LuAnn Guffey

Lu Ann Maria (Herold) Guffey, age 72, passed away peacefully on August 8th surrounded by her loving family after her heartbreaking battle with ALS. Born in Watertown, Wisconsin to Edward and Jane (Harshbarger) Herold, she brought warmth, grace, and boundless love to everyone around her.

She devoted her life to her family and 34-year career at Yahara Elementary School. She was known for her kindness, generous spirit, helping hands, and infamous bulletin board creations. She touched many lives and made an educational impact on the Deforest community. She enjoyed spending time up north at her family cabin and spoiling her four grandchildren. In mornings, she loved to feed the fish with her grandchildren and take afternoon boat rides around the lake. The summer was never complete without a trip to Tremblay’s Sweet Shop in Hayward. She lived everyday with joy, compassion, and laughter.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years (Roger Guffey), her devoted children (Matthew Guffey and Melissa (Guffey) & Cesar Salinas), her cherished grandchildren (CJ Drolshagen (19), Javi Salinas (11), Josefina Salinas (9), and Emilio Salinas (7)), brother (Steve (Gretchen) Herold) and dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents (Edward & Jane (Harshbarger) Herold), her brother (Craig (Yana) Herold), and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church, 220 S Main St. Deforest, WI. Visitation will be from 9:30am to 11:00am, service will start at 11:00am, with a luncheon at Christ Lutheran Church following the burial at Norway Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Yahara Elementary School PTO or Deforest School District Blessings in a Backpack. Her legacy will live on through all the students she worked with, her own children whom she inspired, and the love she showed her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.