Claudette Marie (Decker) Saladin, 80, born March 2, 1942, died November 29, 2022, at Clark County Rehab and Living Center, where she resided since January 2020. A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester. Father Timothy Oudenhoven presided. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. After graduating from Dorchester High School, Claudette relocated to Milwaukee, where she met and married Joseph Saladin in November, 1962. They later moved to Las Vegas, Nev., where she was employed in administrative positions with various law firms. After a divorce, she moved back to Milwaukee and was employed as a bookkeeper at Quarles & Brady LLC. In 1983 she returned to Las Vegas and continued to be employed by law firms in managerial and/or administrative positions. After the death of her mother in 1999, she returned to Wisconsin to live with her father in Dorchester. She worked in bookkeeping, administrative and various other positions while in the Medford area. Her parents, Frank and Neva Decker; her brother, Fred Decker, and her sister, Kristine (Roger) Ellenbecker, preceded her in death. Survivors include her sister, Rachel Louret, Medford; brothers: Frank (Judy) Decker, Schofield, and Mike (Connie) Decker, and many nieces and nephews. Abundant gratitude to Clark County Rehab and Living Center and ProMedica Heartland Hospice staff for the excellent attention and service provided to Claudette while under their care. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 129772

Halver (better known as “Sonny”) Miller Becken, age 90, parted this life on December 4, 2022. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment to follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Colby with military honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. He was born in Green Grove, on October 12, 1932, to Halver and Meta (Miller) Becken of Colby. He acquired nickname, Sonny, as a young boy from his six sisters. He attended Green Grove Elementary School, Colby High School and following graduation enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve during the Korean War. Following an honorable discharge, he wed Sandra Steinwand on July 13, 1957. They relocated to Milwaukee for employment where he worked as a mechanical engineer for Allis Chalmers, American Motors and finally the City of Milwaukee Fire Department, where he retired. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and riding his ATVs and tractors. Halver “Sonny” is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sandra; two daughters: Terri (Roy) Back of Egg Harbor and Deanne (Dennis) VanDaalwyk of Brookfield; two sons: Keith (Lynn) Becken of Reeseville and Todd (Kim) Becken of Custer. He is also survived by five natural grandchildren: Kristen (Lahr), Jacob Becken, Joshua Becken, Kyle VanDaalwyk and Ryan VanDaalwyk; four blended family grandchildren: Robin Slamka, Lynn Ewig, Christopher Liske, Chad Liske and 14 great-grandchildren. Halver “Sonny” is also survived by three sisters: Sandy Fredrickson, Darlene Schjoneman and June Decker. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Percy and three sisters: Gloria Bedrosian, LaMyra Weinfurtner and Joyce Kaufman. His sense of humor brightened our lives. He always took time for child’s play and adult laughter. He enjoyed being behind funny pranks. We will carry those memories of him in our hearts. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 129818

Patricia “Pat” M. Miller, age 79, of Dorchester, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield under the loving care of her family and Compassus Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. Father George Graham will preside. Family and friends are welcome from 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Pat was born on September 7, 1943, in Marshfield, the daughter of Mary (Felzkowski) and George Pecher. She attended St. Anthony in Athens before transferring to Dorchester High School, where she met the love of her life, James J. Miller. After graduating in 1961, Pat married her sweetheart on January 6, 1962, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester. She created a lifetime of memories with him until his passing in 2021. Together they had five children: Renee (Tim) Hein of Athens, Chris (Steve) Zettler of Athens, Kurt Miller of Dorchester, Rhonda (Mike) Rudolph of Medford and Jeff Miller of Colby. Pat worked over 30 years at Marathon Cheese Corp. However, her pride and joy was her family. She always remembered and shared in the celebration of birthdays, holidays and all important events; many times bringing one of her tasty dishes to share. Many hours were spent on gardening but probably more designing and maintaining her beloved flower gardens. On weekends during the summer, though, you would find her in her camper up north enjoying the company of family and friends as they sat around the campfire sipping wine, sharing stories and creating lasting memories. In her later years, Pat cherished the companionship of her dogs, Toby and Sadie. She was a kind and loving person with strong determination that will be dearly missed. She is further survived by eight grandchildren: Matthew (Jessica) Hein, Melanie Hein (Brandon), Danny Hein (Pachee), Kelsey Zettler (Dan), Hailey Zettler, Hannah Zettler (Bryton), Megan (Noah) Waldhart and Mallory Rudolph; nine greatgrandchildren: Jacob, Emilie, Braxton, Kaden, Cooper, Corbyn, Landen, Greyson and Paisley; two brothers: Clem (Grace) Pecher and Duane (Pat) Pecher; a sister-in-law, Janet Pecher; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Urban Pecher and her sister, Rosemary (Harvey) Soczka. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 129206

Thomas W. Cheney, age 54, of Colby, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022. As per Tom’s wishes, no services will be held. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements. Tom was born on August 21,1968,inMassachusetts.He graduated in 1986 from Upper Cape Cod Technical High School for Culinary Arts. Tom entered the U.S. Army Reserves and then worked for MAP insulation and later went on his own and started TNT Insulation in Mass. He moved to Wisconsin in 2003 due to ill health. Tom loved working at County Market in Abbotsford until 2020. Tom was a loving father who enjoyed his children and had a big heart and will be deeply missed. His favorite thing to do was work in his garage. Tom also enjoyed playing horseshoes. Tom is survived by his wife, Loralane of Colby; threechildren:AshleyElizabethCheneyof Florida, Thomas Wayne Cheney II of Massachusetts and Sandra Marie Cheney of Wisconsin, and a stepdaughter, Jacquelyn Lemoi; three grandchildren: Jaiden Patrick Ikkela, Aubrey Elizabeth Boza and Josie Fons; siblings: Tara Cheney, Robin Edwards, Julie Cheney and Michael Cheney; three nieces and three nephews and a nephew: Christopher Michael Cheney. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Cheney. Friends may send online condolences to www. maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 129109

Sandra Lee Bush Gravunder, age 78, of Abbotsford, ended her journey in this lifetime on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at her home surrounded by loved ones. Sandy was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, on July 22, 1944, to the late Edward “Perry” and Carol Juanita (Snyder) Bush. She lived in Pleasant Lake, Ind., Dayton, Ohio, Conrath, Bloomer and Eau Claire, and ended up living in Abbotsford. In 1969, Sandy graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a degree in business and earned a Master’s Degree in Business Technology. For 32 years she taught at CVTC in Eau Claire, retiring in 2000 to care for her significant other, Arthur W. Schmidt. She enjoyed her students. Sandy always loved her animal pets and treated them like family. A special dog was a papillon named Spirit given to her by a friend who passed. Spirit became a therapy dog who loved her work at Sacred Heart Hospital where her spirit lives on. Sandy had one horse in her lifetime, Cheyenne, who she did a lot of ground work with and developed a special relationship with. Moving to Abbotsford let her be closer to family. Part of that family included a special great grandson, Jaxton Darwin Boushon, whom she was always happy to be with. Sewing became a major hobby in retirement which included involvement in the American Sewing Guild where she met and interacted with members. These members, too many to name, became great friends. Sandy is survived by her daughter, Joy (Bill) Klimpke; son, Alex (Renee) Gravunder;grandchildren:LucasWamhoff (Carrie Rosenthal) and Baily Gravunder; great-grandson, Jaxton Boushon; brother, William Edwin (Louann) Bush; sisters: Susan Roberta Tylee and Rebecca (Jerry) Ebert; special friend and caregiver, Zach; her devoted dachshund, Adeline; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlyn Gravunder; significant other, Arthur Schmidt; her parents; and brother-in-law, Michael Tylee. A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice for their care. A memorial service was held at 12 noon on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire with Reverend Tom Westcott presiding. Visitation was 2 hours prior to service. Interment was in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire. Evergreen Funeral Home and Crematory in Eau Claire is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Trinity Lutheran Church https://trinityec. org/give/ or the Arlyn and Sandra Gravunder Scholarship at UW-EC https://connect.uwec.edu/ donate. To send your condolence and/or share a story of Sandy with the family, please visit our obituaries at www.evergreenfuneralhome.com. Paid obituary 128928

Cecelia A. Schindler, age 99, of Curtiss, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family under the tender care of Aspirus Hospice. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12 noon at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. Father Timothy Oudenhoven will preside. Interment will follow in the Abbotsford Public Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. on Friday until the time of service at the church. The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Cecelia was born on April 29, 1923, the daughter of Fred and Anna (Tautges) Koplitz in Withee. She graduated from Withee High School. Cecelia was united in marriage to Fred Schindler at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Withee on October 14, 1942. Fred preceded her in death on January 8, 2012. Together they farmed in the Town of Mayville and raised nine children. Cecelia was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Churchandamemberof thePCCWwhereherfaith life was very important to her. She was a founding member of the Curtiss Corners Quilt Club, of which she was a member for over 30 years, and also a member of the Clovernook Homemakers. Cecelia enjoyed quilting, crocheting, baking and cooking, gardening, playing cards, especially Sheepshead, and fishing up at the cottage on weekends. Most importantly, she cherished and loved being with her family. Cecelia is lovingly survived by her eight children: Patricia (Greg) Krause of Prentice, Marie (Ted) Hoffman of Lake Mills, Fred (Linda) Schindler of Curtiss, Jayne (Julian) Jannene of Colby, Leonard (Diane) Schindler of Colby, Peggy Rauof Abbotsford,Tim(Lisa)Schindlerof Curtiss and Tom (Robyn) Schindler of Marshfield. She is further survived by 28 grandchildren; 43 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; a daughter-in-law, Pam (Randy) Runge of Medford; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred; her son, Michael; two sisters and two brothers: Inase Dabler, Lucille Koplitz, Alfred Koplitz and Melvin Koplitz. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 128931

Loren H. Venzke, 89, passed away October 26, 2022, at the Wausau Manor. He was born to Herman and Johana (Abitz) Venzke on January 12, 1933, on the family farm, Fence Road, Athens. He went to school through the eighth grade. His father had died when Loren was one year old, and his oldest siblings had left home, so he quit school to help his mother work the farm. He married Doris Remus in April of 1954. They purchased the farm from Loren’s mother and farmed together until they retired in 1999. He was a dedicated farmer who worked hard to provide for his family. He loved the Lord and was devoted to raising his family for the Lord. After Loren’s heart attack in September 2020, he lived his remaining two years at The Wausau Manor. Loren is survived by his three daughters: Sandra Stensgard of Eagan, Minn., Sherryl (Tom) Zillman of Janesville and Susan (Scott) McCumber of Honduras; seven grandchildren: Christopher (Nicole) Zillman, Jonathan Zillman, Lauren Zillman, Aaron Stensgard, Shauna (Ben) Mitchell, Samuel (Emma) McCumber and Seth (Melody) McCumber; and seven greatgrandchildren: Brayden, Sophia, Lyla, Benson, Saylor, Cadence and Theodore. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, his parents, and his siblings: Ernest, Freida, Alvin and Martin. Loren’s memorial service will be Saturday, Nov. 26, at Crossroads Assembly of God, 1930 County Road XX, Rothschild, WI. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with the service following at 11 a.m. A special heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Wausau Manor for their kind and excellent care of our father and grandfather over the past two years. Paid obituary 129012

O bituaries Paid obituary 128701 Donald (Don) C. Peissig, 92, of Dorchester, passed away Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family with support from St. Croix Hospice. Donald was born April 8, 1930, in Medford, son of the late Albert and Christine (Enders) Peissig. Don graduated from Dorchester High School in 1948. He continued his education by attending the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture Short Course in Madison for two years, graduating in 1949. Don married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Mary Geiger, on June 13, 1951. He farmed for the first seven years with his father, Albert, in the Town of Little Black. In 1958, Don and Margaret bought a farm west of Dorchester from Margaret’s father, Michael Geiger. Together, Don and Margaret worked hard to build a thriving dairy farm while raising eight children. Don also worked a side job for twenty years hauling milk cans for Pleasant View Dairy. Don continued to live and work on the farm long after selling it to his son Tom, and later to his grandson Jake, doing chores, mowing lawn, and “snoopervising” operations until his death. Don had four priorities in life: his faith, the farm, his family, and giving back generously to his community. He was a life-long member of Saint Louis Catholic Church of Dorchester, where he served as a lector, communion minister, usher, and member of the Parish Council for forty years. After his retirement from milking cows, Don mowed the parish grounds, and helped his wife Margaret decorate and clean the church. Don attended daily mass until age 91 when his health prevented him from driving. Don loved farming. He looked forward to each season, whether planting or harvesting, and took pride in his dairy herd and swine operation. He drove his beloved 1953 International Harvester pickup for most of his farm life, making trips to town so often that people recognized him as “the guy with the old red truck.” He unloaded two ton of feed, in forty-pound bags, twice a week until age 88 “because you should always have a purpose.” He was grateful for being able to raise his big family, pay his bills, and have enough left over to support his church, his children’s educations, and a few well-deserved vacations with Margaret. Don and Margaret were 4H club leaders and encouraged their children to be active participants, including showing cattle and hogs at the Taylor County Youth Fair. One year, Don made twenty-seven trips with his old truck and trailer to haul cattle, hogs, and fair exhibits to Medford. He never complained about all the trips because he said “4-H was a great way to learn responsibility and leadership.” Don was an avid fan of all his children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events. He followed high school football and wrestling for 50 years, including state championship football games and wrestling tournaments, as well as Wisconsin Badger Wrestling. Don believed that it was important to “give back” by serving on more than a dozen community boards and committees. He especially enjoyed serving on the Taylor County Electric Co-op Board, the Dorchester Days Tractor Pull Committee, the Dorchester Park Board, and the Dorchester State Bank Board. Don lost his beloved wife, Margaret Mary, on May 10, 2010, one month short of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Don is lovingly survived by his eight children: Donna (Fred) Hix, Tennessee, Tom (Peggy) Peissig, Dorchester, Mary (Allen) Krueger, Mosinee, Susan (Mike) Ertl, Mercer, Jeff (Julie) Peissig, Menomonie, Gene (Joan) Peissig, Abbotsford, Ann (Pat) Ertl, Hazelhurst and Mark (Terri) Peissig, Dorchester. Don has three surviving siblings: Helen Ludwig, Dorchester, Marion Braun, Athens and Allan (Cathy) Peissig, Stetsonville. Don loved his twenty-two grandchildren and their partners; Jake (Tolea) Peissig, Andy (Nicole) Ertl, Cortney (Brandon) Lupp, Kelly (Jonathon) Badger, Natalie (Tyler) Sangster, Kyle (Rachel) Krueger, Alison (Tyler) Madigan, Grant (Kasey) Peissig, Josh Peissig, Evan (Kayla) Peissig, Whitney (Pete) Thome, Katelyn (Brian) Tierney, Jedd (Megan) Peissig, Anna (Phil) Marty, Emily (Travis) Peissig, Eric (Jacki) Peissig, Zach (Megan) Peissig, Tim Peissig, Logan (Mya) Peissig, Payton, Beau and Max Ertl. Don was able to celebrate the births of twenty-five great-grandchildren and looked forward to three more on the way. A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, at Dorchester Memorial Hall from 1 to 5 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend. “A Sharing of Don Stories and Memories Program” will begin at 1:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will follow. Guests are encouraged to share a memory of Don at the program or by bringing a written memory to share with the family at the event. A private funeral mass will be held for Don’s immediate family at St. Louis Catholic Church on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in honor of Don’s name be designated to the Donald Peissig Memorial to support a project to be named at a future date. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home of Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling. com.

Nancy J. Brown, age 83, of Loyal, peacefully passed away on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at Three Oaks Health Center in Marshfield, with her children by her side. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at Loyal United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kathy Jury presiding. Burial will be held in the Loyal City Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Nancy Jane Whittemore was born on November 27, 1938, in Loyal, the daughter of Gilbert Whittemore and Joyce (Cherney) Whittemore-Rossow. She was united in marriage to Jerome A. Davel of Loyal on July 2, 1955. They had seven children together, and later divorced in 1981. She later married Robert F. Brown of Abbotsford on January 21, 1983, until he passed away on June 2, 2012. Nancy spent her earlier years with her aunt and uncle, Tom and Elsie Duncan in Mena, Ariz., later returning to Loyal, where she finished schooling at Loyal High School. Nancy worked multiple jobs throughout the years, then went to school to be a CNA, finishing her working career at the Marshfield Hospital. Nancy loved to hunt, fish, and spend time with her children in the outdoors. She was a very compassionate lady with animals and children, and she always had a dog by her side. She is survived by her children: Robert (Heidi) Davel of Willard, Marie Davel of Marshfield, Debra (Chris) Langreck of Marshfield, Larry Davel of Neillsville, Tami (Randy) Cook of Loyal, Shirley Goode of Willard and Lisa (Al) Payne of Loyal; 17 grandchildren; 48 greatgrandchildren; one brother, Robert (Sharon) Whittemore of Orange, Calif.; four step-children: Susan Brown, Peter Brown, Paul Brown and Bobbie Jo (Brad) Suckow; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Glen Rossow; her husband, Robert Brown; her former husband, Jerry Davel; two brothers: Gilbert Whittemore II and Charles Whittemore; two sisters: Pauline Morick and Melody Clark; one granddaughter, Tennille (Davel) Thomas; two nephews: Steven Whittemore and Bob Clark; and two great-grandsons: Ethan Thomas and Robert Cole Kaczor. The family would like to thank Three Oaks Health Center for the great care and time given to our mother. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in Nancy’s name to the activity department at the Three Oaks Health Center. Online condolences may be expressed at www. cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home of Loyal is assisting the family with arrangements. Paid obituary 128649

Thomas A. Eppers, age 69, of Abbotsford, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Family and friends are welcome from 3 p.m. until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home. Tom was born on February 14, 1953, the son of Theodore and Dolly (Bergevin) Eppers in Chippewa County. He graduated from Cornell High School. On September 1, 1984, Tom was united in marriage to Rhonda Witt in Cornell. He worked as a machinist until his retirement in 2019. Tom loved hunting and fishing. He especially loved his nightly Yahtzee battles with his wife, Rhonda. Tom loved spending time with his family and especially loved the holidays when his family was all together. He had a very special relationship with his only granddaughter who he loved dearly and called her his “Joppy Doo-Dah.” Tom was easy going and liked to talk to everyone. His favorite saying as he departed was “be cool like me!” Tom is survived by his wife, Rhonda; his three sons: Lonnie (Amanda) Eppers of Elk Mound, Joshua (Samantha) Eppers of Unity and Jacob (Robin) Eppers of Abbotsford; and three grandchildren: Preston, Trent and Joplin. He is further survived by two sisters: Renee (Dave) Ekum of Cornell and Sandy (Gary) Slagle of Park Falls; two brothers-in-law: Duane Newbury of Cornell and Fred (Pam) Witt of Washington, Iowa; her sister-in-law, Juanita (Dan) Sande of Cadott; a niece, Shelby (Cody) Krause of Fairchild and two nephews: Michael Witt of Iowa City, Iowa and Austin Witt of Colorado Springs, Colo.; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Bonnie Newbury; a brother, Theodore Eppers Jr. and an infant sister, Linda Eppers. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 128646