Curtis L. Sigmund, 52, of Medford, town of Molitor, died Saturday, March 25, 2023.

He was born August 10, 1970 in Medford to Richard Sr. and Janet (Cutrell) Sigmund. He attended Medford High School, class of 1989.

On March 24, 1992, Curt married Diana Kowalski in Medford.  They resided in Medford where Curt worked as a school bus driver, dump truck driver, welder, and a truck driver.  He also logged with his father for a time.  He was also a great help to his dad in the development and early production of the Janick trenching machine.  

Curt was an outdoorsman, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, being in the woods and riding his bike.

He is survived by his wife, Diana of Medford; children, Maranda (Bud Griesbach) Sigmund of Medford, Korissa (Jason) Fettes of Hatley, Johnathon (Stephany) Sigmund of West Bend, Curtis Sigmund II of Medford; his father, Richard Sr. (Mary) Sigmund of Medford; siblings, Richard Jr. (Tracey) Sigmund of Dorchester, Eric (Dawn) Sigmund of Medford, Timothy (Michelle) Sigmund of Athens, Candice (Jimmy) Riley of Medford; nine grandchildren; mother-in-law Marilyn Kowalski; brother-in-law John Kowalski; both of Moberly MO; brother-in-law Jerome (Heidi) Kowalski Jr. of Stetsonville; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his mother; father-in-law Jerome Kowalski Sr.; aunt, Sherran Myers; aunt Barbara Wren; and a nephew, Gabe Sigmund. 

A celebration of Curt’s life will be held at a later time.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

Dorothy M. Rueden, 82, of Stetsonville, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Clark County Rehab, under the care of Promedica Hospice.

A funeral service for Dorothy will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stetsonville, with Pastor Richard Russow officiating. Visitation will take place at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Dorothy was born on April 26, 1940 to Alvin and Gladys (Knorr) Rabehl in Beaver Dam. She graduated from Dorchester High School in 1958. She married Stanley John Bochanyin in 1958 and they were later divorced. She married Russell Rueden in 1979 and he preceded her in death in 2020.

Dorothy worked as a CNA at the hospital in Ladysmith, Presto Appliances in Eau Claire, The Alibi Bar, and purchased Jerkwater Bar in 1967, which she owned and operated until her retirement.  In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, reading, playing card games such as 500 Rummy and Sheepshead. She played the accordion, piano, and organ. She also enjoyed trips with the RV and pontooning to Lake Solberg. She loved spending time with family.

Dorothy is survived by her children,  Lee (Lindy) Bochanyin of Mosinee, Linda Reynolds of Athens, Luanne Mears of Ellabell, GA, Lauri Moore of Stetsonville, Larry (Becky) Bochanyin of Ogema and Lois (John W.) Klimpke of Milan; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Victor (Patti) Rabehl of Spirit Lake and Chris (Betty) Rabehl of Athens. Dorothy is further survived by other family and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Stanley; second husband, Russell; siblings, Alvin Rabehl Jr. and Sharon Boehm.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Dorothy’s name may be given to Zion Lutheran Church.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

Catherine F.E. Haynes, 85, of Medford, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Aspirus Care and Rehab under the care of Hope Hospice.

Cremation rites have been accorded and no services will be held.

Catherine was born on March 24, 1937 to George and Catherine Yust in Fond du Lac. The family then moved to Racine. She married James Haynes on September 5, 1959 in Racine. They then moved north to Jump River, before settling in Medford.

In her spare time she loved to cook, dance, and play cards. She loved her boys and grandkids.

Catherine is survived by her children, Brad Haynes, Wade Sr. (Valerie) Haynes, Bill (Ann) Haynes, Randy (Heidi) Haynes, all of Medford; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Haynes of Medford; 12 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James Sr., son, James Haynes Jr., and grandson, James Haynes III.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

Alice M. Steen, 84, of Rib Lake, died Thursday, March 23, 2023 at her home while under the care of Hope Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 1 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in the town of Greenwood, with Rev. Kenneth Bittorf officiating.  Interment will follow at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and may go to Hope Hospice or to St. Peter's Lutheran Church.

Alice was born July 25, 1938 in Merrill to Florian and Bertha (Wittwer) Zogg.  She graduated from Merrill High School in 1956.

On August 27, 1960, Alice married Ervin Steen.  They resided in the town of Greenwood.

Alice worked as farmer, secretary, nursing home aide and a homemaker.  She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Greenwood where she was active in the ladies aide and the choir.  She enjoyed camping, collecting bells and brassware, gardening, going for walks, was a member of the Sweet Adelines Choir, and was a member of the Friday Night Dartball League for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Ervin of Rib Lake; daughter, Debbie (Roger) Byrd; son, Brian Steen, all of Rib Lake; siblings, Andrew Zogg of Merrill, Paul Zogg of Avon, MT; brother-in-law, Eugene (Donna Otto) Stahel of Wausau; sister-in-law, Irene Higgins of Medford; grandchildren, Steven Byrd, Gregory (April) Byrd, all of Medford; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Frank and Frieda Steen; sisters, Elizabeth (Victor) Lipka, Mary Ann Stahel, Joyce (Leroy) Woller; brother-in-law, Dick Higgins; nieces, Lynette Zogg and Sherri Pfaff; nephew, Bradley Zogg; and grandson, Michael Byrd.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

Frank J. Bohte, age 79, died March 21, 2023, with his family by his side.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 25 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville with Fr. Jayanna Kanna officiating.  Military honors will follow provided by the Stetsonville Boxrucker Berry American Legion Post #519.  Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in the town of Little Black.

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

Frank was the only child of Frank L. and Viola Bohte. At the age of 17 Frank joined the US Navy specializing in sonar where he was stationed in Jacksonville, FL and spent a vast amount of time in the Mediterranean. 

He then transitioned from the US Navy to quality control at Astronautics Corporation in Milwaukee, WI. During this time, Frank married the love of his life. In 1974 he and his family moved to the Dorchester area where he took over his parent’s family dairy farm and raised his daughters. He expressed his love of nature and the outdoors through how he cared for his farm. Frank was passionate about hunting, feeding the birds, watching nature, and tending to his bees. He looked forward to annual deer and antelope hunting trips out west with friends.

Frank was involved in the community as a volunteer fire fighter and served on the boards of both Taylor Electric Coop and DairyLand Power Coop. He was also a member of the Stetsonville American Legion Post #519 Honor Guard.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Margaret Bohte (Goessl); daughters Pam Wiese (Adam) and Paula Bohte; and grandchildren Hugh and Kyle Wiese; brothers-in-law Chuck (Judy) Goessl, Norb (Joanne) Goessl; sisters-in-law Betty (Tom) Geiger, and Theresa (John) Fleischmann. Frank is also survived by his dear friend Art Paul, special cousin and hunting partner, Peter Schemberger, and many special cousins and friends whom he so dearly loved.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Viola (Wacek) Bohte, and in-laws MaryAnn (Delmar) Lehman, and Joyce (Bill) Grinker.

Donations may be sent to Hope Hospice Care.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

Kerry Lea Wilcox (Tripping Turkey), 69, of Gilman, WI passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at his home from natural causes.

He was born on August 31, 1953 in Duluth, MN the son of the late Kenneth and Pauline (Privett) Wilcox. Kerry’s family moved to Wausau, WI as a young teen, graduated from Wausau West High in 1971 and was married to his former wife, Barb (Marone) Wilcox for 36 years. He owned Northland Wood Floors and worked as a volunteer First Responder/EMT for many years before attaining his nursing degree from NTC, all while helping raise his family on pancakes, undercooked rice dishes and a sense of humor. He worked in several facilities as a nurse, but had a special gift for working with the elderly. After his “retirement” he moved to South Dakota and started a leather business, Double T Leather. Eventually he moved to Gilman in 2019 where he has lived since. He developed many friendships while bartending at Grand Central Station Bar & Grill - Gilman. Kerry enjoyed fishing, kayaking and rocking on his back porch swing. He spent many years reenacting, telling stories to anyone with ears and creating a business out of anything he could craft, particularly leather and woodwork. He played the mountain dulcimer and a mean radio.

He is survived by his two daughters, Kathy (John) Hannie of Wausau and Becky (Lucas) Olli of Stratford; 6 grandchildren (Tressa, Tyler, Makayla, Summer, Marshall and Mitchell); 3 great grandchildren (Jeremy, McKenzie and Apollo); his mother, Pauline Majchrzak; his step mother, Clarine (Doug) Hollowell-Wilcox; his siblings, Keith (Wendy) Wilcox, Tim Majchrzak, Barb (Lyle) Gehrke, Diane (John) Luse, Suzanne Ching, Kenny Wilcox; his beloved dog, Mitzi as well as multiple nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his second love of 11 years, Bernadette Peterson; father; brother, Dan Majchrzak; sister, LuAnne Klemme; and nephew, Corey Wilcox.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Gilman Funeral Home at 2PM on March 25, 2023. Visitation will be one hour prior to services and reception to follow. The family would like to thank all the Gilman First Responders and Grand Central Station Bar & Grill for their efforts and kindness.

Patricia “Patty” L. Strebig, age 73, of Medford, WI, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, at her home under the care of her family and Hope Hospice & Palliative Care.

Patty was born in Marshfield, WI, on February 4, 1950, to the late Raymond and Helen (Maslonka) Ziembo. She married Raymond Karl on November 7, 1969; they later divorced. Patty then married Gerald Strebig on February 18, 2000; he passed away in 2020.

Patty grew up in Rib Lake, WI, and was a graduate of the Rib Lake High School. After graduating, she entered the workforce starting employment at the Rib Lake Shoe Factory. Working in the hospitality industry for many years, Patty first owned and operated Patty’s Playhouse in Rib Lake beginning in 1990. She then moved to Green Lake, WI, where she operated Pastimes Pub & Grille. Patty returned to Rib Lake where she worked at Camp 28 for some time before owning and operating Rib River Bar & Grill where she worked until her retirement in 2018. Patty was a proud supporter of the area communities, always eagerly contributing to various functions including cancer benefits and veterans fundraisers and volunteered her time as a member of the Rib Lake Ice Age Committee. She was a talented cook who loved socializing with friends and family and was always willing to share what she had on her mind.

Survivors include her sons, Ray (Nancy) Duerr, of Rib Lake, Mike (Connie) Cyborowski, of Medford, and Bob (Molly) Duerr, of Eden Prairie, MN; her brothers, John (Joleen) Ziembo, of Rib Lake, Bob Ziembo, of Medford, and Mike (Linda) Ziembo, of Hayward, WI; her sisters, Mary Ellen (Mike) Thums, of Rib Lake, Susan (Phil) Marthaler, of Athens, WI, Barb (Rick) Berger, of Medford, Joann (Jim) Wilke, of Merrill, WI, and Judy Ziembo, of Rib Lake; and her sister-in-law, Rhonda Ziembo, also of Rib Lake. Patty is further survived by her grandchildren, Morgan and Hailey Duerr, Samantha (Ryan) Switlick, Alex and Zach Duerr, and Braxtyn Cyborowski; and her great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Emma, and Holden Switlick. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Strebig; her brother, Joe Ziembo; and her sister-in-law, Sandy Ziembo.

A celebration of life gathering for Patricia Strebig will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Rib Lake Ice Age Pavilion from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family. 

Monica Cecilia Nelson, 86, of Medford, passed away Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10:09 p.m. at VitaCare Living of Medford while under the care of Hope Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 20 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, with Fr. Jayanna Kanna officiating. 

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Following the service, all are welcome to a lunch in the church fellowship hall.

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

Monica was born March 27, 1936 to Robert E. and Cecilia (Huntimer) Anthony.  She grew up in La Crosse, WI and attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and graduated from Aquinas High School, class of 1954, and has a bachelor's degree from Viterbo University.

Monica joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and taught in Catholic schools in Iowa and Wisconsin.  In 1969, she took a different path and taught in schools south of La Crosse, then in Marshfield. 

On May 30, 1970, she married Ronald L. Nelson and moved to Rhinelander, WI.  Together they had several transfers due to Ron’s employment with the U.S. Forest Service, which brought them to Washburn, WI, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Tell City, IN, Glidden, WI, then to Medford, WI in 1990.

Survivors include her husband, Ronald Nelson of Medford; children:  Patrick (Becky) Nelson of Galesville, Jonathan (Jenni) Nelson of Appleton, Sarah Nelson (Josh Heier) of Green Bay; grandchildren:  Damian, Emma, Hannah, Sophia and Henry; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Sister Mary Emmett, Roberta Free, Emmett Jerome Anthony, Kenneth Anthony, and Rita Jeane Burns.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Cards and memorials may be sent to the family, in care of Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home, 555 W. Cedar St., Medford, WI 54451.  Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

June G. Engstrom, 89, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Abbotsford Healthcare Center, under the care of Hope Hospice.

A Funeral Service for June will take place at the First Baptist Church on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Tim Becker officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at the First Baptist Church on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

June was born in Minneapolis, MN on May 30, 1933 to Harry and Blanche (Hales) Kellums. She attended schools in south Minneapolis and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1951. She married Byron Engstrom on October 1, 1965. She had been previously married. 

June was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Medford. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school, teaching in Awana, singing in the choir, and serving on the music committee for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed music, sewing, hiking, traveling to visit family, and baking cookies to give away.

June is survived by her husband, Byron; two sons, Kerry (Ruth) Picker of Rochester, MN, and Keith (Jill) Picker of Madison; daughter, Kathy (Jerry) Bennett of Texas; two stepdaughters, Denise (Tom) Ertl of Wausau and Cheryl (Tom) Raether of Las Vegas, NV; 15 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. June is further survived by other family and friends.

June was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Sarah Picker; sister, Beverly Berry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in June’s name may be given to the family for use at a later date.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Ruesch, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 11, 2022 at the age of 47.

Ryan was born June 28, 1975 in Medford, to Patty and Reno Ruesch. He graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1993. Ryan received an Aviation Maintenance diploma and an A& P license from Blackhawk Technical College in 1995, and a Nondestructive Testing Diploma from Ridgewater Community College in 1996.

Ryan began his aviation career with Midwest Express Airlines in Milwaukee. In 2003 he moved to Juneau, Alaska and worked at Temsco Helicopters. There he discovered his love for the Alaska outdoors, a love that would only grow deeper with each adventure.

In spring 2008 he met Paige, who was visiting from Fairbanks and quickly became his newest partner for these adventures. Later that year he followed his heart and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska to embark on a new chapter with her. He continued his career in aviation, working for Ravn Airlines (2008-2015) and Everts Air (2015-2021). Ryan took a short break from aviation to work for Kinross Fort Knox Gold Mine as a haul truck operator. Most recently he worked for Amentum on Chinook helicopters at Fort Wainwright Military Base where he was a member of the IAM District 160 union.

On Nov. 27, 2010 Ryan married his best friend and partner Paige in Tulum, Mexico. On Dec. 8, 2012 they welcomed twin boys, Austin and Dylan, to whom Ryan devoted his entire heart. Ryan was an adventurous soul, who had a passion and unbridled enthusiasm for the outdoors. He enjoyed biking, running, traveling, hunting, and fishing throughout the wild landscape of Alaska and participated in many local long distance races. But his favorite activity was exploring this state with his young sons, whether it be fishing the waters of Prince William Sound, biking the trails of Fairbanks, ice fishing the lakes and rivers of interior Alaska, or playing in the forested land outside their home in Goldstream Valley.

Ryan was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Shaw; paternal grandparents, Mabel and Ted Ruesch, and his aunt, Ila Glaze.

Ryan is survived by his wife, Paige Ruesch and their sons, Austin and Dylan; parents, Patty and Reno Ruesch of Medford; twin sister Rhonda Ruesch of Kerrville, Texas; sister, Lori Pesic and brother-in-law, Goran Pesic of Pepin, Wis.; brother, Jason Ruesch of Medford; grandmother, Dolores Shaw of Medford; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Marge Gingrich of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; sister and brother-in-law, Elise Gingrich and Mike Costello of Fort Collins, Colo.; and sister-in-law Jaclyn Gingrich of Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Ryan was the kind of father every child deserves, the kind of friend anyone could count on, and the kind of partner that everyone should have. His gentle spirit was evident to all who knew him and will be deeply missed. While we reconcile with his death and the cruel acceptance of it, may those who knew him find a way to rejoice in their memories and seek his spirit in the places and people he loved so dearly.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Holy Rosary catholic Church in Medford.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford, and lunch after in the church fellowship hall.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18 at the church.