Peter James Vanderhoof Jr., 33, of Ellison Bay, died Sunday, September 24, 2023, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.

     He was born November 15, 1989, in Sturgeon Bay the son of Peter and Kathy (Buchholz) Vanderhoof Sr. Peter graduated from Gibraltar High School in 2007.

     He was a confident young man who knew what he wanted and began working hard in high school to afford those things he enjoyed. Peter loved being on the water kayaking and especially fishing. Always on the go, he liked riding his cycles and driving his trucks, each one being a bit bigger and more powerful. He was an avid golfer, Packer Fan, and enjoyed gardening. His quick wit and ability to tell a great story suited working as a server and bartender for 16 years at Chili’s in Green Bay.

     Surviving family includes his father, Peter (Julie) Vanderhoof Sr. of Sturgeon Bay; mother, Kathy (Mike) Swanson of Ellison Bay; brother, Eddie (Megan) Vanderhoof of Sturgeon Bay; bonus siblings, Tylor, Joey, Tianna Roehrig, Tony Swanson, Amy Wilcox, Lori Steuer and Jenni Swanson.

     Preceding him in death were his paternal grandparents, Florence and Tom Vanderhoof; and maternal grandparents, Donald and Louise Buchholz.

     A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Huehns Funeral Home with a private committal service following at Bayside Cemetery.

     Friends may call at Huehns Funeral Home Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to the time of service at 1:00 p.m.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted in his memory to Peter Vanderhoof Sr., 5810 W Carlsville Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

     Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Vanderhoof family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Peter may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

Bjorn Wesley (BJ) Johansen, Sturgeon Bay, WI, a lifelong sailor and adventurer, crossed the bar peacefully in his sleep on Friday morning, September 22, 2023, at the Horton Center Skilled Nursing Facility at DCMC after a long and debilitating illness. Bjorn had lived a full and exciting 75 years, and survived another 10 years past that, leaving behind a wealth of friends, family, sea stories, tall tales and incredible memories.

Bjorn was born on May 1, 1938, in Cape Town, South Africa to John and Muriel (Peggy) Johansen. At a very young age, he established a penchant for adventure, mischief, and trouble making. He spent his youth, when not in boarding school, on the beach and sailing out of the Royal Cape Yacht Club in South Africa. His passion for life was evident in everything he did, and he was always happiest when at the helm of a sailboat on the open sea.

In his early twenties, he made a voyage to America, where he competed in various long-distance sailboat races, and then returned to South Africa where in 1963 he met and married Margaret Baldie, a landlubber with a shared spirit of adventure. On their honeymoon, they, along with two friends, sailed a 35-foot boat named Foam from Cape Town to the Virgin Islands. They spent about 3 years running a charter sailboat in the Islands until Bjorn landed a spot on a racing sailboat named Escapade. Escapade competed in the Chicago – Mackinac Sailboat race that year, and then they brought the boat to Palmer Johnson Yachts in Sturgeon Bay for repairs. While the boat was in the yard, he was offered a job as a production manager with the promise that he would be able to continue to race sailboats.

Bjorn remained working at Palmer Johnson for over 25 years and rose to the level of Vice President. During that time, he built several boats of his own, including the 38-foot Sharpie Barnacle Bill, and the 47-foot Ocean Cruiser Dancing Bear (his “masterpiece”). He did continue to race during those years, often on boats that Palmer Johnson built, and won several of the major sailboat races during that tenure. During the cold winters, he took his love of sailing and translated that to Ice Boating, owning up to 8 iceboats. He was a founding member of the Lama Wamah Ice Yacht Squadron, which grew to include over 125 members at its peak in the early 1990’s. Bjorn was well known as a fun-loving life of the party, an excellent cook and entertainer and a mediocre musician. He was notorious for playing his bugle (poorly) at all hours of the night. He also knew three chords on the guitar and would break out into song at the drop of a hat – usually sea shanties that weren’t suitable for all audiences.

After retiring from Palmer Johnson he took Dancing Bear down the Mississippi on a “Voyage of Discovery”, and spent the next several years with his partner Nancy Lagerkvist exploring the gulf, the islands, and much of Florida, often staying on the boat off of Captiva Island during the winters, and coming back to Sturgeon Bay in the summers where he would work on his boats, cook up fabulous feasts, and enjoy the beach & the bay.

Bjorn was preceded in death by his parents, John & Peggy Johansen; his brother, John; and sisters, Solveig and Ragnhild. He is survived by his sister, Astrid of Australia; his sons, John (Michelle) Johansen of Milwaukee; WI and Anton (Jorie) Johansen of Whitefish Bay, WI; his grandchildren, Toby, Hayden, Hannah, and Olin; his ex-wife, Margaret Johansen of Sturgeon Bay; and long time partner, Nancy Lagerkvist of Green Bay.

Friends may call at the Forbes Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  At 4:00 pm a Time of Remembrance will be held with Rev. Philips Sweet presiding.  Burial will be at Bayside Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sail Training Foundation C/O Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club, 600 Nautical Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

     With faith in the Resurrection of Jesus, we offer our prayers for Reverend Ronald A. Colombo who entered eternal life on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the age of 77.  

     Ronald Allen Colombo was born July 19, 1946, in Sturgeon Bay, WI to the late William Joseph Colombo, Sr. and Marie Jane (Albert) Colombo. He grew up attending Corpus Christi Parish in Sturgeon Bay where he received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. His high school and junior college years were spent at Sacred Heart Seminary in Oneida, WI, and he received his education in philosophy and theology at St. Francis Seminary in St. Francis, WI.

     Fr. Ron was ordained by Bishop Aloysius J. Wycislo at Corpus Christi Parish in Sturgeon Bay on May 14, 1972. His first priestly appointment was as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish and Chaplain of Langlade Community Hospital, both in Antigo. Fr. Ron served at St. Jude Parish in Green Bay; St. Mary Parish in Oshkosh; and St. John Parish in Antigo before becoming pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Appleton in 1980 and serving 11 years. He was then appointed administrator to Holy Family Parish, Marinette in 1990 where he also became pastor in 1991. Fr. Ron became temporary administrator of St. Mary Parish in Peshtigo from 1991-1993 and then temporary administrator of St. James Parish in Cooperstown and All Saints Parish in Denmark in 1993. In 1993, he became administrator of St. James Parish in Cooperstown where he served for 7 years. Fr. Ron also was temporary administrator of St. Joseph-St. John Parish in Pilsen in 1999 and then All Saints Parish in Denmark and Holy Trinity Mission in New Denmark in 2000.

     In 2000, he served as pastor of All Saints Parish in Denmark; St. James Parish in Cooperstown; and Holy Trinity Mission in New Denmark for 14 years, while also being temporary administrator of Holy Cross Parish in Mishicot in 2003 and St. Joseph Parish in Kellnersville in 2004. Fr. Ron then became pastor of St. Mary Parish in Glenmore/Stark, and St. Joseph Parish in Kellnersville from 2009 through 2014, until receiving senior priest status in 2014. He especially loved his 21 years serving the parish communities in the Denmark area and would often describe those years as “some of the best years” of his life.

     In his retirement, Fr. Ron enjoyed relaxing in his chair with a good book in between cheering on the Wisconsin sports teams: Brewers, Bucks, Packers, and Badgers. He appreciated “God’s creation”, fishing and feeding the squirrels. Fr. Ron also liked playing cards at the Casino and Rap Polker with the Verkuilens and would usually offer his winnings to a family in need. He often reflected he had “more time” in his “retirement” to pray for family, friends, and former parishioners. Fr. Ron was a rock for his family and friends during difficult times and throughout life and was always there to celebrate with family for marriages, Baptism, First Communion. Family and friends often expressed an appreciation for his approachability as a priest and clergy within the church.

     Fr. Ron will be missed by

     Sister-in-law, Candice Colombo of Little Sturgeon; nephew, Chris (Kari) Colombo and their children, Elise and Chloe Colombo; niece, Amanda (Tim) Hoger; great-nieces, Ava and Aubrey Hoger

     Sister, Charlotte (Richard) Bohn of the Town of Nasewaupee; nephew, Brandon Delchambre; great-nieces, Taylor Stai and Makensie Delchambre.

     Nephew, Jason LaCrosse; great-nephews, Daniel and Kane LaCrosse.

     Brother, William “Bill” (Lisa) Colombo, Jr. of Appleton; nephew, Justin Colombo; niece, Kayla Colombo; niece, Kaitlyn Colombo; great-niece; Finley Colombo; niece, Jenna (Mike) Kessenich; great-nieces and nephew, Grace, William, Hayes, and Lillian.

     Other relatives.

     Friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, David “Rocky” and Mary Colombo; two nephews, Dustin Delchambre and Carter Stai; and other relatives.

     The Rosary will be prayed at 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay with Visitation to be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will conclude the evening at 7:00 p.m., led by Rev. Anthony Birdsall. Visitation will continue at Corpus Christi Parish, 811 W. Juniper Street, Sturgeon Bay on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. until 9:45 a.m.

     The Funeral Liturgy, expressing our faith and our hope in the promised glory of the Lord’s Resurrection, will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Corpus Christi Parish with Most Reverend David L. Ricken as Celebrant. Rev. Anthony Birdsall will serve as Homilist. Fr. Ron will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol, beside his parents and family.

     “Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the neighbors from the Orchard Estates apartments for checking on Ron and helping him.”

     Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Fr. Ron may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

LeRoy (Lee) A. Nordgren, 87 years of Baileys Harbor, passed away Wednesday evening September 13, 2023, at his home following a short illness.

Lee was born October 10, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Carl Roy Alvin Nordgren and Evalyn Johanna Anderson Nordgren.  Lee graduated from North Park Academy in 1953.  At a young age Lee showed an aptitude for music, in particular the piano.  This would follow throughout his life playing with groups around Chicago and Door County.  He recognized this musical gift and was so grateful to share it with so many.

On October 15, 1960, he married Nancy L. Glenicki at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Andersonville on Chicago’s north side. While living in Chicago, Morton Grove, and then Glenview, Illinois with their family, Lee and Nancy were always active in the Lutheran Church. In Morton Grove, Lee and Nancy actively participated in the resettlement of 5 young Vietnamese refugees, several of whom are still close personal friends to this day. Lee and Nancy’s support of international people continued in Door County where they participated in the Bridges Program and served as American family to fourteen J1Visa students over a seven-year period.

Lee began his working career as a buyer for Montgomery Ward and then was a manufacturer sales representative for a private firm.  He eventually formed his own sales company in Glenview, IL and continued his business after moving to Door County full-time in 2003. Lee enjoyed his work until his retirement in 2021. 

Lee was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor and served as the church pianist and leader of the praise band team for 17 years. Lee’s love of music was evident to all who knew him. His musical abilities and performing were still in demand until a few weeks ago when his health began to fail. 

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; two daughters, Laura Nordgren of The Villages, FL; Lisa (Arvid) Eiesland of Glenview, Illinois; two grandchildren, Kjell Eiesland of Chicago, IL and Erika Eiesland (Matt Biscan, fiancée) of Highland Park, IL.

Preceding Lee in death were his parents, and brother, Philip.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor with Rev. Gary Scharrig officiating. 

Friends may call at the church on September 28, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lee’s name.

“Lee will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, generosity, and being an imaginative dreamer with a wonderful sense of humor.”

Casperson Funeral Home of Sister Bay is assisting the family with arrangements.  Sign online registration, offer condolences, share pictures and memories at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.

     His life will be celebrated from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Belgian Heritage Center in Namur, 1255 County Road DK, Brussels, WI 54204 with a prayer service to be held at 1:00 p.m. and led by Fr. Rommel Rodriguez Dacoco “Fr. Dox”.

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the DeDecker family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Ralph may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

George Wilmer Jensen, Jr., 88, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully, Friday morning, September 8, 2023 in the comfort of his home, where he was lovingly cared for by his wife, Peg, and family.

     He was born August 23, 1935 in Sturgeon Bay to City Fire Chief George Wilmer Jensen, Sr. and Edna Josephine (Zettel) Jensen. George grew up attending St. Joseph Parish and Parochial School. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School with the class of 1954.

     George loved to tell that in 4th grade he had his eye on the "girl with the blonde ponytail" saying to himself, "I'm going to marry that girl someday." On September 17, 1955, he exchanged marriage vows with Margaret "Peg" Malzahn (the girl with the blonde ponytail), at their home church: St. Joseph, where they remained lifelong members.

     During grade school, George had a Door County Advocate paper route, ultimately retiring as plant manager for the Advocate. In addition to the Advocate, he followed in his father's footsteps, spending nearly a half-century as a volunteer fireman. George was the longest tenured firefighter for the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department. Humble and well-respected, he belonged to a number of community organizations. George always stood ready to lend a helping hand to co-workers, friends and neighbors, and of course, family.

     He and Peg created a wonderful life together for their children: Monica, Stephen, Michael, and Ann, and family dogs, of which Fritzie was most memorable. George loved his role as a grandfather and was called "Papa" by his great-grandchildren. It was not uncommon for him to leave treats on the front steps of his grandchildren's homes. George and Peg accompanied Peg's sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Joe Frischmann, on many trips throughout the United States and Europe. A favorite hobby was photographing and tracking the many freighters entering and departing from the city. George also enjoyed the quiet of the woods during deer hunting season and fishing in the waters of Sturgeon Bay in his wooden boat.

     He will be deeply missed by his wife, Peg, with whom he was blessed to share almost 68 years of marriage; children, Monica (Jack) Hilbert, Stephen (Kay) Jensen, and Ann Jensen, all of Sturgeon Bay; son-in-law, Jim Parks (Michael's husband); grandchildren, Michelle (Nathan) Tellstrom and Hillary Jensen, Elizabeth (Derek) Ferrier, Georgia Hilbert, and Jacqueline (partner, David Rudolph) Hilbert, Marta (partner, Isaac Cooper) Schartner, Jacob (fiancée, Alexis Jandrin), and Adam (partner, Rheys Vandertie) Schartner; great-grandchildren, Jensen and Sadie Ferrier and Sahalie Hilbert; sister, Sharon (Biz) Virlee; siblings-in-law, Bev Malzahn, Diana Malzahn, and Joe Frischmann; many nieces and nephews; and friends.

     George was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael; granddaughter, Sarah Jensen; sister, Donna Marx; parents-in-law, Robert and Marion Malzahn, Sr.; siblings-in-law, Mary Frischmann, Bob Malzahn, Jim Malzahn, and Jack Marx; and other relatives.

     His life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial prayed at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay with Fr. Matthew Rappl and Fr. Robert Stegmann concelebrating. Firefighter honors by the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department will follow at the church. George will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol.

     Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with pre-Mass liturgical rites following immediately after.

     Memorials may be given in George's name for the Pioneer Fire Company, or consider performing a random act of kindness with George's memory in your heart.

     "Our family would like to extend a heartfelt 'thank you' to the staffs of Unity Hospice and Advocates In-Home Care for the compassionate care given to George, and the love and support by George and Peg's friends."

     Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Jensen family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of George may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news with you that Phyllis (Phyl) Swagel passed away peacefully the morning of August 28th, 2023. She was surrounded by her 5 children and a daughter-in-law when she left her earthly home. 

Phyl had just celebrated her 99th birthday on August 19th, surrounded by an abundance of family and friends.

Phyl was born in Sturgeon Bay on August 21, 1924, to Walter and Marie (Peggy) Haertel. She had a younger sister named Janice (Jan). She was a lifetime resident of Sturgeon Bay and attended schools in Sturgeon Bay graduating in 1942.

Phyl married Harvey Swagel on June 16, 1945, and went on to have five wonderful children. 

Phyl worked as a waitress at Bassett’s Drug Store, the Amity Factory, her father’s office in Kewaunee, a ceramic shop and as an Avon representative.  Her proudest achievement, however, was being a mother and homemaker which she wore proudly and was incredible at. 

Phyl had a passion for life and was always willing to try new things, she definitely had an adventurous spirit!  She had many hobbies including card clubs, playing bingo at the Jaycee hall, going to the Senior Center to eat and play games, being a member of the A “DOOR ABLES” (Red Hatters), playing an assortment of games, reading an immense amount of books, traveling and watching games shows. She was also a prolific baker and cook which brought her immense joy, especially sharing her tasty soups, delicious meals and scrumptious desserts with others. 

Phyl was her happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends showering them with her love. 

Phyl is survived by her children Greg (Sandy) Swagel, Cindy Swagel, Pam (Swagel) Haskins, Becky (Abram) Harris, Shayne (Senta) Swagel; grandchildren: Tanya (Brian) Hansen, Ty (Brandon) Swagel, Justin (Nick) Welch, Nikki (Leon II) Voight, Jessica (TJ) Bardazon, Angela (Coop ) Oram, Cody (Kristy) Oram, Kyle Harris, Kim (Greg) Jacobson, Jill (Kurt) Degrave, Jeff (Val) Espe; sisters-in- law, Delores & Gracie Swagel; cousins Gary & John Fischer and her dear friend Mary Tollkuehn. She also had many great and great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Phyl was preceded in death by her husband Harvey Swagel, her parents Walter & Marie Haertel, sister Janice Haertel, cousin Laurel, grandson Tom Espe, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles.

Family & friends are invited to gather for her visitation at the United Methodist Church on Friday, September 8th from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM followed by a memorial service and light reception. 

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation we would suggest DOOR-TRAN in Sturgeon Bay. This is an amazing non-profit local transportation organization that can benefit from any monetary donations and awareness. What they offer the peninsula is amazing and Phyl often used their services so it’s near and dear to our hearts.  

A special thank you to Forbes Funeral Home and Reverend Ken Boettcher for handling the funeral arrangements and the memorial service. We would also like to thank our soloist Cheryl Simon and the entire Door County Medical Center staff of the emergency room, ICU Ward, the Medical Surgical Status Ward and Unity Hospice for their amazing, loving and tender care of Phyl.