Shawano Area Obituaries
Ruth M. Mehler
Ruth M. Mehler, 99, formerly of Bonduel, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2015.
Private family services will be held.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetRobert H. Breitenbach
Robert Harold Breitenbach, 78, of Shawano, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015.
Arrangements are pending with Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetRonald R. Erickson
Ronald R. Erickson, of West Bend, died on Monday, May 4, 2015, at Cedar Crossings at the age of 78 years. He was born in 1936 near Tigerton to the late Raymond and Erna (nee McFarlane) Erickson, the oldest of seven children.
The family moved to Kewaskum, then farmed in the Kohlsville and Boltonville areas. He graduated from Random Lake High School in 1954.
In 1956, Ron joined the United States Army. While stationed near Kassel, Germany, he met and married Helga Kersting on April 21, 1960. They returned to the states and settled in the West Bend area. His wife, Helga, died in 1970.
Ron worked for the West Bend Police Department as a third-shift dispatcher. In 1991, he retired from the West Bend Police Department after 25 years of dedicated service.
Survivors include three children, Ralph (Christine) Erickson, of Stoughton, Mark (Amy), of LaValle, and Jennifer (Terry) Sell, of West Bend; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his longtime companion, Elaine Briel; two sisters, Shelby (Darrel) Hills and Cindy Brueggeman, both of Fond du Lac; two brothers, Dennis (Mary) Erickson, of Woodruff, and Niles (Dorothy) Erickson, of De Pere; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald and Marlyn (Delores).
A gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 9, at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with burial services to follow at Washington County Memorial Park.
Memorials to the Washington County Humane Society or the National Kidney Foundation would be appreciated.
The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family.
Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetRichard N. Mielke
Richard “Dick” N. Mielke, 70, of Black Creek, passed away Monday, May 4, 2015, at home. He was born Nov. 16, 1944, son of the late Nathan and Marian (Brugger) Mielke.
Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1967. He later was educated as a butcher and was well-versed on his cuts of meat.
Dick returned to the family farm, where he thoroughly enjoyed doing the field work. He had many passions that revolved around farming, including his tractor collection and restoring antique tractors, working with the Belgian draft horses with his dad, and farm equipment maintenance.
He liked to ride motorcycles and snowmobiles. The Fourth of July festivities and fireworks were also some of Dick’s favorite pastimes.
On Sept. 12, 1981, he was united in marriage to Sherry Keen. He was proud to be a father to Sherry’s children. Sherry preceded him in death on Sept. 16, 2013. Richard and Sherry farmed in the town of Maine until retiring in 2003. Following retirement he liked to mow lawn so much he worked at the sod farm in Black Creek cutting all of the grass.
He loved to watch old western movies and could do it all day long. Dick also enjoyed his gun collection.
He was a car connoisseur, and his very first love was a ‘66 GTO. Over the years there were many cars, with one of his favorites being Mustang Sally. He enjoyed going out for a ride with Sherry, watching car shows and had a thing for chrome. There is no doubt his scribbled notes will be found around the farm for years to come.
He is survived by his children, Joseph (Nancy) Richlen, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, William (Rhonda) Richlen, Green Bay, and Christina (Jeremy) Neal, Black Creek; grandchildren, Melissa and Matthew Richlen, Alyssa (John) VandenHeuvel, Connor, Braedon and Emma Richlen, Bethany Froehlich, Breanna Stanelle, Daniel and Candelara Neal; and great-grandchildren, Elijah Richlen and another on the way. He is further survived by his sister, Debra Mielke, California; brothers, Chris Mielke, California, and Gene Mielke, Nichols; sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Thomas) Merkes, Appleton, Nancy (Gary) Kleczewski, Neenah, and Mary (Robert) Summers, Wrightstown; brothers-in-law, John Vogt, Appleton, Jim (Janeen) Keen, Green Bay, and Gary (Sue) Keen, Appleton. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and his dog, Tinkerbell.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife; parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Irene and Erwin Keen; and sister-in-law, Paula Vogt.
Friends may call at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, on Saturday, May 9, 2015, from 11 a.m. until the funeral service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Bernard Fergusson officiating. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton, at a later date.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com.
Thanks to our special neighbor and friend Marlene for everything you have done for Dick to make life easier for him.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetAnthony M. Zahringer
Anthony “Tony” M. Zahringer, 91, of Gresham, passed away on May 1, 2015, at Oakhaven in Shawano. Tony was born on Jan. 13, 1924, in Gresham to the late Frank W. and Agnes (Berdoll) Zahringer. Tony attended Gresham High School and graduated in 1943. He lived in Gresham all his life and owned and operated Zahringer Trucking and Excavating. Tony was united in marriage to Louise “Tootie” (Little) Nietzer on Nov. 9, 1974, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 1, 1984. On Feb. 14, 1990, he was united in marriage to Dolores “Dodo” (Garska) Huntington, and she preceded Tony in death on Dec. 11, 2013. He was a member of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Gresham. Tony had a love of baseball, especially for the Brewers and Cubs. He was excited to attend a World Series game with Tom in Minneapolis. He was also an avid Packer fan. In his free time, he enjoyed playing sheephead, plowing snow, taking walks through the fields, and reading the newspaper from front to back. He loved big equipment and enjoyed nature, especially the birds. He also had a special place in his heart for all of his dogs.
He is survived by his stepchildren, Charmaine (Bill) Arendt, of Gresham, Nancy (Walter) Felty, of Mississippi, Lisa (Tim) Nietzer, of Appleton, Randy Nietzer, of Gresham, Joseph Huntington, of Texas, Bonnie (Robert) Engel, of Shawano, Harry “Bud” (Jane) Huntington, of Wausau, Esther (Dennis) Schutt, of Shawano, Steven (Patricia) Huntington, of Two Rivers, Sally Huntington, of Appleton, Tim (Beth) Huntington, of Gresham, Wendy (Lee) Hafner, of Shawano, Thomas (Lauren) Huntington, of Minnesota, Bert (Mary Beth) Huntington, of Gresham, and Dan (Denise) Huntington, of Gresham, numerous stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren, and stepgreat-great-grandchildren. Tony is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Tony was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise, his second wife, Dolores, two stepsons, Charles “Bill” and James Nietzer, one stepdaughter, Kathleen Raasch, his parents, and his brother, Francis “Happy” Zahringer.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2015, at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Gresham with the Rev. Dave Barrett officiating. Burial is in St. Francis Solanus Cemetery. Visitation was held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Gresham on Sunday, May 3, 2015, from 4-8 p.m. and again at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Because Tony was a proud supporter of the Gresham Scholarship Fund, memorials may be directed there. An alternate memorial is being established for the Piarist.
Tony’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Paiser’s Oakhaven for everything they did for Tony over the past two years to make him feel loved and at home there.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetSusan Elizabeth Hanson, M.D.
After a full and glorious life, Susan Hanson, M.D., moved on to a different adventure May 2, 2015. She was born Nov. 25, 1937, in Wausau, daughter of the late Irving and Doris (Hager) Hanson.
Susan grew up in Wittenberg and graduated valedictorian of her class at Wittenberg High School. She was the first woman from WHS to enter medical school. She attended Hiram College in Ohio, where she attained her bachelor’s degree. She spent time in Europe with fellow students experiencing the world outside Wisconsin and Ohio. This sparked a love of travel. Susan attended medical school at the University of Chicago, interned at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, Pennsylvania, and completed her residency in 1967 at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York. During that time she traveled to Africa.
Dr. Susan started her career as director at the Monroe County Psychiatric Hospital Unit in Rochester, New York. In 1973, she became the psychiatrist-in-chief and director at the Genesee Mental Health Center in Rochester. After 11 very productive years with Genesee, Susan opened her own private practice, as well as working with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rochester until her retirement.
Susan, an advocate for those with chronic alcoholism, became a member of the East House Board and was instrumental in the development of the halfway house program. In 1983, the first Crossroads home located in Rochester was named Hanson House in her honor. She worked diligently as an advocate for many causes, including Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, Monroe County Medical Society, Coalition for Women’s Health, Greater Rochester Women’s Fund and others. Dr. Susan received honors from the following: Leroy Snyder Memorial Award, National Council on Alcoholism and Rochester Women’s Magazine. She became a Fellow in the American Psychiatric Association.
After retirement, Susan returned to the family home in Wittenberg, where she continued to offer her vision and energy for numerous organizations. From its inception in 2005, Susan has been involved with the Walls Of Wittenberg (WOW). With her expertise and leadership, WOW has been able to provide central Wisconsin with art shows and concerts drawing artists and audiences from across the state. Susan has been instrumental in creating and updating WOW’s website, writing grant applications, organizing art shows and contests, and hiring artists to paint murals.
Susan was the secretary of the Wittenberg Area Historical Society and worked on fundraising projects to maintain and repair the society’s building. She was a board member for Forest Home Cemetery in Wittenberg, the Shawano Area Community Foundation and the Wittenberg Area Development Corporation, and served as a member of the Planning Commission for the Village of Wittenberg Development Corporation. In April 2015, Susan received the 2015 Wittenberg Community Service Award sponsored by Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats.
Susan was devoted to doing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzles in ink and reading it cover to cover. She continued to travel, including trips to Norway and Costa Rica. She had an amazing eye for interesting and unusual art and ethnic crafts, and filled her home with many wonderful pieces. Susan was a fabulous cook, planning elaborate menus for parties, some theme-based and complete with costumes! An avid reader of most genres, she frequently had three or four books going at a time and loved sharing great authors with friends and family.
Her passion for gardening was passed down from her parents, and her garden was colorful and joyous.
Survivors include her siblings, Robert (Gayle) Hanson, Crossville, Tennessee, Phillip (Mary Jane) Hanson, DVM, Durand, and Mary Hanson-Spofford, Seattle, Washington; nieces, nephews and their children; and a cohort of loving friends.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents; niece, Anna Hanson; and sister-in-laws, Mary Jane Hanson and Jean Hanson.
A Susan concert will be held at the WOW Art Park at a later date to be announced.
Private internment will take place at the Forest Home Cemetery.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
In memory of Susan, please consider a memorial to one of her cherished causes: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 510795, Milwaukee, WI 53203-9815; National Women’s Health Network, 1413 K St NW No. 400, Washington, D.C. 20005; Doctors Without Borders, 333 Seventh Ave, Second Floor, New York, NY 10001-5004; Walls of Wittenberg, P.O. Box 188, Wittenberg, WI 54499; East House, 259 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY 14604-2318; Garth Fagan Dance, 50 Chestnut St., Fourth Floor, Rochester, NY 14604-2318.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetDavid D. Wright
David Duane Wright passed peacefully Monday morning May 4, 2015, surround by his beloved family and friends. He was 77.
David, the eldest of 11 children, was born Jan. 6, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Clarence “Bud” and Irene (Calkins) Wright. David spent his childhood working at the family’s farm in Shawano until the age of 20. He then moved to Kenosha, where he worked at American Motors until he retired in 1983. He made Shawano his home shortly after retiring. On Dec. 13, 2000, he was united in marriage to Virginia (Vedder) Calkins. They shared a total of 28 wonderful years with each other. David was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. He enjoyed watching WWE Wrestling and NASCAR. He loved spending time with his family and friends and had an unforgettable smile that will always be remembered.
David is preceded in death by his son, Duane Wright, his daughter, Elizabeth Wright; his great-grandson, Mason Laube; his parents; and his brother, Tom Wright.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia “Ginger”; his brothers and sisters, Carole (Robert) Fredrickson, Larry Wright, Jim Wright, Tim (Sue) Wright, Donald (Linda) Wright, Catherine Pierce, Eva (Jerry) Buhrandt, Arthur (Susan) Wright, Barbra (Robert) Hawkins; six stepchildren, Ralph (Debra) Calkins, Rick Calkins, Russell (Bobbi) Calkins, Robin Calkins, Randy (LaRayne) Calkins, Rodrick (Jill) Calkins; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel. Visitation will be at the funeral home Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. David’s family encourages Packer attire be worn to his service.
The family also sends a special heartfelt acknowledgment to Heartland Hospice (Bill and Elizabeth), John Greer and all those who touched his life.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetLouis H. White
Louis Hale White, 89, of Shawano, went to spend eternity with his lord on April 30, 2015. Louis was born on Oct. 26, 1925 in Salem, Iowa, the son of the late Ralph and Velda (King) White. He enlisted in the Marines in 1943 and served our country for three years. While in the Marines, he was at the invasion of Iwo Jima and the invasion of Japan when the A-bombs were dropped before returning to Iowa in 1946. Louis was united in marriage to Betty Lou Folker on Nov. 27, 1946 in Winfield, Iowa, and she preceded him in death on March 23, 2005. Louis was a member and past master of the Shawano Masonic Lodge 170, a member of the Valley of Green Bay-Scottish Rite, Lodge of Perfection, Beja Shrine Temple, member and past President of Shawano Shrine Club, Hospital Chairman for Shriner’s Hospital for 15 years and a member of the VFW Post 2723. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing and was an avid Packer fan.
Louis is survived by his daughter, Connie (Dennis) Zubb, of Paletine, Illinois, and their children Mike Zubb and Kim (CJ) Jarboe; his son, John White, of Shawano, and his children, Ray (Lindsay) White, Jenni (Brad) Sperberg, and Mollie White; seven great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Kensi, Avery, Dayton, Finley, Laci and Layla, two brothers, Lee and Marlo; one sister, Lorene; as well as his special friend, Pat Jeglum.
He was preceded in death by his wife of over 56 years, Betty, his parents, three brothers, Dale, Ross, Oren and one sister, Evelyn.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with the Rev. Marty Black officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by VFW Post 2723. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015, with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will be held again at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorials may be directed to Shriners Hospital.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetDonald Ausman
Donald Ausman, 89, of Cecil, died on Friday, May 1, 2015, in Shawano. Don was born on July 30, 1925, in Eau Claire, the son of the late Samuel and Phila (Quilling) Ausman. He lived and worked on the family dairy farm until enlisting in the military with the Wisconsin State Guard and the Army 82nd Airborne engineers. In June 1948, Don married his high school sweetheart, Ethel Rose Gibson. He attended UW-Madison where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Education and Dairy Science. After graduation, he worked as a dairy specialist in the county and state Agricultural Extension. He was employed as the first manager of Agricultural Records Coop in Madison, which evolved to present, AgSource Coop, a part of CRI. In 1965, he was employed as marketing director of Badger Breeders Coop in Shawano and was with that organization through various organizational changes. In 1989, he retired as the vice president of planning and development. He is a past member of the Shawano Rotary Club and enjoyed snowmobiling, canoeing, camping, boating, bird watching and music.
Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ethel Rose; daughter Jennifer (James) Borell, of Ripon; son Thomas (Susan) Ausman, of Metamora, Illinois; and four grandchildren, Andrew Borell, of Portland, Oregon, Alyssa Borell, of Tallahassee, Florida, Marissa Ausman, of Des Moines, Iowa and Daniel Ausman of Columbia, Missouri.
A reception to honor Don’s memory will be held in the Jackson Room, at Mason Woods, N6446 Emory Ansorge Road, Cecil, from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2015.
Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetLouis H. White
Louis H. White, 89, of Shawano, passed away on April 30, 2015, in Shawano. Arrangements are pending with Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetEllen M. Haute
Ellen M. Haute, 93, of Crivitz, formerly of Green Bay, went home to her Lord on Monday, April 27, 2015, at Rennes Health Care Center in Peshtigo.
She is survived by one son, Wayne (Jean) Haut, of Hudson; one daughter, Barbara (Ervin) Paulson, of Silver Cliff; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; also many friends and relatives.
Her husband, Arthur, preceded in death on Oct. 8, 2006; also one brother and two sisters.
Friends and relatives may call at the Grace Lutheran Church in Crivitz on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. until time of funeral at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jonathan Zietlow officiating. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery in Crivitz.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetShirley A. Buschel
Shirley A. Buschel, 61, of Pelican Lake, died Monday, April 27, 2015, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on Aug. 30, 1953, in Shawano to Roland and Marcella (Krause) Degener.
Shirley is survived by her mother, Marcella Degener, of Shawano; her husband, William Buschel, of Pelican Lake; children, Stephen (Debbie) Buschel and Melissa (Robert) Granada, both of Pelican Lake; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Susan (Wayne) Malliet, of Shawano, and Donna (Kevin) Huebner, of Belle Plaine; and one brother, David Degener, of Sherwood.
She was preceded in death by her father, Roland, and a brother, Keith Degener.
A graveside service for Shirley will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Enterprise Cemetery with the Rev. Neil Varnum officiating.
Carlson Funeral Home of Rhinelander is in charge of arrangements.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetWilliam R. Koch
William R. “Bill” Koch, 66, of Cobb, died on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at his home due to complications of diabetes.
Bill was born on May 29, 1948, in Shawano to William and Myrtle (Brandenberg) Koch. He was a 1966 graduate of the Marion High School. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Bill married Denise Benson of Dodgeville on March 17, 1985. They lived in Denver, Colorado, where Bill worked as a bail bondsman until returning to Wisconsin in 2007.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Audrey Schofield and her husband, Phil; and many aunts and uncles.
Bill is survived by his wife, Denise, of Cobb; two sisters, JoAnn (Wally) Niklaus, of Rosemound, Minnesota, and Carrol (Terry) Mayne, of The Villages, Florida; his dogs, Ava and Mocha; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes returned to Colorado.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home Dodgeville is assisting the family.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetPhillip P. Van Eyck
Phil Paul Van Eyck, 62, of Gresham, formerly of Little Chute, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, April 27, 2015. He was the son of Bea and Dick Hahn and the late Paul Van Eyck.
On May 7, 1982, Phil was united in marriage to Lois Le Noble.
Phil is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Angela (Brandon) Raddant, Sarah Van Eyck and Paul (Christina) Van Eyck; his grandchildren, whom he loved so dearly, Haily Van Eyck, Ella Shepard, Spencer, Tyler and Grayson Raddant; his parents, Bea and Dick Hahn; siblings, Susan Miller, Jerry (Edna) Van Eyck, Paula (Bob) Vander Weyst and Dennis (Michelle) Hahn.
Funeral services will be at noon Saturday, May 2, 2015, at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 101 Canal St., Little Chute. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Kaukauna.
For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.
The Van Eyck family would like to extend a special thank you to ThedaCare at Home Hospice for their care and compassion, to the Dream Foundation and Matt Rambow for fulfilling Phil’s dream. and also to the many family members and friends who have helped during this difficult time.
Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 101 Canal St., Little Chute, is assisting the family.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetHeather Ann Bleick
Heather Ann Bleick, 34, of Anchorage, Alaska, died on April 22, 2015, in Anchorage. Heather was born on Feb. 3, 1981, in Green Bay to James and Jean (Druckrey) Bleick. She attended St. Paul Lutheran School, Bonduel, grades 1-8, graduated with honors from Bonduel High School in 1999 and was the secretary of her senior class. She had volunteered at the Bonduel Village Vet Clinic during her high school years.
Heather graduated cum laude from St. Norbert College, De Pere, with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004 and also qualified for a business degree. Her adviser said it wasn’t possible to have such different fields and complete coursework in four years, but she did it. She received the Field Geologist Award, was past president of the Geology Club and participated in the Army ROTC Program for 2½ years while attending SNC. She was recognized among the battalion of 100 or so cadets for academic achievement, physical fitness, teamwork and superb leadership. She earned the ROTC’s most prestigious award that recognizes overall excellence in leadership as a sophomore. Her superior officer, Maj. Paul Chamberlain, wrote a special letter of recommendation for Heather to be accepted into graduate studies at Kent State University in Ohio. Professor Jim Puckette from Oklahoma State University also wrote a letter of recommendation. In his letter he stated she definitely has the intellectual capacity and personality traits necessary to complete a Ph.D. She then attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, from 2003-2005 and graduated Aug. 12, 2005, with a Master of Science degree.
Heather was an extremely determined young woman who studied and worked very hard. She received an award at a national conference for her work in geology. After graduation from Vanderbilt, she worked at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia, for one year on a project in the Chesapeake Bay. The following summer, she worked on Mount Desert Island in Maine for the park service as a ridge runner. The fall of 2006, she and her sister, Michelle, drove to Anchorage, Alaska, where Heather started working for the U.S. Geological Survey and met the love her life, Dr. Peter Cervelli. They were married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel on Aug. 2, 2009. They lived in Alaska and California. They enjoyed the study of volcanoes, and what better place to be than in the Western U.S. and Alaska working for the U.S. Geological Survey. St. Norbert College Alumni Magazine also did a story about her and her work in the summer in 2009 issue.
Heather especially loved all animals, including her cat, Leopard. She loved her cats Winston and Samantha, both of which preceded her in death. She dearly loved and studied meerkats, and Peter made arrangements just prior to their relocation to Alaska for a special VIP tour at the Palm Springs Zoo to feed and play with the African meerkats.
She was a published author in the geology field, and very much enjoyed the outdoors. She took trips to the Boundary Waters area in Northern Minnesota, climbed at least six 14,000-foot mountains in the Western USA and Alaska, all while collecting rock samples and mapping the areas she hiked.
She enjoyed spending time with her family on many special trips, as well as fishing and deer hunting. She loved to cook many different flavorful, healthy recipes.
Heather is survived by her husband, Peter Cervelli, Anchorage, Alaska; her parents, Jim and Jean Bleick, of Pulaski; sister, Michelle (special friend, David Luepke) Bleick, of Bonduel; father and mother-in-law, Gene and Joan Cervelli, Paradise Valley, Arizona; grandmother, Marge Bleick, of Cecil; brother and sister in-law, Dan and Annie Cervelli, Mountain View, California; brother-in-law, Chris Cervelli, Denver, Colorado; niece and nephew, Phoebe and Malcom Cervelli, Mountain View, California; aunts and uncles, Jerry and Priscilla Druckrey, Mike and Joan Druckrey, Mary and Bill Kupersmith, Linda and John Wallrich, Ruth and Steve Klein, and Jeffrey Suski. She is further survived by her godchild and cousin, Hope Suski; first cousins, Todd, Ted and Jenny Druckrey, Jenny and Josh Wallrich, David (Debbie) Suski and Luke Suski; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Heather was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ed and Evelyn Druckrey; paternal grandfather, Bob Bleick; and first cousin, Matthew Suski.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. May 2, 2015, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel with the Rev. Timothy J. Shoup officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, May 1, 2015, from 4-8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Today we grieve for the loss of such a special and gifted young woman. We remain firm in our belief in the triune God who sent his own son to die and was resurrected for the redemption of our sins. We look forward to seeing her again on the day of resurrection, may we all take comfort in that knowledge. Heather was the most kind, compassionate, loving, humble, sharing and caring person we have ever had the privilege of knowing. She loved the simple things in life, while touching and enriching the lives of so many people during the course of her life, including the people she met at St. Norbert College, Vanderbilt University, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Graf Creamery, her grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and all of her friends.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetWarren G. Sousek
Warren G. Sousek, 71, passed away unexpectedly April 25, 2015, at his home in Leopolis.
Warren was born on April 21, 1944, in Shawano, the son of the late Alex and Jean (Cerveny) Sousek. He graduated from Marion High School in 1963. On Dec. 6, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy Schewe.
In the spring of 1965, Warren started building a home on a parcel of land from his dad’s farm near Leopolis, where he lived his entire life. After graduating from high school, he worked at a few area businesses: Knitts in Marion, Leslie Mehlberg Builders, Caroline, and Kucksdorf Construction, Leopolis. In 1972, he took over his dad’s farm. After Warren sold the dairy herd, he still was involved in farming, raising beef and crops up until he had a stroke in October. He enjoyed visiting with friends, playing cards and working in the woods.
Warren was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Leopolis and will be sadly missed by his family, relative and numerous friends.
Warren is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Tim Sousek; mother-in-law, Lucille Schewe, of Caroline; brother-in-law, Ron (Ruth) Schewe, of Sherwood; and many cousins and friends.
Besides his parents, Warren was preceded in death by a son, Jeff Sousek, and father-in-law, Herb Schewe.
Private family services were held for Warren on April 28, 2015, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with Lay Pastor Lois Graper officiating. Internment was in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Leopolis.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetRodney G. Krull
Rodney G. Krull, 73, of Mercer, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2015, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home. He was born July 22, 1941, to the late John and Luella (Gottschalk) Krull.
On Oct. 20, 1962, Rodney was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Peterson. She preceded him in death April 25, 2011. The couple lived in the Nichols area prior to moving to Mercer, where he built his dream house. He enjoyed time spent with his family, riding his Harley — completing his bucket list of traveling to all four corners of the United States — with his good friend Carol, fishing, ice fishing, carpentry and woodworking. He served proudly in the 101st Airborne Army Division.
He is survived by his son, Clifford (Kelly) Krull, Nichols; grandchildren, Savanna and Garret; brother and sister, James (Virginia) Krull, Audrey (Robert) Moeller; brother-in-law, David (Karen Hackelberg) Peterson; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Krull and Shirley Krull; special friend, Carol Page. Also surviving are very special friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin, and brothers, Jack, Stewart and Terry.
Friends may call at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home on Thursday, April 30, 2015, from 3 p.m. until services at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Theodore Hendricks officiating. Entombment will be at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton. Military honors will be provided following the services at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com.
A special thank you to the staff of eighth floor Appleton Medical Center and Good Shepherd Nursing Home for all your care and concern.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetJoel A. Gast
Joel A. Gast, 75, formerly of Shawano, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2015, surrounded by family in San Diego, California.
Born on Jan. 21, 1940, Joel A. Gast grew up in Shawano. Upon graduating from Valparaiso University in Indiana, he and his wife, Rachel (Shellie), ventured out to Los Angeles, where he started his electrical engineering career in 1962 at North American Aviation.
In 1964, they moved to San Diego, where Joel was employed by Ryan Aeronautical. There he helped design the landing radar for the Lunar Excursion Module used on the first lunar landing in 1969. During his life he held various other jobs, including vice president at RD Instruments, a position he held for some time and where he mentored many young engineers along the way. He was most recently employed by Teledyne RD Instruments.
He taught his wife to golf, a pastime they enjoyed many years together. Among the best trips they took was to Hawaii with the family to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012 — a wonderful memory they all share.
His wife and children, Andy (Tina), Bridget, Chris (Cherlyn) and Becky (Dave), will miss him immensely, as will his eight beautiful grandchildren, Morgan, Lindsey, Sebastian, Lily, Katy, Peyton, Jack and Matthew. He also leaves behind his brother, Jon, and sister, Julie, who reside in Sturgeon Bay.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetLouis Joseph Dixon
Louis Joseph Dixon began his new journey on April 26, 2015.
Born July 15, 1929, in Green Bay to Margaret Dixon.
He was preceded in death by brother, Vyron Dixon Sr., sister, Delores Dixon-Small, and mother, Margaret “Irene” Dixon Pyawasit, and grandson, Garrett Shooter.
Survived by children, William (Robin) Dixon, Fort Garland, Colorado, Diane Dixon-Shooter, Neopit, Daniel (Elysia) Dixon, Portland, Oregon. Survived by brother, Max (Littie) Dixon, Independence, Missouri. Louis is also survived by numerous and wonderful nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a new great-great-grandson.
A memorial tribute service will be held and announced at a later date.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetJune A. Graper
June A. Graper, 66, of Clintonville, passed away Friday, April 24, 2015, at Appleton Medical Center.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.
eberhardtstevenson.com
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