Surnames: Adedokun, Bertsinger, Brandt, Bucki, Downing, Gyorkos, Johnson, Kleiber, Klemm, Kloth, Motte, Steen

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., Wisconsin) Thursday, November 24, 2011, online edition

Motte, Erich Martin William (January 21, 1929 - November 18, 2011)

Erich Martin William Motte, 82, Medford, died on Friday, Nov. 18 at his home.

A combination funeral service for him and his wife, Marie, who died on Saturday, Nov. 19, will be held on Friday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. at Medford United Methodist Church, with Dr. Michael Adedokun officiating.

Military honors will be conducted by the Medford American Legion and VFW. Honorary pallbearers are Jody Bucki, William Bertsinger, Charlie "Jack" Motte, Scott Brandt, Steve Brandt, Larry Gyorkos and Charlie "James" Motte.

Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Dallmann-Kniewel Funeral Homes of Medford and Rib Lake assisted the family with arrangements.

Erich Motte was born on January 21, 1929 in the Town of Greenwood to the late Erich Wilhelm and Frederica (Steen) Motte. He attended Buddy Graded School and then worked on the Martin Steen farm and worked in construction in Milwaukee. He served in the United States Navy during World War II.

On December 3, 1949 he married Abbie Downing, and they later divorced. On November 2, 1976 in Las Vegas, Nev., he married Marie Ellen Brandt. He owned and operated Motte's Tavern and Dancehall for 20 years, and Motte Pulp Producers for 35 years. He also worked for Armin Buehler and Melvin Company, retiring in 1991.

He was a member of Medford United Methodist Church and past member of Esadore Lake Association. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and drinking moonshine.

Survivors include his children, Sandra (Ron Kleiber) Motte, Linda (Charles) Kloth and Edwin "Squeak", all of Medford, and Ericka (special friend John Johnson of Gilman) Bertsinger of Cornell; a half-sister, Diane (Buck) Klemm of Chippewa Falls; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Tammi Bucki; three brothers, Jack, James and Edwin; and by twin sisters at birth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be given to the family.