Allen C. Lang, 73, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by family, after a yearlong battle with cancer. A funeral mass for Allen will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Whittlesey with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at OLPH Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford on Sunday, March 31, 2024 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., when a rosary service will take place. Visitation will continue at OLPH Catholic Church on Monday, April 1, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Allen was born on Sept. 23, 1950 to Charles and Rose (Boehm) Lang in Wausau. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Edgar High School. He continued his education at UW-Madison School of Pharmacy, where he met and married the love of his life, Judy Bohman. After graduating pharmacy school, 1950-2024 they purchased and operated the Edgar Drugstore. The family moved to Medford in 1983 and they purchased Valu-Rite Drugstore, which the family operated until 2010. After selling the drugstore he continued to work there with his son until his cancer diagnosis in spring of 2023. When Allen wasn’t working at the drugstore, he enjoyed working on their farm raising beef and doing field work. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and neighbors. He loved playing cards (sheepshead) with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. Allen is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy Lang; children, Sara (Mark) Matyka of Rib Lake, Jason (Kristine) Lang of Medford, and Rachel Lang of Mount Pleasant; grandchildren, Kyle (Savannah) Matyka, Cody (Clare) Matyka, Jacob, Tyler, and Amber Matyka, and Alexander and Timothy Lang; and one greatgranddaughter on the way. Allen is further survived by his siblings, Dennis (Shirley) Lang, Charles (Dorothy) Lang, Jane (John) Yde, and the Hasko bonus family. Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rose; and step-mother, Georgine. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 150320

1934-2024 Joyce Drost, 89, passed away Tuesday, March 19, at her home in Stetsonville, surrounded by family. Joyce was born on April 3, 1934 in Milwaukee, to Albert and Anne (Weber) Handel. On Oct. 11, 1952 she married Thomas Drost at St. Matthew’s parsonage in the village of Marathon. They were happily married for 64 years. Joyce had an unwavering love for her Lord and Saviour, her family, friends, and her country. Joyce will be missed by all who were blessed by her loving and joyful spirit. Joyce is survived by her five children, Debra Dorzok of Tomah, James Drost of Belgrade, Mont., Lori (Bill) Peters of West Salem, Jeffrey (Cindy) Drost of Beloit, Daniel (Jodi) Drost of Woodruff; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Patty Ecklund of Medford. A memorial service for Joyce took place at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Richard Russow officiating. Burial followed at Medford Evergreen Cemetery I. Visitation took place at Zion Lutheran Church on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Thank you to Hope Hospice for their services and wonderful care of Joyce. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hope Hospice, 537 W. Broadway Ave, Medford, WI 54451. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www. hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. And the God of all Grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while. Will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast, to him be the power for ever and ever, Amen., Peter 5:10-11 Paid Obituary 150317

1949-2024 Dennis L. Nuernberger, 74, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home, with Pastor Nancy Amacher Officiating. Burial will take place at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Following the service military rites will be performed by the Medford Military Honors Team. Dennis was born on Nov. 7, 1949 to Herbert and Lorraine (Olson) Nuernberger in Medford. He attended Medford area schools and graduated from Medford High School. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served for 4 years (1967-1971). After his service he graduated from UW–Eau Claire with a degree in Education. He taught in Almond and McFarland Wisconsin before returning to Medford and finished his teaching career as a math Teacher at Medford Area Senior High School. He retired in 2007. In his spare time Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He also enjoyed hiking and maintaining the Ice Age Trail. Dennis had the trip of a lifetime with the Honor Flight in April 2023. The look on his face as he was greeted by family and friends at the Mosinee Airport was priceless. Dennis is survived by his siblings, Kay (Barry) Steevens of Columbia, Mo., Janet (John) Kushlan of Wisconsin Rapids, Bruce (Sue) Nuernberger of Medford, Vicki Leonard of Alamogordo, N.M., Lee (Jean) Nuernberger of Medford, and Joan Kristan of Nixa, Mo. Dennis is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Benny Leonard. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Dennis’s name may be given to the VFW Building Fund. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice. com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 150347

1947-2024 Robert Ames Hindal, 76 passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. Bob was born March 31, 1947, in Ladysmith to Bernice and Clair Hindal. He had a deep love of nature, art, science, and architectural design. As a teacher he shared this love with everyone he knew, inspiring many people. He was an avid reader and nature photographer. He loved dogs and made them a part of his family. He also liked fishing and hunting with family and would volunteer and give his time frequently. His favorite pastime was woodworking including wood carving, chip carving and creating furniture. Bob graduated from Flambeau High School in 1965. In 1969, he graduated from UW Eau Claire with bachelors in math and chemistry where he also met the love of his life, Nancy. They later got married at the Church of Christ in Sheldon on June 6, 1970. In 1972, he got his master’s degree from the University of Iowa in chemistry and education. He started his teaching career at Maynard, Iowa. In 1973, he moved back to Sheldon, WI with his wife Nancy and their daughter Nicole to take over the family farm. In 1985, Bob started teaching at Flambeau School District, becoming a third-generation teacher in the area. He earned his master’s in broad area science education while teaching at Flambeau. Later, he transitioned to the school district’s Computer Coordinator until he retired in 2015. He also served on the town board for several years. Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy, children Nicole (Jeff) Penman, and Richard (Jen), and his granddaughter Aven Penman, his sister Kathy and his brother Tom. He was preceded in death by his parents Clair and Bernice, brothers Dale and Dennis Hindal. Bob will be remembered most for his friendliness, generosity and storytelling. Visitation will be from 12 Noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Nash-Jackan Funeral Home in Ladysmith. A celebration of life will begin at 2 p.m. with Deacon Craig Voldberg officiating. Paid Obituary 150020

1946-2024 John W. Dolezalek, age 78, of Rib Lake, passed away very suddenly but peacefully in his home on Saturday, March 9, 2024. John was born on March 4, 1946, in Phillips, to the late John and Phyllis (Tadin) Dolezalek. John grew up in Rib Lake and loved his town. He played high school basketball and baseball, worked with the village crew during the summer, and helped maintain the lake by cutting weeds. While attending UW-Eau Claire, he was part of the Men’s Glee Club, the Singing States-men. At a time when there were only two pizza places in Eau Claire, he and his brother, Ron, started Doozal’s Delivery, a thriving pizza-delivery business. In Eau Claire, he met the love of his life, Rachel Hoefs, who he saw across the room at a party and knew he had to date. They married on June 15, 1974, and made their home in Rib Lake, cherishing their lake view, smalltown life, and their three children. John took over his father’s electrical business and worked as an electrician for several years. He then purchased and operated Cor-Dus Mfg. in Medford during the early 80s. He also bought and sold cars in the Wausau area until his retirement in 2008. John was a successful electrician and salesman, but his true calling was comedy. He LOVED making people smile and was always thinking of jokes or dressing up in something to get people laughing. Once at a Christmas family gathering, he secretly devised matching elf costumes for his grandson Luca and himself. John particularly loved to entertain his coffee buddies. They often waited to see what he would come up with to wear for St. Patrick’s Day or what antic he would play on someone in the group. He scouted out garage sales for “gag gifts” to give someone who would get a kick out of the perfectly-selected item. John loved people; he never knew a stranger. If he was sitting in a waiting room, he would greet the other people waiting there and ask about them. If he was sitting in a restaurant, he’d smile and engage the people at the next table, often getting them to laugh. He teased waitresses and store clerks and enjoyed their smiles. John loved and was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and he told them so frequently. He constantly was thinking of little toys he could give them–from Matchbox Cars to water guns. John was at his best when playing a dice game or teasing them. Over 20 years, what started out as a small get-together to celebrate the Fourth of July, grew into a party with props, game-show skits, and commercials for over 60 guests. Each year friends and family eagerly waited to see what entertainment John created. One reason John loved spring the best was because of all the returning birds. He enjoyed hearing their calls, watching them nest, and seeing the babies hatch. For the last several years, he watched a pair of Mallards, aptly named Daisy and Donald, waddle up from the lake with their ducklings, cross the street, and eat on the grass just below the living room window. This spring he bought an incubator and was working with a friend who planned to hatch quail. John also loved his Woodland Church family. Everyone looked forward to the Sundays he greeted people because he often wore a silly sign or had a prop to welcome them as they walked through the door. His biggest concern was that his family and friends would have a close relationship with Jesus and prayed about this often. John will be dearly missed by his wife, Rachel, of Rib Lake; his three children, Corey (Thaddeus) Neururer of Medina, Ohio, Dustin (Molly) Dolezalek, of Madison, and Dana (Andrew) Dilling of DePere; his seven adored grandchildren, Avery and Alivia Neururer, Ava, Luca, and Adam Dolezalek, and Jack and Max Dilling; his brother, Ronald (friend Mary), of Ringle; and his sister, Debra Dolezalek, of Plover. He is further survived by his nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Phyllis; and a young sister, Phyllis. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Woodland Community Church, N8609 Business Highway 13, Westboro, WI. The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the church, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and again on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, which will be designated at a later date, may be given to honor John. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 149982

1931-2024 Adeline M. Kloth, age 92, of Medford, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2024. Adeline was born in Hamburg, on Sept. 25, 1931, to the late Edwin and Caroline (Klockziem) Kniess. She was married to Elmer Kloth on Jan. 12, 1952; he passed away in 1980. Adeline was a dedicated wife and mother. She took great pride in raising her nine children. Her boys were dressed in their suits and the girls in their pressed dresses in preparation for church. Adeline worked hard on the family farm and instilled the same work ethic in her children where they helped along side of her. She enjoyed gardening and canning, babysitting for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and truly loved the time spent with her large family. Survivors include her children, Gary (Starla) Kloth, Charles Kloth, Karen (Randy) Meschefske, Darla (Terry) Peche; Dale (Maribeth) Kloth, Laurie Seehafer, Hal Kloth, and Brice (fiancé Vickie) Kloth. She is further survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and other relatives. Adeline was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Caroline; her husband, Elmer; her daughter, Bonnie; her sister, Janet; her brother, Eugene; her sons-in-law, Steve and Dale; in addition to extended family members. Memorial services for Adeline Kloth will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medford. Rev. David Spaude will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Generations Funeral Home of Tomahawk is assisting the family. You may view Adeline’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com. Paid Obituary 150018

1957-2024 Daniel P. Van Hecker went home to Jesus on March 9, 2024 at age 67. He went peacefully with his loving wife by his side. Daniel was born to Lawrence and Catherine (nee Kauer) Van Hecker on Feb. 25, 1957 in Merrill. He graduated from Rib Lake High School. Daniel met his wife, Denene and her daughter in a humorous way that he never tired telling the story of. They married on Aug. 15, 1981 and went on to have three additional boys. In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband to his wife and father to all his children, Dan also loved taking long drives and fishing and teaching the children in his life new things. Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he clung to in dark times and then shared it with those who surrounded him. He could be stubborn and challenging to those who loved him and wanted nothing but the best for him but he was also kind and funny and good for a good story or hug when you needed one. Daniel joins his parents, Lawrence and Catherine; his two sons, Joshua and Lawerance; two brothersin- law, Ron Hansen and Mark Marquardt; a sister-inlaw, Sharon Van Hecker; and three infant brothers in Heaven. He is survived by his wife, Denene; his children Jennifer (Matt) Dirks, Quenten (Misty Lange) Van Hecker; his grandchildren, Christian (Rachel) Dirks, Emelie (Aaron) Dirks, Jaime, Talon, Kaylee, Lydia, Ian, Sophia, and Finn Van Hecker; and “adopted” grandchildren Ella and Benjamin; one great-grandchild, Remington Dirks; brothers and sisters, Vernell Van Hecker, Therese Marquardt, Gaylon (Gloria) Van Hecker, Margaret aka Muff (Daniel) Budimlija, Mary (Guido) Spicer, Bernadette (Gary) Hansen and Yvonne (Gary) Budimlija. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. The family would like to thank the staff of the 8th floor at Bellin Hospital for the exceptional care they provided not only to him but making sure that they understood what was going on every step of the way. Extra thanks goes to the attending nurse Zach and Dr. Choi and Dr. Vora for the comfort and dedication they had to him. A memorial service will be held at a later date. John 16:22: “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” Paid Obituary 149821

1970-2024 Kelli Jo Ray, 53, of Medford, passed away at home on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, under the care of Aspirus Hospice, surrounded by her family. Funeral services for Kelli took place at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the United Methodist Church, Medford, Pastor John Hazen officiated. Burial followed at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation was at the United Methodist Church on Monday, March 18, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Kelli was born on May 26, 1970 to Darrold and Dianne (VanDam) Williams in Springfield, Minn. She was a blessing during her school years. She excelled in the classroom and in activities. Kelli played the saxophone in a jazz band and was captain of the flag group, with an award winning band. She had the record in the 500 free style swim event for years in a good size high school. Kelli attended The University of Minnesota Duluth where she received her Degree in elementary education with a minor in Spanish. She went on later to receive a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin. She met the love of her life Jason while both were attending the University of Minnesota Duluth. They were blessed with three wonderful children. Kelli taught Middle School students for many years at the Medford Area Middle School. It was here that Kelli met her dear friend, Colleen. She also taught many students via the Rural Virtual Academy. She touched the lives of many students. Kelli had a profound impact on her family. As the song goes, it is not what you take with you when you leave this earth, but what you leave behind. In Hebrew the name Kelli means little warrior. She certainly lived up to her name as she fought valiantly to live. It is now up to our Father in heaven to love you forever, and we will as well. AMEN Kelli is survived by her parents, Darrold and Dianne of Dell Rapids, S.D.; husband, Jason of Medford; children, Braxton (Jamie) Ray of St. Paul, Minn., Carter Ray of Medford, and Aliceson Ray of Medford; brother, Darrin (Sheila) Williams and their three children of Westfield, N.J.; parents-in-law Anne and Larry Ray of Medford; sister-in-law, Stacy (Jim) Gleichauf and their two children. Kelli is survived by other family and friends. Kelli was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 150019

1939-2024 Dennis W. Johnson, 84, of Medford, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. A memorial mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake with Fr. Julian Druffner officiating. Burial services will be performed at a later date for the immediate family. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Dennis was born on June 29, 1939 in Chicago, Ill. to Harold and Evelyn (Holm) Johnson. He grew up in Ogema, and graduated from Prentice High School in 1957. On June 3, 1961, he married the love of his life, Marian McGuire. Shortly after the wedding, the young newlyweds moved to Marquette, Mich. where Dennis found employment at the Gambles department store. In 1966, Dennis moved his young family to Medford where he began his self-employment as a doorto- door distributor for Morning Glory Dairy. In 1972, they built their home in Rib Lake where Dennis’ employment at Morning Glory would wind down, leading him to purchase the local root beer stand, “DJ’s Drive In” which they operated for several years. During this time, Dennis also drove truck for Dick Thums Trucking and Tombstone Pizza before eventually becoming a supervisor at Weather Shield until his retirement. Following retirement, he worked a few years at Great Northern Cabinetry before becoming a Walmart greeter in Medford. He loved his greeter role where he reconnected with many old friends and made new friends along the way. A man strong in his catholic faith, he was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake. Over the years, Dennis played bass guitar and sang for several local bands. He heard many times how much he looked like Conway Twitty! He also enjoyed bowling, fishing and baseball, both coaching little league and playing the sport…and he was a great pitcher in his younger days. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for Rib Lake and was a talented woodworker. He made many furniture pieces and kitchen cabinets for family and friends. He even made cribs for all of his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marian of Medford; four children, Dennis (Duffy) Johnson of Green Bay, Karen (Mike) Kammerzelt of Waukesha, David Johnson of Burlington, Daniel (Christina) Johnson of Rib Lake; a brother, Galen Johnson; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Heglund and Lorraine Rohleder; eight grandchildren, Brooke, Sam (Olivia), Shea, Colin (Brianna) Nicki, Riley, Xavier and Will; greatgrandchildren, Payton and Lincoln; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Ray and Darlene McGuire; a sister-in-law, Marie Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth McGuire, Wayne Heglund, John Bruder and Bill Rohleder. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Bruce Sperl and the staff of the Cardiac ICU at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau for the excellent care, compassion and kindness given to Dennis in his final days. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 149751