Dennis “Deaner” F. Bricco, age 60 of the Town of Herman, Shawano County, formerly of the Town of Matteson, Waupaca County, passed away at his home Saturday morning, December 31, 2016.

Dennis was born on October 16, 1956 in Clintonville as the son of the late Victor and LaVerne (Hanson) Bricco. He graduated from Clintonville High School in 1975 and was united in marriage to Connie Meyers in 1977. The couple resided in the Town of Matteson where they raised their two children and were married for nearly 30 years prior to their divorce. Dennis was later united in marriage to Brenda Schultz on March 4, 2011 in Shawano; spending over 11 years together. A few years after their marriage, the couple moved to the Town of Herman where they have lived since. Dennis loved to refer to himself as a “Drywall Technician”. For years he ran his own business called 3-D Plaster and Drywall and was more recently working for Appleton Lathing prior to taking a leave because of health reasons. If you knew Dennis, you could vouch for his fun loving personality. He genuinely enjoyed making people laugh and would give you the shirt off his back. Dennis always made time to be there for his friends and family; no matter what he had going on in his own personal life. He enjoyed curling at the Clintonville Curling Club for many years and in his free time loved to go hunting, horseback riding, and motorcycling. Dennis knew his Lord and Savior; praying often. He always wore a huge smile anytime he was around his granddaughter; Bree and truly made the lives of those around him better.

Survivors include: his wife, Brenda; son, Ryan (Corinne) Bricco, Clintonville; daughter, Sarah (Kurt Weinand) Bricco, Clintonville; stepchildren: Reese (Jenna) Schultz, Clintonville; Treylee (Jacob) Munoz, Germany; and Shelbea Schultz, Shawano; granddaughter and the apple of his eye, Bree Bricco; sisters: Jennie (John) Johnson, Clintonville; Patty Trieglaff, Clintonville; Linda Lou (David) Myers, New London; Lucinda (Henry) Kelley, Iola; and Mary Jo (Jeff) Johnson, Clintonville; brothers, Don and Dick Bricco, both of Clintonville. Also numerous other family including brothers-in-law, Jerry Krueger, Clintonville and Wayne Poole, Clintonville; as well as his life-long friend, Tom Rohan. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, LeAnne Poole and JoAnn Krueger.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville with Rev. Brian Crocker officiating. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in the Town of Matteson, Waupaca County. Friends may call from 5 – 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville and at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established by Dennis’ family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com

Henry A. Noffke, 89, former president of Noffke Lumber Inc of Oshkosh and Waupaca, died unexpectedly late December 31, 2016 at ShareHaven of Evergreen.

He was born September 9, 1927 in Appleton, WI, the son of Henry and Marie Noffke. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1945 and joined the US Navy serving aboard a LSD from 1945 to 1948 and then joined his father and brother, James in Noffke Fuel Co. which later became Noffke Lumber Inc. In 1951 he married Delores Kuble in Oshkosh. Together they had five children: Kathleen, Steven, Charles, Gregory and Donald. Delores died in 1960. In 1964 Henry married Marion Donovan in North Fond du Lac. In 1967 Henry purchased his brother’s share of the business and in 1972 he built a new store on Bowen St and hardware was added. In 1987 Henry turned the business over to his children. In 1997 he purchased what had been the Sentry grocery store, remodeled it and in 1998 the home center store, lumber yard office and truss building, engineering and offices were moved next door to the new location on Bowen St. Henry enjoyed collecting and restoring antique cars. His oldest car was a 1911 Cadillac. Throughout the years he had Fords, a Cord, a Columbia, Packards, a Corvair, a Mercedes, a Kaiser Damn and a Stanley Steamer. His 1936 Packard took an AACA national 1st in 2003. Hank and Marion loved to snow ski and they enjoyed their motor home travels throughout the US, Canada and Mexico and spending their winters in the south .

Henry is proceeded in death by his first wife, Delores; his parents, brother Jim and brother-in-law Neil Sanvidge. Henry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marion, and their five children: Kate (Fred) Erick, Oshkosh and her children, Leslie and Meghan; Steve (Julie) Waupaca and their children, Lindsay and Mitchell; Charles (Jan) of Neenah and their children, Jacqueline and Matthew; Greg of Oshkosh and his children, Natalie and Ben; and Donald of Oshkosh. Also surviving is a sister, Helen Sanvidge Schwaller of Appleton and sister- in-law, Lorraine Noffke of Oshkosh.

Services will be at the St Mary site of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Saturday, January 7 at 11 a.m. with visitation 9:30 a.m. to time of service. (605 Merritt Ave, Oshkosh) Memorial: Evergreen, Alzheimers Assoc or Most Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Shirley M. Stange, age 91, of Waupaca, WI passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016.

Shirley was born in Weyauwega on July 2, 1925, the daughter of the late Alton and Doris (Watterston) Hanson. On May 1, 1949, Shirley married Alan Stange in Waupaca and he preceded her in death on January 17, 1994. She worked for many years at Waupaca Abstract & Title and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Waupaca. Shirley loved her bridge clubs, playing golf and watching sports, especially her granddaughters’ sporting events.

Shirley is survived by her children, Laura (David) Peterson, Waupaca and David Stange, Austin, TX; her granddaughters: Liza (Jeremy) Chmielewski, Hudson, WI; Karen (David) Stinemates, Amherst, WI and Nancy (Josh) Casto, DeForest, WI and her great-grandchildren: Noah and Ailsa Chmielewski; Danielle Stinemates and Harper Casto. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Al and her son, Steven.

The Memorial Service will be on Tuesday, January 10 at 11 a.m. at Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca with Reverend Andy Behrendt, officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Memorial Park, Waupaca. Visitation will be on Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

Shirley’s family would like to thank the staff at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca and ThedaCare Hospice for their wonderful care, as well as all of the friends who supported Shirley and her family during her illness. Holly Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Fern O. Gruenwald, Waupaca, Wisconsin, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 2, 2017 at Park Vista in Waupaca, WI.

She was born May 25, 1925 in Friendship, Adams Co., WI, daughter of William and Mayme (Ferris) Mehlig. On October 19, 1946, Fern married Rudolph W. Gruenwald in Waukesha, WI and together they shared 50 years of marriage before his passing on February 27, 1997. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends.

Fern is survived by a daughter, Sally (Don) Poenitsch of WA; three grandchildren, James Poenitsch of WA, Brian (friend, Dawn Lauria) Waters of Waupaca, WI, and Rebecca (Michael Graske) Halvorson of Waupaca, WI; three great-grandchildren, Sadie Holbach, William Halvorson, and Ryder Graske; and two nieces, Lorie (Mark) Throndson and Diane (Ray) Bohnert. Also survived by great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mayme Mehlig; her husband, Rudolph Gruenwald; three daughters, Darlene Gruenwald, Donna Bacon, and Sandra Kottke; and a brother, Cleo (Mary) Mehlig.

A Funeral Service will be on Friday, January 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI. Pastor Jeffrey Fletcher will officiate. A visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the Holly Funeral Home. Burial will be at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield following the service on Friday. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert G. Procknow, age 66, passed away December 30, 2016, peacefully with his family at his side.

Cards and condolences may be sent to his daughter, Lisa Rammer, 409 Douglas St., New London, WI 54961.

James “Jim” C. Mehlberg, 85, Waupaca, formerly of the Marion area, died Jan. 2, 2017 in Waupaca.

Richard ‘Dick’ William Ely, age 76, of New London, passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s home in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, while suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease.

He was born on March 2, 1940 to Waldo and Marie Ely in Munising, Michigan. Dick graduated from William G. Mather High School, Munising, MI in 1958 and attended Northern Michigan University and Muskegon School of Business. He served in the United States National Guard for two years. He was united in marriage to Mary Dieckhoff in Neenah, Wisconsin on December 4, 1971.

Dick was a born “entrepreneur.” His life, from early on, was spent in the field of sales. He started at age 10 offering potatoes for sale door-to-door for a farmer. He would knock on the door, and say, “You don’t want to buy any potatoes, do you?” After making some serious changes in his sales pitch, he founded several businesses along with his wife, Mary. He also had help from many wonderful people whom were always like family to him. After selling Cutco to his family and friends, he worked in sales for Findley Adhesives (Milwaukee, WI) for twelve and one-half years before making the decision to start his own adhesive manufacturing business. That was when he founded Valley Adhesives & Coatings Corporation in Appleton, WI in 1977. While still operating Valley Adhesives, and after receiving a patent on his “Quik Mask” product, he founded Aqua tec Coatings Corporation, also in Appleton, WI. Valley Adhesives & Coatings Corporation was sold in 1996 to Ellsworth Adhesives and Aqua tec Coatings Corporation was sold to 3M in 2001. For several years, while operating his two businesses in Appleton, he also owned a logging company in Upper Michigan. The family thanks all of the employees and their families who helped to make the businesses successful throughout the years.

During his years in business, Dick was a member of, and held offices in TAPPI, the Adhesives Manufacturers Association (AMA), and The Alternative Board. In 1984, he was named the Small Business Person of the Year in Manufacturing by the Appleton Chamber of Commerce. In 1986, he was elected as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, which gave him the wonderful opportunity of spending a week in Washington, D. C. with business people and politicians, including speakers Bob and Elizabeth Dole; that was an honor that got him a letter from President Ronald Reagan. He was also a member of the Medina-Dale-Readfield Lions Club for many years, served as President, and helped build the park shelter in Readfield.

Dick was always an avid hunter, and enjoyed fishing, as well. His wife helped him develop his sports enthusiasm for the Green Packers, of course. In 1997, he had the thrill of attending the Super Bowl in New Orleans. In his years of retirement from his businesses, he spent 19 winters in Mesa, Arizona, and made many summer visits to his cabin on Nevins Lake in the U. P. He also dabbled in real estate investments, and took-on the hobby of buying and selling Mercedes. During the summers of 2004 and 2005, he developed Pinehurst Ranch subdivision along with the help of his son, Christopher Ely. In his spare time, he kept himself busy delivering loads of sand and soil to friends and neighbors. Dick also enjoyed photography and astronomy, and was a member and ‘President’ of the Photography Club at Monte Vista Village in Mesa, Arizona. He loved sharing the views of the universe through his telescope with many friends and neighbors. In his last years in Arizona, he became interested in turning items on the wood lathe, and created many beautiful finished pieces there and at home in Wisconsin.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Mary, of 45 years; daughters, Jodi Nelc and Michelle Townsend of Neenah; sons, Michael (Lisa) Townsend of Appleton and Christopher Ely of Trenary, MI; grandchildren: Nicholas Davis of Freedom, Melissa (Michael) Van der Burgt of Little Chute, Brady and Dylan Townsend of Appleton, McKenna and Emily Ely of New London, and Kyle Ely of Trenary, MI; great-grandchildren: Landon, Matilda and Maddox Davis, Mason and Madden Van der Burgt, and Maxwell and Hunter Frank. He is also survived by brothers: Francis Ely of Shingleton, MI, Gerald (Bonnie) Ely of Negaunee, MI, John (Linda) Ely of Shingleton, MI; sisters: Maxine (Donald) Thomas of Shingleton, MI, Nancy Ely of Munising, MI, and Delrose (Terry) Kovarik of Green Bay; brother-in-law, James (Mary) Dieckhoff of Sarasota, FL; and sister-in-law, Nancy (Grover) Cowling of Neenah; and many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Marie (Bergeron) Ely; brothers, Joseph Ely and Paul Ely, and granddaughter, Victoria Davis Nelc Frank.

Funeral services will be held at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London on Saturday, January 7, 2017, with visitation from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and a Catholic mass by Pastor John Kleinschmidt at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be held at the church following the mass. Entombment will take place in Highland Memorial Park Mausoleum, 3131 N. Richmond St., Appleton, WI. Cline & Hanson Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association in Richard Ely’s name.

Richard Ely’s family would like to extend a warm thank you to St. Paul’s of Kaukauna.

Joan “Joanie” D. Hansen, age 77, of Fond du Lac, went to rest in eternal peace with the Lord on Monday, January 02, 2017 at Hospice Home of Hope.

She was born on May 30, 1939 in Clintonville, WI, the daughter of John and Effie (Shingler) Johnson. Joanie grew up in Clintonville and attended Clintonville Middle and High School, and was a member of the drama club, Greek Club, and National Honor Society. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where she was a member of Delta Fi. Joanie was very creative and made beautiful hors d’oeuvres and neat cakes for parties. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and made clothes for her kids; she had a rummage sale every year with her sisters and she loved going to thrift stores and cooking. Joanie was a teacher in the Oshkosh School District and was a substitute teacher in Shawano School District. Joanie loved her family and was an example of strength and perseverance and raised her two children on her own. Joanie was considered a second Mom to many of her children’s friends.

Survivors include one daughter, Julie Hansen of Fond du Lac (grandfur baby, Princess); one son, T.J. (Diana) Hansen of North Carolina; five grandchildren: Bradley, Kristin, Aaron, Jonathan, and Jaime; one great-grandchild, Kaiden; siblings: Doris Frost, Janet George, John (Jennie) Johnson, Charlotte Olesen; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Jo Lee Hansen; brother, Reginald Johnson; sister, Becky Wood; three brothers-in-law; one loving cat, Misty.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Ave, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. A memorial service will follow the visitation at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at a later date at Riverside Cemetery, Oshkosh. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hospice Home of Hope, 400 County Road K, Fond du Lac, WI, 54937 or the Fond du Lac Humane Society, 652 Triangle Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com.

Special thanks to the staff at Hospice Home of Hope for everything they have done for Joan.

Martha Nelson McMillen, 74, of Scandinavia, WI, formerly of Wethersfield, CT, passed away in December after a long struggle with ALS.

She received her BA in Psychology from Wheaton College in Illinois and her law degree from the University of Connecticut. After moving to WI to care for her ailing parents, she worked in the area of conflict mediation. She was a strong advocate for prairie land conservation, had a special love for cats, and was a major film buff.

She leaves two daughters, Shelli Soto and Tara McMillen; two granddaughters, Jade and Quetzali Soto, and four brothers: Tony, Dirk, Chris, and Steve Nelson.

A special thank you to the staff at Iola Living Assistance and to Donna Haas for the loving care they gave Martha in her final days.

A memorial service will be held on Wed., Jan. 18, 2017 at 11 a.m. at N5366 County Q, Scandinavia, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250, Washington DC 20005.

Raymond Earl Nohr, age 89, of Manawa, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at his residence.

Raymond was born on August 6, 1927 to the late Benjamin and Pauline (Sarnowski) Nohr in Waupaca County. Raymond was united in marriage to Carol Joy Abrahamson on July 27, 1974 in New London. He joined the US Navy on August 6, 1945 and after graduating from Waupaca High School, he served in WWII and the Korean Conflict. After his time in the service, Raymond worked as a security guard at the Veteran’s Home in King for nearly 40 years, until his retirement. Raymond enjoyed woodworking, gardening and was an avid Nascar and baseball fan.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carol Joy; daughter, Monica Nohr, Racine; brother, Willard (Carol Mae) Nohr, Wild Rose and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Duane (Cathy) Abrahamson and Duane (Susan) Arndt. Raymond is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Betty Patterson, Doris Nohr and Lucille Caves.

A funeral service for Raymond will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Cline Hanson Dahlke Funeral Home in Manawa. Rev. Jeffery Fletcher will be officiating. Friends and family may visit at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Little Wolf Cemetery, Town of Little Wolf. www.clinehansondahlkefuneralhomes.com

Daniel “Dan” G. Hoffman, age 60 of the Town of Bear Creek, Waupaca County, passed away Jan. 7, 2017.

Ronald Marion Fuller, 77, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2017 after fighting a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Ron was born in Unity, Wisconsin, son of the late Mildred (Engledow) and Marion Fuller. He grew up in New London, Wisconsin, attended the University of Wisconsin and served in the U.S Army in Frankfort, Germany when the Berlin Wall was under construction. Ron moved to Chicago after his discharge from the army in 1961 and began a long career at IBM in Chicago, Illinois (where he met his wife), then the family moved with IBM to Houston, Texas; South San Francisco, California; back to Chicago, then Greencastle, Indiana and he retired from IBM and affiliates in 2004. Ron was happiest when he was interacting with his beloved grandchildren, Alexis, Domenic, Jake, Antonio and Owen, watching and cheering their athletic accomplishments in a variety of sports which he insisted was due to his superior athletic genes. He was also happy to party with the grandkids, the Fuller cousins, Molly and Eric and his wife’s family and the cousins at the Lakes of the Four Seasons in Crown Point, Indiana. Ron’s favorite activities were golfing, fishing, watching the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and basically any and all sports on television. He had a unique sense of humor and practiced his quick wit, teasing and badgering skills while hanging out with his wonderful neighbors in Country Square, his friends at the Mechanicsburg Men’s Club and his best friend Roy who could easily banter back and forth with him.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marlene (Becker) Fuller; one son, Ronald William Fuller, wife Barbara and grandchildren, Alexis, Jake and Owen of Washougal, Washington; one daughter, Marina, her husband, David Giordano and grandsons, Domenic and Antonio of Southborough, Massachusetts. Also surviving are his stepbrother William Altenberger, wife Gloria of Arlington Heights, Illinois and his sisters Patricia, husband Don Haefs of New London, Wisconsin and Julie, husband Ken Hilgart of Park Falls Wisconsin.

Ron insisted that he be cremated and that instead of a funeral service that there be a “celebration of life” party for the family to convene in the summer at the Lakes of the Four Seasons. Details will be shared with the family at a later date. The family expect that friends and family can shed tears because Ron has left us or smile because he lived and enjoyed a satisfying life and loved his wife, children and grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Our beloved Franklin H. Schwamb of Waupaca, Wisconsin, formerly of West Bend, aged 89, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 7, 2017.

He was born May 11, 1927 in Richfield, WI, son of Frederick and Anita (Herman) Schwamb. On June 12, 1948, Franklin married Maxine Oechsner in Kewaskum, WI, and together they shared 57 years of marriage before her passing on January 7, 2006. We know he and Maxine are now reunited in heaven, dancing to the Tennessee Waltz. Franklin was employed for 35 years by Wisconsin Electric Power Company before retiring to the Waupaca area in 1988. He was a proud veteran of WWII and participated in the Honor Flight. Franklin diligently served for many years on the board of Friends of Hartman Creek State Park, where many days were spent camping with his family. His sense of humor and friendly pranks will be remembered by many. Franklin loved his regular Senior Center trips, and found enjoyment in playing cards, feeding the birds, and spending time outdoors. He was generous, humble, young at heart, and quickly loved by all who met him. Franklin loved the Lord, and daily lived by his favorite motto – to live simply, love generously, serve faithfully, speak truthfully, pray daily, and to leave everything else to God.

Franklin is dearly missed by five children: Mary Seiser of West Bend, WI; Donald Schwamb of Milwaukee, WI; Sue (Steven) Theyerl of Fond du Lac, WI; Joan (Gary) Lato of Waukesha, WI; and Julie (Eric) Feil of Appleton, WI; eight grandchildren: Robert (Tricia Toledo) Seiser of Schaumberg, IL; Ann (Ben Sears) Seiser of McFarland, WI; Bethany Lato of Milwaukee, WI; Kristin (Timm) Sautter of Dallas, TX; Daniel Lato of Waukesha, WI; Halley Feil of Madison, WI; Justin Feil of Appleton, WI; and Jacob Feil of Appleton, WI; four great-grandchildren, Edmund Seiser, Winnie Seiser, Maddie Sears, and Oliver Sears; and two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Oechsner and Mary Ellen Lloyd. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Maxine Schwamb; a son-in-law, Michael Seiser; his parents, Frederick and Anita Schwamb; one brother, Harold (Ruthe) Schwamb; and one sister, Virginia (Elroy) Borchert.

He enjoyed his community at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, WI, where a memorial service will be on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Andy Behrendt will officiate. A visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment of cremains will be at a later date at Washington County Memorial Park in the Town of West Bend. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for two of his favorite charities. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

His family would like to thank the devoted doctors and nurses at ThedaCare – particularly Dr. Earl Anderson, his caring physician for many years.

Gordon A. “Skip” Berto, age 73, of Hancock, passed away Saturday morning, January 7, 2017 at his home.

Skip was born December 6, 1943 in Milwaukee. When he was nine years old, his parents, Gordon and Lois (Koplien) Berto and his three younger siblings moved to Waupaca. They settled in a house on North Franklin Street. A perfect place for a young inquisitive boy, close to downtown and school but with lots of small woods to explore, rocks to climb and a river to fish in. He enjoyed getting to know all his neighbors especially Mr. Pomerenke. He became a protector, babysitter and cook with the birth of two more brothers and two sisters. The family spent time visiting relatives in Amherst weekly and at the Berto cabin in Eagle River. Skip loved to travel the United States. He married Nancy Selig in Sheridan, WY in 1969. They later divorced. In 1979 he married Brenda Buckland and they later divorced. In 1985 he married the love of his life, Robin Wilson and they settled in the Plainfield/Hancock area. Skip was employed by Plainfield Trucking for many years where he traveled and had the opportunity to meet lots of friends both at work and on the road. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, cooking and listening to country music, spending time with family and friends and telling stories brought him the most joy.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Robin Berto; his children, Lisa (Robert) McClure, Scottsbluff, NE; Shawn Berto, Sterling, WY; Shannon (Greg) Beckett, Binghamton, NY; his grandchildren: Taylor, Morgan, Paiten, Cameron, Sebasten, Kristina and Jacob; his great-granddaughter, Kholie; his siblings: Tom (Edie) Berto, Arn (Helen) Berto, Donna (Larry) Hansen, Karen (Sandy) Straw, Rhonda (Todd) Utermoehlen and John (Shawn) Berto. Further survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Niala; his brother, Ken and a sister-in-law, Andrea, granddaughter, Christine Berto and grandson, William C. Berto.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 12 noon in the Stahl Funeral Home, Plainfield. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of services at the funeral home. The Stahl Funeral Home is assisting the family arrangements. Please take a moment to view the online guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Skip with his family and friends at plainfieldfuneralhome.com.

Special thanks to hospice and his friends and relatives that were there for him when he needed them. Love you Skip…there will be no one else like you.

Marie L. Gruetzmacher, age 60 of Clintonville, passed away Sunday evening, January 8, 2017 at Greentree Health & Rehabilitation Center, Clintonville.

Marie Louise Gruetzmacher was born June 4, 1956 in Burlington, WI to Edward and Mary Lou (Sumner) Dammeir. As a child, Marie and her family moved to Clintonville; she graduated from Clintonville High School in 1974 where she was on the track team and played in concert band. She attended U.W. Stout for one year and was later united in marriage to Paul Gruetzmacher at Zion Lutheran Church, Embarrass on November 13, 1976. Marie was a very self-less and caring person; she found herself using those attributes at local nursing homes where she worked. She also worked for the Affinity Clinic in Clintonville at the reception desk for 13 years. She was then employed by Shawano Health Services, formerly known as Manor Care, Shawano; and most recently employed at Kwik Trip, Clintonville. Marie was an active member of St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville where she served on the altar guild. Marie loved to go fishing for pan fish, especially up north on Pickerel Lake. She maintained a bountiful garden and enjoyed canning as well as making salsa and pickles. She was a member of the Cloverbares Snowmobile Club, and showed her support for the Clintonville A’s baseball club by working the concession stand. If you weren’t careful, you’d get zinged by her quick witted comments, which would leave you quiet but smiling. The warm-weather months were her favorite and she loved to be outdoors. One of her greatest joys was the time that she was able to spend with her grandchildren. Marie will be remembered as a caring wife, mother, and grandmother who always put others first.

Survivors include her husband, Paul; sons: Boyd (Marie) Gruetzmacher, Crestline, CA; Bart Gruetzmacher, Menasha; Chad (Rachel) Gruetzmacher, Winchester; and Kyle (Rebecca) Gruetzmacher, New London; father, Edward “Snuffy” (Joan) Dammeir, Gaastra, MI; grandchildren: Matthew, Trevor, Cody, Zachary, Tyler, Olivia, Taytem, Averick, and a baby Gruetzmacher on the way; sisters: Rebecca (Walter) Eulrich, Waupaca; Dorothy (Russell) Bailey, Crystal Falls, MI; Tina (David) Hogen, Clintonville; and Liza (Joe Oppor) Watson, Clintonville. Marie was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lou Dammeir; a sister, Robin Dammeir, and a brother, Duane Dammeir.

Funeral services will be held 12 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2017, at St. Martin Lutheran Church, Clintonville with the Rev. Christian Burg officiating. Inurnment will take place at Pella Opening Cemetery, Town of Pella, Shawano County in the springtime. Friends may call on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting her family with the arrangements. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.

Don D. Buchholz, age 91 of Weyauwega went to his heavenly home on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Crossroads Care Center in Weyauwega surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born on November 13, 1925 in the Town of Weyauwega, son of the late Bernhardt and Irma (Zietlow) Buchholz. Don attended St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran School and was confirmed at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church. Don graduated from Weyauwega High School, class of 1944. On May 18, 1952 he married the love of his life, Viona V. Buchholz, at Emmaus Ev. Lutheran Church in the Town of Lind. Together they celebrated 55 years of marriage. Don was a life-long resident of Weyauwega, residing on the family farm built by his parents and grandparents. There Don and Viona dairy farmed until 1985. Don worked as a technician at Presto Products in Weyauwega for 25 years. He was a welder at Friendship Travel Trailers, Waupaca and drove school bus for Weyauwega High School for 12 years. He was a member of the National Farmers Organization. Don was a skilled craftsman. He enjoyed constructing decorative iron railings as seen in front of St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church and homes throughout the community. He also enjoyed wood crafting, especially clocks and birdhouses. Don’s strong work ethic and commitment shined throughout his life. He also believed in giving back to the community and for 19 years served as a volunteer at the Weyauwega Nutrition site (Meals on Wheels). Don was a linesman for the Weyauwega Phone Company and served as a rural volunteer fireman. Don was a life-long member of St. Peter Ev. Lutheran church, Weyauwega, holding positions both in church and the school. Throughout his life, Don was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his three children: daughters, Kristine Buchholz, Weyauwega, Judy (Charles) Chathas, Frankfort, IL and son, Tom (Chris) Buchholz, Weyauwega; his eight grandchildren: Jennifer Jones, Megan Buchholz, Caitlin (JP) Genet, David Chathas, Kevin Chathas, Emily (Nicolas) Thompson and three great-grandchildren: Farrah J. Dunne, Brody T. Robbins and Zion J. Thompson; brothers-in-law, Maynard Knapp, Hortonville, and Jerome Klug, Tavares, FL; and sister-in-law, Carol (Robert) Magdanz, Pine River. As well as many dear neighbors, friends and other relatives. Don is preceded in death by his parents, wife Viona, sister Barbara Klug, three sisters-in-law, Bernice Knapp, Marcella Hertzfeldt, Marjorie Merril; and two brothers-in-law, LaVern Hertzfeldt and Robert Merril.

The Christian funeral for Don will be held on Monday, January 16 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Weyauwega (312 W. Main St.) with Rev. Dennis Lemke and Rev. Newlin Schafer officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega. A visitation for Don will be held on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A memorial fund has been established for St. Peter Lutheran Church. Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Weyauwega is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhomes.com

Thomas “TJ” Tooley, age 84, of Clintonville passed away Monday, January 9, 2017 in Clintonville.

Karen J. Hanson, age 71 of Saxeville, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2017.

Karen was born on January 19, 1945, the daughter of Harold and Carol (Olson) Winters. Karen married the late David Hanson on April 29, 1967 in Waupaca.

Karen is survived by her sons, Mark (Holly) Hanson of Wild Rose, WI; Scott Hanson of Wild Rose, WI and Todd (Angela) Hanson of Manawa, WI; grandchildren: Cassie (Taryn) Immel, Taylor (Alyssa) Hanson, Levi Hanson, Emma Hanson, Lauren Hanson, Gracie Hanson and Lexi Hanson; brothers, Kent Winters and Kyle Winters, many other relatives and friends. Karen was preceded in death by her husband David Hanson; her parents, Harold and Carol Winters, and one brother, Keith Winters.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 12 noon at the Holly Funeral Home in Wild Rose. Pastor Tom Gaudet will officiate. A Memorial gathering will be held on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 noon at the funeral home.

William R. Lankford, age 87, of Fremont died on Saturday, December 31, 2016.

He was born on November 7, 1929, in Vincennes, IN, the son of the late Osburn and Ethel (Bernstein) Lankford. William served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Wolf River American Legion Post 391 in Fremont. He worked as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways for over 30 years, and he enjoyed old cars, hunting and fishing.

William is survived by a sister-in-law, Joyce Lankford; two nieces, Cindy Draper and Sharon (Jack) Wohlt; two great-nieces and nephew, Angie Borntrager, and her children, Joli and Micah; Jennifer Draper-Genal and her son, Taylin; and Travis Lankford; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Earl “Butch” Lankford; a sister, Delphia Russert, and two nephews, Guy “Butch” Lankford and Lynn Draper.

As per William’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. The Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont, assisted the family with arrangements.

William’s family would like to thank the the staff at Crossroads Care Center in Weyauwega for all of the wonderful care they provided him while he was a resident there.

Russell Lee Johnson, Sr. of Weyauwega, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 31, 2016, at age 83.

He was born in Racine, WI on July 19, 1933, the son of the late Charles and Virginia Johnson, née Renpaul. Russ worked as a printer and teacher, and later worked for Kimberly-Clark as a research engineer and patent agent. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and putting his own unique spin on the nightly news.

Russ is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his daughter, Julie; his son, Rusty and wife, Carrie; a son-in-law, Jim; two granddaughters, Rose and Brenna; his brothers, James and Allen and Allen’s wife Carol, and a sister, Joan; along with other nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Chris.

A gathering of remembrance will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from noon until 2 p.m., at Hahn-a-lula Resort, 8861 S. Wolf River Road, Fremont. The Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Beloit College, Development and Alumni Relations, 700 College Street, Beloit, WI 53511.

The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another. -Genesis 31:49