HARLIN D. ANDERSON

NAME OF DECEASED: Harlin D. Anderson AGE: 71

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: His residence on March 12, 2017 at 1:13 AM

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 2:00 PM Saturday March 18, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey

OFFICIATING: Rev. Randal Jeppesen

INTERMENT: Medford Evergreen Cemetery II

VISITATION: 1:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: May 10, 1945 in Medford, WI

PRINCIPLE EVENTS IN LIFE: Harlin worked for 40 plus years at Black River Industries, Medford. He enjoyed Special Olympics Bowling, fishing, working at Black River Industries, and spending time with his family and friends

MEMBER OF: Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey and he was also a part of the Special Olympics

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: 4 sisters: Virginia Kitchen of Abbotsford, Jeanette Reed of Rhinelander, Sherrie (Mike) Ertl of Menomonee Falls and Sandra (Richard) Salzwedel of La Crosse; 1 brother: Gerald (Sandra) Anderson. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: 2 sisters: Sheryl and Darlene; 3 brothers-in-law: Henry, Ollie and John.

DECEASED FATHER: David Alfred Anderson DECEASED MOTHER: Alberta Clara Krickenberg

PALLBEARERS: Tammy & Kris Salzwedel, Brian Kitchen, Tim Ertl, Dawn Amen, and Lisa Wiber

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, memorials in Harlin’s name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to The Special Olympics
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

DELBERT ROSS SLONIKER

NAME OF DECEASED: DELBERT ROSS SLONIKER AGE: 91

ADDRESS: 544 Shattuck Street, Medford

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 5:45 AM Thursday, March 9 at his residence in the City of Medford under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 18 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville

OFFICIATING: Rev. Richard Russow

INTERMENT: Interment of his cremated remains will be at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II

VISITATION: Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Saturday, March 18

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: June 24, 1925 at Greenwood, WI

EDUCATION: Greenwood elementary schools and was a 1943 graduate of Greenwood High School

MARRIAGE: June 24, 1949 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Loyal to Shirley Ann Schaefer and she survives

PRINCIPLE EVENTS IN LIFE: He worked as a cheesemaker for a period of time while residing in Greenwood & Willard. In 1956 he moved to Stetsonville and managed Farmers Pride Cheese Factory from 1956-1968. Moved to Medford in 1968 and he worked as a federal inspector inspecting cheese & butter for the USDA until retirement in 1986. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, deer hunting, playing cards, 4 wheeling and playing checkers with his great grandchildren.

MEMBER OF: Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Shirley A. Sloniker of Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Susan L. Sloniker of Hazelhurst, WI & Gary (Cynthia) Sloniker of Spooner, WI
2 Grandchildren – Sara (Tom) Kiral of Lewiston, MN & Michelle (Housni) Kabdi of Spooner
4 Great-Grandchildren – Emma & Maddie Kiral, Zak & Eli Kabdi

CHILDREN DECEASED: Son – Mark Sloniker in 2000

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Brother – Edward (Florence) Sloniker of Abbotsford

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Brothers – Verlyn & Kenneth Sloniker

DECEASED FATHER: Ross Sherman Sloniker DECEASED MOTHER: Mildred M. (Schneider) Sloniker

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the family for a future designation
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

CELAND L. "MEL" MELBINGER

Celand Lawrence “Mel” Melbinger, 102, of Owen, passed away Saturday March 4, 2017 at Aspirus Care and Rehab in Medford.
Mel was born November 26, 1914 in the Town of Reseburg, to Joseph and Anna (Erben) Melbinger. He was a graduate of Withee High School. Mel married Lois E. Matthewson on September 14, 1935 at the Congregational Church in Owen. Lois preceded Mel in death in 2002.
He is survived by his children: Jerome (Irene) Melbinger of Madison, and Lonnie (Mary) of Medford, Grandchildren Holly (Lance) Tonkinson of Reedsburg, Kimberly Melbinger-Cerutti of El Dorado Hills, CA, Christopher (Brenda) Melbinger of Ft. Myers, FL, Dr. Julie (Dr. Peter) Melbinger-Wagner of Mequon, Deborah Melbinger of Shorewood, Great Great Grandchildren: Connor, Ella, Claire, and Andrew. He is further survived by his very significant caregiver and friend of 15 years, Canice Parnewicz of Owen, and many nieces and nephews.
Mel is further preceded in death by his Parents, and Brother Arleigh Melbinger.
Upon completion of high school, Mel’s entrepreneurial characteristics were evident. He was an astute businessman and progressive planner. He ventured into several business opportunities and then wrote the Postal Office exam and became a clerk for the Owen Post Office. While working at the Post Office, he worked for Badger Shooters Supply in Owen. After 10 years of working both positions he then became a full time employee at Badger Shooters Supply. With great tenacity and hard work he expanded the business into an international company and was the CEO until his retirement in 1983.
Mel was also very proud and committed to his community, and was Mayor of Owen for 14 years. During his service he was instrumental with the growth and decision making for Owen. Primarily expanding industry; ensuring and improving the cities infrastructure and creating the Owen Development Corporation, thus, building the first clinic that housed two Medical and two Dental Doctors. As Mayor, Mel was proud to have had a new water system built in the city. He improved the communities “brick and mortar” on his own by building a grocery store, hardware store, chiropractic office, clinic and Post office. He was a life time member of St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church, Owen. For most of his adult life he held many volunteer and community board positions: Riverside Cemetery board; housing authority implementation; National Rifle Association and a member of the Owen Masonic Lodge # 317, he was a Past Master and recently received his 70 year membership certificate. At the age of 102, Mel was the oldest living Mason in the United States.
In his leisure time, Mel enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, gardening, skiing and spending time at his cabin up North. He took pleasure in traveling, especially his Alaskan hunting and fishing adventures. Mel was an avid Green Bay Packer fan, and season ticket holder. He was present during the frigid 1967 “Ice Bowl” game between the Packers and Cowboys.
Mel loved his wife and family, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 11, 2017 at St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church in Owen. Rev. Tony Ring will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Withee. Pallbearers will be David Blazer, Brian Bredlau, Jack Jalling, Scott Jalling, Jeff Matthewson, and Jerry Prepeluh. Honorary Pallbearers will be Paul Schmidt, Jim Carlson, Tom Nelson and members of the Owen Masonic Lodge #317. Visitation will be held Saturday morning at St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church from 10 AM until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Mel can be given to St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church or to the Medford Aspirus Foundation.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements, online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com
Always remember Mel’s advice during hard times “it will pass.”

ROBERTA G. PAUL

Roberta G. Paul, 67 of the Township of Prentice, Price County, passed away on Saturday, March 4 at Aspirus Care & Rehab, Medford where she had resided for the past 5 days. She was born on March 30, 1949 at Stafford Spring, CT, daughter of the late Clarence Y. and Jennie (Gage) Paul.
Roberta grew up in Tolland, CT and later moved to Wisconsin in 1973 where she married John Moore & raised 5 children while residing in the Ogema area. She worked for many years in the woods as a logger. She was a devoted mother and care giver for her parents and others in their final years. She was a very serious Christian, student of the Bible, was always ready to share the good news of God’s kingdom, loved tapping maple trees, making maple syrup, knew about wild foods and would scout the woods and fields for them. She had a great sense of humor, loved to make people laugh with her jokes, was always happy and ready to lend a helping hand.
She is survived by her children, Ronald (Rose Thiede) Theriault of Prentice, John Moore of Florida and Lisa Moore of Ingram, WI, along with a granddaughter Evelyn Koehler & 3 great-grandchildren. Further survived by her siblings – Douglas (Marion) Paul of Vermont, David (Lucille) Paul of Phillips, Daniel Paul of Florida, Timothy (Dawn) Paul of Virginia, Jonathan (Christina) Paul of Willington, CT, Marilyn (Edward) Toth and Lydia Larson both of Tolland, CT. She was predeceased by two sons, Robert & Benjamin Moore. Her siblings would like to thank Ronald & Rose for 8 years of loving and wonderful care given to her.
A memorial service/celebration of her life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 8 at First Lutheran Church, Ogema with Rev. Dr. Bob Giese officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of services at the church. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to First Lutheran Church, Ogema.

KAREN M. HINKE

Karen Mae Hinke (Pollard), 65, passed away on March 4, 2017 in Marshfield. She was born March 30, 1951 in Indiana to the late William and Juanita (Schickinger) Pollard. She received her education in Kentucky, where the family later moved. After many years down south she moved to Wisconsin and eventually met and married her loving husband Ken Hinke.

Karen worked various jobs throughout her life. She was also involved in many community organizations. She enjoyed meeting new people, making you laugh, and spending time with family. She spent many years bowling on the Classy Lady League. She took pride in her grand and great-grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband Ken of Medford; her children Rebecca Sanders of Kentucky, Annette (Alvin) Dassow of Medford, Richard (Marilyn) Smith of South Carolina, Randy (Ginny) Hinke of Ashland, Mike (Margo) Hinke of Stetsonville, and Matt Hinke of Minnesota. She is further survived by 5 brothers, Wayne (Sug) Pollard of Kansas, Dennis Pollard of Ohio, Greg, Steve, Danny (Carolyn) Pollard all of Kentucky, and 3 sisters, Diane (Larry) Redemann, Stella Easley, and Sara (Antonio) Pires. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren with one on the way, and 7 great-grandchildren, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her sister, Pamela Neff of Kansas.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, March 8, at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford Chapel, with Pastor David Clements officiating. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 8 at the funeral home from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the family for a future designation. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

MELVIN W. SPATH

Melvin William Spath, 67, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle against Leukemia.
Melvin was born November 23, 1949 in Fremont, Nebraska to Warren and Arlene (Buckendahl) Spath.
He is survived by his siblings: Shirley (Leon) Gonnering of Marshfield, twin brother Merlin Spath of Mt. Vernon, IL, Lynn (Glenda Wiese) Spath of Medford, his Children: Jason, Jody and Daniel, 4 Grandchildren, Special Friends Barb and David Kleist of Eau Claire.
Melvin is preceded in death by his Parents, and Grandparents: Clarence and Lorena Spath, William and Mary Buckendahl.
Melvin attended Lawndale and Liberty Elementary Schools, and was a 1968 graduate from Medford Area Sr. High. After graduation Melvin moved to Eau Claire, and made it his home. His career included driving semi-truck over the road for various companies. Throughout his career, he drove all 48 states of the continental US. He retired from Menards Distribution due to ill health.
Melvin had many passions in his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding horses and camping. He loved building and designing unique birdhouses, and was a talented wood-craftsman. He enjoyed giving the birdhouses he built as gifts to family and friends. He also has a green thumb for growing beautiful flowers and vegetables from seeds. He took great pride in his beautiful floral beds. He also was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers.
Funeral services for Melvin will be held at 1 PM, Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford Chapel. Rev. Richard Russow will officiate. Burial will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Stetsonville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 PM.
Melvin’s family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers, nurses and doctors, especially Nurses Julie Ann and Jill, and Dr. Muslim at Sacred Heart Hospital and Syversen Lutheran Home, both of Eau Claire.
Melvin will be truly missed by his family, and his beloved cat Papa, who was his best friend and closest companion.
In honor of Melvin’s love for his cat Papa, memorial donations can be given to any animal shelter of the donor’s choice.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservices.com

GENE ALLEN GRAUMANN

Gene Allen Graumann, 56 of the Township of Chelsea, passed away on March 1, 2017 at Aspirus Medford Hospital surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services for Gene will take place at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 4 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey, with Pastor Randal Jeppesen officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 4 – 7 PM on Friday, March 3 and also from 9:30 AM until the time of services at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 4. Burial will take place at Chelsea Community Cemetery following services. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Henningfield & Greg Quednow. Active pallbearers will be Bob McNamar, Kenny Schilling, Tony & Nathan Reinhardt, Mike Siroin, Phil Graumann, Mark Hommel and Rodney Goodrich.

Gene was born on April 29, 1960 at Medford to the late Ewald “Boobie” Graumann and Beverly (Strebig) Graumann Hagen of Medford. He attended the Town of Chelsea elementary schools and Medford High School. He married Tammy Floyd on August 18, 1979 and had two children. After 27 years of marriage, Tammy passed away from cancer in 2007. Gene later married Tara Peche at home in the Town of Chelsea on July 2, 2010.

He began his working career at Cooper Cheese in Westboro while still in school. He worked for a period of time at Weather Shield Mfg. and then worked at Hurd Windows (Sierra Pacific) for over 30 years until ill health forced his retirement in 2015.

In his early years, Gene enjoyed playing softball, shooting pool league and drag racing snowmobiles. He loved riding his Harley motorcycle, restoring his ’55 Ford Customline car, spending time in his shop with his many friends, family playing with the Chelsea Chokers Band, watching his grandkids race, adored his twin granddaughters, going camping, sitting around the campfire and UTVing. He was instrumental in establishing the “Tammy Graumann Fight the Cancer ride” which he was very proud of. He was also a member of the Rib Lake Fireworks Committee and Trinity Lutheran Church of Chelsea.

Gene is survived by his wife, Tara of Chelsea, his mother, Beverly and special friend Merlin Gebert both of Medford, two sons, Shawn (Amanda) and Jeffrey (Andrea) both of Chelsea, step daughter, Kacie Ramsey and stepson, Aaron (Morgan) Ramsey all of Medford, his grandchildren, Kyle, Ezra, Jersey, Aubree, Phoebe & Piper. Further survived by two brothers, Randy (Yong) of Olympia, WA and Danny (Cheryl) of Rib Lake, his father/mother-in-law, Myron & Barb Peche of Medford, his beloved dog, Axo, many brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ewald, step-father, Bill Hagen, wife, Tammy, mother/father-in-law, Carol & Kenny Floyd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the family for a future designation. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.