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Obit: Frane, Phillip John (1954 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Frane, Young, Hanson, Auner, Schultz, Hayden

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 4/12/2023

Frane, Phillip John (24 September 1954 – 11 April 2023)

Phillip John Frane, age 68, of Willard, passed away on Tuesday April 11, 2023.

Phil was born in Marshfield, to John and Marjorie (Young) Frane on September 24, 1954. He graduated from Colby High School and furthered his education receiving an Associate Degree from Fox Valley Tech. He married Lynne at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby on August 3, 1974. He was the proud owner of Frane Body Shop since 1983. Phil sold the shop to his son on January 1, 2018.

Phil was enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, outdoors and participated in shooting sports, He was an EMT (13 years) & Firefighter (15 years) for Colby. He enjoyed playing organ and accordion in the Jay & Phil polka band from 1966-1974. In his spare time he enjoyed restoring old cars. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish where he was a very devoted and faithful Catholic. He also served on the Board of Education for St Mary’s School.

Phil is survived by his wife Lynne, of 48 years, his son: Matthew (Kirsten) Frane, Unity, his daughter: Sarah (Brian) Hanson, Thorp, 5 grandchildren: Brevyn Hanson, Nolan Frane, Landyn Hanson, Myah Frane and Ashlyn Hanson. He is further survived by two sisters: Marie (Daniel) Auner, Bryant and Patty (Bill) Schultz, Colby, two brothers: Greg (Char) Frane, Spencer and Larry (Ronda) Frane, Edgar, an Uncle Louis (Joanie) Young, Colby, one brother-in-law, three sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Interment is to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Father Michael Hayden will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford on Monday, April 17, 2023, with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. A Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday at the church.

Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling.com.


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Obit: Sarafin, Josephine Clara (1932 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Sarafin, Przybylski, Kotecki, Lenz, Johnson, Kurdas, Beaton

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 4/12/2023

Sarafin, Josephine Clara (22 November 1932 – 2 April 2023)

Josephine C. Sarafin, 90, of Eau Claire, died peacefully in her sleep on April 2, 2023, at Our House Senior Living in Eau Claire.

Josephine Clara Kotecki was born on November 22, 1932, on the family farm, rural Thorp, the third of four children to Frank and Vernie (Przybylski) Kotecki. She attended Sunny Lawn Elementary and Thorp High Schools then moved to Milwaukee. Josephine lived in Milwaukee for a time, working for a sewing factory. She moved back to Thorp where she met John Sarafin. They were united in marriage on June 30, 1951, and then relocated to Waukesha. After the birth of their son, James, they moved back to the Sarafin family farm in Lublin where they resumed farming. Sometime later their daughter, Cheryl, was born.

Growing up during the height of the Great Depression instilled in her the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and independent thinking. Farm life was hard work. To make ends meet, John worked as a laborer on area construction projects; Josephine managed two children and ran the farm. She loved to cook, and family meals were always small feasts. In addition, she baked cakes for weddings and other special occasions. Josephine also loved to sew and made many of the family’s clothes. They raised their own meat and planted a large garden. Josephine continued to maintain a small garden throughout her life.

In 1965, after her father died, Josephine and John purchased the Kotecki farm, and the family moved back to her original home in Thorp. There she continued to manage both farm and family, and found time to volunteer in church, and local organizations. Josephine also selflessly supported extended family and friends during some of their difficult times; many of them remembered her with Christmas and birthday cards throughout her life. As she became older, those who lived close by repaid her kindness by doing chores, so she could remain living in her childhood home.

After her husband died in 1985, Josephine continued to live on the family farm. She was active in the Thorp United Methodist Church and Thorp American Legion Auxiliary. She also supported the Thorp area blood drive. She capitalized on her love of cooking with a part-time job as a cook for Club 73. She enjoyed traveling on bus trips and visited many sites with friends. When her health declined in 2021, Josephine moved to an assisted living facility in Eau Claire where she lived until her death. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Josephine is survived by her children: James (Toni) Sarafin, Cheryl (Ron) Lenz; six grandchildren: Jennifer (Erik), James, Ruth, Claire (Eric) Sarafin, John and Emilie Lenz; two great-grandchildren: Oskar and Walter Sarafin-Johnson; one brother: Frank Kotecki; her sister-in-law: Sophie Kurdas; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; brothers: Edward (Josephine) Kotecki and Clarence (Gertrude) Kotecki; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Joe (Lorraine) Sarafin, Harold (Evelyn) Sarafin, Frank (Laura) Sarafin, Edward Sarafin, Stephanie Kotecki, and Richard Kurdas.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Thorp Funeral Home in Thorp, with Pastor Bill Beaton officiating. Burial of cremains will follow in East Thorp Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.


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Obit: Wesenberg, Craig Eric (1974 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Wesenberg, Trogner, Ule, Smith, Vine, Loos, Janisch, Loos, Olson, Brown, Straughan, Thelemann

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/12/2023

Wesenberg, Craig Eric (9 July 1974 – 8 April 2023)

Craig Eric Wesenberg passed away unexpectedly in his home in Saxon, early in the morning of Saturday, April 8th. Craig was only 48 when he passed, his absence in this world and the lives of his loved ones will create a void that cannot be filled.

Craig was born on July 9, 1974, in Marshfield, the son of Roy and Diane (Trogner) Wesenberg. He graduated from Granton High School in 1992 and went on to be a crew supervisor for Stichert Roofing until 2007. He then joined the Laborers Union to work for Trieweiler Construction until 2013. Tired of life on the road, Craig entered the building trades working for Miron Construction until 2021. On April 1st, 2022, he was united in marriage to his lifetime partner, Penny Ule.

A man of many talents and interests, he built his humble home as a sanctuary to live out his days using the skills he acquired in his short lifetime. His interest in sustainability created a unique dwelling that he was proud of and will stand strong for many years to come. Meant to be a retirement home, Craig and Penny were able to move to their cozy cabin in April 2021 when they purchased a bar and campground near Saxon Harbor, one of their favorite places to be. His final career was as a small business owner. He took pride in maintaining the bar and campground, and quickly learned to be an excellent bartender.

Craig had a quick wit and could always be counted on to cheer you up and make you laugh. He loved all things outdoors and always wanted to experience new places. He would go out of his way to help anyone in need, no questions asked. Tender hearted and loyal, you couldn’t ask for a better friend. He greatly enjoyed live music and would go to concerts as often as possible. Ask any question about a band or musician and he will usually give you the answer. Kids and animals loved him, and nobody could beat him playing Wheel of Fortune.

He is survived by his wife Penny Ule; his daughter by choice Samantha Smith; mother and stepfather Diane and Robert Vine; father and stepmother Roy and Dawn Wesenberg; sister Paula Loos and nieces Kelsey (Loos) Janisch and Kendal Loos; brother Brian Wesenberg, nephew Dustin Wesenberg and niece Kiara Wesenberg; and stepsiblings Lisa (Vine) Olson, Lesley Vine-Brown, Colleen Straughan, Kelly Gruber, and Molly Thelemann.

A celebration of life will be held from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday April 23rd at Bakerville Bar, Marshfield, WI.

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


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Obit: Zink, Cleone Y. (1931 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Zink, Pedders, Seelow, Kreigel, Carl, Harrington, Snyder, Burr, Schnabel, Michaud

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 4/12/2023

Zink, Cleone Y. (12 September 1931 – 7 April 2023)

Cleone Y. Zink, age 91, of Neillsville, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023.

Cleone was born on September 12, 1931, in Neillsville to the late William and Sarah (Pedders) Seelow. She was a graduate of Neillsville High School. On April 15, 1950, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Zink at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville. Sadly, he passed away on January 3, 2004. They moved to Cudahy, in December of 1951 and after 54 years Cleone moved back to Neillsville in November of 2005. She was employed as a nursing assistant at Trinity Memorial Hospital in Cudahy for 18 years, until her retirement in 1991. She worked for Fine-Lando Clinic for a short time after her retirement from the hospital.

Cleone enjoyed reading and knitting. She especially enjoyed traveling, having traveled to England, Germany and Switzerland. One of her favorite activities was attending the Senior Center in Cudahy. She enjoyed making ceramics and bringing in lots of soup for her friends. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville.

Those who will cherish her memory include her children: Gary (Barbara) Zink of Fond du lac, David (Bev) Zink of Black River Falls, Joseph Zink of Summerset, Daniel (Melody) Zink of Wild Rose, Jerome (Jennifer Rose) Zink of Waterloo, Robert Zink of Seligman, AZ, Mary Kreigel of Marshfield and Jennifer Ann of Neillsville; her grandchildren: Katie, Max, Josh, Melissa, Shannon, Riley, Elizabeth, Sydney, Ray, Robert, Rachel, Jessica, Erin, Sara, Erik, Alex and Lauren; her great-grandchildren: Domonic, Marcus, Ethan, Jackson, Turner, Roxanna, Braxton, Olivia, Jase, Gregory, Andrew, Allison, Natalie, Elise, Katelyn, Nickolas, Meghan, Colin and Annemarie; her siblings, Berdella Carl, Janet Harrington, Beverly Snyder and William (Karen) Seelow, Jr along with many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence; a grandson Zachary; her brothers: Fritz, Kenneth and Russell Seelow and her sisters: Lila Burr, Donna Marie and June Schnabel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville with Rev. Gregory Michaud officiating. She will be laid to rest in North Pine Valley Cemetery following the service. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation at the church on Tuesday from 9 A.M. until the time of service.

Cleone’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.  If desired, memorials in Cleone’s name can be directed to the St. Mary’s Kitchen Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cleone Zink, please visit Tribute Store.


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Obit: Brubacher, Florence S. (1976 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Brubacher, Shirk, Hurst, Sensenig, Martin, Horning, Nolt, Zimmerman

----Source: Plombon-Funeral Service (Stanley, Chippewa Co., WI) 4/15/2023

Brubacher, Florence S. (4 March 1976 – 8 April 2023)

Florence S. Brubacher, 47 of Thorp, died on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at her home.

She was born on March 4, 1976, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Walter N. and Ida M. (Shirk) Hurst. She married Kenneth M. Brubacher on May 13, 1999. The family moved to Wisconsin in March of 2002. She was a member of Groffdale Old order Mennonite Church.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth, 11 children, Lydia Ann, Marvin, Cleason, Kenneth, JR, Lucinda, Calvin, Louise, Joseph, Reuben, Emma Jane and Andrew, her parents, Walter and Ada of Morgantown, PA, her siblings, Leroy (Ella) Hurst of Dundee, NY, Elsie (Reuben) Sensenig of North Bangor, NY, Pauline (Lawrence) Martin of Dundee, NY, Catherine (Edward) Horning of Stanley, WI, Naomi Hurst of Morgantown, PA, Ada Mae (Samuel) Nolt of East Earl, PA, Melvin (Linda) Hurst of Morgantown, PA, Marian (Norman) Zimmerman of Shiloh, Ohio, Ina Jane Hurst of Morgantown, PA and Marvin (Lydia) Hurst of Hopkinsville, KY and many nieces and nephews.

Florence is preceded in death infant daughter, Florence Marie in 2016.

A funeral service will take place at 9:30 A.M. on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Stanley Mennonite Church. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Daniel Sensenig, Alvin Martin, Lester Horning and Nelson Nolt. A visitation will be from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the home of Curvin M. Brubacher, W12074 County Hwy N, Stanley, WI 54768.


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Obit: Konik, James (1932 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Konik, Hastings, Wilde, Kopaczewski, Patrick, Lind, Burlingame Hanson

----Source: Crematory of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 4/15/2023

(1932- 2023) With Flag

James Konik, 91, of Owen, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2023, at home surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice.

James was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman. He enjoyed many years hunting with his friends and family. James loved to share his skills and knowledge with everyone. He was often called "dad" or "grandpa" by many.

James was born on March 29, 1932, to Andrew and Marguerite Konik. After graduation James served in the Army and received an honorable discharge in 1958. He then moved to South Milwaukee to find employment where he worked at Bucycrus Erie as a Welder until he retired in 1994. Once retired he returned to Owen.

James is survived by his three children Victoria Hastings, Roxann (Bill) Wilde, Dawn (Jim) Kopaczewski; grandchildren Tia (Frank) Patrick, Bobbie Patrick, Ashley (Jason) Lind, Joel (Rheanna) Wilde, Jason (Liz) Wilde and Jackie (Steve) Burlingame; great-grandchildren Katie, Cassidy, John, Logan, Delilah, Raegan, Riley, Jaxson and Maizie; sister Betty Hanson, many nieces and nephews; special friends Susie and Tim.

James was preceded in death by his only son Kevin, parents Andrew and Marguerite, brother-in-law James, brother Laurence (Wanda) and sister Marjorie (Bob).

A celebration of James' life will be held on May 6th from 11 to 1 at One Shot in Owen. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed with a meal for family and friends. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Konik, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.


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News: Neillsville – Cancer Benefit To Fight Leukemia (Apr 2023)

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

Surnames: Koepp, Mohr, Kranz, Mayer, Hagen, Funston, Hawley, Martinez, Keppert, Tibbett, Boon, Dawson, McNulty, Gaden, Sobolewski, Hauser, Smith, Slaby, Krause, Fender, Haines, Horn, Wilke, Soper, Rosemeyer, Krizan, Pockat

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/12/2023

Community Gathers to Help Koepps Knock Out Leukemia

By Edward DuBois

Since December, Abigail Koepp, 17, of Neillsville, has fought to overcome her leukemia.

April 1 marked a milestone both in support for the Koepps as well as an update those closest to the family needed to hear: an update on Abigail’s condition.

The announcement came at the Knock Out Leukemia cancer benefit held at the Neillsville American Legion. Organizers included Katie Mohr, Michelle Kranz, Kari Mayer and Tammy Hagen.

Everything from the food to the prizes had been donated for the event, including 120 sheets of food bars, 550 lbs. of meat, almost 20 guns, woodworks made by the Gilman High School tech class and shelves from Neillsville High School. Many of the staff who volunteered had also donated baskets for the silent auction.

Staffer Dottie Funston was stationed at a table just outside the door for volunteers to check-in with, while Melody Hawley ran the raffle entrees. People put down their names in a book and were assigned a number to be drawn.

The first half of the event was reserved for those who were participating in the cornhole game. It had a 50% payout, with two final brackets to qualify for after four rounds. Ten minutes before the game began at 10 a.m., people were lined up to the door to register.

The cornhole tournament was originally planned for the evening.

Teams were assigned according to the app Scoreholio.

The winners of the cornhole upper division were Jessie Martinez and Joe Keppert in first place; Chase Tibbett and Austin Boon in second; and Mark Dawson and Ezra in third.

For the lower division, Rydge Tibbett and Jeremy McNulty won first place; Tim Gaden and Don Sobolewski came in second, and Katie Sobolewski and Gordy Hauser took third.

Once the cornhole and airmail events were done, more tables were brought out to seat the sizable crowd that had gathered in the room, placing bids for the silent auction and grabbing food.
Zach Smith had heard about the events from Facebook and other members of the community and came with some friends to support the Koepps.

Nicole Krause, her son Leo Slaby, Shane Slaby, Sarah Krause and Jolene Krause had all come together to support Nicole Krause‘s cousin, hoping for the best for her. The group had entered the silent auction hoping to win a couple of guns for “the boys.”

Volunteers from Neillsville High School went around the room collecting “airmail” donations, those donating entering into a raffle for a chance to toss a bean bag into a cornhole and possibly win up to 50% of the pot. Volunteers also collected donations for other raffles, like for Lakeside Taxidermist in Rock Dam.

The gun raffle was scheduled until 7 p.m., with 1,500 people expected to enter for it. The table was run by Tim. A. Voigt. Shortly after 2 p.m., only four tickets were left.

Meals were sold by the plate, consisting of pulled pork or hot beef sandwiches, cheese curds, cheesy potatoes and dessert bars.

Steve Fender had sold 50 or so tickets for people to win a G-Force Arms GFPG 12-gauge shotgun around 2 p.m., part of the Swamp Creek Bear Hunters group, the weapon donated by Steve Haines of the Soggy Bottom Townsmen.

One winner of the 50/50 raffle was Nolan Walton, winning $264.

Lisa Koepp, Abigail ‘s mother, sent a message for Abigail ‘s uncle, Daryn Horn to read at 3 p.m. to those gathered.

“You have all been incredible,” Horn read. “To those of you who have sent cards, provided meals, sent messages of encouragement or prayed for Abigail, or our family, along the way, thank you.
“To those of you who supported school 50/50 raffles, penny wars, quilt raffles, Superbowl pools, basketball or wrestling fundraisers, or are wearing your ‘Abby Strong ‘ shirts today, thank you.
“To those of you who have gotten Max to school each day, walked here from Gilman, plowed snow from our driveway, or simply provided a hug on some very hard days, thank you.

“To all of those who helped arrange this benefit, the planning committee, the organizing, the set-up and preparation, the scheduling of volunteers, the cornhole tournament, the food prep and serving and clean-up, to all of those who donated food and supplies for today‘s meal, thank you.

“To those of you who made baskets, donated unbelievable items for raffles or silent auctions, and to those of you who are here supporting us today, thank you.

“To our family and friends, Mason and Pastor Wilke, who have been there on our worst days, hugged us, cried with us and prayed for us, thank you.

“The teams and people in this community, and beyond, have shown us how far love and kindness can truly extend. We are blessed to have so many remarkable, caring, generous and thoughtful people in our lives. It seems that there are many angels in disguise in our lives, and they are here with us today. Thank you.

“What has been most remarkable is those of you who have become closer to the Lord, in our time of need. We are grateful beyond words for all your ceaseless and continued prayers. Your love has shown no end. May God bless you all.”

Lisa Koepp then gave an update on Abigail.

“[Abigail] is doing well. It has now been 15 days after her stem cell transplant. God is good! Max ‘s cells are growing, growing slowly and steady in her. Abigail continues to be our Warrior through this, and has remained so strong. She is working on powering through nausea, as her mouth, throat, stomach and intestinal tract are healing. She is much more comfortable now as things heal, and is nearly off all pain medications. She remains on IV nutrition, until she can handle eating, drinking and keeping medications down. The doctors are pleased with how she is doing, and she has been getting remarkable care here. We pray for no setbacks or infections while her new immune system and cells continue to grow.

“Max, well, he is there somewhere, an absolute angel in disguise. He is doing well and is recovered. He is brave beyond his years. Thank you to those who sent cards or lottery tickets to him, remembered him in your prayers and checked in on him. His momma misses him terribly.
“We miss you all and look forward to seeing you soon.”

Max Koepp, Abigail’s younger brother, was at the benefit, and was gifted a new fishing pole and tackle box.

Warriors Walk for Abby

David Soper, Dustin Rosemeyer, Julian Krizan and Chase Rosemeyer started with a simple idea: walk from Gilman to Neillsville to show support for Abigail’s plight.

The total mileage the group hoped to fun was 44 miles. For each pledge of $250, another mile was added. In total, the group raised enough for 28.5 miles.

Multiple people joined at random times throughout the walk.

The Warriors’ Walk arrived at the American Legion a little after 4 p.m., and were greeted by Jason and Max Koepp.

Soper said he felt pretty tired physically, but amazing emotionally.

Tyler Pockat, who had joined the walk later, elaborated on how he was doing.
“Not too bad,” Pockat said, “a little sore, but good.”

Emotionally, Pockat had more to say.

“Great,” Pockat said, “because the Koepp family are so good to be with. It’s a good day to show our support.”

“It’s nice to know that there’s people who’s willing to help us,” Max Koepp said, “and we’re willing to do the same.”


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Obit: Kunkel, Anna Marie (1939 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Kunkel, Easterley, Duncan, Miller, Kamholz, Gulcynski, Carney, Andrade

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/12/2023

Kunkel, Anna Marie (14 January 1939 – 3 April 2023)

Anna Marie Kunkel, 84, Cynthiana, Kentucky, formerly of Wisconsin, died Monday, April 3, 2023, at Cedar Ridge Health Campus.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on Jan. 14, 1939, to the late Charles and Alice Easterley Duncan, Anna loved to sew, cook, tend to flower gardens, and help on the farm as the in-house veterinarian. She was very artistic when time permitted and loved to paint and draw. Her passion for many years was family genealogy. She contributed to multiple sites and publications around the country covering family history from 1700’s to present. She loved connecting with relatives through her genealogy searches online and in Pickett County, Tenn.

Anna and Louis Kunkel met at St. Henry’s High School in Northern, Kentucky. Married in 1960 and have never been apart and were frequently caught still holding hands. In 1974 they moved the family to rural Wisconsin to a dairy farm. They loved each other, their family, and the farm. Anna hated the cold weather of Wisconsin but toughed it out for Louis sake. She enjoyed their rural home that they were remodeling for almost 40 years. There was always a project or home upgrade she figured out for Louis to work on in his spare time, Louis is mourning her as best he can while dementia is a terrible, confusing illness.

She is survived by her husband, Louis William Kunkel; two sons, Daniel (Jeannie) Kunkel and Ronald (Allison) Kunkel; two daughters, Pam (Larry) Miller, Amy (Chris) Kamholz; a son-in-law, Douglas Gulcynski; twelve grandchildren, Jeremey, Casandra, Ross, Sherri, Andrew, Cory, Jessica, Nicole, CJ, William, Sam and Max; and nine great-grandchildren, Anthony, Jacob, Bella, Evie, Owen, Willow, Grace, Sophia and Benjamin.

Besides her parents, Anna was preceded in death by a daughter, Judith Lynn Gulcynski; two brothers, Charles Duncan Jr. and Steven Duncan; and two sisters, Estelle Carney and Elizabeth Andrade.

Mass will be held at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Union, Kentucky on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 12 p.m. View and sign the guestbook at www.warefuneralhome.com.


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Obit: Matuszak, John (1931- 2023)

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

Surnames: Matuszak, Staffon, Jurek, Moran, Buttler, Thoms, Lazarz, Anderson, Kromke, Moran, Smith, Pasek, Gruenke

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/15/2023

Matuszak, John (11 June 1931 – 13 April 2023) With Flag

John Matuszak, 91, of Neillsville, passed away peacefully at the Clark County Rehab and Living Center on Wednesday, April 13, 2023.

John was born June 11, 1931, in Neillsville to parents William and Anna Matuszak. He attended Shortville School and completed eighth grade. John served in the United States Marine Corp from 1951 - 1954 and served in the Korean War. John worked as a laborer throughout his career. He worked for Western Electric in Chicago, General Motors in Milwaukee, and Kohler Company in Sheboygan, retiring from Kohler. Upon retirement, John moved back to the Matuszak family farm in Neillsville.

John was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was involved in the Knights of Columbus where he achieved Fourth Degree Knight. He was known as a prayer warrior and regularly let family and friends know he was praying for them.

John greeted family and friends with a big smile and a hug or strong handshake. He enjoyed spending time with family doing things he loved including spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, gardening, and hunting for blueberries. He was always up for fishing even if he spent more time untangling his bait and line than he did catching fish. He enjoyed watching and feeding the birds (and his resident squirrels), reading, playing cards, talking about politics and religion, and trying out new recipes. One of his favorite things was going to Prey for fish on Friday nights.

He was proud to be a veteran and supported the Highground Veterans Memorial. He was part of the ceremonies to place Honor Stones on the Korean War Memorial to recognize his brother, Robert, and his own service. He also placed a Matuszak Family Legacy Stone honoring all of his family members who have served. John was thankful for the opportunity to participate in the Freedom Honor Flight out of La Crosse, WI in May 2013 where he was surprised to see family and friends there to greet him when he returned from Washington, D.C.

John will be missed and remembered by his family; sister Joan Staffon, sister-in-law Rogene Matuszak. Nephews and nieces; Dennis (Sara) Staffon, Scott (Theresa) Staffon, Julie (Myron) Jurek, Daniel (Julie) Matuszak, Nancy (Paul) Moran, and Chris (Jason) Buttler. Great nephews and nieces; Carin (Aaron) Thoms, Sara (RJ) Lazarz, Peggy (Mike) Anderson, Colleen Anderson, Danielle (Tim) Kromke, Eric Matuszak, Danny (Heather) Moran, David (Emma) Moran, Joey (Katie) Moran, Nick (Maria) Moran, Jake Moran, Matt Moran, Zac Moran, Jordan (Megan) Staffon, Alex (Mike) Smith, and Landen Staffon. Many great-great nephews and nieces; Special friend Clara Pasek; and bonus family, the Gruenkes.

John is preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Matuszak, brother, Robert Matuszak, brother-in-law, Rodger "Red" Staffon, and his best dog, Sandy.

John's family would like to thank the staff at Clark County Rehab and Living Center for his excellent care and Promedica Hospice for keeping him comfortable in his final days. He continually told his family how wonderful the staff were.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 21st at Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville from 4 - 7 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial and military honors will be held on Saturday, April 22nd, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville at 10:30 a.m. with visitation held prior to the service starting at 9:30 a.m.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting John's family.

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


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Obit: Rueden, Daniel L., Sr. “Bib D” (1954 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Rueden, Klesick, Casewell, Kohl, Tischman, Manthe, Hart, Engles, Spatz, Weister

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 4/15/2023

Rueden, Daniel L., Sr. “Bid D” (13 January 1954 – 11 April 2023)

Daniel L. “Big D” Rueden, Sr, 69, of Medford formerly Spencer, passed away in the evening hours on Tuesday April 11, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Daniel was born to Antone and Lorraine (Klesick) Rueden on January 13, 1954, in Unity. He attended school in Arpin and Auburndale, but never graduated. He worked as a woodsman or a logger for several years. Dan became a certified oil well driller while living in Texas. With learning those skills of oil well drilling Daniel applied it to water well drilling for a company in Auburndale. Dan was an electrician at Wisconsin Homes for a number of years before retiring June 7, 2014. Daniel also did a lot of side jobs ranging from white washing barns, farm work, lawn work, and landscaping for Carl's landscaping. He also lent a helping hand fixing tillers, weed trimmers, lawn mowers, chainsaws and even small mechanical repairs on vehicles. Daniel always said he was a jack of all trades and a master of none, but whatever he was working on he put his whole heart and soul into that task just to be able to provide for his family and to be a true friend to others.

He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and long drives just to see the fall scenery. Dan loved to grill year-round sharing his delicious talents with his family and friends. He loved potluck gatherings of friends and family as well. Daniel liked dancing and singing to the “good” old songs. He enjoyed cutting lawns on his zero-turn lawn mower affectionately called his “salad shooter”.

Those who will cherish his memory include his ex-wives, Janet Casewell and Bernice Rueden, his children: Sue Anna M. Kohl of Edgar, Daniel L. Rueden of Rib Lake, and Gloria R. Rueden of Rib Lake; his sisters, Mildred Tischman of Cadott, and Lorea Manthe of Loyal, and his on and off again girlfriend of 10 years, Nancy L. Hart of Medford, along with many other relatives and friends.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Antone and Lorraine Rueden; his sisters: Lillian Engles, Mary Spatz and Charlotte Weister; his brothers August Rueden and Leroy Rueden, as well as his youngest son, Christian John Rueden (C.J.) along with many other family members and friends.

If desired, the family is accepting memorials in Daniel’s name for a charity yet to be determined by his children.

A gathering of “Big D’s” family and friends will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10:30 A.M. to 12 Noon at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer.

Daniel’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home Spencer, WI. To share a memory, photo, or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com

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