1

Obit: Peterson, Ida (? – 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Peterson, Thompson

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 28 Apr 1976

Peterson, Ida (? – Apr 1976)

Word was received here of the death of Mrs. Ida Peterson at a nursing home in Snohomish, Washington. Mrs. Peterson (Ida Thompson) was born and raised in the Curtiss area. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Thompson.

She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Edwin Peterson, Abbotsford, and a brother, Arthur Thompson, Curtiss.

2

Church: Longwood Emmanuel Lutheran Fire (22 Jul 2024)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Bier

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 24 Jul 2024

Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Longwood experienced a devastating fire during the night of July 22 - July 23. The church shared in a Facebook post that the fire occurred at some point during the night hours and the main building was considered a total loss.

Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire District crews arrived on-scene at around 5:30 a.m. Central Fire and EMS District firefighters provided mutual aid later.

The post shared by the church stated that there was no identified cause of the fire at this time and the parish hall was untouched upon initial inspection. The post also said there was no power to the parish hall and an inspection would need to be done before it is used.

Pastor Elizabeth Bier and some local congregation members watched on as firefighters battled the blaze. The church asked in the post for prayers as the church looks to the future.

“Please pray for the people of Emmanuel as we grieve memories of an important place and ask God’s guidance for the future,” the post said.

“We give thanks for the firefighters from the surrounding areas who helped put out the fire and give thanks for all of your prayers and condolences,” the post also said.

The church also asked via Facebook that people refrain from going into the parish hall or attempt to enter the remains of the church building. Emmanuel’s church service has been canceled for Sunday, July 28.

Donations for recovery efforts can be dropped off at Forward Bank in Withee.

“We don’t know exactly what is before us and we appreciate the community’s support in helping with unanticipated and uncovered expenses,” a church representative said.

TOTAL LOSS - The entrance to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Longwood was totally destroyed in a fire early Tuesday morning. The Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire District was the first on-scene.

3

News: Colby – UW-Madison Graduates (Spring Sem. 2023/2024)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Decker, Schmitt

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 24 Jul 2024

Michael Decker, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Alexander Schmitt, College of Engineering, Bachelor of Science-Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering graduated from UW-Madison after the spring 2024 semester.

4

Bio: Rowe, Jesse (Dean’s List - 2024)

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

Surnames: Rowe

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/24/2024

Rowe, Jese (Dean’s List - 2024)

Jesse Rowe, of Willard, was named to Viterbo University’s spring 2024 dean’s list.

To merit a place on the dean’s list, Rowe achieved a semester grade-point average of at least 3.5 and completed a minimum of six letter-graded credits.

5

BioM: Marriage Licenses (Aug - 2024)

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

Surnames: Leech, Wardall, Santiago, Pena, Woodley, Oestreich, Jurgensen, Hoffman

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/24/2024

Marriage Licenses (Aug - 2024)

Brent C. Leech, to Aubrey R. Wardall, both of Thorp to be married in Taylor County, August 10.

Omar Lisandro Cruz Santiago, to :Lizbeth Delia Bautista, both of Marathon County, to be married at Curtiss, August 17.

Jake R. Woodley, to Marcie A. Oestreich, both of Town of Dewhurst, to married at Town of Hendren, August 24.

Jared R. Jurgensen, to Hailey C. Hoffman, both of Marathon County, to be married in Sauk County, August 17.

6

News: Clark Co. - UW-Madison (Degrees - 2024)

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

Surnames: Arch, Averill

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/24/2024

Clark Co. - UW-Madison (Degrees - 2024)

A total of 8,586 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin (UW-Madison) May 10-11, including Steven Arch of Greenwood, school of education, master of science-kinesiology, kinesiology, and Abby Averill of Neillsville, college of letters and science, Bachelor of Science, economics.

7

Obit: Anderson, Rosemary Joan (1932 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Anderson, Miller, Widner, Lindvig, Stalsberg, French, Schroeder, Neprud, Fromme, Haas, Clish, Reinart, Bogdonovich, Vazquez, Swenson, Schreier, Lueck, Pierce, Barth, Jakobi, Dittman, North, Sova, Kegley Suits

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/24/2024

Anderson, Rosemary Joan (9 January 1932 – 16 July 2024)

Rosemary “Rosie” Anderson passed away July 16, 2024, at the age of 92 with her family by her side. She was born in Vernon County to Myron Miller and Martha Widner.

She is survived by her children, Helen French, Dug (Pat) Schroeder, Phillip Neprud, Ramona (Glenn) Fromme, Julie (Dick) Haas, John (Linda) Stalsberg, Jackie (Dave) Clish, Jill (Lee) Reinart, Jody (Randy) Bogdonovich; daughter-in-law, Connie Lindvig; sister-in-law Shirley Widner; 25 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and special friend, Felix Vazquez.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Martha, husbands, Ray Lindvig, John Stalsberg and Wilbur Anderson, son, Gus Lindvig, son-in-law Chuck French; granddaughter Lisa Fromme; siblings Shirley Widner, Patricia Swenson, Robert Miller, Byron Miller Jr., Hal Widner, Darla Schreier and Howard Widner.

A family service will be held at Dells Dam Cemetery Aug. 17, 2024, at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Hall in Neillsville at noon.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons, Jeremy Clish, Chuck French, Andy Stalsberg, Phil Neprud Jr., Brad Lueck, Gus Lindvig, Kevin Schroeder, Ian Pierce, Regan Barth, Wayne Jakobi, Derick Dittman, Jake North, Kent Sova, Sonny Kegley, Bob Suits and Mathew Neprud.

8

Obit: Koch, Marie Anna (1930 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Koch, Luchterhand, Mauer, Deming, Kunze

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 7/24/2024

Koch, Marie Anna (5 January 1930 – 22 July 2024)

Marie Anna Koch, the matriarch who colored the world with her love and laughter, left us to paint the skies on July 22, 2024, at the spry age of 94. Born in the frosty grips of a Wisconsin winter on January 5, 1930, in the Town of McMillan, she blossomed into a beacon of warmth and joy that could thaw the coldest of hearts.

Marie's life was a tapestry of family, farm life, and faith, stitched together with an infectious chuckle that echoed through the cornfields of Colby, where she took her final curtain call. She was the heart and soul of a bustling household, survived by her children, Diane (Jim) Mauer of Spencer, Ken (Shirley) Koch of Abbotsford, Lois Deming of Bozman, MT, Dennis (Cindy) Koch of Colby, and Brenda (Bill) Kunze of Abbotsford. Her legacy further lives on through the love of grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Jennifer, Scott, Kristy, Brad, Melissa, Amber, Heather, Travis, Jenny, and Jami followed by 19 great-grandchildren and a trio of great-great grandchildren. Her brother Roger Luchterhand of Marshfield remains to share the tales of Marie's legendary hard work and dedication to family.

Marie was the co-owner of the Koch dairy farm, where she worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Gordon Koch, until his passing into Heaven in 2000. She was a woman who could wrangle a crossword puzzle as skillfully as she could a herd of cows. Her hands, equally adept at piecing together jigsaw puzzles and nurturing the land, were never idle. Marie's church, Christ Lutheran in Abbotsford, surely missed her sunny disposition and the way she could make even the church pews creak with mirth.

She was a woman who knew the value of a good laugh and a well-placed joke, even in the face of life's puzzles that didn't come with a picture on the box. She had a knack for finding the funny in the furrows of everyday farm life and could turn a simple story into a sidesplitting saga. Marie's children fondly remember her as the family's handywoman; no broken toy or bruised ego was beyond her repair.

Marie's final act of love for her family was ensuring her arrangements were in the capable hands of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer to simply celebrate her memory. Her parting wish was for a private committal service, where her family could share one last laugh in her honor. If you wish to share a piece of your heart, memories, and condolences can be offered at www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com. 

As we bid farewell to Marie, let's remember her as the kind, loving soul who could turn a word search into a treasure hunt and a milk pail into a drum set. She leaves behind a world a little less vibrant without her but infinitely more joyful for her having been in it. Marie Anna Koch, you will be sadly missed but never forgotten.

Marie’s family would like to thank everyone at Colby Senior Care and the nursing staff at Colonial Center and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care provided to their mother, Marie.

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

9

Obit: Koepp, Karen Sue “Bird” (1944 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Koepp, Kuester, DeMert, Schaub, Holguin, Jacobs, Schoessow

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/24/2024

Koepp, Karen Sue “Bird” (18 Mar 1944 – 11 Jul 2024) With Flag

Karen "Bird" Koepp, 80 years old, passed away on July 11th, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center with her family by her side.

Karen Sue DeMert was born in Milwaukee, on March 18th, 1944, to Oscar and Isabelle (Kuester) DeMert. She lived with her family in Milwaukee until the age of 2 years. The family then moved to Neillsville, where she received her education and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1962.

Karen joined the Women's Army Corp in 1963-1966 on a "buddy plan" with Carol Schaub. She was stationed in Ft. McClellan, AL for basic training and Ft. Sam Houston, TX for dental assistant training. She was transferred to her permanent post at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. She then received orders to Stuttgart, Germany where she stayed until her Honorable Discharge. After her Honorable Discharge, she joined the National Guards in Neillsville. She then moved to Milwaukee and worked at Kohl's. She married Gerald Koepp in 1972. They later divorced. In 1982 she moved back to Neillsville and worked at various jobs.

Karen took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities. She loved to sew and won several awards for her appliqueing. She was an excellent seamstress! She also enjoyed antiquing, going to garage sales and family and friend gatherings. Karen will be remembered for her sense of humor, stories of the "Good old Days", her homemade Amish sugar cookies and living her life to the fullest.

Karen was a loving mother, grandmother and friend, always willing to lend a helping hand and a listening ear.

Karen was a member of the Greenwood American Legion Post 238 and Zion Lutheran Church in Granton.

Karen is survived by her two children, Jason (Lisa) Koepp of Neillsville, and Jodi Koepp of Granton, Four grandchildren, Abby, Max, Brett and Elle and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings; Kathleen (Sis) Holguin, Robert (Buck) DeMert, Eleanor (Ellie) Jacobs and Viola DeMert (infant).

I would like to thank the Veterans Home Health Care, Riverside Assisted Living and Marshfield Surgical ICU for the wonderful care given to my mom.

Burial will be in Town of Weston, Marie Louise Chapel in Christie, at a later date, Pastor Daniel Schoessow officiating. Military Honors will be performed by the Veteran's Council.

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

10

Obit: Murphy, Steven James (1962 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Murphy, Setterman, Hoffman, Sternweis, Seehafer, Christopherson

----Source: Rembs Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 7/23/2024

Murphy, Steven James (14 November 1962 – 16 July 2024)

Steven James Murphy, 61, of Marshfield, WI, passed away at his home on July 16, 2024.

Steve was born on November 14, 1962, in Park Falls, to Donald and Carol (Setterman) Murphy. He attended Spencer Schools and lived on his family dairy farm in Spencer where they also raised quarter horses and enjoyed attending the horse races.

Steve married Sara Hoffmann on August 10, 1991, and had 2 children, Courtney and Bobby. Steve and Sara later divorced. Steve worked at Wisconsin Homes in Marshfield, then became self-employed as a flooring installer and later, a welder at Custom Fabricating and Repair in Marshfield. He then was employed as a cook at various restaurants in Marshfield. Steve was a man of many traits, many jokes, and many nicknames. He was most commonly known as Smurf and Uncle Steve. He had a quirky sense of humor that would make anyone laugh, always had a pocket full of jokes, and had many stories to tell. He was always ready for a card game, up for an adventure and loved to dance and listen to music. He shared his passion for cooking with his family and friends and always made sure everyone had full stomachs. He had an immense amount of love for his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed.

Steve is survived by his daughter Courtney (Zackery Sternweis) of Stratford, son Bobby of Marshfield, brothers Pat (Sue) Murphy of Spencer, Dave (Jan) Murphy of Verona, Kurt Murphy of Marshfield, and sisters Brenda (Gary) Seehafer of Jackson, TN, Barb Murphy of Spencer, and Bridget (Paul) Christopherson of Spencer, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Carol, and brothers, Bobby and Donald Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.