Tuesday, May 31, 2011

WILLARD E. BECHLEM


NAME OF DECEASED: WILLARD E. BECHLEM AGE: 85

ADDRESS: Gilman Care Center, Gilman, WI; A former Medford area resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 11:38 PM Monday, May 30 at Gilman Care Center, Gilman where he had resided for the past 6 years

TIME & PLACE OF FUNERAL: Graveside Committal Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 14 at Medford Evergreen Cemetery

OFFICIATING: Deacon Joe Stefancin

PLACE OF BURIAL: Medford Evergreen Cemetery

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: November 5, 1925 at Sheboygan, WI

EDUCATION: Township of Hammel elementary schools

MARRIAGE INFORMATION: June 25, 1950 at Medford to Mildred E. Brasch and they were later divorced

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: While residing in the Medford area, he worked at various places including Weathershield Mfg., Medford Fur Foods, and the Westboro Cheese Factory. In retirement he volunteered at Green Thumb, Special Olympics and the Arrow Head Industries of Ladysmith. In 2002 he moved to the Gilman area and entered Gilman Care Center in April of 2005. He enjoyed hunting, fishing baseball & polka music. He had a sense of humor that could light up any room.

SURVIVING CHILDREN: 2 daughters – Patricia (LeeRoy) Vesnefsky of Racine & Brenda (Robin) Markowski-whereabouts unknown; 2 sons – Otto Bechlem of Prentice, WI & William Bechlem of Chilton, WI

CHILDREN DECEASED: Daughter – Linda Bechlem in 1959

# OF GRANDCHILDREN: 2 GREAT -GRANDCHILDREN: 5

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Sister – Erna Little of Plano, TX

DECEASED BROTHERS/SISTERS: Brothers – Roy, Raymond & Herbert Bechlem

DECEASED FATHER: Edward Bechlem DECEASED MOTHER: Pauline Mueller

OTHER INFORMATION:
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Monday, May 30, 2011

ELSIE V. ZIRNGIBLE


NAME OF DECEASED: ELSIE V. ZIRNGIBLE AGE: 87

ADDRESS: 535 N. Shattuck Street, Medford

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 12:30 PM Sunday, May 29 at Medford’s Memorial Nursing and Rehab Center, where she had resided for the past 4 ½ months

TIME & PLACE OF FUNERAL: 11:00 AM Thursday, June 2 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford where there will also be a 10:45 AM VFW Auxiliary Service

OFFICIATING: Rev. Nancy Amacher

PLACE OF BURIAL: Medford Evergreen Cemetery II

VISITATION AT: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church from 9:00 AM until time of services starting at 10:45 AM on Thursday, June 2

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: April 13, 1924 in Medford, WI

EDUCATION: Medford elementary schools and was a graduate of Medford High School

MARRIAGE INFORMATION: August 2, 1947 in Abbotsford to Victor “Vic” R. Zirngible and he survives

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: After her education, she worked as a bookkeeper for Rural Electric in Medford (now known as Taylor Electric) for many years. In 1960, she became part-owner of Stetsonville Lumber Co. and did the bookkeeping until just last year. She enjoyed playing cards, traveling, flower-gardening, shopping, collecting Santa Clauses, watching classic movies, and spending time with her family.

MEMBER OF: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford; Medford V.F.W. Auxiliary

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Victor “Vic” R. Zirngible of Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: 2 Sons – Craig (Jeanne) Zirngible of Medford & Dale (Ruth) Zirngible of Medford, 1 Son-in-law – Charles (Jill) Ball of Granbury, TX

CHILDREN DECEASED: Daughter - Jill Zirngible (Ball) in 2009, Granddaughter – Jessie Jane Zirngible – 1979

# OF GRANDCHILDREN: 9 GREAT -GRANDCHILDREN: 1

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Sister – Carol (Edward “Hink”) Spencer of Crandon, WI

DECEASED BROTHERS/SISTERS: Brothers – Les, Dick, Bob, Don, and Leslie Krueger; Sisters – Julia Krueger, Elaine Bormann, Wanda Foss, Mary Bracker, and her twin sister-Ardis Krueger

DECEASED FATHER: Arthur Krueger DECEASED MOTHER: Olga Kissman

PALLBEARERS: Grandchildren – Lynn (Mike) Lindau, Charles “Chip” Ball, Scott, Eric, Steve, Katy, Alex, Emily & Ray Zirngible

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given in her name to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Building Fund
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

EVANGELINE GRIESBACH


NAME OF DECEASED: EVANGELINE GRIESBACH AGE: 88

ADDRESS: W9765 Perkinstown Ave., Medford; A Township of Hammel resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 9:20 PM Sunday, May 29 at Golden Living Center, Rib Lake where she had resided for the past 6 days

TIME & PLACE OF FUNERAL: Per her request, there will be no services

PLACE OF BURIAL: Medford Evergreen Cemetery II

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: October 21, 1922 at the Township of Medford

EDUCATION: Molitor Elementary School, Township of Hammel

MARRIAGE INFORMATION: 1st – February 10, 1943 to Henry Hoffmann and they were later divorced
2nd – June 28, 1947 to Raymond F. Griesbach and they were divorced in 1968

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: Farmed in the Township of Hammel in her earlier years. She worked as a cook at various resorts and restaurants for periods of time. She owned and operated the Hilltop Variety Shop west of Medford for a period of time. She was clerk for the Township of Hammel for 9 years. She enjoyed gardening, fancy work, stained glass, painting, and playing guitar.

MEMBER OF: Christian Science Church; Taylor Co. Historical Society where she was a past president and curator;

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Son – Robert Griesbach of Medford
Daughter – Janet (August) Steffen of Mosinee

CHILDREN DECEASED: 2 grandchildren – Timothy & Jeffrey Steffen

# OF GRANDCHILDREN: 8 GREAT -GRANDCHILDREN: 16 GREAT – GREAT GRAND. 1

DECEASED BROTHERS/SISTERS: Brothers - Dale Krueger & Ernest Krueger Jr., Dick & Ted Krueger in infancy

DECEASED FATHER: Ernest H. Krueger DECEASED MOTHER: Anne M. Sachse

OTHER INFORMATION:
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

JANICE E. SHEAR


NAME OF DECEASED: JANICE E. SHEAR AGE: 72

ADDRESS: N1188 Hemlock Drive, Medford, WI; A Township of Little Black resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 6:00 AM Tuesday, May 24 at Memorial Health Center, Medford where she had been a patient for the past 3 days

TIME & PLACE OF FUNERAL: Per her request, there will be no services

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: October 12, 1938 at Afton, NY

EDUCATION: Afton, NY elementary and high schools; graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY with a degree in secretarial science

MARRIAGE INFORMATION: In 1960 at New York to John F. Shear and they were later divorced

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: After her education, she worked as a secretary at Cornell University, a car dealership and State University of New York in Cobleskill, NY for periods of time until her retirement. In 2004 she moved to the Township of Little Black and spent the winter months in Orlando, FL. She enjoyed camping, traveling, bingo, car racing, bowling, needlework, crafts and spending time with family & friends.

MEMBER OF: past bowling leagues

SURVIVING SIGNIFICANT OTHER: Doug Collins of Medford who she spent the last 34 years with

SURVIVING CHILDREN: daughter – Lt. Col. Kathy Shear stationed at Fort Lewis, WA
sons – John (Lisa) Shear of Medford & James Shear of Troy, NY

# OF GRANDCHILDREN: 7

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: brother – Neal Pease of Green, NY

DECEASED BROTHERS/SISTERS: brother – Raymond Pease

DECEASED FATHER: John F. Pease DECEASED MOTHER: Lynette (maiden name unknown)

OTHER INFORMATION: The family requests that memorials to be given in her name to the American Cancer Society
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Helen Victoria Gelhaus

Helen Victoria Gelhaus
December 7, 1922 – May 14, 2011

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 11:28 A.M. Saturday, May 14 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital where she had been a patient for the past 13 days surrounded by her loving family

TIME & PLACE OF FUNERAL: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday May 18 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford

OFFICIATING: Father Gerard Willger

PLACE OF BURIAL: Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford

VISITATION AT: 8:30 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. Wednesday May 18 at the Hemer Funeral Home, Medford

Helen Victoria Gelhaus was born December 7, 1922 in the farming community of Redville, just east of Lublin, Wisconsin, to Edmund & Victoria Sapetta, immigrants from Poland. She was the second oldest of four daughters: Josephine, Helen, Wanda (Bochnia), and Louise (Parnewicz). She helped on the farm in her youth, attended elementary school in Redville, and in 1940 graduated from Owen High School.
After high school, she traveled to Chicago for work and adventure, where she remained for 16 years, working in factories, including Motorola (Belmont Street) for 10 years where she rose to level of supervisor, managing a department that made wire recorders for the war. Helen also attended beautician school at night while working at the factory, and then, after leaving the factory, worked five years as a beautician. Helen remembered being picked up by the bus each day on Lawrence Street. She lived on Milwaukee Street. In 1956, at the age of 34, she returned home to Redville to care for her ailing parents.
Helen met Arthur Gelhaus (a widower with 9 children) on a trip to Medford to purchase a car for her father. She would joke that Chevrolet threw in a husband with the car to seal the deal. They were married August 29, 1959 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin. An eyewitness at the reception said Art and Helen could dance a wild Polka. She moved to Medford where she resided at 133 North Second Street for the next 37 years. Raising nine children, and then three more of her own, Helen was busy with homemaking duties.
She was an excellent cook and all remember the big meals of pierogies, golumki (stuffed cabbage), creamed chicken on homemade biscuits, fried venison, porcupine meatballs, and countless others, or the special treats like the raised sugar donuts, the deep fried rosettes covered with powdered sugar, and a variety of pies, cookies, sweet rolls, and character birthday cakes. With a freezer always full of wild game, she mastered the art of making the toughest piece of meat taste great.
Holidays were special. The Christmas tree was always jaw-dropping, a tall tree covered with glass ornaments and countless lights. Art called it the Polish Christmas tree. At Easter, she would dye eggs with natural dyes and beeswax in the Polish style. At Halloween, carved pumpkins were everywhere.
Before her snowmobile accident in her early 50’s, which nearly took her life, she enjoyed putting together puzzles, with a number of them adorning the upstairs hallway. Helen was an avid gardener, and Art and she had a big plot which they kept immaculate out at the farm. She loved her flowers along the house. Canning and freezing vegetables and fruit were annual rituals.
Helen did find time for painting ceramic figurines which was one of her most memorable hobbies. She also enjoyed traveling with Art to Chevrolet conventions all over the world. And, of course, she loved going to garage sales. She was quite the regular attendee on the garage sale circuit in her later years. When she left her apartment on Main Street in 2005 to go to Country Gardens, an assisted living facility, she had a garage sale of her own. They came from all corners of the county to witness this mother-of-all-garage-sales. In her most recent years, she collected angels and had a beautiful display in her room.
She and Art were loyal members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. All twelve children made their way through elementary school at Holy Rosary. Helen also enjoyed visiting the church of her youth in Lublin, the Polish National Catholic Church, and its cemetery, where her parents are buried. Through much of her life she would attend the annual Polish National Catholic Church festival in Lublin, where she could speak Polish with her friends from the past.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arthur, and also stepson Nicholas. Survivors include stepchildren Mary, Sally (Tony Kovacik), Carol (Roland Griffin), Jane (Tom Leischer), Laura (Dennis Zuleger), Susie (Lyle Jones), Peter (Jeanine), and Charles (Linda), and children Donna (Steve Smitala), Mark (Linda) and Robert. Survivors also include thirty-six grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Caretaker Martha Riehle was a very close and dear friend to Helen in her latter years.
In lieu of gifts, contributions can be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 215 South Washington Avenue, Medford, WI 54451.

Friday, May 13, 2011

OTTO W. BECKER


NAME OF DECEASED:
OTTO W. BECKER
AGE: 88

ADDRESS: N5658 Tamarack Drive Medford Town of Greenwood Resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 12:38 A.M. Thursday, May 12 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital where he had been a patient for the past 5 days.

TIME & PLACE OF FUNERAL: A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: December 7, 1922 in Chelsea

EDUCATION: Attended Buddy School in the Town of Greenwood

MARRIAGE INFORMATION: July 18, 1942 in Medford to Anne Prisuda and she survives

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: He joined the CCC Camp where he served for a couple of years. Otto was then drafted during WWII in the U.S. Air Force where he was a cook and trained for a tail gunner marksman. After his time in the service he bought property in the Town of Greenwood where they built a farm. Otto and Anne started with dairy and later, also did beef and honey bee’s until 2008. He also did logging during this time. He was an avid deer hunter. Otto enjoyed listening and dancing to polka music and playing the accordion. Otto also loved to pick his tame raspberries.

MEMBER OF: Active Member of the Dorchester Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Past Member: Golden Gloves Boxing in California where he trained with Joe Louis.

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Anne Becker of Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: 2 Daughters: Leona Fainter of Merrill
Georgia (Len) Symoniak of Medford

# OF GRANDCHILDREN: 5 GREAT -GRANDCHILDREN: 16 GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: 2

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Step-Brother: James (Dot) Becker of Colorado Springs, CO

DECEASED BROTHERS/SISTERS: Sister: Elsie Smock
Brother: Henry Becker
Grandson: James Johnas
Son-In-Law: Paul Fainter

DECEASED FATHER: Albert Becker DECEASED MOTHER: Lena Ruebsamen

Hemer Funeral Home of Medford is assisting the family with arrangements
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

MICHAEL “MIKE” S. KISELICKA

NAME OF DECEASED:
MICHAEL “MIKE” S. KISELICKA
AGE: 21

ADDRESS: Almost Home Again N3531 Elder Drive Gilman Town of Aurora Former Medford Area Resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 8:56 P.M. Monday, May 2 at Ministry Our Lady of Victory Hospital, Stanley E.R. where he was taken earlier by ambulance

TIME & PLACE OF FUNERAL: 11:00 A.M. Thursday May 5 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford

OFFICIATING: Father Gerard Willger

PLACE OF BURIAL: Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford

VISITATION AT: 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 4 in the Fireplace Lounge at Holy Rosary Catholic Church where there will be a 7:30 P.M. Rosary Service and also from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 5 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford
DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: March 1, 1990 in Medford

EDUCATION: Holy Rosary Catholic Grade School and Medford Area Schools

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: Mike did flooring and carpeting for a period of time. He also worked at Black River Industries in Medford for around a year. He was an avid guitar player and music writer. Mike loved nature, especially being outdoors and walking through the woods. He also enjoyed reading about science and physics. Mike always wanted to help people out.



MEMBER OF: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Son: Anthony John Graf of Medford

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: 2 Sisters: Maria Kiselicka of Milwaukee and Leanna Kiselicka of Madison

SURVIVING PARENTS: Father: Daniel S. Kiselicka of Medford
Mother: Laurie J. (Rick) Spanbauer of Medford Maiden Name: Krysinski
Maternal Grandmother: Althea Krysinski of Mukwonago
Niece: Annia Kiselicka of Milwaukee
Also survived by Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Other Relatives and Friends

PALLBEARERS: Kevin Krysinski, Gary Wolff, Jeff Hoffman, Tim Ruesch, Joseph Kiselicka, Tony Kiselicka Jr., Stephen Leow and Derek Shereda

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, memorial’s can be made to Michael’s family to be designated at a later date
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

Monday, May 2, 2011

ERNA G. STAHL



NAME OF DECEASED:
ERNA G. STAHL
AGE: 91

ADDRESS: N4450 Stahl Road Medford Town of Hammel Resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 2:00 A.M. Monday, May 2 at her residence surrounded by her loving family and Hope Hospice

TIME & PLACE OF FUNERAL: 11:00 A.M. Friday May 6 at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford

OFFICIATING: Father Gerard Willger and Deacon Joseph Stefancin

PLACE OF BURIAL: Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford

VISITATION AT: 9:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. Friday, May 6 at the Hemer Funeral Home, Medford where there will be a 10:30 A.M. Rosary Service

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: January 6, 1920 in Tilsit, Former East Prussia

EDUCATION: Attended school in Germany

MARRIAGE INFORMATION: April 11, 1953 at Medford to Louis Stahl and he preceded her in death on July 7, 1985.

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: Erna moved to the United States in 1952 and worked at the Riverside Hotel in Medford until her marriage. Her and her husband then owned and operated a farm in the Town of Hammel her entire life until the early 1980’s. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, crafts, knitting, sewing and playing cards. Erna also enjoyed traveling, especially to Washington to visit her family.

MEMBER OF: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford and the Holy Rosary Society

SURVIVING CHILDREN: 2 Daughters: Carol (Mike) Tuma of Medford and Arlene (Brian) Carter of Ellensburg, Washington

# OF GRANDCHILDREN: 2 Grandsons: Jeremy and Tyler Carter both of Ellensburg, Washington

DECEASED BROTHERS/SISTERS: Herbert, Erich, Herta and Kurt

DECEASED FATHER: Friederich Schneidereit DECEASED MOTHER: Minna Krisson

PALLBEARERS: Jeremy and Tyler Carter, George Tuma, Tom Strama, Bob Molitor and Dave Kalmon

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, memorial’s can be made in Erna’s name to Holy Rosary Catholic Church and School 215 S. Washington Avenue Medford, Wisconsin 54451
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

IRENE A. BRUNNER



NAME OF DECEASED: IRENE A. BRUNNER AGE: 85

ADDRESS: 831 s. 8th Street, Medford

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 2:32 AM Sunday, May 1 at Deerview Meadows Assisted Living, Medford where she had resided for the past 3 months most recently under the care of Hope Hospice

TIME & PLACE OF FUNERAL: Memorial services will be held at a later date.

PLACE OF BURIAL: Inurnment of her cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: March 20, 1926 at the Township of Holway

EDUCATION: Township of Holway elementary school & attended Medford High School

MARRIAGE INFORMATION: August 16, 1947 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford to Raymond E. Brunner and he preceded her in death December 26, 2006

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: Prior to her marriage, she clerked at the Medford Co-op in downtown Medford. After their marriage, she worked as a housewife & mother along with doing bookkeeping work for Brunner Shell Service Station. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, bowling, snowmobiling, and spending time with her grandchildren.

MEMBER OF: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford; Medford VFW Auxiliary

SURVIVING CHILDREN: 2 sons – Bruce (Linda) Brunner of Medford & Brian (Barbara) Brunner of Kent, WA
Daughter – Loni (Dean) Carroll of Westboro

CHILDREN DECEASED: Grandson – Ryan Brunner in 1994

# OF GRANDCHILDREN: 7 GREAT -GRANDCHILDREN: 1

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: 2 Brothers – Walter (Margaret) Balciar & Ken (Joyce) Balciar both of Medford

DECEASED BROTHERS/SISTERS: 2 Brothers – Ernest “Emil” & Richard “Dick” Balciar

DECEASED FATHER: John Balciar DECEASED MOTHER: Adella Valent

PALLBEARERS: Grandchildren – Nicole, Cory, Travis & Troy Brunner, Travis & Nick Carroll, Tim & Tiahna Lewer

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to either: Hope Hospice, Deerview Meadows Assisted Living or St. Paul’s Church building fund
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com