Allen J. “AJ” Hinker, 76, Greenwood, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenwood, with Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh officiating. Visitation will be conducted at the church on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 3-7 p.m., and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of service. Military rites will be conducted by the Greenwood American Legion Post #238. Allen John Hinker was born on Sept. 14, 1946, in Greenwood, to Sylvester T. and Barbara O. (nee Pink) Hinker. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1964. After graduation, AJ enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard on Nov. 6, 1964, and served until his honorable discharge on Nov. 7, 1970. He was united in marriage to Sandra A. Fillipp on June 8, 1968, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenwood. Over the years, AJ worked various jobs, first at Marshfield Homes and then for Peroshek Electrical in Greenwood. In 1967, he became employed with Christie Feed and Farm, where he worked for 18 years. In 1985, AJ purchased AJ Lindner’s Bar, and operated AJ’s Inn until 2000. He then worked for Leeson Motors until retiring in 2004. AJ was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Greenwood Fire Department for many years, and the Greenwood American Legion Post #238 for 52 years. He had many interests, but especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, bowling, fishing, hunting, trap shooting, watching the Packers, and taking care of his yard. AJ is survived by and will be dearly missed by his wife, Sandra, of Greenwood; his children, Kari (John Cooper) Pongratz of Marshfield, and Mark Hinker of Greenwood; his grandson, Alex Pongratz of Marshfield; his sister, JoAnn Kaiser of Marshfield; his sisters-in-law, Marlene Hinker, Carolyn Hinker and Donna Hinker, all of Greenwood, Corrine Hinker of Marshfield, Audrey Hinker of Wausau, and Marilyn Hinker of Loyal; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Larry, Jerry, Jim, Bill, Francis, Ron, Robert “Ribbie”, and Gene; a sister-in-law, Sharon Hinker; a brotherin-law, Lester Kaiser; a niece, Roxanne Hinker; and a nephew, Shawn Hinker. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home of Greenwood is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 130032

Shirley Ann Zenner, 76, Spencer, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, while in hospice care at House of the Dove-Marshfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 15, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer, with Rev. Barry Saylor officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. She will be laid to rest in Saint Paul’s/Saint Jude’s Catholic Cemetery in Bloomer. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Tyler Steczynski, Ashley Hoffman, Paige Hildebrandt, Austin Hildebrandt, Aaron Zenner, Nora Zenner, Caden Hildebrandt and Lauren Zenner. Shirley’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To read Shirley’s full life story or to leave a memory or condolence, please visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com. PAID OBITUARY 130052

George W. Rutherford, 63, Bean Station, Tenn., left this world peacefully with his daughter by his side in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. A celebration to commemorate George’s life will be held in Tennessee at a later date. George was born in Kentucky on Oct. 2, 1959, to James Earl and Amelia Katherine (nee Hendrick) Rutherford. He was a jack of all trades and was most recently employed as a well driller. He enjoyed making wonderful works of art wood carving. You could find him restoring and rebuilding tractors in his spare time as well as out at the lake fishing. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He was a big believer that you don’t have to be blood related to be family and enjoyed spending time with his friends that became family to him. Those who will cherish his memory include his daughter, Sadie (Joseph) Fitzgerald of Loyal; his granddaughter, Kaylin Marie Rose Schellinger; his grandson, Russell George Fitzgerald; his brothers, Rev. David (Linda) Rutherford and Johnnie (Bambi) Rutherford; his sister, Diane Sutton; his sister-in-law, Audrey Rutherford; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is reunited in heaven with his parents, James and Amelia Rutherford; his loving canine companion, “J-D”; his sisters, Sandra Harney and Shirley Rutherford; his brother, Jimmy Rutherford; his brother-in-law, Jimmy Sutton; and his sister-in-law, Gerry Rutherford. The family would like to send a special thank you to TJ Rutherford and Michael and Angie Helton for always being there for George and their unconditional love and support. Another special thank you to all of the amazing friends that George had that filled his life with much joy and love. George’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 130033

Danny E. Rossow, 78, Greenwood, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, with his family at his side. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Dec. 1, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greenwood. Rev. Elizabeth Bier will officiate, and burial will follow in the Greenwood City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Carl Rossow, Madison Rossow, JR Black, Brian Johnson, Scott Johnson, Darren Weber and Kyle Friske. Military rites will be conducted by the Greenwood American Legion Post #238. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Danny Edward Rossow was born on June 23, 1944, in Loyal, the son of Edward C. and Lillian I. (nee Kuester) Rossow. He was raised on the family farm and walked uphill both ways to Maple Crest school before attending Loyal High School for two years. Danny finished his last two years at Greenwood High School, graduating in 1963. Danny entered the U.S. Air Force on Jan. 6, 1964, and served a tour in Vietnam before his honorable discharge on Oct. 18, 1967. He then attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Okla., graduating on Oct. 24, 1968, as a jet mechanic. He was united in marriage to Nancy G. Dean on Nov. 1, 1968, at Sheridan Road Baptist Church in Tulsa, Okla. They moved to Chippewa Falls, where he worked at the airport. They moved to Round Lake Beach, Ill., and Danny worked as a mechanic/machinist at Sara Lee for 21 years. After the plant closed, he went to work for Hostess for seven years until retiring in 1998. Danny returned to Greenwood in 1998, where he enjoyed his retirement years. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the Owen Free & Accepted Masons Lodge #317 since 1964, and the Greenwood American Legion Post #238. Danny had many interests, but especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, driving fast cars, tinkering with old stuff, and listening to live country and western music. Danny also enjoyed donating his time to The Highground Veterans Memorial Park and Stanley Rodeo for many years. He is survived by his two children: Cynthia (JR) Black of Edson, and Carl (Tracy) Rossow of Willard; three grandchildren: Alora Thompson, and Madison and Lillyan Rossow; three great-grandchildren: Braylynn, Hadley and Harrison; one sister: Peggy (David) Friske of Greenwood; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Danny was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Hugh E. Darton; his wife, Nancy, on Oct. 30, 1995; and one sister, Nancy Weber. In lieu of flowers, Danny’s family asks that memorials be made in his name to the Greenwood American Legion Post #238. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. PAID OBITUARY 129477

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at Brookdale North Assisted Living Center in Loveland, Colo., God whispered, “Come home, June. Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the House of the Lord.” June Caroline (Budd, Murphy) Clouse was born on March 31, 1924, in Davenport, Iowa, to Alice (nee Stacey) and Ora Budd. In 1925, she moved to Wisconsin, where she resided until 2011. June was a loving daughter who was determined to make a better life as she experienced severe hardship through the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, and transportation only by farm workhorses as she grew up in the Owen-Withee community. At the age of 14, neighbors took her to a special church service where she learned that there was a God who loved her. She spoke of the overwhelming joy that entered her heart and soul that night as she asked Jesus into her life. God would be faithful and walk with her each day for the rest of her life. June graduated from Withee High School in 1942. She worked that entire summer cleaning resort cabins to earn the $100 required to enroll at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Marshfield. With no means to get to school, the local policeman in Owen picked her up and took her to the train station to make the 35-mile trip to Marshfield. When her parents were able, they would mail a letter and enclose $1 to help with expenses. June graduated as a registered nurse from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1945. In 1946, she married Bernard Clouse and together they farmed two-and-a-half miles southeast of Loyal, in the town of Loyal, for more than 50 years. June worked as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Neillsville Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home, and administered vaccines to Loyal schoolchildren. She loved to sew clothing for her five children and bake desserts and breads. She taught Sunday School at the Loyal Free Methodist Church for more than 30 years and was a member of the Missionary Society there. She volunteered with hospice care in Marshfield and was a lifelong member of the Gideons International. God’s Word was June’s source of strength and wisdom so when she and Bernard traveled around the world, their suitcases always carried Gideon Bibles to hand out. She loved to play games with a competitive spirit, loved learning and trying new things, and had the patience of Job and a curious personality that was an asset her entire life. When technology hit in 2000, June got her first computer. Her family thought it would be for e-mail use but June quickly taught herself and before long, she was making word search puzzles with Bible verses which she distributed for more than 20 years. In 2011, June moved west to Loveland, Colo., to be near her three daughters. She taught her children how to live life well in retirement as she read from God’s Word and prayed daily for family, friends, and country. She enjoyed friendships, helping people who needed care, and coloring, particularly Scripture pictures. Each art piece would be given away to someone who needed a little encouraging lift in her senior living center. She was always appreciative of any phone call, letter, e-mail, or act of care from her children or friends. Even as she aged, June held fast to God’s promise, “I am with you always.” We were blessed to have known her as a friend and mentor and privileged to call her Mom. Being selfless, loving, honest, hard-working, choosing to see the good, always being thankful, and always pointing us to Jesus, will be her legacy. Proverbs 31:28: “Her children arise and call her blessed.” June is survived by her children: Charlene (Michael) Rinehart of Loveland, Colo., Faith (Lyle) Zimmerman of Loveland, Colo., David (Judy) Clouse of Scottsdale, Ariz., Alice (Robert) Willis of Loveland, Colo., and Stephen (Ellen) Clouse of Venice, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four sisters: Helen Eron, Eleanor (Arvin) Langjahr, Patricia (Duane) Pecher, and Grace (Clem) Pecher. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Clouse, in 2003; her parents; her stepfather, Roy Murphy; three brothers: Clifford and infant twins Roy and Donald; and three sisters: Norma Drinka, Thelma Brzezinski and Velda Schulte. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to Gideons International or your local hospice association. PAID OBITUARY 129478

David L. Rehfeldt, 75, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022, in the John R. Moses Skilled Nursing Facility at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home at King. David was born April 13, 1947, in Columbus, to Lawrence and Louise (nee Abbuhl) Rehfeldt. He attended schools in Beaver Dam, graduating in 1965. Shortly thereafter, David was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in the Vietnam War as a member of the scout platoon, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. He earned a Bronze Star Medal with a “V” for “Valor in Combat” for his personal bravery and devotion to duty. “Spc. 4 Rehfeldt was riding on the lead personnel carrier when the column began receiving intense machine gun and automatic weapons fire. He dismounted his track and covered the entire front of the attack, braving hostile fire to move from position to position to direct the launching of grenades at enemy fire targets.” Upon completion of his military service, he went back to school, earning his Journeyman Carpenter’s degree from Moraine Park Technical School in Fond du Lac. He completed his schooling while working for Luken Lumber Company, Beaver Dam. In 1971, he became a partner in establishing A-1 Contractor’s, Beaver Dam. In 1976, he joined The Radford Companyin Oshkosh. His vocation took him to all areas of the Western U.P. of Michigan and Northern Wisconsin until his retirement in 2006. He loved being on the road and Houghton, Mich., was like his second home. He married Gaylor Palmer in 1970 in Beaver Dam. In late 1977, the family relocated to Rhinelander for his sales career where they resided until 2020. David and Gaylor were married for 52 years and blessed with two sons: Cory (Kelly) Rehfeldt, Dousman, and Seth (Allison) Rehfeldt of Plover. He also had four grandchildren: Drew, Chase, Noelle and Greta. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother Larry; mother-in-law Patricia Palmer; and brother-in-law Murphy Palmer. David was a great fan and coach of Little League and Babe Ruth at Hodag Park. He was a devoted Hodag fan of all school sports. David and Gaylor bowled Sunday night couples league, were members of Bon Temps, and even won the crazy Rhinelander Frustration Hunt once. He enjoyed the local coffee group and Monday night golf league. He liked to fish and took many trips to Canada. He hunted and loved making peppernuts and green pickles for camp. As a member of the First United Methodist Church, he ushered often and helped with many programs. The Rehfeldt family extends warm and heartfelt thanks to the staff at King Veteran’s Home. The care David received was exemplary. He kept the staff laughing. He celebrated his 75th birthday with his friends in Olson Hall breaking their first pinata. Even though he lost his sight, the staff always included him in bingo and trivia. He, with fellow vets, enjoyed sports on TV, especially the Brewers. In these last few months, when he could no longer find words, he whistled. We are eternally grateful for all the love and kindness shown to David. David was one of the first veterans to move into the long-awaited new state-ofthe- art Moses building on the King campus. Sadly, he now holds the honor of being the first to pass from there. In spring of 2023, he will be laid to rest at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King. Details will be published at a later date. A memorial, yet to be determined, will be established in his name. Additional information for times/dates of celebrations will appear in the Northwoods River News, Beaver Dam Daily Citizen, and A.J. Holly & Sons website at a later date. A.J. Holly & Sons Funeral Home of Waupaca assisted the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 129479

John “Jack” Warren Staege, 99, Spencer, passed away at his home on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, 2022. He was proud of being a World War II veteran. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 18, at Christ The King Catholic Church in Spencer. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday. Burial will take place in the West Spencer Cemetery Jack was born Aug. 23, 1923, in Lindsey, to Lester “Sy” and Alice (nee Brost) Staege. He was a graduate of Alexander High School in Nekoosa. He was then inducted into the U.S. Army where he served for two and a half years in the European Theater. On April 30, 1949, Jack married Dorothy L. Olson in Wisconsin Rapids. They raised their family in Wisconsin Rapids, Junction City, and Spencer. Jack worked for the 500 Line R.R. He retired as supervisory agent in Marshfield in 1985. He was active on the Spencer Village Board for numerous years as trustee and village president. He was proud to be an active lifetime member of the Spencer Lions Club. He loved spending time with his family at Sunnyhollow – the cottage they built together. Jack was a charter member of the Beaver Creek Hunting Club and served as president for 41 years. With his special friend Barbara, Jack enjoyed polka fests, road trips, and wintering in Panama City Beach, Fla. He is survived by his children: Pamela (Robert) Draves of Menomonie, and Patrick (Lois) Staege of Cocoa Beach, Fla.; his grandchildren: Timothy Staege, Katherine Staege, Rebecca (Reed) Sarba, Christine (Jeff) Roering, and Elizabeth (Tyler) Wickesberg; seven great-grandchildren; his special friend and caregiver, Barbara Steffenhagen; two brothers: Earl Staege and Paul (Gail) Staege; two sisters: Jean Kirst and Donna Scheunemann; and two sisters-in-law: Barbara Knudson and Margaret Evans. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, in 1992; his daughter, Debra Abel, earlier this year; his brothers: Dale (WWII-KIA) Staege and Milton (Bonnie) Staege; two sisters-in-law: Verna (Bob) and Karen; and four brothers-in-law: Carl, Neil, Jim (Carol) and Richard (Gerda). PAID OBITUARY 129013

Elayne M. “Boots” Bertz, 86, Loyal, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at her home. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal, with Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh officiating. Burial will take place in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Elayne Marie Earll was born on June 26, 1936, in Arpin, the daughter of Quirin D. and Marie B. (nee Durst) Earll. She was raised on the family farm and received her education in Arpin area schools, graduating in 1954 from Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield. After high school, Boots worked at a bakery in Marshfield, and later was a waitress and cook at a cafe in Marshfield. She was united in marriage to John J. “Jack” Bertz on April 30, 1960, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Marshfield. They moved to Loyal in 1962, where she was a stay-at-home mother raising their five children. In 1979, Boots began working at the Loyal Bakery until becoming the cook at St. Anthony Catholic School in 1983. She worked at the school until retiring in the mid-2000s. She had many interests, but especially loved watching the Green Bay Packers and listening to the Brewers and Badger games. What she enjoyed most of all was spending time with her family. Boots was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and its PCCW, and a member of the Clark County Homemakers Club. Elayne will be dearly missed by her five children: Rhonda (Robert) Lynes of Wausau, Mona Bertz of Tampa, Fla., Ranee (Joe Schultz) Bertz of Chili, Shawn Bertz of Loyal, and Rolanda Bertz of Lakeland, Fla.; one step-grandson: Jonathon Schultz; one brother: Jack Earll of Lodi, Calif.; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack, on July 18, 2022; and one brother: Wayne Earll. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home of Loyal is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 128969