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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
10
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.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel Rueden, Sr,
please visit Tribute Store.