bituaries Alice Bender-Cook Alice Bender-Cook, age 97, passed away peacefully at Colby Senior Care on Monday, May 1, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. AlicewasborninStratford on February 19, 1926, to Joseph and Rosa (Pfeffer) Bohman. She graduated from Stratford High School. n ctober 11, 1947, she married Brice Bender at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Stratford. They dairy farmed in the township of Frankfort until Brice’s death on January 13, 1991. n May 20, 1992, Alice married Roderick “Rod” Cook. He preceded her in death on March 8, 2016. Alice was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby. She was very active in 4-H and was a youth leader for many years with the Cherokee Chums. She also was a part of the Extension Homemakers where she held several leadership roles. Knitting, crocheting and stitchery were hobbies she enjoyed, however, family gatherings were her true love! Alice is survived by her children: Diane (Steve) Bauer, Stevens Point, Duane (Carolspecial friend) Bender, Colby, Daniel (Deborah) Bender, Colby, Dean (Sue) Bender, Dorchester; ten grandchildren: Chad (Erin) Bender, Colby, Angela (Keith) Bruesewitz, Stratford, Kurt (Julie) Bender, New Richmond, Brian (Ivy) Bauer, Heartland, Ashley Bender (Jeremy), Withee, Devin Bender (Brianna), Dorchester, Brentin (Taylor) Bender, Abbotsford, Cara Bender (Dylan), wen, Erin Bender, Dorchester, and twenty-three greatgrandchildren. She is further survived by stepsons: David (Virginia) Cook, Evansville, Ind.; Michael (Juanamaria) Cook, Columbia, Mo.; Gary (Monica) Cook, Statesville, N.C.; Kevin (Pamela) Cook, Whitehouse Station, N.J.; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husbands: Brice Bender and Rod Cook; brothers: Alfred, Tony, Joseph, Louis, Felix and Harvey Bohman and stepson, Ronald Cook. Alice will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Special thanks to the staff at Colby Senior Care for their wonderful and loving care. We would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their support. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby on Monday, May 8, 2023. Interment to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Father Michael Hayden will preside. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Cherokee Chums 4-H Club. Family and friends may express condolences online at www. maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 135993

James “Jim” R. Baumgartner, age 82, of Colby, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at his home. A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Colby. Family and friends are welcome from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the funeral home. Jim was born on July 9, 1940, the son of Walter and Ella (Neuhaus) Baumgartner in the Town of Colby. He graduated from Colby High School in 1958. On July 15, 1961, Jim was united in marriage to Patricia Decker at St. Mary Catholic Church in Colby. He worked for over 43 years at Packaging Corporation of America in Colby. Jim enjoyed shooting pool, bowling, fishing, hunting and was a fan of the Packers, Brewers, Badgers and the Colby Hornets. He especially loved his annual fishing trip to Canada with his family which spanned over 20 years. Jim also built a hunting shack in 1976 with his boys and enjoyed over 60 years of deer hunting. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family and will be greatly missed. Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; five sons: Brian (Peg) of Arcadia, Brad (Diane Kollock) of Almond, Kevin (Gail) of Westboro, Kirk (Lena) of Medford and Keith (Katie) of Edgar; 16 grandchildren: Sara (Tyler) Swenson, Jackie Baumgartner, Jenna Baumgartner, Kelsey (Brad) Barneson, Derek Baumgartner, Dan Baumgartner, Olivia Baumgartner, Micah (Brooke) Baumgartner, Alec (Brianna) Baumgartner, Tyler Moretz, Logan Baumgartner, Kayla Baumgartner, Brayden Baumgartner, Brett Baumgartner, Ella Baumgartner and Brody Baumgartner, and ten great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two brothers-in-law: Larry (Diane) Decker and Ronnie Nelson; a sister-inlaw, Irene Baumgartner; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his four siblings: Donald, Lucille Nelson, Vernon (Dorothy) and Harold (Myrtle), and a sister-inlaw, Barb Mueller. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 135989

Paid obituary 135879 Betty A. Nienow, 79, passed away at her home, with her family surrounding her, on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. She was born March 14, 1944, in Colby, to Harold and Fern (Laabs) Kasper. On April 4, 1964, she married Allen Nienow in Colby. Betty was truly a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother who always put everyone else first. She was always kind and greeted everyone with a warm smile. After doing the bookkeeping for her parents’ cheese factory in high school and graduating from Madison Business College, Betty began her career. She worked for several employers as an office manager for the majority of her career. Betty and Allen owned and operated Fiberglass Fabricators, Inc. in Janesville. After they sold the business, she was employed as a customer service rep by Seneca Foods until her retirement. Betty is survived by her children: Lori (Larry) Chipman and Lance (Shelly) Nienow; grandchildren: Katie Chipman, Justin (fiancee Hailey) Chipman and family, Tom (Terri) Holmbeck and family, Stacy (Josh) Kohler and family; brother, Kenneth Kasper; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband: Allen; brother, Jerome Kasper, and her parents. The family would like to thank Promedica for the personal care they provided Betty at her home. A private funeral service was held by Betty’s family at Milton Lawns Cemetery in Janesville. Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, Janesville, is assisting the family. www.apfelwolfe.com for online condolences.

Pamela Kaye Miller, 70, of Suamico, passed away on April 20, 2023, at home after a brave year-long battle with ovarian cancer. Pam was born on February 26, 1953, to Harold and Juanita Boyer of Unity. After graduating from Colby High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Norman Miller, on October 22, 1971. Together they built a life that they loved, and they had three daughters: Stacy, Stephanie and Shana. After doing secretarial work for a number of years, Pam decided to pursue her passion for travel, enrolling in coursework in Milwaukee, and landing a tour director position for Holiday Travel in Eau Claire. Eventually, she chose employment closer to home, continuing as a tour director for Progressive Travel in Spencer, where she continued for many years until retirement. Pam and Norm were happily married for 51 years and lived in Colby until February 2016, when they moved to the Green Bay area to be closer to family and their beloved Packer team. They loved going to various Packer shows, practices and games, and this was a highlight of their retirement. Additionally, Pam’s competitive nature was obvious in her daily Scrabble challenges with Norm. For many years they enjoyed at least three Scrabble games a day so they could declare a champion. Another favorite of theirs was spending time at their cabin in Holcombe. Pam enjoyed pontoon rides and spending time with family. She was also the best cheerleader at her grandchildren’s various events, and she enjoyed watching them grow and develop. Pam excelled as a leader and this was especially evident when she took one of her loves, traveling, and fostered a career around that passion. She loved planning and leading tours all over the world. One of her favorite destinations was Australia. Another passion of Pam’s was sewing. She was a master seamstress, and even made her own wedding dress. Shecontinuedtosewandcreatethroughout her life, and in retirement, she sold her creations at craft shows. Eventually, Pam found a love for quilting as well. Not only did Pam enjoy creating, but she also had a love of learning. Because of this, she continually enrolled in classes through UW-Green Bay’s Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) once they moved to Green Bay. Through LLI, Pam cultivated many new friendships, and she especially loved line dancing with her friends. Through her example, Pam taught her girls and grandchildren to be strong, confident and dependable people. She had the mentality that one needs to live in the moment and do what brings you joy now, and that belief system served her well in life. Pam is survived by her husband Norman Miller, and daughters: Stacy (Kevin) Ketter, Stephanie (Patrick) Rau and Shana (Neal) Weber. She also leaves behind her stepmother, Mary Ann Boyer; her brother, Kevin (Denise) Boyer, and step-siblings: Steve Ertl, Scott Ertl, Shari (Jim) Beck and Todd (Jessica) Ertl. Seven grandchildren also survive Pam: Kailey and Jordan Ketter, Brooklyn, Sydney and Elyanna Rau, and Emily and Jake Weber. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Juanita Boyer. Friends and family will gather at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2736 Glendale Ave., Green Bay, from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, with the memorial service to follow at 3 p.m. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome. com. We would like to extend a special thank you to Peggy, Cheryl, Lee and the LLI girls. We would also like to thank Unity Hospice for their outstanding care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the NEW Community Shelter or Veterans 1st of Northeast Wisconsin. Paid obituary 135490

Walter W. Klimpke Jr., 86, of Athens, passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at Clark County Rehab and Living Center, Owen, under the care of ProMedica Hospice. He was born on February 24, 1937, in the town of Johnson, Marathon County, to the late Walter Sr. and Alvina (Christiansen) Klimpke. Walter married the former Carol Westphal on September 22, 1962 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Milan. Walter worked on the family dairy farm and was also a truck driver, making cattle deliveries to Equity Livestock for many years. Walter was a hard-worker and lovingly provided for his family. He enjoyed drives in his pickup truck with his dog and grandson, checking up on the neighborhood and what people were up to. In addition to his work, Walter served in the National Guard for many years. Survivors include his wife, Carol; children: Debbie (Mark) Schilling and Audra Klimpke; sisters: Ruth Komarek and Shirley (Clarence) Liss; grandchildren: Steph Klimpke (Mark Kunze), Trevor Klimpke (Natalie Brophy), Kyle Schilling (Tanya Passeo) and Katlyn Schilling (Devon Wadzinski); great-grandchild, Aiden Klimpke; niece, Patty (Todd) Thurs; nephew, Shannon (Cecile) Meier; brother-in-law, Ted Meier Jr.; dog, Dusty, and cat, Mouse. He was preceded in death by his son, Wayne Klimpke; parents, Walter Sr. and Alvina Klimpke; brother, Gerald Klimpke; niece, Pam Meier; brother-in-law, Donald Komarek, and sister-in-law, Bev Meier. A memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church (Town of Frankfort), 114323 Huckleberry Road, Edgar, with Rev. Scott Miller presiding. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at a later date in Peace Lutheran Church Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 135578_2

Douglas D. “Bunky” Seefeld, age 74, of Riplinger, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 21, 2023. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 2:30 p.m at the American Legion in Unity. Pastor Josh Kohl will preside. Military honors will be provided by the Unity American Legion Post #358 and the Colby VFW Post #2227. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Legion Hall in Unity. Doug was born on March 18, 1949, the son of Dale and Jo (Conrad) Seefeld in Marshfield. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966-69, stationed in Germany for two years and Vietnam for one year. On March 14, 1970, Doug was united in marriage to Barbara Hein. He built barns for Bruesewitz Builders, worked construction, built stone fireplaces for people in the area and poured concrete for driveways. Doug also painted signs for the Atwood Ball Park, family signs for area farmers and lettered local race cars and milk trucks. Doug enjoyed drinking with his buddies in his younger years and later years going to Smazal’s Hunter’s Choice for his morning coffee. He enjoyed catching up on the latest gossip, the intense card games that followed and always made time for a game of cribbage at Barb and Darrel’s. Doug liked to play the machines and pull tabs. His favorite time of year was spring when he and Barb could go to his place of peace in Holcombe, jump on his pontoon to catch crappies and tell his fishing stories at the local establishments. He also enjoyed shooting pool, horseshoes and archery and participating in league for all of these. Doug enjoyed the Iola Car Show as well. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Kansas City Chiefs and would razz every Packer fan, especially his wife, when the Packers lost. He was a member of the Unity American Legion Post #358 and the Colby VFW Post #2227. Most importantly, Doug loved and cherished his family and friends, especially his granddaughters, Shaylee and Shyanne, that were so special to him. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him. Doug is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barb; two daughters: Tammy Seefeld (John Austin) of Abbotsford and Shelli Seefeld-Reise of Riplinger; two granddaughters: Shaylee Martens and Shyanne Martens, both of Riplinger; four siblings: Barb (Darrel) Elpert of Unity, Debbie Coverston of Hazelhurst, Brad “Yogi” Seefeld (Rosie) of Unity and Rhonda Albrecht of Riplinger; three brothersin- law: Billy (Gail) Hein of Unity, Paulie (Geraldine) Hein of Alexandria, Va., and Scott Hein (Cheri) of Owen; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his inlaws, Paul and Beverly Hein; four brothers: Jeff, Bruce, Barry and Kenny; a son-in-law, Brian Reise and a nephew, Todd Hein. The fish at Holcombe are breathing a sigh of relief, because if Doug wasn’t catching them, no one was! Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 135532

James “Jim” R. Bellendorf, 79, of Medford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at The Waterford at Colby, where he lived his last days together with his wife. A celebration of life will take place at B& S Bar, W4782 WI-64, Medford, on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. A private family burial will take place beforehand. Jim was born on June 10, 1943, to William and Helen (Hazard) Bellendorf in DeKalb, Ill. He attended and graduated from Colby High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Emily Hanson. They were married on August 23, 1963; she survives. Together they moved to Florida. They later returned to Wisconsin and were dairy farmers in the Colby area from 1973 until 1991, when they moved to rural Medford and established a home daycare business, which they ran until retirement. During this time they raised four children. Jim was also a dedicated caretaker for Emily for many years before his passing. His passions included fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, country line dancing with Emily, and spending time at their lake cabin. He was a prolific gardener, often growing large plots of vegetables for sale and home canning. In addition, he was a skilled woodworker, building many things including cabinetry, furniture, decorative items and boards for taxidermists. He will be missed by his wife of nearly 60 years, Emily; children: Cathy (Jeff) Litscher of Stetsonville, Bill (Nancy) Bellendorf of Medford, Brian Bellendorf of St. Paul, Minn., and Shawn (Michelle) Bellendorf of Stratford; grandchildren: Kaylin (Jessica) Felix, Adrian Felix, Olivia Felix, Gabe Felix, Terry Bellendorf, Ashley Bellendorf, Kendra (Robin) Weiss and Riley Bellendorf; greatgrandchild, Leo Felix; and sister, Peggy (Otto) Kuss. Jim is further survived by other family and friends and was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Bellendorf. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www. hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid obituary 135220

Rosemary Pederson (ageless) passed away peacefully at her home in Medford. Rosemary was born in Wausau to Arnold and Mabel Marks. Rosie grew up on a farm with five brothers and sisters in the Wausau Area and attended Wausau schools. She later completed four years of college at Stevens Point. She worked several jobs throughout her years, including sales at Wisco Feeds, sales coordinator at Liberty Homes, and at Prochnow Trucking in Medford. Rosie’s last job fit her perfectly....working food service in the Medford School System. Rosie loved interacting with kids and many smiles and laughs were had with kids and staff throughout the years. There wasn’t much that Rosie could not do. She bowled, snowmobiled, rode motorcycle, and really fell in love with the game of golf. She was an Energizer Bunny, finding some form of exercise almost every day and she loved her walks. On the dance floor she could keep up with anybody 25 years younger than her. She was also known to enjoy a good old-fashioned and even a strangely concocted martini! Having grown up on a farm she loved animals of every kind and would sometimes shed a tear at the sight of a downed deer on the side of the road. She was a super cook and an awesome mom to her son Kent. In 2011 tragedy struck with a brain tumor diagnosis on her birthday. True to her nature she did not take it lying down. She took a one-year “certain” prognosis and blew the doctors away by beating it for 12 yrs. She even got the satisfaction along the way of being kicked off of Hope Hospice for “doing too good” three years ago! Rosie is survived by her partner of 27 years, Don Krakenberger; her son, Kent (Michelle); brother, Roger (Jon), brother, Ronald (Bonnie), twin sister, Mary (John), and younger sister, Sherrie (Ed). She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Norman. The family would like to thank the Aspirus at home services, especially nurse Kimberly, who tenderly oversaw her care for five years. They would like to thank Hope Hospice for their guiding hand the last months. HUGE HUGE thanks go out to Jen Ludwig, who started with Rosie and Don as a part-time caregiver nine years ago and stuck by their sides through thick and thin! Jen was the MVP of “Team Rosie”! Services for Rosie will be private with a celebration of life to be announced at a later time. No donations or flowers are necessary but if you are compelled, a donation to the Taylor County Humane Society or Hope Hospice in her name would be fine. It’s now time to say ...Dance ...Rosie ...Dance! Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www. hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid obituary 135221

The Rev. Roland “Rollie” M. Golz, 91, met his Lord and Savior on April 11, 2023, under the care of ProMedica Hospice and staff at The Waterford at Colby, where he most recently lived. Rollie was born October 4, 1931, in Racine, to the late Paul and Martha Golz. Rollie was a graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School and Concordia Teachers College, both in River Forest, Ill. After graduating in 1954, he accepted his first teaching position at Trinity Lutheran School in Athens. This is where he met the love of his life, Violet “Vi” Hoge. The two were married June 2, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.Theirs was a solid marriage based on shared faith and values that were always guided by the Lord’s word. During the early years of their marriage, Rollie held several teaching positions at parochial schools in New Albany, Ind., Wausau and Stevens Point. By attending summer classes while teaching, Rollie advanced his passion by earning his master’s degree in teaching in 1967. With a little extra encouragement from a friend, he then decided to go back to school to become a pastor. He attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill., where he received his Colloquy degree in 1973. His Ordination was held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stevens Point that year. Rev. Golz was first assigned to serve St. Peters Lutheran Church in Dorchester, where he served until 1981. Next they moved to Bonduel to serve at St. Paul Lutheran Church. In 1993 the couple retired and settled in nearby Gresham. The Lord had other plans for them though, as Rev. Golz would come out of retirement to simultaneously serve a cluster of congregations at St. John Lutheran Church, Hermansfort, St. John, Belle Plaine and Immanuel Mohican Lutheran, Red Springs. He and Vi then moved back to Dorchester in 2017 to be closer to family. Over the years, Rev. Golz and Vi were both very involved in LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League). They both held positions for the North Wisconsin District of LWML; he as counselor and she as vice president. He also held several positions for the North Wisconsin District, LCMS, including treasurer of the teacher conference, member of the district recruitment committee, and various convention committees. Rev. Golz wore many hats over the years of life; that of teacher, principal, music director, athletic director, youth advisor, Bible class director and Sunday School director. Rev. Golz was also a member of the Lions organization in Gresham. Rollie and Vi reverently served the Lord together and found togetherness in their shared love of gardening, caring for their yard together, taking walks together, and even enjoyed the simple tasks of washing and drying dishes together. They were both wonderful cheerleaders for their grandchildren, enjoying many of their school events and extracurricular activities. Rollie very much enjoyed a good Green Bay Packer or Milwaukee Brewer game. He and Vi loved animals and almost always had a pet or three around the house. Rev. Golz is survived by children: Rick (Carolyn) Golz, Dorchester and Randy (Renee) Golz of Little Chute; grandchildren: Neilana Golz (Logan), Leanna Golz (Jordan), Taylor (Sara) Golz, Tanner Golz, Tallon Golz, Marina Modell and James (Brianna) Modell; great-grandchildren: Paisley and Brynlee; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He is further survived by sisters-in-law: LaVerne Golz, Luann Thurs and Jeanne Card. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Violet (Hoge) Golz, who passed on February 5, 2023; brothers: Guilbert Golz, Lester Golz and Alfred Golz; and sisters: Evelyn Klyzub and Elanor Schoeffler. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwalenberg presiding. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place in Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to thank the staff at The Waterford at Colby, Aspirus Hospice, ProMedica Hospice Care, Affinity, Beyond Home Care, and very special friend, Rose Jankee, for all the kindness and care they gave. Memorials will be given in Roland’s name to multiple charities which he was fond of. Paid obituary 135151