1928-2023 Willis A. Couillard, 94 of Gilman, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church-Gilman with Pastor Brian Beardsley officiating. Interment will follow in the Donald Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to service on Saturday. Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family with arrangements. He was born on Dec. 15, 1928 at his family’s home in the Town of Pershing; Taylor County. He grew up in the Donald area. He married Catherine Creaser on May 29, 1950 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheldon. Willis and Catherine moved to Round Lake Beach, Ill. in 1950 and began to raise their family. Willis worked as a machinist at McLean Fogg for many years in Illinois before moving the family back to Wisconsin in 1977. Once back, he became the Head Custodian for the Gilman School District where he served in that role until his retirement in 1995. Not a man to sit idle, when not at work, you could usually find him tinkering around the house fixing things. A patient man, there was not much that he couldn’t find a way to fix. His patience also served him well in another thing he loved to do: fish. Either from shore or from a boat, Willis could be found with a line in the water when time allowed. Before the passing of Catherine, you also could find them often looking for a place to square dance. When not fishing or fixing something around the house, Willis could often be found playing pretty much any card game someone would play with him. Although, that someone was often hard to find as he would rarely lose. As he aged, Willis found a passion in doing puzzles, especially the 3D type, which he proudly displayed at Romig’s Hardware Store in Gilman. Willis is survived by his children, Kathy Johnson of Columbia, Ky., Duane (Sherry) of Olympia, Wash., Craig (Sarah) of Third Lake, Ill., Jeffrey (Doreen) of Tenino, Wash., and Chris (Nikki) of Pewaukee; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one greatgreat grandchild and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Catherine; his parents, a grandson, Michael Clark; his brothers, Harold, Dorwin, George, Raymond “Pete,” Leo “Jack,” and Gerald; and his sisters, Mae Utegaard, Nathail “Dolly” Gorsenger, and Edna Hinkel. Paid Obituary 138612

1965-2023 Wayne P. Dahl, 57, of Medford, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Marshfield Medical Center, Park Falls. He was working for Frances Melvin Companies at the time. A funeral mass for Wayne will take place at 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Michael Hayden officiating. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. Wayne was born on Oct. 27, 1965 to Elroy and Diane Dahl. His graduation took place from Medford Senior High School with the Class of 1984. On Feb. 9, 1996 he married Danielle “Molly” Dassow at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Molly and their dog “Jackpot”; his mother Diane; brothers, Rodney (Wendy) Dahl, Jeffrey (Lisa) Dahl, David (Michele) Dahl, sister, Barb (Forrest) Tappe all of Medford; father and mother-in-law, Delmar and Helen Dassow of Stetsonville; brothers-in-law, Dan (Lori) Dassow of Medford, Tom Dassow of Jim Falls, and sister-in-law, Tammy Dassow of Marathon. He is further survived by nieces and nephews, Ashley (Chad) Allen, Alex (Carson) Dahl, Makenna (Cody) Miller, Garrett Dahl, Dakota (Carlie Rau) Dahl, Alex Tappe, Jake (Shelly) Tappe, and Maddie Marcott, Michael, Gabriel, and Sydney Dassow; as well as great nieces, nephews, more family, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Elroy Dahl on Dec. 24, 2021. Wayne worked for Balciar Bulldozing, Central Sand and Gravel, both of Medford and for the past 26 years, Frances Melvin Companies of Abbotsford. He had a great work ethic and believed in finishing a job once he started. He loved to be outdoors, be it fishing, hunting, gardening, yard work, motorcycling, snowmobiling, auctions, flea markets, or garage sales. He loved tinkering with anything that had a motor. He took pride in his yard and garden, and had a soft spot for Beagles. He would go out of his way to give a helping hand to anyone. Wayne was known by his nieces and nephews as “Uncle Nut”. The nickname fit him to a tee. He was always joking around, pulling pranks, teasing and making people laugh. He loved to laugh and smile and pray he is doing so now from above. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www. hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid Obituary 138675

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Life’s Circle Learning and growing Changing Hope my circle touched yours And Made a difference - Priscilla “Sally” Anne Kovacik The world lost a beloved wife, mother, mother- in-law, grandma, sister, teacher, and friend, Priscilla “Sally” Anne Kovacik, on May 30, 2023. Sally was born to Art and Lucille Gelhaus in Medford, on Feb. 8, 1942, and a mighty and bright light came into the world. Sally was a wonderful wife and companion to her husband, Tony Kovacik of Green Bay, for 52 years. Sally was a loving and dedicated mother to Peter Kovacik (Karla) of Green Bay, and Paul Kovacik (Carol) of Dunedin, Fla. Sally was a loving, caring, fun, and playful grandmother to Yahya Kovacik (4) and Ilyas Gilliam (23) both of Green Bay. She was a wife, mother, and grandmother who would go to endless lengths to ensure the happiness and well-being of her family. Sally graduated from Cardinal Stritch University in 1964, and went on to earn three master’s degrees, which shaped her forty-year career as a Reading Specialist with a primary focus on children’s learning. She coordinated reading curricula for one of the state’s most prestigious school districts, Mequon/ Thiensville, and spent her final twenty years of teaching at Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Elementary 1942-2023 School in Minocqua. Her students and colleagues knew her as a kind, loving, and giving soul, always willing to cheer kids up with hugs. Aside from her family, teaching was a passion that brought happiness to Sally’s life. Sally battled cancer for over 40 years all while giving in every way she could, making the world a better place, and living a full and beautiful life. From adopting and raising two children (Peter and Paul), being the best Grandma ever, regularly giving to charities, teaching children to read, and helping people understand the importance of protecting our environment, Sally never missed an opportunity to help, give, and love. Sally passed peacefully in Green Bay, while holding the hand of her eldest son, Peter, and with her brother, Bob, by her side. The second oldest of twelve children, Sally is survived by her siblings, Carol (Roland) Gelhaus, Laura (Dennis) Zuleger, Susan (Lyle) Murphy Jones, Peter (Jeanine) Gelhaus, Charles (Linda) Gelhaus, Donna (Steve) Smitala, Mark (Linda) Gelhaus, and Robert (Rhonda) Gelhaus. Three siblings preceded her in death, Nicholas Gelhaus, Mary Gelhaus, and Jane (Tom) Leischer. Sally was laid to rest near her beloved mother, Lucille, at the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Medford. Please remember, Sally would like everyone to protect the environment and take a bit of time to understand its importance – a reusable bag wouldn’t hurt. In lieu of flowers, donations to Heifer International can be made to honor Sally’s memory. This will help to end world hunger and poverty, one of Sally’s many missions. Paid Obituary 138423

Douglas Harold Damm, age 74, of Roseville, Minn., formerly of Stetsonville, passed into Eternal Life on Sunday, June 18, 2023, after a long hospitalization. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28 at St. Charles Borromeo, 2739 NE Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55418. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family are preferred. Doug was known for his generosity, patience, cheerful spirit, loyalty, thoughtfulness, having a great sense of humor, being a dedicated hard worker and his faith in God. 1948-2023 He is survived by his four children, Stephanie (Scott) Witzel, Greg (Sarah) Damm, Jeff (Janet) Damm and Angela (David) Babish; grandchildren Kaile (Ari), Adaline, Charlie, Ruby, Freddy, Anna, Olivia, Lucia, Veronica, Luke, Joseph, Elliot, Micah, Ben, Bernadette, and Miriam; siblings, Sharon (Gene) Thiedi, Sheila (Don) Hamann and Dorine Damm (Bryan Johnson). The mother of his children, Teddi Walters also survives Doug as well as nieces, nephews, extended relatives, friends, special friend Mary Wojtowicz and her children and grandchildren. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn Louise (née Marti) and Harold Frank Damm. A special thank you to the ICU staff at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, Minn. and Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul for their care for Doug and kindness to our family. Full obituary will be featured later in the week at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ douglas-damm-obituary?id=52277038. Paid Obituary 138473

1954-2023 Clyde Marvin Holmes Jr., age 68, passed away into Eternal Life on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date. Please follow Calvin Kalmon on Facebook for the date of the celebration of life. Clyde was born on August 15, 1954 to Clyde and Bernice Holmes of Perkinstown. Clyde served in the Navy. He was married to Chris and later divorced. Clyde was married to Carrie Holmes and later divorced. He gave the most entertaining hair cut in Medford. Clyde was also in many bands. He played with groups including Rex Critter, Black River Band, and Tradition, as well as many other bands and people. Clyde was also an actor in the movie Beautiful Girls. Clyde is survived by his brother, Gary (Diane) Holmes; and his sister, Shirley Poyda. Clyde was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Chris; brothers, Harvey Holmes, Kenny Holmes and infant brother William Holmes; and nephew, Tom Holmes. Memorials can be made out to Wounded Warriors Project or area Veteran projects. Paid Obituary 138471

Jason P. Meyer, 49, of Irma, formerly of Medford, lost his battle with mental illness on Friday, June 16, 2023. Jason was the son of Patrick and Carol Meyer. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Any donations in his name can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Additionally, planting a tree in his memory is an excellent way to honor Jason. Jason attended Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School, Medford Middle School, and Medford High School. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin – Stout and earned a bachelor’s degree. Jason was a devoted husband and father. He was a very quiet and gentle man who used his level-headedness to help his wife with all her crazy ideas around the house and in the yard and garden. He made sure to kiss Brenda goodbye each morning and tell her he loved her. He was super proud of Isaac and Ahna and always was grateful to spend time with them just talking and catching up with their busy lives. He felt 2023 he was very blessed by his family. His favorite things to do were spending time out in the woods admiring trees, making firewood, and spending time in his shed maintaining vehicles and equipment. Jason especially loved learning about Bigfoot and he watched many tv shows and read a variety of books on the topic over the years. Jason doted on the family pets and was always their favorite person. He really loved working in the flooring and tile business, especially when he got to work with his brothers. Camping at the lake was a favorite pastime and he particularly enjoyed the many delicious suppers with family. His favorite trips over the years were to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and he used his time there to hike, relax, and comment on how big the trees were. He would make sure to drag the family off the trail to find the biggest ones. In addition to his parents, Jason is further survived by his wife, Brenda; his children, Isaac and Ahna; his siblings, Lori (Terry) Steinman, Justin (Jen) Meyer, Kristina (Bub) Beidel, and Josh (Erin) Meyer. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clifford and Lydia Meyer, and Emeal and Elsie Thompson. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www. hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid Obituary 138436

Vernon R. Fischer, 81, of Medford, died Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at home surrounded by his family while under the care of Hope Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 23 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Medford with Rev. David Spaude officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen II Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Friday at the church. In lieu of a meal after the service, the family requests that you go to Rocky’s at some point and enjoy a fish fry and tell them “Vern sent you.” Vernon loved eating there and made many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and may go to Hope Hospice. Vernon was born Sept. 3, 1941 in Medford to Gilbert and Dorthea (Neuman) Fischer. On August 29, 1965, he married Bernadette “Bernie” 1941-2023 Risch. She preceded him in death on Dec. 23, 2006. Vernon attended Medford schools. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford. Along with his wife and two children, Vernon enjoyed many camping and fishing trips. He was known for his love of fishing, logging and coffee at Rocky’s Café in Medford. After selling his farm in 1976, Vernon enjoyed various jobs, but always returned to his love of logging. After driving for Bauer Trucking for 11 years, he retired in 2010 and continued to work in the woods until he was no longer able due to his health. Towards the end, he loved to spoil and received great joy from his grand-pug, Ryu. He is survived by his children, James of La Crosse and Tammy (Ryan Wichlacz) Renly of Medford; grandchildren, Joel of Medford, Mikayla of St. Paul, and Kayden of Medford; honorary granddaughters, Tara Abel and Tori Rindt; and soon-to-be grandchildren (Ryan’s children), Dakota, Makayla, Aubree and Kole Wichlacz. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bernie; brothers, Edwin and Aaron in infancy. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www. hemerfuneralservice.com. Paid Obituary 138479