25 May 2022

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Diane Lee Thielke

Diane Lee Thielke


1946-2 022 Diane Lee Thielke, 75, passed away at home in Medford with the care of Hope Hospice and her loving family by her side on May 12, 2022. A private memorial service will be held at a later date by family and close friends. Diane was born July 12, 1946 in Chicago, Ill., and moved to Medford in 1974. She owned and operated a dairy farm for approximately 20 years, and owned and operated “Diane’s Groom Room” in Medford. Diane started one of the first animal shelters/dog catcher in Taylor County. She was a co-partner of a Boarding Kennel/Animal Shelter in Taylor County. She was also an active member of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary, the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library, and the Taylor County Historical Society and Taylor County Humane Society in Medford. Diane is survived by her husband, Gordon W. Thielke; brothers, Ronald Brishke, and William Hague (Kathy Hague); sons, Thomas Schimon (Patricia Klinger), James Schimon (Kim Schimon), John Schimon (Wendy Frerichs); step-children, Ian Thielke, Andrew Thielke (Joan Thielke), Caryn Henrich; grandchildren, Kai Schimon, Lana Schimon, Vanessa Davidson, A.J. Thielke, Ava Thielke, Jordon Klinger, Austin Klinger, Ethan Klinger, and Harper Klinger; and many nieces; nephews; family; and friends. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Irene Lorentson and Elmer Carl Brishke. Family would appreciate charitable donations to the “Taylor County Humane Society” in remembrance of Diane’s life and love of animals that she fought for her whole life! Paid Obituary 121283

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Frank L. “Jr.” Siudak

Frank L. “Jr.” Siudak


1944-2022 Frank L. “Jr.” Siudak, age 77, of Lublin, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at his home, with his wife at his side, under the care of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin, with burial to follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 28 at the church, from 9 a.m. until time of service. Frank Larry Siudak was born on Dec. 29, 1944 in Lublin, the son of Frank A. and Celia C. (Kusek) Siudak. He was raised and educated in Lublin. After completing his education, Frank served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1964 to 1970. He was united in marriage to Patricia A. Zawacki on July 3, 1965 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin. Over the years, Frank worked with his father in the family logging business. He later hauled can milk and cheese to Green Bay for Bellinger Dairy. He then drove the grader for the Town of Roosevelt for the next 20 years. Frank loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed being outdoors, especially watching birds, and enjoying the solar lights that lit his yard. He spent many years going to many car shows, showing off his convertible, and spending quality time with his son. Christmas was his favorite holiday, where he spent many hours decorating with hundreds of lights. He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Lublin; his son, Rick (Pam) Siudak of Green Bay; his daughters, Elaine Ward and Rita Siudak both of Greenfield; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Pat Brunett and LuAnn (Donald) Peleschak, both of Thorp; two brothers, Chester (Marg) Siudak of Longwood, Fla. and Stanley Siudak of Augusta; his mother-in-law, Lorraine Zawacki of Thorp; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; an infant great-grandson; his brother-in-law, Ron Brunett; and his father-in-law, Joseph Zawacki. Online condolences may be expressed at www. cuddiefh.com. Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 121282

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Kenneth “Ken” M. Baumgartner

Kenneth “Ken” M. Baumgartner


1952-2022 Kenneth “Ken” M. Baumgartner, 70, of the township of Holway, passed away at home on Thursday, May 19, 2022 under the care of Hope Hospice and his wife. A funeral service for Ken will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 2 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, with Pastor Josh Kohl officiating. Visitation will take place at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home on Thursday, June 2 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. A lunch will be provided after the service at the B& S Bar, all are welcome to join the family and share memories. Ken was born on May 2, 1952 to Clarence and Marie (Langteau) Baumgartner in the Township of Holway. Ken served in the National Guard for 6 years where he became a sharp-shooter. He married Marge Draeger; they were later divorced. He then married Judy Noland. Ken was a long-time dairy farmer in Holway and later raised beef cattle. He also enjoyed driving for the Amish, camping in Tomahawk, shooting pool, cutting firewood, and mowing his lawn. Ken is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Tammy (Stacey) Hansen of Fla., Tina (Mike) Glenna of Fla., Daniel (Stacey) Baumgartner of Medford, and Jesse (Lisa) Baumgartner of Ariz.; step-children, Stephanie (Chris) Anderson of Medford and Shane (Crystal) Ludwig of Stetsonville; 12 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; siblings, Lou Lange, Rodney Baumgartner, and Ronald Baumgartner, all of Medford. Ken is further survived by other family and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Joan Krug. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at hemerfuneralservices. com. Paid Obituary 121381

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Constance L. “Connie” Agen

Constance L. “Connie” Agen


1949-2022 Constance L. “Connie” Agen, 72 of Gilman, died on Monday, May 9, 2022 at Oakbrook Health and Rehab in Thorp under the care of St. Croix Hospice. A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the Gilman Funeral Home with Rev. Kenneth Schmidt officiating. Inurnment followed in Meadowbrook Cemetery. Visitation was from 1:30 p.m. until time of service Sunday. She was born on June 11, 1949 in Spooner the daughter of the late Mathew and Evelyn (Gagner) Reiter. Connie grew up in the Shell Lake area and graduated from Shell Lake High. She went on to Barron County Technical College for a year. On June 20, 1970 she married John Agen in Cumberland. Connie worked a variety of jobs including, being the Gilman Librarian, a cook/waitress at Kountry Kettle Kafe, a cashier at McDonalds, a cook for Indianhead Head Start, helping at Kiddie Korner and was a manager for Lublin Seniors Nutrient Site. Connie also was a Girl/Boy scout leader, a Sunday School Teacher, was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Swinging Bridge Quilt Club. She enjoyed quilting, crafting, fishing, playing cards and games and most of all spending time with family; especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John; her children, Kristine Agen of Fort Wayne, Ind., John Agen, Jr of Eau Claire and Kayla (Dustin) Hayes of Eau Claire; nine grandchildren, Zane, Korrigan, Addison, Ty, Mya, Lucy, Colton, Lincoln and Porter; her siblings, JoAnn Jordan of Spooner, Pat Reiter of Rosemount, Minn., Mathew (Donna) Teiter of Grand Rapids, Minn., Ken (Marion) Reiter of Shell Lake and Bob (Ellen) of Spooner. Connie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marilyn Chizek; and three siblings in infancy. Paid Obituary 121280

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18 May 2022

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Ralph James W

Ralph James W


ozniak 1936-2 022 Ralph James Wozniak, 85, of Athens, passed away on May 16, 2022 at Our Way Assisted Living in Merrill from natural causes. Ralph was a life-long member of St. Anthony’s Church in Athens. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, May 23 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. George Graham will preside. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Ralph was born on Dec. 5, 1936 to Theodore and Marie Wozniak in Athens, Wis. Ralph was a graduate of Athens High School and worked, after high school, as a pinsetter at the Athens bowling alley. After graduation in 1955, he went on to be a long-standing employee at Marathon Cheese. Ralph loved to travel and visit with family and friends at family and community weddings, holidays, and other celebrations. Ralph lived at his childhood home in Athens from his birth until he transitioned to assisted living care needs. Ralph was never married and had no children of his own but treasured time and relationships with his nieces and nephews who survive. Ralph is survived by his sister-in-law, Kay Wozniak, nephews and nieces, KC Wagner, John Wozniak, Ann Wozniak, Michael Chenevey, Mark Chenevey, Joel Chenevey, Eric Chenevey, Paula Chenevey, Margaret Ness, John Chenevey, Peter Chenevey; and cousin, Marilyn Koszuta. Ralph was predeceased by his parents with his father passing in 1945 and his mother in 1983. Ralph was also predeceased by brothers, Jack Wagner and William Wozniak; and sisters, Eileen Chenevey; and infant sister, Doris. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid Obituary 121029

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Dustin L. “Dusty”  Z

Dustin L. “Dusty” Z


rutskie 1954-2 022 Dustin L. “Dusty” Zrutskie, age 67, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at his residence, with his family by his side under the tender care of Hope Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Dusty was born on Aug. 3, 1954, the son of Harry G. and Margaret M. (Kocian) Zrutskie in Marshfield. He graduated from Colby High School in 1972 and enlisted in the Army National Guards on July 26, 1972. Dusty worked at Weather Shield in Medford for many years. He loved his girls and family and enjoyed playing softball and cheering for the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Cubs. Dusty also loved his fishing, hunting, eagles, watching Gunsmoke, listening to his music (the oldies) and he cherished spending time with his family and friends and was always the life of the party! He will be greatly missed by many. We Love You. Dusty is survived by his significant other, Robbin Stanton of Medford; daughters, April Hernandez of Medford, and Erin Zrutskie of Pittsville; grandchildren, Blake Lobacz, Tegan Reyes, and Kiana Reyes; a great-grandson, Waylen Lee Lobacz. He is further survived by his siblings, Terry (Jude) Zrutskie of Florida, Linda Bruesewitz of Marshfield, and Dawn (Terry “Bub”) Littleton of Unity; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son in infancy, Shane; granddaughter, Zoey Hernandez; brother-in-law, Denny Bruesewitz; and nephew, Tim Bruesewitz. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 121030

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Ramona “Rae” Jean Ortman

Ramona “Rae” Jean Ortman


1939-2022 Ramona “Rae” Jean Ortman, 82, Milan, died Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Vita Care Living in Stratford. Funeral services were at 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, May 18 at Christ Lutheran Church, Abbotsford. Rev. Don Bruce officiated. Burial was at Christ Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation was on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Rae was born on July 23, 1939 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Albert and Mabel (Dorst) Huettl. Rae was a 1958 graduate of Stratford Senior High, and went on to obtain her nursing degree from Marshfield School of Nursing. Rae worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield for seven years, then at Medford Memorial Hospital for thirty years, ending her career as head nurse for 28 years in the OB and Family Center Department, assisting in bringing many babies into the world. Rae was loved and admired by many for her positive outlook on life and uncompromising willingness to do for others. Her compassion and enthusiasm served as inspiration to family and friends alike. Rae was married to Russell Rueden from Dorchester, they later divorced. Rae then married James Ortman from Milan, where they resided until his death on Oct. 23, 2016. Survivors include one brother, Kenneth (Bernie) Huettl, Scottsdale, Ariz.; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Brinkman, Marshfield, Donna Solchenberger, Athens, Martha Rodman, Edgar, Betty (David) Holbach, Athens, Phyllis (Gerald) Klimpke, Athens and Barbara Ortman, Athens; many nieces and nephews; four godchildren, Gary, Joan, Mike and Kurt; special friends, Merlin (deceased) and Loretta Waechter, Norbert and Joyce (deceased) Reidel and Carol and Willie (deceased) Clark. Besides her parents and husband, James, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Michael; and brothers-in-law, Lester Solchenberger, Gene Rodman, Chuck Brinkman and Jack Ortman. Although her time has passed, she will be missed greatly. The wonderful memories of time spent with Rae will live on in the hearts of those she touched forever. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Vita Care Living for all the loving care you gave to Rae. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid Obituary 121032