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

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

1951-2023 Jack Charles Schultz, 72, of Rib Lake, died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. He was born Sept. 13, 1951 in Elgin, Ill. to Fred and Christa (Loeber) Schultz. They moved to the Perkinstown area in 1969. Jack was a roofer all of his life, and owned and operated Jack’s Roofing and Repair. He loved to golf, fish, cook and organize Texas Hold ‘Em Tournaments for area taverns. He is survived by four siblings, Terry (Mary) Schultz, Jacquelyn (Juan) Hernandez, Susan (Randy) Matthias, all of Medford, Diane Podgorski of Cary, IL; his stepmother, Marlene Heide of Medford; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred and his mother, Christa. 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 144944

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

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

1937-2023 Elaine S. Spillner, 86, Marshfield, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 comfortably at home. Per her wishes there will be no public services. Elaine was born on April 7, 1937 in Marshfield to Gurney Edgar and Adela A. (Schafer) Sweet. The middle child of three sisters, she was raised in the Spencer area and received her education there. Elaine was united in marriage to Edward Kowalk July 5, 1955 in Colby, with whom she had five kids. They later divorced. A lifelong working woman, Elaine retired from Phillips Plastics in Medford in 2002 following a long career. She enjoyed entertaining visitors. In her later years she had loved to travel and would take any excuse to get out. She is survived by her two daughters and three sons, Deborah M. (fiancé, Roland Genett) Ress of Marshfield, Edward “Butch” Kowalk of Minnesota, Cindy Gisvold of Marshfield, Jeffery (Linda) Kowalk of Arizona, and Terrance (Lauren) Kowalk of Portage. She is further survived by 10 grandchildren, Shane, Misty, Lindsey, Mariah, Jacob, Jessica, Susie, Zach, Josh, & Emily. Elaine is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Mark Kowalk in infancy; a granddaughter, Lisa McKenzie; and her sisters, Corrine V. Kettleborough and Marilyn Hagen. Condolences may be sent online at www. rembsfh.com. Paid Obituary 144942

1942-2023 Dawn Winona (Hartzell) Clark, 81, went home to be with the Lord Nov. 7, 2023 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford, surrounded by family. Visitation and Services were held at Plombon Gilman Funeral Home, 135 W Riverside Dr, Gilman, WI 54433, on Wednesday, Nov., 15. Visitation started 9:30 a.m., Funeral at 11 a.m. with grave side service following funeral in Meadowbrook Cemetery-Gilman. Meal was served immediately after grave side service at Northland Baptist Church, W14530 County Rd M Gilman, WI 54433. Dawn was born July 2, 1942 at home in Gilman to Lowell and Goldene Hartzell. She grew up in the town of Gilman and graduated from Gilman High School in 1960. Dawn married Keith Clark on Jan. 16, 1960 in Reedsburg. Dawn was a stay-at-home mom and they raised four children; Sheldon, Cindi, Doreen, and Bryan. She loved spending time with her grandkids and her two dogs, Bella and Dayze. Dawn loved plants, horses, cows, birds, sewing, reading, and decorating her home. She also loved flower gardens, solar lights, vegetable gardening, canning, and enjoyed farm life. Dawn put her trust in Christ in 1978 and was baptized in the Flambeau River in 1982. She had a very close personal relationship with Jesus and prayed for her family and others to know Him. She loved people unconditionally and was respected for her passionate love for the Lord. She is survived by her Husband Keith Clark; and children, Sheldon Clark, Cindi (Steve) Kuchta, Doreen Clark, and Bryan (Karen) Clark. She is also survived by grandchildren, Laci Clark, Jonathan (Emily) Clark, Jesse (Amanda) Clark, Chayse(Rachael) Clark, Terina (Jaden) Kuchta-Myers, Silas (Marisa) Kuchta, Isaac Kuchta, Nicole Adams, Josh (Beki) Adams, Autumn (Jeff) Breunig, Marię Clark, Justin Clark and Coltyn Clark. In addition, Dawn had 19 great-grandchildren with one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Goldene; her brother, Larry Hartzell; and two grandsons, Corey Clark and Andrew Clark. Paid Obituary 144945

1934-2023 Donald “Don” D. Brunner Sr., 89, of Medford, passed away at home on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice. A memorial service for Don was at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with Pastor Daniel Iwinski officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation was at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Don was born on Oct. 14, 1934 to Herman and Elizabeth (Poehnlein) Brunner. He married Phyllis Steen on Nov. 13, 1954. He was the co-founder of K& B Refrigeration. Don was very civic minded and was a very active church member. He enjoyed the outdoors and sports. Don is survived by three sons; one daughter; and their spouses; four grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. He is further survived by other family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Phyllis. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s name may be given to Hope Hospice. 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 144950

1949-2023 LeRoy Edwin Johnson, 74, of Owen, died Nov. 5, 2023 peacefully at home with his wife and Hope Hospice nurse Kelsey at his side after a valiant battle against cancer. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service on Friday. Military Honors will be provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. LeRoy was born on May 11, 1949 to Elmer and Phyllis Johnson in Wisconsin Rapids at Riverview Hospital. LeRoy graduated from Lincoln High School, Wis Rapids in 1967. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Eugene A. Greene as a boiler man. LeRoy met his future wife at JC Penney in Marshfield. There was a store policy against associates dating; Leroy went out the back door, Janine out the front and they met at a fast food joint for lunch. They were married on Sept. 28, 1974 at the Colby United Methodist Church. When the Rapids Mall was built LeRoy was chosen to manage the men’s department. He later sold cars for Brostrom-Kickert in WR, and M& H Chevrolet in Medford. He spent his final years before retirement at Marathon Cheese. LeRoy had a great love of cars. For many years he took pictures for the WR Daily Tribune of short track and Nascar races. After a trip to Pocono where the spectators stood the whole race, Janine said that was enough in person racing for her. LeRoy helped Tyler with his go kart racing by hauling the kart on the back of the little red Chevy truck. On a flower shopping expedition Janine spotted a 1954 Chevy Belair for sale. LeRoy jumped at the chance and that began many years of car shows, some awards and a new “family” of car enthusiasts. “Big Papa” always had a beer ready to share with friends. LeRoy wasn’t one to show a great deal of emotion, but the smirk on his face said it all. LeRoy was the commander of the American Legion Post #9, bowled on several league teams, shot pool every chance he got and had a HUGE collection of racing memorabilia. The past few years of his life, LeRoy taught us that care giving is a very important job, that family and friends make the burden lighter, and that our ability to give and accept love is not diminished even though our physical health might be. Survivors include his wife, Janine of Owen; his mother, Phyllis (Paul) Waterman of Marshfield; his mother-in-law, Marlene Benjegerdes of Colby; his step-sister, Michelle Seebruck of Pittsville; two nephews and one niece. Missing him greatly are his children, Aimee (Travis) Haakenson of Medford and Tyler (Ailea) Johnson of Batesville, Alaska. He is further survived by four grandchildren, Shaynea (Tim Snyder) of Abbotsford, Vance Haakenson, Audree Haakenson of Medford and Nakiaya Johnson of Batesville. He is also survived by a great-grandson, Axel Emmerich of Abbotsford. He was preceded in death by his father and a grandson, Aspen. Friends may send online condolences to www. maurinaschilling.com Paid Obituary 144943