1

Bio: Hill, Troy Adam (Birth - 1983)

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

Surnames: Hill, Gregorich

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/12/1983

Hill, Troy Adam (Birth – 14 April 1983)

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Hill, Loyal, became parents of a son, Troy Adam, on April 14, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Laverne Gregorich of Willard and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hill, Loyal. Great grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gregorich, Greenwood.

2

Bio: Wetzel, Dean (Dean’s List - 1986)

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

Surnames: Wetzel

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/1/1986

Wetzel, Dean (Dean’s List - 1986)

Dean Wetzel, Neillsville, has been named to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Winter Quarter Dean’s List.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time student must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or midway between an “A” and “B” average. A total of 128 students earned a grade-point of 4.0 or straight “A” average this winter.

3

Obit: Gress, Donald A. (1923 - 1986)

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

Surnames: Gress, Anding, Martens, Schmid, Konkel, Hagedorn, Zilk, Steiger, Struble, Henchen, Gassen, Sturtz, Voll

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/15/1986

Gress, Donald A. (28 August 1923 – 7 May 1986) With Flag

Sixty-two year old Neillsville resident Donald Gress, 200 Ferguson St., died suddenly Wednesday, May 7, in the emergency room of Neillsville Memorial Hospital.

Born August 28, 1923, in Pine Valley, he was the son of Sherman and Elsie (Anding) Gress. Educated at St. John’s Lutheran School and a 1941 graduate of Neillsville High School, he worked in the Neillsville area until entering the armed services on January 25, 1943. He was with the Army’s 478 Ordinance Division during World War II, he served two years in Europe, receiving several Medals and awards. Following his discharge on November 30, 1945, he returned to Neillsville and was employed by Northern Auto Supply Co. and the Clark County Highway Department.

On April 27, 1946, he married Charlotte J. Martens at Neillsville. For twenty-five years he was associated with Lawson Products Co. as a salesman and district manager, until failing health caused him to retire in 1980.

He built, owned and operated Grandview Mobile Home Park, in Neillsville. For many years, during the 1960’s, he played with the Howard Sturtz Orchestra. A life-long racing fan and builder of stock cars, hie retirement years were spent helping his sons build and race stock cars.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte; five children, Steve of Vesper, Monte of Neillsville, Joel of George Air Force Base, California, Sally Schmid, and Mrs. Joe (Becky) Konkel, Dothan, Alabama; a sister and brother, Mrs. Herman (Gertrude) Hagedorn and Arthur Gress, both of Neillsville; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and a son, Bradley.

Rev. Mark Voll conducted private funeral services Saturday, May 10, at Gesche Funeral Home. Virginia Gassen was organist. Interment was in Neillsville City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Glen Zilk, E. J. Steiger, Delbert Struble, Wilbert Henchen, Robert and Lowell Gress.

4

Obit: Horvat, Rudy B. (1958 - 1986)

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

Surnames: Horvat, Henninger, Lindner, Bolfe, Briski, Kuehn, Stokka, Lesczynski

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/15/1986

Horvat, Rudy B. (2 February 1958 – 5 May 1986)

Rudy B. Horvat, 28, Granton and formerly of Willard, died Wednesday, May 5, as a result of a semi-trailer ruck accident near Atlanta, Georgia.

Mr. Horvat was born February 2, 1958, in Marshfield, to Rudy E. and Lavonne (Henninger) Horvat, of Willard. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1978. He never married. For a number of years he was employed at Kuehn Sawmill, in Granton. During the past year he had been working for Safe Driver Leasing, at Fountain City.

Surviving are his parents; three brothers, Dennis of Lewiston, MN., Scott at home, and Steve of Willard; six sisters, Mrs. Mark (Lavonne) Lindner and Mrs. James (Cynthia) Bolfe, both of Greenwood; Camille Van Dyke of Granton, Mrs. Harold (Sheila) Briski of Appleton; and Lisa and Grace, both at home.

He was predeceased by one brother, Craig, and his grandparents.

A prayer service was held Friday, May 9, at the Rinka Funeral Home, Greenwood, with the Rev. Maynard Stokka of Zion Lutheran Church in Granton, officiating. Rev. James Lesczynski conducted funeral services which were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at the Rinka Funeral Home in Greenwood. Burial was made in the Parish Cemetery.

5

Obit: Klann, Herman A. (1903 - 1986)

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

Surnames: Klann, Manthei, Haynes, Barrows

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/15/1986

Klann, Herman A. (26 December 1923 – 25 April 1986)

Herman A. Klann, died in San Jose, CA., on April 25, 1986, after a long illness.

He was born December 26, 1903, in Neillsville, and he worked many years in Chicago, Il. In 1927, he married Marie E. Manthei, and the couple farmed in Globe and Pine Valley, later moving to the city. He also worked in the cheese factory at Medford. In 1952, after moving to Florida, he as employed by the U.S. Post Office until retirement. His wife predeceased him in 1981. Since 1982, he has resided with is son, Herman R. Klann, in San Jose, CA.

Surviving besides his son Herman, are three grandchildren; one brother, August Klann, Neillsville; and a sister, Alfrieda A. Haynes, Zephyrhills, FL.

Funeral services were held at Richardson Funeral Home with Dr. Mel Barrows officiating. Interment was in Oakside Cemetery, Zephyrhills, FL.

6

Obit: Maus, Dennis (1936 - 1986)

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

Surnames: Maus, Ludovic, Richardson, Brang, Yager, Myren, Walgenbach, Noonen, Butler

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/15/1986

Maus, Dennis (30 May 1936 – 7 May 1986)

Rice Lake resident, Dennis Maus, 50, died Wednesday, May 7, at the Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake. H was born May 30, 1936, at St. Cloud, MN. On February 27, 1954, he married the former Gail Ludovic at Neillsville. After graduating from Neillsville High School, he attended Eau Claire Technical Institute where he received a diploma in Barbering. The couple moved to Rice Lake in 1956, where he worked at Larry’s Barber Shop until opening his own business in 1962. Loss of eyesight, as a complication of diabetes, caused his retirement from barbering in 1979. Since that time he has been employed by the S & J Bus Company of Rice Lake. He was a well-respected dog trainer.

His activities and memberships include the Session of the United Presbyterian Church; past president of the Boys Youth Softball League; and committee member of Ducks Unlimited and the Ruffled Grouse Society. In 1982, he received the Outstanding Civic Duty Award from the Rice Lake Chamber of Commerce; and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose.

Survivors include his wife, Gail; two sons, Dr. James Maus of Scandinavia, WI.; David of Rice Lake; four daughters, Lori Maus of Santa Fe, NM.; Shari Richardson of Bossier City, LA.; Kristi Maus of Eau Claire; and Jodie Maus of Rice Lake; two grandsons, Ehren and Daniel; a stepmother, Dorothy Brang of Meire Grove, MN.; a brother, Duane of Buffalo, MN.; two sisters, Marlene Nuren of Annandale, MN.; a stepbrother, Don Walgenbach of Phoenix, AZ.; a stepsister, Shirley Noonen of Paynesville, MN.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 10, at United Presbyterian Church with Rev. David Butler officiating. Interment was in Nora Cemetery, Rice Lake.

Memorials may be made to the United Presbyterian Church.

7

Obit: Nedza, Raymond (1933 - 1986)

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

Surnames: Nedza, Garczak, Nowrocki, Tomczak, Przybylski

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/15/1986

Nedza. Raymond (12 June 1933 – 3 May 1986)

Raymond Nedza, 54, of Rt. 1 Greenwood, died Saturday evening, May 3, at Victory Memorial Hospital, Stanley. (No mention of any services held.)

Mr. Nedza was born June 12, 1933, in the Town of Reedsburg to John and Anna (Garczak) Nedza. He married Alvina Hera September 3, 1960, in Edson. They lived and farmed in the Greenwood and Thorp area all his life.

Surviving him are his wife; four sons, Douglas, Bruce and Bradley, all of the Greenwood area; and Dan of Eau Claire; four daughters, Sheila of Denver, CO., Cindy of Eau Claire, Michele and Christine, both of rural Greenwood; three sisters, Estelle Nowrocki, of Chicago, Helen Tomczak of Greenwood and Frances Przybylski of Kenosha. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Andrew.

8

Obit: Peaslee, Harley C. (1918 - 1986)

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

Surnames: Peaslee, Mills, Gill, Balcarcel, Davis, Lezotte, Kuhl

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/1/1986

Peaslee, Harley C. (7 January 1918 – 16 April 1986)

Harley C. Peaslee, 69, of Aurora, MO., died at 2:18 a.m., April 16, at Cox Medical Center North, Springfield, MO., following a lingering illness.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Friday at Crafton-Cantrell Chapel. A nephew, Rev. Marvin Davis, officiated. Burial was at Maple Park Cemetery, Aurora.

Mr. Peaslee was born January 7, 1918, in Richland Center, to Thomas and Lepha (Mills) Peaslee. At age two, he and his family moved to the Greenwood area. He was retired from Fan Steel Metal Corporation, North Chicago, Ill., and was a member of the Methodist Church.

He married his first wife, Rosemary, on Novembre 22, 1945; the couple was subsequently divorced. Mr. Peaslee married Agatha Gill, June 21, 1980, at Springfield, MO., she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Roger and David Peaslee of Springfield, Mo., and one daughter, Rhonda Balcarcel, Oceanside, CA.; three brothers, Frank Peaslee, of Fairfield, IA., Raymond Peaslee, of Gillingham, and Glenn, of Melbourne, Florida; three sisters, Myrtle Davis, Granton, WI., Hazel Lezotte, Neillsville, and Lida Kuhl, Hayward.

Mr. Peaslee was predeceased by his parents and three brothers, Herman, Lester and Floyd, and a sister, Minnie.

9

Obit: Rakovec, Lorraine #2 (1925 - 1986)

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

Surnames: Rakovec, Herkert, Schnitzler, Dahl, Severson, Susa, Smrecek, Volovsek, Pekol, Lesczynski

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/15/1986

Rakovec, Loraine #2 (12 December 1925 – 4 May 1986)

Mrs. Cyril (Lorraine) Rakovec, 60, of Rt. 2 Greenwood, died at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, where she was admitted April 27.

The former Lorraine Herkert was born December 12, 1925, in Marshfield to Edward and Adela Herkert and graduated from Marshfield Senior High School. On January 25, 1947, she married Cyril Rakovec at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Marshfield. They farmed in the Town of Eaton all their lives. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Willard and KSKJ Slovenian Lodge 147.

Surviving besides her husband is her mother, Adela Schnitzler of Marshfield; four daughters, Mrs. Alden (Patricia) Dahl of Stanley; Mrs. Kenneth (Joan) Severson of Unity; Linda Rakovec of Greenwood; and Rose Rakovec of Eau Claire; five sons, Jerald of Withee, Michael of Loyal; Cyril of Chili, and Randy and Gene both of Greenwood; three sisters, Mrs. James (Irene Susa of Loyal; Mrs. John (Florence) Smrecek of Marshfield, and Mrs. Al (Virginia) Volovsek of Greenwood; five brothers, James, Lawrence, Robert, Rubin and William Herkert, all of Marshfield and 20 grandchildren. She was predeceased by an infant son and her father.

Services were held Wednesday, May 7, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Willard with Rev. James Lesczynski officiating. Burial was in Holy Family Cemetery. Pallbearers were Danny Susa, Paul and Greg Herkert, Allen Rakovec, Frank Pekol and Richard Rakovec, Jr.

10

Obit: Spencer, Ida Pearl (1892 - 1986)

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

Surnames: Spencer, Mayes, Livick, Parker, Boyer, Ehlers

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/1/1986

Spencer, Ida Pearl (28 April 1892 – 23 April 1986)

Ninety-three year old Ida Spencer, 210 E. 4th St., died Wednesday evening, April 23, at Neillsville Memorial Home.

Rev. Daniel Ehlers conducted funeral rites Saturday, April 26, at Faith Baptist Church, Neillsville. Burial was in the Town of Seif Cemetery. Grandsons served as pallbearers. Gesche Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Spencer was born April 28, 1892, at Kingston, Missouri, daughter of Colonel Ellsworth and Dona (Mayes) Livick. Following her education, she married William W. Spencer on June 26, 1910, at Excelsior Springs, Missouri. They remained in Missouri until 1927, then relocating to the Town of Seif, Clark County, where they engaged in farming. In 1936, the couple moved to Yellville, Arkansas; but four years later, in 1940, they returned to the Neillsville area.

After the death of her husband in June 1943, Ida moved to Eau Claire where she worked at a nursing home until her retirement. She then returned to Neillsville, where she resided for the rest of her life.

Surviving family members include three children, Mrs. LeRoy (Elsie) Parker, Black River Falls, Ralph Spencer, Minneapolis, and Mrs. Arvid (Dona) Boyer, Neillsville; thirty grandchildren; seventy-nine great grandchildren; and thirty-one great-great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband; four sons, Wallace, David, Donald and James; two daughters, Genevive and Marie; two brothers, Frank and Ralph; and four grandchildren.

11

Bio: Whiterabbit, Rev. Mitchell (1916? - 1986)

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

Surnames: Whiterabbit, Maisells, Steele, Decorah

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/1/1986

Whiterabbit, Mitchell (1916? – 18 April 1986) With Flag,

The Rev. Mitchell Whiterabbit, 70, died Friday, April 18, at Hudson Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Millston. He married Camille Maisells February 14, 1945, in Lancaster, PA., and was prominent in Indian affairs in the Midwest. He attended and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1936, and was active in sports. He graduated from Lakeland College, Sheboygan, and the Church of Christ Seminary at Lancaster, PA., and a ,Master’s degree in Theology from McCormick Seminary in Chicago. In 1976, he received an honorary PhD from Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI.

A United Church of Christ minister, he spent 22 years as the pastor of the Winnebago Indian Mission Church near Black River Falls, then moved to St. Paul, MN. in 1969. He worked with the American Indian Center there and became its director. He moved to Chicago, where he was director of a similar organization in 1974 and 1975. He was program director of the United Church of Christ Indian ministry in Bismarck, N.D.

He then returned to the Twin Cities in 1977 and was executive director of the Council of American Indian Ministry, United Church of Christ, in Minneapolis. He also was director of Indian Studies at United Theological Seminary in New Brighton, MN. He was Navy chaplain in World War II, a Protestant Chaplin at the Winter Olympics of 1960, and a Protestant chaplain for Boy Scouts of America jamborees in 1960 and t964. He earned the Scouts Silver Beaver Award. He retired in 1975 and moved to Hudson.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Ronald Whiterabbit, Andover, MN.; Forrest Whiterabbit, Byron Steele, both of Denver; Dwight Steele, Hudson; three daughters, Sharyn Whiterabbit, Hudson; Elaine Steele, Charlene Steele, both of Denver; a brother, Kenneth Decorah, Necedah; and eight grandchildren.

Services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at United Church of Christ, Winnebago Mission, rural Black River Falls, with burial in the church cemetery. Murphy Funeral Home, Hudson handled the arrangements.