1950-2024 Janice Marie Rademacher was born on Sept. 26, 1950 to Emil and Christina (Poehnelt) Bucki of Medford. Jan met her husband Duane after graduating from Medford High School and they married on April 18, 1970. They raised three children together. Jan was an optimistic person who always looked at the positives even with all the curveballs life threw at her. In spite of numerous health issues, she remained a fighter to the end. She loved her family and friends more than anything in the world and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. They brought so much love, joy, and fulfillment to her life! Jan loved the outdoors and was very creative. Some of her hobbies included 4-wheeling, fishing, birdwatching, gardening, quilting, embroidering, and making wine. Jan passed away on April 4, 2024 at the age of 73. She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Duane Rademacher; daughter, Bonnie (Robert) Janas; sons, Michael (Kimberly) and Jason (Jolinda) Rademacher; grandchildren, Ciara, Caitlin, Blake, Turner, Colton and Maddie; brothers, Ron (Laura), Daryl, and Mark Bucki; sisters, Marlene (Mike) Jordan, Julie Lemke, and Dianne Bucki. She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Dennis and David Bucki. Per Jan’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Paid Obituary 151235

1941-2024 Dennis Galen Kautzer, 82, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Vita Care, under the care of St. Croix Hospice. A graveside service was held for Dennis at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Medford Evergreen Cemetery 2, Pastor Richard Russow officiated. Military Rites were performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. Dennis was born on Sept., 15, 1941 to Louis and Irene (Strebe) Kautzer. He graduated from Medford High School in 1959. He served in the Navy from 19591962, where he was in Company 287 on the USS Fort Mandan as a Petty Officer 2nd Class Engineer. On Aug. 17, 1963 he married Audrey Maier; she preceded him in death in 2022. They lived in Princeton, for 7 years, where Dennis worked at Speed Queen, before moving to Stetsonville. Dennis then worked at Weather Shield for 20 plus years. In his spare time, Dennis loved pistol shooting, where Audrey scored for him. He also reloaded bullets and worked on guns. He loved hunting and fishing, watching the Brewers and Packers, and his dogs and cats. Dennis is survived by his sisters, Jeanette Roesler of Milwaukee and Sherry (Lanny) Peissig of Medford; brother, Dean Kautzer of Medford; sister-in-law, Helen Kautzer of Medford. Dennis is further survived by many nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; parents; mother and father-in-law; brother, Wayne Kautzer; brother-in-law, Julius Roesler; sister-in-law, June Kautzer. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 151264

Beverly P. Steffen (Smerda), 73, of Ogema passed away peacefully at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on Sunday, April 7, 2024. She was born to John and Hilder Smerda on March 17, 1951, in Wausau. After graduating from Mosinee High School in 1969, the following year she graduated from the State Beauty College of Culture. She was a cosmetologist for over 30 years in Phillips. She married Leroy Steffen from Ogema on May 20, 1972. Bev and Leroy blissfully celebrated fifty-two years of marriage. They had two children, Rebecca and Brent. Beverly enjoyed fellowship with her family and friends. She liked to play card games, go camping, baking, and especially going for rides with Leroy. She was a proud grandma to Jacob, Ella, and Leah. 1951-2024 She was a member of the Ladies Legion Auxiliary, the Lutheran Church of Ogema, a current member of New Beginnings Lutheran Church, Ladies Group, and a Girl Scout Leader. She belonged to and supported the Ogema Volunteer Fire Company. Some of her favorite things were bird watching, reading on her kindle, hobbies, and crafts. She is survived by her devoted husband, Leroy; children, Rebecca (Whit) Parker of North Prairie, and Brent of Ogema; grandchildren, Jacob, Ella, and Leah; brothers, Robert (Susan) Smerda of Wausau, and Ronald (Jeanne) Smerda of Mosinee; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and infant sister. There will be a Memorial Service at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 757 Cherry Street, Prentice, WI 54556. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service. Fellowship to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the New Beginnings Lutheran Church, 1223 Railroad Avenue, Prentice, WI 54556, are appreciated. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 150996

1947-2024 Kenneth R. Swanson, age 76, of Tomahawk, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family after a long, courageous battle with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). Ken was born in Tomahawk, on May 23, 1947, to the late Bennie and Verona (Liebelt) Swanson. He was married to Cheryl Anderson on Dec. 5, 1971; she survives. Ken grew up on the Swanson family homestead/ dairy farm in the Town of Spirit and was a 1965 graduate of the Rib Lake High School. After graduation, Ken moved to Milwaukee, and soon after, was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War. After his military service ended, he moved back to Tomahawk and worked at Lampart Yards. In 1978, Ken began employment at the PCA Tomahawk Mill; retiring in 2013. He was a lifetime member of the Spirit American Legion and also a member of the Spirit 4H Club. Ken was an avid outdoorsman who had a passion for hunting, fishing, and ice fishing. He loved going for walks and spending time out in Spirit. Ken liked playing cribbage and watching the Packers, Brewers, Badgers and NASCAR races. Ken loved his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Survivors include his wife of over 52 years, Cheryl Swanson; his daughters, Amy (Neal) Gebauer, and Michelle (Andy) VanderWyst; his son-in-law, Dan Lundberg, and his “bonus” son-in-law, Pat Lundberg; his sister, Karen (Terry) Johnson; and his in-laws, Debbie and Joe Bandura, and Chet and Doreen Anderson. Ken is further survived by his grandchildren, Connor, Emerson, Ryan, Mason, and Mackenzie; and his nieces and nephews, Karla, Todd, Jake, Eric, and Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Verona; his daughter, Tammy Lundberg; and his father and mother-in-law, Chet and Darlene Anderson. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ken’s best friends, Larry Halvorson, Joe Bandura, and Chet Anderson, as well as, Hana, for the exceptional and compassionate in home care she provided. A memorial service with military honors was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Generations Funeral Home, at 11 a.m. Rev. Wayne Jahn officiated. The family received friends for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 am. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. You may view Ken’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral. com. Paid Obituary 150831

1985-2024 Marshfield bids farewell to one of its most beautiful young souls, Jamie Lee Palmquist. Jamie’s journey on this earth came to a peaceful close on March 22, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and a profound love for her children, family, fiancé and friends. Born on Oct. 10, 1985, Jamie was a beacon of joy from the first moments of her life. She loved to be the center of attention, which began with performances of “I’m a little teapot” for any audience, and continued into hundreds of funny and beautiful tik tok videos. She loved shopping, phone conversations, crime shows, Hallmark movies and Christmas. An early fascination with law enforcement led Jamie to a position of Correctional Officer at the jail and eventually into the position of Head of Security for Securitas at the Nestle Corporation in Medford. Jamie is survived by her loving parents, Judi and Mark Grabinski; her father, Keith Lewin (Kim); her children, Luca Quick (Orion) of N.Y., Peyton Quick, Hailey Mateski, Kelsie Mateski, and Cayden Pichla; her fiancé, Tina Braun; her older sisters, Monique Lewin, and Amanda Stoffel (Joel) of Mo.; her younger brother, Shaun Palmquist of Minn.; her maternal grandmother, Barbara Kennen of Minn.; ten nieces and nephews; many aunts and uncles; and the entire Palmquist family. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Floyd Kennen, Franklin Manning, Jake Lewin, Joan Lewin, Eugene Palmquist and Ardell Palmquist; her uncles, Anthony Tadych and Clifford Manning; and her aunts, Penny Kennen and Kelly Jones; along with many extended family members. A celebration of Jamie’s life will be held later this summer and will be announced on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that consideration of donations be made directly to the family to be divided amongst her children. The Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home of Marshfield is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome. com for your convenience. Paid Obituary 150852

1940-2024 Ray A. Mallo, 83 of Gilman, died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. He was born on March 5, 1940 to the late Guy and Beatrice (Palmer) Mallo. Ray grew up in the Hannibal area and graduated from Hannibal High School. He farmed the majority of his life. Ray enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, spending time with his family and talking about the “good ole days” on the farm with his siblings and spending time with his constant companion, Shadow, his beloved collie. He is survived by his children, Jerry (Renee) Gielow of West Bend, Michelle (Allen) Kurth and Brent (Jodie) Mallo both of Gilman; four grandchildren, Kylee (Brandon) Crank, MaKade (Allison) Kurth, MaKenna Kurth and Sequoia Mallo; two great-grandchildren, Kollyn and Kenley Crank; his siblings, Arlene (Jerome) Zahn of Jackson, Arthur (Mary) Mallo of Rothschild, Judith Mallo of Richland Center, Paulette Johnson of Wauwatosa, Jerry (Jennifer) Mallo of Waukesha, Brian (Cassie) Mallo of Gilman, Loren Mallo of Greenwood and Arlen Mallo of Lake Hallie; and special friend, Carol Soraparu. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bryce “Bud” Mallo; his sisters, Della Story and Sharon Madlon; and a grandson, Jayce Kurth. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., April 20, 2024 at New Hope Presbyterian Church-Hannibal with Pastor Bev Thompson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place in the Hannibal Cemetery. Plombon Funeral Service is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 150891

1938-2024 Annette L. Laabs, age 85, of Colby, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the Waterford in Colby under the tender care of Heartland Hospice. A Graveside Service will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Curtiss at a later date. The Maurina Schilling Funeral in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements. Annette was born on Oct. 8, 1938, the daughter of Eric and Bernadine Ericson in Brookfield, Ill. She graduated from Colby High School. Annette was united in marriage to Steve Laabs at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss on Aug. 10, 1979. She was a long time secretary for Northwest International (Mid State). Annette enjoyed camping, especially in Bayfield on Basswood Lake, fishing, hunting, campfires, hiking, picking berries, reading, bird and animal watching. She also enjoyed seeing shows of live music at the Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield. Annette especially loved and adored her family, especially her grandchildren. Annette is survived by her husband, Steve; two sons, Marty (Janice) Schjoneman and Scott (Valerie) Schjoneman; four grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Kim Laabs; and a sister, Sandra. Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling.com Paid Obituary 150556

1932-2024 Joseph M. Szepieniec of Eau Claire (Lublin), passed away peacefully at Azura Memory Care on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was born on Jan. 4,1932, of his parents Joseph and Anna Szepieniec and raised in Lublin, on his parents’ dairy farm. Joseph joined the Air Force in July of 1956. Shortly after he married Barbara Cramer of Spokane, Wash., where Joseph worked for the U.S. Forest Service, was a quality controller for the DHIA, and worked as a cement contractor. The family then moved back to Wisconsin where they took over the family farm and continued to farm there for almost 60 years. Joseph primarily enjoyed spending time with his family but was also a large part of the community in Lublin where over the years he was on the Town Board, Health officer for the Township of Roosevelt, Assessor for the Township of Roosevelt, President of the Equity Livestock Association, Member of the Knights of Columbus, President of the Roosevelt Rod and Gun Club, and Member of St. Stanislaus Church. He also enjoyed bowling, reading, singing in the church choir, gardening, fishing and hunting. Joseph and Barbara had seven children together. Sharon Patterson, (Ernest Patterson), Waco, Texas. David Szepieniec, (Rahel Szepieniec), Annapolis, Md., Joseph Szepieniec, (Lori Szepieniec), Lino Lakes, Minn., Dawn Szepieniec (Bolanos) LaCrosse, Paul Szepieniec,(Jeanne Szepieniec) Eau Claire, Ernie Szepieniec, (Amy Szepieniec), DeForest, Barbara Chilson, (Steve Chilson), Eleva. They also have 27 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Anna & Joseph Szepieniec; his son, Joseph Allen Szepieniec; brothers, Stanley Spence, Casey Spence, George Spence, Henry Spence; and sister, Judy Savage. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Szepieniec; their children, Sharon, David, Dawn, Paul, Ernie, Barbara; sister, Rena Phillips; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The Szepieniec family would like to thank Azura Memory Care staff for all their support, kindness, and loving care for our loved one. Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Immaculate Conception, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Father Francis Thadathil officiating. Visitation will take place that day at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial with military honors will take place in the Saint Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Lublin, Wisconsin at 2:45 p.m. on Friday. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. Paid Obituary 150615