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Obit: Fiene, Janet J. (1936 – 2024)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Fiene, Kitzhaber, Stiefvater, Mueller, Krammer, Healey, Sheppard

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 01 May 2024

Fiene, Janet J. (4 Jun 1936 – 15 Apr 2024)

Janet J. Fiene died peacefully at her home in Poynette, on April 15, 2024, at the age of 87.

Janet was born on June 4, 1936, in Greenwood, to Geneva (Kitzhaber) Stiefvater and George Stiefvater. She graduated from Greenwood High School in 1954. She married Donald Fiene on April 25, 1959. Together they raised their four children primarily in Sun Prairie. Later she and Don moved to Adams, where they enjoyed their retirement years.

Jan worked as a seamstress for Misako’s Drapery Shop.

She also was a department manager at Walmart in Sun Prairie. She was an avid fan of the Packers, Bucks and Brewers.

She was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Friendship, prior to moving to Poynette.
Janet is survived by her children: Steve Fiene (Kay), Teri Mueller (Dan), Mark Fiene (Joan) and Paul Fiene (Lori); grandchildren: Robyn Mueller (Ryan Nelson), Erika Krammer (Sean) and Misty Healey; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Krammer and Emily Krammer; and brother, Thomas Stiefvater (Linda Sheppard). She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bernard (Buzz) Stiefvater; sister, Mary Jo; and husband, Donald Fiene.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Friendship, with a reception to follow. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice Care for their kind and compassionate care of Janet.

Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com  to offer online condolences.

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School: Granton H.S. – Valedictorian/Salutatorian (2024)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Schoessow, Kayhart

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 01 May 2024

Abigail Schoessow, the daughter of Daniel and Courtney Schoessow, above, has been named Granton Class of 2024’s valedictorian. Throughout middle and high school, she was very active in extracurricular activities ranging from sports to clubs such as FFA, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, Varsity Club, band, the equestrian team, cross country, track and field, and basketball. Outside of school,

Schoessow is a part of county 4-H and a member of the Wisconsin Pony of Americas Club. After graduation, she will attend St. Norbert College in De Pere to major in biology on a pre-medicine track, pursuing her goal of becoming a radiologist. “I am so grateful for the opportunities the last four years have brought me and I cannot wait to see where the future leads,” said Schoessow.

Anna Kayhart is the daughter of Mark and Julie Kayhart, has been named the 2024 salutatorian at Granton High School. Throughout high school, Kayhart participated in many clubs such as FFA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Varsity Club, Student Council, National Honor Society and Educators Rising. She is also a three-sport athlete, playing volleyball and basketball, and running track and field. She will be attending UW-River Falls to pursue a major in agricultural education and a minor in dairy science. Her goals include becoming an agricultural teacher and raising a small herd of beef cows.

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Obit: Greaser, Elaine J. (1927 –2024)
Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Greaser, Voss, Domer, Ellis, Genrich, Kempf, Miller, Cummings

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 08 May 2024

Greaser, Elaine J. (8 Mar 1927 – 21 Apr 2024)

Elaine Jeanette Greaser, 97, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Oakwood Health Services in Altoona. Elaine was born on March 8, 1927, in Curtiss to Theodore and Mildred (Voss) Domer and was raised, along with her sister, LaVon, in Unity. On September 8, 1951, Elaine married Myron (Mike) Greaser in Unity at the Methodist Church.

Upon moving to Abbotsford, Elaine then became a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church as well as a dedicated member of Eastern Star. Elaine spent her career first as a head teller at Security State Bank, then at Abby Bank, and then transitioned to office manager for Dr. Ellis at his local clinic. In her free time, Elaine was actively involved in both church and community organizations. Both Mike and Elaine enjoyed a good meal spent with many close friends from those social circles.

 
Her favorite hobby and passion was playing golf, both with her husband Mike and within the women’s golf leagues. Another passion of hers was traveling the United States as a family and many trips taken by car to highlight different golf courses and visiting family.

 
Once retired, Mike and Elaine settled in Florida where they continued to golf, enjoyed hosting social gatherings, playing cards, and Elaine found a new pastime attending painting classes. Even after relocating to Florida, she continued to follow and cheer on the Green Bay Packers.

Elaine is survived by one daughter, Dawn (Dale) Genrich of Eau Claire: one grandson, Lance Genrich of Eau Claire; one granddaughter, Lane (Spencer) Kempf of Altoona; and one great-grandson, Lennox Kempf of Altoona. Elaine is survived by one sister, LaVon Miller of Marysville, Wash.; niece, Mary Ann Cummings of Marysville, Wash.; nephew, Ron Greaser of Galveston, Texas, and several great-nieces and nephews.

Elaine treasured her many dearest and lifelong friends in both Sebring, Fla. and Abbotsford. Elaine was preceded in death by both of her parents and husband.

Upon Elaine’s request, funeral services will be held at the gravesite located at the Abbotsford Cemetery on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Mike and Elaine Greaser.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.

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Bio: Empey, Emmalee (National Speech Championship - 2024)

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

Surnames: Empey, Schanen

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/1/2024

Empey, Emmalee (National Speech Championship - 2024)

Emmalee Empey, an economics major from Abbotsford, was one of eight students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (Warhawks) who were recognized nationally during the 2023-24 academic year for her performances on the Warhawk forensics team.

Empey earned National Speech Championship competitor; American Forensics Association national qualifier national awards/honors.

The Warhawks placed 15th in the nation at this year’s National Speech Championship and, for the first time in the team’s history, attended the American Forensics Association National Speech Tournament.

A nationally recognized competitive speech team advised by Brian Schanen, lecturer of communication, the UW-Whitewater Forensics Team wins more than 100 awards annually. The team competes year-round against the top teams from collegiate institutions around the country.

UW-Whitewater annually hosts the Whitewater Forensics Institute, scheduled for July 21-27, for competitors of all experience levels entering grades 9-12 next fall.

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BioM: Marriage Licenses (Mar/June- 2024)

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

Surnames: Zeiset, Brubaker, Gehman, Baehr, Booth, Leid, Horst, Waltemate, Kyle

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/1/2024

Marriage Licenses (Mar/Jun - 2024)

Daryl L. Zeiset, Town of Hixon, to Esther S. Brubaker, Town of Longwood, March 9, at the Town of Longwood.

Elton D. Gehman, of Georgia, to Norleen Z. Brubaker, Town of Withee, March 18, at the Town of Worden.

Scott L. Baehr, Taylor Co., to Jennifer J. Booth, Town of Hixon, June 22, at the city of Owen.

Timothy S. Leid, Town of Longwood, to Marian H. Horst, Town of Thorp, March 7, at Town of Thorp.

Adam C. Waltemate, to Stacey M. Kyle, both of Wood Co., June 15, at the village of Granton.

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Obit: Morneau, Richard “Rick” Anthony (1947 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Morneau, Stefl, Jernander, Bornes, Johnson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/1/2024

Morneau, Richard “Rick” Anthony (21 December 1947 – 13 February 2024) With Flag

Richard “Rick” Anthony Morneau, age 76, of Chaska, MN, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Regency Hospital in Golden Valley, MN.

There will be a private Graveside Service held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Chaska, MN.

Rick was born December 21, 1947, in Rice Lake, to Alfred and Anne (Stefl) Morneau, one of four children. He graduated from Neillsville High School, Neillsville, and then proudly served his country in the United States Army, stationed for 3 years in Germany. On July 31, 1984, he married Lynn Jernander in Minneapolis, MN. He worked at Thermo King in Bloomington, MN, for 37 years in various roles. He was considered a handyman, jack of all trades, and would help the neighbors and friends with any projects. He enjoyed old cars and the Minnesota State Fair.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerome.

Survivors include his loving wife, Lynn; children, Tracie Morneau of Buffalo, Jason (Sara Bornes) Morneau of Carver, Jennifer (Bryan) Johnson of Buffalo, Anthony Morneau of Duluth; 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; siblings, Ron Morneau of Neillsville, and Margaret Morneau of Chippewa Falls, other relatives and friends.

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Obit: Nezworski, George Francis (1944 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Nezworski, Tyskewicz, Hoff, Evanchak, Miller, Hutchinson, Jennings, Thomas, Foemmel, Throckmorton, Polley, Rasmussen, Hays, Doboy, Michaud

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/3/2024

Nezworski, George Francis (11 July 1944 – 4 October 2023) With Flag

George Nezworski, age 79, of Neillsville, died Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

George Francis Nezworski was born on July 11, 1944, in Superior, the son of Dr. Louis G. and Stella Barbara (Tyskewicz) Nezworski. He graduated from Regis High School in Eau Claire, and then attended Eau Claire Vocational School before entering the United States Air Force, during the Vietnam Era on June 8, 1964. He was honorably discharged on August 5, 1967. George was united in marriage to Sonja Hoff in Blair. They divorced, and later he married Carol Evanchak. He worked at Presto Industries and Uniroyal Tire Company both in Eau Claire. He lived in Eau Claire, Neillsville and Appleton. Carol died on May 1, 2020.

When George wasn't working, he enjoyed gardening and fishing.

He is survived by a daughter, Stacy (Scott) Miller of Eau Claire, a granddaughter, Reanna Hutchinson of Des Moines, IA, step-children, Rick (Kendra Jennings) Thomas of Byron, IL, and Loren (Nancy) Foemmel of Waterloo, IA seven step-grandchildren, Jessica (Russell) Throckmorton of Wasilla, AK, Travis Jennings of Oregon, IL, Eric Jennings of Rockford, IL, Ashley (Nick Polley) Foemmel, Paige Foemmel, Jordan (Markie) Foemmel and Adam Foemmel all of Waterloo, IA, four step-great grandchildren, Morgan Jennings of Oregon, IL, Lillian Throckmorton of Wasilla, AK, Samuel Throckmorton of Wasilla, AK and Connor Rasmussen of Waterloo, IA. a brother, Joseph (Anne) Nezworski of Eau Claire, a sister, Katherine (Tom) Hays of North Carolina, and a sister-in-law, Sonia Doboy of Neillsville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol.

A Memorial Service for George will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI. Fr. Greg Michaud will officiate the service. Interment will be in the Columbia Cemetery in Neillsville, WI, with military honors performed by the Neillsville Veteran's Council. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 11th at the Gesche Funeral Home. A lunch will follow at The Brickyard in Neillsville.

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

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

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Obit: Woodkey, Dennis J. “Den” (1944 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Woodkey, Oelrich, Vanderhoof, Mess, Johnsrud, Shelly

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 5/3/2024

Woodkey, Dennis J. “Den” (18 June 1944 – 1 May 2024) With Flag

Dennis J. “Den” Woodkey, age 79, residing in the Town of Spencer, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center.

Dennis was born on June 18, 1944, in Marshfield; son of LaVerne and Lillian (Oelrich) Woodkey. He was a graduate of Spencer High School. After high school, he was drafted into the United States Army serving his country in the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge. On December 13, 1969, he was united in marriage to Ellen Vanderhoof at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer. Employment for Den included Pathfinder Mobile Home, Inc in Spencer later at Marshfield Homes. Dennis began working at Figi’s in Marshfield, working his way from the ground up in the maintenance department. His work ethic, knowledge, guidance, and how well he treated his co-workers was known and admired by all employed at Figi’s.

He enjoyed trying his luck at the slot machines in the area casinos. Hunting and fishing were outdoor activities that Dennis loved as well as being outside mowing his lawn. He enjoyed watching and feeding his birds at home or reading the “old” good western novels.

Those who will cherish his memory forever include his loving wife, Ellen; his son, Dennis “DJ” (Patty) Woodkey, Jr. both of Spencer; his sister, Jean Mess of Marshfield; his sister-in-law, Darlene Woodkey of Spencer and his stepbrother, Mike (Arlene) Johnsrud along with many other relatives and friends. He is further survived by his lovable feline companion, Trixie.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, LaVerne Woodkey; his mother and stepfather, Lillian and Alfred Johnsrud; his brother, Ted Woodkey; his stepsister, Sharon Shelly and his brother-in-law, George Mess, Jr.

Committal services for Dennis will be held at 4 P.M. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at West Spencer Cemetery in the Town of Sherman. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 298 of Spencer.

Dennis’ arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.

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News: Thorp – Mattes Livestock Market Fire (15 Jun 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Mattes, Zoromski

----Source: Thorp Courier Articles, (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 17 Jun 1976

About 100 head of livestock were destroyed by fire at the Mattes Livestock Market Tuesday morning, June 15, 1976. The building itself was destroyed, except for a corral and bank feeder area, and a portion of th east end. Damage estimate was put at about $200,000.

The Thorp Volunteer Fire Department was called to the scene at about 2 a.m., and they stayed until 7 a.m. Thorp’s firemen were aided by a tanker from the Owen Fire Department. A pumper from the Thorp Department stayed at the scene Tuesday. Lightning, which struck the livestock barn about 9:30 Monday evening, is believed to be the cause of the blaze.

The first sale in the building was held in September of 1927. According to Fire Chief Gene Zoromski, about 400 head of livestock were safely evacuated from the barn.

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Bio: Skalecki, Gerald – River Falls Master’s Degree (23 May 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Skalecki

----Source: Thorp Courier Articles, (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 17 Jun 1976

Graduating from University of Wisconsin, River Falls, Sunday, May 23, 1976, with a Master’s Degree in teaching, was Gerald Skalecki, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Skalecki, Thorp, Wisconsin.

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BioM: Beckman, Lucianne Mae (1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Beckman, Boardman, Glasser, Hofer, Ohler, Anhalt, LaRoque, Fryk

----Source: Thorp Courier Articles, (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 17 Jun 1976

Beckman, Lucianne Mae (29 May 1976)

Colorful large daisies in matching arrangements decorated the Lake Mills Moravian Church for the wedding of Lucianne Mae Beckman to Richard Lawrence Boardman. Rev. Gene Glasser officiated for the double-ring ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on May 29, 1976. The bride was escorted by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Beckman. The groom’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Boardman, Thorp, Wisconsin. Lucianne designed and made her gown, which was off-white, whipped cream polyester. Aleta Beckman was her sister’s maid of honor. Her gown was made of flowered, print sheer fabric. They both wore a cluster of miniature carnations in their hair. The bride’s bouquet was off-white mums and white daisies, and her attendant carried colorful daisies and white carnations.

The best man was the groom’s brother, Randy Boardman of Thorp. Matthew Beckman and Jim Hofer were ushers. Ms. Jonilyn Ohler, friend of the bride from Valparaiso, Indiana, played bagpipes for the processional and the recessional. Ms. Sherry Anhalt played piano selections preceding the ceremony and during the candle lighting ceremony she played the popular song, “Homecoming”. Mr. Lloyd LaRoque of Milwaukee offered a special prayer.

A champagne brunch reception was held at Lake Ripley Country Club, Cambridge, immediately following the ceremony. Assisting at the reception were Mrs. Craig Fryk and Heather Beckman.

Mrs. Boardman, a 1971 graduate of Lake Mills High School, is attending University of Wisconsin, Stout in Menomonie. Mr. Boardman is a 1967 graduate of Thorp High School, a 1971 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and is completing his master’s Degree in Psychology and Elementary Guidance at University of Wisconsin, Stout.

The couple will attend summer school at Stout and will reside at 224½ Main Street, Apt. #10, Menomonie, Wisconsin.