COURT REPORTS Initial Appearances THOSE WE love notify police of accident. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for May 10, at 4 p.m. A court trial is scheduled for June 21, at 10:30 a.m. Ashley Beth Zajackowski, 33, of Schofield, pled not guilty to theft. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for June 14, at 9:30 a.m. A court trial is scheduled for July 19, at 10:30 a.m. DON’T GO AWAY

eiler 1940-2022 Sharon R. Weiler, 81, of Athens, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 at her home. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14 at Christ United Church in Athens. Pastor Teri Hanson will officiate. Interment to follow at the Athens Public Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 9 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Sharon was born on Feb. 21, 1940, the daughter of Byron and Florence (Peters) Mason in Chicago, Ill. She received her schooling in Minneapolis, Minn., graduating from Patrick Henry High School in 1957. Sharon was united in marriage to Bernard Weiler at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Athens on May 28, 1960. They took over the family farm in 1971, retiring from farming in 2003. Sharon was a member of Christ United Church. She was the Town of Bern Treasurer for 22 years and on the Town of Bern Election Board for 20 years. Sharon enjoyed the peacefulness of her country home and having her five children close by. Most special to her was being able to be a part of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives. It made her day to get a little video or picture of them and she would look at them often which always made her smile or even laugh out loud each time. Sharon had a large vegetable garden and she enjoyed canning and preserving the things she grew. She had many crafty interests, from doing ceramics to jigsaw puzzles. Many in the family have quilts, crochet and cross-stitch projects she made for them. Sharon liked to scrapbook, not only photos but also newsworthy world events. She sewed all her own curtains, made everything from gun cases to Halloween costumes and patched many a pair of jeans. Sharon hated her own cooking, but everyone else sure enjoyed it. She had quite a sense of humor, a huge sweet tooth, and she always put others before herself. She will be missed more than words can say. Sharon is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bernie; five children, Mark Weiler of Athens, Bruce (Brenda) Weiler of Dorchester, Russell (Naoma) Weiler of Beach Park , Ill., Patricia (Brian) Ellenbecker of Athens, and Bernie (Kari) Weiler of Kiel; nine grandchildren, Joshua, Jeffrey, April, Amber, Austin, Justin, Megan, Nathan and Miranda; six great-grandchildren, Isaac and Chase, Huxley, Hawkens, Greylen and Nayvie. She was preceded in death by her parents. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 120086

Jayne Marie Engel, 60, of Schofield, passed away Apr. 19, 2022 at her home due to natural causes. Jayne’s Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 1 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston, WI, 54476. Pastor Lance Hoelscher will officiate. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the time of service at the church. She was born Mar. 30, 1962, in Medford to Wayne Engel and Carol (Brandner). She was a 1980 graduate of Medford Area Senior High and later earned a Dental Hygiene Associate Degree from North Central Technical College in Wausau. Jayne played the cornet in the high school symphonic band, was a Raiderette Cheerleader during marching season, and also was a synchronized swimmer. In 1983, Jayne married James Stieber and together they had two children, Robert and Sara. Her children were the joys of her life. Jayne resided in Schofield, raising her children 1962-2022 and worked in Stevens Point the majority of her career as an outstanding hygienist with Dr. Olaf E. Aanrud, DDS. She was an avid reader of books and newspapers, enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, fishing blue gills, camping, boating, being in the sunshine, bonfires, and any water activity whether it was on the lake or ocean. Her children have numerous fond memories of camping together and canoeing down the Brule River as a family. Jayne’s vibrant personality created colorful and memorable holiday gatherings, birthday parties, and renting a cabin on Crescent Lake which she always made special. One of Jayne’s favorite holidays was the 4th of July. She loved the sparklers, fireworks, and everyone loved her boisterous “oohs and ahhs.” Jayne’s smile and surprises started social gatherings when she arrived. She was the life of the party. Jayne loved giving – especially giving gifts. Jayne will be greatly missed and loved by her son, Robert Stieber, currently serving in the United States Space Force; daughter, Sara (Craig Amundson) Stieber, Medford; mother, Carol Engel; siblings, Jill and Mark Engel; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne. Online condolences may be left at www.hemerfuneralservice. com. Paid Obituary 120088

Joann (Penk) Fleischman, 84, passed away on Tuesday, Mar. 8, 2022 at the Home Place of Dorchester. A memorial celebration of Joann’s life will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford on Saturday, May 14, with visitation from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. and a service to follow at 11 a.m., followed by lunch. Joann was born on Aug. 17, 1937 to Mary and John Penk of Bellinger. She attended Gilman schools and worked as a telephone operator, medical clerk, and cosmetologist. She spent most of her career owning and operating her own beauty salon, The Hair Bender, out of her home, and then in downtown Thorp. Joann had three children: Brian Kudasik, who died in 1987, Kim (Kudasik) Bernklau, married to Robert Bernklau of Medford, and Kandie (Syryczuk) Alter, married to Joe Alter of Chicago, Ill. Joann felt most passionately and carried an immense pride for her grandchildren Maxwell Bernklau of Medford; Paige (Bernklau) Werling, married to Brandon Werling, of Anchorage, Alaska; and Jerry Alter of Chicago, Ill. 1937-2022 Joann was an active member of the Thorp community, where she raised her family, operated her business, and worked to make Thorp a thriving business community. She was an avid crafter, golfer, and a frequent ringleader for parade floats and fund-raising activities. She spent her later years in the Medford area. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, spending every season cheering from the sidelines for volleyball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, baseball, and tennis matches. Joann was preceded in death by her son, Brian; her mother and father; her brother, Jerry Penk; her husband, Tony Fleischman. She is survived by her former husband, Irving Syryczuk; daughters, Kim and Kandie; sons-in-law, Bob and Joe; and grandchildren, Max, Paige, and Jerry. Joann’s family plans to honor her through gifts to benefit causes in the community near and dear to Joann’s heart, as well as those who helped her live her final years and moments with dignity. In lieu of flowers, any donation will be used for that purpose in Joann’s name. 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 120035

Darrell Gene Lekies age 71, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Apr. 11, 2022. There will be family graveside rites at a later time. Darrell was born on Mar. 28, 1951 in Medford, the second of five children, to Roy and Mabel (Meschefske) Lekies. He attended Medford Public Schools and graduated from Medford High School in 1969. He then entered the U.S. Army, serving in Viet Nam, and received an honorable discharge in 1972. He worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Factory in Merrill for 46 years and was very proud that he never missed a day of work. He made many lifelong friends from his years there, going out for morning coffee and Friday fish fries. An avid sports fan, especially pro football and baseball, he could name teams, players and statistics 1951-2022 of most professional teams. He had an extensive sports card collection that he started as a child. He loved to read and enjoyed garage sales, hunting for that special book or baseball card. He proudly went on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2018. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford. Darrell is survived by his siblings, Judy (Bob) Robida of Stetsonville, Gordie (Carol) Lekies of Medford, Terry Lekies of Hurst, TX, and Dr. Kristi Lekies of Columbus, OH. He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews; and nine grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy in 2004; and his mother, Mabel in 1993. Buettgen Funeral Home of Schofield and Wisconsin Cremation Society are entrusted with the arrangements. Paid Obituary 120084

1933-2022 Edward Edward “Lee” Schield peacefully went home to the Lord on Friday, Apr. 22 with his loving wife, Clarice at his side. Private services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church. A native of Medford, Lee was born Dec. 17, 1933 to Oscar and Lydia Schield. As a young boy he was a local celebrity because he sang Safety Songs every Saturday morning on the local radio station. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Elementary School and was a graduate of Medford High School Class of 1952 and Duluth Business School. On Aug. 8,1953, Lee and Clarice Mae Kellner were united in marriage. This summer they would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. With $300, Lee started Weather Shield Windows and Doors from his apartment in Medford in 1955. For nearly 70 years, the company was Lee’s passion. Lee operated the business with the help of many family members. Employees became life-long friends. Lee enjoyed walking through the company facilities and striking conversations with employees. His annual fall vendor hunts at his cherished Jump River cabin were a highlight for many years. Lee loved hard negotiations with suppliers and customers, followed by food, drinks and friendly banter. When their family was young, Lee and Clarice spent summer weekends at their cottage in Phillips where Lee taught their sons Brian, Kevin and Mark the life-long skill of fishing. The family spent many autumns traveling to Nebraska to pheasant hunt and Butternut to deer hunt. There is not a stream, lake or grouse trail in Northern Wisconsin that Lee did not know. Lee would tell you that he was a blessed man. Not only did he have a strong Christian faith, a loving family and good health, but his success afforded him annual fishing trips to Great Slave Lake and fall hunting trips to Colorado. He and Clarice cherished summer days on Big Crawling Stone Lake in Minocqua and many winters in Arizona. Lee is survived by his wife, Clarice, who devoted her life to keeping a warm and loving home for their family. He is also survived by his sons Brian, Kevin and Mark; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Merrill; nieces; nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary and Josephine; brothers, David and Oscar Craig. People often asked Lee what was his secret to success. He kept it simple: “Don’t let anybody give you any wooden nickels.” In Christ he lives. We love you. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www. hemerfunera lservice. com. Paid Obituary 120036

1949-2022 Robert “Bob” L. Butler, 72 of Rib Lake, passed away on Sunday, Apr. 17, 2022 at the Centennial Apartments under the care of Hope Hospice. A celebration of life for Bob will take place in the fall. Bob was born on Apr. 18, 1949 to Francis and Esther (Lampe) Butler in Sheboygan. He married Judy Roberts and they were later divorced. He married Beverly Olah-Erikson on Aug. 26, 1978 in Colby. He worked at Weather Shield for many years. He later became an owner/operator of a tree service. Bob loved spending time with his family and enjoyed being in the outdoors. Bob is survived by his wife, Beverly; sons, Brandon (Nicole) Butler and Tyson (Tami) Butler; step-sons, Paul (Jess) Erikson, Shawn (Christie) Erikson, and Clayton (Erin) Erikson; six grandsons and three granddaughters; sisters-in-law, Carol (Don), JoAnn, June (Ken), Janette (Wally); brother-in-law Tony (Tammy). Bob was preceded in death by his parents; son, Travis Butler; sister, Sandra Schaefer; brothersin- law, Tom Schaefer and James Olah; first wife, Judy. Bob will be dearly missed by all, especially his wife. Those who knew him will know that when it thunders it is just Bob in heaven chopping a tree. 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 120005

1953-2022 Elizabeth “Bette” A. Schmidt, whom her loved ones affectionately referred to as “Mama” passed peacefully in her sleep on Apr. 24, 2022 in Eau Claire after months of declining health. Funeral service for Bette will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 27 at the First Baptist Church in Medford. Visitation will take place at the church that morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Private family burial will take place in the New Evergreen Cemetery/Evergreen Cemetery II in Medford. Bette was born on Jan. 5, 1953 in Samuels, Ky. to James and Alice (Lowery) Vittitoe. Due to the untimely death of her mother, Bette along with her nine siblings were placed into adoption. Bette and her brother Tommy were adopted together by Dr. William and Ruth Howard of Lebanon, Ky. She resided there until she joined the Army after high school. During that time she was stationed in Texas where she met her first husband David Sova. They resided in Beeville, Texas until they moved to Medford in 1974, where they took up farming and were blessed with their three children, Pamela, Penny and Patrick. Bette was an avid gardener and she enjoyed canning. She also loved animals, swimming and music and was happiest when she was surrounded by her children and friends. Bette and David divorced in 1992, and she continued to reside in Medford. She met her second husband Daniel Schmidt and they were married Mar. 6, 1999. Bette and Daniel loved going camping, having cook outs and playing cards with friends. They also loved going on Krug Bus Tours, going out to eat and relaxing on a park bench outdoors watching nature. Although they had many interests, they only needed each other’s companionship to have a fulfilling marriage. Although Bette battled mental illness her entire life, she always worked until her physical and mental health prevented it. She was a very hard worker, enjoyed her colleagues, and took pride in being productive, involved, and giving her best effort. She was the kind of person that would give you the shirt off her back and ask for nothing in return. She was never looking for a free handout. Faith was very important to Bette. She loved being an active member of the church, and developed lasting friendships with many parishioners. Through her church, she enjoyed giving back to the community through fund raising, bible study and puppet shows. Her gentle nature was a comfort to be around. Her laugh could light up a room. As her health declined, she maintained her optimism and positive attitude, looking forward to getting out and about with friends and family. Those who cared for her will especially miss her as she was a devoted friend, and a true testament of a mother’s love and selflessness. Along with her children and grandchildren, she will be greatly missed by nieces, nephews and friends. She was truly one of God’s soldiers and a child of the light. She is survived by husband, Daniel Schmidt; daughters, Pam (Ryan Alexander), Penny (Jim Grant); son Patrick Sova (Amy Fiengo); grandchildren, Ireland and Flynn Alexander and Avery and Tony Grant; brothers, James and the late (Sharon) Vittitoe, Steve (Pat) Vittitoe, Jennie and the late Ronald Embry, Gregory Vittitoe, Michael (Janice) Brohm, David Edlind, Mary Ann (Bill) Nelson, Michael Howard, Mary Pat Howard; and many nieces and nephews. Bette was preceded in death by biological parents, James and Alice (Lowery) Vittitoe; adoptive parents, Dr. William and Ruth (Farrar) Howard; and brothers, William Vittitoe and Thomas Howard. A special thanks to Audrey Homer, Brian Bellendorf, Amy Fiengo and Tara Parks who offered love care and support during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family for designation at a later time. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 120012

1966-2022 Alyse Marie (Kellner) Lamberson, 55, of Apple Valley, Minn., passed away on Monday, Apr. 25, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minn. surrounded by her family. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Apr. 30 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. Visitation will be 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church. After the funeral mass at 11:30 a.m., there will be a lunch to follow in the church social center. Alyse was born on December 21, 1966. She graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1985 and from UW Eau Claire with a Bachelor Degree in Accounting. She was currently employed at Project Consulting Group as an accountant. Alyse will always be remembered for her sense of adventure, love of animals and gardening. The loves of her life were her children, grandchildren and her cat, Frankie. She is survived by her children, Kailey Lamberson, Cannon Falls, Minn., Stephanie Lamberson, Logan Lamberson both of St. Paul, Minn., Jarret Lamberson, Woodbury, Minn,; two grandchildren, Jameson and Audrey, Cannon Falls; mother, Diane Kellner, Medford; sister, Melanie (Sam) Erspamer, Hurley; brother, Dean (Jackie) Kellner, Medford. She was preceded in death by her father, Andrew Kellner. Paid Obituary 120029