Paul E. Niznik Jr., age 83, of Colby, formerly of Medford, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center, lovingly surrounded by his family. Paul was born Oct. 28, 1940 in Chicago, Ill., to Paul Sr. and Marie (Mis) Niznik. He grew up near Withee, where he also attended school. Paul joined the workforce as a young man, working for a local silo company, and also continued assisting his parents on the family farm. On Oct. 19, 1963, he married Nancy Jean Bower, at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin. They started a family that grew to three children, which expanded to now include seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, all whom they both loved dearly. In Paul’s free time, he enjoyed activities such as snowmobiling, fishing, boating, and camping with family and friends. He worked various jobs, which led them to live in Merrill, Des Plaines, Ill. and Unity. After settling in the Stetsonville area, he worked at Liberty Homes, and then accepted a position at Weathershield manufacturing, where he worked until retirement. Once retired, Paul and Nancy fulfilled their retirement dream, by moving to the beautiful home they’d built along Lake Holcombe. Paul then enjoyed even more time four wheeling, taking the grandchildren boating, and fishing. He loved to visit with friends and family, always expressing extra interest in regard to his grandchildren. After Nancy’s passing, in 2014, Paul moved back to the Medford area for several years. Most recently, 1940-2024 he had resided at The Waterford in Colby, where he made many new friends, both residents and staff. He enjoyed participating in activities such as exercise classes, playing cards, crafts, bingo, and wine tasting while there. Paul was known to have “the gift of gab”, and continued to enjoy chatting with those living and working at The Waterford, as well as friends and family who came to visit. No doubt his company is already missed by many! He is survived by three children, Alice Denzine of Dorchester, Paul (Kriste) Niznik of Medford, Danelle (Jeffrey) Hraby of Medford; siblings, Robert (Roberta) Niznik of Holcombe, Bonnie (Steve) Pawelko of Rhinelander, Marlene (Mike) Eisner of Stetsonville, Pauline (Lee) Williams of Owen, Sherrie Niznik of Puyallup, Wash.; sisters-in-law, Pam Niznik of Medford and Kye Mahoney of Colorado Springs, Colo.; grandchildren, Brittany Niznik, Brianna Niznik (Dillon Viegut), Kole Denzine, Konnor Denzine (Jazlyn Kiehl), Kwinton Denzine (Alyssa Schade), Kordell Hraby, and Korissa Hraby (Brian Wood); four great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Einn, Scarlett and Myra; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Sr. and Marie Niznik; wife, Nancy; and four brothers, Danny, Ronald, Gary and Jerry Niznik. A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford. Visitation begins at 1 p.m., with a memorial service officiated by Fr. Julian Druffner at 2:30 p.m. Following the service, Paul will be laid to rest, along with his wife Nancy, at Riverside Cemetery in Withee. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 149327

1932-2024 Harold “Junior” Biller, 91, of Jump River, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Harold was born July 1, 1932 to Melvin and Marie (Lessor) Biller. He was married to his high school sweet-heart, June (Gorla) Biller on July 5, 1951. Together they were blessed with six children. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He spent his life on his family farm along the Jump River. He spent endless hours working on the farm and logging. He milked cows until he was 85 and then sold the dairy cattle. He couldn’t stand to see all the cattle gone so he rented his land for beef cattle. He just couldn’t stop farming! He loved getting in his tractors and working in the fields. Even when he needed help getting in the tractors, he still kept working. At 89 he had to stop because he just couldn’t do it anymore. Harold was partial to a few things. He loved Coke and Oreo cookies. He also loved the color green, or more specially, “John Deere Green”. He spent his free time ice fishing, snowmobiling, playing softball, and working with his horses. He was an avid horse lover and had teams he used for logging and pulling floats in the local parades. He was a Jump River Lions Club member and part of the fire department for many years and was an active member of the community. He was always willing to help anyone in need. He will be missed by so many! Harold is survived by his son, Duane Biller of Glen Flora; daughters, Kay (Mike) Podolak of Gilman, Julie Jenness of Jump River, Kris (George) Cason of Jump River, and Holly (Bob) Lukes of Jump River. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jessica Griffin, Lea Moore, Deana Cason, Tiffany (Stephan) Noel, Charidy (Brett) Ludescher, Bridget (Bruce) Burmeister, Tyrone Podolak, Fawn (Joey) Towne, Rick (Jessie) Podolak, Bobby (Andi) Lukes, Clayton (Krista) Lukes and Terry Lukes. Harold was blessed with 29 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his wife, June; his parents; infant son, Lenny Matthew Biller; brother, Jim Biller; sister, Doris Frohn; son-in law, Roger Jenness; and daughter-in-law, Marie Biller. Visitation will be held at Nash-Jackan Funeral Home in Ladysmith on Friday, March 8, from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. until the time of service. Funeral will be Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m. Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Harold wished to be cremated. Nash-Jackan Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Paid Obituary 149334

Yvonne Elaine Pawlowicz, age 69, of Dorchester, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 at House of The Dove after a brief battle with brain cancer. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dorchester with Rev. Shawn W. Andersen presiding. She was laid to rest following the service at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends were invited to gather at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearers belongs to Gary Schwoch, Mark Kovatch, Greg Kovatch, Pierce and Preston Pope, and Shawn Ladd. Honorary pallbearers are Landon, Teegan, and Brynlee Forrett. Yvonne was born on April 10, 1954, in Marshfield, the daughter of Theodore “Ted” Schwoch and Faye (Kelnhofer) Amo. She graduated from Colby High School, in 1972. She then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years. She began her nursing career at the Rib Lake Nursing Home and then was the ADON at both the nursing homes in Abbotsford and Colby. Yvonne then began working Home Health for Ministry Home Care when they started their program. She spent numerous years working to help develop and strengthen that program. She also worked for Hope Hospice providing care for hospice patients in their homes. Lastly, she worked at the Marshfield Clinic – Colby Center as their Triage Nurse up until the time of her retirement 1954-2024 in August of 2019. She was united in marriage to Bruce Pawlowicz on Aug. 10, 1974 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Dorchester where she was a member up until the time she passed. Together they adopted two daughters. In her free time Yvonne enjoyed working on stained glass projects, bike trips with the “Medford Ladies”, shopping at Warren’s Cranberry Festival, family vacations, and spending time with her friends and family. She was an advocate for things she found value in and worked to help build and strengthen many programs/ agencies. Those that will lovingly cherish her memory are her husband, Bruce Pawlowicz; and their daughters, Angela Forrett (Josh Edwards) and Ashley Pawlowicz; her grandchildren, Landon, Teegan, and Brynlee Forrett; and their father, Nick Forrett. Her siblings, Wenda Schwoch and her husband, Larry Schlais, and Kurt (Kathy) Schwoch; Bruce’s siblings, Shelley Wangerin, Chet (Diane) Pawlowicz, Bryan Pawlowicz, Dawn (Mike) Swink, Camille (Mike) Pinter, and Sandy (Shaye) Pope. She is further survived by her mother-inlaw, Claire Pawlowicz; and her aunts, Elaine Kovatch and Caryl Galler; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and other relatives. Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Ted Schwoch and Faye Amo; her father-in-law, Bruno Pawlowicz; her grandparents; numerous aunts and uncles; and a cousin in infancy. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Yvonne’s name are being accepted by the family to go to a charity to be determined. Yvonne’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences. Paid Obituary 149250

Ardath Ann Dums, 89, of Whittlesey, died Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Whittlesey with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Interment will follow at OLPH Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Ardath was born Jan. 1, 1935 in the town of Chelsea to Carl Jr. and Lena (Born) Brandner. She grew up in Whittlesey, attended Whittlesey School and graduated from Medford High School in 1952. On Aug. 27, 1955, she married Richard Dums. He was in the Air Force, stationed in Louisiana. They remained there until the time of his discharge, and then returned to WI, making their home in Whittlesey. Ardath worked at various Medford financial institutions and then worked for Taylor Electric until her retirement. Ardath was a devoted and active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, its Ladies Sodality and the Whittlesey Quilters Club. Although not an actual member of the Whittlesey Lions Club, she often worked behind the scenes to help make community projects a success. Ardath was competitive by nature. She helped form the Whittlesey Women’s Softball Team, managing and playing for many years. She also enjoyed being a part of bowling, horseshoe and dartball leagues as well as playing cards with family and friends. Ardath and Rich made over one thousand sets of bean bag games used by many in the area. She kept track of and used over 8,000 lbs of beans to fill the bags! 1935-2024 Together, Ardath and Rich traveled to all 50 states. They also visited many other countries, usually via a cruise line. They were always excited to learn and experience the world around them. Las Vegas was a City they visited often, usually returning home broke! Ardath enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, as well as crafting many afghans, dishrags and hangers for loved ones. She was an awesome cook and often showed her love by delivering food to others or welcoming them into her home to share a meal. Ardath’s kind heart was evident in her willingness to help people. Her generous nature and warm smile were contagious. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard of Whittlesey; three children, Jayne (Dave) Haenel of Whittlesey, Al (Julie) Dums of Bloomington, Minn., Mary (Danny) Fliehs of Rib Lake; sister, Bonnie Fuchs of Medford; brother, Gary Graham of Whittlesey; brothers-in-law, Ray Dums of Hayward, Bob Dums of Marshfield; grandchildren, Ben (Julianne) Haenel, Pete Haenel, Becky (Steve) Wong, Erin (Josh) Meyer, Angelena (Justin) Voland, Patrick and David Fliehs, Katie and Eric Dums; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son in infancy, David; brother, Jerry Brandner and sister Phyllis Fuchs; brothers-in-law, Fran & John Fuchs; sisters-in-law, Shelby Brandner, Lael and Helen Dums. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring staff at the Aspirus Medford Hospital, the Taylor County Ambulance and the Marshfield Medical Center. Thank you for taking excellent care of Ardath in her final days, your compassion and tenderness will always be remembered. Memorials are appreciated and may go to Aspirus Medford Hospital, Marshfield Medical Center and Black River Industries. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 149343

1944-2024 Dennis LeRoy Mnichowicz, age 79 of Thorp, passed away in the presence of his family in his home on Feb. 25, 2024. Dennis LeRoy Mnichowicz was born July 1, 1944, in the township of Maplehurst, Lublin, to the late Anton of Poland, and Anna (Pawlik) of Ukraine, Mnichowicz. He was raised on the family farm and attended area schools, graduating from Owen-Withee High School in 1962. After graduating from high school Dennis worked on the family farm and at Owen Dairy. He moved to Chicago, Ill. for a short amount of time where he lived with his aunt and worked at Allied Electronics. Because of his dissatisfaction with life in the big city, he returned to Lublin, to work again on the family farm. Dennis was later employed at R-Way Furniture in Sheboygan and once again he returned to the family farm as the farm life was calling to him. Dennis’ neighbor encouraged him to apply to Taylor County Teachers College (TCTC) in Medford, with her to study education. Dennis graduated from TCTC with a certificate in Elementary Education. He was certified to teach kindergarten through 8th grade. He was employed by the Stanley Boyd Area Schools where he taught 6th grade at Boyd Elementary School for nine years. While he taught school, he continued his education at Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Social Studies. He also completed various courses through UW Stevens Point that were also offered in Medford at Taylor County Teachers College. Dennis always wanted to own his own farm. He enjoyed life in the country, and he wanted to have the freedom of being his own boss. In 1973 he purchased a small farm outside of Lublin, where he worked the land and continued to teach at Boyd Elementary School. On Aug. 18, 1973, Dennis was united in marriage to Ruth Voigtlander at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin. Dennis later sold the first farm that he purchased in Lublin and bought the current farm outside of Thorp. Dennis farmed for many years up until 2010 when he sold his cattle and retired. He always joked that he had a “PhD in farming”, and he said that he did what he always wanted to do with his life. Dennis had a wide variety of interests and hobbies. He loved to read, and he accumulated many books throughout his life that he shared with others. He also donated money to the Thorp Public Library on a yearly basis for many years. Dennis also enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, playing chess, bee keeping, gardening, collecting and making knives, rock collecting, polishing rocks, ham radio, and spending time with his family and loyal dog, Benny the Border Collie and his favorite cat, Gabby. Dennis loved to joke around. His sense of humor was unique to those who knew him. Dennis will be missed everyday by his daughters whom he encouraged throughout their lives to study and to reach for their goals. He will also be missed by his two granddaughters who he would ask, “What did you learn in school today?” and when they would say not much, he would say, “That’s why you have to go back tomorrow.” Dennis is survived by his former spouse, Ruth of Thorp; three daughters, Kimberly Mnichowicz of Milwaukee, Mary Mnichowicz of Chicago, Ill., and Carolyn Mnichowicz of Menomonie; two granddaughters, Sophia and Mia Mnichowicz also of Menomonie; two brothers, James (Anita) Mnichowicz of Gilman and Tony Mnichowicz of Gilman; sisters-in-law, Theresa Mnichowicz of Roselle, Ill. and Georgette Vandenberg of Mercer; nieces, Heidi (Ryan) Ashbeck of Greenwood, Cherie Fuchs of Roselle, Ill., and Karen Mnichowicz of Roselle, Ill.; and nephew, Carl Vandenberg (Lori) of Ironwood, Mich. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Antoinette (Louis Kobylarczyk); his brother, Leon; and three siblings that passed away in infancy, Jeanette, Gabriel, and Joseph. He was also preceded in death by his nephew, Matthew Vandenburg of Mercer. The Family would like to thank Mayo Clinic Health System La Crosse, ICU nurses and doctors as well as St. Croix Hospice who gave exceptional care during his last moments at the farm. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Thorp Funeral Home of Thorp is assisting the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 149249

1936-2024 Donald “Don” J. Hessefort Sr., 87, of Medford, passed away Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 at Aspirus Care and Rehab, surrounded by his loving family, under the care of Hope Hospice. A funeral mass for Don will take place at 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Hope (OLPH) Catholic Church in Whittlesey, with Father Julian Druffner officiating. Visitation will take place at OLPH Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. Military rites will be performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. A luncheon at the church social hall will follow the service. Burial will take place at Molitor Cemetery at a later date. Don was born on Aug. 14, 1936 to Edmund and Margaret (Larsen) Hessefort in Medford. He served in the Army and National Guard with combined service from 1960-1966, during which time he was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. After his service he returned to the Medford area and his logging profession. On his way home from the woods one evening in March he stopped to aid a young lady that had hit a deer on the road. They were old acquaintances from childhood school days. It took him about a week to get up the courage to ask her out and they dated for a few months before he asked her to marry him. He was married to, Janet Westrich, on Oct. 29, 1966 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. As she says she got “two deer with one shot”. In his early years Don worked on the family farm and spent the winter months logging. This seasonal logging transitioned into his full time occupation until his retirement. He was also a saw mill operator and a log truck driver. Don was a very active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where he and Jan helped serve meals and wash dishes for funerals. They also spent many hours collecting tons of aluminum cans for the Cans For Kids program. They both were awarded the Spirit of Stewardship Award for the Diocese of Superior in 2007. Don was the Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus for several years. He was honored as Knight of the Year in 2001. Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; children, Lynn Hessefort of Medford, Lori (Kevin) Basch of Plover, and Donald (Karen) Hessefort Jr. of Medford; granddaughter, Kayla Clark of Medford; siblings, Linda Jones of Long Beach, Calif., Mark (Robin) Hessefort of Waunakee, and Robert (Twila Clarkson) Hessefort of Medford; sisters-in-law, Mary Hessefort (James), Nona Dalke, Inez Sykes, and Sandy Salaja; Don is further survived by other family, friends, and furry grandchild, Lucky. Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Lee Hessefort and James Hessefort; brother-inlaw, Allen Westrich; sisters-in-law Patricia Wodjac and Mary A. Hessefort. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s name may be given to Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford or the Taylor County Humane Society. The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Care and Rehab, Cedar Lane Assisted Living, and Hope Hospice for the compassionate care Don received. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 149341

1948-2024 Barbara L. Houle, age 75, of Medford, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 at Colby Senior Care. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Barb was born on July 8, 1948, the daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Strasen) Zimpher in Wausau. She graduated from Prentice High School. On Sept. 4, 1971, Barb was united in marriage to James O. Houle in Medford. She worked at Aspirus Medford Hospital for 50 years as a Nurses’ Aide, then the Unit Clerk. Barb was very social and selfless with a big heart. She always helped everyone else before herself. Barb liked puzzles, word finds, crafts and going to the casino. She especially loved and cherished her family and friends, especially her sister, Sharon. Barb will be missed by all who knew her. Barb is survived by her husband of 52 years, James; her two sons, John Houle and Scott Houle both of Medford; her sister, Sharon Zimpher of San Antonio, Texas; three sisters-in-law and two brothersin- law, JoAnn Zimpher of Wickenburg, Ariz., Alice Houle of Bemidji, Minn., Doreen Houle of Coon Rapids, Minn., Bob (Becky) Houle of Brainerd, Minn., and Tom (Mary) of Medford; many nieces and nephews including Michelle (Dave) Yanich of Phillips and Jimmy Zimpher of Wickenburg, Ariz.; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, David Houle, Dick Houle, Julie (Earl) Williams, Don Houle and Father Carroll Houle. The Houle family would like to thank the staff at Colby Senior Care for the exceptional care they received. Friends may send online condolences to www. maurinaschilling.com Paid Obituary 148982

1948-2024 Thomas A. Lotter, age 76, of Weston, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. Father George Graham will officiate. Interment to follow at the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Athens VFW Post #8527 and American Legion Post #4. Family and friends are welcome from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 4 and from 9 a.m. until time of the service Tuesday all at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Tom was born on Jan. 24, 1948, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Weiler) Lotter in the Township of Bern, Marathon County. He attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Athens High School. Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 in Viet Nam and was awarded three Purple Hearts and the American Commendation Medal. On June 12, 1971, he was united in marriage to Ruth Rouse in Platteville. Tom was a skilled carpenter and had his own Carpentry Business, Lotter Building Service in Milan. He built 39 homes, including one each for his daughter and son. Tom was a member of St. Thomas where he served on the parish council and was an usher. He was a member of the VFW, DAV Rib River Chapter 31, and the VVA North Central Chapter 479. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing sheepshead. He was constantly helping his neighbors and friends. Tom was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth; three children, Jeffery (Trudy) Lotter of Weston, Jennifer (Cory) Pagel of Ringle and Victoria (Ken) Rutschow of Spencer; four grandchildren, Madison and Brianna Pagel of Ringle and Abigail and Braxton Rutschow of Spencer. He is further survived by a sister, Kathleen “Kutz” Murkowski of Wausau; and a brother, John Lotter of Athens; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Andrew Jr., Victor and Joseph; and a sister, Betty Collins; and a son-in-law, Russell Sliwicki. Family and friends may express condolences onlineat www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 149073