Fred E. Engel, 75, Athens, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, May 27, 2022, at his home while under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care. He was born December 6, 1946, in Elgin, Ill., son of the late Clarence and Velda (Pease) Engel. On November 4, 1967, he married Cheryl Stadler in Hampshire, Ill. She survives. For many years Fred was a dairy farmer in Hampshire, Ill., and in Athens. He then went on to work for Greenheck Fan for 27 years until his retirement. Some of his favorite pastimes included spending time at the family cabin, bow and rifle hunting, fishing, ATVing, UTVing and spending time with his grandkids. Survivors include his loving wife, Cheryl Engel, Athens; his children: Teresa (Steve) Belter, Brian (Sue) Engel, Dawn (Ryan) Dunkel and Dan (Tracy) Engel; grandchildren: Heather (Dane) Wisniewski, Jared (Stephanie) Belter, Amanda (John) Hart, Dylan (Amalia) Willemssen, Tyler Engel, Austin Engel, Dakota Willemssen and Logan Engel, four stepgrandchildren: Matt and Joe LaViolette and Rachel and Ryan Dunkel; greatgrandchildren: Natasha, Kolton, Makenzie, Hayden and Sawyer and two great-grandchildren arriving this fall; three brothers: Dennis (Beth), Jerry (Lin) and Charles (Susan); sisters-in-law: Debra Saxton, Marilyn Meyn and Denise (Charles) Sekorski; brother-in-law, Jeff Winter, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers: William and Stephen; sister-in-law, Patricia Winter, and nephew, Gregg Sekorski. The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for the care given by the Hope Hospice staff and a special thank you to Dr. Tubbs, Dr. Mosley and Dr. Seubert. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Milan. The Rev. Alan Wierzba will preside. Burial will be in the Milan Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday evening at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution will be given to Central Wisconsin Conservation Club, Edgar, for the disable hunts and Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, Medford. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 121598

Donetta M. Ulrich, 92, formerly of Stratford, peacefully passed away on March 5, 2022, at Stoney River Assisted Living in Marshfield. Born on February 5, 1930, in Marshfield, Donetta Marie was the eldest daughter of Herman and Mary (Anna-Marie Happli) Oertel. Donetta was an early graduate of Marshfield Sr. High School (class of 1947) followed by employment at the school and WDLB radio station. On May 23, 1953, she married Robert H. Ulrich at Zion Lutheran Church in Stratford. Donetta enjoyed a long and active life. Along with her hobbies of gardening, canning, sewing, dancing, bowling and golfing, she was a community leader in many service organizations including Girl Scouts, Women’s Homemakers Club, Stratford Women’s Bowling Association and Luther League. Not shying away from a new idea, Donetta helped initiate Germanfest (annual fundraiser) and “He Lived the Good Life” (first ecumenical service) in Stratford. She was a charter member of the Stratford Area Historical Society. Supporting her husband in business adventures and leisure travel, Donetta was passionate about serving others. Vacations around the world often had a purpose of finding information or helping others. If anyone needed an answer, “Ask Donetta” was a common response as she kept meticulous records of community events throughout the decades. Donetta is survived by her husband of 68 years, Bob, and their five children: Dale (Adele) Ulrich of Phoenix, Ariz., Cheryl (Bob) Martines of St. Charles, Ill., Lori (Don) Uthmeier of Stratford, Beth (Tom) Griffith of Venice, Fla., and Jody (Chad) Arnow of Dayton, Ohio. Blessed with ten grandchildren, Donetta was able to pass on her legacy with family traditions and history documentation. Her ten surviving grandchildren are Alec, Amanda and Annie Martines; Karl, Sam and Henry Uthmeier; Matt and Jake Griffith; and Nate and Grace Arnow. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Fritz Ulrich of Stratford; sisterin- law, Bonnie (Pat) Buchberger of Mosinee; and her nieces and nephews. Donetta was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Jeanine Huebner-Martinson, and sister-in-law, Nancy Ulrich. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield. Visitation will begin at noon, a service to follow at 2 p.m. Donetta will be interred at Zion Lutheran Church cemetery immediately following the service. Memorial gifts can be made to the Germanfest Memorial Fund of Zion Lutheran Church, Stratford. Special thanks go to Heartland Hospice Care and the staff at Stoney River Assisted Living for their compassionate care. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com Paid obituary 117752

James E. “Jim” Bangart, 76, Stratford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Wells Nature View on East 21st Street, Marshfield. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Rozellville, where the visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until service time. Rev. Sengole Vethanayagam will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery and grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family. James was born on July 28, 1945, at home in the Town of Day, to Anton and Mercedes (Kloos) Bangart and attended St. Andrew’s Parochial School. He married Virginia R. “Jenny” Beining on September 24, 1966, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Rozellville. Jim farmed in the Town of Day his entire life, beginning at a young age. After 49 years he was very proud that his grandson took over the family farm. Jim was a lifelong member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and a member of the Rozellville Lions Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, shooting pool, shaking dice and following Dale Earnhardt Racing. He and Jenny enjoyed traveling to Laughlin with their best friends. Jim loved to have a good time! He enjoyed, family hayrides, celebrating his birthday and loved his family, especially his grandchildren with all his heart. Family and friends knew him as “Bangs.” He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jenny, and their children: John (Randa) Bangart of Mosinee, Jill (Mark) Stoflet and Dawn Bangart, all of Stratford. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jared Elliott, Trevor Bangart, Drew (Tori) Spaeth, Sadie Spaeth, Brooke Spaeth, Nicholas Stoflet and Zach Stoflet, and one great-grandchild expected in August. He is further survived by siblings: Monica (Norman) Wolf, of Spencer, Marilyn Brumbaugh of Rapid City, S.D., Darlene (Jan) Harmon of Springfield, Mo., Donald Bangart of Loyal, Charlie (Judy) Bangart of Stratford and Jane (Dennis) Pankratz of Auburndale; and in-laws: Bob Aschebrock of Stratford, Fritz (Karen) Beining, Dick (Lisa) Beining and Dorothy Meyer, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Mercedes Bangart; his parents-in-law, Ed and Lucille Beining; a granddaughter, Paige Elliott; a sister, Patsy in childhood; sisters: Sister Antoinette, and JoAnn Aschebrock; brothers: Terry Bangart and Tom Bangart; sisters-in-law: Patricia Bangart, Holly Bangart and Mary Beining, and brothers-in-law:, Roy Brumbaugh, Jerry Beining, Donald Beining, Terry Beining and Harold Meyer. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Wells Nature View and Heartland Hospice for their kind and loving care. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com. Paid obituary 120991

Diane Blaszkowski, age 77, of Stratford, formerly of Marshfield and Neillsville, died Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. Diane Beth Stelter was born on November 6, 1944, in Marshfield, the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Embke) Stelter. She attended Neillsville High School and then worked as a waitress for a short time. On February 17, 1962, she was united in marriage to Stanley J. Blaszkowski at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville. They lived in Neillsville for a while after they were married and then moved to Marshfield and eventually to Stratford. Diane worked as a CNA first at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Wausau, and later at St. Joseph’s Hospital on 7N in Marshfield. Her health forced her to retire in 1989, and then she became a stay-at-home wife, grandma and babysitter. Diane was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Stratford. She was also a former Girl Scout leader and was very involved with the TOPS club. She enjoyed crocheting, baking and canning, gardening, reading, berry picking, telling stories about growing up on the farm, and she made the best rhubarb crisp and jelly. She is survived by her husband, Stanley; a son, Michael (Karen) Blaszkowski of Spencer and their children:, Kate (Matt) Guldan and Stosh (Staci) Blaszkowski; a daughter, Kristine (Shawn) Steines of Tomahawk; a daughter, Wendi Blaszkowski of Neillsville and her children: Robert (Jennifer) Caspersen and Zachary Caspersen; a daughter, Cathy Zuelke of Stratford and her children: Nicole (Aaron) Cusick, Matthew Zuelke, Jacob Zuelke, Christopher Zuelke, Sara Zuelke and Garrett Zuelke; a daughter, Carol (Rick) Pavloski of Stratford and their children: Madeline and Mason, and a daughter, Michelle (Scott) Bauman of Stratford and their children: Riley and Addison. Diane is further survived by ten great grandchildren; four siblings: Sandra (Dick) Kren of Watertown, Linda (Dan) Krehmeyer of Neillsville, Yvonne (Dave) Herron of Marshfield and Fred Stelter of Neillsville; two sisters-in-law: Theresa Long of Pocahontas, Ill., and Jenny of Chicago; two brothers-in-law: Donald Walker of Neillsville and Mark Cattanach of Hayward; her best friend, Sarah (Gene) Sirriani of Rice Lake, and a good friend, Pat Polster of Stratford. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Elizabeth Stelter; two sisters: Gail Walker and Barbara Cattanach; her mother and father-inlaw, Catherine and John Blaskowski; a daughter-in-law, Karen Blaskowski; and brothers-in-law: Ted Blaszkowski, John Blaskowski, Fred Blaskowski, Raymond Blaskowski and Ed Blaskowski. A Mass of Christian burial for Diane will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant will be Fr. Greg Michaud. Music will be provided by Rebekah Lehn, organist and St. Mary’s Choir. Interment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Neillsville. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the catholic church. A livestream of the Mass for Diane can be viewed at www.geschefh.com beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 20. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Diane’s name to The Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org. Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Diane’s family with funeral arrangements. Paid obituary 121023

Marlene F. (Paszek) Schaetzl, 82 passed away Sunday, May 8, 2022. She was born in 1939 to Gerald and Florence (Knetter)Paszek in Edgar. She attended grade school at St. Johns in Edgar and high school at Holy Cross in Merrill. In 1959 she married Robert Schaetzl. She was employed for over 30 years by the State of Wisconsin. She is survived by three children: Kathy (Ron) Budweg of Kronenwetter, Mike Schaetzl of Ringle and Tom (Leanne) Schaetzl of Mosinee; her sisters: Geraldine Newman, Judy Schara, Tony (Tom) Napierala, Francine (Bill) Sprenger and Mary (Kim) Dixon; two brothers: Lyle Paszek and Bob (Cheryl) Feltz; grandchildren: Sara (Tim) Puckett, Debbie Bradberry, Ashley (Steve) Schaetzl and Becky Schaetzl; three great-grandchildren: Kastin (Ariel) Schaetzl, Kylee Thayer and Wesley Gass; two great-great-grandchildren: RaeLynn and Bentley, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents, step-father, Wally Feltz, and granddaughter, Alicia Schaetzl. Marlene enjoyed crafting, especially knitting. She enjoyed spending time playing cards and games with her family and friends. She never missed a family event. She liked to garden and was a member of the Wisconsin Gladiolus Society for years. She liked traveling and pets. She always had time to lend a hand to anyone in need. She will be missed for her heart of gold. The family would sincerely like to thank Compassus Hospice, St. Claires Hospital and all of her many kind neighbors who looked after her for years. Visitation was Friday, May 13, from 4-7 p.m. at John Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Avenue, Schofield, and Saturday, May 14, from 9-11 a.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church, 113 Kort Street, Rothschild, followed by Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Therese. A private interment will be held at a later date. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com. Paid obituary 120945

Ramona “Rae” Jean Ortman, 82, Milan, died Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Vita Care Living in Stratford. Rae was born on July 23, 1939, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Albert and Mabel (Dorst) Huettl. Rae was a 1958 graduate of Stratford Senior High, and went on to obtain her nursing degree from Marshfield School of Nursing. Rae worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield for seven years, then at Medford Memorial Hospital for thirty years, ending her career as head nurse for 28 years in the OB and Family Center Department, assisting in bringing many babies into the world. Rae was loved and admired by many for her positive outlook on life and uncompromising willingness to do for others. Her compassion and enthusiasm served as inspiration to family and friends alike. Rae was married to Russell Rueden from Dorchester, they later divorced. Rae then married James Ortman from Milan, where they resided until his death on October 23, 2016. Survivors include one brother, Kenneth (Bernie) Huettl, Scottsdale, Ariz.; sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Brinkman, Marshfield, Donna Solchenberger, Athens, Martha Rodman, Edgar, Betty (David) Holbach, Athens, Phyllis (Gerald) Klimpke, Athens and Barbara Ortman, Athens; many nieces and nephews; four godchildren: Gary, Joan, Mike and Kurt, and special friends: Merlin (deceased) and Loretta Waechter, Norbert and Joyce (deceased) Reidel and Carol and Willie (deceased) Clark. Besides her parents and husband, James, she was preceded in death by two brothers: Jack and Michael; and brothers-in-law: Lester Solchenberger, Gene Rodman, Chuck Brinkman and Jack Ortman. Although her time has passed, she will be missed greatly. The wonderful memories of time spent with Rae will live on in the hearts of those she touched forever. A funeral service was held at noon on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Christ Lutheran Church, Abbotsford. Rev. Don Bruce presided. Burial was in Christ Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation was on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Vita Care Living for all the loving care you gave to Rae. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 120963

Ralph James Wozniak, 85, of Athens, passed away on May 16, 2022, at Our Way Assisted Living in Merrill, from natural causes. Ralph was born on December 5, 1936, to Theodore and Marie Wozniak in Athens. Ralph was a graduate of Athens High School and worked, after high school, as a pinsetter at the Athens bowling alley. After graduation in 1955, he went on to be a long-standing employee at Marathon Cheese. Ralph loved to travel and visit with family and friends at family and community weddings, holidays, and other celebrations. Ralph lived at his childhood home in Athens from his birth until he transitioned to assisted living care needs. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, with his father passing in 1945 and his mother in 1983. Ralph was also predeceased by brothers: Jack Wagner and William Wozniak, and sisters: Eileen Chenevey and infant sister Doris. Ralph was never married and had no children of his own, but treasured time and relationships with his nieces and nephews who survive. Ralph is survived by his sister-in-law, Kay Wozniak; nephews and nieces: KC Wagner, John Wozniak, Ann Wozniak, Michael Chenevey, Mark Chenevey, Joel Chenevey, Eric Chenevey, Paula Chenevey, Margaret Ness, John Chenevey and Peter Chenevey, and cousin, Marilyn Koszuta. Ralph was a life-long member of St. Anthony’s Church in Athens. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. George Graham will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 120988

Elsie A. Wirkus, 93, Wausau, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. She was born March 10, 1929,in Mosinee, daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Cerny) Cihlar. On September 24, 1952, she married Daniel Wirkus at St. Paul Catholic Church in Mosinee. They would have been celebrating their 70th anniversary this September. Elsie and Daniel farmed in the Edgar area for several years. She was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar, a member of the Women’s Church group, and has been a member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Wausau for the past 25 years. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed listening to polka music and attending church picnics. Elsie was proud to share her Czech heritage with others. She was an excellent baker and cook, known for her bread making and Czechoslovakian cuisine. Elsie had a great zest for life, seeking out new opportunities and adventures. She loved to socialize with family, neighbors and friends. Most importantly, she cherished time spent with her family and attending her grandchildren’s activities. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include her loving husband, Daniel; four children: Randy Wirkus, Eau Claire, Kathy (Jerry) Back, Madison, Nancy (Norbert) Dreikosen, Junction City and Jackie Wirkus, Green Bay; four grandsons: Scott (Andrea) Back, Matthew Back, Nate (Melissa) Dreikosen and Noah (fiancée Sarah Woller) Dreikosen; one great grandchild, Harper Dreikosen; and one sister-in-law, Irene Cihlar, Marathon. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers: Joseph, Arthur and Ervin Cihlar. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Tom Lindner will preside. Entombment will be in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The family asks that all who attend please wear a mask. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Aspirus Hospice House or the charity of the donor’s choice. Thank you to Dr. Vicky Baker who cared for Mom for several years, and more recently, caregivers at Aspirus Hospital-Wausau, Rennes Health & Rehab-Weston, Renaissance Assisted Living-Weston, Marshfield Medical Center-Weston, and Aspirus Hospice House. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 120942