Colton Henry Nicholas Bratland

 

Colton Henry Nicholas Bratland, age 2, of Lublin, died Tuesday, June 29, 2021. 

A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, July 2 at Hemer Funeral Home in Medford, with Fr. Herman Klarr officiating. 

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m. at Hemer Funeral Home, 555 W. Cedar St., Medford.

Colton was born August 16, 2018 in Marshfield to Natasha (Tyler) and Kyle Bratland.  Colton AKA Colt 45 was a little spitfire always looking for an adventure.  He loved playing with his brothers, his cousins, and aunts and uncles, and watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse which he called “Crumbhouse.”  He loved to sing, dance, run and play outside.  His smile and his big beautiful eyes with his long eyelashes melted everyone’s heart.  

He will be sadly missed by his parents, Kyle and Natasha Bratland of Lublin; his brothers, Jossiah and Ansen; maternal grandparents, Susan (Ricky) Jackson, Tim (Lisa) Tyler; paternal grandfather, Henry Bratland; paternal great-grandparents, Henry and Rita Bratland; aunts and uncles, Shelby Tyler, Caitlin (Zeven) Meyers, Christopher Tyler, Sydnie Tyler, Austin Zimmerman, Arianna Jackson, Cody (Whitney) Bratland, Hannah Bratland; cousins, Deandré, Braylen, Taryn, Tara, Amiah, Kaylin and Silas or as Colton called him “Baby Bean”; and numerous great aunts and uncles. 

He was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandparents, John and Patricia Bentz; sibling, Baby Bratland; baby cousin, also Baby Bratland; great uncles, Dana Bentz and Kelly Jackson. 

Memorials to the family are appreciated.

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

Audrey J. Heintz

Audrey Klocke Heintz, age 84, died June 27, 2021 at home. Per her wishes, no services will be held. The remains will be interred at Pine Hill Cemetery near Curtiss, WI. 

Audrey was born October 30, 1936, the daughter of Herman and Irene (Neibacher) Klocke. She attended Brady School north of Curtiss prior to graduating from Owen High School in 1953. She worked in Los Angeles and Milwaukee until 1963, when she moved to rural Owen. Her experience working at Dr. Morgan Elliss's office gave her a start in medical transcription when she moved to Milton, Wisconsin in 1980. She continued working as a medical transcriptionist until May 2011. 

She earned certification through the American Association for Medical Transcription in 1986 and maintained certification until her first brief retirement in 2001. While a member of AAMT she wrote a book review column for their journal, was a member of the editorial review board for JAAMT, served on the committee for the certification program, and contributed to the AAMT Book of Style.

An award-winning photographer and author, Audrey edited the in-house newsletter when she was employed at Janesville Riverview Clinic and the newsletter for the Capital Area Chapter of AAMT. In addition to short stories and articles she wrote and published two novellas of historical fiction. 

Audrey is survived by her husband, Norman Dale Heintz. They were married May 4, 1985, at Hope Lutheran Church in Milton, where they lived until moving to Yuma Arizona in 1992. In 2011 they returned to Wisconsin, making their summer apartment in Medford their permanent home. She is also survived by her children, Mark Remus, Elizabeth Remus Anderson, James (Nancy) Lulloff, Jr., Michael (Joette) Lulloff, Matthew (Kristin) Lulloff, her stepdaughters Susan Lyter, Amy Schwarz Quinn, and Jennifer Quade, and their families. She is further survived by her brother Gary Klocke. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson Solomon Remus on March 11, 2008, her brother Bruce Klocke on July 18, 2005, and her sister-in-law Carol Klocke on March 26, 2005.

 

Donna Mae Klessig

 

Donna Mae Lillian Klessig, 88, of Ogema, died Friday, June 18, 2021 at Aspirus Pleasant View Nursing Home in Phillips. 

She was born September 26, 1932 in Medford to Lillian C. (Mellberg) and Irving “Pete” Peterson. 

On September 27, 1952, she married Harold “Otto” Klessig at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Institute, WI.  While residing in Door County, Donna waitressed at the Leathem Smith Lodge in Sturgeon Bay. She and her family moved to Ogema in 1974, where she and Otto owned and operated Klessig’s Kountry Kitchen for many years.  

In her younger years, Donna loved to ballroom dance and snowmobile.  She also enjoyed cooking, baking and sewing.  She will be remembered for her quick wit,  charm, and Lucille Ball-like goofiness…Donna was a character and easily put a smile on everyone’s face. 

She was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Prentice. 

She is survived by her children, Linda (Brad Nelson) Weber of Ogema, Robert (Cindy) Klessig of Merrill, Sharon (Gerald) Hause of Ogema, James (Cheryl) Klessig of Maple Falls, WA; sisters, Geraldine Sargent of Sturgeon Bay, Karen (Gene) Utecht of Eau Claire, Faye Peterson of Eau Claire; sister-in-law, Jeanne Lattimer of Sturgeon Bay; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Otto on August 26, 2017; Brothers-in-law, Jerry Sargent, Merton Klessig and Robert Klessig. 

Private services for Donna will be held in the fall, and she will be laid to rest next to Otto at Hillside Cemetery in Ogema.
 

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

ELIZABETH "BETTY" KAUER

Elizabeth "Betty" Kauer, 74, of Rib Lake, passed away in the early morning hours of June 21st 2021.

 

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake WI on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Born and raised in the outskirts of Milwaukee, Betty worked as both a hairdresser and for Brigs and Stratten before marrying her late husband James Kauer and moving north to his hometown of Rib Lake. There she worked until retirement at Weathershield and raised two sons, Brad and Anton Kauer. 

She was an active member of her community. Working part-time at the Rib Lake Public Library in addition to reading to local grade school children. Her sassy and cheerful manner endeared her to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed. 

She is survived by her sons, Anton and Brad Kauer; her brother, Charles; her sisters, Kathrine and Patricia; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

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

Sue Ellen Dassow

Sue Ellen Dassow, 78, of Medford, died Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Our House Assisted Living in Medford.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 19 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Whittlesey with the Rev. Ralph Shorey officiating.  Burial will follow at Chelsea Community Cemetery in Chelsea.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, June 18, with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service at Trinity Lutheran Church, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday, also at the church.

She was born October 24, 1942 in Medford to Evelyn (Diedrich) and Melvin Wolff.  She attended Green Acre Grade School and graduated from Medford High School, class of 1960. Following graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper at the Bill Dehn Law Office in Marshfield.

On September 29, 1962, Sue married Edward L. Dassow in Stetsonville.  They resided in Medford during their marriage, where Sue worked in bookkeeping for Klinner’s Accounting, then the Medford Coop.  She also did accounting work part time for the Taylor County Treasurer’s Office and the Valu Rite/Healthmart Pharmacy, until ill health forced her retirement in the fall of 2019.

Aside from working, Sue was also an active member of her community and served as secretary/treasurer for the Whittlesey Ball Clubs and the Chelsea Conservation Club.  She was an active, dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she served in many capacities over the years.  She enjoyed reading, socializing with friends, going to the casino, spending time with her family and working on her computer.

She is survived by her husband Edward of Medford; daughter, Julie (John) Smith of Dorchester; daughter-in-law, Bobbie Jo Dassow of Ogema; grandchildren, Brendon (fiancée, Teyona) Dassow of Rib Lake and McKenna (significant other, Mason) Dassow of Wausau; and a great-grandson, Aidyn Dassow of Rib Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jerry Wolff; and a son, Douglas Dassow in 2006.

Sue’s family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to both the Rib Lake Healthcare Center and Our House Assisted Living for the kind, compassionate care given to Sue during her stay.

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

 

EVELYN A. KALLENBACH

Evelyn A. Kallenbach, 89, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Abbotsford Health Care Center.

A memorial service for Evelyn will take place at 11:00 on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with Pastor James Krueger officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Friday, June 18, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM

Evelyn was born on February 29, 1932 to William and Matilda (Neundorf) Zuleger in the Town of Browning. She attended Mathy School and graduated from Medford High School in 1949. She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper prior to marriage. She married Gerald A. Kallenbach on September 11, 1954. Together they owned and operated a farm in the Town of Browning for 45 years. She also worked as a tax preparer and was a program assistant for Taylor County ASCS for 15 years, retiring in 1996.

Evelyn was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a member of its ladies organization and sang in the church choir for 30 years. She enjoyed reading crocheting, fishing, any kind of puzzle, and spending time with her family.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Gerald; children, William Kallenbach of Algoma, Carol (Don) Krumm of Schofield, Martin (Janice) Kallenbach, David (Debbie) Kallenbach, and Terry (Barbara) Kallenbach, all of Medford, and Wendy Thompson of Oak Creek; grandchildren, Jay (Becky) Kallenbach, Craig (Kelly) Kallenbach, Travis (Jessica) Kallenbach, and Tanya (Samuel) Kleutsch. Evelyn is further survived by her brother, Chester Zuleger of Horicon, brother-in-law Robert (Jarda) Kallenbach of Medford, and sister-in-law Betty Zuleger. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other friends and family.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Bob Thompson; sister, Ruth Widmer; brother, Robert Zuleger; brother-in-law, Don Widmer.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Evelyn’s name may be given to either Immanuel Lutheran Church or Hope Hospice.

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

Michael O. Harrenstein

Michael Owen Harrenstein, 63, of Rib Lake, WI, passed away Sunday, June 6, 2021 after a 3 year battle with Lymphoma cancer. He died at home surrounded by his family. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center, Westboro, WI, on Saturday, June 19, with Pastor Bryan Regier officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a 3:00 p.m. service. Light refreshments and a time of fellowship will follow the service. The service will also be available via livestream at http://www.youtube.com/forestsprings

Mike was born on September 28, 1957 in Freeport, IL, the son of Vernon and Janice (Dyslin) Harrenstein. He was raised in a Christian home, became a born-again believer in Jesus Christ at an early age, and was active in the church all of his life. He married Rebecca Hopkins on June 28, 1980 after receiving his degree from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. His desire to become a youth pastor took him to Trinity Seminary, Deerfield, IL, but he later returned to his interests in the field of mechanics. He grew up learning from his father, who owned Harrenstein Garage. He attended Wyoming Technical Institute, Laramie, WY in the automotive/diesel course, and in 1984 began a 10 year career with Mercedes Benz, first in the Chicago area then in Davenport, IA. His desire to be in ministry never left him, and in 1993 he moved his family to Westboro, WI to serve at Camp Forest Springs (now Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center) in the maintenance department, specializing in vehicles. He and his wife have faithfully served at Forest Springs for the past 27 years.

As a faithful member of Woodland Community Church in Westboro, Mike poured his heart into serving the needs of people and was always the first to pitch in with projects.

His hobbies were numerous and included beekeeping, gardening, hunting, fishing, biking, snowboarding and swimming. He loved serving others and enjoyed working with youth in the churches he attended.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; a son, Bryan (Lisa) of Rib Lake and a daughter, Laura (Colin) Deuso, of Oshkosh; four grandchildren, Graycin, Axel, Evelyn and Griffin; two brothers, Kurt (Karla) of North Carolina and Jeff (Lori) of Lodi, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to Forest Springs Vehicle Fund in Mike’s memory to continue his boundless passion to serve the vehicle needs of ministry.

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

ROSALIE ANN ORTH

Rosalie Ann Orth, 81, of Dorchester, died Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the Colonial Center in Colby. 

Private services will be held with burial at a later date at the Wisconsin Memorial Park in Milwaukee. 

She was born March 27, 1940 in The Dalles, Oregon to Lulu Ethel (Payne) and Raymond Kilbourn.  The family then moved to Lombard, Illinois where Rosie grew up and attended school. 

Following high school, Rosie attended UW-Stout, where she earned both a B.S. degree and a Master’s degree in Education.  This is where her future husband Harold.  She taught Home Ec. in Hawkins and Neillsville then taught at Union Grove Middle School for a few years as a substitute teacher.  

Rosie and Harold were united in marriage on June 13, 1964.  

In 1974, they purchased a farm in Raymond Center and farmed there until Harold’s retirement in 1999.  Following his retirement, they moved to Dorchester to help their son Peter on his dairy farm. 

Rosie loved to read; sing in the choir, as she did for many years alongside her children; and take care of plants…always treating them as the living beings they are. 

She will be dearly missed by her husband, Harold of Dorchester; daughter, Deborah Orth of Athens; son, Peter (Carrie) Orth of Cedar Grove; a sister, Phyllis Lathrop of Colorado Springs, CO; and grandchildren, Kara and Steven Orth, Valerie and Erik Drzewiecki. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Stephen. 

Rosie’s family would like to thank the staff of Colonial Center for their kindness and compassion shown to Rosie during her stay.  They appreciate knowing she was in good hands. 

Because of Rosie’s love for animals, memorial contributions in her honor may go to the Humane Association of your choice. 

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

Vernon J. Pernsteiner

 

Vernon James Pernsteiner, 88, of Medford, died May 20, 2021 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. 

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, June 11, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating.  Following the service, military honors conducted by the Medford Area Military Honors Team.   Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 10 from 4 p.m. until the time of the rosary service at 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and one hour prior to the service Friday, June 11 at the church.  

He was born August 26, 1932 in Medford to Frank and Margaret (Sauer) Pernsteiner.  He graduated from Medford High School, class of 1951. 

Vern proudly served in the U.S. Army working as a Fire Panel Operator from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1955.  Once Vern returned from the military, he worked road construction for Mathy’s Construction.  

On June 3, 1961, Vern married Ardis Couillard at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. 

Being a conservationist before it was “fashionable”, Vern worked at Wisconsin Conservation assisting with dike building at the Pershing Wildlife refuge (“Water Fowl Flowage”).  He also planted many trees, ditched the fields and any other task to improve the land.   Vern managed Pernsteiner Bros., a farming company he owned with his brother Donald, from 1970 until recently, and was a self-employed dairy farmer from 1962-2002. 

Vern was very active in his community.  He served as the Medford Town Supervisor from 1974-1998.  He was then elected Medford Town Chairman and served from 1999-2019, retiring after 46 years of service. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Medford American Legion Post 147, and past member of the Wisconsin Towns Association. 

As an Army veteran, Vern was invited to visit Washington DC on the Honor Flight in May of 2015, a trip of a lifetime and a memory to cherish.

A true outdoorsman, Vern loved being in the woods.  He enjoyed hunting whitetail deer in Wisconsin and made many trips out west (Montana and Wyoming) hunting large game. 

He is survived by his wife Ardis of Medford; son, Patrick Pernsteiner of Medford; daughter, Paula Pernsteiner-Mueller of Weston; grandson, Zachary Mueller; siblings, Anita Johnson Salvay of CA, Clair (Jeanne) Pernsteiner of OH, Robert Pernsteiner (Vera) of WA, Delores Schultz of AZ; sister-in-law, Delores Pernsteiner of Marshfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald and Jerome Pernsteiner; sister-in-law, Bonnie Pernsteiner; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Johnson, Charles Salvay, and Warren Schultz.

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

Dorothy H. Slachetka

 

Dorothy H. Slachetka, 87, of the town of Medford, died Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 7, 2021 at the Centennial Hall, 412 E. Centennial Ave. in Stetsonville.  Burial will follow at Evergreen II Cemetery, Medford. 

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, June 6 at Hemer Funeral Home in Medford and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Monday, June 7 at Centennial Hall in Stetsonville.

She was born June 27, 1933 in Medford to Minnie (Oertwig) and John Duesing.  She grew up in Medford and attended Pleasant Heights School. 

On November 18, 1950, Dorothy married Stanley Slachetka.  They resided in the town of Medford, on her family’s homestead.  There they farmed and Dorothy ran a bed & breakfast called “Our Little Country Place.”  

She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and was an avid reader.  She was devoted to her faith in God and always held her bible close.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley of Medford; children, David (Linda) Slachetka of Medford, Lucey (Gary) Leonhardt of Medford, Violet (Tim) Matthias of Kerrville, TX, Valerie (Brian) Becker of Harlingen, TX, Tim (Kristina) Slachetka of Ogema, Stanley Jr. (Jane) Slachetka of Medford; a sister, Mabel Alderink of Plymouth, MN; 27 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Erna Krisher, Elaine Krisher and Delores Aldis; and a grandson, Jerry Leonhardt.

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