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Obit: Flood, Larry A. (1942 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Flood, Hart, Stankey, Held

----Source: Crematory of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 6/9/2023

Flood, Larry A. (27 October 1942 – 4 June 2023) With Flag

Larry A. Flood, 80, passed away June 4, 2023, at this home.

He was born Oct. 27, 1942, in Black River Falls, to Angus and Verna (Hart) Flood. He attended the Humbird School.

He served in the United States Army from Nov. 30, 1962, to March 4, 1966. After Larry’s service years, he came home to Humbird and purchased the Tourist Haven (TH) restaurant.

Larry later went to work driving log truck for Hart Tie & Lumber, Black River Falls. From there he worked for Mathy Construction, Ruzic Construction and Hoffman Construction. After retirement, Larry did some truck driving for Northern Family Farms.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Flood; stepsons Travis (Lori), Cory and Lucas Shankey; grandchildren Meagan, Dusty, Allie, Rylee and Lyla; great-grandchildren Mia, Skylar and Alexis. He loved them so much. Larry had many nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly.

Larry had a love for his dog, Ginger, a springer spaniel, which he took pheasant hunting. Him and Ginger were inseparable.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Angus and Verna Flood; his sister, Jean Held and her husband Herb Held; and his niece Lourie Flood.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the North Branch Rod & Gun Club in Humbird June 25, 2023, from noon to 3 p.m.


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Obit: Horn, Gerald M. “Whitey” (1932 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Horn, Myrin, Tessar, Mork, Brinker, Nagel

----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 6/9/2023

Horn, Gerald M. “Whitey” (27 December 1932 – 14 March 2023)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Gerald, known to his friends as "Whitey". He passed away March 14, 2023, at the age of 90. Throughout his life, he showed us what it meant to be resilient, hardworking, and devoted to his family.

Gerald was born on December 27, 1932, on the family farm in the Town of Longwood. Whitey continued the family tradition by becoming a dairy farmer himself. He was recognized in Clark County and in Wisconsin for the quality of the Holsteins he raised. When the Army denied his voluntary enlistment for the third time (due to a heart defect), he continued his education, graduating from the University of Wisconsin's farming short course.

At the age of 42, Whitey married the love of his life, Faith Mork/Brinker (known to friends as "Tudy") and became a stepfather of two children, Jim and Cindy Brinker. He embraced his new role with open arms and treated his stepchildren as if they were his own. Whitey and Tudy went on to have one child of their own, Angela. In addition to his own children, he hosted many children of his friends and family through the years, giving countless "city kids" a chance to experience farm life, making him a beloved figure in the lives of many.

Whitey was a life-long member of the Immanuel United Church of Christ. In his free time, he enjoyed volunteering for the Holstein Association and Greenwood Cooperative and was actively involved in the Black River Bowmen. He played softball, horseshoes, and bowled for as long as his health would allow. His passion was hunting and fishing, and he was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers.

His life wasn't without its challenges. Whitey survived not just his heart defect, cancer, and a stroke, but three freak accidents which also could have taken his life. Yet, he always remained positive and optimistic. He had a strong faith in God that gave him the courage and strength to face any obstacle that came his way.

Whitey's passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. We take solace in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with his loved ones who have passed before him.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Anna (nee Myrin) Horn, sister Darlene (Wayland) Tessar, brother Duane (Marilyn) Horn, and daughter, Cindy Brinker. He is survived by his wife, Faith (nee Mork) Horn, son, Jim (Ruth) Brinker, daughter Angi Horn, and grandchildren Catherine Brinker, Madeline Brinker, Emma Brinker, Nicholas Nagel, and Silas Nagel.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Greenwood, WI, with burial following at Forest Hill Cemetery, followed by lunch back at the church.


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Obit: Johnson, Dolores Mae (1928 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Johnson, Squires, Hardwick, Backhaus, Siebert, Feely, Wetle, Zastrow, Ratsch, Wagabaza, Amport, Lancaster, Burchell, Rupnow, Correll, Krause, Brandt, Noah, Finnegan

----Source: Crematory of Wisconsin (Altoona, Eau Claire Co., WI) 6/9/2023

Johnson, Dolores Mae (21 October 1928 – 7 June 2023)

Dolores Mae Johnson (Hardwick) was taken to her eternal home on June 7, 2023.

Dolores was born on October 21, 1928, to Clarence and Nellie (Squires) Hardwick in the rural Neillsville area. She was the third of four daughters. Her father was an itinerant farmhand necessitating frequent moves and school changes during her younger years. During WWII, the family moved to Milwaukee so her parents could assist in the war effort by working in the factories. After the war, they returned to the Humbird area where Dolores graduated salutatorian in the class of 1946.

While working as a waitress in the local cafe, she met Lloyd Johnson and was later married to him on January 18, 1947. They moved to Neillsville for employment opportunities, were established and started their family. Dolores worked at the Auto Test, Steinie’s Club 10 and later at the Fireplace Supper Club. She had fond memories of serving the famous band leaders after they finished playing at the Silver Dome Ballroom. The Count Basie Orchestra was just one of several. In 1957 she started her 36 and half years of service with the Memorial Medical Center. She began as a nursing assistant and later moved to an office position, from there she was promoted to the assistant financial officer before retiring in 1993. She will forever be remembered as one of the several extraordinary women who made MMC a great hospital.

Dolores had a tenacious “can do spirit” which proved to be very valuable when her husband developed kidney failure resulting from juvenile diabetes. Dolores learned how to perform the dialysis treatment and was able to safely do it in their home until Lloyd received his kidney transplant. Dolores and Lloyd enjoyed traveling together, making it to several states including Alaska, Hawaii, and a cruise to the Bahamas during their 32 years together. Dolores’s most cherished times were spent with her family and friends. She was a very generous person and loved to bake, frequently for bake sales, and as gifts to others. Her kitchen wall was a display of hundreds of cookie cutters, one for every occasion. She was a member of the United Church of Christ and the local PEO.

She is survived by her son Lloyd (Kim) Johnson; daughter Susan (Dick) Backaus; grandchildren Jeremiah (Amy) Johnson, Jesse (Theresa) Johnson, Jaci Siebert, Sam ( Kristin) Siebert, Whitney Siebert, Jamie Feely, Julia (Eric) Backaus, Laura (Mike) Wetle, Emily (Sam) Zastrow, and Joe (Janella) Ratsch. She is further survived by her great grandchildren, Neva, Finn, Odin, and Abram Johnson, Ophelia & Atticus Siebert, Makaya Wagabaza, Abigail, Jesse, Jarus, and Maria Backaus, Brooklyn Wetle, Evie, Jack, Jake, and Max Zastrow, and Emma Ratsch; two step grandchildren Sterling (Courtney) Backaus; great-great- granddaughter Reyna and Bryce (Wendy) Backaus; great -great- grandson Daxtyn; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased in death by her parents; husband Lloyd; daughter June; three sisters and brothers-in-law Dorothy (Ernest) Amport, Erma (Jack) Lancaster, and Phyllis (Clarence) Burchell; step brothers Chuck and Gloria Rupnow, Ginger (Melvin) Rupnow; half-sister Bertha and John Correll; brothers and sisters-in-law Allen (Marjorie) Johnson, Lyall (Margaret) Johnson Linda (Clarence) Krause, Donald Brandt, Delbert Johnson and Keith Noah.

For years Dolores enjoyed the company of a dear friend and his family Ralph Finnegan who died in 2008.

A celebration of life will be held at the UCC at a later date.

Memorials can be given to the Highground Memorial or the UCC.

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


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Obit: Laabs, John F. Sr. (1946 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Laabs, Hutt, Roth

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Owen, Clark Co., WI) 6/10/2023

Laabs, John F Sr..(4 February 1946 – 8 June 2023)

John F. Laabs, Sr., 77, of Tomahawk, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Legacy of the Northwoods Memory Care Center in Eagle River. n the Milwaukee Regional Office.

John was born February 4, 1946, in Marshfield to Bernard “Ben” and Florene (Hutt) Laabs.

John graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1964 and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1969. He married Joan Roth on May 14, 1966. He had a career as a claims adjuster, and later as a sales representative for Wausau Insurance.

He was a long-time baseball umpire and football referee in the Milwaukee area and served as President of the Wisconsin Umpires Association.

For over 30 years, John and his wife greatly enjoyed their former lake home at Long Lake in Waushara County. John also greatly enjoyed over 20 years of hunting and working on his rural land in Owen.

John is survived by his wife, one son, John Laabs, Jr. of Appleton and one granddaughter, Kelsey Laabs of New York City. He was preceded in death by his only brother, Bernard “Bernie” Laabs.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Laabs family grave site at Abbotsford Cemetery.

Memorials are appreciated to Compassus Hospice or Camp Victory-Laabs Family Memorial.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree.


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School: Greenwood H.S. Students Receive Scholarships (2023)

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

Surnames: Thomas, Rinehart, Johnson, Kaye-Munson, Hamm, Raese, Travis, Kirchner, Artac, Arteman, Cullen

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/7/2023

Greenwood Students Receive $175k in Scholarships (2023)

Greenwood students receive of $175k in scholarships

Greenwood High School held their senior awards banquet on May 21, where students were recognized for various awards and scholarships were presented.

Twenty-four of the 36 members of this graduating class, 67%, have made plans to attend a post-secondary institution between this summer and next fall; with one graduate entering the army, and 12 graduates entering the workforce.

Greenwood High School is pleased to announce the scholarships awarded to this year’s graduating class and are appreciative of the generosity of all its donors.

The Greenwood High School Class of 2023 earned 70 scholarship awards totaling of $175,970.

The AgCountry Farm Credit Services Scholarships of $1,000 were awarded to Christian Thomas and Kaylee Rinehart.

The American Legion Wallis-Hinker-Brux Post 238 Scholarship of $500 was awarded to Braelynn Johnson.

The Northern Michigan University Wildcat Merit Scholarship of $3,000, Northern Michigan University Kaye-Munson Scholarship of $1,000, Northern Michigan University Bridge Award of $5,600, Greenwood High School Class of 2020 Scholarship of $202, David and Deborah Krultz Memorial Scholarship of $1,000, and Amherst Little Britches Rodeo Queen 2nd Runner-Up award of $250 were awarded to Ashlee Hamm.

The Andrew Sandelier Memorial Scholarship of $250 was awarded to Morgan Raese.

The Bayuk-Klinke Memorial Medical Scholarships of $1,000 were awarded to Ashlee Hamm and Kaylee Rinehart.

The Bernard K. Friske Agricultural Memorial Scholarships of $500 were awarded to Kaylee Rinehart and Wyatt Thomas.

The Greenwood Athletic Booster Club Scholarship of $250, Greenie Jackson Memorial Scholarship of $200, Danny Rossow Memorial Scholarship of $500, Clark Electric Land Plot Scholarship of $500, and Clark County Community Foundation Scholarship of $400 were awarded to Rogan Travis.
The UW-River Falls Falcon Soar Scholarship of $1,500, Forward Bank Scholarship of $500, Greenwood FFA Alumni Scholarship of $500, Countree Gal Homemakers Scholarship of $250, and Clark Electric Cooperative Scholarship of $2,000 were awarded to Kaylee Rinehart.

The Clark Electric Land Plot Scholarships of $2,000 were awarded to Ashlee Hamm and Wyatt Thomas.

The You Go Girl! The Mara Trampush Memorial Scholarship of $500, Greenwood Athletic Booster Club Scholarship of $250 and College of the Ozarks Tuition Assurance Scholarship of $83,200 were awarded to Christian Thomas.

The Donald and Pauline (Polly) Speich Educational Trust (of $1,171.50 for up to four years, value adjusted annually) of $4,686 was awarded to Christian Thomas (Rogan Travis, Delaney Kirchner and Ashlee Hamm were alternative recipients).

The Erik Pentz Memorial Scholarship (Clark County Community Foundation) of $500 was awarded to Wyatt Thomas.

The Grace A. Caliebe Memorial Scholarships (of $1,997.75, renewable for up to four years) of $7,991 were awarded to Ashlee Hamm and Jaylinn Artac.

The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Scholarships of $400 were awarded to Christian and Rogan Travis.

The Greenwood Dairy Breakfast Scholarships of $500 were awarded to Ashlee Hamm, Morgan Raese and Wyatt Thomas.

The Greenwood FFA Alumni Scholarships of $250 were awarded to Christian Thomas, Morgan Raese and Rogan Travis.

The Greenwood FFA Alumni Scholarships of $750 were awarded to Ashlee Hamm and Wyatt Thomas.

The Greenwood High School Class of 1959 Scholarships of $500 were awarded to Kaylee Rinehart, Rogan Travis, Ashlee Hamm and Delaney Kirchner.

The Greenwood Lions Club Scholarships of $1,000 were awarded to Christian and Rogan Thomas.

The Jason Lindner Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Wyatt Thomas.

The Jim Metzke Memorial (Greenwood Firefighters) Scholarships of $400 were awarded to Christian Thomas and Jaylinn Artac.

The Kourtland House Scholarships (Clark County Community Foundation, Inc.) of $750 were awarded to Delaney Kirchner, Jaylinn Artac, Kaylee Rinehart and Rogan Travis.

The Wisconsin Elks Technical College Scholarship of $1,000, Greenwood FFA Alumni Scholarship of $500, Clark Electric Land Plot Scholarship of $1,000, River Country Co-op Scholarship Fund of $500, Mutual of Wausau Insurance Corporation Scholarship of $1,000, Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville, MMC Partners Scholarship of $750, and Marshfield Clinic Health System Scholarship of $500 were awarded to Jaylinn Artac.

The Rock Dam Rod and Gun Club Scholarships of $250 were awarded to Kaylee Rinehart and Christian Thomas.

The UM-Duluth Scholarship of $6,000 was awarded to Caden Arteman.

The Violet Weber Memorial Annual Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Olivia Cullen.

The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship (of $2,250 a year for up to four years) of $9,000 was awarded to Ashlee Hamm. Rogan Travis was the alternate recipient.

The Wisconsin State Telecommunications- TDS Scholarship of $1,500 was awarded to Delaney Kirchner.

The Wisconsin Technical Excellence Scholarship (of $2,250 a year for up to three years) of $6,750 was awarded to Wyatt Thomas. Jaylinn Artac was the alternate recipient.


6

Bio: Murphy, Heather – Respect for Law Award (May 2023)

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

Surnames: Murphy, Haines, Burch, Sterry, Pettis Mills, Chose, Klovas, Griepentrog, Pokallus, Mabie, Viars, Lindag, Barth

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/7/2023

Optimist Club Recognizes Outstanding Sheriff’s Dept. Employee (Murphy - 2023)



Pictured (l-r) are Clark County Sheriff Scott Haines, Optimist Club President Kelly Burch, Heather Murphy, Clark County Sheriff’s Department Communications Captain Lea Sterry and Chris Pettis of The Highground Veterans Memorial together with Murphy after she was presented with her
Respect for Law Award. Edward DuBois/Clark County Press

By Edward DuBois

May 17th, the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, The Highground Veterans Memorial and the Optimist Club of Neillsville honored a member of the Clark County Community with the Respect for Law Award: Heather Murphy.

After a late lunch surrounded by family, friends and brethren/sistren in the Neillsville City Hall, Jim Mills Optimist Club caught everyone’s attention to introduce the honoree of the evening and those recognizing her for her achievements.

“Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 70,000 adult and youth members in 2,500 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico and throughout the world,” Mills said. “Respect for Law is one of the organization’s most popular programs, with more than 1,500 clubs participating annually. Carrying the motto ‘Friends of Youth,’ Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. The Optimist Club of Neillsville hopes to instill a ‘strong respect for law in the community.’

“We believe it is important for children to grow up with a strong belief in abiding by the law, respecting
law enforcement and doing what they can to make our community a better place to live.

“The Neillsville Optimist Club has been active in the community since 1990 and we have participated in the Optimist International Respect for Law program for over 23 years. Each year our club honors individuals and groups from our community who have done great things to further Respect for Law. This award has been presented to many local heroes.

“For example, last year we honored Dick Chose of the State Forestry Department and Lynn Klovas for her many years of work as the jail nurse at the Clark County Jail. Two years ago, we honored Neillsville Police Department employee Trudy Griepentrog and Neillsville Police Officer Jeff Pokallus for their many years of service to the community. In 2017, we honored the Neillsville Community Boxing Program for their work with young people in the community. The Neillsville Optimist Club has found many other worthy recipients such as ‘Mel the UPS man,’ many Clark County Sheriff’s deputies, Neillsville police officers (including retired Canine Officer Rico), firemen, EMTs, teachers, along with many local, county and state employees who serve the public in numerous ways.”

While reading off past recipients, Mills broke from his script and spoke about “Mel the UPS man,” who saved a woman while she was being attacked by out-of-control canines. Not every hero needed to risk life and limb to help others; however, people would soon learn Murphy had done just that.

“It is my honor now to announce that the recipient of the 2023 Respect for Law Award is Heather Murphy,” Mills said.

“In preparing for this event I took the opportunity to look up pertinent information about [Murphy]. I hoped to find basic information, but also hoped to discover those little nuggets of golden information that one finds doing a basic Google search. What I found was pretty fascinating.”

Mills took the time to joke about Googling Murphy’s name.

“Did you know if you Google ‘Heather Murphy,’” Mills said, “you get a leading search of 54 Heather Murphys. And this is what I found: You may not know this, that besides working full time as a communications officer with the Clark Sheriff’s Department for over 22 years, [Murphy] is also a full time otolaryngologist at the Aspen Valley Hospital, in Aspen, CO. And she is a clinical services manager in Oshkosh.[…] If you think that is remarkable, she has done this all the while serving 25-to-life in the New York State prison system—wow quite extortionary. Wow, what you find on Google.”
“In reality—will the real [Murphy] please stand up, and come forward—now, our [Murphy] is an especially deserving person. She was recently chosen as the Remarkable Woman of the Year 2023 by La Crosse’s FOX2548 and WIProud, recognizing her great contributions to our nation and our local community, quite an amazing award.”

Mills invited Murphy to speak, and she told those gathered about her late husband, Mike, who passed of cancer a few years ago. Murphey met her future husband in high school, and hung around places he frequented to get noticed. And he did. However, it was not until she was across the world, being a heroine in her own way, that Mike told Murphy’s family he thought he loved her, setting their eventual marriage in motion.

“[Murphy] also served in the United States Navy,” Mill said. “She followed in the footsteps of her father, who is also a Navy veteran. In March 2023 The Highground Veterans Memorial Newsletter’s featured article was about [Murphy]. It is an excellent article about [Murphy’s] time in the Navy and also her relationship with her husband, Mike. An awesome article about a wonderful veteran and awesome couple.

Mills’ wife, Mary Kay, also had nothing but positive, heart-warming things to say about Murphy, before Mills read more of his prepared statements.

“Mary Kay and I have known [Murphy] for most of our professional lives and beyond,” Mills said. “We have seen how [Murphy] effects the daily lives of her co-workers, her friends and her family. What [Murphy] does is an inspiration to all of us and especially to the young people in this community. She may not realize the impact that she has on others, but we do, and we are going to make sure she knows that she knows it now.”

Chriss Pettis of The Highground said Murphy’s biggest traits are “her unselfishness and her infectious smile, sense of humor and her resilience.”

Murphy has worked for the communications department of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department for over 22 years. Clark County Sheriff Scott Haines and Captain Lea Sterry of the communications division of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department stood at the podium to share their experiences with Murphy, as well. Haines spoke first.

“[Murphy] is the essence of individuality and has a truly extraordinary personality,” Haines said. “Each one of us is unique in our own way, but there are some individuals who possess a charisma and spirit that sets them apart from the rest. [Murphy] embodies a captivating blend of qualities that leave an indelible mark on everyone she meets. Her presence projects confidence and warmth, drawing people toward them like a magnet.

“[Murphy] has an uncanny ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued, creating an environment where everyone feels included and appreciated. What makes [Murphy’s] personality truly special is her unyielding authenticity and refusing to conform to society’s expectations or norms. She is humble, compassionate and has unparalleled empathy that allows her to truly understand the struggles and joys of those around her. Her willingness to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, or provide guidance is a testament to her selflessness and genuine concern for others She makes it her mission to lift others up, celebrating the achievements of others as if they were her own.
“Thank you, [Murphy], for being you.”

“I’ve never met anyone who has a hearth like [Murphy],” Sterry said. “The sad part is, she doesn’t give herself enough credit.”

Mills then presented Murphy with her plaque and let her have the final words of the evening.
“Thank you seems inadequate,” Murphy said.

It was not her who needed to say, ‘thank you,’ as this was the community’s ‘thank you’ to her.



Family members (back, l-r) Joe and Joey Viars, Steve Mabie (Heather Murphy’s father), Ken Lindag, Kathy and Bob Barth, Elliana, (middle) Chelsea Viars, Maryjane Mabie, and front Sue Lindag came from as far away as New Jersey to support Heather Murphy (left of center, holding her plaque). Edward DuBois/Clark County Press


7

Obit: Pawlak, Steve J., Jr. (1928 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Pawlak, Rzetelny, Grajek, Burbey, McPeak, Merkes, Fons, Jaeckels, Bennett, Looker, Naim, Frankewicz, Antony

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Owen, Clark Co., WI) 6/12/2023

Pawlak, Steve J., Jr. (4 March 1928 – 3 June 2023)

Steve J. Pawlak, Jr. age 95, of Owen, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Aspirus Stanley Hospital.

Steve was born on March 4, 1928, the son of Steve and Helen (Rzetelny) Pawlak, Sr. in Longwood Township, where he lived his entire life. He graduated 8th grade from Spring Valley, Longwood Township.

Steve never married but took great pride in his Milk Can Route in the 1950’s for the Lone Oak

Cheese Factory and many years for the White House Dairy. He later worked for the Clark County Highway Department and retired early. He milked cows and purchased a dairy herd.

Steve is survived by 2 sisters-in-law, Lois Grajek and Shirley Pawlak, three nieces: Gail Burbey (Bob McPeak), Owen; Peggy (Bill) Merkes , Shakopee, MN; Beth (Tom) Fons. Oak Creek; four nephews: Brian (Pat) Pawlak, Chetek; Gene Pawlak, Cudahy; Jeffrey (Londa) Pawlak, Ft Meyers, FL; David (Joan) Jaeckels, Whitsett, NC and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Leonard (Catherine) Pawlak, Calvin Pawlak, Eugene Pawlak: two sisters; Angeline (Joel) Bennett and Georgia Pawlak

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Stanislaus Michael Antony officiating. Interment is to follow at Riverside Cemetery. A Visitation will be held from 10:00 a. m. until the time of service at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements. Serving as pallbearers are Brian Pawlak, Bill Merkes, Tom Fons, Ryan Looker, Kumail Naim and Ken Frankewicz.

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


8

Obit: Brill, James R. “Jim (1967 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Brill, Sazama, Orth, Meier, Stange, Strasburg, Matney, Clark, Redfern

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Colby, Clark Co., WI) 6/15/2023

Brill James R. “Jim” (10 August 1967 – 12 June 2023)

James “Jim” R. Brill, age 55, of Colby, passed away on June 12, 2023, at the House of the Dove with family by his side under the loving care of Compassus Hospice.

Jim was born on August 10, 1967, the son of John and Janet (Sazama) Brill in Marshfield. He graduated from Colby High School in 1986 and attended UW River Falls. Jim was a successful dairy farmer in the Town of Hull. He enjoyed watching and attending the Packers and NASCAR, watching the Badgers and the Bucks on his big screen TV and deer hunting.

Jim is survived by his siblings: Diane (Gene) Orth of Colby, David (Kathy) of Colby, Pat (Sue) Brill of Spencer, Mike (April) Brill of Abbotsford, Kim (Scott) Meier of Colby and Jayme (Meesun) Brill of Las Vegas, NV; his sister-in-law, Kalynn Brill of Provo, UT; 24 nieces and nephews: Benji (Heather) Orth, Craig (Terra) Orth, Chara (Adam) Stange, Jana (Brian) Strasburg, Jason (Megan) Orth, Lindsey Brill, Alexis Matney, McKenzie Brill, Ross Brill, Kelly Brill, Sheyla, Amberly, Jonny, Keira, and Eric Brill, Arianna, Alliesha, and Emmet Brill, Hanna, Amelia, Maxwell Meier, David (Tanya) Clark, Chad Clark and Paul Clark; many great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers: Steve and Brian.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023 at Saint Mary Help of Christian Parish in Colby at 11:00 A.M. Father Joseph Redfern will officiate. A visitation will be held at church on Monday from 9:00-10:45. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.

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


9

Obit: Kronberger, Catherine Jean (1930 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Kronberger, Zuege, Habhegger, Worchel, Dux, Bowe, Doebele, Butterbrodt, Zimmerman

----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 6/14/2023

Kronberger, Catherine Jean (7 October 1930 – 11 June 2023)

Catherine J. Kronberger, 92, of Loyal, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at her home.

Catherine Jean Habhegger was born on October 7, 1930, in Marshfield, to John and Anna M. (Zuege) Habhegger. She grew up on the family farm, and received her education in the Loyal area, graduating from Loyal High School in 1948. Catherine was united in marriage to LaVerne H. Kronberger on September 1, 1948, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal. Later that month they moved to Corning, CA, only to move back to Guttenberg, IA in November and open a Gamble’s Hardware Store. In 1950, they moved to Highland, WI where they operated another Gamble’s Hardware Store until 1953. They bought a farm and moved to Greenwood in 1953 and began farming. In 1973, they sold the farm and moved to Loyal. Catherine then began working for Bud Smith and Smith Feeds. She later went to tech school and took courses in computers and bookkeeping. After completing her schooling, Catherine worked at Figi's in Marshfield for a few years, and then at Barr's Animal Foods for several years before retiring.

She had many interests, but especially loved farm life and the cattle, and her flowers.

Catherine was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was active in the Adult Fellowship.

She is survived by one son, Robert Kronberger, of Greenwood; one great-nephew, Derek Miner of Stevens Point; cousins and friends.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband LaVerne on June 1, 2011; one sister, Lois Worchel; one niece, and two nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal. Rev. Daniel Zimmerman will officiate, and burial will follow in the Loyal Lutheran Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jim Dux, Jean Bowe, Maynard Bowe, Wayne Doebele, Cookie Doebele, and Chuck Butterbrodt. Visitation will be held at the church, on Thursday, from 10 a.m. until time of service.


10

Obit: Bauer, Don Richard (1945 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Bauer, Johnson, Bluhm, Senso, Schreiner, Dimitt, Schiller, Eckes, Ule, Wisinski, Brown

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

Bauer, Don Richard (13 February 1945 – 7 September 2023) With Flag

Don R. Bauer, 78, of Spencer, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center.


Don was born in Marshfield on February 15, 1945, to Willard and Bernice (Johnson) Bauer. He attended Marshfield Senior High School. Afterwards, Don joined the Army National Guard where he served from 1966 to 1971. On April 27, 1968, he was united in marriage to Sharon Bluhm at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield. Don was employed at Kohl’s Machine Shop, Capital Furniture, Mittens Appliance and Louie’s Refrigeration before going out on his own to operate his own successful appliance business known by many as Bauer’s Appliance in Wisconsin Rapids. Don was devoted to providing great customer service and being available should anyone need repairs or new appliance purchases.
His hobbies included fishing and hunting, especially deer, partridge and turkey as well as trapping. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, especially his favorite driver Dale Earnhardt, tinkering in the garage, feeding or watching birds, bowling and playing cards. He most enjoyed spending time with family and friends up north on Connor’s Lake in Winter, WI. He was the chairman for Walleyes for Tomorrow-Price County Chapter.
Those who will cherish his memory included his wife, Sharon; his sons, Rodney (Lorrie) Bauer of McMillan and David (Jill Senso) Bauer of Seymour; his grandson, Cody (Carlie Schreiner) Bauer of Marshfield; his granddaughter, Alysha Bauer of McMillan; his great-grandson, Carter Bauer of Marshfield and sisters-in-law: Audry Bluhm of Marshfield, Sharon Bluhm of Stratford, Sharon Dimitt of Johnson, KS and Clara Schiller of Westminster, MD along with many other relatives and friends.


Don was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Bernice Bauer; his mother and father-in-law, Henry and Mildred Bluhm; his uncle, George Bauer; his godfather, Edward Johnson; and his brothers-in-law, Dennis (Mary Ann) Bluhm, Delmar Bluhm, Donald Bluhm, Dale Bluhm, Gerald Bluhm and James Bluhm.


Memorial Services will be held at 11 A.M. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer with Pastor Heather Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery-Marshfield with full military honors being conducted. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 13 from 4 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. and again on Thursday from 10 A.M. until time of services. The honor of pallbearer belongs to: Bob Eckes, Charlie Brown, Frank Ule, Florian Wisinski, Cody Bauer and Carter Bauer.


In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don’s name can be directed to American Diabetes Association.


Don’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.


To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Don Bauer, please visit Tribute Store.

 


11

Obit: Hagenson, Eugene Al “Gene” (1942 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Hagenson, Quesnell, Moore, Kurtzweil, Koepl, Ogle, Mattes, Dubiak, Antony

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 9/10/2023

Hagenson, Eugene A. “Gene” (30 June 1942 – 8 September 2023)

Eugene "Gene" A. Hagenson, 81, of Stanley, finished the marathon of Life on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, WI with his family by his side.

Eugene Arthur Hagenson was born on June 30, 1942,in Stanley, to Henry O. and S. Louisa (Quesnell) Hagenson. He was raised and received his education in the Gilman School District. Gene was united in marriage to Donna M. Moore on April 8, 1961, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Huron. They enjoyed 62 years together and raised five children: Roger Hagenson, Chris (Peter) Koepl, Ken "Herman" (Barbi) Hagenson, Linda (Dale) Kurtzweil, and Gene (Kelly) Hagenson.

He started driving semi-truck at the age of 16, and was an owner/operator of Hagenson Trucking for many years. Gene also worked for several trucking firms at various times. In his retirement years, he enjoyed driving Mennonites to their various appointments. He also spent a number of years fixing and selling bicycles; bringing smiles to children on getting a bike to ride.

Gene is further survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jeff (Amber) Koepl and their children Cameron and Cohen; Tyler (Brenda) Hagenson and their daughter Hadley; Michael (Neeka) Koepl and their children Ruby, Caden, Avery, Ryleigh, Afton, Sutton, and Odette; Korey (Cindy) Hagenson and their children Kylie and Kendall; Kayla Ogle and her son Greyson; Andrew Koepl; Brianna (Jeff) Hagenson and their daughter June; Connor and Jaxson Kurtzweil; one sister: Mary Lou Mattes; one sister-in-law: Alberta Hagenson; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandsons, Travis and Trevor Kurtzweil, and Kelsey Hagenson; his sister: Arlene Dubiak; brothers: Jerry, Robert and Harold in infancy; and his daughter-in-law: Diana Hagenson.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Thorp Funeral Home in Thorp, WI, with Rev. Stanislaus Michael Antony officiating. Burial will take place in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Huron, WI at a later date. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, on Tuesday, from 11 a.m. until time of service.


12

Obit: Voigt, Kathryn Ellen “Kathy” (1934 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Voigt, Bartz, Jakubiec, Zenner, McNeely, Langfeldt

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 9/09/2023

Voigt, Kathryn Ellen “Kathy” (3 October 1934 – 1 September 2023)

Kathryn "Kathy" Ellen Voigt, 88, passed away on September 1, 2023, in Prairie du Sac. She was born on October 3, 1934, in Granton.
In her working career, Kathy worked as an administrative assistant for several organizations in Marshfield, including St. Joseph's School of Nursing, Norwood Health Center, Marshfield City Clerk's Office and the Fire Department.


Kathy is survived by her three daughters: Cindy (Ed) Jakubiec of Lehigh Acres, FL, Jean (Mike) Voigt-Zenner of Kronenwetter, and JoAnn (Mark) McNeely of Prairie du Sac. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.


Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Bertha Bartz, her husband, Jim, her daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Jeff Langfeldt, her granddaughter, Erin McNeely, and five sisters and one brother.


In accordance with Kathy's wishes, there will be no public funeral service. A private family graveside service will be held in the future to honor her memory.

 


  

 

 


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