SHARON B. ROIGER

Sharon B. (Schmitz) Roiger, age 67, of Medford passed away on March 29, 2020 at The Homeplace of Dorchester surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Interim Hospice.

Sharon was born to the late Ambrose C. and Barbara E. (Topolski) Schmitz on February 2, 1953 in Chicago, IL. She attended St. Augustine Catholic School in Chicago until the 8^th grade. She then moved to Coleman, WI in 1967 and was a 1971 Graduate of Coleman High School. She was a 4-H Member and competed in horse shows and events in the northeastern Wisconsin area. Sharon moved many times and made a lot of friends along the way before settling in Medford and marrying David Roiger at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Whittelsey on April 27, 1991. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Sharon loved being a Mom and had a huge heart. She often opened her heart and home to anyone who needed some love or guidance. She was a social butterfly and a natural giver, and her favorite pastime was helping others. She also enjoyed traveling, music, and dancing.

Left to cherish in Sharon’s loving memory is her husband, David Roiger of Medford; children, Carrie (Nick Meyer) Berger, Tanya (Martin) Higgins, Brandy (Edward Gudgeon) Swiatnicki, all of Medford and Amanda (Shawn) Graumann of Chelsea; grandchildren, Nicolas (Jen), Garrett, Carli, Jayda, DeLana, Shaina, Subreana, Teyona, Preston, MacKenzie, Kiley, Noah, Chloe, Estella, EJ, Kyle, Ezra, Jersey; one great-grandchild Aidyn; brother Kurt (Sandi) Schmitz of Winter; sister-in-law Sue Schmitz of Winter, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her brother Bruce Schmitz.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will take place at the church at 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the family for a future designation or Holy Rosary Catholic School.

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

ARVELLA L. MILDBRAND

Arvella L. Mildbrand, 92, of Medford, passed away March 21, 2020 at Country Gardens in Medford, under the care of Hope Hospice.

Arvella was born on March 19, 1928 to Walter and Emma (Rickert) Kraschnewski in Medford. She attended Medford area schools. She married Melvin W. Mildbrand on September 17, 1949; he preceded her in death on August 2, 2015. After their marriage she helped Melvin on the mink ranch which they ran for 40 years. During that time she was also a housewife and mother. She was well known for her artwork. She established Arvella’s Summer Shop and Art Gallery in 1972 through 2016, where she sold her oil painting, wood working, and antiques. She started an Arts and Crafts fair in Medford in 1973. She entered numerous art fairs around the state where she won awards for her artistry.

After her retirement and until her death, she made and donated rag dolls and stuffed animals for the children at the Marshfield Hospital. She also enjoyed planting flowers, mowing lawn, and traveling.

Arvella is survived by her children, Michael (Cindy) Mildbrand of Soldotna, AK, Scott (Gail) Mildbrand and Amy (Dennis) Blasel, both of Medford; grandchildren, Thomas (Rachel) Mildbrand, Benjamin Blasel, both of Medford, Johnathan (Jessalyn) Mildbrand of Chicago, IL, and Nicholas Blasel of Centuria, WI; great-grandchildren, Carly and Graham Mildbrand of Medford and Kynslee Mildbrand of Chicago, IL. Arvella is further survived by her sister, Marilyn Cain and brother, Dwight (David) Kraschnewski.

Arvella is preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A memorial service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Arvella’s name may be made to LLAM building project at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

REV. DONALD BRUCE KING

The Reverend Donald Bruce King, 82, of Medford died peacefully at his home on Lake Martin on Tuesday, March 10.

Rev. King was born on May 19, 1937 in Detroit, MI to Margaret (Wallenmaier) and Frederick King. Don earned a B.A. degree in anthropology and agriculture from Michigan State University, where he also ran hurdles for track & field. Attending seminaries representing the Reformed, Methodist, and American Baptist traditions, Rev. King received his M.Div. from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 1964. He was ordained the same year and began his ministry at First Baptist Church of Kansas City. Upon receiving standing in the United Church of Christ in 1974 and the Presbyterian Church-USA in 2003, his 56 years of ordained ministry would include serving grateful congregations in Milwaukee, Kiel, Humbird, Fall Creek, Fountain City, Marshfield, the Ho-Chunk Nation, Phillips, and Merrill.

Don’s faith permeated every aspect of his life. A Barthian scholar and preacher, he saw God in all things, and perhaps most importantly in those whom Jesus called “the least of these,”—the vulnerable, the suffering, the oppressed. Many will remember his tireless work for social justice and civil rights, his respect and nurturing for the earth, and his recognition of our common humanity. To Don, sharing good music and good food was a divinely ordained act of worship.

It might be said that Don was as at home in the saddle or the seat of a tractor as he was in the pulpit. His love of horses and farming began as a boy on his Grandpa Wallenmaier’s farm and came to fruition as a founding member of the Wisconsin Foundation Quarter Horse Association. Through the appreciation of and generous care for his horses, he was able to share his ever-expanding embrace of life’s simple pleasures and lessons only animals can teach us.

Don is affectionately remembered by his beloved wife of 43 years, Sue, his children and their partners (Bruce, Marcus, Tim, Sarah, David, Alison, Peter), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, and countless friends and neighbors.

“Make a story; Show how love and joy, beauty and goodness shine…”

A gathering of remembrance and celebration is scheduled for May 2 at the High View Inn, W7766 Perkinstown Ave. in Medford at 11am.

Memorials may be given in his name to a cause or organization close to your heart. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

ANGELA B. HUTCHINSON

Angela B. Hutchinson, 93, of Medford died on Wednesday, March 11 at her residence in the City of Medford most recently under the care of Hope Hospice.

Angela was born on May 21, 1926 at Marinette, WI, the daughter of Clarence and Bertha (Ahrens) Hjelte. She attended elementary school in Oshkosh and was a graduate of Farragut High School in Chicago, IL. Her marriage to Donald G. Hutchinson took place on June 26, 1948 at Chicago, IL and he preceded her in death on November 23, 1999.

Prior to her marriage, she worked as a librarian in Chicago. After their marriage, she worked as a housewife & mother. In 1949 they moved to the Township of Browning and in 1955 moved to the City of Medford. She enjoyed traveling, reading, oil painting, quilting, knitting, music and was very devoted to her religion. She was a member of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Medford and its Ladies of Immanuel. At one time she served as president of the Medford Homemakers Club.

Survivors include her children, David Hutchinson of Hemet, CA, Camille (Stephen) Bovee of Edgerton, Jonathan (Audrey) Hutchinson of Forest Lake, MN and Rebecca Jacobsen of Medford. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son-in-law, Paul Jacobsen in 2009 and a sister, Carol Kohoutek.

Memorial services for Angela will take place at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 8 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Medford with Rev. Danial Iwinski officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II.  Visitation will be at the church from 12 noon until the time of services at 1 PM on Saturday.

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

DARYL D. WENDT

Daryl D. Wendt, 85, of the Township of Medford died on Wednesday, March 11 at Aspirus Care & Rehab, Medford where he had resided for the past 45 days most recently under the care of Hope Hospice.

Daryl was born on May 20, 1934 at Oshkosh to Helmuth A. & Beatrice Mae (Pease) Wendt. He attended Oshkosh Merrill Jr. High School, Oshkosh Sr. High School and received a degree from UW-Oshkosh. His marriage to Joan M. Marhefke took place on April 14, 1956 at St. Joseph’s Church in Oshkosh and she preceded him in death January 4, 1996.

After his education, Daryl entered the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. In 1964 they moved to the Medford area where he worked as an insurance agent for Klinner Insurance until his retirement in 1996. He was a Boy Scout Master of Troup #333, Medford and chairman of the Muskie Trails District Samoset Council. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling (charter president of the Stump Jumpers Snowmobile Club), enjoyed stamp collecting & enjoyed nationwide RV camping. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, Medford VFW Club, Stetsonville American Legion Club & was the Grand Almighty Chieftain of the BA-HA-WE International. He was a past member of the Medford Lions Club, Medford Kiwanis Club and a local CB Club.

Survivors include his significant other, Angeline Gregory of Loyal, son, Gregory (Marian) Wendt of Medford, grandsons, Channing & Allan (Kayla) Wendt both of Medford, Blake Wendt of Las Vegas, NV great grandchildren, Vincent Wendt and Hailey Lavin both of Medford. Other survivors include a brother-in-law, Stanley Jr. (Mary) Marhefke, sisters-in-law Mary Ann Huebner of Oshkosh and Eleanor Francis of Maryville, TN, nieces & nephews.

A funeral mass for Daryl will take place at 11 AM on Monday, March 16 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will also be held at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of services on Monday. Military rites will be performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. Pallbearers will be family members, Greg, Channing, Allan & Blake Wendt. Interment will be on Tuesday, March 17 at Riverside Cemetery, Oshkosh with a prayer service being held at 11 AM in the cemetery chapel. A graveside committal service will follow the prayer service.

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

FLORENCE J. LEMKE

Florence J. Lemke, 95, of Medford, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Aspirus Care and Rehab, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice.

Florence was born on April 20, 1924 to Joseph Sr. and Emma (Mildbrand) Emmerich in the township of Hammel. She married Franklin “Frank” J. Lemke on September 28, 1945; he preceded her in death on January 24, 2001.

Florence was a homemaker on the family hobby farm and raised 8 children. In her later years she worked at Marathon Cheese until her retirement. Florence loved gardening, flowers and birds. She enjoyed mowing the lawn; she once said “I could do this all day”. She was a wonderful seamstress and sewed many quilts. In later years she enjoyed her Packers and Brewers and loved Animal Planet. Florence was a wonderful cook and was known for the hearty meat and potatoes meals she prepared.

Florence is survived by her children, Sandi (Paul) Lukewich of Medford, Donna (Craig) Dahlvig of Hatley, John (Ann) Lemke of Medford, James Lemke of Medford, Tom Lemke of Minnesota, and Tim (Sally) Lemke of Medford. She is further survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Florence is preceded in death by her siblings, Melvin, Artie, Alfred, Clarence, Ray, Joe Jr., Edmun, Daisy, Eleanor, Edna and daughters, Patty in March 2004 and Linda Jari in August 2018.

A memorial service for Florence will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 17, 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 Tuesday, March 17, 2020 from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Florence’s name may be made to St. Paul’s Ladies Quilting.

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

RONALD W. SCHUMACHER

Ronald W. Schumacher, 84, of Stetsonville, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Abbotsford Health Care Center.

He was born on July 29, 1935 to William and Clarabelle (Blodgett) Schumacher in Hartford. He married Dolores Becker on June 21, 1958; she preceded Ronald in death on September 8, 2005.

Ronald is survived by his children, Gail (Andy) Wyse of Neosho and Gary (Lucie) Schumacher of Stetsonville; nine grandchildren, Jeffery, Eric, Amanda, Ryan, Alan, Bradley, Benjamin, Brad, and Brandi; 10, great-grandchildren and other family and friends.

Ronald is preceded in death by his wife and parents.

A Funeral Mass for Ronald will take place at 1:30 PM on Friday, March 13, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Mike Hayden officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take pace at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, March 13, 2020 from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 1:30 PM.

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

GENE W. FABER

Gene W. Faber, 92, of Medford, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2020 at Clark County Living Center under the Care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.

Gene was born on October 5, 1927 in Goodrich to Peter and Leon (Marschner) Faber. He attended Woodville School in Goodrich. Gene served in the Navy for 22 months during World War 2 and was stationed in Italy. After the war he went to Idaho for 2 years. He then returned to Medford and drove truck from 1950 – 1989. He married Betty Wielke on June 27, 1953. Together they dairy farmed.  Betty preceded Gene in death on December 24, 1989.

In his spare time Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing, old western movies, cooking. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and left them with so many wonderful memories.

Gene is survived by his children, Joan (Dennis) Shadrick of Granton, Barb (Randy) Pitzke of Stetsonville, Jeff Faber, Dan Faber, David (Gail) Faber, John (Karen) Faber, and Shirley (Jeff) Dassow, all of Medford; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Donna) Faber of Medford. Gene is further survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Gene is preceded in death by his parents; two infant sons, Joey and Mark; grandson, Travis; six brothers and two sisters.

Funeral Services for Gene will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at St. Andrew’s Church, Goodrich, with Rev. Kenneth Bittorf officiating. Burial will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery, where military honors will be performed by the Medford Military Honors Team. Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at St. Andrew’s Church from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM

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

RUTH L. MANNEL

Ruth L. Mannel, 92, of Rib Lake, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at home, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice.

Ruth was born on April 19, 1927 to Lila Shaw in the Township of Burns in La Crosse County. She graduated from Sparta High School in 1945. She worked for Dodge & Davis Department Store as a cashier and then at the Bank of Sparta.

She married Kenneth O. Mannel on June 11, 1950 in Sparta at the United Methodist Church. Together they moved to Milwaukee for a short time. They then moved to Rib Lake in August 1956 to work at Taylor Funeral Home, which later became Mannel Funeral Home. After selling the funeral home, Ruth went on to work at Golden Age Nursing Home as Activity Director for 4 years. Ruth and Kenneth then bought and operated Ed Thum’s –Phillip 66 Oil Co, which became Mannel Oil Co., until their retirement.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Kenneth; children, Karon (James) Dallmann of Rib Lake, Kim (Leon) Gasek of Medford, Kevin (Shirl) Mannel of Cedar Falls, Kyle (Penny) Mannel of Fremont, and Kurt (Petti) Mannel of Rib Lake; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Ruth is survived by many other friends and family.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, and a sister.

A memorial service for Ruth will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at the United Methodist Church in Rib Lake at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Angel Rosario officiating. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sparta on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Visitation will take place at the United Methodist Church in Rib Lake on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

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

LOIS A. SCHROEDER

Lois A. Schroeder, 83, Medford, died on Saturday, February 29 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital where she was taken earlier that day.

Funeral services for Lois will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 5 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Medford with Pastor Dan Iwinski officiating. Burial will take place following services at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Pallbearers will be family members, Dominic Laufenberg, Craig, David & Ethan Whitcher. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 9:30 AM until the time of services at 10:30 AM.

Lois was born on June 16, 1936 at Medford to Walter A. & Bernice L. (Cullen) Schroeder. She attended Medford elementary schools and was a graduate of Medford High School. After her education, she moved to Milwaukee and worked as an office manager for AT & T until her retirement. She enjoyed various travels to Europe, Asia, Philippines and Hawaii. She also enjoyed hiking, biking, fishing, bowling, cards, gambling and antiques. She moved back to Medford about 15 years ago and into Country Gardens Assisted Living 4 years ago. She was a member of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Medford.

She is survived by cousins, nieces, great nieces and great nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Marjorie Mleczek and a brother, Richard Schroeder.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be given to the Taylor County Humane Society, Medford. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

REV. EDWARD "EDDIE" G. OLSON

Rev. Edward “Eddie” G. Olson, 80, Stetsonville, died Saturday, February 29 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where he had been a patient for the past 7 days.

Memorial services for Edward will take place at 2 PM on Thursday, March 5 at Zion Lutheran Church, Colby with the Rev. Mark Neumann officiating. Burial of his cremated remains will take place at a later date at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Stetsonville. Visitation will be from 1 PM until the time of services at 2 PM at the church in Colby.

Eddie was born on October 29, 1939 at Berwyn, IL to the late Edward T. & Lydia (Gregory) Olson, Jr.. He attended Stetsonville elementary schools, was a 1957 graduate of Medford High School, attended UW-La Crosse, Concordia-Milwaukee & UW-Madison, was a 1967 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN.

After his education, he worked as an assistant pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Portage. From 1970-1976, he Pastored a church in Lindsay-Exeter, CA. In 1976 he returned to Stetsonville and worked throughout his life as a Pulpit Supply Pastor and preached in over 60 churches in the North WI District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He also worked part time at the family business, Olson and Goodman Distributing in Stetsonville. His passion was Wisconsin Badger football where he was a season ticket holder for several years. He also loved the game of golf and enjoyed practicing most days at the village pond in Stetsonville.

He was a past member of St. Peters Lutheran Church of Dorchester and a present member of Zion Lutheran Church of Colby.

Surviving are a brother, Bruce (Luanne) Olson of Stetsonville and nieces/nephews: Mark (Lisa) Eggert of Shawano, Cindy (Dean) Johnson of Madison, Kari (Jason) Wanke of Medford and Michael (Michelle) Olson of McFarland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Placeway in 2005.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the Multiple Sclerosis Society-WI Chapter, W223 N608 Saratoga Dr, Suite 110, Waukesha, WI 53186-0401. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.