Elaine R. Smith, age 86, of Clintonville, passed away Wednesday morning, August 17, 2016 at the Greentree Health & Rehabilitation Center in Clintonville.

Elaine was born April 4, 1930 in the Town of Deer Creek, Outagamie County as the daughter of the late John and Iva (Ritchie) Rhode. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and after moving with her family attended school in Clintonville. She met Clifford Smith at a soda fountain and the couple were later united in marriage on February 26, 1953 in Waupaca. Elaine had a gift when it came to cooking. This led to many years as a cook at the Marson Hotel, Lake Aire, and Clint-Mar. She then became a seamstress for Donaldson’s Cleaners in Clintonville until her retirement in 2001. In their younger years, Cliff and Elaine loved bowling and playing cards with friends. Cliff preceded his wife in death on August 19, 1989. Elaine was a Christian woman with a strong family background. She loved her children and grandchildren and as a professional cook, always made sure they went home full. When it came to her cooking, a little butter never went a long way. Elaine was not afraid of hard work, loved to spend time in her flower gardens, and enjoyed visiting with friends.

Survivors include: her daughter, Sue (Brent) Rogers, Marion; son, Michael (Carla) Smith, Clintonville; grandchildren: Paul (Jill) Rogers, Clintonville; Angela (Joshua) Marsh, Townsend; Jennifer Rogers, Clintonville; Kelli and Kenzie Smith, Clintonville; great-grandchildren: Jake, Jenna, and Jessica Rogers and Megan and Ashley Grosskruetz; siblings: Rosemary Sasse, Geraldine (Dennis) Kussmann, Therese (Roger) Mauel, John (Laura Lee) Rhode, and Dan Rhode; special nieces, Sandy Finger, Sallie Otto, and Penny Chang. Also numerous other nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Cliff, a son Terry in infancy; and siblings: Jim Rhode, Tom Rhode, Helen Fumelle Eastman, Rita Johnson, Lorraine Long and Jeanne Downham.

Elaine’s memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory in Clintonville with Rev. Brian Crocker officiating. Inurnment will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com

Peter G. Stich, 97, of Chicago, passed peacefully on Sunday, August 21, 2016.

He was born in Chicago on December 18, 1918, to Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Stich. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Margaret (nee Dougherty), who he married on February 19, 1949. A World War II Navy veteran, he served from 1943 to 1945. Peter retired as a bookkeeper from the Smoller Insurance Agency at the age of 62. At 72 he began his second career as an usher at Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs and at the United Center when it opened. Those years were some of his fondest memories. On top of being an avid fisherman who passed on his love of the outdoors to his children, he was a lifelong Chicago sports fan. Many happy years were spent and long-lasting friendships made during their retirement years in Waupaca, Wisconsin, with their children and grandchildren visiting often.

He is survived by his children, Kathy, Michael (Susan), Peggy Richard (William) and Peter (Vicki); his grandchildren, Matthew Kelly (Cathy), Elizabeth Faul (Kevin), Melissa Stich, Kevin Stich (Kellie) and Collin Stich and his great-grandchildren, Maggie and Caitlyn Faul.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to Furrever Family Animal Rescue, c/o Melissa Stich, 1 Basil Way, Apt 7, Bloomington, Illinois, 61705 or by visiting www.furreverfamily.com. Memorial mass arrangements pending.

Frank J. Roe Sr., 86, Denver, CO, formerly of the Marion area, passed away Aug. 23, 2016 in Lakewood, CO.

John F. Smith, age 75, of Weyauwega, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, August 25, 2016.

He was born on June 1, 1941, in New London, Wisconsin. On June 17, 1961, John married Sandra Ehrhardt, and this year, they celebrated 55 years of marriage.

John is survived by his wife, Sandy; two daughters, Mary (Peter) Griffin, Manawa and Lori (Steve) Gabrielson, Pine River; four grandchildren, Molly (Brandon Huhn), Garret, Bryan and Amber; his constant and faithful companion, Sammy; many other relatives and friends.

It was John’s wish that no funeral services were to be held. The Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont, assisted the family with arrangments.

James “Jim” L. Pfefferle, age 76 of the Town of Bear Creek, passed away August 25, 2016 in Appleton.

Catherine M. Thomander, age 90, of Waupaca, WI passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Lakeview Manor in Weyauwega, WI.

She was born in Chicago, IL on July 14, 1926, a daughter of the late Earl and Adaline (Gollrad) Thomander.

Catherine was a member of St. Olaf’s Episcopal Church in Amherst, WI. She grew up and spent her school years in Chicago before moving to Scandi-navia in 1945. She started her career working for her father in his Aluminum Window business. Catherine was the owner/opera-tor of Kay’s Gift Shop in Waupaca for 20 years. She was the owner of the H & R Block franchise in Waupaca for about 17 years and continued to work for H & R Block for about 28 years. Catherine was past Matron of the former Waupaca Chapter 107 Order of the Eastern Star, which she had joined in 1948. She loved quilting and sewing, and had created many beautiful pieces that were enjoyed by church and family.

Survivors include her sister, June (Roderick) Roehl, Hancock, WI; nieces and nephews: Kathy Nickel, Waupaca, WI; Tim (Susan) Rogan, Athens, GA; Cynthia (Paul) Leibsle, Hancock, WI; and Steve (Barb) Roehl, Menasha, WI. She is further survived by numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and friends. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, sister – Marie Rogan, two nephews – Mike Rogan and Dan Rogan, and her nephew-in-law – Vince Nickel.

Funeral Services will be held at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2016. Interment will be held at Lakeside Memorial Park in Waupaca. Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Theda Care Medical Center-Waupaca, Theda Care at Home Hospice and the staff at Lakeview Manor for all of their kind and compassionate care.

Ione L. Holman, age 90, of Waupaca passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at Bethany Home in Waupaca.

Ione was born in Boyceville, WI on October 5, 1925, the daughter of the late Clare and Vivien (Welch) Throne. Her family moved to Fremont and began attending Parfreyville Methodist Church. There she met James Holman and they were married on February 11, 1949. They worked side by side on their dairy farm, nine miles south of Waupaca. Here they raised their family. Together they sold vegetables, Ione in Clintonville and Jim in Shawano until they decided to just sell in Shawano. Ione and Jim traveled to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. Together they did Prison Ministry at Oxford, WI. They became Snowbirds in Mission, TX. where they loved square-dancing, rock hounding, playing shuffleboard and various card games. She always put her family first, and nothing made her happier than when her entire family gathered together.

Ione is survived by her daughters, Grace (Richard) Piechowski, Waupaca and Ruth Holman, Menasha; her grandchildren: Sandra (Alan) Cordes, Waupaca; James Piechowski, Milwaukee; Alicia (Ben) Wallin, Brodhead and Michelle Holman, Stoughton and her three great-grandchildren: Jameson, Hudson and Grayson Wallin. Ione is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her son, Kirk; a sister, Velma Dawson and her brother and sisters-in-law, Lois (George) Snyder, Lucy (Don) Bacon and John Holman.

The Funeral Service will be on Friday, September 2 at 11 a.m. at Parfreyville United Methodist Church, Waupaca, with Reverend Eric Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in the Parfreyville Cemetery, Town of Dayton. Visitation will be on Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are greatly appreciated to the Parfreyville United Methodist Church.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Bethany Home and Dr. Paul Sletten for their care and concern for Ione. Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kathryn M. Rogers, age 92, New London, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at ThedaCare Medical Center, Appleton.

She was born on October 25, 1923 in New London, daughter of the late Nick and Alma (Volz) Dreier. Kathryn was a 1941 graduate of New London High School and recently celebrated her 75th class reunion. On November 1, 1941, she was united in marriage to Jay C. Rogers. He preceded her in death in 1977. Kathryn enjoyed playing cards and formerly worked as a baker at Emanuel Lutheran School and New London High School.

She is survived by her children, Diane (Robert) Konkol, Amherst Junction and David (Amy) Rogers, Highlands Ranch, Colorado; nine grandchildren: Cindy, Kevin, Rodney, Allen, Nick, Taylor, Joey, Tony and Calvin; five great-grandchildren: Brittney, Mac, Carly, Kole and Lydia; two great-great-grandchildren, Kamara and T.J. She is further survived by her brother, Donald (Linda) Dreier, New London; sisters-in-law, Janet Dreier, Marge Dreier both of New London and Carol Rogers, Neenah and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a daughter Sharon, son Bruce, great-granddaughter Megan, and four brothers: William, Robert, Harold and Louis.

Funeral services for Kathryn will be held on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London with Rev. William Heiges officiating. Burial will be in the Floral Hill Cemetery, New London. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com

Dennis H. Rohde, age 74, of Manawa, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Theda Care Hospital in Appleton.

He was born on September 14, 1941, in Richmond, son of the late Herman and Alice (Sether) Rohde. Dennis graduated from Little Wolf High School. After getting his degree in Accounting, he worked for the Waupaca Hospital, Trade Winds in Manawa, and retired from Waupaca County. He enjoyed driving milk truck part-time, golfing, snowmobiling, and mowing his lawn. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manawa.

He is survived by two daughters, Marcia Hansen, Fairport, NY; Beth, (Terry) O’Brien, Appleton; seven grandchildren: Barry (Gina) Wagner, Minneapolis, MN; Kelly Hansen and special friend Eric Lachcz, San Francisco, CA; Joshua Hansen, Fairport, NY; Britta Hansen, Fairport; Nathan O’Brien and special friend Lindsay Wollerman, Appleton; Jacob O’Brien, Appleton; Nicholas O’Brien, Appleton; a great-grandson, Cole Wagner, Minneapolis, MN; sister, Peggy (Jeff) Moe, Waupaca; and sister-in-law, Audrey Rohde, Clintonville. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bill Rohde and Greg Rohde.

Private family services for Dennis will be held; however there will be a public visitation on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Manawa. Burial will be in Big Falls Cemetery. www.clinehansondahlkefuneralhomes.com

Thomas A. Lowe, age 57, of Waupaca passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Park Vista.

Tom was born in Appleton on January 15, 1959, the son of the late Russell Sr. and Jane (Brandherm) Lowe. Tom started installing floors at age 18, working for Stu’s Home Interiors. Three years later, he started his own business and installed floors for 36 years until Cancer forced him to retire. Tom loved fishing and even went so far as to buy his kids tip-ups for Christmas. He had 13 fish mounted. He played baseball and softball for over 35 years and had an incredible memory for sports statistics and music. He collected hundreds of football and baseball cards and went to over 100 rock concerts. He was one of the biggest Packer fans in Wisconsin and served both on the Packer advisory board in the Post Crescent as well as on a local radio show that commented on games. He was such a fan that the family named their pets (and children) after favorite players. Tom was so generous and was filled with the holiday spirit around Christmas time. Nothing made him happier than an oversized Christmas tree.

Tom was the proud father of his four children: Alysia (Kyle) Ehle, Dallas, TX; Brittany Lowe, San Francisco, CA; Jaclyn Lowe, Dallas, TX; Marcus Lowe, La Crosse, WI; his granddaughter, Brooklyn Annabelle Ehle. Tom is also survived by his siblings: Constance Van Zummeren, Waupaca; Barbara Lowe, Milwaukee; Russell Lowe Jr., Rhinelander; Richard (Sheila) Lowe, Waupaca; Mary (Tim) Angsten, Waupaca and Peter (Cindie) Lowe, Sherwood, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russ and Jane and a brother, Donald Lowe.

Memorial Services will be on Friday, September 2 at 3 p.m. at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca with Mark Gerlach and Jerry Drews officiating. Visitation will be on Friday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Because of Tom’s generous spirit, the family would greatly appreciate memorials for an Adopt-a-Family in his name during Christmas time. Picking out Christmas presents and making sure others had a nice holiday season was one of his favorite things. The family would like to thank the staff at Park Vista, Dr. Earl Anderson, Dr. Anthony Phillips and ThedaCare Hospice for taking such wonderful care to Tom. Holly Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

James Lawrence Tessen, age 96, of Hortonville, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Residence in New London.

Jim was born on July 8, 1920 in Town of Royalton, to the late Lawrence and Lula (Jenson) Tessen. He was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Jamison, on October 8, 1941 in Hortonville. Jim was raised on a farm and worked at a cheese factory for many years. He was also employed at the canning factory, Borchardt Moder Funeral Home and the Outagamie Highway Department, where he retired. Jim was a member of SS Peter and Paul Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America starting in 1957 and continued for over 50 years, including 12 years as Scoutmaster. He was a member of the Board of Review and was awarded the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award for his service with the Boy Scouts.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine; sons, Robert James (Gail), Bryan, TX; Dennis Lawrence (Peggy), Lancaster, PA and John Mark (Diane), Appleton, WI; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lucille Margaret (Henry) Fabisiak and grandparents, Herman and Mary Louise (Kupper) Tessen.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London and again from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church Wednesday. Burial will in SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Hortonville.

Harold A. “Doc” Laatsch, age 101 of Clintonville, passed away Saturday morning, September 3, 2016 at the Pine Manor Health Care Center in Embarrass.

Harold was born on May 28, 1915 in a log house on a farm near Caroline. He was the son of the late Adolph and Anne (Westphal) Laatsch. Harold graduated from Marion High School in 1933 and graduated from UW Madison in 1937 with a BS Degree in Pharmacy. On June 20, 1937 he was united in marriage to Ruby Bowers at her family’s farm in Marion. Harold worked as a pharmacist in Wisconsin Dells and then Milwaukee in 1940 while he was enrolled at Marquette University in the Dental School Program. He graduated from dental school in 1943 and was commissioned to 1st Lieutenant in the US Army Dental Corp. Harold’s first assignment was at the Carlyle Barracks in Carlyle, PA. His next assignment was at Ft. Campbell, KY where he did routine dental work on his fellow soldiers. In August of 1945, Harold received the rank of Captain and was sent to Ft. Harrison in Indianapolis, IN. In 1946 he was assigned to Camp Atterbury, IN and was honorably discharged from the Army after nearly three and a half years on October 12, 1946 at Ft. Sheridan, IL. Harold and Ruby then moved to Clintonville where Harold served the community as a well known dentist for over 50 years.

Harold was a member of St. Martin Lutheran Church in Clintonville since 1946. He also became a member of Clintonville American Legion Post 63 in 1946 where he served as Post Commander in 1970 and was active with the honor guard up until recent years. In 2007 Harold proudly received his 60 year membership certificate from the American Legion. He was a past member of the Clintonville Rotary Club where he served as president in 1966 –’67, was awarded the Paul Harris Award in 1988, was Rotarian of the Year in 1993, and was awarded a plaque for 45 years of perfect attendance. Harold loved the game of golf and enjoyed over 60 years of membership at Clintonville Riverside Golf Course. Some of his other accomplishments include: Life Member of Wisconsin & American Dental Associations, Waupaca County Dental Society where he served as past president, associate member of the Chicago Dental Society, President of the Fox River Valley Dental Society in 1965, member of the Veteran’s Park Committee, member of the first Marion High School Band in 1932, member of the UW Madison Band in 1934, volunteer accordion player at local nursing homes for over 10 years, and was named male volunteer of the year at Greentree Health Care Center in 2001 and 2005. Ruby preceded her husband in death on December 29, 2006. If you knew Harold, then you knew of his wonderful upbeat personality which will be missed by many.

Survivors include his children: Randolph “Randy” (Nancy) Laatsch, Maryland Heights, MO; Pamela (friend Wayne Lager) Laatsch, Oshkosh; Virginia Hilley, Weyauwega; Richard Laatsch, Oshkosh; granddaughter, Rebecca Hilley; and numerous other relatives including his special grand niece, Beth Bowers. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruby, four brothers: Herman, Edwin, Bernie, and Vilas Laatsch, and a sister Erlein Laatsch.

Harold’s funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Clintonville with Rev. Christian Burg officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery also in Clintonville with full military honors conducted by members of the Clintonville American Legion Post #63, VFW Post #664, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting his family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com

Ralph C. Hood Jr., age 86 of Waupaca, WI passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born on May 24, 1930 in Bessemer City, NC, the son of Ralph C Hood Sr. and Virginia (Ratterree) Hood. On September 1, 1956 Ralph married Joan Bell in Marquette, MI. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Ralph had an exemplary military career that spanned over 22-1/2 years in the United States Air Force serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After retiring from the Air Force he worked at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan as a maintenance supervisor from 1970 to 1975. In May of 1975 Ralph, Joan and their children moved to the Waupaca area where he worked for the School District of Waupaca as the Building & Grounds Supervisor, retiring in June of 1992. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1037 in Waupaca.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Joan M. Hood of Waupaca; four children: Jon Hood of Waupaca and his children, Brandon (Amanda) Hood and their daughter, Claire and Travis Hood of Appleton, Kathy (Barry) Jacowski of Almond; and their daughter, Nicole, David (Carie) Hood of Green Lake; and Jerry Hood of Waupaca; and Ralph’s best friend, Rocky. He is also survived by his sister, Charlotte Cox of Corvallis, OR and his brother, John (Janet) Hood of Prescott, AR; sisters-in- law: Margaret Bell, Helen Bell and Sharon (Howard) Ellis all from Marquette, MI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Bill and Frank; his sister, Marqurite Cleek; his brothers-in- law, Elwin Bell and William Bell.

Ralph enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and attending his son’s sporting events. He loved spending countless hours with his granddaughter and grandsons and his two dogs, both named Rocky. Ralph and Joan enjoyed their many trips to Florida during the winter months and their camping with friends during the summer months in Wisconsin. He also loved sitting and watching the many different species of birds which he fed on a daily basis.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 13 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Maple Crest Funeral Home, N2620 Hwy 22, Waupaca, WI 54981. Burial will take place at a later date.

Andrew Retzlaff, age 18, of Shawano, passed away in an automobile accident, on Saturday, September 3, 2016.

Born on August 25, 1998 in Vladimir, Russia, Andrew was the son of Brian and Karla (Knapp) Retzlaff. Andrew had just begun his senior year at Shawano Community High School. Growing up, he was a natural athlete and enjoyed playing football, baseball, and basketball. He loved hunting, fishing, working on the farm, and mud running in his free time. The bigger and louder the better, as far as Andrew was concerned, and no matter what he was doing he gave his all. His contagious smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Andrew is survived by: his mother, Karla (Terry) Hoffman of Gresham; his father, Brian (Brenda Wendler) Retzlaff of Shawano; siblings, Alex and Ava Retzlaff; step-brothers, René and Emanuel Hoffman; grandparents, Dave and Gloria Knapp and Betty Retzlaff; aunts and uncles, Gary and Patty Retzlaff, Connie (John Blasczyk) Retzlaff, Mike (Holly Zimmerman) Knapp, Mark and Carla Knapp, Kim (Mike McDaniel) Malchow, and Jason and Polly Knapp. He is further survived by his girlfriend, Amanda Onesti, as well as numerous cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Roland “Butch” Retzlaff.

A memorial service for Andrew will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano with Rev. Scott Ludford officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Camouflage attire is encouraged. Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

“Go Hard or Go Home”

swedbergfuneralhome.com

Kate Wilson, age 88 of Appleton, passed away September 4, 2016, at Brewster Village in Appleton.

Kate was born in Chicago on March 1, 1928, daughter of John and Caroline (Pier) Roemer. She was a graduate of East High School in Denver, and earned her degree in elementary education from the University of Whitewater. Kate was a lifetime member of the Theta Sigma Upsilon sorority. Throughout her life her teaching took her to various locales. They included Lake Geneva, East Moline, Illinois,; Normal, Illinois; New Lenox, Illinois, and finally to Weyauwega Elementary School. She dedicated herself to her career. Kate also enjoyed tennis in her younger years, and later began to attend auctions and travel with Norm in their retirement years. She also volunteered her time as a tutor to those young folks who needed assistance.

Kate’s family includes her husband, Norm Wilson of Appleton; two sons, Rodney (Anne) Wilson of Neenah and Stanley (Lisa) Wilson of Keshena; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Wilson of Appleton and her deceased husband Steven Wilson; a twin sister, Caroline (David) Willis of Green Lake; 12 grandchildren; two step-granddaughters; and her great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Kate will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton, with Rev. Rick Schroeder officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at St. Mary Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. For more information or to share a memory of Kate, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.

Living longer than she ever imagined, Helen C. Fraaza, age 91, passed away at home on Saturday, September 3, 2016.

Helen was born May 13, 1925 in Rudolph WI to the late Gilbert and Emma Akey. On October 18, 1947 she married the love of her life, Vernon Fraaza, who preceded her in death in 1984.

Helen enjoyed a “good book”, family dinners, board games, Badger sports, and a child in her arms. Grandmother was her favorite role.

She is survived by her son Gary(Colleen); daughter Vicki(Chris); granddaughters Marisha, Megan (Avery); grandson Ross, 2 great grandchildren (Lily and Carter), many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Her parents, husband, 4 sisters and 6 brothers preceded her in death.

A graveside memorial service will take place at a later date.

And on that cheek,
and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent
The smiles that win,
the tints that glow
But tell of days in
goodness spent,
A mind at peace with
all below,
A heart whose love is innocent

Lord Byron,
She Walks In Beauty

Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Walczak, age 88 passed away on July 19, 2016.

Elizabeth was born October 3, 1927, daughter of the late Anton and Regina (Kosmatka) Lewandowski. On May 28, 1952, Elizabeth married Raymond Walczak. They shared life together for 57 years, and dedicated their lives to the Lord and their eight children. They enjoyed Waupaca’s Chain of Lakes, eventually residing there together as well as their winter home in Ocala, Florida. Elizabeth had a love for the Lord and was strong in her Catholic faith. She was a devoted wife, mom and grandmother. She loved sewing, baking, crocheting, knitting and generously shared the fruits of these talents with others.

Elizabeth is survived by five daughters: Joan (George) Stillman, Cynthia (James Tomlin), Lois (Tom) Willford, Kathleen (Brian) Mason, Andrea (Chris Brownell); three sons: Thomas (William Mansavage), Gerald (Karen), James (Susan), 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Raymond in 2010, her brother Alfred, one infant brother, and one infant sister.

Services will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Community, Friday, September 16 at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10 until 11 a.m. at the church. Holly Funeral Home is assisting in arrangements.

“When we get to the end of our lives together, the house we had, the cars we drove, the things we possessed won’t matter. What will matter is, that I had you, and you had me.”

-Ray and Elizabeth

Reunited 2016

Frederick Carlton Klaus, age 79 of Rhinelander, WI, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at his home.

He was born on March 22, 1937 in Clintonville, WI to Walter and Valeria (Schoofs) Klaus. Mr. Klaus graduated from Clintonville High School in 1955 and then attended the UW-Madison where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1959. While at the university, he was a member of the Triangle Fraternity. Following college, he was hired by the Heil Company of Milwaukee, WI where he worked for three years until he was recruited by Caterpillar Tractor Company in 1963. Mr. Klaus was employed with Caterpillar for 37 years until his retirement in 1999. On November 12, 1977, he married Lois Ann Hartzell in Edgerton, WI. As a wedding gift to one another, they purchased a lake cottage in Rhinelander. In 2000, they converted the cottage to a permanent residence where they could enjoy the Northwoods to its fullest.

Mr. Klaus is survived by his daughter, Krista (Adam) Matyska of Harshaw, WI; a grandson, Maddux Matyska; a sister, Sylvia (Jim) Malloy of Elgin, IL; and a brother, Walter (Rita) Klaus of Fond du Lac, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Lois in 2002.

A graveside service for Mr. Klaus will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Milton Lawns Memorial Park in Janesville, WI. Carlson Funeral Home of Rhinelander is assisting with arrangements and condolences to the family may be directed at www.carlsonfh.com.

Willard A. Laabs, 87, of Milwaukee, formerly of New London, entered eternal life in Jesus on September 7, 2016 at his home in Milwaukee.

He was born November 16, 1928 in rural Dale, Wisconsin to Robert F. Laabs and his wife Agnes Neumann. He graduated from Hortonville High School in 1946 and spent most of his life engaged in farming, as well as other pursuits. He served as janitor at Emanuel Lutheran Church and School, operated his own Borden’s dairy products distributorship, worked at R & L Electric and owned and managed residential rental units. He also regularly served the churches to which he belonged. On December 29, 1951 Willard married Marion House of New London and moved to a farm there. Their marriage was blessed with three children: David (Sharon) Laabs of Kiel, Connie (Charles) Cortright of Milwaukee and Terry (Denise) Laabs of Burlington, as well as eleven grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren.

Willard is survived by his loving wife Marion, his three children, as well as eleven grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Melvin of Las Vegas, NV, and Dennis (Caroline) of Hortonville, as well as sisters-in-law, Winnifred Laabs of Appleton and Janice Laabs of Beaver Dam. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Gilbert Laabs and Donald Laabs, and sister-in-law, Nona Laabs.

A memorial service will be held at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 9550 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, on Saturday September 17, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. There will be visitation with the family prior to the service at the church from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to the Wil-Mar Scholarship Fund at Wisconsin Lutheran College, 8800 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226.

Kreg A. La Rue, age 55, of Waupaca, died unexpectedly at his home on September 8, 2016.

He was born on February 10, 1961 in Neenah, Wisconsin, the son of Glenn and Harriet Louise (Pflum) La Rue. Kreg served his country in the US Army. Kreg loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and dogs. He was most recently employed by Wilson Herd.

Kreg is survived by his mother, Harriet Louise Bucholtz, Waupaca; his father, Glen La Rue, Milton, West Virginia; a sister, Valerie La Rue, Alamogordo, NM; an aunt and uncle, other relatives and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 16, 2106 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont. A memorial fund has been established.

Kreg’s family would like to extend a special Thank You to the Waupaca Co. Sheriff’s Department, as well as the Waupaca County Coroner for your caring and compassion during this difficult time.