Faith Anne (Porter) Caskey passed away on Nov. 13, 2021, after a brief hospitalization. She was born on Oct. 1, 1931, in Ashland to James and Frances Porter. Faith resided in the Marengo area during her early years. Due to her father’s active military duty, she spent the next decade stationed at military instillations from New Hampshire to Massachusetts to South Carolina. At the end of World

Linda A. (Pepke) Beran, age 58, of Milan, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at her home. After a long battle with pancreatic cancer-her fight is over! She went home to be with the Lord. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. Father George Graham will preside. Interment to follow at Saint Thomas Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Friday. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home of Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. She was born on June 28, 1963, the daughter of Carlon and Virginia (Weiler) Pepke. Linda’s greatest blessings were her family and friends. She treasured time spent with her husband, Cary; her sons: Jordan and Tyler; daughters-in-law: Jackie and Samantha; and five amazing grandchildren: Kelsi, Alexis, Jacob, Cashten and Sawyer. Linda also enjoyed flowers. Her yard was full of beautiful planters and flowerbeds every summer. She also enjoyed growing vegetables in her raised gardens and feeding/observing the birds. She cherished the time spent on family vacations, especially out west in the mountains. Linda worked at several places over the years and treasured the many friendships that remain. She is survived by her husband, Cary; sons: Jordan (Jackie) Beran and Tyler (Samantha) Beran; five grandchildren: Kelsi, Alexis, Jacob, Cashten and Sawyer; step-mother, Darlene Pepke; sisters: Brenda (Brian) Hedlund and Sue (Ed) Pernsteiner; brothers: Brad (Kathy) Pepke, Jeff (Nick) Stark, Mike (Ali) Stark and Patrick Stark; mother-in-law, Caroline Beran; brothers and sisters-in-law: Frank (Cindy) Beran Jr., Norman (Sharon) Beran, Mike (Cindy) Beran and Robin (Deb) Beran; many beloved nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends. Treasured family that passed before her are: father, Carlon Pepke; mother, Virginia (Weiler) Pepke; grandparents: Victor and Mary (Lavicka) Weiler, Otto and Helen (Kleinschmidt) Pepke; sisters: Lisa and Lori Pepke; and father-in-law, Frank Beran Sr. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 113712

Roger A. Thieme, 69, of Colby, passed away Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Family and friends are welcome from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at St. Pauls Norwegian Cemetery in Curtiss. Roger was born on June 27, 1952, the son of Alvin and Maebelle (Schmidt) Thieme in Marathon. He was united in marriage to Julie Hackel on March 26, 1978, in Vernon, Texas. Roger worked as a logger and then an owner and operator. Roger enjoyed welding and driving truck. He loved to watch western movies. But most importantly, he loved to spend time with his grandchildren. Roger is survived by his wife of 43 years, Julie; his children: Nathan (Beth) of Rib Lake, John (Libby) of Stratford, Joe (Lisa) of Abbotsford and Roger (Tammy Krause) of Abbotsford; 10 grandchildren; and 10 siblings: Joyce, Donna, Alvin, Kenny, Jerry, Tom, Dolly, Richard, Barb and David. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Scott; and a granddaughter, Alli. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 113738

Janet “Jan” Hedler Engel; sister, Susan Marie “Susie” Newcomb; and father-inlaw, Donald Eugene “Jake” Hedler. Dennis is survived by Angela Engel of Abbotsford, Kristin (Rob) McMahon of Stoddard and Megan Engel of Brice Prairie; and special nephew, Michael (Louise) Hackel; grandchildren: Robby McMahon III, Reagan, Madisyn and Kenadie Schraufnagel, Jaxson and Avonlea, Godson Hunter Hackel; special great-niece, Natalie Hackel; sisters: Terry (Melvin) Deml, Cathy (Allan) Peissig, Barbie (Jeff) Bublitz, Deanna “Beaner” (Randy) Stockwell and Jaycine “Babe” (Gary) Geiger; and mother-in-law, Dolores (nee Firnstahl) Hedler; many cherished and highly valued friends from his youth on up, especially lifelong friend, Danny Dums, who appropriately, along with Doug Geiger, were with him at his death. A Mass of Christian burial was on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at 10:45 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby. Father D. Joseph Redfern presided. Lunch was served immediately following the service. All were welcome to attend. A private family burial will be performed in the near future. Family and friends were invited for visitation on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Homes (203 North 4th Street, Abbotsford) and on Wednesday at Saint Mary’s from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be directed to the Dennis & Jan Engel Farm Science Scholarship Trust at AbbyBank, (401 East Spruce Street, Abbotsford, WI 54405, 715.223.2345). This trust will provide assistance to Colby High School graduates pursuing careers and passions in farm science. Many lives were enriched by Denny’s friendship and generosity. Online condolences can be made to www. maurinaschilling.com. Dennis “Denny” James Engel died suddenly Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. He was born in Dorchester, Oct. 26, 1953, to LeRoy and Edith “Tootie” Engel (nee Amo). Denny married his high-school sweetheart, Janet “Jan” Hedler Engel, on Sept. 21, 1974, at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby. Denny and Jan graduated Colby High School in 1971 and Denny attended North Central Technical College in their farm science program. In 1974, a month into his 21st year, and upon the early death of his father, Dennis, he became the third generation custodian of the family farm. He ran that farm, eventually adding his partner and nephew, Doug Geiger, until his death, marking 120 years. This proud Engel family tradition will continue under Doug. Dennis was very proud of Clark Co-Line Dairy Corporation and it was important to him to operate it with all the modern processes of farming in the 21st century. Dennis was a proud member of the Board of Directors of Taylor Electric Cooperative, Clark Electric Cooperative and Dairyland Power Cooperative, including several terms as chairman of the board of Dairyland Power Cooperative. He served several terms as member of the Central Fire & EMS Board of Trustees and the Board of Education of the Colby School District. Denny served many years as the town chairman of Mayville. Denny enjoyed anything outside, operating the combine, hunting (deer, elk, pheasant), snowmobiling, UTV riding, softball, bowling, boating, being at his lake home, golfing, campfires, did we mention combining? He enjoyed any and all times with friends and family. In a recent high school reunion post, he answered the question what you are most proud of in your life...”my three successful, independent daughters”. He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy Engel and Edith “Tootie” (nee Amo) Engel; wife, Paid obituary 113711

Loretta M. Pecher, 77, of Abbotsford, passed away Nov. 16, 2021 at Pride TLC Therapy and Living Center in Weston. Loretta was born July 24, 1944 to Francis and Mary (Kittl) Wiese. Loretta married Carlton Pecher on April 20, 1963, in Abbotsford. He preceded her in death in 2015. Loretta was a correspondent for the Tribune Phonograph, a secretary at Abbotsford Grade School, waitress at Abbotsford Bus Stop, worked with her husband in his carpenter business and was a department manager for Ben Franklin. Her favorite things to do were knitting, making crafts, sewing, baking and cooking for her family. But most importantly, she was a loving mother and grandmother. Loretta is survived by three children: Forrest (Carrie) Pecher of Rib Mountain, Patrick (Margaret) Pecher of Madison and Tina (Jon) Griesbach of Ringle; four grandchildren: Kayla Pecher, Mason Pecher, Cody (Leah) Griesbach and Kyle Griesbach; two great-granddaughters: Kennedy Griesbach and Blake Griesbach; two sisters: Juanita Krug and Audrey (Ted) Calmes; and two brothers: Michael (Shirley) Wiese and Dean (Brenda) Wiese. She is further survived by a sister-in-law, Geraldine Kulas. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother, Norman Wiese; and two brothersin- law: David Krug and Sylvester Kulas. Visitation will be Dec. 11, 2021, at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Friends and family are welcome from 1 p.m.-3 p.m., with a blessing at 3 p.m. Inurnment will follow at Abbotsford Public Cemetery. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 113538

and baseball. She was a talented quilter and made numerous quilts for her loved ones that they cherish dearly. She also made several Quilts of Valor for veterans, particularly the WWII veterans in Stetsonville. She is survived by five children: Judith (Warren) Vircks of Cudahy, Jayne Ehlert, Jay (Karen) Boxrucker, Jina (Robert) Lange, all of Medford, Jeffry (Diane) Boxrucker of Norman, Okla.; 17 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; nieces Marjorie A. “Marge” Boxrucker, 94, of the town of Deer Creek, Taylor County, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at home while under the care of Hope Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Stetsonville with the Rev. Richard Russow presiding. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Clarence “Windy”, at Zion Ev. Lutheran Cemetery in Stetsonville. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Zion Ev. Lutheran Church. Marge was born April 24, 1927, in the town of Little Black to Christian and Matilda (Hemberger) Waldhart. She graduated from Medford High School, Class of 1945. She graduated with a B.S. in Education from UWStevens Point, and taught elementary education in Colby, Stetsonville and Unity schools for over 35 years. On July 24, 1946, she married Clarence “Windy” Boxrucker at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Stetsonville. They resided in Stetsonville for their entire marriage. Marge enjoyed bowling, curling, flower gardening, watching sports, especially football and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence “Windy” Boxrucker on Jan. 31, 2020; a son, John “Jack” Boxrucker in 2019; brothers, Galen and Duane Waldhart; a sister, Ruth Mary Thornberry; and son-in-law, Gene Ehlert in 2015. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Stetsonville or to Hope Hospice. If you have one of Marge’s cherished quilts, the family would ask that you please bring them to the funeral service on Saturday to be displayed at 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 113762

Denis Menjivar, age 17, of Abbotsford, passed away in the emergency room of the Marshfield Medical Center on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. A funeral Mass was held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford. Father Tim Oudenhoven presided. The visitation was from 12 p.m. until the time of the mass at the church. Denis was born on March 16, 2004, in Van Nuys, Calif., the son of Denis Menjivar and Francisca Chavez. He was a senior at Abbotsford High School. He was a funny, happy and fun loving guy. Denis is survived by his parents: Denis and Francisca (Chavez) Menjivar of Abbotsford; brother, Daniel Menjivar and twin brother, Jair Menjivar, both of Abbotsford; maternal grandparents: Guadalupe Lopez and Efrain Chavez; and paternal grandpa, Balmore Menjivar. God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be So he put His arms around you And whispered “Come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you As you slowly slipped away And though we loved you dearly We couldn’t make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating Your tired hands put to rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 113382

Linda Lee Vogel, 60, Colby, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at Meriter Hospital in Madison. A gathering time to share memories and celebrate Linda’s life will be held at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. All are invited. Committal services will be held privately by family at a later time. Linda, aka Linda Bird, was born June 2, 1961, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Paul and Betty (Robertson) Strothenke. She graduated from Brookfield Central and later attended UW-Eau Claire to obtain her associate degree in business. On Sept. 25, 1992, she was united in marriage to James Vogel in Milwaukee. Sadly, James passed away in 2002. She was employed at Colby High School in the cafeteria for 16 years and she also raised and herded sheep. Linda was her son Andrew’s primary care provider and dedicated her life to his life. She enjoyed reading and working on her computer. She loved cheering on her Green Bay Packers. Linda was an exceptional sweets and desserts maker loved by all who sampled her delicious treats. In her spare time, she enjoyed picking out fabric to give to her mom Betty to make beautiful quilts and other pieces. Linda’s memory will be cherished by her son, Andrew Vogel; her mother, Betty Strothenke; nine cousins; and many other friends and co-workers. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Strothenke and her husband, James Vogel. In lieu of flowers, memorials are being accepted by Linda’s family for a charity to be determined. Linda’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences. Paid obituary 113346

Leona B. Becker, 81, of Stetsonville, died Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at Aspirus Hospital in Medford. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 11, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford where Pastor David Clements presided. Burial followed at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Stetsonville. Visitation was from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. She was born July 2, 1940, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Viola (Poleymana) and Howard Seimatewa. On February 23, 1961, Leona married Carl W. Becker Sr. in San Diego, Calif., at the USMC Recruit Dept. where Carl was stationed. In 1962, Leona and Carl moved back to Wisconsin and bought a small farm in the town of Little Black. They later purchased a larger farm in the town of Hammel and farmed there until 1979. They then moved to Abbotsford until they retired, then moved to Tomahawk. Carl preceded Leona in death in 2010, and she moved back to the Stetsonville area to be near her children and grandchildren. Leona had a strong work ethic, working as a farmer, nurse’s aide at Medford Hospital, cooking/ baking for several local cafes, ending her work career at Phillips Plastics. Leona enjoyed baking, playing bingo, sewing, going to craft shows, thrift shopping, going to garage sales, camping and eating out at restaurants, especially if it was Mexican. She enjoyed attending the symphony, which reminded her of a dear family friend. Her favorite holiday was Halloween, where she often won the costume contest at Phillips Plastics. She loved to laugh and did so often. Her most cherished time was spent with her family. She will be dearly missed. Survivorsincludefivechildren:Norma “Jean” (Jim) Thums of Medford, Carl Jr. (Laura) Becker of Owen, Louise Becker (John Svejda) of Abbotsford, Calvin (Jennifer) Becker of Stetsonville and Cheryl (Travis) Anderson of Wausau; a sister, Violet White of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother-in-law, Jim (Brenda) Becker of Tomahawk; 13 grandchildren: Phoebe (Matt) Krueger, Andrea (Dustin) Dahl, Casey (Andrew) Thums-Haak, Shannon (Michael) Clark, Fashan (Jeff) Holtz, Logan, Jennah and Abraham Becker, Alyssa (Bryce) Schoenborn, Joshua and Kyle Klemm, Jared Zastrow and Gabriella Howard; 28 greatgrandchildren: Brody, Lincoln and Charlie Dahl, Michael Jr., Adam, Angela (Denzel), Johnathan, Daniel and Madilyn Clark, Noah, Sean and Sage Cabe, Isabella Long, Sophia Holtz, Landen Becker, Skylar Welch, William, Bennett and Maxwell Schoenborn, Cleo Becker, Summer Jansen, Impala and Christian Klemm, Autumn Jansen, Kyzah, Nova, Chevelle and Dayton Klemm; great-greatgrandchildren: Gianna Meyers and Bella Loskot; her canine companion, Lucy; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl Sr. on August 2, 2010; brothers: Calvin, Charles, Howard Jr. and Johnathan; sister, Sally; and brothers and sisters-in-law. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and may be designated to Hope Hospice, Medford. 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 113224

Esther M. Reinhart, 87, of Marshfield, passed away at her residence Nov. 11, 2021, with her family at her side. Esther was born Jan. 7, 1934, (a birthday she shared with her mother and brother Glenn) in Marshfield, to Joseph and Esther Jirschele. She attended St. John the Baptist Catholic school. She graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1951. After graduation, she moved to Milwaukee and worked for an insurance company before returning to central Wisconsin. Esther got a job at Lewis Container in Colby where she met her future husband Galen “Reinie” Reinhart at a company picnic. They tied the knot on March 10, 1956, and settled in Colby. They built a house and created a home for themselves and their six children. Esther was active in a variety of activities in her community, including Sewing Club, Christian Mothers, and St. Mary’s Christian Home and School Association. She was a Brownie leader with the Girl Scouts and through her work with them started a lifelong friendship with Carol Pfefferkorn. She also taught First Communion preparation at St. Mary’s Church. During her years in Colby, Esther and Reinie developed a strong network of friends in their neighborhood, church and through Reinie’s employer. In the mid 1970’s Esther and Reinie began enjoying an annual summer vacation in the Tomahawk area. In 1997, they purchased a home outside of Tomahawk on the Jersey flowage. Many happy days were spent on the deck of their home overlooking the water and enjoying the change of seasons. During the years in Tomahawk Esther enjoyed participating in TOPS, Strong Women, the 51/52 group and the Old Farts Club. She also spent time volunteering for the Thrift Sellers, The Food Pantry, and the Tomahawk Historical Society. In 2018, Reinie and Esther decided it was time to relocate closer to their family so they moved to Marshfield. Esther’s last years were spent enjoying her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She enjoyed preparing treats for everyone who visited. When one of her daughters asked her what she had wanted to be when she grew up, she replied that she had always wanted to be a wife and mother and considered herself very lucky that she was able to do exactly that. How many people can say that? Esther is survived by her six children: Laurie (Gerald) Estrada of Kimberly, Susan (Ralph) Wrons of Albuquerque N.M., Julie (Mark) Johnson of Marshfield, Tom (Cathy) Reinhart of Colby, Timothy Reinhart of Stevens Point and Mary (Bill) Berg of Marshfield; her grandchildren: Brendan Donovan, Erin Bellile, Leah, Evan and Joseph Wrons, Justin Reinhart, Kelly Meyer, Ben Johnson, Kirsten Hitchcock, Sam Reierson, Kyle, Stephanie and Christian Berg; ten great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law: Betty Jirschele of Wisconsin Rapids and Patricia Jirschele of Marshfield. She was preceded in death by her husband, Galen; her parents, Esther (Cournoyer) and Joseph Jirschele, and twelve brothers and sisters. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The service will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh. com. Paid obituary 113357