News: Greenwood - American Legion Celebrated Veterans
Day (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Greisen, Denk, Hinker, Krultz
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023
Greenwood American Legion Celebrated Veterans Day (2023)
Veterans and members of the Greenwood Community congregated in the Greenwood
American Legion for a Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 11. Pancakes, bacon, sausage,
eggs and much more was served by volunteers from the community.
By L.B., reporter
The Greenwood American Legion hosted a Veterans Day breakfast to celebrate the
holiday.
Members of the Greenwood community volunteered to serve food for the veterans of
the Legion. The volunteers served bacon, sausage, hash browns, toast, pancakes,
eggs in a variety of forms and drinks.
There were over 60 attendees at the breakfast.
“There’s a lot of county workers here,” Aaron Greisen said, Clark County
Veterans Services Officer. “Mary Denk, registrar of deeds and Lisa Hinker, a
judicial assistant, and I’d like to give a super big thanks to the Krultz
family, who’s all here today. I’d also like to thank the Greenwood FFA Alumni
because they donated the pancake mix and the griddle.”
The proceeds will go to the veterans’ health and future in the form of gift
cards and donations to their medical transportation and care needs.
These members of the Greenwood community were happy to serve their veterans.
News: Greenwood -
St. Ann’s Harvest Sale (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Adler, Moseley Lindner, Rondorf
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023
Greenwood-St. Ann’s Harvest Sale (- 2023)
Colleen Adler (front), one of the first organizers of the St. Ann’s Society
Harves Sale, and Shirley Lindner (background) wait for ladies to pay for their
items. June Thompson/Clark County Press
By June Thompson
For 46 years, St. Ann’s Society at St Mary’s Catholic Parish in Greenwood has
held their annual harvest sale and luncheon to raise funds for the church’s
needs Oct. 28.
Several lady parishioners have participated in the harvest sale for years, but
only a few ladies still remain who have been involved since its inception.
Colleen Adler and Nancy Moseley started this harvest sale over four decades ago.
They, and other organizers, Pat Lindner and Bonnie Lindner, met at Adler’s home
to make craft items.
“It’s come a long way,” Adler said. “The first years, we sold girdles.”
Through the years, different crafts have been made by hand. Whether the crafter
used wood, sews, paints or recyclable materials, something unusual can be made
and sold.
Many of those fall craft items were displayed for guests: aprons, pumpkins,
raffle baskets and an unusual Christmas tree. The harvest sale offered a glimpse
into the ladies’ dedication to making the annual harvest sale a success every
year.
“The baskets are a big draw,” Adler said. “And Grandma’s Attic is used items.
Everything is donated.”
Alder said her favorite part of organizing the annual St. Ann’s Harvest Sale is
working together with the ladies.
Another organizer, Joyce Rondorf, was busy helping with the luncheon. She is
president of St. Mary’s Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW).
“All the ladies of the church belong to the St. Ann’s Society,” Rondorf said.
“[Organizing the harvest sale] goes on all year round. The paddle raffle is
really popular. The basket raffle is a large part of [harvest sale].
“Grandma’s Attic are used items for resale—things that you might find in your
attic. People will sit here all day to participate in the raffles.”
The ladies of St. Ann’s Society have spent years dedicating their time, energy
and monetary resources to making this annual fundraiser a success. Their
fundraising proceeds give support to the church and local community.
“The Harvest Sale is used to support the church activities charities and food
banks,” said Rondorf. “Whatever St. Mary’s Parish needs, we’re there to help.”
Catholic Financial Life (life insurance and financial services) matches a
certain amount of the proceeds.
Rondorf has been involved with the Harvest Sale for many years.
“I love it,” Rondorf said. “I stay active and I enjoying doing it—so long as I
can do it, I will.”
News: Loyal - FFA
Members Awarded National American FFA Degree (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Hinkelmann, Jakobi,
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023
Loyal FFA Members Awarded National American FFA Degree (2023)
Loyal FFA Chapter members (l-r) Brandon Jakobi and Devani Hinkelmann were
awarded the American FFA Degree Nov. 4 at the 96th National FFA Convention.
Submitted photo
Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost
dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential
for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural
education.
The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in
recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year,
over 4,400 American FFA Degrees were awarded.
Devani Hinkelmann and Brandon Jakobi, members of the Loyal FFA chapter, were
awarded the American FFA Degree Nov. 4 at the 96th National FFA Convention and
Expo.
Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, Elanco Animal Health and Syngenta, the award
recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural
business, production, processing, or service programs.
To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000, or earned at
least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hours outside of class time through a
supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which the members own their
own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research.
Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate
outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a
long list of FFA and community activities. Less than 1% of FFA members achieve
the American FFA Degree.
Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree
key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership
development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163
local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by
developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career
success through agricultural education.
For more information, people can visit the National FFA Organization online at
FFA.org and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
News: Neillsville
- Auxiliary Donates Book to Library (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Chadwick, Oliver, Wells, Raven, Wagner, Ziebell, Clark
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023
Neillsville Auxiliary Donates Book to Library (2023)
The Neillsville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 (l-r) County Commander,
Neillsville Post Adjutant Chip Chadwick, a 31-year retired Navy Veteran;
Sergeant at Arms Auxiliary member Carol Oliver; and Auxiliary president Susan
Wells donated the book “America’s White Table” by Margot Raven to Cathy Wagner
of the Neillsville Public Library Nov, &, hoping to raise awareness with
children and head of Veteran’s Day about service members who have paid the
ultimate sacrifice or have otherwise not come home. Not pictured are Janay
Ziebell, library director, and Ann Clark, Auxiliary chaplain and member, who
Wells said was instrumental in putting this program together. Submitted photo
The Neillsville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 donated a special children’s
book to the local library.
“America’s White Table” by Margot Raven was written, in a way that children can
understand, to explain the U.S. military’s solemn ceremony of setting an empty
place at a table in honor of a fallen, missing or imprisoned service member.
In this formal ceremony, each item put on the table had a significant meaning
and was placed there with the utmost dignity and respect.
By donating “America’s White Table,” the Auxiliary hopes to accomplish an
emphasis on the importance of honoring and remembering military members; help
children and adults remember the sacrifices military personnel and their
families have given in the line of duty and realize the costs they have paid for
America’s freedom; that setting America’s White Table on any day of significance
(Veteran’s or Memorial Day, a holiday or birthday) will become a tradition in
all households; remind Americans that there are still veterans from past wars
who have not come home and every single day of freedom has been paid for by that
person who is not sitting at the table.
If a person would like more information about the Neillsville American Legion
Auxiliary, they can contact Susan Wells at 715-743-6316 or
turtledov6411@gmail.com.
News: Neillsville FFA - Collecting Food Over Candy (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Strangfeld, Moen, Hahn, Walk, Uptergrove, Canfield, Byrne
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023
Neillsville FFA Collecting Food Over Candy (2023)
Neillsville FFA members (l-r) Lucas Strangfeld, Addison Moen, Olivia Hahn,
Morgan Strangfeld, Shylah Walk, Tyla Uptergrove and Klarissa Canfield collected
not candy this Halloween, but canned goods. “We are proud to report that we
collected 270 pounds just during trick-or-treating hours,” said Carla Byrne,
Neillsville High School agriculture instructor and FFA advisor. “This is
something we hope to continue doing each year.” All items were taken to the food
pantry Halloween night.
Submitted photo
News: Neillsville
- Honors Veterans and Active Military (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Gaier, Kuhn, Thoma, Koepp, Decatur
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023
Neillsville Honors Veterans and Active Military (2023)
Superintendent John Gaier welcomes the audience to the Neillsville High School
Fieldhouse and thanks the veterans for attending the Nov. 11 Veterans Day
Program. Nancy Curtin/Clark County Press photos
By Nancy Curtin
Last Thursday, the entire Neillsville student body, faculty and staff, along
with the public, were invited to Neillsville High School Fieldhouse for the
annual Veterans Day program.
The event began with the Neillsville American Legion and VFW Color Guard
marching in and taking their position on both sides of the presentation area.
Superintendent John Gaier invited the fifth grade class to lead in the Pledge of
Allegiance followed by the high school choir singing the Star Spangled Banner
and the high school band playing “Armed Forces on Parade.”
“This day is a very important day in our nation,” Gaier said. “This is the day
each year when we take time to honor and thank our military veterans for their
service and sacrifices for their communities and our country. Today we celebrate
Veterans Day.”
Gaier went on to present a little history of this holiday.
“Veterans Day originated as ‘Armistice Day’ on Nov. 11, 1919, the first
anniversary of the end of World War I,” Gaier said.
In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance, and Nov. 11
became a National holiday in 1938.
“Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans […] but especially gives
thanks to living veterans who served their country with honor and bravery during
wartime and peacetime,” said Gaier.
The nation celebrates Veterans Day on Nov. 11 every year in honor of the
“eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 that signaled
the end of World War I, formerly known as Armistice Day.
Upon the conclusion of Gaier’s opening speech, the high school band played a
medley of the various tunes designated to the military branches, which included
“The Army Goes Rolling Along” (Army), “Marines' Hymn” (Marines), “Anchors Away”
(Navy), “The U.S. Air Force Song” (Air Force) and “Semper Paratus” (Coast
Guard).
Veteran Wendell Kuhn addresses the audience from the podium and expressed the
importance of educating the younger generations on the meaning and significance
of Veterans Day.
Following the musical tribute, Gaier introduced Veteran and American Legion
member, Wendell Kuhn, to address the audience. Kuhn thanked the students,
faculty, administration and the public for attending. He went on to remind the
audience the importance of educating the younger generation and why Veterans Day
exists.
Kuhn then invited veterans Chip Chadwick and Rick Kuhn to demonstrate the proper
folding of the American flag. Thoma’s granddaughter, Abby Koepp, was invited to
assist.
While Koepp and Thoma conducted the demonstration, Kuhn shared the significance
of each fold of the flag.
The first fold is a symbol of life; the second signifies America’s belief in
eternal life; the third is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing
the ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the country’s defense
to attain peace; the fourth exemplifies America’s weaker nature as citizens
trusting in God; it is to Him Americans turn for His divine guidance; the fifth
is an acknowledgement to America, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our
country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is
still our country, right or wrong;” the sixth is for where America’s heart lies.
It is with America’s heart that Americans pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all; the seventh is a
tribute to America’s armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that
Americans protect their country and their flag against all enemies; the eighth
is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that
others might see the light of day, and to honor American mothers, for whom it
flies on Mother’s Day; the ninth is an honor to womanhood, for it has been
through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of men and
women who have made this country great have been molded; the 10th fold is a
tribute to fatherhood, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the
defense of America since he or she was first-born; the 11th, in the eyes of
Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King
Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the
12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity
and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost; and in
the last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost,
reminding Americans of their national motto, “In God We Trust.”
Once the flag was properly folded, Koepp and Thoma embraced for a moment between
family.
Guest veterans of the Color Guard were given the opportunity to introduce
themselves and share which branch they served and which war(s) they fought in.
The high school band and choir performed for the audience with a medley of
patriotic songs starting with “Our America” and ending with Lee Greenwood’s
“Proud to be an American.”
As the program drew to an end, “Taps” was performed. “Taps” is the sounding of a
bugle call to signal “lights out” at the end of a military day and during
patriotic memorial ceremonies and military funerals.
Chadwick retired the Color Guard and as those members exited the Fieldhouse the
Elementary Student Council presented each one with a little treat bag and
thanked them.
Gaier gave his closing remarks.
“True freedom in our country comes with huge responsibility for all of us,”
Gaier said. “On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans,
and let us renew our promise to fulfill our obligations to our veterans and
their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.
“Thank you for taking the time to honor our veterans with me today.”
News: Owen -
Prevail Bank Donates to Holway Sluggers Ball Club (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Larson
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023
Owen – Prevail Bank Donates to Holway Sluggers Ball Club ($2,500 - 2023)
Amber Larson, Holway Sluggers Ball Club President (far right), along with club
board members and youth players (all in uniform), accepted a $2,500 donation
from assorted Prevail Bank professionals. Submitted photo.
Prevail Bank donated $2,500 to help the Holway Sluggers Ball Club in Owen
improve their ball field. Planned improvements include field sand and gravel, an
electronic scoreboard, a grandstand with bleachers, yellow fence guards and
caps, and softball equipment for players.
This organization welcomes everyone to play, no matter their talent or
disability. Twelve percent of their youth are special needs.
Amber Larson, Holway Sluggers Ball Club president along with Club Board members
and youth players accepted the check from assorted Prevail Bank professionals.
The funds provided were part of Prevail Bank’s Charitable Contributions program.
The program is available for local non-profits that help local people in need,
especially those with low-to-moderate incomes; stimulate communities
financially; and/or enhances the standard of living of those less fortunate.
If an organization is interested in applying for funds for a major initiative,
visit Prevail.bank/resources/community.
Obit: Becker,
Marjorie Ann (1940 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Becker, Boldt, Hainz, Cunningham, Kamees, Tomac, Horswell, Gies,
Pergande
----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 11/18/2023
Becker, Marjorie Ann (15 February 1940 – 16 November 2023)
MOUNT PLEASANT – Marjorie Ann Becker (Hainz) died peacefully on November 16th,
2023, after fighting a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Marjorie was born February 15th (her father’s birthday), 1940 in Grant Township,
to the late Edward and Florence (Boldt) Hainz. She attended a one room
schoolhouse thru 6th grade and then St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated
from Neillsville High School in 1958. Marge then went on to nursing school and
graduated in 1961 from St Joseph’s School of Nursing in Marshfield.
Marge married Conrad J Becker on September 15, 1962, and was married for 44
years until Conrad’s passing in 2007. Together they lived in Kenosha and after
raising their daughters Brenda and Sally, moved to Neillsville in 1989. Marge
moved to Mount Pleasant in 2013.
Marge worked as a registered nurse at Kenosha Memorial Hospital, Woodstock
Nursing Home, St Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, and Elizabeth Gardens Assisted
Living in Racine WI. Her career as a nurse expanded 41 years and included being
a member Kenosha District Nurses Assoc. for several years.
While raising their daughters, Marge and Conrad enjoyed vacations that included
tent camping, RVing thru the United States, and eventually taking getaways to
their cabin on 5 wooded acres outside of Neillsville.
Being an active 4H member in her youth, Marge supported 4-H as an adult and
started and led the “St. Therese TNT 4H Club” while her daughters attended St
Therese Catholic School. Through 4-H, Marge shared her sewing talent and taught
her daughters how to sew. She enjoyed sewing and making fashion clothing for
herself, family, and friends. Her sewing portfolio included matching dresses for
herself and daughters, a wedding dress for her sister Janet, several flower girl
dresses and even drapes.
Marge had a passion for decorating and crafting. At St Mary’s Catholic Church in
Neillsville and St Lucy’s Catholic Church in Racine, she led and was actively
involved in the liturgical decorating committees. She made sure the church was
at its finest for each liturgical season. She also decorated other places of
worship, venues, and banquet halls for weddings.
Marge enjoyed singing and was a member of the choirs at St Mary’s and St Lucys.
Marge enjoyed getting her hands dirty in her garden with her kitty by her side.
She reached her goal of seeing her garden in full bloom this past summer. “Her
birds” will miss her.
Christmas was her favorite and most treasured holiday. Marge enjoyed decorating
her home for the holiday season and for hosting family parties. Not a wall or
space was spared. This year Marge was called to her true home for Christmas.
Marge will be missed by her daughters Brenda (Kevin) Cunningham and Sally Becker
(Gary Kamees); her siblings, Jean (Greg) Tomac, Larry Hainz, Janet (Jerry)
Horswell: her brother and sister in-laws Yvonne (James) Gies, Diann (Don)
Pergande, Sister Mary Becker FSPA, Al (Carol) Becker, Harry (Rose) Becker and
many nieces and nephews.
Marge was preceded in death by her husband Conrad J Becker; her parents Edward
and Florence Hainz; father and mother in-law Arthur and Viola Becker and brother
and sister in-law, Donald and Barbara Becker.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home
and Crematory on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, for a visitation from 4:00 p.m. –
6:00 p.m. A prayer service will follow at 6:00 p.m.
The celebration of her Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary’s
Catholic Church (1813 Black River Road Neillsville, WI) on Saturday, November
25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a visitation at church from 9:30 a.m.
until 10:30 a.m. Her interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Gesche
Funeral Home & Cremation Service are handling the arrangements in Neillsville
(715-743-3322) https://www.geschefh.com/.
Obit: Johnson,
LeRoy Arnold (1947 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Johnson, Murphy, Volland, Simek, Ziegler, Steltenpohl, Reiter, Auman
----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/18/2023
Johnson, LeRoy Arnold (15 September 1947 – 17 November 2023) With Flag
LeRoy Johnson, age 76, of Neillsville, died Friday, November 17, 2023, at his
home.
LeRoy Arnold Johnson was born on September 15, 1947, in Marshfield, the son of
Nels Arnold and Gertrude Isabelle (Murphy) Johnson. He graduated from
Neillsville High School in 1965, and served in the United States Army from 1968
to 1970, stationed in Germany. On August 5, 1972, he was united in marriage to
Barbara Volland. LeRoy farmed in Neillsville and worked at the Nelson Muffler
factory. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening.
LeRoy's family would like to give a special thanks to ProMedica Hospice nurses,
Jason, Beth and Jackie for the excellent care they provided.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, six children, Andrew (Julie Simek) Johnson
of Neillsville, Peter Johnson of Eau Claire, Sally (Michael) Johnson of
Oconomowoc, Mary Johnson of Neillsville, Steven (Mindy) Johnson of Neillsville,
and Kenny (Tiffany) Johnson of Neillsville, 15 grandchildren, five siblings,
Gary Johnson of Dubois, Wyoming, Charles (Judy) Johnson of Neillsville, Marcia
(Rick) Ziegler of Neillsville, Diane (Jerry) Steltenpohl of Marquette, MI, and
Kathy Reiter of Waverly, IA. LeRoy is further survived by many nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Gertrude Johnson, his
father-in-law, William Volland, mother-in-law, Bernice Volland, an infant son,
and brothers-in-law, Thomas Volland and Charles Aumann.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Online Condolences may be made at
www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting LeRoy's family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of LeRoy
Johnson, please visit our flower store.
