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Obit: Bailey, Lani Jo (1950 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Bailey, Vinney, Arnold, Moline, Thompson, Bakalars, Scherz, Larson, Trausch, Van Kirk, Simonson

----Source: Buswell Funeral Home (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 9/20/2023

Bailey, Lani Jo (19 December 1950 – 19 September 2023)

Lani Jo Bailey, age 72, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2023, surrounded by her family after her battle with cancer. She was born on December 19, 1950, in Ithaca, New York, to William and Audrey (Vinney) Arnold Sr.

The family moved with Lani’s dad's career change to Humbird, where she grew up and graduated from Alma Center High School in 1969. She went on through the years to work as a CNA, bartender, and working for Regal where she was at for 27 years before retiring. On October 3, 1981, she married her second husband, Stephen Bailey, in Ladysmith. He preceded her in death 23 years prior.

She enjoyed her 50’s and 60’s country, Elvis, and camping in Hatfield over the years. Lani will forever be remembered for her love for the Packers, Sunset Tavern, her Korbel with Diet Pepsi, and how much she cared for others. Her friends, family, and Sunset family will miss her dearly.

Lani is survived by her daughters, Audra (Dave) Moline and Tanya (Broc) Thompson; son, Chris Bailey; grandchildren, TJ Bakalars, Brady Bakalars, and Will (Gabby) Moline; brother, Billy (Joanne) Arnold; and sister, Sandy Scherz.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Bailey; son, James Larson; siblings, Lester “Butch” (Debbie) Arnold and Annie (JT Trausch) Van Kirk; and brother-in-law Darrel Scherz.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the Buswell Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Elden Simonson will officiate a short service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at the Hatfield Cemetery. In good Lani fashion, there will be a time to share more memories at the Sunset Tavern following the burial.

The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-299-2231.

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Obit: Dodmead, Lornamae (1951 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Dodmead, Smitke, Johnson, Neville, Segura, Szaflarski, Leonard, Yeager

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/18/2023

Dodmead, Lornamae (16 May 1951 – 17 September 2023)

Lornamae Dodmead, 72, born in Neillsville on May 16, 1951 to Elmer and Regina Dodmead. Lornamae passed away peacefully at the Ellsworth Health Service surrounded by her children on September 17, 2023.

Lornamae, also known as "Tiny," was small in size but mighty in heart. At the time of her birth, it was said she could fit in a cigar box because she was so small. Lornamae married twice in her life and was the mother of five daughters and one son. She was a grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, friend, and so much more. She worked the majority of her life as a CNA and in other helping fields.

Lornamae Dodmead loved the old country music, 50's and 60's, and dancing with her children. Her passion for life came through in her encouraging words to "never give up." As life was ending, she did not fear death. Her only concern was for her children and grandchildren. Lornamae knew that life was short and that re lationships were important, and she showed her family unconditional love, acceptance, and gratitude. Her big heart was her biggest asset.

Lornamae Dodmead is survived by her children, Patty Johnson, Tina Lee (Addam), James Neville Jr (Olena), Dorchel Neville (Isaac), Koral Neville, Lorie Segura (Juan), 18 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is proceeded in death by her parents: Elmer and Regina Dodmead (Smitke), siblings: Elmer Dodmead Jr, Richard Dodmead, Kenneth Dodmead (Jenny), and Carlynan Szaflarski (George), Grandson Drake Leonhard, and great granddaughter, Beautiful Yeager, and a special friend, James J. Neville Sr.

Lornamae will be laid to rest at the Dells Dam Cemetery, at Neillsville on September 23, 2023. Her funeral services will be at Gesche Funeral Home located at 4 South Grand Avenue, Neillsville, WI 54456 with visitations starting at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m., a luncheon will follow.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Lornamae's family with funeral arrangements.
The family would like to thank St Croix Hospice, Ellsworth Health Services, Gesche Funeral Home, and all the kind words from friends and family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lornamae Dodmead, please visit our flower store.

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Obit: Hansen, Dan Myron (? - 2023)

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

Surnames: Hansen

----Source: Anderson Funeral Home (Augusta, Eau Claire Co., WI) 9/20/2023

Hansen, Dan Myron (? - 9 Sep 2023)

Dan Myron Hansen, 87, of Humbird, died Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center in Owen. At Dan’s request no formal services are being planned. Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com.

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Obit: Kettleborough, Connie (1935 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Kettleborough, Schaefer, Sweet, Normington, Hagen, Mellenthin, Spillner, Cruthirds, Lenz, Segalle

----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 9/19/2023

Kettleborough, Connie (25 August 1935 – 15 September 2023)

Our mother, Corrine Kettleborough, passed away peacefully at the Waterford in Colby, Sep. 15, 2023, at the age of 88.
She was a loving mother and grandmother who was always there when we needed her. She will be sadly missed and always in our thoughts.
Corrine was born on Aug. 25, 1935, in Marshfield, the daughter of the late Gurney and Adela (Schaefer) Sweet. She was the oldest of three daughters.

On Sep. 2, 1954, she was united in marriage to Frank Kettleborough, and had a daughter, Melody, and a son, Keith. They lived in various states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, and Florida. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spencer. Corrine worked in sales for Avon for 30 years and was also a key contributor to starting Girl Scouts of America in Spencer.

Corrine loved camping, rebating, and reading novels. She also loved spending time with her grandkids and taking them camping.
She is preceded in death by her father, Gurney Sweet; her mother, Adela Sweet; husband, Frank Kettleborough; fiancé Jerry Normington; and sister, Marilyn Hagen.

Corrine is survived by her daughter, Melody (Randy) Mellenthin of Unity, Keith (Lisa) Kettleborough of Spencer; her sister, Elaine Spillner of Marshfield; her grandchildren, Lucas (Liz) Mellenthin, Allison Mellenthin, Breanna (Kayleigh) Cruthirds, Brooke (Calvin) Lenz; her great-grandchildren, Gage Segalle-Mellenthin, Hoyt Mellenthin, Parker Mellenthin, Laikyn Lenz, and Peyton Lenz.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sep. 22, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home – 1010 E. Veterans Parkway in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

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

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Obit: Larson, John E. (1951 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Larson, Gobeille, O’Brien, Fink, Beukema

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford and Owen, Clark Co., WI) 9/20/2023

Larson, John E. (10 October 1951 – 9 August 2023) With Flag

John E. Larson, 71, of Cocoa, FL passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2023. John was born in Withee, on October 10, 1951, to James and Lillian Larson and grew up on a small dairy farm where his strong work ethic was formed. In 1969, he graduated from Owen-Withee High School after which he joined the Navy. During his service career, he attended Aviation Electronics School and had applied training in aircraft maintenance. He was honorably discharged in 1973.

While stationed at Quonset Point Naval Air Base in Rhode Island, he participated in a naval apprentice program at Razee Motorcycle Center where he formed a friendship with his future wife Ruth Gobeille. They were married in June of 1974 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Withee, and then settled in the Owen-Withee area. Being an avid outdoorsman – fishing and hunting, both gun and bow – John was very active in the early years of the Black River Sportsman’s Club and helped build the current clubhouse. During this time, John worked at Mundt Jeep and Marine, Stetsonville, where he became the service manager in addition to working as a mechanic. At this time, he also began attending Evinrude certification classes.

As a result of these classes he developed expertise and obtained certification for repairing Evinrude motors. In 1987, John and Ruth moved to Florida where he interviewed for a mechanic position at Evinrude dealerships in both Miami and Cocoa Beach. He ultimately took a position with Beach Marine in Cocoa Beach. After working there a couple of years, he formed a partnership with Maureen Stephens to create Beach Marine Service Center (BMSC), which provided sales and repair service for Evinrude motors in Port Canaveral and the surrounding area.

BMSC was initially located across from the Port Canaveral public boat landing and John quickly earned a reputation with charter fishing boat captains, weekend boaters and Coast Guard captains who had launched but then discovered that their boat motors wouldn’t run. Tool bag in hand, he would walk down to the launch area and work there to get the motors running and everyone out on the water. By continually participating in training programs, he obtained Evinrude’s highest possible certification, that of Master Technician. Furthermore, BMSC maintained Platinum Certification from BRP (who bought Johnson and Evinrude in 2001 from OMC) through 2020. More importantly, he found his Florida “family and friends”, who appreciated his honesty and his expertise.

Many have said that the service was not fast, but “knew the motor would work properly when I got it back!” Although he could usually be found at the “shop”, John also enjoyed playing tennis and mountain bike trail riding.

John is survived by his siblings: Mark (Judy) of Withee, Philip (Darlene) of Oelwein, Iowa, Carol (Bob Palumbo) of Duluth, Minnesota, nieces and nephews: Leah (Korey O’Brien), Stacy (Scott Fink), Tony (Stephanie), Bradley (Sarah), Daniel (Jennifer) as well as grand nieces and nephews, his Florida “family” and many friends.

John’s family will host a visitation at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Withee, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. with a service by Rev. Phil Beukema following. Committal will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Withee, Wisconsin immediately thereafter. There will be a luncheon at the Black River Sportsman’s Club, Withee, Wisconsin following committal. Please come and share in John’s celebration of life.

The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home of Abbotsford and Owen, Wisconsin is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Withee, Wisconsin; Community Alliance Food Pantry, Withee, Wisconsin; or the Community Involvement Program of the Florida Sport Fishing Association, East Central Florida: https://www.fsfaclub.org/page-18324.

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

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Obit: Schoolman, Crystal M. (1965 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Schoolman, Duchow, Fisher, Schoenneman, Retterath

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 9/19/2023

Schoolman, Crystal M. (10 October 1965 – 2 September 2023)

Crystal M. Schoolman, age 57, of Neillsville, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 2, 2023, in UW Health University Hospital in Madison.
Committal services will be held privately with her family at West Spencer Cemetery in the Town of Sherman.

Crystal was born on October 10, 1965, in Marshfield the daughter of Victor and Rudith (Duchow) Schoolman. She attended Granton Elementary School and Loyal High School. Crystal enjoyed listening to country music and Christmas music. She loved all holidays but especially the sights and sounds of the Holiday Christmas Season.

Those who will cherish her memory include her siblings: Thomas (Bonnie) Schoolman of Tomah, Sandra Fisher of Lake Geneva, Sally Schoenneman of McHenry, IL, Christine Schoolman of Genoa City, Heidi (Russell) Retterath of Marshfield and Tim Schoolman of Spencer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Rudith Schoolman; maternal grandparents, Ervin and Loretta Duchow and her paternal grandparents, Lincoln and Adaline Schoolman.

Crystal’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.

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Obit: Tyler, Roger (1930 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Tyler, Bass, Greeler, Seeger, Schier, Lebal, Anderl, Hahn, Schultz, Helm, Schoessow

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/20/2023

Tyler, Roger (21 November 1930 – 19 September 2023)

Roger D. Tyler, 92 passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at his residence in Granton.

Roger was born November 21, 1930, in Granton, to Frederick "Dale" and Anita (Bass) Tyler. He graduated from Granton High School in 1949. On June 22, 1957, he was united in marriage to Lucille J. Greeler at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Roger owned a can milk route which he operated in the 1950s and early 1960s while dairy farming. In 1962 Roger sold his milk route to focus on his family and the expansion of his dairy farm. Even with farm life, Roger made sure to take his loving wife, Lucille, dancing almost every weekend. Polka dancing to Richie Yurkovich was among his favorites. In his later years, Roger enjoyed taking Sunday rides with Lucille in his Cadillac as well as Kubota rides through the country side.

Roger spent his time doing what he loved most, farming using the best tractors, Allis-Chalmers, collecting tools and model scale Allis-Chalmers tractors, but greatest of all spending time with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Roger could be seen attending all events related to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whether it was a sporting event, public speaking contest or event through the Granton and Wisconsin FFA, church Sunday School programs and many more things.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille of Granton, a son David (Karen) Tyler of Granton and a daughter Judith (James) Seeger of Eau Claire; his grandchildren Michael Tyler, Jessica (Ezra) Schier, Matthew Tyler, Jillian (Wyatt Lebal) Tyler, Amy (JC) Anderl, Stacey (Jake) Hahn; his great-grandchildren Evelyn and Eloise Schier, Jordan Anderl, Oliver and Kanan Hahn. Roger is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Anita Tyler, his sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Leonard Schultz, his granddaughter Allison Tyler, his great-grandson Elijah Schier.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Granton. Pastor Daniel Schoessow will officiate, and music provided by Caroline Helm, organist. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Roger's family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roger Tyler, please visit our flower store.

8

News: Neillsville - Blankets For Those In Crisis (2023)

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

Surnames: Lawrence, Ludovic, Haines, Burke, Ratsch, Kibbel, Buchholz, Anderegg, Williams, Boon, Urban

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/20/2023

Blankets For Those In Crisis (2023)



September 9. (above, l-r) LaVonne Lawrence and Beth Ludovic of the Town and Country Quilt Guild donated 24 quilted blankets to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, handing them off to Sheriff Scott Haines. The blankets will be available in the back of officer vehicles for victims, and once handed out to comfort the victim, the blanket is theirs, to keep. Other contributors to the donation were (below) with Lawrence, Ludovic, Dagney Burke, Judy Ratsch, Carol Kibbel, Eileen Buchholz, Dorothy Anderegg, Ann Williams, and Kristine Boon. Not pictured are guild members Lynda Urban, Nancy Boon and Brenda Boon, who also contributed. The guild also does community service projects, like Sleep in Heavenly Peace and Quilts of Valor and meets every first Thursday of the month; the guild does a “work day” every third Monday of the month. Edward DuBois/Clark County Press

9

News: Hatfield - Fire & Rescue Benefit (Community Support - 2023)

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

Surnames: Staszak, Limberg

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/20/2023

Hatfield Fire & Rescue Benefit (Community Support - 2023)

The Sept. 16 Annual Hatfield Fire and Rescue Street Dance was actually held in the much safer Hatfield Fire Station Parking lot, with tables for people to enjoy a hot meal amid the music and many festivities. The Black River Karner Blue Butterfly Royal Court rode in the refurbished barrel train, with their face’s painted from tables just across the lawn. A fire truck took riders on a short ride around town. Tables lined the station’s walls, full of various donated raffle prizes. A banner was there asking a very serious question of visitors, as a cluttered driveway could cost firefighters valuable time in keeping a fire from spreading in the tree-dense town. In other activities, Ember, a band from the Twin Cities, played various covers of popular music. On display was the new gear purchased from the Feb. 19 annual Super Bowl fundraiser, held at the Rivera Pub and Grille. The raffles included the classic gun and 50/50 raffles. John Staszak provided materials for several kids activities, like the RC car course, and also refurbished the barrel train’s cars. Attendees also viewed Fire Chief Jim Limberg posing with Smokey the bear, present to remind people the dangers of playing with fire.

(There was a whole page of colorful photos taken of many of the activities by Edward DuBois/Clark County Press.)

10

School: Greenwood - Elementary Named Blue Ribbon School (2023)

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

Surnames: Cardona

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/20/2023

Greenwood Elementary Named Blue Ribbon School (2023)

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 297 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022, including eight schools in Wisconsin, one being in Clark County. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Cardona made the announcement during his Road to Success Back to School bus tour.

The school in Clark County was Greenwood Elementary School, School District of Greenwood.
“I applaud all the honorees for the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award for creating vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school communities where students can learn, grow, reach their potential, and achieve their dreams,” said Cardona.

With its 39th cohort, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed approximately 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in striving for—and attaining—exemplary achievement.

“Greenwood Elementary School is a small, rural school located in the beautiful city of Greenwood in Central Wisconsin,” the Greenwood nomination brief read. “Although we are small in number, we are extremely large in expectations. Our highly qualified teaching and support staff promote high levels of learning by providing a strong [English and Language Arts] and math curriculum and work hard to accommodate and nurture the learning needs of each and every student. The resources to do this are provided by our extremely supportive administrative team and board of education. Professional development is offered often and whenever a need is identified.

“Our small class sizes have helped develop a culture of strong relationships, which allows an intimate understanding of what each student needs to be successful. The community support is tremendous, and the needs of our students do not go unnoticed. If there is a need for resources or support, we find a way.”

“Even though we are not wealthy, we are extremely rich in technology. We use technology to enhance our instruction, yet realize that it will never replace quality instruction. There are many connection issues in our rural area, so we are limited in our access. However, we ensure our students have adequate access and resources.

“Greenwood Elementary School is an open-concept building. The lack of walls between our large classrooms allows several opportunities for natural collaborative learning. Our facilities are clean and safe, and they provide staff and students and a wonderful place to teach and learn. Our school community is strong, and we understand the success of our school is due to the strong relationships we build with our students, parents, and our community. We are so proud of Greenwood Elementary School.”

The nomination stated Greenwood Elementary’s mission is “to meet the needs of every student, every day” by “focusing on the identified core values including students first; stakeholder committed to pride, passion, and excellence; parent and community partnerships; results matter; next generation skills; [and] quality facilities and equipment.”

National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. A National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.
The Department of Education recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates.

Exemplary high-performing schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

Exemplary achievement gap-closing schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.

Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

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School: Neillsville – New Faces to Teach Students (2023)

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

Surnames: Zickert, Thoma, Lien, Rakovec, Hirsch, Rall

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/20/2023

Neillsville – New Faces to Teach Students (2023)

By Edward DuBois

Like Loyal and Granton, Neillsville has welcomed a few new teachers to their ranks to start the 2023-24 school year. Neillsville High School invited the educators to say a few words about themselves, introducing themselves to the community and the parents of the children the faculty will teach.
Alycia Zickert is the new seventh and eighth grade social studies teacher. Zickert has been both in the profession and with the school district for one year.

“Throughout internships,” Zickert said, “I have been able to watch students grow and grasp ideas being taught. Those moments are truly rewarding, and ultimately the reasons I wanted to be an educator.”

Zickert said her greatest accomplishments were graduating college with a double major (elementary education special education) along with receiving the University Leadership Award during her colligate experience. Zickert is most proud of buying her first home, and returning to teacher in the town that inspired me to become an educator.

“In my free time,” Zickert said, “I enjoy reading, spending time outside and enjoying time with my family and friends.”

The three words Zickert picked to describe her were resilient, caring and creative. Zickert said her top three life highlights were graduating college, buying her first home and joining the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority.

Something Zickert thought others would be surprised to know was that she showed pigs throughout high school and was active in the Neillsville FFA.

Amy Sue Thoma is the new second-grade teacher, in her first year at Neillsville High School.
“I love working with children and watching them grow,” Thoma said. “My greatest accomplishment is my family. I am most proud of my two children. In my spare time, I watercolor paint and make polymer clay earrings.”

Thoma said the three words that describe her were loyal, friendly and hard-working. She stated her greatest accomplishments were getting married, having her children and graduating college.
“I was town treasurer in the town of Hiles in Wood County,” Thoma said.

Kali Lien is the new sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher. She is in her first year with the district and her third year in the profession.

Lien looked forward to getting involved in either coaching for sports or advising clubs. The ability to make a positive difference in children’s lives were the reasons Lien got into education.

“Every day is a new chance to be the change,” Lien said.

Lien said her greatest accomplishment was graduating college with honors without missing out on family events and her children’s activities. She was most proud of her children and the things they achieve each day.

“My son made a baseball team he’s been practicing for, and my daughter advanced to a new level in [Amateur Athletic Union] gymnastics,” Lien said.

Lien’s hobbies and spare-time activities included attending sporting events (cheering for the Brewers), camping, boating and reading. Lien summed herself up as dependable
As far as her top three life highlights, Lien listed getting married, graduating college and having her children.

Lien thought people would be surprised to learn she and her family lived in Texas, the first place she ever taught.

Kimberly Rakovec is the new seventh and eighth grade English Language Arts teacher.

Making a positive impact on kids and becoming a parent were what made Rakovec want to work in education. Rakovec said raising her three daughters and graduating with her bachelor’s degree were her greatest achievements, and she is most proud of her family and spending time with them and friends, reading, crafting, riding motorcycles were things she fills her spare-time with.
Rakovec described herself as kind, loyal and determined. Getting married/buying a house, having her children and graduating college were her top three highlights.

Rakovec wanted everyone to know she was voted best singer in high school and tried out for American Idol.

Michelle Hirsch is the new elementary special education teacher.

“I was inspired by some of my past teachers and teaching gives me the opportunity to make an impact in a child’s life,” Hirsch said.

Running, biking, listening to live music, reading and travelling to new places are ways she prefers to spend her free time. Hirsch’s top three life highlights were running on the cross country and track team at UW-Eau Claire, being the maid-of-honor at her sister’s wedding and teaching in Austria.

Sydney Rall is the new fourth grade teacher, starting her first year in the district and her second year in the profession. Rall coaches swim, dance, show choir, marching band and track and field.

“School was something I struggled with growing up and I want to help others learn to love school. It’s all worth it in the end,” Rall said. “I was a four-time state swimming competitor every year in high school. I was also out high school’s show choir student leader/part choreographer.”

Rall spends her free times watching scary movies, traveling, binge-watching TV shows, snuggling with her cat and being with family/friends. Empathetic, energetic and passionate were how Rall described herself.

Rall’s top three life highlights were meeting her fiancé, Parker, traveling to Europe to see family and attending UW-Whitewater.

Note: There were six separate photos of the new teachers, submitted.

12

Obit: Rakovec, John Henry (1944- 2023)

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

Surnames: Rakovec, Debevec, Klein, Holtz, Tischendorf, Rosenthal, Eron, Utne, Schiller, Krause, Gerl, Krueger

----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 9/21/2023

Rakovec, John Henry (12 July 1944 – 19 September 2023) With Flag

John Henry Rakovec, 79, Marshfield, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Marshfield Hospital MICU with his family by his side.

John was born July 12, 1944, in Willard, to Joseph Sr. and Mary Ann (Debevec) Rakovec. He attended St. John’s Elementary School through 8th grade and later earned his G.E.D. In 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Thailand for the Vietnam war. He was awarded the Sharpshooter medal and was honorably discharged in 1965.

John was united in marriage to Arla Mae (Klein) Holtz on November 23, 1974. After 16 years of marriage, Arla Mae passed away on November 2, 1987.

He was united in marriage to Nancy (Tesser) Tischendorf, on February 16, 1991.

John worked at Weyerhaeuser Company as a particle board operator for 24 years. He then worked at Graham Manufacturing, and finished his career at Superior Paper Products, LTD, retiring in 2006. He continued to do special projects for Superior Paper, as recently as last week.

John was an accomplished woodworker and was the person in the family that could fix anything. He enjoyed helping on the Krause farm, anytime he was called. John was also an accomplished dessert eater, especially enjoying countless cookies.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children: Roger Rakovec, Wendy (Cody) Rosenthal, Wendy (James) Eron and Tracy Tischendorf; grandchildren: Rachel Eron, Hannah, Danica, and Carson Rosenthal.

He is further survived by siblings: Joseph (Marcia) Rakovec, Theresa Rakovec, Fran Utne, Clara (John) Schiller, Anton Rakovec and Daniel (Sally) Rakovec, in-laws: Rev. Richard (Rosemarie) Klein, Robert (Cindy) Klein, and Marilyn (Allen) Krause, and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his wife, Arla Mae; parents: Joseph Sr. and Mary Ann Rakovec and siblings: Marie Gerl and Agnes Rakovec.

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Monday, September 25, 2023, at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home, 1010 E. Veterans Parkway, Marshfield, with Pastor Mark Krueger presiding. Burial will be at Hillside – Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Marshfield. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. until time of service, at the funeral home.

13

Obit: Knoll, Delbert D. “Sonny” (1942 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Knoll, Shephard, Potts, Jaster, Gregory, Dahlke, Toudle, Tischendorf, Courchaine, Anderson, Langteau

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 9/22/2023

Knoll, Delbert D. “Sonny” (8 January 1942 – 21 September 2023) With Flag

Delbert “Sonny” D. Knoll, age 81, of Abbotsford, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, September 21, 2023, under the tender care of Hope Hospice.

Delbert was born on January 8, 1942, the son of John and Nellie (Shepard) Knoll. He served in the US Army from 1959 - 1961, stationed in Korea. Delbert drove semi-truck and had his own service station, used car dealership and towing service called S & D Auto in Abbotsford for many years. On October 27, 1984, Delbert was united in marriage to Darlene Potts. She preceded him in death on July 26, 2021.

Delbert loved driving his truck. He also enjoyed the water and was an avid boater. In his later years, Delbert enjoyed ice fishing. Most importantly, Delbert loved and cherished his family.

Delbert is survived by his ten children: Brenda Knoll of Minneapolis, MN, Pat Knoll of Minneapolis, MN, Dayna (Steve) Jaster of St. Peter, MN, John Knoll of Minneapolis, MN, Eddy (Kathy) Knoll of Medford, Mark Knoll of Minneapolis, MN, Jeff (Julie) Gregory of Mosinee, Roxann (Delmar) Dahlke of Colby, Jason (Christina) Gregory of Colby and Rosemary (Jermell) Toudle of Fond Du Lac; 20 grandchildren and 18 great-great children. He is further survived by two sisters: Alice Tischendorf of Medford and Evelyn Courchaine of Colby, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Darlene and three sisters: Dorothy Anderson, Shirley Langteau and Audrey Knoll.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Interment to follow at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Milan with Military Honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.

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