1932-2024 Richard “Slats” E. Viergutz, 91, of Medford, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Aspirus Care and Rehab. Cremation rites have been accorded and no services will be held. Richard was born on April 24, 1932 to Ferd and Hilda (Borman) Viergutz in Medford. He lived on Gibson Street in Medford for all his life. He worked various jobs since he was 17 years old. He worked for the City of Medford for 7 years and for SD Ellenbecker, off and on, until his retirement at 62. He married Shirley Kleinschmidt-Clarkson on Oct. 3, 1981. Richard loved ice fishing and hunting. He was always there to help others. Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley; stepchildren, Rick and Sue Clarkson; step-grandson, Jesse Clarkson. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harvey; sisters, Mildred and Margerie. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 149731

1955-2024 Dale Steven Mravik, 68 of rural Lublin, died Thursday, March 7, 2024 at his home under the care of Hope Hospice. He was born on June 4, 1955 to the late Valentine and Rosella (Webster) Mravik. Dale grew up in South Milwaukee and he graduated from South Milwaukee High in 1973. Dale worked for the Knapp feed mill and Weather Shield for a few years, drove truck for 40 years for Abbyland, Medford Foods, Bauer Trucking and Zach Trucking. In that time he married Linda Rembleski on February 14, 1998 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin. The couple lived North of Lublin since. Dale enjoyed being on the farm, the outdoors-especially hunting with his family, and Farmall tractors. Although he found joy most of all being around his kids and grandkids. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Linda; his children, Charity (Phil) Zakrzewicz of Sayre, Okla., Stephanie (Dave) Rabuck of Gilman, Stephen Mravik of Lublin, Amanda (Jeremy) Glebke of Gilman, Merree Mravik of Medford, Johanna Capelle of Medford, Jessica (David) McMullen of Bismark, N.D., and Michael (Allyson) Wisniewski of Chippewa Falls; 14 grandchildren; four step grandchildren; and his siblings, Delbert (Diana) Mravik of South Milwaukee, Rodene (Michael) Bulley of Adamstown, Md., Bonnie (Carl) Onesti of Luxemburg, Kathern Mravik of Franklin and Sylvia (Cary) Fischer of South Milwaukee. Dale is further survived by his uncles, aunts and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, David. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church-Gilman with Father Vijay Kumar Madani officiating. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery-Lublin. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. on Monday at the Gilman Funeral Home and one hour prior to mass Tuesday at the church. Paid Obituary 149625

1947-2024 Theodore M Meier, Jr., 77 Athens, entered eternal life on Friday, March 8, 2024 at The Hospice House, Wausau after a 17-year battle with Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Funeral services for Theodore will be Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate. Burial will be in the Milan cemetery following the services. Visitation will be Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 5-8p.m and again on Sunday from 1p.m until the time of service all at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens. Serving as pallbearers are Ryan and Sawyer Thurs, Carson Kline, Mike Hein, Dennis Zocher and Mike Tishendorf. Theodore was born on Jan. 15, 1947, the son of the late Theodore and Elsie (Stark) Meier. On July 19, 1969, he and the former Beverly A. Westphal were united in marriage. After high school Theodore farmed 450 acres with his parents and continued to do so while they established what is today known as Meier Forest Products Inc. Theodore along with his father the late Theodore Sr and brother Matthew started a hardwood sawmill in 1974. At the time, they were not aware of the technical aspects of operating a sawmill and had much learning to do. Over the years the business continued to grow and little did they know how successful it would become. Theodore’s legacy continued when his son Shannon replaced him upon his “retirement” at the sawmill. However, Theodore never really did retire and the sawmill remained a large part of his life in his later years. Theodore enjoyed many Sunday drives looking at standing timber. The sawmill was his passion. He was an avid Sheepshead player, playing cards for years on Sunday nights at The Swamp and Friday afternoons and Saturdays at Burger’s Bar. More recently, you would find him Monday nights at Landmark where he was always ready to play the next hand. Neighbors would meet him often on the road as he drove the countryside checking out how the farmers’ crops were doing. In Theodore’s healthier years, he enjoyed traveling and one of his favorite places to go was Jamaica. He also enjoyed going to Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Alaska, and other states across the U.S. Many trips were taken to Milwaukee with his family to watch the Brewers play. The gun deer season was always a time he looked forward to, hunting the area with the neighborhood hunting crew. He and his late wife Beverly enjoyed many happy road trips together on their Goldwing trike. Family was very important to Theodore. He taught his children hard work and always encouraged them to do their best. He was a kind, caring and compassionate man who did everything for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending quality family time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He always welcomed visitors to his home and his eyes would light up when people would stop to visit. Theodore will be dearly missed by his daughter, Patricia (Todd) Thurs of Athens; son, Shannon (Cecile) Meier of Edgar; five grandchildren, Autumn (Mike) Ellenbecker of Edgar, Ryan Thurs of Athens, Sawyer Thurs of Marathon, Carson Kline of Edgar and Vienna Meier of Edgar; and three great grandchildren, Emersyn, Brecken and Rowyn Ellenbecker of Edgar. Theodore is further survived by his life long business partner and brother, Matthew (Beverly J.) Meier of Edgar; sister, Susan (Richard) Frahm of Wausau; and sisterin- law, Carol Klimpke of Athens. He is further survived by nieces and nephews. Theodore was preceded in death by his loving wife Beverly A. Meier and his daughter Pamela Meier. Online condolences may be expressed at www. petersonkraemer.com. Paid Obituary 149646

1970-2024 Ann Marie Grace Hagen, 53, of Medford, died Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford. A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday, Sunday, June 30, 2024 at her daughter’s home at W3761 State Hwy. 64, Medford, WI 54451. Ann Marie was born June 30, 1970 in Milwaukee to Richard and Victoria (Skrobacke) Florczak. She grew up in Milwaukee, then moved to Mattoon, Illinois where she lived for many years. She recently moved to the Medford area to be near her daughter and family. Her working years were spent at Kmart until the stores closed, she then worked for the carnival for many years. She loved crafts, especially making figurine ice skates, coloring and drawing. She loved all animals, especially her cats, Nipper, Sparkles and Mittens. Survivors include three daughters, Kaitlyn (Johnny) Odell of Norman, Okla., Eva Marie Hagen (Nichlous B) of Medford, and Mary Grace Hagen of Medford; grandchildren, Joey, George, Leslie and Victoria; sisters, Peggy Sue and Audrey; special uncle, Joe; special cousin, Joe; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; an aunt Angie, and “second mom” Cathy Moore. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 149753

1955-2024 Lynn D. Schreiber, age 68, of Milan, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. Father George Graham will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 9 a.m. until time of the service Saturday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Lynn was born on Nov. 30, 1955, the daughter of Robert and Beverly (Sauld) Erickson in Marshfield. She graduated from Colby High School in 1973. On July 14, 1973, Lynn was united in marriage to Frank Schreiber at First Presbyterian Church in Abbotsford. She worked for Erickson Drywall and for Decorator Industries. Lynn’s faith was important to her and she became a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church on March 8, 2024. Lynn loved and cherished her family and loved spending time with them. She would never miss her grandchildren’s activities. Lynn would decorate cakes for any special occasion. She also adored her dog, Chance. Lynn is survived by her husband, Frank of 50 years; two sons, John (April) of Milan and Nathan (Mandi) of Abbotsford; four grandchildren, Payton, Parker, Ella and Maiya. She is further survived by three siblings, Curtiss (Sandy) Erickson of Dorchester, Connie Schmitt of Independence and Bruce (Paula) Erickson of Milan; seven brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rodney Schreiber of Mosinee, Galen (Marlene) Schreiber of Athens, Marilyn Klemetson of Athens, Debbie Schreiber of Abbotsford, Diane (Jamie) Schaefer of Wausau, Donna (Steve) Proft of Abbotsford and Lori Schreiber of Willard; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Scott Erickson; brother-in-law, Allen Schreiber; nephews, Mike and Mitch Erickson; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Madeline Schreiber. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 149626

1983-2024 Logan John Riegert, age 41 of Wild Rose passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in Wild Rose. He was born on Jan. 6, 1983 in Medford to Larry Riegert and Lorna (Casey) Fifield. Logan worked in the painting and drywall business. He enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys, loved being around animals and listening to music. Logan is survived by his mother, Lorna Fifield; father, Larry Riegert; brother, Jesse (Amy) Riegert; step sisters, Rosa Fifield, Roisin (Joey Mignon) Fifield and Clare (Jeff Asada) Fifield. He is further survived by several aunts and uncles as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements. www.leiknessfuneralhome. com Paid Obituary 149623

1949-2024 Thomas Raymond La Barge, 74, of Holcombe, died Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of life will be held at Ted’s Timber Lodge and Resort at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2024. Tom often expressed that the passing of a loved one is a time to honor the Lord and the deceased’s journey to a more joyful place. There is no environment he’d rather we discuss and celebrate his earthly presence. Tom was born March 12, 1949, in Marshfield to Raymond J. LaBarge and Delores (Rogstad) LaBarge. He graduated from a one-room Taft Grade School in 1963, Loyal High School in 1967, and from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater with his Master’s in Accountancy in 1972. He married Diane Smart in 1969 and worked at the Jamesway Foundry in Fort Atkinson throughout his college career. Upon graduation, he worked at Wipfli, Ulrich, & Co., a public accounting firm in Wausau until 1975. He then joined Tombstone Corporation as their Chief Financial Officer; Tom sat on their board of directors and held the position of Director of Finance until he left in 1988. He then went on to own and operate Enerquip Inc. in Medford as its President. He sold Enerquip in 1991 to pursue his dream of traveling the world while hunting, fishing, and golfing. His adventures took him on three African safaris, Alaska, Mexico, Siberia, New Zealand, China, Russia, throughout Europe, and an Arctic polar bear hunt. He cherished spending time with all walks of life; from taking his children across the United States during their high school years to attempting to understand the way of life deep in the Guyana rainforest. In a word, Tom was curious, and his inquisitiveness, humility, and keen intellect drove all his pursuits. His passion and quirkiness shined through his stunning smile daily. He took great pride in his community in Holcombe, and served it well with his wealth of knowledge and storytelling skills. He loved so deeply for his family, friends, and co-workers. He adored the outdoors, politics, Jack Daniels, and finding the solution! Whatever he did, he was all in! He is survived by his two daughters, Tina LaBarge and Shelby (Jason) Billeb; his six grandchildren, Hanna (Jake) Wicks, Caleb Dietzman, Ashton Billeb, Max Dietzman, Ren Billeb, and Lawton Billeb; one greatgrandchild, Rukh; eight brothers and sisters, Gerald, Tim, Dave, Bruce, Jackie, Patti, Kathy and Lisa; and best friend, Bonnie Wilder. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane La-Barge in 2019; his mother, Delores LaBarge in 2016; his sister, Peggy Dahlby in 1997; and his father, Raymond LaBarge in 1995. Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com. Paid Obituary 149707

1939-2024 Rodney R. Kropp, 84, of Goodrich, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 at Our House Assisted Living. A memorial service for Rodney took place at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, with Pastor Mark Schwarz officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date. Visitation took place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Rodney was born on March 21, 1939 to Lawrence Sr. and Bessie (Smola) Kropp in Athens. He graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1957. He married Mary Ann Plisch on Sept. 17, 1960; she preceded him in death on Aug. 27, 2022. They resided in Milwaukee for many years, where Rodney worked in construction and for Harley Davidson for 13 years. They moved back to Goodrich when they purchased the family farm in 1971. They farmed until retirement in 1996. Rod loved deer hunting season and enjoyed deer camp. He was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed playing baseball for Interwald and watching his favorite team, the Milwaukee Brewers. One thing Rod enjoyed was dancing. Rod and Mary Ann loved dancing to Polkas and Waltzes for many years and it was a pleasure watching them. Rod also played Dart ball at Zondlo’s for many years. He enjoyed watching the Packers and playing cards with friends. Most of all, Rod loved spending time with his family. Rodney is survived by his two daughters, Karen (Jeff) Mueller of Medford, and Laurie (Dave) Lavin of Stetsonville; siblings, Jeannine (Jim) Roiger, Carole (Dennis) Koch, and Lawrence (Kay) Kropp Jr.; grandchildren, Dan (Magen Paul) Lavin of Medford, Jaclyn (Ryan) Lemke of Medford, Megan (Zach Mitchell) Mueller of Ingalls, Mich., Lauren (Corey) Paczkowski of Chippewa Falls; grandson-in-law, Simon Buechel of Stetsonville; great-grandchildren, Morgan and Jordan Lavin, Marshall and Brooke Buechel, Bella and Luke Lemke, Jerry Mueller-Roiger, Trytan and Sky Paczkowski, and Ember Mueller-Mitchell. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; wife; granddaughter, Nicole Buechel; and his very spoiled dog, Zoey. Memorials in Rodney’s name may go to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Taylor County Humane Society. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www. hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 149403

1935-2024 Richard L. “Dick” Lekie, 88, of Medford, town of Greenwood, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 at his home while under the care of Hope Hospice and surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Hemer- Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Rev. Nancy Amacher officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Dick was born July 2, 1935 in Beloit to Otto and Ruth (Dodge) Lekie. The family moved to Medford when Richard was in third grade and he attended Medford schools. On Sept. 26, 1959, he married Betty Lou Thompson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Medford. They resided in Medford where Richard worked as a wildland firefighter and forester for the State of Wisconsin DNR, starting out working in the fire towers in Taylor County. He retired in 1994. A true outdoorsman, Dick enjoyed gardening, fishing, trapping, camping, hunting and racing pigeons. He was a member of the American Racing Pigeon Union, and won many awards over the years. He was also a talented wildlife painter and a musician. Not only could he play the mandolin and the guitar but he could sing too. Over the years, he played in many bands (and made a few CD’s), including the Country Rebels, The 3D’s, Tradition, Backwater Drifters, Big Daddy Chopper and the Feather Pickers, and the Three Amigos to name a few. Dick will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty of Medford; five children, Terry (Karen) Lekie of Medford; Wendi (Ron) Hoefferle of Cameron, Kalem (Rory) Lekie of McCallen, Texas, Michele (Mickey) Lekie of Medford, Shawn (Val) Lekie of Medford; brother, David (Lynette) Lekie of Las Vegas, Nev.; sister, Bonnie Oleson of Stetsonville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Darlene Thompson of Medford, Rosalie Brost of Medford, Darlene Barker of New Orleans, La., Robert (Sharon) Thompson of Medford, Carol (Patrick) Meyer of Medford; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grands plus one on the way; two great-great-grandchildren; and many friends, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Emeal and Elsie Thompson; brother, Donald (Martha) Lekie; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack Oleson, Lester Thompson, Lyle (Laverne) Huebner, Norbert Brost, William Barker; and two grandsons, Jessie Lekie and Cody Weinke. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and will be designated by the family at a later date. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 149330

Alan “Al” D. Mallo, age 66, of the Town of Harrison, died peacefully at home with family following a diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a blood cancer. He was born in Ladysmith, on Feb. 7, 1958, to the late Bryce “Bud” and Marian Mallo. Al attended elementary and middle school in Oroville, Calif. He and his family moved back to Wisconsin in 1972 to live on the family dairy farm in Sheldon. Al attended high school at Flambeau High School in Tony, and graduated in 1977 where he played baseball, basketball, and football. He attended college at UW-Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College. Al graduated from CVTC with an associate’s degree in fluid power in 1983. He then moved to Florida and started work at Hydraulic Supply in Ft. Lauderdale. Al and Tammy were married Feb. 16, 1985. They moved back to Wisconsin in 1986. They lived in Wausau until 1992 and then moved to Weston, living there until 2018. Al worked for 32 years at CCT Enterprises in Schofield as a sales engineer specializing in hydraulics and pneumatics. He was skilled at solving problems for area manufacturing businesses. He retired in 2019. Alan and Tammy built and moved into their dream house at their spot on Pickerel Lake in Harrison in 2018. He was a volunteer coach for his daughters’ Timberwolves soccer and rec league basketball teams. He was a founding member of the Harrison Hills ATV Club and taught ATV safety classes. Al served on the board of the Hatley Snowmobile Club in the late 1990’s. Halloween took Al and Tammy into dress-up mode. They had so much fun coming up with inventive costumes 1958-2024 as a couple, some really suited his personality… well maybe sorta fit his personality on the devilish side! He was known for telling memorable stories with his distinct voice, laugh, and mischievous grin. He loved chocolate chip cookies. Al was a softie to all animals, a friend and observer of wildlife, he helped rescue an injured loon and an injured Cooper’s Hawk and took them to be treated at the Raptor Education Group (REGI) in Antigo. His hobbies included fishing bass and musky, many campfires, ATV rides, silly pranks on unsuspecting victims, road trips that included exploring new adult-hydration spots, napping with his “quillow” in his favorite comfy chair, and time with friends and family. Al is survived by his wife of 39 years, Tammy Mallo; his daughters, Renee (Adam) Wadzinski, of Maine, and Samantha (Tucker) Diedrich, of Kronenwetter; his grandchildren, Avery Rae Wadzinski and Trevor Alan Diedrich; his siblings, Sharlene “Chicker” Mallo-Burch and Summer (Bradley) Cody; and his grand dogs, Biscuit and Rufus. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by parents, Bryce “Bud” and Marian Mallo; and his infant brother, Craig Mallo. A celebration of life gathering for Alan “Al” Mallo will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at his family home on Pickerel Lake at N8790 W. Pickerel Lake Road in the Harrison Hills from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please bring stories to tell and memories to share. Because blood transfusions are critical to managing MDS, you can remember Alan by donating blood to your local blood bank. Remembrances can also be made through contributions to the Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) to support wildlife rehabilitation and education. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. View Al’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com. Paid Obituary 149337