William (Bill) Peter Kauer, 91, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, with his significant other, Diane Ronek, by his side. A private memorial service will be held at a future date. Bill was born Oct. 27, 1930, in Rib Lake to Joseph and Mary (Schneider) Kauer. He was the oldest of five children and grew up on a dairy farm. He attended a one-room school in Mud Lake and graduated from Rib Lake High School. He spent the following year at home helping cut trees, saw lumber and build a new barn on the farm. He enlisted in the Navy in 1949 fulfilling many different duties on ships, sailing to many ports around the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean totaling 25,000 miles during his 3-1/2 years. He later joined the Seabees for 3 years. He married Jane Mahner on Sept. 12, 1951, and had six children and divorced after 17 years. He married Peg Brosseau of Florida Jan. 1, 1980, and divorced after 1930-2022 13 years. Diane Ronek has been his partner for the last 23 years. He owned Mr Bill’s tavern on Hwy 13 north of Stetsonville in the late 80’s/early 90’s. Throughout his life, Bill worked a variety of jobs, but always returned to truck driving. He could tell you names and details of many highways all across the country. He loved to strike up conversations with just about anyone he met and had lots of entertaining stories to tell. He drove a semi until age 85 and maintained an excellent driving record. He is survived by his children, Debra Kauer of Larned, Kan., Stephen (Amy) Kauer of Loyal, Terry Kauer of Stone Lake, Todd (Lynda) Kauer of Marshfield, and daughter Lisa (Michael) Dragan of Denver, Colo.; sisters, Doris Smith of Marshfield, Janet (James) Patrick of Pittsville, Nita Sotak of Glen Flora; and brother, Ivan (Sandra) Kauer of Rib Lake. He is further survived by 16 grandchildren, 19 greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Bill is predeceased by his parents, a son David, granddaughter Jennifer, and brothers-in-law Rod Smith and Gary Sotak. Condolences may be sent online at www.ritchayfuneralhome. com Paid Obituary 125741

1940-2022 Mary Ann Kropp, 82, of Rib Lake, died Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, surrounded by her loving family. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Athens with Fr. Graham officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Mary Ann was born March 13, 1940 in Athens to Edwin and Anna (Augustine) Plisch. She attended Athens schools up until her junior year of high school, then graduated from Merrill High School in 1958, after the family relocated. She continued to stay in contact with many of her high school friends over the years and enjoyed attending her reunions. On Sept. 17, 1960, she married Rodney Kropp at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Athens. They resided in Milwaukee for many years, where Mary Ann worked for Harley-Davidson. In 1971, they moved to the Rib Lake area where she worked for Tombstone Pizza, then Weinbrenner Shoes out of Merrill, then was a property lister for Taylor County. Somehow between working, raising her family and helping her husband on their farm, she also went back to school at North Central Tech and earned her degree in accounting. She then ran for Taylor County Treasurer and served for 12 years, until her retirement in 2006. Mary Ann enjoyed cheering on the Packers and the Brewers, crocheting, reading, and spoiling her grandchildren and her dog. She and Rodney loved to ballroom dance…they were amazing to watch as Mary Ann seemed to glide across the dancefloor. Mary Ann enjoyed traveling and went on many wonderful trips with her good friend, Carol. She would also follow her granddaughter, Jackie around the country to support her in her curling competitions, including Olympic tryouts. Her greatest treasure was her family and time spent with them was truly cherished. She is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, Rodney of Rib Lake; two daughters, Karen (Jeff) Mueller of Medford, Laurie (Dave) Lavin of Stetsonville; siblings, Clarence Plisch, Clifton (Kathy) Plisch, all of Athens; sister-in-law, Lucy Plisch of Athens; stepsiblings, Sally (Matt) Greenblatt of Delavan, Le-Roy “Sonny” Becker of California; stepsister-in-law, Judy Becker of Athens; grandchildren, Dan Lavin of Medford, Jaclyn (Ryan) Lemke of Medford, Megan (Zach Mitchell) Mueller of Ingalls, Mich., Lauren (Corey) Paczkowski of Chippewa Falls; grandsonin- 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 one on the way; and her beloved and very spoiled, dog Zoey. She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Plisch; mother, Anna Plisch-Becker; stepfather, Le-Roy Becker; brother, Wayne Plisch; sister-in-law, Judy Plisch; stepsiblings and their spouses, Donna (Jack) Smith, Frank (Arlene) Becker, Earl Becker, Helen Ives, Mary Ellen Wright; and her granddaughter, Nicole Buechel. Memorials in Mary Ann’s honor may go to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church or to Taylor County Moving For a Cure, a cancer fundraising organization. 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 125725

1980-2022 Gwendolyn “Gwen” M. Jones, age 41, of Medford, passed away on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, at Aspirus Medford Hospital. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Sunday, Sept. 18, at The Grey Dog in Medford, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Inurnment will take place privately at the St. Ann Cemetery in Rib Lake. Gwen was born in her home in Rib Lake, on Oct. 18, 1980, to Rocky and Sheryl (Thums) Jones. Gwen was a 1999 graduate of the Medford High School. She later attended the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. After college, Gwen entered the workforce beginning employment at Mid-Wisconsin Bank and later the Taylor Credit Union. Most recently, she was employed as an office manager with Express Employment Professionals at both the Medford and Marshfield locations. Gwen was very goal driven in her position at Express, that is how she was able to earn trips and travel, including her recent trip to Belize. Gwen was a member of the Medford Chamber of Commerce. An avid reader, she had a large collection of James Patterson books and was a huge fan of the television comedy “Friends” and could quote most episodes. Gwen loved spending time with her many friends and family members, but nothing gave her more pride and joy than time spent with her son, Tristan. She looked forward to Sundays playing cribbage with her dad and loved going to the lake with her nieces and nephew, always finding an opportunity to enhance her suntan. Gwen’s contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor will be forever missed. Survivors include her son, Tristan Webb; her father, Rocky (Carolyn) Jones, of Rib Lake; her mother, Sheryl (Doug) Kenney, of Medford; one grandparent, Shirley Thums, of Westboro; one brother, Brett Jones, of Medford; one sister, Tanya (Kenny) Stickney, of Medford; and her step-siblings, Melissa Larson, Michelle (Shayne) Johnson, Mike (Karen) Larson, Tim (Peg) Makovsky, and Dale Makovsky. Gwen is further survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Leroy and Dorothy Jones; her maternal grandfather, Edward Thums; her grandparents, James and Eileen Kenney; and her stepmother, Joann Jones. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. You may view Gwen’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral. com. Paid Obituary 125673

1949-2022 Mary B. Samolinski, 72, of Rib Lake, died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 at the Rib Lake Healthcare Center. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with the Rev. Paul Woods officiating. Visitation was from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Mary was born Nov. 27, 1949 in Milwaukee to Eunice and John Samolinski Sr. She grew up in Milwaukee, where she also attended schools and graduated from high school. In 2006, she and her sister, Dorothy moved to the Medford area to be near family. Mary enjoyed riding her bike, coloring and listening to Elvis. She also loved her cat, Tiger who preceded her in death. She will be dearly missed by her siblings, Arnold (Karen) Samolinski, John Jr. (Louise) Samolinski, and Liz (John) Rich; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Jimmy Samolinski; and sister, Dorothy Samolinski. 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 125675

O bituary Mary Lou (Fleischmann) Sauer passed away on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022 at the age of 99. Mary Lou was born in Medford, Wisconsin to Fred Fleischmann and Elizabeth (Hirt) Fleischmann on March 20, 1923. Visitation was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mauston on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. with Mass immediately following. Burial will be at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Lyndon Station. She was the oldest of nine children and grew up with her brothers and sisters on the family farm. After graduating from Medford High School, she moved to Milwaukee where she worked for the Harnischferger Company and joined the USO. She moved back to Medford and married George Sauer in 1947. In 1954 the family moved to Mauston. She was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and Our Lady of Fatima Circle. All seven of her children graduated from St. Patrick School. Later in life she was an officer and proud participant in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. 1923-2022 A crossword puzzle junky, a great bowler, an ace card player, wonderful cook, Brewer’s fan and beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she will be truly missed. Survivors include her children, Virginia Good, Beverly (Steve) Vinopal, Kathleen (Neil) Long, Valerie McGowan, Gregory (Diane) Sauer; grandchildren, Todd Good, Kari (Mike) Kane, Craig Vinopal (Kim Perz), Kate (Kyle) Messerly, Kylie (Tanner) Harwell, Mary Kate Long and Jack and Emma Sauer; greatgrandchildren, Declan and Quinn Messerly; and sisters, Berniece Tlusty and Betsy Koch; and brothers- in-law Gene Kalmon and Jerry Koch; and many nieces and nephews. She dearly loved her husband George who died in 1997. Also preceding her in death were her son, Clayton, daughter Barbara, parents, six siblings and many in-laws. Memorial donations in honor of Mary Lou may be made to St. Patrick Catholic School, 325 Mansion Street, Mauston, WI 53948 or VFW Post #5970, 147 Oak Street, Lyndon Station WI 53944. The family wishes to thank the staff of Fairview Nursing Home in Mauston for their loving care during the years Mary Lou resided there. They are the best. Crandall Funeral Home in Mauston assisted the family with the arrangements. Paid Obituary 125490

1951-2022 Susan J. Gutowski, age 70, of Westboro, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, at her home under the care of her loving family and Hope Hospice & Palliative Care. Memorial services for Susan Gutowski will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at the home of Lorie Miller and Doug Rabitoy, at N5079 Hetland Avenue, Rib Lake, at 1 p.m. Military honors will begin at 3 p.m., with lunch to follow. Susan was born in Sturgeon Bay, on Dec. 31, 1951, to the late Raymond and Irene (Mathy) Blish. She was married to David L. Gutowski on Aug. 19, 1978; he preceded her in death on June 6, 2019. Susan served in the United States Navy from 1981-1992 where she worked in data processing. After the service, she worked at various title companies as a data processor and at the VFW in Oconomowoc, where she also served as a color guard. Susan was an avid Packer fan and enjoyed watching them with friends and family. Her passions were playing cards, (cribbage), dancing, and playing on her tablet. Above all, she loved and cherished time spent with her family and close friends. Survivors include her son, Chad Gutowski, of Racine; her daughter, Stephanie Gutowski, of Albany; granddaughter, Karen (Adam) Erbs, (Little Miss America), of Albany; great-granddaughter, Hailee Erbs, also of Albany; her niece, Lorie (Doug Rabitoy) Miller, of Rib Lake; her special friend, Larry Bergschneider, of Westboro; and three sisters-in-law, Maryanne (Steve) Thompson, Joy Berber, and Sharon Gutowski. Susan is further survived by many nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews; great-great nieces and nephews, and many other family and friends; in addition to her cat, Sammy. Susan touched the hearts of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her favorite word was LATER………… A special thanks to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care of Medford. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Irene; her husband, David; her sisters, MaryAnn Karstaedt, and Dianne Fliehs; her niece, MaryAnn Hilbert; and her brothers-in-law, Richard Karstaedt, Harold Fliehs, Sr., and John Gutowski. Memorials are appreciated to the family. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 125429

1946-2022 Karen Pearson, 75, of Ogema, passed away at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022. There will be a Graveside Service at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Prentice Cemetery in Prentice. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Karen was born to Carl and Adelle (Anderson) Granberg on Dec. 31, 1946, in Prentice. Karen married Kenneth Pearson on Feb. 27, 1965, in Waukegan, Ill. They lived on the Granberg family farm until their home was built in 1972. During this time Karen was the Bookkeeper for her family’s business, Granberg Brothers. In 1990, she and Kenneth built the Countryside Motel in Prentice, that Karen managed daily for 10 years. She enjoyed traveling, her cats, and watching the deer in her backyard. Her favorite hobby was going to the casino with Ken. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ken; brothers, Norman, and Allan (Carol) Granberg; sister, Janet Plyer; sister-in-law, Lynn Granberg; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Rosella Weber; brother, Mike Granberg; and brother-in-law, Larry Plyer. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 125437

1983-2022 Meagen Marie Rohland, age 39 of Seminole, Florida, formerly of Rib Lake, left us too soon on Aug. 12, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Trinity Lutheran Church in the Town of Chelsea (W5334 Dassow Ave, Whittlesey). Rev. Ralph Shorey will officiate. The burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Withee. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 and on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service all at the church. Meagen was born on May 1, 1983 in Marshfield. She was raised by her parents Dave and Donna Roder on their dairy farm in Rib Lake. Meagen graduated from Rib Lake High School in 2001 where she excelled in many sports and extracurricular activities including basketball, softball, volleyball, and show choir. After graduation she moved to Florida where she resided for the last 21 years. Meagen was a fiercely dedicated mom to her two children Gavin and Rylie. Being a mother was her primary focus in life. She was excited to start a new career of becoming a pharmacy technician. Meagen had a kind heart and was always willing to help others in any way she could. She loved her family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Meagen is survived by her children, Gavin and Rylie Field of Seminole, Fla.; parents, Dave (Betty) Roder of Rib Lake, and Donna Roder of Owen; grandmothers, Bernice Roder of Rib Lake, and Eileen Hahn of Ogema; four brothers, Christopher (Sonya) Rohland of Withee, Shaun Roder of Rib Lake, Adam (Emily) Roder of Edgar, and Logan (Tasha) Roder of Medford; five step-siblings; and many nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles; and cousins. Meagen was preceded in death by her biological father, Donald Przybylski; grandparents, Audrey and Buster Rohland, Conrad Roder, Chester Przybylski; and step-grandfather, Raye Hahn. Online condolences can be shared at www.maurinaschilling. com. Paid Obituary 125421

1927-2022 Earl L. Emmerich, 95, of Tripoli, formerly of Medford, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022 at Aspirus Medford Hospital. A Memorial Mass for Earl took place at 11 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Tuesday, Aug. 23. Burial followed at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation took place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Earl was born on March 26, 1927 to Alfred and Maude (Dodge) Emmerich in Medford. During grade school, Earl did farm work for a neighboring farmer. He was also assigned to teach English to neighbors while attending Wayside grade school. He was hired at Hurd Millwork when he was 17 and worked through the winter. He then traveled throughout the western US for three years beginning at age 18 with Ray Selby, Floyd Querin, and Ervin Clarkson. Together they worked seasonal jobs at ranches, sawmills, and with 115 ft. grain bins. He also worked at a POW camp in Sydney, NE. Earl worked in Chicago with Mel Blank, Barb Moen, and Louise Kreisher. He returned to Medford and worked at the Pea Cannery, where he met Lea Kellnhofer. They were united in marriage on June 14, 1952; she preceded him in death on June 27, 1993. He later married Joanne Ludwig Brandner on Sept. 24, 1999; she survives. Earl returned to Hurd Millwork for a number of years. During this time he owned and operated Earl’s Bike Shop, where he sold Schwinn bicycles, fixed many bicycles, and rented tandem bicycles. He purchased Medford Bottling Works in the early 1960’s with his brothers, Glen and Roger, where they made and bottled soda, including grape, root beer, cream soda, and lime. He was also a Budweiser distributor at this time. He purchased Rog’s Bar with his brothers in 1962 and eventually owned it himself and renamed it Earl’s Bar until 1993. Earl was very active in the community. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and St. Francis Catholic Church in Tripoli. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 1970-1972 and became a 4th degree knight on Oct. 1, 1992. He was involved in the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs and hosted Earl’s Snowmobile Jalopy Ride for 26 years. Earl was a Hurd Millwork Union Steward and a Past president of Taylor County Tavern League. He served as a Taylor County Supervisor on the Airport committee, the Tourism Council as a past President (representing Taylor County at Sport Shows in Wis. and neighboring states), the Northwest Regional Planning Commission, Rails to Trails Commission, and the Commission on Aging Committee. He volunteered for the Taylor County Historical Society and helped organize the Sesquicentennial Celebration. He received the Life Time Achievement Award in 2003 from the Medford Chamber of Commerce. He was a Sergeant First Class with the Wis. National Guard. He belonged to the Black River Rock Dodgers Snowmobile Club, and sponsored many Earl’s Bar men’s and women’s Sports teams. Earl was also a member of the Emmerich Brothers bowling team. He played the stumpf fiddle with his brother Kenny “Hayseed” on accordion and Roger on drums, or at any time he was inclined. He could always be found on the dance floor, especially for a polka, waltz, and to do the twist. Earl is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Sharon (Bruce) Wells of Mt. Vernon, Ill., Starla (Brad) Ruesch of Medford, Danny (Peggy) Emmerich of Wausau, Gayle (Bill) Thums of Medford, Wally (Elaine) Emmerich of Westboro, Rusty (Barb) Emmerich of Medford, DiAnn (Tom) Rindt of Stetsonville, Connie (John) Hemmer of Stetsonville, Randy (Tammy) Emmerich of Iola, Brian Emmerich of Wausau, and Terry (Tammy Erl) Emmerich of Medford; step-children, Greg (Anita) Brandner of Nashwauk, Minn., Pat (Barb-deceased) Brandner of Eau Claire, Randy (Joan) Brandner of Merrill, and Kathy (Steve) Strebig of Medford; 41 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren; siblings, Glen (Eileen) Emmerich and Roger (Sue) Emmerich; siblings-inlaw (Lea), Virginia Emmerich, Rita Emmerich, Pat Sward, LuAnn Grube, Bonnie Lipprandt, and Shirley Kellnhofer; siblings-in-law (Joanne), Norma Meier, Marlene (Darrel) Hermans, Duane (Connie) Ludwig, Loretta Kranz, Dale (Kay) Ludwig, Sandra (Dave) Bruesewitz, Robert (Nancy) Ludwig, Helen Ludwig, Roberta Ludwig, Mary Jane Ludwig. Earl was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lea; parents-in-law, Charles and Norene Kellnhofer; Joanne parents-in-law, Fred and Margaret Ludwig; great-granddaughter, Charlee Hemmer; greatgrandson, Owen Emmerich; bonus grandson, Hunter Ried; siblings, Vernon Emmerich, Kenneth Emmerich, Lorraine Clarke; siblings-in-law (Lea), Harvey Clarke, Al Sward, Bill Kellnhofer, Mary Kellnhofer, Eldon Grube, Ted Kellnhofer, Vern Kellnhofer, and Don Kellnhofer, Charlene Kellnhofer: siblings-in-law (Joanne), Alfred Meier, Patrick Kranz, Jerome Ludwig, Dora Ludwig, Merlin Ludwig, Glen Ludwig, Germaine Imler, Robert Imler. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Earl’s name may be given to either Holy Rosary or St. Francis Parishes and Schools. 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 125426