Obit: Berzinski,
Walter Robert “Bob” (1935 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Berzinski, Borowski, Greening, Gardner, Mitchell, Carioscio, Locke,
Wagner, Janisewski, Bielecki
----Source: Plombon-Funeral Service (Stanley, Chippewa Co., WI) 6/6/2023
Berzinski, Walter Robert “Bob” (15 January 1935 - 2023) With Flag
Bob Berzinski, 88 of Stanley, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023.
He was born Walter Robert Berzinski on January 15, 1935, to the late Walter and
Mary (Borowski) Berzinski at the family home in the Town of Worden; south of
Thorp. Bob then joined the Army serving in Germany from June 1958 - December
1959.
He returned to the states and worked as a block layer for Joe Lato, was a
machinist/foreman at the Stanley Corporation, was a part time Police Officer and
was a self-employed carpenter/block layer for many years. Bob served as the
Mayor for the City of Stanley for 5 years. He also was a member of the American
Legion, was commander for the VFW for 5 years and built various signs for local
Stanley organizations. He liked to hunt and fish and could build and fix
anything. Bob married Doris Greening on June 18, 1961, in Thorp.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris, his children, Vickie Gardner of
Lake Hallie, Randy of Fond du Lac, Jill Mitchell of Boyd, Ritchie of Oshkosh, 7
grandchildren, Sarah Mitchell, Samantha (Tom) Carioscio, Stephanie (Rockey)
Locke, Shelby Mitchell, Mila Mitchell, Rachelle and Kalena Berzinski, 3 great
grandchildren, Aryia Locke, Olivia Locke and Nora Carioscio, his sister Sharon
Wagner of Stanley and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Helen Janisewski and Marion
Bielecki, two sons in law, Bob Gardner and Monte Mitchell, and great-grandchild
Haven Locke.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, June 9th from 4-7 P.M. at the
Plombon Funeral Home-Stanley with military rites at 7 P.M. Inurnment will take
place at a later date in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery.
Obit: Gebelein,
Klyde J. (1947 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Gebelein, Patrie, Kilty, Johnson
----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 6/6/2023
Gebelein, Klyde J. (3 February 1947 – 5 June 2023)
Klyde J. Gebelein, age 76, of Colby, passed away at home June 5, 2023, with his
family by his side.
Klyde was born on February 3, 1947, in Rozellville to Arlo and Lucille (Patrie)
Gebelein. He received his education at St. Andrew’s Catholic School in
Rozellville and Marshfield Public Schools.
Klyde married Joan (Kilty) Gebelein on August 6, 1966, at St. Mary’s Catholic
Church in Colby. They have two children, Chris (Dennis) Johnson of Stratford and
Tom Gebelein of Colby, and one grandchild, Ashley Gebelein of Colby. When Klyde
moved to Colby in 1966, he worked for Johnson Silo and Lumber Company where he
did cement work, silo building and working in the woods. He purchased the silo
equipment in 1968 and started his own company.
Winters he worked for Feirer Oil Company and later at the Colby Bowling Alley.
In 1973, he purchased his first Bobcat and hydro-hammer, and he continued
excavation work for over 40 years while always updating and keeping his
equipment looking like new.
During the years on his jobs he met numerous people and made many friends
throughout the state. In the early years of marriage, many weekends found his
family camping and fishing with “Grandma and Grandpa Kilty” and their family. As
the children grew, camping became less important, and time was spent with
extended families playing cards on the weekends and talking about the “Good old
days.”
Klyde’s wish was to remain at home during his final months. He was able to do so
because of the love, care and compassion provided by Joan. He was able to keep a
positive attitude the past months because of the caring and thoughtfulness of
Chris and her amazing ability to make the darkest days seem brighter. The time
of the year he most enjoyed was the rifle hunting with Tom. They always had an
ongoing bet as to who would get the first buck. Tom will agree, Dad usually won
the bet.
For the past year, most Saturdays were spent with Ashley, enjoying the delicious
meals she provided. Grandpa enjoyed listening to her experiences working and
furthering her education to become a registered nurse. The family spent hours
playing Yahtzee and Uno. Grandpa never did get to teach her his favorite card
game of cribbage. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
There will be a visitation held for the public on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from
9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A
private family memorial service will take place immediately after. Interment
will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home and Compassus Hospice
and their wonderful nurses for the care they provided these few months.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Klyde , please visit
our floral store.
Obit: Schoolman,
Lois A. (1951 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Schoolman, Wynia, Krause, Body, Aschebrook
----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 6/6/2023
Schoolman, Lois A. (23 June 1951 – 3 June 2023)
Lois A. Schoolman was called home to be with Jesus on June 3, 2023. She was a
woman of profound faith with a caring heart and a great sense of humor. She was
a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother and loyal friend. Lois was known
for her generosity; she embodied the phrase, “giving the shirt off her back.”
Today, we find comfort in knowing that Lois is now at rest in her eternal home.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and laughter. There will be a
celebration of Lois’ Life on September 23, 2023. Location is yet to be
determined and will be updated once more information is available. Please join
us while we remember her kindness, her laughter, and the love she had for us
all.
Lois was born on June 23, 1951, in Green Bay; daughter of Clyde and Nancy Wynia.
On June 3, 2000, she was united in marriage to James F. Schoolman. She was a
member of Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. She loved her pets and spending time
with her family and friends. She enjoyed flowers and flea markets, watching
movies and hanging crystals.
Lois had a gift for bringing laughter into any situation and her sense of humor
was infectious. Her friends found a source of strength and joy in her, drawn to
her caring heart and quick wit.
Those who will cherish her memory include her loving husband, Jim Schoolman of
Spencer; her children: Todd (Sheri) Krause of Stratford, Roger (Dawn) Krause of
Mosinee, Eric Krause of Stratford and Lisa Body of Marshfield; her
grandchildren: Leah Body, Kennedi Krause, Reese Krause, all of Marshfield, Kaden
Body of Kronenwetter and Aurora Krause and Slade Krause of Mosinee; her
great-granddaughter, Marceline Aschebrook of Marshfield; her great-grandson,
Krew Body of Kronenwetter; her brothers, Todd Wynia of Arizona and Don Wynia of
Kenosha and her sister, Sue Wynia of Seattle, WA along with many other relatives
and friends.
Lois’ arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To
share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit
www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lois Schoolman, please visit our
Tree Store.
Bio: Person,
Mackenzie (Dean’s List - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Person
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/7/2023
Person, Mackenzie (Dean’s List - 2023)
The UW-Superior has named Mackenzie Person of Neillsville to the dean’s list for
academic achievement during the Summer 2022 semester.
To be named to the Dean’s List, students must have completed 12 degree-seeking
semester credits and achieved at least a 3.50 grade-point average (GPA) on a 4.0
scale.
BioM: Marriage
Licenses (Jun/Jul - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Miller, Hershberger, Horst, Martin, Houser, Davis, Tischer, Beaudry,
Rice, Poeschel, Parker, Messick, Burkholder, Shirk, Broeske, Archambo-Bowers
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/7/2023
Marriage Licenses (Jun/Jul - 2023)
Levi L. Miller, to Savilla D. Hershberger, both of Town of Fremont, June 8, at
the Town of Fremont.
Daryl O. Horst, Town of Green Grove, to Louanna H. Martin, Town of Hull,
Marathon Co., June 10 at Town of Green Grove.
Donald J. Houser, to Rachel L. Davis, both of Town of Hewett, June 10, in Vernon
County.
Donovan Q. Tischer, to Martina M. Beaudry, both of City of Loyal, June 13, at
city of Neillsville.
Anthony M. Rice, to Connie M. Poeschel, both of Town of York, June 11, at city
of Owen.
Gayland W. Parker, to Michelle L. Messick, both of Town of Dewhurst, June 17, at
Town of Dewhurst.
Derek L. Burkholder, Town of Hixon, to Stephanie Z. Shirk, Town of Hoard, June
24, at Town of Green Grove.
Ray J. Broeske, to Theresa J. Archambo-Bowers, both of Town of Mayville, July 22
at the Village of Dorchester.
News: Clark Co. -
Winona State University (Dean’s List - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Larson, Mayer, Schoengarth
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/7/2023
Clark Co.-Winona State University (Dean’s List - 2023)
Winona State University announced the dean’s list for spring semester 2023. To
be named to the dean’s list, a student must be an undergraduate enrolled
full-time (at least 12 credit hours for a grade) and achieve a minimum GPA pf
3.5.
The students named to the dean’s list are Brian Larson of Abbotsford, Kati Mayer
of Neillsville and Taylan Schoengarth Neillsville.
News: Clark Co. -
Winona State University (Grads - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Johnson, Walde
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/7/2023
Clark Co.-Winona State University (Grads - 2023)
Winona State University also announced the graduation list for spring semester
2023.
Graduates are Stone Johnson of Neillsville, with an associate’s degree of arts,
liberal arts and sciences, and Bryce Walde of Greenwood, with a bachelor’s
degree of science chemistry.
News: Clark Co.-
Grads Continue to Earn Scholarships (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Hediger, Kirchner, Dickison, McCollum
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/7/2023
Clark County Grads Continue to Earn Scholarships (2023)
Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) Honored two Clark County 2023 Wisconsin high
school graduates who received Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation (WSTF)
scholarships. The winners were Mackenzie Hediger and Delaney Kirchner.
Neillsville High School’s Mackenzie Hediger also was awarded$1,500 from TDS.
Submitted photo
Hediger, from Neillsville High School, was awarded $1,500. Hediger plans to
attend Chippewa Valley Technical College.
TDS’ Cheryl McCollum (l) presents Delaney Kirchner of Greenwood High School with
the $1,500 Wisconsin State Telecommunications Foundation scholarship. Submitted
photo
Kirchner, from Greenwood High School, was also awarded $1,500. Kirchner plans to
attend the UW-Oshkosh.
“For the past 15 years,” Angie Dickison said, TDS’ state government affairs
manager, “TDA Telecom has been honored to help passionate and high-performing
students achieve their higher education through the WTF scholarship. We wish all
of these talented graduates success as they embark on their post high school
journeys.”
Since 1966, the WSTF has contributed more than $1.8 million to help students
further their education. In its 57 years, the foundation has awarded
scholarships to more than 1,400 students.
The Foujnda4tion is part of the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association (WSTA),
a trade organization representing 67 companies and cooperatives in Wisconsin,
including TDS. This year, the WSTF is contributing $44,250 to 32 students across
the state.
Money for the fund is contributed by people associated with the
telecommunications industry in Wisconsin, and TDS is proud to participate in the
WSTF scholarship program.
Obit: Vickers,
Lourie Mae (Flood) (1965 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Vickers, Emery, Flood, Buckhannon, McNamee, Konetzke, Higgins,
Vranish, Skaar
----Source: Heart of the Valley Cremation Services, Neenah, WI) 6/8/2023
Vickers, Lourie Mae (Flood) (9 August 1965 – 28 May 2023)
Lourie Mae (Flood) Vickers of Neenah, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on May
28, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Lourie was born on August 9, 1965, in Happy Camp, California to Ronald and
Geraldine (Emery) Flood.
The family moved to her dad’s hometown of Humbird. Shortly after, her sister
Brenda was born. The girls spent most of their early childhood in Humbird
growing up with her dad’s side of the family. They later moved to Plover. Lourie
finished her education at Western Wisconsin Technical College with an Associate
Degree in Applied Science.
Lourie married twice in her life. First to Robert Buckhannon in 1986 until they
separated in 1992. She then married Troy Vickers in 2003 and that marriage
lasted until 2021. Lourie held numerous jobs in her life. She was an IT
Specialist at Lincoln High School for 12 years while working part time as a taxi
driver at Falls Taxi. She finished her career as a Partners Associate with
Pitney Bowes.
Lourie has always been a very determined and strong-willed person. She gave
freely of her talents and strengths to her family and friends. Family was always
unquestionably the most important thing in Lourie’s life. Lourie loved wine and
traveling. Her niece, Kristy, shared those interests. They were able to complete
the goal of finishing the CO-OP Wine Tour together.
Undoubtedly, her greatest role was that of mother when her son, Logan, was born
and then when she became a grandmother to Ambrielle. She cherished every moment
with them and was always immensely proud of their accomplishments.
Lourie had a passion for genealogy and spent considerable time researching her
family history. She was able to trace her roots back hundreds of years and
finally found that she was indeed related to Royalty – King Edward of England
from the 1300’s. She created a very elaborate detailed website of her family
tree that the family will cherish forever.
Lourie was preceded in death by her grandparents Angus and Verna Flood; Vernon
and Cora Emery; Aunt: Barb Emery. She is survived by her Mother: Geraldine
Flood; Father: Ronald (Marilyn) Flood; Son: Logan Flood (significant other
Nicole McNamee); Sister: Brenda Flood; Granddaughter: Ambrielle Flood Konetzke;
Nieces: Amber and Kristy Higgins (significant other Ryan Vranish); Nephew: Lucas
Skaar. In addition, there are several great nieces and nephews – including
Trent, Abbi, Alanah, Carter, and Lucy.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 15th at the North Branch
Rod and Gun, N2962 Main St. in Humbird, starting at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome
to attend.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lourie Mae
Vickers, please visit our flower store.
Obit: Oestreich,
Raymond Lynn (1927 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Oestreich, Lucht, Noeldner, Bauer, Prior, Benz, Newberry, Oswald,
Vanderhoof, Stange, Abel, Zimmerman
----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 6/8/2023
Oestreich, Raymond Lynn (21 December 1927 – 5 June 2023)
Raymond L. Oestreich, 95, Marshfield, formerly of Loyal, passed away on Monday,
June 5, 2023, at Stoney River Assisted Living with loving family by his side.
Raymond Lynn Oestreich was born in Marshfield on December 21, 1927, to Alfred
and Alvina (Lucht) Oestreich. He was raised on the family farm and received his
education in Loyal area schools, graduating from Loyal High School. He continued
to live on the family farm and on September 11, 1954, Ray was united in marriage
to Marie E. Noeldner at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal and together they
farmed and raised several thousand chickens. The farm was a stop off place for
many neighbors, friends, and relatives who loved to come and visit and enjoy
good food and conversation and listen to Ray’s humor. No matter where their home
was, these traditions moved with them. Ray began work with the US Postal Service
as a mail carrier, retiring after 19 years. During that time, the farm was sold,
and a new home built in 1977. After retiring, Ray was a volunteer driver for
Clark County. He bowled with the Mixed Couples League at the Loyal Bowling Alley
and was part of a dartball league for many years. He and Marie enjoyed traveling
taking many trips by bus and train.
Ray was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church where his faith in God was
instilled and remained a very important part of his life.
He is survived by one daughter, Rhonda (Ed) Bauer of Greenwood, three
grandchildren; Eric (Tracy) Bauer of Loyal, Cara Prior of Loyal, and Blake (Dani
Benz) Bauer of Spencer; four great-grandchildren; Jace, Laila, Jaxton, and
Lydia; three sisters-in-law; Joan Newberry, Jeanette (Gary) Oswald, Carolyn
(Archie, Jr.) Vanderhoof of Marshfield, two brothers-in-law; Larry (Barb)
Noeldner of Marshfield and Duane Noeldner of Loyal, and several nieces, nephews,
other relatives and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marie, on February 21, 2022,
his sister, Mildred (Herman) Stange, and brother, Elmer (Lenora) Oestreich, and
two brothers-in-law, Kenneth and William Noeldner.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 12, with visitation
beginning at 9 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal. Rev. Daniel Zimmerman
will officiate, and burial will follow in Loyal Lutheran Cemetery. Pallbearers
will be Eric Bauer, Blake Bauer, Jace Prior, Greg Oestreich, Gordon Noeldner,
and Perry Abel
A special thank you goes to Stoney River Assisted Living Staff and Residents and
Breanna and Lynn with St. Croix Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Loyal.
Obit: Podevels
Albert J. “Junior” (1931 – 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Podevels, Schorer, Viegut, Del Fatti, Klinke, Klieforth
----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 6/9/2023
Podevels, Albert J. “Junior” (19 May 1931 – 4 June 2023)
Albert G. "Junior” Podevels, Jr., 92, of Colby, passed away at The Waterford of
Colby on Sunday, June 4, 2023, with his wife and children by his bedside, and
under the tender care of Promedica Hospice.
Albert G. “Junior” Podevels, Jr. was born May 19, 1931, in Wausau, to Albert F.
and Ida A.(Schorer) Podevels. He was raised on the Podevels family farm in the
Town of Hull in Marathon County.
Junior and Everdeen Viegut were joined in matrimony on November 15, 1952, at St
John’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Wien, Marathon County. Following their
marriage, the couple took over the Podevels family farm and Junior also
delivered gas for Harmony Co-op of Colby.
They moved to Colby in 1965 where Junior was hired as the Colby Police Chief. In
1968, Colby and Abbotsford created a combined police department and Junior was
named as its first Police Chief. During this time, he also served as a volunteer
Firefighter and ambulance driver for the Colby Fire Department. On one memorable
incident as Police Chief, he helped deliver a set of twins in Colby. In January
1974, he was hired by the Clark County Sheriff’s Department as part of a new
two-man night car. Later that year, he was transitioned to Detective Sergeant.
He served in that position until his retirement in September of 1990. Following
his retirement from the Sheriff’s Department, he worked as a driver for Social
Services and as a courier for Abby Bank.
Junior and Everdeen were long time members of Zion Lutheran Church of Colby.
Junior loved playing cards but especially cribbage. He participated in cribbage
tournaments throughout the state, winning a few along the way.
He is survived by his wife; seven children: Diane (Matt) Del Fatti, Rick (Donna)
Podevels, Loni (Bob) Klinke, Kent (Joan) Podevels, Dawn (Randy) Klieforth, Brad
(Trish) Podevels, Jon (Jenny) Podevels; 18 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren
and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2
brothers, 2 sisters-in-law and 2 grandchildren.
A private service for the family will be held at a later date. A Celebration of
Junior's Life will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the Colby Lion's Club
from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
School: NHS Bids Farewell to Class of 2023 Seniors
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Anderson-Ruskin, Gaier, Opelt, Poeschel, Voight, Anding, Barak, Berger, Polzin, Magnuson, Mathis, Matousek, McDonald, McFarlane, Melvin, Mijal, Millard, Moen, Mohr, Morrell, Northup, Patel, Pongratz, Boon, Brown, Davel, Dickinson, Drinka, Dux, Erickson, Ganther, Gilles, Hackelberg, Hah, Hand, Hediger, Hoffmann, Horn, Jensen, Ratsch, Richert, Riddle, Rochester, Rohe, Roman, Johnson, Jorgenson, Keel, Kell, Keller, Rose, Ruff, Schoen, Schoengarth, Schultz, King, Knuth, Kopecky, Kopp, Kubisiak, Kuehn, Kuhn, Ladd, Lawrence, Learman, Lombardy, Sheikh, Sorenson, Tibbett, Trunkel, Vance, Voigt, Walsh, Zschernitz
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/7/2023
NHS Bids Farewell to Class of 2023 Seniors (2023)
By Edward DuBois
May 27, the Neillsville High School and community watched another class of senior Warriors don their school colors for the final time as students.
The Warriors walked two-by-two or three-by-three to their seats as seniors and not even an hour later left them as adults to take what they had learned out into the real world.
Neillsville High School principal Craig Anderson-Ruskin led the ceremony, with district administrator John Gaier watching from the sidelines of the D. E. Peters Field. Joining Anderson-Ruskin were Paul Opelt, Neillsville School Board, Dewey Poeschel, Neillsville School Board vice president and Sue Voight, Neillsville School Board president.
For his introduction, Anderson-Ruskin spoke on the importance of the ceremony.
“I have the privilege of being the principal here at Neillsville High School,” Anderson-Ruskin said. “We’re happy to have you here to celebrate these students and their many accomplishments.
“Kids are used to me saying this: Kids, today, it truly is a great day to be a Neillsville Warrior. It’s a big day.
“Our lives are filled with millions of interactions, activities and events that define us, but there’s only a handful of events that can meet the standard of the event like your high school graduation.
“For those of you who are, perhaps, a bit older like me you know what I’m saying. For me, that day was 31 years ago.
“But I can still remember vividly details of my graduation back in 1992, because it was one of those moments.
“Today is a milestone in the lives of these students and their families because today marks the new beginning for them in the rest of their lives. After today, these young men and women are gonna scatter and go their own directions, forever altering the course and directions of their own lives.
“As we celebrate these young adults today, it is also important we celebrate all those that have supported them in reaching this milestone event.
“From the time these young men and women started school, it’s taken a lot of hard work on their part, but as well as the loved ones, family members and friends.”
Anderson-Ruskin thanked those who helped get the students to where they were that day, saying their work was vital to raising the students to success.
Gianna Kuhn, the class president, took to the podium and gave her student address.
Kuhn first spoke about the class’s shared experience first days of having to leave their homes for their first days of school, and the journey it set them all on.
“Even though it was hard saying goodbye to our parents,” Kuhn said, “and learning the routine with strange new kids, we took that step forward.
“Each year along the way brought new faces, friends and teachers.
“And before long, all those letters we learned were put into words, which were put into sentences.
And soon those sentences—they turned into essays, which then turned into essays in MLA-format.
“The things we have experienced together have [cumulated] and have prepared us for the future.”
Kuhn talked about her memories of the Lewis and Clark play in the fifth grade, and singing about forks in the road and branches in the river, now understanding the symbolism behind those lyrics.
“Which way do we go?” Kuhn asked.
She spoke of some of the paths the students were taking to make their mark: the workforce, college and the military.
“Figuring out who you are is an ongoing thing,” Kuhn said, “and certainly no easy task, but one step at a time, always forward.”
Kuhn thanked her teachers, remarking her class was not an easy one. She thanked them for their patience. She talked about how each school course challenged and helped the class grow.
“Parents, thank you for helping us get here,” Kuhn said. “Thank you for helping us get on that bus, or driving us to school. For being our biggest fan, no matter how good or bad we were. Thanks for packing our lunches and reminding us to take our backpacks to school.
“Thank you, friends, for helping us laugh when we felt like crying; for making all the best moments even better; for listening when we needed to share.”
Kuhn also thanked the school’s coaches, for pushing the class to do their best.
Kuhn moved on to an old fable of a Jewish Rabbi who encountered a Roman guard and hired him to always ask him “Who are you and where are you going?” before the Rabbi left his home very morning.
It was a question Kuhn challenged her class to ask themselves every morning.
“But where are we going?” Kuhn asked. “One step at a time: Always forward.”
Kuhn finished her address echoing the Warrior’s school motto.
Jodi Rueth directed the Concert Choir as they sang “Just Believe,” by Pinkzebra.
Victoria Ratsch, the elected speaker, then gave her address.
Ratsch talked about dreaming of graduation day for 13 years, and the feelings of accomplishment that would come with it.
“Finally,” Ratsch said, “I would be an adult, ready to take on the world.
“However, the years of anticipation quickly crept into months, the months into weeks, the weeks into days.
“And now, the days are gone. Our waiting is over. We are finally adults, and it is our time to take on the world.”
Ratsch spoke about how much she prepared for this moment, but nothing could truly prepare her for it.
She talked about how she learned to walk with many of those sitting behind her in their graduation gowns, and now that walk carried them to the stage.
Ratsch talked about how the time had passed, the world had evolved and so had her class. She talked about her leaders and teachers who had supported her, and how she hopes to pass that on wherever she goes.
“Yes, we’re getting older,” Ratsch said, “And that comes with growing pains. However, this is just one small step in what will become the rest of our lives.
“Classmates, it is your time to choose what you will do when that step has been taken. Where will you go when the lights go down, the parties are over, and it is time to move on?
“We can’t stay in high school forever.”
Ratsch talked about the class choosing between responsibility and letting others pick up the pieces for them.
Voight and Opelt helped Anderson-Ruskin pass out the diplomas to the graduating class after he confirmed that all of them were fit for graduation.
The only student unable to attend the ceremony was Abraham Drinka.
Rueth directed the Senior Choir Selection as they sang “We Won’t Stop Dreaming,” by Pinkzebra.
The graduates left the field to “Integrity” by Robert Sheldon.
The Neillsville High School Class of 2023, now adults, were Daniel L. B. Anderson, Keeghan Anding, David Barak, Isaac J. Berger graduating Summa Cum Laude, Olivia Blader Polzin graduating Magna Cum Laude, Courtney Jen Magnuson graduating Summa Cum Laude, Abigail Lucille Mathis graduating Magna Cum Laude, Aubrey R. Matousek, Chase Adam Douglas McDonald, Avery Ramona McFarlane graduating Magna Cum Laude, Noble Charles Melvin, Miranda Mijal, Connor Millard, Emma Rose Moen graduating Summa Cum Laude, Callee A. Mohr, graduating Summa Cum Laude,, Jacob Morrell, Alex William Northup, Jay Patel, Dakota Polzin, Daniel Polzin, Joseph Polzin, Trey Terry Pongratz, Kelly Nicole Boon graduating Summa Cum Laude, Andrew O. Brown graduating Summa Cum Laude, McKenna Davel, Keegan Dickinson graduating Summa Cum Laude, Abraham Drinka, Luke Dux graduating Summa Cum Laude, Luke Dux, Dante Allen Lee Erickson graduating Cum Laude, Logan Lee Erickson, Galena Ganther, Austin Lee Gilles, Nadia Hackelberg, Elliott James Hah graduating Magna Cum Laude, Sydney Hand, Mackenzie Hediger graduating Summa Cum Laude, Gunner R. Hoffmann graduating Magna Cum Laude, Lainey Paula Horn graduating Summa Cum Laude, Marcus Jensen, Victoria Ratsch graduating Summa Cum Laude, Daniel Richart, Willow L. Riddle, Delaney Mae Rochester graduating Summa Cum Laude, Dylan Leroy Rohe, Alex Oscar Roman, Delaney Clara Johnson, Kane Layton Johnson, Marie Kathrine Jorgensen graduating Summa Cum Laude, Ani A. Keel, Sophia Kell graduating Magna Cum Laude, Derek Keller graduating Summa Cum Laude, Anna Laverne Rose graduating Magna Cum Laude, Brianna Marie Ruff, Brooklyn Schoen, Raina Leilani Schoen graduating Summa Cum Laude, Carter Michael Schoengarth, Baylee Rene’ Schultz, Ella Mackenzie King graduating Summa Cum Laude, Sydney King graduating Summa Cum Laude, Colleen Knuth, Autumn Lorraine Kopecky, Jacob Allan Kopp graduating Magna Cum Laude, Kayleigh Sue Kubisiak, Jasmine G. Kuehn, Gianna Rose Kuhn graduating Summa Cum Laude, Shannon Ladd, Andrew Lawrence graduating Cum Laude, Garrett Louis Learman, Kyra C. Lombardy, Kaden Ave Sheikh graduating Summa Cum Laude, Cade A. Sorenson, Chase Tibbett, Amelia Ann Trunkel graduating Summa Cum Laude, Tyler Vance, Dylan August Voigt graduating Summa Cum Laude, Kaleb A. Walsh and Derek B. Zschernitz.
NHS graduates, having just received their diplomas, toss their caps into the air to celebrate completing 13 years of education.
Edward DuBois/Clark County Press
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