name TypeDateDescription
Married NameHer married name was Clark.
Life EventDateDescription
MarriagePearl Cameron married Dr. John Clark.
Deathbefore October 1997Pearl Cameron died before October 1997.

Child of Pearl Cameron and Dr. John Clark

Noreane E. Kutz

F, b. 16 June 1916, d. 30 August 2005
Father*Walter A. Kutz b. 22 Nov 1883, d. 2 Mar 1954
Mother*Elsie A. Halvensleben b. 12 Jul 1894, d. 25 Jul 1945
Norene Kutz 1935 senior portrait Reedsburg High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, WI
Name TypeDateDescription
Name VariationNoreane E. Kutz was also known as Norene.
Married Name5 October 1940As of 5 October 1940,her married name was Prather.
Life EventDateDescription
Birth16 June 1916Noreane E. Kutz was born on 16 June 1916 at Wisconsin.
She was the daughter of Walter A. Kutz and Elsie A. Halvensleben.
Marriage5 October 1940Noreane E. Kutz married Vaughn T. Prather on 5 October 1940.
Death30 August 2005Noreane E. Kutz died on 30 August 2005 at age 89 Noreane E. Prather, 89 of Reedsburg, died Tuesday, August 30, 2005, in her home. She was born on June 16, 1916, in the Town of Winfield, Sauk County, the daughter of Walter and Elsie (nee Halvensleben) Kutz. She was a graduate of Reedsburg High School and she then attended beauty culture school in Chicago, Ill. On October 5, 1940, she was married to Vaughn T. Prather. To this union six children were born. Noreane was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening, dancing, sewing, cooking, the out of doors and spending time with her family. Survivors include six children, Patricia (Steven) Koch of Middleton, Vaughn Gary Prather of Golden, British Columbia, Canada, Cheryl (Butch) Phetteplace of West Bend, Ross (Laura) Prather of Seattle, Wash., Virginia (Stephen) Knuth of Richland Center and Brenda (John) Baldwin of Reedsburg; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; one sister, Gloria Taylor of Mims, Fla; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vaughn, on November 17, 2001; and two sisters, Norma Cottington and Lucille Fish Borland. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 3, 2005, at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reedsburg with Rev. Paul Crolius officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Hoof Funeral Home in Reedsburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Our House in Reedsburg or to St. Peter's Lutheran Church would be appreciated. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of "Our House" in Reedsburg and to Home Health United Hospice for their loving care given to Noreane and her family.
DateLocationDescription
1935Reedsburg High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, WisconsinNoreane E. Kutz graduated in 1935 at Reedsburg High School, Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin.

Vaughn T. Prather

M, b. 1915, d. 17 November 2001
Life EventDateDescription
Birth1915Vaughn T. Prather was born in 1915.
Marriage5 October 1940He married Noreane E. Kutz, daughter of Walter A. Kutz and Elsie A. Halvensleben, on 5 October 1940.
Death17 November 2001Vaughn T. Prather died on 17 November 2001.