HARVEY L. DECKELMAN

NAME OF DECEASED: HARVEY L. DECKELMAN AGE: 85

ADDRESS: A Township of Medford resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: Wednesday, August 29 at Aspirus Care & Rehab, Medford where he had resided for the past 8 months

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 4 at Community United Church of Christ, Medford

OFFICIATING: Pastor Mary Jo Laabs

INTERMENT: Medford Evergreen Cemetery II with graveside military rites performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team

VISITATION: Community United Church of Christ, Medford from 9 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Tuesday, September 4, 2018

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: June 30, 1933 in the Township of Deer Creek

EDUCATION: Town of Deer Creek elementary schools and attended Medford High School

MARRIAGE: August 29, 1959 at Community United Church of Christ, Medford to Joan E. Brink and Harvey died on the day they were celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: After his education, he entered the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. After the service, he returned to Medford and did logging work for Armin Buehler. He worked for 37 years at the Taylor County Highway Department until retirement. He also worked part time with deliveries & mechanic work for Fur Foods in Medford.
He enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting both here and out West, his dogs, fishing, motor cycling, traveling, spending time with family and his grandchildren.

MEMBER OF: Community United Church of Christ, Medford; Stump Jumpers Snowmobile Club

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Joan E. Deckelman of Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Sue (Jim) Laher of Medford; Brian (Kerri) Deckelman of Medford; Karen (Eddie) Brandt of Medford

# OF LIVING GRANDCHILDREN: 4 – Carissa (Ben) Blasel of Wausau, Landon Laher of Bloomington, MN, Vanessa Laher of Menomonie, Jace Laher of Medford

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Ray (Alice) Deckelman of Wausau

DECEASED FATHER: George Albert Deckelman DECEASED MOTHER: Adeline Selma (Hoffmann) Deckelman

PALLBEARERS: Carissa Blasel, Landon, Vanessa & Jace Laher, Lanice Szomi, Diana Schira & David Deckelman

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made either to the family for a future designation or Community United Church of Christ, Medford
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

BEULAH D. METZ

Beulah D. Metz, 101, of the Town of Little Black, passed away at her home, Wednesday August 29, 2018 surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday September 1, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville. Father Michael Hayden will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Little Black. Her Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. Visitation will be held Saturday morning at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 12 noon.
Beulah was born June 7, 1917 in the Town of Little Black to Grant and Anna (Vogt) White. She is a graduate of Medford High School, and then went on to Teachers Normal College. She married Charles Metz on October 18, 1939 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville. Charlie preceded her in death on February 25, 1977.
She is survived by her Children: Mona “Monie” (Kayo) Pope of Stetsonville, Jim (Bev) Metz, Paul Metz, Mark (Dee Habeck) Metz, Steve (Kate) Metz all of Medford, Dan (Jeneane) Metz of Stetsonville and Daughters-in-Law: Linda Metz and Debbie Metz both of Medford, 21 Grandchildren, Numerous Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Beulah is further preceded in death by her Parents, Children: Chuck and Fuzz Metz, Grandson Brian Metz, Great Grandsons Brandon Johnson and Christopher Metz, and Daughter in Law Marge Metz.
Beulah taught at St. Louis Catholic School in Dorchester for 27 years, and retired from there in 1992. After retirement, she helped at the school in the office and substitute teaching until the age of 85.
She enjoyed playing cards, watching ball games, attending the Medford Performing Arts concerts, spending time with her children and grandchildren and traveling. She always looked forward to, and enjoyed attending parties at the hunting shack.
Beulah was of the Catholic Faith, and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Order of the Catholic Foresters, Homemakers Club, and Ladies Aid of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in honor of Beulah 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

CHRISTIAN “TED” THEODORE NEUBAUER

NAME OF DECEASED: CHRISTIAN “TED” THEODORE NEUBAUER AGE: 93

ADDRESS: Medford

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: 10:00 PM Sunday, August 26 at Aspirus Medford Hospital, emergency room, where he had been taken earlier

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM Friday, August 31 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford

OFFICIATING: Father Phil Juza

INTERMENT: Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford

VISITATION: Hemer Funeral Home, Medford from 4 PM until 7 PM on Thursday, August 30 where there will be a 7 PM Catholic Rosary service held that evening; also, from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM at the church on Friday, August 31

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: June 13, 1925 in Medford

EDUCATION: Medford schools

MARRIAGE: In May of 1954 in Medford to Violet Spillner and they were later divorced

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: After his education, he worked for the Taylor County Highway Department for many years until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, mowing lawn and driving his truck.

MEMBER OF: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Theodore Neubauer of Rib Lake; Harriet Pautz of Medford; Robert (Kathy) Neubauer of Medford; Theresa (Charlie) Zassenhaus of Dorchester; Paul (Cathy) Neubauer of Salt Lake City, Utah; Alan Neubauer of Medford; Joan (Pete) Faber of Marathon

CHILDREN DECEASED: Daughter – Joanne Neubauer in 1962

# OF LIVING GRANDCHILDREN: 5 GR-GRANDCHILDREN: 6

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: 9 sisters & 8 brothers

DECEASED FATHER: John Neubauer DECEASED MOTHER: Mary (Dermleitner) Neubauer

PALLBEARERS: Honorary, Great Grandchildren – Kendra Miller, Grant & Desirae Neubauer, Dalton & Nitara Faude
Active – Dale, Jason & Gage Neubauer, Heather Faude, Jacob Faber, Jim Metz

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

KENNETH “KENNY” E. STORCH

NAME OF DECEASED: KENNETH “KENNY” E. STORCH AGE: 79

ADDRESS: Medford

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: Wednesday, August 22 at his residence in the City of Medford

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: Per his request, there will be no services

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

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: June 24, 1939 at Stetsonville, WI

EDUCATION: Stetsonville elementary schools & was a 1957 graduate of Medford High School

MARRIAGE: June 27, 1964 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville to Darla M. Ruesch and she survives

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: He was a US Army veteran having served from 1959-1962. Ken was employed at James Peterson and Sons, Medford for many years as an equipment operator and then manager of Peterson Mobil Concrete until retiring in 2001. He enjoyed golfing, casinos & playing cards, especially Sheepshead.

MEMBER OF: Stetsonville American Legion; Operating Engineers Union

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Darla M. Storch of Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Daughters – Sharon (Scott) Pernsteiner of Eau Claire & Terri Storch of San Diego, CA

# OF LIVING GRANDCHILDREN: 3 – Samantha & Alex Pernsteiner of Eau Claire & Andre Pernsteiner of Minneapolis, MN

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Brother – Robert (Margaret) Storch of Muskegon, MI

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Brother – Jerry Storch

DECEASED FATHER: Raymond Storch DECEASED MOTHER: Gladys Meschefske

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

DOROTHY A. WEIR

Dorothy A. Weir, 94, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at The Waterford at Colby under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice. She was born to John and Margaret (Arens) Marking on September 18, 1923 in Kellogg, MN. She was educated in Kellogg schools. She married Marvin C. Weir on June 20, 1946; he preceded her in death in 1994.

After her marriage to Marvin, they resided in Illinois until they moved to Medford in 1960. Dorothy worked as a homemaker on the family farm.

Dorothy was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary and Holy Rosary Catholic Church. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, crafting, ceramics, camping, and cooking for her family.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Gary (Judy) Weir of Medford, Jim Weir of Shelby, NC, Deb (Jim) Smith of Bowler, Darlene (Scott) Pomerenke of Watertown, and Bonnie (Roger) Olson of Medford. She is further survived by 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

In addition to her husband, Dorothy is preceded in death by her 2 sons Robert Weir and William Weir in infancy and siblings Elmer, Ted, Ervin, Agnes, Kate, and Marnie.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Phil Juza officiating. Burial will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Dorothy’s name may be given to the family for use a later designation.

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

ALFRED “HOBBY” M. ROTHMEIER

Alfred “Hobby” M. Rothmeier, age 78 of Medford, passed away on Friday, August 17 at his residence in the City of Medford under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice. A Memorial Mass will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, August 24 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, with Father Phil Juza officiating. Interment of his and his wife’s cremains will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford. Visitation will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford from 9:30 AM until the time of services at 12 Noon on Friday, August 24.

Hobby was born November 1, 1939 at Medford, WI, the son of Sigfred and Goldie (Clarkson) Rothmeier. He attended Medford elementary schools and was a graduate of Medford High School. His marriage took place May 28, 1960 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford to Marjorie “Marge” Hoffman and she preceded him in death on September 5, 2017.

After his education, he mink & dairy farmed in the Town of Goodrich for a period of years. He also worked at Hoffman’s Ben Franklin and Coast to Coast Store in Medford. He hauled milk, worked for Ed Brecke Mink Ranch and drove truck for James Peterson & Sons, Bauer Trucking, Prochnow Transport, Jensen Transport, Feddick Farms, Jensen & Son Asphalt for periods of time. He owned and operated West Side Auto and West Side Garden Nursery in Medford. He enjoyed tinkering, shooting pool, hunting, Brewers & Packers, and his grandchildren & all their sports activities. Hobby was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford & the Catholic Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his Sons, Jon (Angie) Rothmeier of Eagle River & Paul Rothmeier of Medford; Grandchildren, Rebecca (Lugo) (Lucas) Kraschnewski of Green Bay, Mark Lugo of Medford, Jared Rothmeier of Wausau, Andrew & Hope Rothmeier of Eagle River, Paxton & Raylin Rothmeier of Medford; Great-Grandchildren, Shaelyn & Daxton Kraschnewski of Green Bay; Brothers/Sisters-in-law, Sam Nelson of Withee, Joan (Al) Clark of Prescott, Gail (Richard) Kessler & Jim (Linda) Hoffman all of Medford. He is further survived by many Nieces & Nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his Children, Mark & Kathleen Rothmeier, Lisa Lugo; Siblings, Evelyn “Mickey” Nelson, Bernard “Bernie” Rothmeier, Loretta “Dolly” Leinwander, Robert “Pete” Rothmeier & Brothers-in-law, Dick & Wayne Hoffman.

Memorial contributions should be given to either Hope Hospice of Medford or Holy Rosary Church and School of Medford. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

FRANK W. LARSON

Frank W. Larson, 69, of the Township of Goodrich, passed away on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at his residence. He was born in Medford on September 9, 1948 to Frank and Hilda (Johnson) Larson. He married Dawn Noland on September 9, 2000, she survives.

Frank graduated from Medford High School in 1966 and then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in silviculture. After his schooling he went on to work for the U.S. Forest Service until his retirement.

In his spare time Frank enjoyed microbrewing, woodworking, fishing, hunting, cooking, grilling and smoking ribs, and gardening.

In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by his son Derek (Amber) Larson their children Brayden, Braxton, Brycen, and Brynlee Larson, all of Medford, and step-son Nicholas S. Noland-Wood of St. Marys, GA. He is further survived by his two brothers, Howard (Carol) Larson of Lake in the Hills, IL and Leonard (Kay) Larson of Black River Falls.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Kenneth in 2015 and Gregory in 2011.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will take place at Hemer Funeral Home – Medford on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Nancy Amacher officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will take place at Hemer Funeral Home – Medford from 10:00 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

NANCY G. MARCOTT

Nancy Gale Marcott, 64, of Dorchester, passed away Sunday, August 12, 2018, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield, surrounded by her loving family.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday August 18, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church of Abbotsford. Rev. Marcia Thomas will officiate. Visitation will be held that morning at First Presbyterian Church from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.
Nancy was born December 30, 1953 in Coraopolis, PA to Rayburn and Helen (McClaren) Campbell. Upon High School Graduation, Nancy moved to Eau Claire, WI to study Music Therapy at UW-Eau Claire.
She is survived by her husband David Marcott, her two children: Chris Marcott of Merrill, Jen Marcott-Bong (Brian) of Phillips, three Step-Sons: Scott Marcott (Bethany) of Marathon, Jason Marcott (Laurie) of Marathon and Michael Marcott (Bambi) of Mosinee. Her sister Janet Baird (Doug) of Arpin, five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her Father Rayburn Campbell, her Mother Helen Campbell and her Step-Mother Betty Campbell. Her Father in Law Kenneth Marcott and Mother in Law Evelyn Marcott.
Nancy was a dedicated educator in the Dorchester/Colby School district for 37 years. She started her career in education as a music teacher at Dorchester Elementary in 1980. She continued as a teacher until 2002 when she became Principle of Colby High/Middle School. Nancy had a passion for education and it showed at every level of her career. She was honored with the Wisconsin Title I Association’s Outstanding Administer of the Year Award in 2007.
Nancy was a lover of music and beyond spending part of her career as a Music Teacher she also spent many years teaching piano lessons in the community and volunteered her time accompanying students for Solo and Ensemble.
Nancy loved spending time with her family at their cabin on Lake Holcombe, gardening, baking with her daughter and granddaughter and singing.
Nancy was a courageous person that was respected and admired by many. She will be remembered by her contagious smile and positive outlook on life. The loss of her presence on earth saddens the hearts of many, but the memories of her will forever be the fondest and most treasured. Nancy is loved by all and is reunited in Heaven with those that preceded her.
Memorial Donations in honor of Nancy can be donated to a cancer charity of your choosing.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

MELVA J. KEEFE

Melva Jean (Strebig) Keefe, 92, of Medford was born March 5, 1926 in Medford to Gilbert and Viola (Miller) Strebig. She died on Friday, August 10, 2018 at Care Partners under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Whether you knew her as Mrs. Keefe, Mom, Aunt Babe, Grandma, Felfa, Mima, my dear, or Melva, you understood she was a special lady. She graduated from Medford High School as valedictorian in 1943 and from UW-Eau Claire in 1946 with a degree in elementary education. Her marriage to Thomas F. Keefe took place in Wausau, WI, on June 12, 1947 and he preceded her in death on February 20, 2008. Together they enjoyed life in the U.S. Navy until they returned to Medford in 1952, where Tom joined Strebig Auto Co. and later co-founded Northland Furniture with Ray Lange. Melva taught elementary education in Wausau in her earlier years and also worked as a bookkeeper for Keefe’s Northland Furniture while raising their family.
Melva was active in the community as a member of the Medford City Park Outdoor Pool Committee, Medford Curling Club, Tee-Hi Golf Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, Taylor County Homemakers, the Black River Golf Club, several bridge and sheepshead clubs, the Red Hats, and the Birthday Club.
Survivors include her children - Judith Kuse of Baraboo, Kate Clanton of Marshfield, Susan (Dean) Emmerich of Medford, Patrick (Michelle) Keefe of Apple Valley, MN, and Robert (Laurie) Keefe of Medford, sixteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
Melva wore life well, even into her stay at Care Partners, where her kind and caring personality survived, and her world was largely a happy one for which she was grateful.
Melva was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and visitation will be held there from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 13, 2018 with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Krueger officiating. Luncheon will be provided by the Ladies of Immanuel immediately following the service. Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons – Ben & Ted Kuse, Jason Salter, Jake Emmerich, Max Clanton, Tom, John & Connor Keefe.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Melva’s name to Huey’s Hideaway Children’s Museum in Medford, WI.
The family is grateful to all who helped care for Melva at Care Partners, and to Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastors Krueger and Iwinski and the team from Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services who provided support to Melva and her family during the final days of our long good-bye.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

ROBERT “BOB” J. SHOLES

NAME OF DECEASED:   ROBERT “BOB” J. SHOLES     AGE:  63

ADDRESS:  City of Medford

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH:  pronounced at 2:06 PM on Wednesday, August 8 at his residence in the City of Medford

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: A memorial celebration of Bob’s life will take place at Black River Golf Club, Medford on Saturday, September 1, 2018 from 4 pm until 8 pm.

INTERMENT:   Interment of his cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery  II at a later date

 

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: July 11, 1955 at Janesville, WI

EDUCATION: Janesville, WI elementary schools and he was a 1973 graduate of Marshfield High School

MARRIAGE: July 6, 1973 at Marshfield, WI to Cheryl Schalow and they were later divorced

PRINCIPLE EVENTS IN LIFE: After his education, he worked as an accountant for R.W. Klinner, CPA in Marshfield and later moving to Medford in 1977, their office in Medford.  In 1983 he and Tim Hansen established Northcentral Accounting which he presently owned/operated.  He enjoyed golfing, softball, bowling, curling, attending professional baseball games, and spending time with his family and many friends.

MEMBER OF:  Elk’s Club of Marshfield

SURVIVING CHILDREN:  Daughters – Heather (John) Simpson of Saint Paul, MN and Becky Sholes of Roberts, WI

# OF LIVING GRANDCHILDREN:   1 Granddaughter – Kristine Simpson of St. Paul, MN         

CHILDREN DECEASED:  Grandson – Zachary E. Sholes in 1994

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Sister - Sandy (Mike) Sobzack of Sarasota, FL 
Sister-in-law:  Sue Sholes of Owen

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Brother – Larry Sholes

SURVIVING PARENTS:  Mother – Donna Schluter-Parker of Owen

DECEASED FATHER:   Kenneth Lawrence Sholes  

OTHER INFORMATION: Further survived by nephews:  Brad (Anne) Sholes of Rockford, IL and Brian (Nicole) Sholes of St. Paul, MN

- In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the American Heart Association in Bob’s name, Wisconsin Affiliate, 795 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee, WI 53202

-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com 

LINDA S. JARI

Linda Sue Jari, 60, of Medford, passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday August 9, 2018 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford. Father Phil Juza will officiate. Visitation will be held that morning at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.

Linda was born April 7, 1958 in Medford, WI to Frank and Florence (Emmerich) Lemke. She is a 1976 Graduate of Medford Sr. High School. On September 17, 1977, Linda married Michael Jari at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. Michael survives.

She is further survived by her two sons: Daniel and Ben (Nicole) Jari of Medford, Step Granddaughter Lily, Mother Florence Lemke of Medford, Siblings: Tim (Sally) Lemke of Medford, Tom Lemke of Plymouth, MN, John (Ann), Jim Lemke, Sandi (Paul) Lukewich, all of Medford, Donna (Craig) Dahlvig of Hatley, Sisters in Law: Margo (Dave) Zuleger of Medford, Joan (Jon) Kleist of Wausau, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her Father Frank Lemke, Sister Patty Lemke, Nephew Tim Lemke, Jr., and Mother in Law Marie Jari.

Linda worked in the Mill Work division for Weather Shield Windows for 42 years. She also helped Mike with accounting and bookwork for the family business, Mike Jari Bulldozing and Excavating.

She enjoyed going on motorcycle rides with friends, doing yard work, lawn mowing, tending to her flower gardens, feeding and watching birds and decorating her home. Linda will be remembered for her excellent cooking skills. Her hash brown casserole, beans and brownies were always looked for at family gatherings.

She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and the Stump Jumpers Snowmobile Club

where she served as secretary for many years.

Linda loved spending time with her family, and was especially proud of her sons.

Memorial Donations in honor of Linda 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

RUTH M. GAUNT

Ruth M. Gaunt, 76, of Wausau, passed away at her home on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, under the care of her family with assistance from Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 4 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford Chapel with Pastor David Clements officiating. Burial will follow in the Perkinstown Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning at the funeral
home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Ruth was born on Sept. 9, 1941 in Patterson, N.J. to the late Lester and Marian Kusant.
Ruth worked as a registered x-ray technician. In 1987, she started Ruth’s Cleaning Service, which specialized in cleaning residential homes and commercial businesses. She enjoyed puzzles, gardening, reading, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, drinking Alabama slammers and being the owner of potentially the world’s largest Christmas village! She also collected antiques, especially Bessie Pease Baby Art.
Ruth is survived by her children, Lester (Julie) Gaunt of Pardeeville, Jodi (Joe) Spangberg and Brian Gaunt, all of Wausau, Barbara (Kevin Krueger) of Washington Island; grandchildren, James (Trina) Gaunt, Amber (Tony) Navone, Justin (Stephanie) Gaunt, Zachary and Isaac (Laura) Comfort and Ellie, Bennett and Mason Isaacson; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Olivia, Dominic, Donovan, Viola and one on the way; and brother, Thomas (Merry) Kusant of Bemidji, Minn.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by an infant son, Bruce Wayne; and sister, Barbara (John) Zester Jr.
Memorial donations in honor of Ruth 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.