bituaries Jerald “Jerry” Louis Wojner, 83, Abbotsford, passed away on March 22, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Jerry was born on May 15, 1939, in Greenwood, to the late Valentine and Alice (Witt) Wojner. He graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1957. n February 14, 1959, he married Lynne Nehrlich, who survives. Jerry worked at Abbotsford Auto, the family business, for many years. He was also employed as a salesman for heavy duty trucks and in auto body repair. Jerry was a member of the Abbotsford Sportsman’s Club, and served as president, vice president and treasurer. He was also a member and president of Little Rice ATV Club. Jerry was dedicated to teaching hunter safety for the youth for 12 years, and served as vice president of the Abbotsford School Board for 12 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed racing stock cars in his younger years. In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughters: Jerri Lynn (Dennis Davis) of Dorchester, Lisa Marie (Mike) Haase of Marathon and Suzanne Kay of Tucson, Ariz.; nine grandchildren: Brooke (Frank) Peoples, Tyler (Kaylee) Viegut, Carter Koontz, Kyle Koontz, Drew (Katie) Smola, Paige (Kyle) Kubichek, Riley (Dylan Eades), David McGowan and Jackson McGowan; seven great-grandchildren: Emmett and Aiden Peoples, Addison Viegut, Lincoln and Dottie Smola and Adilynn and Aria McGowan; and his siblings: Roger (Donna) of Texas, Wendy (David Watson) of Abbotsford and Mark of Abbotsford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Laurie Ann Wojner. Family and friends may express condolences online at maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 134043

Robert M. Sluzewski, age 91, of Owen, passed away Monday morning, March 20, 2023, at Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 3, at Riverside Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by Owen American Legion Post #123, Owen-Withee Vets Club and Thorp VFW Post #9057. Robert was born on December 14, 1931, the son of Edward and Josephine (Ignowski) Sluzewski in Chicago, Ill. He graduated from Owen High School in 1949 and later joined the Marines, serving on the USS Pendleton. After leaving the service in 1956, Robert returned to the home dairy farm in Owen where he farmed until his retirement. He enjoyed many hobbies including outdoor sports, bowling, stamp and baseball card collecting and watching football on television, especially the Green Bay Packers. Robert is survived by his brother, Edward (DeEtta) of Owen, and two sisters: Joan (David) Cantwell of Ixonia and Doroty (Thomas) Gehrke of Eau Claire, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special friend and caregiver, Joan Mueller. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lennard (Yvonne) Sluzewski, and a sister, Lucille (John) Greschner. The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made to www. maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 134159

bituaries Geraldine A. “Gerry” Geiger, age 91, of Colby, formerly Dorchester, passed away with family by her side in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Colby Senior Care, with care provided by St. Croix Hospice. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester with Rev. Timothy udenhoven presiding. She will be laid to rest in Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation at the church in Dorchester on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. A Rosary service is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Mike Geiger, Matt Behnke, David Behnke and Andrew Geiger. Gerry was born on January 19, 1932, in Taylor County, Wisconsin, to Lester and Marie (Ludwig) Beyer. She graduated from Medford High School. n August 6, 1949, she was united in marriage to Norbert Geiger at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville. She and Norbert owned and operated a dairy farm. utside of operating the farm, Gerry was also employed at Meadow Farms, Mr. B’s Egg Plant, The lde Saloon, McDonald’s and Clarkson’s Bar, which was owned by her sister. She raised eight children and sewed the majority of the girls’ clothes. She was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester as well as a member of its PCCW. Gerry enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and bowling. She loved to test her luck at the casino and spending time with her family. Those who will cherish her memory include her children: John (Elfriede) Geiger of Colorado Springs, Colo., James (Charlene) Geiger of Spencer, Steve Geiger of wen, Kathleen (Dennis) Reynolds of Dorchester, Sandra (Dave) Behnke of Dorchester, Kurt (Jennifer) Geiger of Potter and Pam (Kirk) Kalepp of Dorchester; 22 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Marie Beyer; her husband, Norbert, her son, Timothy, in infancy, her son, Daniel Geiger; her brother, Allen Beyer; her sister and brother-inlaw, Ardis and Les Clarkson; her grandson, Jeremy Behnke and her great-grandson, Trent Geiger. If desired, the Geiger family is accepting memorials in Gerry’s name for a charity yet to be determined. Gerry’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 133512

Lorraine L. Hofmann, age 80, of Colby, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Colby Senior Care under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Rev. James Groleau will preside. Family and friends are welcome from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Lorraine was born on December 15, 1942, the daughter of Fred and Emma (Flater) Stegeman in Owen. She graduated from Colby High School in 1961. Lorraine loved her family and God. She dedicated her whole life to raising her children and worshipping her Lord. She was avid about helping in charities. Lorraine is survived by her three sons: Kevin Hofmann of Medford, Mark (Heidi) Hofmann of Spencer and Jeffery Hofmann of Thorp; four grandchildren: Alyssa (Cody) Bender, Justin Hofmann, Hailey Hofmann and Greg Hofmann; two great-grandchildren: Lukus and Brynlee; sister, Carolyn (William) Egoske of Iron Mountain, Mich., and brother, Tom Stegeman of Fort Bragg, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 133478

Richard Hugo Mielke, age 66, of Colby, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in the Town of Eau Pleine/March Rapids. Pastor Philip Wilde will preside. Burial will follow the service at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. Richard was born on October 11, 1956, in Marshfield, the son of Hugo and Mabel (Schultz) Mielke. He graduated from Colby High School in 1974 and graduated with honors from the University of WI-River Falls in 1978 with a degree in agricultural business. He proudly worked alongside his father and later his brother on the family dairy and beef farm until he was admitted to the hospital. He was especially happy that his nephew, Adam, was continuing the family farm. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, March Rapids, and served as a church council treasurer for 12 years. He was an avid coin collector and trader, and thoroughly enjoyed participating in the church dart ball league for many years. He loved all his nieces and nephews, and was very close to Adam, Melissa and Lindsey, whom he was able to see nearly every day as they were growing up. Richard is survived by his brother, Daniel (Becky) Mielke; step-brother, Rev. William (Daphne) Viergutz of Burlington, Colo.; stepsisters: Rose (Bob) Denzin of Jonesboro, Ga., Janet Eggert of St. Louis, Mo., Susan (Robert) Gebel of Brookfield and Ruth (Dan) Hawk of Knoxville, Tenn. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Jeanne Mielke; sister-in-law, Michelle Mielke; and brother-in-law, Steve Eggert. The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschillingfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 132951

Russell S. Rougeux, age 63, of Unity, passed away on February 20, 2023. A celebratory gathering will be held from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Military honors will be provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227 at 3 p.m. Russell was born April 25, 1959, the son of Sheridan and Shirley (Hemphill) Rougeux in Clearfield County, Penn. He graduated from Clearfield Pennsylvania High School in 1978 and served in the Army from 1978-1982. He was united in marriage to Denise Day on July 21, 1984. He then graduated in 1986 from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Russell was a medical physicians assistant at the Marshfield Clinic for 37 years until his retirement in 2021. Russell loved rock music and was always the life of the party. He was very social, giving and helpful. He had a dedicated love for his grandchildren. Russell is survived by his wife, Denise; two sons: Randy Rougeux of Plover and Brian (Angie) Rougeux of Edgar; one daughter, Brenda (Andy) Kunze of Spencer, and four grandchildren: Josh, Haley, Sabrina and Matthew. He is further survived by a sister, Virginia (Bill) Smith of Conneaut, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as one sister, Theresa Rougeux. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the American Heart Association. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 132766

David Emmett Hawks, 83, former owner and operator of Hawkeye Dairy Store in Abbotsford, passed away February 14, 2023, with his only daughter at his side. He was under the care of Nathan Addison Hospice in Las Vegas, Nev. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with local arrangements. David was born in 1940 to parents Alan and Norma Hawks and was a 1957 graduate of Dorchester High School. He married Adele Marcott on August 6, 1960, whom he met while working as a mechanic for Hi-Way Auto Sales. In 1964 the couple purchased the Medo-Farms dairy product distributing and later moved the business to its current location south on Hwy 13. The name was changed to the Hawkeye Dairy Store and later the World’s Largest Ice Cream Cone was created, and remains as an iconic sign of Abbotsford. In 1990, David and Adele sold the business, traded in their snow shovels for golf clubs, and moved to Las Vegas where David continued to work at the local golf course greeting guests. David was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. He also served as president of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and Abbotsford Lion’s Club, and he enjoyed participating in local parades. He is survived by his wife, Adele, along with son, Todd and Katherine Hawks and their daughter, Tessa, Ashland, Va.; daughter, Tari Hawks, Las Vegas, Nev.; and son, Troy and Jennifer Hawks, and her children, Greyson and Delanie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alan and Norma Hawks; brothers: Robert and Dean Hawks, and sister, Shirley Scheffler. Surviving siblings include Linda Lundt and Rodney Hawks. A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 6, 2023, in Abbotsford. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 132618

RaeJean Kaatz, 80, of Dorchester, passed away on February 7, 2023, at Cambridge Senior Center under the tender care of Moments Hospice in Hudson. A visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. RaeJean was born on June 16, 1942, the daughter of Juanita (Schultz) and Raymond Nowak in Wausau. She was adopted by Donald Leichtnam after the marriage to Red. She grew up in the Edgar area and was united in marriage to Allan Kaatz on April 4, 1959. He preceded her in death on April 2, 2020. Raejean and Allan moved several times over the years, starting with a farm and bread route in Fremont, moving to Ogdensburg with Allan starting his milk hauling business, then to Curtiss and finally Dorchester. RaeJean was a great wife, mother and grandmother. She was proud of her children and especially loved being a grandma to Amanda (Gabe) Holl, Justin (Andrea) Ropella, Bradley (Brittany) Kaatz, Felicia (Charlie)Kaatz,SamLehman,LeRoy(Cari) Lehman, Rosanna Lehman, Samantha (Matt) Knute, Lindsey (Corey) Verbeke, Rachel (Zach) Kaatz, Aaron (Chase) Kaatz; and great-grandma to Cael and Ashton Lehman, Caleb DeMaio, Charlie, Andi and Finley Kaatz and Easton Knute and soon to be a new great-grandchild this April. RaeJean was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss and was a faithful member. She enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, putting puzzles together, reading, playing cards with family and friends and watching television, especially watching westerns and Hallmark channel. RaeJean is survived by her daughter, Jayne (Bob) Ropella, Inver Grover Heights, Minn., son, Jeff (Barb), Fremont, daughter, Jody (Jim) Verbeke, Shakopee, Minn., son, Jamie (Jenny), Dorchester and daughter, Krista (Keith) Waters, Savage, Minn. Also survived by brothers: Donald (Shirley) Leichtnam, Rick (Debbie) Nowak and Rodney Nowak; sisters: Nancy (August) Neider and Lori Holtzheimer; along with several cousins, nieces, nephews and many great friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita (Red) & Donald Leichtnam and Raymond Nowak; her husband, Allan; twin grandsons, Joshua and Bryant Verbeke, and brother, Randy Nowak. Friends may send online condolences to www. maurinaschillingfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 132289