Obit: Colby,
Dorothy Mae (1951 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Colby, Prokopiak, Twarowski, Amidon, Fudala, Purdy, Hanson, Nernberger
----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Owen, Clark Co., WI) 6/29/2023
Colby, Dorothy Mae (1 November 1951 – 27 June 2023)
On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Dorothy Mae Colby, 71, passed away in the comfort of
her home with loved ones surrounding her. She courageously battled cancer for
the past year, but finally succumbed to the fatal illness.
Dorothy was born November 1, 1951, to Joseph J. and Florence M. (Prokopiak)
Twarowski in Chippewa Falls. She was raised in the Owen-Withee area and grew up
on the family farm with two sisters. Dorothy was a graduate of Owen-Withee High
School in 1969. She met her husband of 51 years in the same town, got married
and started her own family. She worked at Master Package for several years
before becoming a CNA at the Clark County Health Care Center for 30+ years, from
which she retired.
Dorothy had the biggest heart and was filled with so much compassion. She
touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her. She enjoyed being a
social butterfly and at times one could say a bit gossipy. Dorothy was
strong-willed and stubborn, but these traits defined her. She was a fighter and
made an impact on everyone who knew her. She liked to have family get togethers,
frost Christmas cookies with the family, attend Red-Hats gatherings and
grandchildren’s sports games, shopping, scrolling through her Facebook (although
not always knowing what she was “liking” or writing), meeting up with friends,
trying all of Dylan’s new dishes, and dressing up for Halloween to hand out
candy to the trick or treaters. She was a great friend and the most thoughtful
person you could meet, but what Dorothy loved most was being a grandma and
caring for her grandchildren, no matter what age. She will be missed by all.
Even during Dorothy’s most difficult times throughout the past year, she stayed
strong and started living by the motto “It will all work out.” She believed in
the power of prayer and that there is a time and reason for everything.
Dorothy is survived by two sisters: Sandra (Ron) Amidon, and Patsy Fudala. She
will forever be remembered by her daughters: Stacey (Kevin) Purdy, Kelley
(Jason) Hanson, and Shanna Nernberger. She will be cherished and always
remembered as “Beema” to her grandchildren: Dylan Hanson, Lexi and Damian
Nernberger.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Brad Colby, who
will be waiting for her with open arms at heaven’s gate. She is also preceded in
death by her parents; her brother-in-law: Gary Fudala; her son-in-law: Neil
Nernberger; and her precious dog, Zsa-Zsa (her fourth daughter).
Dorothy’s wishes were to be cremated and have a small, family only service which
will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Following that service, the family will
be having a Celebration of Life for Dorothy at Igy’s Bar and Grill, in Withee,
from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., which will be open to anyone that knew Dorothy.
Obit: Senn, Marla
Sue (1947 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Senn, Golub, Halperin, Uhlig
----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 6/29/2023
Senn, Marla Sue (9 August 1947 – 26 June 2023)
Marla S. Senn, age 75, of Thorp, passed away at home on Monday, June 26, 2023.
Marla Sue Halperin was born on August 9, 1947, in Chicago, IL to Kiva and Ruth
(Golub) Halperin. She was raised and received her education in Chicago,
graduating from Von Steuben High School in 1965. Marla attended the University
of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN before transferring to the University of
Wisconsin-Madison where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
After graduation, she worked at the University of Minnesota Hospital in
pediatrics until her marriage to Chuttie Senn on February 3, 1984, in Thorp.
They resided in Thorp and Marla was employed as a nurse at Victory Memorial
Hospital in Stanley, and later at Clark County Health Department in Neillsville.
She retired in 2008 from Rusk County Memorial Hospital in Ladysmith.
She was a member of the Thorp Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, served on the
Thorp Library Board, and was a former member of the Thorp Volunteer Fire
Department where she also taught continuing education.
Marla had many interests, but especially loved her church family, going on
mission trips, watching TV, and playing sudoku.
She is survived by her husband, Charles "Chuttie" Senn, of Thorp; two brothers:
Allen (Villerma) Halperin of Joliet, IL, and Barry (Sandra) Halperin of Mesa,
AZ; one aunt: Arlene Golub of Skokie, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and
friends. Marla was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 8, 2023, at Kingdom Hall of
Jehovah's Witnesses, N14739 Bachelors Avenue in Thorp, with Ronald Uhlig
officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 1 p.m. until time of
service.
Bio: Durst, Ken –
Benefit For Him Unhampered by Rain (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Durst, Opelt, Beckley, Gross, Finck, Shaw, Schultz
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/21/2023
Hope For Ken Durst Unhampered by Rain (2023)
By Edward DuBois
Hundreds of people passed through the Silver Dome on June 10, 2023 to support
Ken Durst at his benefit.
As the Make-A-Wish convoy came to a close and a thunderstorm came in to bring in
the spring’s much-needed rain, many people were already gathered in the outdoor
bar area and inside the SpeakEasy.
Ken Durst was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer about six months ago. Since then,
doctors have said he is making progress.
Durst’s wife, Melinda, who makes sure Ken makes it to all his appointments,
talked about how mad the diagnosis made her, since she said her husband is such
a wonderful man.
“Everyone here is a blessing,” Melinda Durst said.
Many of the attendees were friends and relations, and many more were general
supporters of Ken’s.
One such attendee was Ken’s old friend, Kevin Opelt, who had just battled his
third bout of cancer, too, and had recently undergone surgery.
“[It’s a] very nice thing they’re doing here,” Opelt said.
The event was organized by Nicki Beckley and Marsha Gross.
Beckley, the Durst’s neighbor, started the event, going to the SpeakEasy’s
owner, Jayme Finck, for a venue to host the benefit.
“Ken’s a sweet man,” Beckley said. “If you need help, he’d roll up his sleeves
and help.
“We were all heartbroken when we found out.”
“It’s really sad, is what it is,” Gross said. “It’s so frequent.”
“This is no way to spend your retirement,” Beckley said.
Beckley wanted to do something to help. She had known the Dursts since becoming
their neighbor in 2017.
Gross and her family had grown up with Ken Durst’s.
“Small towns are known for their kindness,” Gross said.
Finck, when approached for the idea, wanted to get to work right away, more than
willing to help.
“This is less about money,” Beckley said, “and more about love.”
Beckley explained the benefit was a way to show Ken Durst the support behind him
with all the people who wanted him to fight his diagnosis being gathered in one
place.
Inside the SpeakEasy, a silent auction was held, and live music was played later
in the event. Due to the rain, the band, Double Threat, was invited to play
inside.
There was also a drawing for a rifle that held a last surprise for everyone in
attendance.
Beckley came out to the Silver Dome Too to announce the winner, swearing she was
not making it up. The name pulled from the bucket was none other than Ken Durst.
Ken tried, at first, to refuse the outcome. However, Jim Shaw, who donated it,
insisted Ken take the rifle. And he did.
As the June 10 thunderstorm calmed to waves of light to heavy rain, (l-r) Nicki
Beckley, Melinda Durst, Jim Durst, Jim Shaw and Emma Schultz (the Durst’
granddaughter) show off the chart used to accept the entries for the rifle
raffle, which Ken won, to everyone’s surprise.
Edward DuBois/Clark County Press
Obit: Burr, Denise
Marie (1970 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Burr, Tresemer, Opelt, Kreitlow, Liebzeit
----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/29/2023
Burr, Denise Marie (4 November 1970 – 28 June 2023)
Denise Marie (Opelt Kreitlow) Burr, 52 passed away June 28, 2023.
She was born on November 4, 1970, to Gerald & Carol (Tresemer) Opelt. So excited
to enter this world she couldn't wait to arrive at the hospital and was born on
the way in the ambulance. Denise continued to make her mark and was crowned Miss
Neillsville 1988. She graduated from Neillsville High School in 1989. Denise was
united in marriage to Dusty Kreitlow on May 1993 and brought their son, Derek,
into the world in 1995. They later divorced. Denise later married Russ Burr and
was blessed to become a part of his 2 children's, Joe and Randi, lives. Denise
enjoyed the summertime, traveling and demo derbies. She loved being an aunt to
her nieces and nephew, but what gave her the most joy in life was being a mom to
her son, Derek. He was her whole world.
She will be greatly missed by her son, Derek (Megan) Kreitlow, her grandson
Denton Lee Kreitlow, her mother, Carol, her brothers, Brad, Chad (Amanda), &
Ryan (Sunni) Opelt her nieces, Bella, Paris, Dalaney & Alexis Opelt, her nephew,
Boden Opelt and by Russ Burr and Dusty Kreitlow. She is preceded in death by her
father Jerry, grandparents and several aunts and uncles.
The family would like to thank Linda Liebzeit, her staff and the Inclusa team
for all the years of caring for Denise.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Online Condolences may be made at
www.geschefh.com. Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is
assisting Denise's family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Denise Burr,
please visit our flower store.
Obit: Troka,
Eugene “Geno” (1933 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Troka, Fitte, Kohler, Lundeen, Harding, Jones, Sabatka
----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Owen, Clark Co., WI) 6/21/2023
Troka, Eugene “Geno” (4 December 1933 – 26 June 2023) With Flag
Eugene “Geno” Troka, age 89, of Colby, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023, at
his home under the tender care of Compassus Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Eugene was born on December 4, 1933, the son of Joseph and Marie (Fitte) Troka
in Chicago, IL. He graduated from high school and attended Northwestern
University. Eugene served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from
1953-55. On June 28, 1958, he was united in marriage to Thelma Kohler in Chicago
where they began raising their family. In August of 1969, Eugene moved his
family to a country home in Riplinger, WI. He worked various jobs and retired
from Felker Brothers in Marshfield where he was employed for 37 years.
Eugene lived a simple, laid back life. He loved his family as they were his
heart and soul. Eugene gave the best hugs, and you could feel his love after
receiving one.
Eugene is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Thelma; four children: Ginny
(Chuck) Lundeen of Colby, Eugene Troka of Boscobel, JoAnne Troka (John Harding)
of Abbotsford and Janice (Aaron) Jones of Abbotsford; 12 grandchildren: Brandi,
Ben, Beth, Carlee, Crystal, Chip, Autumn, Troy, Markie, Molly, Aaron and Chloe;
10 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He is further
survived by his sister, Connie Sabatka of Chicago, IL; nieces, nephews, other
relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and six siblings: Florence, Virginia,
Joe, Dolly, Richard and Robert.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Eugene "Geno", please visit our
Tree Store or plant a tree.
Obit: Ellenbecker,
Richard Bernard (1948 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Ellenbecker, Mauritz, Kempf, Pongratz, Wojciechowski, Engelberth,
Leister, Schreiber, O’Neill, Speakman, Gokey
----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 7/01/2023
Ellenbecker, Richard Bernard (31 May 1948 – 29 June 2023)
Richard Bernard Ellenbecker, age 75, of Auburndale, passed away on Thursday,
June 29, 2023, at House of the Dove in Marshfield.
Richard was born May 31, 1948, the son of Bernard and Emma (Mauritz) Ellenbecker
in Wausau. He graduated from Colby High School in 1966. On October 14, 1972,
Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life Diane Kempf at St. John’s
Lutheran Church in Auburndale.
He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He worked at Weyerhaeuser/Masonite
for 44 years until his retirement. He also drove school bus part-time for
several years with Marshfield Bus Service. Richard enjoyed spending time with
his family and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He loved having
campfires in the backyard with his family, going up north to the deer hunting
cabin and going for rides on his 4 wheeler. Richard enjoyed going on cruises,
traveling to visit relatives in other states and in retirement enjoyed going
south in the winter to Myrtle Beach, Gulf Shores or Mission, Texas.
Richard is lovingly survived by his wife Diane and his children: Sarah (Jody)
Pongratz of Milladore, Amy (Mark) Wojciechowski of Plover, Lisa (Travis)
Engelberth of Spencer, Laura Ellenbecker of Wauwatosa, and 4 grandchildren,
Michael and Makayla Pongratz and Sophia and Olivia Engelberth. He is further
survived by his siblings Bernard (Jeanette) Ellenbecker, Doris (Joe) Leister,
Ervin Ellenbecker, Rose Schreiber, Emilie Ellenbecker, Patrick (Cory)
Ellenbecker, Lynette O’Neill, Carmel Speakman, Susan (Scott Gokey) Ellenbecker.
He is further survived by his father-in-law Vernon Kempf, brothers-in-law and
sisters-in-laws, Dennis and Debra Kempf, Don and Mary Kempf, Lee and Deb Kempf,
Randy and Cathy Kempf, Darryl Kempf and several nieces and nephews.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents: Ben and Emma Ellenbecker, one
brother Barry Ellenbecker and mother-in-law Delores Kempf.
A funeral Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at St. John’s
Lutheran Church, 10571 George Ave, in Auburndale. Visitation will be held at St.
John’s Lutheran Church from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on July 5, 2023. Burial
will take place at Arpin Cemetery in the Town of Arpin.
Those wishing to express their sympathy are encouraged to do so as a memorial
will be designated at a later time.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Bernard
Ellenbecker, please visit our floral store.
Obit: Hoffman,
Gloria Marie (1937 - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Hoffman, Schiller, Updyke, Smrekar, Conners, Brusoe, Turner, Graham
----Source: Rembs Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 7/02/2023
Hoffman, Gloria Marie (12 August 1937 - 2 July 2023)
Gloria M. Hoffman, 85, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Waterford
Assisted Living in Colby.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 7, 2023, at
Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home in Stratford with visitation from 9:00 am until
service time. Burial will follow at Ebenezer United Church of Christ Cemetery in
the Town of Cleveland, Marathon County.
Gloria was born Gloria Marie Updyke on August 12, 1937, in Washington County in
the Town of Barton. Her parents were Floyd Updyke and Laura (Schiller) Updyke.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Barton until moving to North Lake
Wisconsin in 1943. In 1947 her and her family moved to Greenwood where she
attended Eaton Center Grade School and then Greenwood High School. In 1955, she
graduated and married the love of her life Herman William Hoffman the III. They
were married for 63 years.
In her younger years Gloria worked at Stewarts Dairy in Greenwood, she also had
a horse named Queenie that she rode all the time and loved being outdoors. She
helped her dad on the farm and played with other unique creatures including
snakes. She has always had a great love for the outdoors and living eventually
in the great North woods of Rhinelander. She and dad also lived in Owen, Gilman
and Colby throughout the years. Gloria was also a lifetime member of the VFW
Ladies Auxiliary, where she held many offices on the local, district, and state
levels. She also liked bowling, reading, painting, sewing, handiwork, and of
course her gardening and endless love of flowers and raising five children.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Bonnie, brother Floyd JR
and her sister Elizabeth (Jeannie). She was also preceded in death by her
husband Herman. Gloria is survived by her Sister Judy Smrekar of Rhinelander,
five children, Pauline (Joey) Conners of Eagle River, Laurene (Mark Brusoe)
Turner of Tomahawk, Colleen Graham of Colby, Joeline Hoffman of Stratford and
Herman (Petra) Hoffman (currently serving in the U.S. Army in North Carolina as
a Lt. Colonel). Gloria is also survived by 17 Grandchildren and 18 Great
Grandchildren. She was a very social butterfly and has now used those wings to
fly home. She will be missed by all. Love you forever Mom.
Obit: Ortner, Lucille (1938 -
2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Ortner, Larson, Pierson, Steffen, Roghair, Shaw, Saylor, Nilles
----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 7/03/2023
Ortner, Lucille R. (30 May 1938 – 30 June 2023)
Lucille R. Ortner, Age 85 of Marshfield, passed away peacefully with her family
by her side on June 30, 2023, at the House of Dove.
Lucille was born on May 30, 1938, in Humboldt, IA. She was united in marriage to
Ronald J Ortner on February 20, 1957. They were blessed with 8 sons and 4
daughters. Lucille and Ron spent most of their lifetime as farmers, beginning in
Iowa. In 1977, they moved their family to Willard, where they farmed for another
13 years. After their farming days, she enjoyed her time cleaning homes and
babysitting children. She was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in
Willard and Christ the King Parish in Spencer. She married Dick Larson in April
of 2015.
She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great
grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, family picnics, holiday
gatherings and trips to the casino with Ron! She made sure nothing was left
undone and everyone left with a full stomach.
Lucille is survived by her second husband, Dick; ten children: Cindy Pierson of
Johnston IA: Rita (Chuck) Steffen of Willard, Ken Ortner of Martel, Joe (Deb)
Ortner of Greenwood, Jim (Lori) Ortner of Dalton, Mike (April) Ortner of Suamico,
Sue (Terry) Ortner-Roghair of Faribault, MN, Sandra (Mike) Shaw of Chippewa
Falls, Bob (Jen) Ortner of Spring Valley, and Dave (Shena) Ortner of
Neillsville; daughter-in-law Michelle Ortner of North Hudson; 36 grandchildren;
30 great grandchildren; Lucille's siblings, John, Mary, Barb, Marcie, Clarine,
Eva, and James; many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Ron Ortner, her parents
Charles and Lucy Nilles, her two children Chuck and Dan, her sister Dorothy and
brothers: Donald, Harold, Melvin and Joseph.
A special thank you to the many wonderful staff members at the Abbotsford
Nursing Home and the House of Dove for their kindness they gave to Lucille
during her journey.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023,
at Christ the King Parish in Spencer, WI. Rev. Barry Saylor will officiate.
Burial will follow in West Spencer Cemetery. Visitation will take place on
Saturday at the church in Spencer from 9 a.m. until time of services. A luncheon
at the church will follow the committal services. The honor of pallbearer
belongs to her sons, David, Bob, Mike, Jim, Joe and Ken Ortner.
Arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home and Cremation
Service-Spencer. Visit
www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lucille Ortner,
please visit Tribute Store
Obit: Slobodnik,
Richard J. “Dick” (1935- 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Slobodnik, Crystal, Stangret, Christophersen, Barabe, Jensen, Schara,
Stock, Amacher
----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Owen, Clark Co., WI) 7/03/2023
Slobodnik, Richard J. “Dick” (2 May 1935 – 29 June 2023) With Flag
Richard “Dick” J. Slobodnik, age 88, of Withee, passed away on Thursday, June
29, 2023, at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center in Owen.
Dick was born on May 2, 1935, the son of John and Clara (Crystal) Slobodnik in
Gary, IN. He served in the US Army stationed in Germany. On October 15, 1955,
Richard was united in marriage to Dolores Stangret in Stanley. She preceded him
in death on August 13, 2018. They lived in Chicago for eight years and in 1965,
they moved back to Withee. He worked for Wisconsin Gas Company for many years
until his retirement.
Dick was the commander of the Lublin American Legion Post #547 for many years
and a member of the Owen-Withee Vets Club. He was very handy and enjoyed
woodworking including remodeling the legion hall in Lublin. He also played in
the Friz Band and had a DJ service, DJ Sound Connection.
Richard is survived by his four children: Randy of Hartland, Bruce (Debbie) of
Chisholm, MN, John of Wausau and Julie (Steve) Christophersen of Owen; four
grandchildren: Nicolette Slobodnik, Samantha (Andrew) Barabe, Orion (Ariel)
Slobodnik and Jared (Macie) Jensen and five great-grandchildren. He is further
survived by a brother-in-law, Bob Schara of Cornell; nieces, nephews, other
relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dolores; his daughter,
Roxanne Kay, his granddaughter, Jesse Jensen, his sister Delores Stock and his
brother Larry.
A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023, at the
Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen. Rev. Nancy Amacher will officiate.
Interment to follow at the Maplehurst Cemetery with Military Honors provided by
the Lublin American Legion Post #547, Owen American Legion Post #123,
Owen-Withee Vets Club and the Thorp VFW Post #9057. Family and friends are
welcome from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service Friday at the funeral home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard "Dick",
please visit our floral store.
