1

Bio: Wampole, Jason Wayne (Birth - 1983)

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

Surnames: Wampole, Dietrich, LeTendre, Oldham

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

Wampole, Jason Wayne (Birth – 30 April 1983)

Wayne and Janet Wampole, Rt. 4 Neillsville, welcomed Jason Wayne at 5:22 a.m. April 30, at Memorial Hospital, Neillsville. He weighed 8 lbs.4 oz. Grandparents are Lucille Dietrich and Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Wampole, all of Thorp. Great grandmothers are Helen LeTendre of Cadott and Margaret Oldham of Neillsville.

2

Church: Neillsville - St. Mary’s to Commemorate 125 Years (2024)

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

Surnames: Volz, Weber, Conner, Michaud, Williamson, Ure, Gangler, Kuhn. Kren

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

Neillsville-St. Mary’s to Commemorate 125 Years since Laying of Cornerstone (2024)



Parishioners and dignitaries gathered on a chilly May 29th in 1924 to lay the cornerstone for the second St. Mary’s Church. The first pastor, Rev. Joseph Volz, pushed the cornerstone into place as current (1924) Pastor Rev. Peter Weber officiated. Submitted photos and article

“The fire that destroyed the original St. Mary’s Church in Neillsville proved to be a catastrophe that brought the community together through the building of a new house of worship,” said Clark County Job Center Workforce Resource W2 program manager Jody Conner.

That community will celebrate the 125th anniversary of laying of the cornerstone of the current St. Mary’s Church Sunday Aug. 18, 2024, with mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by a pig roast.

“This is indeed a magnificent moment in the history of the parish family at St. Mary’s,” said Pastor father Greg Michaud.

“Though our parish family endures beyond any building, the importance of having our parish home cannot be overstated and so we celebrate the faith of those who built it and the faith of those who continue to call St. Mary’s home.”

The original St. Mary’s was a wood frame church with brick veneer constructed in 1878. June 24, 1923, lightning struck the church, causing a fire that completely destroyed the building and nearly burned the adjoining rectory.

An “especially severe” electrical storm had come up. About 9 p.m., a lightning bolt of unusual size struck the steeple, the blast scattering lumber all over the churchyard. William Williamson and a party of “young folks,” who happened to be turning their vehicle around on the church property, witnessed the strike. Williamson sounded the alarm almost immediately, and firefighters were on the scene within minutes.

But the wind was blowing “a hurricane” and it was seen in a moment that the church could not be saved. The firemen concentrated their efforts on carrying out whatever they could, including all the vestments and altar furnishings. Among the items saved were the statues of St. Joseph holding the infant Jesus and Mary the Mother of God that are still in the church nave today. Nothing could be done to save the carved wooden altar. Flames reached such an intensity the bricks melted, and the walls fell in. The fire company fought to save the rectory (priest’s residence) which was aflame. The house survived extensive roof damage. Fireman Mel Ure suffered a slight injury when hit in the head by a falling board.

One of the results of the fire was recognition by the city of Neillsville that it needed to upgrade its water service. Firemen complained there was inadequate water and pressure to throw water on the buildings. This was due to a broken pump at the water station, the standpipe needing repairs and the fact that much of the available water had been drawn off for use by the city brewery.

Father Peter Weber and his flock rebounded “quickly and boldly.” The church was insured for $8,000, sufficient to start building a new church. They collected an additional $4,000 on the damaged rectory. Just three weeks after the loss, Fr. Weber and the trustees were empowered to plan a new church for about $50,000. It was an amount that would allow for “Neillsville’s finest church edifice,” according to the Clark County Press. This would become the church the parish was familiar with today.

“[Weber] asked the people for a donation of $100 for the new church,” noted parishioner Clarence Gangler in a 1978 recollection. “That was a lot of money in those days.”

Money to rebuild was raised in a manner that required faith. Rather than pledges, all members of the congregation were to make donations in cash, obtained by many by borrowing money from a bank in their own name on which they paid their own interest. Weber also mailed a plea for donations to every Neillsville area address and received considerable assistance from non-Catholics.

“To build new is very costly,” Weber wrote. “But we must have a church. We appeal to your goodwill and generosity to help us with a donation. Be it large or small, rest assured it will be gratefully received.”

The church was of the Tudor Gothic style, 104 feet long and 51 feet wide with a seating capacity of 400 and a spacious choir as well as a large basement kitchen and hall. Only the best materials were to be used: brick and tile with a copper and tile roof, marbleized floors laid in concrete, modern heating, and ventilation systems. The building would be “practically fireproof.”

A suitably grand corner stone-laying ceremony was held on May 29 of 1924 and attended by numerous parishioners and members of the public. Joining Weber and other clergy was Father Volz, St. Mary’s first pastor who had built the old church, who was accorded the honor of pushing the stone into place. The luncheon that followed raised additional money for the project. Work progressed rapidly.

This was providential, as further tribulations ensued. While the church was being built, the first floor of the old school building was imprudently remodeled to serve as a temporary place of worship, removing what proved to be a loadbearing wall. The floor and ceiling began to buckle such that the school was vacated and closed before the end of the year and eventually torn down.

Before Christmas of 1924, services were being held in the unfinished basement of the new church while construction progressed above it. The official dedication of the church was held July 5, 1925.

The church has been renovated several times since then, including a 2008 project adding a 2,700 square foot narthex/gathering area to the Western end of the structure.

Other St. Mary’s benchmarks will also be recognized on Aug. 18. Celebrated will be Father Greg’s 15 years of being a priest. Neillsville native Father Nate Kuhn will celebrate10 years of priesthood and another son of Neillsville, Father Alex Kren, will mark one year since ordination. Sister Anna Cecelia Kuhn OP, who is also Father Kuhn’s biological sister, will be recognized for having taken her perpetual vows three years ago. Submitted article



The exterior and interior of St. Mary’s in Neillsville as it appears today, having been rebuilt after a fire in 1924.

3

News: Clark Co. - UW La Crosse (BS Degrees - 2024)

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

Surnames: Goodbrand, Lindner, Diestler, Voigt

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

Clark Co.-UW-La Crosse (BS Degrees - 2024)

Emily Goodbrand, bachelor of science, biology major: biomedical science concentration; microbiology major: biomedical concentration and Katlyn Lindner, associate of arts, liberal arts, both of Loyal; and Monte Diestler, bachelor of science, information systems major, honors and Riley Voigt, bachelor of science, communication studies major: interpersonal communication emphasis, highest honors, both of Neillsville, completed degree requirements at the UW-La Crosse in May.

4

News: Clark Co. – 7 ladies vie for “Fairest of the Fair” Crown (2024)

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

Surnames: Kapusta, Abbott, Teschner, Durrstein, Moen, Hagen, Raatz, Kilmer, Reinart, Scott

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

“Fairest of the Fair”- Seven Ladies from Clark County vie for Crown (2024)



The Clark County Fair will be held Aug. 7 -11 at the Clark County Fairgrounds. Seven contestants vie for the title of Fairest of the Fair. They are (l-r) Ruby Kilmer, Lacia Scott, Aspen Hagen, Lizzy Reinart, Ella Raatz and Emma Moen.

June Thompson/Clark County Press

The Clark County Fair will be held August 7 – 11 at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Neillsville. In years past, one lady will
be crowned the “Fairest of the Fair.”

This year there are seven ladies from Clark County competing for the opportunity to be “Fairest of the Fair” for 2024-2025.

“Fairest of the Fair” committee, Janalee Kapusta, Trena Abbott, and Jaidyn Teschner assisted the contestants, helping them prepare for interviews and photos.

“I would love the girls to be themselves and have fun with this amazing experience,” said Janalee Kapusta, coordinator of “Fairest of the Fair.” “No matter who walks away with a crown or who doesn’t, it shows incredible strength and courage to run for the ‘Fairest of the Fair.’ There are so many opportunities to grow as individuals, and I hope they take the opportunity to soak it all in.”

Amanada Durrstein was a contestant for “Fairest of the Fair” last year (2023-2024) and placed as First Attendant. She is a contestant again for “Fairest of the Fair.”

Durrstein is 20 years old. She is from Greenwood and was crowned Miss Greenwood 2021-2022.

“I wanted to run again. I enjoy being royalty,” she said. “I want to encourage kids to try new things.”

Durrstein works for PetSmart Veterinary Services in Wausau. Her goal is to be a veterinary technician. “I’d like to breed and train horses. I can continue to work and get hands-on experience.” Her sponsor is K & S Logistics & Carriers in
Greenwood.

Emma Moen is from Neillsville. She is 19 and a contestant for the “Fairest of the Fair.” If she is crowned, Moen would like to help her community and help at the fair. She attends University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, majoring in accounting. She works for Unity Bank in Neillsville.

“I like anything outside,” she said. “Hiking, biking and snowboarding in winter.” Moen’s sponsor is Unity Bank.

Aspen Hagen is from Loyal, and she is also 19. She is a contestant for the “Fairest of the Fair.” “I want to be an advocate for the Clark County Fair, share my fair stories, and inspire someone else to run for the “Fairest of the Fair,” she said. “I attend North Central Technical College in Wausau. My majors are dairy science, agriculture and business. I want to get a job in dairy nutrition.”

Hagen’s goal is to raise dairy cows and continue to participate in the Clark County Fair. Her sponsor is Allied Cooperative.

Ella Raatz is from Colby. She is 17 years old and a contestant for “Fairest of the Fair.” “I want to promote the small-town fair. We have a lot to offer,” said Raatz. “I want to help people get involved in the fair. I’ve grown up showing projects at the fair.”

Raatz enjoys photography, and baking. She plans on attending University of Madison or River Falls to study dairy science. “I hope to get a job in the dairy industry,” she said. Her sponsor is Ace Hardware.

Ruby Kilmer is from Thorp and is 19 years old. She is another contestant for “Fairest of the Fair.” Kilmer was Miss Thorp in 2022-2023.

“I want to gain experience to help with social/personal skills by meeting people through parades and event,” she said.

Kilmer is studying early childhood at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. “I like kids; sometimes too much,” she said. Her hobbies are reading, and cash crop. Kilmer’s sponsor is FairBridge Inn & Suites.

Lizzy Reinart is from Neillsville and is 19 years old. She is a contestant for “Fairest of the Fair.” “I didn’t know much about the fair, but I’d like to promote all the events at the fair,” Reinart said. She likes photography and baking. Her goal as “Fairest of the Fair” is “making sure the fair is all promoted with more participation,” she said. “People can utilize their talents with arts and crafts.”

Reinart plans to attend Chippewa Valley Tech School and study paralegal. Her sponsor is Genteman Enterprises.

Another contestant for “Fairest of the Fair is Laela Scott from Neillsville. She is 17 years old.

“I would like to educate other communities about the Clark County Fair,” she said. Scott’s hobbies are archery, baking, cooking, reading historical fiction, hiking kayaking, and training dogs. Her goal is to attend college and figure out what she wants to pursue in the medical career. Her sponsor is Grit Nutrition.

The “Fairest of the Fair” coronation will be held August 7 at 7 p.m. at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

5

News: Clark Co. - HCE Awards Scholarships (2024)

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

Surnames: Hinkelmann, Horvath, Lindner, Becker

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

Clark County HCE Awards Scholarships (2024)

The Clark County Association for Home and Community Education (HCE) has announced this year’s scholarship recipients. Four $500 scholarships were awarded to college students HCE felt were deserving.

The recipients were Devani Hinkelmann, Avrey Horvath, Micah Horvath and Katlyn Lindner.

Hinkelmann is a 2022 graduate of Loyal High School. Hinkelmann is attending UW-River Falls pursuing a degree in agricultural education.

Avrey Horvath is a 2022 graduate of Greenwood High School. Avrey is attending Concordia University Wisconsin pursuing a degree in computer science.

Micah Horvath is a 2020 graduate of Greenwood High School, as well. Micah is attending University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a degree in linguistics.

Lindner is a 2021 graduate of Greenwood High School. Lindner is attending Palmer Chiropractic School pursuing degrees of a bachelor’s of science and a doctorate of chiropractic.

The funds for these scholarships are made available through the HCE Dairy Bar sales at the Clark County Fair. Application for 2025 are available in February 2025 from the Extension Clark County Office; 517 Court St., Room 104; Neillsville, WI 54456-1982, or by calling 715-743-5121.

Application will also be available online at www.clark.extension.wisc.edc/hce-scholarship.  

The application deadline for 2025 will be June 23, 2025.

HCE is an active organization in Clark County. If interested in joining, contact Lois Becker at 715-255-8307.

6

Obit: Doberstein, Nancy Lee (1942 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Doberstein, Hartman, Ried, Scheinoha, Ludwig, Dickman, VanDerLeest, Scott

----Source: Rembs Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 7/31/2024

Doberstein, Nancy Lee (18 May 1942 – 30 July 2024)

Nancy Lee Doberstein of Withee passed away on July 30, 2024, at Clark County Rehabilitation Center.

Nancy was born on May 18, 1942, in the city of Medford, to Raymond and Anne Hartman. Nancy grew up in the area and attended school at Holy Rosary Catholic school. In 1960 she married her high school sweetheart Julius Doberstein.

She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was an avid member in a homemakers club, a volunteer at schools, she aided in creating and running the Doberstein Express.

She is survived by her children, Elvin, Dennis, William, Daniel (Rose), Brenda Doberstein; 11 grandchildren, Nina (Mark Ried), Ashley (Adam Scheinoha), Anthony (Pepsii), Jesse (Robin), Jeffery, Emily (Christian Ludwig), Monica, Elizabeth (Taylor Dickman), Eric, Chevy VanDerLeest, and Angela VanDerLeest; and 16 great-grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren; 1 step great-great grandchild; and a younger sister and many nieces and nephews.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband Julius Doberstein, parents Raymond and Anne Hartman, son Carl Doberstein, Richard Hartman, Ruth Anne Scott, Donald Hartman

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

7

Obit: Kolano, Bernard “Bernie” (1947- 2024)

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

Surnames: Kolano, Cyrzelak, Larson, Gabel, Raine, Fischer, Lesar

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 7/30/2024

Kolano, Bernard “Bernie” (7 March 1947 – 24 July 2024)

Bernard "Bernie" Kolano, 77, Greenwood, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at his home, under the care of Compassus Hospice.

Bernard Kolano was born on March 7, 1947, to Ludwig and Sabina (Cyrzelak) Kolano, in Altstadt, Germany. The family emigrated to the United States when he was 4 years old, settling first in Wisconsin Rapids and then relocating to Neillsville. He received his education in Neillsville schools and graduated from Neillsville High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served stateside until his honorable discharge in 1969. Bernie was an over-the-road truck driver for many years, and then worked at Weather Shield Mfg. in Greenwood for 12 years until the plant closed. He then went back to work as a trucker, and drove most recently for K&S Carriers of Greenwood until a few months before his passing. Bernie married Laura Larson in September 1988 and they raised three children. His interests included softball and bowling in his younger years, fishing, home improvement projects, listening to Bruce Springsteen music, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Laura Kolano of Greenwood; two daughters, Michaelynn (Jed) Gabel of Greenwood and Kaitlin (Jessie) Raine of Greenwood; one son, Shawn (Kim) Kolano of Greenwood; five grandchildren: Faith and Hannah Kolano, Alexzander Fischer, and Alayah and Azaylee Raine, two brothers, Kasimir "Bish" Kolano of Neillsville and John (Deb) Kolano of Marshfield; his mother-in-law, Mary Ann Lesar of Willard; a brother-in-law, Dean Lesar of Willard; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, August 10, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwood, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., with a service at 1 p.m. Food, drinks and a celebration of life will be held immediately afterward at Shoe's Place Bar & Grill in Willard.

8

BioM: Maslowski, Virginia Marie (1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Maslowski, Sparkowski, Paffinbarger

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

Maslowski, Virginia Marie (23 Sep 1976)

Miss Virginia Marie Maslowski, daughter of Anton Maslowski, was united in marriage to Daniel David Sparkowski, son of Bernard Sparkowski, on September 23, 1976, with Rev. John Paffinbarger officiating their marriage ceremony.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Sparkowski are residing at 270 W. 17764, Muskego, Wisconsin. The bride is employed as a registered nurse at Elmbrook Memorial Hospital in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The groom is the owner and operator of Mill Valley Garage in New Berlin, Wisconsin.

9

BioA: Zurakowski, Mr./Mrs. Walter (60th – 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Zurakowski

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

Zurakowski, Mr./Mrs. Walter (60th – 16 Oct 1976)

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Zurakowski will celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary this coming Saturday, October 16, 1976. An Open House in their honor will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. at their home east of Thorp on CTH X, Route 1. No cards are being sent, but all friends and relatives are invited to help them celebrate 60 years of wedded bliss.

10

BioM: Adams, Patricia A. (1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Adams, Hull, Hundt, McKeough, Meryer, Wallace, Abitz, Koltis, Bauer, Gassman, Hoeft, Wiernasz, Schwarm

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

Adams, Patricia A. (25 Sep 1976)

Patricia A. Adams became the bride of Daniel E. Hull, Wausau, on Saturday, September 25, 1976 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Father Robert Hundt and Father Brenden McKeough, cousin of the bride, performed the marriage ceremony. Potted mum plants and a bouquet of cut fall flowers adorned the altar.

Parents of the couple are John and Betty Adams, Wausau, and David and Eleanor Hull, Thorp.

The bride, given in marriage by her father, was attended by Mary Adams, sister of the bride, as maid of honor, and bridesmaids were Cathy Wallace, cousin of the bride, Caralyn Meryer and Sherry Abitz, friends of the bride. An Koltis, cousin of the bride, was flower girl.

Charles Bauer, was his friend’s best man, and groomsmen were Jon Gassman, John Hoeft and Mike Wiernasz, friends of the groom. Douglas Hull, brother of the groom, was ring bearer. Ushers were Duane Hull, brother of the groom, and Mike Schwarm, friends.

A reception and supper for 500 guests was held at the Marathon Park Youth Building, Wausau.

The bride is employed with Interstate United Corp., Wausau, and the groom with North Central Machine and Tool, Inc., Wausau.

After a wedding trip to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, they will be at home at 3707 Stewart Ave., Wausau.

11

News: Thorp – New Appliance Center (Oct 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Zoromski

---Source: Thorp Courier (21 Oct 1976)

Rita and Rudy Zoromski of Rudy’s Paint and Appliance Store are having a Grand Opening to show off their new area for displaying appliances.

12

Obit: Emerson, Alvin (1895 – 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Emerson, Pratt, Ericksen

---Source: Thorp Courier (21 Oct 1976)

Emerson, Alvin (21 Aug 1895 – 16 Oct 1976)

Alvin Emerson, 81, Route 1, Chippewa Falls, passed away Saturday, October 16, 1976 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chippewa Falls.

He was born on August 21, 1895 in Hallie to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Emerson, and was married to Mrs. Veronica Pratt of Thorp, Wisconsin. Mrs. Emerson preceded him in death on January 23, 1970. He is also preceded in death by six sister and five brothers.

Mr. Emerson is survived by many nieces and nephews and step-children.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 19 at 10 a.m. at Hogseth-Pederson Funeral Home, Chippewa Falls, with Rev. John Ericksen of Central Lutheran Church officiating. Burial was in the family lot at the Prairie View Cemetery.

13

Bio: Kolpack, Karen (Engagement – Oct 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Kolpack, Pogodzinski

---Source: Thorp Courier (21 Oct 1976)

Miss Karen Kolpack proudly announce her engagement to Gregory Pogodzinski, Route 2, Thorp, Wisconsin. Karen is a 1976 graduate of Gilman High School and is now employed at the Thorpedo Restaurant. Gregory is a 1971 graduate of Thorp High School and is now employed in Agriculture four miles northwest of Thorp. He is also employed at Wild Cherry Dairy.

A December wedding is being planned.

14

BioM: Biddle, Penny Ann (1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Biddle, Nusbaum, Puerner, Scott, Schultz, Slowiak, Wolf, Agnew, Lewandowski, Keating, Hendriks

---Source: Thorp Courier (28 Oct 1976)

Biddle, Penny Ann (21 Oct 1976)

Penny Ann Biddle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Biddle, Thorp, became the bride of Phillip Wayne Nusbaum, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Nusbaum, Rock Falls, Illinois, on Saturday, October 21, 1976 at St. Bernard’s St. Hedwig’s Church, Thorp. Father John Puerner performed the 3:30 p.m. marriage ceremony and mass. “Someday, Somewhere”, “The Wedding Song” and “Colour My World” were sung by Minette Biddle.

The bride, given in marriage by her parents, wore an organza gown with attached chapel train, styled with sweetheart lace bodice, stand-up collar, long chantilace sleeves and ruffled edge, which was also was repeated on the ruffled hemline. A matching Cathedral length mantilla completed her ensemble. She carried a tripe cascade bouquet of white carnations and white spider mums with ivy accented with bridal pink roses and baby’s breath.

Minette Biddle, sister-in-law of the bride was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Candy Biddle, Sue Scott and Sandy Schultz. They wore pink cotton print voile with pinafore effect. The matron of honor carried a Wickes parasol over which cascaded light pink and white carnations accented with pink statice and baby’s breath. The bridesmaids also carried parasols with pink and white carnations, which were accented with purple statice and baby’s breath.

Tracy Slowiak, friend of the bride, was flower girl.

Kenny Wolf, friend of the groom, was best man, and groomsmen were: Terry Biddle, Terry Slowiak and Jeff Scott. Ushers were Kim Agnew and Steve Schultz.

A dinner and reception were held at the Thorp Legion Hall, with a dance following with music by the Sunrises of Cadott. Mrs. Tom Lewandowski and Miss Paula Keating cut the wedding cake, and Mrs. Anton Hendriks was hostess.

The bride, a 1975 graduate of Thorp High School, is employed as a waitress at Uncle John’s Restaurant at Rockford, Illinois. The groom, a 1973 graduate of Rock Falls High School, is a welder at Frantz Manufacturing.

After a wedding trip to Central and Southern Wisconsin they will make their home at Route 4, Sterling, Illinois.