17 August 2021

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Johnny Sanders

Johnny Sanders


Johnny Ray Sanders, age 67, of Curtiss, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, at home with his wife, Patricia, and his dog, Maggie, by his side. He was born on April 3, 1954, in Frankfort, Ind., the son of Ray and Bertha (Barker) Sanders. He was united in marriage to Patricia Dearth on October 29, 1994, in Bremen, Ind. John worked as a millwright in various states, crane operator for tall timbers in Woodruff, maintenance for Frick Services in Bremen, Ind., and mechanic for Advance Disposal in Waunakee, and Derrico Logistics in Curtiss, retiring in 2020. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, camping, ice fishing and cat fishing. John also enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish and taking them fishing. He was well known by his family and friends for his fried catfish and loved inviting everyone to come eat when he was frying fish. He had a big heart and friendly disposition. He made friends wherever he went with his gift to gab. He was always willing to help others. The loves of his life were his wife, family, dog Maggie, Pepsi, Coors Light, ice cream and Oreo cookies. He is survived by his beloved wife: Patricia, sons: Bo (Linda Pecka) Sanders of St. Germain, Travis Hagen and Toby (Lisa) Hagen, both of South Wayne; daughters: Brooke Sanders of Churobusco, Ind., Tracy Hagen of Blanchardville, and Terese (Matthew) Derrico of Dorchester; a sister, Merri (Stan) Pugh of Frankfort, Ind.; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Russell Sanders, and a sister, Rita Babb. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at the Derrico family farm where he and his wife resided in Curtiss. Inurnment will be promptly at noon. Family and friends may express condolences online at www. maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 109375

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Helen Nikolai

Helen Nikolai


Helen M. (Wiskow) Nikolai, age 100 years, Unity, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at the home of her daughter in Spartanburg, S.C. She was born July 1921 in the Town of Seneca, Shawano County, the daughter of the late William and Rose (Stillman) Wiskow. She graduated from Marion High School in 1940. Helen married Joseph W. Nikolai on May 1, 1943, in Wauwatosa. He preceded her in death in August 1994. Helen and Joe operated a dairy farm in the Town of Green Grove, Clark County, from 1951 until 1976. Helen worked as a Wisconsin tax assessor. She continued to live at the family farm near Unity. She was a member of St. Mary’s Help of Christians Catholic Church in Colby for 69 years. She was a member of Christian Mother’s and she was a 4-H leader. She loved to travel and regularly traveled with her children anywhere in the world: Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Canada, Mexico and most of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Her hobbies included gardening, bird watching, reading, word and picture puzzles. She is survived by her six children: Mary Jo Wisniewski of Fla., Pat Lytwyn of Minn., Genevieve (Jim) Helkeof S.C., Karen Nikolai of Tenn., Jerome (Ann) Nikolai of Wis. and Karla (Joe) Accurso of Fla.; as well as eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Bessie Wiskow and Ann Nikolai. In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was predeceased by sisters: Laura Schmidt, Ruth Henke and Lila Schultz; twin brothers: Marvin (infant) and Melvin; and Earl Wiskow; sons-in-law: Alvin Wisniewski and Eugene Lytwyn; fourteen brothers-in law, and nine sisters-in-law. A funeral mass was held in the Historic Church at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Spartanburg, S.C., on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, at 11 a.m. A graveside service will held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Colby. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Msgr. Malik Educational Fund, c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 205 South 2nd Street, Colby, WI, 54421-0436. The family is being assisted by Dunbar Funeral Home, Roebuck, S.C. https://www.jmdunbar.com. Paid obituary 109263
06 July 2021

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Doris Stafford-Dittner

Doris Stafford-Dittner


Doris Stafford-Dittner Doris C. Stafford-Dittner, age 95, of Colby, passed away Wednesday morning June 30, 2021, at the Colonial Center in Colby. A funeral service washeld at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer, where Pastor Doris Ruben presided. Family and friends were invited to gather at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Doris will be laid to rest in West Spencer Cemetery with a private service to be held. Doris was born on December 23, 1925, in Owen, the daughter of Melvin and Bessie (Dutcher) Englebretson. She attended school at Latart Elementary and Loyal High School. On June 1, 1940, she married Earl Stafford. Sadly, he passed away on August 10, 1997. She later married Rudy Dittner on August 17, 2002, at the Marshfield Church of Christ. He died on November 22, 2002. She was a farmer and worked as a CNA at the Clark County Healthcare Center for 11 years. She was also a foster parent for 15 years. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Dorchester. Doris enjoyed baking delicious treats and goodies and tending to her flowers in her garden. She loved to spend time with her family and taking care of others. Those who will cherish her memory are her children: Doris Seefeld of Colby and Mark (Judy) Stafford of Elkhart, Ind.; her foster son, Jim Harwood; her grandchildren: Rick (Debbie) Hardrath of Abbotsford, Robin (Larry) Hederer of Abbotsford and Kelly (Troy) Wussow of Edgar; her 16 great-grandchildren; her 36 greatgreat- grandchildren and her canine companion, “Cookie.” She is further survived by her sister, Lucy Kramas and her honorary sister, Muriel Carlson, along with many other relatives and friends. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Bessie Englebretson; her first husband, Earl Stafford; her second husband, Rudy Dittner; her son-in-law, Dennis Seefeld and her grandson, Randy Hardrath. Her arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences. Paid obituary 107482

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22 June 2021

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Douglas Smith

Douglas Smith


DouglasWarrenSmith,bornDecember 1, 1973, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 47 in his home on June 10, 2021. Doug attended Abbotsford High School. Growing up, Doug loved to go camping with his family at Lake Holcombe, enjoyed collecting and trading sports cards, and yodeling freely for all to hear as he skied down Powder Horn Mountain in Michigan. His life revolved around watching sports events and talking about sports with anyone who would listen. Doug enjoyed attending local sports games, bowling, attending summer concerts in the park and doing puzzles. He looked forward to going out for lunches and dinners to Sammie’s Pizza with his parents and spending time with his dear friends at St. Stephen Lutheran Church. Doug is survived by his parents, James and Diane Smith; four siblings: Kelly Bertelsen (Daniel), Chad Smith (Lori), Rebecca Thom (Dave) and Jay Smith (Trish). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Ashley Green (Trace), David Socha (Lauren), Amanda Green (Eric), Adam Green, Braxton Smith, Lane Thom, Cassidy Smith and Calvin Smith. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Warren and Delores Marquand; paternal grandparents, Orval and Mary Smith; and godfather, Todd Winchell. Isaiah 40:31 …but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. A private funeral service will be held at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau, for immediate family and Doug’s church family. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. Paid obituary 106374

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Emery Rahm

Emery Rahm


Emery William Rahm, age 83, of Colby, passed away on Friday, June 18, 2021, at his home under the tender care of hospice with his family by his side. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021, at 12 p.m. at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Pastor Teri Hanson will preside. Interment to follow at Colby Memorial Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends is from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Emery was born on July 2, 1937, the son of William and Lucille (Ayer) Rahm. He enlisted in U.S. Marine Corp in 1955 and was honorably discharged. On September 13, 1958, Emery was united in marriage to Joanne Wolk at First United Church of Christ in Colby. Together they raised four children: Susan, Linda, Michael and Keith. Emery was a truck driver all his life covering 48 states. He started his own trucking company, Rahm Trucking, for which he was an owneroperator forover30years.Emerywasthepresident of the Independent Truckers Association. Later in his career, he drove for Peterson Construction in Medford, Roehl Trucking’s granite division and Abbyland Foods. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle visiting friends and making new ones all over the United States and Canada. Emery also enjoyed hunting and was a tractor and train enthusiast. Together, Emery and Joanne wintered in Texas, Florida and Arizona. Most importantly, he cherished his family. Emery is survived by his wife, Joanne; his four children: Susan (Rick) Keema of Carson City, Nev., Linda (Barbara) Rahm of Chicago, Ill., Michael (Barb) Rahm and Keith (Lynn) Rahm, both of Colby; eight grandchildren: Brittany (Ryan) Klekas, Taylor Keema (Levi Bloxton), Jace Keema, Audrey Rahm, Jordan (Amber) Rahm, Jeremy (Rian) Rahm, Chelsea Rahm (Kristian Mitev), Josh Rahm (Hannah Gurtner); and eight great-grandchildren, including Grace Rose Rahm and Paxton Emery Rahm. He is further survived by his sister, Sandy Hansen of Unity; nieces; nephews; other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 106594

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15 June 2021

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Mathias Poehnelt

Mathias Poehnelt


Mathias “Matt” H. Poehnelt, 97, passed away at his home, at the Waterford of Colby, Wednesday, June 9, 2021, under the care of hospice. Matt was born June 24, 1923, in Chelsea, to Julius and Anna (Ramskugler) Poehnelt. He graduated from Medford High School with the Class of 1940. He later enlisted to the Army Air Corps and served as a pilot trainer during World War II. That’s where he met his first wife, Dorothy Glenn, as she too, was serving in the Army Air Corps. They married in Biloxi, Miss., and after serving, they moved to Wisconsin, where they farmed for many years in rural Abbotsford. They had 14 children and later divorced. He then moved to Holcombe, where he would marry his second wife, Shirly Retzlaff. He was a proud veteran, member of the Local Operator Engineers 139, blood donor, tractor puller (he would say “If it ain’t red, leave it in the shed”), gardener and fisherman. Matt enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada and Alaska. He also ran the town grader in Holton Township and Lake Holcombe Township, and ran all sorts of construction equipment. He is survived by five sons: Tom (Diane), Donald (Jackie), Mike, Mark and Jim; five daughters: Karen (Lance) Ludwig, Sandy (Mike) Jakel, Sharon (Henry) Blume, Linda (Steven) Bach and Donna (Kevin) Kalepp; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; three sisters; his first wife, Dorothy; second wife, Shirley; three sons: Ronald, David and Richard; and one daughter, Julie; and her husband David Schindhelm. There will be a graveside service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Holcombe, Aug. 7, at 2 p.m., with military honors. A light lunch will follow at Black Bear Lodge in Holcombe. The family would like to extend its gratitude to Matt’s friend, Bernice, for helping him adjust to a new life at the Waterford, all the staff at the Waterford and Heartland Hospice, for their care and help. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a veterans group or animal shelter. Paid obituary 106370