EDITH G. NELSON

Edith G. Nelson, 102, of Ogema, passed away on December 6, 2017 at Aspirus Care and Rehab in Medford. Edith was born on November 13, 1915 to Warren and Agnes Stevens in Ogema, WI. She graduated from Prentice High School and went to work for Ogema Phone Company. She then moved to Milwaukee and attended Normal College. She married Larry Nelson on September 6, 1947, he precedes her in death. She went on to work as a bookkeeper for many years until her retirement. Upon retirement she returned to the Ogema area.

Edith had a lifelong passion for music. She played the organ and piano in Milwaukee and Ogema for many years.

Edith is survived by her children Charles (Charlotte) Nelson of Thomaston, GA, Steven Nelson of Medford, Jill (Dennis) Martin of West Bend, Bonnie (Jeff) Quandt of Omaha, NE, Peter Nelson of Ogema, Evelyn Beck of Milwaukee, and Tina Beck of Wausau; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is further survived by one sister, Florence Simpson of Phillips and many other family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Edith is preceded in death by one daughter Cheryl Beck; brothers, Eugene, George, and Quentin Stevens, and sisters Arlis Donaldson and Blanche Stevens.

Funeral Services for Edith will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 at the Ogema Baptist Church in Ogema at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Rodney Price officiating; burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Monday December 11, 2017 at the Ogema Baptist Church in Ogema from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Edith’s name may be given to the Ogema Baptist Church.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

THOMAS L. GEBERT

Thomas Lee Gebert, 79, of Medford, passed away December 6, 2017 at the home he was born in, surrounded by his family, and under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care.
Tom was born February 8, 1938 to John B. and Anna T. (Suppman) Gebert. He attended Holy Rosary Grade School, Medford High School, graduating in 1956. He graduated from NTC Wausau in 1958. He then went on to work for Pries and Ruesch Service Station, Jim Werner Bus Garage and Krug’s Bus Garage. He then became building and grounds director for the Medford Area School District.
On January 25, 1964, he and Donna were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. Tom was a star football player in high school, curler at the Medford Curling Club, Assistant Chief of the Medford Volunteer Fire Department for twenty years, Medford Area School Board for twelve years, and Medford City Council. He was so pleased to have seen his goal of having the new city pool built for the children. In his retirement, he enjoyed his time working for Enerquip in Medford.
Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports; he was an avid Packer and Brewers fan. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tom is survived by his wife Donna of Medford, Daughters: Anne (Rich) Burghaus, Jane (Tom) Holmes, Susan (Wayne) Markow all of Medford, Grandchildren: Emily (Josh Laughlin) Burghaus, Ben (Sara) Burghaus, Travis Markow, Justin Markow, Rachel Markow, Jack Holmes, Grace Holmes, Lily Holmes, Great Grandchildren: Mayson Laughlin and Charlie Thomas Burghaus.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Sister Dora Martz and Brothers John, Herbert and Robert Gebert.
Per Tom’s request, cremation rites have been accorded, and a private graveside service will be held in the Spring of 2018 at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

RONALD “RON” G. BELLEMARE

NAME OF DECEASED: RONALD “RON” G. BELLEMARE AGE: 69

ADDRESS: 621 S. Washington, Medford

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 8:45 AM Monday, December 4 at Colonial Center, Colby where he had resided for the past 2 weeks

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: A memorial celebration of Ron’s life, will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, December 22 at the VFW Clubhouse, Medford where there will be military rites performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team at 4:00 PM

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: April 21, 1948 at Davenport, Iowa

EDUCATION: Glasgow, Missouri schools and received a BS in Accounting from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO

MARRIAGE: 1st: 8-31-68 at Glasgow, MO to Vickie Wilson and they were later divorced; 2nd: 6-3-83 at Urbana, IL to Dani M. Meyer and she survives

PRINCIPLE EVENTS IN LIFE: US Army veteran from 1967-1970 serving in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He served in the Army Reserves from 1970-1973. After the service, he worked as a corporate accountant while residing in Mexico, MO, Champaign, IL and Beaver Dam, WI. In 1976, he worked for Kraft Foods as a Controller while residing in Champaign, IL & Gurnee, IL, then moved to Medford, WI in 1989 working as a Controller for Tombstone Pizza Corp. & once again Kraft Foods. He also worked for TDS Datacom until his retirement. In retirement, he worked at Tee-Hi Golf Club. He enjoyed snow skiing, biking, golf, tennis, fishing, camping, time at the cottage in Phillips, WI, the Wisconsin Badgers and G.B. Packers. Being a patriotic citizen was important to Ron.

MEMBER OF: Past member of the Medford Curling Club and Tee-Hi Golf Club

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Dani M. Bellemare of Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Daughters – Jennifer “Jen” (Tom) Scruggs of Sharpsburg, GA and Katie Bellemare of Villa Rica, GA

# OF LIVING GRANDCHILDREN: 3 – Jordan, Riley & Kyle Scruggs

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Sister – Cindy (Syd) Sanders of Fayette, MO
Further survived by nieces and nephews

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Brother – John Bellemare

DECEASED FATHER: George Clifford Bellemare DECEASED MOTHER: Patricia Ann (Vohr) Bellemare

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions given to either the Highground Veterans Memorial Park, Neillsville, WI or the Salvation Army
-The family would like to give special thanks to Colonial Center, Colby and St. Croix Hospice
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

FRANK J. VRANDACK, JR.

Frank J. Vrandack, Jr., 57 of Medford, formerly of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away Sunday December 3, 2017 at Aspirus Care and Rehab in Medford.

Frank was born September 14, 1960 in Elk Grove Village, IL to Frank and Elaine (Polony) Vrandack.

He is survived by his sisters: Marianne E. Vrandack of Longmont, CO, Laura A. (Tom) Garvin of Cary, IL, and 4 nieces: Morgan, Megan, Martha, Ellyn.

Frank is preceded in death by his Parents, Step Mother Dorothy J. Vrandack and Sister Linda Vrandack.

He graduated from Forest View High School in Arlington Heights. He then went on to serve an apprenticeship with his Father in Chicago to become a Pipefitter, and worked for Union Local 597. He was an outdoor enthusiast, and loved to hunt, fish and hike. He was fortunate enough to move to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, fulfilling his childhood dream of living in the woods.

Frank will always be remembered for his depth of compassion and caring for others. He was fortunate in life and death to have been surrounded by supportive and caring neighbors and friends of Medford, Wisconsin.

Per Franks request, cremation rites have been accorded, and no services will be held.

Donations in honor of Frank, can be given to his favorite charity, St. Jude’s Memorial Hospital.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

ELIZABETH A. MILLER

Elizabeth Anne Miller, 82, of Medford, passed away at her home on Saturday December 2, 2017, surrounded by her family and under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care.

Elizabeth was born October 25, 1935 in New York to Joseph and Claire (Wimpe) Contorsi. She married Frederic W. Miller on June 23, 1956 in New York City. Frederic Survives.

She is further survived by her children: William (Karin) Miller of Janesville, Susan (Terry) Gebert of Medford, Nancy (Robert) Sheasby of Appleton, Gayle (Scott) Perrin of Medford, Grandchildren: Tasha, Shane, Chad, Heidi, Corey, Amanda, Robert, Danielle, Andrew, Craig, Jonathon, 8 Great Grandchildren, Sister Madeleine (Jerry) O’Connor of Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her Parents, Granddaughter Jennifer Miller and Son In Law Ken Lingen.

Elizabeth was  the owner and operator of Mr. Thrifty in Medford. She also drove school bus for Krug’s Bus Service in Medford. Upon retirement in 1986, she and her husband Fred moved to Arkansas. In 1990 they moved to Florida where she also drove school bus. They moved back to Medford in 2017.

She enjoyed golfing, visiting with friends over a cup of coffee and playing Bridge. She will always be remembered as an unselfish individual, who always put others before herself. Elizabeth was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Tee-Hi Golf Course in Medford.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday December 6, 2017 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Rev. James Krueger will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church Wednesday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Memorial donations in honor of Elizabeth can be designated to her family, which will be given to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

REV. ALAN C. MINSHALL

Reverend Alan Charles Minshall, 77, of the Township of Holway, died peacefully on Friday, December 1 in Abbotsford, after a lengthy illness.  Alan was born September 4, 1940 in Kenosha, WI, son of Otto and Charlotte Minshall.  He graduated from high school in Kenosha and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse.  He later attended divinity school at Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, receiving his Masters of Divinity in 1975. 

Pastor Al has served six Wisconsin congregations as a parish minister, including: Prince of Peace Lutheran, Coloma; St. Paul’s Lutheran, Curtiss; Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Township of Holway; Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pepin; Little Plum Lutheran, Pepin, and Independence Lutheran Church, Independence.  Alan also worked as a Chaplain at the Northern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled in Chippewa Falls, and for the Jackson County Correctional Institution in Black River Falls.  He was an inspiring example of God’s love and grace.

Alan is survived by his wife of 35 years, Edith of Medford, and six children:  Jay Minshall, Black River Falls; Jill Minshall, Madison; Radha (Mike) Welch, Granton; Rachel (John) Frizzell, Wisconsin Rapids; Paul Nelson, Medford; and Kathryn Adams, Rochester, MN.  He was also grandpa to nine grandchildren: Maria, Michael, Brittany, Ariel, Sam, Seth, Kaleb, Molly and Emily, and one great-grandchild, Ainsley.  He is also survived by many other family and friends who loved him.

A great lover of the earth, Alan was an avid gardener and hobby farmer.  He delighted in his John Deere tractor, in growing vegetables and in raising belted Galloway cattle.  He loved to travel, and took many memorable trips with his wife, colleagues, and children.  With his love of music and his low bass singing voice, Alan was a founding member of the Gracenotes, a barbershop quartet of area pastors in Western Wisconsin. He was also an accomplished distance swimmer and loved racquet sports.

His accepting and generous spirit will be missed greatly by all who were privileged to know him.  His faith, humor, kindness, his love for all growing things and his commitment to social justice will live on in all those whom he touched throughout his life.

A memorial service for Alan will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Holway, with Rev. Amy Heinz and Rev. Ken Schmidt officiating; burial will follow at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on Thursday, December 14, 2017 from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, the family will collect donations to Heifer International in Alan’s memory.  The organization works to empower the disenfranchised to improve their lives through animal management, sustainable agriculture and preservation of the earth’s resources. 

The family would like to sincerely thank the dedicated staff of Dycora Transitional Health in Abbotsford for their personal care for Alan for the past three years

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

DANIEL L. REICHERT

Daniel Lee Reichert, 68, of Medford, passed away Thursday November 30, 2017 in Medford.
He was born March 10, 1949 in Aurora, IL to Fabian and Marion (Leigh) Reichert. He married Sandra J. Fryklund on August 29, 1981 at United Church of Christ in Medford. Sandra survives.
Daniel is further survived by his Son: Tommy (Lauren) Reichert of Oregon, WI, Grandchildren: Hattie and Frankie Reichert, Brothers: John Reichert and Jim (Dorothy) Reichert of Medford, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Brother Dave Reichert and Sister Marlene Wilson.
Daniel worked for Wisconsin Homes in Medford, following the company relocation to Marshfield, he began working as a carpenter for several contractors in the Medford area. He and his wife owned Belker’s Bar for a brief period, and he occasionally filled in and helped at the Lounge Around. He retired in 2004.
He enjoyed playing pool, golfing, pitching in softball leagues, wood working, and fishing. He always looked forward to his annual trip to Moose Lake with his friends for “Walleye Weekend.” He had a passion for 1962 Chevrolet Corvettes.
Dan will always be remembered for his loud and deep voice. His family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with his best friend in Heaven Doug “Dooger” Peterson.
Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday December 8, 2017 at Community United Church of Christ, Medford. Pastor Mary Jo Laabs will officiate. Visitation will be held at Community United Church of Christ on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the time or service at 11:00 AM.
Memorial donations in honor of Daniel can be given to his family, for designation at a later date.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements, online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com