Obit: Kruger, Elizabeth Lou (Betty) (1928 - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Kruger, Stauber, Marden, Baker, Esgar
----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 11/11/2024
Kruger, Elizabeth Lou (Betty) (20 October 1928 – 5 November 2024)
Elizabeth Lou (Betty) Kruger, age 96, passed away peacefully in St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center, Shakopee, MN on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Betty was born on October 20, 1928, in Milwaukee, to Kenneth and Katherine (Stauber) Marden. She moved with her parents to Greenwood, and later met her future husband, Jack D. Kruger, of Loyal. Betty worked for many years as an office secretary and bookkeeper for Land O’ Lakes – Spencer Division in Spencer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Steven, two grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Betty is survived by her daughters Priscilla Baker and Kathleen (John) Esgar, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
As was her wish, she has been accorded cremation rites and will be interred at a later date in the family burial site in Greenwood Cemetery in Greenwood, Wisconsin.
Obit: Weigel, James H. (1961 - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Weigel, Weis, Gale. Smazal, Schmidt, DeBois
----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Colby, Clark Co., WI) 11/11/2024
Weigel, James H. (29 September 1961 – 10 November 2024)
James H. Weigel, age 63, of Colby, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Per his wishes, no services will be held.
James was born on September 29, 1961, the son of Herman and Anna (Weis) Weigel in Wood County. He was united in marriage to Kim Gale on August 6, 1988, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby. James worked as a service technician for Foxland Harvestore for 24 years. He also drove a school bus for many years in Colby.
James was an avid deer hunter and Green Bay Packer fan. He enjoyed gardening, snowmobiling, truck pulling, stock car races including racing when he was younger. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family, especially his grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kim; two children: Greg and Shanna (Todd) Smazal; three grandchildren: Jordyn, Mason and McKenzie; seven brothers and sisters: Carol Weigel, Donna (Larry) Schmidt, Sue (Tracy) DeBois, Jerry (Janice) Weigel, Sandy (Randy) Busse, Mary (Joe) Konwinski and Tina Weigel; two brothers-in-law: Dennis and David Gale and a sister-in-law, Lisa Gale; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Anna.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.
Obit: Wiesner, Michael Edward (1942 - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Wiesner, Robb, Hoppa
----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 11/11/2024
Wiesner, Michael Edward (7 July 1942 – 4 November 2024)
Michael E. Wiesner, age 82, of Neillsville, passed away at Clark County Rehab & Living Center in Owen, on Monday, November 4, 2024. Burial will take place in the Seif Cemetery at a later date.
Michael Edward Wiesner was born on July 7, 1942, in Neillsville, to Leo F. and
Neva M. (Robb) Wiesner. He was raised on the family farm in the Town of Seif,
rural Neillsville, and received his education in the Town of Seif. After
completing his education, Mike worked with his father on the farm, and worked at
Hoppa's sawmill.
He had many interests, but especially enjoyed fishing, hunting and snowmobiling.
Mike is survived by nieces, nephews,
other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Leo, Dale and Jerry; and one sister, Marjorie Wiesner.
Bio: Fecker, Halle--Neillsville Police Dept. (On-Target Award - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Fecker, Mankowski
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/30/2024
Fecker, Halle—Neillsville Police Dept. (On-Target Award - 2024)
During the Neillsville Common Council Oct. 22, Neillsville Chief of Police James Mankowski honored Neillsville Police Officer Halle Fecker with the Neillsville Police Department On-Target Award. This recognition was for Fecker’s assistance to an out-of-state resident whose ca3r broke down Sept. 25, leaving him stranded. Fecker’s response and dedication exemplified the department’s commitment to community service and safety. Submitted photo
Bio: Zarnke, Jessica—Kentucky Gets a Taste of Loyal (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Zarnke
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/13/2024
Zarnke, Jessica—Kentucky Gets a Taste of Loyal (2024)
Via a scholarship, Jessica Zarnke attended the Jump$tart National Education Conference in Louisville, KY, representing the Loyal School District. “From networking with over 300 teachers nationwide to discovering a wealth of resource,” the Loyal School District’s Facebook said, “Zarnke is bringing back exciting, fresh ideas to enrich the financial literacy classroom for our #LoyalProud students.” “We can’t wait to see the impact these new strategies will have on preparing our students for a financially secure future.” Submitted photo
BioM: Marriage Licenses (Nov- 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Miller, Borntrager, Yoder, Fulks, Schneebeli, Loskot, Konwinski, Ward, Buckley
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/06 & 13/2024
Marriage Licenses (Nov - 2024)
Jonathan B. Miller, Town of Fremont, to Esther A. Borntrager, Town of Lynn, Nov. 14, at the Town of Lynn.
John A. Yoder, Canada to Lafena M. Yoder, Town of Eaton, Nov. 19, at the Town of Eaton.
Tyler C. Fulks, Kentucky, to Michaela R. Schneebeli, Town of Hendren, Nov. 30, at City of Thorp.
Michael T. Loskot, to Amber R. Konwinski, both of Village of Withee, Nov. 16, at Taylor County.
James P. Ward, to Sara A. Buckley, both of Town of Pine Valley, Nov. 28, at Town of Pine Valley.
Obit: Green, Ethel Marie “Pete” (1940 - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Green, Klimeck, Mueller, Lambert, Ingersoll, Illman, Rueth, Lotto, Muratore, Russow
----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 11/13/2024
Green, Ethel Marie “Pete” (24 February 1940 – 12 November 2024)
Ethel Marie “Pete” Green, born Ethel Marie Klimeck, entered the world at home in the small town of Cadott, on February 24, 1940. Ethel graduated from high school in Abbotsford in 1957 at the young age of seventeen. Driven by a passion for caring for others, she pursued a career in nursing, attending St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, from which she graduated at age twenty.
Ethel’s nursing career began at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she worked until December 1960, when she took a position at Muirdale Sanitarium, providing care to patients suffering from tuberculosis. Her dedication to nursing led her to Milwaukee County Hospital and later to Waukesha Memorial. Eventually, she returned to her roots, moving with her family back to Cadott and taking a position at Chippewa Hospital. In 1969, Ethel and her family relocated to Stetsonville, where she began working at the Taylor County Nursing Home. She continued her work there until 1981, later joining the Clark County Healthcare Center. Ethel’s career was marked by compassion and tireless dedication until health issues led to her retirement in 1988.
Ethel was one of ten children and preceded in death by her siblings: Alis (Latto) Klimeck from Thorp, Adrian Klimeck, formerly of Gilman, Karlos Klimeck, formerly of Milwaukee, Arlo Klimeck from Chicago, Allen Klimeck from Monument, Colorado, Adelia (Muratore) Klimeck of Union Grove and Arthur “Jack” Klimeck from Abbotsford.
She had three children: Garland H. Green Jr. of Northampton, Massachusetts, Pam (Tom) Mueller of Marshfield and Audine (Mike) Lambert of Lawton, Oklahoma. Audine sadly preceded her in death in 2021. Her sister Katherine “Susie” Ingersoll lives in Abbotsford.
Her grandchildren: Mellisa Lambert, Micah Lambert, Andrew Lambert, and Abbie all live in Lawton, Oklahoma; Adam Lambert resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Garland “Omar” Green and Matthew Green of Hatfield, Massachusetts; Alex Illmann of Stetsonville, and Nick Illmann of Marshfield, Kasey (Christopher) Rueth of Loyal, and Alesha Mueller of Madison. She had many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
Ethel will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and lifelong commitment to caring for others. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, talking with others on the phone, and slots on her iPad.
Her legacy lives on in the family and friends she leaves behind.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Stetsonville. Interment to follow at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. The Rev. Richard Russow will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ethel, please visit our floral store.
News: CCL Event Supports Sleep In Heavenly Peace Non-profit (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Thums, Calmes, LaVenture, Loertscher
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/6/2024
CCL Event Supports Sleep In Heavenly Peace Non- Profit (2024)
‘People’s generosity shone through’
By Edward DuBois
Oct. 26, the Colby Community Library (CCL), as the Friends of the Colby Community Library, held the 11th annual Maddie Thums Memorial Sew-a-thon along with Make-a-Difference Day (MADD) 2024.
“Madelyne (Maddie) Thums of Curtiss was a registered nurse in the Birthing Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield,” CCL director Vicky Calmes said. “When she retired, she began volunteering at the CCL. She passed in March of 2013, and, the following year, in March 2014, the first ‘Maddie Day’ was held in her honor. Service-minded people, from Colby and the surrounding areas, gathered for a sew-a-thon to create items to donate to St. Joseph’s Hospital for the birth/neonatal center and pediatric department.”
Calmes described the changes to the event over the years, such as size. Each year, the gathering grew in scope. Items (such as courage capes and taggy blankets) were always sewn for the hospital babies and children but other groups also benefited.
Quilts were stitched for the veterans at the King Home in Waupaca, sweatshirts were sewn into dog beds for the Clark County Humane Society, fleece blankets were tied for domestic abuse shelters, hats and turbans were knit and crocheted for the American Cancer Society and lap quilts were created for assisted living and nursing homes. Some years, 200–300 items were donated; other years, over 1,000 items were given, depending upon the complexity of the projects.
The event even continued during the COVID-19 shutdowns with “Take and Make” bags for people to sew at home.
Calmes referred to the items made at this event as “Maddie projects.”
“This year’s Maddie projects included flannel ice bags covers, procedure doll gowns and developmental hearts to be donated to the Marshfield Medical Center (MMC),” Calmes said. “Bibs, burp cloths and pillowcases were also sewn for the CCL to use in the ‘Welcome New Baby’ bags and as 1,000 Books Before the End of Kindergarten incentives.”
Calmes consults with Volunteer Services at the MMC each year to determine the most critical needs for hospitalized children. Then, the CCL’s programs for children are assessed to see what could be sewn by volunteers. Make-a-Difference Day may include sewn projects, but also involves a “collection” project for those wanting to contribute to the community but not having sewing/knitting/crocheting skills.
The MADD 2024 project was to collect bedding items for Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP)-Spencer chapter. People could purchase and donate new twin-sized sheets, comforters, fleece blankets, pillows and mattress pads. They could also sew homemade quilts and pillowcases.
“Once again,” Calmes said, “people’s generosity shone through with 133 bedding items delivered to SHP after the event, including 40 quilts. It is interesting to note that, while the crew was busy sewing at the CCL, the 640th SHP bed was being delivered to a needy child in our area.
“Thirty-two people were onsite on Oct. 26 and enjoyed a soup, sandwich and salad lunch. Making quilts or donating bedding to SHP were another 60 generous people. The largest onsite event had 45 people attending, but this year, due to conflicts, the day was moved to October and a few less sewers attended. The sewing crew, while slightly smaller, was mighty and non-sewers also were a big help in prepping pieces to be stitched. All of the items are quality control checked and pressed before being delivered.”
Thrivent Action Teams, Friends of the CCL, Ron Thums and Creative Hideaway in Dorchester helped financially support the project. The first event in 2014 was co-chaired by Vickie LaVenture and Calmes. This year, Ailene Loertscher assisted Calmes in the planning.
“After the ‘Big 10’ last year (ten different sewing projects to commemorate the 10th annual sew-a-thon),” Calmes said, “I was thinking of retiring the idea. Then, the hospital’s needs for children this year couldn’t be refused, and the ‘No kid sleeps on the floor in our town’ mission statement for SHP is quite compelling to help them out. So, the 11th event was planned.
“The CCL is a very service-oriented library. Because so many people help the library throughout the year, it is good to pay that kindness forward. Events like Maddie Day and MADD provide an outlet for adults to use their skills to benefit the community, and they give teens a chance to earn service hours and learn the value of sharing time and talent to help others.
“I will be in touch with the MMC; if they have needs, the 12th annual event will be planned for 2025.”
News: Levis Mound, a Great Place to Bike, Hike (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Glaze, Meurett
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/6/2024
Levis Mound, a Great Place to Bike, Hike (2024)
By June Thompson
This fall season is more like an extension of summer. With temperature in the 70s and 80s, and sunny days, it’s perfect timing to see the fall leaves while hiking or biking at Levis/Trow Mound Recreation Area. More than 41 biking and hiking trails are in the southeast part of Clark County, on Fisher Avenue.
Dean Glaze, retired teacher in Neillsville, had just finished his bike ride Wednesday, Oct. 16. He and his wife Carol were heading north for another biking adventure.
“I came up here last weekend. At least 50 cars were here with bikers/hikers. There’s only a three-week window to see the colors,” he said.
“I ride a Mountain Bike on the single-track trails four or five days a week,” Glaze said. When winter comes, he’ll ride his Fat Tire Bike or cross-country ski on the winter tracks.
He and friend Steve Meurett helped build the bike and ski trails and have hosted races since 1986. “We’re getting old and trying to keep it (the trails) maintained,” Glaze said. He is part of the Neillsville Area Trail Association. “There’s no fee for hiking or snowshoeing.” But there are fees for biking and camping.
“I always loved to bike,” said Glaze. He started mountain biking in the early 80s. There weren’t many trails then. “Levis Mound is owned by Clark County,” said Glaze. “They (the trails) were cooperatively built by Forestry and Parks.” The trails are easily accessible. “We changed a few trails,” he said, “to simplify things out here.”
Glaze enjoys biking at Levis Mound. “It’s peaceful,” he said. “The trails are perfect for beginners. I love to get kids out riding and new riders.”
Many visitors just like to hike/walk the trails, enjoying nature. “Clark County is a unique place,” Glaze said. “When you get to the top (of the mound) you realize what a unique place it is. Some local folks don’t know it’s here,” he said.
Reaching the higher elevation brings a view for visitors to see for miles. “The bike and hike trails go to the top,” said Glaze. “They are multi-use trails.”
Glaze came to Neillsville in 1981-82 to teach at Neillsville Schools. He’s been involved with Special Olympics for 40-plus years. Over the years, he’s seen many improvements at Levis Mound.
The chalet is equipped for meetings and has restroom facilities. “It’s a fun place to have a meeting,” said Glaze. He and his students helped rebuild the chalet after a fire destroyed it. “My students also helped build and maintain the trails,” said Glaze. “We’d clean the chalet in the winter. It took over a year to rebuild the chalet.”
If visitors get a chance to meet up with Glaze on one of the biking trails at Levis Mound, he might offer up a story if asked. He knows a lot of history of Levis/Trow Mound and can easily direct anyone to the top for a sight to see.
For more information about Levis/Trow Mound Recreation Area, contact Forestry and Parks 715-743-5140.
Obit: Davis, Helen Elizabeth (1925 - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Davis, Hansen, Gorsegner, Erickson, Wieser, Cremer, Lueck, Broeking
----Source: Mengis Funeral Home (Mable, MN) 11/15/2024
Davis, Helen Elizabeth (12 April 1925 – 12 November 2024)
Helen Elizabeth (Gorsegner) Davis, age 99, passed away at her home in Canton, Minnesota on November 12, 2024.
Helen was born Easter Sunday morning, April 12, 1925, to Gustav and Ella (Hansen) Gorsegner in rural Thorp, Wisconsin. She was baptized May 10, 1925, and confirmed August 18, 1938, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Thorp. She graduated from Thorp High School in 1943 and was employed several years at Thorp Finance Coop.
Helen Gorsegner and Thomas Edward Davis were united in marriage on February 19, 1946, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. They moved to Canton, Minnesota in 1957 where she was bookkeeper for her husband’s business, Davis Construction. She also worked at the Canton State Bank. Helen was a member of Henrytown Lutheran Church in rural Canton where she served as deacon for nine years, sang in the church choir, and was a member of the Mary Circle and WELCA.
Her special interests included her vegetable and berry gardens, and mowing and caring for her yard. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and hardanger, and traveling, especially with Zimmer Tours in the United States and Canada. She also visited several countries in Europe with her friends. She enjoyed being a member of the Canton Lunch Bunch and the Canton Historical Society. She was active in the SAIL exercise program.
Helen is survived by two sons Thomas L. (Barbara) Davis, and William H. Davis both of Canton, Minnesota; a grandson James (Kristi) Davis of Canton; a granddaughter Jennifer (Peter) Erickson of Chatfield, Minnesota; five great grandchildren Brent (Crystal) Erickson of Ostrander, Minnesota, Chandler (Aleksie) Erickson, Davis Erickson and fiancé Abby Wieser of Rochester, Minnesota, Delanie Davis and friend Nathan Cremer of Harmony, and Avery (Cody) Lueck of Canton; five great-great grandchildren Ryder and Rhiley Vreeland of Harmony, Sadie and Daisy Erickson of Fountain, Minnesota, and Sutton Jo Lueck of Canton; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother; her husband, Tom Davis in April 1990; her brother-in-law Carl Broeking in 2007; brother Leonard and sister-in-law Marcia Gorsegner; sister Regina (Gorsegner) Broeking; and daughter-in-law Diane Davis.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, November 16th at the Henrytown Lutheran Church in rural Harmony. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.
Obit: Cain, Elsie Elizabeth (16 Apr 1910-23 Aug 2000)
Contributed by Helen Blaha
ELSIE ELIZABETH
CAIN
Elsie Elizabeth Cain departed this life Wednesday, August 23, 2000 at 7 pm at
the Clark County Health Care Center at the age of 90 years, 4 months and 7 days.
Elsie was born on April 16, 1910, in Lyon County, Iowa to Henry and Marie
Langfeldt. As a young girl, she moved with her family to the Beaver Township
where she attended Oak Grove School. On June 12, 1929, she was united in
marriage to Ulysses Cain in Neillsville. They farmed for 4 years in March
Rapids, northwest of Stratford, then moved to the Beaver Township and farmed
there from 1933 until 1956. In 1956 they sold the farm to their son Wayne and
moved into Loyal. Elsie worked at E-Z Kamper for several years, as a painter,
and did a lot of sewing and alterations for many people in Clark County. Her
husband died on February 9, 1981. Until 2 years ago, she lived in Loyal. Since
then, she has resided at the Marshfield Center and then moved to the Clark
County Health Care Center in November 1999. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran
Church, Beaver Center Homemakers and several card clubs. Elsie loved spending
time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and also enjoyed sewing,
fancy work, playing cards, hunting, fishing, and flower gardening.
Elsie is survived by one son, Wayne (Winnie) Cain; one daughter, Zada (Lester)
Bloom; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Janis (Kenneth)
Vollrath; several step-sisters, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Dorothea Langfeldt and Leona
Johnson; brothers, Max, Edwin, Clarence, and Erwin Langfeldt.
