Thursday, July 30, 2020

PAUL MATYKA

Paul Matyka, 87, a Town of Greenwood resident, died on Wednesday, July 29 at his residence under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice.

Funeral services for Paul will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 1 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Rib Lake with Father Hrudaya Raju Sunkara officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Town of Greenwood.  Visitation will be at the church from 4 -7 PM on Friday, July 31 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 on Saturday.  Pallbearers will be Gary Erl, Todd Monty, David Wille, Andy Dums, Gerald & Robert Matyka.

 Paul was born on December 16, 1932 in the Town of Greenwood to the late Joseph and Agnes Matyka.  He attended Highland Graded School, Town of Greenwood and was a 1950 graduate of Rib Lake High School.  His marriage took place on March 23, 1996 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Rib Lake to Deloris Bube Moriarity and she preceded him in death March 18, 2015.

 As a lifelong resident of the Town of Greenwood, Paul worked the family dairy farm co-owning along with his brother, Peter until his retirement in 2003.  He enjoyed hunting, gardening, attending auctions,  yard work, planting trees, especially spruce, white & red pine trees.  He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Rib Lake.

Paul is survived by a brother, Charles Matyka, Town of Greenwood and sisters-in-law, Gladys Matyka of Rib Lake & Bernice Matyka of the Town of Greenwood along with several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, siblings, Agnes Maager, Elizabeth Gauger, Sr. Catherine Matyka, Annie Erl, Lucy Liske, baby Mary in infancy, Joseph, Jim, John, Frank and Peter Matyka.

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


LLOYD C. CLARKSON

Lloyd C. Clarkson, 88, of Dorchester, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at the Colonial Center in Colby, where he resided for the past six weeks.

A graveside service for Lloyd will take place at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Dorchester Memorial Park, N15888 Hi Line Ave/4th Street, with Pastor David Clements officiating. 

Lloyd was born on November 7, 1931 to Edgar and Verna (Anderson) Clarkson in Cadott. He married Lois Mengel on April 17, 1954 in Owen. They were married for 65 years before Lois’ passing in May 2019. 

He served in the US Army in the 101st Airborne during the Korean War from the summer of 1952 – 1954. He served as a tank driver and as an aviation mechanic. He was honorably discharged as an E6 Staff Sargent. He continued to serve in the Wisconsin Army National Guard for many years. Lloyd was able to go on the Never Forgotten Honor flight with his daughter in May 2015, a trip he truly enjoyed. 

He worked at Hurds in Medford as an electrician for many years before retiring and working for Hutt Electric driving a parts truck. He finally retired alongside Lois in 1998.

In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, spending time with family, and dancing with Lois.  He enjoyed candy and home baked sweets.  He also liked to receive and give out kisses and hugs.

Lloyd is survived by his children, Roxanne (Bob) Ayer of Columbus, WI, Kevin (Patty) Clarkson of Medford, Steven (Lori) Clarkson of Stetsonville; grandchildren, Ashley (Nick) Schultz, Danielle (Mike) Deprey, Crystal (Eric) Arendt, Shantell Clarkson, Chad Clarkson, Tina (Rob) Weis, Tanya Leonard, Stephanie (Ken) Mueller; 10 great grandchildren: Drake, Tristan, Owen, Olivia, Zayden, Zaybel, Carissa, Jaden, Kaylee and Kinsley; siblings, Doris Nephew of Michigan, Harvey Clarkson of Georgia, Allen Clarkson of Illinois, and Diane Abbott of California. Lloyd is further survived by brothers and sisters-in-law and other family and friends.

Lloyd is preceded in death by the love of his life, Lois; parents; infant son, Bruce; son, Michael; siblings, Janet Geldings, Marcie Matthias, Benny Clarkson, Gerald Clarkson, and Richard Clarkson.

In lieu of flower, due to graveside services, memorial donations in Lloyd’s name may be given to the family for use at a later designation.


Monday, July 27, 2020

NANCY K. ROBERTSON

Nancy K. Robertson, 75, of Medford, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Aspirus Care and Rehab, under the Care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.

Nancy was born to Frederick and Altha (Ringer) Dorow on September 20, 1944 in Prosser, WA. She was a homemaker most of her life. She loved animals, especially dogs, which brought her great joy, and gardening.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Diane (Tim) Restle of Medford; grandchildren, Tim (Maria) Restle Jr. and Lindsay (Ty) Julander-Restle, both of Cody, WY, Joseph (April) Volk of Portland, OR, and Maxwell Volk of Coon Valley, WI; great-grandchildren Cullen and Ahnika Volk. She is further survived by her siblings, Faye Chance and Mickey Dorow, both of Spokane, WA, Larry (Jackie) Dorow of Addy, WA, and Sue Lindelof of Florence, OR.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parent, husband, Larry Robertson, and son, James Robertson.

A memorial service for Nancy will take place at Retreat United Methodist Church in De Soto, WI E3246 County Road N on Friday July 31, 2020 at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Pam Harkema officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Mound Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday, July 31, 2020 at Retreat United Methodist Church from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM.

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

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

ELINORA H. BRANDNER

Elinora H. Brandner, 104, of Medford, WI, died on Tuesday, July 21 at Country Gardens Assisted Living, Medford where she had resided for the past 11 years, most recently under the care of Hope Hospice.

Memorial services for Elinora will take place at 1 PM on Friday, July 24 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Medford with Rev. James Krueger officiating. Interment of her cremated remains will be in Medford Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 12 PM until the time of services at 1 PM.

Elinora was born on May 10, 1916, the daughter of the late John Jakob and Alma Marie (Schoenfeldt) Frey. She attended Frey School in the Town of Browning, was a graduate of Medford High School and a 1935 graduate of Taylor County Normal School, Medford. Her marriage to Herbert Julius Brandner took place on February 22, 1941 in Independence, WI & Herbert preceded her in death November 12, 2015.

Elinora’s husband Herb, was called into service in 1943, and for the next three years they lived in California, Kansas, and Texas. They returned to Wisconsin in 1946 and their son Dale was born in 1951. In 1953 the family moved west to Bellingham, Washington. In 1957 moved north to Ketchikan, Alaska – and in 1959 they settled in Sitka, Alaska. Elinora worked at the National Bank of Alaska and First National Bank Alaska for 14 years, retiring in 1974. They moved to Bellingham, Washington in 1979 and spent the next 20 years traveling all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with friends and family. They would often return to Medford during the summers. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1999 and finally returned to Medford in 2009, settling into Country Gardens shortly after that. Elinora loved to travel in her motorhome with her husband, Herb. She was always very active in local clubs and volunteering. Elinora loved going into the Medford area schools to spend time with children. She was a member of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church of Medford.

She is survived by grandchildren, Tara (Col. William) Gibson of Fairfax, VA & Jared (Douglas Williams) Brandner of Anchorage, AK and 3 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Ty & Lucy Gibson. Elinora was extremely lucky to have more nieces and nephews than could count, who always made the time to be involved in her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Dale Gordon Brandner in 2018, siblings, Viola Clausnitzer, Oscar, Hilbert, John & Ralph Frey.

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

GEORGE H. HARDER


George H. Harder, 69, of the township of Hammel, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2020 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau.

A memorial visitation for George will take place on Friday, July 31, 2020 at Hemer Funeral Home – Medford Chapel from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

George was born on May 10, 1951 to Henry Jr. and Lavern (Fischer) Harder in Medford.  He graduated from Medford High School in 1969.  He married Debra Lynn Rodman on January 24, 1976 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Medford. After graduating, George joined the workforce at a foundry in Milwaukee.   Upon his return to Medford, he worked at Weather Shield for 20 years where he served as president of the Union: The Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Union Chapter 1035. He obtained his CDL and drove semi-truck for local companies until he retired.  While in the workforce, George also ran his cash-crop farm.

George enjoyed his collection of antique Minneapolis-Moline tractors, which included a total of 10. He loved to give his grandkids rides on them. He also used them for field work and to mow his trails around the property. He was an avid rock picker and collector. He kept all the pretty and different rocks from his crop fields to show them off. He loved to shoot guns and spent years reloading. In his younger years he loved to listen and play music. He played the trumpet, accordion, drums, and organ. He could play a tune by ear. We could always find him in the woods hunting or cutting fire wood, along with a bon fire.

In addition to his wife Deb, George is survived by his children, Patty (James Grueneberg) Harder, Tina (Chad) Smith, Ashley (Don) Carlson, and Angie (Mike) Latsch; grandchildren, Brittany (Jamie) Decker, Trinity, Subreana, Teyona, Preston, Jasmine, Stephany, Jordan, and Logan; great-grandchildren, Owen, Aubree, Ellie, Emmett, Aidyn, Alistair, and Cailan.  George is also survived by his siblings, Jim (Barb) Harder and Carol (Ray) Sackmann. George is further survived by his father-in-law, Floyd Rodman, brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim (Kelly) Rodman, Ken (Sue) Rodman, Brian (Julie) Rodman, and Shelby (Kevin) Meyer, and many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

George is preceded in death his parents, Henry & Lavern Harder and by his mother-in-law Shirley Rodman.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in George’s name may be given to the family for use at 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

Friday, July 17, 2020

VERNA J. JOCHIMSEN

Verna J. Jochimsen, 93, of the township of Little Black, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at her residence, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice.

Verna was born on November 9, 1926 to Edward Sr. and Anna (Steen) Leader in the township of Browning. She attended Frey School in the township of Browning. She married Leland Jochimsen on January 4, 1945 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville; he preceded her in death on September 9, 1997.

Verna worked at Hurds for 25 and was a housewife; she retired in 1992. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, camping, and spending time with family.

Verna is survived by her children, Ruth Messman of Dorchester, Allen (Jackie) Jochimsen of Monroe, and Dale (Sandy) Jochimsen of Medford; 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Verna is further survived by her brother, Edward (Connie) Leader Jr. of Birchwood and sister, Carol (Harold) Henrichs of Medford.

In addition to her husband and parents, Verna is preceded in death by her son Jerry Jochimsen; son-in-law David Messman; brother, Marvin (Mary Ann) Leader and sister, Marlene (Lester) O’Brien.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Verna’s name may be made to Hope Hospice.

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

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

PATRICIA A. MAYER


Patricia A. Mayer, 72, a city of Medford resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2020 at Marshfield Medical Center. 

Patricia was born on February 25, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to the late George and Anne Paul. Patricia attended college in Oshkosh, WI, during which time she was swept off her feet by Richard L. Mayer of Chelsea, WI. After his tour in Vietnam, they found their way back to Medford to build their home, family and life together. She is preceded, and welcomed, by her husband and parents. She is loved and remembered by her daughter Melissa Mayer of Northbrook, IL and son David Mayer of Bayside, WI. 

Patricia began her career as a director of administration. While she and Richard raised their children, she applied that knowledge and served in the community as school board president and volunteer. She strongly advocated for children in the community, including construction of the current Medford Area Middle School.

In her life, Patricia loved her family and friends deeply. She shared contagious excitement and endless support for those around her. She had a green thumb: maintaining her household full of plants, as well as meticulously tending to her flowers and yard.  Inspired by her Finnish mother Anne, her baking and tailoring were second-to-none. She was also an adventurer. Patricia traveled the world with her family and delighted in the local foods: notably, a perfect Parisian croissant or fresh market figs in Barcelona. Our hearts ache and we miss her beautiful, adventurous and joyful spirit. 

In lieu of a traditional wake and funeral, we ask that you celebrate her memory at www.PatriciaMayer.life. Please share your stories, moments, or something broader in spirit, as a message to her, us, or each other. We will update that space to let you know when you may proceed with your own visitation of her final resting place. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in her memory to organizations noted at her website.

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

Monday, July 13, 2020

SUZANNE KOESTER

Suzanne (Bruegl) Koester, 83, of Green Bay, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at her home in the village of Suamico, under the loving watch of her family and Unity Hospice. Services for Suzanne will take place at a later date and time to be determined in Medford and a Celebration of her Life in Medford and Suamico WI.

Suzanne was born on May 25, 1937 in Medford to the late Herbert and Thelma (Colbath) Bruegl. She was one of 11 children in the family, which included Herbert (Bud), John, David, Jessilee, Roberta, Rachel, Patricia, Jeanne, Janette and Lee.

Suzanne married the love of her life Harold Edwin Koester October 15th, 1955. Harold (HJ) and Suzanne were married for 53 years when HJ was called to his final resting home.

She attended Medford schools, graduating from Medford High School. Her marriage to Harold E. (HJ) Koester, who preceded her in death, took place on October 15th, 1955. Suzanne spent much of her early married life at home devotedly raising her five children. Later she worked as a dental assistant at two clothing locations in Medford, and at Scidmore’s Jewelry. Eventually she found her true calling, ending up at the Medford Area Senior High School, where she became known (mostly) affectionately as ‘the study hall lady’. Suzanne was also proud to be a “Police Commissioner” in Medford and before moving to Suamico was the President of the Police and Fire Commission. Suzanne was nicknamed, “The Comish” by many neighbors in Suamico.

Upon retirement to Suamico, Suzanne spent her days gardening, crocheting blankets, greeting (or taunting) her neighbors from her deck and watching the Packers & Brewers. Suzanne’s favorite spot was sitting in the front of her house on her deck. This had become a favorite gathering spot for anyone that wanted to sit and talk. She fell in love with her cat Daisy given to her by her granddaughter. She would often remark on how she was “Daisy’s” human…and Daisy was her “other” baby girl.

To know Suzanne would be to know 3 important facts:
1.) She loved her friends dearly and kept in contact daily.
2.) Suzanne loved people, she loved meeting new friends and would talk to anyone anywhere. A short trip to the Dollar Store or Gas Station could end up taking an extra 45 minutes because she would find someone new to talk to.
3.) Her grandchildren…were her life. She loved spending time with them and when living in Suamico, she lived across from two of them.

Suzanne is survived by her children Patrick (Sheree) of Richardson, Texas, John (Teri) of Green Bay, David (Jeri) of Medford, Randy of Suamico and Heidi (Marc) Lemke, of Suamico. Suzanne is also survived by 10 Grand Children Kristina (Darren Rivers) Sinopoli and Katie (Tim) Gauthier of Texas, Ariel (Tyler) Tokar Of Texas, Michael (Tina) Koester of Minnesota, Amanda (Adam) Keeling of Medford, Megan Koester of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Connor (Vikkimarie) Lemke of Neenah, WI, Alexis Lemke of Suamico, WI, Hayden Koester & Sophie Koester of Medford, and 11 Great Grandchildren, with the 12th due in December of this year.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincents Children’s Hospital (Child Life Department). 35 S. VanBuren, Green Bay, WI 54301 or mailed to: Heidi (Koester) Lemke 2718 Summerset Circle, Suamico, WI 54173. Please indicate “Child Life” in the memo if sending a check directly to the hospital. They also have a wishlist that can be found online https://www.stvincentchildrenshospital.org/Medical-Services/Child-Life/ in honor of her granddaughter Alexis.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake, assisted by Malcore Funeral Home of Green Bay, is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Saturday, July 11, 2020

SHIRLEY A. LARSON


Shirley A. Larson, 81, of the Township of Deer Creek, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Deerview Meadow, under the care of Hope Hospice.

Shirley was born on September, 21, 1938 to Walter and Esther (Zastrow) Pagel in Stetsonville. She attended grade school in the Town of Deer Creek and graduated from Medford High School.

Shirley married Nels R. Larson on May 24, 1958 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stetsonville. She worked part time for a few years at Anthony’s of Medford and later on at Betty White’s Fabrics in Stetsonville. She and her husband owned and operated a dairy farm until they retired in 2005.

Shirley’s hobbies include sewing, quilting crocheting and knitting. She enjoyed making quilts as graduation and wedding gifts for each of her grandchildren. Shirley was a member of homemaker’s with many of her friends and Immanuel Lutheran Church. She also had the opportunity to serve as the national secretary of the LWMS for 3 ½ years.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Nels; 3 children, Barbara (Bryan) Reiter of Stetsonville, Joseph (Lynne) Larson of Wausau, and Linda (David) Bartelt of Medford; 8 grandchildren, Travis (Sarah) Reiter, Trina (Jeff Beard) Duellman, Amanda Larson, Joseph Robert (ShaiAnne Dawson) Larson II, Shelby (Dan) Kaul, Heather (Matt) Biesik, Michael (Amber) Bartelt, Christine Bartelt; 11 great-grandchildren, Camryn, Carson, and Kendyl Reiter, Ethan and Julia Duellman, Madelyn and Bianca Biesik, Alec and Abigail Bartelt, Piper Kaul and Aiden Larson.

Shirley is further survived by sister, Karen (Daniel) Firnstahl of Medford, brother, Gary (Dorothy) Pagel of Abbotsford, many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Pagel.

A memorial service for Shirley will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Immanuel Luther Church, with Pastor Daniel Iwinski officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Immanuel Lutheran church on Thursday, July 16, 2020 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Travis Reiter, Joseph Robert Larson II, and Michael Bartelt will be serving as urnbearers.

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

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

Friday, July 10, 2020

FRANK "CHINO" V. LUGO


Frank “Chino” V. Lugo, Jr., 91, a Town of Goodrich resident died on Thursday, July 9 at Aspirus Care & Rehab, Medford where he had resided for the past 3 weeks, most recently under the care of Hope Hospice.

There will be a public visitation for Frank from 4-7 PM on Sunday, July 12 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford. Graveside committal and military rites performed by the Rib Lake American Legion will take place at 10 AM on Monday, July 13 at St. Andrew Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Goodrich. Pallbearers will be Dan Olson, Mark Lugo, Nick Roiger, Peyton Gilles, Elijah Blair and Alex Moser.

Frank was born on January 28, 1929 at Chicago, IL, the son of the late Frank and Anna (Gofran) Lugo, Sr.
He attended Chicago area schools. On September 17, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, he married Lorraine B. Smola who survives.

After his education, he joined the Merchant Marines performing services to the Great Lakes. He then worked for American Can Company until being drafted into the US Army. He served during the Korean War as a Army Ranger until being discharged in 1953. He then worked for the Laborers International Union in Illinois and Wisconsin doing road and bridge construction until his retirement in 1991. He enjoyed ‘going to the office’, fishing, hunting, military activities, watching westerns, drawing, underhand darts, horseshoe, playing bones, spending time with his family and friends.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #274, Rib Lake and the Interwald Wonderers Snowmobile Club.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Goodrich, twin sons, Steven (Pam) Lugo & Gregg (Beth) Lugo both of Goodrich and daughter, Michelle (Ed) Mohr of Medford. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Rebecca (Lucas) Kraschnewski of Green Bay, Mark (Heather Nowacki) Lugo of Goodrich, Danielle (Nick) Roiger of Medford, Daniel (Amber) Olson of Rib Lake, Dayna (Andrew) Neilson of Woodbury, MN, along with 5 step grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 6 step great grandchildren. Surviving siblings would be Richard Lugo, Norma Markowski & Dolores DiBuono all of Elk Grove Village, IL, Beatrice Peters & Renee Lugo both of Carpentersville, IL. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Michalene in infancy, daughter-in-law, Lisa (Rothmeier) Lugo, son-in-law, Gordon Olson, brother, Robert Lugo, brothers-in-law, Gene Markowski, John DiBuono & James Smola.

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

Thursday, July 9, 2020

HARVEY A . MANN

The Harvey A. Mann celebration of life has been postponed until further notice due to COVID-19. 

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

FRANK G. MURPHY, SR.

Frank G. Murphy, Sr., 83, of Medford, died on Monday, July 6 at his residence in the City of Medford under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice.

Services for Frank will take place at 7 PM on Friday, July 10 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Michael Hayden officiating. Visitation will be from 4 PM until the time of services at 7 PM at the church. For all in attendance, masks and social distancing is appreciated.

Frank was born on April 10, 1937 at Chicago to the late Francis and Rose (Linder) Murphy. He attended Burroughs Grammar School in Chicago and was a graduate of Kelley High School, Chicago. His marriage to Margaret E. Anderson took place on August 17, 1957 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford.

After his education, Frank worked in the trucking industry, mostly as a dispatcher while residing in Chicago, Medford and Columbus, WI. While residing in Medford, he worked for both Weather Shield and Prochnow Trucking. Most recently, he retired in 2001 from Badger Express while residing in Columbus, WI. In retirement, they returned to Medford to be nearer to family. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, ‘the shack’, trips to the casino, drawing, gardening, ‘junking’ and antique shopping. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford and was a lifetime member of the NRA.

Surviving are his wife, Margaret Murphy of Medford, children, Jim (Linda) Murphy, Kelly (Todd) Emmerich and Frankie (Cher) Murphy, Jr., all of Medford. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Cullen Murphy, Shawn (Blair) Meyer, Zach Emmerich, McKenna (Victor) Aguilera, Morgan Murphy and step grandchildren, Aren & Ethan Kirkeeng along with great grandchildren, Izan & Brextyn Aguilera and a sister, Maureen (Tom) Stewart of Homer Glen, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Nick Murphy in 2012, brothers, James & Richard Murphy.

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

Saturday, July 4, 2020

ELSIE N. CLARKSON

Elsie N. Clarkson, 93, a Town of Hammel resident, died on Friday, July 3 at Our House Assisted Living, Medford where she had resided for the past 3 weeks, most recently under the care of Hope Hospice.

A memorial service for Elsie will take place at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 8 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM at the church on Wednesday. Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery.

Elsie was born on May 20, 1927 in the Town of Molitor, to the late Emil and Norma (Dittman) Nadler. She attended Pine Tree Elementary School, Town of Molitor and was a 1945 graduate of Medford High School. Her marriage took place on September 1, 1945 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford to Roy Byron Clarkson and he preceded her in death May 4, 2016.

She worked at Memorial Hospital, Medford in the housekeeping department for 14 ½ years and later at Marathon Cheese, Medford until her retirement. She enjoyed baking, cooking, daily walking and needle work.

Survivors include her daughter, Darlene (Kent) Staab of Medford, step-grandchildren, Marshal Staab, Travis (Jennifer) Staab & Nicole (Matt) Cassis, step-great grandchildren, Jacob & Paul Cassis. Also surviving are her in laws, Ardis, Donald (Evelyn) Clarkson all of Medford, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Elsie was preceded in death by her siblings, Alvin Nadler, Mabel Rudolph & Lillian Frahmann, brothers in law, Lester & Ervin Clarkson, and sister in law, Dorothy Clarkson.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family for a future designation. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.


Wednesday, July 1, 2020

HENRY "HANK" M. KRAUSE

Henry “Hank” M. Krause, 77 of, Westboro died Monday June 29 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake. Funeral services will be held at a future date. Hemer Funeral Home of Medford assisted the family with arrangements.

Henry Krause was born September 3, 1942 in Westboro to the late Merwin and Nellie (Poncek) Krause. He attended Westboro schools and graduated in 1960. He played Dairyland Baseball, coached Little League Baseball, logged, hauled milk, farmed, and home-remodeled in the Westboro area. He worked at Weather Shield in Medford for 31 years until he retired. He loved hunting, helping on the farm, making firewood, and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.

He married the love of his life, Marian “Midge” Niggemann on June 29, 1968 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea and was taken to heaven on his 52nd wedding anniversary.

Survivors include his wife, Marian “Midge” Krause of Westboro, four children – Dan (Katie) Krause of Dorchester, Jeff (Heidi) Krause of Medford, Randy (Dawn) Krause of Westboro, and Brad Krause of Westboro. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren – Sam, Bailey, Jack, Olivia, Max, Kierra, Autumn, Kyla, Nick, Tessa, and Chris Krause. He loved them tremendously and was very proud of them – they all brought so much joy to his life, which he treasured.

He is also survived by four sisters – Shirley (Emery) Klemm of Menomonee Falls, Betty (Ronald) Brandner of Richfield, Rosemary (Edward) Brandner of Tomahawk, and Denise Knight of Muskego, and one brother, Dwaine (Arla Jean) of Westboro. Brothers and Sisters-in-law include Robert & Geraldine Wennerstrand of Warroad MN, Roger & Rita Juedes of Stetsonville, Dennis & Diane Niggemann, Rodger & Eileen Ulrich, Norbert & Nancy Niggemann, Ron & Roberta Juedes, and George & Mary Niggemann, all of Medford.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a twin at birth, two brothers-in-law, Ray and Duane Niggemann, and one sister-in-law Gale Niggemann.

LONNIE G. MELBINGER, DDS.

Lonnie G. Melbinger, DDS, 72, a Town of Medford resident, passed on Tuesday, June 30 at his residence while under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice.

A memorial service for Lonnie will take place at 2:30 PM on Sunday, July 5 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM until the time of services. For everyone’s safety, masks and social distancing are requested and appreciated. For those who cannot attend in person, there will be streaming options through Holy Rosary’s web site. Urn-bearers will be Tony Szalkus and David Zimmerman. Interment of his cremated remains will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Mequon, WI at a later date.

Lonnie was born on January 4, 1948 at Eau Claire, WI, to the late Celand and Lois (Mathewson) Melbinger. He attended Owen-Withee elementary and high school, did his undergraduate work at UW-Eau Claire and was a 1973 graduate of Marquette School of Dentistry, Milwaukee. His marriage took place on December 26, 1970 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Owen to Mary Kathryn Gummerson.

After his education, he practiced dentistry in Stratford and Colby prior to establishing his own practice in Medford which he worked for 44 years until his retirement in 2017. For years, he served as resident dentist for the Clark Health Care Center, Owen. He had an extreme passion for his patients, employees and practice. He enjoyed the Green Bay Packers, fishing, socializing, gardening and spending time with his family. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, American Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association & the Thursday Hunters group. He was a past member of the Tee Hi Golf board of directors and the Medford Lion’s Club.

Survivors include his wife, Mary of Medford, children, Christopher (Brenda) Melbinger of Vero Beach, FL, Julie (Dr. Peter) Melbinger-Wagner, DDS, of Mequon, WI & Deborah (Josh) Pegorsch of Bay View, WI. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Ella, Claire & Andrew Wagner, brother, Jerome (Irene) Melbinger, DDS, of Reedsburg, mother-in-law, Mildred Gummerson of Vero Beach, FL, nieces and nephews.

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