1

Bio: Biddle, Dorothy (Marriage License - 1945)

Contact: Stan

Surnames: Biddle, Barkowski

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 06/07/1945

Marriage License

Dorothy Biddle and Sammie Barkowski, town of Thorp.

2

Obit: Coates, Alma (1892 – 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Coates, Fox

----Source: Thorp Courier Articles, (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 01 Jul 1976

Coates, Alma (1892 – 24 Jun 1976)

(Note: Birth Year taken from Riverside Cemetery Listing)

Alma Coates, 83, a former Thorp resident, died at West Allis Memorial Hospital Thursday evening, June 24, 1976.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, June 28 at 2 p.m. at the Thorp United Methodist Church, with Rev. Carl Fox officiating.

Burial was made at Riverside Cemetery., Withee.

3

Bio: Ahles, Tim – Dean’s List at UW-Madison (1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Ahles

----Source: Thorp Courier Articles, (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 01 Jul 1976

An area student, Tim Alan Ahles, 703 N. Boardman Street, Thorp, Psychology major, is among students enrolled in the University of Wisconsin, Madison College of Letters and Science, who have been named to the Dean’s List of top scholars for the past semester.

The honor is earned by approximately 10 percent of letters and science students. Letters and science is the largest college on the Madison campus, with 44 teaching departments and some 1,000 faculty members.

4

Bio: Behm, Art - Farm Fire (6 Jul 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Behm

----Source: Thorp Courier Articles, (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 08 Jul 1976

Early Tuesday morning, July 6, 1976, fire destroyed a barn and machine shed on a farm owned by Art Behm, located in the Town of Withee one mile east of Thorp on State Highway 29.

The firemen were called to the scene at 2 a.m. Tuesday. Both buildings were a total loss.

Fire Chief Gene Zoromski said the cause of the fire is under investigation by local and county authorities. No damage estimate was available, bu Zoromski said the loss was substantial.

5

Bio: Palmer, Greg – Spring Qtr. Dean’s List at UW-River Falls (1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Palmer

----Source: Thorp Courier Articles, (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 08 Jul 1976

The recently announced Spring Quarter Deans’ List at the UW-River Falls included the names of 552 students.

Greg Palmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Palmer, Route 1, Thorp, is on the Spring Quarter Deans’ List.

6

Obit: Turenne, Joe (1897? – 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Turenne

----Source: Thorp Courier Articles, (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 08 Jul 1976

Turenne, Joe (1897? – 6 Jul 1976)

Joe Turenne, 79, passed away at his home Tuesday morning, July 6, 1976.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, with burial being made in the East Thorp Cemetery. Parish rosary will be recited at the Thorp Funeral Home at 8 p.m. Thursday.

7

Obit: Auman, Marilynn Gail (1949 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Auman, Hansen, Jackson, Franz, Kirn

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 5/14/2024

Auman, Marilynn Gail (26 October 1949 – 7 May 2024)

Marilynn G. Auman, age 74, of Willard, passed away at home on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. A Celebration of Life for Marilynn will be held at a later date.

Marilynn Gail Jackson was born on October 26, 1949, in Neillsville, the daughter of Robert G. and Genevieve W. (Hansen) Jackson. She was raised and received her education in the Greenwood area, graduating from Greenwood High School in 1968. During high school, Marilynn worked as an intern for Clark Electric Cooperative in Greenwood, and continued working there after graduation.

She was united in marriage to Jerold "Jerry" Auman on October 14, 1972, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Greenwood. In the mid-1980's, Marilynn purchased the Rootbeer stand in Greenwood, which she operated until 1992. She then went to work at Weather Shield Manufacturing in Greenwood on day one of the plants opening, until its closing in 2010.

She had many interests, but especially enjoyed cooking, baking, and making wedding cakes.

Marilynn will be dearly missed by her husband, Jerry, of Willard; one brother: Wayne (Donna) Jackson of Loyal; one sister: Eula Franz of Elk Mound; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister: Yvonne (Roger) Kirn.

There will be no visitation and no services.

8

Obit: England, Craig W. Sr. (1952- 2024)

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

Surnames: England, Dawson, Logar, Rideau, Dillard, Dorenkott, Michaud

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/14/2024

England, Craig W. Sr. (14 May 1952 – 28 April 2024)

Craig W. England, Sr., 71, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.

Craig Warren England was born May 14, 1952, in Toledo, Ohio to Warren and Janet (nee Dawson) England. He graduated from Sylvania High School in Sylvania, Ohio. He attended Miami University (OH), before transferring to Bowling Green State University where he met his beloved wife, Mary Lou (nee Logar).

Craig and Mary Lou were married March 22, 1975, in Lorain, Ohio. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Neillsville, Wisconsin where they worked at Sunburst Youth Homes. Craig was a devoted husband to his wife for 43 years until her passing on December 9, 2018. Craig and Mary Lou were the proud parents to their four children, Craig Jr., Mark, Karen, and Laura and eight grandchildren, who brought them great joy.

Craig worked as a salesman, paramedic, and volunteer fireman, until he found his passion for nursing later in life. After becoming a registered nurse, Craig spent the majority of his career working at Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids. Craig also taught basic and advanced life support classes at Midstate Technical College.

Craig is survived by his children, Craig Jr., Mark (Kelly), Karen, and Laura (Dain) Rideau. He is further survived by his eight grandchildren: Owen, August (Augie), Claire, and Elliott England; Elena and Dominic Rideau; and Cyrus and Charlie Dillard-England. Craig also leaves behind his sisters-in-law Joan England and Virginia Dorenkott, and his brothers-in-law Leonard (Kathy) Logar, William (Sandy) Logar, Lawrence (Linda) Logar; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lou England, his parents Warren and Janet England, his parents-in-law Joseph and Eileen Logar, and brother Michael England.

Special thanks to his friends and family, Gesche Funeral Home, and St. Mary's Catholic Church, who have supported Craig and his family over the years and in this time of mourning.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 17, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville, WI. The celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Gregory Michaud. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to mass at St. Mary's on Friday.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Craig's family.

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

9

Obit: Rau, Shirley M. (1932 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Rau, Gebert, Steevens Juedes, Mader, Diedrich, Jennings-Jemenez, Blaha, Miller, Quackenbush, Kornowski, Freiburger, Schneider, Jaeger

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 5/14/ 2024)

Rau, Shirley M. (18 December 1932 – 21 January 2024)

Shirley M. Rau passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on January 21, 2024, in Milwaukee. Born in the Town of Little Black.

Shirley embodied the virtues of faith, love, and intelligence throughout her incredible journey of life.

Shirley's early years were shaped by the love of her parents, the late John "Jack" and Geraldine Gebert. And by her sisters the late Marietta Steevens, the late Audrey Juedes, and the late Eunice Mader and by her younger sister Donna Diedrich.

After graduating from Medford High School, Shirley held several jobs in the Eau Claire and Wausau areas. In a chance encounter at the county fair Shirley met the man she would later marry, Robert Rau. Shirley married her late husband on a beautiful day in May of 1955. They then moved to Waukesha, Wi to start their life together. As the years went on Shirley had two children, moved to Oak Creek Wisconsin, Kokomo, Indiana and then back again to the Milwaukee area.

Shirley took pride during her life in her many roles, including being a dedicated Girl Scout and 4H leader. Her professional career was diverse and impactful; she efficiently managed responsibilities as a church secretary, sold real estate with a personal touch, and was integral in implementing membership management software at her church. She was also a skillful secretary for Manpower, bringing her meticulous attention to detail to every task she undertook.

Shirley enjoyed traveling with her family and close friends. During her travels she visited Hawaii, Germany, Switzerland, Alaska, Canada, and the New England area. In addition to traveling her hobbies of sewing, reading, and working on her computer were sources of endless pleasure and learning.

A devoted mother, Shirley's legacy lives on through her children: her son, Dennis Rau, and her daughter, Jeanne (Paul Jimenez) Jennings-Jimenez. Her love and teachings are further reflected in the lives of her cherished grandchildren, Ashley (Kevin) Blaha, Lindsey Miller, Daniel Jennings, and Julie Quackenbush, and her adored great-granddaughter, Aubrey Blaha. Shirley's sister, Donna Diedrich, her sister-in-law Arlene Rau, and her friends, Janet Kornowski, Mary Freiburger, Judy Schneider, Michele Jaeger also feel the profound loss of her passing.

Shirley M. Rau's life was a testament to her faith-filled spirit, her loving heart, and her intelligent mind. She will be deeply missed, but the brilliance of her life's work and the warmth of her love will continue to guide and inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A short graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Christ Lutheran (Holton) Cemetery located at 3305 Boss Rd, Abbotsford, Wisconsin 54405. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rescue Mission or to St. Stephan the Martyr Lutheran Church in Greendale, Wisconsin.

Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling.com. 

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

10

News: Granton - Cook Family Again Sponsors FFA Dairy Breakfast (2024)

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

Surnames: Cook, Kleiman

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/29/2024

Granton-Cook Family Opens Farm Again to FFA Dairy Breakfast (2024)



Shelly Cook (right) and her son, Marshall (left), will host the Granton FFA Alumni Dairy Breakfast June 2 at N3359 Robin Ave., of CTH10 in Granton.

Submitted photo

The annual Granton FFA Alumni Dairy Breakfast will be held on the farm once again this year, hosted by Shelly Cook and Marshall Cook Kleiman of Robin Ridge Farms June 2. Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at N3359 Robin Ave., off CTH 10 in Granton.

Bussing will be provided from Granton School at 217 N. Main St. The site for this year’s breakfast was purchased by Shelly Cook’s parents in 1958, where they would build almost the whole farm from the ground up. Her father built most of the barn and added on a shed. Shelly Cook grew up on that farm where she would spend a lot of time working with her parents to complete chores. Eventually, she started to grow an interest in showing their cattle. Shelly Cook would bring registered cattle to her family’s farm, and she would be in charge of working with and showing cattle through 4-H. Shelly Cook took over the farm from her parents in 1992 with the hopes of keeping the farm going. She also knew that she wanted a child interested in farming because she “wanted a kid to hold onto it.”

Shelly Cook adopted Marshall, who took a quick interest in farming and agriculture. Marshall Cook would help Shelly Cook with farm chores while growing up, learning a lot from his grandfather about machinery as well. Shelly Cook is glad that her and Marshall Cook both share a love for dairy cattle.

As Marshall Cook got older, he also took an interest in showing cattle. Marshall Cook wanted to buy his own heifer for showing, so Shelly Cook took him down the road to a local Milking Shorthorn auction. Marshall Cook sat and waited, not knowing which heifer to bid on. Soon, the time would come. Marshall Cook was able to bid on and take home a Milking Shorthorn heifer. He took her to a show and ended up doing “very well.” Marshall Cook took the knowledge he gained during that first time showing at the Clark County Fair and has since added on showing at the Central Wisconsin State Fair and at a protein show in Shawano.

Following in his mother’s footsteps, Marshall Cook got involved in 4-H when he was younger. Eventually, that involvement in 4-H would transfer over into involvement in his local FFA chapter at Granton Middle and High School. Marshall Cook would attend multiple chapter level events and then work to develop his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in Dairy Production Entrepreneurship, based on the work he does on his family’s farm. The development of his SAE would lead him to the honor of being named the Granton FFA Chapter 2024 Star Farmer, a Wisconsin FFA Dairy Production Entrepreneurship 2024 Proficiency Award state finalist, and a 2024 State FFA Degree recipient.

Shelly Cook and Marshall Cook have helped their farm to continue to grow and operate through the care of their 55 head herd of dairy cattle. Marshall Cook is in charge of milking their 30 cows in a tie stall barn. He uses four milking units and is able to complete milking all of the cows in about 90 minutes. Marshall Cook also takes care of all other chores, including feeding and watering. Marshall Cook also plays a big part in farming their land. He is in charge of their fields, where they harvest corn and hay to feed to their cattle.

Shelly Cook is glad she has been able to teach Marshall Cook the importance of responsibility and persistence, as they have had to overcome some medical challenges. In 2022, Marshall Cook suffered a severe leg break and was unable to walk on it for multiple months. With the help of many friends, Marshall Cook and Shelly Cook were able to keep their farm running smoothly. Marshall Cook recovered and has since been able to go back to his usual responsibilities of taking care of the cattle.

Marshall Cook plans to one day buy the farm from Shelly Cook and has set some goals for himself. He aspires to own 80 head of dairy cattle and to farm around 240 acres of land. Marshall Cook hopes to expand the farm by adding new facilities, including a larger barn.

Shelly Cook and Marshall Cook have worked very hard to continue their farm and are proud to say that Marshall Cook will be the third generation to live and work on the family farm.

The breakfast will be held in the shed that Shelly Cook’s father built when they bought the farm. There will be handicap parking available in the farmyard, otherwise the host family asks that everyone parks at Granton High School to be bussed out to the farm. The menu for the breakfast includes pancakes (provided by Uncle Pancake), special eggs, sausage, cheese curds, applesauce, ice cream, maple syrup, butter, milk, juice and coffee. There is a cost for adults and children K–5. Preschool can eat free. A petting zoo will be available on the farm for all guests to enjoy.

11

Obit: Garbisch, Marjorie Lee (1930 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Garbisch, Rudd, Kirk, Schreiber, Wallick, Nenne-Thorpe, Guanzon, Hanson

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/30/2024

Garbisch, Marjorie Lee (22 September 1930 – 28 May 2024)
Marjorie Lee Garbisch (nee Kirk), 93, passed away on May 28, 2024, after a short battle with pneumonia.

Marge was born on Sept 22, 1930, to Mabel Helen (Rudd) Kirk and Laurence C Kirk in Emerald. She was the oldest of 4 children. After going to elementary school in Cumberland, and high school in Marathon, her family moved to Granton, in 1948 to open the Friendly Way grocery store where she met her husband to be, Marvin D Garbisch (b.1929-d.1989). They married on June 10, 1950, and raised a family of five children in Granton.

Marge was a very active (and feisty) member of the Granton community all her adult life. She wore many hats besides wife and mother including bookkeeper, accountant, insurance agent, real estate agent, securities rep, school board treasurer and village assessor. She was known as a general go-to person for all things legal and for recalling historical events. She employed up to 9 people during the tax seasons. Marge was named Honored Citizen of the year 2008 by the Granton Rotary. She volunteered her time on the village board, school board (20 years), rotary, ladies' aid and in many other capacities. Marge was known as a welcoming advocate helping newcomers settle in Granton. Marge enjoyed her bowling league and continued bowling until she was 90. She was a steadfast member Zion Evangelical Lutheran church of Granton (she and Marvin helped in its construction) and a member of United Methodist church.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Peter L Schreiber whom she married on 11/24/2012; her children Kirk (Katrina) Garbisch of Wrangell, AK; Elise (Steve) Wallick of North Bend WA; Vida (Peter) Menne-Thorpe of Edina MN; Zoe (Nilo) Guanzon of Eagan, MN; Step-children Peter (Sara) Schreiber Jr of Wauwatosa, and Charles (Soo) Schreiber of Waukesha, as well as 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Marjorie is also survived by her brothers Joe (Alice) Kirk of Paynesville, MN and Noel Kirk of Cold Spring, MN.

Marge was predeceased by her parents; husband Marvin D Garbisch; brother James A. Kirk; son Scott D Garbisch; and long-time companion Leland Hansen.

A memorial service will be scheduled in late summer with details posted in here.

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

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

12

School: Greenwood - Students Organize International Festival (2024)

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

Surnames: Travis, Stieglitz, Thomas, Penk, Albarez

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/29/2024

Greenwood Students Organize International Festival (2024)



Greenwood High School students, (l-r) Tatym Travis and Madison Stieglitz stand next to their display featuring Austria at the Greenwood High School’s International Festival held May 13.

June Thompson/Clark County Press

The small town of Greenwood is a tiny place on the big map of the world. Yet the Greenwood middle school and high school students made the world seem a bit closer to them. They held an International Festival, Monday, May 13 in the Greenwood High School Auditorium.

Geography teacher Abigail “Abby” Bolf’s students helped organize the event. “They learned a lot of cool stuff about other countries and so did I,” she said. “All the classes want to come.”

Bolf enjoyed the enthusiasm her students had for it. “They were engaged in this, especially with the end of the school year so close,” she said. “The world is a big place. There is so much more to see than just our country.”

Spanish teacher Nick Konopa’s students were involved with organizing the International Festival.
“There are 37 countries represented and the students have 42 booths,” he said.

Of all the countries to learn about, students Bria Thomas and Karsyn Penk put together a USA display board booth, featuring pop culture and current events theme.

“A lot of our work is about pop culture, film, music, immigration and population demographics,” said Thomas. “We focused on something people care about now. Kids would learn more about what’s happening now.”

While Thomas talked about the USA, her friend, Karsyn Penk was making fried Oreos.

Spain was another country showcased at the festival. Foreign-exchange student, Helena Albarez talked about her country. “I wanted to show my culture,” she said. “There are different food cultures around the world.” Helena Albarez spent the previous year as an exchange student in France.

Another country represented at the International Festival was Austria. Students Madison Stieglitz and Tatym Travis discussed their display featuring the Austrian mountains and villages.

“It’s really pretty,” said Madison Stieglitz, regarding the Austrian landscape. “I wanted to learn more about it.”

Tatym Travis admitted she really liked Austria. “Their towns are different,” she said. Both girls want to visit Austria someday.