Obit: Currie, Ronald Ralph “Ron” (1953 - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Currie, Hovland, Gehrke, Hesselbein, West, Hormig, Martin, Murphee, Bottorff, Brandt, Carroll, Ertl, Meacham, Hintz, Schwanz
----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 10/28/2024
Currie, Ronald Ralph “Ron” (11 May 1953 - 25 October 2024)
Ronald R. Currie, known affectionately as Ron to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, in Marshfield.
Born on May 11, 1953, in Beloit, to Ralph Currie and Jeanine Hovland, Ron’s life was marked by his kindness, generosity, and adventurous spirit. Ron grew up in Beloit and was a proud graduate of Beloit Memorial High School, Class of 1971. His pursuit of education led him to attend UW-Stevens Point and UW-Stout, where he furthered his knowledge and prepared for a successful career. On August 2, 1975, Ron married his soulmate, Dianne Gehrke, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer, a union that was blessed with love, laughter, and two wonderful daughters.
Professionally, Ron dedicated many years to the auto parts industry, where his personable nature and expertise made him a respected figure. His commitment to his community was evident through his service as a member and treasurer of Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer. Ron also shared his talents as a Trustee on the Board of Education and was actively involved with the LuCille Tack Center for the Arts, Hub City Model Railroad Club, and the Wisconsin Central Model Railroad Club, affectionately known as "Whiskey Central."
Ron's interests were as varied as they were passionate. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in hiking, camping, and snowshoeing, often capturing the beauty of nature through his photography. He had a particular fondness for Cherokee Park, where he could be found enjoying the serenity and documenting its splendor. Ron's love for science fiction was no secret, with favorites including Dr. Who, Star Trek, Star Wars, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But above all, Ron was a helper at heart. Whether it was for his family, his church, or his community, he was always ready to lend a hand.
Ron's memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Dianne Currie; his daughters, Erin (Chris Hesselbein) Currie of Portland, OR, and Sarah (Matt) West of Neenah; his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Nathan West; his aunt, Jackie (Paul) Hormig; his step-niece, Kelly Martin; his step-nephew, Scot Murphree; his brother-in-law, Larry (Roger Bottorff) Gehrke; and his sister-in-law, Peggy (Craig) Brandt. His extended family, friends, and neighbors also hold dear the memories they shared with Ron. He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Ralph and Jean (Spilde) Currie; his mother, Jeanine Hovland; his stepsister, Sandee Murphree; his stepbrother, Randy Carroll; and his in-laws, Russell and Lorena Gehrke.
Memorial Services to honor Ron's life will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer, with Rev. Chris Schwanz officiating. Committal services will be held privately at a later date. Friends and family are invited to gather at the church from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer will be carried by Gary Ertl, Rob Ertl, Keith Meacham, Dale Hintz, and Kelvin Hormig.
If desired, the family is accepting memorials in Ron’s name for the LuCille Tack Center for the Arts.
Ron's arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Those wishing to share a memory or offer condolences are encouraged to visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald, please visit our floral store.
Obit: Kassie, Debra K. “Debbie” (1948- 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Kassie, Drumm, Antony
----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Owen, Clark Co., WI) 10/28/2024
Kassie, Debra K. “Debbie” (19 June 1948 – 27 October 2024)
Heaven gained a true angel, and earth lost a sweet lady October 27, 2024, when Debra “Debbe” Kassie (Drumm) passed away. Debbe died the age of 76 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will honor her legacy by living life to the fullest.
Debbe was born on June 19, 1946, in Michigan and came to Wisconsin as a young adult. She met and married the love of her life, Michael (Mike) Kassie 1978. Although she was misled about all farmers being rich, they lived a life rich in love in their 46 years of married life. Debbe’s greatest joy in life was being a mom and then a grandma.
Debbe enjoyed a long career in the postal service, especially her years as the Stetsonville postmaster. Her giving and generous spirit came through with her involvement in the Stetsonville Lions, reading at local schools and volunteering at the Colby library. She was active with Showcase Players and Holy Rosary parish, serving as a leader of prayer and catechism teacher.
Debbe was always up for adventure and even went scuba diving at age 75! She loved to travel to visit family and friends. She made the most of her last year, with travels to Spain, Germany and an Alaskan cruise. When she wasn’t traveling, she was an avid reader and crafter with her quilts and card making. Family friends came every hunting season as much for Debbe’s fabulous cooking and baking as for the hunting.
Debbe is rejoicing in heaven with her parents and stepdad, in-laws, and brother-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Mike of Colby; son John (Lindsay) of Center Point, IA; daughter Kerry (David) of Oshkosh along with grandsons AJ and Teddy; stepmother Lee and sister Dee of Maryville, TN; and her other beloved siblings and in-laws: Rob (Linda) of Ft. Pierce, FL; Pam (Larry) of York, NC; Barb of New Berlin; Carole (John) of Coila, MS; Tom of Colby and her nieces, nephew and their children. She is also survived by Lois of Owen, who truly became a mom to Debbe in her adult years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen. Father Stanislaus Michael Antony will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until time of service Friday at the church. Interment will take place on Saturday at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Colby.
In lieu of flowers, please consider doing an act of kindness, sharing a sweet treat with others or donating to the Holy Rosary Religious Education Program.
The family would like to extend its gratitude to the team at Mayo Clinic for their excellent cancer care and to the incredible team at Marshfield Hospital. While many would be despondent about spending the last month of their life in the hospital, Debbe took it as an opportunity to share good chocolate and cookies to brighten others’ days and make new lifelong friends.
Obit: Oelrich, Judy Kay (1985 - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Oelrich, Fischer, Simons
----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 10/25/2024
Oelrich, Judy Kay (15 June 1965 – 22 October 2024)
Judy K. Oelrich, a gentle and loving soul, passed away unexpectedly on October 22, 2024, at the age of 59, in her hometown of Marshfield.
Born on June 15, 1965, in Marshfield, Judy's kind-hearted nature and warm smile touched the lives of all who knew her.
Judy was a proud graduate of Spencer High School and furthered her education with some college courses that broadened her horizons. Her professional life included dedicated service at Fiskars and Figi's, where she was not only a valued employee but also a cherished colleague. Judy's work ethic and commitment to her roles were evident to all who worked alongside her.
Despite facing the challenges of a disability, Judy found joy and purpose in her passions. She was an avid reader, often losing herself in the pages of a good book, and she possessed a remarkable talent for knitting, creating beautiful pieces that were both a testament to her skill and a reflection of her generous spirit. Judy's love for animals was profound, and she shared a special bond with her beloved kitties, who were a source of comfort and companionship throughout her life.
Judy's kindness extended beyond her immediate circle, as she had a very kind heart to everyone she met. Her gentle demeanor and loving approach to life left a lasting impact on her community, and her absence will be deeply felt by many.
She is lovingly survived by her brother, Mike Oelrich of Marshfield; her sisters, Emily Oelrich of Spencer, Nancy Fischer of Spencer, and Karen Simons of Athens, AL; and by her adoring nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Judy's presence in their lives was a gift, and her memory will be cherished as a beacon of love and kindness.
Preceding Judy in death were her parents, Willard and Mary Oelrich, and her brother, Fredrick Oelrich. The legacy of love and family values they instilled in Judy was evident in the way she lived her life and in the relationships she nurtured.
In accordance with Judy's wishes, a private service will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer. The service will be a solemn and heartfelt occasion to honor Judy's memory and celebrate the life of a woman who was truly one of a kind.
Judy's final arrangements are entrusted to the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. The family invites those who knew Judy to visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share a memory or offer condolences.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judy, please visit our floral store.
Obit: Zank, Jane (- 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Meier, Christman, Kuhn, Martin, Hardesty, Hohenstein, Iwaszczenko, Durst, Trunkel, Biebert
----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/28/2024
Zank, Jane (10 October 1955 – 26 October 2024)
Jane Zank, age 69, of Neillsville, died Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.
Jane Zank was born October 10, 1955, in Stanley, the daughter of Charles and Dorthea (Christman) Meier. She lived in Owen, where she was baptized. Later her family moved to Neillsville, and she was raised on a farm in rural Neillsville with her two sisters Pat, Irene and brother Chuck. She attended St. John's Lutheran School and was confirmed on March 30, 1969. She graduated from Neillsville High School in 1973.
She married shortly after and had a beautiful daughter named Tamara Christine Kuhn. Later she got remarried to the love of her life, Doug Zank. Together they had two more beautiful children. Brent and Shelley. They resided on land bought from her family farm. She worked at Cenex in Neillsville at various locations and duties; mostly as a store manager and book keeper till she retired (40 years). Jane enjoyed doing crafts, painting ceramics, sewing, crocheting, making blankets and so much more. Having family around was very special to Jane. She had various pets over the years that brought great joy. Jane had a love of music, and enjoyed singing in the choir and playing piano. She was an avid bowler, bowling in league and state tournaments for many years. She also enjoyed gardening, raising food to can as well as planting and caring from her flowers. Jane's faith was strong, and she enjoyed conversations about it.
Jane was a very loving, caring and giving person; putting others before herself. She joined her Savior in Heaven on October 26, 2024.
She is survived by her husband, Doug, three children, Tamara (Darren) Martin of Madison, Brent (Colleen) Zank of West Salem, and Shelley (fiancé, Aaron Hardesty) Zank of Neillsville, a grandson, Corey Martin, two grandsons, Owen and Dillon Hardesty, two sisters, Irene (Gene) Hohenstein of Neillsville, and Patricia (John) Iwaszczenko of Stratford, and a brother, Charles A. (Debra) Meier of Portage.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Meier and Dorthea Durst, her step mother, Janet Meier, step father, Raymond Durst and her father-in-law, Carl Zank.
Funeral Services for Jane will be held at 12:00 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2024, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Timothy Biebert will officiate. Music will be provided by Shelley Zank, soloist, and Judy Trunkel, organist. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. A livestream of Jane's funeral service can be viewed at www.geschefh.com beginning at 12:00 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2024.
Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Jane's family with funeral arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jane Zank, please visit our flower store.
Bio: Canfield, Klarissa – October Junior Kiwanian (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Canfield
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/23/2024
Canfield, Klarissa – October Junior Kiwanian (2024)
Klarissa Canfield was honored as Junior Kiwanian for the month of October, by the Kiwanis Club, The Kiwanis Club noted her academic achievements, combined with extra-curricular activity and community involvement as to why she was chosen, as well as Canfield being a member of the National Honor Society, membership in Spanish Club, her local FFA and in her local 4-H Club. Submitted photo
Neillsville senior student Klarissa Canfield was honored as Junior Kiwanian for the month of October by the Kiwanis Club at its Oct. 14 meeting. She is the daughter of Steven and Loretta Canfield. Her high school career is notable for her academic and athletic achievements, combined with extra-curricular activity and community involvement.
Canfield is a member of the National Honor Society, has been a member of the Spanish Club, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and has been active in 4-H since the fifth grade. Athletic participation includes cross country, hockey and softball.
In the community, she has assisted in Adopt-a-Highway clean-up, and in July 2023 she worked on a mission trip in Kentucky to help re-build houses following a tornado.
Work activity includes dairy farm chores for a relative, house-sitting and assisting neighbor’s with care for beef cattle when on vacation. Following graduation, Canfield intends to enter the workforce with her father’s business.
The Neillsville Kiwanis Club said it is proud to highlight Canfield’s achievements and hard-working efforts, and wishes her continued success in her senior year and beyond.
News: Author John Armbruster to visit Neillsville Public Library (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Armbruster, Moran
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/16/2024
Author John Armbruster to visit Neillsville Public Library (2024)
Author John Armbruster will be sharing the journey of his book, “Tailspin” Oct.23 at the Neillsville Public Library. Armbruster is a Chili Native. Submitted photo
By June Thompson
Wisconsin native and author John Armbruster will be visiting the Neillsville Public Library Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. to talk about his nonfiction book, “Tailspin.”
Armbruster grew up in Chili. He graduated from the U-W Madison with a degree in journalism, and later wrote for the La Crosse Tribune and the Marshfield News-Herald. He earned an advanced degree in education, teaching middle school/high school history and government for nearly 30 years. He is retired and resides in Viroqua.
“Someone once told me: ‘You weren’t looking for a story, but the story found you,’” said Armbruster. “I had no intention of becoming a writer.”
“Tailspin” is Armbruster’s first novel. It was published in 2022. Armbruster’s narrative nonfiction story is about Eugene “Gene” Paul Moran, a World War II tail gunner captured by the Germans. He survived more than a year as a Prisoner of War (POW).
“The main character of ‘Tailspin,’ Gene Moran, became a family friend and when he decided to share his story, he would only do it if I would write it,” said Armbruster. “Even then I hesitated, not confident that I could take on such an incredible World War II story. But I eventually agreed to do it because this story had to be saved from the grave.”
Armbruster faced his own personal challenges when writing this book. “I was teaching and raising two sons after my wife died of cancer,” he said. “Gene’s story was much greater than I had imagined. His POW experience alone deserved a book. So, there was a lot of research.”
“I chose this form (narrative nonfiction) because Gene’s story could only be told as a story. No characters have been
invented or names changed,” states Armbruster— (“Tailspin: Introduction,” page 12). (Transcriber did not copy.)
John Armbruster will visit the Neillsville Public Library and meet patrons/visitors. He will give a presentation Oct. 23. For more information or to check out “Tailspin,” contact the NPL 715-743-2558.
News: Autumn Harvest Gains Popularity with Activities for Families (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Griffin, Gooden, Smith
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/23/2024
Autumn Harvest Gains Popularity with Activities for Families (2024)
Ruby Griffin was one of many vendors at Autumn Harves in Neillsville, Oct. 12. She stood in front of her hippie bus, greeting visitors. The bus is her workshop/office. June Thompson/Clark County Press
By June Thompson
The anticipation of the annual Autumn Harvest celebration gained momentum Saturday, Oct. 12 in downtown Neillsville. Despite a rainy afternoon, vendors sold their crafts as children had their faces painted.
Crafter Ruby Griffin, of Merrillan, brought her purple-painted hippie bus. Though it’s a 1992 refurbished bus, Griffin bought the bus this year for her craft business. Stepping inside the bus, curious folks could see Griffin’s workshop. It is all set up as an office on wheels for her to work. It’s where she transfers photos/images/graphics onto tumblers and cups. Yet, she also creates photo stone plaques.
“I started this three years ago in my living room for something to do,” said Griffin. “I thought it would be easy and fun.” Griffin likes to make custom-made items. “If they (customers) send me a photo, I can transfer the image onto tumblers, cups—whatever.”
Mark Gooden, one of Griffin’s helpers, was ready to wait on customers. “I’m the put-up and teardown guy,” he said. “She (Griffin) makes everything in the bus.”
Griffin bought the bus on Marketplace. “I bought it from a woman named Ruby,” she said. “It was meant to be.”
While the grown-ups were looking at art and crafts, children were enjoying another kind of craft—face painting. Wildlife images were popular with the kids. They patiently waited for the artist to blend the colors and paint their face.
Krystin Smith, from Chili, watched her daughter’s face being painted. Artists use stencils and brushes for face painting. The artist gently applied the paint, and the image appeared on Emily’s face. “It’s a Cheetah Print,” Krystin Smith said. But she didn’t participate in the face-painting herself.
News: Prevail Bank Donates $5,900 to Support Owen’s Centennial (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Struensee, Susa, Jalling,
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/3/2024
Prevail Bank Donates $5,900 to Support Owen’s Centennial (2024)
Universal banker Sue Struensee (left) and Prevail Bank branch manager Linda Susa (middle) presented a donation of $5,900 to Owen’s mayor, Scott Jalling, to fund the primary attraction of its upcoming Centennial celebration in August 2025. The donation was part of Prevail Bank’s Charitable Contributions program. Submitted photo
A donation of $5,900 was made to the city of Owen to fund the primary attraction of its upcoming Centennial celebration in August 2025.
Owen Mayor, Scott Jalling accepted the check from Prevail Bank professionals Sue Struensee, universal banker and Linda Susa, branch manager.
The monetary gift was part of Prevail Bank’s Charitable Contributions program. Nonprofits that assist low-to-moderate income households, those that stimulate communities financially, provide financial literacy and/or enhance the standard of living of those less fortunate in the communities Prevail Bank serves, were encouraged to apply.
This fall, Prevail Bank’s Charitable Contributions Committee approved the disbursement of $93,650 between 18 nonprofits.
News: Walk to School Day, (A colorful day for exercise - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Vine, Morrow, Burch
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/16/2024
Walk to School Day (A colorful day for exercise - 2024)
Walk to School Day, a colorful fall day for exercise
By June Thompson
On the early morning of Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 a.m., Optimist Club members, parents and, more importantly, students walked to school for the Walk to School Day. This event was organized by the Neillsville School District, Optimist Club and the Clark County Health Department.
Optimist Club members Jennie Vine and Judy Morrow joined students at Dollar General Store to accompany students to school.
This was Vine’s first-time walking with students. She became an Optimist member because she needed something to do. “It’s a good thing,” she said. Vine participated in the Walk to School Day to be part of the community—"the younger generation helping the older generation,” she said. Vine gave students a red bracelet. “I Walked to School” was printed on the bracelet. Participants and students were encouraged to wear red.
There were at least two adults walking with students at each of the four locations. “We’re teaching kids to be healthy with exercise by walking to school,” said Morrow. “We encouraged families to walk. We had 96 grade-school kids last year.”
Kelley Burch, an Optimist Club member for seven years, walked with kids from the Neillsville Country Club. “I’ve been doing this for five years,” she said. “I talk to the kids.” She said she would absolutely do this next year.
