Shawano Area Obituaries

Thomas R. Schmidt, 82, of Cecil, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at his daughter’s home in Appleton. He was born on Feb. 1, 1932, in Appleton, son of the late Joseph A. and Pearl M. (Miller) Schmidt.

After graduating from high school, Tom proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his time in the service he came home to meet, and marry, the love of his life, Mary Ann C. Rutten, on Sept. 3, 1955. Their marriage was blessed with six children, 18 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and four more on the way soon.

Tom was a longtime member of St. Thomas More Parish and a 50-year member of American Legion Post 38 in Appleton. After retiring from Appleton Papers in 1988, Tom and Mary took up a life of RV-ing. They travelled the United States, spending winters in Arizona, and eventually buying a house in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Summers were spent at a property that the family lovingly called Mill Creek. They eventually purchased an old farm in Cecil, with plenty of space for their beloved family to gather, play and grow.

Tom enjoyed HAM radio, working in his yard, collecting antiques, shooting handguns and telling stories. He had a deep affinity for animals, which was obvious to anybody that knew him. Most recently, nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his beautiful great-granddaughters.

He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Ann; his children, Carleen Schmidt, Appleton, Linda (Dave) Arend, New Berlin, Diana (Thomas) Tapelt, Annandale, Minnesota, Bruce Schmidt, Appleton, Bonnie (Len) Jastroch, Fall Brook, California; grandchildren, Jessica (sp. friend Betsy), Germantown, Bryce (Sarah) Tummett, Kimberly, Nicole Arend, Milwaukee, Kyle Arend, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Chad Arend, Milwaukee, Elliott Tapelt, Mankato, Minnesota, Tyler Tapelt, Crystal, Minnesota, Joseph Tapelt, Annandale, Minnesota, Darrel (Krystal) Schmidt, Appleton, Rebecca Schmidt, Appleton, Brandon (Heidi) Schmidt, Black Creek, Brad Schmidt, Tampa, Florida, Justin (Donna) Wichman, Brookfield, Thomas Schmidt, Kaukauna, James Schmidt, Kaukauna, Heather (Kevin) Cook, Fond du Lac, Amber Schmidt, Appleton, Christopher Schmidt, Appleton; his brother, Bill (Ceal) Schmidt, St. Germaine; five sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Schmidt, his brother, Harold Schmidt, and other in-laws.

The funeral service for Tom will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Menasha’s Westgor Funeral Home. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the hour of service. He will be entombed next to his dear son, Brian, at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton.

Westgor Funeral Home, 1140 Appleton Road, Menasha, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.westgorfuneralhomes.com.

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Patricia A. “Patsi” Giese, 78, of Lunds, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Sept. 6, 2014, at her home.

Patsi was born on Feb. 25, 1936, in Green Bay, a daughter of the late Dominic Loonsfoot and Yvonne (Brunette) Timm and Leslie Timm Sr. She attended school in Green Bay, and, following school, she was employed at Dehn’s in Green Bay. On Oct. 27, 1957, she was united in marriage to Ewald Jake Giese at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Bay. After they were married, the couple lived in Green Bay for five years and later settled in Lunds.

Patsi was employed as a nurse’s aide and in housekeeping at Birch Hill Nursing Home and at Heartland Care Center in Shawano. She was a member of the Jerusalem Lutheran Church of Lunds. She loved her flower garden, playing cards, baking and cooking. Most importantly, she cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren. The Christmas season was her favorite time of the year. She loved to travel up north to her daughter’s cabins.

Patsi is survived by her husband of nearly 57 years, Jake Giese, of Lunds; five daughters, Robin (Mark) Ford, of Shawano, Julie (Michael) Kuhnke, of Menomonee Falls, Donna (William) Beyer, of Shawano, Rhonda (Keith) Eake, of Larsen, and Cheryle (Lance) Bennin, of Lunds. She also has 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brothers and sisters, Russell (Delores) Holmes, of Crivitz, Barbara (Michael) Abraham and Debra Becker, both of Idaho, Daniel (Colleen) Timm and Larry (Laurie) Timm, both of Green Bay, Debbie (Richard) Loonsfoot and Gina Loonsfoot McGee, both of Hogansville, Georgia; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by two children, David Lee Giese and Jodi Lynn Carpenter. Grandson Duane Eugene Carpenter also preceded her in death, as well as her brothers, Leslie Timm Jr. and William Joseph Loonsfoot. Also, a sister, Madonna Van Wychen, preceded her in death.

Funeral services for Patsi Giese will be held on Friday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church of Shawano. Pastor Gisele Berninghaus will officiate. Interment will be in the Jerusalem Lutheran Cemetery, Lunds. Relatives and friends may call at Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 4-8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family has requested memorials in her name for the cemetery fund at Jerusalem Lutheran Church.

Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the Giese family with the service arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.

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June Miller, 90, of Neopit, passed away Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on July 25, 1924, to the late Frederick and Sarah Ann (Duquain) Tebeau.

June was a nurse and worked at the Neopit Clinic, Shawano Medical Center and Menominee Tribal Clinic. She was the first Native American woman to serve on the state Board of Nursing. June was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Outdoor Life magazine even featured her on the cover while she was trout fishing in the 1950s. She was a determined person, not afraid to speak her mind and was a soldier in many political battles.

June is survived by her children, Diana (John Coyle) Miller, of Madison, Adrian (Lynnette) Miller, of Keshena, Rendell “Fuzzy” (Carolyn) Miller, of Green Bay, Keith Miller, of Wisconsin Dells, Norbert (Emmeretta) Miller, of Keshena, Brenda (Chester) Gauthier, of Neopit, David Miller, of Neopit, Kevine Miller, of Neopit, and Dana (Valarie) Miller, of Idaho; 25 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, including special nieces Joan Vigue Leaman and Celine Martin.

She is further survived by many friends, including close friends Dr. Kurtz, Dr. Reinardy and Dr. Ojdrovic.

June was preceded in death by her former husband, Benjamin Miller; son, Gene; siblings, Pearl Thompson, Wilma “Aunt Bill” Vigue, Frederick Tebeau and Leonard Tebeau.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit with the Rev. David McElroy, O.Praem, officiating. Visitation will be held from 12-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano and again at the church on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. A parish wake will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014, at the funeral home.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

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Jim “Whitey” A. Reinert, 66, of the town of Vinland, Winnebago County, passed away Sunday evening, Sept. 7, 2014, at his home. He was born on Oct. 5, 1947, in Clintonville as the son of the late Rudolph and Virginia (Robbins) Reinert.

Jim grew up in Clintonville, where he attended school. He was drafted into service for his country in March 1967, serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served honorably walking point for the 1st Air Cavalry Division Air Mobile, carrying a pistol and a sawed-off shotgun. Jim became a great sharpshooter as well and was honorably discharged from service in May 1969. He returned home and was united in marriage to Sally Smith in Menasha on Dec. 12, 1970.

At this time Jim began working in the office for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, then Fox River Valley Railroad, Wisconsin Central Railroad, and retired as a conductor for the Canadian National Railroad in 2010. Jim was an excellent carpenter, enjoyed logging and loved hunting, especially bow hunting. He will be remembered for being a stubborn, bull-headed man with a heart of gold. Jim always seemed willing to help a friend in need.

Survivors include his wife, Sally; daughter, Kelly (Charles) Williams, Neenah; grandchildren, Hunter and Lauryn Williams, Neenah; sisters, Sandy (Norman) Gebert and Laurie (Bob) Weygandt, all of Clintonville; brother, Jerry (Laurie) Reinert, Clintonville; sisters-in-law, Donna, Nancy and Anna; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory in Clintonville with the Rev. Vilas Mazemke officiating. Interment will follow at Friendship Cemetery in the town of Belle Plaine, Shawano County with military rites conducted by members of Clintonville American Legion Post 63 and VFW Post 664.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

An online guestbook can be found for Jim at www.eberhardtstevenson.com.

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Ruth Anna Gudinas completed her full circle and walked on from this earthly life on Sept. 5, 2014, at the age of 82 years.

Ruth lived an extraordinary life of love, laughter and genuine service to others through all her years. These last years, Ruth lived with Alzheimer’s disease — and she did so with grace, good humor and much support from others.

Ruth was the loving partner to her special friend of over 50 years, Dorothy (Dot) W. Davids. Ruth was an honored multicultural educator, beloved family member, devoted friend, tireless advocate for justice, peace and understanding, and a committed community activist.

Her life has four major chapters:

(a) Rochester, New York: Ruth was born in Rochester, New York, on Dec. 9. Her birth family included her parents, Louisa (Lou) Guenther Gudinas and William Henry Gudinas, as well as her older sister, Marie.

Ruth entered the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester and received her habit on July 3, 1950, at the age of 18. At this time Ruth took the name Sister Mary de Montfort, and she received degrees in history from Nazareth College. She was a classroom teacher until 1963.

(b) Chicago: Ruth was sent to the University of Chicago by her convent to earn a Ph.D. in political science, moving into International House in Chicago in 1963 at the age of 31. There she met people from many countries and a wide variety of cultures from around the world. Ruth embraced this time of her life – it was an incredible time of growth. She learned about alternative educational approaches and how the world looked from different cultural perspectives. She developed a social conscience, looking at how the powers in society keep certain groups of people down – and committing to work to change that. Exactly 51 years ago, on Ruth’s second day at International House, she met Dorothy (Dot) W. Davids, who became her best friend, mentor and more. Dot taught her to appreciate differences – not judge them. Dot also introduced Ruth to the Ho-Chunk people of Wisconsin, and their politics were the focus of her Ph.D. dissertation. She earned her Ph.D. in June 1974. After being called back to Rochester by her convent superiors in 1970, Ruth taught at Nazareth College for a couple of years, but felt compelled to leave her beloved Sisters of St. Joseph on Aug. 1, 1972, at the age of 40. This was an incredibly courageous act of faith for Ruth. Dorothy waited outside in her little car and offered Ruth a place to stay back in Wisconsin, near Madison.

(c) Madison, Wisconsin: Ruth worked for the Madison Metropolitan School District for the next 17 years as a multicultural curriculum specialist in the Department of Human Relations. She was an educator who recognized the need for instruction and materials that more realistically reflected society and included a wider range of histories, cultures and perspectives. She was a leader in developing educational tools to analyze materials for bias. She promoted the use of authentic materials and searched out high quality books and other materials representing a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Ruth amassed an outstanding multicultural library for use by all members of Madison’s school community.

Ruth was a good listener and her door was always open. And she took action! Ruth’s tireless efforts and positive attitude made it all possible. Ruth received a variety of awards for her service to the people of Madison and the state of Wisconsin. More importantly, she made changes that were carried on by the teachers she worked with and all the students they taught. Ruth made the district a better place, Madison a better place, and the world a better place. Her presence in that world will be sorely missed.

(d) Mohican Nation: Stockbridge-Munsee Community. Ruth and Dot together bought a home on Big Lake Road (near Gresham) on the historic reservation lands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe. Dot is an enrolled member of this nation. Ruth moved permanently “up north” after her retirement from the Madison Metropolitan School District in June 1989 at the age of 57. In “retirement,” Ruth and Dot continued to do extensive and award-winning multicultural educational consulting as Full Circle: Education for a Diverse Society. Additionally, they established a nonprofit publishing organization called Muh-He-Con-Neew Press and published a number of excellent books. Their work throughout the past three decades includes educational retreats and curriculum support, encouraging new, young writers (such as the Woodland Writers Group), the Stockbridge-Munsee Historical Committee, working with educators across the state, and much more.

At their home, many cats adopted Ruth and Dot over the years. Anyone who visited their home came to know their many cats and the love they had for these four-legged family members. Additionally, both Ruth and Dot were dedicated to their Green Bay Packers. Ruth loved to laugh, dearly enjoying good jokes, and she also had a love of music until the end of her days. Ruth told us that we must remember that real gifts are the words we share. Ruth indeed gave us the important gifts of her words over the years, many of which can be found on the Internet at UW-Green Bay under “Full Circle.” As Ruth once wrote to a dear friend: “What can I say? It’s been a great ride and we ain’t home yet! Let’s hang in together! Love, Ruth.”

Ruth is survived by her lifetime partner, Dorothy W. Davids. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Gossman (with her husband Jim) and three nieces, Martha, Ruth and Karla, all living in Colorado. A niece, Ann, preceded her in death. Ruth also has an extensive and caring family of Dot’s sisters and brothers, plus many nieces and nephews who have always provided her with unending love and constant support. Finally, she has an extremely large family of friends from across the nation and throughout the world.

We want to honor the staff of Ella Besaw Center, of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, where Ruth lived since spring 2013, and the community health nurse of the Stockbridge Community. These wonderful people have offered her unending support, devotion, dedication, love and laughter. We also wish to thank the staff of Unity Hospice of Green Bay for their especially thoughtful, caring work in helping Ruth during her last months of life.

Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be held at the Pine Hills Banquet Hall (the “A” Frame) on Saturday, Nov. 15. This is located on Big Lake Road at the Pine Hills Golf Course of the Mohican Nation: Stockbridge-Munsee Community. Please bring a dish to pass and special memories of Ruth to share with our family and community as we all celebrate our dear Ruthie!

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

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Kenny J. LaTender, 39, of Middle Village, passed away on Sept. 4, 2014, in Green Bay. Kenny was born on Sept. 19, 1974, in Merrill, to Simon and Carol (Vigue) LaTender.

On June 7, 1997, Kenny was united in marriage to MeShan Beauprey. He worked and lived all his life on the Menominee Reservation. Kenny was a great dad who enjoyed spending time with his sons, attending their sports activities whenever possible. He was also an avid Packers fan.

Kenny is survived by his wife, MeShan, of Neopit; his children, stepson Richard Tourtillott III, Kenny R. LaTender, Chance L. LaTender, Ty M. LaTender, Dayton F. LaTender and Connor S. LaTender; grandson, Kenny R. LaTender Jr.; his parents, Simon and Carol LaTender, of Keshena; and his siblings, Mark LaTender, Lori (Craig) Corn and Kathy LaTender.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit with the Rev. David McElroy, O. Praem, officiating. Visitation will be held from 12-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano and again from 8 a.m. until the procession leaves for the church on Monday at the funeral home. A parish wake will be held at 7 p.m. at Swedberg Funeral Home on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

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Ruth L. Miller, 90, of the town of Herman, passed away on Sept. 2, 2014, in Oconto Falls. Born on Feb. 11, 1924, in Dupont, she was the daughter of the late William and Lilly (Arndt) Begrow.

On Oct. 9, 1943, Ruth was united in marriage to Carl L. Miller, who preceded her in death on July 19, 1996. Ruth was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church-Hermansfort. She enjoyed gardening, crafting, ceramics, quilting, cooking and fishing. She also loved to spend time with her family.

Ruth is survived by her children, Marilyn (Marvin) Whitehouse, of Oconto Falls, Karen (William) Whitehouse, of Wittenberg, Gary (Karen) Miller, of Manitowoc, Danny (Nancy Behnke) Miller, of Shawano, Gene (Robin) Miller, of Oconto Falls, Douglas Miller, of Bear Creek, and Marchelle (special friend, Geri) Miller, of Deerbrook; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; her sisters, Jeannie Neubauer and Adeline Pockat; and three brothers, Carlton (Anne) Begrow, Glen (Bernice) Begrow and Bill (Secret) Begrow.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Miller Sr.; sons, Carl Miller Jr. and Billy Miller; sisters, Margaret Krueger, Ervie Nollenbergm Dorothy Wudstrack, Irma Bestul and twin sister Rose Carlton; as well as a brother, August Begrow.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, at St. John Lutheran Church-Hermansfort with the Rev. Steve Conradt officiating. Visitation will be held at the church Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

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Ann R. Krause, 66, of the Township of Pella, Shawano County, passed away Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton.

Ann Rutherford Krause was born on July 11, 1948, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the daughter of the late David and Margarite (Haglund) Mocine. Growing up on the family farm in Michigan allowed young Ann to learn the value of hard work and the chance to engage in spirited play with her brothers and sisters. She was active in high school sports, where she excelled in track and field, setting school records.

After graduation from Shawano High School in 1966, Ann met Roland Anker, and the couple married in Marion on June 10, 1967. She was employed locally at Catencamp Freight Services, H&R Block, and owned and operated Northern Lights Tavern, all in Shawano. Ann was later married to Donald Krause in Shawano. Mr. Krause later preceded her in death. She later met Joseph Kutz, who for the last 14 years has been Ann’s close companion.

Ann enjoyed gardening and working with horses, which included riding, training and showing. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and will always be remembered as a loving mother and sister.

Survivors include her companion, Joseph Kutz, Shawano; sons, John (Peggy) Anker, Poynette, Damon Anker Sr., Shawano; grandsons, Conner Anker and Damon Anker Jr.; sisters, Lois Haglund, Crystal Falls, Michigan, Florence (Robert Sr.) Tate, Weyauwega, Jean (Larry) King, Franklin, Texas, Susan (Mike) Schnorr, Antigo; brothers, Ralph (Linda) Mocine, Hortonville, David Mocine, Dalton, Georgia; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her second husband, Donald Krause.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory in Clintonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 903 S. 17th Ave., Suite B, Wausau, WI 54401.

An online guestbook may be signed at eberhardtstevenson.com.

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Robert W. Brodhagen, 74, of Bonduel, passed away Friday, Aug. 29, 2014.

Robert was born in the Township of Hartland on Sept. 24, 1939, to the late William and Elsie (Pludeman) Brodhagen. He grew up with his sister, Bernice, on the family dairy farm in the Township of Hartland. Baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bonduel (confirmation verse Ephesians 2:10), he graduated from St. Paul Lutheran School and went on to the high school at Bonduel.

After high school he went into dairy farming with his father, who died in 1969. Bob married Mildred Rupprecht on Nov. 5, 1966, moving into the house he had built. Bob farmed from 1964 to 1990 when health problems caused him to put much of the farm into the Conservation Reserve Program. He planted over 50,000 trees in his lifetime, dug seven ponds, restored wetlands and served as a volunteer naturalist at several area nature centers. The farm became a Century Farm in 1981 and a Tree Farm in 1991. He served on many boards at his church and school and in civic organizations.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mildred; four children, Thomas, of Green Bay, Marion, of Bellingham, Washington, Margaret (Thai) Hua, of Fredonia, and Roy (Kim), of Bonduel; six grandchildren; and one sister, Bernice Brodhagen.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at Friedens Lutheran Church, Bonduel, with the Rev. Virgil Hanson officiating. Visitation was held at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial in the church cemetery.

Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home is assisting the family.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

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Cecil Reedy, 85, of Gresham, passed away Sept. 1, 2014. He was born on Feb. 8, 1929, to the late George and Elenore (Schoenfeld) Reedy.

On Dec. 12, 1950, Cecil enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for two years before being honorably discharged. On July 11, 1959, Cecil was united in marriage to Esther Buth. He was a musician and played in many bands. He also taught music at the Gresham School. In his free time, Cecil enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Cecil is survived by his loving wife, Esther, of Gresham; his children, Linda (Martin) Shadd, of Milwaukee, Michael Reedy, of Milwaukee, Karen Reedy, of Gresham, Paul (Teresa) Reedy, of Stoughton, and David Reedy, of Shawano. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and numerous siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Gresham. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Leopolis.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

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Marijean Rice Walker passed away on Aug. 4, 2014, a few weeks after her 83rd birthday. Mari was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She will be remembered in every pretty pink flower, in the sparkle of a child’s eye and in the beauty of sunset on the lake.

Raised with a loving, lively family in La Crosse, Mari was the eldest of seven children born to Robert and Elizabeth Rice. After graduation from Central High School, she worked at Grandview Hospital. One of the nurses introduced her to a soldier from Missouri who was stationed at Camp McCoy. Her date with Bill Walker would lead to over 51 years of marriage, three children and lots of wonderful friends.

Bill and Mari settled in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and raised their children. They built a vacation home on LaMotte Lake near Shawano that would become the family residence each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Zaleski family also spent summers on the lake, and a dear and special friendship between Sue Zaleski and Mari came about around the Scrabble board.

A business opportunity for Bill led to the move to Shawano in 1971. They enjoyed a beautiful home on the Wolf River, and Mari was active in the art league as a volunteer and an artist. She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church and Friends of Shawano City-County Library. Mari loved her Cupcake and Molly, the “two smartest dogs on the planet.” The cold, snowy winters allowed Mari to display her love and elegance in ice skating and her newfound appreciation of cross-country skiing. Summer allowed Mari time for her beautiful flower gardens that surrounded their home.

As the children moved off to college, Mari and Bill transitioned to vacationing in Florida, Door County and Arizona. By the early 1980s they had become permanent residents of Arizona and settled in the foothills of Tucson. Mari found the area full of beautiful landscape and unusual wildlife. Mari was so happy to live in a climate where their home would accommodate a pool so she could swim each day.

Mari and Bill returned to La Crosse in 2001. They lived just around the corner from Mari’s mother, who lived to be over 100. Mari continued to welcome family and friends to Wisconsin and was known for leaving a gift for each guest on their bed when they arrived for a visit. After Bill passed in 2003, Mari made frequent trips between her children’s homes. In 2010, she settled in Mississippi.

Mari’s husband, Bill, her sister, Roberta, and her parents preceded her passing.

Mari is survived by her son, Jeff Walker (Charlotte), of Madison, Mississippi; daughter, Lucy Shaffer (Gordon), of Columbia, Missouri; son, Tom Walker (Lynn), of Ridgeland, Mississippi; grandchildren Jeffrey Tyler Walker, Elizabeth Allan Walker, Lindsey Nicole Clifton, Cole Walker Riley, Ted Woodard Riley, Travis Shaffer, Josh Shaffer, Winn Walker and Mari Hughes Walker; son-in-law, Ryan Lee Clifton, and great-grandson, Kalen Lee Clifton; siblings, Beverly Kastenschmidt (Richard), Barbara Fancher-Servais (Everett), Robert G. Rice Jr. (Ursala), Beth Bathke (Larry), Jane Zeroth (Jerry); sister-in-law, Martha Jane Walker McDowell; a host of nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Janet Zaleski, of Chicago.

A private inurnment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse. Family and friends will gather at a later date to share memories.

Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Mari’s honor to continue important research.

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Charles B. “Bony” Bonikowske, 63, Ogdensburg, died on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, in a single-vehicle accident due to a blown tire on a motorcycle trailer, east of Keystone, Iowa. He was born on Sept. 11, 1950, in Iola, son of Kenneth Sr. and Isabella (Heald) Bonikowske.

Chuck owned and operated Bonikowske Salvage yard in Helvetia. He enjoyed flying, motorcycling and fishing. He liked to build and invent things, including motorcycles.

He is survived by his mother, Isabella; four sons, Bryan, Manawa, Scott, Janesville, Chad, New London, and Kris, River Falls; goddaughter, Angela Bowden, New London; stepson, Tommy, Kansas City; sister, Diane (Mark) Civik, Iola; and a brother, David (Marian) Bonikowske, Illinois. He is further survived by seven grandchildren, one grandchild of the heart, one great-grandchild, and also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Sr., and a brother, Kenneth Jr.

Funeral services for Chuck will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Manawa, with the Rev. Vilas Mazemke officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, from 4-8 p.m. at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home, Manawa, and also at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Ogdensburg Park Cemetery, Ogdensburg.

Bikes are welcome.

Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home, 176 N. Bridge St., Manawa, is assisting the family.

www.clinehansondahlkefuneralhome.com

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Donald (Don) A. Seering, 91, of Sheboygan, was called to his eternal home on Monday, Aug. 26, 2014.

Donald had been a resident at Morningside Health Care Center the past year. Prior to moving to Sheboygan, he resided at his home on Shawano Lake. He was born on Sept. 18, 1922, in the town of Hartland, the son of William and Anna Seering.

He married Elizabeth (Betty) Mueller on March 12, 1950, in Bonduel. Betty preceded Don in death on July 25, 2001. He attended school in Bonduel and worked on the family farm. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1944-1946. He served in Saipan, the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan, arriving there one month after the end of the war.

Don worked at Kohler Company in the pottery and brass divisions for 30 years, retiring in 1985. He was a quarter-century member. After retirement Don and Betty returned to their home on Shawano Lake, enjoying many years together, leading the quiet life. He loved to hunt and fish, providing many meals for family and friends over the years. He enjoyed teaching his sons the skills of hunting and fishing, and spending time with them enjoying these sports. He was a great caregiver for Betty when she became ill.

Don is survived by his three children, Thomas (Karen) Seering, Martin Seering and Pamela (Ken) Marks, all of Sheboygan; eight grandchildren, Martha and Michael Marks, James (Janet) Yurk, Rich Yurk, Traci (Peter) Carlson, Robyn (Colby) Black, Jeff and Greg Wriedt; 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Also two sisters, Lilas Sheleski, of Green Bay, and Rosaline Kirschling, of Menasha; and one brother-in-law, Walter Mueller, of Bonduel.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, W4496 County Road E, Bonduel. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established in lieu of flowers.

Please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook.

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Our beloved dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, Earl “Mike” Miller, 89, passed away on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, surrounded by his family at a local nursing home.

Dad lived a life filled with passion for his work, loyal service to his community and a deep love for his wife and family. Dad was born June 5, 1925, in Chilton to Roland and Elsie Miller. After graduating from Chilton High School and serving as a staff sergeant with the 98th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, he attended St. Norbert College, graduating in 1949. He went on to receive master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UW-Stout.

After returning from the war in 1946, he married our mother, the love of his life, Ina Claire Schucht, in Chilton on Sept. 11, 1947. Mom preceded him in death in 2004. Mike and Ina Claire found joy in the fact that they were born a day apart in Chilton, and he often commented that she was sent to him from above. He and Ina Claire were blessed with six children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His career in teaching and high school athletics began in Casco in 1949, teaching social studies as well as coaching football, basketball and baseball. In 1952, Mike moved to Chilton, where he coached the same three sports.

All who knew “Coach” realize that beginning in 1954, he bled purple and white for his West High Wildcats. During his tenure at Green Bay West from 1954 until his final retirement in 1986, he held positions as a history teacher, guidance counselor and vice principal. His passion for teaching and coaching young people earned him great respect from generations of youth and their families whose lives he impacted.

As an assistant and head football coach for Green Bay West, he won numerous sectional, regional and conference championships. He was named Fox River Valley Conference coach of the year three times and Green Bay All-Metro coach of the year twice. Mike was awarded the Fox Cities Sports award at the Red Smith program in 1981. The Wisconsin High School Football Coaches Association recognized him for 34 years of coaching in 1986. In 1988, Mike received the National School Public Relations Award of Honor and the Outstanding Service Award for service to youth in Green Bay. In 1992, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Coaches Football Association Hall of Fame in Madison. In addition, he was inducted into the St. Norbert College Athletics Hall of Fame.

Dad believed in the importance of serving his community and living the American Constitution. He was elected to eight consecutive terms as a member of the Green Bay City Council and the Brown County Board of Supervisors. As a member of the Green Bay City Council, he served four years as council vice president and four years as president. He was a member of the American Legion, the AMVETS, the Green Bay Elks, the Green Bay Drug and Alcohol Abuse Alliance, and was also active as a Boy Scout leader for many years. Dad was a longtime member of Annunciation Parish, and served the parish as a dedicated volunteer. He also loved the outdoors, spending time fishing and hunting with his family and singing along with anyone who would join him.

Dad was a man of high integrity and set high standards for himself and others around him. We were blessed to have him as a role model each day. He had strong faith in God, and expressed this in the way he lived his life.

Mike is survived by his six children, Dan (Anne), Shawano, Mike (Anne), Green Bay, Chris Nelson, Greeley, Colorado, Tom (Mary Beth), Green Bay, Katie (Paul) Ruiz, Green Bay, and Susie (Ivo) Montes de Oca, Lawrence, Kansas; 17 grandchildren, Hannah, Rachel and Leah Miller, Kristin (Nick) Karnitz, Joe (Kaylinn) Miller, Michael and Katie Parins, Megan, Ryan and Aaron Miller, Zachary (Glynnis), Mitchell, Sara and Sam Ruiz, Matthew, Jameson and Bryce Montes de Oca; three great-grandchildren, Grant, Nolan and Andrew Karnitz. Mike is further survived by his sisters, Joan Bruckner, Chilton, Nancy (Erv) Nolan, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Gretchen (Jim) Bloomer, Chilton; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy (Ray) Ricker, Chilton.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ina Claire; his parents, Roland and Elsie Miller; his in-laws, Howard and Edna Schucht; his sister, Marilyn Nolan; his brother-in-law, George Bruckner; and son-in-law, Ron Nelson.

Visitation will be held at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., Green Bay, from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at Annunciation Catholic Church, 401 Gray St., Green Bay, from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. Donald Everts and the Rev. Dennis Ryan concelebrating. Entombment will be at the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, we wish to honor Dad’s legacy through donations to the Coach Earl “Mike” Miller Scholarship Fund established through the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, which will benefit students and athletes of Green Bay West High.

We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staffs of Renaissance and Rennes, in addition to the staffs of St. Vincent Hospital and Unity Hospice for their compassionate care of Dad over the past several years. In addition, no words can express how much it meant to Dad to have visits from his friends, former students and athletes. We are so very grateful.

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Gerhardt John Busch, 82, of Bonduel, went to his eternal home on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014.

Born on May 11, 1932, in the town of Green Valley, Shawano County, Gerhardt was the son of the late Frank and Hulda (Simon) Busch. He graduated from Bonduel High School in 1950. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel. Gerhardt took over the family farm, which he ran throughout his adult life. He continued operating a hobby farm until the time of his death. He raised many different breeds of chickens, ducks and geese and sold German shepherd pups.

Gerhardt was a member of the Shawano County Ayrshire Association and introduced the first Ayrshire cattle to the Shawano County Fair. Gerhardt enjoyed making friends through the selling of eggs and other farm activities.

Gerhardt is survived by one sister, Hertha (Roger) Olson, of Pulaski; two sisters-in-law, Violett Busch, of Shawano, and Lydia Busch, of Bonduel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Gladys, Leona and Irene; and four brothers, Clarence, Martin, Harold and Frank.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel with the Rev. Mark Palmer officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 12 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Swedberg-Wendt is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank the staff at Birch Hill Care Center in Shawano and ThedaCare Hospice for their compassionate care during the final weeks of Gerhardt’s life.

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Craig “AJ” N. Kjendalen, 57, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Summerfield, Florida.

AJ was born on June 3, 1957, in Clintonville, the son of Lois (Butcher) Miller and the late Norman Kjendalen. In 1975 he graduated from Marion High School. He had worked at Fort Howard Paper, Green Bay, Choice Beer Sales, Shawano, H.O. Wolding Trucking, Amherst, Seagrave Fire Apparatus, Clintonville, held an insurance agent’s license, became owner/operator of Design Tech. Sign and Monument, Marion, and currently was in sales of fire apparatus at Spartan Motors, South Dakota, and Ocala, Florida.

AJ enjoyed many activities such as golfing, hunting, fishing, riding in his Jeep and on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and socializing with family and friends. He annually enjoyed The Hodag, the Rhinelander country music festival. At this event, he started out as a spectator and ended up creating a food stand called The Chicken Coop.

AJ was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marion, a member of the Marion Lions Club, where he held various offices and served as past president, and a member of Duck’s Unlimited. If you had the privilege to know and spend time with AJ, a long-lasting memory was created. He will be missed by his family and numerous friends.

Survivors include his daughter, Caitlin Kjendalen (special friend, Erik Gilling), Manawa; son, Charlie (Jodi) Kjendalen, Holmen; mother, Lois Miller, Marion; brother, Curt (Dianne) Kjendalen, Marion; special friend, Lyn Mortensen, Marion.

He was preceded in death by his father, Norman; a sister, Cathy, as a child; and his stepfather, Blaine “Bud” Miller.

Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marion, with the Rev. Brad Dokken officiating. Inurnment will be in the Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery, Township of Scandinavia, Waupaca County. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kjendalen family. A memorial will be established at a later date.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Marion, is assisting his family with the arrangements.

An online guest book may be signed at www.eberhardtstevenson.com.

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Marijean Rice Walker passed away on Aug. 4, 2014, a few weeks after her 83rd birthday. Mari was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She will be remembered in every pretty pink flower, in the sparkle of a child’s eye and in the beauty of sunset on the lake.

Raised with a loving, lively family in La Crosse, Mari was the eldest of seven children born to Robert and Elizabeth Rice. After graduation from Central High School, she worked at Grandview Hospital. One of the nurses introduced her to a soldier from Missouri who was stationed at Camp McCoy. Her date with Bill Walker would lead to over 51 years of marriage, three children and lots of wonderful friends.

Bill and Mari settled in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and raised their children. They built a vacation home on LaMotte Lake near Shawano that would become the family residence each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Zaleski family also spent summers on the lake, and a dear and special friendship between Sue Zaleski and Mari came about around the Scrabble board.

A business opportunity for Bill led to the move to Shawano in 1971. They enjoyed a beautiful home on the Wolf River, and Mari was active in the art league as a volunteer and an artist. She was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church and Friends of Shawano City-County Library. Mari loved her Cupcake and Molly, the “two smartest dogs on the planet.” The cold, snowy winters allowed Mari to display her love and elegance in ice skating and her newfound appreciation of cross-country skiing. Summer allowed Mari time for her beautiful flower gardens that surrounded their home.

As the children moved off to college, Mari and Bill transitioned to vacationing in Florida, Door County and Arizona. By the early 1980s they had become permanent residents of Arizona and settled in the foothills of Tucson. Mari found the area full of beautiful landscape and unusual wildlife. Mari was so happy to live in a climate where their home would accommodate a pool so she could swim each day.

Mari and Bill returned to La Crosse in 2001. They lived just around the corner from Mari’s mother, who lived to be over 100. Mari continued to welcome family and friends to Wisconsin and was known for leaving a gift for each guest on their bed when they arrived for a visit. After Bill passed in 2003, Mari made frequent trips between her children’s homes. In 2010, she settled in Mississippi.

Mari’s husband, Bill, her sister, Roberta, and her parents preceded her passing.

Mari is survived by her son, Jeff Walker (Charlotte), of Madison, Mississippi; daughter, Lucy Shaffer (Gordon), of Columbia, Missouri; son, Tom Walker (Lynn), of Ridgeland, Mississippi; grandchildren Jeffrey Tyler Walker, Elizabeth Allan Walker, Lindsey Nicole Clifton, Cole Walker Riley, Ted Woodard Riley, Travis Shaffer, Josh Shaffer, Winn Walker and Mari Hughes Walker; son-in-law, Ryan Lee Clifton, and great-grandson, Kalen Lee Clifton; siblings, Beverly Kastenschmidt (Richard), Barbara Fancher-Servais (Everett), Robert G. Rice Jr. (Ursala), Beth Bathke (Larry), Jane Zeroth (Jerry); sister-in-law, Martha Jane Walker McDowell; a host of nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Janet Zaleski, of Chicago.

A private inurnment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse. Family and friends will gather at a later date to share memories.

Please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Mari’s honor to continue important research.

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Michael Robert “Battles” Bartelt, 48, of Shawano, passed away Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, in Shawano.

Michael was born on Nov. 17, 1965, the son of the late Robert Bartelt and Marva (Knope) Wege. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Battles owned and operated The Shack in Shawano and Shooters in Embarrass. In his younger years he played baseball and softball. He later went on to sponsor numerous baseball, volleyball and softball teams. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, shooting pool and was an avid deer hunter. He was in the National Guard and was also a life member of the Shawano AMVETS Post 10.

Michael is survived by three children, Jonathan, Miranda and Emma Bartelt, all of Shawano; his mother, Marva (Don) Wege, of Shawano; two sisters, Nancy (Dick) Charron, of De Pere, and Vicky (Bill) Brennan, of De Pere; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Robert Bartelt; a stepfather, Curt Berglin; and a sister, Kathryn Bartelt.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, at St. James in Shawano with the Rev. Ted Andrada officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano with military honors conducted by Shawano AMVETS Post 10.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

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James “Jim” M. Kohn, 84, of Shawano, formerly of Cecil, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. Jim was born on Nov. 5, 1929, to the late Emil and Grace (Buelow) Kohn.

On Jan. 1, 1982, Jim married Patricia Bocik. He was a long-time truck driver, long distance hauls. The road was his life. For many years Jim owned and operated the Prairie Schooner Restaurant in Cecil.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Kohn, of Shawano; his children, James (Claudia) Kohn Jr., Kathleen (Kenneth) Dich; stepchildren, Jeff (Vicky) Bocik, of Hortonville, Kim (Jim) Parker, of Dunedin, Florida, Sally (Steven) Stewart, of Los Angles, California; four grandchildren, Erin Berkhahn, Jamie Radloff, Ryan Stewart, Nicholas Bocik.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Steven J. Kohn.

At Jim’s request there will be no service.

Zastrow Funeral Home in Cecil is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the Shawano Hospital and Maple Lane. Special thanks to Heartland Hospice and Becky Behnke, his care giver.

www.zastrowfuneralhome.com

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Galen D. “Shorty” Dobbs, 71, of Shawano, passed away Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, at his home. Born on Aug. 27, 1942, in Shawano, he was the son of the late Louis E. and Rose (Wilber) Dobbs.

On February 15, 1997, Shorty was united in marriage to Nancy Kriefall, and was a very loving husband. Shorty was an avid trapper, hunter, fisher, jokester, prankster, pool shooter, Styrofoam sculpture extraordinaire, painter (artist), family patriarch and historian. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Shorty is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, of Shawano; his daughter, Tracy (Matthew) Hardyman, of Red Wing, Minnesota; his son, Andrew Dobbs, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Alexander, Madelyn and Jacob; his siblings, Beverly (Tony) Fernandez, of Shawano, Cathy (Pete) O’Kimosh, of Shawano, and Tim (Maryanne) Dobbs, of Keshena. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Lois Thompson.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with the Rev. Michael Kahl officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014, from 2-6 p.m. and again from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Burial will be in the Lake Drive Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

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