DEAN R. TESCH

Dean R. Tesch, 58, a Township of Deer Creek, Stetsonville, WI resident, died on Saturday, October 31 at his residence under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice.

Funeral services for Dean will take place at 10 AM on Saturday, November 7 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Medford with Rev. Mark Gass officiating.  Interment will be at 3 PM that day at the Town of Forest Cemetery, Fond du Lac, WI with Rev. Daniel Iwinski officiating.  Pallbearers will be Glenn Emmerich, Terry Kallenbach, Jeff Kamin, Keith & Clint Tesch, Fred Ebert, Carl LaRonge & Dan Bredendick.  There will be a public visitation at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Medford from 4-7 PM  on Friday, November 6 and from 9 AM until the time of services at 10 AM on Saturday, November 7. Due to COVID concerns, masks and social distancing will be required at the visitation and services.

Dean was born on March 28, 1962 at Appleton, WI, the son of LaWellyn H. and Janet V. (Vetter) Tesch.  He was baptized, confirmed and received his elementary education at Bethlehem Lutheran Church & School in Hortonville, WI.  He was a 1980 graduate of Fox Valley High School, Appleton, 1984 graduate of Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN with a BS degree in elementary education, and a 1988 graduate of UW-Oshkosh with a Master’s degree in elementary education.  In 2000, he received his Certified Financial Planner designation.  His marriage to Debra Ann Grunwald took place on June 30, 1984 at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church, Sturgeon Bay, WI.

After his education, he moved to Medford and worked as an elementary school teacher at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran School from 1984-1989.  In 1989, he established Tesch Financial Services and operated that until the time of his death.  Dean served on many boards including:  from 2006 to present, director and chairman of Taylor Electric Cooperative; 1994-2015, director, Taylor Credit Union; Stetsonville Community Center board; 2015-2019, director, Dairyland Power; 2015 to present, director and chairman, National Rural Utilities Co-op Finance Corporation.  Dean was a member of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Medford where he served as organist, choir director from 1990-1999, hand bell  director from 1992-2008 and 2014-2020.  He was also a member of the Whittlesey Lions Club and the American Guild of Organists.  His special interests include, music, playing organ, leading Bible study groups, driving his tractor and maintaining their cabin in Holway. He was a member of the 5-4-1 acapella church group and Sojourner music group.

Surviving are his wife, Debra Tesch of Stetsonville and his father, LaWellyn (Yolanda) Tesch of Appleton.  He is also survived by numerous cousins.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet (Vetter) Tesch and grandparents, Wilbur & Gertrude Vetter, Fred & Eden Tesch.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family for the establishment of a Dean Tesch Charitable Fund.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

A Video Tribute of Dean:

https://youtu.be/uIltwuh7wN8

A live stream event has been scheduled by Immanuel Lutheran Church for the funeral service of Dean Tesch: https://fb.me/e/fvPHOH5lr

JAMES "JIM" L. FABER

James “Jim” L. Faber, 80, Town of Bern, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Jim was born on December 23, 1939 in Goodrich to Peter and Leone (Marschner) Faber. He married Donna Gallistel on January 31, 1962. They were married for 58 years.

Jim enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, old western movies and spending time with his family. He was very proud to be the youngest of ten siblings. He was a driver for Leffel trucking for many years.  He has left his family and friends with many wonderful memories.

Survivors include his loving wife, Donna; his daughter, Norma (Tracy) Sossaman of Dorchester; Granddaughters, Kate (Arik) Tischendorf of Wausau and Rachel (Matthew) Obrock of Columbia City, IN and Great Granddaughter Obrock to be born in November of 2020. Jim is further survived his brother-in-law, Lyle Dahl, and sister in-laws, Jacqueline and Rose Faber, many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, Peter (Theresia), Norbert (Myrtle), Everett (Marie), Harley, Gene (Betty), Willard, Robert (Estelle) and two sisters, Bernita Dahl and Carol (Elmer) Riemann.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020 at St. Andrews Cemetery in Goodrich with Rev. Kenneth Bittorf officiating. Social distancing will be observed and face masks will be required to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to Jim’s family to be designated at a later time.

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

ELMER E. GAYHART, JR.

Elmer E. Gayhart, Jr., 77, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau.

Elmer was born on January 3, 1943 to Elmer Sr. and Cecelia (Hilden) Gayhart in Wabeno, WI. He attended Wabeno Schools and UW-Oshkosh. He graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He married Dorothy M Lois at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in New Munster on October 30, 1965; she survives.

Elmer worked for Evinrude Motors in Milwaukee, before moving to Medford in 1972. Once in Medford he worked for Conseco and later, Enerquip. He then started his own business, Central Design Inc., which allowed him to travel the world, before retiring in 1998.

In retirement, Elmer still worked side jobs on old projects from Central Design. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, time at the cabin, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was a huge Green Bay Packer fan and an avid sportsman, which he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing softball for many years and wild game feeds that he would put on with Dorothy. He will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and larger than life personality.

In addition to his wife, Dorothy, Elmer is survived by his children, Lisa M. (John) Shear of Medford, Renee A. Gayhart of Juneau, AK; grandchildren, Mikaila G. Shear of Oshkosh, John F. Shear of Wausau, Alec M. Shear of La Crosse, and Gavin Gayhart Millard of Juneau, AK; sister-in-law Janice Gayhart of Kewaunee; brothers-in-law Leonard (Carol) Lois, James (Marilyn) Lois, and Donald Lois, all of Burlington. Elmer is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Nancy Vanderbur, and brother, James Gayhart.

A memorial service for Elmer will take place at 11:00 on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday, October, 30, 2020 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

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

GERALD "JERRY" "CHOPS" R. STREBIG

Gerald “Jerry” “Chops” R. Strebig, 68, a Town of Browning resident died on Sunday, October 25 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where he had been a patient for the past 4 days.

There will be a public visitation for Jerry from 9 to 11 AM on Wednesday, October 28 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be requested for attendance.  A private interment will take place at Our Saviours Lutheran Church Cemetery, Town of Holway.  Pallbearers will be family members.

 Jerry was born on April 1, 1952 at Medford, the son of Roland O. and Alvera E. (Steiner) Strebig.  He went to Holway Elementary School and attended Medford High School.  His marriage to Patsy Hoffmann took place on October 10, 1970 in Medford and they were later divorced.  He then married Patty L. Ziembo on February 19, 2000 at Ripon, WI.

After his education, he did logging work, drove milk truck, was a owner/operator long haul trucker,  Merrill Cranberry Marsh, Meir’s Tree Service of Green Lake, WI, Miller Brothers, Bauer Trucking, owned and operated Jerry’s Black Bear Bar in Westboro and Rib River Bar and Grill in Interwald and was presently employed at T-N-T Hauling of Medford.  He enjoyed softball, snowmobile racing, NASCAR, all types of hunting including bear.  He was a member of the Rib Lake Fish and Game, Whitetails Unlimited, Little Lakes Memories of Irma and the Wild Turkey Federation.

Surviving along with his wife Patty Strebig of Medford are his son, Scott (Krista) Strebig of Medford, grandchildren, Marshall (Brenna) Strebig of Kimberly, Shealyn Strebig of Phillips and Garrett Strebig of Las Vegas.  Also a great grandson, Michael John Wiemer of Phillips.  Other survivors include his step children, Ray (Nancy) Duerr of Rib Lake and Bob (Molly) Duerr of Minnesota, step grandchildren, Morgan & Hailey Duerr of Rib Lake, Samanatha Duerr of Stetsonville, Alex & Zach Duerr of Minnesota and step great grandchild, Ashlyn Switlick of Stetsonville.  His surviving siblings are Evelyn (Wayne) Lee of Minocqua, Jack (Rosie) Strebig of Medford, Dan (Carol) Strebig of St. Petersburg, FL, Bill (Judy) Strebig of Mosinee, Robert Strebig of St. Francis, MN, Margie S.D. of Colorado and Roland Strebig, Jr. of Medford.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Michael J. Strebig in 1993.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that 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.

 

SPENCER BLU RAUSCH

Spencer Blu Rausch was born on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Methodist Campus, in Rochester, MN, to Alexandria Mahner and Derick Rausch. He passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Spencer is survived by his parents, Alexandria and Derick; maternal grandparents, Karl and Ann Mahner; paternal grandparents, Brad (Dawn) Rausch and Nicole (Curt Frahm) Wilcox; maternal great-grandparents, Lee Mahner and Barb and Walter Leonardt; paternal great-grandparents, Thomas and Vernell Rausch and Orlo and Aleta Wilcox. Spencer is further survived by aunts, uncles, and other family.

Private family services will be held 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

JOHN E.C. SWANSON

John E. C. Swanson, 80, Medford, WI, a Township of Hammel resident, died on Wednesday, October 21 at his residence under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice.

There will be a public visitation for John from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, October 27 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford.  There will also be a short military rites service performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team at 5 PM.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required while in the funeral home.

John was born on October 13, 1940 at St. Cloud, MN, the son of Elmer C. and Doris L. (Schultz) Swanson.  He attended Foley, MN elementary schools and was a graduate of Foley High School.  His marriage to Ruth A. Graham took place on October 14, 1962 in Ralston, NB and she preceded him in death on May 12, 2004.

After his education, he entered the US Air Force and served from 1959 to 1971.  After the military, he returned to Medford and worked as a mechanic at Medford Motors.  For a short while, he co-owned and operated Rief Motors in Medford.  He then returned to Medford Motors and worked until his retirement in 2004.  He enjoyed fishing, wood working, camping, stock car races, gardening and bowling.  He was a member of the Esadore Lake Association.

He is survived by his daughters, Carol (Willis) Ziemer, Debbi (Greg) Hartwig both of Medford and Kristina Jaja of Marshfield, grandchildren, Sean & Ann Hartwig both of Medford and Cori Lanier of Marshfield, along with a brother, Gary (Jane) Swanson of Foley, MN.  He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother, Donald Swanson and domestic partner, Judy Inman.

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. 

BERNICE BARTELT

 

Bernice Bartelt (nee Erdman), entered into Eternal Life on Monday, October 12, 2020 at the age of 80 years. Bernice was born on February 2, 1940, raised in Rib Lake, Wisconsin and was baptized on September 2, 1940. She met her husband, Bernard shortly after graduating high school, and the two married on September 2, 1961. After marriage, they moved to Milwaukee , Wisconsin, then eventually to New Berlin, Wisconsin where they raised their family, and lived for over 50 years.

Loving mother to Brenda (Tracy Lewis), Bert (Lauren) and Brad (Karen Haack). Cherished grandmother to Justin, Jennifer (Carson) , Evan , Shelly (Nate), Bryan (Ashley), Colleen (Jon) and Roman. Adored great-grandmother to Isa. Sister of James Erdman and Hellen Christiansen. Bernice is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Winafred Erdman, and her sister and brother-in-law, Hellen and DuWayne Christiansen. Bernice is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bernice loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Bernice loved spending time in her vegetable garden, or working on other hobbies outside. When she wasn't spending time in her garden, she was listening to live bands with her husband, or out dancing to polka music. No matter when or where you saw Bernice, she was always smiling and happy!

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, at BLESSED SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH, 15250 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Service to follow at 6:00 PM. (Masks are required, please). 

Gravesite burial and committal services at St. Peter's Lutheran Church Cemetery on Hwy C in the Township of Greenwood, Saturday October 17, 2020 at 2 pm with Pastor Kenneth Bittorf officiating.

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

PAULINE K. KELLY

Pauline K. Kelly, 103, of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 in Medford at Aspirus Care and Rehab.

Pauline was born on August 5, 1917 to Edward and Mary (Tirpeck) Miller in Westboro. She attended Rindt Grade School. She married Frank Kelly on May 29, 1937 in Chelsea Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church; he precedes her in death.

Pauline worked along with her husband taking care of their dairy farm. She also worked at the Rib Lake nursing home for 6 years, working in the kitchen. She was a past member of the Westboro Homemaker Club, leader of the Skyline 4H Club, and a member of the Westboro Library Board.

In her spare time, Pauline enjoyed spending hours sewing for many individuals and organizations, traveling up north and out west, and berry picking.

Pauline is survived by her children, Pat (Roy) Vessley of Medford, Daniel Kelly of The Yaak Valley, Montana, Jeanene Kelly of Westboro, and Jason Jackson of Wisconsin Rapids; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by other family and friends.

Pauline is preceded in death by her husband, parents, daughter Kathleen Miller, brothers, and sisters.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

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

CLARICE J. HEIER

Clarice J. Heier, 82, of Medford, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at Aspirus Medford Hospital.

Clarice was born on March 7, 1938 to Fred and Julia (Redwine) Dorava in Perkinstown. She attended Roosevelt Elementary, Hannibal and Gilman High School, and graduated from UW-Eau Claire with her Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching. She married Richard Heier on June 2, 1962 at Holy Rosary Church, he precedes her in death.

Clarice taught school in Park Falls for 5 years. She was also a substitute teacher for schools in the Medford area.  She then went on to work for Tombstone until her retirement in 2000.

In her spare time she enjoyed gambling, fishing, bowling, and family cookouts.

Clarice is survived by her children, Tina (Keith) Kozey of Medford, Tanya (Philip) Pagel of Wausau, and Todd (Andrea) Heier of Medford; grandchildren, Terra (Luke) Peche, Kelly (Megan) Kozey, Erik (Heather) Kozey, Hailey (Albert Ponton) Kozey, Ashlee (Jeremy) Krause, Dustin (Mel) Heier, and Colton and Reece Pagel; 10 great-grandchildren. Clarice is further survived by her siblings Fred and Nancy Dorava, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Clarice is preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Elmer, James, and Robert; sister, Deloris Larson; great-granddaughter, Emmersyn Kozey.

Funeral services for Clarice will take place at 12:00PM on Monday, October 12, 2020 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will take place at Hemer Funeral Home on Monday, October 12, 2020 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM.

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

HELEN E. KOHLER

 

Helen E. Kohler, 84, Tomahawk, a former Rib Lake area resident, died on Monday, October 5 at Tomahawk Health Services where she had resided for the past 6 years.

Funeral services for Helen will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, October 10 at Hemer Funeral Home, Rib Lake with Rev. David Clements officiating.  Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Saturday.  Burial will follow services at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake.  Pallbearers will be Jaymon Anderson, Bob Hanson, Michael, Jeff Sr., Jeff Jr. and Lucas Kohler.   Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required for both the visitation and services.

Helen was born on March 18, 1936 in Rib Lake, the daughter of William O. and Esther B. (Gerstberger) Kluckman.  She attended Merrill elementary and high schools.  Her marriage took place on February 12, 1955 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Cudahy, to Ernest “Ernie” A. Kohler and he preceded her in death September 1, 2012.

She worked for a period of time as a receptionist at a law firm in Milwaukee while residing in both Milwaukee and Greendale.   She later moved to Lake Tomahawk in retirement and lived there until entering the Tomahawk nursing home.  She enjoyed crafting, cooking, baking, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Barbara) Kohler of Richfield, WI and daughter, Debra Kohler of New Albin, Iowa.  Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, along with her siblings, Arlene Mandery of Brookfield, Mickey (Bob) Hanson of Rhinelander, Shirley Grund of Racine and Donald Kluckman of Kenosha.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and a daughter, Jill Kohler in 2001.

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