John Joseph Morines, age 59, of Colby, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023. John was born in Chicago to Joseph and Lorraine (Benson) Morines on Sept. 17, 1963. He graduated from Palatine High School and furthered his education at Triton College. He received a degree in tool and die engineering. John married Sheryl (Herlihy) Morines on Oct. 10, 1987, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Palatine, Ill. He was employed at All Metal Stamping in Abbotsford as a tool and die designer for the last 29 years. He enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, gardening, pool and golf, spending time with his family and dogs, Red and Finn, making food plots and driving his muscle car. John is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sheryl; his sons: Timothy (Klare) Morines, Abbotsford and Max (Olivia) Morines of Stetsonville; four grandchildren: Levi, Mylz, Ayva and Mila and his dogs, Red and Finn. He is further survived by one sister, Patricia (Morines) Ceconi and Richard of New Milford, Ct.; one brother, Joseph (Loretta) Morines of Roselle, Ill.; nieces and nephews: Jacqueline (Cooper) Lindner and son Elijah, Marengo, Ill., Edwin (Katie) Kane of Lisle, Ill., Nicoleta Ceconi, Oakville, Ct., and John Ceconi, New Milford, Ct., and a brother-in-law, Scott Fallon, Twin Lakes. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Susan Morines, and mother-in-law, Doris Herlihy. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. Paid obituary 135222

Daniel L. “Big D” Rueden, Sr., age 69, of Medford formerly Spencer, passed away in the evening hours on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A gathering of “Big D’s” family and friends will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer. Following the visitation at the funeral home, those gathered are also invited out to the T & T Riders Clubhouse for potluck and to continue sharing thoughts and memories of Daniel. (Please contact (715) 507-1077 for the potluck). Daniel was born to Antone and Lorraine (Klesick) Rueden on January 13, 1954, in Unity. He attended school in Arpin and Auburndale, but never graduated. He worked as a woodsman or a logger for several years. Dan became a certified oil well driller while living in Texas. With learning those skills of oil well drilling, Daniel applied it to water well drilling for a company in Auburndale. Dan was an electrician at Wisconsin Homes for a number of years before retiring June 7, 2014. Daniel also did a lot of side jobs ranging from whitewashing barns, farm work, lawn work and landscaping for Carl’s Landscaping. He also lended a helping hand fixing tillers, weed trimmers, lawn mowers, chainsaws and even small mechanical repairs on vehicles. Daniel always said he was a jack of all trades and a master of none, but whatever he was working on, he put his whole heart and soul into that task just to be able to provide for his family and to be a true friend to others. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and long drives just to see the fall scenery. Dan loved to grill year-round sharing his delicious talents with his family and friends. He loved potluck gatherings of friends and family as well. Daniel liked dancing and singing to the old “good” songs. He enjoyed cutting lawns on his zero-turn lawn mower affectionately called his “salad shooter.” Those who will cherish his memory include his ex-wives: Janet Casewell and Bernice Rueden; his children: Sue Anna M. Kohl of Edgar, Daniel L. Rueden of Rib Lake & Gloria R. Rueden of Rib Lake; his sisters: Mildred Tischman of Cadott & Lorea Manthe of Loyal; and his on and off again girlfriend of 10 yrs. Nancy L. Hart of Medford, along with many other relatives and friends. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Antone and Lorraine Rueden; his sisters: Lillian Engles, Mary Spatz and Charlotte Weister; his brothers: August Rueden and Leroy Rueden, as well as his youngest son, Christian John Rueden (C.J.), along with many other family members and friends. If desired, the family is accepting memorials in Daniel’s name for a charity yet to be determined by his children. Daniel’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home Spencer. To share a memory, photo, or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 135256

Donald J. Melvin passed away unexpectedly at his home in Abbotsford on March 19, 2023, at the age of 76. Committal services with full military honors for Donald will be held in May of 2023 at Abbotsford Public Cemetery. The specific date and time will be posted to the website when available. Don was born to Archie and Elaine (Klettner) Melvin on January 31, 1947, in Marshfield. He graduated from Abbotsford High School. He married Carol Szutkowski on February 9, 1974; they were later divorced. Don proudly served his country for over 25 years in the United States Army, the Reserves and in the Wisconsin National Guard; participating in both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars. He had achieved the rank of Master Sergeant prior to his retirement. Don worked construction independently and for Melvin Company until a work accident prompted him to complete his degree in education, eventually earning a master’s degree from UWStevens Point. He worked with local at-risk youth in the school systems of Rib Lake, Colby, and eventually, at Northcentral Technical College in Spencer. He enjoyed passing the time by playing cribbage, talking politics and current events, watching basketball, and helping others when he could. He is survived by his daughter, Amy (Pat) Merrill of Medford; grandchildren: Jacob, Elizabeth and Kyra Merrill; his sister, Delores (Duane) Umlauft of Sherwood; brother, Dennis (Annette) Melvin of West Bend; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Angela Melvin; his sister, Lillian in infancy; his brotherin- law, Duane Umlauft and his beloved canine companion, Sergeant. Donald’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please share a memory or offer a condolence at www. lifetibutesfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 134757

Ronnie A. Gumz, age 62, of Colby, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 1, 2023. A Celebration of Life was held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A time of remembrance took place at 1 p.m. Ronnie was born on May 20, 1960, the son of Alfred and Jeanette (Bulczak) Gumz in Medford. He graduated from Colby High School. Ronnie farmed in the Town of Hull for many years. Ronnie was an avid hunter, outdoorsman and liked to fish. He was self-taught and was able to fix almost anything. Ronnie will most be remembered for his big heart. He was caring and loving, had a listening ear and would lend anyone a hand. Ronnie was a storyteller and fun loving. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. Ronnie is survived by four children: Jason Gumz, Mitchell Gumz, Janet “Jenny” Brown and Tanya Gumz; four additional children he considered his own: Michael Ducylowycz, Matthew Ducylowycz, Natasha Wheeler and Lilly Gladback; mother of the children, Mary Maskrey; five grandchildren: Landon Ducylowycz, Brinleigh Gumz, Ethan Ducylowycz, Serenity Gumz and Charley Eggebrecht. He is further survived by his two sisters: Bonnie Helfert (Dan Schmitz) and Theresa (Dan) Seelow; nieces and nephews: Michael and Kari Helfert, Jennifer Umlauft, Patty Tackes, Eric, Cody and Kelsey Seelow. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Daniel and Allen. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 134759

Phillip John Frane, age 68, of Willard, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. AMassof Christianburial will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Interment to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Father Michael Hayden will preside. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. at Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford on Monday, April 17, 2023, with a Rosary service at 7 p.m. A visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. Phil was born in Marshfield to John and Marjorie (Young) Frane on September 24, 1954. He graduated from Colby High School and furthered his education, receiving an associate degree from Fox Valley Tech. He married Lynne Seefeld at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby on August 3, 1974. He was the proud owner of Frane Body Shop since 1983. Phil sold the shop to his son on January 1, 2018. Phil enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, the outdoors and participated in shooting sports. He was an EMT (13 years) & firefighter (15 years) for Colby. He enjoyed playing organ and accordion in the Jay & Phil polka band from 1966-1974. In his spare time he enjoyed restoring old cars. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish where he was a very devoted and faithful Catholic. He also served on the Board of Education for St. Mary’s School. Phil is survived by his wife, Lynne, of 48 years, his son, Matthew (Kirsten) Frane, Unity; his daughter, Sarah (Brian) Hanson, Thorp; and five grandchildren: Brevyn Hanson, Nolan Frane, Landyn Hanson, Myah Frane and Ashlyn Hanson. He is further survived by two sisters: Marie (Daniel) Auner, Bryant and Patty (Bill) Schultz, Colby; two brothers: Greg (Char) Frane, Spencer and Larry (Ronda) Frane, Edgar; an uncle, Louis (Joanie) Young, Colby; one brother-in-law, three sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law. Friends may send online condolences to www. maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 134877

Daniel “Danny” R. Gumz, age 65, of Colby, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 1, 2023. A Celebration of Life was held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A time of remembrance took place at 1 p.m. Danny was born on March 13, 1958, the son of Alfred and Jeanette (Bulczak) Gumz in Medford. He farmed in the Town of Hull for many years. Danny’s heart was golden and could be a total goofball. He liked to go for drives and loved all animals. Danny especially loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. Danny is survived by his two sisters: Bonnie Helfert (Dan Schmitz) and Theresa (Dan) Seelow; and by his nieces and nephews: Michael and Kari Helfert, Jennifer Umlauft, Patty Tackes, Eric, Cody and Kelsey Seelow, Jason Gumz, Mitchell Gumz, Janet “Jenny” Brown and Tanya Gumz. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Ronnie and Allen. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 134758

Reverend DuWayne R. Schneider, 84 of Phillips, passed away January 21, 2023, at Park Manor in Park Falls. He was born in Sheboygan on July 29, 1938. He was raised on a farm until beginning his ministry education at age 14 at Concordia College in Milwaukee. After graduation he attended Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Ill. He was ordained on August 1, 1965, at St. John Lutheran Church, Edgar. He served as pastor at churches in Brimfield, Ill., Flin Flon Man, Canada, Boyceville, Fergus Falls, Minn., Colby, Land O’Lakes, Cable, Turtle Lake and Clayton. He also served at numerous churches as a vacancy and fill-in pastor. He was an avid local sports fan and attended many baseball and basketball games for teams from Phillips, often traveling on his own to away games. He supported local teens by hiring them to help him with chores. He is survived by nieces and nephews: Stephen (Cathy) Schneider, Stratford, David (Shelly) Schneider, Marshfield, Peter Schneider, Conifer, Colo., Patricia (Peter) VanDerLeest, Stratford, Ruth Nicholls, Alexandria, Minn., Cheryl (Tim) Wolifinbarger, St. Maries, Idaho, Donna Legore, Spokane Valley, Wash., and Kenny (Corrinne) Kunkel, Victor, Mont. He is further survived by special friends: Frank and Rosie Kopling, John Weiss and Julie DeLasky. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ida, brother, Lester Jr. and sister, Carol White. We wish to thank the staff at Lakeside Villa, Phillips, and Park Manor, Park Falls, for their care of him in the past year. Special thanks also to David Jones for his assistance in cleaning up properties. A funeral service was held Saturday, Feb. 4, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Phillips. A committal service will be on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow at St. John Lutheran Church – LCMS in Edgar. In lieu of flowers donations to St. John’s – LCMS or Trinity Lutheran would be appreciated. Paid obituary 134105

Dorothy M. Rueden, 82, of Stetsonville, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Clark County Rehab, under the care of Promedica Hospice. A funeral service for Dorothy took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Stetsonville, with Pastor Richard Russow presiding. Visitation took place at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Dorothy was born on April 26, 1940, to Alvin and Gladys (Knorr) Rabehl in Beaver Dam. She graduated from Dorchester High School in 1958. Dorothy married Stanley John Bochanyin in 1958 and they were later divorced. She married Russell Rueden in 1979 and he preceded her in death in 2020. Dorothy worked as a CNA at the hospital in Ladysmith, Presto Appliances in Eau Claire, The Alibi Bar, and purchased Jerkwater Bar in 1967, which she owned and operated until her retirement. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, reading, and playing card games such as 500 Rummy and Sheepshead. She played the accordion, piano and organ. She also enjoyed trips with the RV and pontooning to Lake Solberg. She loved spending time with family. Dorothy is survived by her children: Lee (Lindy) Bochanyin of Mosinee, Linda Reynolds of Athens, Luanne Mears of Ellabell, Ga., Lauri Moore of Stetsonville, Larry (Becky) Bochanyin of Ogema and Lois (John W.) Klimpke of Milan; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and brothers: Victor (Patti) Rabehl of Spirit Lake and Chris (Betty) Rabehl of Athens. Dorothy is further survived by other family and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Stanley; second husband, Russell; and siblings: Alvin Rabehl Jr. and Sharon Boehm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Dorothy’s name may be given to Zion Lutheran Church. 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 134435

Mark Marvin Brecke, 64, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, under the care of St. Croix Hospice on March 29, 2023. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, from 3-8 p.m. at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023, from 2-6 p.m. at the Stetsonville Centennial Hall. Mark was born on September 3, 1958, to Myron and Sharon (Johnson) Brecke in Marshfield. He graduated from Medford High School. He was a member of the Jaycee club. Mark farmed for many years prior to working for Heartland Co-op (River Country). He took pride in his job at the coop and retired in December 2021. Mark met Peggy (Keeser) in 1996. They were later married on December 18, 1999. They both enjoyed building their farm into what it is today and they raised many miniature donkeys, a few beef cattle and horses. Mark had such a love for his miniature donkeys and it was well known. What Mark took most pride in was his family. He enjoyed making hay with his son, Chris, and being there to walk his daughter, Steph, down the aisle at her wedding. Mark was loved and will be missed by so many. He had the ability to talk to anyone and always put a smile on anyone’s face. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; his son, Christopher; his daughter, Stephanie (Wyatt) Born, and his mother, Sharon (Johnson) Brecke. He is further survived by four sisters: Juleen Brecke (Greg Blume), Abbotsford, Denise Brecke and Karen Brecke, both of Stetsonville, and Melissa (Dave) Boehlke, Thorp, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his stepson, Louis (Louie) Voigt, his father, Myron Brecke, and his father-in-law, Donald Keeser. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 134442