1

Obit: Fowler, Chester (1903-1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Fowler, Clark, Courtland, Whitfield, Jensen, Stebnitz, Preston, Jones

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (19 December 1983)

Fowler, Chester A. (26 May 1903 - 16 December 1983)

NEILLSVILLE - Services for Chester A. Fowler, 80, of 202 Court St., Neillsville who died Friday night at Memorial Hospital, will be Tuesday at the Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville.

The Rev. Gary L. Clark of the United Church of Christ will officiate. Burial will be in the Neillsville Cemetery.

He was born May 26, 1903 in Battle Creek, Iowa, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Paula Courtland) Fowler and received his education in schools there. He farmed in Iowa for several years, then worked for the railroad before moving to Milwaukee, where he worked in the plumbing business. He retired in 1966. He moved to Florida in 1974, and came to Neillsville in 1977.

He was a former member of the Neillsville Masonic Lodge No. 163, Free and Accepted Masons.

He married Dorothy M. Whitfield April 26, 1977 in Clear Water, Florida. She survives along with a son, Allan Fowler of Chicago; two step-children, Mrs. Allen (Karen) Jensen of Sypher Hills, Florida, and Bruce Stebnitz of Sumner, Washington; two sisters, Norma Preston of Battle Creek, Iowa, and Joyce Jones of South Sioux City, Nebraska; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Stella, one brother, Leslie, and two sisters, Coral and Ava.

2

Bio: Priem, Evelyn (Christmas memory - 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Priem, Van Straten, Ewald

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (20 December 1983)

My husband, Larry, and I were hauling produce out of Florida to Indiana. We were trying to get home on time for Christmas. Even though our children are all grown and out on their own, we wanted to get home because Christmas just wasn't Christmas unless you're home by the tree and at least thinking about the ones you love.

We were overloaded, so we had to take a lot of detours and back roads to avoid the scales. Our luck was running thin and so were our tires. We had two flat tires right in front of a police station.

Despite our bad luck, we got to Indiana late in the evening on December 23. We spent the entire night unloading so that we could get back to Colby the next day.

On the way home, we stopped to get a Christmas tree, groceries, and a few other things we needed.

We made it home late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. I put away the groceries and started to make soup and coffee for supper, while Larry set up the Christmas tree.

Our car was in the garage for repairs so after Larry got the tree set up he went to get it. After he left, I started decorating the tree. I could recall the times when our children were young and all the joys it brought them to decorate the tree.

Our son, Carl, was a sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War and tears filled my eyes as I thought about him because I knew he would not be coming home for Christmas. His plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean only two months earlier.

Suddenly, the door opened and I called out, "Larry, why are you back so soon?"I turned toward the door and couldn't believe my eyes. It was Carl, our son was safe and home again with us.

Contrary to the way our day had started, with one piece of bad luck following another, I now felt I was the luckiest person in the world.

I set a place at the table for Carl and we talked until Larry drove in the driveway. I told Carl to hide on his father so he could surprise him, as he did me.

When Larry walked in, the first thing he noticed was the table, set for three. He asked, "Can't you count anymore?" At that moment, Carl walked in.

I've never seen a happier face than my husband's when he saw his son again.

About the author - Evelyn Priem resides at the Colonial House in Colby. She enjoys Handicrafts, crocheting, outdoor work and playing the organ. Tom Van Straten, a junior at Colby High School. He is the son of Gary and Dee Ewald of Unity.

3

BioM: Pansch, Diana (1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Pansch, Bantz, Ault, Torcaso, Martens, Hoeke, Spurrier

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (19 December 1983)

Pansch, Diana Lynn (03 December 1983)

Diana Lynn Pansch and Ronald Paul Bantz, both of Route 1, Spencer, became husband and wife during a December 3 ceremony at St. John's Lutheran North Spencer Church.

The Rev. Dave Ault officiated at the ceremony for the children of Mrs. Richard Torcaso of Kenosha, Herbert Pansch of Racine and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bantz of Lake Geneva, Marcia Martens was organist and Barb Ault was soloist.

The bride was given in marriage by her father.

Mrs. Gerald (Linda) Hoeke of Kenosha was matron of honor. Miss Laurie Pansch of Kenosha was a bridesmaid. Ed Bantz of Milwaukee was best man, while Tom Bantz of Lake Geneva was groomsman. Ushering were Dan Pansch of Racine and Brad Spurrier of Milwaukee.

A reception was held at the Loyal American Legion.

The bride is a 1977 Kenosha Bradford High School graduate. Her husband is a 1971 graduate of Madison High School, Milwaukee, and also attended college.

He is a millwright at Weyerhaeuser Co.

Their wedding trip will be in March to Daytona Beach, Florida.

They will reside in Spencer.

4

Obit: Stelloh, Edward (1888-1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Stelloh, Clark, Immisch, Dahl, Pflughoeft, Stockwell

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (20 December 1983)

Stelloh, Edward (06 March 1888 - 18 December 1983)

NEILLSVILLE - Services for Edward Stelloh, 95, formerly of 708 W. Fourth St., who died Sunday afternoon at the Memorial Home, will be Thursday ay the Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville.

The Rev. Gary L. Clark of the United Church of Christ will officiate. Burial will be in the Neillsville Cemetery.

He was born March 6, 1888 in Milwaukee, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry (Amelia Immisch) Stelloh and came to Clark County with his parents art an early age. He was educated in the Silver Crest School, southwest of Neillsville. He farmed in the area, and also worked as a plumber for many years. He retired several years ago and moved to Neillsville. He was a resident of Memorial Home for the past six months.

He married Martha Dahl October 14, 1909 in the Town of Pine Valley. She died April 1, 1976.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Leo (Ethel) Pflughoeft of Neillsville, a sister, Mrs. Ella Stockwell of Neillsville; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

He was also predeceased by four brothers and three sisters.

5

News: Greenwood - Senior Citizens Club 1983

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Schrader, Larson, Stewart, Miller, Bugar, Mans, Kirn, Pakiz, Seibold, Turnquist

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (20 December 1983)

GREENWOOD - Carols, readings and a program highlighted the recent Christmas party of the Greenwood Senior Citizens Club.

Mrs. Ada Schrader, president, welcomed those attending and read a letter from Gertie Larson, who is spending the winter in Texas. A thank-you letter also was read for the donation to the Neillsville Memorial Home for its Christmas party.

Wilbur Stewart introduced the Rev. Norbert Miller, who offered the prayer and gave a reading. Miller is a pastor of the Grace United Methodist Church and the Christie United Methodist Church. His wife also was a guest.

The birthday song was sung for for five members with December birthdays.

Entertainment was provided by the upper grades of St. Mary's Catholic School, who sang carols accompanied by their teacher, Barbara Bugar; and third and fourth graders, who presented a sketch, with the help of their teachers, Janeen Mans and Carol Kim.

Frank Pakiz furnished music, Mr. and Mrs. John Seibold and Evelyn Turnquist will host the January meeting.

6

Bio: Genteman, Betty (Engagement - 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Genteman, Yerke

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (21 December 1983)

Mr. and Mrs. William Genteman of Route 1, Loyal, announce the engagement of their daughter, Betty Christine, to Mark Gordon Yerke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Yerke of 8013 County Trunk E, Arpin. Miss Genteman is a 1980 Loyal High School and Mid-State Technical Institute graduate. She is a nursing assistant at Colonial House of Colby. Her fiance is a 1978 Auburndale High School graduate and farms. They plan to wed November 3 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

7

Church: Chili - Christ Lutheran (Ladies Aid Society 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Doehr, Grottke, Bieneck, Lovstad, Hillert, Billman, Montag

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (21 December 1983)

The Ladies Aid Society of Christ Lutheran Church of Chili met Friday afternoon for their Christmas party.

The meeting opened with prayer and a scripture reading given by President Mrs. Lyle Doehr. Visiting were Mrs. Clara Grottke and Mrs. Rita Bieneck. Several thank-you notes were presented.

Sunshine chairman Mrs. Doris Lovstad reported that Christmas cards were sent to shut-ins and guests who had registered the past year.

Mrs. Anita Hillert, Mrs. Emma Billman and Mrs. Harold Montag had perfect attendance this year. Mrs. Carsten Lovstad will be the January hostess. The meeting closed with singing of the Doxology and the Lord's Prayer. The birthdays of Anita Hillert and Hilda Montag were recognized.

A short Christmas program followed with members singing carols, presenting readings and poems. Gifts were exchanged and Mrs. Bieneck received a gift. A potluck lunch was served and members made and delivered boxes of cookies, candies and fruit for shut-ins.

8

News: Neillsville (Residential fires - 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Langreck, Evers

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (21 December 1983)

NEILLSVILLE - The Neillsville Volunteer Fire Department was called recently to two fires.

One, reported at 10:45 Wednesday, was at the Tom Langreck home, on West Fifth Street in Neillsville. Firefighters discovered two separate fires - one in the kitchen and one in the basement - when they arrived at the scene. The kitchen fire could have been started by a toaster, officials said.

Mr. and Mrs. Langreck had left the house about 7 p.m. and discovered the fire when they returned. No one was home at the time. The cause is being investigated. Several hundred dollars in damage resulted from a fire reported this morning at the Gary Evers home, Route 2, Neillsville. Firefighters said the blaze started in a smoke pipe and got into the walls. The home is located in the Snyder Lake area.

9

News: Granton - Rotary Club 40th Anniversary (1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
 
Surnames: Frey, Adler, Garbisch, Bartsch, Hoeft, Cross, Schwarze, Goebel, Gilbertson, Trimberger

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (22 December 1983)

GRANTON - The Granton Rotary Club celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its charter recently with a banquet and program.

Elmer Frey, Marshfield, provided diner music. The Loyal Rotary Club was the sponsoring club 40 years ago, and the charter was presented at that first meeting by John Adler, Marshfield, district governor at the time.

Orville Garbisch, Granton's Rotary president, welcomed the guests, including Rotarians from Loyal and Marshfield. Merle Bartsch was emcee, and Ray Hoeft read a list of the 26 charter members. John Cross, Marshfield, past district governor, was guest speaker, and discussed Rotary ideals. He also praised the Granton club for its activities.

Christmas carols were sung. Charter members still living are Durward Schwarze, Wilbert Goebel, Erwin Gilbertson, Ray Hoeft and Walter Trimberger.

10

Bio: Reis, Russ, (CPA certification - 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Reis

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (21 December 1983)

ABBOTSFORD - Russ Reis, Abbotsford, recently received his certified public accountant certification.

Reis serves as controller at Land O'Lakes in Spencer and prepares income tax returns. He is a graduate of Colby High School and earned a degree in business administration in 1970 from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.

Reis previously worked for ITT Thorp Finance in Thorp and various public accounting firms. He is an emergency medical technician for Abbotsford and is involved in Boy Scout activities, Reis, his wife, Jan, and their four children have lived in Abbotsford for 11 years.

11

News: Withee (Heroic efforts in fire - 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sauder

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (22 December 1983)

The tragic fire that claimed the lives of five young children early Tuesday near Withee was a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that lurk at this time of the year.

Home heating systems are fired up to respond to subzero temperatures.

In this case, it appears that a wood-burning furnace in the basement of the two-story home malfunctioned in some way. Dense smoke filled the house and blocked the escape route for the nine young children inside. Two of the children ran to safety, one jumping from the second story window into the arms of her father. The courageous rescue efforts of the Owen Fire Department personnel led to the rescue of two other children from inside the home.

But for the others, it was too late. The intense smoke and heat were too much to overcome.

Credit also is due to the Owen and Thorp ambulance crews, Thorp fire Department and Clark County Sheriff's department, which did all they could to help at the scene. and the emergency medical efforts at Victory Memorial Hospital in Stanley. where the injured and dead were taken, surely put a strain on those facilities.

The scene at this rural farmhouse was one of sadness and despair as rescue crews sifted through the remains for two of the missing children throughout the morning Tuesday.

It is not likely that anything more could have been done to save the lives of the five who died. Bitter cold temperatures, which also affected the water supply, plus the smoke and flames kept rescuers at a distance.

Although members of this family were strangers to us, we can easily share their grief. It has been a tragic loss.

Words cannot do justice to express the sorrow of those who knew this family. But the support of friends and neighbors and fellow church members can help this young couple cherish what they still have, the four children who escaped from the burning home.

It will be tough to begin anew, to try and forget this tragic day. But life goes on for the survivors.

(Editorial comment on the Ammon Sauder Family)