Billie Jo Hempelman

Billie JoAnn Hempelman, age 57, of Jump River, gained her wings on Sunday, July 9, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. A celebration of life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the Jump River Community Center and inurnment will take place in East Thorp Cemetery at a later date.

Billie Jo was born November 5, 1965, in Stanley, WI, the daughter of Thomas and Alice “Shirley” (Kostick) Hempelman. She was raised and educated in Thorp, WI. She met the love of her life, Bernard Madlon, and moved to Jump River where they farmed, raised their 2 children, and enjoyed being side by side for over 33 years.

She served her community in many ways, holding various positions on the Town Board of Jump River, working at the local butchery, and cooking and serving at the Jump Inn. She was the bookkeeper and financial manager for their dairy farm. However, her most cherished title was, Grandma! She was able to watch all 3 grandchildren until they started school.

Together, Bernie and Billie welcomed and hosted many dear friends, neighbors and bear hunters.

Billie’s talents were countless and impressive. She enjoyed many competitive games like Texas Hold’em poker, billiards or even a simple game of Skip-Bo. She was smart and super sassy and quick with a curt and comical comment for whomever should be deserving of it. Everyone appreciated her quick wit, common sense, honest advice and generous, mostly caring nature.

She enjoyed gardening, carpentry, cooking, baking, preserving, knitting, sewing, technology, scrapbooking, antiquing, and Most of All, spending time with her children and beautiful grandchildren. She will be remembered fondly for her holiday meals, decorating and amazing handcrafted gifts.

She is survived by her significant other, Bernie Madlon; daughter, Amanda (Dustin) Rosemeyer of Gilman: son, Jeffrey of Black River Falls: 3 granddaughters: Jayda. Brinley and Harper Rosemeyer of Gilman; one sister: Amy Ogle of Cocoa Beach, FL; brother-in-law, Mike Haas of Thorp; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and an abundance of close friends

Billie Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Shirley (1983) and Thomas (2017) Hempelman; sister, Char Haas (2019); brother, Michael Hempelman (2017); her paternal grandparents, Ralph and Avis Hempelman; her maternal grandparents, John and Helen Kostick; niece, Valentina Schuler (2017); nephew, Kelsey “Bug” Hagenson (2015).

The family would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the staff at Mayo Cancer Center and all the good friends that offered care and support.