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Bio: Binning, Baby Girl (Birth - 1959)

Contact: Stan

Surnames: Binning

----Source: Marathon County Register (Unity, Clark County, Wis.) 08/28/1959

Binning, Baby Girl (Birth - 25 Aug. 1959)

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Binning at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, August 25th.

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Bio: Mendoza, Alejandro (Hired Before Graduation - 2024)

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

Surnames: Mendoza

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/22/2024

Mendoza, Alejandro (Hired Before Graduation - 2024)



Alejandro Mendoza, from Granton, who recently graduated with a BBA in finance at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was recognized in the university’s Hired Before Graduation Campaign.

Submitted photo

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BioM: Marriage Licenses (May/Jun - 2024)

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

Surnames: Kuhns, Borntrager, Fry, Murphy, Martin, Hoover

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/22/2024

Marriage Licenses (May/Jun - 2024)

Albert R. Kuhns, Town of Washburn, to Malinda E. Borntrager, Town of Lynn, May 16, at Town of Lynn.

Darrin A. Fry, to Kathy C. Murphy, both f Town of Mentor, May 15, at the Town of Mentor.

Nevin O. Martin, Town of Hixon, to Elsie M. Hoover, Taylor Co., June 1, at the Town of Green Grove.

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News: Clark Co - Western Technical College (President’s List - 2024)

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

Surnames: Decorah, Graff, Lagasse, Moseley, White

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/15/2024

Clark Co-Western Technical College (President’s List - 2024)

Emmalee Decorah of Neillsville, Alera Graff of Abbotsford, Ian Lagasse of Thorp, Emma Moseley of Neillsville and Nathaniel White of Granton were named to the Western Technical College president’s list of high distinction for the spring 2024 term.

To be included on the president’s list, students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher and carry six or more credits in an associate’s degree or technical diploma program.

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Obit: Copenhaver, Keith Robert (1994 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Copenhaver, Olson, Mudget, Chaplinski, Casserly, Marrow

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 5/26/2024

Copenhaver, Keith Robert (14 August 1994 – 24 May 2024)

Keith R. Copenhaver, age 29, of Thorp, WI, passed away at home on Friday, May 24, 2024.

Keith Robert Copenhaver was born on August 14, 1994, in Elk Grove Village, IL to Scott R. and Marcine M. (Olson) Copenhaver. In 1997, his family moved to Gilman, WI where he was raised and received his education, graduating from Gilman High School in 2012. After completing high school, Keith attended Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, MN, under the Ford Asset Program, studying to be a mechanic. On completion of the program, he returned to Thorp where he worked for Courtesy Ford. He later worked for Fellenz Excavating in Loyal, and then Haas Sons in Thorp. Keith was currently employed at Abby Ford in Abbotsford.

He had many interests including golfing, playing guitar, gaming, fishing, 4-wheeling, muscle cars, Frisbee golf, but especially loved his dog Oakley.

Keith will be dearly missed by his mother: Marcine (Norman) Mudget of Gilman; his father: Scott of Gilman; six siblings: Kylen of Jump River, Brandon of Medford, Neal (Lauren) of Smithfield, PA, James (Kristen) of Pensacola, FL, Brielle (Zane) Chaplinski of Chippewa Falls, and Bradlee of Gilman; his paternal grandmother: Bonnie (Mike) Casserly of Tallahassee, FL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers in infancy, his maternal grandparents: Louis and Jean Olson, and his paternal grandfather: Robert Copenhaver.

Services will be held at the Jump River Community Center in Jump River, WI, on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 3 p.m., with Pastor Jonn Marrow officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Nebo Cemetery in Jump River. Pallbearers will be Kylen Copenhaver, Brandon Copenhaver, Neal Copenhaver, James Copenhaver, Bradlee Copenhaver and Kenton Copenhaver. Visitation will be held at the community center from 1 p.m. until time of service.

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Obit: Schaefer-Calmes, Terri Joan (1959 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Schaefer-Calmes, Luoma, Wilke, Dumke, Mann, Borst, Viegut, Cooper, Slusser, Klieforth, Podeweltz, Boening

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 5/23/2024)

Schaefer-Calmes, Terri Joan (12 August 1959 - 2024)

Terri Joan Schaefer-Calmes, age 64, of Abbotsford passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center.

Terri was born on August 12, 1959, in Champaign, IL and was the daughter of Verlyn and Joan (Luoma) Wilke. She graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1978 and worked for Abby Bank before becoming the accounts payable and receivable secretary for Abbyland Trucking for over 30 years. Terri married Jeffrey Schaefer on August 19, 2001. He preceded her in death on January 13, 2002. She and Roger Calmes were married on December 30, 2011.

Terri’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Roger, and a compassionate, supportive, and loving mother and grandmother to all of her children and grandchildren. Her home was always filled with warmth, not just from her talent for baking, but from the genuine love and care she poured into every moment spent with those she loved.

Terri was an avid reader, spending many afternoons in the living room armchair with a Nicholas Sparks novel and one of her beloved pets on her lap. She often spoke about how the stories of love, resilience, and hope resonated deeply with her, and was a frequent patron of the local libraries, always looking for more stories like these to immerse herself in.

Terri’s compassion extended beyond her family and pets; she was a friend to everyone she met. Her infectious laughter, kind spirit, and unwavering positivity touched the lives of many. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and loved, always offering a listening ear and a big hug to whoever may need it.

Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through her family and friends, who will carry forward the values she held dear. Terri’s life, though too short, was a testament to the power of love, the joy of simple pleasures, and the importance of family.

Terri is survived by her husband, Roger Calmes; three children: Jeremiah (Sarah) Dumke of Bellevue, NE, Joan (Gary Jr.) Mann of Stetsonville, and Jessica (Joshua) Borst of Eau Claire; four step-children: Heather (Jeremy) Viegut of Stevens Point, Tana (Nathan) Cooper of St. George, UT, Jordan (Miranda) Calmes of Dorchester, and Logan (Terra) Calmes of Kronenwetter; thirteen grandchildren: Samantha Dumke, Harlee Slusser, Scott Slusser, Kaiden Mann, Roxi Mann, Jonah Borst, James Borst, Payton Viegut, Parker Viegut, McCoy Cooper, Rylee Cooper, Oaklee Cooper, and Brody Klieforth; and one great-grandchild: Jack Podeweltz. She is further survived by six siblings: Richard (Helen) Boening of Eau Claire, Mary Boening of Marshfield, Kate Boening of Sheboygan, Don (Kay) Boening of Owen, Roberta (John) Selesky of Sugar Land, TX, and Sue Berseth of Eau Claire; as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law; many loved nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; other relatives and friends; and her faithful companions Trixie and Charlene.

She is now at peace, joining her parents, Joan & Verlyn; her husband, Jeffrey Schaefer; and her ex-husband Dennis Dumke in eternal rest.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Jack’s Cantina in Abbotsford. The family requests friends and family bring copies of their favorite photos of Terri to share. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Clark County Humane Society, a cause close to Terri’s heart.

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

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Obit: Schillinger, Sheila K. (1955 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Schillinger, Kahl, Davis, Drabek, Arias Garfoot, Provost

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Colby, Clark Co., WI) 5/25/2024)

Schillinger, Sheila K. (28 July 1955 – 24 May 2024)

Sheila K. Schillinger, age 68, of Colby, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, May 24, 2024, under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice.

Sheila was born on July 28, 1955, the daughter of Walter and Audrey (Kahl) Davis in southern WI. She graduated from Dodgeville High School. Sheila had two children: Matthew and Megan.

Sheila worked as a CNA, then on the family farm and was also a Homemaker. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, playing bingo, board games, puzzles, cards, watching movies on the Hallmark channel and visiting with friends. Sheila had a strong faith in God and coveted her time in Bible Study with Charlie Heath. Her most precious times was spent with her grandchildren whom she loved and cherished. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Sheila is survived by her two children: Matthew (Sarah) Drabek of Merrill and Megan Arias of Marshfield; nine grandchildren: Carmen, Haylea, Sadie, Ariana, Mattie, Sofia, Emilie, Amariyah and Saniyah; and her son-in-law, Andres Arias of Colby. She is further survived by her three siblings: Kerry (Jody) Davis of Sussex, Steve Davis and Bonnie Garfoot both of Dodgeville; a sister-in-law, Pam Provost of Marshfield; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: David, Dennis and John.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Colonial Center for the care and friendship she received.

Per her wishes, a private celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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

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Obit: Tompkins, Charles M. (1978- 2024)

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

Surnames: Tompkins, Gleasen, Parker, Fischer, Kronberger3, Hammond, Karau, Schuyler, Wigstadt, Okenatez Wood

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 5/26/2024)

Tompkins, Charles M. (11 September 1978 – 24 May 2024)

Charles M. Tompkins, age 45, of Abbotsford, passed away on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center.

Charles was born on September 11, 1978, the son of Ernest Tompkins and Tamara Gleasen in Greenville, MI. He graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1997 and also received a degree from NTC in Medford. Charles was united in marriage to Kathleen Parker on July 2, 1999, in Dorchester. He worked at the Ross Farm during high school and helped on the family farm. For the past 26 years, Charles worked at Tombstone Pizza in Medford.

Charles enjoyed woodworking, tinkering and was mechanical. He could fix anything and was always willing to help out neighbors and friends. Charles also enjoyed camping and fishing with his family on Mead Lake. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family

Charles is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kathy; his children: Wyatt, Paige and Emilie; his mother, Tammy Tompkins of Belding, MI; his brother, Raymond (Bonnie) of Ocean Park, WA; his nieces and nephews: Susan (Scott) Fischer, Lynn Kronberger, Kevin (Leah Hammond) Tompkins and Heather Tompkins; seven great-nieces and great-nephews: Nathaniel Karau, Kira Kronberger, Adonika Hammond, Ashton Schuyler Hammond, Aaron Hammond, Aden Hammond and Carly Wigstadt; his step-mother, Peggy Okenatez of Colby; his Aunt, Marie Wood of Howard City, MI; other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father; his sister, Stephanie Wigstadt and his Uncle, Larry Wood.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Family and friends are welcome from 11:00 a.m. until time of service Friday at the funeral home.

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

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Obit: Wehrman, Leonard Dale “Lenny” (1958 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Wehrman, Swim, Reinikainen, Kelly, Wescott, Wahl, Cattanach, Zingen, Kobiske

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 5/25/2024

Wehrman, Leonard Dale “Lenny” (29 June 1958 – 22 May 2024)

Leonard D. "Lenny" Wehrman, age 65, of Loyal, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Loyal.

Leonard Dale Wehrman was born on June 29, 1958, in Marshfield, to Wilfred W. and Beverly J. (Swim) Wehrman. He was raised and received his education in Loyal, graduating from Loyal High School in 1976. After high school, Lenny worked for Gerald Kobiske for a while, before becoming employed with the City of Loyal in 1982. He was united in marriage to Ronda B. Reinikainen on June 1, 1999, in Neillsville. They lived in Loyal and Lenny continued working for the city until retiring in December 2023.

He had many interests, but especially love to spend time with his family and friends entertaining and having a "Good Time", Packer parties, Cornfest party's and Nascar.

Lenny will be dearly missed by his wife, Ronda, of Loyal; his son, Tyler Wehrman (friend Kristie Kelly) of Big Stone Gap, VA; one step-son: Jason (Erin) Wescott of Covington, GA; four step-granddaughters: Brooklynn, Evelynn, Adalynn, and Camdynn Wescott of Covington, GA; two brothers: Steve (Kris) Wehrman of Marshfield, Tom (Sharlene) Wehrman of Spencer; two sisters: Mary (Doug) Wahl of Madison, Sue (John) Cattanach of Marshfield; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters: Janet Zingen and June Wehrman.

A Celebration of Life for Lenny will be held at the Loyal Sportsman's Club, W2624 Chickadee Road, Loyal, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, starting at 1 p.m.

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School: Neillsville - School District Named National Leader (2024)

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

Surnames: Gaier

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/15/2024

Neillsville School District Named National Leader (2024)

The School district of Neillsville is among 13 K-12 schools nationwide to be celebrated by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Education for their accomplishments in improving energy efficiency and student health as part of the Efficient and Healthy Schools Program. The district received this national accolade for a Notable Achievement in the Retrofit Revolutionary category for its recent energy-efficiency improvements in lighting, windows, water fixtures, ventilation, controls and electrical distribution.

“We are proud of the work we have done to improve the efficiency of our systems,” said district administrator John Gaier. “Not only have these improvements lowered our operating costs, but these updates have also been shown to improve student health, boost academic performance and provide an opportunity for our students and administration to lead by example at a national level.”

This unique distinction recognizes the School District of Neillsville as a K-12 energy efficiency, health, comfort and resilience leader. The Efficient and Healthy Schools Program provides practical solutions and technical assistance to improve school facilities. It is led by the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office with support from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and New Buildings Institute.

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School: NHS Students Honored by Marshfield Elks Lodge (2024)

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

Surnames: Barth, Zoschke, Pekol, Koprek, Anderson-Ruskin, Walter, Dickinson, Harris, Voigt, Erickson, Waters

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/22/2024

NHS Students Honored by Marshfield Elks Lodge (1 May 2024)



Neillsville High School (NHS) students (l-r) Gavin Barth—technology education, Micah Zoschke—mathematics, Jace Pekol—language arts, Olivia Koprek—music, Addison Anderson-Ruskin—science, Ellie Walter—art/drama, Marcey Dickinson—social studies/history, Nataly Harris—family consumer education, Paige Voigt—agriculture, Bryce Erickson—leadership and Cameron Waters—business computers, formally honored by the Marshfield Elks Lodge in Marshfield May 1, are the 2024 Marshfield Elks Youth Achievement Awards recipients. Students were chosen by the NHS faculty as being the outstanding students in each subject category.

Submitted photo