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Bio: Birkett, Lynette Kay (Birth – 7 Aug 1970)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Birkett, Foemmel

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 13 Aug 1970

Mr. and Mrs. Willis Birkett are the parents of a daughter born Friday, August 7, 1970, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield.

Their new arrival weighed seven pounds, seven ounces at birth, and has been named Lynette Kay. She joins four brothers and two sisters at home.

Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Walter Foemmel, Chili (Clark Co., Wis.), and Wilber Birkett, Colby (Clark Co.).

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Obit: Mason, LaVonne Marie (1946 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Mason, Barum, Stuart, Schmidt, Brill, Dieck, Brooks, Davison, Lowe

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 6/16/2024

Mason, LaVonne Marie (13 April 1946 – 14 June 2024)

LaVonne M. Mason, age 78, of Thorp, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, surrounded by her family.

LaVonne Marie Stuart was born on April 13, 1946, in Eau Claire, to Ralph H. and Marjorie A. (Barum) Stuart. She was raised on the family farm and received her education in Elk Mound, graduating from Elk Mound High School in 1964. After completing her education, LaVonne volunteered at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, until moving to Thorp where she worked at ITT Finance. She was united in marriage to Scott H. Mason on September 1, 1973. They had a great marriage that spanned 50 years and 6 months. After ITT closed, LaVonne was a cook for the Head Start program in Thorp, and later was employed as a cook for the Clark County Health Care Center in Owen, until retiring in 2002. During retirement, she was very dedicated to the Thorp American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, and was involved in the Angel Tree Program.

She had many interests, but especially enjoyed collecting salt & pepper shakers, going to auctions, antiquing and knitting.
LaVonne was a member of the Thorp Methodist Church, the Thorp American Legion Auxiliary, was formerly a Girl Scout volunteer, and served as secretary for the Thorp Sportsman's Club for several years.

She is survived by her children, Steven (Frances) Mason, Nichole (Kari) Schmidt, Valerie (Will) Mason, Ryan Mason, Jonathan “Boots’ (Michelle) Mason, 15 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; her brother-in-law: Tom Brill of Las Vegas, NV; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Scott, on March 2, 2024; one brother, James Stuart; and one sister, Colleen Brill.

Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Thorp Funeral Home, with Pastor Rob Lowe officiating. Burial will follow in the Town of Butler Cemetery, rural Thorp. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Mason, Ryan Mason, Jordan Dieck, Emmett Brooks, Will Davison, and Kari Schmidt. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, on Friday, from 10 a.m. until time of service.

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Obit: Peppas, Diann Nanette (1953 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Peppas, Glick, Harlow

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 6/16/2024

Peppas, Diann Nanette (10 July 1953 – 14 June 2024)

Diann N. Peppas, aged 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Clark County Rehab & Living Center in Owen.

She was born Diann Nanette Harlow on July 10, 1953, to J.B. “Buddy” and Nancy H. (Glick) Harlow in Milwaukee. Diann grew up in Milwaukee where she graduated from Hamilton High School in 1972, and married the love of her life, Nicolas Peppas on August 30, 1975. After high school, she went to work at Briggs and Stratton in Milwaukee until 1986 when Nick and Diann moved to Greenwood.

Diann had many interests, but especially loved classic mustang cars, motorcycles, classic rock music, old westerns, the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Brewers and most of all, her family.

She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Nick Peppas of Greenwood, WI; her son, Eric Peppas and his wife, Sarah, of Deerfield; her brother, Bill (Brenda) Harlow of Menomonee Falls; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Diann was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Tom Harlow.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Clark County Rehab & Living Center and Heartland Hospice for the comfort they provided Diann and her family while she was entrusted in their care.

Please join her family for a celebration of her life on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI.

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Obit: Scharf, Geraldine Fay “Gerry” (1939 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Scharf, Daniels, Elmhorst, Friemoth, Vargas, Klein, Gallagher, Hanson, Young, Brundidge, Winter, Bendlin, Niskanen, Zimmerman

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/14/2024

Scharf, Geraldine Fay “Gerry” (5 July 1939 – 13 June 2024)

Gerry Scharf of Granton passed away on Thursday, June 13th, 2024.

Geraldine Fay Elmhorst was born July 5th, 1939, to Frederick and Christine (Daniels) Elmhorst of Loyal. Gerry graduated from Loyal High School in 1957. She worked for a year as a nursing assistant until she met the love of her life Donald Scharf whom she married in 1958. She was his devoted wife for 44 years and mother to their 6 children. Gerry prided herself on being a stay-at-home mom until she returned to work as a CNA in 1987 at Neillsville Care & Rehab, formerly known as Memorial Medical Center-Sunset Gardens. Gerry absolutely loved her job caring for the nursing home residents until her retirement in 2014. She touched so many lives with the compassionate care she provided and the bright light she would bring into any room. During her retirement she enjoyed spending time with her family and her pets, traveling and working in her flower garden. She was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Zion American Lutheran Church in Granton. She also attended services and Bible study at North Ridge Church in Marshfield. She spent her last four months under the care of the amazing staff at North Shore Healthcare, formerly known as Marshfield Care Center. Gerry made lots of new friends while she was there and loved all the activities and social opportunities they provided.

Gerry is survived by her children, Alan Scharf of Marshfield, Faye (Jack) Friemoth of Granton, Tami Scharf of Granton, Dona (Daniel) Vargas of Rochester, NH, and Dyan (Wayne) Friemoth of Neillsville; Grandchildren Dana & Shelly Klein, Dawn & Jamie Gallagher, Deann & Jamie Hanson, Devin & Kaitlin Klein, Brandon & Becky Young, Jeff and Megan Young, Jerry Young, Austin & Chiaki Friemoth and Sarah, Matt & Alex Brundidge; Great grandchildren Carter & Hudson Hanson, Abigail & Kelsey Gallagher, Isla, Enley & Ronen Klein and Lucas, Ethan & Haylie Young.; Siblings Fritz (Margo) Elmhorst of Clearwater, Florida, Cathy Winter of Greenwood, Tom (Jeannie) Elmhorst of Albuquerque, NM and Barbara (David) Bendlin of Milton. She is also survived by her best friend Puggles of 15 years and her two cats, Tommy & Gerry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don, her son, Gary Scharf and siblings David and Marcia.

Funeral Services for Gerry will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the Zion American Lutheran Church in Granton, WI. Pastor Daniel Zimmerman will officiate the service, and Shelby Niskanen will provide music. Interment will be in the Zion American Lutheran Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the Neillsville American Legion. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at the church.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jeff Young, Shelly Klein, Jamie Gallagher, Jamie Hanson, Austin Friemoth, Alex Brundidge and honorary Pallbearer Devin Klein.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Clark County Humane Society.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Gerry's family with funeral arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Geraldine Scharf, please visit our flower store.

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Obit: Sonderegger, William Allen, Sr. (1940 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Sonderegger, Brown, Young, Blodgett, Budzinski Kurth, Stark, Cempe, Amacher

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 6/16/2024

Sonderegger, William Allen Sr. (8 November 1940 – 10 June 2024)

William A. Sonderegger Sr., age 83, of Greenwood, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, at home.

William Allen Sonderegger was born on the family farm, in the Town of Beaver, rural Greenwood, on November 8, 1940, to Clarence Elmer and Laura Jane (Brown) Sonderegger. He was raised and received his education in the Greenwood area, and attended Greenwood High School. After completing his education, Bill went into the U.S. Army in January 1959, and had basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was then sent to Fort Gordon, GA and from there was shipped out to Germany, where he served from June 1959 until June 1961 in the 585th Signal Company. He was then transferred to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where he served in the 585th Signal Company. Bill was united in marriage to Betty Gregory in 1961 and they had three children. After his honorable discharge in 1962, which he served 2 months and 13 days over his enlistment due to the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bill came back to Wisconsin and then moved to Winchester, NH. He and his wife later divorced.

While in Winchester, Bill was on the Fire Department for 18 years and was elected to equip the new Rescue truck with all tools, started the Ambulance service with 3 other people which he served on for 6 years, served on the committee for building the new Municipal Building which housed the Police, Fire and Ambulance, helped put in the sewer system for the Town of Winchester, was the sewer commissioner for 6 years, and worked in the Safety Department for 8 years. He was also a carpenter for 35 years, operated heavy equipment, bulldozer and gravel truck, and drove semi-truck for 12 years with no accidents. Bill was united in marriage to Nancy K. Young in August 1992. He retired in 2004 and they moved back to his family’s home farm in Greenwood.

Bill had many interests, but especially enjoyed helping people doing small carpentry jobs.

He was a member of the Greenwood American Legion for 33 years, and a volunteer at The Highground in Neillsville.

Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Greenwood; his children: Princess Blodgett, Arthur (Bonnie) Sonderegger, and William Sonderegger, Jr., all of Winchester, NH; his step-son: Mark A. Young of San Angelo, TX; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Tom (Kathy) Sonderegger of East Troy, Gordon (Barbara) Sonderegger of Winston, SC, Paul (Theresa) Sonderegger of Newport News, VA; Shirley (Gerald) Budzinski of Wausau, and Beatrice Kurth of Rothschild, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother: Duane Sonderegger in 1996; his sister: Judy Stark in 2023; and his step-daughter: Bobbi Jo Cempe in September 2009.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Cuddie Funeral Home in Greenwood. Rev. Nancy Amacher will officiate, and burial will follow in the Greenwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12 p.m. until time of service.

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Obit: Jollivette, Wilma Lenore (1936 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Jolivette, Pratt, Prior, Koschak, Fleming, Susa, Schrimper, Poeschel, Foemmel, Parsons, Barum, Amwoza

----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 6/17/2024

Jollivette, Wilma Lenore (5 February 1936 – 13 June 2024)

Wilma Jolivette, 88 of Marshfield, died from the effects of Alzheimer’s on June 13, 2024. She enjoyed having local obituaries read to her. It sparked a part of her brain that allowed her to recall and share the names of family members of the deceased, their birth order, who they married, where they lived relative to the home farm where she grew up, along with amusing anecdotes of growing up together near Rock Creek swimming hole.

Wilma Lenore Prior was born during a snowstorm February 5, 1936, to Calvin and Irene (Pratt) Prior on a farm 2 miles northwest of Loyal. She had three older siblings, Art (Joyce), Allan (Bunny, June), and Polly (Art, Gene). Polly survives.

Wilma’s early memories included the polio epidemic, living through the great depression, and cooking spaghetti and tomatoes with Polly when the folks were out. She also recalled the family owning two ponies: Twinkle and Billy, attending church camp meetings, working as a teenager at Grambsch’s candy store, and obtaining her driver’s license at age 14 when her dad bought the local police officer a beer.

Wilma’s first marriage unfolded in a comedy of errors. Her friend, Jerry Koschak was trying to avoid military service. At the age of 15 she went to the courthouse in Rhinelander and was able to obtain a marriage license by claiming to be 18. Jerry went to the army. The marriage dissolved.

On her 19th birthday she married Gordon Fleming in Park Falls. They had two children, Gordon John Fleming III and Spring Joy Fleming. Eventually Gordon’s spirit of adventure collided with Wilma’s sincere desire to remain close to home and family. The marriage ended in divorce. In an effort to support a family of three as a single parent Wilma worked three jobs; as an office assistant to Dr. R.L. Barnes chiropractic office in Greenwood where she demonstrated exercise equipment, scheduled appointments, and did body wraps, as a waitress at Horn’s Edgetown Drive-In in Greenwood and the Arbutus Café in Neillsville.

It was at Horn’s Edgetown Drive-In that she met her next husband, John Susa, Jr. Wilma welcomed his children Pat, Luann, Tony, and Linda into their lives. They had a daughter, Victoria Irene Susa. John died in an auto accident in September 1969.

Wilma spent the next several years raising her children, obtaining her GED at evening classes along with her friend, Dorothy Schrimper, setting up and serving Meals on Wheels, working as a unit clerk at the inpatient psychiatric department at St. Joseph Hospital, working at Stewart’s Redville Dairy, and working at Grassland Butter.

In 1981 Wilma was at a family wedding dance when she looked across the room and saw an old friend, Delton Jolivette. They were star struck and inseparable from that day on. Del and Wilma were married on March 5, 1982, at home with all their children witnessing the event. Wilma welcomed Del’s children: Charlie, Becky, Cindy, Annie, and Jamie into her life. Delton and Wilma had a large group of friends. They often went snowmobiling or traveling with friends. They hosted annual New Years Eve parties with their grandsons as the most consistent attendees. They always laughed and had a good time.

In 1983 Wilma was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a progressive and degenerative eye disease. She did not accept the diagnosis and spent the rest of her life doing an amazing job pretending she could see.

Wilma and Delton loved their children unconditionally. There were many tragic events and more joyous celebrations. They were there every time a child needed time, encouragement, a favor, a babysitter, or a shoulder to cry on. They respected the choices their children made and did not judge. Their door was always open.

Del died just weeks short of their 30th wedding anniversary. Wilma moved to Cedar Rail. During the seven years she lived there she enjoyed eating lunch at the same table with friends every day. In the afternoons she liked to visit in the community area, and she was a member of a weekly Bible study. For 12 years Wilma went to church with Vicki on Sundays followed by an afternoon of lunch and visiting at Vicki’s home. During those 12 years Spring picked her up every “Wilma Wednesday” for shopping and lunch. When she moved to assisted living, she loved to comment that she was the only resident there whose family took them out twice a week.

Wilma lived out her faith by praying for others. She wore out at least one Bible. God was always her anchor in turbulent times and in good times. She loved to sing hymns and recite Bible verses from memory. She was known for quirky sayings like “Finer than frogs hair” and “I’m not seeing very well today”. She waited patiently to go home to heaven. Her passing was peaceful. Her daughters were by her side.

Wilma’s gift was loving kindness. She loved and was loved by many including those who she faithfully raised up in prayer including many from Zion Community Church. There were many people employed by Serenity Living, Lakeland Care, and Heartland Hospice who knew, provided compassionate care for and loved Wilma. One of her beautiful friends shared this: “I want you to know that my knowing her has made me a better version of me. I believe that beautiful pieces of her are captured in all of us who knew her, and that all of us will pour some of the magic she gave us into the Universe in our words and our actions. In this way, she will remain in this world, making our days better, brighter as she waits for us to join her.”

Wilma is lovingly survived by daughters: Spring (Nick Poeschel) and Vicki (David Foemmel). She is also survived by grandchildren: Jeff Barum, Zach (Jenae) Parsons, Brenda (Tim) Amwoza, John (Rachel) Foemmel, and Kim Fleming. She was further survived by many step children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and daughters of the heart. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Delton Jolivette, a son- Gordon John Fleming III, and two granddaughters, Jackie Barum and Annie Fleming.

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

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Obit: Schultz, Evelyn Elizabeth (1944 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Schultz, Gebauer, Schmidt, Kaiser, Rowley, Dix, Murray, Fischer, Ertl, Waldhauser, Zoellner, Famiyeh

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 6/17/2024

Schultz, Evelyn Elizabeth (12 March 1944 – 15 June 2024)

Evelyn E. Schultz, age 80, of Loyal, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Evelyn Elizabeth Schultz was born on March 12, 1944, in Loyal, the daughter of Andrew and Mary (Gebauer) Schmidt. She was raised on the family farm and received her education at the Spokeville country school, later attending St. Anthony’s Catholic School and Loyal High School, graduating in 1962. On August 25, 1962, Evelyn married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, John Schultz. They were married for 61 years. They took over her family farm and worked side by side for the next 57 years.

Evelyn was a loving, caring mother and grandmother who enjoyed keeping up with her kids’ and grandkids’ adventures, and even joined them on a few sporadic adventures herself. She had many lifelong skills and hobbies which included many hours of tractor driving, nurturing calves, attending many sporting events, horseback riding, sewing, hunting, making cards, going to garage sales, and sitting on her front porch with her family enjoying nature.

Evelyn will be dearly missed by her husband, John; four children: Annette (Pat) Kaiser, Todd (Melissa) Schultz, Brenda (Donnie) Rowley and Lisa (Steve) Dix; 10 grandchildren: Ashley (Kasey) Murray, Eric (Kendra) Kaiser, Michael (Ashley) Kaiser, Sydney and Lindsey Schultz, McKenzie, Deveni and Dylan Rowley, Carly (Ryley) Fischer, Ryan Dix; five great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Jaylah, Rylie, Jordyn and Lexi; two siblings: Dorothy Ertl and Andy Schmidt; one brother-in-law: Larry Waldhauser; two sisters-in-law: Karen Schmidt and Judy Schmidt; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is predeceased by her parents, her siblings: Marie Waldhauser, Donald Schmidt, and Jerome Schmidt; brothers-in-law: Ed Schultz and Jim Zoellner; and her sister-in-law: LaVonne Zoellner.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal. Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ryan Dix, Steve Dix, Eric Kaiser, Dylan Rowley, Donnie Rowley and Sydney Schultz. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and again on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until time of service.

The family would like to thank Dr. Leon, Pat, the nurses in Oncology, and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and comfort provided to Evelyn.

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Obit: Shafto, Patricia E. (1937 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Shafto, Keen, Throckmorton, Haebig, Carlson, Bloom, Foster, Lindner, DeBrosse, Schuld, McCormack

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 6/17/2024

Shafto, Patricia E. (29 March 1937 – 15 June 2024)

Patricia E. Shafto (nee Throckmorton), age 87, spent eight months without her beloved husband of 68 years, and joined him in the arms of Jesus in the late hours of Saturday, June 15, 2024, following a brief illness. During her last days, she was surrounded by her loving family and took her last breath holding the hand of her daughter.

Born on March 29, 1937, in Neptune, New Jersey, Pat was one of five children born to Robert P. and Eleanor (Keen) Throckmorton. She graduated from Asbury Park High School in May 1955.

Pat married the love of her life, Thomas N. Shafto, on August 7, 1955, at Wayside United Methodist Church in New Jersey. Together Tom and Pat raised three children, Tom Jr., Susan and Patti.

They farmed in New Shrewsbury, New Jersey until moving to Mercersburg, Pennsylvania in 1968, where they raised purebred Holstein cattle. They sold that farm and moved back to New Jersey in 1972.

Because of their love of farming, they purchased bare ground in 1976 in the small rural town of Loyal, Wisconsin and moved the family 1,200 miles to where they established the present Shafto Farms. They later built their ‘retirement’ home in the Town of Loyal. Pat was the heart of the home. She was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family, especially over the holidays. Her rice pudding was always a family favorite, alongside her delicious homemade pies.

Pat’s Christian faith was an essential part of her life. She loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all her heart, and loved God’s Word. She was a powerful prayer warrior, and only heaven will know what a wonderful and eternal impact all her many years of faithful praying have had on her family. She taught Sunday School for many years both in New Jersey and Wisconsin. She was a certified lay speaker and a charter member of Our Father’s House in Chili, Wisconsin, where she was the church treasurer for six years.

Pat is survived by her three children – Thomas (Cathy) Shafto of Loyal, Susan (Paul) Haebig of Marshfield, and Patti Shafto-Carlson of Marshfield. She is further survived by her twelve grandchildren – Karen (Matt) Bloom, Mandy (Todd) Foster, Nick (Jenna) Lindner, Michael (Lavonda) Shafto, Elizabeth (Derek) DeBrosse, Joshua (Erin) Shafto, Curtiss (Samantha) Lindner, Jon (Liza) Shafto, Ethan Shafto, Courtney Shafto, Breanna (Zach) Schuld and Erik (Sierra) Carlson, 27 great grandchildren, her sister Ruth McCormack, and several nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas N. Shafto on October 24, 2023, her parents, Robert P. and Eleanor Throckmorton, her brothers Robert Throckmorton, Jr. and Ronald Throckmorton, her sister Dorothy (Throckmorton) Russell, and daughter at birth, Karen Suzanne Shafto.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wells Nature View and St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care and support of not only Pat, but the family that surrounded her. A very special thank you goes to hospice nurse, Breanna.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 20 from 4-6 p.m. at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield. On Friday, June 21, there will be an additional visitation time from 10-11 a.m. followed by the service and meal at 11 a.m. at Our Father’s House, W770 Cty Rd H, Chili, Wi. Pallbearers will be Pat’s seven grandsons. Her final resting place will be alongside her husband, Tom, at the Loyal Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to your charity of choice.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com.

Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time.

9

Obit: Zank, Amber Ellen (1951 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Zank, Chapel, Hiles, Erickson, Hanuszczak, Struensee, Wulf, Eddy, Kunze, Schmidt, Marshall, Twesme, McConnell, Osegard, Clark, Anderson

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/19/2024

Zank, Amber Ellen (8 November 1951 – 17 June 2024)

Amber E. Zank, 72, of Neillsville died on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield from cancer.
Amber Ellen Hiles was born on November 8, 1951, to William and Josephine (Chapel) Hiles. Amber graduated from Granton High School in 1969 and Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire in 1970. On October 10, 1970, she was united in marriage to Ron Zank. Ron and Amber were married for almost 50 years. Amber alongside her husband ran the family farm. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville where she volunteered in many capacities. Amber loved spending time with her friends and family. Her favorite hobby was creating a beautiful lawn with many flower gardens and watching and listening to the many birds that flocked to her yard.

Amber is survived by her children, Clint (Heidi) Zank of Neillsville, Becky Zank of Mukwonago and grandson, Brayden Zank of Neillsville, siblings, Linda (Don) Erickson, Donna Hanuszczak, Sharon (Mike) Struensee all of Neillsville and Mark (Julie) Hiles of Granton, in-laws, Linda Wulf of Elkhorn, Donna (Dennis) Eddy of Neillsville, LuAnne (Edgar "Bud" Jr.) of Burlington, Wanda (Mark) Kunze, Dale (Stacy) Zank and Lori (Brad) Schmidt all of Neillsville, many nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ron, a sister, Joann Hiles, great nephew, Mason Marshall, her father and mother-in-law, Frank and Jeanette Zank, brother-in-law, Stuart Wulf and nephew Randy Wulf.

A funeral service for Amber will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Chad Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday morning at the church.

Interment will be in the Town of Grant Cemetery. Honorary casket bearers will be Greg Eddy and Bob Marty. Casket bearers are Brayden Zank, Bob Twesme, Pat McConnell, Larry Osegard, Jim Erickson, and Dan Clark.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 803 W. North St., Marshfield, WI 54449 or the House of the Dove, 1000 W 11th St., Marshfield, WI 54449.

The family would like to thank the many people that helped Amber and her family through this time including Dr. Leon and staff, House of the Dove staff and her Calvary Lutheran family.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Amber's family with funeral arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Amber Zank, please visit our flower store.

10

Obit: Venzke, Audrey Jane (1932 – 2024)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Venzke, Conrad, Schmidt, Groleau

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 26 Jun 2024

Venzke, Audrey Jane (11 Aug 1932 – 24 Jun 2024)

Audrey Jane Venzke was born to Erwin and Dorothy (Conrad) Schmidt on August 11, 1932, in Marathon County, Wisconsin, and peacefully joined her eternal home with the Lord on June 24, 2024.

Audrey graduated Athens High School in 1950 and completed a two year teaching training course at Taylor County Normal School, certifying her to teach elementary school. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972 and a Master of Science degree in education in 1992, both from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. In 1984, she earned a master’s degree in guidance & counseling from UW-Stout. Audrey dedicated her career to education, teaching 6th grade in the Medford School District from 1972 to 1992, and then served as a guidance counselor, and gifted & talented coordinator until her retirement in 1997.

On October 19, 1957, Audrey married James W. Venzke in Athens, and they worshiped together at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Audrey had a servant heart, volunteering at church and loved being involved with her children and grandchildren. Besides her educational career, Audrey helped with the dairy farm, grew vegetables and flowers, sewed and embroidered, and was an avid reader. She also was the primary caregiver for Jim for seven years before his death.

Audrey is now reunited with her husband, Jim, and her brothers: Melvin, Gilbert and Eugene in heaven. She is survived by her sister, Dolores Venzke, and sons: Philip (Susan) of Stevens Point and Paul (Michelle) of Tomahawk, and daughters: Kathryn Wilson (Brian) of Pleasant Hill, Calif., and Esther DeSoto (Ken) of Marrero, La. Audrey leaves a legacy cherished by her eight grandchildren: Emily/Emery, Timothy, Joel, Anna, Miriam, Luke, Caleb and Noah; and her two great-granddaughters: Forrest and Winter. She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Dolores Schmidt and Violet Schmidt.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby, with the Rev. James Groleau presiding. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Milan. Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lutheran Hour Ministries. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Wellington Place staff for their support, care and kindness.

Online condolences can be made to www.Maurinaschilling.com.