GEORGE J. BECKER

George J. Becker, 86, of Little Black, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at his home, under the care of Hope Hospice.

George was born on December 13, 1934 to James and Margaret (Hippe) Becker in Athens. He attended Athens schools. He married Nancy Kowalke on November 29, 1958; she preceded him in death on May 26, 2010. After their marriage, they farmed in the town of Little Black for 49 years. He also drove bus and milk truck.  George had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening. He also enjoyed wood working and building cabinets, chests, and gun cabinets. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George is survived by his 5 children, Greg (Angie) Becker of Gilman, Dennis (Karen) Becker of Medford, Kathy Becker of Stetsonville, Daniel Becker of Fruita, CO, and Scott Becker of Medford; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother, Jimmy (Brenda) Becker of Tomahawk, and special friend Leona Becker.

George is preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Steve Becker; brother, Carl Becker; sisters, Elizabeth Zak and Emma Pierce.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

EDWARD J. BOXRUCKER

 

Edward J. Boxrucker, 95, of Medford, passed away Friday, July 16, 2021, at Stoney River Assisted Living Facility in Marshfield.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Reverend Patrick McConnell officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Interment will be at the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, with Military Rites given by the Stetsonville American Legion Post 519, will follow. 

Edward was born on July 19, 1925, attended schools in Dorchester and Stetsonville and graduated from Medford High School in 1944.  He participated in school sports, enjoyed playing baseball for Stetsonville and participated in many other sports.  His marriage to Jean M. Ziehlke took place on May 12, 1952, at Holy Rosary Church in Medford.  Together, they enjoyed camping and traveled to all fifty states and throughout Europe.  He loved his family and greatly treasured times spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

He was a veteran of World War II, serving overseas in England and Germany, being discharged as a Staff Sergeant.  He was a charter member of the Medford National Guard, Co. A, 724 Eng Combat Bn, serving many years as their First Sergeant, being discharged a Lt. in 1956. 

Following his discharge from the Army, he was employed at Rib Lake Cheese as Office Manager until 1957.  He began employment as office manager for Taylor Electric Cooperative in 1979, when he was appointed General Manager of the Cooperative.  He served in that position until his retirement in 1992.  During this time, he served as President of Dairyland Power Cooperative Managers and Wisconsin Electric Cooperative managers association.  He also served similar positions in the Wisconsin Cooperative office managers association. 

Mr. Boxrucker was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, a lay minister of the church, a member of Casmir Cypher 4^th Degree Knights of Columbus, and a 3^rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Medford.  He was a member of the Boxrucker Berry American Legion Post in Stetsonville, a past member of the Medford Curling Club, Medford Chamber of Commerce and the Medford Bowling League.  He was a stock holder in Black River Golf Club and golfed for many years.  Following retirement, he golfed at Tee Hi Golf Club in the Seniors League.  

He is lovingly survived by a daughter, Jill (Timothy) Koenig of Medford, granddaughters Katie (Joel) Sackett, of Eau Claire, Jeana (Andrew) Amsler, of Robbinsdale, MN, Kelly (Andrew) Rindt, Sheboygan, and great-grandchildren Claire, Luke and Jude Sackett, Vivian and William Amsler and Abigail, Nathan and Charlotte Rindt.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Patsy Boxrucker; his wife Jean; siblings Leona (Edwin) Blasel, Al (Agnes) Boxrucker, Delores (Adolph) Dums, Raymond (Arlene) Boxrucker, and Clarence Boxrucker.   He is survived by a sister-in-law, Marge Boxrucker, Stetsonville. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Edward's name may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Medford or to St. Croix Hospice of Marshfield.

Julee A. Klemm

 

Julee Ann Klemm, 62, of Medford, town of Browning, died Thursday, July 15, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family and under the care of Hope Hospice.  

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 23, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Chelsea. 

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, July 22 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with a prayer service at 7 p.m. to conclude the visitation, and on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. 

Julee was born May 27, 1959 in Marshfield to Joan (Jensen) and James Zuleger.  She grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford High School, class of 1977.  She attended UW-Stevens Point, earning a B.S. in Education.  

On June 28, 1980, Julee married Kevin Klemm. They resided in Medford where the first seven years of her teaching career were in Colby at St. Mary’s School. She then taught 4th grade for 30 years in the Medford Public Schools, retiring in 2018. 

Julee had many interests, including gardening, canning, making sauerkraut, ice fishing, snowmobiling, camping, Brewers baseball, and traveling.  Quiet times were spent curled up with a good book. Her love of music was carried throughout her life. 

Her passion for travel took Julee and her travel buddies to wonderful places.  They have cherished memories of many trips together, but her favorite place they visited was Zermatt, Switzerland. 

She is survived by her husband, Kevin of Medford; son, Cole (Jenny) of Medford; daughter, Anne (Aaron) Rogers of St. Paul; father, Jim Zuleger of Medford; mother-in-law, Nelda Klemm of Medford, a sister, Jill (Bruce) Dassow of Medford; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lynn (Steve) Cihasky of Eau Claire, Brenda (Lee) Jones, Joleen (John) Ziembo, Lisa (Mike) Frombach, Kim Klemm, Brad (Paula) Klemm, Jay (Karen) Klemm, Doug (Patti) Klemm; grandchildren, Finley and Josephine Klemm, and Frances Rogers; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Joan Zuleger; father-in-law, Bernard “Bunny” Klemm; brother-in-law, Dean Klemm; and grandson, Erik James Klemm.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family will be given to cancer research and preservation of The School Forest. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

Lucille A. Szemraj

 

Lucille Agnes (nee Piwoni) Szemraj, age 94, formerly of Gilman, died July 14, 2021 at the Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center in Owen.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 17 at St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church in Lublin with Fr. Marion Talaga officiating.  Interment will follow at the Polish National Cemetery, also in Lublin.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lublin.

Lucille was born September 11, 1926 in the town of Withee to Katherine (Strzok) and Peter Piwoni.  She attended the Yaeger School in the town of Thorp.

On August 1, 1946, Lucille married Joseph Szemraj at St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church in Lublin.  They farmed in the town of Roosevelt from 1946-1977.  Then they moved to the village of Gilman where she had resided until moving into the assisted living center in Owen.

Lucille enjoyed cooking, baking, trips to the casino, cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers, and following her grandchildren’s sports.  She was very proud of each of her grandchildren and their accomplishments.

She is survived by her children, Joseph (Judy) Szemraj of Lublin, Charles (Deana) Szemraj of Thorp, Susan (David) Ertl of Medford; sisters, Annette Tauscher of Florida, Julia Kendel of Minocqua; 13 grandchildren, Faye (Ken), Wayne (Marcia), Jolene (Keith), Jeremy (Connie), Josh, Jed (Melinda), Jon (Katie), Jamison (Stephanie), Steven, Stephany, Chloe, Wyatt and Ryan; and 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph in 1984; a son, James in 2018; daughter, Annette Kostick in 2020; son-in-law, Doman Kostick; grandson, Eric Tyznik; sisters, Ida, Mary, Frances, Helen and Josephine; brothers, John, Louis, Thomas, Leon, Clarence and Aloise “Rusty”.

SHIRLEY A. KRUEGER

Shirley A. Krueger, 84, of Rib Lake, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services, under the care of Hope Hospice.

A funeral service for Shirley will take place at 12:00 PM on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burail will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Thursday, July 15 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM.

Shirley was born on August 10, 1936 to Walter and Anna (Ziegler) Schaefer in the Township of Bern. She married Robert Krueger in 1953; they were later divorced and he precedes her in death. She worked most of her life as a homemaker. She also worked for a period of time as a cashier for IGA. She was also a volunteer for the Indianhead Community Action Agency for over 20 years.

Shirley is survived by her children, Joe Krueger of Medford, Sue (Phil) Tom of Westboro, Lori Krueger, and Kenneth Krueger of Medford; grandchildren, Heather (Logan) Dums, Stacy Rudolph, and Joseph Verdone; great-grandchildren, Rose and Violet Dums; siblings, Rosemary Dassow of Neshkoro, Margaret Cypher of Stetsonville, and John Schaefer of Medford. Shirley is further survived by many other family and friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, James and Paul Schaefer.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Shirley’s name may be given to the family for use at a later designation.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

KENNETH "KEN" E. NOWAK

Kenneth “Ken” E. Nowak, 94, of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at Aspirus Medford Hospital.

A Service of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 16, 2021 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor James Langebartels officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Friday, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Ken was born on August 21, 1926 to Harold and Martha (Brautigan) Nowak in the Township of Hoard, Clark County. He attended Park School in Owen, Flat Meadow School in Deer Creek, and Medford High School. He served in the National Guard and in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Darlene Busse on June 4, 1954. He worked most of his life as a dairy farmer and a carpenter until his retirement.

Ken is survived by his wife, Darlene; daughter, Dianne Nichols; grandchildren, Susan (Eric) Natal, Bill Nichols, Rebecca (Alex) Athanason; 4 grandchildren; brother, Roland (Mary Ann) Nowak. Ken is further survived by other family and friends.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold, Lance, Robert, Joseph, and Donald; sisters, Laura Voigtlander and Dorothy Knapp.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Ken’s name may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

HELEN M. ZIEMBO

Helen M. Ziembo, 97, of Rib Lake passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice.

A funeral mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 11:00 AM, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Monday, July 12, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Helen’s grandchildren will be serving as pallbearers.

Helen was born on July 9, 1923 to Joseph and Mary (Zondlo) Maslonka on the family farmstead in Rib Lake. She attended Ward grade school and Rib Lake Junior High. She married Raymond Ziembo on June 14, 1944 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, he preceded her in death. She worked at Rib Lake Dairy for 10 years as a cheese wrapper and at Gem Products for 20 years as a liner installer. She was also a dairy farmer and a housewife.

In her spare time she enjoyed babysitting, polka music and dancing, playing cards, especially rummy and solitaire, and spending time with family and friends. She and Ray also enjoyed gardening and were features in a nationwide country living magazine. 

Helen is survived by 3 sons, John (Joleen) Ziembo of Rib Lake, Robert Ziembo and Michael (Linda) Ziembo, both of Medford; 6 daughters, MaryEllen (Mike) Thums of Rib Lake, Patricia Strebig of Medford, Susan (Phillip) Marthaler of Athens, Barbara (Richard) Berger of Rib Lake, Joann (Jim) Wilke of Merrill, and Judy Ziembo of Rib Lake; 26 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She is further survived by daughter-in-law Rhonda Ziembo, many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Helen is preceded in death by her son, Joseph Ziembo; grandson, Paul Thums; great-granddaughter, Marcella Zuleger; brother, John Maslonka; sister, Kathryn Lucia; daughter-in-law, Sandy Ziembo; son-in-law, Jerry Strebig.

Memorial donations in Helen’s name may be given to the family for use at a later designation.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.