1956-2022 Beloved sister, ciocia (aunt), and friend to many, Bernadine Ann Nicpon born Apr. 3, 1956, died peacefully in the Lord having received her final sacraments on Mar. 13, 2022 surrounded by her devoted siblings, Geralyn (Nicpon) Coutts, Gerard Nicpon, Joan (Nicpon) Buraglio, Jerome Nicpon; and two dear nieces, Megan (Coutts) Self and Katie Buraglio. She is also survived by other cherished family; brothers-in-law, James Coutts and Greg Buraglio; nephews: Preston Coutts and his wife Elizabeth (Liz), and Major Ian Coutts and his wife Maria (Manya); nephew-in-law, Charles Self (Chaz); great nephews, Otik Self, Oscoda Self, Xasion Self, and sweet great niece, Matilda Coutts; as well as many deeply loved cousins. Bernadine was preceded in death by her father Stanley, and mother Stella. She attended Lublin Elementary School and graduated from Gilman High School, where she was active in yearbook, forensics, student council, National Honor Society, and sports. Bernadine set and held the long-time school record in the shot put. After graduation, she studied nursing at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing and upon graduating, the young R.N. started work at the Medford Memorial Hospital Extended Care Unit. She loved her patients, passing up several promotions in order to give personal loving care to those in their twilight years. Bernadine retired after 39 years and enjoyed faith, family, farming, and those she met along life’s journey. She had a plethora of friends, neighbors, and former co-workers. Having grown up on the family farm, Bernadine returned to the farm after nurses training, and resided there until her death. She loved the life: gardening, cooking, crafts (such as knitting and crocheting), and taking care of her precious farm animals and wild birds (which she hand-fed!), but especially enjoyed her loyal collie, Simion. Bernadine was also an avid reader and a fan of Star Trek and Little House on The Prairie. She, a Third Order Fransiscan, was generous to a fault, kind-hearted, and saw the good and believed the best in everyone. She will be sorely missed. Online condolences may be expressed at www. cuddiefh.com. Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 118342

1955-2022 Daniel R. Pawelko, 66 of Jump River passed away on Tuesday, Mar. 15, 2022 after complications dealing with a stroke. Dan was born on Nov. 7, 1955 to Joseph and Marie (Horban) Pawelko. A celebration of life will follow at a later date this summer with date and location posted on www.smithfuneralec. com. Dan had many diverse interests such as hunting, fishing, horseshoes, cornhole, pool, live music, and dancing. He enjoyed creating Ukrainian eggs which probably lead to his profession as a cytotechnologist requiring great attention to detail screening slides for cancer. Dan enjoyed a multitude of card games especially sheepshead and pinochle. He had a passion for sports participating in track, cross country, and marathons. He encouraged participation and his passion with sports in his children. Winter meant football, the Green Bay Packers, Tom Brady, and then March Madness with basketball. He was an avid historian especially of the Civil War but also world history. Being of full Ukrainian heritage he was extremely disturbed by world events happening now throughout the world and Ukraine. He played trumpet in school, in a polka band, and his finest moment playing was from the trumpeter’s tower for the 700th anniversary of Lublin, Poland with a group traveling from Lublin, Wis. This aired on Polish National Television. Let him be remembered as caring, thoughtful, and giving to his family and friends. Daniel is survived by his wife, Monica (Manglos) Pawelko; children, Ed Pawelko of Wausau, Theresa (Brandon) Nelsestuen of Winona, Minn., and Amy Pawelko of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and one grandchild. He is further survived by his siblings, Shirley (Darrel) Shufelt, Steve (Bonnie) Pawelko, and Diane (Neil) Ketterling; and a niece and nephew. Friends and family are invited to leave condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to local animal shelters. Paid Obituary 118336

1956-2022 Barbara Acker, 66, of Rib Lake, passed peacefully at her home with family present on Saturday, Mar. 19, 2022, after a brave battle with ALS. A celebration of life for Barb took place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 23, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home, Medford, with Pastor David Clements officiating. Burial took place at Medford Evergreen 2. Visitation was at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Barb was born Feb. 25, 1956 in Marshfield, to Gregory and Anola Pernsteiner. She was the oldest of eleven children and was a responsible and loving daughter and sister. She graduated from Medford Senior High in 1974 and later graduated from UW River Falls with a degree in Elementary Education. She married Edward Acker on July 2, 1978. Barb taught at Holy Rosary Catholic School in Medford for several years before staying home with her children. She homeschooled each of her nine children. Her quiet but strong faith was lived out daily; it will be a legacy that continues on in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her patience, selflessness, compassion, and care were evident each day, along with her positive attitude and radiant smile. She lived sacrificially, always sensitive to the needs of others, putting the needs of her husband, children, grandchildren and those in need ahead of her own. She was an encouragement and inspiration to her family and an example of the love of Jesus to many. Barb enjoyed history. In 2018, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Europe, soaking up the history, including her genealogical history. Barb had a love of learning and was always teaching her children and grandchildren. She was industrious and hardworking. She managed a large garden and yard, teaching her children many skills. She was always busy canning, crafting, caring for her flowers and sewing for her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her husband. She loved all children and valued life. She was actively involved in Wisconsin Right to Life for many years. She loved reading and would give her grandchildren Golden Books for their Birthdays. Her grandchildren were the highlight of her life. She loved to read to them and hear them sing. Her face would brighten whenever she saw them. Even through her battle with ALS, her faith in Jesus was strong. She trusted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was certain of her eternity. She will be deeply missed by all of the lives she touched, but there is comfort in the fact that she is home in heaven with Jesus. She was preceded in death by her mother, Anola Pernsteiner. She will be dearly missed by all, especially her father, Gregory Pernsteiner; her loving husband of 43 years, Edward; her nine children, Christopher (Sarah), Angela (Chris) Aldrich, Benjamin, Daniel, Rebecca (Chris) Moberg, Jesse (Andrea), Emily, Bethany, and Samuel; her seventeen grandchildren, Andrea Grace (Anthony), Paxton, Chloe, Tatianna, Hudson, Ariadne, Mandisa, Hope, Adela, Truett, Caleb, Tidus, Harrison, Lucy, Alina, Crew, and Estrella; her ten siblings, Karen (Dan) Arrenholz, Steve (Jennifer), Mark (Gail), Chris (Jon) Olson, Kurt (Kathy), Karla (Lonnie) Willaby, Scott (Sharon), Terry, Mike (Aimee), and Todd; in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. Because of her strong value for life, in lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Abiding Care in Medford or Wisconsin Right to Life (Taylor County). 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 118395

1985-2022 Brandy Jean (Hackbarth) Schafer, 36, was welcomed into her eternal home on Mar. 13, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her husband, Kody, was with her as she left this world along with the pain she had endured for the last two years. A celebration of life for Brandy will take place on Saturday, Apr. 23, at Zondlo’s Ballroom, in Rib Lake from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Brandy was born on Dec. 24, 1985 in Columbus to William and Jennifer Hackbarth. She attended the Rib Lake schools and was a 2004 graduate of Rib Lake High School in Rib Lake. Brandy was a 2010 graduate of UW Stevens Point, earning a degree in Elementary Education. In September of that year, she began her career as a kindergarten teacher at Rib Lake Elementary School. Returning to her hometown to teach kindergarten had been a lifelong dream of hers. Brandy married Kody Schafer on June 21, 2014. Together they made their home at N7464 Peche Drive near the home where she grew up. Two handsome little boys joined their family over the next few years. To know Brandy was to know her sons, Sawyer and Lincoln. She loved telling stories about her amazing little men. They filled her days with adventurous antics and laughter, and they overflowed her mother’s heart. For the past 11-1/2 years, Brandy has passionately poured herself into her classroom. She was the queen of school dress up days and never missed an opportunity to wear her Packer garb to celebrate her favorite team. She demonstrated strength of character and determination in her effort to continue working, even after her diagnosis in January of 2020. Just before Christmas, 2021 almost two years later, she came to the heartbreaking realization that she could no longer continue teaching. The world was blessed by Brandy’s presence. Those who knew her well will remember Brandy for her humility, her generosity, her spunk, and her hearty laugh. She was quick to smile and to affirm others on a daily basis. This was a testament to her indomitable spirit, which seemed to gain strength even after her diagnosis. Her strong faith in God’s plan carried her through the most difficult days, allowing her to focus on others and their needs. Brandy enjoyed music, and during the last several months of her battle, many songs spoke deeply to her spirit and sustained her through the roughest moments. In her last days she demonstrated bravery, acceptance, and peace in her heart. Brandy was happiest when she was surrounded by loved ones. Her fondest times were spent with family and friends, usually enjoying a Dr. Pepper and a Reese’s while she laughed, visited, enjoyed stories, and shared life. Her contagious enthusiasm was a blessing to those closest to her heart. Besides her friends, family, and students, her great loves in this world were Brett Favre and Dolly Parton. Her absence from this earth will be felt by countless more than she could ever have imagined. She was deeply loved and she will be profoundly missed. Her indelible fingerprints have left impressions on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Besides her husband, Kody, Brandy; is survived by her two sons, Sawyer and Lincoln. She is further survived by her parents, William and Jennifer; her sisters, Sara (Bo) Masuch and Rebecca (Dallas) Walker; her brothers, Jeremiah and Walter (MaKayla) Hackbarth; eleven nieces and nephews, Jimmie Masuch, Kellie (Lucas) Judah, Terry Masuch, Devany Walker, Whitney Walker, AbbyGail Walker, Vivian Schafer, Harrison Schafer, Gavin Robie, Nina Robie, and Elaine Hackbarth; and three great-nieces and nephews, Liam Judah, Winnifred Judah, and Jimma Masuch. Brandy was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather; her paternal grandmother; her Aunt Sandra; and her Uncle Lee. 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 118121

1943-2022 Robert “Bob” Gonnering, age 78, of Dorchester, passed away on Thursday, Mar. 10, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 15 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Abbotsford. Father Michael Hayden officiated. Interment to follow at the Dorchester Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Family and friends were welcome on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time of service at the church. Live stream was available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. Bob was born on May 8, 1943, the son of Clarence and Matilda (Heindl) Gonnering in the town of Mayville. As a teenager, he worked at Dorchester Bowling Alley as a pin setter. After high school, he enlisted in the United States National Guard from 1962-1968. He worked for the Dorchester Coop, H& S Electric and Gelhaus and Brost Chevrolet for 23 years- all while farming in the Town of Holway. Bob was united in marriage to Barbara Hartman on July 11, 1964 at Holy Rosary in Medford. After retirement, Bob liked to tinker on his classic cars and classic tractors. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting and spending time with family. Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara; four children, Carla (Gary) Thomas, Ronald (Shawn) Gonnering, Audra (Rick) Schmeiser, and Julie (Jose Galindo) DuBois; nine grandchildren, Cassie (Nathan) Leiby, Kylie (Alex) Hernandez, Tana Thomas (Logan Rosemeyer), Mara (CJ) Kreuscher, Marisa (Cody) Stahnke, Jade Thomas, Mikayla Schmeiser (Greg Korth), Chandan Gonnering (Macey Klebesadel), Macie Schmeiser; and seven great-grandchildren, Chloe Bucki, Evelyn Leiby, Lachlan Leiby, Leina Kreuscher, Nora Kreuscher, Willow Stahnke, Coven Hernandez, and one due in April. He is further survived by four siblings, Gerald Gonnering, Dennis (JoAnn) Gonnering, Marlene Gaffney and Leon (Shirley) Gonnering; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Doberstein, and Diane Hartman; along with many nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-inlaw, Toby DuBois; two sisters-in-law, Mary Gonnering, Ruth Ann Scott; and two brothers-in-law, Don Hartman and Richard Hartman. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Paid Obituary 118033

iehlke 1928-2022 Kenneth Thomas Ziehlke, age 94, passed away, Mar. 12, 2022. There was once a beautiful farm in the rural Wisconsin community of Little Black, with dairy cows, pigs, chickens, and horses. This is where Kenneth Thomas Ziehlke began his life in 1928. For his early education, he walked to a one-room schoolhouse which was heated by a wood stove. His parents, Joseph Ziehlke and Martha Hirt, a farmer and a nurse, were first generation Americans who honored their German traditions and passed them along to their children. When Ken graduated high school at the age of 17, he volunteered to serve his country during the final year of WWII. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Once home, he enrolled in the University of Wisconsin as a student of Metallurgical and Materials Science Engineering. Upon graduation in 1950, he accepted a job at the Union Carbide Corporation’s Gaseous Diffusion Plant, K-25. Ken was enchanted by life in Tennessee, its people, Southern food, and the Great Smokey Mountains. A friend at work offered to arrange a date for Ken, as he was new in town. The girl who was the intended date had to cancel at the last minute, so she called her friend and fellow K-25 employee, Eva Thomas, to go instead. This was apparently meant to be, as Ken fell in love with Eva, as well as her family, to whom he remained devoted until the end. In 1951, Ken and Eva exchanged wedding vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, of which he was a founding member. Their marriage lasted 60 years. Ken was an avid reader, intellect, scientist, accomplished wildflower gardener, expert auto mechanic, and Catholic scholar. As a master woodworker, Ken made both table and grandfather clocks of his own design. He made inlaid wood crosses as well, donating these, clocks, and handmade terrariums to the St. Mary’s Fall Festival for many years. His God and Church were foremost in the way that he lived his life and he never wavered in his beliefs. To stay fit, both mentally and physically, Ken had a life-long practice of walking outdoors. He walked five to seven miles a day until the age of 91, when he was forced to use a walker due to a severe knee injury. Undeterred, he continued his daily walks, even though they had become shorter. Ken was an inspiration in the obvious grace he displayed in the face of adversity. He took these challenges and setbacks in stride, persevering with courage and an exemplary attitude. He was able to find humor in his situation, up until the end of his life. His family were privileged to be the beneficiaries of his tutelage; as a member of The Greatest Generation, he passed along his strong work ethic, as well as instilling values of thrift. Because of him, his family are all better stewards of time, talents, and money. Although his mind remained quick-witted, intact, and focused, his body gave up in the early morning hours of March 12, 2022. It is with heavy hearts that his loved ones say goodbye to him. Ken lived long enough to be preceded in death by more loved ones than he ended up leaving behind. Those who went on to their reward before him are his parents; wife, Eva Thomas Ziehlke; mother-inlaw, Mary Ellen Freeman Thomas; brother, Robert Ziehlke & wife, Marian; sister, Mary Ziehlke; daughter, Catherine Gengozian; son, Greg Ziehlke; sisterin- law, Adrian Brown Ziehlke; brother-in-law and his wife, David & Kate Wilder Thomas; sister-in-law and her husband, Beverly Thomas & Dr. William Bost; and nephew, Doug Bost. He is survived by daughters, Judith Mallory (Don Daugherty) and Barbara Philpot (Halen); brother, Jerry Ziehlke (who entertained Ken with his stories); sister, Barbara Ziehlke (who thought he was a ‘great brother’); special nieces, Lisa Ziehlke and Robin Bost Parkison (Jeff); special nephew, Michael David Thomas; grandchildren, Dana Rose (Ted), Lauren Gengozian (Jacob Hamby), Max Mallory, and Carmen and Merritt Philpot; and great-grandchildren, Casey Rose, Stella, Hank, and Emmett Gengozian. The family extends sincere thanks to the compassionate and professional staff at The Courtyards Assisted Living Facility, who administered loving care to their dad for the past two years. To honor his memory and spirit the family requests you to go take a walk outdoors, do a kind deed, or say a prayer for someone who needs it. Family & friends will meet 3 pm Thursday, Mar. 17 at Anderson Memorial Gardens in Oak Ridge, Tenn. for graveside services with full military honors. Online condolences may be left at weatherfordmortuary. com. Paid Obituary 118088

cNamar 1964-2022 Ann Marie McNamar, 58, of Medford, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, Mar. 11, 2022. Funeral services will be held at Hemer Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, with Rev. Richard Russow officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 18, and again from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19; a luncheon will follow at Stetsonville Centennial Hall. Ann was born on Feb. 4, 1964, in Medford to Rose (Tom) and Alvin Kloth. She grew up on a dairy farm in Medford, and had a love for the outdoors, animals, and was always up for a challenge. Growing up she had two special horses, Chocolate and Stormy that she loved and cared for. Shortly after graduation from high school she married Carl Ziehlke and together they had two children and later divorced. She went on to meet and marry her best friend, Allen McNamar and have another son. The two were wed on Jan. 16, 1999. Together they enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and taking trips on their Harleys, always making special consideration for her dogs at home. She also enjoyed bowling, gardening, and remodeling. They owned several rental properties and always had projects going on. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings and spending time with her family and close friends. At the time of her passing they were building their forever home in Medford and Ann was preparing for an early retirement from her role as a rural mail carrier for over 30 years. She will be dearly missed by all, especially, husband, Allen McNamar of Medford; children, Brent (Lisa) Ziehlke of Stetsonville, Tara (Phil) Peterson of Indian Trail, N.C., Shane McNamar of Medford; her parents, Alvin and Rose Kloth of Medford; brothers, Michael (Linda) Kloth, and James Kloth of Medford; grandchildren, Damien (18), David (13), Carter (11), Braeden (8), Cole (7), Rylee (4) and Sawyer (2); in-laws, Dale (Keva) Mc-Namar of Medford, Robert (Renee) McNamar of Tomahawk, Barb (significant other, John) Denzine of Fond du Lac; and numerous nieces; nephews; and countless other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by brother, Richard Kloth; her mother and father-in-law, Sharon and Jerry McNamar; stepson, Joshua McNamar; and sister-in-law, Janine Kloth. 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 118112

1926-2022 Phyllis Arline Konieczny, 95, passed away peacefully at Turner Integrity Care in Thorp on Sunday, Mar. 13, 2022. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Mar. 19 at the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee. The Rev. Elizabeth Bier will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 9 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. Lunch and fellowship will follow at the Thorp American Legion Hall. Phyllis was born on June 22, 1926, the daughter of Thorvald and Clara (Lang) Ammentorp in the Town of Longwood. She was one of nine children and completed High School in Withee. Phyllis was united in marriage to Frank Konieczny on June 16, 1945, at Nazareth Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on Aug. 14, 2011. In addition to being a farm wife, Phyllis worked first at Presto Industries of Eau Claire making artillery shells for the war. She then went to work at Clark County Health and Rehabilitation as a housekeeper and then a laundry aide. As a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church, she often helped make quilts for the needy and worked many church dinners. Phyllis enjoyed sewing, making clothes, but also was famous for her numerous beautiful quilts. She also mastered woodworking and wood carving and had an excellent eye for detail. She loved her family and all the gatherings consisted of an abundance of food prepared by Phyllis. Phyllis and Frank enjoyed traveling in their motor home and playing cards with friends and family. She always had a smile and a sassy wit and will be missed by all. Phyllis is lovingly survived by her six children, Roger Konieczny (Jean), Sharon Maier, Dave (Chris) Konieczny, Ginny (Pat) Frinack, Paul (Chris) Konieczny and Carol (Dennis) Kuehnhold; 19 grandchildren, Sandy (Kevin) Comstock, Jeff (Jackie) Konieczny, Wesley Konieczny, Missy (Jim) Lucas, Scott (Beth) Maier, Brad (Sharon) Maier, Nick (Sara) Maier, Michele (Brian) Doberstein, Lisa (Bill) Peterson, Sarah (Kevin) Gornicke, Heidi (Jason) Baka, Jason (Jody) Frinack, Mike (Alisa) Frinack, Craig (Autumn) Frinack, Blake (Carly) Konieczny, Troy (Courtney) Konieczny, Lee (Sara) Copenhaver, Jake (Jesse) Copenhaver and Kelsey (Jeff) Kuehnhold; 33 great-grandchildren, Brittany (Jim), Shawna, Johnny, Mckenzie (Michael), Ryan (Erin), Becca, Kyle, Lexie, Ashley, Jeremy, Nicholas, Brady, Jenna, Megan, Ethan, Ava, Travis, Mitchell, Taylor, Derek, Brooklyn, Saphiya, Logan, Harper, Paige, Sophia, Bryce, Ava, Aubrey, Myles, Ryker, Mason and Lila; and a great-great-grandson, Paxtyn. She is further survived by two sisters, Ellen Zwiefelhofer and Helen Hart; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Ammentorp and JoAnn Konieczny; many nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank; a son-in-law, Butch Maier; and many brothers; sisters; and their spouses. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.maurinaschillingfuneralhome. com. Paid Obituary 118075

1928-2022 Norma E. Prohaska, formerly Sister Mary Michael Prohaska, O.S.M., 93, of Medford, died Friday, Mar. 11, 2022 at Aspirus Care and Rehabilitation. A funeral mass was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Mar. 15 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Fr. Jayanna Kanna officiating. Interment followed at Holy Rosary Cemetery. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. She was born Dec. 30, 1928 to Anna (Hierlmeier) and Frederich Prohaska. She graduated from Medford High School in 1946. Norma was a lifelong student, attending and earning degrees and certificates from various institutions, including, UW-LaCrosse, College of St. Scholastica, College of St. Catherine, St. Norbert’s College, Marquette University, DePaul University, University of Notre Dame, Ball State University, Wesleyan University and Alverno College. Degrees she earned included: BS in Physical Education and Recreation, Masters Degree in Business Admin., 2nd BS degree in Nursing, and a teaching certificate. She entered the religious order, Servants of Mary (Servite) in Ladysmith in 1951. She took her first vows and received her religious name in 1953, and her final vows in 1959. Norma dedicated her life to helping others and did so through teaching, nursing, and serving the Lord. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford and served the church for 48 years. Survivors include many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and three siblings, Mary Ann (Victor Sr.) Borgemoen, Kathryn (Carl) Jakel, and Fredrick (Betty) Prohaska. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated. 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 118034