1943-2024 Ronald Rene Schimon, age 80 of Medford, passed away Feb. 21, 2024. A private service will be held with family and close friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for everyone who knew Ron. Ron was born March 4, 1943 in Chicago, Ill. Ron and his family moved to Medford, Wisconsin in 1974 where he owned and operated a dairy farm for approximately 20 years. He also owned and operated Ron’s Auto Body Repair in Medford for 48 years, until his death. Ron was a collector of classic vehicles and was a specialist at repairing/restoring classic vehicles of all types throughout his life time. He also was an avid motorcyclist who enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson. And Ron was the last Constable for the Town of Browning in Taylor County. He is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Janet Cook. He is also survived by his sister, Rejean Schimon (Chicago); children, Thomas Schimon (Patricia Klinger), James Schimon (Kimberly Schimon), John Schimon (Wendy Frerichs); grandchildren, Kai Schimon, Lana Schimon and Vanessa Davidson and many nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret DeVooght and John Schimon; brothers, Robert Schimon, Richard Schimon and Raymond Schimon. He was also preceded in death by his ex-wife, Diane Lee Thielke. Paid Obituary 148956

1936-2024 Luella J. Walters, 87, of Abbotsford, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 at the Abbotsford Healthcare Center, under the care of Hope Hospice. A memorial service for Luella will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Curtiss Alliance Church, with Pastor Carl Swarr officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will take place at Curtiss Alliance Church, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Luella was born on April 27, 1936 to Hollis and Leahbelle (Moon) Parks in Woodhull, Michigan. She married Donald Walters on Dec. 4, 1954 in Lansing, Mich. Together they opened up their home to many nieces and nephews and took them in, no matter how long or short they stayed. They also ran the Walters Adult Care Home in Curtiss for many years, taking care of the elderly. Luella was a gifted musician. She played the piano, guitar, and violin. She also sang and wrote music. She enjoyed hand quilting, crocheting, and was very active on the computer. Luella had a strong Christian faith. She taught Sunday school for a short period and was also youth group leader and piano player at Curtiss Alliance Church. Luella is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Donald; niece, Sue (Ken) Rodman of Medford; nephews, Jeff Draper of Wausau, John (Wendy) Draper of Gulfport, Miss., and Ty (Candy) Crosby of Rives Junction, Mich. Luella is further survived by many great-nieces and nephews. Luella was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Eleanor Spark and Joyce Draper; nephew, Allen Zorn; niece, Jeanne Crosby; brother-in-law, Robert (Ilene) Walters. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice. com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 148976

2024 Sarah Berg, a beloved artist and licensed massage therapist, passed away peacefully on Feb. 12 at the age of 83. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and warmth that touched the lives of many. Sarah was born in Chippewa Falls. Despite the passing of her little sister as an infant, Sarah found strength in the love of her remaining siblings. She is survived by her sister, Delores Lauer (Berg); and two brothers, Carl Berg and Leroy Berg. In 1990, Sarah lost her beloved husband Clifford Messinger. Despite the grief, she continued to find joy in her passions and pursuits, enriching the lives of those around her with her artistic talents and healing touch. As an artist, Sarah’s work reflected her vibrant spirit. Her paintings captured the beauty of the world around her. Her talent was admired by all who beheld her creations. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Sarah dedicated herself to the practice of massage therapy, using her skills to bring comfort and relief to countless individuals. Her healing hands and compassionate heart made a difference in the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on her community. Sarah will be deeply missed by her seven nieces and nephews. She was a pillar of support, always ready with a listening ear and words of encouragement. In addition to her family, Sarah leaves behind a great circle of loving friends who cherished her friendship and admired her zest for life. Her warmth and generosity touched the hearts of all who knew her, leaving behind memories that will be treasured for years to come. Though Sarah may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved and inspired. A celebration of life will be held for Sarah on Saturday, March 2. Please contact Thelen Funeral Services (262-392-4251 or www.thelenfh.com) for event time and location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy in Sarah’s honor. Rest in peace, dear Sarah. You will be forever cherished and remembered with love. Paid Obituary 148943

1938-2024 Marvin “Marv” L. Broeske, age 85, of Abbotsford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at Mayo Health Clinic Systems in Eau Claire. Marvin was born on June 24, 1938, the son of Elroy and Emma (Behring) Broeske in Dorchester. He graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1956 and attended UW Eau Claire where he played basketball for the Blugolds. Marvin was a member of the Army National Guard for 11 years and was called to service during the Berlin Crisis. On Jan. 26, 1961, Marv was united in marriage to Kay Bobbe in Medford. They raised their family in Abbotsford. Marv worked at gas stations in Colby before working 25 years as Office Manager at Kraft Foods in Milan. He then managed the Cenex Convenience Store in Dorchester for many years. Marv was a huge sports fan and officiated basketball and volleyball at all levels for over 60 years. He truly cherished all his officiating partners but had special memories officiating with Kenny Christensen, Chad Austin, and Al Braun. Marv was also highly active playing and organizing adult basketball teams and leagues in and around Abbotsford for many years. He also played on several adult softball teams that played in leagues throughout the area. Marv traveled to tournaments across the state playing in tournaments well into his 50’s. He told wonderful stories of all the special plays and games from all the sports he enjoyed playing. He loved the life-long friendships that he made during all those years of playing sports. He was always in the mood for stopping somewhere on his way home from playing or officiating for a cold one or two and was even known to have won quite a few beer drinking trophies with all his softball buddies! He also liked to keep everything in his life highly organized and tidy, from his lawn to his dining room hutch, to his car, and even his garage was neat and tidy. He was a meticulous bookkeeper and took immense pride in doing things right the first time. Marv enjoyed going up to the cottage on Sacketts Lake to relax with his family. Marv was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Colby and is a past member of the Abbotsford Jaycees. Marv is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kay; four children, Jill (Steve) Weiler of Marshfield, Patrick (Nellie) Broeske of Brownsville, Robyn (Paul) Schueller of Stratford, and Allyson Broeske of Abbotsford; nine grandchildren, Jena (Ryan) Moertel, Hailey Weiler (fiancé Nick Bolen), Trent Weiler, Bennett Broeske, Alivia Broeske, Jacob Broeske, Kamryn Schueller, Braeden Schueller, Kalyn Schueller; and one greatgranddaughter, Charlotte Moertel. He is further survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lester (Marlene) Bobbe, Linda Boxrucker and Larry Bobbe; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elroy, and Emma; two brothers, Donald (Ruth) Broeske and Clyde (Carmen) Broeske; a sister, Dorothy (Armin) Gruenke; brother-in-law, Jack Boxrucker; and other family members. A memorial service will be held for Marv at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Reverend James Groleau will officiate. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Military Honors will be provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Following the service the family will be hosting a gathering to celebrate Marv’s life, tell a few stories, have a few drinks, and enjoy a nice dinner. Please join the family at Jack’s Cantina Bar & Grill, 503 E. Spruce St., Abbotsford. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with arrangements. Family and friends may express condolences online at www. maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 149003

1972-2024 Toni L. Handel, 51, of Medford, town of Browning, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Barb Krug officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials to the family are appreciated. Toni was born Oct. 11, 1972 in Rib Lake to Charles and Theresa (Thums) Bube. She graduated from Rib Lake High School, class of 1991. On Jan. 27, 1998, she married Alan Handel. They resided on a tree farm in the town of Browning where Toni loved being outdoors and the peace nature brought her. She enjoyed watching the trees grow and picking the right trees to harvest; taking walks to the pond with her dogs, Grizzly and Olive; driving the four-wheeler, and feeding the birds. She also liked to visit greenhouses, taking in the beauty of all the flowers, and help her mom and siblings with chores on the farm she grew up on. Her best times were those spent with her family, and she deeply loved her children, Maxx and Chase. Her working career included employment at Phillips Plastics, Fourmens Farm Home, Medford Area Public School District, and Mid Country Homes. She was currently employed at Northern Cabinetry in Rib Lake. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Alan; daughter, Maxx Handel (Tim Meerstein); son, Chase Handel (Madeline Schneider), all of Medford; her mother, Theresa Bube of Rib Lake; her siblings, Jon Bube of Rib Lake, Lori (Ray) Orth of Abbotsford, Roger Bube of Rib Lake, Terri Pinter of Abbotsford, Kurt Bube of Rib Lake, Shawn Bube of Rib Lake, and Casey Bube of Wausau; her best canine friends, Grizzly and Olive; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Bube. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 149009

1935-2024 Raymond C. “Ray” Lewan, age 88, of Lublin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 at Oakbrook Health & Rehab in Thorp. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 at Thorp Funeral Home in Thorp. Rev. Hermann Klarr will officiate and burial will follow at Holy Assumption Orthodox Cemetery in Lublin. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jared Lewan, Derek Lewan, Brandon Lewan, Aaron Pogodzinski, Austin Pogodzinski, and Bailey Turenne. Visitation will be held at Thorp Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until time of service. Raymond Clemence Lewan was born on Nov. 19, 1935 in the Township of Roosevelt to the late Stanley and Frances (Szemraj) Lewan. He was raised in Lublin, on the family farm and attended area schools, graduating from Gilman High School in 1954. Growing up, Ray played a lot of baseball which made him a very successful baseball pitcher. He continued his baseball career by signing a contract to pitch in the minor division of the New York Giants after graduation. In 1955, he attended his first baseball training camp in Melbourne, Florida. Ray’s impressive pitching skills elevated him from Class D to Class B which landed him in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He later signed a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. He also had offers from the Dodgers among other teams. Due to an arm injury and missing his family, Ray returned home to Lublin. On June 21, 1958, he was united in marriage to Pauline Sweda at Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in Lublin. He enlisted into the U.S. Army, and two weeks after their marriage, he served his country until his honorable discharge on July 8, 1960. Ray returned to Lublin and hauled milk for Bellinger Dairy and then went to work for Midland Co-op in Thorp, where he was employed for 35 years. In addition, he also sold Klearwater water softeners from 1969 until 2022, and mowed lawns for several businesses and schools in the area. Ray was a member of the Lublin American Legion Post #547, and past president of Roosevelt Rod & Gun Club for many years. He had many interests, but especially enjoyed baseball, fishing, hunting, polka dancing, and watching the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Green Bay Packers. Ray is survived by his wife, Pauline, of Thorp; four children, Randy (Pam) Lewan and Tim (Deb) Lewan, Michele (Eugene) Pogodzinski, all of Thorp, and Lisa (Jim) Turenne of Merrill; 12 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren, other relatives and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Elmer “Butch” and Sylvester “Silver” Lewan. Ray’s family would like to thank the staff at Traditions Assisted Living, Oakbrook Health & Rehab, and Lily Hospice for their compassionate care given to Ray. Online condolences may be expressed at www. cuddiefh.com Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 149004

Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Tlusty, 92, of Chelsea, passed away on Feb. 4, 2024 at Aspirus Care and Rehab under the care of Hope Hospice. Betty was born on July 17, 1931 the daughter of George and Lucienne (Trac) Hoffman in Rib Lake. She was united in marriage to Franklin Tlusty on June 23, 1951. Betty enjoyed sewing, baking, birdwatching, spending time with family and friends, but she especially enjoyed, making sure that everyone’s bellies were full before you left her house. Betty is survived by her brother, Harry Hoffman of Washington; her son, Mark Tlusty Sr (Debbie) of 1931-2024 Neillsville; daughter, Jeanne Tlusty of Chelsea; grandkids, Stephanie Tlusty (Ivan) of Wausau, Mark Tlusty Jr. (Tessa) of Neillsville; Michael Tlusty (Dang) of Elgin Ill.; Tashalia Butler (Steve) of Rib Lake. Great-grandkids, Shawn Tlusty, Paul Tlusty (Melanie), Michael Quednow, Maddie Zeledon, Jax Tlusty, Lily Butler, Olivia Butler; great-great-grandkids, Layden Tlusty, Colton Tlusty, and Lydia Tlusty; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Franklin; two sons, Michael and Gary; four sisters, Germaine, Lucille, Susie and Doris; and her brother, Ray. Services will be held July 20 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Whittlesey. Family and friends will gather from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS Paid Obituary 148631

1947-2024 Richard “Rich” A. Dobrenz, 76, of Perkinstown, passed away at home on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Rich was born on Nov. 20, 1947 to Alfred and Elsie (Kahler) Dobrenz in West Bend. He married Christine “Tina” A. Tomczak on Feb. 17, 1968 in Elma, Wash. He worked as a journeyman glazier and owned and operated the Country Inn for 26 years until his retirement. In his spare time Rich enjoyed gardening, camping, being around animals, music, classic cars, and spending time with his family and friends. Rich is survived by his daughters, Renee (Joe) Zenner and Breanne (Matt) Noland, both of Medford; grandchildren, Carter (Molly) Jamieson, Joelle (Adam) Zuelsdorff, Austin Noland, Ashton Noland, Marcella Noland, and Amelia Noland; sister, Barbara (Jim) Harder of Medford; brother, Dennis Dobrenz of Ronan, Mont. Rich is further survived by other family and friends. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Lawrence Dobrenz in Vietnam. In lieu of flowers memorial donation may be given to the family for use at a later designation. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 148788