1
Obit: Welgos, Ella (1921- 2024)

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

Surnames: Welgos, Paraschak, Lencz, Schmall, Parks, Barnes, Burzynski, Conway, Klarr, Gintner

----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 2/17/2024

Welgos, Ella (28 December 1921 – 15 February 2024)

Ella Welgos, 102, of Thorp, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Aspirus Stanley Hospital in Stanley.

Ella Lencz was born on December 28, 1921, in Lublin, the daughter of Steven and Mary (Paraschak) Lencz. She was raised on the family farm, and received her education in Lublin. Ella moved to Thorp, worked for and lived with the Conway family in order to attend high school. After completing her education, she moved to Chicago where she worked in a factory. Ella was united in marriage to Walter L. "Wally" Welgos on November 18, 1946. They lived in Lublin for one year, and co-owned the grocery store in Stanley with Frank and Teddy Burzynski. Ella and Wally later owned the grocery store in Owen before settling in Thorp in 1962, taking over the IGA grocery store where Country Floral is presently located. In 1964, a new store was built where Hank’s Furniture is now located. In 1972, a new and larger store was built in the location of the current grocery store. Walter and Ella, along with their children, operated the IGA Food Liner until the sale of their business in 2004.

She was a member of Holy Assumption Orthodox Church, the Thorp American Legion Auxiliary, and the Clark County Homemakers.

Ella had many interests, but especially enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards, going to the casino, swimming, and playing softball when she was younger.

She is survived by her children: Danny (Maureen) of Thorp, WI, Mary (Keith) Schmall of Payson, AZ and Anne (Harry) Parks of Sheboygan Falls, WI; four grandchildren; Andy Welgos, Mark Welgos, Jacqueline Barnes, Kevin Schmall, seven great grandchildren; her daughter-in-law: Kathy Welgos of Snowmass, CO; her brother John Lencz; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wally, on March 5, 2010; her son, Tony, on May 29, 2023; three grandchildren: Elliot Welgos, Katherine Schmall and Ryan Welgos; one great-grandson; five brothers: Harry, Frank, Michael, Daniel and Joe; and two sisters: Ella Lencz (in infancy) and Theodosia Burzynski.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Thorp Funeral Home, with Fr. Hermann Klarr officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will follow at Holy Assumption Orthodox Cemetery in Lublin, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Thorp Food Pantry, Clark County Humane Society or a charity of their choice.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care by her primary medical provider Peter Gintner, PA-C, Jason Hazuga and staff at Traditions Assisted Living, HSHS and Lily Hospice Care teams, Doctors and Nurses at Aspirus Stanley Hospital and Matt & Nancy Dietrich.

 

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Bio: Welgos, Ella – 100th Birthday (28 Dec 2021)
Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Welgos

----Source: THORP COURIER 22 Dec 2021

On Tuesday, December 28th, Ella Welgos will become a member of one the world's most exclusive clubs, the centenarian club. She will join the .02 percent of Americans who live 100 or more years. Ella, whose typical day is spent reading, playing solitaire on the computer and gathering with her girlfriends to play cards says that her secret to longevity is drinking Ginseng tea, and lots of stretching and walking.

Ella tells us that earlier in her youth when she was 75 to 95 years old, she would swim a lot. She says that using your arms and legs sure helped to burn up a lot of energy. When asked what the greatest invention in her lifetime was, she said it had to be having electric lights in every room so you didn't have to carry a lantern from room to room. We asked Ella what is the one piece of advice that you would i give to young people today and she responded that it would be to listen to I
your parents, they have been on this earth longer than you have and they care about you. Also, read as much as you can, it also helps to say the words out loud for better retention.

For Ella whose earliest memory is having to kneel down and say her prayers before bed, she says the greatest advice she would give her younger self would be to set goals, work hard and don't give up. That is certainly great advice for us all. So, what does a woman who has lived a century want for her birthday? Ella says although impossible, it would be to know the things she knows now, but when she was younger.

Happy 100th Birthday Ella from all of us at the Thorp Courier.


2

Bio: Gelhaus, Dr. Thomas (Joins Dr. Heineck - 1985)

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

Surnames: Gelhaus, Heineck

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/27/1985

Gelhaus, Dr. Thomas Joins Dr. Heineck - 1985)

Joining with Dr. Heineck in the Associated Dentists Office at 303 W. Fifth St., Neillsville, is Thomas E. Gelhaus, D.D.S. Originally a Medford native, Gelhaus obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1984 and served his general practice residency at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Wood, Wisconsin. Gelhaus previously earned a degree in natural sciences and had been a high school teacher before pursuing a career in dentistry. Gelhaus and his wife, Mary, have two children, Nellie, age 4, and Eddie Joe, 19 months. Mary worked previously as a music teacher and as a hospital administrator. The family is looking for a home in the Neillsville area and are staying with a friend for the time being. Gelhaus’ first official day at the office will be July 1. Gelhaus is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Society of Dentistry for Children, and a member of the American Academy of General Dentists.


3

Bio: Hart, George (Academic All-American Scholar Award - 1985)

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

Surnames: Hart, Roenze, Stevens

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/27/1985

Hart, George (Academic All-American Scholar Award - 1985)

The National Secondary Education Council announced today that George Hart, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Hart, Neillsville, has been named an Academic All-American, for the third time. The NSEC has established the Academic All-American Scholar Award Program in order to offer deserved recognition to superior students who excel in the Academic disciplines. The Academic All-American Scholars must earn a 3.3 or better grade point average. Only scholars selected by a secondary school instructor, counselor, or other qualified sponsor are accepted. These scholars are also eligible for other awards given by the NSEC. These are awards few students can ever hope to attain.

George Hart, who attends Neillsville Public School was nominated for this national award by John Roenze, his 8th grade math teacher. George Hart will appear in the Academic All-American Scholar Directory, which is published nationally.

“Recognizing and supporting our youth is more important than ever before in American history. Certainly, winners of the All-American Awards should be congratulated and appreciated for their dedication to excellence and achievements,” said Dr. George Stevens, executive Director of the National Secondary Education Council.

The Council selected Academic All-American Scholars upon the exclusive recommendations of teachers, coaches, counselors, and other qualified sponsors. Once awarded, the students may be recognized by the NSEC for other honors.


4

Bio: Hediger, Ernst (Walking to Pacific - 1985)

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

Surnames: Hediger

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/27/1985

Hediger, Ernst (Walking to Pacific - 1985)

Passing the familiar hills and highways around Neillsville for the last time in a while this past week were Ernst Hediger and his dog Caleb. The pair is bound for the west coast and will attempt to get there by foot. The journey covers 2,000 miles and may take a year to complete.

Hediger, of rural Neillsville, and Caleb, an 11-month old Alaskan Malamute, left Neillsville Thursday for the west coast. That in itself is not unusual, but the duo set forth on foot with the intention of walking the entire 2,000 mile distance.

“It’s just something I want to do,” explained Hediger as he began his journey. “I’ve had it in my mind for 2 1/2 years now. I’ve been trying to get money together and time. And this is the first timer I’ve had it altogether at once.”

(This was a long story and interesting. We wish him well and hope to hear from him when he returns from his journey. It is a long story and then at the end of my copy, there was not a finish part to the story. Dmk, transcriber)


5

Bio: Kranz, Joey (Academic All-American Scholar Award - 1985)

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

Surnames: Kranz, Johnson, Stevens

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/13/1985

Kranz, Joey (Academic All-American Scholar Award - 1985)

Joey Kranz, son of Jerry and Dixie Kranz, and grandson of Mrs. Arleigh Graves of Neillsville, and Mrs. C. P. Kranz of Hastings, Minnesota, has been named an Academic All-American, according to the National Secondary Education Council.

The NSEC has established the Academic All-American Scholar Award Program in order to offer deserved recognition to superior students who excel in the academic disciplines. The Academic All-American Scholars must earn a 3.3 or better grade point average. Only scholars selected by a secondary school instructor, counselor, or other qualified sponsor are accepted. These scholars are also eligible for other awards given by the NSEC. These awards few students can ever hope to attain.

Joey Kranz, who attend Neillsville Public School was nominated for this national award by Mr. Johnson, mathematics teacher. Joey Kranz will appear in the Academic All-American Scholar Directory, which is published nationally.

‘”Recognizing and supporting our you is more important than ever before in American history. Certainly, winners of the Academic All-American Awards should be congratulated and appreciated for their dedication to excellence and achievement,” said Dr. George Stevens, executive director of the National Secondary Education Council.

The Council selects Academic All-American Scholars upon the exclusive recommendations of teachers, coaches, counselors, and other qualified sponsors. Once awarded, the students may be recognized by the NSEC for other honors.

Joey is also active in football, baseball, basketball and track. His hobbies are hunting, fishing and horseback riding.


6

BioA: Epding, Mr. and Mrs. Art (Golden - 1985)

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

Surnames: Epding, Komke, Huey, Barwick

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/27/1985

Epding, Mr. and Mrs. Art (Golden - 1985)

A 50th wedding anniversary surprise party was held for Art and Marian Epding of Wausau from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 22. The affair was held at Trails End, 3901 West Sherman Road, Wausau. The party was hosted by their three daughters and spouses: Ardy and Robert Komke, Eau Claire; Diane Huey and Sally and Dennis Barwick, Wausau. The Epdings are formerly of Merrillan and Neillsville.


7

News: Clark Co. - Dist. I-Tech. Eau Claire (2nd Sem. Honor Roll (1984-85)

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

Surnames: Brey, Bryan, Chaltry, Dux, Hediger, Larsen, Marksteiner, Tibbett, Wallace

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/13/1985

Clark Co-Dist. I-Tech Eau Claire (2nd Sem. Honor Roll – 1984-85)

Charles E. Brey, Kelly A. Bryan, Denise J. Chaltry, David H. Dux, Clara R. Hediger, Lina M. Larsen, Doreen K. Marksteiner, Michelle Tibbett, Douglass L. Wallace, all from Neillsville, have been named to the honor roll at District One Technical Institute- Eau Clare for the second semester 1984-85. The honor roll recognizes students who achieve academic excellence with a B+ or better.


8

News: Neillsville Men—Finish Apprenticeship Program (1985)

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

Surnames: Shutz, Schmidt, Husch

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/6/1985

Neillsville Men—Finish Apprenticeship Program (1985)

Wilbur Husch of the Division of Apprenticeship and Training of the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations announced the following two local residents as having completed their apprenticeship programs:

Charles E. Shutz, Neillsville, 4-year apprenticeship-jig and fixture builder, Nelson Muffler, Neillsville.

Jeffrey L. Schmidt, Neillsville, 4-year apprenticeship-maintenance mechanic, Memorial Hospital & Home, Neillsville.

Schmidt attended related instruction classes at Mid-State Technical Institute, Wisconsin Rapids. These classes are especially developed for each trade and open to Indentured apprentices only.

Shutz and Schmidt are among many Wisconsin residents who have completed an apprenticeship program in the past 12 months.

The State has certified over 350 different skilled occupations as being suitable for apprenticeship training.

Shutz and Schmidt, along with other apprentices from the area who have also completed their apprenticeships, will be honored at an area Completion Banquet sponsored by the Area Apprenticeship Community.


9

News: Neillsville - Sunburst Youth Homes (65th Yr. - 1985)

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

Surnames: No names

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/20/1985

Sunburst Youth Homes (65th Yr. - 1985)

This year, Sunburst Youth Homes, is celebrating its 65th birthday. And a part of the celebration, Sunburst will be hosting the famous Franzen Brothers Circus on their return visit to the Neillsville community. The circus will be located on Sunburst’s campus and the date to remember is Monday, July 8. Show times are 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.


10

School: Granton H.S. - Junior Dairymen (Awards - 1985)

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

Surnames: Garbisch, Cook, Vine, Eibergen

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/27/1985

Granton Junior Dairymen (Awards - 1985)

Granton Junior dairymen did well at the state convention held in Neillsville this past week. Gaining individual awards in the diary show were Shelly Garbisch, second; Shelly Cook, third; Kevin Vine, second; and Eric Eibergen, third. Eibergen also placed fourth in the Badger Northland Milk Awards. The chapter was second in the efficient milk production contest.


11

School: NHS Class of 1960 Reunion (25 Yr. - 1985)

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

Surnames: Krultz, Zukowski, Plummer, Perrine, Moeller, Grap, Rayburn, Krall, Lynch, Genteman, Berlick, Stucki, Gurney, Oldham, Kapusta, Boren, Gross, Blum, Simek, Briggs, Harcey, Tews, Hauschild, Karnitz, Wildish, Westphal, Ruedy, Stucki, Becker, Schenk, Morley, Borree, Hubing, Hoffman, Strangfeld, Kalsow, Wold, Armitage, Steinhilber, Lentz, Baker, Flynn, Williams, Trogner, Braatz, Case, Jacobs, Blum, Williams, Dux, Clausnitzer, Ziegler, Gress, Jones, Jake, Schecklman, Iverson, Stoll, Kurasz, Kessler, Larsen, Kluckhohn, Frey, Raine, Seelow, Durham, Schmidt, Poertner, Pekol, Glassbrenner, Smith, Breitung, Lukes, Perkins, Rieneck, Upton, Staffen

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/4/1985

NHS Class of 1960 Reunion (25 Yr. – 29 June 1985)

The Class of 1960 held its 25-year reunion on June 29, at the Neillsville Country Club. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Darlene (Krultz) Zukowski. There was a moment of silence for the four deceased classmates Charles Plummer, William Perrine, Karen Sue Moeller and Lewis Grap.

Teachers who attended each said a few words. Teachers and their spouses who attended were Mr./Mrs. Henry Lukes, Mr./Mrs. John Perkins, Mrs. Ray Rieneck, Neillsville; Mr. Gavin Upton, Verona; Mr./Mrs. Herb Williams, Port Edwards; and Mr./Mrs. Gene Staffen, Edgerton.

There were prizes given for first reply, Daniel Rayburn and Richard Krall; last reply, Richard Lynch; 25th reply, Betty (Genteman) Berlick; longest distance, Jack Stucki; most grandchildren, Lucille (Gurney) Oldham; teacher changed least, Gene Staffen; single yet, Martin (Kapusta) Boren and Richard Krall; female changed least, Joanne (Gross) Blum; male changed least, William Simek.

Classmates attending were Mr./Mrs. Daniel Rayburn, Pittsville; Mr./Mrs. Dennis Harcey (Mary Briggs), Stillwater, MN; Martin (Kapusta) Boren, Bee Branch, AZ; Mr./Mrs. Dale Haunschild (Luann Tews), Hudson; Mr./Mrs. Jon Karnitz, Wis. Rapids; Mr./Mrs. John Wildish, Greenwood; Mr./Mrs. Monte Westphal, St. Cloud, MN; Mr./Mrs. Don Ruedy, Rice Lake; Mr./Mrs. Jack Stucki, Pueblo, WY; Mr./Mrs. William Simek, St. Paul, MN; Mr./Mrs. Walter Schenk (Beverly Becker), Hoffman Estates, IL; Mr./Mrs. David Borree (Sharon Morley), Kaukauna; Mr./Mrs. William Hoffman (Luann Hubing), Battle Creek, MI; Mr./Mrs. Arnold Strangfeld, Nekoosa; Mrs. Diana (Kalsow) Wold, Appleton; Mr./Mrs. Robert Armitage, Stillwater, MN; Mrs. Lois (Steinhilber) Lentz, Oshkosh; Craig and Joanne (Gross) Blum, Bloomington, MN; John and Joanne (Baker) Flynn, Sturgeon Lake, MN; Mr./Mrs. John Trogner (Dawn Williams), Oregon, WI; Mrs. Corrine (Braatz) Case, Antioch, IL; Mr./Mrs. Donald Zukowski (Darlene Krultz), Owen; Mr./Mrs. Herb Blum (Cielita Jacobs), Wauwatosa; Mr./Mrs. Rodger Williams, Granton; Richard Lynch, Eau Claire; and from Marshfield were Mr./Mrs. Ray Clausnitzer (Sharon Dux); Mr./Mrs. James Ziegler; Mr./Mrs. David Berlick (Betty Genteman); and from Neillsville were Mr./Mrs. Lowell Gress (Cara Jean Jones); Mr/Mrs. James Schecklman (Jacelyn Jake); Mr./Mrs. Wayne Oldham (Lucille Gurney); Mr./Mrs. Ellis Stoll (Barbara Iverson); Mr./Mrs. Lee Kurasz; Mr./Mrs. Forrest Larsen (Angeline Kessler): Mr./Mrs. Jack Kluckhohn; Mr./Mrs. James Raine (Georgiana Frey); Mr./Mrs. Keith Durham (Betty Seelow); Mr./Mrs. Brian Schmidt; Mrs. Sarah (Poertner) Pekol; Mr./Mrs. Charles Glassbrenner; Mrs. Nancy (Smith) Breitung, and Richard Krall.

Committee members for the reunion were Charles Glassbrenner, Cara Jean Gress, Richard Krall, Jacelyn Schecklman and Brian Schmidt.

 

 


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