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Obit: Lang, Bernice (1894 – 1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Lang, Konieczny, Gutschow, Beyer, Strtack, Thorpe

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 24 Apr 1975

Lang, Bernice (14 Aug 1894 – 17 Apr 1975)

Funeral services were held at St. Hedwig’s Chapel, Monday, April 21, 1975 for Bernice Lange, 80, who passed away April 17, 1975 at Melrose Park, Illinois. Father Bill officiated at the 10:30 a.m. service, with burial being made in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers were grandsons and sons-in-law.

Bernice Konieczny was born August 14, 1894 at St. Paul, Minnesota. She was united in marriage September 19, 1915 at Thorp Wisconsin to Joseph Lang, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are one son, Joseph Lang of Des Plaines, Illinois; three daughters, (Sophie) Mrs. Henry Gutschow of Norridge, Illinois, (Theresa) Mrs. William Beyer of Sand Point, Idaho, (Eleanor) Mrs. Alfred Struck of Chicago, Illinois; two brothers, Frank Konieczny of Thorp and Joseph Konieczny of Stanley; one sister, Mrs. Sophia Thorpe of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Obit: Kryzanski, Mike S., Sr. (1909 – 1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Kryzanski, Phillip, Puerner, Panek, Lato, Sapa, Tobola, Kubiszewski, Schmitz, Serdynski, Reese, DeJonghe, Tabery, Oelberg

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 24 Apr 1975

Kryzanski, Mike S., Sr. (22 Sep 1909 – 9 Apr 1975)

Mike S. Kryzanski Sr., 65, died on April 9, 1975. Funeral services were held at St. Hedwig’s Chapel with Rev. John Puerner and assisted by Rev. Allen Phillips of Chicago, officiating at the 10:30 service. Interment was in the parish cemetery.

Pallbearers were George Panek, Leo Sapa, Joe Lato, Bill Tobola, Casey Kubiszewski, and Jim Schmitz.

Mike was born September 22, 1909 at Thorp. On May 6, 1933 he was united in marriage to Kathrine Panek at Thorp. He was a self-employed oil distributor and farmer.

He is survived by his wife Kathrine; two sons,, Mike H. Kryzanski Jr. of Thorp and Ted Kryzanski of Stanley; ten grandchildren; one brother, Joseph of Thorp; four sisters, Rose Serdynski and Mildred Reese of Tucson, Arizona, Alyce DeJonghe of Aurora, Illinois, and Lucille Tabery of Hinckley, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rose Kryzanski, and one grandson.

Out of town relatives attending the funeral were Rev. Allen Phillip, Chicago, Mrs. Rose Serdynski of Tucson, Arizona, Mrs. Alyce DeJonghe, of Aurora, Illinois, Mrs. Mary Phillip of Franklin Park, Illinois, Mrs. H. Oelberg of River Grove, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tobola of Milwaukee, and Mr. and Mrs. Leon Grajkowski of Berlin, Wisconsin.

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News: Thorp – Lions Award Banquet (1 May 1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Hanley

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 08 May 1975

Thursday, May 1, 1975 the Thorp Lions Club held their Annual Award Banquet for the outstanding students and class advisors for the 1974-75 school year.

Twenty two groups, clubs and organizations were honored this year, including the senior boy and girl athletes.

Mr. Floyd Hanley gave a very information and interesting slide presentation on the Thorp High School, including activities and events for the school year.

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News: Thorp – Area Students Honored at UW-Platteville (May 1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Wojt, Budrus

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 08 May 1975

More than 400 UW-Platteville students are being commended at the Honor Scholarship Convocation and May 8, 1975 in Williams Fieldhouse.

Among sophomore honor scholars is Arlene Wojt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Wojt, Thorp.

Senior honor scholars include Wayne Budrus, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Budrus, Lublin.

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Bio: Keating, Jean – Initiate to Phi Kappa Phi (19 Apr 1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Keating

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 08 May 1975

Jean M. Keating, a junior at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, was initiated on April 19, 1975 to the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. The primary objective of Phi Kappa Phi is the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all fields of study.

Parents of the new Phi Kappa Phi initiate are Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Keating, Box 307, Thorp.

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Obit: Cattanach, Daniel J. (1949 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Cattanach, Goetz, Hopperdietzel, Saalsaa, Conjurske, Propp, Kvernen

----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 11/10/2023

Cattanach, Daniel J. (3 July 1949 – 8 November 2023)

Daniel J. Cattanach, age 74, of Marshfield, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at House of the Dove, Marshfield, after a courageous battle with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer.

Dan was born on July 3, 1949, the oldest child of Lyle and Maxine Cattanach. He was raised on a Lindsey, area farm, graduating from Marshfield High School in 1968. Dan married his high school sweetheart, Deborah (Goetz), on July 20, 1968, in Marshfield, the love of his life for 55 years. Dan worked for Weyerhaeuser/Marshfield Door Systems for 47 years, retiring in 2015. He loved country and bluegrass music and taught himself to play several instruments. He loved watching old Westerns and playing cards with family. He grew a strong Christian faith over the years and relied on God’s strength to overcome personal struggles. He helped many as a quiet champion for the “underdog”.

Dan is lovingly survived by his children: Scott (Amy) Cattanach, Wausau, Michelle (Dave) Hopperdietzel, Pardeeville, Melanie (Jon) Saalsaa, Spencer, and Curtis (Tracie) Cattanach, Orlando, Florida; nine grandchildren: Emily, Jacob, Rachel, Ethan, Ava, Isaac, Evan, Holden, Isla; his two sisters, Sharon (Bob) Conjurske, Colleen (Richard) Propp, and brother Tim Cattanach, and numerous nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends. Dan was preceded in death by his parents.

His service will be held at Cornerstone Community Church, Marshfield, at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, with Senior Pastor Andy Kvernen officiating. Friends and family are invited to a meal at Cornerstone Church following the service. Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Marshfield, Wisconsin at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will be held at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home 1010 East Veterans Parkway, Marshfield, on Sunday, November 12, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dan will be remembered for the love he displayed as a faithful provider for his wife and children and for the compassion he had for others. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

The family thanks Compassus Hospice and House of the Dove. Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with Funeral Arrangements. Online condolences may be made at https://www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com/  for your convenience. Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Community Church, Marshfield, Wisconsin.

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

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Obit: Johnson, Chester Leon (1933 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Johnson, Roum, Karklins, Spangler, Brandt, Anderson, Noak, Krause, Marg, Boh

----Source: Crematory of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 11/10/2023

Johnson, Chester Leon (18 June 1933 – 10 November 2023) With Flag

Chester Johnson, age 90, of Neillsville died November 10, 2023, at his residence. He had been in declining health this past year and was under the care of VA Home Based Primary Care and St Croix Hospice.

Chester Leon Johnson was born June 18, 1933, in the Town of Eaton, Clark County, son of Leo T. and Tressa (Roum) Johnson and brother to 9 siblings. He attended Greenwood and Loyal rural schools while working at several farms as a youngster and many years for Dan and Sylvia Boh in Willard. In his late teens, he was employed by Kurt Marg Fur Foods in Neillsville. He served in the U.S. Army, spending time in Arkansas, Colorado, Virginia and Iceland. Chet's last 37 years of employment were at Nelson Industries in Neillsville, retiring in 1994.

He married Irma Spangler on October 24, 1956. They had three children, Tom (Carrie) Johnson, Neillsville, Sharee (Steve Karklins) Johnson, Winton, MN and Dan (Jandy) Johnson, Fayetteville, OH and now four grandchildren and two great grandsons.

When the children were young, there were many family camping trips and vacations, visiting 46 states and Canada. After Chet and Irma's retirement, they spent 25 winter seasons at a retirement park in Texas. He enjoyed being outdoors, cooking maple syrup in the spring, making firewood, fishing, hunting, refinishing auction finds, and recycling items into yard ornaments.

He is survived by sisters: Donna Brandt, Brenda Johnson, Helen (Don) Anderson; brother Carl Noah and sister-in-law Sheila Noah. Preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, four brothers: Lloyd (Dolores), Allen (Marjorie), Lyall (Margaret) Johnson, and Keith Noah; and a sister Linda (Clarence) Krause.

At his request, there will be no services.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.

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Obit: Reed, Joseph (1941 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Reed, Murray, Dobbs, Kay, Eddy

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/10/2023

Reed, Joseph (2 January 1941 – 31 October 2023) With Flag

Joseph Reed, age 82, of Neillsville, died Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

Joseph Reed was born on January 2, 1941, in Mosinee, the son of William and Mildred (Murray) Reed. He graduated from Mosinee High School in 1959. He worked as a pea viner, and bartender, and he also worked on a mink farm, cheese factory, on an assembly line manufacturing Silverstone TV.'s and stereos, in restaurants as a fish fryer and at Pizza Palace. Joe joined the United States Air Force in March of 1962. He did his basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas and Lowry AFB in Colorado. Joe served in the Air Force for 22 years as a unit instructor, Flight Supervisor, and Detachment Weapons Control System Instructor to name a few. He was stationed at McConnell AFB in Kansas, Korat RTAFB in Thailand, Lowry AFB in Colorado, Myrtle Beach AFB in South Carolina, RAF Bentwaters in England, and Edwards AFB in California. He retired as an E-7 Master Sergeant on June 30, 1984. He then worked for the Trane Co. from 1985 until 2002 when he retired. After retiring, they moved to Neillsville, where Joe was a member of the Haugen-Richmond American Legion Post 73. Joe worked as Town Supervisor for Hewett Township, along with Town Chairman, Hap Eddy.

Joe was united in marriage to Sandra Dobbs on August 11, 1969, in Cheyenne, WY. He was a "Jack of all trades". He enjoyed woodworking and even built a few houses. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, camping, cooking and reading Zane Grey westerns. Joe loved all and he was loved by all.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, three children, Wade (Roberta) Reed of Strum, Lorelei (Robert) Kay of Taona, VA, and Roy (Deb) Reed of Rogers, MN, stepdaughters, Arla and Kelli, and Chrissy who was like a daughter. 15 grandchildren, Marshall, Abriella, Xander, Emma, Alexander, Zachary, Mikayla, Shawna, Reece, Chase, Ana, Gavine, Josh, Arla and Kelly, 7 great grandchildren, 7 siblings, Virgie of Spokane, WA, Kathleen of Wausau, Alice of Mosinee, Margie (Mike) of Mosinee, Billy (Judy) of Mosinee, Wendy (Raymond), of Mosinee, and Brian and Lorrie of Mosinee. He is further survived by special friends, Doyle, Randy, Hap and Dahlke, and his best friend was his dog, Geo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mildred Reed, a son, Joseph Jr., a sister, Esther, an infant brother, Robert and brothers-in-law, Jim, Milt, Jim and Jerry.

A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held in the spring of 2024.

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

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

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Obit: Spillner, Elaine S. (1937 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Spillner, Schafer, Sweet, Kowalk, Genett, Ress, Gisvold, McKenzie, Kettleborough, Hagen

----Source: Rembs Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 11/10/2023

Spillner, Elaine S. (7 April 1937 – 5 November 2023)

Elaine Spillner, 86, Marshfield, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, comfortably at home.

Per her wishes there will be no public services.

Elaine was born on April 7, 1937, in Marshfield to Gurney Edgar and Adela A. (Schafer) Sweet. The middle child of three sisters, she was raised in the Spencer area and received her education there. Elaine was united in marriage to Edward Kowalk July 5, 1955, in Colby, with whom she had 5 kids. They later divorced.

A lifelong working woman, Elaine retired from Phillips Plastics in Medford in 2002 following a long career. She enjoyed entertaining visitors. In her later years she had loved to travel and would take any excuse to get out.

She is survived by her two daughters and three sons: Deborah M. (fiancé Roland Genett) Ress of Marshfield, Edward “Butch” Kowalk of Minnesota, Cindy Gisvold of Marshfield, Jeffery (Linda) Kowalk of Arizona, and Terrance (Lauren) Kowalk of Portage, WI. She is further survived by 10 grandchildren: Shane, Misty, Lindsey, Mariah, Jacob, Jessica, Susie, Zach, Josh, & Emily. Elaine is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Mark Kowalk in infancy, a granddaughter Lisa McKenzie, and her sisters Corrine V. Kettleborough and Marilyn Hagen.

Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com.