1

Bio: Halpin, Jenny/Pat – Barn Fire (Sep 2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Halpin

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 06 Sep2023

The Greenwood and Loyal fire departments responded to a barn fire Tuesday night at the Jenny and Pat Halpin residence at N8609 Owen Avenue, just south of Highway 98 in between the two communities. A neighbor called 911 after seeing smoke; the Halpins were gone at the time. They estimate the blaze started around 6:15 p.m. “It went fast. By the time we got back home (around 6:35 p.m.), it was already melted in the middle,” said Jenny. They had about 15 beef cows in the barn and one died, according to initial reports. “We heard from our neighbor that the Amish were there immediately, getting the animals out,” said Jenny, adding that she appreciated how everyone jumped in to help. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office was also on site. The cause of the fire is unknown.

2

News: Granton – Rotary Members Honored as Citizens of the Year (2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Hubing, Garbisch, Schreiber, Chadwick, Dunn, Wegner, Richmond, Young, Bremer, Woller, Heiting, Kraus, Larson, Hanusczak, Walz, Mendoza, Dallman

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 06 Sep2023

For 80 years, the Granton Rotary Club has been a part of the Granton community. Helping with both local and international causes, the organization has made a positive impact on the lives of many people. This year, the club will be honored during the Granton Fall Festival as the Honored Citizens of the year.

The club currently has 17 members: Carol Hubing, Marge Garbisch, Peter Schreiber, Chip Chadwick, Lorrie Dunn, Ann Wegner, John Richmond, Omar Young, Carla Bremer, Annette Woller, Kay Heiting, Amanda Kraus, Holly Larson, Sandy Hanuszczak, Nicole Walz, Randy Mendoza and Julie Dallman.

4

Bio: Reither, Carol – Granton First Responders Award (Sep 2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Reither

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 13 Sep 2023

The Granton Area First Responders awarded Carol Reither with the organization’s annual Friend of the First Responders Award on Sept. 8 during the Granton Fall Festival.

Since 2002, the Granton First Responders have given the award to different people — both from inside the Granton community and outside of it — who have made a positive impact on the organization. Reither is a 41year member of the Neillsville EMS and has worked alongside the Granton Area First Responders on many occasions.

5

Obit: Reilly, Suzette Marie (1951 - 2023)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Cribb, Elkins, Fredrickson, Lobacz, Mollerud, Nolechek, Rauch, Reilly, Turenne

Source: Heritage Funeral Home (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) 21 May 2023

Reilly, Suzette Marie (Lobacz) Elkins Rauch (3 APR 1951 – 19 May 2023)

Suzette Marie Reilly, 72, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday May 19th, 2023.

Sue was born on April 3rd, 1951, to the late George and Grace (Turenne) Lobacz in Thorp, Wisconsin.

Sue was the beloved wife of the late Dennis Rauch and former husband Daniel Reilly. Dear mother of children Scott, Todd, Kyle, and the late Amy Elkins. She was the cherished mother-in-law to Laura (Scott) and Rachel (Kyle) and former daughter-in-law Jennifer who was very helpful toward the end of her life.

She was a devoted grandmother to Parker, Wesley, Magnolia, Grant, Tyler, Charles, and her little peach Corrina.

Sue was the loving sister of Georgia (Ted) Mollerud, the late Walter, Carol (Ronald) Fredrickson, the late Barbara (William) Nolechek, and the late Debra (Henry) Cribb. She was further survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Sue was a dedicated mother and grandmother for many years. She loved and cared for many pets throughout her life including numerous dogs and cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, and various birds.

Visitation 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Funeral Service 1:00 PM, Friday, May 26, 2023 at Heritage Funeral Home, 6615 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53219. Entombment will follow the Funeral Service at Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee.
 

6

School: Loyal H.S. Class of 1953 - (70 Year Reunion - 16 Sep 2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Shefcik, Gregory, Stowe, Bitter, Oestreich, Carpenter, Bentzler, Aumann, Lautenbach, Catlin, Dietsche, Schwantes, Holt, Cook, Widmer, Ammons, Rollins, Lavey, Stutte, Langfeldt, Reinwand

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 27 Sep 2023

The Loyal High School Class of 1953 and guests enjoyed their 70-year reunion at Sunrise Family Restaurant in Marshfield on Sept. 16. Those in attendance were: Angeline (Shefcik) Gregory, Carol (Stowe) Bitter, Shirley (Oestreich) Carpenter, Leona (Bentzler) Aumann, Rochelle (Lautenbach) Catlin, Dorothy Dietsche, Verlyn Schwantes, James Holt, Anita (Cook) Schwantes, Janet (Widmer) Ammons and Beverly (Rollins) Lavey. There are 20 surviving classmates.

 
Also attending were four 1952 classmates – Duane Stutte, Guy Langfeldt, Richard Catlin and Gilbert Reinwand – and their guests.
A good time was had by all.

7

School: Abbotsford H.S. Class of 1973 (50 Year Reunion - 15 Sep 2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Venzke, Stensgard, Frane, Orheim, Borgemoen, Hamm, Schmidt, Lukas, Nikolay, Jannene, Kieser, Koch, Horacek, Larocque, Hardrath, Spence, Olson, Colby, Prestebak, Bauer, Holtz, Johnson, Nibbe, Hagen, Polnaszek, Eiden, Grambort, Schreiber, Klemetson, Schilling, Weber, Leichtman, Apfelbeck, Leu, Lueth, Friemoth, Butor, Beran, Krause, Mueller, Klieforth, Svejda, Poehnelt, Jones, Paul, Strathman, Merwin, Gordon, Nelson, Ogurek, Draxler, Nelson, Ogurek, Draxler, Loucks, Ridderbusch, Girard, Fleege, Younker, Jakel

----Source: Tribune Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 27 Sep 2023

The Abbotsford Class of 1973 recently celebrated their fifty-year class reunion. Festivities began on Friday, September 15, with a meal at Taqueria El Sol, followed by attending the high school Homecoming football game. The class then gathered at Jim and Jenny Jakel’s residence for conversation and refreshments. Saturday started out with a golf outing followed by a tour of the school.

The evening ended with a get together at Jack’s Cantina. A table was set up with pictures and lighted candles for deceased classmates which include Stanley Lisiecki, Dawn Marie Zirngibl, Rhonda White Kamper, Mark Colby and Laurie Mills Harring. A gathering at the Medo’s for breakfast on Sunday officially ended what was being called the class’s best reunion yet.

In attendance were: Sandy Venzke Stensgard, Barb Frane Orheim, Dave Borgemoen, Donna Hamm Schmidt, Pat Lukas, Karen Nikolay Jannene, Geoff Kieser, Dennis Koch, Diane Horacek, Linda Larocque Hardrath, Bob Spence, DuWayne Olson, Jim Colby, John Prestebak, Joe Bauer, Sharon Holtz Johnson, Jana Nibbe Hagen, Jim Polnaszek, Lori Eiden Grambort, Marilyn Schreiber Klemetson, Jan Schilling, Pam Weber Leichtman, Sheri Apfelbeck Leu, Gloria Lueth Friemoth, Wayne Butor, Dennis Grambort and Carol Colby, Frank Beran, Calvin Krause, Jeff Mueller, Randy Klieforth, John Svejda, Robert Olson, Allen Poehnelt, Gordan Jones, Mark Paul, Fred Strathman, Patti Merwin Gordon, Don Nelson, Debbie Ogurek Draxler, J.C. Nelson, Brian Loucks, Julie Ridderbusch Girard, Clark Fleege, Chris Younker and Jim Jakel.

8

Obit: Bochanyin, Curtiss Lee (1941 - 2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Bochanyin, White, Sanza, Priest, Fleming, Wysocki

----Source: Tribune Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 27 Sep 2023

Bochanyin, Curtiss Lee (16 Feb 1941 - 23 Aug 2023)

Curtis Lee Bochanyin, age 82, of Chicago, passed away on August 23, 2023.

He was born on February 16, 1941, to John and Elida Hall Bochanyin in Medford. He grew up with his siblings on the family farm in Holton township near Dorchester.

Curtis attended the Barry grade school located about a mile from the home farm. He attended three years of high school at Dorchester and one year at Abbotsford, graduating in 1959.

His further education included the Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse, the Dominican Novitiate in Winona, Minn., and the Catholic Seminary in River Forest, Ill. Curtis earned several post graduate degrees and was a librarian in the Divinity Library at the University of Chicago for several decades before his retirement in 2003.

He could speak Russian and Slovak and could read Hebrew and Greek. He was interested in genealogy and spent a lot of time tracing the family history back through many generations. He made several trips to Slovakia to connect with that branch of the family.

Curtis was a gentle soul, a lifelong scholar and had a wry sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Betty White (Jack), and a brother, Stanley. Surviving are his partner of 53 years, Gregorio Juan Carlos Sanza; two sisters: Joanne Priest (Clifford) of Batavia, Ill., and Karen Fleming (Larry) of Crystal Lake, Ill.; twin brothers, Douglas Wysocki (Reba) of Lincoln, Neb. and Donald Wysocki (Carol) of Pasco, Wash., and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no service, per his wishes. He wanted his ashes to be buried next to his parents in St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Milan.

9

Obit: Kernz, Lawrence Anthony “Larry” (1950 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Kernz, Peters

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/3/2023

Kernz, Lawrence Anthony “Larry” (30 May 1950 – 28 September 2023)

On Thursday September 28th, 2023, Lawrence "Larry" Anthony Kernz of Neillsville, passed away at the age of 73.

Born on May 30th, 1950, to Dolores Peters and Tony Kernz, Larry graduated from Waunakee High School in 1969. He is survived by two children, Kristine Kernz (Tammy), Yasiel Kernz, granddaughter Monica and sister Debra Jeffery (Thomas).

Larry was passionate about the trucking industry and dedicated his life to it. This took him on adventures from coast to coast. He spent time living in Arizona, Texas, and finally in Missouri where he operated Kernz Group FAE for many years. He returned to Wisconsin to live out his final years in the family home in Neillsville.

Memorial services are not planned at this time. We encourage those who knew him to gather and celebrate his life. We also encourage those wishing to donate to kindly make a donation in Larry's name to the American Diabetes Association at www.donors.diabetes.org.

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

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

10

Obit: Malecki, James “Jim” (1948 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Malecki. Gwiazda

----Source: Crematory of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 10/02/2023()

Malecki, James “Jim” (9 May 1948 - 23 September 2023)

It is with great sadness that our husband, father, and grandfather passed away. Jim Malecki, age 75, passed away on Sept 23, 2023, at home, surrounded by his family after a long illness.

Jim was born to Louis and Amelia Malecki on May 9, 1948, at the hospital in Stanley. He was raised in Thorp on the family farm and graduated from the Thorp High School in 1966. He was employed by the Stanley Corporation where he met the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Cheryle A Gwiazda, residing in Stanley their entire lives. They were married in Iowa in 1971. They gave birth to their son Corey in 1972. Jim changed employment to the Melvin Corporation where he worked for 38 years. During that time, they gave birth to their second son, Russell, in 1978.

Jim is survived by his wife Cheryle; his son Russel (Lavena); four grandchildren, Brandon, Macayla, Emily, Cole; and three great grandchildren, Ava, Booker, and Eloah; his brother Don (Bonnie) Malecki; his sister Louise; brother-in-law Greg (Minette) Gwiazda; and four God Children.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish with his sons and nephews. He enjoyed playing cards with close friends. His greatest love was spending time with his family. He was and always will be loved by his family, nieces, and nephews, and many, many friends. He had a great sense of humor and created a lot of laughter wherever he went.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, Corey; his parents; and his oldest brother, Kenneth.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Jim on Oct 14, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT at the Community Center, Stanley Park, Stanley, Wisconsin. All family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be greatly appreciated.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services - Celebration of Life Center in Altoona, WI is serving the family.

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

11

Obit: Marty, Tammy J. (1957 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Marty, Johnson, Lewis, Gurney, Bertz, Dahlke, Hillert, Wirtz

----Source: Crematory of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 10/04/2023)

Marty, Tammy J. (24 November 1957 – 3 October 2023)

Tammy J. Marty, 65, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Tammy was born in Neillsville on November 24, 1957, to the late Ted and Mayona (Johnson) Lewis. She was united in marriage to Duane Marty on June 1, 1974.

Tammy owned and operated the Neillsville Sears catalog store until the catalog business was eliminated. The store was converted into an antique shop which she operated for a short time. She also worked at the Neillsville M&I Bank. For the past 28 years, she has managed the Neillsville Subway and received Manager of the Year for the region in 2004. After serving for 10 years, she recently resigned as the Grant Township Clerk. She previously served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher at the United Church of Christ, participated in the Neillsville Chamber of Commerce and served as President along with other responsibilities for the Neillsville Jaycee in her early years.

Tammy enjoyed quilting, scrap booking, stamping up, playing games with her family and occasional trips to the casino. Above all she loved spending time with her family including the many trips she took with her daughter and grandchildren. Anyone that knew Tammy also knows she loved her flower gardens, which was evident when you visited her. Tammy had a passion for life and never wanted to burden anyone. Even up until the end she always said, “I’m fine.”

Survivors include her husband of 49 years Duane Marty of Neillsville; her (3) children: Mathew Marty of Neillsville, Melissa (Shane) Gurney of Eau Claire, and Michael (Chloe) Marty of La Crosse; her (6) grandchildren: Kelsy Marty, Cole (fiancé Lina) Gurney, Breanna (fiancé Nathan) Marty, Gage Gurney, Kaitlyn Gurney and Mazzy Marty; her (3) siblings: Phoebe (Paul) Bertz of King George, VA, Lisa (Alex) Dahlke of Weston, WI, and Dennis (Jane) Lewis of Sarasota, FL along with many nieces, nephews, friends, and grand puppies.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law Florence and Fred Marty, sisters-in-law Judy Hillert and Debra Marty.

The Memorial Service for Tammy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the United Church of Christ, Neillsville, WI, with Lori Wirtz officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. All are welcome for a luncheon to be served after. Tammy wanted this to be a celebration of her life with happiness. Through the tears let there be love and laughter to honor her!

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