1930-2024 Joyce E. Vahl, age 94, of Abbotsford, passed away Monday, April 22, 2024 at the Colonial Health and Rehabilitation Center in Colby. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Joyce was born on Jan. 26, 1930, the daughter of Virgil and Edna Hanna in Linn, Kansas. She was united in marriage to Raymond Vahl on April 16, 1949 in Topeka, Kan. Joyce worked at a car dealership and a bank in Illinois. She loved gardening, crocheting and traveling. Joyce is survived by her three children, Wayne Vahl of Stratford, Gary Vahl of Ind., and Joy (Neil) Blume of Dorchester; 11 grandchildren; 28 greatgrandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her six siblings, Virgie, Linda, Jackie, Birdie, Jerry and Johnny; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, nine siblings, and two daughters-in-law, Sandy and Patti. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid Obituary 151671

1953-2024 Myron F. Brooks, 71, of Jump River, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 21st, 2024. Myron was one of the lucky ones who passed away doing what he loved - farming and helping his neighbors. Myron was born on February 18, 1953 at Victory Memorial Hospital in Stanley to dairy farmers Frederick and Marie (Lein) Brooks. He grew up on his family’s farm in Jump River and it is there that he learned the values of family, hard work, and the importance of caring for neighbors and the land. Farming was in his blood and hard work was his DNA. On Sept. 11, 1971, Myron married Gloria Trawicki at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman. The couple settled on the family farm and it is there that they raised their five beautiful daughters, teaching them the joy of hard work, the importance of taking care of family, sharing his love for the land, the precise technique of inserting a joke into any conversation, and caring for those animals (and people) that needed the touch of a hand calloused by hard work that only a loving farmer father could offer. Myron worked no matter how injured or sick he was, never complaining. His work ethic, like his love for his family, never wavered. He was proud of his girls and considered them his finest accomplishment. He taught his girls to work and to hunt. He enjoyed spending hunting season with his daughters in the woods. As much as Myron enjoyed raising his family on the farm, nothing made him happier than seeing his grandchildren visit him on the farm. Myron was always ready to take an overtired child for a 4-wheeler ride out to the back pastures to see the heifers. If a nap was needed Myron would pull up in the gator. It worked every time and no grandchild was immune from his caring ways. As the grandchildren got older, he enjoyed supporting them in their activities. His devotion to his grandchildren was epic and there was never a school event or program that he missed. He enjoyed watching them sing, play football, show steers, play basketball, barrel race, run cross country, and everything else that they tried. His support was unwavering. His grandchildren were loved beyond measure and he made sure that they knew that each one was loved and special in their own ways. Myron is survived by nine extraordinary grandchildren, Jayce, Kennedy, Charlotte, Bergan, Grant, Bristol, Sailor, Maxwell, and Brooks. Myron is further survived by his wife of 52 years, Gloria; his mother, Marie Brooks; his daughters, Paulette Brooks of Hudson; Janelle (Ryan) Buesser of Eau Claire; Jilleen Brooks of Jump River; Lindsay Brooks of Holcombe; and Sydney (Josh) Kowalczyk of Eau Claire; his sister, Susan (Michael) Tkachuk of Elk Mound. He was preceded in death by his father, Frederick. Although Myron’s family was his everything, Myron saw the bigger picture and was also devoted to his community and neighbors. Myron served as the Town Chairman of the Jump River Township and worked tirelessly writing multiple grants to improve the community. He was also a founder of the Jump River Fire Department. He dedicated many hours to working on the Jump River Electric board as Chairman of the JREC board and was also on the Taylor County Forestry Committee. Myron was a Charter member of the Jump River Lions Club. He was also a founder of the Jump River 4th of July celebration. He enjoyed turning his work tractor into a pulling tractor and pulled for many years at the 4th of July celebration. Myron and Alton Seeger built the original eliminator which was used for many years in the Jump River 4th of July Celebration Tractor Pull. He passed his knowledge of tractors onto his daughters and even his daughter pulled tractor on occasion. His legacy of community will not be forgotten, but will be missed tremendously. Myron would want everyone reading this to step up in their community and “go do something for someone”. He was truly a man who loved his community and wanted what was best for all. A funeral service will take place at Noon on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Hannibal with Pastor Beverly Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Nebo Cemetery, Jump River. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. Plombon Funeral Service is assisting the family. Paid Obituary 151710

1966-2024 Wade W. Knight, age 58, passed away on April 21, 2024 in Phoenix, Ariz. Wade was born on March 18, 1966, in Medford Hospital, to Arile W. Knight and Carol S. Knight of Ogema. On July 23, 1988, he married Joan Pavur/ Knight and they had three children, Aaron, Christina and Roger. Wade is survived by his mother, Carol; brother, Rocky; uncle, William (Bill); wife, Joan; children; and his pets. He was preceded in death by his sister, Laura; and father. https://gofund.me/bf82c15d. Paid Obituary 151707

1947-2024 Barbara Jean Martin, 76, of Medford, formerly of Goodrich, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Vitacare Assisted Living while under the care of St. Croix Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 27 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Barb was born Aug. 15, 1947 in Athens to Clarence and Ellen (Neumann) Duerr. She attended Medford schools. She married James Eckert and together had three sons. They later divorced. On July 17, 1993, she married Kim Martin in Stetsonville. She and Kim ran A& E Tavern for several years, where they made many friends and truly enjoyed their time there. She also enjoyed fishing and listening to country music. Kim preceded her in death in 2005. Barb is survived by her three sons, James “Woody” (Heidi) Eckert, William “Bill” (Sadie Guden) Eckert, all of Medford and David (Jill) Eckert of Athens; grandchildren, Andrew, Emma, Madison, Megan (Cole), Dylan, Ellie, Kyana and Karly; great-grandchildren, Axel and Coil; siblings, Darlene “Dolly” Schreiner of Athens, Sharon (Rich) Bowen of Amherst, Cindy (Jim) Bondowski of Ojibwa, Jim (Dolly) Duerr of Medford, Randy (Brenda) Duerr of Indiana; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Kim. Barb’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Vitacare of Medford for the care and love shown to Barb over the past two years. They would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their compassion and kindness given to Barb during her final days. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 151629

1939-2024 Carole Alice (Carlson) Jari, age 85, of Medford, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024 at The Waterford at Colby Assisted Living. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 3, 2024 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in the town of Holway with Barb Krug officiating. Interment will follow at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials are appreciated and may go to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Carole’s honor. Carole was born Jan. 8, 1939 in Rib Lake to Raymond and Clara Rose (Hein) Schirmer. When Carole was only three years old, her mother was called home to live with our Heavenly Father. She was then raised by her second mother, Margaret (Polacek) Schirmer. She graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1957. On June 1, 1957, she married James E. Carlson. They farmed for 30 years and raised seven children together. After Jim’s death in 1987, Carole went to work at Hurd Millwork for 16 years, retiring in 2004. On Aug. 19, 1989, she married Matt A. Jari. They resided in the town of Browning. Matt passed on Jan. 6, 2024. Carole lived in Taylor county her entire life, but she did love to venture out and travel. Some of her favorite places to visit were Alaska to see her sister and brother-in-law, Colorado to see family, and the great Rocky Mountains. She loved life on the farm and being outdoors, gardening, going for walks, fishing, cutting boughs in the fall and working in the woods in the winter. And everyone knew she could “out split” anyone when it came to cutting wood! Her church and her faith were very important to her. She was an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church where she held different offices in the Ladies Group and the Church Council. Whether it was sewing quilts with the ladies or making soap for oversea missions, Carole was always involved with serving others. She is survived by her seven children, James “Jess” (June) Carlson, Sharon (Richard) Danielson, Paul (Jannell) Carlson, Melvin (Beth) Carlson, Philip Carlson, Joan Carlson, Donald (Ashley) Carlson; step-children, Rick Jari, Randy Jari, Todd Jari, Debra Kaja; grandchildren, Rick and Paul Danielson, Eric, Shane, Adam, Andrew, Raymond, Luke, Lydia, Subreana, Teyona, Preston, and Jasmine Carlson, Crystal and Jake Stockheimer; step-grandchildren, Rick Jr., Ryan, Morgan, and Aidan Jari, Tara Macone, Johanna Hundley, Rindi and Rachell Kaja; two sisters, Patsy (Jim) Biddle, and Kathy (Art) Deicher; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jim; second husband Matt; and siblings, Robert, Raymond, Irving, and Glenn Schirmer, Pearl Hubbard, and Adrianne Schneider. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice. com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 151634

1944-2024 Marie A. (Matushak) Freiboth, of Dorchester, passed away April 12, 2024. Marie was born on June 14, 1944, to Prosper and Florence Matushak. Marie was married to Allen Freiboth who passed away Oct. 11, 2022. Marie worked as a CNA in Milwaukee and later in Medford until her retirement. Marie is survived by her children, Art (Tracy) of Milwaukee, Susan of Dorchester and Joe (Jenn) of Mosinee. Along with her grandchildren and greatgranddaughter. Her siblings, Elaine (Bill) Plante of Wisconsin Rapids, Eugene (Marcy) Matushak and Vernon (Patsy) Matushak, both of Wausau; and extended family, Bill (Diane) Freiboth of Eau Claire, Stephanie (Tony) Oljanea of South Milwaukee. Marie was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sisters, Mary Ann White, Theresa Matushak and Janice Baesemann all of Wausau; her brothers, Thomas Matushak of Edgar and Leon Matushak of Crystal, Minn.; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Art & Pearl Freiboth. Per Marie’s request, there will be no funeral services. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com Paid Obituary 151271

1935-2024 Harvey “Buck” Kleiber, age 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at his home in Sun Prairie on April 10, 2024. He was born on Dec. 30, 1935, in Medford, the son of Benjamin and Theresa (Vogt) Kleiber. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Karen (Wild) Kleiber in Medford. Since that time, they have only spent a handful of days apart from each other. In 1964, they moved to the Madison area where Buck started his 29-year career at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. After retiring in 1993, he worked several part-time jobs, most of which included driving, and worked until the age of 84. Man, he loved driving any type of vehicle, especially the Bluebird school buses! Buck served his country in the U.S. Navy from 195458, followed by service in the reserves for 4 years. He served as a Medic in the First Marine Brigade, Hawaii during his last two years of active service. Buck enjoyed many hobbies over the years including pheasant and deer hunting, bowling, camping, golfing, and he rarely missed an event that any of his children or grandchildren were participating in! Buck is survived by his wife, Karen of Sun Prairie; sons, Jeff (Sherri) Kleiber of Mukwonago, Randy (Jackie) Kleiber of Sun Prairie, Curt (Lori Kampmeier) Kleiber of Deerfield; his daughter ,Kim (Jay) Jennings of DeForest; grandchildren, Tom, Ryan (Kelsey), Sami (Austin), Nick, Kyle, Alex, Cassi, and Amanda; greatgrandchildren, Carson, Colton, Rowan, and Luca; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his eight siblings, Raymond, Jerome, Harold, Kenneth, Irene Grant, Margaret Schmeiser, Sylvia Grant, and Armella Schreiner. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. at St. Albert the Great Church, 2420 St. Albert the Great Drive, Sun Prairie, WI on Friday, April 19, 2024 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. and luncheon. Memorials in honor of Buck are appreciated to Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711. Paid Obituary 151292

1935-2024 Alfred “Al” A. DeBuhr, 89, of Medford, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at home, into the loving arms of Jesus, under the care of Compassus Hospice, surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Medford, with Pastor Tim Becker officiating. Visitation will take place at the First Baptist Church on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Al was born on March 21, 1935 to Robert and Dorothy (Detjens) DeBuhr in Milwaukee. He graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in agriculture, where he met his loving wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Sims and they married on March 24, 1956 in Milwaukee. They moved to Barrington, Ill., where he was the Head Herdsman for Quaker Oats. He continued his education at Harper College in Palatine, IL and earned a degree in accounting and computer. He then became the purchasing manager for Quaker Oats, Research and Development Facility, until his retirement. In his retirement he worked as his church’s treasurer and at Camp Forest Springs. He and Cindy enjoyed missions in Puerto Rico. He enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, woodworking, and water skiing into his 70’s. Al is survived by his wife of 68 years, Cindy; children, Jeanette (LeRoy) Dassow, Linda DeBuhr-Boettcher, Matt (Sherry) DeBuhr, Joy (Shawn) McMerty, and Natalya (Mark) Ortiz; grandchildren, Nathan (Jenna) Dassow, Ryan (Allyssa) Dassow, Richard (Lauren) Boettcher, Bob (Michelle) Boettcher, Andrea DeBuhr, Scarlett (Brenden) Burvis, Patrick McMerty, Cynthia McMerty, Elias Ortiz, and Elicia Ortiz; great-grandchildren, Ava, Noelle, Titus, Daniel, Emily, Rayna, River, Laikynn, Rowan, Greyson, and Conrad; siblings, Don (Marlene) DeBuhr, Barb Barker, Dave (Pat) DeBuhr, Dale (Carol) DeBuhr and Doreen (Doug) Dierking. Al is further survived by other family and friends. Al was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, John Barker. Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice. com to share condolences online. Paid Obituary 151375

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