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

1956-2024 Kurt Douglas Latz, affectionately known as “Clubby,” of Bancroft, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in his home, at the age of 67. Kurt was born Aug. 20, 1956 in Ladysmith, son of the late Albert and Della (Mallo) Latz. At the young age of five, Kurt’s father passed away. In time, his mother remarried Duane Story, who became Kurt’s second father. Kurt grew up in Jump River, and graduated from Gilman High School in 1974. Following high school, Kurt tried out for the Minnesota Twins baseball team. While a professional baseball career wasn’t in his cards, his love for baseball remained. In 1976, Kurt made the brave decision to join the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1979. The following year, on Sept. 13, 1980, he married Kathleen Potapenko in Gilman. While their marriage ended in divorce after 25 years, he gained so much from it; a beloved step-son, as well as his own three beautiful children. During their marriage, Kurt and Kathleen moved their family to the Stevens Point area where they made many friends over the years. After his service to our country, Kurt began a lifelong career as a truck driver, dedicating almost 40 years to American Asphalt. For the majority of his career, he moved equipment around with the use of a dump truck. At the time of his retirement in 2018, he was driving tack truck. However, being a hard worker by nature, Kurt couldn’t stay retired for long. In 2019 he began working for Paradise Trucking and remained there until his passing. Kurt lived an active and involved life. He enjoyed a great number of sports from slow pitch softball and bowling in his younger years, to pool leagues and milk bottle tournaments as he got older. Above all else, Kurt’s greatest pride was his children, and eventually grandchildren. He was always there for them and celebrated their accomplishments. His greatest pastime was any time spent with them. While Kurt’s CB handle as a trucker was, “Clubby,” his favorite name to be called was “Papa.” Although Kurt could shoot the breeze with the best of them and reveled in back and forth playful banter, he was also a kind and caring man who would give the shirt off his back to someone who needed it. Dad, you were the best Dad and Papa that we could have asked for and are so proud that you were our Dad. While you will be missed by so many, we know you will always be with us wherever we go. We will carry your memory in our hearts forever. We love you! Kurt is survived by his children, Chelynne (Nick) Molski of Plover, Tanya (Troy) Sobish of Stevens Point, Jordan (Emily) Latz of West Saint Paul, Minn., and Gary (Kelly) Beadles of Plover; his grandchildren, Jack and Shay Molski, Kierce, Jacob, and Ellazandra Sobish, Kennedy and Milo Latz, and Taylor (Dylan) Knoespel, Parker and Brittany Beadles; and a great-grandson, Beau Knoespel. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Kim (Danny) Trawicki of Gilman, Kirby (Linda Montwill) Latz of Jump River, Kristie (Davey) Winger of Gilman, Wendy (Matt) Dernovsek of Hudson, and Brett (Stacey) Story of Bloomer; 17 nieces and nephews, 28 great-nieces and nephews, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Della; his second Dad, Duane; his maternal grandparents, Guy and Beatrice Mallo; his paternal grandparents, Charles and Eva Latz and Leo and Lillian Story; and a niece, Shayla Story. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Woodlands Church - 190 Hoover Avenue, Plover. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Shuda Plover Funeral Home - 2400 Plover Road, Plover - and again Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow Thursday’s service at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point. Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Paid Obituary 150673

1930-2024 Amazingly strong and resilient, Shirley Rauscher fought back after every illness, hospitalization and rehab in recent years. But on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 94 years old, our Lord God decided that it was time for her to rest in peace, reunited with her beloved husband Fran. She died peacefully at Orchard Hills Assisted Living in Eau Claire, surrounded by love. With deep sorrow, but also with joy in the hope of the Resurrection, her children prayed over her and said their last good-byes. Here is the story of Shirley’s long, full life. Shirley was born Jan. 20, 1930, in Bloomer, to Gilbert “Gib” and Viola (Thorp) Anderl. She and her younger sisters Donna and Peggy enjoyed roller skating and they worked at the family root beer stand and grocery store. She attended St. Paul’s Grade School and Bloomer High School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1948. She earned an Associate Degree in accounting from Minneapolis Business College in 1950. She was one of only four women accepted there at the time. She worked in accounting at Hill Bros Coffee in Minneapolis, Anderson Cadillac & Oldsmobile in Chippewa Falls, and Strebig Auto Co. and Weather Shield Mfg. Inc. in Medford, retiring in 1990. On Oct. 9, 1951, she married her high school sweetheart Francis Rauscher in Bloomer. They lived in San Diego while Fran served in the Navy, then Bloomer before moving to Menomonie where he attended UWStout. In 1957 they moved to Medford where she lived for 38 years. Shirley, Fran and their children, Mary, Jim and Terri, enjoyed camping and traveling around the country with Shirley’s father Gib. After Fran’s passing in 1994, Shirley moved to Eau Claire in 1995, where she was very proud of the beautiful condo that she bought, furnished and decorated at Mountain Ash Condominiums, living there for 25 years. More than anything else, Shirley loved her three children, two grandchildren and six great grandchildren who are spread across the country. When she could no longer travel, she delighted in “getting together” with family on FaceTime. Although she often complained that “Technology and I don’t get along,” even at 94, she kept up with her family using her iPad, iPhone and especially her PC, creating custom Christmas and birthday cards. Fran, whose area of expertise was technology, would have been so proud of her. An expert at sewing, crocheting, counted cross stitch, quilting, embroidery and crafting, Shirley lovingly created Christmas gifts for loved ones. These beautiful, precious heirlooms now fill their homes with reminders of her. She also enjoyed reading, collecting Beanie Babies and solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles. At four years old, she learned to tap dance. In the 1930s, she and her dancing partner Gordy won an annual competition that included an appearance on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour Show in New York City, but she and her family couldn’t afford the trip during the Depression. Instead, she used the prize money to purchase the family’s Henderson cabinet grand piano, an instrument that brought many hours of enjoyment to her family and that led to Jim’s music career. She was a member of St. James The Greater Catholic Church and the Parish Council of Catholic Women. Father Tom Krieg gave her great joy and comfort. He celebrates Mass weekly at Orchard Hills and last July her family accompanied her to his Mass there. For many years, she attended Mass with Monsignor Klimek at the Sacred Heart Hospital Chapel. Survivors include daughters, Mary Kay (Kenneth) Ingles, Mequon, and Terri Rauscher (Jolene Nelson), Janesville; son, Jim (Vanessa) Rauscher, Amarillo, Texas. Grandson, John (Chassity) Rauscher, Aubrey, Texas; granddaughter, Ann Marie (Ryan) Ball, Jacksonville, Fla. Great-grandsons, Logan and Christian James (CJ) Rauscher; great-granddaughters, Trinity and Ava Rauscher and Evelyn and Emilia Ball. Also surviving are sister, Peggy (Peter) Prince, Bloomer; sister-in-law, Nona (Bill) Rauscher; and numerous beloved family members and close friends, including Bonnie and Fay Yost and Mary Ann Weideman. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Donna (Wally) Boos. The family would like to thank Orchard Hills Assisted Living and Mayo Hospice for their exceptional, compassionate care of Shirley and her family. They would also like to thank Roger Liddell and his Caring Transitions crew for their extraordinary support. Shirley will be buried with Fran at St. Paul’s North Catholic Cemetery in Bloomer. Funeral services will be held at a future date. If desired, memorials are suggested to St. James the Greater Catholic Church of Eau Claire https://osvhub.com/parish-st-james-the-greater/ giving/funds or The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, WI https://www.thehighground.us/ about-us/donate/ Despite growing up in Wisconsin and refusing to live anywhere else, Shirley dreaded winter and snow. May she and Fran now rest in peace in perpetual sunshine and warmth. 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 150627