Helen V. Leu, age 89, of Abbotsford, passed away with her loving husband by her side on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at the Colonial Center in Colby, under the tender care of hospice. A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford. Interment followed at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Colby. Father Timothy Oudenhoven presided. Visitation was held from 9 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. A live stream was available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. Helen was born on February 10, 1934, the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Ohlinger) Apfelbeck in the Town of Hull. She was united in marriage to Duane “Butch” Leu, Sr. on December 28, 1960, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Colby. Helen worked at Wonder Wash Car Wash, Marathon Electric, Badger Baskets and Motorola. She also took care of her children, including her grandchildren. Helen played the guitar and sang with her sisters at Whispering Pines Dance Hall in rural Abbotsford. Most importantly, she loved and cherished her family. Helen is survived by her husband of 62 years, Duane “Butch” Sr.; four children: Lisa (Allan) Eisner of Rib Lake, Duane “Duke” (Kristina) Jr. of Stetsonville, Lance (Jodi) of Medford and Linc (Tiffany) of Mosinee; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Hince; 12 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. She is further survived by seven siblings: Arnold (Evelyn) Apfelbeck of Medford, Lucille Weber of Ill., Caroline “Pat” (Roy) Boneske of Athens, Agnes Weber of Antioch, Ill., Raymond (Marlene) Apfelbeck of Rib Mountain, Robert Apfelbeck of Mosinee and Dorothy (Dave) Kramas of Darien; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Lonnie Sr.; her grandson, Landyn; and eight siblings: Gilbert, John, Leon, Bernice Miller, Claude, Hubert, Rosemary Chris and Andrew. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 132328

Violet “Vi” J. Golz, 88, of Colby, passed away peacefully in her sleep and met her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at The Waterford at Colby under the care of ProMedica Hospice. She was born on August 30, 1934, in Athens to the late Edward and Esther (Weise) Hoge. Vi grew up on the family farm and graduated from Athens High School. She met the love of her life and future partner in ministry, Roland Golz, when he took his first teaching job in Athens. They were married June 2, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Through the years, they would relocate often as Roland taught at several schools and later continued his education to become a minister. In 2021, they had the honor of celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary together. In their early years of marriage, Vi held various secretarial jobs while Roland taught school in Athens, New Albany, Ind., Wausau and Stevens Point. Vi was also a secretary at one of the largest hospitals in Illinois at that time while Roland studied to become a pastor in Springfield. Roland took his first minister position at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Dorchester in 1973. Vi passionately took on various duties pertaining to Roland’s ministry. In 1982 Vi and Roland moved to Bonduel to serve at St. Paul Lutheran Church. In 1993 they moved to Gresham where together they served several small congregations. At each church, Vi was instrumental in supporting the ministry by serving on the Altar Guild and Ladies Aid. She also lent her talents to creating the weekly bulletin, making quilts, and singing in each congregation’s choir. Over the years, Vi also expanded her own religious outreach through years of involvement with Lutheran Women’s Ministry League (LWML). She held various offices which included vice president and president of the LWMLNorth Wisconsin District. Also, near to Vi’s heart was her time volunteering for the LCMS Thrift Store in Shawano. She was honored to receive the Humana Community Quarterback award from the Green Bay Packers and their CEO, Mark Murphy, for the more than 25 years she devoted to the store. The community, her family, and many friends were very proud of her accomplishment. Throughout her life, Violet’s family was always a priority. She made the most delicious meals and baked goods. Her vegetable gardens, berry patches and flower beds were the envy of many. Her family and friends were the recipients of countless jars of home canned goods. Roland and Vi were always happiest at home but were blessed to take a churchsponsored journey to the Holy Land and also enjoyed a Caribbean cruise. Vi had a love for their pets, as you were almost certain to be greeted by a cat or dog when visiting their home. In 2018, they moved back to Dorchester where they would be closer to family and entertained by their children’s and grandchildren’s many pets. Survivors include her husband, Rev. Roland Golz of Colby; children: Rick (Carolyn) Golz of Dorchester and Randy (Renee) Golz of Little Chute; grandchildren: Neilana Golz (Logan), Leanna Golz (Jordan), Taylor (Sara) Golz, Tanner Golz, Tallon Golz, Marina Mordeel and James (Brianna) Mordeel; great-grandchildren: Paisley and Brynlee; sister, Luann Thurs of Athens; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Esther Hoge; sisters: Norma Heier and Nila Koeller; and brothers-in-law: Gordon Thurs, Sylvester Heier and Frank Koeller. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwalenberg presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Immediately following the service, lunch will be served. Burial will be in the Athens Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. The family would like to thank the staff of The Waterford at Colby, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, and ProMedica Hospice for the care Violet received. Paid obituary 132291_2

Marion Meyer, age 95, formerly of Holcombe and Dorchester, passed away peacefully at Stoney River in Marshfield on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. She was born on May 30, 1927, in Ogema. Marion worked as a nursing assistant at Medford Hospital where she met the love of her life, Arthur, and they were married 60 years. Together they started Meyer Lumber Co. of Dorchester, along with two of Arthur’s brothers. Marion initially worked in the office and even did the books at home on a card table with a borrowed typewriter. In 1977 the couple retired and moved to Holcombe. Marion very much enjoyed living on the lake in Holcombe. She loved visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards, water skiing, pontooning, fishing, gardening, and trips to the casino. Marion swam every day in the lake during the summers and could be seen scraping the snow off the roof into her 90s. Marion was blessed with many friends and neighbors who continued to watch over her after Art’s passing. Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; her parents, Marie (Dahl) and Alvin Nelson; brother, Conrad Nelson; sister, Irene Knippel; daughter-in-law, Karen Meyer and her beloved cat, Benny. She is survived by her three children: Bruce Meyer, Duane (Jane) Meyer and Marcia (Joey) Garcia; five grandchildren: Holly (Drew) Martin, Amy (Erich Kliewer) Meyer, Daniel (Cassie) Meyer, Joey Garcia Jr. & Kody Meyer; seven greatgrandchildren: Braxton, Delaina and Cadence Meyer, Avery and Bodhi Martin, and Marlo and Norah Kliewer. A funeral service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Marion’s favorite charities. Paid obituary 132347

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, Alan “Buck” Keith Brunkhorst, 85, passed away in Paradise Valley, Ariz. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy; three children: Brock (Josie) Brunkhorst, Brett Brunkhorst Carlino and Brynn (Daniel) O’Connell; grandchildren: Billie, Kennedy, Bo and Britton Brunkhorst, Matthew (Mandi), Jack and Catherine Carlino, Bucky (Christina) O’Connell, McKenna (Jack) Hutt and Ryan and Claire O’Connell; great-grandchild, Cade O’Connell and brother, Brian (Stephanie) Brunkhorst. Buck was preceeded in death by his parents, Cathryn and Arlyn Brunkhorst; brother, John Brunkhorst, and sister, Beth Brunkhorst. He was born in Owen and attended Abbotsford High School and Wisconsin State College (Eau Claire), where he played basketball. After receiving his Masters in Physical Education from Winona State College, he became the varsity football coach at Auburndale High School, followed by New Berlin High. In the late 60’s and early 70’s, he became a NBA referee. During this time, Buck and Nancy also co-owned a tavern (The Gym) and a laundromat near Marquette University in Milwaukee. In the mid 70’s, Buck and Nancy started a home building company in the suburbs of Milwaukee. In 1978, in search of warmer weather, they moved their family out to Paradise Valley, Ariz. They continued their custom home building company, Nance Construction, and with Buck’s many connections in the sports world, this led to lots of success and to this day, Nance Construction remains one of the preeminent custom home builders in the valley. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Feb. 24, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. A celebration to follow at the family home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of The Valley. Paid obituary 132292

William “Bill” Werner Jr., 74, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, at home under the care of Compassus Hospice. Bill was born October 1, 1948, to William and La Nae Werner of Medford. After attending Medford Public Schools, Bill joined the Navy and completed two tours in Vietnam. In 1972, he married Diana Bessler. Bill graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 1974, with a secondary education degree in Economics and Geography. Bill taught high school in Brisbane, Australia. After returning to the states, Bill worked as a carpenter until poor health forced his retirement. He enjoyed reading and all animals in nature, especially his well-fed squirrel friends and granddogs. Bill’s greatest joy came from playing golf with his friends. Bill and Diana have three children: William Werner III, Kylie (Jason) Sieck and Leah (Justin) Martin. Besides being survived by his wife and children, Bill is further survived by seven siblings; brothers: Robert (Kristine), Barry (Jane), Bryon and Bruce (Bonnie) Werner; and sisters: Becky (Ted) Hans, Bonnie (Guy) Masuda and Beth (Jeff) Abegglen. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. Per Bill’s request, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please donate any memorial gift, in Bill’s name, to your local hospice program. Paid obituary 131929

Thelma M. Zoellick, age 90, formerly of Dorchester, passed away on Monday, Feb. 7, 2023, at VitaCare Living in Stratford, under the tender care of Promedica Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. Rev. Donald Bruce will preside. Family and friends are welcome from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church. 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. Thelma was born on July 13, 1932, the daughter of Roy and Clara (Hart) Singleton in Missouri. She grew up in Illinois. In 1951, Thelma was united in marriage to Dallas “Chet” Sanders in Mt. Carmel, Ill. He preceded her in death in 1966. On February 2, 1975, Thelma was united in marriage to Ronald Zoellick in Elgin, Ill. They moved to Abbotsford and together they farmed until retiring in 2000. He preceded her in death on November 19, 2010. Thelma enjoyed crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, playing cards, watching westerns and especially reading. She also liked to bake and can and freeze her produce. Thelma loved taking care of her grandchildren and spending time with her family. Thelma is survived by her three sons: Dale Sanders of Dorchester, Roger Sanders of Dorchester and Tracy (Mary) Sanders of Abbotsford; four step-sons: Rick Zoellick of Dorchester, Larry Zoellick of Abbotsford, Raymond (Michelle) Zoellick of Owen and Mark (Terri) Zoellick of Stratford; 16 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by three sisters and two brothers: Barb Hudson, Mickey Hornsby, Charles “Red” Singleton, Gordon Singleton and Wilma Cash; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, Dallas “Chet” and Ronald; an infant son, Dallas; two sisters: Virginia Gilbert and Bertha Clarke and her brother, John Singleton. 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 132120

Mary J. Peissig, 69, of Curtiss, died Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born March 13, 1953, in Marshfield, to George and Monica (Egle) Schreiner and grew up on the family farm. She graduated from Medford High School in 1971. On July 3, 1971, Mary married Dell Peissig. They resided in the township of Mayville where they farmed until 1991. The couple resided on the farm until their deaths. She loved to crochet, knit and sew. She donated a lot of her crafting to local charities. She also loved to cook and bake, especially with her grandchildren, and also made her own wine. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending time outdoors. She traveled during her retirement, including trips to Trinidad, Antigua and Hawaii. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Dell preceded her in death on November 25, 2015. She is survived by three children: Jessie (Nigel Gomez) Peissig of Fullerton, Calif., Erik (Lovey) Peissig of St. Francis, Minn., and Ryan (Laura) Peissig of Oshkosh; her brother, Dennis, and her sisters: Rita, Lolly, Dorothy, Georgene, Callie, Mutzie and Linda. She is further survived by her grandchildren: Rio, Iva, Emmalynne, River and Isla. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, George, and her sisters: Angie and Millie. A celebration of life will be held on June 9, 2023, at the Munson Bridge Winery, one of Mary’s favorite places. 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 132119

Peter J. Weix, age 57, passed away as a result of an automobile accident on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. He was born on November 20, 1965, in Marshfield, the son of Leo and Marilyn (Stark) Weix. He married Sheri Allen on April 10, 1987. Peter graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1984 and served in the United States Navy until 1990. He was stationed in Alameda, Calif., and was an electronics technician aboard the USS Carl Vinson, working with the Automatic Carrier Landing System. He then worked at Stanford University with the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource. In 2001, Peter was employed with the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Plasma Physics Group as a Sr. Instrumentation Technicianologist, working with Madison Symmetric Torus & Big Red Plasma Ball experiments. He was also the group safety officer, implementing safety procedures and lifesaving training. He was recently nominated for and won the George C Ott award. Peter was involved with physics outreach and volunteered his time with the Wonders of Physics for over 20 years, being the coordinator and emcee over 15 years. He was also very active in the local community, volunteering with the Swiss Historical Village, the Heidi Board, the Heidi Play, the New Glarus Fire Department, and he was always ready to be Santa Claus or St. Nicholas for any nonprofit who needed him. He was also a member of AMVETS Post #69 and Stuessy-Kuenzi American Legion Post #141. In his free time, he worked at The Bramble Patch as the IT, data and inventory manager. Peter is survived by his wife, Sheri; mother, Marilyn Weix; siblings: Brian (Carol) Weix, Theresa (Bill) Denzine, Sarah (Ric Harris) Weix, Andrew Weix and Cynthia (Brian) Brandow. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Carol Allen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jason and Charlotte Allen, and wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo; father-in-law, Jack Allen and nephew, Oliver Allen. A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at the Colby Lions Shelter, 103 W. Adam St., Colby. A second celebration of life will be held in New Glarus at a later date. The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family. Paid obituary 131797

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bituaries Jane E. Zwirchitz, 98, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Fla. Jane was born on April 27, 1924, in Almond, Wisconsin, to the late Albert “AJ” and Hazel (Stewart) Hetzel. She married Delmer Zwirchitz on June 18, 1946, in Merrill. Moving to Abbotsford in 1955, she was proud to be a loving wife and mother. Known to many as the “Best Hugger” and lover of babies, she never met anyone or greeted you without a hug. Her passions included baking, sewing, golfing, bowling, bridge, gardening, a good joke, traveling, an avid reader and, of course, one of the best TV armchair coaches of the Green Bay Packers. Her love of God and follower of Christ showed in her devotion and years of service while being a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Abbotsford. Jane is survived by her daughter, Judy Woltersom; son, Ed (Lynn) Zwirchitz; brother, Howard Hetzel and sister, Marlyn Hulstedt. She was blessed with and dearly loved her four grandchildren: Heather (Gregory) Rohm, Nathaniel (Lindsey) Uselding, Dennis (Faith) Zwirchitz and Angela (Matt) Ebbers; seven greatgrandchildren; Margaret Lincoln and many wonderful loving friends and family. Many of us suffered losses in our lives, but her greatest were that of her husband, Del, (1975), and son, Dennis, (1968 Vietnam). Jane was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Harriett Sukow, Jeanette Unangst, Audrey Gould and Joyce Sherman, and son-in-law, James Woltersom. A memorial service will be celebrated at the First Presbyterian Church, Abbotsford, on June 10, 2023. Paid obituary 131523