ELIZABETH "LIDDY" A. PINSCH

Elizabeth “Liddy” A. Pinsch, 97, Medford, a former Town of Chelsea resident, died on Monday, April 5 at Country Gardens Senior Care, Medford where she had resided for the past 2 ½ years most recently under the care of Hope Hospice.

Funeral services for Elizabeth will be at 11 AM on Saturday, April 10 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford with Pastor Rodger Prois officiating.  Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of services at 11 AM on Saturday.  Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the church.  Interment will be at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II.  Pallbearers will be Chris & Trevor Shore, Ron Gebert, Dan, Dylan and Ryan Nelson. 

Elizabeth was born on April 4, 1924 at the Town of Medford, the daughter of Charles and Della (Piller) Freeck.  She attended Anderson School in the Town of Medford and was a graduate of Medford High School.  Her marriage took place on August 17, 1942 at Tomahawk to Ernest A. Pinsch and he preceded her in death on January 18, 2002.  

They raised mink for a short period of time and farmed in the Town of Chelsea until 1979.  They also ran a saw mill, made and canned maple syrup.  She enjoyed ceramics, puzzles, gardening, cooking,  baking, playing cards, dancing, bingo, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford. 

Surviving are her children, Albert (Ann) Pinsch of Chicago Ridge, IL, Roger Pinsch of Medford, Gail (David) Nelson of Medford, Betty (Wayne) Blumenstein of Westboro, Robert (Peggy) Pinsch of Medford and Judy (Mike) Thompson of Medford.  Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Randy & Richard (Kim) Pinsch, Dan (Stacy) Nelson, Kate (Adam) Alexander, Richard (Rebecca) Blumenstein, Christine (Rodney Schunk) Weis, Alise (Chris) Shore, Jennifer (Chad) McCallum, Susan (Kris) Davis, Lori (Ned) Wernham; 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Rosie Freeck of Billings, MT.  She is further survived by many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 step grandchildren, siblings, Harold, Ronald (Mildred)  & Ervin (Doloris) Freeck, Gladys (John) Curnow, Florence (Ray) Allar. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be given to Hope Hospice of Medford.  Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

 

DONNA B. ROHRICK

Donna B. Rohrick, 88, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at her residence, under the care of Aspirus Hospice, surrounded by family, after a short battle with cancer.

A memorial service for Donna will take place at 12:00 PM on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford Chapel, with Pastor John Hazen Officiating. Burial will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II at a later date. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, April 8 from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM. Due to COVID concerns, masking will be required at the funeral home.

Donna was born on March 22, 1933 in Marshfield to Jens and Pearl (Francois) Nelsen. She graduated from Medford High School. She married Bob J. Rohrick on February 7, 1953; together they had three children. He preceded her in death in 2001.

Donna enjoyed crafting, sewing, dancing, and playing cards. She loved her family and friends and spending time with them was very important to her.

Donna is survived by her children, Debra (Brian) Harder of Centreville, MI, Bruce (Madelyn) Rohrick of Houston, TX, and Thomas (Nadine) Rohrick of Anchorage, AK; brother, Carl (Lorraine) Nelsen of Wausau; devoted partner, Valerian Troyanowski of Medford; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Donna is preceded in death by parents and husband. 

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital in Donna’s honor.

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

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.