Lorraine Mabel Thomsen, 89, of Medford, died peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Aspirus Care and Rehab in Medford.

She was born February 24, 1937 in the town of Holway to Robert and Mabel (Monroe) Larson. 

Lorraine married Elmer Thomsen and together had seven children and later divorced.  She worked in housekeeping at Aspirus Hospital in Medford.  She enjoyed gardening and beautiful flowers.

She is survived by her seven children, Ricky Thomsen of Medford, Kevin Thomsen of Medford, Sharee Colby of Abbotsford, Debra Thomsen of Medford, Julie (Wayne) Taves of Athens, Wendy (Rod) Dahl of Medford, Shelly (Richard) Freese of Abbotsford; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Joyce (Roy) Donaldson and Margaret (Bob) Olby.

As per Lorraine’s wishes, no services will be held.

Jane Ethel (Krug) Mathews passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026 at VitaCare Assisted Living in Medford while under the care of Hope Hospice. 

She was born on January 24, 1943, to Andrew and Ethel (Stephens) Krug. She grew up in Holway, WI, the youngest girl in a lively family of nine children. On September 16, 1961, she married her forever love, Gordon G. Mathews. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on family until Gordon's passing on January 9, 2023. After three years apart, Jane is finally reunited with him.

Jane was a tiny little lady, but what she lacked in height, she more than made up for in personality. She was wonderfully sassy, spunky, and brought vibrant energy into every room she entered. Over the years, Jane worked hard at A&W, the Medford Cafe, and Weather Shield.

Outside of work, Jane knew how to live life to the fullest. She was an avid Elvis fan, loved hitting the dance floor for a lively polka, and was always up for a game of Kings Corners with family and friends. Above all, Jane cherished her family. She was legendary among her grandbabies for always having a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies waiting for them, and her kitchen was famous for her unmatched chicken dumpling soup.

Jane's legacy lives on through her six children: Wendy (Bryan) DeLucia, Lisa (Rod) Kolecheck, Cindy (Mark) Griesbach, Kim (Scott) Lewandowski, Harold (Crystal) Mathews, and Sherry (Damon) Brandner.

She was the adored grandmother to 14 grandchildren: Ashley Raasch, Brandan (Chrissy) Raasch, Ian (Felysity) Niles, Andy Neubauer, Kyle Kolecheck, Samii Kolecheck, Nathan Griesbach, Carley Griesbach, Logan Griesbach, McKenzie Lewandowski, Veronica Mathews, Isabelle Mathews, Bailey Brandner, and Riley Brandner.

She was also blessed with 6 great-grandchildren: Alexandria Raasch, Raelynn Raasch, Brayden Raasch, Cecelia Niles, Rileah Newberry, and Callaghan Stange.

Jane is also survived by her sister, Annabelle Neitzel.

Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordon; her parents, Andrew and Ethel Krug; her brothers, Dean, Dale, George, Bill, and Jerry Krug; and her sisters, Darlene and Beatty.

A graveside service will be held for family and close relatives on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Noon at the Zion Lutheran cemetery, Highway 13, Stetsonville, WI.

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

  PAULINE LEWAN, age 90, formerly of Lublin, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Oakbrook Health & Rehab in Thorp, WI.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in Lublin, with Fr. Christopher Wojcik officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 9am until time of service.

   Pauline was born April 16, 1936, in Lublin to the late Matt and Anna (Paraschak) Sweda.  She was raised in Lublin, WI on the family farm and attended areas schools, graduating from Gilman High School in 1954, Taylor County Teachers College, Medford, WI and Mount Senario College in Ladysmith in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.  Pauline taught school for over 39 years at various schools including: Thielke, Holloway, Lublin, Gilman, Thorp Catholic school and others.  After her retirement, she took on the role of a substitute teacher at various schools when called upon.  She took great pride in each student she taught while later watching them succeed in life.

   On June 21, 1958, she was united to marriage to Raymond “Ray” Lewan at Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in Lublin.  They raised four children; two boys and two girls.

    Pauline had many interests such as listening, dancing and attending any event that offered good polka music.  Although polkas were a big part of her life, grandchildren were the most important to her.  She enjoyed attending their sporting events, cheering them on and traveling the distance to watch them play.

    Pauline’s family will remember her for her homemade potato salad, a great pot of homemade spaghetti and a little shopping now and then.

    She is survived by her four children; Randy (Pam) Lewan, Tim (Deb) Lewan, Michele (Eugene) Pogodzinski all of Thorp, WI and Lisa (Jim) Turenne of Merrill, WI, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, two sisters, one brother, other relatives and numerous friends.

   She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, various brothers and sisters.

   Pauline’s family would like to thank the staff at Oakbrook Health & Rehab, Sunlight Senior Living, Empatia Palliative Care and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care given to their mother.

Peter G. Paulson, 83, of Stetsonville, died Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

He was born August 17, 1942 in Medford to Raymond and Ann (White) Paulson.  He graduated from Medford High School, then continued his education at Eau Claire State University, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity.  He then earned his master’s degree from UW-Milwaukee.

In 1968, Pete married Judy Lutz.  Together they had one daughter and later divorced.

Pete served honorably in the U.S. Navy before beginning a career in corrections. He started as an officer at Lincoln Hills Correctional Facility and later became superintendent. He also worked at Green Bay Correctional Institution and Flambeau, as warden, where he created inmate gardening and pheasant-raising programs. He retired as warden from McNaughton Correctional Center in Lake Tomahawk.

During the time when Tombstone Pizza was taking off, Pete was asked by Pep Simek to help get the word out by moving to Colorado to distribute and promote the pizzas there.  So, Pete took time off from his corrections career to do that for a few years.

In retirement, Pete leased A & E Bar in Medford, where he enjoyed bartending and made many friends. He often cooked large holiday meals for anyone without plans or nearby family.  He also donated generously to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Special Olympics, Team USA Olympic Fund, World Wildlife Federation, the National Parks and many others.  He was a huge fan of the Wisconsin teams and loved cheering on the Badgers, Packers and Brewers and loved attending games.  Pete was also an avid golfer and attended many golf tournaments over the years.

He will be missed by his daughter, Serena (Troy) Adler of Harshaw; granddaughter, Amaya (Gunnar) Millard of Green Bay; siblings, Margret Kyes (Alex Abrahamian), Sam (Joyce) Paulson, Joan McElligott, Judy Peck, Kris (Ron) Zuleger, and Cindy Paulson; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and numerous friends at A & E.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Kevin Paulson, Jane Paulson, and Leanne Peterson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford.  Following the service, military honors will be provided by the Medford Area Military Honors Team.  Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in the town of Little Black.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to any of the above mentioned organizations that Pete held close to his heart, especially the Special Olympics.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of J. Mark “Smokey” Hemer, who passed away on July 8, 2026 at the age of 75.

He was born on May 21, 1951 in Eau Claire, WI to John L. Hemer and Jane E. (Cornwall) Hemer. The family later moved to Mondovi, WI, and in 1958, relocated to Medford.

Smokey was a 1969 Graduate of Medford Senior High School. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire from 1969 - 1972, and Milwaukee Area Technical College - School of Mortuary Science from 1972 - 1974, where he received his Associate of Arts Degree in Funeral Service.

In 1974, Smokey joined the family business at Hemer Funeral Service, Inc. in Medford, as a fourth generation funeral director, and served as President of the firm until his retirement in 2006. He took great pride in his work, and was honored to support numerous Medford area families through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

On April 12, 1979 he married Julie (Schultz) Hemer, and she survives. In their retirement they alternated their time between Medford and Sun Lakes, AZ, and in 2022, relocated their summer residence to Madison, WI.

He is survived by his wife, Julie, his daughters, Amanda (Joseph) Viviani of Madison, WI; Rachel (Angela) Hemer Chambers of Denver, CO; grandsons, Luca Viviani, Dominic Hemer Chambers, Ian & Tristan Kersten; brother, Jeff (Kathy) Hemer of Medford, and beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Jack Ritchie.

The family will hold a private committal service on Friday, August 21, with a public Celebration of Life to follow at the Medford VFW. Friends may call any time between 2:00-6:00pm. Attendees are encouraged to share their stories and favorite memories of Smokey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Taylor County Humane Society or the Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the time we shared with him. His love, strength, and legacy will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

Robert L. “Bob” Baker, age 78, of Gilman, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Homeplace of Stanley.

He was born on September 1, 1947, to the late Edward and Margaret (Avelsgaard) Baker. Bob grew up on the family farm and graduated from Gilman High School.

On June 24, 1967, he was united in marriage to Sharon Pancyrz. Together they settled on a farm in the Town of Ford, where they worked side by side for many years. Bob enjoyed snowmobiling with friends, riding side by sides, and traveling. He was also an avid cribbage player—always seeming to have a “3” up his sleeve. One of his greatest joys was hunting season, when nephews, his grandsons, and friends gathered for the nine day tradition. Many memorable and laughter filled nights were spent at the hunting shack.

He served the Town of Ford as chairman for more than 30 years and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

Bob is survived by his children: Joanne Mast of Dorchester; Don (Susan) Baker of Mazeppa, MN; Ken (Cheryl) Baker of Chippewa Falls; and Kristine Baker of Moore, OK; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; his sister, Eleanor Warner; and his brother, Russ (Bev) Baker, both of Gilman.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon (2025); his granddaughter, Meghan Kaiser (2024); his brother, Tom; and his sisters, Patty Jackson and Karen Jones.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 22, at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Gilman, with Father Joseph Stefancin officiating. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 PM on Friday at the Gilman Funeral Home, with a 7:00 PM Knights of Columbus Rosary. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday at the church.

Patricia Margaret Mertens (Lauer), age 92, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Aspirus Hospital in Medford, surrounded by family.

A memorial service for Patricia will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 24, 2026 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 on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Patricia was born on May 4, 1934, to the late William and Rose (Jansen) Lauer. She was united in marriage to Henry “Hank” Mertens on October 19, 1957, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Marshfield.

Patricia dedicated over 40 years of her life to nursing, working as a registered nurse from 1954 until her retirement in 1997. She began her career at Marshfield Hospital and later continued her nursing career at Medford Memorial Hospital. She dedicated her life to being a fantastic nurse and wonderful mother.

Following her retirement, Patricia remained active in her church and community. She volunteered with numerous church committees and faithfully served communion. She also volunteered with Hope Hospice for many years, continuing her lifelong commitment to caring for and supporting others. She  enjoyed curling, golfing, and playing cards with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Hank Mertens; her son, Mark Mertens; her in laws, Albert and Sylvia Mertens; her brothers, Bill Lauer and Gene Lauer.

She is survived by her loving children, Ann (Duke) Hartmann; Kathy (Ken) Wegerer; Kim Mertens; her six grandchildren, Travis Wegerer, Teri Wegerer, Maggie (Erik) Westberg, Benjamin (Jess) Hartman, Maxwell (Lydia) Hartman, Samuel Hartman, and 4 beautiful great-grandchildren, Dawson Webb, Lela Westberg, Reese Hartman, and Beau Hartman. She is further survived by her sister, Bertie Becher and many other family and friends.

Pat also leaves behind a special group of women with whom she shared church, coffee, sweet treats and cards almost every Sunday. 

Blessings to all Pat’s wonderful and family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Medford Food Pantry in Pat Mertens name.