1926-2021 Kenneth “Ken” O. Mannel, 94, of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Ken was born on July 28, 1926 to Erwin and Viola (Dreier) Mannel in Wilton. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1944. He entered into the Navy in 1944, during World War II, and served on a Destroyer Escort in the Pacific. He married Ruth Shaw on June 11, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Sparta. He was recalled to the Navy during the Korean War. He then attended Mortuary School in Milwaukee. Ken worked for Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Milwaukee. He moved to Rib Lake in August of 1956 and worked with Elmer Taylor at Taylor Funeral Home, eventually purchasing the funeral home and owning and operating it from 1961 until 1977. He also built and operated the funeral home in Prentice. After selling the funeral home Ken and Ruth bought Ed Thums’ Phillips 66 Oil Company until selling it in 1990. Ken was a member of the Shriners, transporting children to the Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis. He was also a member of the Rib Lake Fire Department, Rib Lake Village Board, Rib Lake United Methodist Church, Lehman-Clendenning American Legion Post, and a charter member of the Rib Lake Lions. He bowled for many years, including the State Tourney. As a member of the Taylor County Board, he was instrumental in establishing and preserving the Wood Lake County Park for future generations. Ken is survived by his children, Karon (James) Dallmann of Rib Lake, Kim (Leon) Gasek of Medford, Kevin (Shirl) Mannel of Menomonie, Kyle (Penny) Mannel of Fremont, and Kurt (Petti) Mannel of Rib Lake; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Ken is further survived by other family and friends. In addition to his wife, Ruth, on Mar. 5, 2020, Ken was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith; and sister, Idell Marshall. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid Obituary 100030

1926-2021 Charles “Chuck” G. Mayer, 94, of Chelsea, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services, under the care of Hope Hospice. Private family services will take place with military honors with a celebration of life to take place at a later date. Chuck was born on May 20, 1926 to Henry Sr. and Mary (Kestler) Mayer in Chelsea. As a senior in high school he drove milk truck before school in the morning. He served overseas in the Philippines at the end of World War II. After the war he went to Japan for 13 and a half months and was in the military police. He married Anna M. Gosbee on Oct. 9, 1948 at Whittlesey Church in the Township of Chelsea. After his service, Chuck bought three milk trucks and serviced Westboro to Medford area. He sold two routes and kept one for 22 years. He also hauled peas to Medford Pea Cannery then to Stratford Pea Cannery. Along with farming his own land, which had three barns full of livestock and chickens, he did thrashing oats, and then changed to combining for 29 farmers and filled 11 silos a year. He converted his milk truck into a pulp wood truck and hauled logs and pulp wood. He worked for Farmers Union in Medford installing furnaces, electrical work, and delivered propane gas. He also drove school bus for the Westboro School District and drove gravel truck for Jochimsen & Schmidt. Chuck was a County Board supervisor in Medford, chairman of the Township of Chelsea, was on the Westboro School Board, member of VFW Westboro, American Legion in Rib Lake, and Chelsea Conservation Club. In his spare time he enjoyed camping, woodworking and maintenance of work shop in Texas, and playing cards with his family. Chuck is survived by his children, Kathleen M. Kleutsch of Medford, Teresa A. (Doug) Kleutsch of Winter, Susan J. (Dennis) Jensen of Medford, Sandra J. (Gary) Scheithauer of Medford; grandchildren, Katelyn (Juan Pablo Berón) and Allisyn Kleutsch, Jesse (Amanda) and Brandon (Casey) Jensen, Nathan (Jenna) Scheithauer and Nicole (Dustin) Misener; great-grandchildren, Sierra, Miles, Lucas and Mackenzie Jensen, Eden and Grayson Misener; sister, Joan (Jim) Tlusty and other family and friends. In addition to his wife, Anna; Chuck was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia; son-in-law, Jerome Kleutsch; brothers, Frank, Henry Jr., George, and Bill Mayer; and sister, Mary Koontz. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid Obituary 100031

1953-2021 Gary L. Westrich, 67, of Medford, passed away at home unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Gary was born on July 19, 1953 to Donald and Enola (Meyer) Westrich in Medford. He graduated from Medford High School. After high school he entered the Navy. He married Patricia “Patty” A. Henke on June 17, 1972. He worked for Doberstein Lumber for many years. He was then self-employed until his retirement. In his spare time Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding his Gator. In addition to his wife, Patty, Gary is survived by his son, Gary (Terri) Westrich Jr. of Medford; granddaughter, Karlee Westrich of Medford; sisters, Jean (John) Vogt of Tennessee, Linda Westrich of Florida, Julie (Robin) Hartzell of Cadott, and Carol (Mark) Anderson of Weston; brothers, Kim (Beth) Westrich of Medford, Jason Westrich of Wausau, and Russell (Sheri) Westrich of Jump River. Gary is further survived by other family and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Enola; and his stepmother, Lorraine Westrich. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Gary’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. Paid Obituary 100032

1958-2021 Tim Scott, 62, of Hammond passed away unexpectedly at his home on Jan. 20, 2021. There will be a celebration of life at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Baldwin on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A memorial mass will be held for Tim on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. at St Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church in Hammond. A funeral mass and burial will be held at Holy Rosary Church in Medford at a later date. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin. Tim was born on July 28, 1958 in Marshfield to Raymond and Ruth Mary (Kelly) Scott. Tim grew up in Medford and attended high school at St. Lawrence Seminary in Mount Calvary. After high school, Tim attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. earning his B.A. degree in 1980. Tim then taught German at St. Lawrence Seminary before attending the University of Minnesota where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1988. Tim also received a LL.M. degree in German and European Community Law from the Eberhard Karls University in Tubingen, Germany in 1990. Tim practiced law in northwest Wisconsin, first with the Bakke Norman law firm in New Richmond and then later as a solo practitioner specializing in municipal law. Tim loved practicing law and teaching and excelled at both. Tim’s true passion was public service work, particularly with youth, whether it was leading Confirmation classes locally, leading his International Scouting organization (Scouting the World) on trips to Germany or various National Parks in the western United States. He also loved giving his speeches on the Holocaust and it’s relevance today to middle and high schools throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Tim touched and influenced many lives through these groups and loved the time he spent doing this. His wit, sarcasm, story-telling and ability to make others laugh will be forever missed. Tim has struggled for several years with his physical health which affected his mind and clear thinking. He loved his family, friends and the causes he believed in passionately. Tim would want us all to live life to the fullest with compassion and understanding for others. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Tim Scott Scholarship Fund that has been setup at Royal Credit Union in New Richmond. Tim is survived by his brothers, James, Michael, Patrick (Lydia), Terry, Dennis (Amy), Kevin (Mary); and his sister, Maureen; and many nieces; and nephews. Tim was preceded in death by his parents. Paid Obituary 100039

Reports of Area Deaths udtke 1984-2021 Sara Lynn Budtke, 36, of Milladore passed away on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, from a car accident. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 10571 George Avenue, Auburndale on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. with Reverend Mark Lundgren officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home, 1010 East Veterans Parkway, Marshfield, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will also be a time of visitation one hour before the time of service at the church on Thursday. Sara was born Aug. 17, 1984 to Terry and Helen Nemitz. She graduated from Cornell High School in 2002. Sara married Steven Budtke on June 12, 2004. They were blessed with two children Anna, 13 and Hunter, 6. Sara made a career in the banking industry working most recently for Prevail Bank as a Deposit Operations Specialist. Sara’s love for her family was transparent, easily letting them know they came first. She never did anything halfway. Her zest for life was always present in everything she did. Sara enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, and games of all kinds. If there was a pinochle game Sara would gladly jump in and give you a run for your money. Those closest to her knew of her “obsession” with the Golden Girls. She collected frogs of all shapes and sizes which was fitting because she truly lived the meaning of the word F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God). Sara’s light will continue to shine through her loved ones. Sara is survived by her husband, Steven; daughter, Anna; and son, Hunter, all of Milladore; mother, Helen Nemitz of Medford; brother, Matthew (Genny) Nemitz of Medford; sister, Kimberly Nemitz of Dorchester; grandparents, Arnold and Rosalee Diamond of Hannibal; mother-in-law, Kathy Budtke of Marshfield; brother-in-law, Donald (Judy) Budtke, Rozellville; sister-in-law, Sarah Budtke of Auburndale; several nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles; cousins; friends; and special people she held near and dear to her heart. Sara was welcomed into Heaven by her father, Terry Nemitz; grandparents Robert and Judy Nemitz; father-in-law, Donny Budtke; brother-in-law David Budtke; sister-in-law, Gloria Ann Budtke; grandparents- in-law, Ray and Mary Kloos; and grandmotherin- law, Verna Kroening. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to an educational fund that has been established in Sara’s memory for her children at any First State Bank location. For your convenience, online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com. Paid Obituary 99817

1930-2021 Lois M. Pernsteiner, 91, of the Township of Little Black, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at Aspirus Care and Rehab. Private family services will be held at a later date. Lois was born on Jan. 10, 1930 to Norman and Alice (Rudolph) Jensen in Medford. She married Henry Pernsteiner on Sept. 27, 1946. She farmed alongside her husband. She also worked on a mink ranch and drove school bus for many years. She loved her flowers and gardening. Lois is survived by her children, Janis Brehm of Medford, Gale (John) Resech of Lac du Flambeau, June (Jeff) Jones of Washington, and Gary (Linda) Pernsteiner of Medford; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; brother, Leroy (Lyn) Jensen of Medford; and brother-in-law, Jim Zuleger. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; parents; and sister, Joan Zuleger. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid Obituary 99813

1955-2021 Gordon Lee Madlon, 65 of Jump River, died on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A private family service will be held at a later date.

1930-2021 Lila M. Czarnezki, 90, Medford died on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 at Our House Senior Living, Medford where she had resided for the past two years. Memorial services for Lila will be private family only with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic to her than her family. For over 45 years, she provided loving childcare to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other children who she loved and cherished as her own. She was known as the “cake lady” as she baked and decorated many cakes for special occasions. She enjoyed baking, making quilts, playing cards, gardening, flowers and spending time with her family. Always having a smile on her face, she touched many lives. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, and the Council of Catholic Women. Surviving are her children, Jim (Cas) Czarnezki of Tennessee, Gary Czarnezki of Medford, John (Nancy) Czarnezki of Rib Lake, Cheryl Bach of Weston and Joanne (Perry) Wolf of Athens; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son-in-law, John Bach; brothers, Leonard and Joe Retterath; great-grandchildren, Tori Jean Czarnezki, Ethan Ryan Czarnezki and Aaron John Czarnezki. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Cemetery, Medford. Lila was born on May 8, 1930 in the Town of Deer Creek, the daughter of Ambrose and Helen (Schneider) Retterath. She attended Stetsonville Grade School and was a 1948 graduate of Medford High School. Her marriage took place on Oct. 2, 1948 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Stetsonville to Milan G. Czarnezki and he preceded her in death on January 10, 2016. They farmed in the Town of Hammel until 1957, then they moved to Medford and she was a dedicated housewife and mother; nothing was more important Paid Obituary 99814

1928-2021 Zane Ray Dodge, 92, formerly of Gilman, was called home on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at his daughter’s home in Janesville under the care of Agrace Hospice and his daughter, Virginia, with his beloved wife, Mary Jane, by his side. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, at Christ’s Community Church of Jump River with Pastor Joey Olsen officiating. Burial will follow in the Hannibal Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.He was born on Aug. 7, 1928 to the late Jerome and Alice (Parsons) Dodge. Zane grew up in the Hannibal area and attended area schools. He was united in marriage to Mary Jane Close on May 3, 1952 on the family farm in Hannibal in a double ceremony with his brother, Charles, and his bride, Phyllis Kraehnke.Zane began his working career at the age of 16, weighing milk for the Medford Co-op Creamery in Hannibal. At the age of 19, he moved to Waukesha, WI, where he met his bride. During his time in Waukesha, Zane worked as a molder in a foundry and as a bus mechanic for the city. It was while working at the bus company, that he began to hone his skill of fixing things, which proved beneficial to him later in life. Zane and Mary Jane had three children in Waukesha, Wayne, Warren and Barbara, before returning to the Hannibal family farm in 1959. Once on the farm, they were blessed with three more, Susan, Elwin and Virginia. Zane enjoyed polka music (especially the Big Joe Polka Show), politics and history, often saying “Those who deny history, are destined to repeat it”. His faith in God was strong.He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Jane; his children, Wayne Dodge of Chippewa Falls, Warren (Cheryl) Dodge of Gilman, Barbara Dodge of New Brighton, Minn., Susan Elphick of Marshall and Virginia (Glen) Dawson of Janesville; grandchildren, Denise, Renee, Jeremy, Joshua, Shauna, Ryan, and Victoria; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Beatrice Kohn; numerous nieces; and nephews; and many dear friends, all whom he loved and cherished.Zane was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Elwin in 2019; brothers, Robert, Charles, John and Roy; one sister, Gladys; and one great-grandchild, Nathaniel.Plombon Funeral service assisted the family with arrangements.Paid Obituary 99803

1957-2021 Allen E. Stroinski, 63, of Thorp, passed away on Jan. 8, 2021 at his home. A celebration of Al’s life will be held at a later date in the spring.Allen Edward Stroinski was born on Jan. 28, 1957 at Victory Memorial Hospital in Stanley, the son of Edward J. and Irene (Pokeritz) Stroinski. He was raised on the family farm in the Town of Taft, educated at Thorp Public Schools, and graduated from Thorp High School in 1975. After completing his education, Al worked various jobs in the Thorp area before beginning his career at Hurd Millwork in Medford. He drove to Medford from Thorp every day, in all kinds of weather, for over 24 years. While working at Hurd’s, Al formed many friendships with his coworkers. He was a good reliable worker, who was always willing to help anyone out, whenever or wherever needed. Even though his employment at Hurd’s ended, Al remained in contact with many of his coworkers by phone or in person.In Aug. of 2005, Al began working at Birchwood’s Best, now known as Masonite, in Thorp on second shift. Rarely missing a day of work, Al’s employment at Masonite lasted until Feb. 2020 when he officially retired.Al was a NASCAR fanatic who rarely missed a race on TV. He was thrilled to be able to attend races at the Bristol Motor Speedway, in Bristol, Tenn., and one at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. to watch his favorite driver, Matt Kenseth. On a local level, Al enjoyed going to dirt track races in New Richmond, Somerset, Menomonie, Jim Falls, Ashland, and Unity. If his racing buddies were not able to go with him, Al would venture out on his own, sit in his usual seat at the racetrack, and settle in for the evening’s entertainment. In addition to racing, Al enjoyed watching his beloved Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers, and also enjoyed an afternoon of playing sheepshead or dirty clubs with his buddies.He is survived by his three siblings, Edie (Edward) Nowicki of DeForest, Judy (Stephen) Nowicki of Nekoosa, and Dan (Peggy) Stroinski of Thorp; six nieces and nephews, Jill (Andy) Walder, Michael (Erica) Nowicki, Karen (Tyler) Olson, Amy (Travis) McNamara, Cara (Steve Wink) Stroinski, and Kelsey (Austin) Tollefson; 10 great-nieces and nephews, Eddie, Katy, Maya, Brady, Cullen, Hailee, Skylar, Paige, Danny and Eli; five half-nieces, Michelle, Lisa, Christine, Bonnie, and Barbara; and many, many friends.Al was preceded in death by his parents; and his half-sister, Suzanne Smith.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for future designation.Online condolences may be expressed at: www. cuddiefh.com.Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.Paid Obituary 99815