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_2

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_2

Dr. Jerome A. Schmidt, age 86, of Pulaski, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 19, with his family by his side. Jerome was born January 30, 1936, to Andrew and Mary (Gebauer) Schmidt, in Spencer. Jerome graduated from Loyal High School in 1954, and served in the Army and was deployed to Japan and Korea. After the service, he attended UW-River Falls in the pre-vet program. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Wichman, on August 27, 1960. He finished his undergraduate degree at UW-River Falls and went on to University of Minnesota and completed his doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 1965. After graduating, Jerome established a veterinary practice in Edgar. He retired and moved to Missouri in 1991. Doc and Karen returned to Pulaski in 2017. Jerome is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen; three children: Jacqueline Bergquist (friend Mark Roberts) of Oshkosh, Tammy Lipsey (Michael) of Pulaski and Jay Schmidt (Tammy) of Edgar. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Jordyn, Kayla, Austin, Samantha, Tyler and Camryn. He is also survived by his brother, Andrew (Faye) Schmidt, sisters: Dorthy Ertl and Evelyn (John) Schultz, sister-in-law, Judy Schmidt, brother-in-law, Larry Waldhauser, as well as many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mary, his brother, Donald Schmidt and sister, Marie Waldhauser. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 16, from 1-4 p.m. at the Town of Cassel Town Hall, 222901 County Road S, Marathon. Military honors will be held at 3 p.m. Paid obituary 134426

Fredric R. “Fritz” Ulrich, 86, Stratford, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, at his home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Ebenezer United Church of Christ, Town of Cleveland, Marathon County, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 9 a.m. until service time. Rev. Mark Krueger will preside. Burial will be in the church cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6352. Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family. Fritz was born on June 14, 1936, in Stratford, to Walter and Florence (Untiet) Ulrich, and was a 1954 graduate of Stratford High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving from 1959 until his honorable discharge in 1965. He married Nancy A. Fergot on December 28, 1963, in Edgar. They were married for 55 years until her death on May 11, 2019. Fritz had been employed at Klemme Sales in Stratford. Later in 1972, he and Jake Drexler began Fareway Sales in Stratford which they operated until retirement. Fritz was a member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ, the Stratford Lions Club, the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, the Stratford Snowrunners Snowmobile Club and the Stratford Fire Department for 27 years. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop and going to the cottage in Tomahawk. He had a passion for racing, in the early years following the racers at Stratford Speedway, and later watching NASCAR. He and Nancy enjoyed entertaining at home and at the cabin, volunteering for the Stratford community and their church, and traveling together. Most of all, he enjoyed times with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his son, Jon (Charmaine) Ulrich of Stratford and two grandchildren: Devin and Kaitlyn Ulrich. He is further survived by his brother, Robert Ulrich, his sister, Bonnie (Pat) Buchberger, his in-laws: Billy (Sylvia) Fergot, Bob (Joyce) Fergot, Sam (Mary) Fergot and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 134430

Anita Merle Deininger, 92, Marathon, died peacefully on Monday, March 20, 2023, at her home at Copperleaf Assisted Living of Marathon, under the loving care of Copperleaf staff and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born October 27, 1930, in Oshkosh, daughter of the late Edmund R. and Marie Basing Wislinsky. She married the late Charles Deininger on June 1, 1957, at St. Josaphat Catholic Church in Oshkosh. Anita earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wisconsin State College (now the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh). She taught Biology and Health at Marathon High School and later physical education at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Anita loved sports and for many years attended Marathon High football and basketball games with Charlie and their friends. She seldom missed local events in which her children or grandchildren participated. Anita enjoyed gardening, solving challenging crossword puzzles, listening to music, and was an avid reader. She had a sharp wit and enjoyed good company and a good laugh. Survivors include her six children: Lisa (Jim) Hurtis, Wausau, Andrew (Teri) Deininger, Edgar, David (Evy) Deininger, Appleton, Amy Horton, Northville, Mich., Matthew Deininger, Hartland and Beth (Chuck) Altfillisch, Marathon; 12 grandchildren: Elise (Jon) Turner, Blake (Marie) and Adam Hurtis,Megan(Chad)Reemtsma,MichaelDeininger,Brianna(Chris)Mauney, Declan Horton, Tyler, Bailey and Bryn Deininger, Alanie (Luke) Mucha, and Ella Altfillisch; two step-grandchildren: Dustin (Rachel) Altfillisch and Ryan (Johanna) Stieber; nine great-grandchildren: Warren and Samuel Turner, Kyleigh Wert and Taylor Reemtsma, Kinsley, Bailey and Landon Mauney and Levi and Addy Mucha; and four step-great-grandchildren: Landen and Bayze Altfillisch and Marty and Jensen Stieber. In addition to her parents and husband, Charlie, Anita was preceded in death by her sisters: Mabel Crimmings, Betty Wislinsky, Doris Wislinsky, Mary Jane Konrad and Joan Wislinsky, and her brother, Edmund J. Wislinsky. A funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and inurnment in St. Mary’s Cemetery will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. In lieu of flowers, Anita has requested that friends and family make donations to benefit St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Marathon County Humane Society. Paid obituary 134090

Marcella Elsie Louise Steidinger, 90, of Hamburg, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by family. She had been residing at Copperleaf Assisted Living in Marathon since 2017. She was born on April 10, 1932, in Wausau, to the late Leonard and Edna (Haehlke) Wendt. On June 5, 1954, Marcella was united in marriage to Harold Steidinger at St. Peter Lutheran Church, town of Hamburg. He preceded her in death in 2013. Marcella worked on the family farm while growing up. Over the years she worked at ginseng farms, for the Fromm Brothers, and Marathon Cheese. She also worked with her husband, Harold, on their dairy farm and grew ginseng. As they were raising their family, Marcella was a homemaker, loving and caring for them all. Marcella was known for her large vegetable garden that produced an abundant supply of vegetables that she would can starting in July through November. If you could grow it, she could can it. She loved polka music and always enjoyed the Merrill Polka Festival. Marcella was a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and was active with the Ladies Aid. Survivors include her children: Mark (Brenda) Steidinger of Hamburg, Bruce (Kelly) Steidinger of Hamburg and Joy (Mark) Cochart of Hatley; grandchildren: Joshua (Annie) Steidinger, Jeremiah Steidinger, Amanda Steidinger, Dylan Cochart and Nathan Cochart; great-granddaughter, Elsie Steidinger, and sister-in-law, Vernette Wendt. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Orville Wendt; and twin sisters, Jean Krueger and Janice Henning. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at St. Peter Lutheran Church (Little Chicago), 135237 County Road A, Marathon, with Rev. William Ostrem presiding. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, March 29, at 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, and continue at the church on Thursday beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service. Following the service, burial will be in St. Peter Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer. com. A special thank you from the family to the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Palliative Care Unit for the compassionate care that Marcella received. Paid obituary 134091

Paid obituary 133800 Ernest “Ernie” F. Blaubach, 91, Marathon, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Rennes Health and Rehab in Weston. He was born March 25, 1931 in Spencer, son of the late Fred and Rachel (Buhrow) Blaubach. On September 9, 1950, he married Carol H. Braunel at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Marathon. She preceded him in death on March 13, 2022. Ernie was a dairy farmer and farmed alongside his wife, Carol, in Little Chicago for many years. “Ernie’s Experiment Farm” was famous for its meticulous appearance...and miles and miles of white diamond fences. His children learned how to paint...even if it didn’t need it. On this farm, he taught his children the value of hard work...and to do things right, no matter what. After they retired from milking cows, Ernie operated Ernie’s Heifer Haven, where he raised and sold dairy replacement heifers. He was an avid John Deere Tractor fan. If it was not yellow and green, it would soon be painted that way. Ernie took great pride in his lawn, which was always immaculate, and liked to grow flowers, especially petunias. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed deer hunting (especially bow hunting), listening to country and polka music, and traveling with Carol all over the United States and overseas. They also spent the winter months in Arizona for over 20 years. Ernie loved his cats and his birthday, which he celebrated every year...for at least a month. He was a longtime active member of the Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in the Town of Rib Falls, where he was on the building committee, past treasurer, on the finance committee, and was the church president for many years. Survivors include his two daughters: Nancy (Dan) Mueller of Marshfield and their children, Benjamin, Rachel, Jonathan and Elizabeth, and Suzanne (Gary) Neumann of Antigo and their children, Nicholas, Jacqueline, Kristina and Katee Jo; three sons: Larry Blaubach of Manitowoc and his children, Trina, Travis and Jamie, Steve (Debra) Blaubach of Tomahawk and their children, Nathan, Brittany and Marisa, and Mark (Faye) Blaubach of Wausau and their children, Adam and Justin; 27 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray Blaubach; two sister-inlaws: Betty Patterson (Elroy Blaubach) and Eldine (Alvin) Blaubach; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Carol, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Daniel, George, Elroy and Alvin; and three sisters: Violinda Limberg, Eleanora Schade and Lillian Wenzel. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, 206 Hemlock St., Marathon. Rev. Jon Hadler will preside. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Stettin, at a later date. “Mom and Dad are dancing the Blue Skirt Waltz in Heaven.” Peterson/KraemerFuneralHome,Marathon,isinchargeof arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Roger James Writz, age 70, of Merrill, passed away on March 15, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center in Weston. He was born on November 25, 1952, to Florian and Elmira (Matysik) Writz in Kansas. On October 2, 1981, Roger married June Gluch in Wausau. Roger grew up in Athens, then later moved to Merrill, where he bought a house in the country and raised his family. He worked as a salesman for Frito Lay until he retired. Roger loved nature, was a passionate deer hunter, and enjoyed going fishing in Canada. Gardening, playing cards and golfing were also some of his favorite hobbies. He was a great cook and was quick witted. He will be deeply missed. Roger is survived by his wife, June Writz; daughter, Jenny (Chad) Teigen; grandchildren: Kinsley and Harrison Teigen; mother, Elmira Writz Makowski; brother, Rick (Judy Walton) Writz; uncle, Danny (Mary) Writz; aunt, Bernice Passehl, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Florian Writz, and step-father, Jim Makowski. A gathering of friends and family will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to visit with one another and share memories of Roger at Waid Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Roger. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com. Paid obituary 133738