1940-2024 Ray A. Mallo, 83 of Gilman, died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. He was born on March 5, 1940 to the late Guy and Beatrice (Palmer) Mallo. Ray grew up in the Hannibal area and graduated from Hannibal High School. He farmed the majority of his life. Ray enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, spending time with his family and talking about the “good ole days” on the farm with his siblings and spending time with his constant companion, Shadow, his beloved collie. He is survived by his children, Jerry (Renee) Gielow of West Bend, Michelle (Allen) Kurth and Brent (Jodie) Mallo both of Gilman; four grandchildren, Kylee (Brandon) Crank, MaKade (Allison) Kurth, MaKenna Kurth and Sequoia Mallo; two great-grandchildren, Kollyn and Kenley Crank; his siblings, Arlene (Jerome) Zahn of Jackson, Arthur (Mary) Mallo of Rothschild, Judith Mallo of Richland Center, Paulette Johnson of Wauwatosa, Jerry (Jennifer) Mallo of Waukesha, Brian (Cassie) Mallo of Gilman, Loren Mallo of Greenwood and Arlen Mallo of Lake Hallie; and special friend, Carol Soraparu. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bryce “Bud” Mallo; his sisters, Della Story and Sharon Madlon; and a grandson, Jayce Kurth. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., April 20, 2024 at New Hope Presbyterian Church-Hannibal with Pastor Bev Thompson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place in the Hannibal Cemetery. Plombon Funeral Service is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 150891

1938-2024 Annette L. Laabs, age 85, of Colby, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the Waterford in Colby under the tender care of Heartland Hospice. A Graveside Service will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Curtiss at a later date. The Maurina Schilling Funeral in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements. Annette was born on Oct. 8, 1938, the daughter of Eric and Bernadine Ericson in Brookfield, Ill. She graduated from Colby High School. Annette was united in marriage to Steve Laabs at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss on Aug. 10, 1979. She was a long time secretary for Northwest International (Mid State). Annette enjoyed camping, especially in Bayfield on Basswood Lake, fishing, hunting, campfires, hiking, picking berries, reading, bird and animal watching. She also enjoyed seeing shows of live music at the Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield. Annette especially loved and adored her family, especially her grandchildren. Annette is survived by her husband, Steve; two sons, Marty (Janice) Schjoneman and Scott (Valerie) Schjoneman; four grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Kim Laabs; and a sister, Sandra. Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling.com Paid Obituary 150556

1932-2024 Joseph M. Szepieniec of Eau Claire (Lublin), passed away peacefully at Azura Memory Care on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was born on Jan. 4,1932, of his parents Joseph and Anna Szepieniec and raised in Lublin, on his parents’ dairy farm. Joseph joined the Air Force in July of 1956. Shortly after he married Barbara Cramer of Spokane, Wash., where Joseph worked for the U.S. Forest Service, was a quality controller for the DHIA, and worked as a cement contractor. The family then moved back to Wisconsin where they took over the family farm and continued to farm there for almost 60 years. Joseph primarily enjoyed spending time with his family but was also a large part of the community in Lublin where over the years he was on the Town Board, Health officer for the Township of Roosevelt, Assessor for the Township of Roosevelt, President of the Equity Livestock Association, Member of the Knights of Columbus, President of the Roosevelt Rod and Gun Club, and Member of St. Stanislaus Church. He also enjoyed bowling, reading, singing in the church choir, gardening, fishing and hunting. Joseph and Barbara had seven children together. Sharon Patterson, (Ernest Patterson), Waco, Texas. David Szepieniec, (Rahel Szepieniec), Annapolis, Md., Joseph Szepieniec, (Lori Szepieniec), Lino Lakes, Minn., Dawn Szepieniec (Bolanos) LaCrosse, Paul Szepieniec,(Jeanne Szepieniec) Eau Claire, Ernie Szepieniec, (Amy Szepieniec), DeForest, Barbara Chilson, (Steve Chilson), Eleva. They also have 27 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Anna & Joseph Szepieniec; his son, Joseph Allen Szepieniec; brothers, Stanley Spence, Casey Spence, George Spence, Henry Spence; and sister, Judy Savage. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Szepieniec; their children, Sharon, David, Dawn, Paul, Ernie, Barbara; sister, Rena Phillips; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The Szepieniec family would like to thank Azura Memory Care staff for all their support, kindness, and loving care for our loved one. Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Immaculate Conception, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Father Francis Thadathil officiating. Visitation will take place that day at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial with military honors will take place in the Saint Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Lublin, Wisconsin at 2:45 p.m. on Friday. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. Paid Obituary 150615

1956-2024 Kurt Douglas Latz, affectionately known as “Clubby,” of Bancroft, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in his home, at the age of 67. Kurt was born Aug. 20, 1956 in Ladysmith, son of the late Albert and Della (Mallo) Latz. At the young age of five, Kurt’s father passed away. In time, his mother remarried Duane Story, who became Kurt’s second father. Kurt grew up in Jump River, and graduated from Gilman High School in 1974. Following high school, Kurt tried out for the Minnesota Twins baseball team. While a professional baseball career wasn’t in his cards, his love for baseball remained. In 1976, Kurt made the brave decision to join the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1979. The following year, on Sept. 13, 1980, he married Kathleen Potapenko in Gilman. While their marriage ended in divorce after 25 years, he gained so much from it; a beloved step-son, as well as his own three beautiful children. During their marriage, Kurt and Kathleen moved their family to the Stevens Point area where they made many friends over the years. After his service to our country, Kurt began a lifelong career as a truck driver, dedicating almost 40 years to American Asphalt. For the majority of his career, he moved equipment around with the use of a dump truck. At the time of his retirement in 2018, he was driving tack truck. However, being a hard worker by nature, Kurt couldn’t stay retired for long. In 2019 he began working for Paradise Trucking and remained there until his passing. Kurt lived an active and involved life. He enjoyed a great number of sports from slow pitch softball and bowling in his younger years, to pool leagues and milk bottle tournaments as he got older. Above all else, Kurt’s greatest pride was his children, and eventually grandchildren. He was always there for them and celebrated their accomplishments. His greatest pastime was any time spent with them. While Kurt’s CB handle as a trucker was, “Clubby,” his favorite name to be called was “Papa.” Although Kurt could shoot the breeze with the best of them and reveled in back and forth playful banter, he was also a kind and caring man who would give the shirt off his back to someone who needed it. Dad, you were the best Dad and Papa that we could have asked for and are so proud that you were our Dad. While you will be missed by so many, we know you will always be with us wherever we go. We will carry your memory in our hearts forever. We love you! Kurt is survived by his children, Chelynne (Nick) Molski of Plover, Tanya (Troy) Sobish of Stevens Point, Jordan (Emily) Latz of West Saint Paul, Minn., and Gary (Kelly) Beadles of Plover; his grandchildren, Jack and Shay Molski, Kierce, Jacob, and Ellazandra Sobish, Kennedy and Milo Latz, and Taylor (Dylan) Knoespel, Parker and Brittany Beadles; and a great-grandson, Beau Knoespel. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Kim (Danny) Trawicki of Gilman, Kirby (Linda Montwill) Latz of Jump River, Kristie (Davey) Winger of Gilman, Wendy (Matt) Dernovsek of Hudson, and Brett (Stacey) Story of Bloomer; 17 nieces and nephews, 28 great-nieces and nephews, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Della; his second Dad, Duane; his maternal grandparents, Guy and Beatrice Mallo; his paternal grandparents, Charles and Eva Latz and Leo and Lillian Story; and a niece, Shayla Story. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Woodlands Church - 190 Hoover Avenue, Plover. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Shuda Plover Funeral Home - 2400 Plover Road, Plover - and again Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow Thursday’s service at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point. Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 150673

1930-2024 Amazingly strong and resilient, Shirley Rauscher fought back after every illness, hospitalization and rehab in recent years. But on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 94 years old, our Lord God decided that it was time for her to rest in peace, reunited with her beloved husband Fran. She died peacefully at Orchard Hills Assisted Living in Eau Claire, surrounded by love. With deep sorrow, but also with joy in the hope of the Resurrection, her children prayed over her and said their last good-byes. Here is the story of Shirley’s long, full life. Shirley was born Jan. 20, 1930, in Bloomer, to Gilbert “Gib” and Viola (Thorp) Anderl. She and her younger sisters Donna and Peggy enjoyed roller skating and they worked at the family root beer stand and grocery store. She attended St. Paul’s Grade School and Bloomer High School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1948. She earned an Associate Degree in accounting from Minneapolis Business College in 1950. She was one of only four women accepted there at the time. She worked in accounting at Hill Bros Coffee in Minneapolis, Anderson Cadillac & Oldsmobile in Chippewa Falls, and Strebig Auto Co. and Weather Shield Mfg. Inc. in Medford, retiring in 1990. On Oct. 9, 1951, she married her high school sweetheart Francis Rauscher in Bloomer. They lived in San Diego while Fran served in the Navy, then Bloomer before moving to Menomonie where he attended UWStout. In 1957 they moved to Medford where she lived for 38 years. Shirley, Fran and their children, Mary, Jim and Terri, enjoyed camping and traveling around the country with Shirley’s father Gib. After Fran’s passing in 1994, Shirley moved to Eau Claire in 1995, where she was very proud of the beautiful condo that she bought, furnished and decorated at Mountain Ash Condominiums, living there for 25 years. More than anything else, Shirley loved her three children, two grandchildren and six great grandchildren who are spread across the country. When she could no longer travel, she delighted in “getting together” with family on FaceTime. Although she often complained that “Technology and I don’t get along,” even at 94, she kept up with her family using her iPad, iPhone and especially her PC, creating custom Christmas and birthday cards. Fran, whose area of expertise was technology, would have been so proud of her. An expert at sewing, crocheting, counted cross stitch, quilting, embroidery and crafting, Shirley lovingly created Christmas gifts for loved ones. These beautiful, precious heirlooms now fill their homes with reminders of her. She also enjoyed reading, collecting Beanie Babies and solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles. At four years old, she learned to tap dance. In the 1930s, she and her dancing partner Gordy won an annual competition that included an appearance on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour Show in New York City, but she and her family couldn’t afford the trip during the Depression. Instead, she used the prize money to purchase the family’s Henderson cabinet grand piano, an instrument that brought many hours of enjoyment to her family and that led to Jim’s music career. She was a member of St. James The Greater Catholic Church and the Parish Council of Catholic Women. Father Tom Krieg gave her great joy and comfort. He celebrates Mass weekly at Orchard Hills and last July her family accompanied her to his Mass there. For many years, she attended Mass with Monsignor Klimek at the Sacred Heart Hospital Chapel. Survivors include daughters, Mary Kay (Kenneth) Ingles, Mequon, and Terri Rauscher (Jolene Nelson), Janesville; son, Jim (Vanessa) Rauscher, Amarillo, Texas. Grandson, John (Chassity) Rauscher, Aubrey, Texas; granddaughter, Ann Marie (Ryan) Ball, Jacksonville, Fla. Great-grandsons, Logan and Christian James (CJ) Rauscher; great-granddaughters, Trinity and Ava Rauscher and Evelyn and Emilia Ball. Also surviving are sister, Peggy (Peter) Prince, Bloomer; sister-in-law, Nona (Bill) Rauscher; and numerous beloved family members and close friends, including Bonnie and Fay Yost and Mary Ann Weideman. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Donna (Wally) Boos. The family would like to thank Orchard Hills Assisted Living and Mayo Hospice for their exceptional, compassionate care of Shirley and her family. They would also like to thank Roger Liddell and his Caring Transitions crew for their extraordinary support. Shirley will be buried with Fran at St. Paul’s North Catholic Cemetery in Bloomer. Funeral services will be held at a future date. If desired, memorials are suggested to St. James the Greater Catholic Church of Eau Claire https://osvhub.com/parish-st-james-the-greater/ giving/funds or The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, WI https://www.thehighground.us/ about-us/donate/ Despite growing up in Wisconsin and refusing to live anywhere else, Shirley dreaded winter and snow. May she and Fran now rest in peace in perpetual sunshine and warmth. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. Paid Obituary 150627

1962-2024 Bruce Allen Clarkson, 62, of the township of Grover, passed away on March 27, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. A memorial service for Bruce will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Hemer- Pickerign Funeral Home, Medford, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will take place at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will take place at Cindy’s Bar and Grill on Saturday, April 6 at 3 p.m. Bruce was a loving husband, father, brother, and loved his parents dearly. Bruce married Carolyn Unrau on Aug. 27, 1988. Bruce loved fishing, bow hunting, and turkey hunting. He was currently employed at Fourmens for 11 years. He was also a selfemployed graphic designer and all around handyman. He loved helping people. He loved his family and friends very much. Bruce is survived by his wife, Carolyn Clarkson; daughter, Jessica (Brandon) Clarkson; parents, Don and Evelyn Clarkson; brothers, Brian (Jean) Clarkson, Brad/Pint (Sandra) Clarkson, Brent (Becky) Clarkson, and Brock (Jacki) Clarkson; nieces and nephews, Tyler (Leah) Clarkson, Kayleigh (Skyler) Hartman, Emmalee Clarkson, Madison Clarkson, and Racheal Judnic. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 150639

1962-2024 Kelly Cornell, a beloved father, husband, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024 in Duluth, Minn. surrounded by family. He was born on July 23, 1962, in Ladysmith, to Ray and Dorothy Cornell. Kelly’s life was one filled with love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Cornell; daughter, Nicole Hoehn; daughter, Jasmine (Ross) Ojala; son, Jens (Beth) Cornell; daughter, Jael Cornell; grandchildren, Gabriel and Violet Ojala, Jonathan, Lucia, and Emmeline Cornell and Jordan and Jalen Larson; as well as dog, Lambeau. Kelly’s life was marked by the profound impact he had on those around him. He cherished every moment spent with his family and took great pride in being a devoted husband to Patricia and a nurturing father to Jasmine, Jens, and Jael. His passion for cooking brought joy to many gatherings where friends and family were treated to his delicious meals. Kelly also had an infectious sense of humor that could light up any room. His love for the Green Bay Packers was unwavering - win or lose - but it paled in comparison to the love he held for his family. One of Kelly’s greatest joys came from spending time with his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who adored their “Papa” beyond measure. Whether it was carrying kids around on his shoulders, being “Donald Duck,” or on the lake fishing – these moments will forever be treasured by all who were fortunate enough to witness them. Kelly’s passing leaves behind an unfillable void in the hearts of all who knew him. However, we take solace knowing that he has been reunited with those gone before us including parents, Ray & Dorothy; sister, Carol; brothers, Marc & Ted. A celebration of life will be planned this summer in Duluth, Minnesota to gather to reminisce about the unforgettable memories with Kelly. The legacy left behind by Kelly is one built upon kindness, laughter, & unconditional love which shall continue inspiring future Cornell generations. Paid Obituary 150378

1954-2024 Linda S. Weiler, 69, Weston, formerly of Athens, passed away following a brief illness on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born April 1, 1954 in Wausau, the daughter of Donald and Alice (Kremsreiter) Weiler. Linda enjoyed arranging floral bouquets, diamond art and cooking. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Survivors include, her mother, Alice Weiler; two children, Dawn Teske-Weiler and Bradley Wogernese; four grandchildren, Loralynn (Derek) Hein, Gustav Teske, Elizabeth Teske and Brittany Schultz; four great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Chance, Mckinlee and Harper; nine siblings, Bonita (Terry) Leffel, Ricky Weiler, Donna Jean Weiler, Pam Weiler, Rita (David) Stevens, Calvin Weiler, Gail Weiler, Tammy Weiler and Julie (Scot) Jensen; ex-husband, Dennis Kloth; sister-in-law, Donalyn Weiler; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald; her second husband, John Cullen; her son, Shawn Wogernese; and two siblings, Lorrie Weiler and Allen “Butch” Weiler. The funeral Mass was celebrated at 12 p.m. (Noon) on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. George Graham presided. Visitation was on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until time of services at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. Paid Obituary 150261

1960-2024 Margaret “Peggy” S. Rau, age 63, of Dorchester, passed away on March 20, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial was held 11 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Father Timothy Oudenhoven officiated. Interment was in the Abbotsford Public Cemetery. Family and friends were welcomed from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford and from 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27 at the church. Peggy was born Dec. 13, 1960, the daughter of Fred and Cecelia (Koplitz) Schindler, Sr. in Marshfield. She graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1979. Peggy was married to Richard Rau for 35 years. Together they farmed in the Town of Mayville. Peggy was a passionate farmer and was a leader in calf raising and husbandry. She also led educational workshops and organized tours to promote the dairy industry. Peggy was also very generous of her time and money as she donated to various community organizations and people in need. When her Dorchester community needed first responders, she was the first to volunteer. She was a member of both St. Louis and St. Bernard Catholic Churches, member of the Busy Homemakers, and a leader in the Liberty 4-H Club. Peggy enjoyed gardening, cooking and traveling. She especially loved baking and sharing with the community and people around her. Peggy loved and cherished being with her family. Peggy is survived by her four children, Zak (Tony Meyer) Rau of Medford, Stephanie (Eric) Karr of Eau Claire, Rebecca Rau of Vancouver, Wash. and Zayne (Jess) Rau of Medford; six grandchildren, Savannah, Isla, Bennett, Chet, Colt and Amilyah. She is further survived by her seven siblings, 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, Tim (Lisa) Schindler of Curtiss and Tom (Robyn) Schindler of Marshfield; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Michael. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Aspirus Medford Foundation for mental health awareness. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com Paid Obituary 150260

1937-2024 Allen Clark, age 86 of Prescott, died peacefully, Saturday, March 23, 2024 at his residence. Allen was born on Nov. 20, 1937 in Ladysmith; the son of Edward Wilson and Lenora (Nelson) Clark. He was raised in Tony, where he attended elementary and high school. As a young man, he was married to the former Yvonne Smrstick. To this union children Allen, Christine, Julie, and Sue were born. This union would later dissolve. When he moved to the St. Paul area as a young strapping man, he began working in the construction industry; specifically, as an ironworker. He took great pride in his work and would let you know if the bridge you were driving over was worked on by him, or if the booming cell towers that you would drive by were scaled by him. In his early forties, a certain waitress at The County Point in Hastings caught his eye. He was rather smitten with her and got the nerve up to ask her out. She eventually said yes, and the rest is history. On June 8, 1985, Allen was united in marriage to Joan Helen Hoffman at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings. For nearly 40 years, they were inseparable and their love grew stronger each year. Allen thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting. He had fond memories of deer hunting with the guys back in Tony, Wisconsin or pheasant hunting with his dogs, particularly Sheena, his prized lab. He and Joan had many memorable trips to Canada fishing, and they never went without their limit of walleye (according to Al). When he retired, he took a part-time job at Emerald Greens Golf Course in Hastings. He loved the work there, made many good friends, and the free golf he got to play was a bonus. Allen and Joan also enjoyed 13 winters in Arizona golfing and enjoying times with dear friends and family. If you’ve had the privilege to visit with Joan and Allen at their home, you most certainly went away with a bottle of homemade maple syrup from the family business. If you had a peek into his garage and workshop, his love of woodworking was obvious. He so enjoyed using his God given talents to create keepsakes of many different shapes and sizes to give to those he cared for deeply. His most recent project was a rocking horse for his newest great-grandchild Rhodes. Furthermore, he always looked forward to coffee with his friends at the Table of Knowledge at Ptaceks. Allen will fondly be remembered by his love, wife, and best friend, Joan; children, Christine (Don) Moe, Julie (Ron) Kaplan, Sue (Greg) Roe; grandchildren, Adam, Andrea (Ryan), Aaron, Faith, Tanner (Netta), Madi, (Max); great-grandchildren, Joey, McKenna, Josiah, Alaina, Greta, Avery, Flynn; step-children, Russell (Marin) Peterson, Douglas (Diane) Peterson, James (Mary Jo) Peterson, Dean (Lynette) Peterson; step-grandchildren Savvanah, Maizie, Nathan, Kayla (Joseph), Tia (Jared), Ben (Kandice), Mitchell (Kelsey), Creed, Fletcher, Estee; and his great-grandson, Rhodes. His parents and son, Allen Jr. preceded him in death. Mass of Christian Burial for Allen was 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 27 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Prescott. Burial was in the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Medford. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at St. Joseph’s. A luncheon followed at Ptaceks Old Event Center. Memorials preferred to the discretion of the family. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Prescott. Paid Obituary 150349