MABEL M. BREHM

Mabel M. Brehm, 95, of Medford, passed away at home on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, under the care of Hope Hospice, surrounded by family.

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

Mabel was born on October 15, 1925 to Emil and Julia (Janko) Lekies in the township of Browning, Taylor County. She attended Cloverdale elementary school. She worked as a nanny in the Medford area until her marriage to George M. Brehm on May 17, 1944. Together they owned and operated a dairy farm in the town of Little Black until the late 1960’s, while raising 5 children.

Her family brought her great enjoyment. She loved sewing and on a nice day, she could be found working in her flower garden. She also enjoyed traveling, camping, and fishing.

Mabel would accompany her husband and other family members on several hunting trips out west; setting up camps, trout fishing, and just enjoying the beauty of October in the Colorado Rockies. Later in life, she would remark that those trips and other trips with family were really special time. (Yes mom, they were)

She was a volunteer for many years with Commission on Aging Senior Meals at Stetsonville.

Mabel is survived by her children, Lyle (Pauline) Brehm of Schofield, Bruce (Joan) Brehm of Medford, Rebecca (Charles) Gerschefske of Lincoln, NE and Daniel (Cathy) Brehm of Ramsey, MN; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 10 great great-grandchildren and one daughter-in-law Grace Brehm of Rib Lake.

Mabel is preceded in death by her husband, George; son; David Brehm; one grandson; two brothers, Walter (Beatrice) Lekies and Roy (Mabel) Lekies and one sister Pearl (Vince) Sackmann.

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

 

RUTH E. HALVERSON

US Navy Nurse Corps Captain, Ruth E. Halverson, age 95, died Feb. 13, 2021 peacefully at The Mayflower in Winter Park, Fla. Graveside committal services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26 at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake with Rev. James Langebartels officiating.  Military honors will be conducted by the Rib Lake American Legion military honors team.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is assisting the family with local arrangements.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Ruth will be laid to rest beside her parents in Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made in her memory to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, 2727 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839. 

Ruth was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin and was a devout Lutheran, no matter where she traveled throughout the world.  

Ruth earned her RN degree from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, Marshfield, in 1946 and her B.S. from Marquette University, Milwaukee in 1956.  She joined the Navy Nurse Corps in 1951 and started her long and distinguished career including duty at several stateside naval hospitals, instructing at the Great Lakes Hospital Corps School, recruiting in Chicago, serving aboard the Vietnam War transport ship USNS General D. Patrick and in Kentra, Morocco. During the Vietnam War, as the Patrick sailed into combat zones, she often was the only woman aboard that ship which carried over four thousand service men.  She fondly reminisced of the respect and special attention she received during her departure from the ship, particularly the great honor of having the Captain pour tea for her, as well as receiving a commissioned painting of the ship.

In 1974, she earned the rank of Captain and became the Director of Nursing for the then newly commissioned naval hospital in Pensacola, Fla. During her career she was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. 

When she retired from the service in 1977, she stayed on in Florida building her lakefront home, replicating as much as possible the lakes and memories of her childhood in Wisconsin.  She also continued her close connections with her fellow retired Navy nurses.  Her home was filled with the art she collected during her career and world travels.  She enjoyed growing roses, hosting dinner parties and going out on the lake.  Ruthie cherished her family connections and celebrated Christmas as one of her favorite times, from decorating to attending church services to sending out fruitcakes.

Ruth was a strong advocate for animals and continuously filled her home with cats and dogs.   While she was always attached to a church, in her later years she became more involved with volunteering and enjoyed singing in The Mayflower choir, where she had been a resident for the past eight years.

Ruth poured herself into every endeavor she took on, keeping high standards for herself and setting an example for those around her to follow. Her belief that if you were going to do something, do it well also applied to her life-long enjoyment of cheering for the Green Bay Packers and U of W Badgers.

Ruth is survived by her nieces, Mary Millington and Ruth Ann Halverson; nephews, John Halverson and Paul Halverson; and their respective spouses; as well as several great-nieces and nephews; and their respective spouses; and her feline friend, Miss Ellie.  

She was preceded by her parents, Martha (Monske) and Otto Halverson; as well as her brother and sister-in law, Carl and Irene Halverson; sister and brother-in-law, Annabelle and Paul E. Millington; and niece, Patricia Ann Millington. 

MARY T. EMMERICH-MOLITOR

Mary T. Emmerich-Molitor, 85, Medford, a former Town of Hammel resident, died on Tuesday, February 23 at Abbotsford Health Care Center, where she had resided for the past 4 days. 

Memorial services for Mary will be at 11 AM on Wednesday, March 3 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating.  Visitation will be at the church from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the church.  Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Molitor Catholic Cemetery at a later date. 

Mary was born on January 11, 1936 at Medford, the daughter of John and Mary (Ertl) Deml.  She attended Medford area elementary schools and was a graduate of Medford High School.  Her first marriage was to Floyd W. Emmerich and he preceded her in death on May 19, 2013.  Her second marriage was to Robert “Bob” Molitor and he survives. 

While residing on Clear Lake in the Town of Hammel, she worked in registration/admissions at Memorial Hospital for many years.  She also volunteered at Holy Rosary School in Medford.  She enjoyed rummage sales, reading and collecting.  She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford.

Surviving are her husband Bob Molitor of Medford.  Children, Mike (Shirley) Emmerich and Dave (Melissa) Emmerich both of Medford.  Grandchildren, Heide, Samuel & Lucas (Kayla) Emmerich and Alissa (Andy) Hofer, along with great grandchildren, Julia & William Hofer.  Her surviving siblings are Agnes Robida of Stetsonville, Ray (Janet) Deml and Hank (Pat) Deml both of Medford.  She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick in 2020, grandson, Andy Emmerich, and siblings, Andy, Joe, Rommie Deml and Madlin Kulig.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given 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.

 

LLOYD G. GEBERT

Lloyd G. Gebert, 90, of Medford, passed away on Monday February 15, 2021 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

A funeral mass for Lloyd will take place at 11:00AM on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Little Black. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Lloyd was born on April 11, 1930 to Michael and Anne (Krause) Gebert in the Township of Deer Creek. He moved to Milwaukee and worked in a factory. He then worked for Allied Van Lines before working for Trailers Service, transporting heavy equipment. In 1973 he moved back to Medford and purchased a bar from Al Bauer and named it Lloyd’s of Medford. He sold the bar in 1977 and then worked for Taylor County Highway Department until his retirement in 1992.

In his spare time he was an avid fisherman, enjoyed being outdoors, and going on trips to Alaska and San Diego with his partner, Carol Amundson.

Lloyd is survived by his sons, David (Lisa) Gebert of Medford and Greg (Kris) Gebert of New Berlin, 3 grandsons, 6 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lloyd is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Janice Brunetto.

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

ANTHONY "TONY" J. FLEISCHMANN

Anthony “Tony” J. Fleischmann, 83, Medford, a former Town of Little Black resident, died on Friday, February 12 at Deerview Meadows Assisted Living, Medford where he had resided for the past 7 months most recently under the care of Hope Hospice. 

Funeral services for Tony will be at 11 AM on Thursday, February 18 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating.  Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Little Black at a later date.  Visitation will be at the church from 10 AM until time of services at 11 AM on Thursday.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be requires at the church.  Pallbearers will be Luke & Nichole Fleischmann, Caleb & Julie Dahl, Aaric and Corrine Spencer. 

Tony was born on June 10, 1937 in Ashland, WI, the son of Rosella Barbara Fleischmann.  He attended Holy Rosary School, Medford and was a 1955 graduate of Medford High School.  His first marriage was on June 8, 1963 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford to Elizabeth “Betty” White and she preceded him in death on July 28, 2007.  His second marriage was on October 23, 2010 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford to Joann Penk. 

Tony farmed in the Town of Little Black for many years until retirement.  They hosted the Town & Country Farm Dairy Breakfast one year.  They also were recipients of the Century Farm award for continuous family ownership for over 100 years.  In retirement he worked area part time jobs.  He enjoyed farming, collecting farm books, playing cards, westerns, bowling in Medford and Dorchester, and going out to eat.  He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford and the Knights of Columbus. 

Surviving are his wife, Joann Fleischman of Dorchester; children, Ann (David) Suttie of Galesville, Amy (Dave) Spencer of Medford and John (Theresa) Fleischmann of Reedsburg; step-children, Kim (Bob) Bernklau of Medford and Kandie (Joe) Alter of Chicago.  Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, step-sisters, Catherine Poehnelt, Eileen Rogers & Mary Ann Dassow.  He was preceded in death by his mother; step-father, Joe Kraemer; first wife; step-son, and step-siblings, Agnes Leader, Henry & Edward Kraemer. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hope Hospice of Medford in Tony’s name.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

 

DARLENE M. SILBERNAGEL MATHIAS

Darlene Marie Silbernagel Mathias, 90 of Rib Lake, WI and Palos Park, IL died on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services where she had resided for the past 20 months. Darlene was born on September 1, 1930 to William and Marie (Schmidt) Silbernagel in Medford, Wisconsin. Darlene married Glenn Mathias, Sr. in Red Wing, Minnesota on March 20, 1954.

They started out their married life in Rib Lake, but soon moved to the Chicago, IL area where they bought a home in Palos Park. They lived in their home on 119th Street in Palos Park until all of their children were raised and both Glenn and Darlene had retired from their jobs. Then they moved back to Rib Lake where they spent retirement in their re-modeled cottage on Spirit Lake.

Many of us may think about what we will leave behind for our children… Darlene never gave any thought to that, and because she didn’t that is why she left behind a wonderful legacy. The most important was her absolute, unwavering love and devotion to God, and her absolute, unconditional love for her husband Glenn and her five children: Paul, Patrick, Tim, Mary, and Glenn Jr. 

Darlene was born of an English teacher and author for a mom, which gave her the unyielding promise of the proper use of the English language and would demand her children respect it as well.  Her father was a brilliant Mathematician/Metallurgist, which is probably why she not only succeeded but persevered as a realtor/broker in Palos Park, IL and surrounding area.

As her many trophies show, her honesty, faith, love of her profession is what called her to Real Estate later on. She would often convince families either not to sell their home yet or purchase a particular one because she knew in her heart that it wasn’t a perfect fit for them; only to find their home years later for them. These families were so astounded and commended her and referred her to many others because of her honesty and loyalty to them.

Her parents moved around during her growing-up years, so she attended many different schools.  While in high school in Indiana, she was a star athlete in track, and other areas. The boys’ coach would often use Darlene as an example to inspire them, wishing she could have partaken in the same sports as the boys. She was always an athlete; she played softball in her 50’s, and was in a bowling league even into her 70’s. Even far into retirement years, she won medals in the Senior Olympics while at her winter home in Mission, Texas. 

Darlene was a stay-at-home-Mom, making home-made bread daily and having a big vegetable garden in Palos Park. She knew how to perfect cooking venison, partridge, pheasant, fish and anything else that her children brought home.  She not only made sure her family went to church every Sunday, but also she and husband went without many things in order to offer her children the best education as well. Darlene was one to reach out to any one that needed aid. Her home was always open to anyone needing love, faith renewal, a roof over their head which entailed many people over the years, and never needing or expecting anything in return. She said, “There is always room for one more,” and many times people ate supper around her table who were not actually part of the family. To Darlene, they were part of her family—if even for just a short time.  She was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Rib Lake.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Glenn Sr. of Rib Lake, sons, Paul (Jackie) Mathias of Medford, Patrick (Julie) Mathias of Grand Rapids, MN, Tim (Laura) Mathias & Glenn Jr. (Lori) Mathias both of Lemont, IL and Mary (Rick) Gordon of Wausau, WI.  Darlene is also survived by 19 grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, William Silbernagel, Jr, Shirley (Vernon “Peanuts”) Olson, Karen Maes; and grandson, Matthew Mathias. 

Funeral services for Darlene will be at 11 AM on Wednesday, February 17 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake with Father Hrudaya Raju Sunkara officiating. Burial will take place following at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake with family members serving as pallbearers.  Visitation will be at church from 9:30 AM until the time of services on Wednesday.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the church.

Any memorial contributions may be directed to Patrick Mathias, 34438 County Road 63, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

 

RA NAYE L. LOEFFLER

Ra Naye L. Loeffler, 67, Medford, died on Thursday, Feb. 4 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire where she had been a patient for the past 6 days.

Services for Ra Naye will be private family only.  Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Medford.

Ra Naye was born on May 16, 1953 at Medford, the daughter of Marvin and Jerene (Frischman) Loeffler. She attended Whittlesey Elementary School and Medford High School.

She worked for periods of time as a cook at the Wildwood and Chaparral Supper Clubs.  She was an assistant manager at Medford’s Kwik Trip Store and for the past 20+ years, was the title clerk at Medford Motors until her retirement in 2020.  She was a hunter safety teacher for over 25 years.  She truly enjoyed spending time with her nieces/nephews, especially her great nieces.  She was a past member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Medford.

Surviving are her sisters, Rochelle Mallien of Medford and Roxanne (Jeff) Stibbe of Rib Lake.  Also surviving are her nieces/nephews, Jason Mallien of Medford, Brandi (Brent) Fuchs of Merrill, Wyatt (Susan Warner) Mallien of Medford, Samantha (Brad) Hartwig of Medford and Travis (Laura Lewandowski) Stibbe of Rib Lake; great-nieces, Ellaina, Kyanna & Kierra Mallien, Emerie & Liddie Hartwig, all of Medford.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Douglas in infancy.

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

FLORENCE G. MAYER

Florence G. Mayer, 97, of Medford, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services under the care of Hope Hospice.

A funeral mass for Florence will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 5, 2021 at OLPH Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Chelsea Community Cemetery. Visitation will take place at OLPH Catholic Church on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. 

Florence was born on November 19, 1923 to Louis and Elsie (Widmer) Sackmann in Medford. She attended Holy Rosary Catholic School through 8th grade and graduated from Medford High School. After school she went out to Los Angeles for 4 years, where she worked as a secretary. She returned to Medford and married John F. Mayer on April 12, 1947, he precedes her in death. Together they worked on the family farm. She also worked as the Rib Lake Village Deputy Clerk. 

In her spare time she enjoyed mowing lawn, doing  chores around the house, gardening, going dancing on Sundays, and trips to see her family.

Florence is survived by her sons, Sheldon of Medford, James (Mary Meyer) of Battle Ground, WA, and Ronald (Lynn) of Medford; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Ethel Kuzenski of Rib Lake. She is further survived by other family and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Florence is preceded in death by her siblings, Herman, Vincent, Richard, George, Edward, and Donald Sackmann, Rose Marie Martin, and Margaret Schlias.

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

SHIRLEY ROSE LUKEWICH

Shirley Rose Lukewich, 77, Medford, died on Monday, February 1 at her residence under the loving care of her family and Hope Hospice.

Memorial services for Shirley will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 9 at OLPH Catholic Church, Whittlesey with Father Patrick McConnell officiating.  Burial of her cremated remains will take place at OLPH Catholic Cemetery, Whittlesey.  Visitation will be at the church from 9 AM until time of services at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 9.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the visitation and services at church. 

Shirley was born on June 8, 1943 in Medford, the daughter of Paul and Irene (Lewandowski) Lukewich Sr.  She attended Wayside Elementary School, Township of Medford and was a 1961 graduate of Medford High School.  Her marriage took place on July 14, 1962 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford to Donald Unrau Sr. and they were later divorced. 

After her education, she worked as a nurses aid in Arpin, Memorial Nursing Home, Medford & Rib Lake Nursing Home, worked at Comfort Carriers, did private home health care, and bartended at Pauline’s Place in Whittlesey.  They also farmed for 21 years in the Town of Medford.  Anyone that knew Shirley knew she was a happy go lucky person.  She wouldn’t care who you were, she would be laughing and joking around with you.  She enjoyed being with all her family and special cousin, Bernice Borman.  She loved to watch the Packers and Brewers, watching her family participate in sporting events, playing dice and hanging out with her special friends at Whittlesey.    

Surviving are her children, Don Unrau Jr., Weston, Carolyn (Bruce) Clarkson, Lisa (Carl) Tyznik, Kathy Brecht, Rose Unrau, Val (Shawn) Lekie, all of Medford; grandchildren, Kaleigh (Mike) Jost, Megan (Corbin) Buechler, Derek Unrau, Rosanne, Josh & Kelsey Tyznik, Courtney Peterson, Rachel (Tim) Miller, Jessica Clarkson, Tyler Monnier & Ashlee Berry.  Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Landon & Lyla Jost, Bradley, Lydia & Chandler Tyznik;  brothers, Paul (Sandy) Lukewich Jr. and George (Beth) Lukewich both of Medford.  She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 stepfathers, Art Piller & Max Opelt. 

Shirley was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford and OLPH Catholic Church, Whittlesey.  Memorial contributions may be made to either church or given to the family for future designation.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.