DAVID and LEONA PILLER

David was born September 9, 1941 in Stetsonville, WI and died May 28, 2021 in Stetsonville, WI on the exact location of his birth. Leona was born June 24, 1948 in Chicago, IL and died May 29, 2021 in Stetsonville, WI – 26 hours after her husband’s death. They were both surrounded by loving family during their final hours.

David was born and raised in the Stetsonville area and was a graduate of Medford High School. Leona was born and raised in Chicago, IL and attended a variety of Catholic schools. After serving in the U.S. Army for four years David moved to Chicago where he and Leona met and where united in marriage on October 19, 1969. When they were expecting their second child, they moved to Stetsonville and took over the family farm from David’s father. This is where they resided and raised their family of three children together until their passing. They farmed until around 1991, after farming David was an OTR Truck Driver for Roehl transport until he later retired around 2008. After retirement, David worked a variety of part-time positions and also took up woodworking and intarsia (a unique art using different shapes/types of wood). He was extremely talented and created many pieces that people will enjoy for years to come. David also enjoyed hunting and they both were avid Brewer fans and enjoyed watching many, many games together. David and Leona shared over 51 years of marriage together. Their love was so strong, that after only 26 hours after Leona held his hand when David passed, her heart ached too much to continue on. They both loved their family deeply.   

In addition to his and her parents, David and Leona were preceded in death by: David’s sisters, Margret Piller, Kathy (Piller) Hauser, Jane (Piller )Laffan, and Leona’s brother Joseph Arturi. 

Surviving are the couple’s three children: Gwendolyn (Brad) Fischer, Edward (Jodi) Piller, Melanie (Craig) Lorbiecki, eight grand-children: Emily Gilmore, Katlin Hahn(Riley Hayes), Airmen First Class U.S. Air Force Cody Vasseur, Specialist Army National Guard Monica Piller (Mechanic Army National Guard Hunter Brady), Anna Lorbiecki, Sophie Lorbiecki, Charlie Lorbiecki, Lily Lorbiecki, sisters and brothers(David): Connie (Jack) Behrendt, Donald Piller, Lana (Jack) Raiche, Jeff (Sharon) Piller, Sandy(Dale) Jochimsen.  

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the entire team at Hope Hospice in Medford. Words cannot express how kind and supportive they were to both David and Leona. Special thanks to Father Mike Hayden for coming out to administer last rights to both. David greatly enjoyed annual family reunions and one was on schedule already for June 19th. The family has decided to extend this reunion to ALL family, friends and neighbors with an inclusion of a Celebration of Life Open House to honor David & Leona. Please join them on June 19th from 11am – 5pm at the family homestead, N543 CTH-C, Stetsonville, WI. Cards and sentiments may also be sent to this address attention to the Piller Family.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

PETER "PETE" A. THEMAR

Peter “Pete” A. Themar, 91, of Medford, passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at home, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice.

A memorial service for Pete will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 5, 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 on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Pete was born on April 28, 1930 to Jerome and Anna (Enders) Themar in Medford. He attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and graduated from Medford High School. Pete married Rose M. Hoffman on July 7, 1951, this year would have been their 70th wedding anniversary; she survives.

Pete started various mink ranches in the Medford area. He was a long time supervisor at Weather Shield until his retirement in 1992. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, from an early age, fishing with his children and grandchildren, woodworking, and gardening. He also built his own log cabin.

Pete is survived by his wife, Rose, children, Therese (Jack) Freudenthal, Carol Jahsman, Marilyn (Larry) Matyka, all of Medford; grandchildren, Jim (Jenny) Freudenthal, Laura (Mitch) Peters, Jerry Freudenthal, Joe (Katie) Freudenthal, Jeremiah (Marie) Jahsman, Jennifer (Taka) Kuvaoga, and Matthew and Sarah Matyka; step-grandson, Jason Jahsman; and 11 great-grandchildren. Pete is further survived by his brother, James Themar of Muskego, sister, Evelyn Tuma of Milwaukee, and other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Pete is preceded in death by his daughter, Yvonne Themar and sister, Jeanette Quast, and 2 great-grand-children.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Pete’s name may be given to either Abiding Care or Holy Rosary Catholic School.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

LUCILLE J. DRAEGER

Lucille J. Draeger, 91, of Medford, passed away on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford.

Funeral services for Lucille will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Lucille was born on May 29, 1929 to Ernest and Bessie (Singleton) Westrich in Perkinstown. She graduated from Medford High School. She married Harvey Draeger Sr. on November 10, 1951 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, he preceded her in death.

In her spare time Lucille enjoyed sewing, crafts, quilting, cooking, and feeding her family and friends. She and Harvey also enjoyed taxiing the Amish.

Lucille is survived by her sons, David Westrich of Chiefland, FL, Bill (Vicki) Draeger of Gilman, and Tom (Kelly) Draeger of Rochester, MN; five daughters, Marge Draeger of Mesa, AZ, Bessie Draeger and Gloria (Steve) Lindahl, both of Medford, Suzi (Duane) Haugen of Madison, MN, and Diane (Boyd) Vircks of Crawley, TX; 26 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Lucille is further survived by her sisters, Rita Emmerich of Medford, Carol Meyer of Rib Lake, and Eleanor Olszewski, and other family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lucille is preceded in death by 13 siblings; daughter, Laura Draeger; sons, Raymond and Harvey Jr.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Lucille’s name may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

RICHARD A. "DICK" KESTLER

 

Richard A. “Dick” Kestler, 72, of Medford, died Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at UW-Madison Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 21, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating.  Burial will be at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery following the service.  Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Friday, May 21 at the church.

Dick was born December 3, 1948 in Medford to Mildred (Scott) and Frank Kestler.  He graduated from Westboro High School, class of 1967.

Dick married the love of his life, Gail Hoffman on May 23, 1970 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford.  They resided in Medford where Dick worked for Ben Franklin, then Coast to Coast until opening his own store, Circle of Faith in Medford, where Ben Franklin was located, and where he made numerous friends and loved his coworkers.

Dick loved dancing with Gail, fishing, hunting, attending car shows and swap meets, and fixing up old cars.  He enjoyed family gatherings and celebrating his nieces and nephews birthdays. 

He is survived by seven siblings, David (Naomi) of Westboro, Darrell (Lisa) of Brantwood, Javelle (Marvin) Schrader of Tripoli, Kayleen Kestler of Medford, Bruce (Laurie) of Clearwater, FL, Wendall (Peggy) of Medford, and Starla (Bob) Meyer of Westboro; his God-children, Jennifer Heil, Shanna Kestler, Jon Rothmeier, Kelly Hoffman-Shaw, and Andrew Hoffman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gail on January 11, 2021; and two sisters, Deanna and Lori Kestler.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

MARK M. "EME" EMMERICH

Mark Melvin “Eme” Emmerich, age 59, of Medford, died Saturday, May 8, 2021 at his home. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 14 2021 at Hemer Funeral Home in Medford with Rev. Dave Clements officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home.  Following the service, a lunch reception will be held at Mark and Krissy’s home, N3189 Castle Road, Medford.  All are welcome and invited to join the family in telling stories, singing karaoke and sharing memories of Eme.

Eme was born November 9. 1961 in Medford to Myrtle (Hurtienne) and Melvin Emmerich.  He graduated from Medford High School in 1981.  In 1980, Mark joined the Wisconsin National Guard and was enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Operators School where he graduated with highest honors. Mark was enlisted for 9-1/2 years.  He loved to recite some of his marching chants.  

In 2005 Eme proposed to Kristen "Krissy" Olkives in Foxy's parking lot on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.  Took forever, but they finally married on October 20, 2012.  They resided in Medford where Eme was retired. He formally worked at Phillips Plastics, Wadal Plastics and also at Black River Body & Custom.  His passion was to rebuild and customize cars and motorcycles. 

Didn't matter where Mark was, you could hear the famous "Woody Woodpecker Laugh!"  He loved karaoke, especially Nickelback and Hooked on a Feeling.. Otherwise known to him as Ooga Chaka!  He loved to work on bikes and cars.  He worked very hard after they moved onto Castle Rd to fix his shop just the way he wanted.   Anyone who knew him understood if you wanted Eme to paint something, it would be done perfectly and he would still ask over and over if it was good. 

Mark loved riding motorcycles with all his buddies especially Greg and Steve Lugo, Kenny and Peggy Lichtl, Jeff and Dawn Schupp and many others.   Going to Tomahawk Fall Ride was his favorite way to end the summer.  In 2013 the "Eme ride" was started and grew til 2019.  It was great to see all of his friends on bikes.

Marks other favorite thing to do was eat.. Especially Ice Cream and share it with all of his furry friends!!  

Mark was a true survivor of many medical issues.  He had a bad facial burn and took his 1st helicopter ride to UW-Madison Burn Center. Eme always laughed and said that was the end of his modeling career.  In 2011 Mark was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had a 23 hour long surgery and a long stay, but came back and started laughing again.  In 2017, he then had major neck surgery and in 2018, back surgery.  He also always had a bandage from something he did in the shop.  

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Krissy; children, Jena (Cory) Faber of Stetsonville, Curtis (fiancée, Aleda) Vaughan of Lake Hallie, Mersadies Vaughan of Oshkosh, Amanda (Scott) Jones and Brock of Medford; sisters, Lola Kay (Dale) Lekies of Peoria, IL, Darla (Edward) Dittrich of Medford; mother and father-in-law,  Isabel and Neal Olkives of Medford; in-laws, Belinda Emmerich of Spooner, Deb (Bill) Olkives of Lake Geneva, SuAnn Johnson of Rib Lake, Iva Jean (Wayne) Troiber of Medford, Jerome (Sue) Olkives of Silver Lake, Julia (Jeff) Thums of Rib Lake; grandchildren, Austin, Emma, Charlie, Eddie, Cullen, Ethan, Jett and Ava; many nieces and nephews; Favorite  Bestie Girl Joyce Blyton, Spencer and his best friend/canine companion, Scooby Doo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jay; brother-in-law, Donald Olkives; and his best friend, Curt Scholl.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family. 

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

 

TAMARA "TAMMY" A. HENRICHS

Tamara “Tammy” A. Henrichs, 59, passed away on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 under the care of Hope Hospice after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Funeral services for Tammy will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Tammy was born on October 17, 1961 in Medford, WI, the daughter of Elizabeth “Betty” and John “Jack” Metz. She attended Medford Public Schools and graduated from Medford Area Senior High in 1979. After graduation Tammy attended Pivot Point Academy in Stevens Point. She was a cosmetologist in Minneapolis, Stevens Point, and Madison for many years. In 1985 Tammy married and later divorced. She resided in Appleton the past five years.

Tammy had an amazing love for animals, especially her kitties. She also enjoyed music, theater and the fine arts, boating, snowmobiling, going “up north” and traveling, especially to Hawaii and Italy and her many yearly trips to Florida with her mom and sisters. She was a huge Packers and Badgers football fan and was very fortunate to go to many games through the years.

Tammy will be dearly missed by her loving family. Survivors include, her mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Metz of Appleton; siblings, Tina (Rodney) Dahl and Michael (Sue) Metz, both of Medford, Marc (Connie) Metz of Weston, and Torie (Bob Peterson) Walters of Waukesha; nieces and nephews, Taryn Metz, Morgan Dahl, Emily Elizabeth and Hannah Metz, Trevor Dahl, Alan Metz, Derek Dustin and Devan Dahl. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tammy was preceded in death by her father, John “Jack” Metz and her grandparents Alfonse and Ella Metz and Harry and Magdalene Shewczyk.

“Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we’ll miss you until we meet again. Love you forever, Tammy”

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

EMILY NIGGEMANN

Emily Niggemann, age 93, left this world but not our hearts on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Care Partners in Medford, where she had resided for the past six months.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Friday May 7, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00. Due to COVID concerns, social distancing and masks will be required while in the church.

Emily, the daughter of Ben and Tekla Gasek, was born in 1927 in Rib Lake where she resided for 65 years. She was active in both church and school with the class of 1945. Emily married William Niggemann at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Rib Lake. Some years later, they purchased the Rib Lake Dairy which was then known as “Bill’s Fine Cheese”. Emily worked in the office until Bill’s death in 1963. The dairy was sold to Badger Consolidated where she continued to work until the new owners relocated to Medford. Other places of employment were the Rib Lake School District, Holiday Village in Medford, Lakewood Credit Union in Rib Lake and the Golden Age Nursing Home in Rib Lake where she opened a convenience store known as Emily’s Treats and Treasures.

In 1990 Emily moved to Marathon City and opened her shop in a senior retirement complex in Wausau, WI where she continued to do personal shopping for the tenants. After 10 years, Emily closed her shop and began working at the Wausau YMCA until her retirement in 2006.

Emily enjoyed both interior and exterior home painting and decorating, flower gardening, walking and word and jigsaw puzzles. She cherished baking and decorating cookies every holiday for her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed music, keyboarding and dancing, especially polka. Emily took various trips during the winter months, highlighted by traveling to Poland where she visited the area where her father grew up. In late years, Emily and her sister planned shorter, more local trips, each spring. She loved to travel by airplane.

 Emily is survived by her seven children, Kathleen (Ray) Synol, Medford, WI, Marlene (Jerry) Holtz Rib Lake, WI, Karen (Ken) Steinman, Germantown, WI, Joanie (Jim) Gebauer, Rib Lake, WI, Sandra Klimeck (Rod Sackman) Marathon, WI, Bill (Mary) Niggemann, Marshfield, Teri Zimmerman Medford, WI and one sister, Gladys Matyka, Rib Lake, WI. Emily is further survived by 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Emily is preceded in death by her parents, husband, 3 brothers, 5 sisters, and 1 great grandson.

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

MARY J. VALENTINE

 

Mary J. Valentine, 89, Medford, died on Sunday, May 2 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital where she had been a patient for the past 1 week.

Private family only services for Mary will be held at a future date.

Mary was born on February 20, 1932 in Douglas, WY, the #2 child of 13 born to Frank and Clara Rothleutner.  She was educated in Douglas, WY, married Bob Valentine in 1952 and they were later divorced.  

She grew up in Wyoming, dairy farmed with her husband in Leola, South Dakota, and moved to Medford, WI following her divorce.  She assisted her son with his greenhouse business in the Town of Holway.  She enjoyed quilting, ceramics and working the farmers markets. 

Surviving are her children, Suzan (Galen) Sollie of Chicago, IL, John Valentine of South Dakota, Gail Valentine of North Dakota and Charles (Denyse) Valentine of Curtiss.  Also surviving are numerous grand children and great grandchildren, along with several siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Richard Valentine in 1991 and some of her siblings.

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

ESTELLE M. BORG

Estelle M. Borg, 92, of the Township of Spirit, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at her home.

A memorial service for Estelle will take place on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 12:00 PM on Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Saturday, May 8, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM  . Due to COVID concerns, masking will be required while in the church.

Estelle was born on November 17, 1928 to John and Susanna (Meyer) Kriplean in Medford. Her marriage to Vernon Hanke took place on May 24, 1952 at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD; he preceded her in death on December 28, 1999. Estelle’s second marriage to Andrew Borg took place July 15, 2006 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church; he survives.

Estelle enjoyed reading, embroidering kitchen towels for her family, gardening, playing pool cards, and darts. She loved being outside making maple syrup with Andy and watching nature. She cherished spending time with her family and friends.

Estelle was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers, also the Rib Lake American Legion Auxiliary.

In addition to her second husband, survivors include daughters, Jean (Daniel) Lechmaier of Longwood, FL and Susan (Barry) Anderson of Rib Lake; stepdaughters, Sue (Joel) Toeppler of Neenah, and Karen (Dan) Freeman of Anchorage, AK; daughter-in-law Cindy Hanke of Rib Lake; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Hanke of Rib Lake and Corine Kriplean of Appleton. There are seven grandchildren, Chris (Tricia) Lechmaier of Longwood, FL, Brad (Tanya) Lechmaier of West Bend, Eric Lechmaier of China, Misty (Frank) Chavez of DePere, Tracy Anderson of Green Bay, Steve (Tiffany) Hanke and Keith (fiancé Lindsey) Hanke, both of Rib Lake; 3 step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by other family and friends.

Estelle was preceded in death by her parents and first husband; son, Greg Hanke; 4 brothers, Chester, Melvin, Lester, and Russell; 3 sisters, Lucey, Delores, and Marcella; step-daughter, Diane Borg; step-son, David Borg.

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