1934-2023 Bernice Roder, age 88, of Rib Lake, passed away on Jan. 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Dycora Transitional Health and Hope Hospice. A memorial service for Bernice will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rib Lake, with Pastor Daniel Iwinski officiating. Visitation will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Bernice was born on March 5, 1934 to Julius and Martha (Rusch) Gilge in Rib Lake. She was the youngest of eleven children. She attended Fawn Valley Grade School and graduated from Rib Lake High School. Bernice married Conrad Roder on September 13, 1952 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Rib Lake. Bernice and Conrad owned and operated their dairy farm for 50 years. She enjoyed reading, writing poetry, gardening, loved picking berries and she made the best apple pie. Bernice is survived by her children, Diane (Jay) Nelson of Osceola, David (Betty) Roder of Rib Lake, Dawn (Rick) Jensen of Medford, Debbi (Tom Marschke) Roder of Medford, and Kelly (Kevin) Holzl of Rib Lake; 13 grandchildren; and 27 greatgrandchildren. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad; her parents; nine brothers; one sister; and her granddaughter, Meagan Rohland. Bernice’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the management and staff at Dycora Transitional Health and Hope Hospice for their care, kindness, and love shown to Bernice during her stay there. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice. com. Paid Obituary 131499

1947-2023 Janet Lynn Polacek, 75, of Rib Lake was called to her heavenly home on Jan. 22, 2023. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at St. John Lutheran Church in Rib Lake. Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake. Janet was born April 12, 1947 in Pontiac, Ill. but grew up in Rib Lake. She attended Rib Lake schools where she met the love of her life, Doug, in high school. They were married Sept. 19, 1964. Doug and Janet moved to Chicago for several years and started a family. They moved back to Rib Lake to raise Lynn and later had Doug Jr. Janet was a working mother. She worked at the Little Bohemia, the nursing home and at Gem products in Rib Lake. She also worked at Tombstone pizza until retiring in 2004. Janet was a wonderful wife and mother who was also well loved by so many friends both young and old. She faithfully served in St John’s Church for over 50 years. She was devoted to her family as a wife, daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. Janet bowled with friends, danced, travelled, and socialized. She also enjoyed quiet time reading and watching many HGTV shows. Janet was all this and more. She was the classy life of the party. Her smile and fun-loving personality lit up the room and made friends for life wherever she went. She looked forward to Monday night coffee with her siblings every week for the last 20 years. Janet was never late because the last person would usually get talked about. On Fridays, she enjoyed coffee with her in-laws to catch up on the latest family updates (aka gossip). There was always a smile on her face when someone was at her door and her signature laugh couldn’t help but make you laugh along with her. Janet loved the ocean even though she wouldn’t go in for fear of sharks. She loved the sound of the surf as she walked along the beach with Doug. Janet was a lifetime fashionista and was well versed in pop culture and movies; she was cool without trying. She was also outspoken about her dislike of cooking even though she was a great cook. Janet loved cleaning and prided herself in having a clean and welcoming home. She is survived by husband, Doug; daughter, Lynn (Justin); son, Douglas (Mani); siblings, Darlene (Dave), Bev (Corky), Mary, Mike, Jean, and Joe; grandchildren, Bri, Shane (Kaleigh), Ryan, Trey, Jonathan, and Luke. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Dorothy. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred for later designation. 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 131548

1960-2023 Gregory P. “Chicken” Schalinske, 62, of Medford, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at his home. A celebration of Greg’s life will be held from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4 at B& S Bar & Catering, W4782 Hwy 64, Medford. Greg was born April 18, 1960 in Mayville to Jerome and Mary Ann (Kiefer) Schalinske. He grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford High School in 1978. Following high school, Greg worked at Don’s Screen Shop until he became a truck driver. He drove truck for J. Bauer Trucking, then Nestle and finally Commercial Recycling until his retirement in 2022. Greg will be remembered for being a fun loving, happy person. His positivity was contagious and was a quality that allowed him to make friends easily. People just liked being around him. He loved spending time with his family and friends, no matter the occasion. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. Because Greg didn’t have children of his own, he spent time with his nieces and nephews, telling stories and teaching them about his favorite pastimes. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Schalinske of Ladysmith; siblings, Jean (Majid) Ghadiri of Chicago, Ill., Steven (Connie) Schalinske, and Kathryn Flohr, all of Ladysmith; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (James), Katie (Breyen), Jacquie (Mitch), Sara (Drew), Mona (Beth), Misha (Karen), Seth, and Connor. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Schalinske; his brother-in-law, Dave Flohr; and brother, James Schalinske. 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 131449

1949-2022 Susan Elsie Andrew, 73, of Centuria, Wis., passed away at her home in Centuria on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Susan was born on June 14, 1949, in Eau Claire, the daughter of Lee and Ethel Clark. Susan was raised in the Hannibal area and attended Owen-Withee High School. Susan worked as a Chemical Dependency Counselor at St. Croix Regional Medical Center for many years. She had a heart of gold and will be sadly missed by many. Susan leaves to celebrate her memory: her son, Jeffrey Andrew (Ekho) Walden, Colo.; daughter, Leslie (Rick) Larson, Centuria; grandchildren, Daniel (Lizbeth) Andrew, Anthony (Emily) Larson, Randall (Amber) Andrew, Angela Larson, and Hattie Larson; great-grandchildren, Miah, Remington, Raylee, Oakley, Berkley, Reagan, and Adalyn; her sisters, Rosalee Diamond, and Joyce Orth; and sister-in-law, Linda Clark. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Ethel Clark, her brother, Kenneth Clark, daughter-in-law, Sherri Andrew, and brother-inlaw, Arnold Diamond. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Chetek Community Center, 711 1st St., Chetek, WI 54728 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Paid Obituary 131292

2023 Louis J. Mortenson III, 78, of Medford passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023 at Aspirus Hospital Medford. A Funeral Mass for Louis will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Louis graduated in 1962 from Wausau High School. After graduation, and after the hay was taken care of for the season, Louis enlisted in the US Navy on a three-year contract at the age of 17. On the U.S.S. Springfield, he visited all the major ports of the Mediterranean, as well as some less well-known cities. During this time, he skied in the Alps, and saw the Rolling Stones, before they were popular. As the ship was upgraded to contain guided missiles, Louis received further training as a Missile Technician in Norfolk Virginia. Following his military service, he hitchhiked back home to Wisconsin. He studied through a program at the Control Data Corporation in the Highland Park area of St. Paul, working on computers to rival IBM. He traveled to Sitka Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington State while logging for the Weyerhaeuser Logging Company. He returned home to the Wausau farm to take care of his father. Later, he would have two boys and move to Medford taking care of his parents while farming and logging. He would later remarry to Nora Mortenson. Louis loved his family, fishing, hunting, the outdoors, woodworking, and playing cards with friends. He had a caring heart and patience that was unmatched, always willing to offer help to anyone around him. He was truly loved by his friends and family. Louis is survived by his wife, Nora Mortenson; his first wife, Carla; and their children, Louis (Chris) Mortenson IV of Bruce, and Wayne Mortenson of Rice Lake; grandchildren, Louis V, Alexia, Isaac, and Matthew; siblings, Ronald Mortenson, Charles “Chuck” Mortenson, Joan Streeter, Lois (Cary) Cole, Clark (Barb) Mortenson, Rita (Paul) Hawes; adopted daughter, HoneyLiz; and granddaughter, Zoey Frischmann. Louis is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Louis was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clark’s two sons, Jesse and Adam; brother, Ronald’s daughter and sons, Kathy, Little Ron, Timothy Ronald Jr., and Timothy. Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice. com. Paid Obituary 131569

1940-2023 On Monday, Jan. 9, at 11:51 p.m. Gordon George Mathews, loving husband and father, passed away at age 82 at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Weston. Gordon slipped into eternal slumber surrounded by family and his loving wife of 61 years. His devotion to family and firm belief in God supported him during his illness and ultimately gave him peace. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate that he is at peace with his creator. Visitation will be 9 a.m.-11 a.m. At 11:15 a.m. a funeral service with meal and celebration of life to follow, held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church located at 420 Lincoln Street, Medford on Saturday, Jan. 28. Pastor David Spaude will officiate the service. Gordon “Gordy” was born on Aug. 8, 1940 to George and Irene (Turvey) Mathews where he grew up in the Little Black Township. Gordon was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran in Stetsonville, later transferring to Immanuel Lutheran in Medford as it was closer to home. He attended Medford Area Schools graduating with the class of 1958. On Sept. 16, 1961, Gordon married Jane Krug at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Withee. They would go on to be blessed with six children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Family was important to Gordy, and he took every opportunity to let his children know how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. At family functions you would often see Gordy looking around the room with love and pride at the kids playing, people yelling at the game on the TV, as well as the other chaos that comes with a large family. Along with spending time with his family, Gordy enjoyed watching sports on TV and teasing his wife about her Hallmark shows. “Work, Work, Work” was Gordy’s mantra and up until his health forced his retirement, he did just that. The family farm was always a large part of his life. He also worked in the slaughterhouse, drove cattle to the stockyards and was co-owner of Mathews Implement. Gordon is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Wendy (Bryan) DeLucia of Kronenwetter, Lisa (Rod) Kolecheck of Marshfield, Cindy (Mark) Griesbach of Black Earth, Kim (Scott) Lewandowski of Eagle River, Harold (Crystal) Mathews of Medford, and Sherry (Damon) Brandner of Medford; grandchildren, Ashley and Brandan Raasch, Ian Niles, Andy Neubauer, Kyle and Samii Kolecheck, Nathan, Logan and Carley Griesbach, McKenzie Lewandowski, Veronica and Isabelle Mathews, Bailey and Riley Brandner; two great-grandchildren, Alexandria Cabe and Rileah Newberry; siblings, Betty Osterby of Indianapolis, Ind., Louella (Martin) Dowden of Menomonie Falls, Sylvia (“Ed” William) Gardner of Mukwonago, George (Sue) Mathews of Medford, and Carole Mathews of Fishers, Ind. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene; as well as two brothers, Lynn and Harold. 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 131279

1938-2023 Delbert C. Gustafson, 84, of Ogema, was called to his heavenly home on Jan. 13, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at the Ogema Baptist Church, W5091 Hwy 86, Ogema, WI 54459, with Pastor Rodney Price officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to services at the church. Delbert was born on Jan. 21, 1938, to Eddie and Alice (Erickson) Gustafson, in Ogema. He went to school through his sophomore year and then helped work on the family farm and worked with his dad and brother Leroy in the woods. On his 17th birthday he joined the National Guards. Delbert married Debra Maki on Nov. 9, 1979. Delbert worked driving milk truck hauling milk cans, driving pulp truck for Kenny Pearson, logging, with his brothers and carpentry. He also worked at Larson’s Sawmill for many years. Going back to carpentry and ending his career building a house in Spirit with the help of his brother, John, and son, Dan. Delbert enjoyed riding motorcycle, racing, trips to Canada fishing, camping with friends and family, taking nieces and nephews on family trips to the Dells and local fairs, spending time with his grandchildren, gardening and watching the birds, and the one thing he enjoyed doing the most - being a loving and caring husband to Debbie. He is survived by his wife, Debra; children, Dan (Katie) of Prentice, and Dawn (Wayne) Korenuk of Medford; grandchildren, Stacey, Alexandra, Zoe; sister, Kathleen (Mel) of Cudahy; brother, John (Deanny) of Ogema; and other loved family members and friends. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Alice; and siblings, Leroy, Melba, and Harold. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 131329

1928-2023 Ellen “LaNae” Werner, 94 of Medford, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 at Country Gardens, under the care of Hope Hospice. A funeral service for LaNae will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, at Community United Church of Christ, with Pastor Teri Hanson officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery 2. Visitation will take place at Community United Church of Christ on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. LaNae was born on Oct. 19, 1928 to Martin and Anna (Pope) Brecke in Dorchester. She graduated from Dorchester High School. LaNae continued her education at Taylor County Normal School. She married William Werner Sr. on Feb. 28, 1948 at the family farm in Dorchester; he preceded her in death. LaNae was a homemaker for eight children. She was a skilled gardener and quilter. She was a member of the Medford School Board 1971-1983. She was also active in the PTA, cub scouts and boy scouts, and the CUCC Women’s Guild and Candlelight Circle. LaNae is survived by her children, William (Diana) Werner Jr. of Abbotsford, Robert (Kristine) Werner of Madison, Barry (Jane) Werner of Medford, Becky (Ted) Hans of Niskayuna, N.Y., Bonnie (Guy) Masuda of Newbury Park, Calif., Bryon Werner of Medford, Bruce (Bonnie) Werner of New Richmond, and Beth (Jeff) Abegglen of Stetsonville; 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. LaNae is further survived by other family and friends. LaNae was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings, Edward, Norma, Mable, Myrtle, and Mary Lou. 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 131330

1966-2022 Lottie A. Stokosa, age 56, of Medford, Wis., passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at her daughter’s home in New Auburn. Per Lottie’s wishes, no formal funeral services will be held at this time. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 at the Eau Claire VFW, 1300 Starr Avenue, Eau Claire, WI, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Lottie Ann Stokosa was born on June 30, 1966 in Oak Park, Ill., the daughter of Eugene and Lillie (Reed) Stokosa. In 1971, her family moved to Thorp, where she was raised and educated, graduating from Thorp High School in 1984. After graduation, Lottie lived in Greenwood for 16 years where she was very active in organizing and volunteering at many community events including St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Lottie was a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader for over 30 years. She lived in California for a short time before returning to Wisconsin where she worked as a bartender and cook at various employers and cities throughout the years. She had many interests, but especially enjoyed fishing, gardening, reading, and being outdoors. Her main passion was people, especially children. She loved doing projects with the grandkids and enjoy teaching them about everything in life. She would do anything for someone, her heart was one of a kind. Lottie is survived by the love of her life of 18 years, Jason Hansen; her three children, Danielle StokosaandZackPawlakof NewAuburn,Riley(Leah) Stokosa of Eau Claire, and Racheal Vetterkind of Calif.; three grandchildren, Catherine, Anastasia, and Lawrence; three siblings, Connie Sonnentag of Eau Claire, Mary (Fred) Wagener of Eau Claire, and Bonnie (Douglas) Thielke of Curtiss; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Thorp Funeral Home of Thorp, is assisting the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 131182