Kenneth R. Strohkirch, age 87, of Colby, passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, under the tender care of hospice. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford, all are welcome. Rev. Donald Bruce will preside. Inurnment will follow the service at Abbotsford Public Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of funeral Friday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Family and friends can watch the service live on the funeral home’s Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the funeral home website. Kenneth was born on March 18, 1934, the son of Russell G. and Lois J. (Capes) Strohkirch in Owen. He attended Owen Schools and was a 1952 graduate of Owen High School. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged. Ken was united in marriage to Vera A. Mueller on November 12, 1960, at Saint Peter Lutheran Church Parsonage in Dorchester. He was employed at Packaging Corporation of America in Colby, Liberty Homes in Dorchester, Wausau Homes in Wausau and K-Mart in Marshfield. Ken was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, yard work and helping others in need. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Vera; his two children: Mary Voelker of Colby and Danial Strohkirch of Colby; three grandchildren: Krystal Strohkirch of Altoona, Heather (Casey) Dockry of Menomonie and Dylan Voelker of Colby; and five great-grandchildren. He is further survived by one brother, Scott (Cheryl) Strohkirch of Owen; three sisters: Joan Rau of Dorchester, Judy Frelka of Milwaukee and Elaine (Jerry) Fisher of Hartford; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jerry Strohkirch. We encourage those in attendance to abide by the COVID-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. The family would like Ascension Hospice and Brooke, Mariah, Chaplain Wes and Mariah for the wonderful care Ken received. Paid obituary 103088

Ruth L. Harris, age 90, of Dorchester, passed away at her home on Saturday, April 3, 2021. A funeral will be Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home. in Abbotsford. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Family and friends can watch the service live on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page at 11 a.m. or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. We encourage those in attendance to abide by the COVID-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing. Ruth was born on October 25, 1930, the daughter of Henry O. and Bessie (Lingel) Dunaway in South Beloit, Ill. Ruth was united in marriage to Russell Harris on August 2, 1947, in Beloit. She worked for Artcraft Homes for 18 years and was a waitress for 20 years for Mr. B’s, Severt’s Fine Foods and Dairyland Café. Ruth enjoyed reading, watching the game show channel, going to the casino, doing word search puzzles and was known as the scratch off queen. Ruth was the Green Bay Packers number one fan. Ruth was a member of TOPS and the Peace United Church of Christ in Dorchester where she served on the Ladies Circle. Ruth is survived by her children: Jim (Kathy) Harris of Bear Valley, Bob (Kathy) Harris of Medford, Peggy Goeltz of Florida, Jane (Bob) Stoiber of Curtiss and Jack (Kathy) Harris of Spring Green; 18 grandchildren: 25 greatgrandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law: Linda Harris and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell (2001); son:, Rusty (2018); son-in-law, Glen (2016); grandson, Jason Strupp (2004); and eight brothers and five sisters. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 103133

Gerhard (Gary) Weiler died Thursday, March 4, 2021, at age 81. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children: Cheryl (Terry) Back, Chuck (Amy) Weiler and Mike Weiler; and grandchildren: Logan (Dom Anderson) Back, Griffin Back, and Kelsey (Elliot) Marshall. He is also survived by siblings: Jerome (Sally) Weiler, Ken (Jane) Weiler, Koni Krueger, Glenn Weiler and Joan (Dave) Romens; in-laws: Susie Jablonic, Val (George) Himes, Larry (Sandy) Fritz, Harry Hanson, Laurie (LaVerne Shilts) and Gary (Chris) Fritz; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and a few great-grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister-in-law; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Gary was born in the Town of Bern near Athens in 1939 to Pete and Marie Weiler and grew up on the family farm there and later in Colby. After graduating from Colby High School, he entered the Army and served in the Army Reserves while starting his work career. A few years later he married Sharon Fritz, and together they raised a family, owned and operated a dairy farm, and supported each other through careers, house rehabs, and adventures in Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Minnesota before retiring in Phoenix, Ariz. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this summer. Over the years, Gary worked for American Motors in Kenosha, Harmony Co-op and Toelle Surge Service in Colby, and then farmed in the Town of Colby while working as a truck driver for Foremost Foods and Koch Fuels. He left farming to hold multiple positions with Koch Industries, including transportation dispatcher, district manager, and Great Lakes division manager. He later worked as a crew supervisor for a landscape company, and he finished his career as a depot supervisor for Case New Holland. Gary is remembered as a wearer of hats, collector of farm toys, connoisseur of tools, player of cards, worker of wood, and negotiator of deals who displayed a quiet pride in his family and was always willing to lend an ear to listen or a hand to help. Family and friends alike will miss his quick wit, big smile, ready laugh, and great bear hugs. The family will hold a celebration of life on July 24 in Wisconsin and next winter in Arizona. Memorials may be designated to the United Hospital Foundation, Heart and Vascular Clinic, 333 Smith Ave N, Suite 4650, St Paul, MN 55102 or online at https://www.allinahealth.org/unitedhospital/ foundation. All memorials will be dedicated to research and education. Paid obituary 103111

Paul G. Stumpner, Jr., age 68, of Owen, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Marshfield Medical Center. A visitation was held at 3-6 p.m. on Friday, March 26, 2021, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen. The funeral service followed at 6 p.m. Rev. Nancy Amacher presided. Family and friends can watch the service on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or the website. We encouraged those in attendance to abide by the COVID-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing. Paul was born on June 9, 1952, the son of Paul and Alvira (Wachsmuth) Stumpner in Neillsville. He attended the Colby School District. On September 8, 1984, Paul was united in marriage to Julie Volk in Owen. He worked many different jobs, retiring after 15 years from Lynn Dairy, driving a tanker truck. Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, antique tractors and watching old westerns. He especially cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. Paul is survived by his wife, Julie; two sons: Adam (Angie) of Stanley and Alexander of Owen; four grandchildren: Bailey, Brianna, Brayden and Benson. He is further survived by eight sisters and one brother: Kathleen Ryba, Mary Jane Tracy, Barb Soback, Linda (Maurice) Sterken, Lila (Mick) Thayer, Carolyn Smazal, Jenny (Bill) Schuette, Joe Stumpner and Cindy Hayes; two brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law: John Volk, Beth (George) Hamm, Jane (Vic) Schiszik, Linda Schiszik (Randy Kaiser) and Tom (Shari) Volk; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Eugene, Dale, Eddie and Kenny Stumpner; a sister, Isabelle Brenner; many brothers-in-law and a grandson, Bentley. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 102756

Rhonda Kay Jakel, age 51, of Curtiss, passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, under the tender care of hospice. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. Rev. Donald Bruce will preside. Family and friends are welcome from 4 p.m. until time of the funeral, Wednesday, at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Rhonda was born on April 1, 1969, the daughter of Larry Cooper and Dianne Bargenquast in Marshfield. She received a degree from Midstate Technical College in Marshfield in respiratory therapy. Rhonda worked at Aspirus Hospital in Medford for 25 years as a registered respiratory therapist. Rhonda was united in marriage to Thomas Jakel on October 21, 1995, at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. Her most important thing in life was raising and loving her children. Rhonda loved taking family vacations and especially loved being on any beach. She loved playing violin, collecting and decorating her house that she loved with antiques and photography. Most importantly, Rhonda was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Rhonda is survived by her husband, Tom; her two children: Jesse and Josie; four sisters and two brothers: Laura (Daniel) Murray, Chris (Brittney) Esselman, Lindsay Brandner, Cassie (Tim) Schafer, Carrie Korth and Larry Cooper, Jr. She is further survived by her mother, Dianne (Ray) Esselman; her father, Larry (Linda) Cooper; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ralph and Evelyn Bargenquast, and her greatgrandparents, Willard and Meta Brunner. We encourage those in attendance to abide by the COVID-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 102790

Maynard Eugene Purgett, age 75, of Abbotsford, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021, at his home under the tender care of Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at the home of Maynard and RoxAnne at 12 noon on Saturday, April 3, 2021, presided by Pastor Bruce Jahnke. Following the service there will be a luncheon; all are welcome. Maynard was born on November 28, 1945, the son of the late, Ray and Eleanor (Wood) Purgett, in Stanley. He lived on the home farm north of Owen. Maynard drove milk truck, worked at the whey plant in Owen and farmed with his father for many years. He married RoxAnne Thorson March 6, 1965, at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee. They started their life on the home farm for two years before moving to rural Abbotsford. Maynard worked for PCA of Colby for 43 years. He also started his own lawn mowing and garden tilling business with his wife for over 30 years. Maynard enjoyed being outside in his younger years. Together they traveled the United States on their motorcycle. Most importantly, he cherished his family, especially his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Maynard is survived by his wife of 56 years, RoxAnne; two sons: Scott Purgett and Todd Purgett, both of Owen; 11 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Emily, Benji, Erica, Nichole, Bryce, Bailey, Natasha, Kelsey, Jessica and Zacharey; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Nadine Churkey of Stevens Point and a brother, Mike (Roxane) Purgett from Greenwood; 11 brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw: Jacqueline Suthard, Paula St. Clair, Linda Bruner, Bryon Thorson, Mark Thorson, Rhonda (David) Thorson, Brenda (Fazi) Behroyon, Wayne (Jackie) Thorson, Phil Moran, William (Lena) Thorson and Susan Thorson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Wayne and Norman, and a sister-in-law, Merry Beth Moran. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 102858

Charles “Chuck” E. Flick, age 73, of Colby. passed away at his home on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. A public visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Monday, April 5, 2021, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A private service will follow with Pastor Teri Hanson presiding. We encourage those in attendance to abide by the COVID-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing. Chuck was born on December 11, 1947, the son of Charles J. and Norma (Voelker) Flick in Colby. He graduated from Colby High School in 1966. Chuck was united in marriage to Gail Decker on April 14, 1973. He worked his entire life as a farmer, owning Balsam Grove Farm as a dairy until 2013. He retired and then worked side by side with his son, Tim, raising beef cattle. Chuck enjoyed trapping, hunting, snowmobiling and spending time with his family. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. Chuck is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gail; three children: Timothy (Krissy) Flick of Colby, Sara (David) Curtin of Marshfield and Crystal (Ken) Lasiuk of Wausau; five grandchildren: Trevor and Tanner Flick, Addison and Taylor Curtin and Mercedes Lasiuk. He is further survived by his one brother and three sisters: Wayne (Pat) Flick of Horicon, Carmen Hainzlsperger of Unity, Pricilla Adams of Chester, Va., and Marie Peterson of Abbotsford; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Janette Wendling and Ellen Remus Landwehr. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 102891

On Saturday, March 20, 2021, Herbert Emil Aichele, loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed away at age 91 in Fairchild. Herbert was born on August 11, 1929, in Williams, Minn., to Christian and Theresia (Nee Gehring) Aichele. He was baptized a child of God on September 8, 1929, and he was confirmed in the Christian faith on November 5, 1944. He joined the United States Army in 1950 and was stationed in Germany until 1954. On April 8, 1951, he married Bonnie Ann Benit. Together, they raised nine children – six daughters and three sons. They farmed until 1962, when they purchased the Colby Café in Colby and later converted the restaurant to a fabric store. Herbert worked for Henry G. Meigs Asphalt until 2001, when he retired. He and Bonnie lived in rural Owen until Bonnie’s death in 2014. Herbert was known for his beautiful tenor voice as he sang in many family weddings and funerals. He loved to bake bread and donuts. He always enjoyed spending time with his family, watching football, and reading! He also was a founding member and elder of Morning Star Lutheran Church in Fairchild. He was preceded in death by his mother, Theresia; his father, Christian; five siblings; his wife, Bonnie; his son, Conrad Aichele; his daughters: Jacqueline Hetke and Stephanie Aichele; his granddaughters: Heather Aichele and Christine Frazier; and his great-granddaughter, Ocean Decise-McLaughlin. He is survived by his six children: Case Aichele (Zoraya) of Fairchild, Wandra Frazier of Houston, Texas, Edith McLaughlin (Patrick) of Chippewa Falls, Barbara Miller (Richard) of Stillwater, Minn., and Sandra Fox (John) of Eau Claire; Corey Aichele (Lori) of Willard; his 26 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Morning Star Lutheran Church in Fairchild at 11 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Condolences may be sent to Sandra Fox at 2208 Crescent Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703. Online condolences can be left at www. andersonfhaugusta.com. Paid obituary 102514

Leonard Paul Bauer of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Abbotsford, passed away at home on February 6, 2021. He was born on August 27, 1929, in the town of Mayville to Leo and Helen (Frueh) Bauer. He married Elaine (Vesely) on October 15, 1949, in Athens. He farmed many years with his parents in the town of Mayville, and also was a mail carrier for the Abbotsford area. After he quit farming he drove truck for Kelley Dairy Supply of Abbotsford. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and loved his time fishing at the Willow Flowage, where he and Elaine had a summer home for many years. He was a longtime member of St. Bernard’s Parish in Abbotsford and St. Jerome’s Parish in Phoenix. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Elaine; his children: Jacalyn Bauer of Phoenix, Ariz., Joseph Bauer (Deborah Solomon) of Glendale, Ariz., Michelle (David) Strathmann of Colby and Elizabeth (David) Anderson of Lake Geneva; grandchildren: Christine (Dean) Olsen, Minn., Gregory (Michelle) Bauer, Minn., Kimberly (Nick) Hanson, Colby, Ryan (Amber) Czarnezki, Medford, Adrienne (Zak) Jorski, Hawaii, Joseph Bauer II, Minocqua, Nicholas Anderson, Ariz., Melissa (Dan) Holtzhausen, Colby, Lynette Strathmann (Josh Williams), Stratford, and Nadine (Adam) Molitor, Abbotsford; 17 great-grandchildren; many sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters: Marie, Lorena, Loretta, Hilda and Deloris; and one brother, Albert. A funeral mass was held at St. Jerome’s Parish in Phoenix on March 10, 2021. There will be a graveside service at the Abbotsford Cemetery on Friday, June 25, 2021, at 11 a.m. with a celebration of life gathering at Red Arrow Park in Abbotsford following. All are welcome. Paid obituary 101932