1937-2023 Betty E. Quednow, age 85, of Rib Lake, passed away in her home on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, surrounded by her family under the care of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care. She was born on Nov. 29, 1937, in Rhinelander, to the late Louis and Alice (Gauthier) Heiser. They moved to Rib Lake near St. Claire Lake when Betty was three years old. Later on as a child, she moved with her family to a farm near Spirit Lake. Betty attended the Ward School and graduated from Rib Lake High School. Her work experience included being a waitress in Milwaukee. She was then employed at Magnuson Fur Farm and later worked at the shoe factory. Betty retired from the Rib Lake Nursing Home after 31 years of employment. In 1957, Betty married Franz Quednow in Rib Lake. They eventually moved to the Quednow Homestead where they had a dairy farm and raised their family. She loved spending time with family and her toy poodles, Britnee and Buddy. Betty loved to bowl, garden, read, camp, and listen to polka music. Betty will forever be remembered as a hard worker, loving mom and grandmother, and a gentle spirit who had a wealth of knowledge for country living. She was humble, resilient, and beautiful, and was competitive and playful with cards. She was a faithful Christian and loved her church family at Woodland Community Church. Betty was grateful for every moment spent with her family. Survivors include her children, Gregory (Dawn) Quednow, of Rib Lake, Brenda (David) Figge, of Waupun, Bonnie (James) Linzmeyer, of Meridian, Idaho, Barbara (Jim) West, of Ladysmith, and Paul Quednow, of Rib Lake; her 12 grandchildren, Karl Linzmeyer, Monica (Jim) Beeman, Justin Quednow, Elizabeth (Dusty) Linzmeyer, Nicholas (Katelyn) Ball, Nathan Ball, Michael Linzmeyer, James (Hollyann) West, Armond West, Erin (Matthew) Welch, David Schlichting, and Dominic Quednow; her six step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her brothers, Jim (Dolores) Heiser, and John (Pat) Heiser; and her sisters, Shirley Andrea, Pearl (Sam) Tackett, and Edith (Bill) Sunderlin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Alice; her husband, Franz Karl Quednow; her brothers, Eugene (Florence) Cedzo, and Robert Heiser, a Vietnam military casualty; and her sister, Catherine Tasch. Funeral service for Betty Quednow was held on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the Woodland Community Church in Westboro, at 4 p.m. Rev. Bryan Regier officiated. The family received friends for visitation from 2:30 p.m. until the time of services at 4 p.m. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. You may view Betty’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral. com. Paid Obituary 139560

2001-2023 Ethan Michael Berry age 21, passed away Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 due to a car accident. Ethan was born Nov. 11, 2001 to Clint Berry of Medford and Gina Swiantek of Westboro. Ethan was truly a typical “Berry” following in his Grandpa Harold’s footsteps by buying, selling, trading cars, trucks and wheelers, pretty much anything with a motor. He was loved by all and was family to many. Ethan’s smile and personality were contagious and he knew the true meaning of life and love by having a heart of gold. He never held a grudge, believed in second chances, talked to everyone and was a friend to anyone no matter who they were. His great love was for anything that brought him peace and happiness. You could find Ethan fishing, hunting or going on an adventure looking for the perfect waterfall. He especially took time at one of his favorite places, Big Falls where he did a lot of his thinking. Ethan’s love for his family was inevitable and he did that with his whole heart along with always watching out for his brothers and sisters. Ethan is survived by his father and step-mother, Clint and Stasia Berry; mother Gina Swiantek; brothers, Hudson Brost and Michael Winski; sisters, Elizabeth and Eleanor Winski; grandparents, Virginia Maes, Carol and Fuzzy Ellenbecker, Harold and Laurie Berry, Becky (Tom Bowder) Brost, and Randy and Anne Brost; great-grandmothers, Darlene Brost and Leona Gebert; aunts, Heather Maes, Melanie Johnson, Katelyn (Travis) Ziembo; uncles, Scott (Carol) Swiantek, Jordan (Alyssa Jelinski) Brost; special cousins, Marissa (Shawn) Graveen, Michael and Jackson Nichols, RJ & Khyree Johnson, Brice and Tatum Ziembo. Ethan is also survived by many great-aunts, great-uncles, and friends along with his special friends, Koryn Duesing and Kadia Gehrke. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Michael Maes; great-grandfathers, Gene Gebert and Donald Brost; great-grandparents, Guy and Marion Berry, John and Alma Frankii. A Celebration of Life for Ethan will be held Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Jaycee Field building. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations that will be used at a later date for scholarships for individuals of Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Rehabilitation. 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 139626

1934-2022 We are saddened to announce the passing of Elvira K. Patritto on Oct., 11 2022 at a hospice home in North Carolina. She was surrounded by love from her family. A graveside service for Elvira will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Following the service, a luncheon will take place at Marilyn’s. She was born Dec. 30, 1934 in Sagola, Mich. to the late Elmer and Elsie (Morrien) Ring. In 1938, the family moved to Bessemer, Michigan where she was a graduate of the A.D. Johnston High School with the class of 1952. On Sept. 4, 1954, she was united in marriage to John P. Patritto at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hurley. She was formerly employed at Michigan Bell Telephone Co., Ironwood, Mich., Dr. D.J. Martinetti, Hurley, and Midway Telephone Co. in Medford. Her favorite hobby was knitting and crocheting for Ronald McDonald House. She also enjoyed retirement years with her husband, spending winters in Harlingen, Texas. Especially having family and friends coming to visit there. But the greatest love of her life was her family. After John’s passing, Elvira moved to North Carolina to be closer to family. During her time at the retirement community she enjoyed spending time with new friends and of course playing bingo. She is survived by a loving son, David Patritto; a special granddaughter, Heather (Jesse) Campbell, Lauren (Jimmy) Milner, Hailey Patritto; and six loveable great-children, Dawson, Aydin, Asher, Kiptyn, Kynli Campbell, and Gavin Buehler. Also surviving are inlaws and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John of 67 years; daughter, Debra J. Buehler (twin of David); grandson, Brandon Buehler; a sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Robert Cates; a sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and (Pete) Talbot Hinze; and a sister-in-law, Lucia M. Patritto; and brother-in-law, Winton Petersen. WE WILL ALWAYS CARRY YOUR MEMORY IN OUR HEARTS 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 139624

1939-2023 and 1942-2023 George Loock, 84, and his wife, Joanne (nee Werner) Loock, 81, passed away holding hands just six minutes apart on Monday, July 10, 2023 after injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 17 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford with Rev. Daniel Iwinski officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery with military honors for George provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Sunday evening at Immanuel Lutheran Church and from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Monday, all at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and may go to Little Lambs Daycare or to Immanuel Lutheran Church. George was born April 15, 1939 in Baldwin, to William and Esther (Jeske) Loock. He graduated from Baldwin High School and served honorably in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge from the military, George went to broadcasting school and moved to Medford to work at WIGM Radio where he worked for many years. George then drove truck for a bread company, then drove for Pernsteiner Trucking, worked at Phillips Plastics, and also drove coach bus for Krug’s. He wore many hats and over the years, he refereed hundreds of local basketball games; enjoyed woodworking, fixing up old cars and John Deere tractors; got his pilot’s license; and loved riding the open road on his motorcycle. He was a member of the Medford American Legion Post 147. Moving to Medford was fate as this was where he met his future bride, Joanne. The two were married on Aug. 6, 1966 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Joanne was born Oct. 3, 1942 in Medford to Milton and Margaret (Thomas) Werner. She graduated from Medford High School in 1960. She then moved to Minneapolis, where she worked as a stewardess for Northwest Airlines and was then transferred to Seattle. In February of 1963, Joanne’s mother passed away suddenly, and Joanne moved back to the Medford area to help her father care for her younger siblings. She worked for the State Bank of Medford, and then for Tombstone Pizza until her retirement. She served currently as the Town of Chelsea Treasurer. She enjoyed flower gardening, quilting, crafting, their cat, Pallet, and riding motorcycle with George. They are survived by George’s siblings, Marvin Loock of Baldwin, Ethelyn (Max) Ihrke of Hammond, MaryAnn (Richard) Durban of Kentucky; Joanne’s siblings, Jerry (Mary) Werner, Janet (Daniel) Haenel, Jeff (Char) Werner, all of Medford; and many nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by their parents; and George’s brother, Wayne. 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 139302

1925-2023 Donald “Don” L. Smith, 97, of Medford died Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Aspirus Medford Hospital. Funeral services for Don will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Nancy Amacher officiating. Burial will take place at Perkinstown Community Cemetery. Visitation will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., followed by military honors, performed by the Medford Honors Team. Pallbearers will be Adam and Leah Smith, Alison Reinders, Jennifer Nowak, and Mike and Nicole Kauss. Don was born Oct. 16, 1925 in Delhi, Iowa. He married Ruth Reggintine on Nov. 10, 1945 and she preceded him in death Sept. 12, 1978. His second marriage took place Jan. 26, 1980 to Mildred “Millie” Kauss and she preceded him in death Aug. 6, 2020. Don joined the Navy in WWII and flew in the Pacific as a radio operator and gunner on torpedo bombers. He made a career out of the Navy, reaching the rank of Master Chief. He retired to Medford in 1973. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford VFW, and the American Legion. In retirement he and Millie did a lot of traveling and were members of the Good Sam Club. He also enjoyed fishing and spent many winters in Texas. His latest hobby was restoring old tractors. Don is survived by his sons, Terry Smith and David (Jill) Smith, both of Medford; stepson, Steve (Barb) Kauss of Green Bay. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his first and second wife; son, Daniel Smith; daughter, Jeri Lee Smith-Braun; daughter-in-law Greta Smith; step-daughter Caroline Koenig. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to either the Medford VFW or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. 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 139290

1962-2023 Todd Heggesta, age 60, left this world a little earlier than expected on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Todd was born in Madison, in 1962 to a wonderful set of parents. His first trip to “The Cottage” in Northern Wis. happened when he was just one week old. These trips would continue all though his life. Todd attended Madison schools and MATC. At age 19, he began working full time as a machinist and power transmission assembler and technician at Cardinal FG. After 21 years, he switched to a maintenance technician and has continued doing that but only part time for the last six years. Todd grew up hunting and fishing with his parents, family, and friends. He loved anything related to the outdoors. A few of his many interests included, bow hunting, gun hunting, fishing, old cars and trucks, cutting firewood, all types of repair work, taxidermy, family history and many others. In the 1980’s, Todd met his wonderful wife Cathy. They were married after a few years and have been together ever since. Together they had two wonderful children and many adventures traveling to the cottage and occasional trips to Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. They settled on a small farm in the Portage area in the early 1990’s. They were blessed with a variety of animals over the years including dogs, cats, chickens, pheasants, horses, and goats. And of course, a big garden was always required. Often times the meals that were prepared were all harvested off their own property. Todd is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; his son, John; his daughter, Ellen (Josh) Poulter, all of Portage; his mother, Betty, of Madison, who he has been blessed to have with him his entire life; two sisters, Teri (Sam) Christian, of Belleville, and Tami Otto, of Mazomanie; nieces, nephews, and grandnieces; and many, many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Heggesta. Per Todd’s request, there will be no services. He wishes to return to the spiritual world from whence he came. Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 139134

1940-2023 Kathleen Mary “Kathy” Gehl, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Oakwood Village nursing home. She was born in Medford, to Edwin and Ida Czarnezki on Dec. 11, 1940. Kathy graduated from Medford High School and went on to St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Marshfield, and received her Nursing degree. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison as an RN until her first child was born and made the decision to stay at home and raise her family. She married her husband, John Gehl, on Nov. 6, 1965, and they remained married for 53 years until his passing. She was a member of the St. Dennis Church and active in the church choir. Kathy always enjoyed visits with her children and grandchildren. One of Kathy’s greatest fears was spiders. Through bravery and determination, she conquered her fear of spiders by owning a pet tarantula. Kathy was a lover of art and colorful clothing. In her earlier years she enjoyed painting beautiful scenes on the windows during the Christmas season. Some of her favorite hobbies were cooking, being in her garden, listening to music, playing her piano, and her accordion. Kathy is survived by her sons, Mark Gehl, John (Nicole) Gehl and Matthew (Jodi) Gehl; two grandchildren, Chandlyr Gehl and Jacqlyn Holden; and greatgrandson, Jordan Mennes; sisters, Eleanore (Vince) Gage and Carol (Jerry) Way; and a brother, David Czarnezki. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Ida; husband, John; and grandson, Carter Gehl. A funeral service was held at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, with Father Michael Tarigopula presiding. Visitation was held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11 a.m. Burial was held at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: Lawton Center for Research and Education, Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, 1000 N. Oak Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh. com Paid Obituary 139191

1949-2023 Joseph J. “Bucky” Tomczak, Jr., age 73, of Lublin, passed away at home on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Rev. Vijay Kumar Madani will officiate, and burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: David Tomczak, Logan Tomczak, Dale Seng, Al Whetstone, Samson Whetstone, and Kelley Nowobielski. Joseph Julian Tomczak, Jr. was born on Aug. 7, 1949 in Stanley, to Joseph J. and Adeline M. (Fortin) Tomczak, Sr. He was raised and received his education in the Taylor/Clark County area. After completing school, he held various jobs, including, farming, worked for Earl’s Rides for several years, worked with his father in forestry, and for Marathon Cheese in Medford. After retiring, Joe enjoyed fixing lawnmowers, working on cars, tinkering on anything, and built a sawmill and wood splitter. In his spare time, he loved fishing, hunting, trapping, word find puzzles, gardening and canning. Joe will be dearly missed by his wife, Sharon, of Lublin; his children, Donald of Medford, Joseph III of Medford, Sharon (Al) Whetstone of Stetsonville, David of Lublin, Molly Tomczak of Medford; 13 grandchildren; his siblings, Kathleen Geissler of Bloomer, Elaine (Harold) Knox of Holcombe, Josephine (Dale) Seng of Gilman, Donna (Dale) Butkus of Owen, Beverly Tomczak of Bloomer, Elizabeth Tomczak of Thorp, Thomas of Augusta; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Robert; and one son-in-law: Thomas Geissler. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh. com. Thorp Funeral Home of Thorp, is assisting the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 139132