Lorraine L. Hofmann, age 80, of Colby, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Colby Senior Care under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Rev. James Groleau will preside. Family and friends are welcome from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Lorraine was born on December 15, 1942, the daughter of Fred and Emma (Flater) Stegeman in Owen. She graduated from Colby High School in 1961. Lorraine loved her family and God. She dedicated her whole life to raising her children and worshipping her Lord. She was avid about helping in charities. Lorraine is survived by her three sons: Kevin Hofmann of Medford, Mark (Heidi) Hofmann of Spencer and Jeffery Hofmann of Thorp; four grandchildren: Alyssa (Cody) Bender, Justin Hofmann, Hailey Hofmann and Greg Hofmann; two great-grandchildren: Lukus and Brynlee; sister, Carolyn (William) Egoske of Iron Mountain, Mich., and brother, Tom Stegeman of Fort Bragg, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 133478

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

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

David Emmett Hawks, 83, former owner and operator of Hawkeye Dairy Store in Abbotsford, passed away February 14, 2023, with his only daughter at his side. He was under the care of Nathan Addison Hospice in Las Vegas, Nev. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with local arrangements. David was born in 1940 to parents Alan and Norma Hawks and was a 1957 graduate of Dorchester High School. He married Adele Marcott on August 6, 1960, whom he met while working as a mechanic for Hi-Way Auto Sales. In 1964 the couple purchased the Medo-Farms dairy product distributing and later moved the business to its current location south on Hwy 13. The name was changed to the Hawkeye Dairy Store and later the World’s Largest Ice Cream Cone was created, and remains as an iconic sign of Abbotsford. In 1990, David and Adele sold the business, traded in their snow shovels for golf clubs, and moved to Las Vegas where David continued to work at the local golf course greeting guests. David was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. He also served as president of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and Abbotsford Lion’s Club, and he enjoyed participating in local parades. He is survived by his wife, Adele, along with son, Todd and Katherine Hawks and their daughter, Tessa, Ashland, Va.; daughter, Tari Hawks, Las Vegas, Nev.; and son, Troy and Jennifer Hawks, and her children, Greyson and Delanie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alan and Norma Hawks; brothers: Robert and Dean Hawks, and sister, Shirley Scheffler. Surviving siblings include Linda Lundt and Rodney Hawks. A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 6, 2023, in Abbotsford. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 132618

RaeJean Kaatz, 80, of Dorchester, passed away on February 7, 2023, at Cambridge Senior Center under the tender care of Moments Hospice in Hudson. A visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. 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. RaeJean was born on June 16, 1942, the daughter of Juanita (Schultz) and Raymond Nowak in Wausau. She was adopted by Donald Leichtnam after the marriage to Red. She grew up in the Edgar area and was united in marriage to Allan Kaatz on April 4, 1959. He preceded her in death on April 2, 2020. Raejean and Allan moved several times over the years, starting with a farm and bread route in Fremont, moving to Ogdensburg with Allan starting his milk hauling business, then to Curtiss and finally Dorchester. RaeJean was a great wife, mother and grandmother. She was proud of her children and especially loved being a grandma to Amanda (Gabe) Holl, Justin (Andrea) Ropella, Bradley (Brittany) Kaatz, Felicia (Charlie)Kaatz,SamLehman,LeRoy(Cari) Lehman, Rosanna Lehman, Samantha (Matt) Knute, Lindsey (Corey) Verbeke, Rachel (Zach) Kaatz, Aaron (Chase) Kaatz; and great-grandma to Cael and Ashton Lehman, Caleb DeMaio, Charlie, Andi and Finley Kaatz and Easton Knute and soon to be a new great-grandchild this April. RaeJean was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss and was a faithful member. She enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, putting puzzles together, reading, playing cards with family and friends and watching television, especially watching westerns and Hallmark channel. RaeJean is survived by her daughter, Jayne (Bob) Ropella, Inver Grover Heights, Minn., son, Jeff (Barb), Fremont, daughter, Jody (Jim) Verbeke, Shakopee, Minn., son, Jamie (Jenny), Dorchester and daughter, Krista (Keith) Waters, Savage, Minn. Also survived by brothers: Donald (Shirley) Leichtnam, Rick (Debbie) Nowak and Rodney Nowak; sisters: Nancy (August) Neider and Lori Holtzheimer; along with several cousins, nieces, nephews and many great friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita (Red) & Donald Leichtnam and Raymond Nowak; her husband, Allan; twin grandsons, Joshua and Bryant Verbeke, and brother, Randy Nowak. Friends may send online condolences to www. maurinaschillingfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 132289

Helen V. Leu, age 89, of Abbotsford, passed away with her loving husband by her side on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at the Colonial Center in Colby, under the tender care of hospice. A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford. Interment followed at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Colby. Father Timothy Oudenhoven presided. Visitation was held from 9 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. A live stream was available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. Helen was born on February 10, 1934, the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Ohlinger) Apfelbeck in the Town of Hull. She was united in marriage to Duane “Butch” Leu, Sr. on December 28, 1960, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Colby. Helen worked at Wonder Wash Car Wash, Marathon Electric, Badger Baskets and Motorola. She also took care of her children, including her grandchildren. Helen played the guitar and sang with her sisters at Whispering Pines Dance Hall in rural Abbotsford. Most importantly, she loved and cherished her family. Helen is survived by her husband of 62 years, Duane “Butch” Sr.; four children: Lisa (Allan) Eisner of Rib Lake, Duane “Duke” (Kristina) Jr. of Stetsonville, Lance (Jodi) of Medford and Linc (Tiffany) of Mosinee; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Hince; 12 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. She is further survived by seven siblings: Arnold (Evelyn) Apfelbeck of Medford, Lucille Weber of Ill., Caroline “Pat” (Roy) Boneske of Athens, Agnes Weber of Antioch, Ill., Raymond (Marlene) Apfelbeck of Rib Mountain, Robert Apfelbeck of Mosinee and Dorothy (Dave) Kramas of Darien; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Lonnie Sr.; her grandson, Landyn; and eight siblings: Gilbert, John, Leon, Bernice Miller, Claude, Hubert, Rosemary Chris and Andrew. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 132328

Violet “Vi” J. Golz, 88, of Colby, passed away peacefully in her sleep and met her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at The Waterford at Colby under the care of ProMedica Hospice. She was born on August 30, 1934, in Athens to the late Edward and Esther (Weise) Hoge. Vi grew up on the family farm and graduated from Athens High School. She met the love of her life and future partner in ministry, Roland Golz, when he took his first teaching job in Athens. They were married June 2, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Through the years, they would relocate often as Roland taught at several schools and later continued his education to become a minister. In 2021, they had the honor of celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary together. In their early years of marriage, Vi held various secretarial jobs while Roland taught school in Athens, New Albany, Ind., Wausau and Stevens Point. Vi was also a secretary at one of the largest hospitals in Illinois at that time while Roland studied to become a pastor in Springfield. Roland took his first minister position at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Dorchester in 1973. Vi passionately took on various duties pertaining to Roland’s ministry. In 1982 Vi and Roland moved to Bonduel to serve at St. Paul Lutheran Church. In 1993 they moved to Gresham where together they served several small congregations. At each church, Vi was instrumental in supporting the ministry by serving on the Altar Guild and Ladies Aid. She also lent her talents to creating the weekly bulletin, making quilts, and singing in each congregation’s choir. Over the years, Vi also expanded her own religious outreach through years of involvement with Lutheran Women’s Ministry League (LWML). She held various offices which included vice president and president of the LWMLNorth Wisconsin District. Also, near to Vi’s heart was her time volunteering for the LCMS Thrift Store in Shawano. She was honored to receive the Humana Community Quarterback award from the Green Bay Packers and their CEO, Mark Murphy, for the more than 25 years she devoted to the store. The community, her family, and many friends were very proud of her accomplishment. Throughout her life, Violet’s family was always a priority. She made the most delicious meals and baked goods. Her vegetable gardens, berry patches and flower beds were the envy of many. Her family and friends were the recipients of countless jars of home canned goods. Roland and Vi were always happiest at home but were blessed to take a churchsponsored journey to the Holy Land and also enjoyed a Caribbean cruise. Vi had a love for their pets, as you were almost certain to be greeted by a cat or dog when visiting their home. In 2018, they moved back to Dorchester where they would be closer to family and entertained by their children’s and grandchildren’s many pets. Survivors include her husband, Rev. Roland Golz of Colby; children: Rick (Carolyn) Golz of Dorchester and Randy (Renee) Golz of Little Chute; grandchildren: Neilana Golz (Logan), Leanna Golz (Jordan), Taylor (Sara) Golz, Tanner Golz, Tallon Golz, Marina Mordeel and James (Brianna) Mordeel; great-grandchildren: Paisley and Brynlee; sister, Luann Thurs of Athens; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Esther Hoge; sisters: Norma Heier and Nila Koeller; and brothers-in-law: Gordon Thurs, Sylvester Heier and Frank Koeller. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwalenberg presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Immediately following the service, lunch will be served. Burial will be in the Athens Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to thank the staff of The Waterford at Colby, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, and ProMedica Hospice for the care Violet received. Paid obituary 132291_2

Marion Meyer, age 95, formerly of Holcombe and Dorchester, passed away peacefully at Stoney River in Marshfield on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. She was born on May 30, 1927, in Ogema. Marion worked as a nursing assistant at Medford Hospital where she met the love of her life, Arthur, and they were married 60 years. Together they started Meyer Lumber Co. of Dorchester, along with two of Arthur’s brothers. Marion initially worked in the office and even did the books at home on a card table with a borrowed typewriter. In 1977 the couple retired and moved to Holcombe. Marion very much enjoyed living on the lake in Holcombe. She loved visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, water skiing, pontooning, fishing, gardening, and trips to the casino. Marion swam every day in the lake during the summers and could be seen scraping the snow off the roof into her 90s. Marion was blessed with many friends and neighbors who continued to watch over her after Art’s passing. Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; her parents, Marie (Dahl) and Alvin Nelson; brother, Conrad Nelson; sister, Irene Knippel; daughter-in-law, Karen Meyer and her beloved cat, Benny. She is survived by her three children: Bruce Meyer, Duane (Jane) Meyer and Marcia (Joey) Garcia; five grandchildren: Holly (Drew) Martin, Amy (Erich Kliewer) Meyer, Daniel (Cassie) Meyer, Joey Garcia Jr. & Kody Meyer; seven greatgrandchildren: Braxton, Delaina and Cadence Meyer, Avery and Bodhi Martin, and Marlo and Norah Kliewer. A funeral service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Marion’s favorite charities. Paid obituary 132347