Bio: Acker, Daughter of Mr./Mrs. Walter (Birth –
1922)
Contact:
stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Acker
----Source: Greenwood Gleaner (Greenwood, Clark Co., Wis.) 16 Mar 1922
Acker, Daughter of Mr./Mrs. Walter (Birth – 10 MAR 1922)
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Acker, a baby girl, Friday, March 10, 1922.
Bio: Waters,
Cameron – March Junior Kiwanian (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Waters, Matalas
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/3/2024
Waters, Cameron – March Junior Kiwanian (2024)
March Junior Kiwanian announced
Cameron Waters was announced as the Neillsville Kiwanis Club’s Junior Kiwanian
for the month of March.
Submitted photo
Neillsville senior student Cameron Waters was honored as the Junior Kiwanian for
the month of March by the local Kiwanis Club at its March 25 meeting. He is the
son of Brian Waters and Elizabeth Matalas. With his academic achievement and
extra-curricular involvement, he is very deserving of the honor.
Waters is a member of the National Honor Society, has served on student council
all four years, and was elected class vice-president for three years by his
fellow classmates. He was a three-year member of the High Quiz Bowl team and
selected as All-Conference this past year. His participation in the Junior
Achievement Titan Challenge earned him a state championship, third-place at
nationals and third in regional competition. Waters also competed in the Make48
STEM competition this year, placing second.
Volunteer activity included assisting, as well as donating, at school blood
drives for three years, and helping at the Neillsville Country Club.
Following his graduation, Waters will enroll at UW-Stout where he will pursue
studies in computer science.
The Neillsville community can take pride in talented students like Waters. The
Neillsville Kiwanis Club welcomes him as its Junior Kiwanian and wishes him
continued success in his future.
News: Clark County
- Literacy Organization Recruiting Volunteers (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Keller, Opelt
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/3/2024
Clark County Literacy Organization Recruiting Volunteers (2024)
Tutor Chris Keller (right) of Neillsville assists a student in the Clark County
Jail library/classroom March 11, who has subsequently obtained her high school
equivalency diploma while incarcerated at the jail. Keller and Diane Opelt (not
pictured) volunteer at the jail in partnership with Chippewa Valley Technical
College. Submitted photo
Page Forward Volunteers for Literacy in Clark County is sponsoring a spring
effort to recruit more volunteers to tutor in Clark County. The nonprofit
organization, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, was founded in 1994 by
Clark County residents whose mission was to improve literacy in Clark County.
That remains the mission today.
Historically and currently, membership consists of 20–30 tutors who serve 45–100
adult students throughout Clark County. Volunteer tutors come from all walks of
life: community organizing, truck driving, medical field, art, business,
education and more.
Tutoring services are provided in graduate equivalency degree (GED)/high school
equivalency diploma (HSED) study, English, adult basic education, computer
skills, driver license study and more. The GED/HSED program is a collaboration
with Chippewa Valley Technical College. Services are provided in public
libraries, churches, schools, businesses, homes and the Clark County Jail.
Latino farm and factory workers and their families make up the largest
demographic of the student population, but tutoring is also provided to people
in the Clark County jail, to international refugees and to non-literate English
speakers.
Funding for tutor training sessions, teacher manuals, workbooks, calculators,
computers, printers, software and other teaching and office supplies are
provided through grants awarded by local and national foundations and by the
generous support of Wisconsin Literacy.
New tutors are provided with orientation resources and are assigned a regional
coordinator in their area who will mentor them through their first months of
tutoring. Tutors and students set up times and locations that best suit their
schedules. Scheduling is always flexible and typically is two hours a week with
skipped weeks due to tutor or students’ other obligations.
It is important to know that speaking the primary language of an English
language learner is not necessary. One can be a very effective and successful
tutor without knowing a foreign language.
“Chris [Keller] and I volunteer at the jail in partnership with Chippewa Valley
Technical College,” Diane Opelt said. “In the last year we have helped six
inmate students at the jail receive their HSED certification from [the
Department of Public Instruction].
“We also provide tutoring services for English learners and people who wish to
improve their math, reading or computer skills.”
For more information, contact Opelt at 715-937-8262.
News: Neillsville
- Make-A-Wish Helping Grant Kids’ Wishes (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Schmidt, Peterson, Montgomery
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/3/2024
Make-A-Wish – Helping Grant Kids’ Wishes (2024)
Atmus Filtration Technologies raised funds from a potato soup sale and March
apparel order, totaling $1,116.25. The funds were donated to Make-A-Wish through
the United Way March 26. Kris Schmidt (left) of United Way and Beryl Peterson
(right) of Atmus Filtration Technologies presented the donation to Punk
Montgomery (middle) of Make-a-Wish.
Submitted photo
News: Neillsville
- Legion Post Hosts Smelt Feed (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Arndt
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/3/2024
Neillsville Legion Post Hosts Smelt Feed (2024)
The annual Easter buffet and smelt feed was held March 29 at the American Legion
Post 73 in Neillsville. “The Legion ordered 200 lbs. Smelt,” said Jessie
Elmhorst (not pictured) organizer of the smelt feed. Last year, 100 lbs. of
smelt was ordered, but supplies ran out. Ezekiel Arndt was a server at the smelt
feed. “Good Luck behind the lines,” he said.
June Thompson/Clark County Press
News: Neillsville
- Local Women Make a Difference in Their Community (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Zimmerman, Murphy
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/3/2024
Local Women Make a Difference in Their Community (2024)
Dee Zimmerman, a Neillsville resident, worked at the “Shopper” and “Clark County
Press” and compiled articles for the “Good Old Days.”
June Thompson/Clark County Press photos
One local lady who has made a difference in Neillsville is Dee Zimmerman. She is
well known for working at the “Shopper” and “Clark County Press” for many
decades. She and her husband came to the Neillsville area in 1967. They had
three children together.
Shortly after moving to Neillsville, Zimmerman began her long career at “The
Shopper” and later the “Clark County Press.” She started compiling her column,
the “Good Old Days” in the late 1980s. It has been a full historical page since
1989 and is still published since Zimmerman’s retirement in March 2019.
“Every community has its history,” said Zimmerman. “I enjoy local history.
People who live in the community enjoy reading history.”
If anyone entered the “Clark County Press” office in downtown Neillsville, they
would have seen Zimmerman looking over past issues to find something of interest
for readers. Deciding what to compile for the “Good old days” was part of
Zimmerman’s job. She also waited on customers and took classified ads.
“‘The Clark County Press’ had an archives room. The earliest issue was October
1867,” said Zimmerman. “That was unique to have them going back that far.
“I took articles that were of interest to me and what I thought would be of
interest to others. A lot of people had interest in the county’s history.
“I just basically read through, randomly looking through the month of that year,
what I thought would be of interest. I still have people comment to me of what
they read.”
For 57 years, Zimmerman has seen changes in Neillsville.
“I remember when we moved here, there were 13 grocery stores,” Zimmerman said.
“The Farmer’s Store was a department store. All communities/towns have had a lot
of changes. It’s hard for a town to attract people and industries. When
automobiles became more modern, it was easier to go to Marshfield.”
Zimmerman would like to see progress for the town.
“I’d like to see Neillsville be attractive for people and businesses to move
here,” Zimmerman said. “Neillsville is a friendly community. It’s small
enough—you get to know a lot of people that live here. I’ve enjoyed living
here.”
Since retiring, Zimmerman admitted she has not done “a bunch of anything.” She
considers compiling the “Good Old Days” to be one of her greatest achievements.
“I miss it,” Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman had advice to give. Just because you get older,” Zimmerman said,
“don’t give up.”
Diane Murphy manages Apple Valley Restaurant and is a former mayor of
Neillsville.
Another woman who has made a difference in Neillsville is Diane Murphy. She was
born and raised in the Neillsville area. She has three children. Murphy is a
businesswoman and was mayor of Neillsville.
Murphy’s achievements expand across several decades. She considers her first
greatest achievement to be raising her kids.
“I raised three children alone with no outside help,” Murphy said. “We did it
together—my kids and me.”
Murphy’s other achievement was becoming mayor of Neillsville in 1994 and
building up the Industrial Park.
“I didn’t do it alone,” said Murphy. “I had cooperation from city government.”
Another of Murphy’s accomplishments was building the Apple Valley Restaurant and
All Seasons Sports ‘N Archery with her son, Mike Murphy in 2009.
“Mike and I created it,” Murphy said.
Diane Murphy manages it and is head cook.
“It’s not the same without Mike,” Murphy said. “He passed away in 2019.”
Diane Murphy’s involvement in Neillsville’s progress is unending.
“I’d like to see more growth,” Murphy said. “It helps taxpayers. Someone’s got
to have the will power to go out and do it. I’d like to see more things
downtown, too.”
Murphy is happy about city hall being at the prior BMO bank.
“A lot of these older people can drive through and pay their taxes or utility
bills,” Murphy said.
Being retired from MPC Accounting in 2021 does not mean Murphy has stopped
having goals.
“I have passion,” Murphy said. “I care about Neillsville a lot. I like to make
people happy. I feel I have the knowledge to make things happen. I’m a
businesswoman; I’m always thinking. I always have something on my mind. We’ll
see what happens.”
News: Neillsville
- Marshfield Insurance Cuts Ribbon on Neillsville Branch (2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Poeschel, Hoffmann, Arnoldy, Trojan
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/3/2024
Marshfield Insurance Cuts Ribbon on Neillsville Branch (2024)
Mayor Dewey Poeschel, Cole Hofmann, Nick Arnoldy and Tricia Trojan officially
cut the ribbon on Marshfield Insurance’s new Neillsville location March 21.
Submitted photo
The Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting March 21 to
officially welcome Marshfield Insurance Agency-Neillsville Branch to their new
location: 113 W. Division Street Neillsville.
The roots of Marshfield Insurance Agency date back to 1984, when Roger Arnoldy
became part owner of a firm that staffed only two other employees. By 1988,
Roger and his wife, Yvonne Arnoldy, became sole owners and the agency has
experienced progressive growth since then. The perpetuation of the agency has
transferred to Roger’s son, Nick Arnoldy.
Currently, Marshfield Insurance represents over 45 “A-Rated” insurance companies
and staffs more than two dozen licensed agents, ensuring customers have access
to a diverse range of insurance options backed by professionals.
The expansion into Neillsville solidifies Marshfield Insurance as the largest
insurance office in the Marshfield area, offering a wide array of insurance
services, including commercial, home, auto, life, health, farm and specialized
business insurance programs. Its services reach many different states throughout
the U.S. with the main policy base being central Wisconsin.
Marshfield Insurance also has locations in Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids.
Marshfield Insurance Agency is excited to extend their services to Neillsville
to better assist customers and meet the increasing demand for comprehensive
insurance solutions.
Obit: Retzer,
Phyllis G. (1935 - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Retzer, Scheddler, Moede, Johnson, Anderson, Holmberg, McDougall,
Mueller, Harris, Pitts, Erdmann, Neil, Peets, Oudenhoven
----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 4/4/2024
Retzer, Phyllis G. (29 November 1935 – 3 April 2024)
Phyllis G. Retzer, age 88, of Owen, passed away surrounded by her loving family
on Tuesday, April 3, 2024, at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center
under the tender care of Heartland Hospice.
Phyllis was born on November 29, 1935, the daughter of Henry and Rose
(Scheddler) Moede in Marshfield. She attended St. John the Baptist Catholic
School and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1953. On June 18, 1960,
Phyllis was united in marriage to Joseph Retzer at St. John the Baptist Catholic
Church in Marshfield. She worked at Roddis Door and Weinbrenner Shoes in
Marshfield before her marriage. Phyllis and Joe owned and operated Retzer Oil in
Marshfield for many years.
Phyllis was a loving wife, mom, grandma and friend. She was a strong Christian
and loved Jesus. Phyllis enjoyed feeding the birds, tending her flowers and
garden. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Joe; four children:
Joseph (Esther) Retzer, Jr. of Brooklyn Park, MN, Steve Retzer of VA, Kathy
Johnson of Eau Claire and Judy (Jeff) Anderson of Altoona; 12 grandchildren:
Faith (Tom) Holmberg, Lauren Retzer, Chris Retzer, David Retzer, Kaitie Retzer
(fiancé, Jordan Blair), Christyna (Chaz) Mueller, Katie (Alex) Ridings, Kase
(Phaedra) McDougall, Callie Johnson, Chris (Mary) Anderson, Derek (Abby)
Anderson and Kaleb (Rebecca) Anderson; five great-grandchildren: Dylan Mueller,
Lydia Mueller, Aleko McDougall, Carsen Anderson and Jentry Anderson. She is
further survived by two sisters-in-law, June Harris and Dorothy (Michael) Pitts;
nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her infant daughter, Susan Elaine; her
sister, Louann Erdmann; a brother-in-law, John Retzer; two sisters-in-law:
Rosemary “Sissy” Retzer and Mary Jo Neil. Mother-in-law and Father-in-law,
Clarence and Marie (Peets) Retzer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024,
at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester. Father Timothy Oudenhoven will
officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 1:00 p.m. until time of the
service Saturday at the church. Interment will be held at Brooklawn Cemetery in
Marshfield. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with
the arrangements.
The family would like to thank the staff at Clark County Rehabilitation and
Living Center for their wonderful care they received and to Dr. Sherief Rezkalla
at Marshfield Clinic for his compassion and support.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis, please visit
our floral store.
Obit: Schreiner,
Jeanette Marie (1931 - 2024)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Schreiner, Perko, Christenson, Rehmann, Boman, McKenna, Stevens,
Fenske
----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 4/5/2024
Schreiner, Jeanette Marie (5 June 1931 – 18 January 2024)
Jeanette Marie Schreiner (nee Perko) passed away peacefully at The House of the
Dove in Marshfield early Thursday morning, January 18th, 2024.
Jeanette (Jan) was born on June 5, 1931, in Cleveland OH, to Charles Perko and
Madeline (Suda) Perko.
Jan lived in various towns during her childhood: Cleveland, OH; Ely, MN;
Greenwood, and Willard, before settling in Marshfield. After graduating from
Marshfield High School in 1949, she worked for her father at his John Deere
Implement Dealership as a bookkeeper. She went on to spend the next 5 years
fulfilling part of her dream to see and do things, first moving to Milwaukee to
attend Miss Brown's Secretarial School. While attending school, she worked part
time as a file clerk for an insurance company. After graduation, she quickly
landed a job with Mrs. Karl's Bakery in Milwaukee as a secretary to the plant
manager. She later moved to Minneapolis, MN, and worked as a secretary to the
regional manager of the Underwood Corporation. After a year, to continue her
quest "to see what was out there" she again moved to Chicago to work for the
Illinois Agricultural Association as a secretary to the General Controller.
While in Chicago, Jim Schreiner tracked her down and rekindled the flame of
their previous relationship. They were married August 28, 1954, at Sacred Heart
Catholic Church.
After marriage, Jan remained busy raising 4 children and staying very active in
the community. She was a member of bowling leagues, Toast Masters Club,
President of the Christian Mothers of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, President of
Tops, and worked in all levels of the Campfire Girls Organization reaching
District President. Jan and her husband, Jim, met many of their lifelong friends
through their snowmobile club, "The Snow Drifters". Jan and Jim also spent many
weekends at their lake home in Lac du Flambeau. In 1984, Jan and Jim began
semi-retirement by purchasing a winter home in Mesa, AZ. While in AZ, Jan took
up oil painting and created many beautiful works. She also started a neuropathy
support group for many sufferers in Arizona like herself. After Jim’s passing in
2021, Jan moved into Aster Assisted Living of Marshfield. She enjoyed meeting
many new friends there as well as renewing friendships of the many women she met
in Marshfield over the years.
Jan loved life!
She believed that no matter how you are feeling, you need to make others smile
and she had the most beautiful smile that could light up a room. She shared her
love of food through her cooking and baking by hosting dinner parties and
organizing elaborately themed parties with their closest friends. She loved to
laugh, and her laughter was unique and infectious. Jan was a one of a kind
person who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Jan is survived by her children, Kathleen (Jim) Christenson of Lakeville, MN;
and sons, Patrick (Jeanne) Schreiner of Marshfield, and Thomas (Jim Rehmann)
Schreiner of Corcoran, MN. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Nicole
Bowman, Jennifer McKenna, and Ryan Christenson, Shayla Stevens, Tylan Schreiner,
Maggie Schreiner, Kessa Fenske; and 6 great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Riley, and
Addie McKenna and Elianna and Savana Bowman and Jade Fenske. She is further
survived by her brother, Edward Perko of Mercer.
She was preceded in death by her husband James, parents Charles and Madeline;
brother, Charles Jr.; and daughter, Charlene; and infant son, Michael.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 20th, at 11 a.m. at Corpus
Christi Catholic Church in Bakerville with Father Barry Saylor officiating.
Visitation will be held before the Mass at 9 a.m.
The family wishes to thank the outstanding staff at The House of the Dove for
their dedication, love and compassion that was given to Jan. You are all angels
on earth!
Online condolences may be made at
www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com for your convenience.
