13 December 2023

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Marilyn H. Erickson

Marilyn H. Erickson


1933-2023 Marilyn H. Erickson, 90, of Prentice, went to be with the Lord Jesus on Dec. 2, 2023. A memorial service for Marilyn will be held on Friday, Dec. 29, 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 757 Cherry Street, Prentice, WI. Visitation will be an hour before the service. Inurnment will be later at the Hillside Cemetery, Ogema. Marilyn was born on April 12, 1933 in Spirit, to Roy and Helen (Risberg) Meier. As a child, she enjoyed growing up on a farm, attending Liberty Elementary School, and playing with her siblings and many cousins. Marilyn graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1951. She then attended Taylor County Normal School where she prepared to become a teacher and was a star basketball player. Marilyn then taught for 4 years at one-room schools in Price County, three at Martin’s Mill and one year at East Highland. On Sept. 1, 1956 Marilyn married Eugene Erickson at the Zion Lutheran Church in Spirit. Her life was then dedicated to being a farmer’s wife, homemaker, and mother to six children. Trusting and serving the Lord was Marilyn’s focus throughout her life. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Prentice for 65 years, serving in a variety of ministries. Marilyn was a leader of the Happy Hoboes 4-H club for over 35 years. Another way she served the community was as a “Meals on Wheels” driver for more than 20 years. She was also a member of the Spirit Historical Society and the Liberty Bells Homemaker club. Three words that describe Marilyn’s character are content, cheerful, and caring. Even when dementia afflicted her mind the past few years, she rarely complained and encouraged others with her sense of humor and positive attitude. Though she did not have a lot of material possessions, she realized that the loving relationships she enjoyed with her immediate family, extended family and many friends made her a truly wealthy woman. She seemed to always have time for conversation with others and frequently used that time to encourage them in their Christian faith. Marilyn is survived by her children, Dan (Nancy), of Chisholm, Minn., Randy (Kelly), Prentice, Loren (Cindy), Ogema, Tim, St. Paul, Minn.; Doug (Kaye), Prentice, and Ruth (Allen) Yard, Waterford, Pa.; and by 22 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her sister, Marie (Marvin) Arneson, Prentice; and her brothers and sisters-in-law:, LaVonne Meier, Phyllis Holubetz, David & Norma Erickson, John “Freddy” & Paula Erickson, Kathy Jensen and Marie Erickson; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene (in 1991); her parents, and her brothers, Ronald, Arne, Gene & Wes Meier; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Marie Meier, Claire Meier, Lillian Erickson, Robert Erickson, Richard Erickson, Don & Beatrice Brieske. 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 146054

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Linda Sue (Hale) O’Brien

Linda Sue (Hale) O’Brien


1972-2023 Linda Sue (Hale) O’Brien, 51, of Colby, died Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa after a valiant battle with cancer. Linda, the third of four girls, was born to Everett and Pearl Hale in Manitowoc, on Nov. 13, 1972. She married her soulmate, Kevin O’Brien, on September 20, 2014. “I love that man with all my heart,” she’d say, often marveling at how lucky they were to find each other. Kevin, along with her family, supported Linda throughout her illness and treatments, never leaving her side. “I love my simple life” was one of Linda’s constant refrains, especially after her devastating diagnosis in April of 2023. She was a model of humility and gentleness her whole life. Though she faced many difficulties, she was grateful for the time she had with her family, husband, and friends. Those who knew her will most remember her incredibly unique sense of humor, her goodness, and her love of Jesus Christ. “Jesus is Lord,” she’d say when both good and bad news came. A lifelong Catholic, Linda attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church most Sundays with Kevin and her mother, Pearl (AKA The Three Amigos). It was there at Holy Rosary, a few decades back, that Linda was slain in the spirit during a visit from Alan Ames, a traveling Catholic healer invited by the Church. That experience changed her life, and she talked of it often: the feeling of peace, the knowing that God is real, and how everything will be alright. That feeling stayed with her and comforted her many years since and during her final days. Linda was an intensely devoted Packers fan, and she also enjoyed watching and cheering on the Badgers, Bucks and Brewers. Some of her favorite memories include watching the Green and Gold win the Superbowl in 2011 and seeing the Bucks earn the NBA championship title in 2021. She also spent many hours watching true-crime documentaries, funny YouTube videos and other TV shows and movies with Kevin. Earlier in her life, she expressed her artistic side through writing, painting and drafting funny scripts for radio ads at a station in Marshfield. Her last place of employment was Northcentral Technical College-Spencer Campus as an Administrative Assistant. Linda was preceded in death by her beloved father, Everett Hale, who always cherished Linda’s company and conversation. He’d often ask, “When am I going to see you again?” The suffering of those who love and miss Linda is lessened, knowing she is reunited with her dad in Heaven. Linda is survived by her husband, Kevin O’Brien; her mother, Pearl Hale of Medford; her three sisters, Ann (Brian) Bergmann of Brooklyn Park, Minn., Barbara (Matthew) Richlen of Menomonee Falls, Jennifer (Adam Derr) Hale, Ogema; mother-in-law and father-in-law Connie and Mike O’Brien of Shakopee, Minn.; brother-in-law Colin (Karla) O’Brien of Shakopee, Minn; and dear nieces and nephews, Lauren (Joseph) Linders of Maple Grove, Minn., Alexander Bergmann of Brooklyn Park, Minn., Pierce, Grant and Ava Richlen of Menomonee Falls, and Bailey and Morgan O’Brien, Shakopee, Minn. in whom she delighted and loved with all her heart. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday evening Dec. 15, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, Wis., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will also be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., on Saturday at the church. Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford. Luncheon will be served after interment at Holy Rosary Church. Memorials preferred to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Continue the Mission Campaign or to the Froedtert Hospital Foundation. 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 146161

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Archie A.  McDonnell

Archie A. McDonnell


2023 Archie A. McDonnell, 79, of Medford, passed away on Dec. 9, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at OLPH Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Ann’s Cemetery. Visitation will take place at OLPH Catholic Church on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. After schooling Archie enlisted in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to Naples, Italy for several years. After his service he worked at several manufacturing facilities in the Milwaukee area. Archie’s granddaughters were his pride and joy. He was proud of them and they were the light of his life, when Abby, Alley, Lilley, and Robin came to visit. He loved to talk to anybody about sports. Archie will be dearly missed by his wife, Margaret (Matyka) McDonnell of 55 years; daughter, Pamela (Duane) Kunkle of Minn.; son, Shawn (Darci) McDonnell of Withee; grandchildren, Abigail, Allison, Lillian, and Robin; sister, Darleen Jankowki; stepbrother, Richard Senica. Archie is further survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would also like to thank the Wausau Aspirus Hospital ICU and the Palliative Care Unit for the excellent care compassion dedicated to his care. We would also like to thank all the neighbors and family members for lending a helpful hand when needed and also being available to listen. 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 146137

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Lavonna Young

Lavonna Young


1955-2023 How lucky are we to have gotten 68 years with the most amazing wife, mom, Grandma Onna, sister, aunt, and friend. Lavonna lived an incredible life full of love, laughter, and family. Her talents were endless. Beautiful gardens that could be displayed on magazine covers, horses and donkeys running around living their best life, and more love and laughter than you could ever imagine filling the walls of Pa Steve and Grandma Onna’s house. After growing up on the farm house with her mom Essie Faye (Tess), her dad George, her brothers David, Wayne and Stuart and her sisters Juanita and Faye, Lavonna went to McConnell Airline School. She initially wanted to be a flight attendant however, meeting the love of her life Steve changed the course and she became the most wonderful travel agent. Being a farm girl ran in Lavonna’s blood and she and Steve ran Lavonna’s family farm for seven years. Hard working is an understatement as Lavonna and Steve ran the farm and brought five daughters into the world, all while she worked as a travel agent. She worked at travel agencies in Merrill and Wausau until 1997 when she decided to open her own travel agency and Lavonna’s Travel was born. Sending people on their dream vacations was Lavonna’s calling and everyone knew when you called Lavonna you would not be disappointed. She not only made sure you were taken care of in your travels but you were guaranteed to have a new friend who genuinely cared about you and your loved ones even after your travels were over. People all over recognized Lavonna just by her voice. “Lavonna?! You booked my vacation!” was often what we would hear when we went places. Not only did she send others on their dream vacations, she also loved to travel and traveled all over with Steve enjoying all inclusive vacations with long walks on the beach, the sun, and all of the delicious food you can eat. When they weren’t traveling by plane you could find Lavonna riding around with Steve in their “little red car” visiting her girls and taking the scenic route. Being at home with Steve and family was Lavonna’s favorite. Lavonna was not one to sit down and believed that “taking a walk in the fresh air” was a cure all. She was always outside in her gardens, with the ponies and donkeys, taking wheeler rides around the woods with Steve, snowshoeing, and just enjoying each other’s company. Family was and will continue to be everything to Lavonna even in heaven. She may not be with us physically but she will always be with us and surround us with her love. We will continue to keep her alive in our stories, pictures, and the love we have for each other. She will be forever loved and missed by her husband of 48 years Steve; her daughters, Tara, Natalie, Angela, and Vanessa; her sons-in-law, Paul, Mark, Jake, and Steve; and all of her grandchildren, Aidan, Christian, Jase, Emmett, Lavonna, Owen, and Tess. Per Lavonna’s wishes no services will be held. The family held a private celebration of life. “I will watch over you every day. I love you so much.” We love you so much too Grandma Onna. We love you so much too. Paid Obituary 146056

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Charles L. Egle

Charles L. Egle


Charles Leon Egle, of Amherst Junction, passed away at home on Dec.9, 2023, just two days shy of his 78th birthday. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception - 7176 Esker Road, Custer, WI. Rev. Mark Miller officiated. Friends and family gathered and shared memories at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Charles was born in Medford, on Dec. 11, 1945; son of Norbert and Inez (Steinbach) Egle. He grew up in the Medford area and attended local schools. Charles developed a love for the outdoors at a young age and eventually enjoyed working in his dad’s sawmill through his graduation in 1964 from Medford High School. After high school, Charles married Mary Rindt on June 5, 1970 in Medford. The two worked as a team to build a future together, welcoming two children to their family and starting their own landscaping company, Egle Landscaping, Inc. as well as being a representative for McKay Nursery. Charles and Mary successfully, and proudly, ran the business for 43 years and added son Timothy to the leadership in 2003. In that time, Charles also continued his education at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, earning a 1945-2023 Bachelor Degree in Natural Resources with a Soil Emphasis in 1973. Charles was the definition of a nature lover; he enjoyed spending time with nature as well as working with nature. He loved creating and building things and had a passion for working with different woods, even building log cabins. He was a life-long learner who dedicated hours of his time discovering new ideas to carry over into his business. He genuinely loved working with trees, shrubs, and plants. His learning wasn’t limited to nature. He also took interest in Native American Lore, no-till farming, photography, and traveling. Charles is lovingly survived by his wife, Mary; their two sons, Christopher Egle of Carrboro, N.C. and Timothy (Judy) Egle; and grandchildren, Alexia and Talin. He is further survived by his sisters, Joan Ouellette of Stevens Point and Mary Holmes of Colby; a brother, Ben Egle of Medford; a sister-in-law, Jean Egle of Medford; a brother-in-law, Leonard Haroldson of Iola; and numerous nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert and Inez Egle; sisters-in-law, Carol Berndt, Arlene Wanke, and Vivian Haroldson; and brothers-in-law, Wally Berndt, Dave Wanke, and Ken Holmes. For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Nature Conservatory, Portage County Historical Society, or the UWSP Natural Resources Department in Charles’s memory. Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com. Paid Obituary 146057

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Lois Audrey (Hoffman) Rued

Lois Audrey (Hoffman) Rued


1929-2023 Lois Audrey (Hoffman) Rued, age 94, entered this world on Oct. 12, 1929, being born to Oscar and Minnie Hoffeditz. She received the name of Mabel Minnie. She had four living brothers, plus one that died as a baby. She was the little girl that her family wanted. However, a few days after her birth, her mother died. Soon she was adopted by Frank and Anna Frances Hoffman. Frank was a farmer; he was also teaching school where the two oldest Hoffeditz sons were attending, so they knew of the heartbreak the family felt. Frank and his wife had one grown son F. DeWitt, so they all agreed to give this new baby a home. They changed her name to Lois DeWitt and gave her the middle name of Audrey. DeWitt later moved back to Iowa, where the family was originally from, and when Lois was seven years old, her mother died. When Lois was in the 6th grade, the family moved to Iowa, living on an adjoining farm of DeWitt’s and his wife Marion. Lois graduated from Maynard High School in 1947; she attended college in Cedar Falls, and taught school for one year. She did several other things in her younger years, such as being a nanny in Oak Park, Ill., working in a radio factory. She also worked in a hospital, in the obstetrics section and working as a housekeeper. While working in a factory, she was required to provide a birth certificate to prove her American citizenship. It was then they found out for a certainty, that she was adopted. She met two of her birth brothers, who had also been adopted and in a trip back to Wisconsin to visit them, she met her husband-to-be, Stephen Rued. When Lois was working as the second cook in Western Home, Cedar Falls, Iowa, she and Steve were married on Dec, 6, 1957, in the chapel there, by the Rev. Dr. Ward B. Tarr. And so she came back to Wisconsin, to spend the rest of her life. She and Steve had one son, Alan David. After Alan was school age, Lois went to work as a laundress at the Havenet Nursing Home in Owen. From there she transferred to the Frederick Post Company, which became Teledyne, and from there she retired. She also helped on the farm, in the fields and in the barn. She always had cats that she loved and a dog that was always part of the family too. Steve passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012, after 54 years with Lois. She went to join him on Dec. 10, 2023. Lois is survived by her son, Alan David; many nieces and nephew, both from her birth family, her adopted family and Steve’s family. She was predeceased by both sets of parents; her father & mother-in-law, Paul & Marion Rued; all of her brothers; her best friend, Lucy Kaehn; her niece, Mary Anne Hoffman; and her nephew Jonathan Whitney. Lois enjoyed life; a good joke, a happy laugh, a love of God- which she occasionally shared with friends and her favorite job was driving for her Mennonite friends. She will be missed. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen. Scott Johnson will officiate. Interment to follow at St. Paul’s Norwegian Cemetery in the Town of Hoard. Family and friends are welcome from 9 a.m. until time of service Friday at the funeral home. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 146112

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06 December 2023

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LeRoy “Lee”  N. Jensen

LeRoy “Lee” N. Jensen


1933-2023 LeRoy “Lee” N. Jensen, 90, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 at Our House Senior Living. A funeral mass for Lee will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Following the service military honors will be performed by the Medford Military Honors Team. Lee was born on May 2, 1933 to Norman and Alice (Rudolph) Jensen in Medford. He attended Medford area schools and graduated from Medford High School. After school he served in the US Army from 1953 – 55 and was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington and earned the rank of Sergeant First Class and later served in the National Guard. After his service, he returned to Medford and took over the family farm. He retired from farming in 1998. He married Lynette Reichert on Aug. 16, 1957; she survives. Lee was a very active community member. He was a board member for the Farm Credit Services (PCA), Medford Co-op president, a Knight of Columbus, a parish council member at Holy Rosary, American Legion Commander, Town of Browning Chairman, Census Taker in 2000, and Twilight Family Farm winner in 1980. Lee was also an avid fisher and hunter. Later in life he enjoyed golf and even scored a hole in one. He also enjoyed bowling. He was a member of the 2013 Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Lee is survived by his wife, Lynette; children, Tammy (Dale) Meyer of Medford, Todd (Heather) Jensen of Marshfield, and Chad (JeAnn) Jensen of De Pere; grandchildren, Ashlee (Richard) Sayre of Marshfield, Lisa (Mason) Berger of Medford, Christa (Jake) Kapfhamer of Wrightstown, Claire Jensen of Stevens Point, and Myles Jensen of Eau Claire; and five great-grandchildren. Lee is further survived by brother-in-law, Jim Zuleger. Lee was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Lois (Hank) Pernsteiner and Joan Zuleger. In lieu of flowers memorial donation in Lee’s name may be given to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. 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 145906

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Arletta M. Goldamer

Arletta M. Goldamer


1924-2023 Arletta M. Goldamer, age 99, of Abbotsford, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023 at Colby Senior Care under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. Reverend Don Bruce will officiate. Family and friends are welcome 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home of Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Arletta was born on April 23, 1924 the daughter of Albert and Amanda (Laack) Lindau in the Town of Mayville. On June 6, 1945, Arletta was united in marriage to Robert Goldamer at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Dorchester. He preceded her in death on Feb. 5, 2019. Arletta taught in one room schools, then continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, while working and raising her family. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 1963. Arletta taught various grades in Abbotsford, mainly 5th grade. She was an inspiration to her students refusing to give up on them, no matter the struggle and continuing those relationships far beyond her teaching career. Arletta’s passion in life was being a teacher, she loved all of her students and cherished all of the memories she had during those forty years. She retired in May 1984. Arletta lived a fulfilling life as a wife, mother, grandmother and a friend. She always carried herself with dignity, strength and was full of love. She was strong willed and stubborn at times, but also had an enormous heart, quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Arlie was a force of life who had a passion for learning with a long and meaningful career as an educator. She had an amazing memory, especially remembering names of anyone who crossed her path and had a gift to tell entertaining stories. Arlie had a strong faith in God and was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford, member of the Wisconsin Retired Educator’s Association and a member of the Alpha Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for Women Educators. Arlie and Bob loved dancing and going to polka dances in the area. Arletta is survived by her two sons, John of Abbotsford and Steve of Minneapolis, Minn.; five grandchildren, Jeff (Cindy) Bogaard, Julie (Joe) Dietlin, Dana (Jeff) Swanson, Erin (Dan) Davidson and Justin Goldamer; seven great-grandchildren, Allie Case, Emily Bogaard, Jack, Tyler and Lucy Dietlin, Fitzgerald and Minnie Swanson. She is further survived by many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Sue Bogaard; siblings, Lucille, Norman, Eugene; twins, Melvin and Elvin and Vernetta; and three sisters-in-law, Ardyce Cornelius, Audrey Christensen and Elaine Speck. Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 145851