Christopher Gene Ladwig, 30, of Park Falls, formerly of Medford, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. He is now at home in the arms of his Savior. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Medford with Rev. Tim Becker presiding. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, at First Baptist Church, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and may go to the Youth Scholarship Fund at Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center (FSCCC) in Westboro. Christopher was born January 6, 1994, in Fergus Falls, Minn., to Linda (Kjos) and Daniel Ladwig. At age 11, his mother remarried and moved with their boys to Abbotsford, where Christopher graduated from Abbotsford High School, class of 2012. While in school, he was active in choir and was on the wrestling team, making it to state his senior year. He also worked at Hardee’s, and at FSCCC for three summers, where he grew many life-long friendships. He then attended UW-Platteville where he studied structural engineering for a year. He moved back to Abbotsford and worked at Holiday for a few years, then Abbyland and finally Phillips Plastics. Christopher had a brilliant mechanical mind and from the time he was a small child, loved taking things apart to see how they worked; oftentimes having “leftover/unnecessary” pieces when he reassembled them. He also enjoyed longboarding, biking, working on cars, and singing – he had a beautiful voice. He loved spending time outdoors. Biking, fishing and camping were some of his favorite pastimes and he often sent beautiful photos of sunrises and his latest catch to his mom long before anyone else was awake. Last year he purchased a 3D printer and was proud of the things he was able to make with it. He will be sadly missed by his mother and stepfather, Linda and Jay Hoffman of New London; siblings: Ian Ladwig of New London, Renson Hoffman of Granton, Delaney Hoffman of San Diego, Calif., and Hannah and Lily Hoffman, both of New London; paternal grandparents, Charlie and Karen Ladwig of Elbow Lake, Minn.; maternal grandmother, Yvonne Kjos of New London; step-grandmother, Onalee Hoffman of Medford; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Ladwig in 2022; maternal grandfather, Edwin Kjos; uncle, Mark Kjos; cousin, Darren Whitby; and stepgrandfather, Gerald Hoffman. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid obituary 148402

Mary A. Babich, age 67, of Abbotsford, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at Colby Senior Care under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice. A celebratory gathering will be held from noon – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, followed by a time of remembrance at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Interment to be held at the Colby Memorial Columbarium. Mary was born on May 14, 1956, the daughter of Edward and Marie (Van Slett) Allmann in Marshfield. She graduated from Colby High School in 1974. On June 25, 1977, Mary was united in marriage to Daniel Babich at St. Mary Catholic Church in Colby. He preceded her in death on June 5, 2021. Mary worked as an appointment coordinator at Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield and later in Colby for over 30 years. She loved to sew and make crafts of all kinds. Mary also enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens. She and Dan liked to travel, especially to Arizona to visit family, and she also looked forward to her sisters weekends. Most importantly, Mary cherished her family, especially her grandchildren. Mary is survived by her two children: Scott (Beth) of Colby and Nicole (Tim) Ottelien of Hewitt; five grandchildren: Landon, Norah, Sullivan, Tayt and Iris. She is further survived by her siblings: Carol (Dick) Masanz of Stratford, Greg (Diane) Allmann of Mukwonago, Robert (Sheryl) Allmann of Wauwatosa, Julie (Ron) Cooper of Colby, Richard (Debby) Allmann of Colby, Melanie (Mark) Gorke of Webster and Jenny (Pete) Weber of Colby; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Daniel; and sister at birth, Kathleen. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 148403

Fred E. Caskey passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. He was born on January 24, 1932, in Phelps, to Elmer and Christine Caskey and was raised on the family homestead on Lac Vieux Desert. Like other members of his family, much of his youth was spent hunting, fishing, trapping and guiding (his first paid job was at age 11). Fred was a 1950 graduate of Phelps High School. Following graduation, he attended Northland College where he majored in biology and education. In addition to coursework, Fred was an award-winning multisport athlete and a member of the prestigious Northland Choir. It was in the choir that he met his future wife, Faith Porter, who was a featured performer in the choir. They married on August 28, 1954 in Sanborn and were able to celebrate their 67th anniversary prior to her passing in 2021. Almost immediately after graduating from Northland in 1955, Fred was drafted into military service. His basic training took place at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and he went on to serve in France, where he oversaw entertainment, including a movie theater, gymnasium and bowling alley, at a large army supply depot in Angouléme, France. He completed his deployment with the rank of Sergeant. Back in the states, Fred joined Faith at Colby High School, where his four decades of service included a long run as a biology teacher, a decade as head football coach, and a short-term role as assistant principal. He was a fantastic instructor known for creating an engaged classroom setting where fun and learning went hand-inhand. Fred was an active community member including many years of involvement with the Colby Lions Club. He was also recognized for his years of dedication to the Hunter’s Safety program for which he received numerous awards, including recognition for instructing over 2000 students. He was extremely proud of this honor. During summers, Fred returned to the Northwoods where he was a much sought-after fishing guide known for his musky, walleye and trout catching prowess and his ability (often alongside family members like his father) to create memorable and delicious shore-lunch experiences. He was also a hunting guide with a specialization in ducks and grouse. Over his long career (highlighted in the book Guides Past & Present, Wilkinson 2015) he had numerous fishing adventures and guided several notable individuals. One of his favorites was Myrtle Walgreen (wife of Walgreen Drugs founder Charles Walgreen) who was less interested in fishing and more interested in having Fred take her to locations where she could photograph the local flora. Fred and Faith retired in 1989 and permanently moved to Lac Vieux Desert and into a home built on the lake. He continued to guide for a number of years and also became an active member of the Lac Vieux Desert Lake Association, playing a key leadership role in the annual August Fest, a fish fry, crawfish boil, burger and raffle event which raised funds to support activities like stocking the lake. He was also actively involved with St. Albert’s Catholic Church known for the bean dish and hams he cooked for special events. Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Faith; his father,ElmerCaskey;mother,Christine(Vonau)Caskey; sister, Phyllis (Schmidt) and brother, Bill Caskey. He is survived by siblings: George Caskey, Darlene Loy, Jane Johnson and Ruth Griswold; children: Blane (Karen) Caskey, Eagle, Idaho, Brad (Wanita) Caskey, Cottage Grove, Minn., Jill (Bruce) Zwiers, Rhinelander and Julie (Steve) Hunsader, Wausau; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at St. Albert’s in Land O’Lakes in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fred’s name to Land O’Lakes Historical Museum. Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com. Paid obituary 148442

Betty Jean Marie Boss passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the age of 94 under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Betty Jean was born July 30, 1929, to Elsie (Karsten) and Franklin Kraut. Born at just three pounds, the size of a cigar box not expected to live, her mother and grandmother cared and nursed her to health. Betty grew to be quite a survivor. As a young girl Betty Jean lived in Curtiss, above the Deer View Tavern with grandparents, parents and aunts. Franklin and Elsie moved to Medford, where Betty went to grade school. The war broke out and the family moved to a farm near Owen, where Betty Jean attended high school, graduating in 1947. Betty Jean continued her education at Teacher College in Medford. After completing her training she taught in a one room school house where she had to carry water and tend a fire to stay warm. September 29, 1951, Betty Jean married Ernest C. Boss of Abbotsford. They made their home on a farm just outside Abbotsford where they worked side by side and raised their four children. Betty Jean stayed on the farm until November 2021. Betty took a job at DHIA in Colby in 1979 where she retired from. Betty Jean has been a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. She loved her petunias in the summer, enjoyed sewing, reading and baking the perfect batch of bread. Betty Jean is survived by her children: Susan (Harley) Timmerman of Hudson, Sandra (Dan) Petersen of Cross Plains, Donald Boss of Abbotsford and Jean Ann (Matt) Lampi of Owen; her grandchildren: Tyler (Valerie) Petersen of Burlington, Quinten (Megan) Petersen of Wauwatosa, Courtney (Lucas) Keller of Waukesha and Ryan Lampi of Owen and five great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a sister, Bunee (Kraut) Schultz of Rice Lake. Betty was preceded in death by husband, Ernest, in November of 1979; her parents; her sister, Beverley Kraut in 2021 and many other loved ones young and old. A funeral service will be held in honor of Betty Jean at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford on Monday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10. The Reverend Donald Bruce will preside. A luncheon will be served at the church after interment, all are welcome. Memorials given in Betty’s name will go to Christ Lutheran Church. The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff of Colby Senior Care and those visiting with Mom from St. Croix Hospice these last few months. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 148461

Sharon L. Kudingo, age 82, of Abbotsford, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at Colonial Health and Rehabilitation of Colby under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice.