EUGENE “GENE” R. KNIESS

NAME OF DECEASED: EUGENE “GENE” R. KNIESS AGE: 78

ADDRESS: Dycora Transitional Health, Abbotsford, WI; A former Medford area resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: Sunday, November 26 at Dycora Transitional Health, Abbotsford where he had resided for the past 5 years

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM Thursday, November 30 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford

OFFICIATING: Rev. James H. Babler

VISITATION: Hemer Funeral Home, Medford from 9 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Thursday, November 30

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: March 31, 1939 at Hamburg, WI, Marathon County

EDUCATION: Taylor Elementary School, Hamburg

MARRIAGE: June 21, 1969 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Medford to Elaine E. Weiland and she survives

PRINCIPLE EVENTS IN LIFE: Prior to his marriage, he worked at the Gad Cheese Factory for some time. After their marriage, they farmed in the Gad area for many years until his retirement. He enjoyed polka music.

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Elaine E. Kniess of Medford

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Sister - Adeline Kloth of Medford
Brothers-in-law: Duane (Dottie) Weiland of Janesville, Allen Weiland & Francis Weiland both of Avalon, WI
Sister-in-law: Carol Pastorius of Avalon, WI
Further survived by many nieces and nephews

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Sister – Janet Kloth in October of 2017

DECEASED FATHER: Edwin Kniess DECEASED MOTHER: Caroline Christine Klockziem

OTHER INFORMATION: -For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

LOUISE M. STIEL

Louise “ Lou” M. Stiel, 50, of Rib Lake, passed away at her home in Rib Lake on Sunday November 26, 2017.
Louise was born April 17, 1967 in Chicago, IL to William and Evelyn (Weiser) Roach. She received her GED diploma. She married Matthew L. Stiel on April 12, 1996 in Medford. Matthew survives.
She is further survived by her Children: Joshua(Crystal) Roach of Beloit, Dustin (Heather Ritchie) Burger of Wabeno, Evelyn (Nathan) Koehler of Prentice, Danielle (Brandon) Mercer and Whitney (Brian) Hart, both of Medford, 14 Grandchildren, Siblings: Dennis (Maria) Roach of Chicago, IL, Dan Roach of Deerfield, Diana (Mark) Gallus of Antigo, Sisters in Law: Sandy (Damian) Jones of Westboro, Mary Stiel of Chicago, Therese (James) Walters of Rib Lake, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Louise is preceded in death by her Parents, Brother William Roach, and Mother and Father in Law Leo & June Stiel.
Louise worked at the Petro Gas Station in Phillips, then went on to work at CSI in Rib Lake as a supervisor, and last worked for Straight Shot Delivery in Phillips. She loved going for rides; whether it was by car, boat, four-wheeler or semi-truck with her husband. She was the proud leader of an online support group for Fibro Myalgia. She became a great resource for others, often researching information and answering questions.
She regularly attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness in Dorchester.
Per Louise’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and no services will be held.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

LENA "MAGGIE" GUMZ

Lena “Maggie” Gumz, 88, of Westboro, passed away on Friday November 24, 2017 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford.

She was born on February 16, 1929 in the Town of Chelsea to the late Joseph and Magdalene (Kraemer) Imbach. She was married to Eldred Gumz on February 18, 1947 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Whittlesey. She attended Chelsea State Grade School.  

Lena worked for Badger Ammunition Plant for 5 years, in the woods with her husband helping him with logging and later for Tombstone Pizza Production for 22 years where she retired in 1996. She was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake, Ladies Sodality at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Parish Council at St. Theresa’s, and Westboro V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.      

In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, flowers, making quilts, bus tours, traveling, making homemade bread, baking, feeding the birds and spending time with her family.

Lena is survived by two Sons: David (Judith) Gumz of Westboro, James (Kum Syn) Gumz of Panama City, FL; Sisters: Mary Ann Leffel of Colby, Margaret Fleegel of Medford, Marcella Judnic of Medford; Grandchildren: Brenda (Jason) Machon, Malinda Gumz, Brad (Carrie) Gumz, Becky (Adam) Czarnezki, Lori (Shawn) Van Wagnen, Joesph Gumz; Daughter-In-Law: Laurie Ochodnicky; Step Grandchildren: Kendra Eisner and Tara Reamer; 17 Great Grandchildren; 4 Step Great Grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

In addition to her parents Lena is preceded in death by her husband Eldred Gumz in 1989; Son: Eldred “E.R.” Gumz; Brother: Joseph (Betty) Imbach; Brother-In-Laws: Henry Leffel, Ervin Fleegel and Clarence Judnic.  

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday November 29, 2017 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake. Father Otto Bucher will officiate. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Westboro. Visitation will be held at the church Tuesday November 28, 2017 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday November 29, 2017 at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Pallbearers will be Brad, Kyle, Sam and Joe Gumz, Jason and Brayden Machon, Adam Czarnezki and Dylon Strassburger.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made out to Lena’s family to be designated 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.

GEORGE J. BUKSA

George J. Buksa, 87, of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday November 22, 2017 at Rib Lake Health Services in Rib Lake, WI.

He was born on November 20, 1930 in Rib Lake, WI to the late George Sr. and Helen (Bucki) Buksa - Decker. He was married to the late Florine (Schwartz) Buksa on November, 4 1950, they were later divorced. He was then married to the late Faye (Willett) Buksa on October 25, 1969 in Mitchell, S.D. He was a 1948 graduate of Rib Lake High School.

George joined the Navy right out of high school and served from 1948 to 1951. He came back to Rib Lake and started working for Gem Product for several years. He was then the President of Lake Wood Credit Union before he bought George’s Go Go and The Ribs bars in Rib Lake. He went on to work for Weather Shield from 1979 until 1985. George then worked as a realtor until his retirement.

He was a charter member of the Rib Lake Lions Club, Rib Lake Ice Age committee, Rib Lake American Legion and Westboro VFW, Past Village President for a couple terms,  Rib Lake volunteer Fire Department, one of the founders of the Rib Lake Economic Development,  original investor of Camp 28.

In his spare time George loved to socialize at the bars, watch the Packers, Rib Lake High School Redmen, hunting and spending time with his family and friends.

George is survived by his Daughter:  Cheryl (Jim) Rosenfeldt of Rib Lake; Son: Jack (Andrea) Buksa of Rib Lake; Grandchildren: Tyler Buksa of Cherry Point, N.C., Megan Buksa of Rib Lake, Jody (Donnie) Neubauer of Westboro, Tara (Kevin) Rose of Phillips, Paul Rau of Goodrich, Mike (Shawna) Rau of Stetsonville, Bobby (Julie Schafer) Rau of Dorchester, Brenda (Lonnie) Halverson of Colby , Bradley (Jen) Rau of Medford; Great Grandchildren: Brandon, Megan and Andy Neubauer, Cade and Marin Rose, Joshua, Jake and Jett Rau, Trent Adams, Logan and Jaylen Halverson, Olivia and Spencer Rau; Sister: Bette Schwartz of West Bend; Sister-In-Law: JoAnn (Buksa) Otto of Minnesota; Son-In-Law: Ed Rau of Medford; Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   

In addition to his two wives and parents George is preceded in death by his; Daughter: Lynette Rau; Brothers: Richard “Dick” Buksa Sr., Michael Buksa; Three Infant Children

Graveside services will take place at 2:00 PM on November 25, 2017 at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ice Age Pavilion in Rib Lake on November 25, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 1:30 PM. Rib Lake American Legion will be preforming military honors at 1:30 PM at Ice Age Pavilion. Pallbearers will be George’s Grandchildren.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made out to George’s family to be designated 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.

LARRY J. BRANDNER

Larry J. Brandner, 82, of Medford, passed away Monday November 20, 2017 at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

Larry was born April 23, 1935 in Chelsea, WI to Joseph and Celesta (Leischer) Brandner. He married Bernice Brink in 1969 and they later divorced. He then married Sheryl A. Piller on November 2, 1996 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nashua, Iowa. Sheryl survives.

He is further survived by his Daughter: Lanice (Paul) Szomi of Medford, Step Children: Shawn Hana of Medford, Lucas (Jennifer) Hana of Green Bay, Granddaughter: Amannda Szomi, Siblings: Marlene Rhyner of Medford, Ronald (Betty) Brandner of Richfield, Shirley Thums of Westboro, Boyd Brandner of Rib Lake, Danny (Diane) Brandner of Chelsea, Janice Brandner of Colby, Bruce Brandner or Rib Lake, and Gail Brandner of Independence, and many nieces and nephews.

Larry is preceded in death by his Parents, Infant brother Robert Brandner, and Brothers in Law: Don Rhyner and Ed Thums.

Larry was the owner of “Larry Brandner Trucking” in which he logged for over 30 years. He retired in 1997.

He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He always cherished his time spent at his cabin on Lake Chetac in Birchwood. Larry enjoyed traveling and wintering in Lake Havasu, AZ. He was an avid cribbage and shuffleboard player.

Larry is a veteran of the US Army National Guard. He was a member of the Medford American Legion Post, Whittlesey Lions, Chelsea Conservation Club and Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday November 24, 2017 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Father Phil Juza will officiate. Military honors will be rendered. Burial will follow at Chelsea Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Larry can be given to his family, designation will be 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.

 

ISABELLE M. WILHELMS

Isabelle M. Wilhelms, 85, of Rib Lake, passed away on Monday November 13, 2017 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford, WI.

She was born on February 28, 1932 in the Township of Greenwood to the late Leo and Anna (Hoffmann) Thums. She was married to the late Walter “Wimpy” Wilhelms on April 29, 1950 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Rib Lake. She attended Highland Grade School and was a 1949 graduate of Rib Lake High School.

Isabelle owned and operated a Dairy Farm with her husband, Wimpy, for 12 years, until they sold it in 1965. She then worked at Rib Lake Shoe Factory for 27 years, Weathershield Manufacturing for 7 years and was a certified EMT for many years for the Village of Rib Lake.
 
She was a member of Good Shephard Catholic Church of Rib Lake, Christian Mothers, past president of Rib Lake Community Club, church choir, Rib Lake birthday club, athletic booster club, ran a JR bowling league, helped with senior home care, Lions Club and bake sales. Isabelle enjoyed bowling, sewing, baking, cooking, gardening, fishing, traveling, ceramics, making wedding cakes and spending time with her family.

Isabelle is survived by three children: Marlene Powers of Greenwood, Dan Wilhelms of Mosinee and Susan (Duane) Draeger of Medford; 6 Grandchildren, 2 Step Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren, 5 Step Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild; Brother-In-Law: Ben Yanko of Rib Lake; Sisters-In-Law: Louise Thums of Omro, Ella Wilhelms of Chicago, IL; Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
 
In addition to her husband and parents Isabelle is preceded in death by her Brothers: Alvin (Audrey) Thums, Elmer (Sarah) Thums, Chester Thums; Sisters: Florence (Andy) Mann, Adeline Yanko; Great Granddaughter: Tori Czarnezki.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday November 16, 2017 at Good Shephard Catholic Church in Rib Lake. Father Otto Bucher will officiate. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Rib Lake at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church Thursday November 16, 2017 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Tara Czarnezki, Keith and Corey Thums, Devin Draeger, Jamey, Isabelle and Nick Powers will be serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made out to Isabelle’s family to be designated 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.

SHIRLEY J. HOOVER

Shirley J. Hoover, 74, of Stetsonville passed away Wednesday November 8, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Shirley was born June 5, 1943 in Medford to Earl and Verna (Neunfeldt) Schmidt. She married Wayne Hoover on April 23, 1966 in Chicago, Illinois. Wayne Survives.
She is further survived by her Daughter: Lori (Greg) Reinhart of Hartford, Grandchildren: Brittany (Tom) Schalmo of Milwaukee, Michael (Bree) Reinhart of Medford, Heather (Aaron) Reinhart of Milwaukee, Tasha Becker of Greenwood, Anthony Becker of Greenwood, Great Grandchildren Blake and Grace Reinhart, Ari Schalmo, Siblings: Beverly (Harlan) Adams, Audrey (Don) Zenner both of Medford, Niece Heidi (Chris) Clark and Nephew Brock (Rachel) Zenner, Eric (Janet) Schmidt.
She is preceded in death by her Parents, Daughter Julie Becker, Brother Gary Schmidt, and Mother and Father in Law Albert Hoover and Julia Davis.
Shirley attended and graduated from Medford High School in 1962. She then went on to Beauty School in Milwaukee and worked there for 5 years. She then returned to Medford and worked at Marathon Cheese for 8 years as a line worker. She then went on to own and operate a home day care, and enjoyed that until her retirement. Shirley enjoyed collecting cookbooks, quilting and reading. She loved her Grandchildren and Great Grandchild. She will always be remembered for her kind heart and her willingness to help anyone.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Immanuel Ladies Aid, and was a Life Member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday November 11, 2017 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Medford. Rev. James Krueger will officiate. Burial will follow at the Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Shirley can be given to her 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

DARREL L. DAMM

NAME OF DECEASED: DARREL L. DAMM AGE: 75

ADDRESS: W5465 Stetson Ave., Stetsonville, WI; A Township of Little Black resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: pronounced on Wednesday, November 8 at Aspirus Medford Hospital, emergency room, Medford

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM Monday, November 13 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville where there will also be military rites performed by the Stetsonville American Legion

OFFICIATING: Rev. James Babler & Rev. Richard Russow

INTERMENT: Interment of his cremated remains will take place at Zion Ev. Lutheran Cemetery, Stetsonville at a later date

VISITATION: Hemer Funeral Home, Medford from 4-7 PM on Sunday, November 12 and also at church from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Monday, November 13

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: June 20, 1942 at Owen, WI

EDUCATION: Town of Little Black elementary schools, 1960 graduate of Medford High School, Attended Northwestern Lutheran College, Watertown, WI, and he went to Lumber Grading School in Memphis, TN

MARRIAGE: May 18, 1968 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Dorchester to Gail E. Waldhart and she survives

PRINCIPLE EVENTS IN LIFE: After his education, he served in the US Army from 1964-1966 in Korea. After the service he worked as a lumber grader for Rhyner Tie & Lumber in Stetsonville. Then he owned and operated Damm Saw Mill in Stetsonville from 1979-1988. Then he worked as a self-employed carpenter & cabinet maker. He enjoyed reading, woodworking, gardening, his tractor and spending time with his family. He also served as caretaker of the Stetsonville Public Cemetery in the Town of Little Black.

MEMBER OF: Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville where he served on the church council and the cemetery committee;
Stetsonville American Legion Post #519

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Gail E. Damm of Stetsonville

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Amy (Nick) Brandner of Medford, Tracy (Ned) Schumacher of Medford, Sarah (Ludger) Borger of Wausau, Matthew (Heather) Damm of Medford & Amanda (Jason) Petti of Lakeville, MN

# OF LIVING GRANDCHILDREN: 24

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Cheryl (Herbert) McLees of Cottage Grove, MN &
Marlin (Mary Alice) Damm of Cleveland, OK

BROTHERS DECEASED: Dennis Damm in infancy

DECEASED FATHER: Herbert Louis Damm DECEASED MOTHER: Florence Elsie Marti

PALLBEARERS: Hannah & Nick Brandner, Tyler & Ned Schumacher, Justin & Ludger Borger, Dominic & Jason Petti, Kevin Damm

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

SHIRLEY M. HEBERT

Shirley M. Hebert, 80, of Rib Lake, passed away on November 6, 2017 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford. She was born on July 6, 1937 to William and Emma (Schalk) Bube. She was educated in Rib Lake Schools. Shirley married John W. Hebert on January 23, 1960, he survives.

Shirley worked at the Rib Lake theatre and shoe factory. She later went on to work in child care, Avon, and as a cleaner at Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

In her spare time she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing 500 rummy, reading, putting together puzzles with her husband, John. She also had a love for cats.

In addition to her husband, Shirley is survived by her children, Gary (Bonnie) Hebert of Medford, Connie (Steve) Schalinske of Ladysmith, John (Leslie) Hebert of Rib Lake, Coreen (Mike) Hebert-Immel of Wausau, Lisa (Todd) Peche of Westboro, and Jill (Brian Kelling) Hebert of Medford; grandchildren, Sabrina, Rebecca (Ryan), Michael (Jolene), Corey, Kayla, Jordan, Seth, Nicholas, Victoria, Connor, and Larissa; great-grandson, Finnley; sister, Evelyn Bieniek; brothers, Charles (Theresa) Bube and Don (Francis) Bube; brother in law, Paul Matyka; sister in law, Ann Olah. Shirley is further survived by many other family and friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Tom and Conrad, and sisters, Betty and Deloris.

Funeral services for Shirley will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 10, 2017 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with Father Otto Bucher officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Friday November 10, 2017 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

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

  

JERRY A. DENZINE

Jerry A. Denzine, 65, Rhinelander, formally of Medford, passed away Friday, November 3, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander.

Jerry was born on July 29, 1952 in Medford, WI to the late Lawrence and Florence (Bender) Denzine. He attended Medford High School where he graduated in 1970. He loved everything to do with the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed every moment he spent with his family, including morning coffee with his brothers and sisters or anyone else that would come to the house.  

Jerry established Denzine Logging in 1987 and worked there until his passing. He was a member of the National Guard from 1970 until 1976.  

Jerry is survived by his significant other Cindy Harlow of Rhinelander; Children: Lisa (Scott) Higgins of Medford, Brian (Amy Martin) Denzine of Vesper, Clayton (Barb) Denzine of Medford, Amber (Tony) Wittlin of New London; Sisters: Darlene (Dick Franke) Brost of Medford, Beverly Zuleger of Medford; Brothers: Gene (Joyce) Denzine of Medford, Russell (Julie) Denzine of Medford, Wayne (Pat) Denzine of Medford; Grandchildren: Seth, Mariah, Madeline, Cole, Cassidy, Jennalyn, Austin, Sophia, Amelia, Alyssa, Ashton and Kolton; Great Granddaughter: Adalyn  

In addition to his parents Jerry is preceded in death by his brother-in-law’s Jack Zuleger and Donald Brost

A Prayer Service will take place at 7:00 PM Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford. Visitation will be held at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Jerry’s family to be designated 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.