Remembering LuAnn Maria Guffey of DeForest

LuAnn Maria (Herold) Guffey of DeForest, Wisconsin, died on August 8, 2026, at age 72, following a battle with ALS. Her family was with her when she died. She was born December 28, 1953, in Watertown to Edward and Jane (Harshbarger) Herold.

Family and years at Yahara Elementary

LuAnn devoted 34 years to Yahara Elementary School. She was known for her kindness, willingness to help and creative bulletin boards, and for the impact she had on students and the DeForest community.

She enjoyed spending time with her family at their cabin up north, especially with her four grandchildren. Family traditions included feeding fish in the morning, afternoon boat rides and summer visits to Tremblay’s Sweet Shop in Hayward.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Roger Guffey; her children, Matthew Guffey and Melissa (Cesar) Salinas; and her grandchildren, CJ Drolshagen, 19, Javi Salinas, 11, Josefina Salinas, 9, and Emilio Salinas, 7.

She is also survived by her brother Steve (Gretchen) Herold, as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Jane (Harshbarger) Herold; her brother Craig (Yana) Herold; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial information

In place of flowers, the family suggested donations to the Yahara Elementary School PTO or DeForest School District Blessings in a Backpack.

Funeral home: Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Windsor/DeForest Chapel, 6924 Lake Road. Phone: 608-846-4250. The source does not provide a service date or time.