1

Bio: Kelley, Jessica Marie (Birth – 20 Apr 1976)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Kelley, Nikolay

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

Word has been received of the birth of a baby girl, Jessica Marie, on April 20, 1976 to Mr. and Mrs. John Kelley at Green Bay.

Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Jack Nikolay, Abbotsford, and Mr. and Mrs. George Kelley, Florida.

2

Obit: Frome, William Henry “Bill” (1935 - 2024)

 Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

 Surnames: Frome, Schumann, Rhyner, Vetterkind, Rhodes, Barr, Groleau

 ----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Colby, Clark Co., WI) 10/14/2024

 Frome, William Henry “Bill” (17 June 1935 – 10 October 2024)

 William “Bill” Henry Frome of Colby, at age 89, passed away at Abbotsford Health Care Center on Thursday, October 10, 2024, under the tender care of Hope Hospice.

 William was born on June 17, 1935, the son of Edwin and Lydia (Schumann) Frome in Colby. He graduated from Colby High School in 1955. He served in the US Army from 1956-1958 stationed in Europe. William was united in marriage to Denise (Rhyner) on January 7, 1977, in Rockford, IL.

 He worked at Liberty Homes in Dorchester. They also owned Foam Products by Frome which included upholstery and cushions. William was an avid outdoors man, hunting especially. He had an interest in wood working and enjoyed making maple syrup. William enjoyed watching The Packers and Brewer games. Later in life William enjoyed helping the Amish with transportation.

 William is survived by his wife, Denise of 47 years; three sons, Kent (Kim), Kurt (Lori) both of Colby and Rod (Susie) Vetterkind of Merrillan; 10 grandchildren; Evan (Montana), Olivia (Ian), Angela (Kevin) Esselman, Michael (India) and Kyle (Laura), Shayne (Chelsie), Dereck, Zachary (Shawna), Alexis and MacKenzie; and eleven great-grandchildren. He is further survived by one sister-in-law, Lisa (Keith) Rhodes and three brothers-in-law; Donald Barr, Greg (Kim) Rhyner and Jay (Wendy) Rhyner; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

 He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Kim Frome; and six siblings.

 A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday October 15, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. The Rev. James Groleau will officiate, with Inurnment to follow at Colby Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors provided by The Colby VFW Post #2227. Family and friends are welcome from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church.

 The family would like to thank the staff at Abbotsford Health Care Center and Hope Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.

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

3

Obit: Meyer, James Leroy “Jim” (1934 - 2024) 

 Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

 Surnames: Meyer, Baird, Bell, Faber

 ----Source: Rembs Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 10/14/2024

 Meyer, James Leroy “Jim” (16December 1934 – 12 October 2024) With Flag

 James “Jim” Leroy Meyer, 89, of Marshfield, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, at his cabin on the Mondeaux Flowage near Westboro.

 Jim was born on December 16, 1934, in Neillsville, the son of Edward and Mildred (Baird) Meyer. He attended Neillsville and Marshfield Schools and married Violet (Bell) Meyer on October 5, 1955. Jim proudly served his country in the Army National Guard as an artillery gunner. He retired from the Marshfield School District after working as a maintenance supervisor.

 Jim truly was a one-of-a-kind individual who always had a story to tell those that knew him. In his free time, you could find him tinkering in his shop and had a knack for being able to “fix anything”. Over the years, Jim enjoyed spending time up north at his cabin on the Mondeaux fishing, playing a round of solitaire, and gathering around the campfire with family and friends. He could often be seen driving around the lake in his little red Ranger.

 He is preceded in death by his wife, Violet, of 65 years, parents, two siblings, and a daughter-in-law.

 He is further survived by five children: James (Georgia-deceased) Meyer of Marshfield; Dave Meyer of Marshfield; Joyce (Tom) Faber of Onalaska; Don (Edith) Meyer of Marshfield; and Dan (Lori) Meyer of La Crosse. He has nine grandchildren: William, Melissa, Jason, Jenny, Michael, Michelle, Collin, Bryant, and Karlie. He has eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

 A joint memorial service will be held for Jim and his wife, Violet who died on December 23, 2020, during the COVID pandemic at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield, where a gathering for family and friends will be from 10:30 a.m. until service time. Entombment will take place in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Marshfield, where military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 54 of Marshfield.

 If desired, memorials can be given to the Mondeaux Lake Association.

 "I am lonely and afflicted, relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish". Psalm 25:16-17.

4

Obit: Zak, Victor (1928 - 2024) 

 Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

 Surnames: Zak, Sisczka, Mueller, Kollmansberger, Feldbruegge, Zawislan, Hanson

 ----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Colby, Clark Co., WI) 10/14/2024

 Zak, Victor (30 October 1928 - 11 October 2024)

 Victor Zak, born to Joseph and Julie (Sisczka) Zak on October 30, 1928, peacefully departed this world on October 11, 2024, to join the love of his life, Betty.

 Victor and Elizabeth “Betty” Mueller were united in marriage on August 15, 1953, at Peace United Church of Christ in Dorchester. Their love story began at an Easter dance in Stetsonville, and together they embarked on a life journey, farming in rural Dorchester, and nurturing a growing family. Hard work, family and service to his country were the cornerstones of Victor’s life.

 Victor grew up on his family’s dairy farm near Stetsonville where they sold eggs and dandelion wine to make ends meet. On his first day of school, he was sent home until he could speak English. His parents migrated from Czechoslovakia and spoke Czech at home. With the help of his sister, Margaret, he was able to learn English and graduated from Dorchester High School in 1947. Victor was always working and providing for his family. After graduation, he joined his brothers, Frank and Rudy, harvesting crops in the Dakotas and then his brother, Tony, putting in signals for the Soo Line Railroad.

 He joined the US Army in 1951, seeing active duty with the 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels”. These years of service made a huge impact on his life providing mixed emotions for his actions yet proud that he did what his country asked of him. Upon returning home, he worked as a bobbin boy at Chippewa Woolen and a glass cutter for Pittsburgh Glass in Wausau. Betty and Victor then took over Betty’s parent’s farm in the Town of Holton where they lovingly raised their four children: Vicky, Gregory, Karla and Bonnie.

 Victor and Betty enjoyed snowmobiling and were charter members of the Midnight Riders Snowmobile Club. Victor liked to be busy and was always working to provide for his family. His jobs after farming included Mr. B’s Gas Station, Meigs Asphalt Plant and mowing the cemetery for the City of Abbotsford. Attending the Honor Flight to Washington DC was a lifetime highlight, as well as laying a stone at the Highground Veterans Memorial in Neillsville and a bench at the Dorchester Veterans Memorial.

 Victor is survived by his children: Vicky Kollmansberger, Gregory Zak, Karla (Joe) Feldbruegge and Bonnie (Lenny) Zawislan; 13 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

 He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty on November 23, 2023; and his siblings: Frank, Rudy, Tony, Irene, Anna, Margaret and Mike.

 A Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at First United Church of Christ in Colby on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Reverend Teri Hanson will officiate. Interment to follow at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Family and friends are welcome from 1:00 p.m. until time of service Sunday at the church.

 The family would like to thank all the staff at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center in 1 west for the wonderful care Victor received.

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

5

Obit: Kalepp, Eugene Charles (1940?  1940?)  

 Contact: Jack Bremer

E-mail: jcbremer@charter.net

 Surnames: Kalepp, Brandt, Bremer

----Source: Abbotsford Tribune (Abbotsford, Clark County, Wisconsin) 11/28/1940

Kalepp, Eugene Clarence (1940 - 1940)

Funeral services for infant Eugene Clarence Kalepp were held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Kalepp. The Rev. J. Brandt officiated at the rites. Internment was made in the Dorchester cemetery.

Eleven days old Eugene Clarence is survived by his parents, two sisters, Bonnie Lou and Bernice, one brother, Lloyd, his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Kalepp, and maternal grandfather, Richard Bremer.

6

Obit: Ewald, Gary R. (1935 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Ewald, Brehm, Raatz, Bruesewitz, Van Straten, Socha, Maldonis, Hansen, Gessert, Krings, Jarzin, Day, Francis, Klepach, Coleman, Shook, Miller, Sly, Kramas, Endries, Elsinger, Stoyke, Pichler, Daniels

----Source: Rembs Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 11/8/2024

Ewald, Gary R. (15 June 1935 – 5 November 2024) With Flag

Gary D. Ewald, 89, of Marshfield, passed away on November 5, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center.

Gary was born on June 15, 1935, in Unity, to Gordon and Irene (Brehm) Ewald on the family farm. He attended school in Unity but left early to help on the farm, a place he cherished and held close to his heart. He later joined the United States Army, serving during Vietnam. Gary was given Honorable Discharge on the 31st day of December in the year 1961.

In June 1981, Gary married Delores Raatz, the love of his life. They made their home in Unity, where Gary found deep meaning and fulfillment in their companionship. For 43 years, Gary and Delores shared a devoted life together, finding joy in life’s simple pleasures and supporting each other through every endeavor with love and tenderness. His family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his world, and his world was happy.

Gary is survived by his wife Delores Ewald, his children Debra (Dale) Bruesewitz , Douglas Ewald, Tina Van Straten (Terry Socha), Tammy (Ryan) Maldonis, Thomas Van Straten, Tracey Hansen (Doc Gessert), and Troy (Amanda) Van Straten. His sisters Judy Krings, Jane Jarzin, and MaryAnn Day (Mike Francis).

Gary’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren Denise Bruesewitz (Thom Klepach), Daniel Bruesewitz (Krystyna Coleman), Richard Van Straten, Devin (Zuzana) Shook, David Socha, Dusty Jo (Benjamin) Miller, Kendra (Scott) Sly, Kennedy Kramas (Korey Endries), Caine Maldonis, Kaytlin Gessert (Austin Elsinger), Serena Gessert (Kobe Stoyke), Tyler Pichler, Austin (Jyll) Daniels, Kirklynn (Dana) Daniels, Zach Daniels (Logan), Alicean Van Straten, and Ben Van Straten, and great grandchildren Roa and Isla Bruesewitz; Theodore and Hannah Bruesewitz; Eliska Shook; Kaiden, Madilyn, and Veronica Miller; Roselynn Stoyke; Gage, Lily, and Olivia Daniels; Kaleb Daniels; Kendrick and Sunny Daniels.

Gary is further survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

Gary is predeceased in death by his parents Gordon and Irene Ewald, his brother Dennis, two brothers-in-law Sonny Krings and Stan Jarzin, and son-in-law Ron Kramas.

A memorial service will be held at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Hansen officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until the time of the service. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral home, with burial following at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Marshfield. The funeral service will be live-streamed at https://www.rembsfh.com/facebook-livestream/facebook-livestream

7

Obit: Lauenstein, Merlene A. (1939 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Lauenstein, Pieper, Fricke, Gilbert, Helm, Olson, Rueth

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 11/10/2024

Lauenstein, Marlene A. (28 June 1939 - 8 November 2024)

Marlene A. Lauenstein passed away peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the age of 85.

Born on June 28, 1939, and raised in Loyal, Marlene brought joy, laughter, and love to those around her. Known for her fun-loving spirit, she cherished time spent with her family and embraced every moment with a zest for life. She had a special love for animals, especially her beloved cats, and an enduring passion for her children and grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

Marlene is survived by her loving sister, Karen Fricke; her children, Scott (Laurie) Lauenstein, Tom (Wendy) Lauenstein, Susan Gilbert, and Steven Lauenstein; and her cherished grandchildren, Brady, Logan, and Brent Lauenstein, and Ethan and Connor Gilbert; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Alma Pieper; and her dear siblings, Delmar (Darlene) Pieper, Dolores (James) Helm, Beverly (Art) Olsen, and Joyce (Larry) Rueth.

Marlene lived a full and vibrant life, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her warmth, humor, and devotion will be dearly missed.

Friends and family are invited to share their favorite photos and memories of Marlene on her memorial page at https://albums.memento.com/mlauenstein.  To contribute, simply click the "Add Memory" button and follow the prompts to upload photos or share written remembrances. Your stories and images will help create a lasting tribute to Marlene's legacy.

A Celebration of Life for Marlene will be planned at a future date, with details to follow. Her family invites all who knew her to join in honoring her memory and sharing in the joy she brought to so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Marlene’s memory to a charity close to her heart. Please consider a donation to MAPS, Marshfield Area Pet Shelter, https://www.marshfieldpetshelter.org/donate.

8

Obit: Trask, Joel Phillip (1959 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Trask, Kriegl, Kelley, Wentz

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/9/2024

Trask, Joel Phillip (1 September 1959 – 6 November 2024) With Flag

Joel Phillip Trask, 65, of Neillsville, passed away unexpectedly November 6, 2024, following a life marked by both challenges and triumphs. Born on September 1, 1959, in Iron Mountain, MI, he grew up in Breitung Township and graduated from Kingsford High School, in 1977. Joel was the beloved son of Clifford and Ruth Trask, both of whom preceded him in death.

Joel's early years were defined by his sense of adventure and commitment to duty. He served with honor in the U.S. Army Special Forces from 1978 to 1981, where he displayed exceptional courage and dedication. Throughout his time in the military, he earned the respect and admiration of his comrades. His service also led him to Europe, where he competed in and won weightlifting championships, showcasing not only his physical strength but his unyielding determination.

Despite the challenges he faced later in life, Joel found peace and strength through his faith in Christ. As a disabled veteran, he struggled with mental illness and overcame addictions by the grace of God. In recent years, Joel desired to grow in Christ, putting his faith securely in his Savior to forgive his sins, remove the burden of guilt and shame, and bring him the assurance of salvation and a home in heaven with his Lord. He attended church and Bible study regularly at Living Hope Evangelical Free Church in Neillsville, WI. His deep faith became a cornerstone of his life, and he was known for being faithful, loyal, kind, and a man of his word.

Joel was a man of many remarkable qualities: strong in both body and character, sharp-witted and intelligent, and had a fun sense of humor. He cherished his family deeply, maintaining daily contact with his brothers, Stephen (Barbara) Trask and Scott (Pamela) Trask and made frequent calls to his beloved Uncle Jerry and Aunt Donna Kriegl as well as other dear friends in Iron Mountain. His absence will be profoundly felt by those who were blessed to know him.

A special thank you goes to Kathie Kelley, Joel's caregiver of 14 years, whose unwavering support and love helped guide him through the challenges of life with compassion and care. We are forever grateful for her presence in his life.

A memorial service for Joel will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Living Hope Evangelical Free Church in Neillsville, WI, with Pastor Steve Wentz officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at the church and Military Honors will conclude the service at 11:45.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Joel's honor.

Rest in peace, Joel. You fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joel Trask, please visit our flower store.

9

Obit: Vanderhoof, Larry C. (1952 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Vanderhoof, Kohnhorst, Bruce

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 11/9/2024

Vanderhoof, Larry C. (30 January 1952 – 15 October 2024)


Larry C. Vanderhoof, age 72, of Spencer, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, where he was living with his brother, Roger and sister-in-law, Tammy, under the tender care of Heartland Hospice.

Larry was born on January 30, 1952, the son of Charles and Ruth (Kohnhorst) Vanderhoof in Marshfield. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1971. Larry worked for Christensen Farms for many years. He enjoyed riding in his side by side and visiting with his neighbors. Larry especially enjoyed Roger and Tammy’s dogs.

Larry is survived by his brother, Roger (Tammy) of Spencer; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mark.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Rev. Donald Bruce will officiate. Interment to follow at West Spencer Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service Friday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice, especially Julie, Dennis, Miranda and Donna, for the loving and tender care they received.

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

10

Obit: Zimmerman, Delores Jeanne “Dee” (1930 - 2024)

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

Surnames: Zimmerman, Stach, Duncan, Gresh, Anderson

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/11/2024

Zimmerman, Delores Jeanne “Dee” (30 March 1930 – 9 November 2024)

Delores "Dee" Zimmerman, age 94, of Neillsville, died Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Neillsville.

Delores Jeanne Duncan was born on March 30, 1930, in Mitchell, SD, the daughter of Earl and Gizella (Stach) Duncan. She graduated from Browerville High School in Browerville, MN and then worked as a secretary for IDS in Minneapolis MN. On October 2, 1954, Delores was united in marriage to Lloyd Zimmerman. Delores and Lloyd, along with their three children Sandy, Brad and Greg lived in Loyal until 1968, when they moved to Neillsville. At that time, Delores started working for the Black River Country Shopper and then the Clark County Press; two places where she worked for over 50 years.

Delores was known in the Neillsville community for her historical weekly column, "The Good Old Days" and for her ability to listen to anyone with a care or concern. She will be remembered for her generous heart and love for others. Some of her favorite activities were golfing, old time dancing, playing cards, and writing her memories. Delores was an active member of the Calvary Lutheran Church.

Delores is survived by her three children, daughter, Sandra (Roger) Gresh of Britton, SD, Sons, Brad, (Jamie) Zimmerman of Hayward, and Greg (Kristi) Zimmerman of Richland Center, five grandsons, four granddaughters and 17 great grandchildren. Delores is also survived by two brothers, Gary Duncan of Verndale, MN and John Duncan of Wadena, MN.

Delores was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, her brother, Norman and her parents.

Memorial Services for Dee will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Chad Anderson will officiate. Following the service, a lunch will be served at the church. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday at the Calvary Lutheran Church. A livestream of Dee's Memorial Service can be viewed at www.geschefh.com beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Calvary Lutheran Church, 213 Hill Street, Neillsville, WI 54456.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Dee's family with funeral arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Delores Zimmerman, please visit our flower store.

 

 


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