8015, Clark County, Wisconsin History & Genealogy

Wayne W. Adamski, 80, of Thorp, passed away at Aspirus Stanley Hospital on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Wayne Walter Adamski was born on January 2, 1943, in Chicago, IL, to Walter J. and Helen E. (Kerber) Adamski. He was raised and received his education in Chicago. After completing his schooling, Wayne worked at the Continental Can in Chicago, and during that time he met Diane Jakubowicz. They were united in marriage on January 27, 1962, and moved to Stanley, in 1967 where they bought a dairy farm and began farming. In the late 1980's, he gave up farming and went to work at Weather Shield in Medford, until retiring in the mid-1990's due to health issues.

He had many interests, but especially enjoyed going to auctions where he bought and sold many items.

Wayne is survived by his two children: Dwayne (Patricia) Adamski of Sycamore, IL, and Kristine (Paul) McAdory of Louisville, MS; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; one brother: Wade Adamski of Montello; his loving friend and caregiver: Sandra Nissen of Thorp; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and five brothers: Warren, Walter, Ward, Wyatt and William Adamski.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Thorp Funeral Home, in Thorp, with Pastor Steve Mohr officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home, on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Surnames: Benzschawel, Gengler, Bolf, Spiegel, Resch, Theisen, Clarke, York, Nolt, Bredlau, Tolzman, Hayden

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 3/26/2023

William “Bill” J. Benzschawel, age 91, of Owen, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center in Owen under the tender care of ProMedica Hospice.

Bill was born on March 23, 1932, the son of Frank and Margaret (Gengler) Benzschawel in Thorp. He graduated from Thorp High School in 1950 and he joined the U.S. Air Force just 5 days later. Bill served in the US Air Force as an Airman First Class from 1950-53, stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and then Korea. On August 6, 1955, he was united in marriage to Dolores Bolf in Greenwood. Together they farmed for 40 years in Thorp, Greenwood, and Longwood; retiring in 1993 and moving to Owen.

Bill was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen and served on numerous boards and committees for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and earned the title of Grand Knight. Bill also served on Coop boards, including President of the Farmers Coop in Thorp. In October of 2014, Bill, accompanied by his son, Stephen, joined 100 other veterans on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. – a special once in a lifetime experience. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, camping, and making maple syrup for over 45 years. Most importantly, Bill loved and cherished his family and has passed many special traditions and knowledge down for years to come.

Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dolores; five children: Pauline (John) Spiegel of Jim Falls, Pamela (Ben) Emerson of Appleton, Marcia Resch of Green Bay, Stephen (Tonia) Benzschawel of Eau Claire and Tina (Jeff) Theisen of Eau Claire; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Joan (Seamus) Clarke of FL; two brothers: Frank (Nell) Benzschawel of WA and Allen (Sam) Benzschawel of FL, brother-in-law Vern York of FL and sisters-in-law Bev and Alice Benzschawel of Thorp; his special friends, Eugene and Lois Nolt; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Claude, Eugene, Diane and Dennis.

The Benzschawel family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Oakbrook Health & Rehabilitation and Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center, for the care Bill and the family received. Additional thanks to friends Brian Bredlau and Dan Tolzman for their help and support during the past year. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to Holy Rosary Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen with Father Michael Hayden officiating. The burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by Owen American Legion Post #123, Owen-Withee Vets Club and Thorp VFW Post #9057. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church.

Roger J Kirn, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 4 PM on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Willard Cemetery, with Pastor Elizabeth Bier officiating.

Leon Edward Pankratz, 84, of Spencer, passed away Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Marshfield Medical Center.

Leon was born on March 4, 1939, in Marshfield to Edward and Lola Pankratz. He attended Milladore Grade School and PJ Jacobs High School in Stevens Point, graduating in 1957. He then attended technical school. Leon married Carole (Buelow), June 11, 1960, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Junction City. They were proud parents of Mike, Pam, and Kevin.

Leon worked for Oscar Boldt Company, Appleton, and Evinrude Motors, Manawa, before moving to Spencer in 1972 where he worked for Wick Building Systems, Mazomanie. He later owned F. Maurer Roofing and L&M Metals in Spencer. While he never truly retired, he always found something to keep him busy. During his semi-retirement years, Leon enjoyed gardening, woodworking, tinkering with engines big and small, anything that required a chainsaw, and meeting for morning coffee daily with his pals. His greatest joy was fishing and relaxing with his family at his house on Lake Solberg, Phillips.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carole Pankratz of Spencer, and their three children: Mike (Ann) Pankratz, Spencer, Pam (Brad Cook), Alpharetta, GA, Kevin (friend Dawn) Pankratz, Spencer. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, two sisters: Donna Haasl, Milladore and Joyce Kupsch, Stone Lake.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer with Rev Barry Saylor officiating. Burial will follow in West Spencer Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday at the church in Spencer from 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Spencer Cook, Grace Pankratz, Hannah Pankratz, Garrett Cook, Alison Pankratz, Aaron Pankratz, and Megan Pankratz.

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

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences

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