The Highground hosts a monthly peer support group for veterans who are managing post-traumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as family and loved ones of veterans with PTS/PTSD. The next Veteran and Family PTSD Peer Support Group will meet at The Highground this Sunday, July 16, at 2 p.m., with presenter Father Conrad Targonski leading the group discussion.

Lucille R. Ortner, 85, Marshfield, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 30, 2023, at the House of the Dove. Lucille was born on May 30, 1938, in Humboldt, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Ronald J. Ortner on Feb. 20, 1957. They were blessed with eight sons and four daughters. Lucille and Ron spent most of their lifetime as farmers, beginning in Iowa. In 1977, they moved their family to Willard, where they farmed for another 13 years. After their farming days, she enjoyed her time cleaning homes and babysitting children. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Willard, and Christ the King Parish in Spencer. She married Dick Larson in April of 2015. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, family picnics, holiday gatherings and trips to the casino with Ron. She made sure nothing was left undone, and everyone left with a full stomach. Lucille is survived by her second husband, Dick; 10 children: Cindy Pierson of Johnston, Iowa, Rita (Chuck) Steffen of Willard, Ken Ortner of Martel, Joe (Deb) Ortner of Greenwood, Jim (Lori) Ortner of Dalton, Mike (April) Ortner of Suamico, Sue (Terry) Ortner-Roghair of Faribault, Minn., Sandra (Mike) Shaw of Chippewa Falls, Bob (Jen) Ortner of Spring Valley and Dave (Shena) Ortner of Neillsville; daughter-in-law, Michelle Ortner of North Hudson; 36 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; her siblings, John, Mary, Barb, Marcie, Clarine, Eva and James; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ron Ortner; her parents, Charles and Lucy Nilles; her two children, Chuck and Dan; her sister, Dorothy; and her brothers, Donald, Harold, Melvin and Joseph. A special thank you to the many wonderful staff members at the Abbotsford Nursing Home and the House of the Dove for their kindness they gave to Lucille during her journey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Christ the King Parish in Spencer. Rev. Barry Saylor will officiate. Burial will follow in West Spencer Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Saturday at the church in Spencer from 9 a.m. until the time of the services. A luncheon at the church will follow the committal services. The honor of pallbearers belongs to her sons, David, Bob, Mike, Jim, Joe and Ken Ortner. Arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences. PAID OBITUARY 139119

Jon J. Williams, 63, Thorp, passed away peacefully, at home on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. A memorial service will be held at Thorp Funeral Home on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 3 p.m. with Rev. Phil Beukema officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jon Jay Williams was born on June 24, 1960, in Friendship, to Robert L. and Shirley J. (Wenzel) Williams. He was raised and received his education in the Adams/Friendship area. After schooling, Jon began driving truck, and drove for several companies over the years. He was united in marriage to Fran (Hacker) Wendt on Oct. 27, 1997, at Paul’s Lutheran Church in Thorp. Due to poor health, Jon retired and resided in Thorp until his death. He had many interests including camping, four-wheeling, hunting, shooting guns, classic cars and riding the Harley with his wife. He especially loved spending time with his family, just being a family man. Anyone who knew Jon knew he always told you just the way it was and admired him for his humor and goodwill: a God-fearing man. Jon will be dearly missed by his wife, Fran, of Thorp; their children: Robert (Cindy) Evers of Dorchester, Jon Jr. (Heather) Williams of Thorp, Mindy (Alberto) Yates of Houston, Texas, Ashlyn (Seth) Krings of Wisconsin Rapids, Coty Evers of Fall Creek, Curtis Wendt (Kiana Walters-Williams) of Pulaski, Kayla Williams (Blake Reid) of Cadott, Allison (Marcus) Phillips of Green Bay and Monica (Edgar) Gutierrez of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; 24 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers: Kirk Williams (Gail Bryant) of Sorrento, Fla., and Robert Williams of Adams; and nieces, nephews, step-siblings, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother: Robert (Charlotte) Williams; his mother and stepfather: Shirley (Lee) Lang; his sister: Sandi Turenne; and grandson, Adrian Williams. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Thorp Funeral Home, Thorp, is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 139203

Burton R. Wells, 87, Spencer, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Wells Nature View in Marshfield with his wife and daughter by his side. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer. Rev. Barry Saylor will officiate. He will be laid to rest in West Spencer Cemetery in the town of Sherman. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Thursday at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the services. Burton was born on Aug. 16, 1935, in Greenwood to Adelbert and Elsie (Dux) Wells. He was raised on the family farm near Greenwood. He attended grade school at the Christopherson Country School and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1953. While in high school, he learned to play the trumpet and organized his own band. Burton was united in marriage to Jeanne Kobiske on June 2, 1956, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Loyal. The couple recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. After their marriage they lived in Marshfield and Burt was employed by Badger Store Fixtures for 16 years. After that he worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the building and grounds department as a cabinet maker and carpenter for 22 years before retiring in 1997. In 1977, they moved to Spencer, where they have resided ever since. He enjoyed his retirement years doing woodworking and building and flying radio- controlled model airplanes. He was a 35-year member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and was also a charter member of the Mid-State Aeroguidance Club of Marshfield. He attended the EAA convention in Oshkosh many times and was a member of the South Fork Flyers Club in Thorp. Burt also enjoyed watching old Westerns, especially “Gunsmoke,” as well as cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Burt is lovingly survived by his wife, Jeanne; son, Larry (Bonnie) Wells of Phoenix, Ariz.; and daughter, Sharon (Scott) Gress of Neillsville. He is further survived by nieces and nephews. Burt was predeceased by his parents, Adelbert and Elsie; sisters, Adella Friske and Marguerite Friske; brothers-in-law, Norbert Friske and Norman Friske; a brother, Donald Wells; and a sister-in-law, Kathryn Wells. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Wells Nature View and St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care. Burt’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home, Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome. com. PAID OBITUARY 139195

On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Dorothy Mae Colby, 71, passed away in the comfort of her home with loved ones surrounding her. She courageously battled cancer for the past year, but finally succumbed to the fatal illness. Dorothy was born Nov. 1, 1951, to Joseph J. and Florence M. (Prokopiak) Twarowski in Chippewa Falls. She was raised in the Owen-Withee area and grew up on the family farm with two sisters. Dorothy was a graduate of Owen-Withee High School in 1969. She met her husband of 51 years in the same town, got married, and started her own family. She worked at Master Package for several years before becoming a CNA at the Clark County Health Care Center for 30-plus years, from which she retired. Dorothy had the biggest heart and was filled with so much compassion. She touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her. She enjoyed being a social butterfly and at times one could say a bit gossipy. Dorothy was strong-willed and stubborn, but these traits defined her. She was a fighter and made an impact on everyone who knew her. She liked to have family get-togethers, frost Christmas cookies with the family, attend Red Hat gatherings and grandchildren’s sports games, shopping, scrolling through her Facebook (although not always knowing what she was “liking” or writing), meeting up with friends, trying all of Dylan’s new dishes, and dressing up for Halloween to hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters. She was a great friend and the most thoughtful person you could meet but what Dorothy loved most was being a grandma and caring for her grandchildren, no matter what age. She will be missed by all. Even during Dorothy’s most difficult times throughout the past year, she stayed strong and started living by the motto “It will all work out.” She believed in the power of prayer and that there is a time and reason for everything. Dorothy is survived by two sisters: Sandra (Ron) Amidon and Patsy Fudala. She will forever be remembered by her daughters: Stacey (Kevin) Purdy, Kelley (Jason) Hanson and Shanna Nernberger. She will be cherished and always remembered as “Beema” to her grandchildren: Dylan Hanson and Lexi and Damian Nernberger. Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Brad Colby, who will be waiting for her with open arms at heaven’s gate. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law: Gary Fudala; her son-in-law: Neil Nernberger; and her precious dog, Zsa-Zsa (her fourth daughter). Dorothy’s wishes were to be cremated and have a small, family-only service which will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Following that service, the family will be having a Celebration of Life for Dorothy at Igy’s Bar and Grill, in Withee, from 1-5 p.m., which will be open to anyone who knew Dorothy. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Thorp Funeral Home, Thorp, is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 139204

Geraldine Ellen Nigon, 96, of Rochester, Minn., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at Joan’s Place in Hampton, Minn.. Geraldine was born Nov. 22, 1926 in Minneapolis to Glenn and Inez (Melin) Gulstrand. She was a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in home economics. Geraldine taught school in Dover/Eyota, where she would meet and later marry Clair Nigon. Clair and Geraldine were united in marriage on Oct. 6, 1951, in Minneapolis. Geraldine and Clair were blessed with 10 children. Geraldine was an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church and St. Anthony Church in Loyal. Geraldine and Clair farmed in Viola, Minn., moving to Greenwood in 1978 to a bigger farm. In 1987 they retired to Loyal, where they were faithful members of St. Anthony’s Church. Clair passed away in 1998 and then Geraldine moved to Rochester, Minn., in 2008 to Shorewood until 2013 when she then moved to Joan’s Place in Hampton, Minn. Geraldine was very artistic, loved drawing and always had a positive attitude. Geraldine’s grandkids looked forward to vacationing at Grandma’s, where they would bake cookies and make wooden crafts. Geraldine loved to fish since she was a young girl. She and Clair would winter in Texas each year, and after Clair passed away, Geraldine would take yearly trips with each of her kids. Geraldine also kept in close contact with her high school and college friends, who called themselves the P.I.P.S. Geraldine loved to bake and every day she would have a fresh batch of cookies made for when the kids came home from school. She was a faithful woman to her family and to her Lord. She will be missed. Geraldine is survived by her sons, Richard (Dawn) Nigon of Stillwater, Minn., Daryl (Ruth) Nigon of Rochester, Minn., Harold (Susan) Nigon of Rudolph, James (Elaine) Nigon of Greenwood, Martin (Kathleen) Nigon of Greenwood, Raymond (Susan) Nigon of Cottage Grove, Michael (Barbara) Nigon of Elk Mound, and Stephen (Annah) Nigon of Spencer; daughters, Kathryn (Paul) Lindner of Rochester, Minn., and Patricia (John) Kocur of Welch, Minn.; 34 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren on the way and many nieces and nephews. Geraldine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clair; her brother, Glenn Gulstrand Jr.; great-grandson Cole Litkey; and other beloved family members. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1114 Third St. SE, Rochester, Minn., with Father Jim Berning officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Cemetery in Geraldine’s memory. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome. com. PAID OBITUARY 138901

Diane M. Rinehart, 79, residing in the town of Beaver, Clark County, passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford with Rev. Donald Bruce officiating. Diane will be laid to rest in St. Luke’s Cemetery in the town of Green Grove. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation at the church on Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. The honor of pallbearers belongs to Nick, Ryan, Mitchell, Andy and Ed Rinehart and Jesse Todd. Honorary pallbearers are Jena Rinehart and Julie Ducommun. Diane was born on April 1, 1944, in Spencer, the daughter of Donald and Estella (Schweke) Prehn. She was a graduate of Spencer High School. On Aug. 29, 1963, she was united in marriage to Gerald Rinehart at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spencer. She was employed as a medical coder at the former Neillsville Memorial Hospital until her retirement. She was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. Diane spent her free time working in the garden; creating beautiful knitted or crocheted pieces for family and friends; going square dancing with her dance partner and husband, Gerald; or just spending time at the family’s cabin on Musser Lake in Phillips. Those who will cherish her memory are her loving husband, Gerald Rinehart; her sons, Randy (Kay) Rinehart of Owen, Richard (Denise) Rinehart of Loyal, Robert (Mary Ann) Rinehart of Willard and Scott (Eva) Rinehart of Bruce; her 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and her brother, Allen (Nancy) Prehn of Abbotsford. She is further survived by her best friends, Carol Luepke of Marshfield and Violet Weber of Marshfield; and her beloved canine companion “Oreo,” along with many other relatives and friends. Diane was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, Edward Gunia and her great-grandson, Taylor. If desired, memorials in Diane’s name can be directed to Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford. Diane’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home, Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome. com. PAID OBITUARY 138688

Verlyn Robert Rollins, 83, Granton, passed on June 24, 2023. He was born April 15, 1940, to Robert and Ann (Matonich) Rollins. He married Frieda (Wesenberg) on Jan. 21, 1961. They are parents to Dean (Becky) Rollins, Marshfield; Dr. David (Ronda) Rollins, Waupaca; Barb (Steve) Bullerman, Quasqueton, Iowa; Sue (Lenny) Howard, Loyal; and Steve (Sharon Jackson) Rollins, Plymouth, Minn. Verlyn had seven grandchildren, Casey (Tina) Rollins, Robert Rollins, Cassie Rollins, Scott Bullerman, Adam “AJ” Bullerman, Ashley (Michael) Kaiser and Derrick (Arryanna Tenneson) Howard; and two great-granddaughters, Rylie and Jordyn Kaiser. Verlyn was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Dean. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Verlyn will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, July 3, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal. The celebrant will be Fr. Barry Saylor. Music will be provided by Joyce Laesch, organist; Grace Genteman, soloist; and St. Anthony’s choir. Interment will be in the Town of Lynn Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., Monday, July 3, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal. Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Verlyn’s family. PAID OBITUARY 138644

Michael L. “Mick” Weyhmiller, 72, Spencer, peacefully passed away at home on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Funeral services were held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal, with Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Mark Frey, Matt Kline, Ron Trunkel, Larry Hamus and Dave “Ralph” Shober. Burial will take place in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Spencer at a later date. Visitation was held at the church, on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Michael Lee Weyhmiller was born on Nov. 16, 1950, in Marshfield, to Donald B. “Mike” and Dorothy M. (Rogstad) Weyhmiller. He was raised and received his education in Loyal, graduating from Loyal High School in 1968. After completing his education, he worked at his father’s business in Loyal, Mike’s Tire. Mick was united in marriage to Janice A. Marcotte on April 26, 1975, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal. He and his brother, Keith, purchased the business from their dad in the late 1980s. They started Clean Sweep Car Wash in the early 1990s. Mick later became sole owner of the car wash. He retired from Mike’s Tire in 2019 but continued to operate Clean Sweep throughout his retirement. While you could find Mick nearly any time of day at Mike’s Tire, he did have many interests outside of work. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren (you could often times hear him coaching grandkids sports from the bleacher section), competing in lumberjack competitions in his younger years, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, water skiing, and collecting, restoring and showing vintage snowmobiles. In retirement, he loved spending time in his shed tinkering and fixing things for his friends and family. He had a “part for everything” and a mastermind to fix anything. He told the best stories and made the best of friends with whomever he met or wherever he went. Mick had a soul for giving and helping. He filled the room with his character and soulful presence, ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need, no questions asked. He was truly an extension of God’s great work and will be greatly missed by all. Mick was devoted and contributed greatly to the community of Loyal. He was a member of the Loyal Snow Angels Snowmobile Club, one of the founding members of the Spencer Sportsman’s Club, a long-standing member of the Elks Club 665, a former member of the Loyal Jaycees, and spent years cooking the best sweet corn for the Loyal Corn Fest. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Janice, of Spencer; his two daughters, Kimberly (Matt) Kline of Hudson and Bethany Weyhmiller (Keith Gilge) of Chili; three grandchildren, Peyton and Tatum Kline and Mason Dieringer; his mother, Dorothy Weyhmiller, of Loyal; two brothers, Robert (Maye) Weyhmiller of Fort Myers, Fla., and Keith (Lori) Weyhmiller of Loyal; and one niece, three nephews, other relatives, and many, many friends. Mick was preceded in death by his father; his father- and mother-in-law, John and Betty Trunkel; and his brother-in-law, John Trunkel. The family would like to thank family and friends for their visits and support during Mick’s final days, and the wonderful staff at St. Croix Hospice for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Loyal Food Pantry or the Lucille Tack Center in Spencer. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Loyal, is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY 138634