Bruce A. Heppner, 67, of Medford, passed away on Monday, October 5th, 2026, at his home related to ongoing health conditions.

A memorial service for Bruce will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, WI. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. A celebration of life with a meal to follow at P-Town Saloon in Perkinstown, WI starting at 1:00 PM. Family and friends are encouraged to bring a vintage/muscle car in remembrance of Bruce's lifetime hobby.

Bruce was born on April 12th, 1959, to Robert and Marlene (Lauer) Heppner in Chippewa Falls. Bruce worked at Phillips Plastics for over 30 years.

Bruce enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, and loved spending time listening to live music. He had an obsession with any kind of bird. He loved spending time with his family.

Bruce is survived by his daughter, Jamie (Shane) Schultz of Medford; 3 grandchildren, Korbyn, Mavery, and Milas; siblings, Debbie (Victor) Mae Offutt, Bernie (Jay) Jaquish, Brad (Giselle) White, Brian (Peggy) White, Brenda (Joe) Stangl, Bridget (Marv) Pehlke.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marlene; stepmother, Rhea Heppner and uncle, Wayne Lauer

Barbara Jeane Schief, 96, of Medford, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Our House Senior Living, under the care of St. Croix Hospice, surrounded by family.

A memorial service for Barbara will take place on Monday, October 12, 2026 at the Medford United Methodist Church with Pastor Deb Spira officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen I. Visitation will take place at the Methodist Church on Monday, October 12, 2026 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota October 2, 1930 to Mona (Butler) and Fred Speich. At the age of 3 her family moved to Ladysmith, Wisconsin.

Barbara graduated from Ladysmith High School in 1948 and then entered St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Marshfield, Wisconsin graduating in 1951.

A few weeks after graduating she married Gale Schief of Thorp, Wisconsin in the Ladysmith United Methodist Church. After he completed serving in the Army they resided in Mosinee for 8 years.

Their children Suzanne and David joined them while there.

In 1961 the family moved to Hales Corners, Wisconsin. While there Barbara and Gale were ordained elders in the Presbyterian Church. In 1980 the family moved to Big Bend, Wisconsin.

During her working years Barbara worked in a variety of nursing positions in the Milwaukee area.

Upon retirement in 1991 Barbara and Gale moved to Medford, Wisconsin. These years were rewarding through caring for their elderly parents, being active in the community and in the Medford United Methodist Church, Hope Hospice, Friends of the Library, and Taylor County Memorial Hospital.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Suzanne (Mike Braun of Wausau) of Medford; son David of Tampa, Florida; grandson Brian (Kimberly) of Tampa Florida; niece Cathy (David) Terril of Virginia and niece Connie Dennis of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, several grand nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat, Jordy.

Preceding her in death were her parents Mona and Fred Speich and her husband Gale, daughter-in-law, Shelby Schief, and brother, David (Barbara) Speich.

James “Jim” A. Klimeck, 71, of Rib Lake, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Rib Lake Health Services under the care of Northshore at Home.

Funeral services for Jim will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Rib Lake with Pastor Kenneth Bittorf officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery (same location).

Jim was born on July 2, 1955 in Medford to John Sr. and Ethel (Bartelt) Klimeck. He attended Rib Lake School District. After schooling, he drove milk truck for a period of time until buying the family farm. He owned and operated a cattle route "Klimeck Trucking" also. He married Sandy Niggemann on February 20, 1976; they were later divorced. After farming he then worked for Weather Shield a few years, then drove semi many years for EJ Peters and Timberline until ill health forced his retirement. Driving semi was his favorite job of all.

He could often be found trying his luck with the lottery, Powerball, and poker machines, or enjoying a drawing at Mohr’s Bar. He looked forward to Friday fish fries, hunting, and loved his 1973 Gran Torino he purchased brand new at a young age! Jim cherished the time he spent with his grandson, family, and longtime friends.

Jim is survived by his children, Sara (Brent) Polzin of Shawano, Stacey (Todd) Labrec of Westboro, Jace (Lacey) Klimeck of Madison, and Autumn Klimeck of Unity; 2 grandsons, Jacob Polzin and Jaxon Klimeck; sister, Penny (Kyle) Mannel. Jim is further survived by many other family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, John Klimeck Jr. and Marjean Denny.

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

Pearl Hale, 88, of Medford, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after a life of ceaseless Christian devotion and unconditional love for her family. Her faith and family were with her to the very end, as she passed away peacefully while holding her Rosary and hearing prayers recited to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. 

She was born on March 28, 1938, in Milwaukee to Bernard and Mabel (Wisnewski) Wayerski. Pearl attended St. Lawrence Grade School and St. Mary’s Academy, both in Milwaukee, and went on to earn her nursing degree from the School of Nursing at Marquette University. 

On November 27, 1965, she married Everett B. Hale at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milwaukee. They resided in Milwaukee, Manitowoc, Madison, Waukesha and Holmen before moving to Taylor County in 1982. 

Pearl was a devoted parishioner at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, attending Mass every week and was so proud to fill out the pew with her daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and other family whenever they came to visit her in Medford.  She loved to sing from the hymnal and especially cherished having her loved ones there at Christmas and Easter.  

At home, she never stopped being a nurse, caring for her husband, Everett, and her daughter, Linda, as they endured serious illnesses. Many others benefited from her abiding care over the years, whether in a hospital or in her living room. 

Her house on South Second Street in Medford was a source of joy and a precious sanctuary – home to countless family gatherings and immaculate meals served with love and meticulous attention to detail. Her flower gardens were part of her life’s work, displaying a beautiful array of colors every spring and summer, and when they were covered by snow, the house was lit up with Christmas lights that shone throughout the neighborhood. 

Pearl will be dearly missed by her children, Ann (Brian) Bergmann of Lindstrom, MN; Barbara (Matthew) Hale-Richlen of Menomonee Falls; Jennifer (Adam Derr) Hale of Ogema; son-in-law, Kevin O’Brien of Colby; and grandchildren: Lauren (Joseph) Linders of Lindstrom, MN; Alexander Bergmann of Maple Grove, MN; and Pierce, Grant and Ava Richlen, all of Menomonee Falls. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Everett on August 24, 2015; her daughter, Linda O’Brien, on December 8, 2023; and eight siblings: Sister Ethel Grace Wayerski, Caroline Roell, Delores Potts, Roman Wayerski, Jerome Wayerski, Alice Dube, Theresa (Terry) Malek and Florence Rogala. 

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Hemer Funeral Home, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery. 

Memorials may go to Hope Hospice or to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, both of which Pearl held close to her heart.

Lynette R. Jensen, 90, of Medford, died Friday, October 2, 2026 at Country Gardens in Medford while under the care of Hope Hospice.

She was born on August 8, 1936 in Unity to Ralph and Gertrude (Ewald) Reichert.  The family moved to Manchester, Iowa, then Dorchester before moving to Medford when Lynette was in the third grade.  She graduated from Medford High School in 1954.

Following high school, Lynette worked for Neuendorf Transport, and she stocked cards for American Greetings at Kmart.

On August 17, 1957, Lynette married LeRoy N. “Lee” Jensen.  They resided in Medford where Lynette raised their children and made their home.

She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford. She enjoyed needlepoint and other crafts, worked as a poll worker during elections, loved to feed and watch the hummingbirds, and doted on her beloved grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Tammy (Dale) Meyer of Medford, Todd (Heather) Jensen of Marshfield, and Chad (JeAnn) Jensen of Neillsville; grandchildren, Tyler Jensen of Auroa, CO, Ashlee (Richard) Sayre of Marshfield, Lisa (Mason) Burger of Medford, Christa (Jake) Kapfhamer of Wrightstown, Claire Jensen of Helena, MT, and Myles (Jessie) Jensen of Rochester, MN, and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Lee on December 6, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford with Rev. David Spaude officiating.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Hope Hospice of Medford.

Mary Lynn (Norton) Williams, 77, of Medford, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at The Waterford at Colby under the compassionate care of Memories Hospice.

Mary was born on July 8, 1949, in Phillips to Fred Sr. and Marilyn (Boheim) Norton. She graduated from Phillips High School in 1967 and went on to earn an associate degree from Taylor County Teacher’s College. She continued her education at UW-Stevens Point, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1974.

On July 27, 1968, Mary married the love of her life, Allen "Al" Williams. Together, they built a life centered around family, business, education, public service and an unwavering commitment to their community.

Mary began her professional career in education, teaching second grade for 18 years with the Medford Area Public School District. She also taught eighth-grade Junior Achievement for six years, helping young people develop an understanding of business, financial responsibility and the world around them.

Alongside Allen, Mary was a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. Together, they co-owned and operated five Hardee’s restaurants and a Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor for 40 years. She also served as bookkeeper for Williams Construction and Al Williams Construction. Her dedication to both education and business reflected her strong belief in creating opportunities for others and strengthening the communities in which she lived and worked.

Mary’s commitment to public service was extensive and spanned decades. She served four years on the Taylor County Board of Supervisors, where she and Allen were one of only a couple of husband-and-wife teams to serve together on the board. During her time there, she served as chair of the Health Committee and Taylor County Library Committee and was a member of the Personnel Committee, Agriculture and UW Extension Committee and Land Conservation Committee. She also served as chairperson of the Health and Home Nursing Committee and continued her work with the Taylor County Health Committee and Taylor County Human Service Board.

In 2002, she won her first election to the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing District 87. She was inaugurated in 2003 and held that position until 2015. She was warmly known as “the Sunshine Lady.”   During her legislative career, she served on countless committees and held numerous leadership positions, including Chair of Rural Development; Vice Chair of Rural Affairs and Renewable Energy; Chair of Jobs, Economy and Mining; Chair of Jobs, the Economy and Small Business; and Chair of AB 29 RFIV Sale of Consumer Goods. She was especially proud of serving as State Assembly Majority Caucus Secretary for three years and Minority Caucus Secretary for one year.

Her public service also extended beyond the State Assembly. She was appointed by Governor Scott Walker to the Wisconsin State Technical College System Board. She served with the Wisconsin Association of County Extension Committees and was involved with numerous local, regional and statewide organizations dedicated to agriculture, conservation, education, economic development, tourism, public health, youth and community improvement.

Mary served as president of Restorative Justice of Taylor County, president of Pri-Ru-Ta, president of the Wisconsin Association of Resource Conservation and Development, and second vice president of North Central Resource Conservation and Development, which represented seven states. She was president of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Board and served as president and secretary of the Medford Public Library Board of Directors. She was secretary of the Taylor County Tourism Council, secretary of the Price Waterways Association and treasurer of the Taylor County Fair Board and served on the Juvenile Justice Committee.

Her community involvement was extensive and included the Taylor County Health Committee, Safe and Stable Families Committee, Solberg Lake Association, Price County Farm Bureau, Republican Party organizations in four counties, Chambers of Commerce in five cities, Dairy Breakfast Committee, ITBEC Full Board and Executive Committee, Assets Committee for the Medford Area School District, Friends of the Library, Taylor County Historical Society, Taylor County Town and Country Breakfast Committee, Taylor County Land Conservation Committee Member, Taylor County Health Planning Committee, Family Preservation and Support Steering Committee, City of Medford Election Board, Vacant Stores Committee, We Whittlesey Whizzers Snowmobile Club, Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Taylor County Dairy Promotion Committee, Medford Band Parents Association, Safe-T-Town Committee, Medford Youth Hockey Association, Education for Employment Council, Steering Committee for the Department of Public Instruction, Extension Education Committee, North Central Technical College Representative, Northwest Land Conservation Association, National Rifle Association, Taylor County Tavern League, Chequamegon Sportsmen’s Club, Farm Bureau, Knox Creek Heritage Association, Local Emergency Planning Committee, National Federation of Independent Business, Taylor County Cooperative Youth Fair, WEAC and NEA, Tobacco Coalition, Assets Vision Committee with the Medford Area School District, Animal Waste Advisory Committee and AMVETS of Price County.

Mary was also an integral part of starting the figure skating program at the Simek Recreation Center, providing another opportunity for area youth to learn, participate and grow.

Throughout her lifetime of service, Mary received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions. Among them were the State Bar of Wisconsin Scales of Justice Award for 2011-2012, the Wisconsin Forestry Council Distinguished Service Award in 2008, the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Hero Award, Wisconsin Builders Association Friend of Housing Award, Friend of Wisconsin Dairy Industry Award, WCCO Legislator of the Year 2003 and 2004, and the National MS Society Outstanding Volunteer Advocate Award in 2003. She was named the 1992 Woman of the Year by the Medford Business and Professional Women’s Organization, the first and only award of its kind ever presented by the organization. She was also named Dairy Promoter of the Year for Taylor County in 1993 and was awarded Franchisee of the Year honors by both Hardee’s and Happy Joe’s.

While Mary accomplished much throughout her professional and public life, her greatest pride and joy was her family. She and Allen raised three children: Michelle (Gerald) Wiskerchen of Wausau, Kimberly (John) Fechhelm of Medford, and Kris (Rebecca) Williams of Park City, Utah. She was a proud grandmother to Dakota (Morgan Piller) Wiskerchen, Marrol (Anthony Bonney) Wiskerchen, Evan and Brody Fechhelm, and a loving great-grandmother to Zayne, Asher, Savannah and Cooper.

She is also survived by her sister, Marjorie Salsbury of Minnesota, as well as many nieces and nephews, including Lisa Lowder, Chad Williams, Jessica Williams, Carole O’Brien, Gary Muelling, Tim Koslowski, Luke Norton, David Helander and Michael Helander.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Sr. and Marilyn Norton; her parents-in-law, Richard and Bernadine Williams; her husband Al on July 12, 2026; her siblings Judith Muelling, Fred Norton Jr. and Patrice Norton; brothers-in-law Ronald Williams, Ronald Muelling and Louis “Bud” Salsbury; sister-in-law Charlotte Norton; nephews Scott R. Williams and Sam Norton; and nieces Patrice Kearns and Shey Zimmerman.

Her legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren, the many organizations and communities she served, the students whose lives she touched, the businesses she helped build, and the countless people who benefited from her dedication and friendship.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2026 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Mary’s nephew, Tim Koslowski officiating.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Following the services, please join the family for a celebration of Mary’s life from 3:30–7 p.m. at the Medford VFW.

The family requests that guests wear bright, colorful attire to all events in honor of Mary’s vibrant personality!  She especially loved red!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Moments Hospice of Stevens Point, 1209 Church St, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or to the Alzheimer’s Association to help find a cure, visit https://alzfdn.org/donate