1939-2023 and 1942-2023 George Loock, 84, and his wife, Joanne (nee Werner) Loock, 81, passed away holding hands just six minutes apart on Monday, July 10, 2023 after injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 17 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford with Rev. Daniel Iwinski officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery with military honors for George provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Sunday evening at Immanuel Lutheran Church and from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Monday, all at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and may go to Little Lambs Daycare or to Immanuel Lutheran Church. George was born April 15, 1939 in Baldwin, to William and Esther (Jeske) Loock. He graduated from Baldwin High School and served honorably in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge from the military, George went to broadcasting school and moved to Medford to work at WIGM Radio where he worked for many years. George then drove truck for a bread company, then drove for Pernsteiner Trucking, worked at Phillips Plastics, and also drove coach bus for Krug’s. He wore many hats and over the years, he refereed hundreds of local basketball games; enjoyed woodworking, fixing up old cars and John Deere tractors; got his pilot’s license; and loved riding the open road on his motorcycle. He was a member of the Medford American Legion Post 147. Moving to Medford was fate as this was where he met his future bride, Joanne. The two were married on Aug. 6, 1966 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Joanne was born Oct. 3, 1942 in Medford to Milton and Margaret (Thomas) Werner. She graduated from Medford High School in 1960. She then moved to Minneapolis, where she worked as a stewardess for Northwest Airlines and was then transferred to Seattle. In February of 1963, Joanne’s mother passed away suddenly, and Joanne moved back to the Medford area to help her father care for her younger siblings. She worked for the State Bank of Medford, and then for Tombstone Pizza until her retirement. She served currently as the Town of Chelsea Treasurer. She enjoyed flower gardening, quilting, crafting, their cat, Pallet, and riding motorcycle with George. They are survived by George’s siblings, Marvin Loock of Baldwin, Ethelyn (Max) Ihrke of Hammond, MaryAnn (Richard) Durban of Kentucky; Joanne’s siblings, Jerry (Mary) Werner, Janet (Daniel) Haenel, Jeff (Char) Werner, all of Medford; and many nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by their parents; and George’s brother, Wayne. 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 139302

1925-2023 Donald “Don” L. Smith, 97, of Medford died Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Aspirus Medford Hospital. Funeral services for Don will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Nancy Amacher officiating. Burial will take place at Perkinstown Community Cemetery. Visitation will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., followed by military honors, performed by the Medford Honors Team. Pallbearers will be Adam and Leah Smith, Alison Reinders, Jennifer Nowak, and Mike and Nicole Kauss. Don was born Oct. 16, 1925 in Delhi, Iowa. He married Ruth Reggintine on Nov. 10, 1945 and she preceded him in death Sept. 12, 1978. His second marriage took place Jan. 26, 1980 to Mildred “Millie” Kauss and she preceded him in death Aug. 6, 2020. Don joined the Navy in WWII and flew in the Pacific as a radio operator and gunner on torpedo bombers. He made a career out of the Navy, reaching the rank of Master Chief. He retired to Medford in 1973. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford VFW, and the American Legion. In retirement he and Millie did a lot of traveling and were members of the Good Sam Club. He also enjoyed fishing and spent many winters in Texas. His latest hobby was restoring old tractors. Don is survived by his sons, Terry Smith and David (Jill) Smith, both of Medford; stepson, Steve (Barb) Kauss of Green Bay. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his first and second wife; son, Daniel Smith; daughter, Jeri Lee Smith-Braun; daughter-in-law Greta Smith; step-daughter Caroline Koenig. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to either the Medford VFW or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. 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 139290

1962-2023 Todd Heggesta, age 60, left this world a little earlier than expected on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Todd was born in Madison, in 1962 to a wonderful set of parents. His first trip to “The Cottage” in Northern Wis. happened when he was just one week old. These trips would continue all though his life. Todd attended Madison schools and MATC. At age 19, he began working full time as a machinist and power transmission assembler and technician at Cardinal FG. After 21 years, he switched to a maintenance technician and has continued doing that but only part time for the last six years. Todd grew up hunting and fishing with his parents, family, and friends. He loved anything related to the outdoors. A few of his many interests included, bow hunting, gun hunting, fishing, old cars and trucks, cutting firewood, all types of repair work, taxidermy, family history and many others. In the 1980’s, Todd met his wonderful wife Cathy. They were married after a few years and have been together ever since. Together they had two wonderful children and many adventures traveling to the cottage and occasional trips to Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. They settled on a small farm in the Portage area in the early 1990’s. They were blessed with a variety of animals over the years including dogs, cats, chickens, pheasants, horses, and goats. And of course, a big garden was always required. Often times the meals that were prepared were all harvested off their own property. Todd is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; his son, John; his daughter, Ellen (Josh) Poulter, all of Portage; his mother, Betty, of Madison, who he has been blessed to have with him his entire life; two sisters, Teri (Sam) Christian, of Belleville, and Tami Otto, of Mazomanie; nieces, nephews, and grandnieces; and many, many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Heggesta. Per Todd’s request, there will be no services. He wishes to return to the spiritual world from whence he came. Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 139134

1940-2023 Kathleen Mary “Kathy” Gehl, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Oakwood Village nursing home. She was born in Medford, to Edwin and Ida Czarnezki on Dec. 11, 1940. Kathy graduated from Medford High School and went on to St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Marshfield, and received her Nursing degree. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison as an RN until her first child was born and made the decision to stay at home and raise her family. She married her husband, John Gehl, on Nov. 6, 1965, and they remained married for 53 years until his passing. She was a member of the St. Dennis Church and active in the church choir. Kathy always enjoyed visits with her children and grandchildren. One of Kathy’s greatest fears was spiders. Through bravery and determination, she conquered her fear of spiders by owning a pet tarantula. Kathy was a lover of art and colorful clothing. In her earlier years she enjoyed painting beautiful scenes on the windows during the Christmas season. Some of her favorite hobbies were cooking, being in her garden, listening to music, playing her piano, and her accordion. Kathy is survived by her sons, Mark Gehl, John (Nicole) Gehl and Matthew (Jodi) Gehl; two grandchildren, Chandlyr Gehl and Jacqlyn Holden; and greatgrandson, Jordan Mennes; sisters, Eleanore (Vince) Gage and Carol (Jerry) Way; and a brother, David Czarnezki. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Ida; husband, John; and grandson, Carter Gehl. A funeral service was held at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, with Father Michael Tarigopula presiding. Visitation was held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11 a.m. Burial was held at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: Lawton Center for Research and Education, Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, 1000 N. Oak Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh. com Paid Obituary 139191

1949-2023 Joseph J. “Bucky” Tomczak, Jr., age 73, of Lublin, passed away at home on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Rev. Vijay Kumar Madani will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: David Tomczak, Logan Tomczak, Dale Seng, Al Whetstone, Samson Whetstone, and Kelley Nowobielski. Joseph Julian Tomczak, Jr. was born on Aug. 7, 1949 in Stanley, to Joseph J. and Adeline M. (Fortin) Tomczak, Sr. He was raised and received his education in the Taylor/Clark County area. After completing school, he held various jobs, including, farming, worked for Earl’s Rides for several years, worked with his father in forestry, and for Marathon Cheese in Medford. After retiring, Joe enjoyed fixing lawnmowers, working on cars, tinkering on anything, and built a sawmill and wood splitter. In his spare time, he loved fishing, hunting, trapping, word find puzzles, gardening and canning. Joe will be dearly missed by his wife, Sharon, of Lublin; his children, Donald of Medford, Joseph III of Medford, Sharon (Al) Whetstone of Stetsonville, David of Lublin, Molly Tomczak of Medford; 13 grandchildren; his siblings, Kathleen Geissler of Bloomer, Elaine (Harold) Knox of Holcombe, Josephine (Dale) Seng of Gilman, Donna (Dale) Butkus of Owen, Beverly Tomczak of Bloomer, Elizabeth Tomczak of Thorp, Thomas of Augusta; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Robert; and one son-in-law: Thomas Geissler. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh. com. Thorp Funeral Home of Thorp, is assisting the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 139132

1944-2023 Sarah J. Peterson-Thiel, 78, of Rib Lake, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at home, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice. A funeral service for Sarah took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home, Rib Lake, with Pastor Bob Giese officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery at a later date. Visitation was at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Rib Lake on Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Sarah was born on Oct. 3, 1944 to Keith and Selma (Blank) Beam. She married Edward Paul Peterson and he preceded her in death. She was a hard worker and worked as a cook for Tombstone, Florena’s Supper Club, Mr. B’s, Meadow Farms, Marathon Cheese, and as a security guard at Weather Shield. She also owned a Lawn Mowing Business. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, cooking, and family get togethers. She had a big heart and loved taking care of people. Sarah is survived by her second husband, Ed Thiel; children, Gayle (Gary) Hoefferle of Rib Lake, Paul (Tammy) Peterson of Medford, and Ricky (Joy) Peterson of Whitewater; grandchildren, Gary (Jessica Taylor) Hoefferle, Nikki (Joel) Sosa, Jamie (Jen Steen) Pester, Robert Peterson, Edward Peterson, Jenny Wicke, Hunter Peterson, and Tazia Peterson; great-grandchildren, Maniah and Nathia Sosa, Charity Pester, Madison Pester, Kaitlyn Pester, Tyra Wicke, Kierra Wicke, Talon Peterson, Carmen Peterson, and Payton Peterson; sister, Sally Strebe of Adams. Sarah is further survived by other family and friends. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward; and siblings, Violet, Kerry, Sherry, Hiram, and Rosetta. 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 139240

1926-2023 Helen Hitt Gelhaus, 97, of Medford, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023, in her home while under the care of her family and Hope Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 20 at Holy Rosary Parish in Medford with the Very Rev. Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. A burial service will be held the following day at 1 p.m. at Clay Banks Cemetery in Door County. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Catholic School of your choice. Helen was born Feb. 1, 1926, to Henry ‘Rube’ and Ella (Moore) Hitt. She was the eighth of 11 children and grew up in Sturgeon Bay and Clay Banks. She later moved to Milwaukee, where she attended Miss Brown’s School of Business and met her spouse, Edward L. Gelhaus. They were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay, and later moved to Medford. They were later divorced. Helen cared deeply for raising her family. In addition to being involved in many of her children’s activities, including as a 4H Leader in both Medford and Molitor. She enjoyed golf, bowling, bridge, canasta, spending time at the lake and returning frequently to Door County. After ‘retirement’ Helen worked and cared for many Black River Industries clients. She was a volunteer at the Medford Public Library, Medford Area Public School reading buddy program, Indianhead Action Agency, and a member of the Holy Rosary Council of Catholic Women, Medford Hospital Auxiliary, and League of Women Voters. As a member of the American Legion Auxiliary she helped support veterans in the community. She also showed her love and concern for the less fortunate by making multiple mission trips to Guatemala in her 70’s. In her later years, you could find Helen knitting away through thousands of yards of yarn. In her natural giving spirit, shewouldoftenknitsocksorhandwarmersforhomeless veterans or gifts for her family. Helen also enjoyed traveling with her children and grandchildren. Her family will remember her as a welcoming person, who was always ready with a quick-witted comment. She always kept her faith and her family at the forefront of everything she did. Helen instilled many of her wonderful qualities into her family, and she will be missed dearly. Helen is survived by her children, Tom (Mary) Gelhaus, Ann (Trent) Harris, Fred (Barb) Gelhaus, Maggie (Steve) Hart and Katie (Tim) Zenner. She is additionally survived by 16 grandchildren, their spouses, and 25 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and her brother and sister-in-law Richard (Marge) Hitt. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her former spouse; her son, Dan Gelhaus; her brothers, George, Joseph, John & Chuck Hitt; and her sisters, Bernadine Andre, Margaret Nebel, Julia Doris Schmidt, Kathleen Holt-Ryan, and Mary Frome. Cremation Society of Wisconsin is serving the family. Paid Obituary 139257

1945-2023 Michael Anthony Weiler, 78, of Pinellas Park, Florida, passed away on June 22, 2023 at Bay Pines VA Hospice, Bay Pines, Fla. Mike was born in Medford, to Michael and Charlotte (Jari) Weiler on April 1, 1945. He went to school at Medford. He was a veteran of Vietnam War and served in the U S Marines Corps from 1965-1969. Mike is survived by life companion, Elaine Cummings of Pinellas Park, Fla; brothers, James (Carol) Weiler, Antigo, Larry Weiler, Deerbrook, Roger Weiler (Shirley) Unity. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Charlotte Weiler; and sister-in-law, Linda Weiler. A Memorial Service will be held at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL on August 2, 2023 at 10 a.m. The family of Mike Weiler wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Bay Pines VA Medical Center Hospice for the excellent care he received while he resided there. Paid Obituary 139131