Addie M. Bahls, age 76, of Juneau, died on Friday, September 26, 2025, at her home, with her husband at her side. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal service.
Addie Marie was born on April 5, 1949, to Fredrick and Wilma (Lauer) Gillmore in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Addie, the youngest of five children, grew up knowing the importance of family and the value of working hard to attain goals. Her bond with her sisters only strengthened as they grew.
On April 15, 1967, she married John W. Bahls. Together John and Addie worked on the Bahls’ family farm while lovingly raising their three children, Cheryl, Brad and Brian.
After the children left home Addie began working for the Dodgeland School District where she enjoyed interacting with children of all ages.
The worst thing anyone could tell Addie was, “Ma’am you can’t do that.” She would ask why, listen, and then find a way to do exactly what she had originally planned. It was this determination, along with her love of sewing and design that led her to open her own quilt shop, J & A Stitches. J & A Stitches was a labor of love, an ultimate culmination of her father’s love for woodworking and her mother’s love of sewing. Addie completed the required home renovations, selected the fabrics she would offer, designed, and ran the successful country quilt shop for over a decade. She loved interacting with customers, helping to bring their projects to completion. Addie, along with her husband John traveled across the Midwest vending at quilt shows large and small often camping together after shows to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Midwest.
Quite possibly the greatest joy of her lifetime was becoming a grandmother. Addie adored spending time with her grandchildren. Whether it was a quiet day at home or a trip across the country; Addie was always up for an adventure with her grandchildren. All four grandchildren have extremely loving memories of time with grandma.
Addie is survived by her husband, John of Juneau; children, Cheryl (Lenny) Richardson of Lincoln, CA, Bradley (Judy) Bahls of Oshkosh, and Brian Bahls (Kelly) of Fond du Lac; four grandchildren, Kyle (Candice) Richardson of Folsom, CA, Tony Richardson (Tatianna) of Glendale, AZ, Kelli Bahls of Oshkosh, and Lisa Bahls also of Oshkosh; siblings, Bonnie (Jerry) Helgerson of Hustisford, Nancy Witte of Colby, and James (Rita) Gillmore of Rochester, MN; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Betty Kuhaupt and brother-in-law Neil Witte.
The family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice for the compassionate care Addie and her family received in her last few months here on earth. Donations can be made in Addie’s name to Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center, Wisconsin Hospice Care | Rainbow Community Care.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is currently caring for the family. To leave your condolences online or for other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com.
