Jean Florczak of Waupaca, formerly of Chicago, age 94, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Thedacare Waupaca.

She was born in Chicago, IL on November 30, 1922 to the late Joseph and Mary (Piazza) Mantia. On November 9, 1946, she married Chester Florczak; he preceded her in death on October 26, 2002. Jean was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the hospital. Jean enjoyed spending time with her family and her many crafts, including crocheting, embroidery, and crosstitch. Her family and friends were blessed over the years with her beautiful handiwork. Jean also enjoyed playing the piano and played up until a few weeks ago.

She will be sadly missed by her children: Lynn (Paul) Lencki of Waupaca, Terrence (Elizabeth) Florczak of Orland Park, IL; grandchildren: Tim (Jill) Lencki, Sheri (Bruce) Van Epps, Michael Florczak; great-grandchildren; Noah and Owen; other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by her sisters, Josephine, Rose, Julie and Clara.

The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2845 Shadow Road, Waupaca. The visitation will be on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be in the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A memorial has been established. The Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert J. Kessler, age 80 of Waupaca, WI passed away on Friday, March 17, 2017 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah, WI.

Bob was born on August 25, 1936, the son of the late Fred and Helen (Schlueter) Kessler in Watertown, WI. Bob married Betty Hurlbut on June 18, 1960 in Stevens Point, WI. He received his Master’s Degree and became a business teacher in the West Allis/West Milwaukee School District. Bob and Betty moved to Waupaca 25 years ago and became very active in the community. Bob was Treasurer for the Waupaca Historical Society and Executive Secretary for the Chain O Lakes Association. For 20+ years, Bob volunteered at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King. He enjoyed helping with ramp bowling and driving the veterans on the pontoon boat so they could fish and enjoy the lakes. He also helped with the Meals On Wheels Program for many years and was active at Trinity Lutheran Church. Bob loved taking his grandchildren boating on the Chain, tubing, skiing and just enjoying the water. He always had his camera with him and was the family photographer. Bob also enjoyed reading history books and collecting model cars and cameras. He had a love for dogs throughout his life and always enjoyed taking a walk with a four-legged friend.

Bob is survived by his wife, Betty Kessler of Waupaca; son, Scott (Renee) Kessler of Kenosha; daughters, Lynn (Robert) Nimmer of New Berlin, Dawn (Christopher) Thomas of New Berlin; sister, Carolyn (Phil) Zuhse of Shawano; grandchildren, Jason (Kris) Kessler, Alexandra (fiancé Matt) Kessler, Ryan (fiancée Katelyn) Knudsen, Stephanie (Jon) Clemins, Mitchell Thomas, Rachel Nimmer, Tayler Kessler, Allison Thomas, Matthew Thomas; great-grandchildren: Abbie, Jillian, Natalie Kessler and Mason Knudsen arriving in April. Also survived by many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 24th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Rev. Andy Behrendt is officiating. Burial of cremains will be held at a later date at Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bob’s name. Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences available at www.hollyfuneralhome.com

LaVonne (Johnson) Bloomquist, age 83, of Waupaca, WI, formerly of Ashland, WI, passed away on March 18, 2017.

She was born May 10, 1933, at Barron, WI, daughter of Lewis and Ida (Casey) Johnson. After graduating from Barron High School, LaVonne attended St. Luke’s School of Nursing at Duluth, MN, graduating as a registered nurse. She married Duane Bloomquist on October 27, 1956 at Pensacola, FL. He preceded her in death on September 9, 2008. She worked in various hospitals over the years and retired as a County Health Nurse for Ashland County, WI.

LaVonne is survived by daughters, Diane Pomerenke, Waupaca, WI and Mary Hayes, also of Waupaca; and son, Daniel Bloomquist, Mason, WI; a brother, Lewis “Gerald” (Dianne) Johnson, Springville, CA, and sister, Evelyn (James) Page, Murrieta, CA. She is further survived by her grandchildren: Madison Bloomquist, Lindsay, Sam, and Lauren Hayes, and Ryan Pomerenke; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Duane, both parents, and sisters, Greta Sullivan and Marge Baraboo.

LaVonne had requested no visitation or funeral service at this time. A private service will be held at the Grandview Cemetery at Grandview, WI. No flowers or memorials please per LaVonne’s wishes. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kenneth L. Utecht, 71, was reunited with his beloved wife, Donna J. Utecht, on March 19, 2017, who preceded him in death on January 21, 2012.

Ken was born to the late Irvin and Elsie Utecht on April 19, 1945. Ken was a veteran of the United States Army in which he served from 1964 – 1968. Ken was a resident of the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King. Ken’s greatest love was his wife, Donna. Ken loved working side by side with Donna, taking care of Marathon Junction in Wausau. Ken and Donna bought Utecht’s Music and Games in 1977 and then purchased Marathon Junction in 1981. Later, they were caretakers of Kastle Kampground in Marion. He was the drummer and lead singer of the polka band, The Jolly Two, with Bob Klinger. Many people know Ken for the famous polka ‘The Laughing Polka’. When he was not working, he loved watching his grandchildren grow up and spending time with his family and friends. Everyone that knew him, knew he had a passion for polka music. He had an outgoing personality and got along with everyone he ever met. His happy and charismatic personality left a lasting impression on everyone that knew him. Recently, he enjoyed cookouts at South Park with Nick and Corinne Trindal and the kids, watching the Animal Planet on TV and passing out candy at the Wisconsin Veterans Home where he was known as the Candy Man.

Ken is survived by his daughter Brenda (Mike) Camp of Schofield and his son Kurt Sr. (Andrea) Utecht of Mosinee. He had 11 grandchildren: Kelsey, Kurt Jr (Michelle), Samantha, Thomas, Christine (Scott), Camie (Robert), Chelsea, Nate, Noah, Christian and Vivian. He also had seven great-grandchildren: Kayda, Eliana, Nevaeh, Finley, Nolan, Laraina and LeeLah. Ken is also survived by his sister in Texas and his brother, Eugene (Karen) Utecht in Eau Claire. As well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Utecht; his parents, Irvin and Elsie Utecht and his daughter, Barbara Utecht.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 1415 Merrill Ave, Wausau, WI from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. The visitation will be a celebration of his life. A private burial will be held by the immediate family at RestLawn Memorial Park at a later date. Flowers can be accepted at the church any time after 1 p.m. on Friday. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

A special thanks to the nurses, caregivers and staff at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in King for their time and dedication making Ken comfortable in his last days with us.

Lewis C. Hansen, age 93, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017, surrounded by family, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.

He was born in McNab, IL on January 27, 1924 to the late John P. and Elsie D. (Rasmussen) Hansen. Lewis was a proud U.S. Army WWII veteran serving as Staff Sergeant with the AntiTank Co., 105 Infantry, 27th Division. On June 19, 1948, he was united in marriage to Alice M. Jensen. He was a retired semi truck driver and had worked for Dushek Trucking of Waupaca and Mercury Marine of Fond du Lac, where he was awarded for compiling two million accident-free miles. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and working with old cars and machinery. Lewis loved to spend time on the farm and was known for his fine carpentry work. He worked with the Boy Scout organization and was a long-time member of the Waupaca VFW Post 1037. Most importantly, he loved to care for his family.

Lewis is survived by the love of his life, Alice, a resident of MacArthur Hall at King; children: Mary E. Mathwig, Waupaca; Michael J. Hansen (Lorrie Krueger), Bozeman, MT; Holly M. (Daniel) Bacon, Amherst, and Heather C. (John) Schmit, Ecuador; grandchildren: Cariann (Rob Ramseier) Mathwig-Ramseier, Krista (Joseph) Kostuch, Paul (Stephanie Kroner) Hansen, Heidi (Paul) Smidansky, Stephen (Erin) Hansen, Joshua (Debora) Bacon, Mara (Michael) Syring, Sally (Scott) Aho, Stephanie Wheeler, Kristin (Michael) Harvey, Bethlehem VanEngen, and Jordan (Kailea) Schmit; 23 great-grandchildren with one on the way; as well as a sister, Phyllis Lewis of Nekoosa, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Maple Crest Funeral Home with Chaplain Wayne Schwanke officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Military honors will follow the celebration of life. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Park Vista and the Wisconsin Veterans Home.

David J. Deschler, age 71, of Iola, WI, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2017 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Racine, WI on March 3, 1946, and was the second youngest of seven children. He was a master machinist for 45 years. David was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing and hunting and also enjoyed motorcycle riding.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Deschler, Iola, WI; children: DJ (Judy) Deschler, Manawa, WI; Kim (Bruce) Bartel, Sturtevant, WI; Christopher Melik, Waupaca, WI; Jody Melik, Sturtevant, WI; Shellie (Mel) Sieckert, King, WI; Shawn (Jeff) Weatherwax, Sturgeon Bay, WI; Keith Melik, Kaukuana, WI; Chad (Laura) Deschler, Waupaca, WI; 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings: Richard (Doris) Deschler, Judy VanSwol, Harold (Mickey) Deschler. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter – Bonnie Bell (Deschler), a granddaughter – Samantha and four siblings.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Victory Church in Waupaca at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2017 with Rev. Philip Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. David’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the ICU Staff at Theda Clark. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Donna Deschler in her name. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kathleen L. Hanson, age 60, of Waupaca, WI passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Theda Care Medical Center-Waupaca.

Kathy was born in Stevens Point on May 23, 1956, the daughter of the late LeRoy and Donna (Madson) Hagen. On February 28, 1976, Kathy married David Hanson at the Methodist Church in Iola.

Kathy is survived by her husband, David Hanson, Waupaca; her daughter, Teresa “Teri” (Todd) Sitzberger, Appleton; her two grandchildren, Jaden and Mikaela Sitzberger and her siblings, Connie (Mike) Coppock, Weyauwega and Kevin (Cindy) Hagen, Ogdensburg. Also surviving are nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents.

The Funeral Service for Kathy will be on Thursday, March 23 at 12 noon at the Holly Funeral Home, Waupaca with Pastor Jeff Fletcher officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Town of Iola. Visitation will be on Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the funeral home.

Loretta Waala (Maihofer), age 86, of Wild Rose, WI, died on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Rosemore Village in Wild Rose.

Loretta was born on April 22, 1930, the daughter of the late Richard and Clara (Dunkel) Maihofer. Loretta was born in Evanston, IL. Her family moved up to the Wild Rose area in her teenage years. Loretta graduated from Wild Rose High School in 1948 where she played basketball and belonged to FHA. She met Sterling Waala, they were married on September 24, 1949 at West Holden Lutheran Church. Her many jobs over the years included working at Little Silver Lake, in the restaurant and cleaning cottages. For a few years she worked at the Floral Shop in Wautoma. One of her favorite jobs was working with her husband, Sterling at the ANR Tree Farm outside of Wild Rose. Loretta enjoyed knitting, sewing and spending time with her family.

Loretta is survived by two sons, Warren (Deb) Waala, Cudahy, WI and Dale (Kelly) Waala, Waupaca, WI; two grandchildren, Chelsea Waala, Waupaca and Preston Waala, Green Bay. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, Sterling, her parents, her twin sister Lorraine (Crass), sisters, Genevieve (Mullins), Elaine Rychtanek and one brother, Richard Maihofer Jr.

Memorial Services will be held at West Holden Lutheran Church, Wautoma at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017 with Pastor Barb Girod officiating, with burial to follow in the West Holden Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Holden Lutheran Church. The Holly Funeral Home of Wild Rose is assisting the family with arrangements.

Frances H. Mulroy, nee McDaniel, age 89, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at St. Joseph Residence, New London.

She was born on April 16, 1927, daughter of the late Francis and Helen (Lamers) McDaniel in Wrightstown, WI. She met her husband Donald P. Mulroy and married on October 18, 1947. They settled on the family farm and raised 8 children and worked the farm in the early years. Frances later worked at American Can, Rich’s Bakery and Hillshire Farm, retiring in 1980.

She will be deeply missed by her children: Karen (Will) Fisher, Wautoma; Diana (Richard) Singler, Shiocton; Colleen (Mark) Noack, New London; Patrick (Diane) Mulroy, Wesley Chapel, FL; Tom (Gloria) Mulroy, Lakewood; Jerry (Judy) Mulroy, Escanaba, MI and Donna (Tom) Opgenorth, Brookfield, WI. Frances is further survived by ten grandchildren: Christopher Fletcher, Trisha Graichen, Michael Noack, Kelly Mulroy, Andy Mulroy, Mackenzie Mulroy, Brady Mulroy, Delaney Mulroy, Hayley Opgenorth, John Opgenorth; seven great-grandchildren, several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald in 1987, son Gregory Mulroy in 2015, a brother Donald McDaniel and two sisters, Florence Rohan and Marian Ebbinghouse, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service for Frances will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Most Precious Blood Cemetery, New London.

Frances’ family would like to extend a very special thank you to the awesome staff at St. Joseph Residence, their care and compassion for our mother will never be forgotten, and gave our family great peace of mind.

The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com

Alice Claire Bechard, age 93 of Wild Rose, died on Thursday, March 23, 2017.

Alice was born on April 12, 1923, in Fond du Lac, daughter of the late Matthew Jones and Eleanor (Urban) Jones. She was a 1941 graduate of Wild Rose High School. On September 14, 1946, she was united in marriage to Rexford Bechard in Wild Rose. They had three children. David Wayne Bechard, age 64, Dale Alan Bechard, age 61, and Dawn Marie (Burgess), Bechard, age 58.

Alice and Rex owned and operated Rex’s supermarket for almost four decades. The store specialty included a meat market and butcher shop. In her younger years, she worked at Wild Rose Hospital. In 1982 Alice received her nursing assistant certificate from Fox Valley Technical Institute and worked at Wild Rose Manor. Alice also got her Relator’s license and was employed at the Egan Agency in Wautoma. Alice loved working out in her flower garden, and was a talented artist, making beautiful pressed floral displays, pencil drawings and paintings. She won many awards for her artwork. Alice loved to cook, travel, and work on her arts and crafts, pressing flowers and spending time with her large family. She was a beloved mother, wife, and grandmother. She was a true friend to all who knew her and will be much missed by both family and friends.

Alice is survived by her children; David Bechard, Wild Rose; Dale (Kelly) Bechard, Appleton; and Dawn (Brian) Burgess, Waupaca. Grandchildren: Alyson (Kip Stearns) Bechard, Elizabeth Bechard, Jon Paul Bechard, Bleau (Sarah) Schneider, Crystal (Karl) Ascher, Andrea (Mark) La More, Justin (Andrea) Bechard, Rosanna (Mike) Lanting and Holly (Shane) Patza, 21 great grandchildren, Patsy Bechard, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, also survive her.

Funeral services for Alice will be held on March 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Wild Rose Presbyterian Church with Pastor Alyson Janke officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church, burial of cremains will be at a later date in the Caersalem Cemetery. The Holly Funeral Home of Wild Rose is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in the name of Alice Bechard.

Jerome James Ellis, age 81 of Ogdensburg, Wisconsin, son of the late Tony D. Ellis and Cornelia Anna (Wanezek) Ellis, and stepmother Catherine (Wanezek) Ellis, passed away on March 24, 2017 at the ThedaCare Hospital in Waupaca, Wisconsin.

Jerry, a retired dentist was born on September 5, 1935 in Spring Green, Wisconsin but grew up as a boy in Clintonville, Wisconsin. He actively participated and excelled in high school athletics as a Clintonville Trucker, which included football, basketball and track. After graduating from high school in 1953, Jerry enlisted and served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1959, where he held the position of NCOIC of the Dental Clinic at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann (Wick) Ellis on March 9, 1955, his wife of 62 years. Immediately following his career in the Air Force, Jerry pursued his dream of becoming a dentist and completed his pre-professional studies at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. He graduated from dental school at the Marquette University in 1965. Upon graduation, he relocated his family from Milwaukee to Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, and started his dental practice in Rothschild. Jerry’s hobbies and passions included snowmobile racing, big game hunting with his father and two sons, and working the land on what he referred to as his hobby farm near Ogdensburg, where he enjoyed his retirement years. He loved to be outdoors and actively engaged in working the land or other do-it-yourself projects. He loved dogs and over the years has had several favorite canine companions, most especially his Rottweiler and Doberman breeds.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Constance (David) Hoff, of Wausau; two sons, Gregory (Liz Beth) Ellis, of Antioch, California; and Christopher (Trish) Ellis, of Wausau. His grandchildren include Chad (Katie) Ellis, of Stevens Point, and Cheyla Ellis, of Wausau. Step-grandchildren include David, Estephano, Branson and Brenna. His most recent and well loved Rottweiler companion, Max, also remains with the family. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister, Joan Malmon.

A private gathering of family and friends will be hosted by his family in late spring.

The Ellis family would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff members of ThedaCare at Home of Waupaca for all of their help, support and loving care that they provided to Jerry and his family during his final days.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville has been entrusted with the arrangements. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.

Helen I. Miller, age 92, of rural Marion passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017 in rural Ogdensburg.

Earl H. Ruscher, age 74, of New London, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Theda Care Hospital in Appleton.

He was born on June 6, 1942 in Appleton, son of the late Henry and Anita (Doell) Ruscher. Earl graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran High School in 1960. On September 28, 1963, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Prahl at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London. Earl worked at Fox Tractor in Appleton for 25 years. He then worked at Simmons Juvenile Furniture in New London for 20 years until it closed, and also Walmart in New London for 8 years until he retired in 2014. Earl enjoyed watching youth baseball, riding his bike, campfires, fishing and eating his favorite food, ice cream. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London where he taught Sunday School for 10 years. To family and friends Earl was known as “Mr. Cheap.”

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of 53 years; siblings: Carol (Bill) Patrick, Dorothy (Bob) Luedtke; sisters-in-law: Connie (Art) Posselt and Cheryl Prahl. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Kenneth Prahl Jr., and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Kenneth and Gertrude Prahl Sr.

The Christian Funeral for Earl will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Rev. Mark Tiefel officiating. Burial will be in Greenville Lutheran Cemetery. A visitation for Earl will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Scott L. Oppor, age 53 of Clintonville, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017 in Appleton.

Rev. Alton W. Lewis, 75 of La Salle, died March 23, 2017 in Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Hines, IL, in hospice care, after a three year battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday in First Congregational Church on La Salle with Rev. Oscar Shepherd officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 7:00 PM Thursday in the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle. Addition visitation will be in the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until time of services. Full military honors will be conducted by the La Salle/Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group outside the church following his services. Cremation will follow military services.

Rev. Lewis was born in Brockton, MA on September 6, 1941 to Alton W. and Virginia (Soule) Lewis Sr.
He was a 26 year veteran of the United States Navy, with an impressive and honorable record, receiving many commendations and achieving rank as Senior Chief, an aide to Admiral Warren C. Ham, Jr.

He first met and married Eileen Frank. Two sons were born to them. Later he met and married Ina Bickley and moved to the Iola, Wisconsin area, where he served as Lay Minister at the Iola Methodist Church. When Ina passed away, he met and married Julie Johnson of La Salle and moved to Illinois.

After expressing a desire to go into the ministry, he was mentored by Rev. Dr. Odus Eubanks of First Congregational Church of La Salle, Rev. Oscar Shepherd and Rev. Dr. James Kurtz. He met the requirements, was licensed and ordained as minister in 2004. When Dr. Eubanks retired, he became pastor and has served the Lord at First Congregational Church of La Salle until his time of death.

Rev. Lew had a love for history and participated, with Julie, as a Civil War Re-enactor with two groups in Illinois. His curiosity for seeking information led him to a passion for reading, particularly books on U.S. and World History and, later, religious history and the Gospel, as well as the works of several leaders in the religious Reformation. Sharing the Gospel of the Lord with others was his joy. He also loved traveling, and was able to do so all over the world in the Navy, also visiting each of the Civil War Battle sites, and visiting family in Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Florida and Texas. In 2007, he donated a kidney to his brother.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Julie of La Salle; sons Craig (Imelda) and their four children of Pflugerville, TX; and Andrew, of Seattle WA; step-children Meghan Johnson and her son of Pontiac; Stephen (Brittney) Peterson, and their two sons, of Mesa, AZ and Jeff Peterson of Mesa, AZ. His brother Wayne (Dorothy) Lewis of Plymouth, MA and their children; a brother-in-law Rod(Barbara) Ramsell and their children, of Oklahoma; a special cousin Dotsey (Carroll) Burger, of Boynton Beach, FL; her daugthers, Sandy of Brewer, ME and Pam of Ft. Lauderdale, FL ; an aunt Louise Wiley, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and her son Robert; childhood friend Richard (Lorraine) Wass of South Berwick, ME. Also sharing his life are many close friends considered family in the Iola/Scandinavia, WI area. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Ina.

Online condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com

Duane E. Wolding, age 80, of Scandinavia, WI passed away Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point.

Duane was born in the Town of New Hope, Wisconsin on September 26, 1936, the son of Herbert O. and Evelyn (Henke) Wolding. Duane was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Margaret Loftis of Amherst on August 2, 1958 at St. James Catholic Church in Amherst. Duane attended Jerome Nelson Elementary School in Nelsonville, Amherst High School, the University of WI-Stevens Point and was a graduate of the University of WI-Madison School of Banking. He was a member of the Waupaca Unit of the Wisconsin National Guard and served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. Duane was a Director and President of the Bank of Athens, in Athens, WI and the Community Bank of Wausau.

Duane is survived by his wife, Margaret Wolding; his father, Herbert O. Wolding, Amherst; his sons: Marc (Deb) Wolding, Amherst; Christopher (Lisa) Wolding, Amherst and Jeffrey (Betsy) Wolding, Appleton; his grandchildren: Jessica (fiancé-Olivier Charousset) Wolding; Nicholas, Mitchell, Chad and Bailey Wolding; Jordan and Spencer Selbo and Paige (fiancé-Mason Reirsdorf) Selbo and one great-grandchild, Gavin Wolding-Charousset. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Duane was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn; his father and mother-in-law, Anthony and Stella Loftis, and cherished grandchildren, Erin Amanda Wolding and Tanner Duane Wolding.

A public memorial visitation will be held on Friday, March 31 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jungers-Holly Funeral Home in Amherst. As Duane wished, a private family service will be held at a later date at the Nelsonville Evangelical Lutheran Church. Reverend Dwight Anderson will officiate followed by full military rites at Nelsonville Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated to the Erin Wolding Scholarship Fund, the Tanner Wolding Memorial Fund or to the Nelsonville Lutheran Church.

Duwayne Keith Redmann went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

Duwayne was the son of Herbert and Frieda (Rosenau) Redmann, born in Oshkosh on August 4, 1928. He was baptized and confirmed in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and was a lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Weyauwega. On November 14, 1948, he married Mary Kadolph of Weyauwega. “D.K.” served in the United States Marine Corps from his high school graduation in 1946 through 1956 as a navigator and intelligence collector. His duty included several years in China and the Pacific. After leaving the military, he was a faithful employee to many local businesses, as well as a treasured friend, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather in the years that followed. His favorite pastimes included reading, writing about his experiences, and researching genealogy and military history. He enjoyed many hours with friends in the History Club and taking classes at the Tempe Public Library.

Welcoming him into his eternal reward are his parents, his father and mother-in-law, John and Edna Kadolph; sisters, Joan Behm and Helen Boelter; brother, Paul; son-in-law, Ralph Koch; grandson, Scotty Koch; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many friends. Looking forward to a blessed reunion in heaven are his wife, Mary and son, Matthew (both of Mesa, Arizona); daughters, Catherine Koch (Gilbert) McKenzie of Menasha, and Kerry (Michael) Franks of Independence; grandsons, Jason (Teresa) Koch of South Lyon, MI; Paul Koch of Hartland, and Zachary Franks of Ajo, AZ; granddaughters, Rebecca (Ken) Ambrosini of New London, Elizabeth (Craig) Barnhill of Grafenwohr, Germany, and Kathryn Franks of Eau Claire, and great-grandchildren, Breanna, Hailey, Madalyn Udics, and Ella Koch, Vincent Ambrosini, Owen and Siena Koch, Gracie Franks, and Calvin, Joel, and Vivian Barnhill; brother and sister-in-law, Gordon (Bud) and Sharon Kadolph, Cardelle Redmann, nieces and nephews.

The Christian Funeral for Duwayne will be held on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Weyauwega with Rev. Dennis Lemke and Rev. Newlin Schafer officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega. A visitation for Duwayne will be held at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Weyauwega is serving the family. www.clinehansondahlkefuneralhomes.com

We want to extend a very special thank you, to Reverends Martin Spaude, and Dennis Lemke for their friendship and pastoral care over the years, and the wonderful ladies of Crossroads and Bridges for their tender concern and care during the past two years. “He who lives and believes in Me will never die.”

Ty J. Turrubiates, age 40, passed away at home with family and friends around him, on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

He was born on October 2, 1976 in Waupaca, the son of Joseph and Donna (Elkins) Turrubiates. Ty attended Waupaca High School, then served our country with the U.S. Army for 16 years. He retired from the Waupaca Foundry after being diagnosed with cancer. He later bought an MMA store called Caged in Appleton, but eventually the cancer took over and he was unable to continue working. After many trips to the VA in Milwaukee, Ty lost his battle.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Heather Turrubiates; sons: Robert Skruch Jr. and Austin Turrubiates; daughter, Tearineye Turrubiates; three granddaughters: Evalynn, Olivia and Naevah; parents, Joseph and Donna Turrubiates; grandmother, Rita Elkins; brother, Joseph and Tara (Thoe) Turrubiates; sister, Tracy and Jeremy Schoenecker; brothers-in-law, Eddie and Terra Mitchell, Richard and Heather Mitchell; sister-in-law, Christina Barnett and Guy Feaker; as well as several nieces, nephews, family and friends that love him.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 3, 2017 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Maple Crest Funeral Home. Private family graveside services with full military honors will take place at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King. Everyone is welcome to a Celebration of Life Monday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the VFW in Waupaca.

Melvin John Wege, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

He was born on September 25, 1927, son of the late Fred and Olga Wege in the Town of Spencer, Marathon County. He was baptized on October 30, 1927 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wittenberg. Melvin was confirmed on May 24, 1942 at Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville. He was drafted into the US Army on December 7, 1945 and was honorably discharged on May 7, 1947. Melvin worked several jobs after leaving the Army. He was employed at the cheese factory, Simmons Furniture, Curwood/Bemis and Reisterer & Schnell. He served as the Sunday School Superintendent at Emanuel Lutheran and also as chaplain for the American Legion Post in New London. On April 19, 1952, he was united in marriage to Audrey Matz, at Grace Lutheran Church, Sugar Bush.

He is survived by his daughter, Lynn (Craig) Boesch, New Ulm, MN; a son, Karl (Barb) Wege, Oshkosh; grandchildren: Kurt (Leanne) Wege, Sun Prairie; Eric Wege, Bonduel and Stacy (Jabin) Justus, Shorewood, MN; step-grandchildren: James Wagner, Boulder, CO and Wendy (Nathan) Larson, Oshkosh; great-grandchildren: Savannah Wege, Reagan Wege, Landon Justus and Avery Justus; step-great-grandchildren: Elia and Harper Larson; sister: Arlene (Earl) Reek, Bear Creek; sisters-in-law: Margaret (Donald) Wege, Bear Creek and Agnes (Gerald) Wege, Clintonville; brothers-in-law, Leon (Donna) Matz, New London and Duane (Joyce) Matz, New London; special friend, Kathy Wege, Neenah and godchildren: Connie Lodebauer, Clifford Wege, Ronald Faust and Tom Matz. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Audrey (2004); brothers, Donald, Lester and Gerald; sister-in-law, Alberta Wege; godson, Darrell Reek; father and mother-in-law, Leonard and Marie Matz.

The funeral service for Melvin will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2017 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London. Rev. Marcus Schulz will be officiating. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. until the time of the service directly at the church. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Hortonville. Graveside military rites will be held. A memorial fund has been established. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com

Arthur O. “Art” Fitzner was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois in March 1926 to Arthur G. and Vera M. Fitzner. He attended Flossmoor Elementary School and Bloom High School, graduating in 1944. Art then entered the University of Louisville. After completing the speeded-up Navy V-12 and Navy ROTC programs he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1947. He then won a Bonneville Power Administration Research Fellowship at the University of Washington, graduating in 1949 with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

Art began his career teaching electrical engineering students at Vanderbilt University for two years, and subsequently worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Buffalo, New York designing control systems using advanced computer simulation techniques. This led to an opportunity to join Giddings & Lewis in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to expand his career into computer controlled machine tools which had opened a new era of automated manufacturing. Art finished his working career with the Mercury Marine Division of Brunswick Corporation in Fond du Lac. He was especially grateful to Mercury Marine for the opportunity to design the ignition modules and anti-stall device used in the first generation of V6 outboards (where the oil was mixed with the gas). Overall, Art’s thirty year career covered electrical engineering experience ranging from heavy industrial drive systems to outboard engine control modules, and resulted in his being awarded thirty U.S. patents.

Art married his wife Dixie in 1951 and had three children: a son Reid (who died in 1987), a son Wade, and a daughter Ardith. They retired to Weyauwega, Wisconsin, where Art designed their home to take maximum advantage of the natural beauty of the rolling land, woods and waters nearby.

Following his expressed wishes, Art was cremated with no formal funeral ceremony. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established. If friends and family wish to make a gift in his honor, checks can be made payable to the ThedaCare Hospice Foundation (1818 N Meade St. Appleton, Wisconsin 54911). Please list Arthur Fitzner on the memo line and funds will be directed to the Waupaca Community Fund. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

The family is especially grateful to Dr. Paul Sletten and his staff at ThedaCare Medical Center -Waupaca and to Dr. Robert Vlach and his staff at Wisconsin Urology for the care that Art received. The family also wants to thank the hospice nurses and workers who helped Art so much at the end of his life.

The O’Connell Funeral Home in Little Chute is serving the family.