1923-2021Ellen M. “Ellie” Duerr, 97, formerly of Athens, died Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 in Medford under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care. Private funeral services will be Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Rev. Kenneth Bittorf will officiate. Burial will be in the Athens Cemetery. Public visitation will be on Sunday from 10 a.m. until the time of services all at the Athens funeral home. Social distancing protocols will be in place and masks are required for all in attendance. Funeral services will be live streamed on the Peterson/Kraemer Facebook page at 1 p.m. Sunday or for later viewing on the website at www.petersonkraemer.com.

1926-2021 US Navy Nurse Corps Captain, Ruth E. Halverson, age 95, died Feb. 13, 2021 peacefully at The Mayflower in Winter Park, Fla. Graveside committal services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26 at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake with Rev. James Langebartels officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Rib Lake American Legion military honors team. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is assisting the family with local arrangements. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Ruth will be laid to rest beside her parents. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made in her memory to Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, 2727 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839. Ruth was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin and was a devout Lutheran, no matter where she traveled throughout the world. Ruth earned her RN degree from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, Marshfield, in 1946 and her B.S. from Marquette University, Milwaukee in 1956. She joined the Navy Nurse Corps in 1951 and started her long and distinguished career including duty at several stateside naval hospitals, instructing at the Great Lakes Hospital Corps School, recruiting in Chicago, serving aboard the Vietnam War transport ship USNS General D. Patrick and in Kentra, Morocco. During the Vietnam War, as the Patrick sailed into combat zones, she often was the only woman aboard that ship which carried over four thousand service men. She fondly reminisced of the respect and special attention she received during her departure from the ship, particularly the great honor of having the Captain pour tea for her, as well as receiving a commissioned painting of the ship. In 1974, she earned the rank of Captain and became the Director of Nursing for the then newly commissioned naval hospital in Pensacola, Fla. During her career she was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. When she retired from the service in 1977, she stayed on in Florida building her lakefront home, replicating as much as possible the lakes and memories of her childhood in Wisconsin. She also continued her close connections with her fellow retired Navy nurses. Her home was filled with the art she collected during her career and world travels. She enjoyed growing roses, hosting dinner parties and going out on the lake. Ruthie cherished her family connections and celebrated Christmas as one of her favorite times, from decorating to attending church services to sending out fruitcakes. Ruth was a strong advocate for animals and continuously filled her home with cats and dogs. While she was always attached to a church, in her later years she became more involved with volunteering and enjoyed singing in The Mayflower choir, where she had been a resident for the past eight years. Ruth poured herself into every endeavor she took on, keeping high standards for herself and setting an example for those around her to follow. Her belief that if you were going to do something, do it well also applied to her life-long enjoyment of cheering for the Green Bay Packers and U of W Badgers. Ruth is survived by her nieces, Mary Millington and Ruth Ann Halverson; nephews, John Halverson and Paul Halverson; and their respective spouses; as well as several great-nieces and nephews; and their respective spouses; and her feline friend, Miss Ellie. She was preceded by her parents, Martha (Monske) and Otto Halverson; as well as her brother and sister-in law, Carl and Irene Halverson; sister and brother-in-law, Annabelle and Paul E. Millington; and niece, Patricia Ann Millington. Share your memories and send condolences to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com. Paid Obituary 101055

1926-2021 Eileen R. Keller, 94, of Dorchester, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, at her nephew, Terry Schilling’s home under the tender care of Ascension Home Care Hospice. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with Eileen taught school for 55 years, two years in a rural school, five years in Colby Grade School and 48 years in Medford Area Schools, retiring in 2001. Eileen moved from Curtiss to Dorchester in 1969. After retirement, she was a caregiver for her mother and a very dear friend, Roger Kobs. Eileen was a member of the Dorchester Lions, Marshfield Area Teachers Association and a NEA member. Eileen enjoyed reading, making round rugs, quilting, baking and gardening, especially having lots of flowers during the summer. Eileen is survived by her sister, Joan Dettmering; three nephews: Terry (Sue) Schilling, Jon and Jerry Dettmering; a niece, Julie (Dettmering) Schroeder; grand-nephew, Kyle Schilling and grand-niece, Jennifer Hadfield; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Marcella and Geraldine; nephew, Rodney Edblom; a special friend, Roger Kobs; and her dog, Harley. The family would like to thank Ascension Home Hospice for their compassionate care and support. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. the arrangements. Eileen was born on Nov. 16, 1926, the daughter of Ambrose and Frieda (Doege) Keller in Madison. She moved to Curtiss at age three and attended Clovernook School in Clark County and graduated from Colby High School. Eileen attended Central State Teachers College (now UW Stevens Point) and graduated in 1946 with a degree in Rural Education. She continued her education through night classes and summer school and received a BS degree in 1948 and completed a Master’s Degree in 1969 from UW Superior. Paid Obituary 100825

1941-2021 The family of Gary Mueller sadly announces his passing on Feb. 1, 2021, at the age of 79 following a lengthy battle with cancer. A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Post 162 in Spalding on May 15, 2021 at 2 p.m. An additional celebration of life will be held in Medford on a date and time to be announced. Gary was born Aug. 2, 1941, in Medford to parents Melvin and Nora Mueller. During his childhood he and his brothers formed a band called The Mueller Brothers. Gary, on the accordion, spent many evenings with his brothers playing polka and waltz music at the Old Corner Dance Hall. They loved playing their theme song, “Melody of Love”, and ending the night with “Goodnight Irene”. Gary graduated from Medford High School and attended the University of Wisconsin in Platteville. Upon leaving college he proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1962-1966 being stationed at Travis Airforce Base. After completing his tour of duty, work opportunities took Gary to Spalding, Lassen County, Calif. where he worked, married, and raised two sons, Dustan and Daren. Gary lent a helping hand to the family business, Mueller Bros & Company while living in Medford, and later built his own business, Gary M. Mueller Construction Company, in Spalding, Calif. He proudly served his community for many years. His precision backhoe work was a major community asset, helping friends with projects and ensuring all were plowed out when it snowed. He finished his professional career with the United States Forest Service, Lassen National Forest, as a heavy equipment operator. Upon retirement Gary enjoyed attending classic car shows with his 1955 Chevrolet pickup and participating in the Spalding July 4th parade. He enjoyed many years of leadership and fellowship as a member of the American Legion Post 162. He is survived by his sons, Dustan and his wife, Lauren, Daren and his wife Holly; and five grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “PaPa”, Austan, Tenley, Ayla, Saydee and Gaven. Gary is also survived by his brothers, Lorin Mueller, Vern (Karyl) Mueller, Dean (Linda) Mueller, and his sister Karen (Scott) Kersten. Gary was preceeded in death by his wife of 42 years, Malinda; sisters, Judy and Melva; parents, Melvin and Nora. Paid Obituary 100816

1974-2021 Jeremy Marc Totzke, 46, of Abbotsford, sadly passed away on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 after a long courageous battle with cancer. was united in marriage to Lori Siudak on Aug. 24, 2014. Jeremy was an excellent EMT for Abbotsford, and a first responder and firefighter in Stratford. Jeremy enjoyed playing cards and cooking. He was also a sports fanatic and loved watching WWE. Jeremy also coached middle school basketball. Jeremy will greatly be missed by all. Jeremy is survived by his wife, Lori of Abbotsford; his son, Grayson of Abbotsford; two step-children, Alea and Alex Graff (Lindsey Meyer); his parents, Carl and Jean of Edgar; his father and mother-in-law, Marty (Jim) Hager of Colby; his siblings, Cathy (Rob) Prozanski of Madison, Jeff (Cydnee) Totzke of Green Bay, and Anthony (Annette) of Edgar; his three sisters- in-law, Debbie (Randy) Schoelzel of Colby, Sarah ( Larry) Siudak of Wonderlake, Ill. and Candi (Eric) Powell of Milladore; five brothers-in-law, Bobby Siudak of Spring Grove, Ill., Phillip Siudak of Chicago, Ill., Mike (Jennifer) Siudak of Johnsburg, Ill., Brian (Debbie) Siudak of Johnsburg, Ill. and Matt (Amy) Hager of Wausau; his step-mother-in-law, Bonnie Siudak along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Phil Siudak. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. A Funeral Mass will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford. Father Timothy Oudenhoven will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 12 pm until 3 pm at Maurina- Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Family and friends can watch the service live at the funeral home or on the funeral home’s Facebook page or after service anytime on Facebook or the website. We encourage those in attendance to abide by the Covid- 19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing. Jeremy was born on Feb. 22, 1974 in Marshfield, the son of Carl and Jean (Paul) Totzke. Jeremy is a 1992 graduate of Edgar High School. He graduated from UW-Platteville in dairy science and Ag business. Jeremy worked in Ag sales for ST Genetics. He Paid Obituary 100812

1930-2021 Lloyd G. Gebert, 90, of Medford, passed away on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A funeral mass for Lloyd will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Little Black. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary on Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Lloyd was born on Apr. 11, 1930 to Michael and Anne (Krause) Gebert in the Township of Deer Creek. He moved to Milwaukee and worked in a factory. He then worked for Allied Van Lines before working for Trailers Service, transporting heavy equipment. In 1973, he moved back to Medford and purchased a bar from Al Bauer and named it Lloyd’s of Medford. He sold the bar in 1977 and then worked for Taylor County Highway Department until his retirement in 1992. In his spare time he was an avid fisherman, enjoyed being outdoors, and going on trips to Alaska and San Diego with his partner, Carol Amundson. Lloyd is survived by his sons, David (Lisa) Gebert of Medford and Greg (Kris) Gebert of New Berlin; three grandsons, six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces; and nephews. Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Janice Brunetto. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid Obituary 100897

1937-2021 Anthony “Tony” J. Fleischmann, 83, Medford, a former Town of Little Black resident, died on Friday, Feb. 12 at Deerview Meadows Assisted Living, Medford where he had resided for the past seven months most recently under the care of Hope Hospice. was on Oct. 23, 2010 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford to Joann Penk. Tony farmed in the Town of Little Black for many years until retirement. They hosted the Town & Country Farm Dairy Breakfast one year. They also were recipients of the Century Farm award for continuous family ownership for over 100 years. In retirement he worked area part time jobs. He enjoyed farming, collecting farm books, playing cards, westerns, bowling in Medford and Dorchester, and going out to eat. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford and the Knights of Columbus. Surviving Tony are his wife, Joann Fleischmann of Dorchester; children, Ann (David) Suttie of Galesville, Amy (Dave) Spencer of Medford and John (Theresa) Fleischmann of Reedsburg; step-children, Kim (Bob) Bernklau of Medford and Kandie (Joe) Alter of Chicago. Also surviving are four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; step-sisters, Catherine Poehnelt, Eileen Rogers and Mary Ann Dassow. He was preceded in death by his mother; stepfather, Joe Kraemer; his first wife, Betty; a step-son; and step-siblings, Agnes Leader, Henry and Edward Kraemer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hope Hospice of Medford in Tony’s name. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Funeral services for Tony will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Little Black at a later date. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required at the church. Pallbearers will be Luke and Nichole Fleischmann, Caleb and Julie Dahl, Aaric and Corrine Spencer. Tony was born on June 10, 1937 in Ashland, the son of Rosella Barbara Fleischmann. He attended Holy Rosary School, Medford and was a 1955 graduate of Medford High School. His first marriage was on June 8, 1963 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford to Elizabeth “Betty” White and she preceded him in death on July 28, 2007. His second marriage Paid Obituary 100826

1930-2021 Darlene Marie Silbernagel Mathias, 90, of Rib Lake and Palos Park, Ill. died on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services where she had resided for the past 20 months. because she knew in her heart that it wasn’t a perfect fit for them; only to find their home years later for them. These families were so astounded and commended her and referred her to many others because of her honesty and loyalty to them. Her parents moved around during her growing-up years, so she attended many different schools. While in high school in Indiana, she was a star athlete in track, and other areas. The boys’ coach would often use Darlene as an example to inspire them, wishing she could have partaken in the same sports as the boys. She was always an athlete; she played softball in her 50’s, and was in a bowling league even into her 70’s. Even far into retirement years, she won medals in the Senior Olympics while at her winter home in Mission, Texas. Darlene was a stay-at-home-Mom, making homemade bread daily and having a big vegetable garden in Palos Park. She knew how to perfect cooking venison, partridge, pheasant, fish and anything else that her children brought home. She not only made sure her family went to church every Sunday, but also she and her husband went without many things in order to offer her children the best education as well. Darlene was one to reach out to any one that needed aid. Her home was always open to anyone needing love, faith renewal, a roof over their head which entailed many people over the years, and never needing or expecting anything in return. She said, “There is always room for one more,” and many times people ate supper around her table who were not actually part of the family. To Darlene, they were part of her family, if even for just a short time. She was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Rib Lake. Darlene is survived by her husband, Glenn Sr. of Rib Lake; sons, Paul (Jackie) Mathias of Medford, Patrick (Julie) Mathias of Grand Rapids, Minn., Tim (Laura) Mathias and Glenn Jr. (Lori) Mathias both of Lemont, Ill. and Mary (Rick) Gordon of Wausau. Darlene is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, William Silbernagel, Jr, Shirley (Vernon “Peanuts”) Olson, Karen Maes; and grandson, Matthew Mathias. Any memorial contributions may be directed to Patrick Mathias, 34438 County Road 63, Grand Rapids, Minn., 55744. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Funeral services for Darlene were at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake with Father Hrudaya Raju Sunkara officiating. Burial took place following at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake with family members serving as pallbearers. Visitation was at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday. Due to COVID concerns, masks were required at the church. Darlene was born on Sept. 1, 1930 to William and Marie (Schmidt) Silbernagel in Medford. Darlene married Glenn Mathias, Sr. in Red Wing, Minn. on Mar. 20, 1954. They started out their married life in Rib Lake, but soon moved to the Chicago, Ill. area where they bought a home in Palos Park. They lived in their home on 119th Street in Palos Park until all of their children were raised and both Glenn and Darlene had retired from their jobs. Then they moved back to Rib Lake where they spent retirement in their re-modeled cottage on Spirit Lake. Many of us may think about what we will leave behind for our children… Darlene never gave any thought to that, and because she didn’t that is why she left behind a wonderful legacy. The most important was her absolute, unwavering love and devotion to God, and her absolute, unconditional love for her husband, Glenn and her five children, Paul, Patrick, Tim, Mary, and Glenn Jr. Darlene was born of an English teacher and author for a mom, which gave her the unyielding promise of the proper use of the English language and would demand her children respect it as well. Her father was a brilliant Mathematician/Metallurgist, which is probably why she not only succeeded but persevered as a realtor/broker in Palos Park, Ill. and surrounding area. As her many trophies show, her honesty, faith, love of her profession is what called her to real estate later on. She would often convince families either not to sell their home yet or purchase a particular one Paid Obituary 100815