WKEB Obituaries Blog

Ann Marie Grace Hagen

 

Ann Marie Grace Hagen, 53, of Medford, died Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford.

A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday, Sunday, June 30, 2024 at her daughter’s home at W3761 State Hwy. 64, Medford, WI 54451.

 

Ann Marie was born June 30, 1970 in Milwaukee to Richard and Victoria (Skrobacke) Florczak.  She grew up in Milwaukee, then moved to Mattoon, Illinois where she live for many years.  She recently moved to the Medford area to be near her daughter and family.

 

Her working years were spent at Kmart until the stores closed, she then worked for the carnival for many years.

 

She loved crafts, especially making figurine ice skates, coloring and drawing.  She loved all animals, especially her cats, Nipper, Sparkles and Mittens.

 

Survivors include three daughters, Kaitlyn (Johnny) Odell of Norman, OK, Eva Marie Hagen (Nichlous B) of Medford, and Mary Grace Hagen of Medford; grandchildren, Joey, George, Leslie and Victoria; sisters, Peggy Sue and Audrey; special uncle, Joe; special cousin, Joe; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; an aunt Angie, and “second mom” Cathy Moore.

 

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Kelli Jo Ray

 

Kelli Jo Ray, 53, of Medford, passed away at home on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, under the care of Aspirus Hospice, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services for Kelli will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the United Methodist Church, Medford, with Pastor John Hazen officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at the United Methodist Church on Monday, March 18, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

 

Kelli was born on May 26, 1970 to Darrold and Dianne (VanDam) Williams in Springfield, MN. She was a blessing during her school years. She excelled in the classroom and in activities. Kelli played the saxophone in a jazz band and was captain of the flag group, with an award winning band. She had the record in the 500 free style swim event for years in a good size high school.

 

Kelli attended The University of Minnesota Duluth where she received her Degree in elementary education with a minor in Spanish. She went on later to receive a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin. She met the love of her life Jason while both were attending the University of Minnesota Duluth. They were blessed with three wonderful children.

 

Kelli taught Middle School students for many years at the Medford Area Middle School. It was here that Kelli met her dear friend, Colleen. She also taught many students via the Rural Virtual Academy. She touched the lives of many students. Kelli had a profound impact on her family. As the song goes, it is not what you take with you when you leave this earth, but what you leave behind.

 

In Hebrew the name Kelli means little warrior. She certainly lived up to her name as she fought valiantly to live.

It is now up to our Father in heaven to love you forever, and we will as well. AMEN

 

Kelli is survived by her parents, Darrold and Dianne of Dell Rapids, SD; husband, Jason of Medford; children, Braxton (Jamie) Ray of St. Paul, MN, Carter Ray of Medford, and Aliceson Ray of Medford; brother, Darrin (Sheila) Williams and their three children of Westfield, NJ; Parents-in-law Anne and Larry Ray of Medford; sister-in-law, Stacy (Jim) Gleichauf and their two children. Kelli is survived by other family and friends.

 

Kelli was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

Dennis W. Johnson

 

Dennis W. Johnson, 84, of Medford, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau.

 

A memorial mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake with Fr. Julian Druffner officiating.  Burial services will be performed at a later date for the immediate family.

Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at the church.

 

Dennis was born on June 29, 1939 in Chicago, IL to Harold and Evelyn (Holm) Johnson. He grew up in Ogema, WI and graduated from Prentice High School in 1957.

 

On June 3, 1961, he married the love of his life, Marian McGuire. Shortly after the wedding, the young newlyweds moved to Marquette, MI where Dennis found employment at the Gambles department store.

 

In 1966, Dennis moved his young family to Medford, WI where he began his self-employment as a door-to-door distributor for Morning Glory Dairy.  In 1972, they built their home in Rib Lake, WI where Dennis’ employment at Morning Glory would wind down, leading him to purchase the local root beer stand, “DJ’s Drive In” which they operated for several years. 

 

During this time, Dennis also drove truck for Dick Thums Trucking and Tombstone Pizza before eventually becoming a supervisor at Weather Shield until his retirement.  Following retirement, he worked a few years at Great Northern Cabinetry before becoming a Walmart Greeter in Medford.  He loved his greeter role where he reconnected with many old friends and made new friends along the way.

 

A man strong in his catholic faith, he was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake.

 

Over the years, Dennis played bass guitar and sang for several local bands.  He heard many times how much he looked like Conway Twitty!  He also enjoyed bowling, fishing and baseball, both coaching little league and playing the sport…and he was a great pitcher in his younger days.  He also served as a volunteer firefighter for Rib Lake and was a talented woodworker. He made many furniture pieces and kitchen cabinets for family and friends. He even made cribs for all of his grandchildren.

 

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marian of Medford; four children, Dennis (Duffy) Johnson of Green Bay, Karen (Mike) Kammerzelt of Waukesha, David Johnson of Burlington, Daniel (Christina) Johnson of Rib Lake; a brother, Galen Johnson; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Heglund and Lorraine Rohleder; eight grandchildren, Brooke, Sam (Olivia), Shea, Colin (Brianna) Nicki, Riley, Xavier and Will; great-grandchildren, Payton and Lincoln; and many nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Ray and Darlene McGuire; a sister-in-law, Marie Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth McGuire, Wayne Heglund, John Bruder and Bill Rohleder.

 

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Bruce Sperl and the staff of the Cardiac ICU at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau for the excellent care, compassion and kindness given to Dennis in his final days.

Dale Steven Mravik

 

Dale Steven Mravik, 68 of rural Lublin, died Thursday, March 7, 2024 at his home under the care of Hope Hospice.

 

He was born on June 4, 1955 to the late Valentine and Rosella (Webster) Mravik. Dale grew up in South Milwaukee and he graduated from South Milwaukee High in 1973. Dale worked for the Knapp feed mill and Weathershield for a few years, drove truck for 40 years for Abbyland, Medford Foods, Bauer Trucking and Zach Trucking. In that time he married Linda Rembleski on February 14, 1998 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin. The couple lived North of Lublin since.

 

Dale enjoyed being on the farm, the outdoorsespecially hunting with his family, and Farmall tractors. Although he found joy most of all being around his kids and grandkids.

 

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Linda, his children, Charity (Phil) Zakrzewicz of Sayre, OK, Stephanie (Dave) Rabuck of Gilman, Stephen Mravik of Lublin, Amanda (Jeremy) Glebke of Gilman, Merree Mravik of Medford, Johanna Capelle of Medford, Jessica (David) McMullen of Bismark, N.D. and Michael (Allyson) Wisniewski of Chippewa Falls, 14 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren and his siblings, Delbert (Diana) Mravik of South Milwaukee, Rodene (Michael) Bulley of Adamstown, MD, Bonnie (Carl) Onesti of Luxemburg, Kathern Mravik of Franklin and Sylvia (Cary) Fischer of South Milwaukee. Dale is further survived by his uncles, aunts and many cousins.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents and son David.

 

A funeral mass will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church-Gilman with Father Vijay Kumar Madani officiating. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Catholic CemeteryLublin. Visitation will be 3-7 PM on Monday at the Gilman Funeral Home and one hour prior to mass Tuesday at the church.

Gerald "Sonny" T. Ruiter

 

Gerald “Sonny” T. Ruiter, age 83, of Tripoli, WI, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at home under the care of his loving family and Compassus Hospice.

 

Gerald was born in Port Edwards, WI, on March 10, 1940, to the late Peter and Gladys (Krause) Ruiter. He married his loving wife, Judith (Van Dreel) Ruiter, on July 16, 1960; she survives.

 

Sonny was a 1958 graduate of Port Edwards High School. He later worked for Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools retiring after 34 years in 1998. After retirement, Sonny and Judy moved to the Northwoods where they enjoyed living by the lake. Sonny had a witty sense of humor and loved laughing and joking around with people to see them smile. He was a talented baker/candy maker and enjoyed the outdoors, especially deer hunting with family & friends.

 

Survivors include his wife of over 63 years, Judith Ruiter, of Tripoli; his son, Chris (Dawn) Ruiter, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; his daughter, Molly (Paul) Lehman, of Tripoli, WI; his grandchildren, Rachel (Spencer) Bean, Matthew Ruiter, and Samuel, Zachary, and Halle Lehman; his great-grandchildren, Blakely Bean and Kashton Ruiter; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patricia and Dave Kulhanek; and his sisters-in-law, Nancy Van Dreel and Judith Van Dreel. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Gladys; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jerome and Henrietta Van Dreel; his sisters, Mary Ann Baierl and Dorothy Roth; and his brothers-in-law, Ray Roth, Gene Baierl, David Van Dreel, and Donavon Van Dreel.

 

Memorial services for Gerald “Sonny” Ruiter will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Tripoli. Father Louis Maram Reddy will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

Ardath Ann Dums

 

Ardath Ann Dums, 89, of Whittlesey, died Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford surrounded by her family.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Whittlesey with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Interment will follow at OLPH Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.

 

Ardath was born January 1, 1935 in the town of Chelsea to Carl Jr. and Lena (Born) Brandner. She grew up in Whittlesey, attended Whittlesey School and graduated from Medford High School in 1952.

 

On August 27, 1955, she married Richard Dums. He was in the Air Force, stationed in Louisiana. They remained there until the time of his discharge, and then returned to WI, making their home in Whittlesey. Ardath worked at various Medford financial institutions and then worked for Taylor Electric until her retirement.

 

Ardath was a devoted and active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, its Ladies Sodality and the Whittlesey Quilters Club. Although not an actual member of the Whittlesey Lions Club, she often worked behind the scenes to help make community projects a success.

 

Ardath was competitive by nature. She helped form the Whittlesey Women’s Softball Team, managing and playing for many years. She also enjoyed being a part of bowling, horseshoe and dartball leagues as well as playing cards with family and friends. Ardath and Rich made over one thousand sets of bean bag games used by many in the area. She kept track of and used over 8,000 pounds of beans to fill the bags! 

 

Together, Ardath and Rich traveled to all 50 states. They also visited many other countries, usually via a cruise line. They were always excited to learn and experience the world around them. Las Vegas was a City they visited often, usually returning home broke!

 

Ardath enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, as well as crafting many afghans, dishrags and hangers for loved ones. She was an awesome cook and often showed her love by delivering food to others or welcoming them into her home to share a meal. Ardath’s kind heart was evident in her willingness to help people. Her generous nature and warm smile were contagious. 

 

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard of Whittlesey; three children, Jayne (Dave) Haenel of Whittlesey, Al (Julie) Dums of Bloomington, MN, Mary (Danny) Fliehs of Rib Lake; sister, Bonnie Fuchs of Medford; brother, Gary Graham of Whittlesey; brothers-in-law, Ray Dums of Hayward, Bob Dums of Marshfield; grandchildren, Ben (Julianne) Haenel, Pete Haenel, Becky (Steve) Wong, Erin (Josh) Meyer, Angelena (Justin) Voland, Patrick and David Fliehs, Katie and Eric Dums; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son in infancy, David; brother, Jerry Brandner and sister Phyllis Fuchs; brothers-in-law, Fran & John Fuchs; sisters-in-law, Shelby Brandner, Lael and Helen Dums.

 

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring staff at the Aspirus Medford Hospital, The Taylor County Ambulance and The Marshfield Medical Center. Thank you for taking excellent care of Ardath in her final days, your compassion and tenderness will always be remembered.

 

Memorials are appreciated and may go to Aspirus Medford Hospital, Marshfield Medical Center and Black River Industries. 

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Alan "Al" D. Mallo

 

Alan “Al” D. Mallo, age 66, of the Town of Harrison, WI, died peacefully at home with family following a diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a blood cancer.

 

He was born in Ladysmith, WI, on February 7, 1958, to the late Bryce “Bud” and Marian Mallo.

 

Al attended elementary and middle school in Oroville, CA. He and his family moved back to Wisconsin in 1972 to live on the family dairy farm in Sheldon, WI. Al attended high school at Flambeau High School in Tony, WI, and graduated in 1977 where he played baseball, basketball, and football. He attended college at UW-Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College. Al graduated from CVTC with an associate’s degree in fluid power in 1983. He then moved to Florida and started work at Hydraulic Supply in Ft. Lauderdale. Al and Tammy were married February 16, 1985. They moved back to Wisconsin in 1986. They lived in Wausau until 1992 and then moved to Weston, living there until 2018. Al worked for 32 years at CCT Enterprises in Schofield as a sales engineer specializing in hydraulics and pneumatics. He was skilled at solving problems for area manufacturing businesses. He retired in 2019.

 

Alan and Tammy built and moved into their dream house at their spot on Pickerel Lake in Harrison in 2018. He was a volunteer coach for his daughters’ Timberwolves soccer and rec league basketball teams. He was a founding member of the Harrison Hills ATV Club and taught ATV safety classes. Al served on the board of the Hatley Snowmobile Club in the late 1990’s. Halloween took Al and Tammy into dress-up mode. They had so much fun coming up with inventive costumes as a couple, some really suited his personality… well maybe sorta fit his personality on the devilish side! He was known for telling memorable stories with his distinct voice, laugh, and mischievous grin. He loved chocolate chip cookies. Al was a softie to all animals, a friend and observer of wildlife, he helped rescue an injured loon and an injured Cooper’s Hawk and took them to be treated at the Raptor Education Group (REGI) in Antigo, WI. His hobbies included fishing bass and musky, many campfires, ATV rides, silly pranks on unsuspecting victims, road trips that included exploring new adult-hydration spots, napping with his “quillow” in his favorite comfy chair, and time with friends and family.

 

Al is survived by his wife of 39 years, Tammy Mallo; his daughters, Renee (Adam) Wadzinski, of Maine, WI, and Samantha (Tucker) Diedrich, of Kronenwetter, WI; his grandchildren, Avery Rae Wadzinski and Trevor Alan Diedrich; his siblings, Sharlene “Chicker” Mallo-Burch and Summer (Bradley) Cody; and his grand dogs, Biscuit and Rufus. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by parents, Bryce “Bud” and Marian Mallo; and his infant brother, Craig Mallo.

 

A celebration of life gathering for Alan “Al’ Mallo will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at his family home on Pickerel Lake at N8790 W. Pickerel Lake Road in the Harrison Hills from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please bring stories to tell and memories to share.

 

Because blood transfusions are critical to managing MDS, you can remember Alan by donating blood to your local blood bank. Remembrances can also be made through contributions to the Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) to support wildlife rehabilitation and education.  Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. 

Donald "Don" J. Hessefort, Sr.

 

Donald “Don” J. Hessefort Sr., 87, of Medford, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Aspirus Care and Rehab, surrounded by his loving family, under the care of Hope Hospice.

 

A funeral mass for Don will take place at 12:00 PM on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Hope (OLPH) Catholic Church in Whittlesey, WI, with Father Julian Druffner officiating. 

Visitation will take place at OLPH Catholic Church from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM. Military rites will be performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team. A luncheon at the church social hall will follow the service. Burial will take place at Molitor Cemetery at a later date.

 

Don was born on August 14, 1936 to Edmund and Margaret (Larsen) Hessefort in Medford. He served in the Army and National Guard with combined service from 1960 -1966, during which time he was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. After his service he returned to the Medford area and his logging profession. On his way home from the woods one evening in March he stopped to aid a young lady that had hit a deer on the road. They were old acquaintances from childhood school days. It took him about a week to get up the courage to ask her out and they dated for a few months before he asked her to marry him. He was married to, Janet Westrich, on October 29, 1966 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. As she says she got “two deer with one shot”.

 

In his early years Don worked on the family farm and spent the winter months logging. This seasonal logging transitioned into his full time occupation until his retirement. He was also a saw mill operator and a log truck driver.

 

Don was a very active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where he and Jan helped serve meals and wash dishes for funerals. They also spent many hours collecting tons of aluminum cans for the Cans For Kids program. They both were awarded the Spirit of Stewardship Award for the Diocese of Superior in 2007. Don was the Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus for several years. He was honored as Knight of the Year in 2001.

 

Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet; children, Lynn Hessefort of Medford, Lori (Kevin) Basch of Plover, and Donald (Karen) Hessefort Jr. of Medford; granddaughter, Kayla Clark of Medford; siblings, Linda Jones of Long Beach, CA, Mark (Robin) Hessefort of Waunakee, and Robert (Twila Clarkson) Hessefort of Medford; sisters-in-law, Mary Hessefort (James), Nona Dalke, Inez Sykes, and Sandy Salaja; Don is further survived by other family, friends, and furry grandchild Lucky.

 

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Lee Hessefort and James Hessefort; brother-in-law, Allen Westrich; sisters-in-law Patricia Wodjac and Mary A. Hessefort.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s name may be given to Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford WI or the Taylor County Humane Society.

 

The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Care and Rehab, Cedar Lane Assisted Living, and Hope Hospice for the compassionate care Don received.

Paul E. Niznik, Jr

 

Paul E Niznik Jr., age 83, of Colby, formerly of Medford, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center, lovingly surrounded by his family.

 

Paul was born October 28, 1940 in Chicago, IL, to Paul Sr. and Marie (Mis) Niznik. He grew up near Withee, where he also attended school. Paul joined the workforce as a young man, working for a local silo company, and also continued assisting his parents on the family farm. 

 

On October 19, 1963, he married Nancy Jean Bower, at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lublin. They started a family that grew to three children, which expanded to now include seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren, all whom they both loved dearly.

 

In Paul’s free time, he enjoyed activities such as snowmobiling, fishing, boating, and camping with family and friends. He worked various jobs, which led them to live in Merrill, Des Plaines, IL and Unity. After settling in the Stetsonville area, he worked at Liberty Homes, and then accepted a position at Weathershield manufacturing, where he worked until retirement. 

 

Once retired, Paul and Nancy fulfilled their retirement dream, by moving to the beautiful home they’d built along Lake Holcombe. Paul then enjoyed even more time four wheeling, taking the grandchildren boating, and fishing. He loved to visit with friends and family, always expressing extra interest in regard to his grandchildren. 

 

After Nancy’s passing, in 2014, Paul moved back to the Medford area for several years. Most recently, he had resided at The Waterford in Colby, where he made many new friends, both residents and staff.

 

He enjoyed participating in activities such as exercise classes, playing cards, crafts, bingo, and wine tasting while there. Paul was known to have “the gift of gab”,  and continued to enjoy chatting with those living and working at The Waterford, as well as friends and family who came to visit. No doubt his company is already missed by many! 

 

He is survived by three children, Alice Denzine of Dorchester, Paul (Kriste) Niznik of Medford, Danelle (Jeffrey) Hraby of Medford; siblings, Robert (Roberta) Niznik of Holcombe, Bonnie (Steve) Pawelko of Rhinelander, Marlene (Mike) Eisner of Stetsonville, Pauline (Lee) Williams of Owen, Sherrie Niznik of Puyallup, WA; sisters-in-law, Pam Niznik of Medford and Kye Mahoney of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Brittany Niznik, Brianna Niznik (Dillon Viegut), Kole Denzine, Konnor Denzine (Jazlyn Kiehl), Kwinton Denzine (Alyssa Schade), Kordell Hraby and Korissa Hraby (Brian Wood); four great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Einn, Scarlett and Myra; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Sr. and Marie Niznik; wife, Nancy; and four brothers, Danny, Ronald, Gary and Jerry Niznik.

 

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford. Visitation begins at 1 pm, with a memorial service officiated by Fr. Julian Druffner at 2:30 pm. 

 

Following the service, Paul will be laid to rest, along with his wife Nancy, at Riverside Cemetery in Withee. 

 

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. 

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Barbara L. Houle

 

Barbara L. Houle, age 75, of Medford, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Colby Senior Care. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

 

Barb was born on July 8, 1948, the daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Strasen) Zimpher in Wausau. She graduated from Prentice High School. On September 4, 1971, Barb was united in marriage to James O. Houle in Medford. She worked at Aspirus Medford Hospital for 50 years as a Nurses’ Aide, then the Unit Clerk.

 

Barb was very social and selfless with a big heart. She always helped everyone else before herself. Barb liked puzzles, word finds, crafts and going to the casino. She especially loved and cherished her family and friends, especially her sister, Sharon. Barb will be missed by all who knew her.

 

Barb is survived by her husband of 52 years, James; her two sons: John Houle and Scott Houle both of Medford; her sister, Sharon Zimpher of San Antonio, TX; three sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law: JoAnn Zimpher of Wickenburg, AZ, Alice Houle of Bemidji, MN, Doreen Houle of Coon Rapids, MN, Bob (Becky) Houle of Brainerd, MN and Tom (Mary) of Medford; many nieces and nephews including Michelle (Dave) Yanich of Phillips and Jimmy Zimpher of Wickenburg, AZ; other relatives and friends.

 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: David Houle, Dick Houle, Julie (Earl) Williams, Don Houle and Father Carroll Houle.

 

The Houle family would like to thank the staff at Colby Senior Care for their exceptional care they received.

 

Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling.com

Richard L. "Dick" Lekie

 

Richard L. “Dick” Lekie, 88, of Medford, town of Greenwood, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at his home while under the care of Hope Hospice and surrounded by his loving family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Rev. Nancy Amacher officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home.

 

Dick was born July 2, 1935 in Beloit to Otto and Ruth (Dodge) Lekie.  The family moved to Medford when Richard was in third grade and he attended Medford schools.

 

On September 26, 1959, he married Betty Lou Thompson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Medford.  They resided in Medford where Richard worked as a wildland firefighter and forester for the State of Wisconsin DNR, starting out working in the fire towers in Taylor County.  He retired in 1994.

 

A true outdoorsman, Dick enjoyed gardening, fishing, trapping, camping, hunting and racing pigeons.  He was a member of the American Racing Pigeon Union, and won many awards over the years.  He was also a talented wildlife painter and a musician.  Not only could he play the mandolin and the guitar but he could sing too.  Over the years, he played in many bands (and made a few CD’s), including the Country Rebels, The 3D’s, Tradition, Backwater Drifters, Big Daddy Chopper and the Feather Pickers, and the Three Amigos to name a few.

 

Dick will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

 

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty of Medford; five children, Terry (Karen) Lekie of Medford; Wendi (Ron) Hoefferle of Cameron, Kalem (Rory) Lekie of McCallen, TX, Michele (Mickey) Lekie of Medford, Shawn (Val) Lekie of Medford; brother, David (Lynette) Lekie of Las Vegas, NV; sister, Bonnie Oleson of Stetsonville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Darlene Thompson of Medford, Rosalie Brost of Medford, Darlene Barker of New Orleans, LA, Robert (Sharon) Thompson of Medford, Carol (Patrick) Meyer of Medford; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grands plus one on the way; two great-great-grandchildren; and many friends, nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Emeal and Elsie Thompson; brother, Donald (Martha) Lekie; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack Oleson, Lester Thompson, Lyle (Laverne) Huebner, Norbert Brost, William Barker; and two grandsons, Jessie Lekie and Cody Weinke.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and will be designated by the family at a later date.

 

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

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