Edward W. Graff, age 65, of Stetsonville, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at his home.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Family and friends are welcome from 11:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Family and friends can watch the service live on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. We encourage those in attendance to abide by the Covid-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing.

Ed was born on August 28, 1955, the son of Robert and Shirley (Tischendorf) Graff in Detroit, MI. He graduated from Colby High School in 1973. On November 11, 1983, Ed was united in marriage to Kathleen Schilling in Chelsea. He started out farming, but quit to go to work for Bob’s Dairy. After a couple of weeks, he quit and worked at Abbyland to be closer to his family. After his boys grew, Ed went back to Bob’s Dairy and retired after working several years.

Ed liked to tinker and could fix anything. His passion was working on computers and programming them. Ed was always there to help out if anyone called with questions and would walk them through it or drop everything and come over to help. He was a jokester and loved picking on everyone. Ed and the boys built a pontoon, which they enjoyed fishing off together. He especially loved his wife, Kathy and his four boys and adored all his grandchildren.

Ed is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy; four sons: Mathew Schilling, Mike Graff, Andrew (Miriah) Graff and Benjamin Graff; seven grandchildren: Sean, Alona, Joey, Hudson, Mazee, Aubree and Hadlee. He is further survived by five siblings: Nancy (Dave) Jenks, Joanne (Butch) Firnstahl, Dan (Barb) Graff, Tim Graff (Bobbie) Hansen and Sarah Sestito; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Mary and two brothers: Robert and Jack.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com

Charles “Chuck” G. Mayer, 94, of Chelsea, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services, under the care of Hope Hospice.

Private family services will take place with military honors with a celebration of life to take place at a later date.

Chuck was born on May 20, 1926 to Henry Sr. and Mary (Kestler) Mayer in Chelsea. As a senior in high school he drove milk truck before school in the morning. He served overseas in the Philippines at the end of World War II. After the war he went to Japan for 13 and a half months and was in the military police. He married Anna M. Gosbee on October 9, 1948 at Whittlesey Church in the Township of Chelsea; she preceded him in death.

After his service, Chuck bought three milk trucks and serviced Westboro to Medford area. He sold two routes and kept one for 22 years. He also hauled peas to Medford Pea Cannery then to Stratford Pea Cannery. Along with farming his own land, which had three barns full of livestock and chickens, he did thrashing oats, and then changed to combining for 29 farmers and filled 11 silos a year. He converted his milk truck into a pulp wood truck and hauled logs and pulp wood. He worked for Farmers Union in Medford installing furnaces, electrical work, and delivered propane gas. He also drove school bus for the Westboro School District and drove gravel truck for Jochimsen & Schmidt.

Chuck was a County Board Supervisor in Medford, Chairman of the Township of Chelsea, was on the Westboro School Board, member of VFW Westboro, American Legion in Rib Lake, and Chelsea Conservation Club. In his spare time he enjoyed camping, woodworking and maintenance of work shop in Texas, and playing cards with his family.

Chuck is survived by his children, Kathleen M. Kleutsch of Medford, Teresa A. (Doug) Kleutsch of Winter, WI, Susan J. (Dennis) Jensen of Medford, Sandra J. (Gary) Scheithauer of Medford; grandchildren, Katelyn (Juan Pablo Berón) & Allisyn  Kleutsch, Jesse (Amanda) & Brandon (Casey) Jensen, Nathan (Jenna) Scheithauer & Nicole (Dustin) Misener; great-grandchildren, Sierra, Miles, Lucas & Mackenzie Jensen, Eden and Grayson Misener; sister, Joan (Jim) Tlusty. He is further survived by other family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Chuck is preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia; son-in-law, Jerome Kleutsch; brothers, Frank, Henry Jr, George, and Bill Mayer; sister, Mary Koontz.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Kenneth “Ken” O. Mannel, 94, of Rib Lake, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Rib Lake Health Services.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Ken was born on July 28, 1926 to Erwin and Viola (Dreier) Mannel in Wilton. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1944. He entered into the Navy in 1944, during World War II, and served on a Destroyer Escort in the Pacific. He married Ruth Shaw on June 11, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Sparta; she preceded him in death on March 5, 2020. He was recalled to the Navy during the Korean War. He then attended Mortuary School in Milwaukee.

Ken worked for Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Milwaukee. He moved to Rib Lake in August of 1956 and worked with Elmer Taylor at Taylor Funeral Home, eventually purchasing the funeral home and owning and operating it from 1961 until 1977. He also built and operated the funeral home in Prentice. After selling the funeral home Ken and Ruth bought Ed Thum’s Phillip 66 Oil Company until selling it in 1990.

Ken was a member of the Shriners, transporting children to the Shriners Hospital in Minneapolis. He was also a member of the Rib Lake Fire Department, Rib Lake Village Board, Rib Lake United Methodist Church, Lehman-Clendenning American Legion Post, and a charter member of the Rib Lake Lions. He bowled for many years, including the State Tourney. As a member of the Taylor County Board, he was instrumental in establishing and preserving the Wood Lake County Park for future generations.

Ken is survived by his children, Karon (James) Dallmann of Rib Lake, Kim (Leon) Gasek of Medford, Kevin (Shirl) Mannel of Menomonie, Kyle (Penny) Mannel of Fremont, and Kurt (Petti) Mannel of Rib Lake; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Ken is further survived by other family and friends.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Keith, and sister, Idell Marshall.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Larry J. Jeske, age 74, of Colby passed away surrounded by his loving family at Marshfield Medical Center on Saturday, January 23, 2021.

A Private Family Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Unity. The Funeral will be live streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page or after service anytime on Facebook or the website. Rev. Amy Heinz will officiate. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date at the Colby Memorial Cemetery. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.

Larry was born on August 8, 1946, the son of Lawrence A. and Geraldine E. (Hudson) Jeske in Colby. He graduated from Dor-Abby High School in 1964. On May 25, 1968, he was united in marriage to Kaye Miller in Cudahy, WI.

Larry worked for the family business known as Four Corners Cheese Factory in Curtiss, hauling milk and making cheese. He then worked for Land O’ Lakes in Spencer for 37 years until his retirement. Larry loved to drive his ranger and visit with friends and family and enjoyed giving his dog Baily a ride in the ranger. Most importantly, Larry loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kaye; children: Michael (Robin) Jeske, Brian (Kim) Jeske, Mark (Heather) Jeske and Thomas Jeske; grandchildren: Conner, Brent, Derek, Andrew, Britney (Michael), Brooke, Tyler, Joshua and Emma: great-grandson: Noah. He is further survived by a sister: Linda (Lyle) Peterson, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com

Gary L. Westrich, 67, of Medford, passed away at home unexpectedly on Friday, January 22, 2021.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Gary was born on July 19, 1953 to Donald and Enola (Meyer) Westrich in Medford. He graduated from Medford High School. After high school he entered the Navy. He married Patricia “Patty” A. Henke of June 17, 1972; she survives. He worked for Doberstein Lumber for many years. He was then self-employed until his retirement.

In his spare time Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding his Gator.

In addition to his wife Gary is survived by his son, Gary (Terri) Westrich Jr. of Medford; granddaughter, Karlee Westrich of Medford; sisters, Jean (John) Vogt of Tennessee, Linda Westrich of Florida, Julie (Robin) Hartzell of Cadott, and Carol (Mark) Anderson of Weston; brothers, Kim (Beth) Westrich of Medford, Jason Westrich of Wausau, and Russell (Sheri) Westrich of Jump River. Gary is further survived by other family and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Enola and his stepmother, Lorraine Westrich.

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

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Bennie G. Mootz, Jr., age 81, of Abbotsford, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the Colonial Center in Colby.

A public visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A Private Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the funeral home. Rev. Donald Bruce will officiate. Interment to follow at Abbotsford Public Cemetery. Family and friends can watch the service live on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. We encourage those in attendance to abide by the Covid-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing.

Bennie was born on June 11, 1939, the son of Bennie and Florence (Woeller) Mootz, Sr. in Merrill. He graduated from Merrill High School. On September 3, 1983, Bennie was united in marriage to Marlene Morrison at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. She preceded him in death on April 9, 2018.

Bennie worked at Kraft Foods in Milan, Abby Hardware, owned the Chatter Box Bar in Milan and retired from Abbyland. He also was in the Army National Guard for several years. Bennie loved to fish, deer hunt and listen and dance to polka music. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family.

Bennie is survived by his five children: Todd (Deann) Mootz of MN, Terry (Sandy) Mootz of Stratford, Lisa (Gary) Simonson of MN, Lynn (Julie) Schueler of Menasha and Pamela Davis (fiancee, Mark Provost) of Marshfield; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is further survived by one sister-in-law, Alice Mootz of Merrill; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marlene; his brother Franklin and son-in-law, John Davis.

Daniel James Pecher,55, son of Duane and Patricia Pecher, Father of Derek and Dustin Weiler, laid down his construction tools and joined God in heaven on January 12th, 2021.

Daniel is lovingly missed and forever loved by his parents Duane and Patricia Pecher of Stetsonville, his sons Derek of Little Black and Dustin of Green Bay, his grandchildren Madison and Aubree, his Sisters Sheila (James) Schug, Pamela (Dennis) Brushaber and Brenda (Kent) Woellner, his nieces and nephew Amber, Brienna, Brittneie, Taylor and Mitchell. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Dan started working at a young age with his dad doing drywall and a few years ago added construction to his business. Dan worked hard and played hard. In Dan's free time he could be found reading, hunting, playing pool, throwing darts, or playing bean bags. Dan had a love for country music and looked forward to relaxing with friends at the Hodag. Dan grew to love Texas and the many friends he had there.

Dan was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, one brother and most recently his nephew Coltyn!

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00AM

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Zane Ray Dodge, 92, formerly of Gilman, was called home on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at his daughter’s home in Janesville under the care of Agrace Hospice and his daughter, Virginia, with his beloved wife, Mary Jane, by his side.

He was born on August 7, 1928 to the late Jerome and Alice (Parsons) Dodge. Zane grew up in the Hannibal area and attended area schools. He was united in marriage to Mary Jane Close on May 3, 1952 on the family farm in Hannibal in a double ceremony with his brother, Charles, and his bride, Phyllis Kraehnke.

Zane began his working career at the age of 16, weighing milk for the Medford Co-op Creamery in Hannibal. At the age of 19, he moved to Waukesha, WI, where he met his bride. During his time in Waukesha, Zane worked as a molder in a foundry and as a bus mechanic for the city. It was while working at the bus company, that he began to hone his skill of fixing things, which proved beneficial to him later in life. Zane and Mary Jane had three children in Waukesha: Wayne, Warren and Barbara, before returning to the Hannibal family farm in 1959. Once on the farm, they were blessed with three more: Susan, Elwin and Virginia.

Zane enjoyed polka music (especially the Big Joe Polka Show), politics and history, often saying “Those who deny history, are destined to repeat it”. His faith in God was strong.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Jane; his children: Wayne Dodge of Chippewa Falls, WI, Warren (Cheryl) Dodge of Gilman, WI, Barbara Dodge of New Brighton, MN, Susan Elphick of Marshall, WI and Virginia (Glen) Dawson of Janesville, WI; grandchildren: Denise, Renee, Jeremy, Joshua, Shauna, Ryan, and Victoria; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Beatrice Kohn, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, all whom he loved and cherished.

Zane is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Elwin (2019); brothers Robert, Charles, John and Roy; 1 sister, Gladys; and 1 great-grandchild, Nathaniel.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at Christ’s Community Church of Jump River with Pastor Joey Olsen officiating. Burial will follow in the Hannibal Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Plombon Funeral service assisted the family with arrangements.

Bruno Pawlowicz, age 95 of Dorchester, passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday, January 15 in his home under the care of Hope Hospice and his loving family.

Bruno loved God and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Abbotsford. He lived a long, healthy life and looked forward to being greeted in heaven by our heavenly father. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Bruno was born December 18, 1925 to Frank and Adele (Skop) Pawlowicz in their home near Diamond Lake, Lublin, WI. He married his neighborhood sweetheart Clarice (Brill) Pawlowicz on November 25, 1950. The couple recently celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary.

Bruno is survived by his wife Clarice (Brill) Pawlowicz, his children Shellene (Fred) Wangerin of Rice Lake, Chester (Diane) Pawlowicz of Annapolis, MD, Bruce (Yvonne) Pawlowicz of Dorchester, Dawn (Mike) Swink of Wrightstown, Bryan (Sherie) Pawlowicz of Wausau, Camille (Mike) Pinter of Rogers, MN and Sandra (Shaye) Pope of Stetsonville. Sister, Alice (Pawlowicz) Konieczny of Island Lake, IL, 17 grandchildren Carrie, Shawn, Joelene, David, Danielle, Mitchell, Angela, Ashley, Heather, Marcus, Adam, Ryan, Tyler, Nathan, Marissa, Pierce and Preston, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.

Bruno was a life-long teacher with a love for his profession. He taught from 1949 – 1988 (39 yrs) with the majority of those years dedicated to teaching in Abbotsford, WI (27 yrs). He dedicated many years to teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Science & Health and has been described by a former colleague as a “Legend as an educator and a true gentleman personified”. He genuinely felt called to be a teacher and in his retirement years continued to substitute in the Colby, Abbotsford, Owen, and Medford Districts until the age of 85. He was also the principal of the Oxford grade school, Abbotsford grade school and Dor-Abby junior high school.

Bruno was a gifted soloist who shared his gift frequently throughout his life. As a young person he sang on the radio in Medford, later he sang for many, many occasions including weddings, funerals, and church services. At home he spent his days whistling and singing.

Bruno was particularly proud of his years spent as a Boy Scout leader in the Gilman area as a young man. Throughout his life, some of the things he enjoyed doing were traveling, camping and fishing. In his older years, he kept busy fixing broken items and constructing small wood working projects. He made many wooden shelves, boxes, tablet stands and foot stools that he gave away as gifts.

Bruno was a child of Polish Immigrants, who originally settled in Buffalo, NY and later moved to the rural Lublin area. He took pride in his Polish heritage and spoke Polish fluently. He cherished conversing and singing in Polish throughout his life. Bruno enjoyed social interactions with everyone. He was known to strike up conversations with complete strangers wherever he went. He loved his family deeply and frequently spoke of being a millionaire because he was rich with family. He loved to spend time with family and children of all ages and always requested hugs. He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, teacher, friend and neighbor. He will be missed deeply.

Lila M. Czarnezki, 90, Medford died on Friday, January 15 at Our House Senior Living, Medford where she had resided for the past 2 years. 

Memorial services for Lila will be private family only with Father Patrick McConnell officiating.  Burial of her cremated remains will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford. 

Lila was born on May 8, 1930 in the Town of Deer Creek, the daughter of Ambrose and Helen (Schneider) Retterath.  She attended Stetsonville Grade School and was a 1948 graduate of Medford High School.  Her marriage took place on October 2, 1948 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Stetsonville to Milan G. Czarnezki and he preceded her in death on January 10, 2016.

They farmed in the Town of Hammel until 1957.  Then they moved to Medford and she was a dedicated housewife and mother; nothing was more important to her than her family.  For over 45 years, she provided loving childcare to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other  children who she loved and cherished as her own.  She was known as the “cake lady” as she baked and decorated many cakes for special occasions.  She enjoyed baking, making quilts, playing cards, gardening, flowers and spending time with her family.  Always having a smile on her face, she touched many lives.  She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, and the Council of Catholic Women. 

Surviving are her children, Jim (Cas) Czarnezki of Tennessee, Gary Czarnezki of Medford, John (Nancy) Czarnezki of Rib Lake, Cheryl Bach of Weston and Joanne (Perry) Wolf of Athens; 11 grandchildren and  13 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son-in-law, John Bach, brothers, Leonard and Joe Retterath, great-grandchildren, Tori Jean Czarnezki, Ethan Ryan Czarnezki and Aaron John Czarnezki.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Lois M. Pernsteiner, 91, of the Township of Little Black, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Aspirus Care and Rehab.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Lois was born on January 10, 1930 to Norman and Alice (Rudolph) Jensen in Medford. She married Henry Pernsteiner on September 27, 1946; he precedes her in death. She farmed alongside her husband. She also worked on a mink ranch and drove school bus for many years. She loved her flowers and gardening.

Lois is survived by her children Janis Brehm of Medford, Gale (John) Resech of Lac du Flambeau, June (Jeff) Jones of Washington, and Gary (Linda) Pernsteiner of Medford, 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; brother, Leroy (Lyn) Jensen of Medford; brother-in-law, Jim Zuleger.

Lois is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Joan Zuleger.

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family.  For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.