JEAN M. TAUCHEN

Jean M. Tauchen, 85, of Medford, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Abbotsford Health Care Center.

A memorial service for Jean will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 19, 2021 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor James Krueger officiating. Burial will take place at Dorchester Memorial cemetery. Visitation will take place on Monday, April 19, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Jean was born on May 31, 1935 to Edward and Mary (Hansen) Pankonin in Palatine, IL. She married Gerald Tauchen on October 30, 1954, he survives. She was a homemaker and worked alongside her husband for many years on their farm. She was a member of Builders for Christ for many years, building churches in Arkansas, Florida, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Texas. She was also a member of the Good Sam Camping Club, where she met lots of friends from all over the country.

In her spare time she enjoyed square dancing, attending over 100 RV rallies. She made handmade quilts and donated 30-40 to nursing homes per year. She was very proud of what her sons have accomplished. “Be satisfied with what you’ve got, wishing for more makes a lot of headaches”.

Jean is survived by her husband, Gerald; sons, Bryan (Becky) of Huntville, AL, Dale (Pat) of Dorchester, Gordon (Linda) of Stratton, CO, and Bill (Candie) of Dorchester; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 5 step-great-grandchildren; brother, Earl Pankonin of IL. Jean is further survived by other family and friends.

Jean is preceded in death by her sisters, Edna (Gus) Spitzberg and Margaret (Paul) Heinsohn; sister-in-law Theresa Pankonin.

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

HELEN B. OBSCHERNING

Helen B. Obscherning, 80, Medford, a former Town of Deer Creek resident, died on Friday, March 26 at Marshfield Medical Center where she had been a patient for the past 9 days.

Funeral services for Helen will be private family only graveside services at 9 AM on Thursday, April 1 at Zion Ev. Lutheran Cemetery, Stetsonville with Rev. Richard Russow officiating.  Pallbearers will be Dave Fischer and Jeff Jaenke.

Helen was born on September 12, 1940 a the Town of Ogema, Price County, the daughter of Nicholas and Astrid (Westberg) Hallberg.  She attended Ogema elementary schools, was a 1958 graduate of Prentice High School, and was a 1994 graduate of NTC-Medford with a degree in information processing specialist.  Her marriage took place on September 22, 1962 at Ogema to Alfred F. Obscherning and he preceded her in death on August 17, 1990. 

They farmed in the Town of Deer Creek from 1962-1990.  She also worked at Stokely USA in Merrill, US Forest Service and Copps IGA both in Medford.  She moved to the City of Medford in 2001.  She enjoyed reading and flower gardening.  She was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Stetsonville and its Ladies Aid.

 Surviving are her children, Gail, Lynn and Leland Obscherning, all of Medford and Brent Obscherning of Mosinee.  Also surviving are 2 sisters, Esther Johnson of Phillips & Annette (Ronald) Larson of Prentice, a sister-in-law, Mary Vircks of Lander, WY, a brother-in-law, Will Petrill of MN, nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, Rune Hallberg, Louise Barr & Lillie Malovrh.

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

 

DONALD "DON" G. ALBERS

Donald “Don” G. Albers, 85, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Clark County Rehab and Living Center.

A memorial service for Don will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating. Burial will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 8, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Due to COVID concerns, masking will be required at the church. Granddaughters, Madi and Anabelle Albers will be serving as urnbearers.

Don was born on April 8, 1935 to Edwin and Anna (Grabo) Albers in Burr Oak, IA. He married Donna L. Meschefske on November 2, 1957 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Dorchester. 

Sergeant First Class Albers enlisted in Company A, 724th Engineer Battalion, Medford National Guard Unit on September 28, 1953 and served continuously in the unit for 41 years, 7 months, and 3 days, until his discharge on April 30, 1995. In March 1960 he accepted employment as the full time Administrative Technician. During October 15, 1961 to August 10, 1962 he served with the unit on active duty during the Berlin Crisis at Fort Lewis, Washington. During his Guard Service he had served in assignments as Squad Leader, Tank Commander, Supply Sergeant, and Food Service Sergeant. He is a graduate of many Active Duty and Reserve courses including the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Course at the National Guard Professional Education Center, and the Senior NCO Course. He has received many ribbons and awards including the Army Commendation Medal. He attended “REFORGER 86” and “REFORGER 88”, Annual Training at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA in 1990 and in Panama in 1992. Over his years of service he was offered several opportunities to transfer to other assignments, but he chose to remain in Medford. One of the accomplishments he was proud of was the construction of the Medford National Guard Armory. He was very involved with this project from the very beginning to the dedication on June 10, 1984. The Albers family have been a dedicated “National Guard Family”. His five children considered the Armory their second home as the spent many hours there after school and evenings when Don was working. In March 1992 Don retired from his full time Unit Administration position with over 32 years of service. At that time he accepted a position as Deputy Emergency Government Director for Taylor County.

Don is survived by his wife, Donna of Medford; children, Debra (Nan Binkerd) Krug of Salt Lake City, UT, Jeff Albers of Medford, Scott (Tonya) Albers of Hewitt, Barb (Jim) Erickson of Edgerton, and Craig (Michele) Albers of DeForest; grandchildren, Jamie, Adria, Casey, Hayley, Brett, Raye, Caden, Nora, Jonah, Madi, Anabelle, Calysta, and Keelan; great-grandchildren, Easton, Bailey, Elyse, and another one on the way. Don is further survived by other family and friends.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Clara Schaefer; brother, Richard Albers, and grandchild, Courtney.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Don’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.

AUDREY A. CYPHER

Audrey A. Cypher, 80, Medford, a Town of Hammel resident, died on Friday, March 26 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital where she had been a patient for the past 1 day.

A public visitation for Audrey will be held from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, March 31 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford.  Private family only services will be held at a later date at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Holway with Rev. Amy Heinz officiating.  Interment of her cremated remains will be at Pine Hill Cemetery, Curtiss.  Due to COVID concerns, masking will be required at the funeral home. 

Audrey was born on September 18, 1940 in the Town of Mayville, Clark County, the daughter of Arthur and Margaret (Ulrich) Jensen.  She attended Hilltop Elementary School, Town of Mayville and Abbotsford High School.  Her marriage took place on November 8, 1958 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Dorchester to Gerald “Jerry” G. Cypher and he preceded her in death April 26, 2013. 

She worked at Marathon Cheese in Medford for many years until retirement.  She enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, GB Packer games, cooking, baking, gardening, feeding the birds, sewing and spending time with her family.  Her Christian faith was very important to her. 

Surviving are her children, Jerry (Janet), Jeff, Greg (Michelle) and Lori Ann Cypher , all of Medford; 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  Also surviving are her siblings, Bruce (Vera) Jensen of Dorchester, Vera Thorson of Dorchester, Sandy Jensen of Dousman and Dean “Jack” Jensen of Glidden.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings, Beaulah Fischer, Charlene Hundrieser, Donna Goessl, Verna Meyer, Marilyn Meyer, Glen and Gene Jensen; along with Valgene, Lydia and Marvin Jensen all in infancy. 

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

 

WILLIAM "BILL" J. WACEK, JR.

William “Bill” J. Wacek, Jr., 73, Medford died on Sunday, March 21, at his residence under the loving care of his family and Hope Hospice.

A graveside service for Bill will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 22 at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford, with Rev. David Clements officiating.   Military rites will be performed by the Rib Lake American Legion military honors team. 

Bill was born on May 28, 1947 at Medford, the son of William and Verna (Smedegard) Wacek, Sr.  He attended Westboro Elementary Schools and was a graduate of Westboro High School.  His marriage took place on May 26, 1979 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford to Mary Elizabeth Schumacher. 

He was a US Navy veteran during the Vietnam War. After the military, he worked in Milwaukee, then returned to the Westboro area where he ran the Wacek family farm for many years.  While farming, he also worked as an auto parts salesman for Northern Auto and Car Quest, both in Medford until retirement.  He enjoyed making crops, working on cars and antique tractors.  He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Westboro and the Rib Lake American Legion.  He will be remembered as a good neighbor, skilled employee, devoted husband, father and grandfather. 

Surviving are his wife, Mary E. Wacek of Medford; son, Mark (Beth) Wacek of Menomonie; grandchildren, Zachary & Miriam Wacek both of Menomonie; and a sister, Jane (Howard) Rokus of Saukville, WI.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a stillborn son, Thomas Wacek.

Memorial contributions can 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.

 

RICHARD H. DASSOW

Richard H. Dassow, 71, Medford, a Town of Greenwood resident, died on Wednesday, March 24 at Rib Lake Health Services where he had been a patient for the past 1 day under the care of Hope Hospice. 

Funeral services for Richard will be at 11 AM on Saturday, March 27 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey with Pastor Ralph Shorey, III officiating.  Interment will take place in the church cemetery following.  Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM at the church.  Pallbearers will be family members.  Due to COVID concerns, masking will be requested while at the church.

Richard was born of April 2, 1949 in Medford, the son of Hilbert Henry and Marian Ann (Fleegel) Dassow, Sr.  He attended Town of Greenwood and Rib Lake elementary schools and also attended Rib Lake High School.  His marriage to Vickie Ann Wiegel took place on June 17, 1972 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey. 

He was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam War having served from 1969-1971.  After the service, he owned and operated his own pulp truck until ill health forced his retirement.  He enjoyed making firewood, the outdoors and animals, especially his dog, Missy.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey. 

Surviving are his wife, Vickie Dassow of Medford; children, Jeff Dassow of Medford, Dave (Tina) Dassow of Medford, Christine (Tim Noland) Dassow of Medford and Katie (Dan) Gustafson of Prentice.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Stacey and Alex Gustafson, Stacey and Nicole Dassow, Kylie Noland; and his siblings, Barb (Alan) Niemi of Sun City West, AZ, Bruce (Jill) Dassow, Mike Dassow and Lynn Emmerich, all of Medford.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a step-mother, Rozella Rizzi, and his brother, Hilbert “Butch” Dassow, Jr.

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

 

JAMES "JIM" L. FRANKKI

James “Jim” L. Frankki, 59, Minneapolis, MN, a former Medford area resident, died on Sunday, March 21 at North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, MN where he had been a patient for the past 3 weeks.

Funeral services for Jim will be at 11 AM on Sunday, March 28 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford with Jim Liubakka officiating.  Burial will follow at Leavitt Creek Cemetery, Town of Hill, Price County.  Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Sunday at the funeral home.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the funeral home.  Serving as pallbearers will be Stan Folz, Mike Skauge, Randy Hink, Paul, Kevin, Mike and Keith Frankki.

Jim was born on August 9, 1961 at St. Croix Falls, WI, the son of James Milton and Dorothy Ann (Skauge) Frankki.  He attended Brookside Elementary School, was a graduate of Medford High School, was further educated at UW-Superior, studied overseas, UW extension-Marshfield Campus, received a Master’s Degree in German Language and Literature from Mississippi State University and received a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in German Literature (medieval) from UW-Madison.

He was previously married, later divorced, served in the Guards for 5 years, and served active duty in the US Army from 1986-1988.  He worked as a teacher/professor/lecturer for many different universities throughout the United States until ill health.  Most recently he was employed as a German instructor at Augsburg University in Minneapolis.  He spoke many foreign languages, enjoyed playing scrabble, participating in scrabble tournaments, Viking history, Greek mythology, German language and culture.  He belonged to various Scrabble Clubs, The Minnesota Teachers Union, Freiburg-Madison Sister City exchange program, Madison Mannerchor, Modern Language Assn. and the Society for German American Studies.

Surviving are his parents, James and Dorothy Frankki; siblings, Cyndi (Mark) Ganter of Coon Rapids, MN and Perry Frankki of Anoka, MN.  Also surviving are 4 nieces/nephews, 6 great nieces/nephews, many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

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

 

VERNON "VERN" R. NUTTING

Vernon “Vern” R. Nutting, 84, Medford, died on Saturday, March 20 at Rib Lake Health Services where he had resided for the past 10 days. 

Funeral services for Vern will be at 11 AM on Friday, March 26 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford with Rev. David Clements officiating.  Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4-7 PM on Thursday, March 25 and also from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Friday.  Interment of his cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.  Masks will be required for attendance at the funeral home. 

Vern was born on November 24, 1936 at Medford, the son of Rudell and Margaret (Aselson) Nutting.  He attended Medford Elementary Schools, was a 1954 graduate of Medford High School, and received an associates degree from NTC-Medford Campus.  His marriage took place on July 16, 1960 at the Rib Lake Methodist Church to Alice Amelia Diestelhorst and she survives. 

After his graduation from high school, Vern entered the US Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served from 1954-1975 retiring as a gunnery sergeant.  After the military, he returned to Medford, completed his education and worked as a police officer for the Medford Police Department for 5 years.  He then worked at Doberstein Lumber, Ace Hardware and retired from Hurd Millwork.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, spending time with family, doing yardwork, gardening and taking road trips.  He was a member of the D.A.V. and the Medford Area Military Honors Team. 

Surviving are his wife, Alice Nutting of Medford; children, Cindy (Paul) Schilling of Rib Lake, Lori (Bill) Doberstein of Owen, Brian (Kathryn) Nutting of Medford, Carol (Mike) Frings of Wausau and Craig (Shawn) Nutting of Valdosta, GA; 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  Also surviving are a sister, Marlene (Russell) Lemke of Mosinee, many nieces and nephews along with special friends, Todd and Dolores Potocnik of Medford.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, 1 niece and 2 nephews. 

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.

SANDRA J. ZIMMERMAN

Sandra J. Zimmerman, 70, of Westboro, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021 at her home, under the care of Hope Hospice.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Sandra was born on June 3, 1950 to Harry and Frieda (Kurz) Anderson in Medford and was raised in Chelsea. She graduated from Rib Lake High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UW-Eau Claire. She then taught in Waconia, MN. She married Larry Zimmerman on August 19, 1978 at Chelsea Lutheran Church. Together they lived in Westboro and had 1 son, Kurt. After Kurt reached school age, she became a teacher’s aide in the Rib Lake school district, until her retirement. 

Sandra was a member of Order of the Eastern Star Medford Post 254, First Lutheran Church in Ogema, and a very active member of the Westboro Library. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, traveling, writing, spending time with Kurt, and lunches with her teacher friends.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Larry Zimmerman; son Kurt (Chelsea) Zimmerman of Oklahoma City, OK; granddaughter Georgia Zimmerman; sister, Marjorie (Colin) Kelly of London, ENG; brother Donald (Bea) Anderson of Kokomo, IN. She is further survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents.

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

SHERRY LYNN HEIER

Sherry Lynn Heier, 54, of Medford passed away unexpectedly at her home Monday March 8, 2021.

A funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church, in Medford Saturday, March 13, 2021.  Burial to take place at Medford Evergreen ll Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be from 10am until the of services at 11am.  Due to Covid concerns masks will be required.

Sherry was born January 30, 1967 in Milwaukee; she is the daughter of Stanley and Patsy Schmidt.

She was raised in Milwaukee where to she attended school, relocated to North Dakota with her parents and moved to Wisconsin after college. She worked in the graphic design industry for a number of years and in her later years she enjoyed working at County Market in the deli.  She always had a smile on her face and always went out of her way to help someone else.

She was united in marriage to Todd Heier and later divorced.

She enjoyed being with family and her grandchildren, she also enjoyed quilting and working with crafts.

Sherry is survived by her parents Stanley and Patsy Schmidt, Medford, Sister, Kathy Schmidt, Medford, Daughter Ashlee (Jeremy) Krause, Spencer, Son, Dustin (Melanie) Heier, Medford, Nephew, Zackry (Tessa) Sheets. Grand children Autumn, Brooke, Caden and Kaylee. She is also survived by Aunts, Uncles, cousins and many friends.

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

AUGUSTA M. FREIBOTH

Augusta M. Freiboth, 95, Medford died on Monday, March 8, 2021. 

Funeral services for Augusta will be at 11 AM on Friday, March 12 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, Medford with Pastor Daniel Iwinski officiating.  Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of services.  Burial will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Greenwood.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the church.

Augusta was born on May 10, 1925 in the Township of Greenwood, the daughter of Fred C. and Margaret Jensen.  She attended Buddy School, Town of Greenwood, 1942 graduate of Rib Lake High School, 1943 graduate of Taylor County Normal School and 1965 graduate of UW-Stevens Point.  Her marriage took place on June 11, 1949 to Elmer P. Freiboth and he preceded her in death on May 26, 1961. 

After her education, she taught elementary school in Taylor County for 37 years retiring in 1989.  After retirement, she spent 25+ years wintering in Mission, TX where she made many good friends.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and quilting.  In her later years, she become an avid reader using her iPad. 

Augusta was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Medford. She was involved with Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society and taught Sunday School for many years. She was also involved in many Veteran organizations, Wisconsin VFW, Klossner-Dietzler VFW, Landau-Jensen American Legion (which was named for her two brothers killed in WW II). She was also active in educational organizations, NCTC Foundation Board, Taylor County Retired Teachers and served on many education councils. She enjoyed volunteering for Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, especially playing dominoes with the people at Country Gardens until one year before she moved there.

Surviving are her daughters, Barbara (Marc) Thompson, Medford and Kathleen Carrier, Benbrook, TX; grandchildren, Sarah (Jake) French, Jessa (Paul) Nelson, Aaron Carrier, Andrew (Lindsay) Carrier, Justin (Jill) Carrier; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Florence Jagow, sisters-in-law, Lois Disterhoft, Myrtle Kubichek and Doris Luedtke.  She is preceded in death by siblings, Mary Smock, Arnold Jensen, Arthur Jensen, Donald Jensen, Ralph Jensen, and Edith Niedermeyer.

Special thanks to Country Gardens and Aspirus Care and Rehab for the care Mom received there.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

 

TOM "KRAZY" E. KREBSBACH

Tom “Krazy” E. Krebsbach, 66, Medford was pronounced dead on Thursday, February 25 at his residence in the City of Medford.

A memorial mass for Tom will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 5 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating.  Burial of his cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II.  Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Friday.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the church. 

Tom was born on May 9, 1954 at Marshfield, the son of Edmund and Marie (Dahlke) Krebsbach.  He attended St. John’s Catholic School, Edgar and was a 1972 graduate of Edgar High School.  His marriage took place on June 16, 1979 at Divine Savior Church in Shawano to Karen K. Kroll and she preceded him in death on August 2, 2010. 

After his education he worked at the Badger Basket Factory in Edgar.  He moved to Medford in 1973 and worked at Weather Shield, Mfg. and Zuleger’s Standard Station, along with driving bus for Krug’s for over 20 years.  He enjoyed polka dancing, bowling, auctions, all Wisconsin & Edgar sports.  Tom was the life of the party on the dance floor especially when the songs “Wipeout” & “Proud Mary” were played.  He was a member of the Chelsea Conservation Club & the Taylor County Humane Society. 

Survivors are his siblings, Cathy Anderson of Medford, Cindy (Dale) Lapacz of Green Bay, Charles (Deb) Krebsbach of Edgar, Michael (Cindy) Krebsbach of Edgar and Ed (Donna) Krebsbach of Suamico.  Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Len Strasser of Marshfield; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Krebsbach of Wausau, Krista (Tim) Ludwig of Mayville & Karla (Arthur) Klimpke of Medford; along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his siblings, Terry Krebsbach & Margie Strasser and his brother-in-law, Jerry Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given either to the Chelsea Conservation Club or Taylor County Humane Society in Tom’s name.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.