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Bio: Birkett, Briton Noelle (Birth - 1982)

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

Surnames: Birkett, Denk

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 4/01/1982

Birkett, Briton Noelle (Birth – 18 March 1982)

Briton Noelle Birkett made her appearance on March 18, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Birkett, Greenwood. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. William Denk and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Birkett, all of Greenwood.

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Obit: Ludwig, Duane J. “Duke” (1940 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Ludwig, Kopp, Oestreich, Brill, Wussow, Utke, Emmerich, Meier, Hermans, Kranz, Bruesewitz, Immler

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 7/5/2024)

Ludwig, Duane J. “Duke” (21 May 1940 – 3 July 2024) With Flag

Duane “Duke” J. Ludwig, age 84, of Colby, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Colonial Health and Rehabilitation of Colby under the tender care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Duane "Duke" Ludwig was born on May 21, 1940, the seventh of what would be twelve children born to Fred and Margaret Ludwig. Duke graduated from Dorchester High School in 1958. On February 7, 1964, Duke married Connie (Kopp) Ludwig and together raised four children: Julie Oestreich, Daniel Ludwig, Gary Ludwig, and Brett Ludwig.

Duke is survived by his wife and children, three daughters-in-law: Lynda, Pam, and Melissa Ludwig, eleven grandchildren: Ross Brill, Richard, Ryssa, and Reanna Oestreich, Jessica, Jazlynn, and Suzanne Ludwig, Josh (Courtney) Ludwig and Rachel (John) Wussow, and Madeleine and Ryan Ludwig; nine great-grandchildren: Adeline and Cash Utke, Clara, Erica, Garrett, Sylvia and Tessa Ludwig, and Paisley and Hattie Wussow. He is further survived by siblings: Joanne Emmerich, Norma Meier, Marlene Hermans, Loretta Kranz, Dale Ludwig, Bob Ludwig, and Sandy Bruesewitz, along with many nephews and nieces and long-time family friends. Duke was predeceased by his parents, brothers Jerry, Merlin, and Glen Ludwig, sister Germaine Immler, and grandson, Eric Ludwig.

Duke served in the United States Army and Army Reserves, initially stationed at Ft. Hood in Texas and later at Ft. Lewis in Washington. He worked for more than 40 years at Packaging Corporation of America, where he was corrugator foreman at plants in Colby, Wisconsin, St. Louis, Missouri, and Marshalltown, Iowa. He was known both for his hardworking nature and his wisecracking sense of humor.

Duke was an avid outdoorsman. Along with family and friends, he enjoyed more than five decades of annual fishing trips to Nakina, Ontario, beginning in the early 1960s and continuing until 2019. He similarly enjoyed many pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota with his sons, grandsons and friends. He bagged his last buck (an 8 pointer) with his son Dan outside Phillips, Wisconsin in 2020 at the age of 80! He collected and cooked hundreds of gallons of sap into maple syrup with good friend Louie Young.

Duke was also an avid sports fan. He played basketball and baseball in high school and in the army. He loved to golf and, with his left-handed swing, paired up with longtime friend Dean Loney, to win a majority of the annual Fathers against Sons golf matches in Wisconsin and Iowa against their less-talented sons, Gary and Mike. Duke also loved to compete at bowling and pitching horseshoes. He was a proud Green Bay Packers shareholder and devoted Brewers fan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024. at the New Hope Lutheran Church in Stratford. Family and friends are welcome from 1:00 p.m. until time of service Sunday at the church. Military Honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227.

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Obit: Ross, Greta Marie (1934 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Ross, Gebert, Niemann, Schwartz, Rusovick, Wanke, Sebold, Robida

----Source: Georgas Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/4/2024

Ross, Greta Marie (10 December 1934 – 2 July 2024)

Greta Marie Ross, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on July 2nd, 2024, at 89 years of age. Greta was born on December 10, 1934, to Henry and Esther Gebert, in the township of Holton, Marathon County, three miles north of Dorchester. She was baptized at St. Louis Catholic Church on January 6, 1935.

Greta grew up in a loving family, helping in the house and on the farm. Her father affectionately called her "Gretz," and in later years spent many evenings together at Henie's Place, where she often helped tend bar. Greta admired her mother, Esther, who sent her to Medford to pick out the latest songs for the tavern's jukebox, like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and Gene Autry, sparking a lifelong love of music, including grade school operettas, and playing piano. She told of often sitting up till midnight on Saturday to listen to The Grand Ole Opry. She had a close-knit family, with siblings Lucille, Jeannette, Clarence, Raymond, and Luanne.

Greta graduated from Dorchester High School and then earned her Teacher Training diploma in 1954 from Taylor County Normal School. She began her teaching career at Wild Rose and Crie one-room schools, where she instilled a love of learning in her students. Greta was especially proud of the autumn and Christmas programs with her students, showcasing her gentle discipline and creative approach to education. Her harshest discipline was telling one rambunctious little girl she should sit down!

On July 25, 1956, Greta married Eugene Ross, the love of her life. Together, they moved to Neillsville, Wisconsin, where they raised their five children; Gary, Janell, Connie, Robert, and Kathleen, in a warm and loving home.

Greta was an active and devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. She sang in the choir, taught catechism classes, and prepared meals, cakes, and pastries for funerals and church functions. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and she regularly attended daily Mass. Greta also had many dear friends in Neillsville and enjoyed taking part in bridge and cribbage groups, as well as traveling with her friends.

After Gene's passing, Greta found solace and purpose in volunteering at The High Grounds Veterans Memorial Park and working at a local shoe store. She moved to Dimensions Living Assisted Care in Stevens Point in 2020, where she continued to spread her warmth and kindness.

As a homemaker, Greta was exceptional. Her house was always spotless, and her meals were delicious and wholesome, with many vegetables coming from her own garden. She canned and also froze many quarts of fruits and vegetables for the winter. She delighted in teaching her grandchildren many things, like how to crack eggs and make cinnamon rolls, cutting the rolled up dough with a piece of thread. Greta also loved her 50+ nieces and nephews, always welcoming visitors with a meal and fresh homemade goodies. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faith.

The Mass of Christian burial for Greta is scheduled for July 8th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Neillsville. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:45 a.m. in the church narthex.

Following Mass and final service at the cemetery, please join the family for a luncheon in the church hall.

Surviving: Children; Gary (Rose) Ross, Janell (Mark) Niemann-Ross, Connie Ross (nee Schwartz), Robert (Lisa) Ross, Kathleen (Mike) Rusovick
Grandchildren: Will (Stephanie), Henry (Lisa), Benjamin (Lindsey), Aaron, Phillip (Lacey), Alexander, Garrett (Marisol), Abigale, Tatum (Daniel), Katherine, Samuel, Claire, Olivia (Elijah), Matthew, Juliana, Jacob
Great grandchildren: Noah, Miles, Lindy, Finnley, Everly, Maverick, Ransom, Montana, Ella, Joseph, Colette, Theodore. Also, brother-in-law, Pete Wanke.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Henry and Esther Gebert, husband Eugene, infant daughters Mary and Maryann, her siblings Lucille (Herman) Sebold, Jeannette (John) Robida, Clarence (Betty) Gebert, Raymond (Helen) Gebert, Luanne Wanke, and Son-in-law Dean Schwartz.

Memorials may be made to: The Highground Veterans Memorial Park http://campaign.thehighground.us, or to St. Mary's Catholic Church music program, 1813 Black River Road, Neillsville WI 54456.

We wish to thank the staff at Dimensions Living for their compassionate and loving care of Greta, especially in her final days.
Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Greta's family with Funeral arrangements.

In Greta's own words, "I loved my life, and I wouldn't change a thing if I could live it again." Know that I could listen to your voice for hours on end and still mistake it for music. Claire Amara Rusovick

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

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Obit: Westphal, Nancy L. (1956 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Westphal, Burow, Davis, Weiland

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 7/2/2024)

Westphal, Nancy L. (26 June 1956 – 2 July 2024)

Nancy L. Westphal, age 68, of Abbotsford, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Abbotsford Health Care Center. Private services will be held.

Nancy was born on June 26, 1956, the daughter of Edward and Viola (Burow) Westphal in Wausau. She attended Abbotsford schools. Nancy enjoyed puzzles, word finds, watching TV and especially talking to everyone she met. She was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Milan.

Nancy is survived by three brothers and two sisters: Arlene Davis (Jeff) of Wisconsin Rapids, Myron (Karen) Westphal of Mosinee, Gloria (Ed) Weiland of Stratford, Dennis (Sandy) Westphal of Abbotsford and Leon (Sheila) Westphal of Medford; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Viola Westphal and an infant brother, Kenneth.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Nancy, please visit our Tree Store.

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Obit: Mess, Jean M. (1940 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Mess, Johnsrud, Nollenberg, Bragee, Scherr, Kumm, Erickson, Long, Woodkey, Belt

----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 7/6/2024

Mess, Jean M. (5 August 1940 – 2 July 2024)

Jean M. Mess passed away on July 2, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, at the age of 83, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born August 5, 1940, in Marshfield where she grew up and attended school and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1958.

She was united in marriage to George (Diddy) A. Mess on December 17, 1958. They lived most of their lives in Spencer, where they raised their three children. Jean and Diddy spent a lot of time up north at their cabin where they enjoyed pontoon boat rides, camp fires, and entertaining family and friends in summer. They were avid snowmobilers and spent many weekends snowmobiling with their family in the winter. Jean loved to take care of her family and made sure every family member, friend, or visitor would have a cold drink and something to eat. She loved cooking for her family and anyone needing something to eat, Jean would be right there with a plate of food. You could always talk Jean into playing cards, Yahtzee and maybe even a little gambling. Her family and friends will always cherish her nurturing nature and her spicy humor.

Jean is survived by and will be greatly missed by two sons, Glenn Mess (Bobby Nollenberg) of Milwaukee, and Randy (Rodette) Mess of Marshfield. She is further survived by her granddaughters: Ashley (Conrad) Bragee and their two children Ira and Renna of Hixton, Angela Mess and her three children Gracie, Libby, Tony of Mosinee, Tiffany (David) Scherr and their four children Jorja, Jalynn, Rayleigh, Nevaeh of Marshfield, Samantha (Josh) Kumm and their three children Greysen, Elsie, Rhone of Marshfield, Chylee Mess (Derik) and their two children Nova and Amari of Stevens Point, Amanda Mess and her three children Dontae, Amara, Dominic of Maplewood, MN; and her grandson-in-law, Brody Erickson (Rodi) and their children Arlo, Haven, Kove of Marshfield; her great-grandson, Hunter Mess; and great-granddaughter, Kaylee and her children; her son-in-law, Pat Long of Spencer; and her beloved dog, Heidi. As well as other extended family members.

Jean is now reunited with loved ones who preceded her in death: her husband, Diddy; her mother and step-father, Lillian and Al Johnsrud; her mother and father-in-law, George Sr. and Gladyce Mess; her two brothers, Ted Woodkey and Dennis Woodkey; her daughter, Bonnie (Mess) Long; her grandson, Derek Mess; and her granddaughter, Rodi (Mess) Erickson.
Jean's family wishes to extend a special thank you to the family that was available for anything she needed in her last few days and to the palliative care team at Marshfield Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home in Marshfield with Rev. Andrew Belt officiating. The celebration of life and visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial services will be scheduled at a later time with family. Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Mess, Glenn Mess, Bobby Nollenberg, Brody Erickson, Josh Kumm, Greysen Mess, John Woodkey, and Conrad Bragee.

Online condolences may be made at www.hansenshillingfuneralhome.com  for your convenience.

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

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Obit: Susa, Sandra Sue (Volovsek) (1960 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Susa, Wistrom, Volovsek, Ponder, Seifert, Stanek, LeForce, Hoeffling

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 7/6/2024

Susa, Sandra Sue (Volovsek) ( 11 November 1960 – 4 July 2024)

Sandra Sue (Volovsek) Susa was born on November 11, 1960, in Neillsville, to John Frank and Arleen Helen (Wistrom) Volovsek. She grew up in Superior, graduating from Superior High School in 1979. She went on to earn an associate degree from UW-Superior.

She was united in marriage to William "Bill" Susa on May 2, 1981, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Superior. Shortly after, they moved to Greenwood, in 1983 where they dairy-farmed until 2003. Alongside the dairy farm, Sandy worked off the farm as a deputy with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department and at Greenwood High School’s library. She also earned a Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1996. After dairy farming, she lived in Missouri, North Dakota, and Minnesota, working various jobs before returning to Wisconsin and settling on a hobby farm in Glen Flora, with Bill.

Sandy’s family holds memories of her love for gardening, canning, and baking as well as playing board games, card games, and doing puzzles. She would always pick the green board game piece and especially loved playing Hand and Foot and Dirty Clubs. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and loved being a grandma. She had a great sense of humor and her many one liners will be forever remembered by her children and grandchildren.

Sandy was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Over her five-year battle with the disease, she surprised doctors with her tenacity and fight. She fought to stay around through many milestones including the marriage of a daughter and the birth of three grandchildren. She spent her final months at Lakeshore Assisted Living before passing on July 4, 2024, to reunite with her husband, Bill.

Sandy is survived by her children: Jackie (Mike) Ponder of Jackson, MO, Jill (Jeremy) Seifert of New Ulm, MN, Ben (Mindy) Susa of Hayward, WI, Kelly (Matthew) Stanek of New Prague, MN, Wyatt Susa of Glen Flora; five grandchildren: Kinleigh Ponder, Lucas and Logan Susa, McCoy and Callie Seifert; her sisters: Brenda (Stephen) Paris, of New Braunfels, TX, Carla (Bruce) LeForce of Boerne, TX, and Marcy (Jim) Hoeffling of Barnum, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on October 19, 2021; one son: Peter William Susa on April 22, 1983; and one granddaughter: Hayleigh Sue Ponder on April 2, 2011.

There will be a celebration of life held on Thursday, July 11th at the Greenwood American Legion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Bio: Eichstadt, Riley and Sidney (Honors - 2024)

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

Surnames: Eichstadt

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Eichstadt, Riley and Sidney (Honors - 2024)

The academic high honor and honor lists (dean’s lists) for the past spring semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN have been announced.

Riley and Sidney Eichstadt, both of Thorp, were named to the high honor list.

Students qualified for the high honor list by achieving a 4.0 straight “A” grade-point average (GPA), while 2,529 students earned a 3.5 to 3.99 average to qualify for the honor list.

To qualify for academic honors, undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours for the semester.

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Bio: Mendoza. Alejandro (Grad - 2024)

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

Surnames: Mendoza

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Mendoza, Alejandro (Grad - 2024)

Alejandro Mendoza, from Granton, earned a degree from the UW-Whitewater at spring commencement, held May 11.

Mendoza graduated with a bachelor of business administration in finance.

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BioM: Marriage Licenses (Jul/Aug - 2024)

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

Surnames: Martin, Shirk, Hoover, Nolt, Weisenberger, High, Case, Cordwell

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Marriage Licenses (Jul/Aug - 2024)

Matthew H. Martin, to Lorraine B. Shirk, both of Town of Colby, Aug. 1, at Abbotsford.

Brandon L. Hoover, Town of Green Grove, to Darla J. Nolt, Town of Seif, July 17, at Town of Green Grove.

Cameron D. Weisenberger, Marathon Co., to Carlita S. High, Village of Unity, July 26, at the Village of Unity.

Isaac D. Case, of Ohio, to Rebecca Cordwell, Town of Longwood, Aug. 17, at the Town of Longwood.

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News: Clark Co. - UW-River Falls (Degrees - 2024)

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

Surnames: Fischer, Ciolkosz, Mertens, Stroinski

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Clark Co.-UW-River Falls (Degrees - 2024)

Matthew Fischer of Owen, bachelor of science in dairy science and agricultural business, magna cum laude; and Carley Ciolkosz, bachelor of science in dairy science, Reed Mertens, bachelor of science in agricultural business, summa cum laude and Danielle Stroinski, bachelor of science in food science and technology, summa cum laude, all from Thorp, were among 676 students receiving degrees from the UW-River Falls following fall commencement in Dec. 2023. Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 603 undergraduates, while 73 students received graduate degrees.

At graduation, four types of merit awards are recognized:

Senior merit: graduating seniors who have maintained a 3.5 GPA for their last 60 credits at UW-River Falls.

Cum laude: graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.7 GPA for their entire college career at all institutions.

Magna cum laude: graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.8 GPA for their entire college career at all institutions.

Summa cum laude: graduating seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.9 GPA for their entire college career at all institutions.

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News: Clark Co. - UW-Stout (Graduates - 2024)

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

Surnames: Berres, Boushack, Ganther, Kreklau, Devine, Fazendin

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/10/2024

Clark Co.- UW-Stout (Graduates - 2024)

Connor Berres, bachelor of science computer networking and information technology; Riley Boushack, bachelor of science in construction; Kylie Ganther, bachelors of fine arts in graph design and interactive media; and Brett Kreklau, bachelor of science in applied mathematics and computer science and bachelor of science in computer science, all from Chili, Rachel Devine, middle school education, from Curtiss; and Kelly Fazendin, bachelor of science in dietetics from Thorp graduated May 4, from University of Wisconsin (UW)-Stout in Menomonie.

The university graduated 1,037 students, with 828 undergraduate and 209 graduate school students this spring.