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Bio: Mouriski, Mark (Marine Letter of Appreciation 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Mouriski

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

Marine Lance Cpl. Mark J. Mouriski, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mouriski of Abbotsford, has received a Letter of Appreciation recognizing outstanding accomplishments.

He received the letter for superior performance of duty while serving with Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Helicopter Air Station New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina.

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Obit: Hubbard, Gerald G. “Jerry” (1955- 2024)

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

Surnames: Hubbard, Warner, Olson, Gjerning

----Source: Crematory of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 2/27/2024

Hubbard, Gerald G. “Jerry” (5 February 1955 – 23 February 2024)

Gerald “Jerry” G. Hubbard, age 69, of Eau Claire, passed peacefully at his residence on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Jerry was born on February 5th, 1955, in Thorp, to Dean and Clarice “Dolly” (Warner) Hubbard. He spent his early years working on the family farm and graduated from Thorp High School in 1973. He went on to earn his degree in data processing, landing him a job as a computer coordinator at Tombstone Pizza in Medford, where he resided for 30+ years. He later led a successful career at St. Joseph’s Hospital/Ascension in Marshfield for 26 years as a Senior Analyst in the IT Department.

Known for his gentle, kind demeanor, Jerry was easy to talk to and quick to befriend anyone he came to meet. Trips to the grocery store doubled as social outings, as he would strike up a conversation with any familiar (or even unfamiliar) face he encountered. His biggest pride was his family, and he was a devout father to his children and a very proud grandpa.

Jerry was driven by many passions, the most important to him being his faith in God. He greatly enjoyed the beauty nature has to offer, spending much of his time out in the woods hunting or out on Lake Vermillion fishing. Jerry was also a die-hard Packers fan, and you could always count on him to have some brats or tenderloin fresh off the grill in time for the game.

Jerry’s surviving family includes his former wife, Susie, children; JD/“Bud”, Maxwell, Carly, and Jon Olson and grandson Daniel Olson. He is additionally survived by his siblings with whom he was very close – Dennis (Fay) Hubbard, Corinne (Ron) Gjerning, Gordon (Nancy) Hubbard, and Scott (Luauna) Hubbard, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Jerry is further survived by his pets that he loved so dearly Lucy, Blu, Pork, and Frank.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Dolly, and his beloved dog, Casey, all of whom he was very excited to reunite with in heaven someday.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 1st, 2024, starting at 11:00 a.m., at Jacob’s Well Church in Lake Hallie. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service.

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

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Obit: Merkel, Joanne C. (1950 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Merkel, Lundahl, Lukas, Weaver, Dungy, Nielsen

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 2/27/2024

Merkel, Joanne C. (5 February 1950 – 26 January 2024)

Joanne C. Merkel 73, of Winona, MN passed away Friday, January 26, 2024, at Sugarloaf Assisted Living in Winona, MN with family surrounding her after an emotional and exhausting journey with Alzheimer's dementia.

Joanne was born February 5, 1950, to Norman and Helen (Lundahl) Lukas. She attended Abbotsford Public Schools.
Joanne and former spouse, Mike Merkel had children together. Though this relationship wasn't permanent, they remained friends afterwards.

Joanne is survived by her four children; Janelle (Matt) Weaver, Michelle Dungy, Jason Merkel (Carrie Nielsen) and James "Jim" Merkel, her grandchildren: Kyle, Macenzie, Courtney, Aidan, Lukas, Emma, Donavin and Callie. She is also survived by her siblings, Gary (Sandy) Lukas and Pat Lukas. Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, twin brothers, one sister.

Private services will be held at later date. Burial will be in Abbotsford Public Cemetery surrounded by her family.

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Obit: Stelzel, Adell M. (1937 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Stelzel, Thieme, Brehm, Frome, Esselman, Waller, Groleau

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Colby, Clark Co., WI) 2/27/2024

Stelzel, Adell M. (14 October 1937 – 26 February 2024)

Adell M. Stelzel, age 86, of Colby, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center.

Adell was born on October 14, 1937, the daughter of Elroy and Helen (Thieme) Brehm in Colby. She graduated from Colby High School and earned her teaching degree from UW-Eau Claire. Adell taught special education at Owen-Withee, Abbotsford and Unity and elementary school in Unity and Colby. On August 3, 1985, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Stelzel at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. He preceded her in death in March of 2002.

Adell was active in her churches; Zion Lutheran in Colby where she was the organist and Trinity Lutheran in Rib Falls, including serving as organist, choir director and involved with the woman’s’ groups. Adell was active in the Lions Club in Rib Falls and founding member for the Unity Lions Club. She received the Melvin Jones award, which is the highest honor bestowed on a Lion for all her involvement. Adell was a member of the Red Hats and volunteered with the Steam Engine Show in Edgar. She loved watching and feeding the birds, gardening and enjoyed traveling. Adell will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and cherished her.

Adell is survived by her two sons: Kent (Kim) Frome and Kurt (Lori) Frome; a step-son: Tim (Wendy) Stelzel; five grandchildren: Michael (India) Frome, Kyle (Laura) Frome, Angela (Kevin) Esselman, Evan (Montana) Frome and Olivia Frome (Ian Waller); three step-grandchildren: Shawn, Natasha and Ashley; eight great-grandchildren: Mason, Parker, Jase, Jordin, Kember, Ava, Jade and Larken. She is further survived by her brother, Richard (Sue) Brehm; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence; her daughter, Kim Juliann Frome; a brother, Clyde Brehm and a sister, Muriel Brehm.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Rev. James Groleau will officiate. Interment will follow at Colby Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 2:00 p.m. until time of service on Saturday at the church.

Memorials can be given to WI Lions Eye Bank and the WI Lions Camp.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Waterford Assisted Living in Colby and the staff with Compassus Home Health Care.

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Obit: Dickerson, Patricia Ann “Pat” (1936 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Dickerson, Genteman, Kurbyun, Hansen, Caacbay, Sabin, Peche

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/9/2024

Dickerson, Patricia Ann “Pat” (19 December 1936 – 5 March 2024)

Patricia (Pat) Ann Dickerson passed away in her home in Marshfield on March 5, 2024. Patricia was born Dec. 19, 1936, in Mc Henry, Illinois. She was united in marriage to Richard in 1955. Patricia was married to Richard for 65 years. Being married to a Navy Serviceman the couple moved many times and lived in many Parts of the US. Patricia kept the home fire burning for their three children as Richard served active duty at sea. As sailor's wife she kept the house hold in ship shape.

Patricia had many hobbies throughout her life, she was a competitive bowler, a marksman in competitions, and avid flower gardener, she was also skilled in crochet. She was an active den mother for the Boy & Girl Scouts. She loved her home on the Black River, and living in Neillsville. She was active in the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion for many years. She was also employed at Figi's and had many friends from there.

In later years one would never know what Patricia would be up to next. She was a ukulele player, and obtained her conceal and carry permit in 2022, she was even was taking up motorcycling. She had a spirit that drew many to her, and will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Patricia is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Katherine (Genteman) Kurbyun, her husband Richard Neal Dickerson, and son Neal Arthur Dickerson. She is survived by one sister, Nancy (William) Hansen, McHenry I,. her son Dale William (Marilyn) Dickerson of Marshfield, her daughter Susan Laura (Dickerson) Caacbay of Neillsville; two grandchildren, Nicholas Michael Sabin, Eau Claire, and Megan Kristina Dickerson-Caacbay, of La Crosse. Her friend and companion John Peche of Marshfield.

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

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

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Obit: Kolb, Gerald W. “Jerry” (1940 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Kolb, Raeder, Rueth, Cordova, Camin, Thieme, Gennett, Kelty

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 3/8/2024

Kolb, Gerald W. “Jerry” (24 September 1940 – 5 March 2024) With Flag

Gerald W. Kolb, of Spencer, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the age of 83.

Jerry was born September 24, 1940, in the city of Marshfield to Paul and Grace (Raeder) Kolb. He spent his childhood in the country picking wild strawberries, counting the passing freight trains, and throwing crabapples at his many brothers and sisters.

He graduated from Columbus Catholic High School in 1959 and then joined the U.S. Army, serving at bases in Georgia and Colorado. On November 13, 1965, he was united in marriage to Gertrude (Rueth) Kolb at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal, WI and soon after moved to Spencer. Jerry was hired at Land O’ Lakes, where he would be employed for more than 40 years. Always hardworking, he often took second or even third jobs, such as unloading lumber from the trains in Spencer and driving bus for Spencer Public Schools. He was a member of the Teamsters Union and was a proud Democrat all his life.

Jerry was a deer hunter and a fisherman. Going up to fish on the flowage and then bringing home buckets of suckers to descale in the basement was a common occurrence. In the summer he would take his family on fruit picking expeditions and then set them to work pitting cherries on the picnic table out front, which Gertie would then, can or make into his favorite cherry pies and “Jerry jam.”

He loved gardening so much that half of his backyard was given over to his mini-farm where he grew towering tomato plants, kohlrabi as big as basketballs, and bushels of rhubarb. The hard work always fed his family, allowed Gertie to make his favorite carrot cake, and provided produce to distribute among friends and family; (Zucchini, zucchini, and more zucchini.)

All his life, Jerry was a helpful presence around town, raking leaves and plowing snow and gardens for his neighbors. He went from being the new father in the neighborhood to being, as the trailer hitch on his car proudly stated, the “Old Fart.” He especially delighted in watching the young families on his block grow up. Jerry was often seen riding his bicycle around town, usually dressed in Crocs and a T-shirt emblazoned with a funny saying like “You can’t scare me, I have three daughters” or “Sometimes I wet my plants.” He would stop to chat, but never for very long, heading off with his favorite farewell, “Glad you met me!”

After retirement Jerry was able to spend more time on his hobbies with Gertie, like monitoring the bird feeders, watching old shows like Andy Griffith and The Waltons, or reading (napping) side by side in their recliners. Even after Gertie’s health declined, they maintained their special loving bond that was never broken.

Jerry was a thrifty do-it-yourselfer. He could sharpen knives and polish shoes and make them like new. He never met an empty plastic bottle that he couldn’t find another use for, whether it be for making homemade wasp traps or tomato irrigation systems. He repurposed yardsticks as walking sticks, rigged up a fish smoker using his wood-burning furnace, and devised a fix for his loose watchband using a rubber band. His children lovingly referred to his makeshift solutions as “Jerry-rigging.” He had a love for practical things. He believed a man could never have too many thermometers, clocks, or flashlights. He also had a penchant for collecting wind chimes that probably drove his neighbors crazy.

His Catholic faith was a huge part of his life. He never missed a weekend service and was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church for more than 50 years. Prayer cards, holy water, and rosaries were never far from reach. In his final months, he would jokingly pray to Saint Anthony to help his nurses “find” a vein for blood samples.

At the end of his life, Jerry was extremely grateful for his caregivers at Marshfield Health Services, especially Linda Carey who treated him and his daughters like family. Jerry and his family also appreciated the support that Heartland Hospice provided.

Those who will cherish his memory include his devoted wife Gertie, his loving daughters Pamela of Madison, Paula (Arturo Cordova) of Madison, and Carol (Anthony Camin) of Los Angeles, his siblings Paul (Ellen) Kolb, Cathie Thieme, and Peter Kolb, and sister-in-law Shirley Kolb, as well as many adoring relatives, neighbors, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Timothy, his siblings Marianna Gennett, Dennis Kolb, Vernon Kolb, and Patrick Kolb, his brothers-in-law Giles Thieme and Roger Gennett, his mother-in-law Selma Rueth, and his sister-in-law Patricia Kelty.

Funeral services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer on Thursday, March 14. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., until the beginning of an 11 a.m. mass. The honor of pallbearer belongs to his daughters Pamela, Paula, and Carol and his brother Paul.

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

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Obit: Thoma, Michael John “Mike” (1955 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Thoma, Holtz, McLean, Wilke

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/9/2024

Thoma, Michael John “Mike” (21 February 1955 – 6 March 2024)

Michael John Thoma died Wednesday, March 6, peacefully at his home. Mike was born February 21, 1955, the son of Virginia (Holtz) and Henry Thoma and lived his entire life on the family farm in Globe.

Mike attended Neillsville Public Schools and graduated in 1973. He was a farmer with his father for many years. After his dad passed away in 1999, Mike attended Chippewa Valley Technical Institute and graduated with an associate degree in Collision Repair in 2001. He then went on to work at Abby Vans of Neillsville.

Mike enjoyed history of all types and could be found on his computer reading and researching different eras, both ancient and modern, and could tell you about any period of time. He also enjoyed watching videos and looking up pictures of famous TV stars and music of the 60's, 70's, and 80's as well as browsing the internet, doing crosswords, and playing Solitaire.

One of his favorite hobbies was historic train preservation and he took an active part in trying to locate abandoned engines and cars, and then helping to restore them. He was a member of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad Historical Society, and he enjoyed his visits to the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in Freedom.

In later years Mike became interested in old furniture restoration and was proud of the vintage phones and radio cabinet he restored. He also loved animals, but his latest passion was organic gardening where he planted, nurtured, and harvested organic vegetables calling it his "Happy Place".

Mike was truly interesting guy if you took the time to listen to him regale you with his knowledge on a variety of subjects. His voice and laugh could fill a room, but he could also be found quietly praying. He was quietly preparing to meet his maker where he is now enjoying those who have gone before him and the freedom of the physical limitations of disability.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Henry Thoma. He is survived by his mother, Virginia Thoma of Neillsville to whom he was devoted and cared for at home, and his sister, Patsy McLean (Thoma) and brother-in-law, Rod McLean of Monona.

Visitation for Mike will be from 10:00-11:00 on Tuesday, March 12, at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Globe, with services held at 11:00 with Pastor Nathan Wilke officiating. The service will also be live-streamed.

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

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

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Obit: Viergutz, Sandra Kay (1945 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Viergutz, Sheridan, Schoolman, Greiffendorf, Collick, Zimmerman, Hanson

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 3/7/2024

Viergutz, Sandra Kay (29 September 1945 – 2 March 2024)

Sandra Kay Viergutz, age 78, of Colby, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center.

Sandy was born on September 29, 1945, the daughter of Aaron and Mae (Sheridan) Schoolman in Zeeland, MI. After high school, she attended Texas Airline School and worked as a ticket agent for North Central Airlines for over 30 years.

On August 4, 1972, Sandy was united in marriage to Jerry Viergutz in Burnips, MI. He preceded her in death on July 12, 2008. Together they loved to travel, including Ireland. They also spent their retirement managing campgrounds in Louisiana, Florida and WI. She enjoyed bowling, shopping and loved to watch football and basketball, especially Michigan. Most importantly, Sandy loved to spend time with her family.

Sandy is survived by her two sisters: Shirley (Doug) Greiffendorf and Betty Collick; four step-children: Brian, Lynn, Craig and Lisa; two great-grandsons that she adored, Colson and Callen Zimmerman; other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother-in-law, Gene Collick.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Calvary Cemetery in Athens. Rev. Teri Hanson will officiate.

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

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Obit: Beaver, Mary Ann (1926 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Beaver, Altemus, Esselman, Bliesener, Postl, Bauer, Johnson, Famiyeh

----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 3/11/2024

Beaver, Mary Ann (5 August 1926 – 28 February 2024)

Mary Ann Beaver, age 97, of Marshfield, formerly of Loyal, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at House of the Dove in Marshfield.

Mary Ann Esselman was born on August 5, 1926, in Loyal, to Joseph C. and Phyllis E. (nee Altemus) Esselman. She attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School and graduated from Loyal High School in 1943. After high school, Mary Ann attended school in Stevens Point for 2 years, and then enrolled in St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Marshfield for 3 years, earning her Registered Nursing degree. She was united in marriage to Ralph W. "Bud" Bliesener at St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Loyal. They lived in Illinois where she worked as a nurse. Her husband died on April 3, 1952, and she moved back to Loyal. Mary Ann went to work at Marshfield Clinic and at St. Joseph's Hospital as a nurse.

She was married to Ronald James Beaver on September 26, 1964, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. They lived in Loyal, and she continued working as a nurse until retiring in 1991, but continuing to work part-time for 2 more years. She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and its PCCW, and in her spare time enjoyed bowling, playing cards, quilting, playing Bingo and reading.

Mary Ann will be dearly missed by her husband, Jim, of Marshfield; her children: Joan Bliesener of Eau Claire, Robert (Mary) Bliesener of Sun Prairie, Michael (Jeri Lynn) Beaver of Webster, MN, and Barbara (Gerard) Postl of Eau Claire, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother: Lawrence (Julia) of Loyal; two sisters-in-law: Virginia Esselman of Oak Creek, and Helen Esselman of Loyal; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Charles, Clemens and Richard Esselman.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, in Loyal. Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh will officiate, and burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nicholas Beaver, Jacob Beaver, Eric Bauer, Kent Johnson, Ed Esselman and Paul Esselman. Visitation will be held at the church, on Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

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Obit: Kwak, Jean Margaret (1940 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Kwak, Wolchuck, Bonkowski, McPherson, Marten, Nicholson, Clark, Bredl, Daniels, Weinberg, Hemmer, Famiyeh

----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 3/11/2024

Kwak, Jean Margaret (21 September 1940 – 4 March 2024)

Jean M. Kwak, age 83, of Arbor Vitae, passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024, at House of The Dove in Marshfield.

Jean Margaret Bonkowski was born on September 21, 1940, in Chicago, IL to Theodore and Alice (Wolchuck) Bonkowski. She was raised and received her education in Chicago, graduating from Schurz High School in 1958. Jean was united in marriage to John J. Kwak on November 24, 1958, at St. Viator Catholic Church in Chicago. They resided in Fox Lake, IL until they later moved to Lake Villa, IL. In July of 2000, they sold their home and moved to Arbor Vitae to enjoy their retirement.

She had many interests, but especially loved spending time with her family and friends, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her, working on her doll house, reading and making crafts.

Jean will be dearly missed by her daughter, Jean “Angel” (John) McPherson of Loyal, and son, John T. Kwak of Marshall; three grandchildren: Jackie (Colton) Marten of Loyal, Jason McPherson (Mikaela Nicholson) of Spencer, Jessica (Jeremy) Clark of Marshfield; five great-grandchildren: Joshua Bredl, Gage Daniels, Emmett McPherson, Owen McPherson, Isabella Marten; two brothers-in-law: Walter (Dayna) Kwak of Lake Villa, IL and Howard Weinberg of Crystal Lake, IL: three sisters-in-law: Charlotte Hemmer of Chicago, IL, Jeannine Kwak of Missouri, and Jean Kwak of Lake Villa, IL: nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, on July 18, 2022, her parents, and one sister, Sharon Weinberg.

A visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Cuddie Funeral Home in Loyal, followed by a graveside service at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Loyal, with Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh officiating.