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Bio: Mathis, Benjamin Durand (Birth - 1983)

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

Surnames: Mathis, Pflieger

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

Mathis, Benjamin Durand (Birth – 28 April 1983)

Howard and Kathy Mathis, Rt. 1 Neillsville, welcomed Benjamin Durand on April 28, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield. He weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. Grandparents are Edison and Anita Mathis of Neillsville and Lawrence and Marian Pflieger, Hatley.

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Bio: Pitt, Dawn (Engagement – Sep 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Pitt, Palmer

---Source: Thorp Courier (07 Oct 1976)

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Pitt, Withee, announce the engagement of their daughter Dawn to Daniel Palmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Palmer, Thorp.

Miss Pitt is employed at ITT at Thorp. Her fiancé is employed at the Owen Implement.

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BioM: Maslowski, Mona (1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Maslowski, Smith, Seefeldt, Schesel, Baures, Abramczak, Janicki

---Source: Thorp Courier (07 Oct 1976)

Maslowski, Mona (4 Sep 1976)

Mona Maslowski and Duane Smith were married September 4, 1976 at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church, Thorp.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Maslowski and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Smith, all of rural Thorp.

The bride wore a gown of polyester knit with collar trimmed with appliqué, V-neck and softly gathered empire bodice. She carried a cascade bouquet of orchids, carnations and stephanotis.

Sally Maslowski was maid of honor, with bridesmaids Nancy Maslowski and Joan Seefeldt. They wore dresses in mint, apricot and lemon colors.

Don Smith was his brother’s best man, along with groomsmen Randy Schesel and Denny Seefeldt. Bill Baures and Rich Abramczak ushered.

Cheryl Janicki was the soloist for the 2:30 double ring ceremony.

A reception and supper followed the ceremony at the Quonset Hall, Thorp.

The couple resides in Merrill, Wisconsin and are both employed at Weinbrenner Shoes of Merrill.

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Bio: Ebben, Leo & Roy (Honored at Kohler, WI – Oct 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Ebben

---Source: Thorp Courier (14 Oct 1976)

Two former Thorp residents, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Ebben, recently were post-humously honored in the Kohler area for contributions to Kohler’s academic and athletic excellence.

Kohler’s high school athletic field was officially dedicated to the memory of Roy and Leo Ebben with the naming as Ebben Field during homecoming ceremonies recently.

The brother both taught and coached in the village for many year after leaving Thorp. Leo Ebben graduated from Thor High School in 1921 and died in January of 1975. His brother Roy graduated in 1928 and died in August of 1969.

Leo was the first male member of Kohler’s high school faculty, beginning his teacher career there in 1925. He taught Industrial Arts and served as Athletic Coach for many of the 43 years he was associated with Kohler’s education system.

Working with a student enrollment of well under 100, Roy Ebben produced successful teams, as indicated by a 15 year span with a losing season in basketball, including seven conference championships and four second place finished in 19 seasons. His basketball record overall was 285 wins, versus 132 losses. His squads dominated WIAA District Basketball Tournaments, winning championships every year during the 1940’s, except 1940 and 1942, and also winning in 1950, ’51,’51 and 1954. They went to Madison during the 1950 campaign.

In a remarkable 14 year career coaching Kohler football teams, Roy compiled a record of 87 wing, 12 losses, and 2 ties. From 1941 on his teams won six league crowns in 7 years.

These outstanding educators and brother are indicative of the quality and caliber of individual who have passed through our education system.

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Obit: Pletka, John C. (1914 – 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Pletka, Horounzaik

---Source: Thorp Courier (14 Oct 1976)

Pletka, John C. (5 Mar 1914 – 11 Oct 1976)

John C. Pletka Jr., 62, of Route 2, Thorp, died at Victory Memorial Nursing Home, Stanley, on Monday, October 11, 1976.

Mr. Pletka was born March 5, 1914, the son of John and Mary Pletka, at Chicago, Illinois. He came to the Thorp area as a young boy and has lived on the family farm since.

Surviving are his father, John Sr. of Thorp, Route 2; 1 sister (Mary) Mrs. Walter Horounzaik, Thorp, Route ; two brother, Joseph Pletka of Thorp, Route 2, and Charles Pletka of Rosemount, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his mother and one sister, Anna.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Czestochowa Junction on Wednesday, October 13, 1976, with burial being made in the parish cemetery.

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BioM: Sandel, Charlene M. (2 Oct 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Sandel, Bushek, Paschke, Sauer

---Source: Thorp Courier (14 Oct 1976)

Sandel, Charlene M. (2 Oct 1976)

Miss Charlene M. Sandel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Sandel, Thorp, became the bride of Patrick J. Bushek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Sandel, La Crosse, in a marriage ceremony performed at Holy Guardian Angels Church, Brackett, on Saturday, October 2, 1976. Rev. Bernard Paschke performed the four p.m. ceremony.

The bride was given in marriage by her father.

Bonnie Sandel attended the bride as matron of honor and bridesmaids were Lee Sandel, Pam Sather and Darlene Sauer.

Paul Bushek was best man, and groomsmen were: Jim Sandel, Daryl Sather and Clarence Bushek Jr. Usher were Dave Sandel and John Bushek.

A reception was held at Westgate Sportsman Club, Eau Claire.

After a wedding trip to Pennsylvania, they will make their home in Eau Claire.

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Obit: Miller, Bruce Donald (1949 – 2024)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Miller, Hohl, Gardner, Heck Boyce, Hoagland

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 31 Jul 2024

Miller, Bruce Donald (27 Apr 1949 – 23 Jul 2024)

Bruce Donald Miller, Stevens Point, passed away July 23, 2024, while surrounded by his family at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, at the age of 75.

Bruce was born April 27, 1949, in Marshfield, son of the late Donald and Anita (Hohl) Miller. He grew up in the Greenwood area where he spent his youth loving baseball, cars, photography, playing drums, and his dog, Mickey. Bruce graduated from Greenwood High School with the Class of 1967.

Shortly after high school, in 1968, after performing with his self-organized Tijuana Brass Band at the Neillsville County Fair, Bruce met Wendy Gardner. The two hit it off and were married two years later. They lovingly welcomed two beautiful children to their family, Chad and Heidi. Bruce worked hard to provide a comfortable and happy life for them. Bruce graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in business and marketing. His career included working for various companies such as Mobil Oil, NAPA Auto Parts, and locally owned hotel and conference centers. Bruce was instrumental in the opening of a NAPA Auto Parts store, as well as the planning and development of the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center, both in Rothschild.

In his parenting years, Bruce enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and camping, thus starting traditions with both friends and family that will continue on with his children and grandchildren. In his post-parenting years, he gave himself more time to enjoy antique cars and photography. He was a regular attendee of the Iola Car Show and proud to showcase his 1941 Chevy business coupe in the Blue Ribbon Concours for as many years as he was able. He was an active member of the Focal Point Camera Club, where he attended meetings, went on field trips and entered contests. In his later years, he started making wine in his basement, sampling hard to find bourbons, and perfecting his own version of a southern comfort old fashioned.

Bruce was a devoted husband, a proud dad, and a loving grandpa. He spent time with his family whenever he was given the opportunity. He loved boat rides up the river with his wife. He enjoyed various road trips with his son, including those special trips to the Indianapolis 500. He shared a love of photography with his daughter, and he loved doting on his grandkids.

Bruce was a spirited soul whose social personality found joy in sharing his life with others. Bruce would jump at the chance to tell you a story and listen to one of yours. In the past several years, he enjoyed weekly breakfasts with friends, and campfires and cocktails with neighbors in the driveway. His positive outlook on life and joyful demeanor will be greatly missed by so many.
Bruce is lovingly survived by his wife, Wendy; his children, Chad (Erin) Miller of Appleton, and Heidi (Cody) Boyce of Boise, Idaho; and four grandchildren, Olivia and Grace Miller, and Caleb and Maddie Boyce. He is further survived by his sister, Sandra (Frank) Hoagland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Anita; his step-father, Harry Heck; his nephew, Trent; and several aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the advanced heart failure team at Froedtert Hospital, the hemophilia team at the Comprehensive Center for Bleeding Disorders, and all the other doctors and nurses who cared for Bruce.

For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruce’s honor to Kathy’s House, a Ronald McDonald-like house for adults receiving medical care out of their home area. Memorials can be mailed to: 9100 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226.

A funeral service will be held for Bruce at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 600 Wilshire Blvd., Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The family will be honoring Bruce by wearing his favorite camp attire: a tie-dyed t-shirt and shorts. It was a tradition for the grandkids to make new shirts every year. Please feel free to come casual in your favorite camp clothes.

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Obit: Houston, Richard J. (1945 – 2024)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Houston, Kostanski, Mayenschein, Swim

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 31 Jul 2024

Houston, Richard J. (1 Dec 1945 – 27 Jul 2024)

Richard J. Houston, 78, Pigeon Falls, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. A graveside service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, in Greenwood, with Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Greenwood American Legion Post #238.

Richard John Houston was born on Dec. 1, 1945, in Chicago, Ill., to Arthur and Florence (Kostanski) Houston. He was raised and received his education in Chicago, where he graduated from high school. After completing high school, Richard enlisted into the U.S. Navy on Nov. 30, 1967, and served in Vietnam on the U.S.S. Constellation until his honorable discharge on Sept. 7, 1971. After his service to our country, he returned to Kenosha, where he worked for ARA Services, now Aramark, as a truck driver. Richard retired from Aramark in 2003, bought an RV, and traveled throughout the U.S. with his dear friend, Sharon Mayenschein. They lived in Apache Junction, Ariz., for several years, before returning to Wisconsin to be closer to his daughter and son.

He had many interests, but especially loved spending time with his family and friends, playing bingo, polka music, classic movies, fishing and boating.

Richard is survived by his son, Shawn (Lisa) Houston of Racine; his daughter, Shannon Houston of Whitehall; one granddaughter, Victoria Houston (Riley Swim); one great-granddaughter, Violet Swim; one sister-in-law, Cindy Houston of St. Joseph, Ind.; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Robert, Raymond and Edward Houston; and his dear companion, Sharon Mayenschein.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Church: Greenwood – Immanuel UCC Holds 150th Reunion (20 Jul 2024)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Schwarze, Decker, Schoepfle, Buker, Bielke, Vollrath, Noah, Fravert, Brick, Soefker, Miller, Meier, Wehrman, Dimmler, Reineking, Kippenhan, Abel, Senf, Toburen, Pengfield, Schwinn, Rajaofera

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 31 Jul 2024

By Cheyenne Thomas

The sanctuary was crowded on the afternoon of July 20 as past and present members of Immanuel United Church of Christ of Greenwood gathered together to celebrate the church’s 150th anniversary. Through the open doors of the church, one could hear the congregation singing hymns of praise as the members joyfully took part in the service where they reunited with old friends, reflected on the history of the church and looked to what the future of the church will be.

Immanuel United Church of Christ, located just a little over 4 miles northwest of Greenwood on Century Road, was founded in 1874. Settlers of German descent came to the township of Warner beginning around 1848 to avoid the military service and religious restrictions facing them in their home country at the time, and by 1872, there were enough settlers in the area to begin holding services of a sort together. They would visit each other’s log cabins to sing songs from hymnals and read from the Bible. On Sundays, the people met at the Decker Schoolhouse, where sermons were read by Henry Schwarze.

It was during this time that the people began to seek out an ordained minister to properly give services. In 1873, the people’s prayers were answered when their first minister visited. Rev. C.H. Schoepfle came from La Crosse to the people of the township of Warner and delivered sermons every week in the Decker Schoolhouse. On Jan. 11, 1874, Rev. Schoepfle formally organized the church, with the following members listed as charter members: Henry and Louise Schwarze, Frederick and Charlotte Buker, Henry and Sophie Decker, August and Augusta Bielke, Frederick and Maria Decker, John and Margaret Vollrath, Philip and Louisa Vollrath, Ludwig and Charlotte Noah, Adolph Noah and wife, August Noah and wife, Herman and Christine Schwarze, Gottlieb and Augustine Meinholdt, Carl and Minna Meinholdt, Ernst Meinholdt, Henry and Margaretta Fravert, Peter and Elizabeth Brick, Frederick and Elizabeth Soefker, Henry and Anna Humke, Henry Kern and wife, Peter and Elizabeth Miller, John Schwarze, Heinrich and Amalia Meier, Frederick and Marie Wehrman, Henry Dimmler and family, William and Maria Reineking, Adam and Magdalena Kippenhan, John Kippenhan and family, Franz and Caroline Abel, Christian and Christine Senf, Christoph and Margareta Kippenhan and William and Minna Toburen.

About a year later, on April 23, 1875, 40 acres of land was purchased from Russel H. Pengfield at $4 per acre, with the stipulation that the land be used only for church and religious purposes. Atwo-story log building was constructed on the site, with the first story serving as a parsonage and the second story as a church and classroom. A cemetery was also plotted that same year, being later named East Cemetery. Louise Charlotte Noah was the first person to be laid to rest there, being buried on May 22, 1876.

In the immediate years that followed, the congregation grew to 30 members and a well and log barn were constructed on the property. The log barn was where the pastor would raise his own cows, as the congregation of the time did not have enough money to pay the pastor’s wages.

The next big change for Immanuel United Church of Christ came in 1910 when construction of a new church building began. This church, completed with a dedication on Sept. 25, 1910, is the same church that stands today. The church cost $6,989.02 and was completely paid for by the time the church was dedicated. At the time of the dedication, the church had 200 confirmed members and 148 unconfirmed members.

Since that time, Immanuel United Church of Christ has gone through several other changes that have affected worship. Up until 1939, all services at the church were in German, and all records kept at the church were also recorded in the German language. In 1939, English was adopted as the official language of the congregation and German services began to be transitioned out. Minutes and church records also began to be recorded in English. The interior of the church has been redecorated several times over the years and the church bell was removed from the steeple of the church to a separate tower around 1974 to protect the building’s foundation from further damage caused by bell ringing.

Today, the church has become smaller, with 60 active members. Many more came out to the anniversary service, as former members and even former pastors returned to reminisce about the years spent worshiping together at the church.

“It’s not just a church, it is a sacred place,” said Rev. Mark Schwinn, who was pastor at Immanuel United Church of Christ for 10 years. “It’s family. When I first came here, I had just come out of seminary; they took a chance on me and the taught me everything I know and were gracious about it.”

“It’s nice to see so many members that I haven’t seen for a long time,” said Rev. Asafa Rajaofera, who was the last full-time pastor of the church. “It’s nice to be able to come together and worship. Just being together and celebrating 150 years of God’s goodness.”

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BioM: Marriage Licenses (Jul/Aug - 2024)

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

Surnames: Borntrager, Schwartz, Brussow, Meyer, Handke, Hales

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/31/2024

Marriage Licenses (Jul/Aug - 2024)

Joseph E. Borntrager, Town of Lynn, to Susan M. Schwartz, Town of York, to be married, August 8, at Town of Fremont.

Cameron D. Brussow, to Lauren I. Meyer, both of Loyal, to be married, August 10, in Portage County.

Lyron I. Handke, Jr., Portage County, to Eileen K. Hales, Town of York, to be married, July 27, at Neillsville.