04 April 2023

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Reverend  DuWayne Schneider

Reverend DuWayne Schneider


Reverend DuWayne R. Schneider, 84 of Phillips, passed away January 21, 2023, at Park Manor in Park Falls. He was born in Sheboygan on July 29, 1938. He was raised on a farm until beginning his ministry education at age 14 at Concordia College in Milwaukee. After graduation he attended Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Ill. He was ordained on August 1, 1965, at St. John Lutheran Church, Edgar. He served as pastor at churches in Brimfield, Ill., Flin Flon Man, Canada, Boyceville, Fergus Falls, Minn., Colby, Land O’Lakes, Cable, Turtle Lake and Clayton. He also served at numerous churches as a vacancy and fill-in pastor. He was an avid local sports fan and attended many baseball and basketball games for teams from Phillips, often traveling on his own to away games. He supported local teens by hiring them to help him with chores. He is survived by nieces and nephews: Stephen (Cathy) Schneider, Stratford, David (Shelly) Schneider, Marshfield, Peter Schneider, Conifer, Colo., Patricia (Peter) VanDerLeest, Stratford, Ruth Nicholls, Alexandria, Minn., Cheryl (Tim) Wolifinbarger, St. Maries, Idaho, Donna Legore, Spokane Valley, Wash., and Kenny (Corrinne) Kunkel, Victor, Mont. He is further survived by special friends: Frank and Rosie Kopling, John Weiss and Julie DeLasky. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ida, brother, Lester Jr. and sister, Carol White. We wish to thank the staff at Lakeside Villa, Phillips, and Park Manor, Park Falls, for their care of him in the past year. Special thanks also to David Jones for his assistance in cleaning up properties. A funeral service was held Saturday, Feb. 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Phillips. A committal service will be on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow at St. John Lutheran Church – LCMS in Edgar. In lieu of flowers donations to St. John’s – LCMS or Trinity Lutheran would be appreciated. Paid obituary 134105

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Dorothy Rueden

Dorothy Rueden


Dorothy M. Rueden, 82, of Stetsonville, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Clark County Rehab, under the care of Promedica Hospice. A funeral service for Dorothy took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Stetsonville, with Pastor Richard Russow presiding. Visitation took place at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Dorothy was born on April 26, 1940, to Alvin and Gladys (Knorr) Rabehl in Beaver Dam. She graduated from Dorchester High School in 1958. Dorothy married Stanley John Bochanyin in 1958 and they were later divorced. She married Russell Rueden in 1979 and he preceded her in death in 2020. Dorothy worked as a CNA at the hospital in Ladysmith, Presto Appliances in Eau Claire, The Alibi Bar, and purchased Jerkwater Bar in 1967, which she owned and operated until her retirement. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, reading, and playing card games such as 500 Rummy and Sheepshead. She played the accordion, piano and organ. She also enjoyed trips with the RV and pontooning to Lake Solberg. She loved spending time with family. Dorothy is survived by her children: Lee (Lindy) Bochanyin of Mosinee, Linda Reynolds of Athens, Luanne Mears of Ellabell, Ga., Lauri Moore of Stetsonville, Larry (Becky) Bochanyin of Ogema and Lois (John W.) Klimpke of Milan; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and brothers: Victor (Patti) Rabehl of Spirit Lake and Chris (Betty) Rabehl of Athens. Dorothy is further survived by other family and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Stanley; second husband, Russell; and siblings: Alvin Rabehl Jr. and Sharon Boehm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Dorothy’s name may be given to Zion Lutheran Church. 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 134435

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Mark Brecke

Mark Brecke


Mark Marvin Brecke, 64, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, under the care of St. Croix Hospice on March 29, 2023. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, from 3-8 p.m. at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 2-6 p.m. at the Stetsonville Centennial Hall. Mark was born on September 3, 1958, to Myron and Sharon (Johnson) Brecke in Marshfield. He graduated from Medford High School. He was a member of the Jaycee club. Mark farmed for many years prior to working for Heartland Co-op (River Country). He took pride in his job at the coop and retired in December 2021. Mark met Peggy (Keeser) in 1996. They were later married on December 18, 1999. They both enjoyed building their farm into what it is today and they raised many miniature donkeys, a few beef cattle and horses. Mark had such a love for his miniature donkeys and it was well known. What Mark took most pride in was his family. He enjoyed making hay with his son, Chris, and being there to walk his daughter, Steph, down the aisle at her wedding. Mark was loved and will be missed by so many. He had the ability to talk to anyone and always put a smile on anyone’s face. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; his son, Christopher; his daughter, Stephanie (Wyatt) Born, and his mother, Sharon (Johnson) Brecke. He is further survived by four sisters: Juleen Brecke (Greg Blume), Abbotsford, Denise Brecke and Karen Brecke, both of Stetsonville, and Melissa (Dave) Boehlke, Thorp, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his stepson, Louis (Louie) Voigt, his father, Myron Brecke, and his father-in-law, Donald Keeser. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 134442

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Brian Vircks

Brian Vircks


Brian P. “Jingles” Vircks, 72, of Colby, took his last ride to Heaven on Monday, April 3, 2023, with his family at his side and while under the care of St. Croix Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 7, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Chaplain Randy Mantik presiding. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Jingles was born October 7, 1950, in Medford to Arthur and Harriet (Berry) Vircks. In 1972, he married Mardell “Marty” Walls. They resided in the Medford area then moved to Phoenix, Ariz., for 25 years, and in 2013, returned to Colby to be near family. Jingles worked as a truck driver all of his life and did so until very recently. He had visited all 50 states, but had driven the continental United States and Alaska, putting on nearly three million miles, and he always kept his rig spotless. Although his passion was driving, Jingles also was a very social guy. He enjoyed bar hopping so he could have a beer and chat with friends. He was always tinkering to improve gadgets, and if bungee cords and gorilla tape couldn’t fix it, nothing could! He also enjoyed panning for gold, playing poker machines, chatting on the CB, and going to the chrome shops. Jingles’ best and most cherished time was spent with his grandchildren who he loved dearly. Survivors include his children: Charles Vircks (Kim Dassow) of Medford and Ann Fannin (Terry Tischendorf) of Medford; sisters: Karleen Langer of Barrington, Ill., Kari Draeger of Medford and Kay (Mike) Gerber of Sun Prairie; brothers: Boyd (Diane) Vircks of Texas and Berle (Sylvia) Vircks of Youngstown; grandchildren: David, Tristin, Kelsey, Desiree and Chorin Vircks and Emily Fannin; great-grandchildren: Darcy, Jaylen, Janice and Kash; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marty, on March 25, 2022; a sister, Kristin Brunner; a brother, Barton Vircks: and two brothers-in-law: Michael Langer and Harvey Draeger Jr. 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 134577
28 March 2023

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Jerald Wojner

Jerald Wojner


bituaries Jerald “Jerry” Louis Wojner, 83, Abbotsford, passed away on March 22, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Jerry was born on May 15, 1939, in Greenwood, to the late Valentine and Alice (Witt) Wojner. He graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1957. n February 14, 1959, he married Lynne Nehrlich, who survives. Jerry worked at Abbotsford Auto, the family business, for many years. He was also employed as a salesman for heavy duty trucks and in auto body repair. Jerry was a member of the Abbotsford Sportsman’s Club, and served as president, vice president and treasurer. He was also a member and president of Little Rice ATV Club. Jerry was dedicated to teaching hunter safety for the youth for 12 years, and served as vice president of the Abbotsford School Board for 12 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed racing stock cars in his younger years. In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughters: Jerri Lynn (Dennis Davis) of Dorchester, Lisa Marie (Mike) Haase of Marathon and Suzanne Kay of Tucson, Ariz.; nine grandchildren: Brooke (Frank) Peoples, Tyler (Kaylee) Viegut, Carter Koontz, Kyle Koontz, Drew (Katie) Smola, Paige (Kyle) Kubichek, Riley (Dylan Eades), David McGowan and Jackson McGowan; seven great-grandchildren: Emmett and Aiden Peoples, Addison Viegut, Lincoln and Dottie Smola and Adilynn and Aria McGowan; and his siblings: Roger (Donna) of Texas, Wendy (David Watson) of Abbotsford and Mark of Abbotsford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Laurie Ann Wojner. Family and friends may express condolences online at maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 134043

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14 March 2023

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Geraldine Geiger

Geraldine Geiger


bituaries Geraldine A. “Gerry” Geiger, age 91, of Colby, formerly Dorchester, passed away with family by her side in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Colby Senior Care, with care provided by St. Croix Hospice. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester with Rev. Timothy udenhoven presiding. She will be laid to rest in Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation at the church in Dorchester on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. A Rosary service is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Mike Geiger, Matt Behnke, David Behnke and Andrew Geiger. Gerry was born on January 19, 1932, in Taylor County, Wisconsin, to Lester and Marie (Ludwig) Beyer. She graduated from Medford High School. n August 6, 1949, she was united in marriage to Norbert Geiger at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville. She and Norbert owned and operated a dairy farm. utside of operating the farm, Gerry was also employed at Meadow Farms, Mr. B’s Egg Plant, The lde Saloon, McDonald’s and Clarkson’s Bar, which was owned by her sister. She raised eight children and sewed the majority of the girls’ clothes. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester as well as a member of its PCCW. Gerry enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and bowling. She loved to test her luck at the casino and spending time with her family. Those who will cherish her memory include her children: John (Elfriede) Geiger of Colorado Springs, Colo., James (Charlene) Geiger of Spencer, Steve Geiger of wen, Kathleen (Dennis) Reynolds of Dorchester, Sandra (Dave) Behnke of Dorchester, Kurt (Jennifer) Geiger of Potter and Pam (Kirk) Kalepp of Dorchester; 22 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Marie Beyer; her husband, Norbert, her son, Timothy, in infancy, her son, Daniel Geiger; her brother, Allen Beyer; her sister and brother-inlaw, Ardis and Les Clarkson; her grandson, Jeremy Behnke and her great-grandson, Trent Geiger. If desired, the Geiger family is accepting memorials in Gerry’s name for a charity yet to be determined. Gerry’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 133512

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28 February 2023

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Richard Mielke

Richard Mielke


Richard Hugo Mielke, age 66, of Colby, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in the Town of Eau Pleine/March Rapids. Pastor Philip Wilde will preside. Burial will follow the service at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. Richard was born on October 11, 1956, in Marshfield, the son of Hugo and Mabel (Schultz) Mielke. He graduated from Colby High School in 1974 and graduated with honors from the University of WI-River Falls in 1978 with a degree in agricultural business. He proudly worked alongside his father and later his brother on the family dairy and beef farm until he was admitted to the hospital. He was especially happy that his nephew, Adam, was continuing the family farm. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, March Rapids, and served as a church council treasurer for 12 years. He was an avid coin collector and trader, and thoroughly enjoyed participating in the church dart ball league for many years. He loved all his nieces and nephews, and was very close to Adam, Melissa and Lindsey, whom he was able to see nearly every day as they were growing up. Richard is survived by his brother, Daniel (Becky) Mielke; step-brother, Rev. William (Daphne) Viergutz of Burlington, Colo.; stepsisters: Rose (Bob) Denzin of Jonesboro, Ga., Janet Eggert of St. Louis, Mo., Susan (Robert) Gebel of Brookfield and Ruth (Dan) Hawk of Knoxville, Tenn. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Jeanne Mielke; sister-in-law, Michelle Mielke; and brother-in-law, Steve Eggert. The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschillingfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 132951

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Russell Rougeux

Russell Rougeux


Russell S. Rougeux, age 63, of Unity, passed away on February 20, 2023. A celebratory gathering will be held from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Military honors will be provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227 at 3 p.m. Russell was born April 25, 1959, the son of Sheridan and Shirley (Hemphill) Rougeux in Clearfield County, Penn. He graduated from Clearfield Pennsylvania High School in 1978 and served in the Army from 1978-1982. He was united in marriage to Denise Day on July 21, 1984. He then graduated in 1986 from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Russell was a medical physicians assistant at the Marshfield Clinic for 37 years until his retirement in 2021. Russell loved rock music and was always the life of the party. He was very social, giving and helpful. He had a dedicated love for his grandchildren. Russell is survived by his wife, Denise; two sons: Randy Rougeux of Plover and Brian (Angie) Rougeux of Edgar; one daughter, Brenda (Andy) Kunze of Spencer, and four grandchildren: Josh, Haley, Sabrina and Matthew. He is further survived by a sister, Virginia (Bill) Smith of Conneaut, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as one sister, Theresa Rougeux. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the American Heart Association. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 132766