14 February 2023

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Daniel Coughlin

Daniel Coughlin


Daniel J. Coughlin, 82, Willard, passed away in the Palliative Care Unit at Marshfield Medical Center, in Marshfield, on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Willard. Rev. Stanislaus Michael Antony will officiate, and burial will follow in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Greg Herrick, Eugene Saule, Nathan Saule, Bob Davel, Mark Shain and Bing Perko. Visitation will be held at the church, on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m., until the time of the service. Daniel James Coughlin was born in Chicago, Ill., on Oct. 23, 1940, to Daniel T. Coughlin and Mildred V. (O’Halloran) Coughlin. He was raised and received his education in the Chicago area, graduating from Oak Park-River Forest High School in 1958, and then attended St. Norbert College in De Pere. Dan later became a meat inspector for the state of Illinois. He also worked for several years as a Sears catalog store manager in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, but eventually went back to meat inspection, this time for the USDA. In 1966, Dan was united in marriage to Judith A. Shapin at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Oak Park, Ill. Their son, Daniel P. Coughlin, was born in Oak Park, Ill., in 1967, and that same year they moved to Genoa, Ill., to be closer to Dan’s work. Their son, Brian T. Coughlin, was born in Dekalb, Ill., in 1969. Dan sustained many injuries in a 1974 car accident, and was not able to return to meat inspection. He went on disability retirement, which allowed him time to look for the farm he’d wanted since he was young. He found that farm in Willard, in 1976. Dan and his family raised sheep for almost 40 years, but he also raised beef cattle, which became his main love. Sadly, a farm accident in 2013 forced him to sell his beloved cattle. He was an avid hunter in his younger days, and was a lifelong NRA member. A fused ankle, the result of the car accident, made it difficult for him to walk through the woods, so he later relied on the hunting adventures of his friends instead. Dan enjoyed going to school board, county and town meetings, and auctions; and was a die-hard Chicago Bears fan. Dan is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy, of Willard; his sons: Daniel (Lora) Coughlin of Blomkest, Minn., and Brian (Kathy) Coughlin of Ionia, Mich.; three grandchildren: Paige Coughlin (Julian Reece) of Dallas, Texas, Shannon and Nicole Coughlin of Minnesota; many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles and several cousins. Dan’s family wishes to thank his doctors at the Marshfield Clinic; the incredible staff at the Marshfield Medical Center ER, ICU and general hospital for their outstanding care and compassion; the Marshfield Health Services nursing home team who cared for Dan in the past year; Eugene Saule and family who were there for us all these years; Greg Herrick, Dan’s dearest friend, with whom he loved talking “farming”; special friends, Bob and Heidi Davel, who have been there whenever we’ve needed them; Mark Shain; and many other good friends and family members. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 132321

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Kathleen Skora

Kathleen Skora


Kathleen H. Skora, 85, Greenwood, passed away on Feb. 9, 2023, after a short battle with an unforgiving cancer just one week after the devastating diagnosis. Kathleen was born in Chicago, Ill. She spent many summers during her youth on a cousin’s farm in Thorp, ultimately moving her own family away from the big scary city to a small farm in Greenwood, after the first handful of kids arrived. The strong-willed woman had a variety of jobs as a youngster, including the oft-mentioned switchboard operator at RCA. Her family proudly survived the Great Depression and various hardships. As a young Catholic, Kathleen worked at the church and dreamed of becoming a nun, but soon learned it was her destiny to have a big family – producing 12 children, 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a massive doll collection. Kathleen had an ever-present personality that could not be ignored, including flaming red hair and a temper to go with it (ask her kids); vented her frustrations through letters to the editor; broke the rules by displaying her collection of Christmas villages all year; and regularly cheered in agreement with TV’s Judge Judy. Kathleen enjoyed canning, gardening, cooking, making ceramics, farming, baking fruitcakes, pizza from scratch, garage saling and all things Elvis. She reaped the therapeutic benefits of knitting – maintaining a stockpile of slippers for gift-giving opportunities and created the Sweet Hut 1950s style restaurant – a pleasant reminder of her youth (with help from her army of kids, who had no knowledge of child labor laws at the time). Never giving up, Kathleen was optimistic she’d recover after her hospitalization, assigning tasks to be completed before her return; also, preparing for a spring garage sale. Sadly, this stubborn fighter was no match for the evils of cancer. Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 39 years, Adam; son, Stanley, in childbirth; son, Jim; parents, Arthur and Frances; and two brothers, Arthur Junior and George. She is survived by her children: Ann (Dave) Schuh, Wis., Patrick (Marcela) Skora, Ariz., Joe (Lourdes) Skora, Minn., Frances Skora, Wis., Jackie Skora, Wis., Arthur Skora, Wis., Susie (Joel) Richards, Minn., William (Kyle Robl) Skora, Wis., Amelia (Ken) La Casse, Minn., David (Brenda) Skora, Minn.; grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and further survived by her sister, Marjorie (Robert) Otto, Ariz.; many nieces and nephews; and loving neighbors. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 132314

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Joan Hubing

Joan Hubing


Joan E. Hubing, 77, Neillsville, passed away at Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls, on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal. Rev. Gregory Michaud officiated, and burial followed in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ryan Hauge, Lowell Gesche, Donald Boon, John Hubing, Richard Loos and Richard Hagen. Visitation was at the church, on Friday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Joan Ethel Hubing was born on July 4, 1945, in Loyal, the daughter of Joseph M. and Helen L. (Anderson) Hubing. She was raised on the family farm, and received her education in the Loyal area, graduating from Loyal High School in 1963. After high school, Joan attended Accredited Beauty School in Eau Claire, and became a licensed beautician. She worked for Emma Rotjer in Loyal, for one year, and then in 1966, she moved to Neillsville and worked for Mary Ellen Bertz. She later purchased the beauty shop from Mary Ellen, and worked until poor health forced her to retire in January of 2022. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville, was a former recipient of the Neillsville Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award, and was on several civic committees for the community of Neillsville over the years. Joan had many interests, but especially loved woodworking, gardening, bowling, golfing, watching the Packers and Brewers, and following Loyal High School sports. She will be dearly missed by three siblings, Carol Hubing of Neillsville, Jerry (Cathy) Hubing of Loyal and Sharon (Marty) Briceland of Greenwood; one daughter, Sara (John) Lash of Madison; three grandchildren, Sydney, Heidi and Drew; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Duane Hubing. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Loyal, is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 132211
07 February 2023

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Chuck Fischer

Chuck Fischer


On Feb. 2, Chuck Fischer, 80, bid farewell to the life he loved, gently letting go of the hands of his two daughters to courageously make his way into the loving arms of Jesus. Chuck was born on Nov. 9, 1942, and graduated from Loyal High School in 1960. After receiving his undergraduate degree in political science from UW-Stevens Point in 1964, he continued with a year of graduate studies at DeKalb University in Illinois, obtaining his certification in education. He received his master’s degree in history from UW-Oshkosh in 1981. In the fall of 1965, Chuck began his very successful teaching and coaching career at St. John Nepomucene High School in Little Chute. Upon the closing of St. John in 1973, he accepted a position at Little Chute High School teaching social studies and coaching wrestling and football. He remained at Little Chute until his retirement in 2005. Chuck’s incredibly fulfilling career positively impacted the lives of many students both in and out of the classroom. In response to a 2014 survey by the Post Crescent asking, who was your favorite teacher and why, a former student replied, “Chuck Fischer at Little Chute High School. He was intelligent and funny; he encouraged thought and discussion, respected the students and got a lot out of us.” Chuck always expected the best from his students and he carried these expectations onto the football field where he served as head football coach for his beloved Mustangs from 1985-2000. He always considered his coaching an extension of his classroom instruction and was passionate about the life lessons that could be learned through sports. Equally as dedicated to his community as his students, Chuck was a member of the Little Chute Village Board for 26 years, serving as a trustee from 1985 to 2007 and then board president from 2007 to 2011. He loved Little Chute from the moment he arrived, made many friends and took a great deal of pride in contributing to the community’s growth and development. Chuck is survived by his two daughters, whom he considered his angels. Melanie (Ken) Haen and Michelle (Cory) VandeWettering, always remained close by his side especially during the last leg of his journey. He is further survived by his four grandchildren, Lydia, Logan, Lynea and Libby; and two great-grandchildren, Brooks and Violet; as well as his sister, Sister Janet Fischer, FSPA (Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration) of Claxton, Ga.; his brother, George, and sister-in-law, Merry, both of Loyal; nieces, Janet, Carrie, Lisa and Amy; and nephews, Steve and Brian. He was preceded in death by his father, George Jr.; mother, Catherine (Brusky); brother, Donald; sister-in-law, Virginia; and infant sister, Rita. Chuck will always be remembered for his humor and quick wit, competitive spirit, love for Jeopardy, confidence in young people, integrity and commitment to making the world a better place for all. A funeral mass for Chuck will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek St., Little Chute. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. and will continue until the time of the service. For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. Our hearts will be forever grateful for the amazing care provided by the staff at Frontida Assisted Living Facility; our loving nurses from Compassus, DJ and Creation, who tenderly ensured his comfort; and faithful friends, Zola, Joan, Ben and Joel, who offered encouragement, prayers, support and an abundance of love. PAID OBITUARY 132070

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Richard Larson

Richard Larson


Richard T. “Dick” Larson, 88, Greenwood, died peacefully at home on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, surrounded by his family. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenwood. Rev. Stanislaus Michael Antony officiated, and burial followed in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, with military rites conducted by Greenwood American Legion Post 238. Richard Thomas Larson was born on Feb. 3, 1934, in Prairie Farm, the son of Alf M. and Josephine M. (Katrein) Larson. His family later moved to Dallas, and then to Greenwood, where he graduated from Greenwood High School in 1952. Dick joined the Navy on Nov. 4, 1952, where he served on a destroyer escort during the Korean War, until his honorable discharge on Oct. 29, 1956. He was united in marriage to Corrine J. Hare, on May 7, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. After his discharge from the Navy, they moved back to Greenwood to raise their eight children. Dick was employed at Speich Tractor, Plautz Brothers and Barr Enterprises, all while running his own accounting business for over 50 years. Dick had many interests including hunting, fishing, camping and canoeing. He was an active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Holy Name Society, a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 238, served as city clerk, coached Little League and the woman’s softball team (Larson’s Ladies), was a Boy Scout leader, and was known for his famous brats at many community events. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Corrine, of Greenwood; his children, Mark (Trish) Larson of Greenwood, James (Karen) Larson of Horicon, Lisa (Joel) Kastner of Owen, David Larson of Greenwood, Lynn Vollrath of Springfield, Ill., Laura (Dave) Toburen of Greenwood and Jon (Alecia) Larson of Sacramento, Calif.; 15 grandchildren, Amy Larson, Adam Larson, Megan Larson, Brian (Shannon) Larson, Cassandra (Brad) Pareis, Michael Lynn Larson, Shawn (Kim) Kolano, Kaitlin (Jesse) Raine, Tylor Larson, Nikki Verhulst, Brody (Kayli) Vollrath, Jordan Toburen, Dane Toburen, Devin Toburen and Elijah Thompson; 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way; one sister, Sharon Brzezinski of Muskego; one brother, Don (Chris) Larson of Butler, Tenn.; one daughter-in-law, Laura (Bernie) Kolano of Greenwood; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Michael Larson; one daughterin-law, Lori Larson; and many great friends. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 131933

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17 January 2023

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Francis “Hammy” Brey

Francis “Hammy” Brey


Francis A. “Hammy” Brey, 91, Greenwood, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greenwood. Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh officiated with burial following at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jeremy Gardner, Taylor Ehlers, Ryan Ehlers, Jesse Dale, Ethan Brey and Brian Nigon. Military rites were conducted by the Greenwood American Legion Post #238. Visitation was held at Cuddie Funeral Home, in Greenwood, on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 4-8 p.m., and Friday, at the church, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Francis Anthony Brey was born on June 1, 1931, in Milladore, the son of Frank and Delia (Joosten) Brey. As a child, Hammy was raised in a farming family, living in Marshfield and Wausau, before the family settled in Greenwood in 1941. After completing his education, he worked on the family farm until moving to Illinois to farm. Hammy returned to Greenwood, and was united in marriage to Delores A. Poznanski on April 7, 1956, at St. Mary Catholic Church. He then entered the U.S. Army on April 25, 1956, and served until his honorable discharge on Jan. 24, 1958. After returning from his service in the military, Hammy and Delores took over the operation of his family farm in 1958. They farmed until their son Mark and his wife Bev took over the farming operation in 1993; but, Hammy continued to help out on the farm until 2017. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society. In the past he served on the board for the Greenwood Co-op, was a dealer for CSF electric feed carts and removed snow for the city of Greenwood for several years. He was in charge of the Greenwood Dairy Days tractor pull for many years, was previously voted FFA Farmer of the Year, and was awarded the Greenwood Dairy Days parade marshal. Hammy had many interests, but especially loved spending time with his family and friends, deer hunting, junking, watching the Green Bay Packers and playing Sheepshead with his family. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Delores, of Greenwood; his four children, Laura Brey Gardner (John Gardner) of Owen, Marsha Brey of Neillsville, Mark (Bev) Brey of Greenwood and Kim (Roger) Ehlers of Greenwood; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bernice Klier and Jean Griesbach, both of Sheboygan; one sister-in-law, Margaret “Peg” Brey of Neillsville; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Hammy was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wallace “Wally” and Daniel Brey; and one sister, Norma Sinner. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 131017

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Eugen ___________________

Eugen ___________________


Eugen ___________________ Eugene E. “Gene” Rindfleisch, 89, Spencer, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer with Rev. James Groleau officiating. A private committal service will be held by the family at a later date. Family and friends were invited to gather at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of the services. The honor of pallbearer belonged to his grandchildren, Michael Rindfleisch, Brandon Rindfleisch, Casie Schulz, Lacey Berres, Trisha Kloth, Erin Multerer, Amanda Linzmeier and Samuel Rindfleisch. Eugene was born to Ervin and Milda (Luepke) Rindfleisch on Nov. 15, 1933, in the town of Brighton, Marathon County. He attended Brighton School and was a 1951 graduate of Spencer High School. On Aug. 20, 1955, he was united in marriage to Marcella “Sally” Boe. He was a man of many trades. He started farming on his grandfather’s farm that was originally purchased in 1898. Eugene later bought that same farmstead in 1956. He was a milk hauler and was hauling milk before he had a driver’s license. He drove gravel trucks, drove a cattle truck to Equity Livestock in Stratford, drove a semi-truck for Modern Insulation and was a school bus driver. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, in which he held various positions through the years including church council member and elder. He was a volunteer on the Spencer Fire Department. He held the title of treasurer for the township of Brighton for 57 years. His granddaughter took the position when he retired in 2021. Eugene, of course, loved driving truck throughout his life and enjoyed bowling with family and friends. Those who will cherish his memory include loving wife, Marcella “Sally” Rindfleisch; his sons, Steven (Patty) Rindfleisch, Robert (Sandy) Rindfleisch, Gary (Mary) Rindfleisch and Dean (Karen) Rindfleisch; his grandkids, Michael (Tricia) Rindfleisch, Brandon (Wendy) Rindfleisch, Casie (Danny) Schulz, Lacey (Jon) Berres, Trisha (George) Kloth, Erin (Eric) Multerer, Amanda (Chris) Linzmeier and Samuel (Abigail) Rindfleisch; nine great-grandkids plus one expected yet this month (January 2023) and his sister, Gloria (nee Rindfleisch) Seefeld along with many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Milda Rindfleisch; his son, Douglas Rindfleisch; and his brother, James Rindfleisch. If desired, memorials in Eugene’s name can be directed to The Lutheran Hour. Eugene’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit lifetributesfuneralhome.com. PAID OBITUARY 131218
10 January 2023

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Ricky “Rick” Birkett

Ricky “Rick” Birkett


Ricky W. “Rick” Birkett, 63, Greenwood, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at his mother’s home in Greenwood. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greenwood. Rev. Elizabeth Bier will officiate, and a private burial for the family will follow in the Greenwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. until time of service. Ricky Wayne Birkett was born May 3, 1959, in Milwaukee. He was adopted by Wayne and Verna Birkett as an infant. Rick’s family moved to Greenwood when he was 8 years old, where he attended Greenwood public schools and graduated from Greenwood High School in May of 1977. Rick was a great three-sport athlete all through high school. Rick continued to play baseball and softball every ball season. He married his first wife, Cindy Denk on Oct. 15, 1981. They had two daughters. They later divorced. Rick worked mostly at Greenwood Milk Products Co-op and later Weathershield in Greenwood. In 2005, Rick moved to North Haven, Conn., where he married his second wife, Susan Palange. Rick survived a traumatic car accident on Nov. 16, 2009, and was hospitalized for two years. He fought through the next 13 years with various health obstacles. Rick resided in Connecticut until his wife, Susan, died unexpectedly on Jan. 26, 2020. Rick moved back to Greenwood on May 7, 2020, and resided with his mother. Rick was an avid Brewers, Packers and Badgers fan. He is survived by his mother, Verna Birkett, Greenwood; two daughters, Brittan (Joe) Buettner of Cottage Grove and Elyse Birkett, Madison; three grandchildren, Roman, Noelle and Naomi Buettner; his sister: Darla (Scott) Abel, Greenwood; and many more extended family members. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Susan Palange, and his father, Wayne Birkett. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 130958