JULIE L. BOCKIN

Julie L. Bockin, 58, Medford died on Sunday, November 15 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where she had been a patient for the past 9 days.

 Private family services will be held at a later date.

Julie was born on March 21, 1962 at LaCrosse, WI, the daughter of Gary L. and LeMay J. (Olson) Quammen.  She attended New London, WI and Medford elementary schools and was a 1980 graduate of Medford High School.  Her marriage to Guy Lee Bockin took place on April 30, 2004 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville and he preceded her in death on November 10, 2020.

After her education, she worked as a receptionist at the Medford Clinic.  For the past 40 years, she has worked as a patient access scheduler for Aspirus Medford Clinic.  She enjoyed flowers, reading, cooking, baking, research time on the computer, following Wisconsin sports teams and spending time with her family.  She was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville.

Surviving Julie are her parents, Gary Quammen of Medford, LeMay Wilde of Abbotsford, step daughters, Jessica (Don) Holtman of Medford & Amanda Burkhart of Antigo, 6 step-grandchildren, siblings, Roxane (Rod) Robida of Medford & Andy Quammen of Maui, Hawaii, mother-in-law, Elaine Bockin of Medford, brother-in-law, Dick Bockin of Stetsonville, sister-in-law, Lori Reeve of Arena, WI along with nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her husband Guy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to her family for a future designation.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

 

KENNETH "KEN" MELVIN EMMERICH

Kenneth “Ken” Melvin Emmerich came to the end of his journey on Earth on Friday, November 13, 2020 at the home of his daughter, Debra Poyda, under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice.

 A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 20, 2020 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 20, 2020 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.  Military Honors will be performed by the Medford Honors Team,  interment with family members at Perkinstown Cemetery. Jake Emmerich will be serving as Urnbearer and Honorary Urnbearers will be Chad Emmerich and Andy Rodman.

 Ken was born on November 19, 1932 in Medford to Alfred and Maude (Dodge) Emmerich. He attended school at the Wayside School in the  Town of Hammel and Medford High School.

He married Rita Westrich on December 20, 1952. On January 4, 1953 he was drafted into the US Army and took basic training at Camp Carson, Colorado. In January of 1954 he was sent to Korea, serving with the 11th armored Cavalry Unit.  Ken received his honorable discharge on February 2, 1955. When he returned home, he set up his life dream of dairy farming. He retired in 1994.

In his retirement he and Rita were very active in VFW Post 5729, in Medford, serving as Commander for 4 years and conducting the Honors Team for 10 years. He also did volunteer work at  St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for several years.

In addition to his wife, Rita, Ken is survived by sons, Bruce (PamWells) of Medford, Dean and (Sue Keefe) of Medford, Lorin (Julee Senoraske) of Tomahawk, Tim Emmerich of Medford, Paul Emmerich of Medford; daughters, Debra (Jim) Poyda of Medford, Julie (Brian) Rodman of Medford, and Patti (Chris) Bruggink of Medford; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren. Ken is also survived by brothers, Earl (Joanne) of Tripoli, Glen (Eileen) of Medford, Roger (Susan) of Medford and a sister Lorraine Clark of Medford.

In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by his brother, Vernon Emmerich, brother-in-law Harvey Clarke and great-granddaughter, Kiana O’Neil.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials in Ken’s names to be given to Hope Hospice or St. Paul’s  Lutheran Church in Medford.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

WAYNE G. BRUNNER

Wayne G. Brunner, 73, of Medford passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020 at The Homeplace in Dorchester.

Wayne was born on March 10, 1947 to George and Adelia (Scharrschmidt) in Medford. He was a Medford graduate and received his Associate degree from Northcentral Technical School in Wausau. He was the third generation to work at Brunner Well Drilling. He married Linda J. Nelson and Ronda Hartl and they were later divorced.

He loved watching his grandchildren grow and was passionate about serving his customers. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, collecting Winchester guns, and spending time outdoors. He especially enjoyed the annual deer hunt at Henchman’s Hideout.

Wayne is survived by his children, Michelle (Jack) Brost of Eau Claire, Misty (Brad) Fagan, and Brandon Brunner, both of Medford; grandchildren, Josie Brost of Eau Claire, Jordan Brost of Menomonie, Riley Kleist of Menomonie, Carson Kleist of Medford, Charlie Kleist of Medford, Brielle Fagan of Chippewa Falls, and Bennett Fagan of Chippewa Falls; brother, Bill (Kathy) Brunner of Medford; nephews, Jess and Lucas Brunner, both of Medford. Wayne is further survived by other family and friends.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents.

Private family services will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Wayne's memory may be made to the Medford All Sports Booster, % Tim Hansen, 311 South Second Street, Medford, Wi. 54451.

HAZEL ANNA WEGERER

Hazel Anna Wegerer, 98, Ellsworth, WI, a former Medford area resident, died on Monday, November 9 at Preferred Senior Living, Ellsworth where she had resided for the past 6 years.

Memorial services for Hazel will be held at a later date.  Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II.

Hazel was born on June 25, 1922 in the Town of Little Black, the daughter of Jacob Herman and Elizabeth Hannah (Poehnlein) Brunner.  She attended Victory Elementary school, Town of Deer Creek and was a graduate of Medford High School.  Her marriage to Arthur Louis Wegerer took place on July 4, 1941 at Dubuque, IA and he preceded her in death on December 14, 1988.

After their marriage, they resided in Stetsonville, Milwaukee and in 1961 moved to the Town of Little Black.  She worked at the ASCS office and Marathon Cheese until retirement.  She moved to Ellsworth in 2010 to be near family.  She enjoyed the GB Packers, gardening, line dancing, camping, playing cards, bowling, traveling, flowers and bird watching.

She is survived by her children, Terry (Elaine) Wegerer of Leesburg, TX, Ronald (Judy) Wegerer of Medford & Darla (William) Moquin of Ellsworth and a daughter-in-law, Melvalene Wegerer of Ellsworth.    Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, along with her siblings, Donald Brunner of Medford and Nelda Klemm of Whittlesey.  There are also numerous nieces and nephews surviving.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, children, Sherry Mueller and Arthur Lee Wegerer, siblings, Lorraine Lemke, Violet Goetsch, Clarence, Clifford, Clyde & Norman Brunner.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

 

EFFIE E. RINEHART

Effie E. Rinehart, 92, Abbotsford, a former Town of Goodrich resident, died on Saturday, November 7 at Abbotsford Health Care where she had resided for the past 5 ½ years.

Funeral services for Effie will be at 11 AM on Friday, November 13 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford with Rev. David Clements officiating.  Burial will take place following at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II.  Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Friday at the funeral home.  Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.   Due to COVID concerns, face masks and social distancing will be required for her visitation and services.

Effie was born on March 29, 1928 at Rib Lake, WI, the daughter of Walter Scott and Augusta Rosetta (Gordon) St Claire.  She attended Rib Lake Elementary and High Schools.  Her marriage to Charles R. Rinehart took place on December 7, 1946 at Athens, WI and he preceded her in death on January 7, 1997.

After their marriage, they farmed in the Town of Goodrich for many years until retirement.  In her retirement, she enjoyed driving tractor and mowing lawn.  She also enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, sewing and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her children, Dennis (Donna) Rinehart of Whittlesey, Aleta (Orlo) Wilcox of Goodrich, Mark (Candy) Rinehart of Medford, Reggie Rinehart of Goodrich, Whitney (Aurora) Rinehart of Goodrich and Clinton Rinehart of Stetsonville.  Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 5 great great-grandchildren along with a brother, Glen (Gerry) St Claire of Michigan.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter, Rita Reichert in 2019 and her siblings, Marge States and Keith St Claire.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the family for a future designation.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

 

PETE TORNABENE

Peter "Pete" J. Tornabene was taken from this world in the early morning of November 3, 2020, after a multi-day battle with COVID-19. He was 92 years old. 

Pete was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 8, 1928 - one of four sons of Italian immigrants, Joseph Tornabene and Rose (Gatto) Tornabene. A courteous and fastidious young man with Catholic roots, Pete enjoyed playing stickball and dice games with his childhood friends on the streets of Brooklyn. He graduated from Straubenmüller Textile High School NYC in 1946. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he worked as an engineer until he was honorably discharged in 1948. 

Pete married Patricia Ranucci (Pat) on November 21, 1948, in St. Catherine’s Church in Hillside, New Jersey. The couple lived in Elizabeth, New Jersey where he and his wife raised six children. 

A mechanical man and Jack-of-all-trades, Pete worked various jobs throughout his professional career. He retired from Jersey Tab Card Corporation (JTC) as a production manager in the 1980s. Those who knew him recall his innovative “flat nail” approach to opening his garage door, as well as his ability to operate and repair any number of gadgets and mechanical devices. 

Pete and Pat moved to Medford, WI in 2003, spending their final years in the Northwoods. Pat’s health soon started to decline and Pete dutifully cared for her in their home until she was admitted to a nursing home. She passed away in 2007.

Many in the area recognized Pete as the man with the Jersey accent who swiftly traversed miles of Medford sidewalks (even in sub-zero temps!) with his good friend, Mary Pernsteiner. An avid golfer, he was often found putting on the green of Tee High or Black River with his signature cigar in his mouth. He enjoyed his daily lunches at the Medford Café, where he completed his crosswords as he dined on half a sandwich, a cup of soup, coffee, and a slice of pie. He also frequented County Market for his morning paper and lotto tickets. Pete secretly had a voracious appetite for chocolate - a hilarious fact known well to his aides and hospice nurses! 

Friends and family remember Pete as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was equal parts compassionate and stubborn (earning him the nickname “Bullhead” in his youth). He was a man that took great pride in his family, often bragging to others about his wife’s innate talent for cooking and the various accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Pete was preceded in death by father Joseph, mother Rose, brothers Sal and Andrew, and his wife, Patricia. He is survived by brother, Angelo, and his six children: Valerie (Gary) Ziegler, Joe, Raymond, Donna (Dave) Klinner, Fred, and Peter, Jr. Pete has 15 grandchildren: Cody and Blaze (Valerie); Katie, Michael, and Annie (Joe); Lisa, Renee, Nicholas, and Erin (Raymond); Sam, Jenna, and Molly (Donna); Josh and Matt (Fred); and Gretchen (Peter Jr). He also had 5 great-grandchildren: Angela and Emma (Blaze), Nora (Katie), Logan (Nicholas), and Raquel (Renee). 

The family plans to hold a celebration of life in the summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in his name to Hope Hospice of Medford, WI (537 W Broadway Ave, Medford, WI 54451).

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

LOUIS V. LICHTL, JR.

Louis V. Lichtl, Jr., 82, a Town of Browning resident, died on Wednesday, November 4 at Aspirus Medford Hospital where he had been a patient for 2 days.

Graveside services will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, November 11 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church Cemetery, Town of Goodrich with Rev. Kenneth Bittorf officiating.  Pallbearers will be Hunter, Nick, Greg & Randy Frenzel, Seth Barr, Kenny Lichtl.  Due to COVID concerns, masks and social distancing will be required.

Louie was born on February 4, 1938 in Cook County, IL, the son of Louis Victor and Lydia Blanch (Janko) Lichtl, Sr.  He attended Birchwood elementary schools and was a 1956 graduate of Medford High School.  He later attended several night classes for various trades.  His marriage took place on October 18, 1958 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Goodrich to Narda Jean Bartelt.

After his education, he worked at Hurd Millwork and later Weather Shield Mfg. until retirement.  He restored many tractors, snowmobiles and furniture.  He had an Oliver tractor collection over the years.  He enjoyed playing softball for many years, golfing, fishing, racing snowmobiles and go carts, riding their side by side and doing volunteer work for others.  He was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Goodrich, Black River Golf Club, was secretary of the Wisconsin Bass Club and a lifetime member of the Edgar Steam Engine Show.

He is survived by his wife, Narda Lichtl of the Town of Browning, children, Narda Sue (Gerald) Frenzel of the Town of Deer Creek, Tammy Bahr of Medford and Dennis (Debbie) Lichtl of Medford.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Greg (Jenny) & Randy (Andrea) Frenzel, Alex (Amanda) Lichtl, Tracy (Len) Kremer, Seth & Courtney Bahr, Andrea (Jason) Hartwig; great grandchildren, Hunter, Nickolas, Mya, Andrew, David and Mia Frenzel, Jameson Hartwig, Riley and Baby Kremer.  Along with his siblings, Violet (Eugene) Jensen of Medford, Grace (Dennis) Pope of Dorchester, Kenny (Peggy) Lichtl of Medford and Pam (Bill) Leader of Medford.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be given to the family for a future designation.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.