10 November 2021

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Robert Erdman

Robert Erdman


1933-2021 Robert G. “Bob” Erdman, 88, of Athens, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford. At Bob’s request, no service will be held. He was born Sept. 24, 1933 in Janesville to Marie (Flint) and Edison Erdman. He graduated from Janesville High School, class of 1953. On April 3, 1954, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Betty Michael. They resided in Janesville where Bob worked for Borg Industries, then General Motors until his retirement in 1994. Bob served his country first in the Army National Guard, and once discharged from that, was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably from 1954-1956. Bob and his family loved camping and spending time in the Minocqua area, so much that they began looking for land. They found a place in Athens that they began using as their vacation spot and would camp along the pond that they built on the land. Once Bob was retired, he built a home near that pond and he and Betty made the move from Janesville. Bob found peace in watching the wildlife on the land. Bob’s family would like to express their gratitude to their neighbors, Lee, Melinda, and family, especially Gloria, who helped Bob and Betty with chores and household tasks. They would also like to thank the nursing staff at the med-surg unit at Aspirus Hospital in Medford for their excellent care during Bob’s stay there. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty; children, Debby, Laurie and Terry; sister, Judy (Paul) Sandok; and his best friends, Tilman Sandwick and Terry Dutcher. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bill and his uncle John. 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 113082

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James R. Weister

James R. Weister


1944-2021 James R. Weister, 77, Marshfield, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021 on his and Bev’s 51st wedding anniversary with family at his side at Wells Nature View Assisted Living. Jim and Beverly L. Ketelhut were united in marriage on Nov. 7, 1970 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Marshfield. Jim’s greatest legacy was his family. Jim and Bev purchased a cottage in 1972 on Lake Esadore in Medford next to his father and mother-in-law. In 1987 he built a new cabin with the help of family and friends. This was the go-to-spot for summers and extended family times. “Papa” was most happy spending time with his grandchildren, building things for them and taking them fishing and hunting. Jim was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus John Eisen Council #1799, the Esadore Area Lake Association and Esadore Rod and Gun Club (family and friends group). Jim is survived by his wife, Bev; and their children, Tom (Chris) Weister of Greenville, Wis., Wendy (Terry) Eichsteadt of Pittsville and Mike (Alicia) Weister of Sioux Falls, S.D. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Jackson, Claudia, Josie, Sadie, Mac and Miles. He is further survived by a sister-inlaw, Cheryl Ketelhut; brothers-in-law, Larry (Diann) Ketelhut, Jack (Sally) Ketelhut, and Scott (April Schwartz) Ketelhut; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and sisters-in-law, Donald Weister and Carol and Diane Weister; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Steve) Vayda; a niece, Christine Weister; a nephew, Keith Weister; and his father and mother-in-law, Les and Harriet Ketelhut. The family would like to thank the staff at Wells Nature View, 2711 S. Apple Av. and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care given to Jim the past five months as he coped with the effects of Progressive Aphasia. Memorials may be designated to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School, Columbus High School or Esadore Area Lake Association. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Marshfield, with Rev. James Weighner officiating. The service will be live streamed at www. facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. A visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday at Rembs Funeral Home and from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church. The Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Jim was born on April 10, 1944, in Marshfield, to Frederick “Fritz” and Loretta (Greiner) Weister. He attended St. John’s Parochial School and was an altar boy at St. John’s Catholic Church. He was an alumni of Columbus High School class of 1963 and had many lifelong high school friends. Jim then attended St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minn., graduating in 1967. He later received his Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin, Superior. He began teaching and coaching at St. John’s School in 1967 and became principal in 1987. He often said those were the best years and enjoyed seeing former students and their families. During summers he got his tools out and worked small construction projects with his friend Ron, including odd jobs with Altmann Builders. Instead of retiring in 2005 he became a consultant and trainer for 10 years at A & B Process Systems in Stratford. He liked the challenge of setting up welding education and training with employees and students. Paid Obituary 113119

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Roger Mittenzwei

Roger Mittenzwei


1952-2021 Roger was born to Robert Mittenzwei and Darlene (Brugge) Mittenzwei on March 22, 1952. He passed away on Nov. 7, 2021, at the age of 69 surrounded by his family. The funeral service for Roger will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov.13, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church, 903 Third Street, Wausau. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday, Nov. 12, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and will resume at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Marathon City, Wis. The service will be livestreamed for immediate viewing, and recorded for future viewing and may be found on the funeral home website, under the obituary. Roger served as a Scout leader for both Pack and Troop 458. As Scoutmaster he had 13 Scouts that earned their Eagle Scout rank. He also had numerous Scouts that earned their Catholic religious emblems. Later in life, he shared his love of farming and 4-H with his granddaughters Angelica, Mercedes, and Bailee helping them win multiple blue ribbons at the Lincoln County Fair. He was a member of First United Methodist Church serving as a member on the board of trustees for 12 years and as a Sunday School teacher. Roger was a fan of Wisconsin collegiate and professional sports, he also enjoyed hunting and making maple syrup. Roger believed that birthdays and other important events should be celebrated with pie and not cake. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Mary (Wiese) Mittenzwei; his children, Isaac (Candice) Mittenzwei, Jodi (Bryan) Hoban, and Nicholas (Ann) Mittenzwei; grandchildren Angelica, Mercedes, Bailee, Adam, and Gretchen; great-grandchildren William and Charlie; and sister Linda (Dave) Pettit. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Darlene; step-mother Janice Mittenzwei; brother Ronald Brugge; and grandson Peter Mittenzwei. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston for the care they provided to Roger. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin Foundation MS 3050 P.O. Box 1997 Milwaukee, WI 53201. Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, is assisting the family with arrangements. To share condolences and memories with the family, please visit www.helke.com. Paid Obituary 113158

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Roger W. Klimpke

Roger W. Klimpke


1948-2021 Roger W. Klimpke, age 73, of Abbotsford, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 at the Marshfield Medical Center. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 at the Maurina- Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Interment to follow at the Pine Hill Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Dorchester American Legion Post #517. Visitation will be held from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10 and from 10 a.m. on Thursday all at the funeral home. Roger was born on Sept. 27, 1948, the son of Clarence and Winifred (Dawson) Klimpke in the Town of Hull, Marathon County. He graduated from Abbotsford High School. Roger entered the U.S. Army and served during the Viet Nam War. He worked as rural mail carrier for 21 years in the Curtiss and Abbotsford area. Roger loved riding his motorcycle and snowmobile. He enjoyed deer hunting and tinkering. Roger also drove tractor, truck and combine for many farmers. He will truly be missed by all his family and friends. Roger is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Klimpke of Abbotsford and his step-son, David Geiger of Schofield; two grandchildren, Brock and Cody Lindberg. He is further survived by his six siblings, Clarence “Clem” (Mary) Klimpke of Dorchester, Connie (Dean) Smith of Spencer, Donna (Rick) Podevels of Barnes, Nancy Johnston, Kevin (Kathy) Klimpke and Lori (Roger) Zvolena all of Loyal; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings, Carolyn, Beverly, Ronald, Harold, Dennis and Ricky; and his niece, Karen (Ludwig) Klimpke. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 113115

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John Peter Rief

John Peter Rief


1948-2021 John Peter Rief, 73, of Westboro passed away on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 at the U-W Madison Burn Unit after a tragic accident. Funeral Services by Buettgen Funeral Home will take place on Saturday, Nov. 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford, with visitation from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m., service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II with Military Honors. Pastor Ralph Shorey officiating. Pallbearers are Maddie Moberg, Jakob Rief, Zachary and Isabelle Ernest. John was born on June 9, 1948 in Medford to Melville and Edna Rief. John graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1966. He then was enrolled in the Automotive Mechanics course work at North Central Technical College. He entered the U.S. Army in 1968, which stationed him in Germany. On January 10, 1970 he was married to the love of his life, Yvonne Golding. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he took over the family business from his father Melville, Rief Motors, which he owned and operated until 1975. He was also one of the first EMTs in the Medford Area. After Rief Motors, John owned and operated Bells Unlimited, selling antiques and antique reproductions. During this time, John also worked road construction, driving truck for various companies in the area. In 1985, John operated and managed Blair’s T.V., along with having a lucrative snow removal business and rental units in Medford. In 1998, he continued his unbelievable knack for sales, venturing into Asphalt maintenance sales. Initially for Long Asphalt, then for Bergman Companies, Fahrner and finally for American Pavement Solutions. He was also Town Chairman for the Town of Westboro from 1995 to 2003. John retired in 2012, spending his time traveling, plowing snow, thoroughly enjoying working in his wood working shop and creating different projects for family and friends. He also enjoyed camping, helping out his neighbors with various projects, hunting, having a few beers while visiting with friends and family. But, most importantly, enjoying his grandchildren. In his earlier years, he enjoyed curling, hunting, fishing, attending and working at stock car races, demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls and anything else with an engine. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and taking his family on cross country vacations to see the many states in this beautiful United States of America. John was a devoted Christian, always enjoying singing hymns in the German language. He was a hard worker from an early age, always looking for another avenue for income/revenue. He instilled this work ethic into his children and grandchildren. John is survived by his wife, Yvonne of Westboro; children, Jonathan (Darla) Rief, Shawn (Phillip) Ernest; grandchildren, Maddie, Jakob, Zachary and Isabelle all of Medford. John was preceeded in death by his parents, Melville and Edna Rief. Above all, John will be remembered for his compassion, sensitivity, generosity, his sense of humor and his uncanny wit with any situation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name can be given to the family for use at a later designation. Paid Obituary 113059
03 November 2021

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Gerald “Jerry” L. Holtz

Gerald “Jerry” L. Holtz


1941-2021 Gerald “Jerry” L. Holtz, age 80, of Rib Lake passed away on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at the Aspirus Medford Hospital in Medford. Jerry was born in his home on May 12, 1941, in the Town of Browning, Wis., to the late Norman and Eleanor (Schlais) Holtz. going to as many polka festivities as possible and learned later in life to play the concertina. Jerry had a love of barbequing on the grill year-round with his polka music on the radio and loved to watch Marlene dance. In their younger years, Jerry and Marlene vacationed all over the United States. They would travel after the veal calves were shipped to market and were free to go until it was time to get new baby calves in and begin the process all over again. Together, Jerry and Marlene fed 589 calves per batch. Jerry was active throughout his entire life, working until the age of 76. His favorite job was trucking for J. Bauer Trucking Company. Poor health finally led him to full retirement. Survivors include his wife, Marlene Holtz; his children, Debra (Wayne) Fuchs, Michael (Chrissy) Holtz, Scott (Renee) Zondlo, Paul Zondlo, and Laurie Zondlo; his grandchildren, Josh (Anna) Fuchs, Andrea (Ted) Peche, Alex Holtz, Jake (Brooke) Holtz, Breanne (Kelly) Polacek, and Brooke (Pete) Klingbeil; his great-grandchildren, Annalee Roder, Zayne and Rylee Peche, Waylon and Ellis Klingbeil, and Lenora and Kearan Polacek; his brother, Jim (Diane) Holtz; his sisters, Beverly (Mike) Peterson, and Carol Zahnen; his sisters-in-law, Liz Carroll and Barb Carroll; his sisters and brother-in law, Kathleen (Ray) Synol, Karen (Ken) Steinman, Joanie (Jim) Gebauer, Sandy (Rod) Klimeck, Billy (Mary) Niggemann, and Teri Zimmerman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Eleanor; his first wife, Madeline; his sister, Shirley Miller; his brothers-in-law, Bill Miller, Albert Carroll, and Larry (Judy) Holtz; his grandson, Brent Zondlo; his in-laws, Emily Niggemann and Oliver and Edna Carroll. Last but not least, he leaves behind his fur babies, Kuhn the Boxer, and Neldy the barn cat. View Jerry’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk Memorial services for Gerald Holtz will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 11 a.m., at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Rib Lake. Pastor Kenneth Bittorf will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the St. Peter’s Cemetery. He attended the Mathey Grade School and later graduated from Medford High School with the Class of 1959. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in the 23rd Engineer Battalion, Hanau, Germany. He was honorably discharged SP-4 in 1962. Jerry was married to Madeline Carroll on Oct. 26, 1963, at the Medford Emmanuel Church; she preceded him in death in May of 1987. Jerry entered the workforce holding various positions with Greenheck, American Motors, Ohio Medical Equipment, Oscar Mayer, Gad Cheese, O& N Lumber, Hurds, Melvin Co, Kenosha Sand & Gravel, Swift Fertilizer, J. Bauer Trucking Company, and was the operator of a veal farm and calf stall business. On July 22, 1988, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Rib Lake, he married Marlene Niggemann Zondlo. Together, they raised milk-fed veal for many years. Jerry enjoyed his large family and all the gatherings they had. He loved driving his 18-wheeler over the road and seeing the country. He also enjoyed is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 112788

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Ruth A. Smith

Ruth A. Smith


1927-2021 Ruth A. Smith, 94, of Medford, passed away on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021 at Our House in Medford, under the care of Hope Hospice, with her son, Rick by her side. A funeral service for Ruth will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021 at United Methodist Church, with Pastor David Clements officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery I. Visitation will take place at United Methodist Church on Friday Nov. 5, 2021 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Ruth was born on July 13, 1927 to Charles and Inez (Cook) Hutchinson in Medford. She was a graduate of Medford High School and earned her teaching certificate from Taylor County Normal School. She taught school until her marriage to Edwin “Lee” Smith on Aug. 20, 1949; he preceded her in death on Jan. 26, 2015. After her marriage Ruth became a homemaker until her children went to school. She then worked at Marathon Cheese, was a secretary for the United Methodist Church, manager for the Centennial Apartments, and finally worked at Weather Shield in the vinyl department until her retirement. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, her pets, feeding wild life, and taking care of her family. She was a very active member in her church holding many officer positions and belonged to many groups. Ruth is survived by her children, Karen (Mike) Marti of La Valle, Wis., Terry (Janie) Smith of Verona, Wis., Ricky (Mary) Smith of Tomah, Wis., Jeffrey (Linda Geiger) Smith of Medford, Laurie (Tom) Daniels of Wausau; 9 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by other family and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her son Daniel Smith in infancy; brothers, Donald Gene Hutchinson and Verne Daniel Hutchinson. 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 112796