22 November 2023

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Gerald A. “Gerry” Hause

Gerald A. “Gerry” Hause


1957-2023 Gerald A. “Gerry” Hause, 66, of Ogema passed away unexpectedly while hunting on his family’s property, Nov. 18, 2023. His family wishes to thank the Ogema and Prentice Volunteer Fire Departments and EMS, Price County Police Department, and Hemer Pickerign Funeral Home. There will be a Celebration of Gerry’s Life at St. John’s Catholic Church in Prentice with visitation starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, with a memorial service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Ogema, with lunch provided in the church fellowship hall. Please bring your best memories of Gerry. He would love his friends and family to share in laughter and great stories. Gerry was born on June 7, 1957, to Rodney and Agnes (Wieser) Hause in Phillips, Wisconsin. He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon (Klessig) Hause, on June 16, 1979. Gerry was on the Prentice High School basketball state team years 1974 and 1975. He went to college at UW Stout where he played college football. Gerry began to teach in the local school district as a shop teacher in the year 1979. He taught at the Prentice School District for 36 years. He was also a basketball coach for many years and volunteered as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, helping to train both of his boys to become Eagle Scouts. Gerry was a true outdoorsman. He loved fishing and hunting. Gerry loved to travel out west to South Dakota and visit family while hunting. Gerry also cherished his family land and was a member of the Jump River Gun Club. Fishing in Sylvania was another one of his true passions/traditions that he loved doing with his family. However, out of all these things, he truly cherished his time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Hause; children, Tanner (Tabitha) Hause of Ogema and Jared (Tracy) Hause of Brillion; grandchildren, Aidan & Mason Hause, Jayla, Carson, & Easton Hause; sisters, Kathy Zokoych, Jeanne (Dave) Meverden, and Barbara Nicol; many nieces and nephews, as well as an uncle. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Rodney and Agnes Hause; father-in-law and motherin- law, Harold and Donna Klessig; and brother-in-law, Steve Zokoych. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and will be designated at a later date. 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 145287

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John Leo Walkowicz

John Leo Walkowicz


1946-2023 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of John Leo Walkowicz on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. John died peacefully at Aspirus Hospital in Medford. He was 77 years of age. A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Stetsonville. Military rites will follow the service provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the church. John was born Aug. 29, 1946 in Stevens Point to John F. and Margaret (Izral) Walkowicz. He lived in Almond on his family farm until he graduated high school and joined the United States Air Force in 1967. He earned the rank of Sergeant where he designed boilers for Navy ships that continue to be used today. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1971, John was a civil engineer at Conseco. In 1983, he became a real estate agent at Horizon Realty and later started Rural Insurance and Farm Bureau in Medford until his retirement in October 2010. One of John’s greatest passions was being a pilot and instructor in Medford with a flight career of over 40 years. As a veteran, he participated in the annual Veterans Day celebrations by flying his plane over the Mill Pond and dropping a wreath for the commemorative ceremony. John also helped local law enforcement with flight search and rescue as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Besides his love of flying, he loved to golf, hunt, fish, bowl, fix anything his kids broke, and play cribbage. He was married to Sally (Mankowski) Walkowicz in 1968, had five children together, and later divorced. He married Jan Dehne in 2013 and lived in Ogema until his death. He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Jan Dehne of Medford; siblings, Ed Walkowicz of Waukesha, Paul Walkowicz of Stevens Point, Jim Walkowicz of Calif., and Dave Walkowicz of Almond; children, Tanya (Jesus) Hurst of Seattle, Wash.; Lt. Colonel Tiffany (Dave) Cunningham, stationed in Mons, Belgium, Dr. Natasha Walkowicz Shea of Warwick, N.Y., Sherry (Blake) Huber of Boise, Idaho, and Christopher (Michelle) Walkowicz of La Crosse; grandchildren, Savanna and Sophia Shea, Henry, Juliette and Lilah Walkowicz, Andrew and Aria Huber; step-children, Mary Dehne of Medford, Emily Dehne and Brian Leach, both of Eau Claire; step-grandchildren, E4 Senior Airman Aurora Dehne of Ariz., and Lily and Peyton Emmerich of Medford. He was preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Margaret Walkowicz. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to the Medford VFW. 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 145301

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Irene Valeria Field

Irene Valeria Field


1931-2023 Irene Valeria Field, age 92, of Mount Horeb, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, at Spring Valley Health Center. A funeral service will be held at the chapel of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 315 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, with Pastor John Twiton presiding. Lunch will directly follow the service. Burial will follow luncheon at Mount Horeb Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. She was born on Jan. 30, 1931, in Medford, the daughter of Arthur Poyda and Helen Tylka, and had a simple, happy, childhood life while living and raising cows and chickens on a small farm. Irene graduated from Medford High School, home of the Raiders in 1948. She was an excellent student, earning straight A’s except in Phys Ed, where she received her only “C.” She was involved with Chorus, Annual Year Book, Student Council, Camera Club, Publicity Committee, Newspaper Editor, Senior Prom Queen, and was the Salutatorian class officer her senior year. A yearbook quote from Irene reads, “The only important thing in my dreams is school work.” Irene continued her passion for school work by entering a one-year Legal Transcriptionist program at MATC. She graduated in May 1985. Irene moved to Madison with her best friend, Phyllis Hutson, and they were apartment roomies for several years. Irene met her husband, Wesley Field, the love of her life, at a USO Dance at Truax Military Base, in Madison. She married Wes in 1952 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, and was happily married for 63 years. Irene worked at Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic as the Seminar Education Coordinator for 15 years. Irene and Wesley owned Mobile Six N Ten Food Mart, for 30 years, the first convenience store self-service gas station in the local community. They also dabbled in the drycleaning business, owning the Mount Horeb Dry Cleaners. Irene is survived by her children, Thomas (Jan) Field of Boca Raton, Fla., Shelley Froelich of Mesa, Ariz., and Patti (James “Louie”) Filkins of River Falls; and grandchildren, Sena Field, Siri Field, Ella Field and Nina Fischbacher; Taylor (Marie) Froelich; and Danielle (Matthew) Robbins, Samuel Filkins and Gina Filkins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Field; parents; sisters, Emily Zimpel and Adeline Werner; brother, Arthur Poyda; and grandson, Christopher Froelich. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Irene Field’s name to Hospice Support Foundation, 7755 3rd St. North, Suite 200, Oakdale, MN 55128 or online atwww. hospicesupportfoundation.org. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh. com. Paid Obituary 145284
15 November 2023

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Judith Margaret “Judy” Paul

Judith Margaret “Judy” Paul


1943-2023 Judith Margaret “Judy” Paul, 80, of Medford, Town of Little Black, passed in to the Lord’s hands Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 surrounded by her family. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, Nov. 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Little Black. Visitation will also be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. Friday. Judy was born Jan. 18, 1943 to Joseph and Philomena “Minnie” (Stauner) Kress. She was raised on the family farm in Medford. She graduated from Medford High School in 1961. Judy attended college in Minneapolis, MN for teletype operator, then worked as a typist for Pan Am Airlines in New York City. Judy met the love of her life, Arthur Paul at a dance in Dorchester, Wisconsin and on Aug. 22, 1964, they were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. They resided on a farm in the town of Little Black where they raised their 11 children and made a beautiful home for their family. Raising a large family would seem a daunting task for most, but Judy made it look easy. She blessed each day and moment with her kindness and love. She enjoyed cooking, flower gardening, sewing, quilting, all kinds of arts and crafts, playing piano, singing, writing poems and letters to those she loved; watching musicals and dancing in the kitchen. Growing up on a farm, farm life was second nature to her and she didn’t mind helping. Whether it was making meals and delivering them to the boys in the fields or unloading wagons of hay; climbing up the elevator to fix a stuck bale or feeding the cows while the boys went fishing, Judy jumped in wherever she was needed. All summer work was followed up with a treat of lemonade or watermelon under the shade of the maple tree. She was hardworking, brave, and strong. Judy was a faithful and dedicated Catholic and an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville. She taught CCD for many years, loving her time with the children. She was instrumental in creating the church library and could often be seen singing in the choir. Judy was nominated for the Pax Christi Medal in 2021. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Arthur; 11 children, Kevin (Jayne) Paul, Sharon (Jeff) Schreiber, Allen Paul, Jon (Dawn) Paul, Laurie (Dan) Christianson, Chris (Lynn) Paul, Amy (John) Von Arx, Joseph (Heather) Paul, Ryan (Dana) Paul, Cathy (Jacob) Ehlert, and Nick (Nicky Nash) Paul; sisters, Liz (Larry) Emmerich and Mavis Wood; 26 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for being a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother to her beloved grandchildren, Garrett, Taylor, Elizabeth, Maddie, Sam, Madison, Callie, Cole, Hannah, Emily, Edgar, Sawyer, Allison, Evan, Eric, Jacob, Ashley, Kloey, Cade, Huxley, Hank, Chet, Linus, Charlie, Grayson, and Hudson. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Eileen Wescott, Conrad Kress and Rosemary Wojcik; and brothers-in-law, John Wood and Vincent Wojcik. Mom LOVED flowers! Bring all the flowers you want. Memorials will be shared with charities closest to Judy’s heart. 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 145075

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Michael D. Bertsinger

Michael D. Bertsinger


2023 Michael D. Bertsinger, 69, of Medford, passed away at home on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 A memorial service for Michael will take place at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Bob Giese officiating. Burial will follow at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. Michael was born to David and Bernice (Kundert) Bertsinger in Zumbrota, Minn. He graduated from John Marshall High School, in Rochester, in 1972. He married Judith Prell on Aug. 4, 1979 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. He was a lifelong trucker until his retirement from Ross Wells in 2020. Michael was a man who worked hard both at his job and in taking care of his family. Michael was quick-witted and always had a joke at the ready no matter the situation. He also had a big heart and helped those around him. He enjoyed spending time with his family, when fishing it was less about the size of the fish, and more the size of the laughs shared by those with him. When camping or 4-wheeling it wasn’t the destination, but who he shared the journey with. One of his proudest joys was joining his sons and grandchildren in the hobby of r/c racing. Michael is survived by his three sons, Leland (Renee) Bertsinger, Joshua (Toni White) Bertsinger, and Jeremy (Jill) Bertsinger; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, Steve (Joy) Bertsinger, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Michael was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother, Keith Bertsinger. 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 145016

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Dr. Oscar A. Hildebrandt

Dr. Oscar A. Hildebrandt


1934-2023 Dr. Oscar A. Hildebrandt, age 89, of Tomahawk, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. Funeral services for Dr. Oscar Hildebrandt were held on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at 1 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Tomahawk. Pastors Dennis and Wendy Mannering officiated. The family received friends for visitation on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m. Private family burial services were held on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at Evergreen Cemetery II in Medford. Oscar was born at his family home in the Town of Rhine, on June 7, 1934, to the late Oscar H. and Clara (Hagenow) Hildebrandt. He was married to Mary Wuest on Nov. 24, 1962; she survives. Oscar grew up in Kiel, where he was a 1952 graduate of Kiel High School. He later attended the University of Wisconsin Madison followed by Veterinary School in Minnesota, graduating in 1958. Oscar started the Medford Veterinary Clinic and operated the clinic until his retirement in 1990. Oscar and Mary moved to Tomahawk 30 years ago and have been longtime members of the First Congregational Church of Tomahawk. He enjoyed investing and loved traveling the world with his wife. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and season ticket holder. Oscar had helped organize and was a member of the board of directors for Medford National Bank. He served on the Medford School Board for 24 years, and he also served on the Wisconsin Veterinary Board. He was a former member of the Jaycees. Survivors include his wife of over 60 years, Mary E. Hildebrandt; his sons, Dr. Hugh H. Hildebrandt and Kurt E. Hildebrandt; and his daughter, Denise J. Hildebrandt. He is further survived by his four grandchildren, Dalton, Hunter, Rowan, and Ennis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar H. and Clara Hildebrandt. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. View the obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral. com. Paid Obituary 144946

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Betty M. Battles

Betty M. Battles


1929-2023 Betty M. Battles, 97, of Medford, passed away on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 at Park Manor in Park Falls. A graveside service for Betty took place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 at Perkinstown Community Cemetery with Pastor Paul Woods officiating. Visitation was at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home, Medford on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Betty was born on June 11, 1929 to Peter and Osie (Loughner) Smith in Herington, Kan. She attended Herington grade schools and graduated from Herington High School. She married Malcom “Mike” T. Battles on Dec. 1, 1943 at Council Grove, Kan.; he preceded her in death on May 19, 2005. After her education and marriage she worked as a bookkeeper and in purchasing while residing in various places. After her husband retired from the military they owned and operated the Drive-in-Market in Herington, Kan. for a period of time. In 1978 they moved to Medford to be with their only child Janice Kaye and her growing family. Betty volunteered at the Little Store in downtown Medford. She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Happy Hookers Knitting Club, and the Order of the Easter Star. Betty is survived by her grandchildren, Laurie (Packer) Bryan of Athens, Thomas (Christina) LaFontaine of Huntsville, Ala., Kristen (Ronald) Raasch of Medford, Jim (Stacy) Meyer of Phillips, and Bethany (Aaron Taylor) LaFontaine of Prentice; and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren. “Mammie” will be missed by them all. She is further survived by special nephew, Michael (Diane) Schallenberger and other nephews, nieces, and other family and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband; daughter, Janice Meyer in 2012; son-in-law, Raymond Meyer; siblings, Ethel Smith, Viola Gentry, Dorothy Schallenberger, Ruth Kandt, and Eugene, Paul, Edwin, and Edgar Smith. 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 144951

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