1

Bio: Binning, Stacy Ann (Birth – 12 Aug 1971)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Hebert, Binning, Chudyk

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 26 Aug 1971

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hebert spent last weekend at Adams to welcome their new granddaughter, Stacy Ann, born August 12, 1971 to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Binning.

Their granddaughters, Cheryl, Monica and Tricia Chudyk returned home with them. On Tuesday they were picked up by their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Chudyk of Adams.

2

Bio: - AMI Silica Donates to North Branch/Humbird Rod & Gun Club (2024)

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

Surnames: Hardwick, Kitzrow

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/12/2024

AMI Silica Donates to North Branch-Humbird Rod & Gun Club (2024)



AMI Silica donated a brand new automated external defibrillator (AED) device to the North Branch Humbird Rod & Gun Club. Pictured are (l-r) the president of the North Branch Humbird Rod & Gun Club, Dennis Hardwick, and AMI Silica operations manager Nate Kitzrow.

Submitted photo

In a boost to local emergency preparedness, AMI Silica operations manager Nate Kitzrow made a contribution to the North Branch Humbird Rod & Gun Club. On behalf of AMI Silica, Kitzrow donated a brand new automated external defibrillator (AED) device to the club, underscoring the company’s commitment to community health and safety.

The donation, presented during a recent visit to the club, is a crucial addition to the facility. An AED can provide immediate and potentially life-saving assistance to individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. By delivering a shock to the heart, an AED can restore a normal rhythm, which is critical during the first few minutes following a cardiac event.

“The presence of an AED onsite will greatly enhance our ability to respond effectively to medical emergencies,” said a Dennis Hardwick, president of the North Branch Humbird Rod & Gun Club. “It could mean the difference between life and death for someone in need of immediate assistance. This donation will not only benefit our club members but also the wider community, as our facility hosts many events open to the public.”

The North Branch Humbird Rod & Gun Club is a hub for various activities, drawing members and visitors from across the region. With the addition of the AED, the club is now better equipped to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone who comes through its doors. Kitzrow emphasized AMI Silica’s dedication to supporting local communities.

“We are proud to contribute to the health and safety of the North Branch Humbird Rod & Gun Club and its visitors,” said Kitzrow. “Having an AED accessible can make a critical difference in an emergency, and we hope it brings peace of mind to everyone who uses this facility.”

The donation aligns with broader efforts to improve emergency response capabilities in community centers and public venues, where timely medical intervention can save lives. As the club continues to host a variety of public events, the AED will serve as a vital resource, ensuring that both members and guests have access to essential emergency care.

3

News: Neillsville--Abby Mathis Entertains at ‘Music At The Park’ (2024)

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

Surnames: Mathis, Gaga, Cooper, Wilson, Childers, Atkins, Bob Jovi, Denver, Rucker

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/12/2024

Neillsville—Abby Mathis Entertains ‘At The Park’ (2024)



Abby Mathis sings with a member of the audience at the “Music In The Park” held in Schuster Park, June 5. They sang “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker.

June Thompson/Clark County Press

The singing voice of Abigail “Abby” Mathis resonated throughout Schuster Park the evening of June 5. Mathis started off the “Music In The Park” series as the first performer this summer on the Joe Anason Sound Stage. She sang country western, classical rock, and pop music as she played her guitar.

Mathis began the evening concert with “Shallow,” a song by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

“I’ve only been singing 10 months,” Mathis said. “I’ve sang in high school choir, but I never did anything outside high school choir.”

Getting up on stage and performing might give some musicians the jitters, but Mathis kept smiling and singing. “I’m very shy,” she said. “If I weren’t singing for people, I’d be singing for myself. I truly love it.”

Although Mathis sung a variety of tunes, she has also written songs, too. “I have a handful of songs I’ve written,” she said. “I’d like to record them in the near future.”

Musicians get inspiration, sometimes from other performers. It’s no different for Mathis.

“Lainey Wilson’s song ‘Watermelon Moonshine’ is the song that started it all for me,” said Mathis. Her singing career began less than a year ago.

Mathis sang a few Tyler Childers’ songs. “He’s a new artist, a country artist,” said Mathis. “I enjoy singing his songs.”

Another song Mathis sang was “Farmer’s Daughter” by Rodney Atkins. “I don’t know if this describes me, but I like it,” said Mathis.

Even though Mathis sang a few classic rock tunes, “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Jon Bon Jovi and “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” by Guns N’ Roses, she sang mostly country music. She asked the audience: “Have you noticed I’m singing country after county? I really enjoy singing county.”

Mathis mixed the music selection up a bit. She added a rendition of the Beatles’ song, “Let it Be.” Her final song for the evening was “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver.

A highlight of Mathis’ evening performance included a duet with a young member of the audience. They performed “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker.

Mathis will be performing at Inwood Supper Club in Hatfield June 15, the Miss Neillsville Coronation July 7, and the Clark County Fair.

4

News: Byrne Dairy Farm - Neillsville Dairy Breakfast (2024)

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

Surnames: Byrne, Koepp, Hoppa, Vincent-Yaeger, Sekora, Gross, Erickson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/12/2024

Byrne Dairy Farm-Popular Site for Neillsville Dairy Breakfast (9 June 2024)



Neillsville’s Breakfast on the Farm honoring June Dairy Month was held Sunday, June 9, at the Bryne Dairy Farm. This year’s breakfast welcomed an estimated 2,000 guests. It was sponsored by the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Neillsville FFA Alumni.

June Thompson/Clark County Press

Breakfast on the farm during dairy month continued to be a huge success. It was held Sunday, June 9 at the Bryne Dairy Farm.

Sponsored by the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce and the FFA Alumni, the annual Neillsville farm breakfast attracted hundreds of people. But this year, that number increased.

Despite waiting in a long line, folks from surrounding communities visited the Byrne Dairy Farm anyway. Breakfast was from 7 a.m. to noon, but volunteers kept serving people past the noon hour. There seemed to be no end to the breakfast line.

Guests ate breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, cheese curds, applesauce, and ice cream. There was seating for the camaraderie of folks, along with numerous volunteers helping for hours, which added to the overall success of the dairy breakfast.

There were first time visitors to the Byrne Dairy Farm. Jodi Koepp and her daughter Ellen waited in line, chatting with other guests. “It’s our first time coming to a dairy breakfast,” said Jodi Koepp. “It just worked out. The timing was right and here we are. I can’t believe how many people are here. The weather is beautiful.” When Jodi Koepp arrived before 10 am, two hundred or more people were forming a long line already.

Organizing a huge dairy breakfast takes planning, space for seating, and parking spaces. Yet it’s the volunteers who flip countless pancakes, cook scrambled eggs in a huge vat, and serve up ice cream.

Volunteers Karen Hoppa and Pam Vincent-Yaeger were selling raffle tickets. Karen is an ambassador with the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce. “I’ve helped before with the dairy breakfast,” said Hoppa. “This is the longest line I’ve seen at a breakfast.”

Vincent-Yaeger is retired and moved back to the area. “I’m getting out in the community to volunteer,” she said. Vincent-Yaeger mentioned the breakfast was estimated to serve 2000 people.

Darla Sikora and Jasmine Gross, both employees of Citizens State Bank of Loyal, welcomed guests to the farm. They sold breakfast tickets and kept the long line moving. “It’s been a phenomenal turnout,” said Sikora. She didn’t have an amount for tickets sold. “What a great farm it is. Awesome, awesome, awesome.”

FFA Alumni Kevin Erickson was making and serving pancakes. He had no idea how many pancakes he had flipped. “I’ve worked six straight hours doing this,” he said. “This is probably our biggest breakfast.”

Besides enjoying breakfast on the farm, kids got a chance enjoy the petting zoo. Rabbits, goats, baby chicks were some of the animals available to cuddle. Kids were able to enjoy the bounce house, and have their faces painted.

One of the Byrne family members, Carla Byrne teaches agriculture and is the FFA advisor at Neillsville High School. “This is the second time we’ve hosted the dairy breakfast. The first time was 2013,” she said. “We sat down as a family and decided what we wanted to do. We wanted it to be family friendly and educational.”

Hosting a dairy breakfast might have challenges, yet this isn’t the first time for the Brynes. They knew what to expect. “It’s a big undertaking, getting things ready,” said Byrne.

Although Byrne is a full-time teacher, she’s still involved with the family farm. “I can teach and come home to farming,” she said. “It’s the best of both worlds. I’m lucky to have that.”

The Byrne family hosts educational opportunities for students. The Neillsville High School Large Animal Science class visits the farm to learn about animal health, and fourth graders visit the farm for a hands-on learning field trip.

5

News: Hatfield Dam - Folks Enjoy Free Fishing Weekend (2024)

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

Surnames: Westley, Kevinski, Thompson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/19/2024

Folks Enjoy Free Fishing Weekend (1-3 June 2024)



Heather Westley (eft) and Chris Kevinski fish at the Hatfield Dam during Free Fishing Weekend. June 1-3.

Jean Thompson/Clark County Press

Fishing can be costly. There are costs for the license, fuel to find the fishing hole, and extra costs for the fishing poles and baits. So, when there is a free fishing weekend, avid fishermen and fisherwomen take advantage of it.

The annual license for most adults is $20. That doesn’t include a trout stamp or anything additional. But it costs nothing to enjoy a free fishing weekend.

This year, it was June 1-2. Fishermen and fisherwomen had pleasant weather in hopes of catching a few sizable fish.

Heather Westley and Chris Kevinski of Chili tried their luck at the Hatfield dam. “I like to catch walleye, bass, and trout,” said Westley. Kevinski tried to catch muskie, but he likes perch.

Westley is an avid fisherwoman. “We’ve caught crappie here at Hatfield dam,” she said. After casting her line, she caught small perch but tossed it back. “Three years ago, I caught a 22-inch bass here.”

“We’ll come out to fish all summer on weekends,” said Westley. She admitted using worms as bait. “We have worms. They’re smaller than minnows, and not a waste of money,” she said.

“I would go fishing every day if I could,” said Kevinski. “If it paid well,” said Westley.

A visitor from Louisiana, Clyde Thompson, bought two dozen night crawlers for $7.50. He used that bait to catch a brown trout while fishing at what he calls a trout pond.

“It’s one of the biggest brown trout I’ve ever caught up here,” he said.

Thompson didn’t catch anything at Hatfield dam. But he’ll go fishing again after he purchases a fishing license.

Though these avid fishermen and fisherwoman didn’t catch much during the free fishing weekend, they’ve got all summer to cast their fishing lines. And maybe, they’ll be lucky enough to snag fish they can keep and eat.

6

News: Neillsville - History Revealed Conveys Countless Stories (2024)

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

Surnames: Roberts

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/19/2024

History Revealed Conveys Countless Stories (2024)



Steve Roberts set his hand on a huge ledger in The History Room. He talked to visitors about local history. The History Room is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jean Thompson/Clark County Press

History can be a fascinating subject to discuss with visitors in Neillsville. Even the townsfolk like a good tale of the past now and again. And if they’re looking for a storyteller of the past, Steve Roberts is willing to have an afternoon conversation about almost anything pertaining to Neillsville and Clark County. Any curious person will find him researching and digitalizing photos and documents at The History Room in downtown Neillsville. It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Inside The History Room, the quaint seating area is the perfect place to have a cup of tea while guests talk about history. Visitors can rummage through the volumes of books and pamphlets neatly stacked in bookshelves, or view the many photos reminiscent of the early years of Neillsville.

Roberts could be considered the caretaker of local history or simply a historian ready to delve into the past. His keen eye for details and a sharp memory makes his storytelling intriguing.

“I get a few people looking and people who want to know where someone lived. They want to know family history/genealogy, and where businesses were,” he said. “People look at yearbooks.” Some yearbooks date back to the 1950s.

“I’m digitalizing things we get,” Roberts said. “It’s a means of conveying information to people without constantly pulling the document out.” He scans documents and photos, so they aren’t mishandled. “Everything I’ve scanned so far has duplicate copies,” he said. “I can just email the PDF file.”

Although The History Room has information from many communities, “the vast majority is Neillsville,” said Roberts. He showed a visitor a Telephone Directory: Badger State Telephone and Telegraph Company from 1950 and 1952. If residents were given a color (red) next to their number, it meant it was a party line number.

“In 1950, there were no addresses in the phone booklets. Addresses weren’t added to the Telephone Directory until 1951,” said Roberts. Numbers were later changed to include 743, including the four-digit number in 1959.

Roberts has his own extensive collection and information has been shared with him. “I have a large postcard collection, postcards from all the towns,” he said. “They’re digitalized black and white.”

Roberts’ interest in history started a long time ago. “I’ve always been interested in history,” he said. Roberts has researched where landmarks were, and when road names changed. “I got started with postcards. It’s interesting finding where things were.”

Finding information might not be an easy task for some people. But Roberts makes it seem easy. Maybe it’s because history finds him. Folks have shared historical information with him, and the internet is a good source for finding documents.

Roberts’ interest in locating historical items never seems to wane. He finds information in old newspapers. “When you read old newspapers, that’s like someone talking to you –when you look at the ‘Press,’ reading the paper going back 50 or 60 years,” said Roberts.

Not everyone has an interest in saving historical documents and photos. Sometimes, people discard them for any number of reasons.

“When they don’t know, they throw,” said Roberts. “They don’t stop and think it’s important to a museum. When it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Roberts isn’t alone in his quest for history. “I get referrals from the library,” he said. People stop by The History Room to talk to him. “I just enjoy it. When things come up, they’re treasures.”

Though The History Room has only been open little more than a year, it contains historical documents, photos from decades ago— over a hundred years of information. And it’s all available to explore.

More historical information is available at the 1897 Clark County Jail Museum. It is open the second and fourth Sundays of each month through Labor Day 1- 4 p.m.

7

News: Clark Co. - Make-A-Wish Convoy (2024)

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

Surnames: Montgomery, Wrensch

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/19/2024

Make-A-Wish Convoy Still Honking Strong (8 June 2024)



The Make Their Hearts Smile Make-A-Wish organization held the 27th Annual Make-A-Wish Convoy June 8. The convoy consisted of 107 vehicles total: 70 trucks, one bus, 32 personal vehicles, two motorcycles and two Clark County Officers.

Edward DuBois/Clark County Press

Trucks gathered at the Clark County Fairground June 8 for the 27th Annual Make Their Hearts Smile Make-A-Wish (MAW) convoy before setting out on a journey through down CTH 10, though Marshfield (going up Central Avenue) before turning up 14th Street to head back to Neillsville via CTH H.

The route had groups of people waiting to support the organization’s goal to grant the wishes of sick children.

“Last year,” Punk Montgomery said, “we had five wishes we granted.

“Since the start, we have granted 76 wishes. And, as of last year, we have donated $384,569.67 to Make-A-Wish, Wisconsin.”

Punk Montgomery, MAW organizer started the truck convoy 27 years ago, with her husband, Bill.

The convoy is a fundraiser for the Wisconsin Make-A-Wish Foundation, and does not receive much aid from the foundation other than the state foundation occasionally sending silent auction/door prizes.

“It’s pretty much all on us,” Punk Montgomery said.

Each year, an average of 80 vehicles participate in the convoy. This year, the MAW Truck Convoy released on its Facebook page a total of 107 vehicles participated: 70 trucks, one bus, 32 personal vehicles, two motorcycles and two Clark County officers.

This year, one person came from El Paso, TX and another person came from Arkansas. In the past, participants came from other countries like Canada and Australia.

The convoy originally started with five trucks in the convoy and raised $1,200. Of those trucks, two drivers have passed away, and one is unable to make it for events. Jason Wrensch and Bill Montgomery are the last two drivers remaining of the original five.

With 80 vehicles on average to conduct, even a straight line from one point to another can come with challenges, not all of which are unexpected but cannot always be avoided, such as breakdowns.

“We had one,” Punk Montgomery said. “Well, this was years ago, and he just pulled over on the side of the road and another guy stopped and helped him. Got it running and they came to the [Clark County Fairgrounds] when they could on the way back.

“This year, we had one breakdown right outside the [Clark County Fairgrounds] there, and the guys went and pushed it until it got started and then he came back to the [Clark County Fairgrounds].”

However, needing to lead the convoy from the front does not offer the Montgomery’s the full view of the situation, and unexpected problems can occur, such as the occasional vehicle trying to cut through/into the convoy.

Punk Montgomery spoke about one such situation from last year’s convoy.

“The state patrol was, of course, leading us,” Punk Montgomery said, “and he was trying to get traffic stopped on cross-streets as [we were] going through, and this car wasn’t stopping.

“So, [the state patrolman] slams on his brakes and stops. And of course, Bill [Montgomery] was right behind him, so he almost runs over the state patrol. And the grandson who was right behind us, almost slammed into the back of Bill.
“That’s just something that happens along the way. You have to be prepared for it.”

Punk Montgomery talked about, along the route, sections of the convoy experiencing the “slinky” effect, where vehicles bunched up together due to a stop-and-go effect. Such things are common in long lines of moving people/vehicles, and on large scales can create traffic jams.

Along the route, supports gathered on their porches, on stretches of open lawn and in parking lots to wave on the convoy as it passed.

One family waited in Lynn—Mark, Carla, Daniel and Katlyn—where a member of the family worked. It was their fourth year watching.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Carla said.

Carla liked how each waved earned a honk from the drivers, and she recommended anyone to come and watch.

In a school parking lot, Devon, Dekota, Ryan, Val, Garrett and Lance, along with their dogs Archer and Jordy, set up in the back of their vehicles to watch the convoy. Garrett said he liked the honking trucks.

Lance’s family were both donors to the convoy as well as participants, sponsoring two drivers from their family.

“We appreciate everyone so much that supports us,” Punk Montgomery said, “sponsors us, participates with us. Without them, we would be nothing. So, it’s everybody that helps us, and everybody that donates and sponsors and comes to the convoy.

“Without them, we would be nothing—we’d be sitting here twiddling our thumbs. It’s just amazing how people are there year after year to support us.”

Punk Montgomery also expressed her appreciation to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Neillsville Police Department and the Marshfield Police Department for getting the convoy through the route safely, guiding it onto the highway and blocking intersections for it.

8

News: Thorp - To Dedicate Veterans Remembrance Park (2024)

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

Surnames: Buss, Haas, Heidtke, Hollister, Lange, Lipinski, Mayenschein, Schesel, Weggen

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/19/2024

Thorp to Dedicate Veterans Remembrance Park (29 June 2024)

The public is invited to the dedication ceremony of the Thorp Veteran’s Remembrance Park June 29, at 10 a.m. The Thorp Veteran’s Remembrance Park is at the corner of Hill and Adams Street, adjacent to Conway Park, in Thorp.

What started out as an idea in the summer of 2019 has become a reality. Committee members Bill Buss, Larry Haas, Janet Heidtke, Cliff Hollister, Bernell Lange, Len Lipinski, Dave Mayenschein, Robbie Schesel and Diane Weggen visited many community veterans memorial parks to determine the design for the Thorp Veterans Remembrance Park. This group worked finding a parcel of land, creating a design, collecting names to be engraved, fundraising, grant writing and getting community members, businesses and students involved with the project.

By the time ground was broken on Oct. 15, 2022, many businesses, community members and families had made monetary or in-kind donations for the Thorp Veteran’s Remembrance Park. Ground was cleared and prepared for construction. However, cold weather and heavy rains moved in; thus, the concrete did not get poured until May 25, 2023. In the following June, eight flagpoles were added to the site, followed in August with the placing of 5,040 pavers. Sixty legacy stones were laid in September 2023.

Throughout this process, people were encouraged to submit names to be engraved on 5-foot by 8-foot tablets of soldiers who served in the military at any time in their lives. There will be five tablets honoring veterans who have a Thorp connection. An idea to honor local veterans has become a reality.

Veterans’ names are still being accepted. Individuals, families and corporations can make donations or order legacy stones for the site by contacting Billy Buss at 715-669-3952, Len Lipinski at 715-773-2695 or mailing American Legion Post 118, P.O. Box 421, Thorp, WI 54771

9

Obit: Jennings, Verena Elizabeth (1942 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Jennings, Walls, Juris, Knoll, Holt, Schuneman, Kayhart, Wentz

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/20/2024

Jennings, Verena Elizabeth (7 October 1942 – 19 June 2024)

Verena Jennings, age 81, of Chili, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

Verena Elizabeth Juris was born on October 7, 1942, in Michigan, the daughter of Jerome and Mabel (Walls) Juris. She and her family moved to Minnesota when Verena was three years old, and then they moved to Wisconsin when she was 15. She graduated from Granton High School, and then was united in marriage to Howard Jennings on June 18, 1960, in the town of Sherman. Together they worked on the farm in Chili, and raised six sons.

Verena was a member of the Loyal Free Methodist Church for many years, where she taught Sunday School and was involved in their missions. For the past several years, she and Howard have been actively involved in and attending the Living Hope Evangelical Free Church in Neillsville. During her free time, Verena enjoyed doing crafts, gardening and sewing.

She is survived by her husband, Howard, five sons, Larry Jennings of Brighton, CO, Peter (Destiny) Jennings of Stonington, CT, Craig (Chris) Jennings of Aguanga, CA, Erick (Connie) Jennings of Stratford, and Randy (Kelly) Jennings of Spooner, 16 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, siblings, Jim Knoll of Hawkins, and Cheryl (Todd) Holt of Stillwater, MN, and a sister-in-law, Judy Knoll of Chippewa Falls.

She was preceded in death by a son, Brian, her mother, Mabel Knoll, step-father, Clarence Knoll, brothers, John Juris, Don Knoll and Richard Knoll, a sister, Laurie Schuneman, and a daughter-in-law, Kristol Jennings.

Funeral Services for Verena will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Living Hope Evangelical Free Church in Neillsville. Pastor Steven Wentz will officiate. Interment will be in the Yolo Cemetery in Chili, WI. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday at the Gesche Funeral Home and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at the church.

Pallbearers will be Verena's five sons, Larry, Peter, Craig, Erick and Randy Jennings along with Micah Kayhart.

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

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

10

Obit: Dunow, Patrick W. (1962 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Dunow, Beisner, Rickert, Sheets, Boxrucker

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 6/29/2024)

Dunow, Patrick W. (9 April 1962 – 27 June 2024) With Flag

Patrick W. Dunow, age 62, of Abbotsford, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center.

Pat was born April 9, 1962, the son of William and Judy (Beisner) Dunow in Marshfield. He graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1980. Pat served in the US Army for 6 years, stationed in Germany for four years.

Pat was a sports enthusiast, having loved the Badgers, Brewers, Bucks and Packers. He was proud to be a part of the Owen-Withee Blackhawk football team as a coach, scout and videotaping. Pat enjoyed hunting with the family and playing golf. He greatly enjoyed family get-togethers as he could not pass up a home cooked meal.

Pat is survived by his mother, Judy Dunow of Abbotsford; three sisters and one brother: Renee (Brian) Rickert of Medford, Carolyn Dunow of Peru, South America, Donald Dunow of Augusta and Jeanne Dunow of Abbotsford; eight nieces and nephews: Abby, Amanda (Brian), Derek, Brock, Dalton, Dillon, Ethan and Grayson; six great-nieces and great-nephews: Evan, Wyatt, Lydia, Blair, Cora and Jackson.

He is preceded in death by his father, William; his paternal grandparents, Henry and Virginia (Sheets) Dunow and maternal grandparents, Leo and Mildred (Boxrucker) Beisner.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until time of service Friday at the funeral home.

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

11

Obit: Heintz, Dennis Franklin (1953- 2024)

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

Surnames: Heintz, Peterson, Castro, Webber, Dobson, Avilas

----Source: Torgerson Funeral Home (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 6/30/2024

Heintz, Dennis Franklin (18 September 1953 – 28 June 2024) With Flag

Dennis Franklin Heintz, 70, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024, at his home in Humbird.

Dennis was born September 18, 1953, in Neillsville, to Leo F. Heintz Sr. and Theo M. (Peterson) Heintz. He grew up in Humbird with his older sister Martha and a brother Leo Heintz Jr. and attended and graduated from Lincoln Schools. He joined the U.S. Army on December 6, 1972. While stationed in New York, he met and married Carolyn Castro. Together they had three children, Alyson, Robert and Deborah Heintz. After serving 20 years, stationed and traveling all over the world, Dennis retired as a Sgt 1st Class, with Flight Operations, Dept. of Inspector General, on December 31, 1992. He would joke that he served as an acting Sgt Major and “got all of the butt chewing with none of the pay”. He and his family returned home to northwestern Wisconsin, working in the casinos in Black River Falls and Madison.

In 2005, he married his soul mate Candice (Garcia) Webber in Kenosha and added two bonus children to his family, Danielle and Christopher Webber. Dennis then worked for the TSA Department of Homeland Security at Mitchell Field MKE in Milwaukee for 10 years before retiring.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Theo and sister, Martha Dobson. He is survived by his brother, Leo Heintz of Tomah; wife, Candice of Humbird; children, Alyson Heintz (Jovanie Aviles) of Humbird, Robert (Molly) Heintz of Holmen, Deborah Heintz of Galesville, Danielle Weber of Kenosha, and Christopher (Chelsye) Webber of Princeton, TX, and ex-wife, Carolyn Castro of Onalaska. Together Dennis and Candy have 15 grandchildren.

The celebration of life open house for Dennis will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Torgerson’s Funeral Home in Black River Falls. Following the open house, burial and military honors will be held in Greenwood City Cemetery.

12

Obit: Novak, Thomas Albert “Tom” (1963 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Novak, Mohr, Nessett, Forsting, Ryan, Ofte, Spaulding, Wright, Greer, Klatt, Schmidt, Artac, Kenyon, Holm, Munds, Wroblewski, Kramer, Basara, Kopp, Plonka, Mendenhall, Cowles

----Source: Torgerson Funeral Home (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 7/1/2024

Novak, Thomas Albert “Tom” (6 May 1963 – 21 June 2024)

Thomas “Tom” Albert Novak, age 61, of Alma Center, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends, on June 21, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center. His battle with Melanoma Cancer was over, and he was met by his Lord and Savior at the Pearly Gates.

Tom was born on May 6, 1963, in Neillsville. He was the third-born child of Rudolph and Dolores (Mohr) Novak and spent his early years growing up near Bruce Mound. At the age of seven, he lost his father to drowning. After a few years, his mom remarried, and Tom traveled with the blended family to the western states. He graduated from Selkirk High School at Ione, WA, in 1981.

After graduation, he joined the Marine Corp Reserves for 6 years. He was on active duty for the first couple of years for boot camp and occupational training. After active duty, as a Reservist, Tom expanded on his military training and attended Spokane Technical College for Electronics Technician 4.

Tom met Sarah Nesset of Portland, in Spokane, and they subsequently moved to DeForest, WI. They were married there on August 29, 1987. They later resided in Alma Center and Tom was employed by Ashley Furniture. By 1989, they had two children, and moved back to Ione, WA, near his mom. Tom was employed by Vaagen Brothers and preformed a variety of tasks in a large sawmill. When the mill closed down, Tom once again furthered his education by attending ITT in Spokane for computer-aided design (CAD). He graduated from there with a 4.0 grade point, and perfect attendance in spite of the 180-mile daily round-trip commute.

After that eight-year run in Washington state, they returned to Wisconsin and ended up purchasing the old Francis Hart place at Alma Center. Tom worked at various jobs in the area, including Walmart DC in Tomah, and D&S Mfg. in Black River Falls. For several years, Tom owned a logging truck and hauled logs for many local loggers. He later owned an independent over the road semi and did a variety of harvest truck driving for local farming operations.

Over the years Tom enjoyed working on nearly any sort of vehicle that had a motor. He could talk about old Ford tractors for hours and had a variety of them around the place. Tom also enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids, and sharing his mechanical knowledge with them in hopes it would run off on them.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sarah, his daughters, Cassandra Novak, and her children, Sarah, Kylie, Taylor, and Atreus, Amanda (Nick) Forsting, and their children, Jayden, Aaron, Hunter, and Nova; his wife’s sisters, Sandra Nessett and Carla Ryan, and brother Danny Nesset, his Mom Dolores and siblings, Barbara (Richard) Ofte, and his brother Robert “Bob”, his nieces and nephews, Shauna (Mike) Spaulding, Darrek (Jennifer Wright) Novak, Darren (friend, Aurora Greer), Dustin (Megan) Novak, Ryan Novak, and his Mom’s siblings, Harvey (Susanne) Mohr, Kenneth (Karen) Mohr; Edna Klatt, David (Sherry) Mohr, Paul Mohr, Ruth (Bob) Schmidt and brother-in-law Lawrence Artac: his step-siblings, Kelly (Nancy) Kenyon, Kathy Holm, Keith (Celia) Kenyon, Kay (Danny Munds) Kenyon, Adam (Anita Baker) Kenyon and Aaron (Salina) Kenyon and their families, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rudolph, his aunts, Anna (Harry) Wroblewski, Lillian (Milton) Kramer, Emily (Edward) Basara, his granddaughter Harley Forsting, his Uncle Anton Novak; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norman and Dorothy Nessett, brother-in-law, Allen Nesset, his maternal grandparents Albert and Luella (Kopp) Mohr; his paternal grandparents Thomas and Frances (Plonka) Novak; cousin, Howard Kramer: and Mom’s siblings, Lois and Donald Mendenhall, Bruce Klatt, Marvin and Patricia Mohr, Allen Mohr, Nancy Mohr, Eunice Artac; stepfather, Elliott Kenyon, brother-in-law Gary Holm and a sister-in-law Alishia Kenyon.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 13, with Rev. John Cowles officiating, at the Bridge Church (formerly Assembly of God) at 720 Alder St., Black River Falls. A visitation is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the evening of July 12, at Torgerson’s Funeral Home, Black River Falls, and one hour before the services at the church on Saturday. A lunch and visiting will be held after the service at the church, for those that wish to attend.

The Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-4321.