1943-2021 Shirley Rose Lukewich, 77, Medford, died on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 at her residence under the loving care of her family and Hope Hospice. private home health care, and bartended at Pauline’s Place in Whittlesey. They also farmed for 21 years in the Town of Medford. Anyone that knew Shirley knew she was a happy go lucky person. She wouldn’t care who you were, she would be laughing and joking around with you. She enjoyed being with all her family and special cousin, Bernice Borman. She loved to watch the Packers and Brewers, watching her family participate in sporting events, playing dice and hanging out with her special friends at Whittlesey. Surviving are her children, Don Unrau Jr., Weston, Carolyn (Bruce) Clarkson, Lisa (Carl) Tyznik, Kathy Brecht, Rose Unrau, Val (Shawn) Lekie, all of Medford; grandchildren, Kaleigh (Mike) Jost, Megan (Corbin) Buechler, Derek Unrau, Rosanne, Josh and Kelsey Tyznik, Courtney Peterson, Rachel (Tim) Miller, Jessica Clarkson, Tyler Monnier and Ashlee Berry; great-grandchildren, Landon and Lyla Jost, Bradley, Lydia and Chandler Tyznik; brothers, Paul (Sandy) Lukewich Jr. and George (Beth) Lukewich both of Medford. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two stepfathers, Art Piller and Max Opelt. Shirley was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford and OLPH Catholic Church, Whittlesey. Memorial contributions may be made to either church or given to the family for future designation. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Memorial services for Shirley will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, in Whittlesey with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will take place at OLPH Catholic Cemetery in Whittlesey. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Due to COVID concerns, masks will be required for the visitation and funeral services at church. Shirley was born on June 8, 1943 in Medford, the daughter of Paul and Irene (Lewandowski) Lukewich Sr. She attended Wayside Elementary School, Township of Medford and was a 1961 graduate of Medford High School. Her marriage took place on July 14, 1962 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford to Donald Unrau Sr. and they were later divorced. After her education, she worked as a nurses aide in Arpin, Memorial Nursing Home, Medford and Rib Lake Nursing Home, worked at Comfort Carriers, did Paid Obituary 100355

Reports of Area Deaths 1943-2021 Alice M. Rogers, 77, Waukesha, a former Township of Hill resident, died on Thursday, Jan. 21 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient for the past two weeks. Due to COVID concerns, funeral services for Alice will be private family only. Interment will take place at Leavitt Creek Cemetery, Township of Hill with family members serving as pallbearers. Alice was born on Oct. 6, 1943 at the Town of Hill, Price County, the daughter of John Elovy and Alma Sophia (Leino) Frankki. She attended Leavitt Creek Grade School, Town of Hill and was a 1961 graduate of Westboro High School. Her marriage took place on Sept. 2, 1961 in Medford to Larry D. Rogers. After their marriage, they moved to Waukesha where she spent most of her life as a housewife and mother. She also was a self-employed caregiver and housekeeper. She enjoyed camping, visiting with family and friends. She was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church in Kenosha. Surviving are her husband, Larry Rogers of Waukesha; daughters, Janice (Brian) Swanson and Joan Rogers both of Waukesha; siblings, Shirley (Jack) Smith, James (Dorothy) Frankki, Ruth (Wayne) Dupuis and Carol (Gary “Fuzzy”) Ellenbecker, all of Medford, Linda (Ronald) Schmitt of Waukesha, Paul (Judith) Frankki of Stetsonville and Elaine (James) Leppala of Watton, Mich.; sisters-inlaw, Janice Frankki of Medford and Diane Disinger of Indiana; brother-in-law, Stanley Stenberg of Irma. Also surviving are numerous relatives; friends; and brothers and sisters in faith. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Joseph Rogers in 1964; siblings, Charles, John, George, Alfred and Richard Frankki, Ethel Stenberg; and sister- in-law, Mary Frankki, as well as other relatives. Memorial contributions may be given to the family for a future designation. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice. com. Paid Obituary 100070

1931-2021 Joseph “Joe” A. Kathrein, 89, Dorchester, a former Rib Lake resident, died on Sunday, Jan. 24 at Aspirus Medford Hospital where he had been a patient for the past three days. A memorial mass for Joseph will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Rib Lake with Father Hrudaya Raju Sunkara officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Burial of his cremated remains will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake at a later date. Joe was born on Apr. 25, 1931 in Rib Lake, the son of Meinard and Emma (Heisler) Kathrein. He attended Rib Lake elementary schools and was a 1949 graduate of Rib Lake High School. His marriage took place on Dec. 2, 1961 at St. John Catholic Church in Rib Lake to Malinda M. Rosenfeldt. While residing in Rib Lake, he worked for 37 years at Gem Products as a sewing machine mechanic until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking, polka music, traveling and taking care of his yard. He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Rib Lake and a past member of the Rib Lake Community Club. Surviving are his wife, Malinda Kathrein of Rib Lake; children, Brian Kathrein of Medford, Diane (Jim) Seng of Owen and Brenda (Rodney) Fallos of Rib Lake; grandchildren, Christy (Luke), Brian (Sara) and Paula Peterson, Jena (Dylan) Klimpke, Cody (Gao Khang) Seng, Heather (Paul) Rachu, Bradley (Kasie) and Joseph (Kenzie) Fallos, Anthony Kathrein, Cassy (Matt) Ulrich and Sadie (Chee) Xiong. Also surviving are 16 great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Jannis Kathrein. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Kathrein; grandson, Rylan Kathrein; sister, Marie Krolnik; father/mother-in-law, Southwell and Lucile Rosenfeldt; brother-in-law, John Rosenfeldt, along with several aunts; uncles; cousins; and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be given to the family for a future designation. Hemer Funeral Service of Rib Lake and Medford is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid Obituary 100047

1944-2020 Agnes (Aggie) Bernadine Hirsch Conrath passed away on Mar. 27, 2020, four days short of her seventy-sixth birthday. During her last years, she struggled with serious health issues. Her brothers are planning a Zoom Celebration of her life on Saturday, Mar. 27. 2021, at 2 p.m. If you wish to join the Celebration (by ZOOM), e-mail Tim Hirsch (hirschtj@uwec.edu) for more information. Please put “Aggie Celebration” on the “subject” line of the message. Agnes was born in Medford, on Mar. 31, 1944, to Bernard and Anne (Stauner) Hirsch. She grew up in Medford, and also lived in the Wausau area, in Wauwatosa, West Allis, and Pewaukee. For many years, Agnes worked for GE Medical, from which she retired. She had a circle of good friends from those days, and she continued these friendships, including the “Domino Club.” She is dearly missed by her children, Casandra Bellin and Chad Conrath; her grandson, Zachary Bellin; and by siblings, Antoinette Neitzel, George (Patricia Stueber) Hirsch, Tim (Karen) Hirsch, and Mike (Bernice) Hirsch. She was also loved by nieces and nephews and many friends. Her former husband, John Conrath, was a great help to her and all their family. Aggie was preceded in death by a daughter, Corrine Conrath; grandson, Alex Bartelt; her parents; all of the Conrath in-laws; and many friends. Agnes did everything she could to be a kind and loving person. If you wish to contribute to the Celebration of her life, please reach out to someone who may be lonely. Paid Obituary 100007

1945-2020 Gerald G. Asleson, 75, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020 in his home. Jerry was born in Medford on July 19, 1945. He was the son of Gladwyn and Flora Asleson. He married Mary Lissner on June 12, 1965 in Medford and they were married for 50 years. He worked and retired with the Chicago North Western Railroad for 38 years. Jerry is survived by his sister, Jean Mueller; sons, Kevin (Amy) Asleson, Korie Asleson; daughters, Kelly (Steve) Watson, Karla (Pat) Jacobsen; seven grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; and his parents, Gladwyn and Flora. Paid Obituary 100036

1955-2021 Edward W. Graff, age 65, of Stetsonville, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021 at his home. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Family and friends are welcome from 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Family and friends can watch the service live on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the 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. Ed was born on Aug. 28, 1955, the son of Robert and Shirley (Tischendorf) Graff in Detroit, Mich. He graduated from Colby High School in 1973. On Nov. 11, 1983, Ed was united in marriage to Kathleen Schilling in Chelsea. He started out farming, but quit to go to work for Bob’s Dairy. After a couple of weeks, he quit and worked at Abbyland to be closer to his family. After his boys grew, Ed went back to Bob’s Dairy and retired after working several years. Ed liked to tinker and could fix anything. His passion was working on computers and programming them. Ed was always there to help out if anyone called with questions and would walk them through it or drop everything and come over to help. He was a jokester and loved picking on everyone. Ed and the boys built a pontoon, which they enjoyed fishing off together. He especially loved his wife, Kathy and his four boys and adored all his grandchildren. Ed is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy; four sons, Mathew Schilling, Mike Graff, Andrew (Miriah) Graff and Benjamin Graff; seven grandchildren, Sean, Alona, Joey, Hudson, Mazee, Aubree and Hadlee. He is further survived by five siblings, Nancy (Dave) Jenks, Joanne (Butch) Firnstahl, Dan (Barb) Graff, Tim Graff (Bobbie Hansen) and Sarah Sestito; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary; and two brothers, Robert and Jack. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com Paid Obituary 100015

1942-2021 Janet Sigmund, 78, of Medford, passed away Sunday, Jan. 24 peacefully in her home under the care of Hope Hospice and surrounded by family. A future service will be planned out for the summer. Janet was born on Nov. 30, 1942 in Charleston, S.C. to Benjamin and Thelma (Davis) Cutrell. She met her husband, Richard Sigmund Sr., while he was serving in the US Navy assigned to the USS Notable in Charleston. They were married on Aug. 12, 1961 in Charleston and moved to Wisconsin shortly after Richard’s departure from the Navy. In 1990, she began driving semi with Richard as a team with Roehl Transport in Marshfield. After about a year and a half she began training other female drivers until 1994. In 1997 Richard and Janet began Jannee Pet Fence Company selling and installing underground pet fences and in 2004 they shifted their focus on designing and manufacturing a machine specifically for installing pet fence wire and making them available to the pet fence industry where they became known as JANICK. They have many machines throughout the US and Canada as well as England. Janet was well known for her faith in God, love of family, and hugs for anyone she met. She was very proud of having 30 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren with another on the way. She took joy every Christmas season to have “cookie day” with as many of the grandchildren as possible and then enjoying Christmas Eve all together. Janet is survived by her husband, Richard Sigmund Sr. of Medford; her children, Richard (Tracey) Sigmund Jr. of Antigo, Eric (Dawn) Sigmund of Medford, Timothy (Michelle) Sigmund of Colby, Curtis (Diana) Sigmund of Medford, and Candice (Jimmy) Riley of Medford. She is also survived by 29 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Janet was preceded in death by her father, Benjamin (Benny) Cutrell; mother, Thelma Cutrell; sisters, Barbara Wren and Sherran Myers all of South Carolina; and grandson, Gabriel (Eric and Dawn) Sigmund of Medford. Paid Obituary 100040

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