Shawano Area Obituaries
Allen Gene McCann
Allen G. “Sarge” McCann, 51, of Gresham, began his journey to the spirit world on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at his home.
Allen was born on Oct. 12, 1963, to Everette “Joseph” and the late Jenny (Lutz) McCann in Sparta. After Allen’s mother passed away, Allen was adopted at a young age by John and Carrie “Bea” McCann. Allen served in the United States Army for over 26 years until his retirement in 2007. On Aug. 12, 1989, Allen was united in marriage to Sandra Newton. Sandra preceded him death on Nov. 21, 2004. Lucky to find love a second time, Allen married Rebecca Waupoose at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit on Oct. 26, 2013.
Allen was a very kind and caring man who was always willing to help people. He was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he loved the Menominee Reservation. He was an active member of the Menominee Veterans Association and St. Anthony Catholic Church, where he served on the parish council. Allen was also a fan of the Green Bay Packers.
Allen is survived by his wife, Rebecca; a stepson, Kaleb (Cami Perez) Powless, of Gresham; his first wife Sandra’s children, Tammy, Julie and Scott and their families; his biological father, Joe McCann; siblings, Cheryl Campbell, of Florida, Joel Crady, of Shawano, Angie Lutz, of Stoughton, and Pamela Crady of Iowa; two adopted brothers, Steven McCann and Glenn (Beverly) McCann, both of Appleton. He is further survived by uncles, Richard Lutz, Harry (Val) Lutz, Charles (Patricia) Lutz and Donald (Sharon) Lutz; aunts, Diane Coats and Norma McCann; godfather, John Newton; special brother and sister, Ted and Terri Waupekenay; special niece and nephew, Kahkamhot and Kemewan Waupekenay; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Allen was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra; his biological mother; his adopted parents; adopted brother, Tom McCann; his grandparents, John and Anneida (Propp) McCann and David and Louise (Yund) Lutz; aunts and uncles, Frances “Fran” (Alfred) Ziese, Helen (Donald) Hansen, Louise (Byron) Householder, Edmund “Bert” McCann, Nettie (Edwin) Erdman, Donna (Jim) Hatfield, Marilyn Lutz and Joanna Lutz; as well as a sister-in-law, Beverly McCann; and mother-in-law, Jean Marie Waupoose.
A funeral service for Allen will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit. The Rev. David McElroy, O. Praem, will be officiating and military honors will be conducted by the Veterans of the Menominee Nation. Visitation began at the Neopit Community Center, next to the church, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, at 3 p.m. and continues until the time of the service on Thursday. A parish wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Swedberg Funeral Home 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 yetDonald A. Juers
Donald A. Juers, of Appleton, left this life peacefully holding his daughters’ hands at Cherry Meadows Hospice on Jan. 3, 2015.
Don was born on Dec. 2, 1925, in Lake City, Minnesota, the son of Albert and Margaret Juers. Don worked on the family farm after graduating from Lake City High School in 1943. He took care of his sisters and brother as his parents died very young. Later he attended the University of Minnesota, where he met his wife, Muriel, the love of his life. They were married on Sept. 9, 1950. Don graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in December 1950.
Don started working as an accountant at Ernst and Ernst, Minneapolis Moline Company and Hamm Brewing Company in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, area. In 1960, the family moved to Shawano, where he worked at Consolidated Badger (now AMPI) and retired as director of finance and treasurer.
During his professional career he was active in the Wisconsin Society of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Accountants, serving as president from 1971-1972. He published two professional articles on accounting and enjoyed preparing taxes for clients throughout his career.
Don was elected to the Shawano County School Board for many years and served as president for several years. As an active and faithful church member in the Shawano United Methodist Church and at Zion United Methodist Church in Door County, he served on various church committees, attended annual conference sessions and volunteered as church treasurer. His wife and daughters were very active in Girl Scouts, which he supported in many ways. He served as a member of the Masonic Lodge in Shawano and assisted in the planning for Mason Woods Retirement Community.
In 1992, Don travelled to Latvia, Eastern Europe, as a volunteer to help dairy plant workers improve and implement dairy business processes.
Throughout his life, Don fished and fished and fished! Many happy days were spent in his boat on Lake Michigan reeling in the “big one.” He made many excursions out West to fly fish in the mountains of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming with his grandsons, cousin, friends and on his own. He also enjoyed hunting and cross-country skiing, and was an avid reader and a talented woodworker. Among his woodworking creations are furniture, a chess set, a grandfather clock, a cradle, cross-country skis, snow shoes, a violin and his beloved cabin in Baileys Harbor, built when he was 72 years old.
Don and Muriel were blessed with three daughters who were raised to love camping, canoeing, music and reading. Don and his wife, Muriel, taught their daughters many valuable lessons, the most important one being unconditional love.
After Muriel’s death in 1994, Don sold the family home in Shawano and moved to Baileys Harbor, Door County, once his cabin was completed. His move to Door County was a natural transition as the family had previously spent many summer vacations and weekends camping there together. As a resident, Don became very active volunteering at the Ridges Sanctuary Nature Center. He built and repaired wildlife trails and center projects. At the age of 88, Don was still one of the best trap shooters at the gun club, where he enjoyed the sport immensely.
Throughout his life, Don was a loving husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa (aka Papa Don). He was a loyal friend to many and always treated everyone with kindness and respect.
Don will be sadly missed by his daughters, Elizabeth (John) Skinner, of Apopka, Florida, Ellen (Greg) Bryant, of Appleton, and Dee (Jim) Hapke, of Ames, Iowa; grandchildren, Amanda Skinner (Ryan Byrd), Erik Skinner, Amy Wockenfus, Kristin (Adrian) Gontea, Jon (fiancee Jesse Harper) Hapke, Peter Hapke, Sam Hapke and Hannah Hapke; great-granddaughters, Lucia Gontea, Natalie Gontea and Karina Byrd; sister, Verna Ringler, of California; many nieces, nephews and caring friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel; parents, Albert and Margaret Juers; a sister, Leona; and a brother, Linley.
A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 733 College Ave., Appleton, on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at 11 a.m. Family and friends may gather at the church from 10 a.m. until the service begins.
Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton, 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 yetThomas George Wright Sr.
Thomas George Wright Sr., 74, Green Bay, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, with his wife and daughter by his side.
He was born on Feb. 27, 1940, in Tomahawk to the late Clarence and Irene Wright.
Tom married Sharon Griswold on Nov. 12, 1966, in Kenosha. He coached Little League and basketball. He umpired and refereed for several years. Tom was a fan of Wisconsin college and professional sports. He loved cooking and playing Bingo.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Sharon; his children, Thomas (Julie) Wright Jr., Shari Paradise and Steven (Tanya) Wright; grandchildren, Joshua (Danielle), Renee (Phillip), Robin, Madison, Steven; stepgrandson, Sheldon Bankes; siblings, David (Virginia) Wright, Carole (Robert) Fredrickson, Larry Wright, Jimmy Wright, Timothy (Susan) Wright, Donald (Linda) Wright, Catherine Pierce, Arthur (Susan) Wright, Eva (Jerry) Buhrandt and Barbara (Robert) Hawkins.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 2160 Packerland Drive, Green Bay.
To leave a message for the family, please visit www.NewcomerGreenBay.com.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Unity Hospice and Bellin Hospital.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetWayne Klerus Uelman
Wayne Klerus “Grandpa Moron” Uelman, 69, Green Bay, died peacefully Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Shawano on Sept. 4, 1945, he was the son of the late Klerus and Dorothy (Krause) Uelman.
Wayne served in the United States Army. He worked at Green Bay Packaging until his retirement in 2007. Wayne was known for his sense of humor and love of salmon fishing. He lived on his fishing boat at Kewaunee Marina during the summers and in Green Bay during the winters. Wayne was an avid bowler and loved his Green Bay Packers.
He is survived by his children, Tim (Eveline) Uelman, of Giessen, Germany, and Jeff (Randi) Uelman, of Luxemburg; five grandchildren, Randy, Adriana, Ally, A.J. and Jace; sister, Nancy Leonard, of Hobart; brother-in-law, Robert (June) Treptow, of Michigan; many other relatives and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Treptow; and brother-in-law, Dennis Leonard.
Visitation will be held at Malcore (East) Funeral Home, 701 N. Baird St., Green Bay, Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 4 p.m. until the time of the funeral at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Carl Brewer officiating. Entombment will be at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd.
Visit www.malcorefuneralhome.com to send an online condolence to the family.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Treatment Center at Aurora BayCare Hospital and the staff of Aurora At Home Hospice for all of the wonderful care.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetAllen McCann
Allen McCann, of Gresham, died on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in Gresham.
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 yetGermaine E. Winter
Germaine E. Winter, 87, of Embarrass, passed away Thursday morning, Jan. 1, 2015, at the Pine Manor Health Care Center in Embarrass.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting her 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 yetMichael D. Burris
Michael D. “Mike” Burris, 54, of Shawano, passed away unexpectedly with his family by his side on Thursday morning, Jan. 1, 2015, at the Appleton Medical Center.
Mike was born June 12, 1960, in Shawano, a son of Douglas and Mary (Brennenman) Ladd. He attended the Shawano schools and was a 1978 graduate of Shawano High School. Following school, Mike worked for the Soo Line Railroad. He later worked at the Bamboo Bar, Cable Hogue in Pulaski and at the T & C Market in Shawano. He later became self-employed. On Aug. 10, 1996, he was united in marriage to the former Tammy Timm in Shawano.
Mike was well known throughout the Shawano area. He owned You Make the Call, the Black Forest Restaurant, the Hunter’s Haus and the Brickstone in Shawano. Mike’s work WAS his play, however he did enjoy fishing, golf, shooting dice and pool, and doing what he did best, talking smart. Mike was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. He was also very active in the Shawano County Tavern League, the Shawano Lake Lions Club and also a life member of the H.O.G. Chapter of Shawano County. Mike enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest.
He is survived by his wife, Tammy Burris, of Shawano; parents, Doug and Bev Burris, of Shawano; mother and stepfather, Mary and Chet Ladd, of Marietta, Georgia; two children, Andrew Murdock, of Appleton, and Jamie Koenig-Burris, of Shawano; stepson, Neal (April Moreno) Guerts, of Shawano; grandmother, Agnes Buchert, of Sun City, Arizona; two brothers, Ric Burris, of Shawano, and Jeff Burris, of Bradington, Florida; two sisters, Bridget (Burris) Matterresse, of Marietta, Georgia, and Anne Burris-Moffatt, of Sarasota, Florida; a niece, Tina Matterresse, of Marietta, Georgia; and one nephew, Griffin Burris, a student at St. Norbert College in De Pere.
Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elmer and Frieda Burris, and his grandfather, Hilbert Buchert.
A memorial Mass for Michael Burris will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Shawano. The Rev. Luke Ferris will be the celebrant. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family has requested memorials in the name of Mike Burris to the Shawano County Humane Society or for a scholarship fund that will be established in his name.
Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the Burris family with service arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetLeroy G. Christensen
Leroy G. Christensen, 75, of Bear Creek, passed away peacefully at Cherry Meadows in Appleton on Sunday morning, Dec. 28, 2014.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting his 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 yetHerbert H. Zahn
Herbert “Herb” H. Zahn, 76, of Clintonville, formerly of Embarrass, passed away Saturday morning, Dec. 27, 2014, at the Appleton Medical Center.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting his 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 yetPeter Murphy Jones Perez
Peter Murphy Jones Perez was born on Dec. 22, 2014, son of Dawn Haney.
Weight: 4 pounds, 3 ounces. Length: 16 1/2 inches.
Survivors include his mother, Dawn; brother, Ketaemiw Perez; sister, Taylesia Haney; grandparents, Raymond and Deborah Sanapaw; special auntie, Connie; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Private services are being held.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetJeremiah Heath Rockman
Jeremiah Heath Rockman was born and died on Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Milwaukee. Jeremiah was the son of Cierra Bernarde and Derrick Rockman.
Jeremiah is survived by his mom, Cierra; his dad, Derrick; a brother, Avery Perez; grandmothers, Melissa Heath and Theresa Escalante; grandfather, Marc Bernarde; great-grandmother, Leah Miller; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at the Church of the Wilderness with the Rev. Melinda Shriner officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from noon until the time of the service.
Swedberg Funeral Home 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 yetTerry J. Birkholz
Terry J. Birkholz, 71, of the town of Hartland, Bonduel, died on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, in Shawano.
Terry was born on Jan. 22, 1943, in West Bend, the son of the late Alvin and Maryann (Schweitzer) Birkholz. On Nov. 24, 1962, Terry was united in marriage to Karen Habeck in the town of Richmond. Terry lived in the Shawano area all his life and worked at F.W.D. in Clintonville before taking over the family farm in 1975, and worked at the Vlasic pickle factory in Bonduel. He was a member of the St. James Church in Shawano and enjoyed hunting, watching wrestling, going to the races and riding on roller coasters.
Terry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen; three children, Dan Birkholz, of Bonduel, Lori (Mark) Beilfuss, of Cecil, Jon (Prudence) Birkholz, of Hatley; six grandchildren, Craig, Stacy, Rechel, Zachary, Megan and Brock. He is further survived by his sisters and brothers, Shirley Buswell, Alice Gerhke, David (Diane) Olson and Alex Olson.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at the St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with the Rev. Ted Andrada officiating. Visitation was held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, from 4-8 p.m. and will be held at the church on Wednesday after 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetDawn M. Sosa
Dawn M. Sosa, 49, passed away on Dec. 24, 2014.
Dawn was born June 3, 1965, in Milwaukee to Lorraine Thom.
Dawn was smart, talented, creative and funny. She loved to bead and cake decorate.
Dawn is survived by her daughters, Leah, Maria, Jessica, Angelica, Rosa, Nicole, CJ, and son, Alex. Dawn is further survived by her mother, Lorraine Thom, and grandmother, Elaine Berka; her sisters, Charlotte Menore, Yvonne Pyawasay, Sharon Fredericks and Tammy Thom. Dawn had 15 grandchildren; three sons-in-law, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dawn was preceded in death by her daughter, Marisol, and her grandchildren, Nayeli, Alexis and Adrian.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at St. Michael’s Church with the Rev. David McElroy, O. Praem, officiating. A visitation was held from noon until the time of the service.
Swedberg Funeral Home assisted 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 yetMichael Kenneth John
Michael Kenneth John died unexpectedly of a heart attack Dec. 20 early in the morning. Due to medical reasons, Michael was staying with his parents, Ken and Donna John, who live on Shawano Lake.
Michael was a gifted machinist who worked both in Milwaukee and Seattle, Washington. He and his wife, Susan, lived in Milwaukee, but he enjoyed spending time fishing on Shawano Lake and was here all summer.
He will be buried in a Milwaukee cemetery, and Swedberg Funeral Home is helping to move him there.
Survivors include his wife, Sue (Capuano); parents, Ken and Donna (Bigelow) John; and sister, Valerie (Tom) Miller.
The family will receive friends at the Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, on Monday, Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. until time of the funeral services at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Memorials in Mike’s name may be directed to his family.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetRose Marie Goodwill
Rose Marie (nee Turney) Goodwill, 76, of Shawano, died on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, in Green Bay.
Rose was born on Feb. 14, 1938, in Keshena. She meet Robert “Goody” Goodwill in a laundry mat, and they were married in 1987 in Milwaukee. She was a nurse’s aide in Texas and Milwaukee and lived in Shawano for the past 15 years. Rose was a member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit. She enjoyed doing ceramics and making jewelry.
Rose is survived by her husband of 27 years, Goody; seven children, Joy Allen, Mary Lou Kosidowski, Robert Brunke, Penny Brunke, Damon Brunke, Denise Konkel and Joey Brunke; and numerous grandchildren.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit with the Rev. David McElroy, O.Praem, officiating and burial in the church cemetery in spring. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. and after 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home until the procession leaves for the church.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetLaurel M. Rothwell
Laurel M. Rothwell, 91, of Shawano, died on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in Shawano.
Laurel was born on Feb. 6, 1923, in the town of Herman, Shawano County, the daughter of Otto and Ida (Marquardt) Waegli. She graduated from Shawano High School and Carroll College. In 1946, she was united in marriage to H. Gordon Rothwell, who preceded her in death. Laurel was the Worthy Matron O.E.S. in Shawano in 1955. Laurel moved to Fond du Lac in 1961, returning to Shawano in 2007. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Fond du Lac. Laurel was a teacher, gardener, fiber arts artist and a full-time mother to her three children.
Laurel is survived by her three children, Bret (Cheryl) Rothwell, Laurie Roberts and Lisa Rothwell; and seven grandchildren, Brett Rothwell, Paul Rothwell, Allison Rothwell, Paul Roberts, Mark Roberts, Matt Roberts and Ian O’Loughlin. She is further survived by seven great-grandchildren.
Laurel was preceded in death by her husband, H. Gordon, her parents, one brother and three sisters. A private family service will be held with the Rev. Loretta Waegli officiating.
Swedberg Funeral Home 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 yetCecelia Mae Zhuckkahosee
Cecelia Mae Zhuckkahosee, 55, of Keshena, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014. She was born on Nov. 17, 1959, to the late Allen and Agnes Christine (Warrington) Heath.
She graduated from Menominee High School with the Class of 1978. Cecelia Heath married Lee Zhuckkahosee at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit on Sept. 26, 1981. She was a longtime employee of the Menominee Loan Fund. Cecelia enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved to play Bingo, watch the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Vikings, and spend time back home in South Branch. Cecelia was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit.
Cecelia is survived by her husband, Lee, of Keshena; three children, Lee Zhuckkahosee Jr., of Keshena, Terri Zhuckkahosee, of Keshena, and Andrew Zhuckkahosee, of Bowler; three sisters, Janice (Phillip) Reed, of Keshena, Margaret (Wendall) Cornelius, of Oneida, and Linda Heath, of Shawano; three brothers, William (Carol) Heath, of Shawano, Dennis Heath, of Shawano, and Steven Heath, of Wausau; six grandchildren, Robert, Tate, Alexis, Aaliyah, Abbagehl and Seqouia. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by five sisters, Rhama Heath, Marilyn Heath, Janet Warrington, Joyce Kenote and Marie Heath; five brothers, Robert Heath, Bernard Heath, Russell Heath, Marvin Heath and Statton Heath.
Visitation will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, from 12 p.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11 a.m. There will also be a prayer service Sunday at 7 p.m. Cecelia will be interred in St. Joseph of the Lake Catholic Cemetery in spring. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetVernon Pelkey
Vernon “Vern” Pelkey, 57, of rural Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at ThedaCare Medical Center, New London.
Vernon Lee Pelkey was born on March 11, 1957, in New London to Israel and Shirley (Dewherhurst) Pelkey. Vern was united in marriage to Patricia A. Smith on Dec. 15, 2000. After working for Frontier Communications (formerly Urban Telephone) of Clintonville for 36 years, he was forced to retire in 2013 due to his health. Then Vern focused on spending his time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and foster children.
Vernon was a loving, caring person who would do anything for anyone. His passion was for camping, campfires and fishing. Vern enjoyed collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, beer steins and vintage telephones. He liked plowing snow, listening to his police scanners, and spending time with relatives making brunch and cook outs. Vern also liked to watch the Packers game from his favorite recliner.
Vern and Pat opened their hearts and home to several foster children over the past few years. Although they might not have a lot of money, they had a lot of love to give. The couple made a positive impact on many people’s lives, especially children. Vern couldn’t have been happier than when he was sharing an afternoon dinner with his family and all the children who made their way into his life.
Survivors include his wife, Pat, and four children, Christopher Pelkey, of Marion, Michelle (Mathew) Anker, of Marion, Tonya (friend Joseph Murray) Christianson-Van Den Bloomer, of Clintonville, and Ted (JoAnne) Christianson, of Clintonville. There is an adopted daughter, Lexus Pelkey; a stepdaughter, Jamie (Brad) Schneidewend; and his mother, Shirley Pelkey. There are nine grandchildren, Sonya Christianson, Ashley Anker, Sidney Kurrasch, Cole Christianson, Alyssa Schneidewend, Dakota Anker, Tyler “Skipper” Christianson, Skylar Schneidewend and Gabe Christianson. There is one great-granddaughter, Anastasia Anker, and two brothers, Donald (Arlene) Pelkey, of Greenville, and Patrick (Sharon) Pelkey, of New London. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Vern was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, a granddaughter, Sereena Gollnow, sister-in-law, Barbara (James) Gollnow, and a brother-in-law, Jeffery (Karen) Smith.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, at 3 p.m. at the Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, with Deacon Lincoln Wood officiating. Friends may call on Saturday from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. A luncheon will be held after the service and, in honor of Vern, please bring your favorite dish to pass.
The family wishes to thank all the nurses and staff at ThedaCare Medical Center, New London, especially Dr. Steven Goedderz for the compassionate care given to Vern.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetMartin Robert Schmidt
Martin Robert Schmidt, 88, of Shawano, died on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014. He was born on Feb. 1, 1926, in Antigo, to the late Herman and Mary (Smith) Schmidt.
Martin enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during World War II. He was united in marriage to Joy Now, Patricia Curin and Clara June Mauk, who all preceded him in death.
Martin is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Billy) McGinnis, of New Mexico; his son, Steven (Sharon) Schmidt, of New Mexico; seven stepchildren, Mike (Wendy) Messenger, Meri Noel, Jennifer (Terry) Barr, Cindy Thomas, Jim, Jeff and Jonita Downing; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Bernadine (Robert) Traeger, of Gresham, and Margaret Nelson, of Manitowoc.
Martin was preceded in death by three wives, Joy (Now) Schmidt, Patricia (Curin) Schmidt and Clara June (Mauk) Schmidt; his parents; a brother, Leonard Schmidt; and a grandson, Kevin Worrall.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano. Military rites will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post 117 following the service at the funeral home. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the Church on the Hill Cemetery in Elton.
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Marvin L. Murphy, 87, of Cecil passed away on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014.
Marvin was born on Aug. 17, 1927, to the late John and Dorothy (Thill) Murphy in Campbellsport. He married Gertie Allen. She preceded him in death. On Sept. 9, 2000, he married Patricia Ann (Krueger) Bahr. Marvin served in the Merchant Marines and the U.S. Army. He worked for Knuth Construction Company in Milwaukee as a mason until he retired in 1990. He was a very active member of Cecil American Legion Post 392 and a member of the 40 ET 8 of Shawano.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Patricia Murphy, of Cecil; five stepchildren, Steve (Kathy) Bahr, Cecil, Brenda (John) Schuelke, Appleton, Debra (Robert) Lohrentz, Clintonville, Jim (Dawn) Bahr, Shawano, Kevin (Sheila) Bahr, Cecil; 11 grandchildren, Heather VanKooy, Brian Bahr, Josh (Tricia) Marohl, Katie (Neil) Crider, Brooke (Billy) Calkins, Briana Buss, Logan Bahr (special friend, Stacey), Emilee (Cory) Retzlaff, Samantha Bahr, Rachel Bahr, Justin Bahr; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Bev (Ray) Jaeger, of South Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Sally Murphy, Gillett, Marie Murphy, Milwaukee, and Agnes Raught, of Washington; seven nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Gertie; a great-granddaughter, Lauren Jean Marohl; an infant brother and brothers, John and Dick Murphy; a nephew, David Raught.
Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church in Gillett with the Rev. Dean Dombroski and Sister Marla Clercx officiating.
Family and friends called on Monday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Military rites were held by Cecil American Legion Post 392 and the Gillett American Legion Post 300. Entombment was at Sacred Heart Mausoleum in Shawano.
Zastrow Funeral Home in Cecil is assisting the family.
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