1937-2022 James “Jim” Becker, Jr., age 85, of Tomahawk, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Generations Funeral Home. The family received friends for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Jim was born in Merrill, on May 31, 1937, to the late James and Margaret (Hipp) Becker. He was married to Brenda Grandy on Dec. 12, 1959; she survives. Jim attended school in Medford. He helped his parents on their dairy farm in Little Black with dairy farming and also drove the milk truck. Later, Brenda and Jim owned and operated their own dairy farm in the Town of Deer Creek. Jim was a familiar face at the Northforest Campground where he worked for 32 years, a job he truly enjoyed. He also loved tinkering and fixing things and riding on his gator around the campground. Survivors include his wife, Brenda Becker; his son, Charles Becker; and his grandchildren, MaKayla Becker, Megan Becker, Dakota Houpt, and Piper Brett. Jim is further survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret; and his siblings, Emma Pierce, Elizabeth Zak, George Becker, and Carl Becker. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. You may view Jim’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral. com. Paid Obituary 131746

1938-2023 William A. “Bill” Heier, 84, of Lublin, formerly of Medford, died Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 at the Clark County Rehab and Living Center in Owen, while under the care of Hope Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Fr. Jayanna Kanna officiating. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Bill was born June 30, 1938 in Medford to Walter and Isabelle (White) Heier. He graduated from Medford High School in 1956. On Aug. 13, 1960, he married Mildred Anderson at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. They resided in Medford and Bill worked at Weathershield, then Hurd Window Co., Foremost Foods and retired from Tombstone Pizza Corp. Bill enjoyed playing horseshoes, pool and especially loved bowling, which he did most of his life. One year, he took first place in Duke’s Bowling Tournament in Abbotsford, winning the top prize! He also won the doubles in the same tournament with Richard “Red” Heier. He was so proud of that, and Mildred was happy too, as she got all new kitchen appliances with the winnings! He will be dearly missed by his wife, Mildred of Lublin; four children, Tammy Heier (Mike Floyd), Chelle (Brian) Dyrcz, Dawn (Brian) Frome, all of Medford, William “Bill” (Rose) Heier of Wausau; grandchildren, Nick (Provi) Searer, Sean (Abby) Lewandowski, Evan Lewandowski, Ben Heier, Amber Heier, Jay Dyrcz (Rachel Osness), Amanda (Jesse) Clark; great-grandchildren, Lilah Heier, Jaden and Tianna Searer, Reggie Lewandowski, and one on the way; sister-in-law, Esther Heier of Milwaukee; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and all five siblings, Douglas, Gordon and Eugene Heier, Darlene Fenton, and Rachel Williams. 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 131732

1955-2023 Marie A. Brugge, age 67, of Owen, passed away at her home on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 surrounded by her loving family under the tender care of Promedica Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Marie was born on June 10, 1955, the daughter of Warren and Jewel (Goodwin) Olsen in Denver, Colo. She attended school in Commerce City, Colo., Madison, and Neillsville. On June 20, 1987, Marie was united in marriage to Russell Brugge in Medford. She worked various jobs and most recently as a housekeeper. Marie enjoyed westerns, mysteries, rodeos, reading, traveling, fishing, gardening and hummingbirds. Most importantly, she loved and cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Marie is survived by her husband, Russell; her four children, Anthony Olsen, Michelle (Ed) Bryant and Heidi (Larry) Sowatzki all of Medford and Laura Brugge of Pewaukee; seven grandchildren, Brendan Olsen, Taylor Bryant, Joe, Jacob, Josh Lutovsky, Lawrence Jr. Sowatzki and Ashley Sowatzki; one great-grandson, Levi. She is further survived by her mother and step-father, Jewel (Lee) Yusten of Westboro; two brothers and two sisters, Lyle (Solita) Qualls, Lora (Mike) Adams, Geoff Qualls and Rochelle (Wally) Cherek; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father; her sister, Teresa Phelan; and her brother, Dan Qualls. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 131789

1936-2023 Arlene K. Handel, 86, of Medford, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 at Country Gardens, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice A memorial service for Arlene will take place at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Jayanna Kanna officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. Arlene was born on Sept. 4, 1936 to Clarence and Elsie (Schaefer) Danen in the town of Deer Creek. She graduated from Medford High School and went to work at Farmers State Bank in Stetsonville. She married Roger Handel on June 7, 1958 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville; he preceded her in death on Sept. 29, 2009. In 1979 she started to work for Medford National Bank, later Fidelity Bank. She worked there for 20 plus years until her retirement. Arlene was a member of the Stetsonville American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, Medford BPW, United Way Board Member, 1995 MACC Employee Excellence Award winner, and as a co-owner of Handel Evergreen Farms, a founding charter member of the Wisconsin Tree Growers Association. In her spare time she enjoyed bowling, casino trips, reading, snowmobiling and family time at Wil-O-Acres. Arlene is survived by three sons, Doug (Sue) Handel, David (Jane) Handel and Al (Toni) Handel, all of Medford; two daughters, Karen (Brad) Dahlvig of Medford and JoAnn Handel of Aurora, Ill. She is further survived by six granddaughters, Ember (Dan) Shmitt of New York City, Katie Lindemann of Oshkosh, Ellen (Travis) Dowden of West Bend, Laney (Ben) Hemer of Wauwatosa, Maxx (Tim Meerstein) Handel of Medford and Alexis Handel-Erdrich of Aurora, Ill.; three grandsons, Eric (Megan) Dahlvig, Quay Handel and Chase Handel, all of Medford; stepgrandson, Nick Wisnewski of Omaha, Neb.; and six great-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roger Handel; son, Daniel Handel; granddaughter, Franny Handel; sister, Delores (Nick) Henrichs; two brothers, Norman (Agnes) Danen and Michael (Kathy) Danen; brother-in-law, Gerald (Eileen) Handel; sister-in-law, Marian (Robert) Hansen. The family expresses their gratitude to the staff at Country Gardens and Hope Hospice for their compassionate care. Memorial donations in Arlene’s name may be given to Hope Hospice. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice. com. Paid Obituary 131545

1934-2023 Bernice Roder, age 88, of Rib Lake, passed away on Jan. 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Dycora Transitional Health and Hope Hospice. A memorial service for Bernice will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rib Lake, with Pastor Daniel Iwinski officiating. Visitation will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Bernice was born on March 5, 1934 to Julius and Martha (Rusch) Gilge in Rib Lake. She was the youngest of eleven children. She attended Fawn Valley Grade School and graduated from Rib Lake High School. Bernice married Conrad Roder on September 13, 1952 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Rib Lake. Bernice and Conrad owned and operated their dairy farm for 50 years. She enjoyed reading, writing poetry, gardening, loved picking berries and she made the best apple pie. Bernice is survived by her children, Diane (Jay) Nelson of Osceola, David (Betty) Roder of Rib Lake, Dawn (Rick) Jensen of Medford, Debbi (Tom Marschke) Roder of Medford, and Kelly (Kevin) Holzl of Rib Lake; 13 grandchildren; and 27 greatgrandchildren. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad; her parents; nine brothers; one sister; and her granddaughter, Meagan Rohland. Bernice’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the management and staff at Dycora Transitional Health and Hope Hospice for their care, kindness, and love shown to Bernice during her stay there. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice. com. Paid Obituary 131499

1947-2023 Janet Lynn Polacek, 75, of Rib Lake was called to her heavenly home on Jan. 22, 2023. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at St. John Lutheran Church in Rib Lake. Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake. Janet was born April 12, 1947 in Pontiac, Ill. but grew up in Rib Lake. She attended Rib Lake schools where she met the love of her life, Doug, in high school. They were married Sept. 19, 1964. Doug and Janet moved to Chicago for several years and started a family. They moved back to Rib Lake to raise Lynn and later had Doug Jr. Janet was a working mother. She worked at the Little Bohemia, the nursing home and at Gem products in Rib Lake. She also worked at Tombstone pizza until retiring in 2004. Janet was a wonderful wife and mother who was also well loved by so many friends both young and old. She faithfully served in St John’s Church for over 50 years. She was devoted to her family as a wife, daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. Janet bowled with friends, danced, travelled, and socialized. She also enjoyed quiet time reading and watching many HGTV shows. Janet was all this and more. She was the classy life of the party. Her smile and fun-loving personality lit up the room and made friends for life wherever she went. She looked forward to Monday night coffee with her siblings every week for the last 20 years. Janet was never late because the last person would usually get talked about. On Fridays, she enjoyed coffee with her in-laws to catch up on the latest family updates (aka gossip). There was always a smile on her face when someone was at her door and her signature laugh couldn’t help but make you laugh along with her. Janet loved the ocean even though she wouldn’t go in for fear of sharks. She loved the sound of the surf as she walked along the beach with Doug. Janet was a lifetime fashionista and was well versed in pop culture and movies; she was cool without trying. She was also outspoken about her dislike of cooking even though she was a great cook. Janet loved cleaning and prided herself in having a clean and welcoming home. She is survived by husband, Doug; daughter, Lynn (Justin); son, Douglas (Mani); siblings, Darlene (Dave), Bev (Corky), Mary, Mike, Jean, and Joe; grandchildren, Bri, Shane (Kaleigh), Ryan, Trey, Jonathan, and Luke. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Dorothy. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred for later designation. 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 131548

1960-2023 Gregory P. “Chicken” Schalinske, 62, of Medford, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at his home. A celebration of Greg’s life will be held from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4 at B& S Bar & Catering, W4782 Hwy 64, Medford. Greg was born April 18, 1960 in Mayville to Jerome and Mary Ann (Kiefer) Schalinske. He grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford High School in 1978. Following high school, Greg worked at Don’s Screen Shop until he became a truck driver. He drove truck for J. Bauer Trucking, then Nestle and finally Commercial Recycling until his retirement in 2022. Greg will be remembered for being a fun loving, happy person. His positivity was contagious and was a quality that allowed him to make friends easily. People just liked being around him. He loved spending time with his family and friends, no matter the occasion. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. Because Greg didn’t have children of his own, he spent time with his nieces and nephews, telling stories and teaching them about his favorite pastimes. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Schalinske of Ladysmith; siblings, Jean (Majid) Ghadiri of Chicago, Ill., Steven (Connie) Schalinske, and Kathryn Flohr, all of Ladysmith; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (James), Katie (Breyen), Jacquie (Mitch), Sara (Drew), Mona (Beth), Misha (Karen), Seth, and Connor. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Schalinske; his brother-in-law, Dave Flohr; and brother, James Schalinske. 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 131449

1949-2022 Susan Elsie Andrew, 73, of Centuria, Wis., passed away at her home in Centuria on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Susan was born on June 14, 1949, in Eau Claire, the daughter of Lee and Ethel Clark. Susan was raised in the Hannibal area and attended Owen-Withee High School. Susan worked as a Chemical Dependency Counselor at St. Croix Regional Medical Center for many years. She had a heart of gold and will be sadly missed by many. Susan leaves to celebrate her memory: her son, Jeffrey Andrew (Ekho) Walden, Colo.; daughter, Leslie (Rick) Larson, Centuria; grandchildren, Daniel (Lizbeth) Andrew, Anthony (Emily) Larson, Randall (Amber) Andrew, Angela Larson, and Hattie Larson; great-grandchildren, Miah, Remington, Raylee, Oakley, Berkley, Reagan, and Adalyn; her sisters, Rosalee Diamond, and Joyce Orth; and sister-in-law, Linda Clark. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Ethel Clark, her brother, Kenneth Clark, daughter-in-law, Sherri Andrew, and brother-inlaw, Arnold Diamond. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Chetek Community Center, 711 1st St., Chetek, WI 54728 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Paid Obituary 131292