Eileen A. Franke, 91, Marathon, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Copperleaf Assisted Living, Marathon, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born September 21, 1930, daughter of the late Herbert and Edna (Andreas) Wolfgram. On October 16, 1948, she married Gilbert Franke at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. He preceded her in death on October 27, 1987. Eileen worked at Marathon Cheese Corp. for many years until her retirement. She continued working at several places in the Marathon area until age 83. Eileen was a 70 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 469, Marathon. For many years, she served her community on the Marathon Village Board. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed traveling, crafting and was an excellent seamstress. She loved baking and cooking and made extraordinary feasts over the years. She overflowed with love for her family and friends. Survivors include two daughters: Theresa “Teri” (Michael) Bullington, Oregon, WI and Deborah Packard, Madison; daughter-in-law, Marilyn (Schmidt) Franke, Edgar; two grandsons: Gerrid (Sadie) Franke, Athens and Shannon Bullington, Parker, Colo.; two great-grandsons: Galen and Elliot Franke; one sister, Ruth Kurth, Wausau; one brother, Roger (Shirley) Wolfgram, Wausau; one sister-in-law, Ruth Franke, Wausau; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides her parents and husband, Gilbert, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael; her son-in-law, Jim Packard; and three siblings: Donna Elliott and Dale (Peggy) and Howard Wolfgram. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon on Friday, June 17, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The family would like to thank the caring and supportive staff at Copperleaf in Marathon along with the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Memorials may be directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, C/O Aspirus Health Foundation, 425 Pine Ridge Boulevard, Wausau, WI 54401 and St. Mary Catholic Church, P.O. Box 7, Marathon, WI 54448. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 122033

Robert A. “Bob” Pelatzke, age 81, of Edgar passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 9, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar with Rev. Alan Wierzba presiding. Following the service, Bob will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery with full military honors provided by members of both the Edgar American Legion Sawyer-Drumm Post 393 and Edgar VFW Memorial Post 10187. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Paul Matushak, Tim Klabunde, Shawn Nordick, Rich Wagner, Jerry Karlen and Dale Strasser. Robert was born on June 27, 1940, in Edgar, to Albert and Charlotte (Romang) Pelatzke. He was an Edgar High School graduate. On October 20, 1958, he enlisted into the United States Army and was later honorably discharged after three years of service on February 9, 1962. On May 18, 1963, he was united in marriage to JoAnne Riemer at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar. They recently celebrated 59 years of marriage together. He was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar. Bob enjoyed many different things throughout his life including hunting, camping, playing horseshoes and going bowling. He loved spending time with family and friends playing his favorite card game, Sheepshead. He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnne; his daughters: Deb (Butch) Lashua of Edgar, Mary (Paul) Matushak of Marathon and Shelley (Tim) Klabunde of Wausau; his granddaughters: Brittany (Shawn) Nordick of Wausau and Samantha Matushak of Wausau; his great-granddaughters: Noelle and Kasey Nordick; his sister-in-law, Sue Pelatzke, along with many other relatives, friends and neighbors. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Charlotte Pelatzke and his brother, Ken Pelatzke. If desired, memorials are being accepted by Bob’s family for a charity to be determined. Robert’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences. Paid obituary 122331

Florence A. “Torry” Niskanen, 93, Athens, died Thursday, June 9, 2022, at the Colonial Center, Colby. She was born June 9, 1929, in Watertown, Minn., daughter of the late Donley A. and Nannie (Moline) Johnston. On August 15, 1958, she married William Oliver Niskanen at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minn. He preceded her in death October 29, 1988. Torry attended the University of Minnesota for two years and graduated from the University of Superior. For 40 years, she had been an elementary school teacher in Hawkins and Prentice School Districts. For the last 10 years of her teaching career, she taught high school musicals. Among her many involvements, Torry was the Sunday School superintendent and teacher in Brantwood, was a member of the Red Hatters, enjoyed cooking, baking and reading. Survivors include two children: Donley O. (Lisa) Niskanen, Athens and Blaine O. (Cindy) Niskanen, Montello; two grandchildren: Donley O. Niskanen II and Arja Lea (Alek) Niskanen-Glauvitz; and a brother, Del (Charlotte) Johnston, St. Paul, Minn. Besides her parents and husband, Florence was preceded in death by one son, John Oliver Niskanen; three siblings: Lyle Johnston, Glen (Helen) Johnston and Betty May Johnston; and an infant sister, Violet Fay. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church, 213501 Legacy Street, Stratford. Burial will be in the Prentice Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, and again on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Athens funeral home. Pallbearers for the funeral will be Donley Niskanen II, Arja Niskanen-Glauvitz, Alek Glauvitz, David Heikkinen, Dag Bystrom and Clint Woiak. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 122329

Beverly A. Miller, 72, Wausau, died unexpectedly Thursday June 9, 2022, at her home. She was born January 15, 1950, daughter of the late Lawrence and Ruth (Dallman) Schultz. On February 15, 1969, she married David R. Miller at St. John Lutheran Church ELCA, town of Wein. He preceded her in death April 15, 2016. Prior to her retirement, Beverly had been employed as an occupational health nurse with Marshfield Clinic. Among her many pastimes, she enjoyed fishing, traveling, playing cards and attending the Wisconsin Valley Fair with her grandchildren. Through the years she volunteered for many different church activities. Above all, she loved her family and attending all of her grandchildren’s events. “Thank you for the wonderful memories” were Beverly’s own written words directed to all the special people in her life. Survivors include her children: Angela (Jim) Lenselink, Wausau, Bradley (Peggy) Miller, Mosinee and Amanda (William) Sonnentag, Marathon; seven grandchildren: Allison Lenselink, Caleb (Olivia) Lenselink, Spencer (Samantha) Miller, Merideth (Marcus Kinblom) Miller, Chloe, Tate and Natalie Sonnentag; one great-grandson, Beaux David Kinblom; siblings: Lloyd (Mary) Schultz, Edgar and Patsy (John) Fischer, Fenwood; special nephew, Greg Fischer; many extended family and friends. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday June 17, 2022, at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Marathon. Rev. Jon W. Hadler will preside. Burial will be in the Edgar Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. and again on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established by the family at a later date or may be given to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 122330

Fred E. Engel, 75, Athens, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, May 27, 2022, at his home while under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care. He was born December 6, 1946, in Elgin, Ill., son of the late Clarence and Velda (Pease) Engel. On November 4, 1967, he married Cheryl Stadler in Hampshire, Ill. She survives. For many years Fred was a dairy farmer in Hampshire, Ill., and in Athens. He then went on to work for Greenheck Fan for 27 years until his retirement. Some of his favorite pastimes included spending time at the family cabin, bow and rifle hunting, fishing, ATVing, UTVing and spending time with his grandkids. Survivors include his loving wife, Cheryl Engel, Athens; his children: Teresa (Steve) Belter, Brian (Sue) Engel, Dawn (Ryan) Dunkel and Dan (Tracy) Engel; grandchildren: Heather (Dane) Wisniewski, Jared (Stephanie) Belter, Amanda (John) Hart, Dylan (Amalia) Willemssen, Tyler Engel, Austin Engel, Dakota Willemssen and Logan Engel, four stepgrandchildren: Matt and Joe LaViolette and Rachel and Ryan Dunkel; greatgrandchildren: Natasha, Kolton, Makenzie, Hayden and Sawyer and two great-grandchildren arriving this fall; three brothers: Dennis (Beth), Jerry (Lin) and Charles (Susan); sisters-in-law: Debra Saxton, Marilyn Meyn and Denise (Charles) Sekorski; brother-in-law, Jeff Winter, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers: William and Stephen; sister-in-law, Patricia Winter, and nephew, Gregg Sekorski. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for the care given by the Hope Hospice staff and a special thank you to Dr. Tubbs, Dr. Mosley and Dr. Seubert. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Milan. The Rev. Alan Wierzba will preside. Burial will be in the Milan Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday evening at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution will be given to Central Wisconsin Conservation Club, Edgar, for the disable hunts and Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, Medford. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 121598

Donetta M. Ulrich, 92, formerly of Stratford, peacefully passed away on March 5, 2022, at Stoney River Assisted Living in Marshfield. Born on February 5, 1930, in Marshfield, Donetta Marie was the eldest daughter of Herman and Mary (Anna-Marie Happli) Oertel. Donetta was an early graduate of Marshfield Sr. High School (class of 1947) followed by employment at the school and WDLB radio station. On May 23, 1953, she married Robert H. Ulrich at Zion Lutheran Church in Stratford. Donetta enjoyed a long and active life. Along with her hobbies of gardening, canning, sewing, dancing, bowling and golfing, she was a community leader in many service organizations including Girl Scouts, Women’s Homemakers Club, Stratford Women’s Bowling Association and Luther League. Not shying away from a new idea, Donetta helped initiate Germanfest (annual fundraiser) and “He Lived the Good Life” (first ecumenical service) in Stratford. She was a charter member of the Stratford Area Historical Society. Supporting her husband in business adventures and leisure travel, Donetta was passionate about serving others. Vacations around the world often had a purpose of finding information or helping others. If anyone needed an answer, “Ask Donetta” was a common response as she kept meticulous records of community events throughout the decades. Donetta is survived by her husband of 68 years, Bob, and their five children: Dale (Adele) Ulrich of Phoenix, Ariz., Cheryl (Bob) Martines of St. Charles, Ill., Lori (Don) Uthmeier of Stratford, Beth (Tom) Griffith of Venice, Fla., and Jody (Chad) Arnow of Dayton, Ohio. Blessed with ten grandchildren, Donetta was able to pass on her legacy with family traditions and history documentation. Her ten surviving grandchildren are Alec, Amanda and Annie Martines; Karl, Sam and Henry Uthmeier; Matt and Jake Griffith; and Nate and Grace Arnow. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Fritz Ulrich of Stratford; sisterin- law, Bonnie (Pat) Buchberger of Mosinee; and her nieces and nephews. Donetta was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Jeanine Huebner-Martinson, and sister-in-law, Nancy Ulrich. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield. Visitation will begin at noon, a service to follow at 2 p.m. Donetta will be interred at Zion Lutheran Church cemetery immediately following the service. Memorial gifts can be made to the Germanfest Memorial Fund of Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford. Special thanks go to Heartland Hospice Care and the staff at Stoney River Assisted Living for their compassionate care. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com Paid obituary 117752

James E. “Jim” Bangart, 76, Stratford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Wells Nature View on East 21st Street, Marshfield. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Rozellville, where the visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until service time. Rev. Sengole Vethanayagam will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery and grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family. James was born on July 28, 1945, at home in the Town of Day, to Anton and Mercedes (Kloos) Bangart and attended St. Andrew’s Parochial School. He married Virginia R. “Jenny” Beining on September 24, 1966, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Rozellville. Jim farmed in the Town of Day his entire life, beginning at a young age. After 49 years he was very proud that his grandson took over the family farm. Jim was a lifelong member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and a member of the Rozellville Lions Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, shooting pool, shaking dice and following Dale Earnhardt Racing. He and Jenny enjoyed traveling to Laughlin with their best friends. Jim loved to have a good time! He enjoyed, family hayrides, celebrating his birthday and loved his family, especially his grandchildren with all his heart. Family and friends knew him as “Bangs.” He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jenny, and their children: John (Randa) Bangart of Mosinee, Jill (Mark) Stoflet and Dawn Bangart, all of Stratford. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jared Elliott, Trevor Bangart, Drew (Tori) Spaeth, Sadie Spaeth, Brooke Spaeth, Nicholas Stoflet and Zach Stoflet, and one great-grandchild expected in August. He is further survived by siblings: Monica (Norman) Wolf, of Spencer, Marilyn Brumbaugh of Rapid City, S.D., Darlene (Jan) Harmon of Springfield, Mo., Donald Bangart of Loyal, Charlie (Judy) Bangart of Stratford and Jane (Dennis) Pankratz of Auburndale; and in-laws: Bob Aschebrock of Stratford, Fritz (Karen) Beining, Dick (Lisa) Beining and Dorothy Meyer, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Mercedes Bangart; his parents-in-law, Ed and Lucille Beining; a granddaughter, Paige Elliott; a sister, Patsy in childhood; sisters: Sister Antoinette, and JoAnn Aschebrock; brothers: Terry Bangart and Tom Bangart; sisters-in-law: Patricia Bangart, Holly Bangart and Mary Beining, and brothers-in-law:, Roy Brumbaugh, Jerry Beining, Donald Beining, Terry Beining and Harold Meyer. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Wells Nature View and Heartland Hospice for their kind and loving care. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 120991

Diane Blaszkowski, age 77, of Stratford, formerly of Marshfield and Neillsville, died Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. Diane Beth Stelter was born on November 6, 1944, in Marshfield, the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Embke) Stelter. She attended Neillsville High School and then worked as a waitress for a short time. On February 17, 1962, she was united in marriage to Stanley J. Blaszkowski at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville. They lived in Neillsville for a while after they were married and then moved to Marshfield and eventually to Stratford. Diane worked as a CNA first at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Wausau, and later at St. Joseph’s Hospital on 7N in Marshfield. Her health forced her to retire in 1989, and then she became a stay-at-home wife, grandma and babysitter. Diane was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Stratford. She was also a former Girl Scout leader and was very involved with the TOPS club. She enjoyed crocheting, baking and canning, gardening, reading, berry picking, telling stories about growing up on the farm, and she made the best rhubarb crisp and jelly. She is survived by her husband, Stanley; a son, Michael (Karen) Blaszkowski of Spencer and their children:, Kate (Matt) Guldan and Stosh (Staci) Blaszkowski; a daughter, Kristine (Shawn) Steines of Tomahawk; a daughter, Wendi Blaszkowski of Neillsville and her children: Robert (Jennifer) Caspersen and Zachary Caspersen; a daughter, Cathy Zuelke of Stratford and her children: Nicole (Aaron) Cusick, Matthew Zuelke, Jacob Zuelke, Christopher Zuelke, Sara Zuelke and Garrett Zuelke; a daughter, Carol (Rick) Pavloski of Stratford and their children: Madeline and Mason, and a daughter, Michelle (Scott) Bauman of Stratford and their children: Riley and Addison. Diane is further survived by ten great grandchildren; four siblings: Sandra (Dick) Kren of Watertown, Linda (Dan) Krehmeyer of Neillsville, Yvonne (Dave) Herron of Marshfield and Fred Stelter of Neillsville; two sisters-in-law: Theresa Long of Pocahontas, Ill., and Jenny of Chicago; two brothers-in-law: Donald Walker of Neillsville and Mark Cattanach of Hayward; her best friend, Sarah (Gene) Sirriani of Rice Lake, and a good friend, Pat Polster of Stratford. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Elizabeth Stelter; two sisters: Gail Walker and Barbara Cattanach; her mother and father-inlaw, Catherine and John Blaskowski; a daughter-in-law, Karen Blaskowski; and brothers-in-law: Ted Blaszkowski, John Blaskowski, Fred Blaskowski, Raymond Blaskowski and Ed Blaskowski. A Mass of Christian burial for Diane will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant will be Fr. Greg Michaud. Music will be provided by Rebekah Lehn, organist and St. Mary’s Choir. Interment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Neillsville. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the catholic church. A livestream of the Mass for Diane can be viewed at www.geschefh.com beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 20. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Diane’s name to The Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org. Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Diane’s family with funeral arrangements. Paid obituary 121023