LEONA ESTHER MEYER

NAME OF DECEASED: LEONA ESTHER MEYER AGE: 83

ADDRESS: 135 South Gibson St., Medford, WI 54451

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: Aspris Care and Rehab, May 30, 2015, 7:30 AM.

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM, Wednesday June 3, 2015 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford.

OFFICIATING: Father Gerard Willger, Deacon Joe Stefancin

INTERMENT: Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery

VISITATION: 10:00 AM until the time of services at 11:00, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford.

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: July 21, 1931, Rib Lake, WI.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Medford High School.

MARRIAGE: Married Leon C. Meyer, June 16, 1973 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford.

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: Leona worked for Gruener Bakery on Main Street in Medford. She enjoyed completing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, reading, and had a passion for pets; especially her cats and dogs. Leona and Leon enjoyed traveling and visiting different casinos. She always enjoyed watching the squirrels in her backyard, make their way up her birdfeeders to eat the food out of them.

MEMBER OF: Holy Rosary Catholic Church

DECEASED SPOUSE: Leon C. Meyer, preceded her in death on February 26, 2008.

SURVIVING FAMILY: Brothers in law: Ray Meyer, and Joe (Mary) Meyer, both of Medford & Sister in law: Carol Meyer of Rib Lake

She is also survived by several cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.

SISTER DECEASED: Lorraine Stimm

DECEASED FATHER: Elwood Stimm DECEASED MOTHER: Cora Hoeck

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Leona’s family.
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

JAMES A. CYPHER

NAME OF DECEASED: JAMES A. CYPHER AGE: 83

ADDRESS: N1557 Robin Drive, Medford; A Township of Deer Creek resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 3:10 AM Friday, May 29 at Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield where he had been a patient for the past 4 days

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM Friday, June 5 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford where there will also be military rites performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team

OFFICIATING: Father Gerard Willger    

VISITATION: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Friday, June 5

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: December 2, 1931 in the Township of Deer Creek

EDUCATION: Town of Deer Creek and Stetsonville Elementary schools

MARRIAGE: February 12, 1958 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Stetsonville to Marilyn C. Kauer and she survives

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: After his education he served in the Medford National Guard until later enlisting in the US Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. Upon separation, he worked at Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee.  After moving back to the local area, he worked as a mechanic for Stetsonville Oil Co. and as a sheet metal and furnace repairman at Stetsonville Hardware.  Finally, he joined his son & daughter at Cypher Electric & Heating until retirement in April of 2003.

MEMBER OF: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford; Landua-Jensen American Legion, Medford; Catholic Order of Foresters; Past member of the Boxrucker-Berry American Legion, Stetsonville

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Marilyn C. Cypher of Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Dennis (JoAnn) Cypher of Medford, Dawn (Kenneth) Frankovich of Larkspur, CO, Debra (Dennis) Lichtl of Medford, Duane (April Thums) Cypher of Medford
Foster Daughter – Rhonda (Jerome) Roguski of Milford, NE

# OF LIVING GRANDCHILDREN: 6 – Jane (Sam) Swenson, Jesse Cypher, K. Tyler Frankovich, James Frankovich, Alex Lichtl & Andrea (Jason) Hartwig; 3 foster Grandchildren – Jed (Andrea) Roguski, Debbie (Bill) Ocken & Jolean (Brian) Piitz

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Agnes Pernsteiner of Medford & Jeanette (Jerry) Adams of Woodruff

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Brothers – Edward, Jerome, Raymond, Kenneth, Norbert & David Cypher

DECEASED FATHER: William J. Cypher DECEASED MOTHER: Bernadine M. Danen

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to either the Medford Flag Field, Never Forgotten Honor Flight, or any local veterans organization
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

PHYLLIS MARLENE BRUNNER

NAME OF DECEASED:   Phyllis Marlene Brunner     AGE:  78

ADDRESS:  233 South 7^th Street, Medford, WI 54451

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: Passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, Thursday May 28, 2015 at 12:53 PM, under the care of Hope Hospice.

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: Monday June 1, 2015 at 11:00 AM, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Medford.

OFFICIATING:  Pastor Joshua Krieger

INTERMENT: Medford Evergreen Cemetery II

VISITATION: Monday June 1, 2015 from  9:00  - 10:45 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Medford.

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: August 17, 1936, Township of Greenwood, Medford, WI.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Medford Sr. High School.

MARRIAGE: Married Donald Dean Brunner, Sr.,  November 25, 1954 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford.

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: Phyllis worked as a welder at Milwaukee Chair Company in the late 1950s, She then went on to work for Briggs & Stratton in Milwaukee. She returned home to Medford and began working for Tombstone Pizza, and retired from Tombstone after 24 years in 1999.  Phyllis enjoyed  painting ceramics, reading, and going camping with her family. She was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers fan. She also bowled in several different leagues in Milwaukee and Medford. Phyllis also took pleasure in hosting friends and family at her home.

MEMBER OF:  Immanuel Lutheran Church, Medford.

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Donald Dean Brunner, Sr.

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Donald (Patricia) Brunner, JR. of Howell, MI, Gregory (Denise) Brunner of Stetsonville, WI, Brian (Tim Kahanak)  Brunner of Clinton Township, MI, and Kimberly (Keith) May of Mocksville, NC.

GRANDCHILDREN: Matthew Brunner, Zachary Brunner, Melissa (Chris) Zuleger, Erin (Hutch) Ruggles        

GR-GRANDCHILDREN: Abigail Brunner, Hudsen Ruggles, Berkley Ruggles

SURVIVING BROTHER: Roger (Barbara) Steen of Westboro, WI.

 

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Ray Steen, Galen Steen, Shelby Zimmerlee, Bonnie Leach

DECEASED FATHER: Henry Steen       DECEASED MOTHER: Amanda Dassow

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Phyllis may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Hope Hospice.

KATHERINE “KATHY” E. BRANDL

NAME OF DECEASED: 

KATHERINE “KATHY” E. BRANDL

 

AGE:  45

ADDRESS:  N10929 Dickerson Avenue, Thorp; Township of Butler    Former Stetsonville Area Resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH:  10:38 P.M. Tuesday, May 26 at Our Lady of Victory Hospital, Stanley where she was taken earlier by ambulance

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 1 at the Hemer Funeral Home, Medford

OFFICIATING: Pastor David Clements    

VISITATION:  9:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 1 at the Hemer Funeral Home, Medford

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: April 16, 1970 in Norwich, New York

EDUCATION: Graduate of Boiling Springs High School in Boiling Springs, South Carolina

MARRIAGE: April 9, 2010 in Woodstock, Illinois to Scott J. Brandl

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: In her younger years, Kathy worked in a Cotton Mill in South Carolina for a period of time. She was also a floral designer for a flower shop in South Carolina for a number of years. During this time she also drove ambulance, worked at a butcher shop and the Waffle House. In 2006 the family moved to the Abbotsford area and then in 2007 moved to the Stetsonville Area. Kathy also homeschooled her daughter Morgan thru the Rural Virtual Academy. She was an avid hunter and fisherwoman. Kathy enjoyed baking, gardening, flowers, raising chickens and rabbits.

SURVIVING SPOUSE:  Scott J. Brandl of Thorp

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Daughter: Morgan of Thorp

2 STEP-SONS: Matt (Enita) Brandl of Westboro and Tyler (Brittney Rudolph) of Medford

3 STEP-GRANDCHILDREN: Nathan Brandl of Medford, Sean and Andrea Schreiner of Westboro

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: 2 Brothers: Dave and Steve Sutton of South Carolina
Sister: Tina Parris of South Carolina

BROTHER DECEASED: Donny Sutton

DECEASED FATHER: Harl D. Sutton

DECEASED MOTHER:  Elizabeth M. Sutton (Maiden Name: Holgerson)

OTHER INFORMATION:  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Kathy’s family to be designated at a later date

-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com 

MYRTLE “MYRT” M. CZESHINSKI

NAME OF DECEASED: MYRTLE “MYRT” M. CZESHINSKI AGE: 100

ADDRESS: 629 S. Gibson, Medford

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 3:18 PM Monday, May 25 at Country Gardens Assisted Living, Medford where she had resided for the past 3 months most recently under the care of Hope Hospice

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM Friday, May 29 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford

OFFICIATING: Rev. Brian Mundt

INTERMENT: Medford Evergreen Cemetery

VISITATION: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford from 9 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Friday, May 25

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: June 29, 1914 in the Township of Medford

EDUCATION: Babcock, WI Elementary Schools & was a graduate of Spencer High School; Attended Taylor County Normal School, Medford

MARRIAGE: June 28, 1933 in Waukegan, IL to Andrew Czeshinski and he preceded her in death October 26, 1998

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: After her marriage, she clerked at Kostners Grocery Store in Medford. She worked in the office at the Star News Newspaper, Medford for many years until retirement. She enjoyed family gatherings, fishing, playing cards, reading, gardening & an occasional trip to a casino – once winning a motorcycle (which she didn’t keep).

MEMBER OF: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford and a past member of its Ladies Aid

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Sons – Gerald (Marlene) Czeshinski of Wausau, John (Kathleen) Czeshinski of New Berlin, WI, Alan Czeshinski of Phillips

CHILDREN DECEASED: Son – James Leo Czeshinski

# OF LIVING GRANDCHILDREN: 5 – Mark, Michael, Marla, Brian & Bradley
GR-GRANDCHILDREN: 13

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Sister - Evelyn Goerg

DECEASED FATHER: Eugene Long DECEASED MOTHER: Ida Stolp

PALLBEARERS: Grandchildren & Nephew – Pat Goerg

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to either Hope Hospice of Medford, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford or to the family for a future designation
-Our special thanks to all at Country Gardens & Hope Hospice…she enjoyed the support and love she had shown to her.
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

MSGT. RICHARD GUSTAFSON

Msgt Richard “Rick” “Gus” Gustafson, passed away May 14, 2015 at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.

He was born September 2, 1971 in Rockford, IL to Leon and Wanda Gustafson. He married Christine Lois Laffan on April 27, 1999 in Las Vegas, NV.

Msgt Gustafson is survived by his Wife Christine Gustafson, Children: Megan Nicks of Eielson Air Force Base, Nate Gustafson of Medford, WI, Mathew and Andrew Gustafson both Eielson Air Force Base, Parents: Leon and Wanda Gustafson of Medford, WI, Brothers: Doug (Mary) Gustafson of Tomahawk, WI and Cory Gustafson of Greenwood, WI.

Msgt Gustafson began his military career in May 1989, when he enlisted in the Navy as an undesignated seaman, attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. After graduation, his first assignment was to the U.S.S. San Diego ported in Norfolk, Virginia, where he became Quartermaster in the ships navigation department. His experiences provided the basis for one of Gus's future catch phrases: “Before there was GPS there was GUS.” During his time aboard the U.S.S. San Diego, he deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force 63, compromised of US Navy, US Marine Corps and NATO Forces throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. In 1990 he deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield, and was reassigned to the US Navy Beach Masters during Operation Desert Storm, placing him in tactical control of coordinating the flow of amphibious landing craft and assets during the first Gulf War. Rather than returning home after Iraq's surrender, he was rerouted to Northern Iraq for Operation Provide Comfort. Prior to his honorable discharge from the Navy in December 1993, he received the coveted Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin. After leaving active duty, Msgt Gustafson spent nearly a decade working for Badger State Western hauling cargo from Wisconsin to California. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Msgt Gustafson chose to return to active duty, joining the Air Force. He enlisted as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member in July 2002. Msgt Gustafson received intense training in special tactics, weapon systems, communications, survival, and two man team operations as a Forward Air Controller. Msgt Gustafson spent his career embedded with the US Army Special Forces, US Army Rangers, 10^th Mountain Division, 82^nd Airborne Division, 101^st Airborne Division, 25^th Infantry Division, and 3^rd Infantry Division. Msgt Gustafsons primary duties were to recon, mark and destroy enemy forces, and direct aircraft and artillery fire while operating from austere locations.

Combat injuries ended his ability to continue TACP duties and he was reassigned to the 354^th Fighter Wing Inspector Generals Office as the Chief of Wing Inspections. During this time he qualified for the Air Force Wounded Warrior Team. In January 2015, he was teamed with his service dog Dooley, named in honor of 1LT Mark H. Dooley (KIA, Iraq, 19 SEP 05). His close friend and founder of the Shepherds for Lost Sheep Program brought Dooley out of retirement, pairing him with Msgt Gustafson, where they bonded instantly. Among numerous awards and decorations, Msgt Gustafson received the Bronze Star, US Air Force and US Army Commendations, US Air Force, US Army, and US Navy Achievements. He also received citations of Valor from the US Air Force and US Army.

Funeral Services for Msgt Gustafson will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday May 27, 2015 at The Simek Recreation Center, 1037 W. Broadway Avenue, Medford, WI, with Chaplin Mark

McGregor officiating. Burial will follow in Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday May 26, 2015 at Hemer Funeral Home, 555 W. Cedar Street, Medford, WI. A prayer service will be held prior to the visitation beginning at 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Msgt Gustafson may be made to Shepherds for Lost Sheep, TACP Association, and Air Force Wounded Warriors. Online condolences may be left at www.hemerfuneralservices.com

JENNY “PATRICIA” SCHWARZ

NAME OF DECEASED:    JENNY “PATRICIA” SCHWARZ (MAIDEN NAME: DAMORE)  

 

  AGE:  87

ADDRESS:  281 S. 2^nd St. Dorchester, WI

 

 

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH:  7:00 P.M. Thursday, May 21, 2015 at her home.

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11: 00 A.M. Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford

OFFICIATING:  Father Gerard Willger & Deacon Joseph Stefancin

INTERMENT:  Molitor Catholic Cemetery in Molitor

VISITATION:  9:00 until 10:45 A.M. at Hemer Funeral Home in Medford

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: February 22, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska

EDUCATION: Patricia graduated from Evanston High School in Evanston, IL

MARRIAGE: 1^st: St. Nicholas Church in Evanston, IL to Philip J. Knepper Sr. and he preceded her in death in 1979  2^nd: Leon Schwarz in Clark County and he preceded her in death in 2002

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: Patricia met her first husband Philip in Evanston IL. They then moved to Morton Grove IL. After her marriage to Leon, they settled in Dorchester, WI where they owned their house and also a cabin on a lake. Patricia enjoyed painting, antique jewelry and artifacts, cooking Italian dishes and planting her flowers. She loved nature and reading.

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Steve (Lori) Knepper of Skokie, IL, Eugene (Sharon) Knepper of Titusville, FL, Robert “Bob” Knepper of Dorchester, Joseph (Kate) Knepper of Glenview, IL and Mary (Rodney) Anderson of  Township of Hammel; Step-Children: Bruce Schwarz of Curtiss, Cynthia (Ray) Johnson of Medford and Brian Schwarz of Withee

CHILDREN DECEASED: Philip J. “Corky” Knepper, Jr.

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Veto Damore of Florida and Ronnie (Pat) Damore of Illinois                      

 

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Stella Zegers, Joan (Bob) Billon and Jack Damore

DECEASED FATHER: Joseph Damore     DECEASED MOTHER: Mary Manquso

PALLBEARERS: Joey, Steve, Bob & Brian Knepper

OTHER INFORMATION:  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Patricia’s family to be designated at a later date

-Patricia is further survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family and friends

-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com