Steven Michael Stelzl, 47, of La Crosse, formerly of Marathon, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024, at Gundersen in La Crosse due to complications from multiple sclerosis. He was born in Wausau on March 25, 1977. After graduating from high school, Steve attended Viterbo University before enlisting in the United States Army where he made a profound commitment to serve his country with honor and distinction in various capacities. He most proudly served in communications for the White House, contributing to the vital communication infrastructure of our nation’s highest office. He was medically discharged with the rank of Sergeant after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Upon completing his service in the Army, Steve returned to Viterbo, graduating with a degree in Computer Information Systems. After graduation, he worked for Kaplan, Inc. in La Crosse. On October 9, 2010, Steve married Autumn Ahrens. He loved his family, especially spoiling his nieces and nephews. Steve found joy in spending time at his family cottage and fishing on Tomahawk’s Lake Alice with his brothers. He was an avid sports enthusiast and would often be found watching any sports-related event with enthusiasm, especially as a season ticket holder for the La Crosse Loggers baseball team. Steve served as an usher and on the church council for Good Shepherd. He also enjoyed seeing the beauty of a thunderstorm rolling in. Steve was an integral part of the annual MS Walk in La Crosse, dedicating himself to the coordination of many of the details for an event that became an important part of him as an MS Warrior. Besides his wife, he is also survived by his parents: Michael and Shirley Stelzl and Gloria and Dennis Gerstl; his siblings: Chadwick (Christina) Stelzl, Megan (Joshua) Stanchik, Aaron (Jianna) Stelzl, Andrea Stelzl, Scott (Leanna) Gerstl and Daniel Gerstl; nieces: Clara, Hadlee and Emersyn; and nephews: Casey and Benjamin. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents and special aunties. Steve will be remembered fondly for his dedication to his country, his love for his family, and his commitment to service for his country and community. A funeral service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on May 4, 2024, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:30 a.m. Military honors will follow the service at 12:45 p.m. Family and friends are invited for lunch and fellowship immediately after. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church ELCA, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd., La Crosse, WI 54601. Paid obituary 151617

Barbara Jean Martin, 76, of Medford, formerly of Goodrich, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Vitacare Assisted Living while under the care of St. Croix Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Barb was born August 15, 1947, in Athens to Clarence and Ellen (Neumann) Duerr. She attended Medford schools. She married James Eckert and together had three sons. They later divorced. On July 17, 1993, she married Kim Martin in Stetsonville. She and Kim ran A& E Tavern for several years, where they made many friends and truly enjoyed their time there. She also enjoyed fishing and listening to country music. Kim preceded her in death in 2005. Barb is survived by her three sons: James “Woody” (Heidi) Eckert, William “Bill” (Sadie Guden) Eckert, all of Medford, and David (Jill) Eckert of Athens; grandchildren: Andrew, Emma, Madison, Megan (Cole), Dylan, Ellie, Kyana and Karly; great-grandchildren: Axel and Coil; siblings: Darlene “Dolly” Schreiner of Athens, Sharon (Rich) Bowen of Amherst, Cindy (Jim) Bondowski of Ojibwa, Jim (Dolly) Duerr of Medford and Randy (Brenda) Duerr of Indiana; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Kim. Barb’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Vitacare of Medford for the care and love shown to Barb over the past two years. They would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their compassion and kindness given to Barb during her final days. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid obituary 151661

Adeline E. (Wieloch) Lang, 91, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Copperleaf of Marathon, under the care of Heartland Hospice. She was born on May 13, 1932, in the town of Cassel to Joseph and Marie (Szymanski) Wieloch. She married Henry Lang Jr. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in the town of Cassel on June 24, 1953. They were married for 63 years before Henry’s death on February 24, 2017. Together they bought the Lang and Wieloch family farms, working side by side farming and growing ginseng until their retirement. They enjoyed traveling, with trips to Laughlin, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Adeline’s most memorable trip was to Hawaii. They had a cottage on Ballard Lake where many family memories were made. In 2015 they were honored to have their grandson’s wedding held on their farm. Adeline loved gardening, flowers, baking, watching birds and Christmas. She would spend countless hours in her vegetable and flower gardens. Her gardens were always bigger than needed. Flower pots were anywhere she could put them. She would always find a spot if family or a friend gave her a flower that she didn’t have. She enjoyed feeding and watching birds (and chasing away the squirrels from her feeders). Her great-grandchildren now enjoy her old bird books as they watch the birds. They all know Nana’s favorite bird is the cardinal. Christmas was her favorite holiday. She would spend weeks decorating, making candy, and baking all sorts of cookies. She made cutout cookies by the dozens for her grandchildren to decorate. She so enjoyed her job at Memories Ballroom where many laughs were had, more fun than a job. Her card group would meet for lunch and then go to one of their houses for an afternoon of cards on Tuesdays. But most of all, Adeline loved her family. She loved being grandma and great-grandma, and the precious time she got to spend with them. Survivors include her children: Cary Lang of Hortonville, Debra (Matt) Schleinz of Wausau and Judy (Brian) Carr of Marathon; grandchildren: Kyle (Trisha) Carr, Kody Carr (special friend, Whitney), Garrett (Kellie) Carr and Michaela Schleinz; great-grandchildren; Caison, Asher and Evaliese Carr, Quinlyn Carr and Adalyn, Mark and Madison Carr; one sister, Mary Ann (Walter) Toboyek; three brothers: Marcell (Janice) Wieloch, Martin (LaVonne) Wieloch and Dennis (Karen) Wieloch; brother-in-law, Earl Hoffman; sister-in-law, Mary Wieloch, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; sisters: Sylvia (Joe) Krautkramer, Eleanor (Joel) Tucek, Ethel Hoffman and Alexia (Ronald) Osterbrink; and brother, Dallis Wieloch. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, with Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier presiding. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, April 17, at 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Peterson/ Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, and continue on Thursday at 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Rosary prayers will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Copperleaf for their love, support and exceptional care of Mom. You were more than her caregivers, you were family. Thank you to Heartland Hospice for their care and concern during her final months. Also thank you to Debbie Marzynski for the care of Dad, and then Mom before she moved to Copperleaf and her continued love and support. Mom, Nana, we will miss you forever, but we know you are now with Dad, Papa. We love you. Paid obituary 151305

Vernell M. Calmes, 83, Edgar, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center, Weston. She was born on June 12, 1940, in Athens, daughter of the late Theodore and Ester (Hanke) Mader. On January 24, 1959, she married Robert G. Calmes at St. John Catholic Church, Wuertzburg. Vernell and Robert celebrated 60 years of marriage prior to his passing on May 18, 2019. Vernell was an extremely spunky, loving, hard-working woman all of her life. She owned multiple businesses with her husband, Bob, while living in Marathon. She loved listening to our dad’s beautiful voice as he sang to her every day. Vernell was the ultimate hostess. Always hosting somethingholidays, birthdays, showers, weddings or just the daily meals for her large family and about 5-10 neighborhood kids at least. After her own children had grown, her passion was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If there was a baby to hold, she had them!! Vernell and her husband, Bob, enjoyed a nice retirement, being able to travel all over exploring, visiting family and friends. And, of course, hosting their big holiday events for their ever-growing family. After Bob’s passing, Vernell moved to Edgar to be closer to family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her all of her friends, old and new. Sharing and going out for meals, attending Mass at St. John’s, Edgar, having coffee and pastries at Starks and welcoming new great and great-great-grandchildren. Survivors include her loving children: Mari (Bruce) Hostrawser, Renae (David) Burk, Shari (John Gasperetti Jr.) Calmes Rolain, Rhonda (James) Hanneman, Robert (Randy Greene) Calmes Jr., Bryant (Kathy) Calmes, Audra (fiancé Mike Pliskie) Calmes and Gina (fiancé Brad Nagel) McKeough. Vernell has 20 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Jerome, Jim, Teddy, Vernon, Melvin and Eugene Mader. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. The Rev. Alan Wierzba will preside. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Our hearts are broken, Till we met again our Beautiful Mother…… Paid obituary 151306

Jane Marie Knauf, a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on April 2, 2024, at the age of 62. She faced a 22-month battle with glioblastoma with unwavering courage and strength, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her Sun Prairie home. She was born August 1, 1961, in Wausau, daughter of James and the late Ann (Austin) Seubert of Marathon. On May 14, 1983, Jane joined hands in marriage with her high school sweetheart, Dan Knauf, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon. Their enduring love and partnership lasted 40 joyous years. Jane and Dan established their family in Sun Prairie in 1984, where they lovingly raised their three wonderful children. After high school, Jane attended NCTI in Wausau and graduated with a degree in computer programming. In 1981, Jane moved to Madison, where she embarked on a remarkable career at American Family Insurance. Her commitment to her work was evident, as she dedicated 41 years to the company, ascending to a managerial role in the IS Department. Jane retired from her fulfilling career in October 2022, due to her battle with cancer. Jane’s passion for an active lifestyle led her to become an avid runner, maintaining peak physical condition to explore the beauty of nature on mountain trails across Colorado, Utah and Arizona, as well as her favorite trails in Wisconsin. Beyond her own pursuits, Jane found joy in giving back to her community. For many years, she dedicated her time to teaching Junior Achievement at Sacred Hearts School. Additionally, her enthusiasm extended to the basketball court, where she lent her support to Dan as he coached girls basketball. Above all, Jane’s heart belonged to her children and grandchildren. She embraced her role as mother and Nana with love and devotion. Her children, Dave (Vanessa), Stefanie (Aaron) and Angela (Nicolas) and her cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Allie, Lucas and Owen, brought immeasurable joy to her life. The annual tradition of Camp Nana became a cherished time for laughter, bonding and making memories. Jane’s warmth and kindness and gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Her absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Jane’s memory will forever remain in our hearts. Survivors include her husband, Dan; her children: Dave (Vanessa) Knauf, Stefanie (Aaron) Gander and Angela (Nicolas) Collins, and four grandchildren: Olivia Knauf, Allie, Lucas and Owen Gander. She is further survived by her father, James “Jim” Seubert; siblings: Steven (Pam) Seubert, Karen (Brian) LeBlanc, Susan (David) Mleziva, William (Stasia) Seubert, Carla (Dale Brom) Roth and Roger (Ann) Seubert; fatherin- law, Robert Knauf, and brothers-in-law: Don (Lori) Knauf and Andy (Susie) Knauf. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ann M. Seubert, mother-in-law, Virjean Knauf and infant sister, Alice Seubert. Jane’s family wishes to thank the staff at UW Health and Agrace Hospice Care for their exceptional care and support. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Agrace or the National Brain Tumor Society. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 150941

Kurt Umnus Jr., 94, town ofWien, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield. He was born July 28, 1929, in Edgar, son of the late Kurt and Evelyn (Warosh) Umnus. On August 4, 1995, he married Beverly Linden at St. John Lutheran Church, ELCA, town of Wien. She survives. Kurt was a lifelong dairy farmer in the town of Wien. He was a charter member of the North Central WI Antique Steam and Gas Engine Show, charter member of the Fenwood Lions Club and a member of the Central WI Polka Club. Kurt was an avid deer hunter, starting at the age of 14, and was proud of the fact that he never missed a year in 80 years of hunting. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Umnus, Edgar; his stepchildren: Laura (Al) Pongratz, Lois Schneider, Paul Schneider, Joyce Schneider, Jean Peterson and Sara (Cory) Rilling; four step grandchildren: Christina and Curtis Pongratz, Taylyn Dupee and Izzabella Schneider; two step great-grandchildren: Kailey and Kenzie and numerous nieces and nephews. Kurt is further survived by his faithful companion, Smokey. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Frederick (Lois) Umnus, Dorothy (Al) Biver, Katherine Crabtree and Joyce (David) Proft and a step son, Russell Schneider. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church, ELCA, 120500 County Road N, Edgar, WI, 54426, (Town of Wien). The Rev. Gail Sowell will preside. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Kurt’s name. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Chris and all the staff with the Palliative Care Unit at Marshfield Medical Center for the outstanding care given to Kurt and his family while he was in their care. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 150944

Dorothy M. Steber, 90, Marathon, passed away peacefully at home during the night of April 3, 2024. Dorothy Mae Steber was born on January 13, 1934, in Marshfield, daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Unertl) Haupt. She married John F. Steber on October 12 1963, son of George and Clara (Fronek) Steber at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburndale. She went to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Auburndale, completing her education at St. Joseph’s Academy in Stevens Point. She began work as a legal secretary at a law firm in Marshfield. She then worked as secretary at the teachers college in Wisconsin Rapids. She met her husband, John, at a friend’s wedding. They made their home in Marathon when John was hired as the industrial arts teacher at Marathon High School. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She truly loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She also loved gardening, baking and sewing. She enjoyed being a member of the choir and PCCW, decorating the church on holidays and doing volunteer work for the parish and St. Anthony’s Retreat Center. She was also a long-time member of the Third Order of St. Francis fraternity in Marathon. Survivors include her husband, John; four daughters: Lisa Lemanski, Marathon, Kathy (Bill) Krause, Marathon, Jodi, Marathon and Lori (Nathan) Dzwonkowski, Marathon; two sons: Tom (Angelica) LaVergne, Tenn., and Chris Mosinee; grandchildren: Michael Krause, Matthew Dzwonkowski, Karen (Steber) Shoemaker and Elizabeth Dzwonkowski. Additional survivors include her sister, Betty Zimmermann; sisters-in-law: Lydia Haupt, Cherie (Haupt) Ciegielski, Julie Haupt, Jean Mugavero, Barbara Boettcher and Betty Steber and brothers-in-law: Gene Mason and Tom Boettcher. Dorothy was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Zopfi and her brothers: Sylvester, Edward, Donald, Robert and David. Also, son-in-law, Timothy Lemanski, sisters-in-law: Louis Haupt and Sally Haupt, and brothers-in-law: Bernard Zimmermann, Howard Zopfi, George Steber, Donald Zoern, Jim Mugavero, Leonard Pagel and Gordon Waldvogel. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 150948

James J. “Durk” Durkee Jr., 54, of the town of Cassel, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on December 4, 1969, in Wausau to the late James Sr. and Ethel (Stange) Durkee. James graduated from Edgar High School in 1988. He later married the love of his life, Dorinda Bruner, on September 2, 1995, at St. John Lutheran Church - High Steeple. James enjoyed working with his hands and art. That enjoyment led to his career as an assembler of windows for many years and also his love of woodworking. James enjoyed being outside, conversations around a bonfire, good football game, deer hunting, taking the four-wheelers out, and camping with family and friends. He also loved playing card games when he was with family and friends. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his comments from the “peanut gallery.” He loved all in his life deeply. Survivors include his wife, Dorinda; sister, Ronda Durkee (Bryan Kramp); nieces: Isabelle Kramp, Tammy (Rory) Volm and Jamie (Jason) Adamski; greatnephews and nieces: Samantha Bruner, Eric Schmidt, Naomi Volm, Mary Volm, Jenna Adamski and Nicholas Adamski; great-great-niece, Aubree Klimpke, godmother, Clara Robl; close friends: Larry Block and Tim Manecke; furry friend, Roxy; and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Ethel; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Neoma (McCarthy) Bruner; maternal grandparents, John and Erma Stange; paternal grandparents, Don Durkee and Blanche Sandoval; brothers-in-laws: James, Michael and Charles Bruner; sister-in-law, Pam Dhein; godparents, David and Mary Durkee; cousins: Michael and Richard Wendtland; infant cousin, Susie Wickman and a cousin-in-law, Boyd Parker. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lincare for all the years of their healthcare service. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church – High Steeple, 119415 Huckleberry Road, Edgar, with Rev. Michael Mathey presiding. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date in Mosinee Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 150861

Pamela R. Dhein, age 64, of Edgar, passed away Monday, March 25, 2024, at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. A service will be at noon on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, 2201 Chestnut Street, Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Pamela was born January 11, 1960, in Wisconsin Rapids, to Lawrence and Beverly (Oleson) Dhein. Pamela loved spending time with her family and spoiling her grandkids. She always looked forward to family card and game night; Phase 10, Spoons and Cribbage being her favorite games. She also enjoyed gardening and shooting pool. Pamela is survived by her daughters: Tammy (Rory) Volm of Edgar and Jamie (Jason) Adamski of Marathon; grandchildren: Samantha, Eric, Naomi, Mary, Jenna and Nick; step-grandchildren: Ashley, April (Martin) and Alex (Megan); great-granddaughter, Aubree; step-great-grandchildren: Andrez, Ayva, D’iora, Eli, Lilliana, Dayton, Chloe and Chase; siblings: June Hanneman, Sharon (Frank) Korslin, Dawn (Rick) Wilhelm, Laurie (Scott) Kaehn, Billy (Darlene) Dhein and Jodi Dhein; sister-in-law, Dorinda (James) Durkee; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and step-mother, Lawrence and Deanna Dhein; mother, Beverly Dhein; brother, Dennis Dhein; and sister, Sandy Krzykowski. Pamela’s family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Mount View Care Center for the exceptional care Pamela received and for making her family comfortable during a difficult time. Paid obituary 150558

Joan S. Held, 88, of Mosinee, passed into eternal life on March 27, 2024, at home, with her son, Kevin, at her bedside. Joan had been living with pancreatic cancer, diagnosed in September 2023. Joan (known to many as Joann and Joanie) was born to Hattie (Soczka) and Joseph Nowacki in Corning Township (west of Merrill) on January 15, 1936. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to a farm in Rietbrock Township where she grew up. She attended St. Anthony Catholic School and graduated from Athens High School. She was married to Robert F. Held on June 24, 1954, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. During their 50 years of marriage, Robert’s career saw them living in Rockford, Ill., Madison, Columbia, S.C., and finally putting down roots in Columbus, Ohio, where they resided for 34 years. After raising her sons, she returned to the workforce for a number of years and retired from Nationwide Insurance. She was an active member of the choir at St. Anthony Church in Columbus. After Robert’s passing in 2005, Joan returned to Marathon County, moving to Mosinee in 2007 to continue her retirement. Joan leaves behind two loving sons: Robert (Jean), Mesa, Ariz., and Kevin of Mosinee; three grandchildren: Mindy (Cliff) Erickson, Mankato, Minn., Erik (Cara) Held, Groveland, Mass., and Michael (Katherine) Held, Champlin, Minn.; and five great-grandchildren. Siblings surviving her are brothers: Dennis (Susan) Nowacki and Larry (Emma) Nowacki, and sister Isabell Aschbrenner. Preceding her in death, in addition to her husband, were her parents, two adult brothers and three siblings who died as children. Visitation was held Monday, April 1, 2024, from 4-6 p.m., ending with a prayer service which commenced immediately thereafter. Fr. Aaron Becker, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, presided. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, hosted the proceedings. Final arrangements are being handled by Schoedinger Funeral Home, Worthington, Ohio. This will include a funeral mass at The Chapel, Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lewis Center, Ohio, followed by interment next to her husband. A Columbus Diocesan priest will preside. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Aspirus Hospice for the care, comfort, guidance and encouragement they provided to Joan and son Kevin, who cared for her through the duration of her illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, PanCan.org, which was a great resource for the family. Light a candle and provide online condolences at www.bestefh.com. Details will be confirmed once she transfers to the care of Schoedinger Funeral Home. Paid obituary 150562