DEBRA "DEB" M. KAPFHAMER

Debra “Deb” M. Kapfhamer, 65, a Town of Little Black resident, died on Thursday, August 29 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital following an unfortunate accident. A memorial mass for Deb will take place at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 4 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 3 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford from 4 to 7 PM with a Catholic prayer service to be held at 7 PM. Visitation will continue at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of service at 11 AM. Internment will take place at a later date.

Debra was born on August 12, 1954 in Medford to Neil K. and Eleanor (Bohn) Spreen. She attended Holy Rosary School, Medford and was a 1972 graduate of Medford Sr. High School. She received an associated degree from Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. Her marriage took place on May 30, 1987 at Medford to Gary E. Kapfhamer.

Following her education, she worked at the State Bank of Medford and 39 years at Time Federal Savings Bank, Medford until her retirement in 2017. She was presently serving as a board member of Hope Hospice of Medford. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling, tasting wine and spending time with her family. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford.

Surviving family include her husband Gary of Medford, sons, Jake (Christa) Kapfhamer of Fort Collins, CO, and Adam (Steph Stolp) Kapfhamer, serving in the US Navy at Virginia Beach, VA. Also, her mother, Eleanor Spreen of Medford, siblings, Candice (Bill) Zirngible of Medford, Lori (Mark) Albers of Medford, Neil (Nancy Gegg) Spreen, Jr. of Ste. Genevieve, MO and Andrew Spreen of California. Deb was preceded in death by her father, Neil Spreen, Sr.

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

SCOTT A. GASCOIGNE

Scott A. Gascoigne, 56, of Medford, formerly of Kenosha, passed away on August 27, 2019 at the Medford Aspirus Hospital.

Scott was born on October 27, 1962 to James and Karen (Biggs) Gascoigne in Kenosha. He worked in Racine as a die caster. He moved to Medford 15 years ago and became friends with everyone.

In his spare time he enjoyed working on cars, fishing, and hanging out with his friends.

Scott is survived by his parents, James and Karen, and siblings, Daniel Gascoigne and Connie Myrum, all of Kenosha.

Scott is preceded in death by his grandparents.

A visitation for Scott will take place on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Hemer Funeral Home – Rib Lake Chapel from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

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

CHARLOTTE A. BOLZ

Charlotte A. Bolz, age 86, of Medford, a former Town of Grover resident, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2019, under the care of Hope Hospice and surrounded by her loving family, at Aspirus Care and Rehab in Medford, where she had resided for the past 5 years.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM. Pallbearers will be Charlotte’s Grandsons - Joseph, Patrick, and Tristan Bertain, Jake and Joe Giese, Abe Pattison, Conrad, Seth, and Ethan Bolz. Interment will take place at Perkinstown Community Cemetery, Town of Grover.

Charlotte was born on July 6, 1933 to the late Claire and Agnes (Klister) Southworth. Charlotte received her education from Owen Elementary School and was a graduate of Owen High School. Following her high school graduation, Charlotte received her teaching certificate from Taylor County Normal School, Medford and taught in area rural elementary schools.

On August 8, 1956, Charlotte was married to Conrad R. “Connie” Bolz at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Owen & together they raised 6 children, farmed in the Town of Hammel, and ran “Happy Acres Family Vacation Farm”, a vacation spot that brought people from all over the world to their farm. After the loss of her beloved husband in 1992, Charlotte received her CNA degree, and worked for Memorial Nursing and Rehab in Medford for 17 years.

Charlotte was a people person and enjoyed being a part of many different organizations, including, but not limited to: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Red Hatters and Chequamegon Bird Club. Charlotte also loved taking pictures, garage sales, and volunteering, especially at her church.

Left to cherish Charlotte’s memory are her Sons - Dane (Jill) Bolz, Craig (Sara) Bolz, and Mark Bolz, all of Perkinstown. Daughters - Lynne (Frank) Mundi of Anaheim CA, Kay (Ted) Giese of Akeley, MN and Beth (Ed) Pattison of Durand. Also, 17 Grandchildren, 10 Great-Grandchildren, her Siblings - Donald (Annette) Southworth of Wausau, John (Betty) Southworth of Stratford, Mary Hessefort of Oshkosh, Dennis (Nancy) Southworth of Rhinelander, and Daniel (Marge) Southworth of Aniwa.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her husband, Conrad, her parents, her sister, Bernice Guerten, and brothers, George and James Southworth.

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

EDWARD “ED” J. WHITE

NAME OF DECEASED:    EDWARD “ED” J. WHITE    AGE:  63

ADDRESS:  State Highway 13, Medford; A Township of Little Black resident

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH:  pronounced Thursday, August 22 at his residence in the Town of Little Black

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM Saturday, September 14 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford

OFFICIATING:  Father Michael Hayden

INTERMENT:  Interment of his cremated remains will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Little Black  

 

VISITATION:  Hemer Funeral Home, Medford from 9 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Saturday, September 14

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: February 23, 1956 at Medford

EDUCATION: Little Black Elementary School, Town of Little Black and was a 1974 graduate of Medford Sr. High School

MARRIAGE: Never Married

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: After his education, he went to work at local factories.  Most recently, he was employed by Sierra Pacific Windows, Medford.  He enjoyed square dancing.

MEMBER OF:  Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Stetsonville

SURVIVING SISTER:   Jodeen (Kevin) Liegl of Stetsonville

Other family:  Nieces/Nephew – Jodi (Joe Miller) Liegl of Marshfield, Kati (Sam Harrison) Liegl of Colfax & John (Abby) Liegl of Edina, MN

Great Nieces – Hadlee & Kenyah Miller, Amelia Liegl

DECEASED FATHER:  Vilas H. White     DECEASED MOTHER:  Margaret A. (Wenzel) White

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 

DANIEL "DAN" R. DESOTELL

Daniel “Dan” R. Desotell, 58, of Dorchester, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at his residence surrounded by family under the care of Ascension Hospice.

Dan was born in Racine on September 5, 1960 to Ralph and Rosalie (Ruggaber) Desotell. After his education he began drywalling. He moved to Dorchester in 1990 and was a part of the Dorchester Fire Department.

In his spare time he enjoyed Golf Frisbee, wrenching on his Jeep and Jaguar, and hunting.

Dan is survived by his wife of 16 years, Kim; siblings, David (Mary) Desotell, Donna (Jim) DeMark, Diane Bendix, Denise (Tony) Rossi,  all of Racine; brother in law -  Lonnie Albro of Racine, and cousin, Joseph (Monica) DeGroot of Colby. Dan is further survived by many other family and friends.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Dorothy Albro.

A memorial mass for Dan will take place on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Dorchester, at 5:00 PM. Visitation will take place at Hemer Funeral Home - Medford Chapel on Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM and then process to St. Louis Catholic Church for the service at 5:00 PM.

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

VIOLET F. THUMS

Violet F. Thums, 89, of Rib Lake a former Town of Westboro resident, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Rib Lake Health Services under the care of Hope Hospice.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Memorial Mass for Violet will take place at 11 AM on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake, with Father Michael Hayden officiating. Interment will follow the luncheon at Mt. Olive cemetery in Westboro. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 21 from 4-7 PM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church and again at the church from 10 AM until the time of service at 11AM.

Violet was born in Rhinelander on April 16, 1930 to Henry and Susie (Armstrong) Franck. She graduated from Westboro High School in 1948. Violet married Earl Thums on October 8, 1949 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Town of Greenwood and he preceded her in death on April 11, 2014. In her early years Violet was a homemaker raising her eight children. Her employment included bookkeeping for her husband’s logging and trucking business, seasonal work for Patrick’s Mink Farm and raising appaloosa horses. Later she and her husband dairy farmed until their retirement. Violet was a 4-H leader for several years, a member of the Royal Rough Riders organization, a member of the North Central Wisconsin Horsemen’s Association (NCWHA), a member of the Westboro Pride Committee and a polling clerk for the Town of Westboro. Violet enjoyed horseback riding and her dogs.

Violet is survived by three sons: Michael Thums and Steve (Wendy) Thums, both of Westboro and Rock (Donna) Thums of Medford; three daughters: Deborah Waskowiak of Purcell, Ok., Merri (Larry) Faber of Medford and Jodi (Kevin) Weiss of Westboro;  25 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Earl, son Joel and daughter Jini; her siblings Norman, Gertrude and Edna and her great-granddaughter Tori.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her 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.

DAVID J. KRUG

David J. Krug, 80, of Owen, Township of Holway, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2019 at Dycora Transitional Living Center in Abbotsford where he had resided for the past year and a half.

A Funeral Service for David will take place at 11 AM on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Township of Holway, with Pastor Amy Heinz officiating. Military rites will be conducted following the service performed by the Stetsonville American Legion Post 519. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Township of Holway. Pallbearers will be Cameron Gitzlaff, Jake Kapellen, Adam Fairchild, Nick Stilwell, Nate Neerhof, James Kittel and Brian Hanson. Visitation will take place from 4-7 PM on Tuesday August 20, 2019 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford. Visitation will continue Wednesday, August 21 at the church from 10 AM until the time of service at 11 AM.

David was born on the Krug Homestead, on July 1, 1939 in the Town of Holway to Frederick and Myrtle (Larson) Krug. He attended Holway Public School and was a 1957 graduate of Medford High School. David married Juanita Wiese of Abbotsford on July 15, 1961 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Township of Holway; she survives.  He served in the US Army during the Berlin Crisis. David was a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard 32^nd Co E, 105^th Armor Division and a member of the American Legion Post 519 of Stetsonville.

His education included UW Wisconsin Madison, American Technical Agriculture Institute of Illinois and NTC of Wausau. David farmed for 39 years, worked for Berry Farms and Foremost Farms Cheese Plant. David was a board of director and officer on many local, district, state, national and international dairy boards, including Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Taylor Electric, Wisconsin Electric, Medford Area Schools, Memorial Hospital, Taylor County and State Farmers Union, County, District & State Family Dairy’s, County & State Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Dairy Council of Wisconsin, Dairy Management Inc., US Dairy Export Council, World Dairy Trade Organization, ADRC of Northern Wisconsin, Taylor County Farmers Union, State Farmers Union Milk Market, Production Credit Association Advisory, County Snowmobile Clubs and State NonPoint Source Pollution Coordinating Committee.

He was also Farmers Union Youth Leader, received the Tri-County 1972 Outstanding Farm Award for Taylor County, 1973 FHA Farm Family of the Year, 1976 T.C. Outstanding Soil, Water & Conservationist Cooperator, 1980 National Farmers Union Farm Family Living Award, 1984 Taylor County Farm Family of the Year, 1993 T.C. Person of the Year, 1996 T.C. Centennial Farm of the Year (Krug) Homestead and 1999 T.C. Dairy Promoter of the Year.

David enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, gardening, traveling and camping, but most of all, being with his family and grandchildren. He loved playing his harmonica. He also enjoyed restoring his 1957 WD Allice Chalmers Tractor and sharing family history with others.

In addition to his wife, Juanita, David is survived by his daughters Sarah (Charles) Ratzlaff of Sheboygan and Deanna (Daniel) Gitzlaff of West Allis; six grandchildren: April (Nate) Neerhof, Bethany (Jake) Kapellen, Grace (James) Kittel, Samantha (Adam) Fairchild, Emily (Nick) Stilwell and Cameron Gitzlaff;  eight great-grandchildren: Norah, Natalie and Mason Neerhof, Joel & Eva Kappellen, Jordyn & Madelyn Fairchild and David Kittel. David is further survived by his siblings Marian (Ken) Nernberger of Medford, Judy (Galen) Nowak of Holcombe and Lavonne (Bernard) Dums of Medford ; his brother-in-law James Prell (Virg Theil) of Medford and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

David is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Keith Krug and Charlotte Prell.

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

DANNY J. BORMANN

Danny J. Bormann, 72, of Medford, died Thursday, August 15, 2019 at UW Health University Hospital in Madison.

 

Cremation Rites have been accorded and a Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 23, 2019 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford, with Pastor Nancy Amacher officiating. Visitation will be held that morning from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11. Following the Service, military rites will be performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team.

Dan was born on January 6, 1947, in Piedmont, California to Melvin “Mac” and Elaine (Krueger) Bormann. He attended Medford Area Elementary Schools and was a 1965 graduate of Medford High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as an intelligence analyst within the US Air Force Security Service stationed in Okinawa, Japan reviewing and interpreting North Vietnamese military communications. The USAFSS was a secretive and tight-knit branch composed of airmen selected from the top ½ of 1 percent of the Air Force’s enlisted recruits. In 1969, following his military service, he worked as an intelligence analyst with the National Security Agency in Washington D.C. These jobs, which required top secret security clearance, were considered essential to the US Cold War efforts. In 1976, Dan returned to Wisconsin and owned and operated Lefty’s Sport Shop on Main Street. For many years, he was co-owner of the Medford Farm-Home Center (Hardware Hank’s).

Dan always enjoyed fishing and grouse hunting. In later years, he enjoyed varying hobbies including building and repairing computers and collecting baseball cards and die-cast cars. Dan was previously married and later divorced. Dan was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford.

 

Dan is survived by his Children: Kimberly (John) Freestone of Centerville, VA., Tyler (Amy) Bormann of Rhinelander, and Danille (Jason) Langreck of Marshfield and Granchildren: Samantha “Samy” and Emily “Millie” Freestone, and Garrett and Greyson Bormann. He is further survived by his siblings: Patsy (Lee) Paustenbach, of Medford, Mary Lynn (Michael “Mick”) Premeau, of Norwalk WI, Becky Petersen, Sue (John) Winter, and Julie (Sam) Scott, all of Medford.

He is preceded in death by his Parents, Brother-In-Law: Jerry Petersen, and Nephew: Joey Paustenbach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made out to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation at:

 National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Wisconsin Chapter

W223 N608 Saratoga Drive

Suite 110

Waukesha, WI 53186-0401

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

MARK H. PATTERSON

Mark H. Patterson, 60, of Wausau, a former Medford resident, died Friday, August 9 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau where he had resided for the past 3 weeks following a brief & courageous battle with cancer.
Memorial services for Mark will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, August 31 at Rib Mountain Lutheran Church, Wausau with Pastor Tim Swanson officiating. Visitation times will be from 9 AM until the time of services at the church on that day. Interment of his cremated remains will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford at a later date.
Mark was born on February 10, 1959 in Medford, WI to the late Keith “Beaner” and Mary Jane (Apple) Patterson. He attended Lincoln Elementary School in Medford prior to attending the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delevan, WI of which he was a 1978 graduate. Mark also attended North Central Technical College in Wausau and received a certificate in auto mechanics.
A single man, Mark resided in Wausau for the past 38 years. He was a member of the Rib Mountain Deaf Lutheran Church and their Deaf Lutheran Church choir. Mark was a compassionate man, was quite social, generous and had the ability to make people smile with his good natured sense of humor. A Christmas tradition… Mark would teach family members “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in sign language so everyone could sing along. He loved NASCAR! He was a “regular” at the State Park Speedway on Thursday nights. Mark also enjoyed swimming, snowmobiling, canoeing and spending time with family and friends. Mark’s four legged companion, Sparky, was not far behind. Whether it was on a snowmobile, jet ski or in his car. Mark was inducted into the Wisconsin School for the Deaf Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012 for football and in 2013 for wrestling.
Mark is survived by his siblings: Ann (Greg) Werth of Wausau, Terry Acker of Chandler, AZ, Beth (Larry) Kind of Plover, Sara (Roger) Haizel of Williston, ND, twins-Jane (Steve) Paulson of Dayton, WY, and Joan (Tom) Forenz of Georgetown, CO and Tom (Melissa) Patterson of Roanoke, VA. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins & other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Mark’s name be given to Aspirus Hospice House, 530 32nd St., Wausau, WI, 54401. The family would like to thank all the staff at Aspirus Palliative Care and Hospice House for the outstanding care of their brother Mark. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences to the family, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

RONALD “RON” J. LUBAHN

Ronald “Ron” J Lubahn, 78, of Gilman, WI, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2019, at Aspirus Medford Hospital.

Ron was born on April 25, 1941, to Arnold and Emilie (Marks) Lubahn in Sheboygan, WI. He married Patricia A. Searvogel on April 15, 1961. Together they raised seven children; Deborah Yeager of Gilman, Jeffrey (Tammy) Lubahn of Marathon, WI, James (Rosa) Lubahn of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Jeremiah (Patty) Lubahn of Medford, WI, Jonathan (Rhiannon) Lubahn of Viroqua, WI, Rebekah Lubahn of Medford, WI and Susanne Conner of Medford, WI.

In addition to his wife and children, Ron also survived by his 18 Grandchildren; Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Ezekiel, Miranda, Alexander, Timothy, Scarlett, Ariella, Samuel, Jacob, Kylie, Ethan, Collin, Olivia, Josiah, Junior, Justin, Braidyn and two Great Grandchildren Alayna and Bradley. He is further survived by one sister Barbara (Randy) Hagedorn of Mayville, WI and Hope Dalzin of West Bend, WI.

Ron worked as a milk hauler in his early years and farmed in various places in Missouri and Wisconsin. He also worked as a CNA at Cedar Lake House in West Bend and managed Mink Capital Terrace in Medford for 15 years.  Ron enjoyed attending auctions, hobby farming and spending time with his family. He was a man of faith and was active in various church activities throughout his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Richard and Robert Lubahn and infant daughter Christine.

Funeral services will take place at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 12, 2019, at New Life Apostolic Church with Pastor James Rider officiating. Burial will follow. Visitation will take place on Monday, August 12, 2019, at New life Apostolic Church from noon until the time of service at 2:00 pm.

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

ANTON "SKINNER" W. MOLITOR

Anton “Skinner” W. Molitor, 85, of Medford, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Aspirus Care and Rehab surrounded by family.

Skinner was born on October 9, 1933 to Anton and Kunda (Schupp) Molitor in Medford. He married Eva Marthaler on May 8, 1992; she survives. He served in the Air Force and was stationed in the Philippians for 4 years during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge he drove truck for Peterson Construction for 40 years, until his retirement.

In his retirement he enjoyed gardening, tinkering in the garage with his tractor and his 1989 Chevy pickup. He was known as a guy who would do anything for anybody.

In addition to his wife, Skinner is survived by his children, Lori (Dale) Erdman of Rib Lake, Dawn (Jim) Goodknight of Amery, Ramona (Brad) Dahl of Medford, Jane Peterson of Stetsonville, and   Mark (Darla) Weber of Medford; 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is further survived by 1 sister Elaine Dowden of Medford and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Raymond, James, and Mark Molitor, 1 sister Catherine Kramer, and 2 sons-in-law, Doug Peterson and Allen Wille.

A Funeral Mass for Anton will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 16, 2019 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Friday, August 16, 2019 from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Anton’s name may be given to Aspirus Kidney Care Center.

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

EUGENE WIRZ

Eugene Wirz, 94, of Medford, WI, peacefully passed to join his departed loved ones at 1:47AM on July 21, 2019, at Aspirus palliative care in Wausau WI.. Services will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford on August 10, 2019 with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM and church service at 11:00 AM.

Gene was born on August 11, 1924 to Swiss immigrants Eugene and Lena (Kirchweier) Wirz in Darlington, Wisconsin. Being born into a family of cheese makers, Gene started life at a young age working at making cheese in his father's factory in Rice Lake, Wisconsin where he graduated with the class of 1943. He then attended UW-River Falls and graduated in 1947 with a degree in chemistry and math, and while there received 4 year varsity letters in football, and 2 year letters in basketball, baseball, and tennis. After graduating college he played semi-pro baseball for 5 years, and started his teaching/coaching career at Stanley High School in 1948 through 1950. His marriage to Irene Wilson took place on August 5, 1950, and from there he started a 36 year career of teaching, counseling and coaching at Medford Senior High School. While there he taught math for 10 years, chemistry for 16 years, and was named Chemistry Teacher Of The Year in 1974 and 1975 by the American Chemical Society. In 1968 he received a Masters Degree from UW-Stout in counseling and in 1976 moved solely into guidance counseling and serving as athletic director which he continued to do until his retirement in 1986.

Along with his passion for teaching, Gene's whole life was spent participating in and always tied to athletics. While at Medford his varsity coaching consisted of 10 years football, 1 year basketball, 5 years baseball, 5 years tennis, and 3 years volleyball. After coaching ended he was a WIAA and college official in football, basketball, baseball and track and always had a fond memory of getting a police escort out of Gilman after a hotly contested basketball game. Gene was also Lumberjack Conference commissioner for 25 years, and managed Tee-Hi golf course for 27 years where he was instrumental in developing a strong junior golf program - and always had the kindness, patience, and teaching ability that was needed for such a task. His only regret in his golfing career was that his wife got a hole-in-one and he never did - and one can only imagine the mileage she got out of that! In later years he was always an active spectator at Medford athletic events, and could be found with his good friend and former player Jim Zuleger in tow or just rolling up on his scooter to watch - he never lost his love for watching something that he held dear to him all his life. A plaque on the wall at the high school will attest to this as on January 27, 1996 he was a second round inductee into the Medford Athletic Hall Of Fame - a recognition well deserved.

Throughout his life Gene was never one to rest - although at times he could have used more than the 10 minute nap time Irene would usually allow him. He wore many hats in his 94 years - tugboat operator, pea cannery worker, horse trainer, Code 5 roadie, carpenter, Neuendorf Transportation truck driver, boy's camp counselor, diaper deliverer, Rec center owner, and turf company co-owner. After retiring he was on the Medford School Board for 18 years, Holy Rosary Education Committee for 3 years, Stepping Stones Board of Directors, and a volunteer for the Performing Arts Association and the Gentle Hearts Animal Shelter. Gene was also a charter member of the Taylor County AIDS Task Force and presented over 100 lectures on AIDS and AIDS prevention to schools, churches, hospitals and community gatherings. One of his proudest moments came in 2006 when the Medford Area Chamber of Commerce recognized and honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award - once again a recognition well deserved.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother Wally Wirz of Chippewa Falls WI; by his wife of 64 years Irene (Wilson) Wirz; by his son Jim "Phred" Wirz; and by his daughter Mary Ellen Wirz - and like her, by all the animals they both held so dearly in their lives. Survivors include son Rich (Christie) Wirz of Medford; daughter Rita (Dave) Strebig of Wausau; granddaughters Tessa (Nick) Schoenfuss of Omaha NE; Kayla Wirz of Milwaukee WI; Brittany Strebig of Farmington CT; and Devan Strebig of Arlington VA; great- grandsons Colin Schoenfuss, TJ Klein; Ressick Klein; and numerous nieces, nephews, and all of the other friends and relatives who are now left without him in their lives. Gene's kind heart, willingness to help others, infectious grin and smile, and never ending wit and humor will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved him - and especially by his family who held him so dear to our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, any and all memorial donations will be given in his name to Rawhide Boys Ranch and for a one time scholarship to a Class of 2020 graduating senior scholar/athlete.

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

SHIRLEY J. OLSON

Shirley J. Olson, 90, of Rib Lake, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at Rib Lake Health Services.

She was born on April 18, 1929 in Rib Lake, daughter of the late William Sr. and Marie (Schmidt) Silbernagel. She attended schools in Marshfield, Medford, Gary, IN, and graduated in 1947 from Rib Lake High School.

On December 20, 1947, she married Vernon “Peanuts” Olson, in Chicago. They moved back to Rib Lake and operated the Little Bohemia Café, Harper Lake Resort, and Spirit Lake Tavern. She also worked at Gem Products until its closing.

After her husband’s death in 1992, she and her best friend, Robert McCluskey, traveled extensively throughout the Southern and Western States, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, and Ireland.

She loved camping, fishing, gardening, and being with family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen “Kinky” (Mike) Krzykowski; 3 granddaughters, Carrie Yanko, Mia Wollin, and Sara Decker; 6 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Emily, Tyler,Lydia, Quinn, and Evelyn. She is further survived by her sister, Darlene Mathias, and many other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, William Silbernagel Jr., and sister, Karen Silbernagel.

Cremation rites had been accorded and a private burial will take place 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.

JAMES "JIM" P. KENNEY

James “Jim” P. Kenney, age 84, of Medford, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019 at his residence, surrounded by his family and under the care of Hope Hospice.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Memorial Service for Jim will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, on Friday, August 9, 2019 at 11:00 AM. With Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Internment of his cremated remains will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.

Jim was born on December 28, 1934 in Medford to F.J. and Alvina (Hefter) Kenney. A lifetime resident of Medford, he graduated from Medford High School and was employed by Memorial Hospital for many years.

Jim was united in marriage to Eileen Anderson at Holy Rosary Church on April 30, 1960.

Jim is survived by his children Douglas (Sherry), Daniel, and David (Mi-Rose) all of Medford, Grandchildren Brett Jones, Gwen Jones, Tanya (Kenneth) Stickney, Ho Seong Myeong and Ho jin Myeong, Great-Grandchildren Alexis, Ian, Ellie Stickney, and Tristan Webb, Sister-In-Law Delores Kenney and many nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen, brothers Wilmer, Roy, and Eugene, Sister Eileen La Roche and Sister-In-Law Mildred Kenney Nelson.

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