1932-2023 Edward J. Thiel, 91, from the town of Westboro, passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. A small private family service was held at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Edward was born on June 6, 1932 to John & Mary Thiel of Calamus, Iowa. Edward and his older brother James grew up on the family farm in Iowa. In 1956 Edward married Virgen Kaczinski, they were dairy farmers in Calamus, Iowa. In 1971 Edward and Virgen moved to central Wisconsin where they bought a dairy farm in Little Black. Ed & Virgen ran a nice size dairy farm milking approx. 65 head of Holsten cattle, and farming approx. 300 acres of land. Ed also sold Vigertone Feed to improve herd health to local and near by farmers. He also raised Lacome Swine for a few years. Edward loved truck and tractor pulls, during the summer months you could always find him at Dorchester Days, Colby Cheese days, and a few times down at Tomah & Neillsville. He also enjoyed stock car races & snowmobile races. Ed loved the need for speed! AKA Fast Eddie! Edward and Virgen had two children, Heidi (Thomas) Apfelbeck of Westboro, and Todd (Shizue) Thiel of Birchwood. In 2003 Edward married Sarah Peterson, they resided in Rib Lake. During this time Edward & Sarah started a Lawn Mowing and snow plowing business which they ran together until health circumstances dictated otherwise. Edward and Sarah loved gardening and shared a love of Australian Shepards. They also enjoyed time at the Hodag during the summer and frequently stopped at the Casino for a little fun with the hope of hitting it big. Edward also loved to frequent the “Root Beer stand” (as he called it) aka Northside in Rib Lake. In later years you could find him there almost every day, sometimes twice a day or more. Edward is survived by his children, Heidi (Thomas) Apfelbeck and Todd (Shizue) Thiel. Five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Jason (Korissa) Fettes and children Leon, Annette and Zander Fettes of Hatley. Jeffery (Sarah) Fettes and children Maison Fettes of Medford and Devin (Breanna Wagner) Fries their daughter Braea Fries and Mackenzie (Zach Meier) Fries. Candice (Aaron) Hoffman and children Olivia Thorson, Kegan, Aurora and Isla Hoffman of Green Bay. Justin (Reba Berndt) Thiel and children Ayden & Maria Thiel and Nala, Chayton & Aiden Moose of Chelsea, and Brittnay Thiel Lafortune and her daughter Brooklynn LaFortune of Medford. And his dearest nephews Bob (Jane) Thiel and John (Jesse) Thiel of Iowa. Edward was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Mary Thiel; his brother, James; his niece, Margie; and his second wife, Sarah. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 146355

1939-2023 Jay M. Ruesch, 83, of Medford, died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. A funeral mass will be held at 12 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. Military honors provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team will be held immediately following the service at the church. Interment will be at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m., Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and may go to Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Jay was born Dec. 23, 1939 in Marshfield to Melvin and Geraldine (Pernsteiner) Ruesch. He grew up in Medford where he attended Holy Rosary School and graduated from Medford High School in 1957. He joined the U.S. Army National Guard and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He served honorably from 1958 - 1962. On June 26, 1960 he married Jean Olson, a girl he met while fishing near her home in Phillips. Jay’s father would ask him how his day fishing went…to which Jay would reply, “good.” His father was quick to point out that Jay’s fishing pole was still at home! Jay and Jean resided in Medford where Jay drove bread trucks for 45 years until retiring with Country Hearth Bakery. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Jay loved to do all things outdoors, including hunting, fishing and running his beagles. He and Jean raised beagles their entire marriage. They were members of the Northern Michigan Hair Association, Timberline Beagle Club and weekends were spent at the Beagle Trials, which were contests to test the dogs hunting skills. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean of Medford; children, Carla (Gerard) Feldbruegge of Tennessee, Pete (Diane) Ruesch of Medford, Tim (Kathy) Ruesch of Delavan; siblings, Lee (Bonnie) Ruesch of Arkansas, Mary Ruesch of Wausau, Lynn Ruesch of Florida, Fay Ruesch of Elkhorn; a special sister-in-law, Judy (Ray) Fleischman of Medford; ten grandchildren, Michael (Ashley) Feldbruegge, Adam (Emily) Feldbruegge, Sarah (Ryan) Darr, Steve (Tracy) Ruesch, Rick Ruesch, Trevor (Shelby Schmidt) Ruesch, Chris (Rachel) Ruesch, Adam (Joelle) Zuelsdorff, Andrew (fiancée Hannah Calkins) Ruesch, Jennifer Ruesch; great-grandchildren, Connor, Wyatt, Ezra, Adeline, Freya and Mira; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Doug Ruesch; niece, Jayne Fleischman; and nephews, Mitch Steindl and Michael Olson. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 146401

1954-2023 Debra “Debbie” (Noziska) Cee, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her family, peacefully passed away on Dec. 10, 2023 at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, where she was surrounded by loved ones after bravely battling health complications. She was born on Jan. 28, 1954, to Richard “Dick” Noziska and Paulina Noziska where she was raised in Westboro. She passed away at the age of 69 and preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Cee; her four children, Jamie Gengler, Jessica (Timothy) Pagel, Kristopher (Maggie) Gengler, and Ryan (Samantha) Gengler; her seven grandchildren, Jeffery Johnson, Emma Pagel, Tyler Pagel, Benjamin Gengler, Carolynn Gengler, Amelia Gengler, and Gavin Gengler; and her three siblings, Randy Noziska, Maryann (Dale) Pieper, and Richard Noziska. On Sept. 21, 1974, she married Randall Gengler. Together they had four children. Though their paths separated, they both remained devoted parents and grandparents. On Sept. 24, 2016, Debbie united in marriage to Jim Cee at their countryside home, creating a beautiful union that brought even more love and happiness to both of their lives. Together, they shared countless precious memories and supported each other through thick and thin. Debbie lived a life filled with love, joy, and fulfillment. Her greatest source of happiness came from her husband, children, and grandchildren, whom she loved wholeheartedly. She found immense joy in being an active part of their lives, watching them grow up, and cherishing every moment of togetherness. Family was at the core of Debbie’s life, and she held a special place in her heart for birthdays and holiday gatherings. She delighted in bringing her loved ones together, preparing delicious meals for Christmas and Easter celebrations, and creating an atmosphere of warmth, laughter, and shared stories. These moments will forever be treasured by those who were fortunate enough to experience them. Debbie found solace and joy in spending time in nature, whether it was camping, traveling, or simply taking a leisurely walk. Her adventurous spirit was infectious, and she inspired those around her to embrace the beauty of the world. Her family would like to give special thanks to all the healthcare providers who cared for Debbie at Howard Young Medical Center (Woodruff), Aspirus (Tomahawk, Stevens Point, and Wausau), Friendly Village (Rhinelander), UnityPoint Health Meriter (Madison), and Mayo Clinic Health System (Eau Claire). Debbie will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her legacy of love, kindness, and the joy she brought into the lives of those around her will continue to inspire and uplift. While she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace. A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 29 at OLPH in Whittlesey. Burial will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery in Westboro. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 29 at the church. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 146346

1952-2023 Edwin “Cowboy” H. Marzinske, Jr., age 71, of Dorchester, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at the Colonial Center in Colby under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Tim’s Northside Tavern in Colby. Cowboy was born on June 5, 1952, the son of Edwin and Loretta (Nelson) Marzinske, Sr. in Waseca, Minn. He graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1970. Cowboy married Nancy Drager in 1975 and they had three children. They later divorced. He married Pamela Staab in 1996 and they had one child. They later divorced. Cowboy purchased the farm in the Dorchester area, and then worked various jobs until injuring his back in 2005. He would never let anyone go without food, clothing, or a roof over their heads and was always willing to help anyone out. Cowboy worked hard all his life to provide for his family. He enjoyed woodworking, riding horses and partying with his family and friends. He was known as “Cowboy” because he always dressed like one and also had the moniker “Abby Outlaw”. Cowboy is survived by his children, Walter (Amie) Marzinske, Alisa (James) Rusnak, Amanda Geiger (Greg Haring), Dakota Marzinske and Keith (Michelle) Stuttgen; ten grandchildren, Montana Marzinske, Sierra Rusnak, Chentelle and Riely Geiger, Abbie and Mia Marzinske and Samantha, Maria, Christopher and Danielle Stuttgen; great-grandchildren, Arianna Rusnak, Octavia Wild, Callie Scheller, Laiklynn and Oaklynn Block. He is further survived by his two sisters, Diane Marzinske and Shirley Buss; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a niece, Cheryl Buss; a nephew, Gary Buss; and a brother-inlaw, Russell Buss. We would like to thank Colonial Center Staff and St. Croix Hospice for all your hard work and love through this. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 146100

1945-2023 Daniel “Dan” Gene Makovsky, 78, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 at Aspirus Care and Rehab, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice. A memorial service for Dan took place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, Father Patrick McConnell officiated. Burial followed at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation took place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Dan was born on July 14, 1945 to Joseph and Lucille (Lasee) Makovsky in Catawba. He attended Kennan and Catawba grade schools and Phillips High School. He later attended NTC for Machining. He married Florence Olson on Nov. 5, 1966 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Catawba. He worked at Omark Industries (Prentice Hydraulics) in Prentice. He then worked as a dairy farmer for 22 years. He drove a lowboy semi for Central Sand & Gravel before purchasing and operating The Village Inn store in Catawba. He most recently worked at Hurd Millwork in Medford, until his retirement. Dan was an active member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and later Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He was also a member of The Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), the Lions Club, and the Army National Guard. He served on the Taylor County Board and as the Catawba Town Clerk. In his spare time, Dan enjoyed telling jokes and stories, spending time with his family and friends at the cabin. He enjoyed singing Roy Orbison songs, reading westerns, yearly trips to the Bayfield Apple Festival, and spending time with his grandchildren. He also had a collection of John Deere tractors. Dan is survived by his wife of 57 years, his sweetie, Florence; sons, Troy Makovsky of Phillips, Kris (Stacy) Makovsky of Medford, Joe (Toni) Makovsky of Ladysmith; granddaughter, Katelin Makovsky (fiancé Joseph Herbst); and grandson Jaden Makovsky; five brothers, Ron (Marge) Makovsky, Larry (Kathy) Makovsky, Rick (Cheryl) Makovsky, Dave Makovsky, and Bill (Becky) Makovsky and four sisters, Diana Timmers, Donna Karas, Mary Jean (Lester) Peterson, and Bonnie Martin, and also by many nieces and nephews. Dan was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymond, Dennis and sister, Joanne Calhoun; nephews, Lance Lazar, Joshua Martin and Dennis (Denny) Makovsky Jr., niece, Tammy Nelson, brothersin- law, Elmer Calhoun, Matthew Timmers, Mike Karas and David Martin. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 146350

1941-2023 Judy A. Nicholson, 82, of Spirit, died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family and while under the care of Hope Hospice. Service will be held at a later date. Judy was born Dec. 14, 1941 in Rib Lake to Fred “Fritz Sr.” and Elizabeth “Liz” (Blennert) Mohr. She graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1961. On May 15, 1963 she married Harold “Ace” Nicholson. They later divorced. Judy resided for many years in Wood Dale, Illinois where she worked as a shipping clerk for Melray Company for over 35 years. After she retired from there, she moved back to the Rib Lake/Spirit area, where she had lived since. She enjoyed bartending at her family’s bar, Mohr’s Bar on Spirit Lake, where she became affectionately known as “The Judge” in reference to Judge Judy, gavel and all! She also loved picture puzzles, word searches, fishing and in her younger days, golfing. She is survived by her son, Christopher (Sarah Cywin) Nicholson; granddaughter, Julia Nicholson, all of Wood Dale, Ill.; a sister, Karen Lageman of Whittlesey; sisters-in-law, Joan Mohr of Georgetown, Texas, Donna Mohr of Medford, Theresa “Teri” Mohr of Rib Lake; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Victor, Sonny “Fritz Jr.”, Herbie, John and Harvey Mohr; sister-in-law, Sharon Mohr; and brotherin- law, Steve Lageman; a grandson, Zachary Cywin. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 146363

1935-2023 and 1934-2023 After a beautiful and blessed 65 year marriage, Marge and Jack Dallas simply could not live without each other, and are now together forever in Heaven. Marjorie E. “Marge” Dallas, 88, of Medford died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 at Aspirus Care and Rehab, Medford. John W. “Jack” Dallas, 89, of Medford died just two days later on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 at Aspirus Care and Rehab and while under the care of Hope Hospice. A memorial service for them will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Following the service, military honors for Jack will be provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. Interment will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 6 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and may go to Hope Hospice, Holy Rosary Catholic Church or to the Wounded Warrior Project. Marge was born Feb. 27, 1935 in Chili, Wisconsin to Joseph and Mildred (Caan) Reichert. While Marge was in grade school, her family moved to Thorp. She graduated from Thorp High School in 1953, where she was a cheerleader and active in the drama club. Jack was born Nov. 21, 1934 in Thorp to John and Esther (Kuntz) Dallas. He grew up in Thorp and also graduated from Thorp High School in 1953, where he was an accomplished football player. Marge and Jack met in grade school, and nothing ever came about for their relationship until adulthood. The two reunited while Jack was on leave from the military. Marge was working in St. Paul, Minnesota at the time and Jack would visit when he was able. After honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1955, Jack continued trips to St. Paul to visit Marge while working at the telephone company in Thorp. In 1958, the two were united in marriage in St. Paul and moved to Medford shortly after their marriage. It came out later that as a young schoolgirl, Marge secretly had a crush on Jack and the words “I’m going to marry Jack Dallas” were found written on the wall inside her childhood closet! While living in Medford, Jack worked for the Medford Telephone Company, and then at Taylor Electric Coop as a lineman. Marge stayed home raising their six children and ran an in-home daycare. She also worked for a time at Marathon Cheese, then at Tombstone Pizza. Marge and Jack were both active, devoted members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. Jack served on the pastoral council and Marge volunteered her time for many church activities. Jack was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, and Marge was a member of the Red Hat Society. They both worked as volunteers for Hope Hospice, and were very loyal, generous, and dedicated friends to many. Marge was the glue that kept family and extended family together. She was great at staying connected to all of the relatives and keeping them informed. She had a close relationship with her sisters, and they always had so much fun together. She enjoyed taking trips with Jack, fishing at Otter Lake, camping and spending time with their beloved grandchildren. Jack was a true outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, camping, traveling with Marge and spending time with their grandchildren. They are survived by their six children, Cait (Andy Bober) Dallas of Appleton, Chris (Sheila) Dallas of Minocqua, Patrick (Susan Engel) Dallas of New Brighton, Minn., William (Karen) Dallas of Medford, Pete (Tracy) Dallas of Albuquerque, N.M., Jeff (Amy) Dallas of Grafton; grandchildren, Nick, Noah, Jake, Erin, Kayla, Marisa, Matthew, Joseph, Tara, Sarah, Megan, Samuel, Ben, Zak, Chelsea, and Maggie; great-grandchildren, Maxine Jane, Dominic, Lincoln, Lucy, Stella, and Titus; Marge’s siblings, Jess Baldizon, Fr. Jim Reichert, Lois Reichert, Bob (Jaynne) Reichert; Jack’s siblings, Rick (Sharon) Dallas, Jim (Betty) Dallas; and many nieces and nephews. Marge was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Don, Mel, Lyn, and Bill Reichert, and Doris Mc-Dermott. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marge; and a sister, Jeanie Pauser. Paid Obituary 146352