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Obit: Gumz, Daniel (1958 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Gumz, Bulczak, Helfert, Schmitz, Seelow, Umlauft, Tackes, Brown

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 4/5/2023

Gumz, Daniel R. “Danny” (13 March 1958 – 1 April 2023)

Daniel “Danny” R. Gumz, age 65, of Colby, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Daniel was born on March 13, 1958, the son of Alfred and Jeanette (Bulczak) Gumz in Medford. He farmed in the Town of Hull for many years.

Daniel’s heart was golden and could be a total goofball. He liked to go for drives and loved his cats. Daniel especially loved spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Daniel is survived by his two sisters: Bonnie Helfert (Dan Schmitz) and Theresa (Dan) Seelow; by his nieces and nephews: Michael and Kari Helfert, Jennifer Umlauft, Patty Tackes, Eric, Cody and Kelsey Seelow, Jason Gumz, Mitchell Gumz, Janet “Jenny” Brown and Tanya Gumz.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ronnie and Allen.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford.

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

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Obit: Gumz, Ronnie A. (1960 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Gumz, Bulczak, Brown, Ducylowycz, Wheeler, Gladback, Eggebrecht, Helfert, Schmitz, Seelow, Umlauft, Tackes

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 4/5/2023

Gumz, Ronnie A. (20 May 1960 – 1 April 2023)

Ronnie A. Gumz, age 62, of Colby, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Ronnie was born on May 20, 1960, the son of Alfred and Jeanette (Bulczak) Gumz in Medford. He graduated from Colby High School. Ronnie farmed in the Town of Hull for many years.

Ronnie was an avid hunter, outdoorsman and liked to fish. He was self-taught and was able to fix almost anything. Ronnie will most be remembered for his big heart. He was caring and loving, had a listening ear and would lend anyone a hand. Ronnie was a storyteller and fun loving. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family, especially his grandchildren.

Ronnie is survived by four children: Jason Gumz, Mitchell Gumz, Janet “Jenny” Brown and Tanya Gumz; four additional children he considered his own: Michael Ducylowycz, Matthew Ducylowycz, Natasha Wheeler and Lilly Gladback; five grandchildren: Landon Ducylowycz, Brinleigh Gumz, Ethan Ducylowycz, Serenity Gumz and Charley Eggebrecht. He is further survived by his two sisters: Bonnie Helfert (Dan Schmitz) and Theresa (Dan) Seelow; nieces and nephews: Michael and Kari Helfert, Jennifer Umlauft, Patty Tackes, Eric, Cody and Kelsey Seelow.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Daniel and Allen.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford.

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

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Obit: Johnson, Marian (1932 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Johnson, Jorstad, Smith, Haas, Duffek, Shirek, Peterson, Vollert, Bjerke

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/6/2023

Johnson, Marian (21 March 1932 – 3 April 2023)

Marian Johnson, age 91, of Black River Falls, formerly of Neillsville, died Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Country Terrace Assisted Living Facility in Black River Falls.

Marian Johnson was born on March 21, 1932, the daughter of Lawrence and Arlene (Jorstad) Johnson. She lived with her family on the family farm in Greenwood, where she enjoyed the cattle, chickens, pigs, and lots of cats. She also had her two dogs, Pat and Pal, which she loved very much. Marian lived most of her adult life in Neillsville, but most recently was living in Black River Falls.

She enjoyed coloring, puzzles and decorating - especially for Christmas.

She is survived by a sister, Betty Smith of Vesper, a niece, Sue Ann Haas of Vesper, and her children, Tammy Haas of Vesper, and Jodi (Ryan) Duffek of Arizona, a niece, Jeanette Shirek of Vesper, and her children, Tori (Jeremiah) Peterson of Vesper, and Brittany (Anthony) Vollert of Arpin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Carl Smith Jr.

Funeral services for Marian will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Gesche Funeral home in Neillsville, WI. Pastor Douglas Bjerke will officiate. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Greenwood, WI. Visitation will be 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. Saturday at the Gesche Funeral Home.

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

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

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Obit: Englebretson, Shirley J. (1946- 2023)

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

Surnames: Englebretson, Cox, Shilts, Eithun, Puckett, Anderson, Peterson, Schmitt, Loucks, Gindt, Bottlemy

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 4/7/2023

Englebretson, Shirley J.( 14 June 1946 – 1 April 2023)

Shirley J. Englebretson, age 76, of Owen, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Marshfield Medical Center.

Shirley was born on June 14, 1946, the daughter of John and Bessie (Cox) Shilts in Stanley. She attended Owen Schools and was a 1964 graduate of Owen-Withee High School. Shirley was united in marriage to Bruce Englebretson on September 11, 1965, in Greenwood. She stayed home to raise her family and later babysat the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley enjoyed bird watching and flower gardening.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Bruce of Owen; two sons: Richard (Monica) Englebretson and Rodney (Deb) Englebretson, grandchildren, Joshua (Natalie) Englebretson of Council Bluffs, IA, Rishelle (Tom) Eithun of Oregon, Jessica (James) Puckett of La Crosse, Devon (Jessica) Englebretson of Hortonville, and Derek (Peyton) Englebretson of Owen, great grandchildren, Landen and Lincoln Eithun of Oregon, Tydus and Sylus Puckett of La Crosse, Archer and Eva Englebretson of Owen, and Caleb, Josie and Arlo Englebretson of Hortonville. She is further survived by her brothers, Laverne (Laurie) Shilts and John (Goldie) Shilts, sisters, Bonnie (Gary) Englebretson, Alice Anderson, Judy (Dale) Anderson, Iva Peterson, Irene (Tom) Schmitt and Geraldine (Dave) Loucks, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Linda Gindt and brothers in law, Ron Bottlemy, Steve Gindt and Norman Anderson.

Per Shirley’s wishes no services will be held. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Shirley, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree.

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Obit: Kolnik, Michael Steven “Mike” (1952 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Kolnik, Garrett, Hackler, Austin

----Source: Plombon-Funeral Service (Stanley, Chippewa Co., WI) 4/7/2023

Kolnik, Michael Steven “Mike” (26 November 1952 – 22 February 2023)

Michael Steven Kolnik, age 70, of Thorp, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Mike Kolnik was born on November 26, 1952. He was the 2nd child of Raymond and Dorothy Kolnik of Walworth, where he and his siblings grew up. Michael welcomed first child, Michael Kolnik, Jr. in 1974. Michael united in marriage to Gail E Garrett on June 29, 1970. Together Mike and Gail welcomed four children. In 1980 they welcomed their first son, Matthew. Then in 1984 they welcomed Mark. Then they welcomed Melissa in 1986. Mike and Gail lived in Walworth, for 37 years. In those 37 years they welcomed nine grandchildren. After living in Walworth for 37 years they moved to Thorp, where they have been for seven years.

Mike will be truly missed by his family and friends. He was very family oriented and would always call just to catch up. Mike had a reputation as the family jokester among his nieces and nephews. Whenever they were around, he loved to play jokes on them and just have fun. He always loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, whether visiting, sitting around the campfire, or going fishing with them. Oh boy did he love to fish and have his family with him. Of course, he was always the one that won the dollar for the first “keeper.”

He will always be remembered this way. We will leave you with this poem that my dad loved, called a Fisherman’s Prayer:
I pray that I may live to fish.
Until my dying day.
And when it comes to my last cast.
I then most humbly pray.
When in the Lord’s great landing net
And peacefully asleep
That in His mercy I be judged
Big enough to keep.

Mike leaves behind his wife, Gail Kolnik of Thorp; children: Mike (Leanette) Kolnik of Genoa City, Matt (Lauren) Kolnik of Canton, MI, Mark Kolnik of Walworth and Melissa (Nate Hackler) Kolnik of Sheldon; his grandchildren: Noah and Peyton Kolnik, Elijah Kolnik, Tristan and Natalie Kolnik, and Chayce, Konnyr, and Cayden Hackler; siblings: Raymond (Jeanne) Kolnik, Linda Austin, Joe (June) Kolnik, and Tim (Laura) Kolnik. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy Kolnik, his daughter Michelle, his grandson Aidan Kolnik and his brother-in-law Richard Austin.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Walworth. Visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with church service from 2:00-3:00 p.m. A luncheon to follow the service.

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Obit: Schmidt, Rose Mary (1969 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Schmidt, Jacobs, Pongratz, Anderson, Schoen

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 4/7/2023

Schmidt, Rose Mary (30 May 1969 – 2 April 2023)

Rose Mary Schmidt, 53 years old of Spencer, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Unfortunately, for the past two years she was battling cancer. She passed in the comfort of her home surrounded by family and loved ones.

Rose was born May 30, 1969, in Marshfield to her parents Richard and Christine (Jacobs) Pongratz. On July 29,1989, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Bruce Schmidt. Rose loved being a mom and grandma and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Schmidt and their children Joshua Schmidt and Bobbi (Adam) Anderson and their children Allie and AJ, and very close friend Dustin Schoen. She is further survived by her siblings Louis (Mercil), Barbara (Mike), Gerald (Samantha), William (Amie), Linda & Charles. Her mother-in-law, Betty Schmidt, eleven brothers and sisters-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Christine Pongratz, brother Richard Pongratz Jr; father-in-law, Bernard Schmidt, brother-in-law, Barry, sister-in-law, Bonnie.
 

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Obit: Roth, Mark A. (1948 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Roth, Newman, Lundstrom, Famiyeh

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 4/13/2023

Roth, Mark A. (24 December 1948 – 11 April 2023) With Flag

Mark A. Roth, 74, of Milwaukee, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, after a brief stay in hospice at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee.

Mark was born in Chippewa Falls, on Christmas Eve, a welcomed addition to his family. The second oldest of eight children, he grew up on a dairy/turkey farm in Loyal. Incredibly bright and talented; he excelled in scholastics, sports and many other extracurricular activities. Mark had a cheerful, self-confident personality and easily made friends. He enjoyed working with his brothers at Roth Mfg. and T.R. Metal Crafters. They were amazed at his ease in designing & fabricating equipment. He loved driving and working on fast cars and motorcycles.

After graduating from Loyal High School, Mark attended UW-Platteville and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He then served in the Army where he was stationed in Europe and was honorably discharged. Mark then enrolled in the MBA program at UW-Whitewater. The future looked bright for Mark… until he began to experience mental health issues while finishing up his grad school studies. He struggled to carry that cross during the remainder of his adult life.

Mark will be fondly remembered by his family including his wife, Lucille, of Marshfield; his brothers and sisters: Daniel of Loyal; Mary Jo Roth of Plymouth, MN; Ann Newman of Deerfield, IL; Thomas (Christine) of Loyal; Anthony (Joy) of Neillsville; and Kathleen (James) Lundstrom of Brooklyn Park, MN; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Violet and Norman Roth, and his brother Joseph Roth.

Arrangements are pending for a private Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony Church in Loyal. Fr. Emmanuel Famiyeh will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.

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Obit: Smith, James A. “Jim” (1945 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Smith, James, Marquand, Bertelsen, Thom, Hanson, Carnine, Groleau

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 4/14/2023

Smith, James A. “Jim” (9 October 1945 – 13 April 2023)

James “Jim” A. Smith, age 77, of Abbotsford, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Wausau Aspirus Hospital.
James was born on October 9, 1945, to Orval and Mary (James) Smith in Downing, Wisconsin. He graduated from Boyceville High School and was united in marriage to Diane Marquand on April 16, 1966, in Amery.

After retiring from 30 plus years of working as a Trouble man for NSP and later Xcel Energy, he worked at Northern Lakes Vet Supply for 11 years. He enjoyed biking, fishing, woodworking, and was an active member of Zion. He will be missed by family and friends.

James is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane; his four children: Kelly (Dan) Bertelsen of Marine on St. Croix, MN, Chad (Lori) Smith of Menomonie, Rebecca (Dave) Thom of Pine River and Jay (Trish) Smith of Colby; eight grandchildren: Ashley, Amanda, Adam, Cassidy, David, Lane, Braxton and Calvin; his three brothers: Jerry (Betty Jean) Smith of Downing, Gordy (Cindy) Smith of Menomonie and Rollie Smith of Baldwin; his sister, Nylla (Tom) Hanson of Amery; and his sister-in-law, Lois Carnine of Deer Park.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Douglas; his brother, Lane and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Warren and Delores Marquand.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Rev. James Groleau will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will follow at Abbotsford Cemetery. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.

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

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Obit: Tetzlaff, David Alan (1952 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Tetzlaff, Shrank, Hediger, Crawford, Montgomery, Kurasz, Schumacher

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/14/2023

Tetzlaff, David Alan (20 July 1952 – 11 April 2023)

David Tetzlaff, age 70, of Christie, died Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Neillsville.

Surnames: Tetzlaff, Shrank, Hediger, Crawford, Montgomery, Kurasz, Schumacher

David Alan Tetzlaff was born on July 30, 1952, in Oconomowoc, the son of Milan and Jean Mae (Shrank) Tetzlaff. He graduated from Arrowhead High School and then attended college in the Oconomowoc area. David earned a degree as a Machinist, but shortly before that he was hired at Creative Automation in Abbotsford. He worked there for 35 years before retiring just a couple of years ago. He was united in marriage to Charlotte Hediger on May 11, 2002, in Neillsville. They resided in Christie, where he took pride and joy in maintaining his well-manicured property.

David enjoyed hunting in his younger years, and fishing, working as a fishing guide years ago in northern Wisconsin. He was also heavily involved in the Make-A-Wish truck convoy.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, stepchildren, Dr. Lucretia (J.C.) Crawford of Sheboygan, Ernst Hediger of Christie, Loleta "Punk" (Bill) Montgomery of Granton, Erika Kurasz of Neillsville, Clara Hediger of Granton, Heidi Hediger of Sheboygan, Crispin (Lisa) Hediger of Christie, and Lydia (Ron) Schumacher of Neillsville, many step grandchildren, many step great grandchildren, siblings, Roger (Terri), Charles (Toni), Ben (Shelly), Carolyn (Dennis), John, Allen (Patti) Tom (special friend, Jerry), along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step mother, Marianne, and a son, Kyle.

A Celebration of David's life service will be held at the end of July.

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

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

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Obit: Ziemendorf, Frances Jane (1932 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Ziemendorf, Johnson, Barrett, Behselich, Grutzik, Vargas, Fox, Arnone, Vaski, Parker

----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 4/14/2023

Ziemendorf, Frances Jane (20 July 1932 – 10 April 2023)

Frances Jane Ziemendorf, 90, beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, and "Gigi" went home to be with the Lord on April 10, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family at The House of the Dove, Marshfield.

The youngest of six girls, Fran was born on July 20, 1932, to Luander and Olga (Johnson) Barrett in New Milford, IL at her Grandpa Johnson's home. She received her education at Rockford East High, in Rockford, IL. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and singing duets with the choir. Fran worked several manufacturing jobs in Rockford. There she met the love of her life, Lloyd Ziemendorf. They were married on April 4, 1957. After moving to the Township of Sherwood, in 1960 they purchased and operated a longtime family business, "The Sherwood Store". After closing the business in 1972, Fran was employed doing seasonal work. She was an active member and past board member of the City Point Community Church, and a former member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and occasionally camping. They recognized the greatest joys in life were simple pleasures. She so enjoyed preparing and serving a meal for a family gathering, playing ball with the kids in the backyard, roasting hotdogs and marshmallows while watching her family skating on the pond, and long late night chats catching up with her sisters.

Fran is survived by her three children: Wendy (Mark) Behselich of Pittsville, Robert Ziemendorf (companion Patty) of Neillsville, and Steven (Linda) Ziemendorf of Pittsville. She is further survived by five grandchildren and four step-grandchildren; Matthew (Rebekah) Grutzik, Dustin (Jennifer) Grutzik, Amy Vargas, Bradley (Marissa) Ziemendorf, Briana (Jared) Fox, Michelle (Tony) Arnone, Tina Behselich, Brad (Sarra) Behselich, and Traci (Sean) Vaski. She was also blessed with 10 great- grandchildren, 11 step-great grandchildren and two step great-great-grandchildren. Fran was predeceased by her husband Lloyd on April 20, 2011, her parents, five sisters and their spouses, and several nieces and nephews.

If you knew Mom, you knew that she loved many things in life but nothing more than her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her family and friends. She found great joy in feeding and watching the birds in her beautiful yard, along with growing a garden and a multitude of flowers. Music...how she loved music; country gospel and old church hymns were her favorite. Singing was a daily occurrence and how she could harmonize! Even when her voice grew weak, she whispered the words to her favorite songs. Mom was an amazing woman. She worked hard, and loved deeply. She was truly a caregiver, always patient, nurturing, selfless and gentle yet strong and fiercely independent; a friend to everyone she met. She was a great listener and easy for anyone to visit with. She will always be remembered for her quick wit and hilarious "one liners".

We would like to give a special, deeply heartfelt thanks to Fred and Kathy Parker who throughout the years have become family. Thank you to the entire City Point Community Church family and especially to her "City Point girls". Your love and friendship was priceless to her, and she cherished the road trips and spending time with you. Also a special thanks to the compassionate, professional, personalized caregiving staff at The House of the Dove! There aren't words to express our gratitude. And to Anna...who could always make Mom laugh. Thank you for bringing so much joy into her life!

Mom, you left us with the most beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you're always at our side. You will be dearly missed by all of us. Our lives won't be the same without you, but we take comfort in knowing you're safely home! Forever in our hearts - until we meet again.

Fran’s life will be celebrated on April 20th, 2023, at the City Point Community Church, City Point, WI with Pastor Fred Parker officiating. The visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service to follow. Committal service and interment will take place at the Sherwood Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. Dinner will be served at the City Point Community Center.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frances Jane (Barrett) Ziemendorf, please visit our floral store.