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Bio: Ridderbusch, Lynn Marie (Engagement – Apr 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Ridderbusch, Beck

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 21 Apr 1976

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Ridderbusch, Route 1, Abbotsford, announce the engagement of their daughter, Lynn Marie, to Daniel Anthony Beck, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Beck, Route 2, Colby.

Miss Ridderbusch is a 1974 graduate of Abbotsford High School and a 1975 graduate of North Central Technical Institute, Wausau. She is presently employed at ITT Life Insurance Company, Thorp.

Her fiancé is a 1970 graduate of Colby High School and a 1971 graduate of North Central Technical Institute, Wausau. He is presently employed and E & S. Manufacturing Company, Medford.

An August 21, 1976 wedding is being planned.

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Obit: Bartnik, Eugene Paul “Gene” (1919- 2024)

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

Surnames: Bartnik, Helfert, Simmons, Warnke, Bunkelman, Ludwig, Luepke, Graham

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 7/13/2024)

Bartnik, Eugene Paul “Gene” (2 August 1949 – 9 July 2024) With Flag

Eugene “Gene” Paul Bartnik., age 74, formerly of Dorchester, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King under the tender care of ThedaCare at Home Hospice.

Gene was born on August 2, 1949, the son of Frank and Agnes (Helfert) Bartnik in Marshfield. He graduated from Colby High School in 1967 and earned an Associate Degree from NTC in Tool and Die. Gene served in US Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in South Korea from 1971-72 and was honorably discharged as a SPC4. He was united in marriage to Kristel Simmons on July 12, 1975, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Colby. She preceded him in death on September 17, 2019.

Gene worked at Cloverdale Cheese Factory during high school and after his marriage, he worked at Remmele Engineering in St. Paul, MN for a few years. Gene and Kristel purchased a dairy farm near Jerkwater in the Town of Holton which they farmed for 35 years.

Gene was a member of the Athens VFW Post #8527, Vietnam Vets of America Chapter #479, various coop boards and the Midnight Riders Snowmobile Club in Dorchester. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Gene enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers as well as the Milwaukee Brewers. He was honored to go on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight with his two brothers. Gene was a very caring soul and always had a smile for anyone he encountered. He spent the last eight years at the WI Veterans Home in King. Everyone knew him and he built a special connection with everyone, even though communication was very difficult after his stroke. Eugene was always known to make his special batch of brownies when attending get-togethers.

Eugene is survived by his three children: Lisa Warnke of Clintonville, Denise Bunkelman of Spencer and Bob (Monica) Bartnik of Stetsonville; six grandchildren: Sienna and Connor Warnke, Blake Bunkelman, Jonathan, William and Elizabeth Bartnik. He is further survived by his five brothers: Lawrence (Joanne) of Colby, Fritz (Lauranne) of Mosinee, Arthur (Judy) of Wausau, Roger (Irene) of Athens and Richard (Teri) of Abbotsford; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother, Charles; two sisters: Kathleen Ludwig and Marilyn Luepke and a son-in-law, James Warnke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. Father George Graham will officiate. Interment to follow at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Athens Area Vets. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until time of service Friday at the church.

The family wishes to thank the caring nurses, doctors and employees at the veterans home. You truly made him feel part of the family and he loved it there.

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

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Obit: Martin, Lenore C. (1926 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Martin, Daul, Hytry, Thompson, Durbin, Coel, Hoffman, Mayer, Gansel, Kieffer, Kiehnau, Graf, Stockton, Gilles, Ripp

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 7/13/2024

Martin, Lenore C. (19 April 1926 – 8 July 2024)

Lenore C. Martin, age 98, of Marshfield, passed away peacefully at Wells Nature View in Marshfield on Monday, July 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Lenore Caroline Hytry was born on April 19, 1926, in the Town of Green Valley near Marshfield. She was the third daughter born to George S. and Caroline L. (Daul) Hytry. Little did she know that she would become a part of a large family of 15. With the love of such a wonderful family, the blessing of having a large family of her own came quite naturally. She had the privilege of growing up near the banks of the Big Eau Pleine River, which created so many fond and treasured memories throughout her years.

She worked at Roddis, in Marshfield, during World War II for the war effort. She worked in a large warehouse using a regular iron to iron together veneer for airplane wings. On September 3, 1947, she married the love of her life, Hiram George Martin at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Halder. They lived in Madison for six years. In 1955, they bought a farm north of Loyal where they raised their eleven children and farmed until 1965. Lenore then sold the Loyal homestead in 2018 and moved to Marshfield. She lived on her own until the last couple of years, when she then moved into Wells Nature View in Marshfield.

Lenore is survived by her children: Dr. Gene (Jantra) Martin of Greenwood, David (Shuleen) Martin of Pleasant Hill, CA; Rosalind (Graf) Martin of DeLand, FL; Paul (Anne) Martin of Marshfield, Therese (Mike) Thompson of Reno, NV; Caroline Martin of Madison, Sheila (Lawrence) Durbin of Franksville, Thomas (Diane) Martin of Marshfield, John (Terri) Martin of Marshfield, Maria (Joseph) Coel of Pleasant Prairie. There are 24 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 6 sisters - Elaine Hoffman, Mary Eve Hytry, Donna Mayer, Juanita Hytry, Kelly Gansel, Noreen Kieffer and 1 sister-in-law, Elaine Hytry. There are also many nieces, nephews, and a daughter-in-law Kathy Kiehnau Martin (who was married to Ron Martin who passed away).

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Hiram Martin; her oldest son, Ronald Martin; her son-in-law, Robert Graf; parents, George and Caroline Hytry; sisters: Beatrice Hytry, Ramona Stockton, Veronica Gilles, Wanda Ripp and Gaola Hytry; and brothers: John Hytry, David Hytry and Daniel Hytry.

Lenore will long be remembered for her love and compassion she had for her family, her selflessness, kindness, hospitality, and devotion to her faith. She was happiest when she had her family by her side. She served as a Godly example of a mother who loved her family with unconditional love for all. We want to thank Wells Nature View for the excellent care and love they have given our Mom these past two years. We would also like to thank Heartland Hospice for being so supportive during Lenore’s final months. Mom, you will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved you.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Loyal, WI on Wednesday, July 17th, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. There will be a visitation held on Tuesday, July 16th, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm in St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Visitation will also be held at the church on Wednesday, July 17th, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given directly to the family.

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Obit: Nielsen, Harlan Henry (1950 - 2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Nielsen, Schwarze, Meyer, Merkel, Stephens, Sloniker, Boutwell, Kwick, Bucknell

----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 7/13/2024

Nielsen, Harlan Henry (12 November 1950 – 11 July 2024) With Flag

Harlan Henry Nielsen, age 73, of Marshfield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 11, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Harlan was born on Nov. 12, 1950, in Marshfield, to the late Henry and Beatrice (Schwarze) Nielsen. He was raised in Greenwood on the family farm. Harlan graduated from Greenwood High School in 1970. He proudly served his country as a member of the Army National Guard from 1970 to 1976, where he exemplified bravery and honor. Simultaneously, he embarked on a fulfilling career with Weyerhauser/Masonite, where he dedicated 44 years of his life. Starting his career during his military service, Harlan navigated through various roles at Weyerhauser/Masonite retiring in 2014.

Harlan was a lifelong member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Greenwood, where he found spiritual guidance and community for most of his life. In his later years, he also found comfort and fellowship at Immanuel Lutheran Church. On May 30, 2015, He married Judy Meyer in Marshfield. They were members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greenwood.

In his leisure moments, Harlan cherished spending time with his family, both attending and hosting cookouts including festive Fourth of July gatherings complete with fireworks. He had a passion for automobiles, farming, and traveling—especially enjoying cruises. Harlan was an avid deer hunter and took great pleasure in assisting neighbors and friends, chauffeuring the Amish, and working in his shop. He was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan, enjoyed camping, pontoon boating, and various outdoor pursuits.

Harlan is survived by his wife, Judy Meyer; his daughters, Carrie (Jason Merkel), and Christina both of Chippewa Falls; step-son, John (Mary) Meyer of Cornell; step-daughter, Jaime (Wesley) Stephens of Marshfield; grandson, Treyton Sloniker of Chippewa Falls; his siblings, Berdell Nielsen (Paul Boutwell) of Mazomanie, Roy Nielsen of Bear Valley, Larry Nielsen (Dawn Kwick) of Greenwood, and David (Sheryl) Nielsen of Greenwood; brother-in-law, Bruce Bucknell of Marshfield; sister-in-law Kathy Neilsen of Granton; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Henry and Beatrice Nielsen, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harris Nielsen.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Brooklawn Memory Gardens. Please wear your Ford attire or favorite shade of blue in support of Harlan’s love of Fords.

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

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Bio: Eslinger, Pegi (Engagement – Aug 1976)

Surnames: Eslinger, Burzynski

---Source: Thorp Courier (02 Sep 1976)

Clayton Eslinger of Boyd and Ann Eslinger of Stanley wish to announce the engagement of their daughter, Pegi, to Arnie Burzynski, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Burzynski of Thorp.

Plans for a summer wedding are being planned.

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Bio: Raciborski, Lucille - Finalist in State Fair Recipe Contest (Sep 1976)

Surnames: Raciborski

---Source: Thorp Courier ( Sep 1976)

Lucille (Mrs. Eugene) Raciborski of 108 East Maple, Thorp, has been selected from more than 400 entrants as one of just 15 finalist in the 1976 State Fair Recipe Contest, sponsored by Weight Watches of the Upper Midwest.

Lucille’s “Mock Pea Soup” – a delicious combination of Zucchini, chicken bouillon, and ham is said to tast so much like the beloved past pea soup recipes that even fussy men-folks can’t tell the difference. It will be one of three dinner recipes featured at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 5, 1976 in the Finalists’ Competition at the Minnesota State Fair.

Other finalists will present original recipes for Breakfast, luncheon, Salads and Side Dishes, Desserts and Snacks. Each recipe has been tailored by its creator to meet Weight Watchers requirements for nutritional balance and portion control.

For Lucille Raciborski, coming up with ‘legal’ weight-loss recipes is just one more proof that she has finally “conquered” herself.” The Thorp mother of three, who joined Weight Watchers class at Eau Claire in mid-April, has already lost 32 pounds. She has 21 pounds more to take off before reaching her goal-weight – and she can hardly wait to make it.

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Bio: Bujalski, John – New Thorp Mayor (Sep 1976)

Surnames: Bujalski, Mead, Wadzinski

---Source: Thorp Courier (09 Sep 1976)

Thorp City Clerk, Russel Mead, right, swore in new Mayor John Bujalski at Thorp City Hall, Tuesday afternoon, September 7, 1976. John was sworn in earlier, after the April 6 election, but court proceedings against the incumbent mayor were not finalized until Tuesday, and Mayor Wadzinski had retained the office until that time.

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Obit: Burzynski Rose (12 Jul 1936 – 1976)

Surnames: Burzynski

---Source: Thorp Courier (09 Sep 1976)

(Note: Birth date taken from St. Bernard’s Cemetery listing)

Burzynski Rose (1936? – 4 Sep 1976)

Rose Burzynski, 40, died at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire, Saturday morning, September 4, 1976.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 8, 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Thorp. Burial was made in St. Hedwig’s New Cemetery.

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Bio: Harshman, Jason, Alan (Birth 31 Aug 1976)

Surnames: Harshman, Jenness

---Source: Thorp Courier (09 Sep 1976)

A3C and Mrs. Alan Harshman of Biloxi, Mississippi are the proud parents of a baby boy, Jason Alan, weighing in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces, born on August 31, 1976.

Grandparents are Mrs. Thomas Jenness and Mr. and Mrs. George Harshman of Rock Falls, Illinois.

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News: Thorp – Wolf Pharmacy Opens (Sep 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Wolf, Bujalski, Harycki, Kennedy

---Source: Thorp Courier (16 Sep 1976)

The City of Thorp’s new Mayor, John Bujalski congratulated Wolf Pharmacy, Pat Kennedy, on his Grand Opening, along with Thorp Businessmen’s Association President, Frank Harycki.

Mr. Kennedy offered storewide savings and special teats for customers during Wolf Pharmacy’s Open House last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 9 – 11.