Raymond John Baumgartner Jr., 63, has completed his journey to his heavenly home on March 5, 2022, surrounded by his family’s love. Ray was born to Raymond and Geraldine (Betty) Baumgartner Sr. on July 25, 1958, in Eagle. Ray grew up dairy farming with his parents and graduated from Argyle High School in 1976. After high school he went on to complete the UW Madison Short Course. In 1978 he purchased a dairy farm in Athens, with his parents, forming RB Dairy Incorporated. Shortly after moving, Ray met the love of his life Betty through mutual friends. The storybook romance started with a kiss in the rain at the Milan ball tournament. They married on November 14, 1981, at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. Ray and Betty operated RB Dairy Inc. up until 2009. After farming, Ray found a new career at Menards. He was a “personal shopper” to many and was often approached by family and strangers alike for Menards advice. Ray was blessed with the gift of gab, prompting his family to often use the phrase “Everybody Loves Raymond.” No matter where he went, he found someone to talk to! Ray enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid Packer fan, had a passion for war history, and spent countless hours on the golf course. No matter what it was, Ray went all in, but it was especially obvious with his family. His family was his pride and joy. In his younger years, he would often joke that he was outnumbered by females since he had three daughters and a barn full of dairy cows. But later in life the tables turned when he gained three sons-in-law and he was blessed with five grandboys! Ray was often the instigator of chaos and just enjoyed being goofy with his family, making everyone laugh. Ray is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters: Ann (Andy) Thurs, Jessica (Nick) Kelley and Gena (Chad) Heeg: grandsons: Trey and Levi Heeg, Evan Thurs and William and Callum Kelley; siblings: Jerry (Julie) Baumgartner, David (Pat) Baumgartner, Robert Baumgartner, Andy (Norma) Baumgartner, Charlotte Spellman, Alice Miller, Zida Reed and Phil (Heather) Baumgartner; mother-in-law, Pat Schauer; brothers-in-law: Brian (Daniella) Schauer and Joel Schauer; sister-in-law, Karen (Lampros) Petanitis and many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Geraldine Baumgartner; siblings: Phyllis Schneider and Walter Jones, and father-inlaw, Willard Schauer. Ray was a strong Christian husband, father, and papa. His faith, strength and perseverance were an inspiration to many. Thank you to Pastor Mark Schwalenberg, our Trinity family, the entire Athens community and all of our family and friends for your love and support. Thank you to the hospital care teams, home health teams, and hospice care staff for the care and compassion given not only to Ray, but to his entire family. The journey wasn’t easy, but let us all remember that God is Good all the time, and all the time God is Good. Private services will be held. The services will be live streamed at 12 noon on Sunday, March 13, 2022, on the Trinity Lutheran Church website, www. trinityathens.net or the Trinity Lutheran Church Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 117753

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

Peter D. Albrecht, 61, Athens, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Feb. 26, 2022, surrounded by his loving family under the care of Hope Hospice. He was born Feb. 6, 1961, with the most beautiful blue eyes, at St. Mary’s in Wausau, son of Nancy (Morse) Albrecht and the late Earl Albrecht. Peter was a hardworking farmer and vice president of Albrecht Family Farms. He also owned PBA Trucking and hauled milk from Double P Dairy. He always had a drive to innovate, invent and improve farming, a skill he learned from his grandpa Sanford. A skill he worked hard to pass on to others. In his younger years, he worked hard to invent new equipment to improve the process of growing and harvesting ginseng. In the last few years, he worked with his son, Willie, on a process to grow corn under biodegradable film, a project he was involved in right to the end. One of his greatest achievements was getting a patent on a machine to lay film with his son, Willie. When it comes to thinking outside the box, Peter was one that never knew the box existed. He enjoyed being with family and friends, going on vacations, heading to Holcombe by his camper on the weekends, taking his Gator on UTV rides and was always the life of the party. Survivors include his mother, Nancy Albrecht; children: Crystal (Mathew) Sebold, Willie (Carrie) Albrecht, Ashley (Connor) Gharrity, Lindsey Albrecht and fiancé Bryce Schilling, Emily Albrecht and fiancé Mason Halopka; grandchildren: Makenna and Ava Sebold, Lucy, Henry, Arlee, Natalie and Ellie Albrecht, Charlie Gharrity; siblings: Lousie (Jeff) Ellenbecker, Michael (Sandra) Albrecht, Karen (Alan) Schmitt, Lisa (Andrew) Spahn, Denise (Steven) Balz, Dennis (Noreen) Albrecht, Norbert (Karen) Albrecht; and former spouses: Kelly Albrecht and Barb Albrecht. The family would like to thank Hope Hospice in Medford, friend Jody Baeseman who helped care for Peter throughout his battle, all those of you that prayed, sent cards and well wishes. Many thanks to Dr. Ahuja and the staff from the Cancer Center and Oncology Unit at Aspirus. A visitation will be held at Peterson Kraemer Funeral Home in Athens on Friday, March 4, 2022, from 4 until 8 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 5 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens with visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Rev. George Graham will preside. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Peter’s memory may be directed to the Athens FFA, Athens Acres 4-H and St. Jude. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 117366

Nancy M. Waddell, 82, Stratford, passed away on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at House of the Dove, Marshfield. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford, with Rev. Andrea Fluegel presiding. Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home assisted the family. Nancy was born on July 13, 1939, in Marshfield, the daughter of Paul M. and Myrtle M. (Anderson) Wrensch. Nancy had been employed as a nurses aid for 30 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Nancy enjoyed many crafts including sewing, knitting and macramé of which she taught her children and others. She was a CB radio enthusiast and being a prolific cribbage player, used the handle, “The Cribbage Player.” Nancy was truly a people person and will be missed not only by her family but by her many friends and neighbors. She is survived by five children, 12 grandchildren and 20 great -grandchildren: the late Scot Sawicky and his daughter, Yolanda Baral of Buda, Texas, and her children, Tiana, Cali, Zoe, and Kaylyn; Margaret Hayes of Stratford and her children, Heidi (Scott) Magnuson of Neillsville and their children, Ashley, Kourtney, Sidney and Ryan, Kerri Jo (Keith) Gadtke of Stratford and their daughter, Alexis; Paul Sawicky and his son, Daniel, of Marshfield; the late Larry (Kristie) Oertel and their children, Abbygail and Autumm of Stratford; Karen (Michael) Rock of Stratford and children, Tony (Jenny) Oertel of Stratford and their children, Tanner and Mason, and Tiffany Oertel of Waupun; Sarah (Gary) Bohman of Stratford and their children, Eric (Alex) Bohman of Washburn, Ariel Bohman of Peoria, Ill., Alex (Emily) Bohman of Stratford and their children, Bentley, Alex and Gary, Evan (Ashley) Bohman of Schofield; Steve (Erin) Waddell of Stratford and their children, Eliot (Kaitie) Waddell of Stratford, and their children, Harvey and Amelia, Tierra (Jason) Messerschmidt of Stratford and their children, Natalie and Wyatt. She is also survived by her brother, Harold (Barb) Wrensch of Stratford. She will be missed by her beloved cat, Sassy Pants. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter in infancy, Colleen Sue; a son, Scot Sawicky; and grandsons: Larry Oertel and Adam Bohman. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 117369

Lorraine E. Krog, age 84, of Marathon, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center in Weston. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer with Rev. Dr. Wes Jedras presiding. Burial will follow at Ebenezer United Church of Christ Cemetery in the Town of Cleveland. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home in Spencer on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. The honor of pallbearers belongs to five of her grandsons: Michael Hanke, Steven and Shawn Brickner, Jonathon Conklin and Daniel LaQua. Lorraine was born on Oct. 6, 1937, in Roselle, Ill., the daughter of Emil and Elsie (Harke) Homeyer. She graduated from Palatine High School in Illinois. On April 27, 1957, she was united in marriage to Ronald Krog in Illinois. Together, they raised six daughters. She was a traditional hardworking farmwife milker, tractor driver, ginseng grower, bookkeeper and enjoyed baking, going on long car rides, puzzles, board games and game shows, bowling and both indoor and outdoor gardening. She was the planner, preparer, and server of hundreds of delicious meals for family gatherings and hostess of multiple out of town friends visiting throughout the years. Ron and Lorraine, with their beloved dog Oscar, enjoyed spending their winters in Texas, making many new friends along the way. She was a member of Homemakers, Ebenezer United Church of Christ Ladies Aid and dartball, and Rib Riders Snowmobile Club. Those who will cherish her memory include her husband of 64 years, Ronald; her six daughters: Lori (Dennis) Hanke, Lucinda (David) Mason, Linda (Steve) Brickner, Lisa (Pat) Prasalowicz, Luann Krog (special friend, Scott) and Lynette (Michael) LaQua; her 16 grandchildren: Jennifer Hanke (friend Chad), Michael (Melissa) Hanke, Denise (Ben) Klosinski, Amanda (Brian) Arrowood, David (Sarah) Mason Jr., Matthew (Karen) Mason, Steven (Katie) Brickner, Melissa (Kurt) Seubert, Shawn (Joey) Brickner, Melanie (Scott) Heinz, Jayme (Jake) Solin, Jonathon (friend Samantha) Conklin, Alicia (friend Jamison) Jensen, Kayla Jensen, Elizabeth and Daniel LaQua; her 19 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Lois Homeyer; many nephews and nieces; along with many other relatives, beloved dog, Rex and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Elsie Homeyer; her sisters: Vernette (Harry) Ireland and Florence (Herbert) Heine; and her brother, Harold Homeyer. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lorraine’s name can be directed to the Cancer Society or St. Judes. Lorraine’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home, Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences. Paid obituary 117028

William “Bill” E. Lemmer, 74, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born March 13, 1947, in Wausau, son of the late Ralph Sr. and Margaret Lemmer. On Aug. 13, 1977, he was united in marriage to Rita Knauf at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marathon. She survives. Bill believed in working hard for what you had and did that throughout his life as a farmer, truck driver and factory worker up until his retirement from Menzner Lumber in 2014. Bill’s smile was bigger than life and his laughter contagious. He loved his family above everything else. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed dancing with Rita, playing cards every Sunday after church with his family, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing and cruising on the pontoon. He will be remembered for his legendary potato pancakes served with liverwurst and his famous homemade kielbasa, corn roasts around the fire and making sausage with his sons-in-law and grandsons, and his huge smile. After retirement, if he wasn’t in his office making Rosaries to send to the Missions you could find him on his phone talking to family or one of his many friends. He was a long-time member of the Central Wisconsin Conservation Club, president of the Holy Name Men at St. John the Baptist Church in Edgar and the NRA. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Rita Lemmer of Edgar; three daughters: Amy (Marshall) Jacobs, Kim (Christopher) Woller and Jenna (Joseph) Martin, all of Edgar; 13 grandchildren: Carnissa, Devin, Austin, Madelyn, Logan, Emersyn, Christopher Jr., Sabrina, Elizabeth, Alexander, AliMae, Joseph and Aviana; two great-grandchildren: Aurora and Everlee; his siblings: Ralph (Adinun) Lemmer, Charles Lemmer, Anthony (Lou Ann) Lemmer, Virginia (Jack) Ganser, Mary (Eugene) Freese, Paul (Lisa) Lemmer, Kathy (Art) Nowak and Christopher (Sarah) Lemmer; two sisters-in-law: Anna Lemmer and Sharon Lemmer; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Dylan; three brothers: Jerome, Robert and Mark; and an infant sister, Virginia. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Alan Wierzba will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery following the service. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 until 8 p.m. at church and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. There will be a rosary service beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening at church. The funeral service will be livestreamed Friday at 11 a.m. on the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home Facebook page. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 117020

Don Hart, age 71, passed away in his home on February 1, 2022. He was born March 7, 1950, in Wausau and spent his childhood in Athens, before moving to California at the age of 25 and retiring in Arizona at the age of 63. Don had an innate passion for researching and finding success, which brought him to some of his favorite dreams: having two children, three grandsons, living in the mountains to living a fulltime RV lifestyle, retiring several years early, all the way to owning his dream sports car. Don was passionate about spending time with his family, bike riding, hiking, reading, playing scrabble, researching cars, visiting craft breweries, and as he always said, being content doing absolutely nothing. Our father, our brother, our grandfather and our friend was a gentle, humble man that left us too early, but he lived an abundant life filled with love. He is survived by two children: Brian (Dana) of Coolidge, Ariz., and Nicole of Salt Lake City, Utah; three siblings: Bob of Madison, Norb (Mary) of Rothschild and Kathy (Dave) of Athens; three grandchildren: Kyle and Nicolas of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Bladen of Coolidge, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Jacci (Rich) of Kimberling City, Mo., and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Joseph and Mildred, and his brother, Jim, preceded Don in death. A celebration of Don’s life will take place at his home on May 15, 2022, followed in the summer by a celebration in Athens. As he once said, spread him like a tornado in nature. Paid obituary 117010

James Jay Durkee Sr., 75, Edgar was called home unexpectedly on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at his home with his family by his side. He was born May 2, 1946, in Wausau, son of the late Don Durkee and Blanche (Douville) Sandoval. James was a devoted husband and father. He loved his wife, Ethel (Stange) Durkee, of 54 years so very much. She survives. He was the proud father of both his children: James (Dorinda) Durkee Jr. and Ronda (Bryan Kramp) Durkee. He is also survived by his granddaughter, who meant the world to him, Isabelle Kramp. James always enjoyed taking her on a ride with his golf cart whenever he could. He is further survived by his brothers: Ken (Donna) Durkee and Roger (Becky) Durkee; sister, Joan (Gene) Gilbertson; his brothers-in-law: John (Jessie) Stange and Ken (Mary) Stange; sisters-inlaw: Clara Robl and Dorothy (John) Fons; and his grandpups: Max and Buddy. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws: John and Irma (Jacobi) Stange; a brother and sister-in-law, David and Mary Durkee; cousins: Clarence and Darlene Wendtland, Michael and Richard Wendtland; infant niece, Susie Wickman; and special foster son, Peter Skidmore. He is also survived by many friends, family, nieces and nephews who meant so much to him, especially Barb and Jesus Celis; godson, Jacob Mueller; goddaughter, Marion Parker; Lukas Celis (Jennifer), Erik Celis, Paul Reinhardt, Leoy Johnson, Gary Wendtland and the whole Wendtland family. James was an over the road truck driver for 38 years, this took him to all states from coast to coast, but truly appreciated the time he was home with his family. Family vacations were always memorable. He was taken so unexpectedly but the love he gave to all of us will never leave us. Though we will miss him dearly we know we will be with him again one day. We Love You Daddy and Grandpa! A memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, High Steeple, W1145 Huckleberry Road, Edgar, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 116585

Jerome “Mego” A. Switlick, 58, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, unexpectedly at his home. He was born April 17, 1963, in Medford, son of Jeanette (Sprenger) Switlick and the late Stanley Switlick. Mego worked as a truck driver and served his country in the United States Army, Military Police. He restored tractors, enjoyed attending and participating in tractor pulls, driving his Corvette and motorcycle. He was always willing to lend a hand and help anyone in need. Above all he loved being outdoors and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his mother, Jeanette Switlick; children: Ryan (Samantha) Switlick, Russel (Amanda) Switlick and Megan Switlick; grandchildren: Ashlyn and Emma Switlick; siblings: Mike (Kathy) Switlick, Lorraine (Donald) Sobjeck, Mark Switlick, Daniel (Laura) Switlick, Leanne (Victor) Smith, Francis (Jennifer) Switlick and Lori Switlick; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his father, Stanley, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Florian and Richard Switlick. The funeral Mass was celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. George Graham presided. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Visitation was Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service, all at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 116919