1975-2022 Ryan Ray Ruesch, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 11, 2022 at the age of 47. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford, with lunch after in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Saturday, March 18 at the church. A full obituary can be found at www.hemerfuneralservice. com. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Paid Obituary 133327

Frank Kasparek, 95 of Mount Pleasant, passed away at his home on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. Frank was born in Goodrich, on Oct. 9, 1927. He was educated in Taylor County, Wisconsin schools, and earned degrees at the University of Colorado (1953) and UW-Parkside in Kenosha (1993). Between 1945 and 1953, Frank saw active service in the U.S. Merchant Marines, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force. In June of 1950, he and Esther Ruth Counts of Columbia, South Carolina, were joined in holy wedlock, a union that was to last for almost 69 years. In the course of his working life, Frank was employed at the Dumore Company, Howard Industries, and the J.I. Case Company. After retirement in 1985, he continued as an on-site representative for the Case IH Carr Hill, UK Plant, fully retiring in 2004. In addition to teaching evening math classes at the Racine Vocational and Adult School for over 30 years, he was active in area politics. Frank served as Sturtevant Village Clerk, Village Trustee, and Racine County Board Supervisor. He was a 63 year member of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church and a 60 year member of Belle City Lodge #18 F& AM and A.A.O.K.M.S, Tripoli Temple. Having been “first generation in America,” Frank 1927-2023 had a life long interest in European history, but especially of those who emigrated from Europe. For his children and grandchildren, he wrote of his mother’s life in Europe, her “Ellis Island Experience” and of growing up on a Wisconsin farm during the Great Depression and World War II periods. Several of Frank’s papers are on file at UW-Parkside, Eau Claire Archives, and the Taylor County (Wisconsin) Historical Society. In memory of her missionary parents, Frank and Esther also complied a Counts family history, a copy of which is on file at the University of South Carolina’s Caroliniana Library. For several years, his “Back Porch Musings,” column appeared in the Renaissance Magazine. Frank was preceded in death by his sisters, Elsie (Adolph) Stojak, and Bess (Louis) Smith; brothers, George (Frances), Louie (Emma), and Joe (Sallie); Esther, his beloved wife of 68 years; and their much loved son and daughter-in-law, George Paul and Donna Lynn Kasparek, beside whom he will now be laid to rest. Frank was survived by his daughters, Dr. Sue K. Goetz, DVM, MPH, of Bristol, Elizabeth Ann (Mike) Phillips of Arpin, and Virginia Ruth (Mike) Kelley of Anacortes, Wash.; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Private family services for Frank will be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Frank and Esther may be directed to Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church (1700 S Green Bay Rd, Racine, WI 53406) and/or a charity/church of your choice. Paid Obituary 133241

Join with us and the families of these loved ones as we remember who died 1 year ago: Since 1891, four generations of continuous family service to the Medford and Stetsonville communities and the surrounding area. Kenneth “Kenny” J. Gilles March 2, 2022 Peter B. Fuchs March 3, 2022 Daniel Powers March 3, 2022 Arthur L. Walls March 4, 2022 Shawna M. Oleson March 5, 2022 Earl L. Finkler March 5, 2022 Valerie P. Yeager March 6, 2022 Bryce A. Hinke March 8, 2022 Joann Fleishman March 8, 2022 Mark N. Buehler March 8, 2022 Norma E. Prohaska March 11, 2022 Marion B. Griesbach March 11, 2022 Ann M. McNamar March 11, 2022 Medford and Rib Lake 715-748-2215 www.hemerfuneralservice.com 131134

1945-2023 Edward J. Whitmore, 77, of Medford, died Friday, Feb. 24, 2023 at Rib Lake Health Services with his family at his side and while under the care of Hope Hospice. As per Edward’s wishes, no services will be held. He was born Nov. 27, 1945 in Chicago, Ill. to Joseph and Mildred (Aubert) Whitmore. He grew up in Chicago and Mundelein, Ill. where he graduated from high school. He then attended college at UWWhitewater, earning a degree in sociology. Edward served in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed at Langley AFB, from August, 1967 until his honorable discharge in June, 1972. He worked as a senior accountant for All State Insurance until his retirement. He then went back to work at Lake Forest County Day School, retiring for a second time after 19 years. On May 3, 1997, he married Loretta “Lori” Mc-Carter. They resided in Illinois until moving to Medford to be near family. They enjoyed traveling and did so with their two dachshunds, Amber and Tara. Edward wasn’t much of an animal lover before he met Lori, but they grew on him and soon ended up with Sasha, a shih tzu, and a stray cat, Midnight that also became their pet. Edward introduced sailboat racing to Lori, a passion he had for many years. The couple then raced many summers together on lakes such as Crystal Lake in Ill. and Lake Michigan, winning many trophies over the years. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Lori of Medford; two children, Stephanie Stoneberg and Steven Whitmore, both of Ill.; stepchildren, Sherri (Greg) Onks of Fla., Robert Daigle of Maine; a brother, Ralph Whitmore of Medford; grandchildren, Grant Stoneberg, Brock Ellis, Mason Whitmore, and Michaela Daigle; nieces and nephew, Therese “Tracy” Whitmore of Oshkosh, Julie (Terry) Phillips of Medford, and Joe (Peggy) Whitmore of Antioch, Ill. He was preceded in death by his parents. 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 132987

1959-2023 David W. Hink, 63 of Sheldon, died on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 at his home of natural causes. A Celebration of Life for Dave will be held May 6, at 11 a.m. at the Jump River Community Center. Inurnment will follow in Mount Nebo Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to service on Saturday at the Community Center. He was born on Sept. 11, 1959 to the late Oscar and Nellie (Brooks) Hink. Dave grew up in the Jump River area and graduated from Gilman High. He received a degree in Landscape design from Triton College and many certifications in horticulture science. Dave loved hunting and fishing and reading the history of the places he visited. He was a member of the Rusk and Taylor County Historical Society, the Lions and Hugh Warner VFW Auxiliary. Dave is survived by his siblings, Florence Vanmersbergen of Minn., Mary (LeRoy “Spike”) Spieles of Westboro, Edward (Nancy) Hink of Eleva, Patti Smith of Jump River and Jim Hink of Sheldon. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara; and brothers, John, Karl “Bill”, Michael and Floyd. Plombon Funeral service assisted the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 132855

1928-2023 Mildred Gummerson, 94, of Vero Beach passed away Feb. 22, 2023 at her home. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023, at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church. She was born on April 15, 1928, in Wausau to the late Fred and Dorothy Boening. On Sept. 25, 1948, she married the love of her life, James M. Gummerson. In 1960, Milly and Jim together started their business, Mid-States Equipment, a hydraulic distribution company. Beginning in the late 70s, Jim and Milly lived seasonally in the Vero Beach area. The business was later sold to their son James, and they truly began to enjoy retirement. In retirement, Milly and Jim loved traveling the world, sailing, cruises and many RV trips. Milly also enjoyed knitting and playing Bridge where she hosted many games at the Country Club. She hosted all the family holidays. Her homemade bread and baked goods are something she will be remembered for. Milly was a devout Catholic. She was a faithful member of Holy Cross Catholic Church for many years, where she was a member of the Women’s Guild. She was also a long-standing member of Vero Beach Country Club. In addition to her parents and husband, Mildred was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Melbinger; brother, Robert Boening; sisters, Mary Schmidt and Caroline Kincaid. She is survived by two children, James Gummerson and Judy Mathewson; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brother Jim Boening. During the final stages of her illness, Milly realized that she would likely not be in attendance at the 95th birthday party that was planned for her at the Country Club, however, the party must go on. That being said, the family will be turning that day into a celebration of her life. Due to scheduling and personnel conflicts and because this date and event are so important to her family, we are unable to hold her funeral mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Rosary Catholic School, 215 S. Washington Ave., Medford, WI 54451. Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. A guest book is available at www. strunkfuneralhome.com. Paid Obituary 132992

1952-2023 Douglas Duane Webster, 70, of Gilman, passed away at home on Thursday, February 23, 2023 with his family by his side. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church-Gilman with Rev. Brian Beardsley officiating. Burial followed in the Donald Cemetery. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Gilman Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church. Lunch and fellowship were held at the Donald town hall following burial. Douglas was born on Aug. 4, 1952 to the late Donald and Arlene (Wilcox) Webster. The family settled on a farm near Donald, WI where Doug was raised. He graduated from Gilman High in 1970. Doug attended Eau Claire Tech then returned to help on the family farm. He then married Darlene Miles (Cadott) and established his own farm on Gilman Road, Gilman. He enjoyed farming, both crops and cattle, riding horse, hunting and fishing, watching all sports, attending his grandchildren’s events and spending time with family. He is survived by his beloved partner, Bev Karpinski; his children, Lisa (Darrin) Hoernke of Colby, Douglas Kevin (Cheryl) Webster of Gilman, Rachel Hedrington of Chippewa Falls, and Kyle (Becky) Webster of Gilman; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his siblings, Linda Hintzman of Menomonie, Richard (Tammy) Webster of Cornell, Dennis Webster of Gilman, Susan (Ted) Kotlowski of Cadott, Duane (Amy) Webster of Ladysmith and Darlene (Jon) Shorougian of Waukesha. He is also survived by James and Jennifer Stamper, Stacy Anderson both of Hawkins. Doug was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Pete Hintzman. Paid Obituary 132985

1944-2023 Margaret M. “Marge” Viergutz, 79, of Medford, died Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family and while under the care of Hope Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 2, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church. Marge was born Feb. 23, 1944, on the home farm in Medford to Arthur and Theresa (Poehnelt) Kuenne. She graduated from Medford High School, class of 1962. On Aug. 1, 1964, Marge married Joseph Hiebl. Together they had two children, Christine and Carla. The couple later divorced. On Sept. 3, 1977, she married Harvey Viergutz. Together they had a son, Shane. Harvey preceded her in death in 2006. Following high school, Marge worked at Time Federal Bank in Medford. She then did office work for the Medford Clinic before going to work for Dr. James Robinson II at the Medford Family Practice Center. Once Dr. Robinson retired, she returned to Medford Clinic, working for over 40 years between the two clinics. She truly enjoyed this work and made many friends along the way. Marge’s most cherished time was spent with her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending everything they participated in and was very proud of all of them. She loved fishing and would never pass up an opportunity to go. She also enjoyed gardening, doing yard work, cleaning, occasional trips to the casino with her sister, and scratch off lottery tickets. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She had a strong faith and enjoyed attending mass. She would often stop at church to light candles for family and friends. She is survived by her three children, Christine (Andy) Slote of Plano, Texas, Carla (Dave “Scoob”) Brost, Shane (Jenn) Viergutz, all of Medford; stepson, Jack (Pam) Viergutz of Medford; daughterin- law, Val Viergutz of Medford; siblings, Marvin (Joanne) Kuenne of Medford, Jane (Dave) Zondlo of Weston, Donna Weir, Don (Jennifer) Kuenne, all of Medford; brother-in-law, Richard (Shirley) Viergutz of Medford; grandchildren, Claire and Cameron Slote, Emma Brost, Lucas and Landen Viergutz, Jason (Marijane) Viergutz, Mandi Viergutz, Ryan (Brittany) Viergutz, Sarah (Frank) Derrico; greatgrandchildren, Riley, Madeline, Aubree, Kolbe, and Charlie; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harvey; her former husband, Joseph; a stepson, Jay Viergutz; and three siblings, Ed Kuenne, Arlene Kranc, and Bernard Kuenne. Memorials are appreciated and will be designated at a later date. 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 132988

1981-2023 Serapio Vasquez Terrones III, aka “Junior” or “JR”, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, after complications from a car accident. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, March 3 at New Life Church in Medford. He was born April 18, 1981 in Phoenix, Ariz. to Serapio Jr. and Elizabeth (Stevens) Terrones. He grew up in Arizona where he also attended high school. In Arizona, Junior worked as a mason for Palo Verde Power Plant, and worked as a concrete finisher for a construction company. He moved to the Medford area in 2013 to be near family. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Misael) Polendo of Medford, Azteca Terrones of Medford, Alicia “Arizona” Terrones of Ariz.; his mother, Elizabeth Terrones of Medford; a sister, Delilah (Gilbert) Arevalo of Ariz.; brothers, Joshua (Amelda) Terrones of Milwaukee, Jacob (Sharyce) Terrones of Ariz., Jonathan (Terri) Terrones of Medford; two grandchildren, Micah and Haziel Polendo; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. 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 133013

1934-2023 Rock R. Brandner, age 88 passed away peacefully on Feb. 8, 2023. Rock was born and raised in Whittlesey, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 1200 Saint Gabriel Way, Hubertus from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., followed by the mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m.. The Schramka Funeral Home in Menomonee Falls is serving the family. He met the love of his life Barbara Crass and they married May 30, 1959. They were married for 53 years until her passing in 2012. In 1967, they built a house in Hubertus and this is where they raised their family. He lived in this house until May of 2022. It is in this community that he generously served. Rock was a proud Marine, serving his country from 1956-1962. After the Marines, he spent a number of years working at Briggs and Stratton and Bucyrus Erie until with the urging of his wife Barbara, he transitioned into the banking industry. His first job was working for Household Finance, then Kilbourn State Bank and M & I Northern. Late in his career, he went back to Kilbourn State Bank which later became St. Francis Bank. He worked out of the Germantown branch from where he retired. In the banking business, he climbed the ladder and became very successful. He helped many businesses start up and thrive and sat on boards of directors for many of them. When friends and family needed advice on anything finance related, he was there for them. Rock generously served his community. He was a 40 year member of the Richfield Lions Club serving as president from 1986-1987, he received the Lions Clubs International’s highest award, the Melvin Jones Fellow in 2013. You could find him at 4:30 mass every Saturday at St. Gabriel’s ushering, he was the Treasurer in the Town of Richfield for many years. He later served as a Trustee for the Village of Richfield and as a Washington County Board Supervisor, positions he held until recently when health issues no longer allowed him to serve. He was especially proud of his work to help transition the Town of Richfield into a Village. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara in 2012, he will be missed by his family; children, Julie (Jim) Klumpp, Joan (Jim) Barrett, Jackie (Brian) Torcivia, Jeff Brandner and Jay Brandner; his grandchildren, David (Lindsey) Klumpp, Chrissy (Rob) Gatzke, Tasha (Adam) Moe, Jimmy Barrett (fiance Angie Laing), Josh Barrett, Jessica Baehr (fiance Kyle Zimmermann), Tyler Baehr and Mason Brandner; and his great-grandchildren, Odessa and Lily Klumpp, Shawn, Brennan and Owen Gatzke, Jaxson Moe and Brooklyn Barron; his very special sister Rosemary Werner and his special lady friend, Barbara Koel. Rock is further survived by many extended family members. Thank you to the amazing staff at Ellen’s Home in Germantown, Horizon Hospice, and our family and friends for their love and support. If you wish to make a monetary donation, they can be made to the MS Society or St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church. For online condolences please visit www. schramkafuneralhome.com. Paid Obituary 132293