Dennis Galen Kautzer, 82, of Medford, passed away at Vita Care, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

A graveside service will be held for Dennis at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Medford Evergreen Cemetery 2, with Pastor Richard Russow officiating. Military Rites will be performed by the Medford Area Military Honors Team.

Dennis was born on September, 15, 1941 to Louis and Irene (Strebe) Kautzer. He graduated from Medford High School in 1959. He served in the Navy from 1959-1962, where he was in Company 287 on the USS Fort Mandan as a Petty Officer 2nd Class Engineer.

On August 17, 1963 he married Audrey Maier; she preceded him in death in 2022. They lived in Princeton, WI for 7 years, where Dennis worked at Speed Queen, before moving to Stetsonville. Dennis then worked at Weather Shield for 20 plus years. 

In his spare time, Dennis loved pistol shooting, where Audrey scored for him. He also reloaded bullets and worked on guns. He loved hunting and fishing, watching the Brewers and Packers, and his dogs and cats.

Dennis is survived by his sisters, Jeanette Roesler of Milwaukee and Sherry (Lanny) Peissig of Medford; brother, Dean Kautzer of Medford; sister-in-law Helen Kautzer of Medford. Dennis is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey; parents; mother and father-in-law; brother, Wayne Kautzer; brother-in-law, Julius Roesler; sister-in-law, June Kautzer.

Beverly Steffen (Smerda), 73, of Ogema passed away peacefully at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

She was born to John and Hilder Smerda on March 17, 1951, in Wausau, WI.

After graduating from Mosinee High School in 1969, the following year she graduated from the State Beauty College of Culture. She was a cosmetologist for over 30 years in Phillips. She married Leroy Steffen from Ogema on May 20, 1972. Bev and Leroy blissfully celebrated fifty-two years of marriage.

They had two children, Rebecca, and Brent. Beverly enjoyed fellowship with her family and friends. She liked to play card games, go camping, baking, and especially going for rides with Leroy. She was a proud grandma to Jacob, Ella, and Leah.

She was a member of the Ladies Legion Auxiliary, the Lutheran Church of Ogema, a current member of New Beginnings Lutheran Church, Ladies Group, and a Girl Scout Leader. She belonged to and supported the Ogema Volunteer Fire Company. Some of her favorite things were bird watching, reading on her kindle, hobbies, and crafts. 

She is survived by her devoted husband, Leroy; children, Rebecca (Whit) Parker of North Prairie, and Brent of Ogema; grandchildren, Jacob, Ella, and Leah; brothers, Robert (Susan) Smerda of Wausau, and Ronald (Jeanne) Smerda of Mosinee; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and infant sister.

There will be a Memorial Service at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 757 Cherry Street, Prentice, WI 54556. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service. Fellowship to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the New Beginnings Lutheran Church, 1223 Railroad Avenue, Prentice, WI 54556, are appreciated. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Robert A. Donaldson

December 16, 1964 ~ March 23, 2024 (age 59)

Robert Donaldson was born December 16, 1964 and died March 23, 2024. His grandparents were Gustav and Jennie Blomberg Donaldson of Spirit, Wisconsin as well as Warren and Agnes Sahlberg Stevens of Ogema, Wisconsin. His parents were Orville and Arliss Stevens Donaldson of New Holstein, WI.                                 

The New Hope Center began employing Robert Donaldson summers when he was 15 years old. He began working there full time as a young adult. At the time of his death, he had been employed there over 37 years.

Robert is survived by his sister Karen Donaldson in addition to many cousins. 

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles as well as his brother Kevin Donaldson.

Any donations made in memory of Robert can go to the New Hope Center of Chilton Wisconsin.

Ray A. Mallo, 83 of Gilman, died Sunday, January 21, 2024.

He was born on March 5, 1940 to the late Guy and Beatrice (Palmer) Mallo. Ray grew up in the Hannibal area and graduated from Hannibal High School. He farmed the majority of his life.

Ray enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, spending time with his family and talking about the “good ole days” on the farm with his siblings and spending time with his constant companion: Shadow, his beloved collie.

He is survived by his children, Jerry (Renee) Gielow of West Bend, Michelle (Allen) Kurth and Brent (Jodie) Mallo both of Gilman, 4 grandchildren, Kylee (Brandon) Crank, MaKade (Allison) Kurth, MaKenna Kurth and Sequoia Mallo, 2 great grandchildren, Kollyn and Kenley Crank, his siblings, Arlene (Jerome) Zahn of Jackson, Arthur (Mary) Mallo of Rothschild, Judith Mallo of Richland Center, WI, Paulette Johnson of Wauwatosa, Jerry (Jennifer) Mallo of Waukesha, Brian (Cassie) Mallo of Gilman, Loren Mallo Greenwood and Arlen Mallo of Lake Hallie and special friend, Carol Soraparu.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bryce “Bud” Mallo, his sisters Della Story and Sharon Madlon and a grandson, Jayce Kurth.

A memorial service will be held at 11AM, April 20, 2024 at New Hope Presbyterian Church-Hannibal with Pastor Bev Thompson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place in the Hannibal Cemetery. Plombon Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Dennis L. Nuernberger, 74, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home, with Pastor Nancy Amacher Officiating. Burial will take place at Our Saviour's Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Following the service military rites will be performed by the Medford Military Honors Team.

Dennis was born on November 7, 1949 to Herbert and Lorraine (Olson) Nuernberger in Medford. He attended Medford area schools and graduated from Medford High School. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served for 4 years (1967-1971). After his service he graduated from UW – Eau Claire with a degree in Education. He taught in Almond and McFarland Wisconsin before returning to Medford and finished his teaching career as a math Teacher at Medford Area Senior High School. He retired in 2007.

In his spare time Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He also enjoyed hiking and maintaining the Ice Age Trail.

Dennis had the trip of a lifetime with the Honor Flight in April 2023. The look on his face as he was greeted by family and friends at the Mosinee Airport was priceless.

Dennis is survived by his siblings, Kay (Barry) Steevens of Columbia, MO, Janet (John) Kushlan of Wisconsin Rapids, Bruce (Sue) Nuernberger of Medford, Vicki Leonard of Alamogordo, NM, Lee (Jean) Nuernberger of Medford, and Joan Kristan of Nixa, MO. Dennis is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Benny Leonard.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Dennis’s name may be given to the VFW Building Fund.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Bruce Allen Clarkson, 62, of the township of Grover, passed away on March 27, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau.

A memorial service for Bruce will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home, Medford, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Visitation will take place at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00.

A celebration of life will take place at Cindy’s Bar and Grill on Saturday, April 6 at 3:00 PM.

Bruce was a loving husband, father, brother, and loved his parents dearly. Bruce married Carolyn Unrau on August 27, 1988. Bruce loved fishing, bow hunting, and turkey hunting. He was currently employed at Fourmens for 11 years. He was also a self-employed graphic designer and all around handyman. He loved helping people. He loved his family and friends very much.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Carolyn Clarkson; daughter, Jessica (Brandon) Clarkson; parents, Don and Evelyn Clarkson; brothers, Brian (Jean) Clarkson, Brad/Pint (Sandra) Clarkson, Brent (Becky) Clarkson, and Brock (Jacki) Clarkson; nieces and nephews, Tyler (Leah) Clarkson, Kayleigh (Skyler) Hartman, Emmalee Clarkson, Madison Clarkson, and Racheal Judnic.

Allen C. Lang, 73, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by family, after a yearlong battle with cancer.

A funeral mass for Allen will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Whittlesey with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at OLPH Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford on Sunday, March 31, 2024 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, when a rosary service will take place. Visitation will continue at OLPH Catholic Church on Monday, April 1, 2024 from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Allen was born on September 23, 1950 to Charles and Rose (Boehm) Lang in Wausau. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Graduated from Edgar High School. He continued his education at UW-Madison School of Pharmacy, where he met and married the love of his life, Judy Bohman. After graduating pharmacy school, they purchased and operated the Edgar Drugstore. The family moved to Medford in 1983 and they purchased Valu-Rite Drugstore, which the family operated until 2010. After selling the drugstore he continued to work there with his son until his cancer diagnosis in spring of 2023.

When Allen wasn’t working at the drugstore, he enjoyed working on their farm raising beef and doing field work. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and neighbors.  He loved playing cards (sheepshead) with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

Allen is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy Lang; children, Sara (Mark) Matyka of Rib Lake, Jason (Kristine) Lang of Medford, and Rachel Lang of Mount Pleasant; grandchildren, Kyle (Savannah) Matyka, Cody (Clare) Matyka, Jacob, Tyler, and Amber Matyka, and Alexander and Timothy Lang, and one great-granddaughter on the way. Allen is further survived by his siblings, Dennis (Shirley) Lang, Charles (Dorothy) Lang, Jane (John) Yde, and the Hasko bonus family.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Rose and step-mother Georgine.

Joyce Drost, 89, passed away Tuesday, March 19, at her home in Stetsonville, WI surrounded by family.

Joyce was born on April 3, 1934 in Milwaukee, WI to Albert and Anne (Weber) Handel. On October 11, 1952 she married Thomas Drost at St. Matthew’s parsonage in the village of Marathon, WI. They were happily married for 64 years.

Joyce had an unwavering love for her Lord and Saviour, her family, friends, and her country.

Joyce will be missed by all who were blessed by her loving and joyful spirit.

Joyce is survived by her five children, Debra Dorzok of Tomah, WI, James Drost of Belgrade, MT, Lori (Bill) Peters of West Salem, WI, Jeffrey (Cindy) Drost of Beloit, WI, Daniel (Jodi) Drost of Woodruff, WI, 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, she is also survived by her sister Patty Ecklund of Medford.

A memorial service for Joyce will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 25, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Richard Russow officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen Cemetery I. Visitation will take place at Zion Lutheran Church on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Thank you to Hope Hospice for their services and wonderful care of Joyce. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hope Hospice, 537 W. Broadway Ave, Medford, WI 54451.

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

And the God of all Grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while. Will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast, to him be the power for ever and ever, Amen., Peter 5:10-11

Cecelia D. Venzke, age 94, of Milan, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at The Homeplace of Dorchester under the tender care of Hope Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. Father George Graham will officiate. Interment to follow at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until time of the service Tuesday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Cecelia was born on May 14, 1929, the daughter of Albert and Sadie (Speck) Hackel in the Town of Holton. She graduated from Abbotsford High School as the Salutatorian. On June 5, 1948, Cecelia was united in marriage to Benno Venzke. He preceded her in death in May of 2002. They farmed in the Town of Holton from 1948-1985 and raised ten children.

Cecelia was an active member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and was an Eucharistic Minister for 25 years. She volunteered at the Abbotsford Nursing Home. Cecelia had a craft business, enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening, cross country skiing and had a love of nature. Most importantly, she loved and cherished her family and left a loving legacy.

Cecelia is survived by her nine children: David (Judy) of Athens, Allan (Susan) of Athens, Dennis of Abbotsford, Karen (Doug) Repking of Stratford, Sharon (Arnie) Riese of Medford, Mary Ann (Randy) Stange of Owen, Larry (Rhonda) of Athens, BJ (Julie) of Athens and Patrick (Lynn) of Dorchester; 32 grandchildren and 59 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by two sisters-in-law, Theresa Hackel of Marshfield and Audrey Venzke of Stevens Point; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Bruce; an infant son, Joseph; two grandsons: Mitchell Venzke and Oakley Venzke; three brothers and one sister: Isadore Hackel, Raymond “Bud” Hackel, Marie Hummer and Howard Hackel.

The family would like to thank Hope Hospice and the Dorchester Homeplace for their support, care and kindness.

Family and friends may express condolences online

at www.maurinaschilling.com.

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, 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, 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.