Matthew Gasior, 87, of Thorp, WI passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022 surrounded by family at the Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield, WI.

He was born on November 9, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Joseph and Rose (Fiedorowicz) Gasior. When Matt was 2 the family moved to the Sheldon area where he was raised on the family farm. He attended Sunnyside Grade School and Hannibal High School graduating in 1952. Matt then served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957 discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He attended basic training in San Francisco, CA and received Technical training in Radar Operations in Biloxi, MS.

He was then stationed in Empire, MI. Matt played basketball in the service against semi pro teams. This is where he met and married Trula Knight in Traverse City, MI on March 2, 1957. After living three years in Cleveland, OH and a short stint in Waukesha, WI they purchased the family dairy farm between Sheldon and Jump River in 1960. They raised their five children and farmed for 26 years. He then worked for the Taylor County Highway Department for 12 years until his retirement in 1998.

They lived in Jump River until their move to Thorp in 2018. Matt enjoyed trapping, hunting, and ice fishing. He also liked to try his luck at the casinos. In his last years he became an avid reader of Clive Cussler novels. But mostly Matt enjoyed time with his family and was very proud of the work ethic and accomplishments that his children and grandchildren have acquired.

Matthew is survived by his wife Trula (Thorp) of 65 years. A son Mark (Rita) Gasior of Jump River, WI; and daughters Robin (Matt) Sixberry of Owen; Becky (Joe) Webster of Sun City, AZ; Trenda (Frank) Webster and Rayna (Wade) Sherfield of Gilman, WI. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren; Matthew, Racey, Michael, Sloan, Emmit, Lane, and Cooper and 4 great grandchildren; two brothers Zygmond Gasior of Hawkins and Robert (Connie) of Sheldon.

Matt is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Josephine Howard and a brother Edwin in infancy.

A memorial mass will be held at 11AM on Friday, August 19, 2022 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Jump River with Father Vjay Madani officiating. Inurnment will follow in Mount Nebo Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be from 9AM until time of service Friday at the church. Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family

Norbert V. Weiler, 84, of Medford, passed away Monday, August 8, 2022 at the Abbotsford Care Center while under the care of Hope Hospice and surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 13th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating.  Burial with military honors provided by the Stetsonville American Legion Post 519 will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Stetsonville.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, August 12th at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford and from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville.

Norbert was born April 23, 1938 in Athens to Theodore and Gertrude (Dassow) Weiler. 

He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1963.

On April 25, 1964, Norbert married Nancy Ann Hughes at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon. They resided in the town of Little Black, and Norbert worked as a heavy equipment operator for Armin Buehler in Medford and then Melvin Companies out of Abbotsford.  Norbert was known far and wide as one of the best backhoe operators who ever ran a backhoe.  His expertise in backhoe operation led to an additional expertise with claw machines, which he could not pass without playing, especially if there was something inside that one of his grandchildren wanted.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Pine Creek Riders Snowmobile Club, the Stetsonville American Legion, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Norbert enjoyed playing baseball, softball and bowling.  In 1961, his baseball team from Goodrich won the State Baseball Championship.  Although no official records were kept, it is commonly believed that Norbert still holds the record for most career home runs in the Dairyland League. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and was known to never turn down a drag race.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy of Medford; children, Julie (Joe) Alioto of Wausau, Rick (Bonnie) Weiler of Athens, Patrick (Ramona) Weiler of Bloomer, Mark (Anne) Weiler of Athens; grandchildren, Christine and Ben Alioto, Dylan, Caitlin, Joshua, Makenna, Alexa, and Aiden Weiler; brother, Tom (Betsy) Weiler of Athens, Danny (Florica) Weiler of Arizona; sisters, Nancy Weiler of Wausau, Carol (Dave) Geiger of Dorchester, Beverly Fula of Menomonee Falls, Sharon (Clay) Boeger of Stratford; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, David Weiler; and sister, Rose Marie Weiler Simchick.

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

Phyllis M. Fuchs, 85, of Medford, town of Greenwood, died August 7, 2022 at her home while under the care of Hope Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 12 at OLPH Catholic Church in Whittlesey with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating.  Burial will follow at Historic St. Ann’s Cemetery.

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

She was born July 5, 1937 in the town of Chelsea to Carl and Lena (Born) Brandner. She grew up in Whittlesey and graduated from Medford High School, class of 1955. She then worked at Thorp Finance until her marriage to John Fuchs on May 4, 1957. 

Phyllis and John farmed in the town of Greenwood.  In 1977, Phyllis began working for Weathershield, retiring after 25 years of service.  She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Whittlesey.  She also worked at the polls during the elections.

Phyllis will be remembered as a hard worker.  She loved being outside and helping her son, Tim on the family farm. She also enjoyed knitting, and made washcloths and hangers for gifts at Christmastime.

She is survived by her children, Wayne (Debbie) Fuchs of Medford, Debbie (Dennis) Zondlo of Rib Lake, Tim Fuchs and Tom (Lesia) Fuchs, all of Medford; siblings, Bonnie Fuchs, Ardath (Richie) Dums, Gary Graham, all of Medford; 18 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren (with two on the way); and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John in 2004; brother, Jerry (Shelby) Brandner; granddaughter, Samantha Fuchs; and brother-in-law, Francis Fuchs.

Memorials may go to Historic St. Ann’s Cemetery or to Hope Hospice.

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

William “Bill” S. Krug, age 89, of Owen, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Meriter Hospital in Madison.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Withee.  Rev. Tom Myhre will officiate.  Interment with Military Honors provided by the Stetsonville American  Legion Post #519 will be held at Maplehurst Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 12:00 p.m. until time of service Saturday at the church.   Live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.  

Bill was born on October 30, 1932, the son of Andrew and Ethel (Stephens) Krug in the Town of Holway.  He enlisted in the US Army in 1952, serving in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1954.  On April 22, 1972, Bill was united in marriage to Gayle Tremelling at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Withee.  He worked at the AMC/Chrysler Automotive Plant in Kenosha.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and especially cookouts.  Most importantly, he cherished his family.

Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gayle; three sons: Terry (Rachael) of Abbotsford, Kevin (Tanya) and Ken (Tracie) both of Racine; six grandchildren: Terry II, Isaiah, Kenneth, Benjamin, Jasimine and Christian; one great-granddaughter, Katlina.  He is further survived by his five siblings: Beatrice (Virgil) Decker of Colby, Annabelle Neitzel of Curtiss, Dale of Marshfield, Jane (Gordon) Mathews of Medford and Jerry (Susie) of Perkinstown; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Kaitlin; his two brothers, George (Lorraine) and Dean (Adeline); his sister, Darlene (Bob) Wisniewski; brother-in-law, Clifford Neitzel and sister-in-law, Tina Krug.

Geraldine A Webster, 85, formerly of Gilman, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Aspirus Care and Rehab in Medford.

She was born on December 16, 1936 in South Dakota to the Henry and Ada (Yunker) Webster. The family moved to the Gilman area and settled on the family farm near Donald. Geraldine was a kind and loving person. She never said a negative thing about others. She was a great joke and story teller. Geraldine took particular interest in all of the family news. She enjoyed kings in the corner,  the Lawrence Welk show and more recently was an adamant Wheel of Fortune watcher. Even small favors done for her she would say “bless your pea picking heart.”

She is survived by her brothers, Charles (Virginia) Webster of Gilman and Wayne (Judy) Webster of Fall Creek, her sisters, Janet Hagen of Oshkosh and Debra (Curtiss) Brown of Bangor as well as many nieces and nephews.

Geraldine is preceded in death by her parents, a nephew, two brother-in-laws, and one grand-nephew.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church-Gilman with Pastor Brian Beardsly officiating. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Cemetery-Gilman. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Tuesday. Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved little girl, Samantha.

A funeral service for Samantha will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 5, 2022 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Medford, with Pastor Nancy Amacher officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at the church on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

The family encourages all who knew Samantha to attend to share memories and celebrate her life.

Samantha was born on February 9, 2009 to Steve and Maranda Balciar in Chippewa Falls, WI. She was called “P-Nut” since she was born.

Samantha enjoyed horseback riding and hanging out with her friends. She was an avid swimmer and participated in swim competitions in school and swim club. She loved helping others with anything they needed. She was a loving and caring young lady.  She enjoyed making her fairy garden every year. She loved helping her mom build their basement. She enjoyed snuggling with her dog, Appollo, cat, Minnie, and grandparents’ dog, King. She enjoyed riding her grandparents’ side by side, going on motorcycle rides with her grandpa and helping her grandma cook. She also enjoyed going to her Aunt Carol’s to make hay.

Samantha was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Carl and Joyce Balciar.

Samantha is survived by her parents, Steve and Maranda Balciar; sister, Kaelynn; her maternal grandparents, Harold and Debbie Jenness; maternal aunts and uncles, Jeremy Jenness, Josh Jenness, Sara Jenness, Robert Jenness, Chelsie Jenness and their children, Mataya Jenness, Devin Jenness, Josh Jr. Jenness, Zachary Jenness, Jake Jenness, Bailey Jenness, Emmalyn Jenness, and Olivia Jenness; paternal aunts and uncles, Joe Balciar, Cheryl Balciar, Josh Balciar, Morgan Balciar, and their children, Cassidy Balciar, Brayden Balciar, Jaxson Balciar. Samantha is further survived by a great many extended family and friends she was loved by.

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

Kayo Dean Pope, 87, of Stetsonville, died Monday, July 18, 2022 at his home surrounded by family and while under the care of Hope Hospice.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Kayo’s life from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, August 14, 2022 at the Centennial Community Center in Stetsonville.

Kayo was born September 20, 1934 on the family farm in Stetsonville to Grant “Dick” and Viola (Roder) Pope.  He attended Draper School and graduated from Dorchester High School in 1952.

On June 11, 1964, he married Mona Metz at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville.  They lived, farmed and raised their children on the farmstead where Kayo grew up.  Kayo loved to work on the farm, always creating and inventing new ways to improve his tools and equipment. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, watching sports and spending time with his beloved family.

He is survived by his wife, Mona of Stetsonville; children, Shaye (Sandy) Pope of Stetsonville, Kelly Jensen of Dorchester, Kyler (Julie) Pope of Stevens Point; grandchildren, Pierce, Preston and Marissa Pope, all of Stetsonville, Kenna (Shane) Kanneberg of Seymour, Kolby (Mariah) Jensen of De Pere, Kolten Pope (Chelsea Johanning) of Madison, Kaide Pope of Stevens Point; brothers and sisters-in-law, Linda Metz, Jim (Bev) Metz, all of Medford, Dee Habeck of Medford, Dan “Boone” (Jeneane) Metz of Stetsonville, Deb Metz, Steve (Kate) Metz, all of Medford; nieces and nephews, Gee (Deb) Pope of Stevens Point, Nat (YuLuen) Pope of Flower Mound, TX, Ken (Colleen) Pokallus of Londonderry, New Hampshire; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Armin Pope, Joyce Rae (Clarence) Pokallus, Gene (Carol) Pope; in-laws, Chuck Metz, Paul (Marge) Metz, Mark Metz, and Phillip “Fuzz” Metz.

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

Ann Marie (Halopka) Gebauer, a city of Medford resident, passed peacefully into eternal life at the Rib Lake Health Services on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at the age of 93, under the care of Hope Hospice. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother and a friend to all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Medford, with Pastor Daniel Iwinski officiating. Burial will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II. Visitation will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Ann's grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Ann was born on July 25, 1928 in the town of Browning, the daughter of Frank and Alma (Giese) Halopka. She attended Fairfield Grade School, Town of Browning, and was a 1946 graduate of Medford High School. Her marriage took place on September 14, 1946 at Community Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medford to Norman L. Gebauer; he preceded her in death on September 28, 2009.

Ann and Norman lived most of their lives in the city of Medford.  She was a very kind, loving, and nurturing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was wonderful homemaker, cook, and baker. Her kitchen was always open to everyone and she always had her delicious chocolate chip cookies; nobody ever left hungry. She loved children, especially babies, as she cared for numerous children while the parents worked. In her early years of marriage she did a lot of sewing for the family. She enjoyed family and all the gatherings and playing cards. She was a member of the Ladies Group at Immanuel Church and worked at many funerals and weddings, helping to prepare meals.

Ann is survived by her children, Nancy (Robert) Schesel of Thorp and William (Bonnie) Gebauer of Medford; son-in-law Douglas (Mickie) Grube; daughter-in-law Margaret (Steve Budzinski) Gebauer; grandchildren, Amy, Michael, and Matthew Grube, Todd and Tim Schesel, Sarah (Schesel) Hempleman, Earl, Eric, and Steve Gebauer, Summer (Gebauer) Burlingame, OraLee (Gebauer) Dittrich, and Seth Gebauer, 31 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Ann is further survived by many other family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Norman, Ann is preceded in death by  her daughter, Alana Grube on June 15, 1994; son, Lex Gebauer on May 20, 2007; granddaughter, Angela Grube on July 23, 1977; great-grandson Sam Gebauer on February 5, 2013; siblings, Alma Fiebke, Shirley Kleist, and Lydia, Frank, Harry, Earl, Ray, and Gene Halopka.

Robert “Bob” R. Anderson, 77, of Medford, passed away unexpectedly on July 31, 2022 at Aspirus Medford Hospital.

A funeral service for Bob will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Whittlesey, with Pastor Ralph Shorey officiating. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, August 4, 2022 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Bob was born to Russel and Dorothy (Knoll) in Medford on January 23, 1945 (012345 as he used to say).  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a charter member of the Whittlesey Lions Club. He married Julaine Krug at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford, WI on October 29, 1966 and they had 55 eventful and adventurous years together.

Bob graduated from Medford High School in 1963. After high school he worked for a period of time in road construction. In 1966, after his marriage, he started working in the insurance industry, winning numerous awards over the years as a top representative of many companies. As the owner of Bob Anderson Agency, he always prided himself on the personal service he gave to his policyholders, up until the time of his death.

Bob was a very social person, loved talking with people, and that made him a natural salesman. He was an avid fisherman (and bar hunter), accomplished accordion player since the age of 12, enjoyed working with his wood splitter, taking Julaine for rides in the UTV with the bull horns on the front, and using his pressure washer on everything from cleaning golf balls that he picked up while mowing at the Lions Park, to especially keeping his vehicles spotless (and teaching his grandchildren how to properly clean theirs!). He was always willing to give anyone a hand and could fix anything or invent a new way of doing something. Spending time with his family and friends was the icing on the cake, especially his three grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Julaine; daughters, Kelly (Jason) Sandusky of Meridian, ID. Candy (Jess) Brunner of Medford, and son, Travis (Cheryl) of Wausau, WI; grandchildren, Lainey, Jake, and Gabriella Brunner; sisters, Judy Mauritz of Marshfield, WI, Jackie Ferrante of West Palm Beach, FL, Penny Seidl of Portland, OR; brother, Richard (Jeanne) Anderson of Marshfield, WI; brothers-in-law, Gene (Gloria) Krug and Wayne Krug, both of Medford, WI, Gerry (Carolyn) Krug of Sun City West, AZ. Bob is further survived by many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Michael Ferrante, and sister-in-law, Carol Krug.

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

Patricia A. “Pat” Wesle, 73, of Medford, died Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Aspirus Care and Rehab in Medford, while under the care of Hope Hospice.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, August 4 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating.  Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church.

Pat was born April 27, 1949 in Marshfield to Dorothy (Czarnezki) and Glendon W. “Glen” Wesle.  She grew up in Stetsonville and attended the McDowell School for the Handicapped in Eau Claire. 

Following her schooling, she moved back to Stetsonville and worked at Black River Industries for 40 years.  She made many wonderful lifelong friends while working there.

She enjoyed playing cards and cribbage and watching the Hallmark channel. 

Pat is survived by her mother, Dorothy of Medford; siblings, Jean (Paul) Jakel of Abbotsford, Dick (Barb) Wesle of Stetsonville, Bob (Barb) Wesle of Spencer, Tom (Cheryl) Wesle of Somerset; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Joseph in infancy.

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Memorials may go to Black River Industries (BRI) or to Holy Rosary Catholic School.

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

Deborah Lynn Rose Knorn, 65 of Rib Lake, died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at her home.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m, Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake with Fr. Jayanna Kanna officiating.  Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

She was born January 6, 1957 in Rib Lake to Emma Jean (Berg) and Anton Knorn.  She graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1974.

Debbie lived in various Wisconsin towns, such as Rib Lake, Medford, Merrill and Milwaukee, as well as in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. She worked in various food service and cooking jobs, some retail positions and as a care giver for those with special needs. Some of her hobbies were fishing, cooking and baking, sewing, reading, her cats and watching the Packers and Brewers.

She is survived by her siblings, Joseph (Jamie) Knorn of Rib Lake, Daniel (Diane) Knorn of Colorado, Anthony (Peggy) Knorn of Green Bay, Philomenia (Ron) Lechmaier of Milwaukee, Judith (Randy) Mullins of Texas; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Ruth Koenig and Rosezella Rezutek.

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

Kathy Barr, 65, of Westboro, Wisconsin, passed away on July 26, 2022, at her home.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, W5334 Dassow Ave., Medford with the Rev. Ralph Shorey officiating.  Interment will be at a later date.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Thursday, August 4 at the church.

Kathy was born on May 5, 1957, in Medford, to Richard and Kathleen (Metz) Rindt.  She married Jeff Barr on July 29, 1988, in Whittlesey.  He survives.

Kathy graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1975.  After high school, she attended the UW-Medford campus.  Kathy worked at Weather Shield before finishing out her career at Taylor County Human Services, retiring in January 2020 after 39 years.

Kathy was best known for her kind heart and love of animals.  She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir.  She loved lunching with friends and family, and will be forever remembered for her baked bars.  Some would wonder if there was a God after all of the trials and tribulations with her health, but she herself was living proof there is a God because without a God, there would be no angels.  Everyone that knew Kathy well would agree that she was one of God’s angels on earth.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Jeff of Westboro; her mother, Kathleen Rindt of Medford; in-laws, Howard and Betty Barr of Colby; siblings Linda (Mark) Stibbe of Elko, Bob (Julie) Rindt of Antigo, Mike (Becky) Rindt of Merrill;  sisters-in-law, Diane (Terry) Hanson of Colby, Brenda (Scott) Jeffers of Sussex; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Rindt.

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

Kenneth “Kenny” A. Ven Rooy, age 73, of Colby, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease at the Marshfield Medical Center.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022 at First United Church of Christ in Colby. Pastor Teri Hanson will officiate.  Interment to follow at the Colby Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227.  Family and friends are welcome from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 31 and from 10:00 a.m. until time of service on Monday all at the church. Live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.  

Kenny was born on September 21, 1948, the son of Harold and Evelyn (Herrmann) Ven Rooy.  He graduated from Colby High School in 1966.  Kenny then served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany from 1969-71.  He earned an Associate Degree in Operating Engineering Technology from Dickinson State College in North Dakota in 1979.  On February 10, 1990, Kenny was united in marriage to Connie Schmidt at First United Church of Christ in Colby.

Kenny started working at his neighbor’s farm when he was nine.  He proudly spent over 40 years as an Operating Engineer with Operating Engineers Local 139, operating heavy equipment, his favorite being bulldozers.  Kenny took pride in putting the finishing touches on the job.  He then taught at the Operating Engineers Training Center in Coloma, retiring in 2013.  In retirement, Kenny returned to farming, working with his brother-in-law, Dan Schmidt.  He was happiest working and could fix anything and make it even better.  He loved animals and loved life.  Most importantly, Kenny cherished and loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife, Connie; two children:  Jennifer (Brad) Schumacher of Baldwin and Jeremy Kilty of Kronenwetter; six grandchildren: Hailey, Cadence, Rylan, Cameron, Chael and Charlotte.  He is further survived by four siblings: Karen (Wayne) Neuman of Colby, David (Barb) Ven Rooy of Owen, Diane (Daryl) Kulas of Colby and Kathy (Bill) Kuru of Fond du Lac; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lyle and his nephew, Shayne Neuman.

Lee C. Mahner, 83, of Chelsea, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

A Funeral Mass for Lee will take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at OLPH Catholic Church, with Father Jayanna Kanna officiating. Burial will follow at OLPH Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will take place at OLPH on Tuesday July 26, 2022 from 4:00 PM until the time of a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until 10:30 followed by the service at 11:00 AM.

Lee was born on June 2, 1939 to Leo and Erna (Pinsch) Mahner in Chelsea. He was a 1957 graduate of Westboro High School. He married Kathleen “Kitty” Isabell Sigmund on August 3, 1960, she precedes him in death. Lee was a dairy farmer and master mechanic and welder. He owned and operated Mahner’s Welding and Repair until his retirement.

In his spare time Lee was an avid hunter and fisherman and a professional grandpa.  He was known to everyone as Uncle Lee.

Lee is survived by his children, Robin Mahner, Wendy (Lyn) Hartl, Rodney Brenda) Mahner, and Karl (Ann) Mahner, all of Medford, Linda (Brian) Gollhardt of Westboro, Christopher (Debra) Mahner of Medford, Ryan “Buzz” Mahner of Medford, and Teresa (Jon) Rezutek of Rib Lake; 54 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren; sisters, Jane Kauer of Kansas, Jean (Roger) Olson of Colby, and Joan (Milt) Mickelson of Ashland. Lee is further survived by many other family and friends.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Lin Mahner, granddaughter, Miriam Mahner, and great-grandson, Spencer Ruesch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the family for Memorial Masses or donated to Abiding Care in his name.

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

On July 10, just 18 days short of his 100th birthday, John J. Kassie was welcomed into the arms of the Lord to be reunited with his beloved wife Rita. He died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. 

Survivors include his children, Barbara Magister, Carole (John) Morrison), Thomas (Jeanette Erikson) and Michael (Debbe); his grandchildren, Charise (Mick) Krstic, Lisa (George) Manesis, Laura (Chris) Daves, Tina Morrison, John (Lindsay Beaman), Kerry (Dave) Blondheim, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. His sister Helen Welch  of Hobe Sound, Florida,  also survives him.  He was preceded in death by a grandson, Tucker Daves, and a son-in-law, Edward Magister. 

John was born, raised, married and worked in Chicago until a vacation to Wisconsin in 1951 prompted him to give up city life and purchase Shady Brook Farm west of Colby, a decision he never regretted.  John was a man of many talents, never afraid to tackle any job that was necessary, a talent that came in handy on the farm.  A devoted husband to Rita for 67 years before her death in 2012, he was a loving father, a fun-loving grandfather, a good neighbor and a role model for many.  He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. 

John and Rita were lifelong members of St. Mary’s Parish.  He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, serving as a Grand Knight.  He was a town of Colby Supervisor during the 70’s. After retirement, they became winter Texans, living in McAllen at McAllen Mobile for over 30 years. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby on Saturday, July 23, 2022.  Father Joseph Redfern will officiate.  Family and friends are welcome on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.  

Special appreciation to Dr. Carolyn Ostrander and staff as well as to the staff of Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care. 

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, Colby, or Heartland Hospice, 3233 A Business Park Dr., Stevens Point.