Tuesday, January 26, 2021

ALICE M. ROGERS

Alice M. Rogers, 77, Waukesha, a former Township of Hill resident, died on Thursday, January 21 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient for the past 2 weeks. 

Due to COVID concerns, funeral services for Alice will be private family only.  Interment will take place at Leavitt Creek Cemetery, Township of Hill with family members serving as pallbearers. 

Alice was born on October 6, 1943 at the Town of Hill, Price County, the daughter of John Elovy and Alma Sophia (Leino) Frankki.  She attended Leavitt Creek Grade School, Town of Hill and was a 1961 graduate of Westboro High School.  Her marriage took place on September 2, 1961 at Medford to Larry D. Rogers. 

After their marriage, they moved to Waukesha where she spent most of her life as a housewife and mother.  She also was a self-employed caregiver and housekeeper.  She enjoyed camping, visiting with family and friends.  She was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Kenosha. 

Surviving are her husband Larry Rogers of Waukesha; daughters, Janice (Brian) Swanson and Joan Rogers both of Waukesha; siblings, Shirley (Jack) Smith, James (Dorothy) Frankki, Ruth (Wayne) Dupuis & Carol (Gary “Fuzzy”) Ellenbecker, all of Medford, Linda (Ronald) Schmitt of Waukesha, Paul (Judith) Frankki of Stetsonville & Elaine (James) Leppala of Watton, MI; sisters-in-law, Janice Frankki of Medford & Diane Disinger of Indiana; brother-in-law, Stanley Stenberg of Irma.  Also surviving are numerous relatives, friends, and brothers & sisters in faith.  She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Joseph Rogers in 1964; siblings, Charles, John, George, Alfred & Richard Frankki, Ethel Stenberg; and sister-in-law, Mary Frankki. As well as other relatives. 

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.

 

JOSEPH "JOE" A. KATHREIN

Joseph “Joe” A. Kathrein, 89, Dorchester, a former Rib Lake resident, died on Sunday, January 24 at Aspirus Medford Hospital where he had been a patient for the past 3 days. 

A memorial mass for Joseph will take place at 2:30 PM on Saturday, January 30 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Rib Lake with Father Hrudaya Raju Sunkara officiating.  Visitation will be at the church from 1:30 PM until the time of services at 2:30 PM on Saturday.  Burial of his cremated remains will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake at a later date. 

Joe was born on April 25, 1931 at Rib Lake, the son of Meinard and Emma (Heisler) Kathrein.  He attended Rib Lake elementary schools and was a 1949 graduate of Rib Lake High School.  His marriage took place on December 2, 1961 at St. John Catholic Church, Rib Lake to Malinda M. Rosenfeldt. 

While residing in Rib Lake, he worked for 37 years at Gem Products as a sewing machine mechanic until his retirement.  He enjoyed woodworking, polka music, traveling and taking care of his yard.  He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Rib Lake and a past member of the Rib Lake Community Club.

Surviving are his wife, Malinda Kathrein of Rib Lake; children, Brian Kathrein of Medford, Diane (Jim) Seng of Owen & Brenda (Rodney) Fallos of Rib Lake; grandchildren, Christy (Luke), Brian (Sara) & Paula Peterson, Jena (Dylan) Klimpke, Cody (Gao Khang) Seng, Heather (Paul) Rachu, Bradley (Kasie) & Joseph (Kenzie) Fallos, Anthony Kathrein, Cassy (Matt) Ulrich and Sadie (Chee) Xiong.  Also surviving are 16 great grandchildren and a daughter-in-law, Jannis Kathrein.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son, David Kathrein; grandson, Rylan Kathrein; sister, Marie Krolnik; father/mother-in-law, Southwell and Lucile Rosenfeldt; brother-in-law, John Rosenfeldt, along with several aunts, uncles, cousins & friends. 

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

 

Monday, January 25, 2021

CHARLES "CHUCK" G. MAYER

Charles “Chuck” G. Mayer, 94, of Chelsea, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services, under the care of Hope Hospice.

Private family services will take place with military honors with a celebration of life to take place at a later date.

Chuck was born on May 20, 1926 to Henry Sr. and Mary (Kestler) Mayer in Chelsea. As a senior in high school he drove milk truck before school in the morning. He served overseas in the Philippines at the end of World War II. After the war he went to Japan for 13 and a half months and was in the military police. He married Anna M. Gosbee on October 9, 1948 at Whittlesey Church in the Township of Chelsea; she preceded him in death.

After his service, Chuck bought three milk trucks and serviced Westboro to Medford area. He sold two routes and kept one for 22 years. He also hauled peas to Medford Pea Cannery then to Stratford Pea Cannery. Along with farming his own land, which had three barns full of livestock and chickens, he did thrashing oats, and then changed to combining for 29 farmers and filled 11 silos a year. He converted his milk truck into a pulp wood truck and hauled logs and pulp wood. He worked for Farmers Union in Medford installing furnaces, electrical work, and delivered propane gas. He also drove school bus for the Westboro School District and drove gravel truck for Jochimsen & Schmidt.

Chuck was a County Board Supervisor in Medford, Chairman of the Township of Chelsea, was on the Westboro School Board, member of VFW Westboro, American Legion in Rib Lake, and Chelsea Conservation Club. In his spare time he enjoyed camping, woodworking and maintenance of work shop in Texas, and playing cards with his family.

Chuck is survived by his children, Kathleen M. Kleutsch of Medford, Teresa A. (Doug) Kleutsch of Winter, WI, Susan J. (Dennis) Jensen of Medford, Sandra J. (Gary) Scheithauer of Medford; grandchildren, Katelyn (Juan Pablo BerĂ³n) & Allisyn  Kleutsch, Jesse (Amanda) & Brandon (Casey) Jensen, Nathan (Jenna) Scheithauer & Nicole (Dustin) Misener; great-grandchildren, Sierra, Miles, Lucas & Mackenzie Jensen, Eden and Grayson Misener; sister, Joan (Jim) Tlusty. He is further survived by other family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Chuck is preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia; son-in-law, Jerome Kleutsch; brothers, Frank, Henry Jr, George, and Bill Mayer; sister, Mary Koontz.

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

Saturday, January 23, 2021

GARY L. WESTRICH

Gary L. Westrich, 67, of Medford, passed away at home unexpectedly on Friday, January 22, 2021.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Gary was born on July 19, 1953 to Donald and Enola (Meyer) Westrich in Medford. He graduated from Medford High School. After high school he entered the Navy. He married Patricia “Patty” A. Henke of June 17, 1972; she survives. He worked for Doberstein Lumber for many years. He was then self-employed until his retirement.

In his spare time Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding his Gator.

In addition to his wife Gary is survived by his son, Gary (Terri) Westrich Jr. of Medford; granddaughter, Karlee Westrich of Medford; sisters, Jean (John) Vogt of Tennessee, Linda Westrich of Florida, Julie (Robin) Hartzell of Cadott, and Carol (Mark) Anderson of Weston; brothers, Kim (Beth) Westrich of Medford, Jason Westrich of Wausau, and Russell (Sheri) Westrich of Jump River. Gary is further survived by other family and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Enola and his stepmother, Lorraine Westrich.

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

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

Friday, January 22, 2021

KENNETH "KEN" O. MANNEL

Kenneth “Ken” O. Mannel, 94, of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Ken was born on July 28, 1926 to Erwin and Viola (Dreier) Mannel in Wilton. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1944. He entered into the Navy in 1944, during World War II, and served on a Destroyer Escort in the Pacific. He married Ruth Shaw on June 11, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Sparta; she preceded him in death on March 5, 2020. He was recalled to the Navy during the Korean War. He then attended Mortuary School in Milwaukee.

Ken worked for Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Milwaukee. He moved to Rib Lake in August of 1956 and worked with Elmer Taylor at Taylor Funeral Home, eventually purchasing the funeral home and owning and operating it from 1961 until 1977. He also built and operated the funeral home in Prentice. After selling the funeral home Ken and Ruth bought Ed Thum’s Phillip 66 Oil Company until selling it in 1990.

Ken was a member of the Shriners, transporting children to the Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis. He was also a member of the Rib Lake Fire Department, Rib Lake Village Board, Rib Lake United Methodist Church, Lehman-Clendenning American Legion Post, and a charter member of the Rib Lake Lions. He bowled for many years, including the State Tourney. As a member of the Taylor County Board, he was instrumental in establishing and preserving the Wood Lake County Park for future generations.

Ken is survived by his children, Karon (James) Dallmann of Rib Lake, Kim (Leon) Gasek of Medford, Kevin (Shirl) Mannel of Menomonie, Kyle (Penny) Mannel of Fremont, and Kurt (Petti) Mannel of Rib Lake; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Ken is further survived by other family and friends.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Keith, and sister, Idell Marshall.

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


Saturday, January 16, 2021

LILA M. CZARNEZKI

Lila M. Czarnezki, 90, Medford died on Friday, January 15 at Our House Senior Living, Medford where she had resided for the past 2 years. 

Memorial services for Lila will be private family only with Father Patrick McConnell officiating.  Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford. 

Lila was born on May 8, 1930 in the Town of Deer Creek, the daughter of Ambrose and Helen (Schneider) Retterath.  She attended Stetsonville Grade School and was a 1948 graduate of Medford High School.  Her marriage took place on October 2, 1948 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Stetsonville to Milan G. Czarnezki and he preceded her in death on January 10, 2016.

They farmed in the Town of Hammel until 1957.  Then they moved to Medford and she was a dedicated housewife and mother; nothing was more important to her than her family.  For over 45 years, she provided loving childcare to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other  children who she loved and cherished as her own.  She was known as the “cake lady” as she baked and decorated many cakes for special occasions.  She enjoyed baking, making quilts, playing cards, gardening, flowers and spending time with her family.  Always having a smile on her face, she touched many lives.  She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, and the Council of Catholic Women. 

Surviving are her children, Jim (Cas) Czarnezki of Tennessee, Gary Czarnezki of Medford, John (Nancy) Czarnezki of Rib Lake, Cheryl Bach of Weston and Joanne (Perry) Wolf of Athens; 11 grandchildren and  13 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son-in-law, John Bach, brothers, Leonard and Joe Retterath, great-grandchildren, Tori Jean Czarnezki, Ethan Ryan Czarnezki and Aaron John Czarnezki.

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

 

Friday, January 15, 2021

LOIS M. PERNSTEINER

Lois M. Pernsteiner, 91, of the Township of Little Black, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Aspirus Care and Rehab.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Lois was born on January 10, 1930 to Norman and Alice (Rudolph) Jensen in Medford. She married Henry Pernsteiner on September 27, 1946; he precedes her in death. She farmed alongside her husband. She also worked on a mink ranch and drove school bus for many years. She loved her flowers and gardening.

Lois is survived by her children Janis Brehm of Medford, Gale (John) Resech of Lac du Flambeau, June (Jeff) Jones of Washington, and Gary (Linda) Pernsteiner of Medford, 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; brother, Leroy (Lyn) Jensen of Medford; brother-in-law, Jim Zuleger.

Lois is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Joan Zuleger.

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

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

DANIEL JAMES PECHER

Daniel James Pecher son of Duane and Patricia Pecher, Father of Derek and Dustin Weiler, laid down his construction tools and joined God in heaven on January 12th, 2021.

Daniel is lovingly missed and forever loved by his parents Duane and Patricia Pecher of Stetsonville, his sons Derek of Little Black and Dustin of Green Bay, his grandchildren Madison and Aubree, his Sisters Sheila (James) Schug, Pamela (Dennis) Brushaber and Brenda (Kent) Woellner, his nieces and nephew Amber, Brienna, Brittneie, Taylor and Mitchell. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Dan started working at a young age with his dad doing drywall and a few years ago added construction to his business. Dan worked hard and played hard. In Dans free time he could be found reading, hunting, playing pool, throwing darts, or playing bean bags. Dan had a love for country music and looked forward to relaxing with friends at the Hodag. Dan grew to love Texas and the many friends he had there.

Dan was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, one brother and most recently his nephew Coltyn!

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 25, 2021 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 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00AM

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

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

GAIL ANN KESTLER

Gail A. Kestler, 70, Medford, a Town of Medford resident, died on Monday, January 11 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital where she had been a patient for the past 5 days. 

Due to COVID concerns, funeral services for Gail will be private family only at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating.  Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

Gail was born on March 13, 1950 in Medford, the daughter of Earl and Helen (Pohle) Hoffman.  She attended Holy Rosary Elementary School and was a graduate of Medford High School.  On May 23, 1970, she married Richard “Dick” A. Kestler at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford. 

Gail worked most of her life as a housewife and also worked for many years at her family’s business, Hoffman’s Ben Franklin Store in downtown Medford.  She enjoyed fishing, riding in her horse carriage and her dogs and cats.  Her faith was very important to her and her passion was her family.  She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford. 

Surviving Gail is her husband, Richard “Dick” Kestler of Medford; siblings, Joan (Al) Clark of Prescott, Jim (Linda) Hoffman of Medford and Carrie (Kevin Parsons) Perini of Columbus, OH; along with several brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Marge Rothmeier, Dick & Wayne Hoffman, and many brothers/sisters-in-law. 

Any memorial contributions may be given in Gail’s name to Holy Rosary Church and School, Medford.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

 

Friday, January 8, 2021

BARBARA "CHEE CHEE" J. HASSELDICK

Barbara “Chee Chee” J. Hasseldick, 84, Stetsonville, a Town of Deer Creek resident, died on Thursday, January 7 at Aspirus Country Gardens, Medford where she had resided for the past 3 weeks most recently under the care of Hope Hospice. 

Funeral services will take place at 11 AM on Tuesday, January 12 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville with Rev. Richard Russow officiating.  Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Tuesday at the church.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required for the visitation and funeral services.  Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Stetsonville. Pallbearers will be Ken, Scott & Craig Nelson, Tim Voit, Ralph Berry, Mark Hansen & Adam Pitzke.

Barbara was born on February 27, 1936 at Medford, the daughter of Melvin and Dorothy (Riemer) Nelson.  She attended Green Acres Elementary School, Town of Deer Creek and Medford High School.  Her marriage took place on August 11, 1956 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville to Wayne H. Hasseldick and he preceded her in death on October 30, 2003.

After marriage, they farmed in the Town of Deer Creek for many years until retirement in 1992.  While farming she worked as a cook at the Stetsonville Centennial Hall.  She enjoyed trips to the casino, reading, puzzles, mowing lawn, making pies and making her famous potato salad.  She was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville. 

Surviving are her daughter, Vicki Jacobsen of Stetsonville; grandchildren, Justin Jacobsen of Phoenix, AZ and Brooke (Brandon) Grube of Colfax; siblings, Betty Luick of Oregon, Doris Savage of Nekoosa and Don (Shirley) Nelson of Abbotsford.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings, Marjorie Purgett & Melva Hanson.

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

 

Thursday, January 7, 2021

GERALD "PADDY" J. SCHNEIDER

Gerald “Paddy” J. Schneider, 85, of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at his home under the care of Hope Hospice.

A memorial service for Gerald will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with Father Raj officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM

Gerald was born on December 17, 1935 to Michael and Rosa (Judd) Schneider in Rib Lake. He graduated from Rib Lake High School. He married Adrianne Schirmer on June 6, 1959; she survives. He farmed his entire life. He took over the family farm at 17 after his father passed away until retirement. He loved picking rocks in the fields. Gerald sold farm equipment, logged, owned a saw mill, and worked for Magnuson Mink Ranch. He also served on the Taylor County Board of Supervisors. His favorite place was the sugar bush, where he could collect and process maple syrup. He was a leader and driving force for neighborhood projects.

Gerald enjoyed fishing in Canada. He was a mighty deer hunter. In his spare time, he enjoyed dancing, playing cards, especially, cribbage and sheepshead. He was also a lifelong contributor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. He was known for saying “I’m not just a pretty face; I know stuff too”.

Gerald is survived by his wife Adrianne; children, Jane Schneider of Westboro, Jacky (Tim) Peterson of Westboro, Tony (Karen) Schneider of Rib Lake, Linda (Tony) Kochan of Ogema, and Jeannie Logan of Weston; grandchildren, Alex, Jared, Carl, Nikki, Tyler, Derek, Kyle, Zach, Adam, Ashley, Cain, and Cody; 13 great-grandchildren. Gerald is further survived by other family and friends.

Gerald is preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph, and 13 siblings.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Gerald’s name may be given to Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

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

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

BRUCE A. KOHN


Bruce Kohn, 58, passed away at the Wausau Hospital on January 1, 2021. A 

funeral mass will be Saturday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic

 Church, Medford. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral mass.

Bruce was born to Rae and Florette (Hutman) Kohn of Medford on 

Jan.7, 1962. Bruce is a graduate of Medford High School and owned his own 

logging business until ill health. He married Josephine Becera on Sept. 8, 

2001.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine; his children, Jedrae and Lea; his father, Rae; siblings, Michael,

Donna, Linda, Mark, David (Jamie), Lori, Gary (Lisa), Mary and Neal; sister-in-law, Ester (Larry); and 

many aunts; uncles; nieces; and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, 

Florette.

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

visit hemerfuneralservice.com.


Monday, January 4, 2021

DELORES J. EISNER

Delores J, Eisner, 84, of Rib Lake, passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Rib Lake Health Services.

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

Delores was born on July 13, 1936 to Harold and Mae (Stoneberg) Vanderhoof in Chili. She married William “Bill” Eisner, Sr. on January 22, 1955; he survives.

Delores worked at Gem Products shoe factory in Rib Lake. She later worked at Cops IGA in Medford. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, playing cards, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

Delores is survived by her husband, William Eisner, Sr.; children, William (Deb) Eisner, Jr. of Rib Lake, Mark (Valarie) Eisner of Roberts, MT, Carol (Krist) Punzel of Rib Lake, and Joseph (Heather) Eisner of Rib Lake; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruby Birkholz of Ogema and Yvonne Presswood of Illinois. Delores is further survived by other friends and family.

Delores is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Grace Payne, Calvin Vanderhoof, Norman Vanderhoof, Vera Ladner, and Mertle Payne.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the family for use at a later designation.

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

Saturday, January 2, 2021

WAYNE A. HOOVER

Wayne A. Hoover, 76, of Stetsonville passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau.

Private family services will take place at a later date.

Wayne was born on March 14, 1944 to Albert and Julia (Davis) Hoover in Milwaukee. He married Shirley Schmidt on April 23, 1966; she preceded him in death on November 8, 2017. Wayne graduated from Montello High School. After his education he worked for Ladish in Milwaukee. He moved to Stetsonville and for Purolator Courier and later at Weather Shield until his retirement.

Wayne enjoyed camping, watching movies, and lending a helping hand. He was a member of the Stetsonville Fire Department for many years. He was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Lori (Greg) Reinhart of Oconomowoc;  grandchildren, Brittany (Tom) Schalmo of Waukesha, Michael (Bree) Reinhart of Medford, Heather (Aaron) Reinhart of Wauwatosa, Tasha Becker of Greenwood, Anthony Becker of Greenwood great grandchildren, Blake and Grace Reinhart and Ari and Elise Schalmo. Wayne is further survived by other family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents Wayne is preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Becker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Wayne can be given to his family for designation at a later date.

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

DUSTIN "DUSTY" MICHAEL JENSEN

Dustin “Dusty” Michael Jensen of Medford passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 31st, 2020.  He was just 28 years old.

Dustin was born on September 25th, 1992 in Marshfield, WI to Kevin and Pamela (Axtman) Jensen. He attended Medford elementary schools & graduated from Medford Area Senior High School in 2011.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design in 2017 from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  Upon graduating, Dustin began his career as a Project Engineer/Cost Estimator for WADAL Plastics, Inc.  Most recently, he was promoted to Project Manager, taking on an additional leadership responsibility for the organization.

During his childhood, Dustin enjoyed go-kart racing, concerts and music festivals, and gaming with his friends.  He was incredibly creative, bright, and a talented artist.  Dustin was gregarious and outgoing, and spending time with his friends and family was his passion.  Dustin was the heart of family holidays and vacations.  He loved music, singing and dancing, and eating a home cooked meal.  He also had a knack for impressions, and if you spent any time with him, you’d inevitably spent a lot of time laughing.  Dustin will always be remembered by his vibrant personality, contagious smile, infectious laugh, and most importantly, his kindness.

A private family only service for Dustin will be held, with a celebration of life planned for a future date post COVID.

He is survived by his mother Pamela Jensen of Rib Lake, his father Kevin Jensen (Renee Kauffman, and children Jake Kauth, and Jaedyn, Lexi, and Luke and Ossmann) of Rib Lake, his brother Eric Jensen of Wausau, his sister Heather Axtman (Dwayne Toatley and children Zara, Tahlia, Kai, and Shadi Toatley) of Minneapolis, his sister Tasha Jensen (Alex Nelson, and children Ariana Jensen and Theo Nelson) of Fergus Falls, MN, his maternal grandmother Rose Heisler of Breckenridge, MN, his best friend Marcus Ludwig of Medford, and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who all loved Dustin profoundly.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Axtman, paternal grandparents, George and Audrey Jensen, uncle, Jeff Jensen and cousin Amanda Sem.

The family has designated the Medford Area Senior High School Music Department for memorial contributions.  Dustin spent many years performing and traveling with the Music Department in high school.  His parents are creating a scholarship in his name.  Donations can be made out to Pam or Kevin Jensen, and mailed to 9303 N Long Lake Road, Rib Lake, WI 54470.  They will compile them into a memorial fund in honor of Dustin’s memory. 

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

“Because life is short but sweet for certain”
-- Dave Matthews