1920-2023 Tekla Barna, age 102, of Thorp, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 at Oakbrook Health & Rehab in Thorp. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 at Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in Lublin. Fr. Hermann Klarr officiated, and burial followed in Holy Assumption Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Seth Barna, Nick Barna, Addison Barna, Ezra Barna, Jenna and Travis Lannoye. Visitation was held at the church, on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until time of service. Tekla Paraszczak was born on Dec. 19, 1920 in Radoszye, Poland, the daughter of John and Maria (Harhay) Paraszczak. She was raised in Poland until the German occupation of Poland in 1940, when she was forced into labor on farms outside of Regensburg, Germany. Tekla was united in marriage to Atanas “Tony” Barna on Aug. 29, 1949 in Hauzendorf, Germany. In 1950, they immigrated to the U.S. on Labor Day, and were sponsored by her aunt and uncle, Steve and Mary Lencz. They took the train to Lublin, where they lived for a few years before moving to Merrill, and then Medford. In the Spring of 1956, they purchased a farm in the Town of Maplehurst, Taylor County. They farmed until her husband’s death in 1982, when she moved into Withee in a house they had just bought. She was a member of Holy Assumption Orthodox Church. Tekla had many interests in addition to church and farming, but especially enjoyed knitting and quilting, often sending items back to family in Ukraine. She always planted a big garden, canning many of the items she raised, and loved to cook, with pierogi’s being her specialty. Tekla is survived by her three children, John (Linda) Barna of Owen, Mike Barna (Deb Conway) of Withee, Irene (Russell) Bormann of Medford; three grandchildren, Seth (Amy) Barna of Holman, Jenna (Travis) Lannoye of Madison and Nick (Sara) Barna of Withee; Cheryl Barna of Dalton, mother of Jenna and Nick; seven great-grandchildren, Addison, Ezra, Meryl, Marshall, Jack, Emma Tekla, and Joe; two step grandchildren, Sarah (Phil) Curran of Medford, and Leah (Travis) Austad of Rice Lake; four step great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jace, Blake and Ariella; and one step great-great granddaughter, Adalynn; several nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tony; one son, Mykalo; one daughter, Anna in infancy; four sisters, Paraskvia Slowka, Anna Mahaj, Eva Koltalo, and Maria Struk; and three brothers, Andrew, Frank and Wasyl Paraszczak. Tekla’s family would like to thank the staff at Oakbrook Health & Rehab for the compassionate care given to her over the past 7 1/2 years. Online condolences may be expressed at www. cuddiefh.com. Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 132550

1948-2023 Richard H. “Dick” Dassow, 74, of the town of Bern, Marathon County, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2023 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 at Hemer Pickerign Funeral Home, Medford with Rev. Daniel Iwinski officiating. Military honors immediately following the service at the funeral home provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. Dick was born May 21, 1948 in Medford to Herbert and Alma (Kretschmer) Dassow. He graduated from Medford High School in 1966. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1968-1970. Due to an injury during combat, Dick was honorably discharged and awarded the Purple Heart. Returning from the military, Dick went back to school at Wausau Tech., then at UW-Stout and earned a degree in electrical engineering. He then began farming. He farmed while also working at Weather Shield, where he was employed until his retirement in 1995. Dick enjoyed being in the woods, hunting, fishing, woodworking, cooking, baking, jigsaw puzzles and going to auctions. He is survived by seven sisters, Marcie Fick of Milwaukee, Marge Zaves of Phillips, Joyce Jenkins of Medford, Janet (Jack) Hassel of Medford, Sue Miicke of Medford, Sandi (Stan) Knetter of Marshfield, Kathy (Orin) Wegerer of Withee; nieces and nephews, Brian (Eileen) Fick, Brenda (Mike) Osell, Vicki (Todd) Rhodes, Mike (Kelly) Zaves, Mark (Chrystal) Zaves, Jeff (Gloria) Zaves, Chris (Tara) Zaves, Dan (Jamie) Zaves, Ken (Shelby) Jenkins, Jeremy (Amy) Miicke, Jodi Bauer, Becky Knetter, Joe (Erin) Knetter, Stacy (Clint) Doriot, Jamie (Karen) Wegerer; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna Spaulding; brothers-in-law, Bob Spaulding, Wayne Fick, Dave Zaves, Roger Jenkins and Dave Miicke. 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 132723

1930-2023 Eugene “Gene” G. Gebert, 93, of Medford passed away on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 at Rib Lake Health Care Center under the care of Hope Hospice. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at noon. Burial will be held at a later date. Gene was born on Jan. 1, 1930 in the town of Little Black to Fred and Josephine (Peissig) Gebert. He graduated from Dorchester High School in 1948. He married Leona Kress on Sept. 29, 1956 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville. Gene worked for the Rib Lake Cheese Company, Milly’s Bowling Alley, drove bus for Werner Bus Service and worked at the Medford School District in maintenance until his retirement in 1995. He continued to mow lawns for the school district in his retirement. Gene was an avid bowler from 1946 to 2016. He enjoyed spending time with his family at Lake Benedict, an “occasional” trip to the casino and rooting for Wisconsin sports teams. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church where he had been a server for funeral masses. Gene is survived by his wife, Leona; children, Becky (Tom Bowder) Brost of Medford, Cindy Gebert of Eau Claire, Scott Gebert of Weston and Roger Gebert of Medford; grandchildren, Stasia (Clint) Berry, Katelyn (Travis) Ziemba, Jordan (Alyssa Jelinski) Brost, Briana (Nick) Mahowald, Alex (Haylee Lukarich) Gebert, Sam (Melanie McCluskey) Gebert; great-grandchildren, Hudson Brost and Brice Ziemba; step-great-grandchildren, Ethan Berry and Tatum Ziembo. He is also survived by siblings, Don (Marge) Gebert, Fred (Rose Ann) Gebert and Dale (Marcy) Gebert; sisters-in-law Caroline Gebert and Dolly Schreiner; brother-in-law Robert “Lefty” Woelfel along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Anita (Conrad) Hoffman- (Chuck) McGuire; Ken Gebert, Melvin (Pat) Gebert, Jim Gebert, and Nancy (Hunce) Schreiner along with numerous nieces and nephews. 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 132722

1936-2023 On Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, Jerome Joseph Kurth, beloved father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather, passed away peacefully in the evening hours at Abbotsford Health Care Center in Abbotsford. A public Celebration of Life for Jerome will be held on Sunday, March 26, at the Centennial Community Center, 412 E Centennial Ave, Stetsonville, WI 54480. The family is putting on an 11 a.m. social, followed by a 12 p.m. luncheon. A burial service will be at a later date. At the age of 86, Jerome leaves behind many legacies including farming (many hours of rocks were picked), logging, draft horses, clearing land, strong work ethic, but most importantly a big loving family. In the early years, Jerome was married to Patricia Ann Wiarek (d. 2021) of Milwaukee, (later in life divorced). Jerome and Patricia took over the family dairy farm in 1968 in Catawba. He later married Charlaine Erdman (d. 2003). On the farm, he would lend a helping hand to neighbors, and they were always willing to help him in return. He also won horsemanship awards and trophies with his wellknown draft horse studs, Jack and Pete. Not many people pulled two studs together. Following his years on the farm, he married Jeanette Conner (later divorced) and resided in Phillips, Marshfield, and most recently Medford. Jerome loved his kids and family time, whether it was bringing everyone to horse pulls or having family gatherings. He had a philosophy of you have good times and bad times, but you always move forward. Jerome is survived by his children, Brenda Lingford (Jeff), John Kurth (Michelle), Jody Wanish (Loren), Tami Edinger (Todd), Mary Makovsky (Pete), Randy Kurth (Ginny), Andy Kurth. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Carol Kurth; son, Robert Kurth; wife, Charlaine Kurth, and seven siblings. Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com. Paid Obituary 132608

1941-2023 Boyd “Bud” Brandner, age 81, of Rib Lake, passed away on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at Rib Lake Health Services. Visitation and memorial mass for Bud will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake from 9 a.m. until the time of the mass at 11 a.m. Fr. Hrudaya Raju Sunkara will officiate. Interment will take place in the spring at the Chelsea Cemetery with military rites. Bud was born Sept. 3, 1941, in Chelsea, to the late Joseph and Celesta (Leischer) Brandner. Bud grew up and attended grade school in Chelsea and later attended high school in Westboro. After high school, he worked in the woods logging until he joined the United States Army. Bud proudly served for three years. He was a former member of the Westboro Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 7817 Premeau-Schauss. After his years in the Army, he moved back to Westboro where he started his company, Boyd Brandner Trucking, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2003. In his younger years, he played pool league in Chelsea. Bud enjoyed going to the casino and watching football, especially the Green Bay Packers. He also liked stopping by the local taverns and visiting with his friends. He was a humble, quiet man that enjoyed the simple life. Survivors include his siblings, Marlene Rhyner, of Medford, Ronald (Betty) Brandner, of Richfield, Shirley Thums, of Westboro, Danny (Diane) Brandner, of Chelsea, and Gail Brandner, of Chippewa Falls. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Celesta; his infant brother, Robert Brandner; two brothers, Larry Brandner and Bruce Brandner; his sister, Janice Brandner; and his brothers-in-law, Don Rhyner and Ed Thums. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. You may view the obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com. Paid Obituary 132276

1934-2023 Helen V. Leu, age 89, of Abbotsford, passed away with her loving husband by her side on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 at the Colonial Center in Colby under the tender care of hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford. Interment followed at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Colby. Father Timothy Oudenhoven officiated. Visitation was held from 9 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at the church. A live stream is available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or website. Helen was born on Feb. 10, 1934, the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Ohlinger) Apfelbeck in the Town of Hull. She was united in marriage to Duane “Butch” Leu, Sr. on Dec. 28, 1960 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Colby. Helen worked at Wonder Wash Car Wash, Marathon Electric, Badger Baskets and Motorola. She also took care of her children, including her grandchildren. Helen played the guitar and sang with her sisters at Whispering Pines Dance Hall in rural Abbotsford. Most importantly, she loved and cherished her family. Helen is survived by her husband of 62 years, Duane “Butch” Sr.; four children, Lisa (Allan) Eisner of Rib Lake, Duane “Duke” (Kristina) Jr. of Stetsonville, Lance (Jodi) of Medford and Linc (Tiffany) of Mosinee; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Hince; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is further survived by seven siblings, Arnold (Evelyn) Apfelbeck of Medford, Lucille Weber of Ill., Caroline “Pat” (Roy) Boneske of Athens, Agnes Weber of Antioch, Ill., Raymond (Marlene) Apfelbeck of Rib Mountain, Robert Apfelbeck of Mosinee and Dorothy (Dave) Kramas of Darien; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Lonnie Sr.; her grandson, Landyn; eight siblings: Gilbert, John, Leon, Bernice Miller, Claude, Hubert, Rosemary Chris, and Andrew. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 132311

1937-2023 Arlene E. Fallos, 85, of the Township of Greenwood, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 at her home, surrounded by family, under the care of Hope Hospice. A memorial service for Arlene will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, with Father Jayanna Kanna officiating. Burial will follow at Historic St. Ann’s Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Arlene was born on Sept. 25, 1937 to Leonard and Lorraine (Griffin) Thums in the township of Greenwood. She graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1955. She then attended Taylor County Normal School for one year. After school she moved down to Milwaukee, where she worked at Allis Chalmers. She met her husband, Claude Fallos on New Year’s Eve 1958 and they married on June 28, 1958 in Waukegan, Ill.; he preceded her in death on Dec. 17, 2007. They moved to Rib Lake in 1960, where she worked at Gem Products for 18 years and the Rib Lake Nursing Home for 21 years, until her retirement. In her spare time Arlene enjoyed gardening, sewing, making quilts for her family, riding horses, her cat, Sylvester, and making the best apple pie. She also enjoyed spending time with her large family at family gatherings, holidays, and birthdays. She instilled the importance of family and strong work ethics on each of her children. Arlene is survived by her children, Pamela (Richard) Weinzatl of Ogema, Mark (Sherri) Fallos of Rib Lake, Blanche (James) Wellman of Medford, Rodney (Brenda) Fallos, Rhonda Ziembo, both of Rib Lake, Claudette (Robert) Maxwell of Dwight, Ill. and Sheila (Daniel) Schneider of Rib Lake; 27 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Sandy) Thums; and sister, Phyllis (Mike) Kolecheck. Arlene is further survived by other family and friends. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Claude; great-grandchildren, Marcella and Rylan; brothers, Richard and Douglas; sister, Alice Corbrisier; son-in-law, Joseph Ziembo. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Arlene’s name may be given to Hope Hospice. 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 132379

1949-2023 Beulah M. Tinsman, age 73, of Barron, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 at her sister’s home on Hospice, in Menomonie, after a short fight with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023 at the pavilion in the Glen Flora Park with Dan Erickson officiating. There will be a visitation and sharing of memories one hour prior to the service. Beulah will be laid to rest in the Glenview Cemetery, Glen Flora following the service. Beulah was born April 28, 1949 in Ladysmith, daughter of Harold and Ruth Tinsman. Beulah enjoyed being outside, doing many activities. She loved taking her younger nieces and nephews to her farm and let them feed the animals and all her dogs and cats!! Later in life, she fell in love with camping and trail riding every summer with her brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews! Beulah loved working with her hands all her life, first with the farming chores and later sewing in an industrial setting. She worked at a sewing factory in Chetek for many years and later moved to Barron and worked for Big Bike Parts in Rice Lake for 25+ years. Beulah will be greatly missed by her siblings, Arthur (Caroline) Tinsman of Jump River, Susie (Tom) Amerson of Apache Junction, Ariz., Duane (Elaine) Tinsman, Hannibal, Gloria (Duane) Johnson of Cameron, Yvonne (Dan) Erickson of Menomonie, Sue (Roy) Tinsman of Glen Flora, Jane (Kim) Mincoff of Conrath, Margie (Dale) Woellner of Withee and Irene (Dick) Jenness of Ladysmith, friend Kay Wilbert of Barron; and many, many nieces and nephews. Beulah was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ruth Tinsman, brother Roy Tinsman, and brothers-in-law Duane Johnson, Jerry Peet and Dick Jenness. Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, Wisc. is assisting the family with the arrangements. To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com. Paid Obituary 132398

1933-2023 Shirley A. Luedke, 89, of Westboro, passed away at home on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. A memorial service for Shirley will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 at the First Lutheran Church in Westboro, with Pastor Travis Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Northside Cemetery. Visitation will take place at First Lutheran Church in Westboro on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Shirley was born on July 16, 1933 to George Sr. and Esther (Pipkorn) Walters in West Allis. She graduated from Westboro High School in 1951. She married Clement C. Peterson on July 16, 1952 and he preceded her in death on Dec. 22, 1982. She then married Richard Luedke on Nov. 12, 1983 and he preceded her in death on Feb. 4, 2001. Shirley began working on the family farm in Westboro. She then went to work for Cooper Cheese in the mid 70’s and Golden Age Nursing Home, as a nurse’s aide, in the late 70’s. She began working for the Taylor County Health Department, as a home health aide in 1982. She worked there until her retirement in 2002. She was also an active member of First Lutheran Church in Westboro, where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the Ladies Aide. In her spare time she enjoyed crocheting, making afghans for her children, watching the birds, and rosemaling with Audrey Punzle. Shirley is survived by her sons, Mark (Irma) Peterson and Timothy (Jacky) Peterson, both of Westboro; grandchildren, Carl (Vicky) Peterson, Nikki (Ron) Reinl and Tyler (Susan) Peterson; great-grandchildren, Brent, Clint, Vanessa, Ava, Brycen, Ella, and Hannah. Shirley is further survived by her brother, Larry (Janice) Walters; sister, Joanne (Dennis) Larson; nieces; nephews; and other family and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; granddaughter, Quinn Sommer; brother, George Walters Jr.; sister, Jan Meyer; daughter-inlaw, Roberta Peterson. 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 132429