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Bio: Keller, Herbert and Velma (Serenaded - 1986)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Keller, Seidelmann, Sturtz, Lindloff

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/19/1986

Keller, Herbert and Velma (Serenaded - 1986)

When the ballroom lights go on Saturday evening, June 21, at the Silver Dome Ballroom, Herbert and Velma Keller will dance again, as they did fifty years before on their wedding night. Many old and precious memories will reappear as family and friends gather to honor the couple during this milestone commemoration.

Seventy-six year old Herb is the youngest of eleven Keller children. His family moved to the Neillsville area, from Ripon, when he was a tender two and one-half years young.

While a student at Neillsville High School, he exhibited artistic promise as shown by his design of the 1930 class ring and his illustrations in the school yearbook “Warrior.” At graduation, he was awarded a special honor pin for participation in four years of band. The saxophone would continue to play a major role in the life of Herbert Keller.

The Keller and Seidelmann families were friends, and their children became well-acquainted. Velma Seidelmann attended Neillsville High School for two years, and then went to Chicago in search of her future. After a time she returned to Neillsville and took a job at the Silver Dome Ballroom. It was then that her future began to take shape.

Herb worked there, too, since the seven older Keller brothers had built the Silver Dome structure and brought him in as a partner, following his graduation from high school. He sold tickets, maintained the building and played sax with picky-up bands.

Herb and Velma’s mutual family acquaintance and employment helped to ignite the year-long courtship which resulted in their marriage on June 18, 1936, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Neillsville. Reverend Lindloff performed the wedding ceremony, beginning fifty years of family history.

The Silver Dome Supper Club, also known as “The Fireplace,” was also constructed by the Kellers and several of the brothers and their wives resided in the living quarters, while operating the two businesses.

From its opening in July 1933, to the time it was sold by the Kellers in the 1940’s, the Silver Dome Ballroom, located west of Neillsville on Highway 10, drew capacity crowds to hear the likes of Whoopee John, who appeared there on a monthly basis. Its unique post-less design allowed the Kellers to adapt it for roller skating during one winter season.

In 1947, Herbert Keller joined the Howie Sturtz Orchestra and today, 39 years later, he is still the band’s lead sax player. In those early days, the band would play gigs four or five nights a week. While he was on the road with the Sturtz Orchestra, Herb did the driving and still maintained, for 24 years, a maintenance position at the Clark County Courthouse, Neillsville. “There was one stretch when we played 8 nights in a row,” stated Keller, “I did all the driving and without any sleep went straight to my job at the courthouse.” He plans to make all 25 band dates booked May through September of this year. The Sturtz musicians will play Saturday night, at the Silver Dome, during the anniversary celebration dance.

Velma and Herb have raised four children during their married life including daughter Shirley of Hortonville, Kenneth of Bloomington, Minnesota, James of Eau Claire, and Larry, Neillsville. Like other proud grandparents, their living room shelves are lined with photos of handsome, beaming grandchildren. For the past 13 years, grandsons David and Bobby have made their home with the Kellers.

The term retirement doesn’t seem to fit these active septuagenarians. Besides maintaining their well-kept home and yard, near Snyder Lake, they busy themselves with home improvements, construction of musical instrument cases and of course, band dates.

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School: Granton FFA Reached New Milestone (1986)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Olson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/29/1986

Granton FFA Reached New Milestone (1986)

Granton FFA reached a new milestone this week when they were nominated by the state FFA Association to receive three national awards for their work this year. They will be recognized at the state FFA convention in June and be presented their awards this fall in Kansas City, at their National Convention. The awards are for community service, farm safety and chapter activities.

The Granton FFA has won many national awards, but never three in one year, a feat that is seldom accomplished by any FFA Chapter in the nation. Granton was singled out for helping handicapped youth by sending them to camp, organizing the Granton Fall Festival, starting a national hearing test for farmers, and their participation in the fairs and shows. Jill Olson, president of the Granton FFA says, “We are elated and proud to win these three awards which is a goal we worked on all year. I’m proud to be a member of the Granton FFA.”

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School: Granton Schools (Outstanding Elem. Musicians - 1986)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Schultz, Spaete, Paciak, Sprengelmeyer

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/29/1986

Granton Schools (Outstanding Elem. Musicians - 1986)

Five outstanding fifth and sixth grade students at Granton Schools were recently honored for having been selected as the “Outstanding Elementary musicians” for 1985-86. They were Kevin Schultz, Jason Schultz, Deborah Spaete, Kim Paciak and Jenny Sprengelmeyer. Paciak and Sprengelmeyer are both fifth graders while the others are sixth graders. They were awarded the honor on the basis of individual lesson preparation, practice time and overall contributions to the Elementary Music Program at Granton, The awards were the culmination of a year-long contest to recognize all Elementary students for their outstanding work during the past school year.

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School: Granton Outstanding Musicians (Awards - 1986)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Sternitzky, Olson, Vine, Jennings, Shreve, Eibergen

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/29/1986

Granton Outstanding Musicians (Awards - 1986)

Receiving Outstanding Musicianship Awards at Granton High School last week were Mark Sternitzky, Jay Olson, Kevin Vine, Erick Jennings, Stephanie Shreve and Dawn Eibergen.

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School: Granton’s Music Awards Banquet (Awards - 1986)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Sternitzky, Olson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/29/1986

Granton’s Music Awards Banquet (Awards - 1986)

Honored during Granton’s Music Awards Banquet this past week were Mark Sternitzky and Jill Olson who received the Semper Fidelis and the John Philip Sousa Awards respectively.

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School: NHS Presents Certificate of Appreciation (Urban Sales - 1986)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Hoffman, Sigurdson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/12/1986

NHS Presents Certificate of Appreciation (Urban Sales - 1986)

Urban Sales and Service of Neillsville was recently presented with a certificate of appreciation from Neillsville High School for “distinguished public service” to the school. The car dealership supplied a driver’s education vehicle to the district during the 1985-86 school year in which 105 students received behind the wheel training. Mike Hoffman, driver’s education instructor presented the award to Craig Sigurdson, who operates the dealership.

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News: Clark Co. - UW-Eau Claire (Graduates - 2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Moreno, McConkey, Young, Bravener, Genteman, Mertins, Barth, Frese, Peterson, Selk, Tyznik

---Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/14/2024

Clark Co.-UW-Eau Claire (Graduates - 2024)

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire congratulated the May 2024 graduates from the Eau Claire and Barron County campuses.

Local students from Clark County who received degrees were Dimas Moreno of Dorchester, education and human sciences, bachelor of science, exercise science: Noah McConkey, business, BBA, marketing, and Ceasar Young, arts and sciences, bachelor of arts, Journalism, both of Granton; Bailey Bravener, business, bachelor of business administration, management and Keralin Genteman, Business, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, both of Loyal; Sophia Mertins of Neillsville, education and human sciences, master of science degree, athletic training; Haily Barth, education and human sciences, bachelor of science, rehabilitation science and Courtney Frese, education and human sciences, bachelor of science, elementary education, both of Thorp; Alexander Peterson of Unity, arts and sciences, bachelor of arts, English; Thomas Selk, of Willard, arts and sciences, bachelor of arts, criminal justice; Hunter Tyznik of Withee, business, bachelor of business administration, business finance.

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Obit: Fox, Laurie J.; (1956 - 2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Fox, Thorson, Smith, McGeorge

----Source: Crematory of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 8/20/2024

Fox, Laurie J. (5 September – 18 August 2024)

Laurie J. (Thorson) Fox, 67, of Abbotsford passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Chippewa Falls under the care of Heartland Hospice. Laurie was born on September 5, 1956, in Medford to the late Carl and Marianne Thorson. She grew up in Owen, and attended and graduated from Owen-Withee High School.

Laurie enjoyed her career as a bus driver in main part because she enjoyed the interaction and seeing the kids she drove every day. She loved lilacs, hummingbirds, dragonflies and her food well done (very well done). She also loved her “little rat dogs” (as her brother Jeff would say). Her dog Bella stayed by her side until she passed.

She is survived by her children; Deanna Thorson and Steven Fox (Kelsey Smith); grandchild, Lucas McGeorge; brother, Jeff (Theresa) Thorson.

Laurie is proceeded in death by her husband, Harry Fox; siblings, Joseph Thorson and Corrine (Corky) Thorson.

Per her request there will not be any services held because as she said, “If you couldn’t visit me while I was alive then there is no point in showing up once I am dead”.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Laurie, please visit our Tree Store.

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Obit: Grossbier, Harold R. “Harry” (1946- 2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Grossbier, Schiferl, Schmidt, Carolfi, Skibba, Kielpinski, Erickson, Schiller, Raschke, Ertl, Snyder, Lehn, Michaud

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/18/2024

Grossbier, Harold R. (Harry) (29 January 1946 – 15 August 2024)

 
Harold R. Grossbier, 78, of De Pere, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

Harold (Harry) was born on January 29, 1946, in Auburndale, to Anton and Alma (Schiferl) Grossbier. He graduated from Auburndale High School in 1964 and UW-River Falls in 1968. On July 20, 1968, he was united in marriage to Jill Schmidt at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Loyal.

Harry had a successful career in retail for over 20 years. He and his family then operated a campground in Sturgeon Bay, and subsequently a hotel in La Crosse. His business acumen resulted in successful ventures, but his true happiness was gained by being able to work with his family - leading, teaching and spending time with them. He also enjoyed traveling, hunting and fishing.

Harry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jill; sons Troy and Tayt (Kaylan); granddaughters Kaitlyn (Trevor) and Addyson; sisters Vi (Butch) Carolfi, Rosie (Skip) Skibba and Mary (Ron) Kielpinski; brothers: Gene (Josephine) Grossbier, Ralph (Judy) Grossbier and Wally Grossbier; siblings-in-law Pat Grossbier, Pam Schmidt, June (Roger) Erickson, Jerry (Amanda) Schmidt and many nieces and nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by his daughter Tonya and son Trent; his parents; sisters Bernice Grossbier, Mildred Schiller, Cel (Rich) Raschke and Ellie (Ron) Ertl; and brothers Leo, Walter J., Bob and Jim Grossbier; siblings-in-law Jana Snyder, Jean Schmidt, and Jack Schmidt; parents-in-law Henry and Marjorie Schmidt.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Harold will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 23, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Neillsville, WI. The Celebrant will be Fr. Greg Michaud. Music will be provided by Rebekah Lehn, organist and St. Mary's Choir. Interment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Neillsville. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., Friday at the Catholic Church. A livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial and the Committal Rites at the cemetery can be viewed at www.geschefh.com.

 
Pallbearers will be Godsons: Travis Erickson, Tyler Erickson and Brian Schmidt. Nephews: Tony Erickson, Chad Schmidt, Corey Schmidt, Kip Schmidt and Philip Schmidt. Honorary Pallbearer: Godson, Joseph Skibba.

Harry was an avid supporter of Catholic Education. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials in his name may be directed to: Rev. Blaise J. Peters Scholarship Fund, www.lourdesdepere.org.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Harold's family with funeral arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold Grossbier, please visit our flower store.

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Obit: Hardinger, Agnes Ann (1931 - 2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Hardinger, Moorhead, McKenna, Walgenbach, Weigel, Cummings, Strey, Ascher, O’Donnell, Kennedy, Thelen

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 8/20/2024

Hardinger, Agnes Ann (22 June 1931 – 17 August 2024)

Agnes Ann Hardinger, 93, of Marshfield, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Safe Haven Senior Care in Marshfield with hospice care provided by St. Croix Hospice.

Agnes was born on June 22, 1931, in Greenwood to William and Annabell (Moorhead) McKenna. She attended St. Mary’s Parochial School and graduated from Greenwood High School. On September 1, 1955, she was united in marriage to Marvin J. Hardinger at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Loyal. She and Marvin owned and operated a dairy farm where they raised their six children. In addition to farming, she worked on the assembly line at Weinbrenner Shoe Company for a few years and alongside her husband as custodians for the Knights of Columbus Hall in Marshfield for many years.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Marshfield as well as a member of the Altar Society and Parish Council of Catholic Women.

Agnes enjoyed gardening and taking special care of her flowers, taking time to read, and raising chickens, geese, and ducks. She loved spending time with her family and praying the rosary and watching EWTN.

Those who will cherish her memory for years to come include her children, Ann (Ray) Walgenbach, Rita (Bill) Weigel, Ron Hardinger, Mark Hardinger, all of Marshfield and Marlin Hardinger of Washington DC; five grandchildren, Lee Cummings, Jon, Taylor and Kayla Hardinger and Jacob Strey; four great-grandchildren; brother and sisters-in-law, Jean McKenna of Wilmington, CA, Pat Ascher of Winnebago, IL, and Chuck Hardinger of Marshfield, along with eight nieces and nephews: Patrick, Colleen, Sharon, Lisa (O’Donnell) Rogers, Michael, Dan, Kevin and Shawn O’Donnell and many other relatives and friends.

Agnes was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin Hardinger in 2015; her daughter, Barbara Hardinger in 2021; her sister, Mary (McKenna) O’Donnell; three brothers, David, William Jr. and Michael McKenna; three siblings in infancy, Ann, George and Robert and a sister, Rita McKenna at the age of three; sisters-in-law, Carol (Hardinger) Kennedy, Marlene Hardinger, Karmyn (Chuck) Hardinger, Rita (Floyd) Hardinger and brothers-in-law, Douglas O’Donnell, Donald, Floyd and Jon Hardinger and Bill Ascher, Jr.

If desired, the family is accepting memorials on behalf of Agnes for a charity yet to be determined.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Marshfield with Rev. Daniel Thelen officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Thursday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearers belongs to her nephews: Patrick, Michael, Daniel, Kevin and Shawn O’Donnell.

Agnes arrangements are under the care of Life Tribute Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome@frontier.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Agnes, please visit our floral store.