1

BioM: Backaus, Laura Lee (1985)

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

Surnames: Backaus, Brumm, Derks, Moenig, Erpenbach, Thompson, Foth, Warren, Schmidt, Schwall, Otzleberger, Gelhaus, Ross, Henseler

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/29/1985

Backaus, Laura (24 August 1985)

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neillsville, was the scene of the nupti9al ceremony uniting Jeffrey Edward Brumm and Laura Lee Backus in Holy Matrimony. The afternoon wedding, on August 24, was witnessed by Fr. Joseph Henseler. Organist Mary Gelhaus and soloist Bob Ross provided music.

Parents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. Richard Backaus, 1200 E. 2nd St., Neillsville. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Brumm, Greenwood.

Escorted to the altar on the arm of her father, the bride was attired in an organza gown with Chantilly lace and pearl bodice, ruffled skirt, and long chapel train. Her headpiece, a wreath of white roses and pearls, held a finger tip veil. The bridal bouquet was of pink and white sweetheart roses.

Amy Derks, of Green Bay, was matron of honor; while bridesmaids were Melisa Backaus, Jan Moenig, Natalie Erpenbach, all of Neillsville, Debra Thompson, Cary, Illinois, and Cherly Foth, Green Bay. Attendants wore gowns of pink satin featuring off-the-shoulder ruffles, peplums over the bodices, and Cinderella skirts. They carried pink and white sweetheart roses.

Attending the groom as bestman was Gus Warren of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Groomsmen were Kenneth Brumm, Cary, Illinois; Phillip Backaus, Black River Falls; Tim Schmidt, and Edward Schwall, both of Northbrook, Illinois; and Mike Otzleberger of Neillsville. Ushering guests into the church were Eric Backaus, Neillsville, and Roger Brumm, Greenwood.

A reception, dinner , and dance at Fannie’s Night Club, Neillsville, followed the wedding. Strack Photography, Neillsville took photographs of the wedding.

The bride is a 1979 graduate of Neillsville High School, attended Marian College of Fond du Lac, and is a 1983 graduate of St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, Marshfield. She is a registered nurse in the ICCU at Holy Family Hospital, Des Plaines, Illinois. Employed as an electrician, the groom began his high school education At Arlington Heights High School, in Illinois, and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1982.Following a wedding trip to Paradise Island, Bahamas, the couple will make their home at 1603 Techny Rd., Northbrook, Illinois.

2

BioM: Brekke, Jane Lea (1985)

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

Surnames: Brekke, Ringstad, Friemoth, Mohn, Keller, Bussard, Comte, Nagy, Wingent, Klieforth, Strack, Kuchenbecker, Stewart, Henseler, Voll

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/22/1985

Brekke, Jane Lea (17 August 1985)

Fr. Joseph Henseler and Rev. Mark Voll witnessed the exchange of marriage vows between Jane Lea Brekke, Neillsville, and Thomas John Ringstad, Stoughton, on August 17. The afternoon wedding ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neillsville. St. Mary’s Choir, with vocalists Rita Kuchenbecker and Rita Stewart provided the music.

Parents of the couple are Dr. and Mrs. Eugene Brekke, 600 E. 2nd St., Neillsville, and Mr. and Mrs. John Ringstad, 36 Grand Ave, Neillsville.

Escorted to the altar by her father, the bride was attired in a raw silk dress with off the shoulder puffed sleeves, accented by a chapel train. Her hat, encrusted with pearls and sequins, held together a fingertip veil. She carried a satin covered prayer book, the same as her mother carried on her wedding day, and orchids with stephanotis.

Maid of honor was Jill Friemoth, Neillsville. Sisters of the bride serving as bridesmaids were Debra Brekke Mohr and Binnie Brekke Keller, both of Neillsville. Bridal attendants wore light pink taffeta floor length gowns and carried bouquets of Lilies and roses. Lauren Bussard and Jason Comte, niece and nephew of the groom, were flower girl and ring bearer.

Attending the groom as bestman was John Nagy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Groomsmen were Dick Wingent, Minneapolis, Minnesota and David Klieforth, Neillsville. Guests were ushed into the ceremony by Bill, John, and Tim Brekke.

A dinner and dance at Fannie’s Supper Club, Neillsville followed the wedding. Wedding photography was performed by Strack Photography, Neillsville. Prenuptial events featured a bridal shower hosted by the sisters of the bride.

Employed as a travel agent, in Marshfield, the bride is a 1980 graduate of Neillsville High School, attended UW-Eau Claire for two years, and is a 1984 graduate of McConnell Travel, Minneapolis. The groom, a graduate from Neillsville High School in 1977, is also a 1981 UW-Eau Claire graduate with a business major. He is a cost estimator for Nelson Industries, Stoughton. Following a wedding trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan, the couple will reside in Stoughton.

3

BioM: Buettner, Kathleen Marie (1985)

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

Surnames: Buettner, Roskos, Wilson, Schmidt, Bunde, Oliver, Slosser, Johnson, Nemitz, Tess, Weber

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/22/1985

Buettner, Kathleen Marie (20 July 1985)

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Neillsville, was the setting on July 20, for the marriage of Kathleen Marie Buettner and Robert Steven Roskos. Rev. Richard T. Weber officiated at the 2 p.m. ceremony, and music was provided by organist Sharon Nemitz and vocalists Paul and Beth Tess. Parents of the couple are Marvin and Dianne Buettner, Neillsville, and Ben and Sandy Roskos, Merrillan.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride carried a bouquet of blue carnations, white roses, and baby’s breath.

Terri Buettner, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Karen Wilson and Cindy Schmidt, of Neillsville, and Monica Bunde, Black River Falls. Earl Oliver was bestman, and groomsmen were Mike Slosser, Jerome Johnson, and John Roskos, all from Black River Falls. Escorting wedding guests were Bill Buettner, and David Roskos, ushers.

A reception was held at the Neillsville American Legion with a dance following at the Inwood, at Hatfield.

The bride is a Neillsville High School graduate and is employed at the Neillsville A&W. A graduate of Black River Falls High School, the groom is employed at Gaier Construction Co., Black River Falls. Following a wedding trip to the Wisconsin Dells, the couple is at home in Black River Falls.

4

BioM: Cram, Linda Mae (1985)

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

Surnames: Cram, Weis, Kuchenbecker, Teatz, Schultz, Wolf, Rueth, Schumacher

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/29/1985

Cram, Linda Mae (10 August - 1985)

Fr. Charles Schumacher officiated at the wedding, August 10, uniting Richard Allan Weis and Linda Mae Cram as husband and wife. The 2 p.m. ceremony took place at St. Stephen’s Church, Chili. music was provided by organist Darla Rueth, guitarist Judy Weis, and vocalists Judy, Dan and Joe Weis. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cram, Rt. 2 Neillsville; Marcella Weis, Greenwood; and Ervin Weis, Marshfield.

Given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore a Victorian gown of taffeta and Chantilly lace with a high collar, Schiffli embroidered yoke, and melon sleeves. Baby ruffles of Chantilly lace accented the flounced hemline, sweeping to a semi-cathedral train. Her matching headpiece held a finger-tip veil. Burgundy and champagne roses, white carnations, and pink star flowers were carried by the bride.

Karen Kuchenbecker, Neillsville, attended the bride as maid of honor. Her bridesmaids were Dawn Cram, Neillsville, Jackie Teatz and Debbie Schultz, both of Marshfield, and Susan Wolf, of Lindsey. All were attired in burgundy off-the-shoulder gowns with sweep trains. They carried bouquets of shell pink roses, burgundy carnations, champion azaleas, and white star flowers. Their floral wreath headpieces were made of champion azaleas.

Bestman was James Teatz, Marshfield and groomsmen were Jerry Friedemann, Chili; Michael Cram, Neillsville, Larry Wolf, Lindsey; and Tom Weis, Marshfield. Guests were ushered into the church by John Weis, Marshfield, and Richard Cram, Jr., Neillsville. Priscilla Goessl, Marshfield, and Jeremiah Wolf, of Lindsey, were flower girl and ring bearer.

Following the wedding, a reception, meal, and dance was held at the Marshfield Labor Temple.

An operations secretary at Figi’s, Marshfield, the bride is a 1984 graduate of Neillsville High School. A 1973 high school graduate of Marshfield and Mid-State Technical Institute, the groom is the manager of Jamesway Bar. After a wedding trip to Northern Minnesota and Rockford, Illinois, the couple will reside at 10723 County Highway H, Marshfield.

5

BioM: Enli, Nanette Lynne (1985)

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

Surnames: Enli, Sowieja, Smith, Vesel, Wicinsky, Bravener, Hribar, Iberg, Gross, Kolnhofer, Ruzic, Bentzler, Slick, Lesar, Larson, Strereler

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/22/1985

Enli, Nanette Lynne (10 August 1985)

Father Bob Strereler witnessed the nuptial ceremony, uniting Nanette Lynne Enli and John Gerard Sowieja, held August 10, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Greenwood. Organist Mary Ann Lesar and vocalist Laura Larson provided wedding music. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Dale Smith, Greenwood, and former Greenwood residents, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Sowieja, of Escondido, California. The groom is the grandson of John Vesel, of Greenwood.

Given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore a Victorian satin gown with Austrian sleeve, Basque waist, trimmed with Alencon lace. The skirt of the gown featured venise lace and a hemline trimmed with crystal pleating forming a scalloped cathedral train. Her headpiece was a floral wreath of shite roses, baby’s beath, and accented with long white satin ribbons flowing down the back. She carried an arm bouquet of a dozen long-stemmed white roses, accented with baby’s breath, and tied with white satin ribbons.

Michele Enli was maid of honor and bridesmaids were Anne Wicinsky, Mrs. Arnie Bravener, Judy Hribar, Patti Iberg, and Mrs. Dave Sowieja. The maid of honor wore a suede rose taffeta gown with Austrian sleeves and self-ruffles forming a scalloped train. Bridesmaids wore similar gowns in a shade of rose. Floral wreaths adorned their hair, and they carried bouquets of three long-stemmed white sweetheart roses with pink baby’s breath and tied with suede rose and rose colored ribbons.

Miniature bride, Kari Sowieja, was dressed like the bride and was escorted by Stewart Gross, miniature groom. Flower girl, Tamra Sowieja, carried a heart-shaped satin pillow for the rings.

Serving the groom as bestman was Thomas Sowieja. Groomsmen were Randy Vesel, Ritch Kolnhofer, Matt Ruzic, Herry Bentzler, and Dave Sowieja. Ushering in wedding guests were David Slick, Ron Sowieja, Gene Sowieja, and Rob Sowieja.

Following the wedding ceremony, a reception, dinner, and dance was held at the Loyal American Legion.

A graduate of Greenwood High School in 1982, and District One Technical Institute in 1984, the bride is a computer operator at Hill, Christensen & Co., Marshfield. The groom graduated from Greenwood High School in 1981, and District One Institute in 1983. He is an installer-serviceman for Louie’s Refrigeration, Marshfield. The couple resides at 603 N. Wood, Marshfield.

6

BioM: Lezotte, Kathleen A. (1985)

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

Surnames: Lezotte, Zuck, Lane, Ek, Kunkel, Oberts

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/5/1985

Lezotte, Kathleen A. (10 August 1985)

Kathleen A. Lezotte became the bride of James P. Zuck, on Saturday, August 10, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Ladysmith. Fr. Dave Oberts officiated at the nuptial ceremony and organist Karen Ek with soloist Kurt Kunkel provided music. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Lezotte, Rt. 4 Neillsville, and Mr. and Mrs. Dean Zuck, Rt. 2 Ladysmith.

Given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore an organza tea-length gown and a veiled derby-style hat. Her bouquet consisted of lavender and pink roses with carnations on a fan crocheted by her grandmother.

Sister of the bride, Carol Lezotte, was maid of honor. She wore a tea-length gown of lavender satin and carried a bouquet similar to that of the bride. Bestman was Jon Lane, of Ladysmith, a friend of the groom.

Following the wedding, a reception and dinner was held at the Chateau Supper Club, Ladysmith.

The bride is a first grade teacher at Ladysmith Elementary School. A farmer, the groom is employed by Buchholz Feed Store, at Ladysmith.

7

BioM: Ortner, Susan (1985)

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

Surnames: Ortner, Horvat, Takes, Bolf, Hanson, Briski, Lesczynski

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/15/1985

Ortner, Susan (9 August 1985)

Father James Lesczynski witnessed the nuptial ceremony of Susan Ortner and Steven Horvat, Saturday, August 9, at Holy Family Parish, Willard. Parents of the couple are Ronald and Lucille Ortner, and Rudy and Lavonne Horvat, all of Rt. 1 Willard.

Music for the 12:30 p.m. service was provided by organist, Dee Dee Hansen, and vocalist, Sheila Briski. The bride, given in marriage by her father wore a white Victorian gown with ruffled neckline and sheer long sleeves. Her silk bouquet contained suede-colored roses and baby’s breath. Miniature bride was Tara Takes, escorted by Jeremy Bolf, miniature groom. Flower girl was Tessa Takes.

The groom wore a midnight blue tuxedo with tails. He was attended by Joe Ortner, bestman, of Willard; and groomsmen, Rudy Horvat, Jr., Granton, Scott Horvat, Willard, and Mike Ortner, Spring Valley. Guests were escorted into the wedding by James Ortner, Neillsville, and Dennis Horvat, Winona, Minnesota. Bill Takes, Walker, Iowa, was lector.

A wedding reception and dance followed at the Loyal Legion Hall.

The bride is a 1985 graduate of Greenwood High School. A 1980 graduate of the same school, the groom is engaged in farming. Following a wedding trip to Yellowstone National Park, the couple will be at home at Rt. 1 Willard.

8

BioM: Sischo, Judy Sue (1985)

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

Surnames: Sischo, Lindner, Meihack, Smith, Steffen, Anderson, Glaze, Stokka, Dishinger

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/15/1985

Sischo, Judy Sue ( 3 August 1985)

Rev. Maynard Stokka officiated at the afternoon ceremony uniting Judy Sue Sischo and Bradley Charles Lindner in marriage. The 2:30 p.m. service was held at Pine Valley Lutheran Church, Neillsville. Parents of the couple are Mrs. Alice Sischo and the late Devere “Pete” Sischo, Rt. 4 Neillsville, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lindner, 703 N. Cedar Ave., Marshfield.

Organist Midge Anderson with vocalists Dean and Carol Glaze provided music for the wedding.

Terry Sischo, the brother of the bride, gave her in marriage. Her Victorian gown of sheer organza and Chantilly lace featured a high neckline and be-ruffled embroidered English yoke. The Victorian sleeves and ruffle-flounced hemline swept to a cathedral train. A finger-tip veil enhanced her matching hat covered with re-embroidered lace and pearls.

Lori Meihack, of Neillsville, attended the bride as maid of honor. Janis Smith and Vicki Steffen, both of Greenwood, were bridesmaids. All wore gowns of huckleberry peau taffeta with sweetheart neckline, fluted bodice, Bou pliant puff sleeves, and a full A-line skirt accented with a mock bustle.

Steve Lindner, Marshfield, was bestman, and groomsmen were Greg Lindner, Marshfield, and Dallas Neville, Neillsville. Wedding guests were escorted by Jerry Dishinger, Northbrook, Illinois, and Dennis Sischo, Neillsville.

A 1976 graduate of Neillsville High School, the bride holds a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from UW-La Crosse. She is the director of the Neillsville Area Recreation Department. The groom graduated from Marshfield Columbus High School in 1978; he holds an associate degree in Police Science from North Central Technical Institute. He is a police officer for the City of Neillsville. Following a wedding trip to Northern Wisconsin and Michigan, the couple is residing at 401 W. 17th St., Neillsville.

9

BioM: Suda, Pamela J. (1985)

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

Surnames: Suda, Moris, Thermos, Yurkovich, Gareau, Ostertag, Ritter, Yeager, Rotar, Mazurek, Strack, Lesar, Larson, Lesczynski

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/12/1985

Suda, Pam (7 September 1985)

Reverend James Lesczynski, officiated at the nuptial Mass uniting Pamela J. Suda and John R. Moris in marriage, on September 7, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Willard. Organ and guitar duets and solos were performed by Mary Ann Lesar and Laurie Larson. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Suda, Willard, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Moris, Woodbury, Minnesota.

Given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore a white satin gown featuring a sheer yoke edged with silk Venice lace and sewn pearls, puff sleeves with deep inset and pearl trim, and a skirt design with cut out embroidered lace sweeping to a cathedral train with deep scalloped edges. Her headpiece held a fingertip veil accented with satin edges and pearls. She carried an arm held bouquet of white calla lilies, purple and white wild roses, stephanotis and ivy.

Maron of honor was Mrs. Betty Thermos, Crystal Lake, Illinois. Bridesmaids were Judy Moris, Richfield, Minnesota; Kitty Yurkovich, Evergreen, Colorado; and Tamara Suda, Willard. All were attired in pansy purple taffeta dresses with boat neck lines in front and lattice straps at the back. A wrapped effect accented the front of the dresses with the back flowing to the floor. Carrying purple lace parasols decorated with laced ribbons, they wore a silver rose wrist corsage with baby’s breath and purple ribbon.

Steve Moris, Woodbury, Minnesota, attended the groom as bestman. Joe Gareau, Kenner, Louisiana; Dennis Suda, Granton; and Daniel Moris, Woodbury, Minnesota, were groomsmen Guests were ushered into the church by Larry Ostertag, Afton, Minnesota, and Mark Ritter, Westchester, California.

Joan Yaeger served as lector, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Rotar presented the offertory gifts, and Tammy Mazurek assisted with flowers and the guest book. Wedding Photography was performed by Strack Photography of Neillsville.

A reception, dinner, and dance followed at Fannie’s Supper Club, Neillsville. Music furnished by the Richie Yurkovich Band.

A Greenwood High School and Lakeshore Technical Institute graduate, the bride is an optometric assistant. The groom graduated from Stillwater High School, Stillwater, Minnesota, and attended the University of Minnesota. Following a wedding trip to Ft. Meyers, Florida, the couple will return to make their home at Lakewood, Colorado.

10

BioM: Witte, Natalie K. (1985)

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

Surnames: Witte, Erpenbach, Moennig, Backaus, Cicirello, Rohde, Gross, Marg, Dux, Beyer, Bergeman, Herbrand, Forde

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/15/1985

Witte, Natalie K. (3 August 1985)

Natalie K. Witte became the bride of Paul A. Erpenbach in an afternoon ceremony, August 3, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Neillsville. Pastor Paul Forde officiated at the service. Richard and Corrine Witte, 910 Sherwood Drive, Viroqua, are parents of the bride. The groom is the son of William and Cecelia Erpenbach, 611 Willow St., Neillsville.

Musical selections were sung by Karen Forde, accompanied by Kris Herbrand.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a white organza gown featuring a scalloped neckline, Basque waist, white lace skirt applique, and accented by a cathedral length train. She carried white orchids, with lavender roses and stephanotis.

Serving as matron of honor was Jan Moennig, of Neillsville, a friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Rhonda Witte, Neillsville; Laura Backaus, Deerfield, Illinois; Patti Cicirello, Milwaukee; and Jane Rohde, Golden Valley, Minnesota. Bridal attendants wore tea length lavender under slips overlayed with white lace, and a white waist ribbon. Their bouquets held white orchids with lavender roses.

The groom and his attendants wore silver, gray tuxedos. Jerry Gross, of Neillsville, was bestman, groomsmen were Kenneth Marg and Mark Dux, of Neillsville, Steve Dux, of Oshkosh, and Jim Erpenbach, of Madison. Escorting guests into the church were Gordon Beyer and John Bergeman of Neillsville.

A reception was held at the Wild Cat Inn, with a dance following at the Silver Dome Ballroom. Prenuptial events were hosted by an aunt and cousin of the bride, and by bridal attendants.

A Senior accountant with Hill, Christensen and Company, CPA’s, of Marshfield, the bride is a 1979 graduate of Neillsville High School, and a 1983 graduate of UW-Eau Claire. Employed by the Clark County Highway Department, the groom is a 1974 graduate of Neillsville High School. The couple is at home at 1015 West 5th Street, Neillsville.