LORNA J. LARSEN

Lorna J. Larsen, 80, Medford, a former Town of Holway resident, died on Saturday, November 21 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital where she had been a patient for the past 4 days.

Graveside services for Lorna were held on Monday, November 30 at Our Saviours Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Holway with Kenneth Burisak officiating.  Grandchildren served as pallbearers.

Lorna was born on June 22, 1940 at Dorchester, the daughter of Clifford and Bernice (Bunke) Hoffmann.  She attended Dorchester elementary and high schools.  Her marriage took place on May 30, 1959 to Kenneth M. Larsen and he preceded her in death on December 8, 1997.

After marriage, they farmed in the Town of Holway until selling the herd in 1988.  She also worked at Post Company in Owen, cooked at area restaurants, drove school bus for Krug’s and transported the Amish.  She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, baking, cooking and other crafts.  She was a member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Holway.  Presently, she had been attending The Ole’ Country Church in the Town of Deer Creek.

Surviving are her children, Wanda (Ken) Kallenbach of Medford, Marvin “John” Larsen of West Hollywood, CA, Maurice (Lisa Leach) Larsen of Gilman and Melvin (Kelly) Larsen of Holway; 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild; siblings, Gary (Joy) Hoffmann of Strum, WI and Wilma Neuenfeldt of Dorchester.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, Lincoln Hoffmann and Stella Grube.

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

 

JUNE I. LONG

June I. Long, 89, of Medford, passed away at home on Friday, November 27, 2020, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice.

Funeral Services for June will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 4, 2020 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Friday, December 4, 2020 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

June was born on June 15, 1931 to Paul and Minnie (Scott) Steinbach in Stevens Point. She was a Medford High School graduate, where she met her high school sweetheart, Howard R. Long. She married Howard on June 13, 1953 at St. Paul’s Church in Medford. He preceded her in death on July 3, 1994.

June was a teacher in the Medford area for 42 years, where she taught multiple generations. June's final career journey was being a kindergarten teacher at Stetsonville Elementary when it was built until the time of her retirement.

June has touched many hearts and will be greatly missed by her family, friends and students.

In her spare time June enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and traveling with her friends.

June is survived by her daughter, Delene Wieler of Medford; grandchildren, Michelle (Troy) Hoffman of Dorchester, Monica Weiler of Weston, Mindy Weiler of Medford, Michael (Tara) Weiler of Medford, and Miranda Weiler of Medford; great-granchildren, Peyton, Lexi, Aminah, Hailey, Kyley, Zoey, Avrey, Layla, Brooklyn, Raeden, Liselle, and Chevelle.

June is preceded in death by her husband and parents.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in may be given to the family for use at a later date.

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

JOSEPH "JOE" G. RETTERATH

Joseph “Joe” G. Retterath, 83, a Township of Deer Creek resident, died on Saturday, November 28 at The Homeplace of Dorchester, WI where he had resided for the past 1 ½ years.

Memorial services for Joe will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Stetsonville with Father Michael Hayden officiating.  The Stetsonville American Legion Post # 519 will perform military rites.  Interment of his cremated remains will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Stetsonville.  Visitation times will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the visitation and funeral services.  A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021.

Joe was born on the family homestead on March 19, 1937 in the Town of Deer Creek, the son of Ambrose and Helen (Schneider) Retterath.  He attended Stetsonville Elementary schools and was a 1955 graduate of Medford High School.  He was married on September 8, 1962 at OLPH Catholic Church, Whittlesey to Kathy Marie Boeck.

Joe was a US Army veteran having served from 1955-1957.  After the military, he managed his family -farm in the Town of Deer Creek for many years.  He and his wife owned and operated the Retterath Cattle Leasing as well.  Most recently, he had a portable log sawing business until his Alzheimer’s disease progressed and he retired his sawmill.  He served on many boards including:  Taylor Credit Union where he was a past Chairman, Centennial Community Center & Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Joe was so passionate about helping others that he received the 10-gallon blood donor award from Memorial Hospital Blood Bank Drive.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman having enjoyed many travels with his family and friends out west and to Canada to enjoy the outdoors.  He also spent time making maple syrup, cutting firewood, sawing logs and a good game of sheepshead.

Joe lived by the motto of, “Too much fun is barely enough.”  He lived this to the fullest no matter if it was work or play.  This is evident by the stacks of lumber on the farm, the reserve of beer in the shop and the piles of deer horns from all the hunts.  Some of this required him to use another motto; “It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.”  Now Joe has moved onto a better place and can start having fun with all the old friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy of Stetsonville; children, Deb (Larry) Fierke of Stetsonville, Vicki (Lee) Waldhart of Stetsonville, Jane (Dale) Oldenhoff of Almond  & Tim (Stacy) Retterath of Stetsonville; grandchildren, Connie (SO - Lani) Fierke, Kristi (Pat) Dixon, Kelsey Fierke, Ellen (James) DesJarlais, Casey (Tater) Waldhart, Marki (SO – Jeff) Waldhart, Nick & Nathan Retterath; great-grandchildren, Dray Vermaat, Billy & Joey Dixon.  Also surviving is his sister, Lila Czarnezki of Medford.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Leonard Retterath, in-laws, Milan Czarnezki, Ron and Jeanne Ching.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be given to the family for a future donation to Alzheimer’s care support.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.  

 

CHARLES J. EISNER SR.

Charles J. Eisner Sr., 79, of Rib Lake, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Rib Lake Health Services.

Cremation rites have been accorded and private family services will take place at a later date.

Charles was born on March 18, 1941 to John Sr. and Marybelle (Dennee) Eisner in Park Falls. The family moved to Rib Lake in 1949. Charles attended Park Falls and Rib Lake schools. He married Rita M. Olson on April 28, 1962 in Chelsea. She preceded him in death on September 2, 2017.

Charles worked his entire career at Hurd until his retirement in 2004. He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

In his spare time Charles enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching the Packers, Brewers, and NASCAR.

Charles is survived by his children, Allan (Lisa) Eisner of Rib Lake, Jeff (Lisa) Eisner of Merrill, Brenda (Peter) Jones of Phillips, Connie (Jeff) Mauch of Ogema, and Linda (Paul) Newman of Rib Lake; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Joan) Eisner of Rib Lake, Roberta (Don) Engel of Fort Atkinson, William (Delores) Eisner of Rib Lake, David (Mary) Eisner of Ogema; brother-in-law, LeRoy “Butch” (Doredda) Olson of Chelsea; and Aunt, Jenny (Schnelle) Maszk of Merrill. Charles is further survived by many other family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Charles is preceded in death by stepfather, Martin Radovich; son, Charles “Fritz” P. Eisner Jr., sisters Mary Ann Yanko and Helen Ochodnicky; brothers, John Eisner Jr., Lloyd Eisner, and Edward Eisner. He is also preceded in death by several brothers and sisters-in-law.

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

DONALD H. GRAFFUNDER

Donald H. Graffunder, 82, of Medford passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at his residence under the care of Hope Hospice.

Cremation rites have been accorded and private family services will take place at a later date.

Donald was born on February 21, 1938 to Henry and Clara (Soefker) Graffunder in Marshfield. He graduated from Medford High School. He enlisted in the National Guard and was called to duty during the Berlin Crisis. He married Donna Mae Schrader on June 13, 1964 at St. Peter’s church in Dorchester; she survives.

He owned and operated the Broadway Store for 23 years. He then worked in retail until his retirement.

He loved antique cars and enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.

In addition to his wife, Donald is survived by his son, Alan (Michelle) Graffunder of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Trey, Chelsea, and Noah Graffunder, all of Chippewa Falls; sisters, Donna Gebert and Bonnie (Victor) Schupp, both of Sheboygan. He is further survived by many other family and friends.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, Elliot Gebert and Marvin Schrader, and stepmother, Lottie Graffunder.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Donald’s name may be given to either Hope Hospice or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

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

WILLIAM M. SAYLES

William M. Sayles, 78, of Medford, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2020 at Abbotsford Health Care Center.

 Private Family services will be held at a later date.

William was born on November 12, 1942 to William and Pearl (Tryon) Sayles in Milwaukee. The family later moved to Superior and William graduated from Superior High School. William work as a wheelsman for multiple shipping companies until his retirement. William married Joan Rashka on August 20, 2012 in Duluth, MN; she survives.

In his spare time William enjoyed reading, traveling, and walking Wisconsin Point.

In addition to his wife, William is survived by his aunt, Phyllis Sayles; 5 step-children; 5 step- grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law Beverly Evenson of Dorchester and Jean Hartleben of Georgia.

William is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ann Marie Sayles.

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

DANIEL "DANNY" M. KLINGBEIL

Daniel “Danny” Mark Klingbeil, 63, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020, after a brief struggle with cancer, in Cadott, Wisconsin.

A private burial was held on November 24, 2020, at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Medford, with a celebration of life to take place at a later date.

Danny was born on September 4, 1957, to Reinhart and Audrey (Wesle) Klingbeil, of Medford, Wisconsin. For forty-four years, Danny found great joy and camaraderie at the Taylor County Achievement Center/Black River Industries—an organization his family and several other families helped create. He had many physical limitations, but there were many things Danny could do. He could give you a smile that would melt your heart. He could brighten your day with that chuckle of his. Danny loved listening to music and watching his favorite television programs. He gave it his all when he played with his favorite things. He taught us about kindness and patience. Danny showed us true inner strength, as he continued to fight battles in health and limitations that would have crushed many of us.

In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his brother Steven. He is survived by his siblings Mary (John) Raedel, of Altoona; William (Margie) of Medford; Michael of Medford; Nancy (Patrick) Perini of Hilliard, OH; twin Diane Ertl of Eagan, MN; and Timothy, of Medford; along with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition, Danny is survived by his long-time caregiver Carol Cedarholm of Medford, and his more recent caregivers Tim and Sharie Poppe, of Cadott. The family will be forever grateful for the compassionate and unwavering care provided by Carol, Sharie, and Tim in Danny’s journey through life.

The family requests that any memorial contributions be given in Danny’s name to Black River Industries of Medford.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.