SHIRLEY A. RODMAN

Shirley A. Rodman, 81, of Medford, passed away Sunday March 17, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at the Aspirus Medford Hospital.
Shirley was born January 22, 1938 in Athens, WI to Edmund and Rose (Romang) Lehman. She attended Athens High School. She married Floyd Rodman on June 16, 1956 in Pine City, MN. Floyd survives.
Shirley is further survived by her Children: Deb (George) Harder, Jim (Kelly) Rodman, Ken (Sue) Rodman, Brian (Julie) Rodman, Shelby (Kevin) Meyer, all of Medford, 14 Grandchildren, 27 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Great Grandchildren, Sister Diann (Ron) Apfelbeck of Medford, Brother Gary (Mary Lou) Lehman of Edgar, and Sister in Law Kitty Lehman of Edgar, further survived by numerous Nieces and Nephews.
She is preceded in death by her Parents Edmund and Rose Lehman and Brother Eddie Lehman.
Shirley worked as a waitress for several restaurants in the Medford and Athens area. Later in life she became a self taught seamstress. She hemmed wedding dresses, fixed zippers and clothing and made small stuffed animals. There wasn't anything she could not do with that machine. She enjoyed flowers and gardening, crossword puzzles, trout fishing, and loved birds especially cardinals. She loved to bake cookies for family - her most favorite being Butterscotch Chocolate Chip.
Per Shirley's request, cremation rites have been accorded and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. For those who wish to donate in honor of Shirley, memorial contributions can be given to St. Jude's Children Hospital.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

HENRY “HANK” J. MERTENS

NAME OF DECEASED: HENRY “HANK” J. MERTENS AGE: 88

ADDRESS: Conrad Drive, City of Medford

PLACE, DATE & TIME OF DEATH: pronounced on Saturday, March 9 at his residence in the City of Medford

TIME & PLACE OF SERVICES: 11:00 AM on Friday, March 15 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford

OFFICIATING: Father Phil Juza

INTERMENT: Interment of his cremated remains will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford

VISITATION: Hemer Funeral Home, Medford from 4-7 PM on Thursday, March 14 where there will be a 7 PM Catholic prayer service held; also at church from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Friday, March 15

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: June 8, 1930 at Milwaukee, WI

EDUCATION: St. John De Nepoumic Elementary School, Milwaukee; St. Louis Catholic School, Dorchester & was a 1948 graduate of Dorchester High School

MARRIAGE: October 19, 1957 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Marshfield, WI to Patricia Margaret Lauer and she survives

PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN LIFE: After his education, he drove cattle truck for Mertens Trucking. After his marriage, he worked as a dispatcher for Rollo Homes in Marshfield. In 1968 they moved to Medford where he joined the family business (Mertens Chrysler) until his retirement in 1996. He enjoyed curling, golfing, traveling, water activities, dancing and spending time with his family. He served for 6 years in the Medford National Guard.

MEMBER OF: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford; Medford Knights of Columbus; Former member of the Medford Planning Commission, Medford Area Chamber of Commerce, Medford Lion’s Club; Past President of the Medford Curling Club

SURVIVING SPOUSE: Patricia “Pat” M. Mertens of Medford

SURVIVING CHILDREN: Mark Allen Mertens of Marshfield, Ann Marie (Duke) Hartmann of Prentice, WI, Kathleen Lynn (Ken) Wegerer of Rib Lake, Kimberly Sue Mertens of Eau Claire

# OF LIVING GRANDCHILDREN: 6 – Travis Wegerer, Teri Webb, Maggie (Erik) Westberg, Ben, Max & Sam Hartmann GR-GRANDCHILDREN: 1 – Dawson Webb

SURVIVING BROTHERS/SISTERS: Brother – Dennis (Aggie) Mertens of Medford
Sister-in-law: Linda Mertens of Colorado Springs, CO

BROTHERS/SISTERS DECEASED: Brother – Lloyd Mertens

DECEASED FATHER: Albert Mertens DECEASED MOTHER: Sylvia Catherine (Tennessen) Mertens

PALLBEARERS: Honorary – Grandsons: Travis Wegerer, Ben, Max & Sam Hartmann

OTHER INFORMATION: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to either Holy Rosary School of Medford or Hope Hospice of Medford
-For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com

GERALDINE A. KLINE

Geraldine (Gerri) Ann Kline, 86, of Owen (formerly of Rib Lake) passed away Monday, March 4, 2019 at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care.
Gerri was born to John and Alice (Olson) Clark on a farm in Brook Park, MN. She lived on the farm until she was old enough to attend school and then she moved with her family to the village of Brook Park.
Gerri attended elementary school in Brook Park and high school in Pine City, MN. She graduated from Pine City High School in 1950. After high school Gerri married Leroy Stewart. They lived in Stetsonville, WI. In 1962 the couple moved to Rib Lake with their children where Leroy, owned and managed Stewart Lumber & Fuel. Gerri was a busy homemaker and mother. She raised five children. She loved taking care of her home (which was always immaculate), baking, gardening, sewing, and caring for her children. She also loved visiting and entertaining friends and family. Gerri was always willing to help anyone in need whether it would be taking them to the doctor, offering them a place to stay, or doing their shopping for them. Gerri loved the Lord and was always wanting to learn more about God and the Bible. She loved sharing her faith with others especially her children and grandchildren. Gerri and Leroy divorced in 1976. Later she married Charles (Charlie) Kline. After marrying Charlie, Gerri worked for a while as a home health aide taking care of people in their homes.
Gerri is survived by her children: Penny (Dennis) Bryn of Myrtle Beach, SC, James Stewart of Eau Claire, Thomas Stewart of Rib Lake, and Robert Stewart of Westboro. Step-children: Diane (Bill) Vaughn of Marshfield, Debbie (JC) Nelson of Oconto Falls, and Dennis (Lisa) Kline of Hamptonville, NC. She is also survived by her sister, Faye Peterson of White Bear Lake, MN and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son Richard Stewart, a step-son David Kline, her husband Charles Kline and a sister Deanne Stratte.
Services will be held at Hemer Funeral Home in Rib Lake at 12:00 PM on Friday, March 8, 2019. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service. Burial will follow at Stetsonville Public Cemetery in Stetsonville.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

PATRICIA "PATTI" K. PETERSON

Patricia “Patti” K. Peterson, 78, of Medford, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 1. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 20 at the Stetsonville Centennial Hall, in Stetsonville, WI from 11am to 4pm with lunch served at noon. Interment of her cremated remains will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.
Patricia "Patti" Peterson was born on September 9, 1940 in Merrill, Wisconsin to the late Harold and Delores (Thielke) Ruesch. She attended Medford Area Public Schools and graduated from Medford Area Senior High in 1958. She went on to serve as a nurse's aide in Madison at both what is now Meriter Hospital and the VA Hospital. She also served in this capacity at the Medford clinic. She married John “Jack” M. Peterson on October 29, 1960 and became a homemaker for her family. She was a member of the Community United Church of Christ in Medford. Patti enjoyed reading, spending time with family, and escaping Wisconsin winters in Florida, where she had just spent the last month.
Along with her husband, Patti is survived by her sons: Scott (Joan) Peterson and Jeff (Pam) Peterson both of Medford, as well as five grandchildren: Samantha (Ken) Brenner of Fitchburg, WI, Eric (Suzi) Peterson of Medford, Justin Peterson of Fitchburg, WI, Haley Peterson and Adam Peterson both of Medford and three great grandchildren: Ryan, Alec, and Cassidy. She is preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Kristin A. Peterson in 2001.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to either the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospitals at 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or the Shriners Children’s Hospitals at 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 . For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

DORIS "DORIE" EIDEN

Doris “Dorie” Eiden, 87, of Medford, passed away surrounded by loving family on Monday, March 4, 2019 at Country Gardens in Medford.

Funeral Services for Dorie will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Community United Church of Christ, in Medford, WI, with Pastor Mary Jo Laabs officiating. Burial will follow at Abbotsford Public Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Community United Church of Christ from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM.

Dorie was born on March 21, 1931, daughter of Carl and Ella (Fust) Sorenson in Medford. She graduated Medford High School in 1949. She attended Taylor County Teacher’s College and later graduated from UW Steven Point. Her teaching career spanned 41 years at Pleasant Heights, Athens, and Abbotsford.

She enjoyed her involvement at the “Little Store” in Medford. One of her greatest joys was being church organist at her church.

On June 7, 1952 Dorie married Francis Eiden, they later divorced.

Dorie is survived by her children, Cindy (Randy) Blair of Abbotsford, Randy Eiden of Sheboygan, Lori (Dennis) Grambort of Medford, and Rock (Sandy) Eiden of Lake Wissota and Naples, FL; many happy times with her grandchildren, Nick Blair, Justin (Misty) Blair, Heidi (Todd) Richter, Lindsey (Matt) Ried, Jen (Adam) Sutton, Abbey (Travis) Frischmann, Molly (Andy) Teigen, Jack Eiden, Wyatt Eiden, Brianna Cramer, and Kayla Cramer; Her most precious memories were times with her little great-grandchildren, Peyton, Paisley, Parker, Meadow, Nevadah, Hoyt, Kenzie, Brooke, Jada, Tristian, Connor, and Caroline. She is further survived by family friend Pat Schultz.

She was preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Francis.

Dorie’s family would like to thank the staff of Country Gardens Assisted Living for their care and kindness shown to Dorie during her stay; also to Hope Hospice for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Dorie’s name may be given to Community United Church of Christ.

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

GLORIA M. POTOCNIK

Gloria M. Potocnik, 77, of Owen, passed away Saturday March 2, 2019 at Aspirus Care and Rehab, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care.
Gloria was born April 21, 1941 in Medford to Marvin and Antonia (Neder) Brehm. She is a 1959 Graduate of Medford Sr. High. Gloria married Jerry Potocnik on July 13, 1963 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. Jerry survives.
She is further survived by her Children: Sue Potocnik of Madison, Tony (Roxanne) Potocnik of Medford, Jennifer (Kit) Canino of Sherwood, Grandchildren: Allison, Samantha and Abbi Potocnik, Frank and Mira Canino, Siblings: Bob (Allie) Brehm of Antigo, Carol (Late Jim) Hummer of Medford, Mike (Peggy) Brehm of Marshfield, Cordell Brehm of Medford, Joan (Joe) Rickert of Medford and Joe (Sue) Brehm of Madison.
She is preceded in death by a Brother Charles Brehm and a Grandson Jacob Potocnik.
Following high school Gloria moved to Milwaukee. After their marriage she and Jerry remained in Milwaukee until 1967. In 1967 they purchased the family farm near Owen where Jerry grew up. She was a farmer, home maker and worked for a period of time at Tombstone Pizza.
She served as the Holway Town Clerk, and secretary of the Town of Holway St. Mary's Cemetery Association.
Gloria enjoyed gardening, teddy bears, her fish pond, Winnie The Pooh, and old time dances. She was a blood donor and was near to her 20 gallon goal. Her philosophy was "Think of all the people you can help."
Gloria loved her Grandchildren and enjoyed every moment spent with them.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday March 9, 2019 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Father Phil Juza will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in the Town of Holway. Visitation will be held at church that morning from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass.
Memorial donations in honor of Mom can be designated to her family, which will be used to help children in need throughout the surrounding community.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

LARRY A. KURTH

Larry A. Kurth, 72, of Medford, passed away Saturday March 2, 2019 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford.
Larry was born October 4, 1946 in Medford to Andrew and Erna (Frishman) Kurth. He is a 1964 graduate of Medford Sr. High.
While growing up Larry worked on a farm. Following High School, he joined the US Army and served in Vietnam in a tank platoon in Charlie Company.
He then worked several different jobs in Pewaukee and Waukesha. Larry moved back to Medford and worked for Enerquip, where he retired from.
Larry is survived by his daughter: Brenda (Cory) Fonder of Abrams, Grandson Zach Fonder of Abrams, Siblings: Angeline Nelson of Racine, Javelle Heinz of Racine, Diane (Don) Wibben of Medford, RaNae (Phil) Hatlestad of Brooklyn Park, MN, James (Mary) Kurth of Medford and Jerry (Jari Lynn) Kurth of Ogema, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Siblings: Galen Kurth, Donna Blank, Joanne Davis and Nephew: Ryan Hatlestad.
Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at Bogey's Bar in Medford on Saturday March 9, 2019 from 2:00-6:00PM.
Memorial donations in honor of Larry can be given to the Taylor County Humane Society.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com