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

Roy S. Rusch 74, passed away peacefully Feb. 7, 2022, in Home Hospice with his family at his side, after a hard fought 2nd battle of cancer caused by Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. Roy was born to Wera and Theodore Rusch Sr. on Nov. 23, 1947. Growing up, Roy had an interest in sports, hunting and fishing. In high school he played basketball, softball, and is where he met Margaret, his high school sweetheart who would become his wife. After high school, Roy went to work for Mercury Marine in Cedarburg. In 1966, Roy married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Krampien. In 1968, Roy was drafted into the Vietnam War and did one tour of active duty. After service, Roy and Margaret settled down in West Bend and returned to work for Mercury in Fond du Lac for 43 years. He studied and passed his charter captain license in 1978 and enjoyed his fishing passion through the 2021 season as Captain and owner of Flying “R” Charters. He was a member of the Port Washington Charter Association as well as the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Club. Roy is survived by his wife, Margaret (nee Krampien); son, Scott; grand-dog Toby II; sisters: Jeannine (the late Ronnie) Graveen and Kathleen (Eugene) Kupper; sister-in-law, Leanna (the late Theodore Rusch Jr). He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A visitation was Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 501 Walnut St., West Bend from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and a funeral service at 3 p.m. There was a second visitation on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 213055 County Rd. M, Stratford from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. with a service at 1 p.m. Interment was at Ebenezer United Church of Christ Cemetery. The Philip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family. The family would like to thank Dr. Colin Mooney, the Infusion Nurses at Froedtert West Bend Cancer Center and the Cedar Community Hospice for their kind and loving care. Paid obituary 116685

Carl Allen Soczka, 78, died on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, in the care of Aurora Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa. He was born July 7, 1943, in Wausau, the eldest child of the late Alois Sr. and Julia (nee Serafin) Soczka. He married Faith Ann Mutza on May 4, 1968. She preceded him in death on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. Both deaths were COVID related. Carl grew up on his parents’ dairy farm in the township of Cassel. After graduation from Edgar High School in 1961, he attended NCTI in Wausau, earning an associate degree in mechanical design. He moved to Milwaukee and worked at the Bucyrus-Erie Company as a project engineer while attending Marquette University, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Carl worked for several companies throughout his career and became an expert in his field, holding several patents. His career had him traveling to many excavation sites in the U.S. as well as South Africa, Canada and Germany. He was inducted into the Edgar High School Alumni Hall of Fame in Sept. of 2000. Carl lived with his wife of 54 years in Greenfield, where they raised their son, Tim. He passed his love of cars down to his son. Attending auto shows together was his favorite activity. You could always find Carl tinkering in his garage, rebuilding an engine or fixing something. But Carl’s true happy place was visiting the Edgar area and spending time with his siblings on their farmland. He loved to drive tractors, attend local events or just sit around an outdoor fire and tell stories. Survivors include his son, Tim (Julie) Soczka; his grandchildren: Gabriel and Sarah Soczka; and his eight siblings: Theresa Bornheimer of Weston; Victor (Dawn) Soczka, Alois Jr. (Jill) Soczka, Henry Soczka, Steve (Janice) Soczka and John (Irene) Soczka, all of Edgar, Annie Mae (Tom) Kingston of Smithland, Ky., and Sandra (Joel) Rome of Los Angeles, Calif. Carl also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents and wife, Carl was preceded in death by his brother, David Soczka; brother-in-law, Elmer Bornheimer; and nephew Scott Soczka. A combined memorial service for Carl and his late wife, Faith Ann, will be held at the Bruskiewitz Funeral Home, 5355 W. Forest Home Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53220, www.ForestHomeFunerals.com, on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11 a.m. The family will receive visitors from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Paid obituary 116793

Edward “Ed” Robers, 84, passed away on Feb. 8, 2022, at St. Josephs Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho, with his youngest daughter holding his hand. He was born March 28, 1937, to Martin and Catherine (Lois) Robers in Wheatland. He married Arlene S. Seitz on Oct. 5, 1957, in New Munster and they had three children. He was a carpenter and dairy farmer near Stratford. In August of 1981 the beauty of the great outdoors drew him to Idaho. He fell in love with the coast and moved to Newport, Ore., in 2001. In 2018, due to declining health, he moved back to Lewiston, Idaho, to be closer to his daughter. His hobbies included fishing on the Great Lakes, hunting in Idaho, collecting antiques and yard sales. Edward is survived by his three children: Julie (Randy) Brusky of Ahsahka, Idaho, Steven (Susan) Robers of Fenwood and Cindy (Ken) Stamper of Lewiston, Idaho; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sibling, Martin (Audrey) Robers of Burlington. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Arlene Robers; grandson, Jeremy Brusky; siblings: Charles (Phyllis) Robers, Lucille (Andrew) Borucki, Martha (Ed) Hegeman, Esther (Roman) Hegeman and Arthur (Patricia) Robers. There is no service at this time. Private family memorial to be schedule at a later date. Paid obituary 116774

Faith Ann Corrine Soczka (nee Mutza) left us on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, at the age of 74. Beloved wife of Carl to whom she was married to for 53 years. Loving mother of Timothy “Tim.” Loving mother-in-law of Juliette “Julie” (nee Deforest). Very proud grandmother of Gabriel “Gabe” and Sarah Soczka. After raising Tim to school age, Faith Ann worked for Briggs & Stratton and she retired after 30 years “on the line.” Throughout those years, she helped put Tim through private education, bought her pride and joy (1974 Corvette), and supported the family while Carl completed his BS in mechanical engineering. She would always say, “I work to live, not live to work.” Faith Ann loved buying many gifts for her family, grandchildren, nieces and nephews because she grew up with so little herself. In retirement, Faith Ann enjoyed caring for her wild animals that came into her backyard. With all the deer, turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, cats and a possum or two, she would love telling the stories of how they all get along together. Faith Ann is survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Marion Mutza; and her siblings: Geraldine Jefferson, Theodore Mutza, Corrine Herbst and Russel Mutza. A combined memorial service for Faith Ann and her late husband Carl will be held at the Bruskiewitz Funeral Home, 5355 W. Forest Home Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53220, www.ForestHomeFunerals.com, on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. The family will receive visitors from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Paid obituary 116794

Florian “Ollie” M. Ahles, 89, of Colby, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, while under the care of Heartland Hospice at the Waterford at Colby. He was born June 2, 1932, in Mosinee, son of the late Edward and Dolores (Hauk) Ahles. On June 25, 1955, he married Joyce Schaefer at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Milan. She survives. For more than 16 years Ollie worked at Pied Piper Shoe Factory and then went to work at Kraft Foods for 28 years until he retired. Some of his favorite pastimes included fishing, playing cards, watching westerns, traveling, spending time with his family, reading and doing crossword puzzles. Ollie will be fondly remembered as a jokester to all who knew him and a huge collector of windchimes. Ollie proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 until 1954. Survivors include his loving wife, Joyce Ahles of Colby; his children: Thomas (Ann) Ahles of Wausau, Robert (Sandra) Ahles of Marathon, Gwyn (Dale) Strasser of Edgar, Kaye (Steve) Homeyer of Medford, Andrew Ahles of Wausau, Matthew (Colleen) Ahles of St. Paul, Minn., and Tracy (Mark) Paul of Edgar; 15 grandchildren: Neil, Heather, Kaci, Paul, Joshua, Justin, Travis, Jennifer, Brandon, Katelynn, Caleb, Jacob, Christopher, Rose and Mitchel; 13 greatgrandchildren: Addisyn, Alicia, Sierra, Melody, Jasmin, Cynthia, Alyssa, Cameron, Jones, Emma, Kylie, Jaxton and Croixson; and one brother, Edwin Ahles of Tomahawk. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Jessica Homeyer; and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Ahles. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon, Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Marathon. The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. A private family burial will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion, Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, all at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Marathon. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 116366