Ivy E. Sorenson, age 107, formerly of Unity, passed away on Monday, Aug. 24, at her home in Marshfield under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 at 2 p.m. at First United Church of Christ in Colby. Pastor Teri Hanson will preside. Interment to follow at the Colby Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service Saturday, at the church. The family respectfully asks anyone who attends to abide by the COVID-19 guidelines by wearing a mask and social distancing. Family and friends can watch the service live on the funeral home’s Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home of Colby is assisting the family with arrangements. Ivy was born at home on Sept. 23, 1912, the daughter of Frank and Edna (Stecker) Meyer in Unity. She was united in marriage to Arthur Sorenson on October 28, 1939, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Unity. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Arthur preceded her in death on April 13, 1987. Ivy attended grade school and high school in Unity and received a teaching degree from a college in Indiana. She taught school in Indiana, retiring in 1973. They moved to Marshfield in 1986. Ivy enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, counted cross stitch and jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed watching college basketball games and the Packers. Ivy especially enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and foreign countries. Ivy is survived by her sister, Pearl Beals of Fla.; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, greatnephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Edna Meyer; her husband, Arthur Sorenson; her brother, Russell (Bunny) Meyer; her sister, Anita (Harlowe) Hibbard; and her brother-in-law, Jim Beals. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 93834

Paid obituary 93833 Jim was an active member of the Lynn Presbyterian Church in Zenda, Wisconsin, and the First Presbyterian Church in Abbotsford. He lived his faith by serving on Session, teaching Sunday School, compassionately serving, generously giving, and leading the youth group. He was ordained as a lay pastor of the Presbyterian Church in 2002. He served the larger church as synod commissioner and presbytery moderator. Jim served on the Abbotsford School Board for 25 years. He was also active in 4-H his entire life, and he encouraged his children to do the same by showing animals at local and state fairs. This avid sports enthusiast made it a priority to cheer for his children and grandchildren. The Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Brewers were his favorite sports teams. Jim is lovingly survived by his children: Sherry (Tim) Riggsbee, Siler City, N.C.; Christine (Peter) Kaz, Owen; Darlene (Bud Barrett), Abbotsford; James (Leslie) York, North Saint Paul, Minn.; his eight grandchildren; plus many greatgrandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings: Margaret (Jack) Lee, La Farge and Ellis (Karen) York, Clinton. Jim was preceded in death by his dear wife, Doris (Chaney) York; siblings: Ardith Wissell and Walter York; and grand daughter, Dena Gil. A funeral service will be held at 1 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, at First Presbyterian Church in Abbotsford. Visitation with family will be after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim’s name may be sent to the family. Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home of Abbotsford is assisting the family with arrangements (www. maurinaschilling.com). 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. James Thomas York, age 90, formally of Abbotsford, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, surrounded by family at the Colby Retirement Community in Colby, Wisconsin. Jim was born on June 13, 1930, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the second child of Lawrence and Eunice (Ledger) York’s five children. He grew up on their dairy farm in Lake Geneva. Jim played on the Lake Geneva High School varsity football team for three years and pitched in a fast pitch softball league. After games Jim would go to Friedianna’s, the local soda fountain, with friends. It was there that he noticed Doris Chaney, a girl he described as vivacious and cute. Doris was not sure she wanted to date the school football star; she said, “He had the prettiest hair. He was a gentleman, and he never wore overalls to school.” Their first date was in 1949 shortly after Jim graduated. They were married at the Lake Geneva Baptist Church on March 10, 1951. They rented their first farm and then bought their own farm. In 1962, a fire quickly burned the entire house and all their belongings. They were left with only each other, their daughters: ages 10, 7, and 2, and two vehicles. They continued to farm, and to earn extra money they leased and operated the King O Dairy root beer stand in East Troy. Doris and her mother made the food. By 1970 they had a son and decided to buy a farm with a milking parlor in Dorchester. Shortly after moving, a tornado hit the farm, taking half the roof, destroying both silo roofs, and smashing the forage wagon into their only car. Together they survived two tornados, a house fire, and a barn fire. They focused on faith, family, perseverance and fun. At their 50th wedding anniversary party Doris shared what kept them together, “Faith and a sense of humor. Jim is gentle and understanding. I can always count on him. He is exactly what I needed.” After 10 years apart, they are finally reunited in heaven.

Gerald George Seidel, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Durham, N.C., on July 28, 2020. Born in Taylor County, April 28, 1931, he completed his early education at Dorchester schools. He joined the Navy and spent 30 years in service, obtaining the rank of Master Chief. Following his honorable discharge, Geraldand his wife, Judy, resided in Virginia Beach, Va., for over 30 years. Gerald continued to work for naval contractors after his Navy retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrtle Seidel; siblings: Dale (Jean), Carol Klocke (Gary); wife, Judy; and stepson, Bruce A. Rockwell. Gerald enjoyed gardening, fishing, history, crossword puzzles and acts of kindness. Along with Judy, he delivered Meals on Wheels and assisted many elderly neighbors with transportation, lawn care and home repairs. His good deeds were done quietly and without fanfare. Gerald is survived by his step daughter, Karen Rockwell and her husband, Whit Ludington, with whom he lived. He will also be missed by four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many cousins. Cremation with family memorials will be held in the future. Paid obituary 93319

Dorothy L. Boss, 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at her residence in Colby under the care of St. Croix Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford with Rev. Donald Bruce presiding. She will be laid to rest in the Abbotsford Public Cemetery following the service. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation at the church on Thursday from 12 noon until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Lori Frome, Paul Empey, Douglas Empey, Ryan Empey, Glen Koehler, Carrie Peterson and Coy Koehler. We are mindful of the on-going challenges coronavirus is presenting and are advising family and friends that FACE MASKS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for the visitation and funeral. Social distancing procedures will also be in place. We do not want to risk the health and safety of family and friends. If you are not feeling well, please stay home and get well. Dorothy was born May 3, 1922, in Pierce, Neb., the daughter of James and Irene (Mackmiller) Wragge and was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Pierce, Neb. On Nov. 19, 1939, she was united in marriage to Edgar Koehler of Pierce, Neb. They had three children, Garry, Diann and Rickey. She farmed her entire life and in Nov. of 1956, they moved to Wisconsin and farmed until 1973. Sadly, Edgar died, Dec. 27, 1977, in Madison, of cancer. She continued to live in the country until 1982 when she married Earl Boss on June 5, 1982, and moved to Colby. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. Dorothy enjoyed making quilts and playing cards. She enjoyed her vacations with Jo and Tub in Aug. of 1974 to Mo., Tenn., Kan. and southern states and in Aug. of 1975 to Colo. In August of 1974, she also hosted the Koehler reunion at the farm in which she had many great memories. Those who will cherish her memory include her children: Garry (Connie) Koehler of Marshfield, Diann (Larry) Empey of Colby and Rickey (Jan) Koehler of Abbotsford; her seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her step-children: Jack (Cheri) Boss of Maple City, Mich., Ron (Olga) Boss of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Randall (Joyce) Boss of Chesterfield, Va.; three step-grandchildren; as well as many other family and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands: Edgar Koehler and Earl Boss; three brothers and one sister. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting memorials in Dorothy’s name for a charity to be determined. The arrangements for Dorothy Boss are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences. Paid obituary 93374

Martha Mae Schmidt, age 89, of Colby, passed away on Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, at Waterford in Colby. The family will be having a private graveside service. Martha was born on Oct. 9, 1930, the daughter of Andrew and Marcia (Wickham) Wiersma in Woodstock, Ill. She was united in marriage to Lawrence Schmidt on Jan. 30, 1949, in Alden, Ill. He preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 2016. In 1959, they purchased a dairy farm in the town of Colby and sold it in 1976. After selling the farm, they moved into Colby and lived above the Rux-Lulloff Funeral Home and Furniture Store. Martha was a homemaker and the best mom. She was a wonderful baker and gardener. They ran Schmidty’s Bar for one year in 1981, and tended bar for Tesmer’s Town and Country in Colby. Martha had a fierce pumpkin ball pitch. But most of all she loved and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Martha is survived by her eight children: John (Bev) of Wausau, Peggy Erickson of Colby, Susie (Peter) Jecevicus of Colby, Linda Geiger of Marshfield, Rocky (Bobbi) of Colby, Jeri (Bill) Schmidt of Abbotsford, Judy (Mark) Sebold of Colby and Carol (Dan) Beyer of Medford; 26 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; two greatgreat- granddaughters; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; two brothers: Wilbur (Willy) Wiersma and Raymond (Bud) Wiersma; and a granddaughter, Amy. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com Paid obituary 93011

Myrtle S. Kuehling, age 103, formerly of Unity, passed away on August 3, 2020, at the Colonial Center in Colby, under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice. A graveside service for immediate family only, because of COVID-19 virus, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, at the town of Brighton Cemetery. The Rev. Mark Neumann will preside. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements. Myrtle was born on Sept.15, 1916, the daughter of Oliver and Martha (Dallman) Davis, in the town of Hull. She was united in marriage to Richard Kuehling on May 7, 1938 in Clinton, Iowa. He preceded her in death on Jan. 21, 2008. Myrtle worked as a telephone operator in Colby and Marshfield Clinic for many years. Myrtle was in the first confirmation class at First United Church of Christ in Colby, and a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. She was very generous, as she made and gave away thousands of quilts. Myrtle is survived by four children: Dennis (Carol) Kuehling of Unity, Rose Janis of Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., Mary Harwood of Abbotsford and Carol Ann Kuehling of Eau Claire; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; two daughters: Elizabeth “Liz” Kuehling and Irene Maisells; four greatgrandchildren: Charles, Derrick, Daniel & Tirza; and two brothers: Wayne and Orville “Bill” Davis. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com Paid obituary 92967

that mattered, service to others. In 1964, she received her RN license from Weber College, following in the nursing footsteps of her mother and sisters, Terry and Brenda. Her career as a nurse took her to California, where she met and married Sheridan Ted Gashler in 1965. Together they lived and raised their family all over the country and world, including many years in Thorp and Abbotsford. She worked in emergency rooms, mental health clinics and (her favorite) nursing homes. Once, while vacationing in Egypt, she even saved a man’s life after he went into cardiac arrest. As part of her vast service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she would later train refugees in the basic nursing skills needed to gain their CNA licenses. As part of her church service, she served in numerous teaching and supervisory roles for children, youth and adults. All of her children had the joy of having her as a Sunday school teacher at multiple points in their lives. Pam and her husband also presided over a mission in Samara, Russia. Later in her life, she played a major role in the massive LDS Family History program to index and make searchable genealogical records from all over the world. Pam indexed vital records for over 250,000 people in many different languages. Pam deeply engaged herself in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She loved them all individually, and enjoyed engaging with them in their own unique ways. Her ability to listen, deeply connect and love others is sorely missed by all who love her. Due to the ongoing pandemic, a celebration of Pam’s life will be postponed until December. Pamela Heaton Gashler, originally of Tremonton, Utah, passed away on the evening of July 30 in Albuquerque, N.M. Pam was the youngest of Oren Darryl Heaton and Georgina Berniece Johansen’s seven children. She was preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings: Oren, Terry (Sessions), Berence, Glen, Brenda (Chadwick) and Tamra (McNeely); and Ted’s daughter, Robin (Parkinson). She is survived by her husband, Sheridan Ted Gashler; his son, Buck (JoAnn); her children: Karl (Leissa), Kurt (Frankie), Connie, Danny (Krisy) and David (Tanya); and her grandchildren: Brian, Kyle, Megan, Rosa, Allie, Russell, Hannah, Jack, Sarah, Brock, Katie, Mark, Cash, Logan, Ciel, Georgina, Syrus, Tom, Samuel, Polina and Anastasia. Pam grew up on a vegetable and livestock farm where all horsepower came from two, much loved, actual horses. She used to love to tell her children about the animals, especially her many pet dogs. Her mother never drove anywhere without at least one dog in the car. As a child, Pam loved fishing in the local creek (used safety pins for hooks), collecting hay while sitting atop a tall wagon (though she never appreciated when her brothers would include snakes in the pitchforks of hay they threw to her), spending time with her vast extended family (including her Norwegian speaking grandparents who referred to her as a “voveret veggelus” or “chatty bedbug”) and perhaps most of all, reading. Her children would later refer to her as the “walking, talking encyclopedia,” in honor of the breadth and depth of her knowledge. Those who knew her best also came to appreciate her wisdom. Pam dedicated her life to the kind of service Paid obituary 92966