Theresa Marie (Prasalowicz) Barske, 81, of Antigo, passed away peacefully Nov. 22, 2019 at Aspirus Langlade Hospital, after a brief battle with cancer.     Theresa was born March 17, 1938 to Jacob and Mary (Banczak} Prasalowicz.  She graduated from Antigo High School and received her teaching degree from the Langlade County Normal School.  In 1956 she married the love of her life, Robert Barske.  He preceded her in death just 3 short months before her passing on Aug. 23, 2019.  Just like her husband Bob, she didn’t receive a physical healing, but more importantly; they did receive a spiritual healing and excepted the beautiful indescribable gift of eternal life from our Blessed Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Theresa was a woman of faith and always loved reading her Bible.   Together she and Bob raised their family on their dairy/horse farm in Antigo.  Theresa being very creative and anticipated the need, started one of the first CBRF Elderly Group Home’s in Antigo named Elm Haven.  She and Bob also hosted the kindergarten farm tours for 14 years on their farm for area schools.  They loved seeing all the excited children and getting Thank you cards from the classes!  Theresa loved her family, she always loved to hold a precious new baby.  She enjoyed life on the farm, her fancy chickens and many critters.  Making Holidays and Packer games a fun tradition.  Sharing her childhood memories of her fast pony, swimming in the Eau Claire River and watching family baseball games.  She was a faithful supporter of her family with art shows, sporting and music events and attending family graduations nearly every year for the past 45 years.

Survivors include, eight daughters; Lisa (Dave) Slattery, Lila (Mike) Bares, Linda (Mark) Williamson, LeeAnn (Duane) Haakenson, Lana (Dave) Hickman, Lois (Mark) Fick, Leah Barske and Lydia (Brian) Engen.  Six sons; Loren (Diane Gallenberg), Len (Julie Schmitz), Les (Luann Schroepfer), Lynn (Linda Gorchow), Lon (Cindy Carlson) and Lance Barske.  32 grandchildren; Brenda, Carol, Adam, Michelle, Eric, Ryan, Jennifer, Emily, Holly, Mark Jr., Elizabeth, Jack, Luke, Brittany, Brook, Brett, Justin, Tyler, Levi, Ashton, Olivia, Dustin, Kalie, Wes, Haylee, Skielur, Mike, Jacob, April, Matthew, Marshal and Elsa.  Nine great-grandchildren; Archer, Ireland, Thora, Elliott, Tatum, Aria, Ezra, Jaylen and Brady.    She’s also survived by 2 sisters, Sister Joyce Prasalowicz and Janet Heckert.  Sister in-law Lola Luttig, and many nieces and nephews and friends.  Besides her husband Robert, she was proceeded in death her parents; Ma and Pa Jake, sisters Margaret (Howard) Galarowicz, Josephine (Melvin) Eckardt, Luella Prasalowicz and Dorothy Prasalowicz in their youth.  Brothers, Edward (Margie), Ervin (Sally), Infant Joseph Prasalowicz and brother in-law Ray Heckert.

A celebration of life service will be held for Theresa on Saturday January 11, 2020.  At the Antigo Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1515 3^rd. Ave., visitation 2 – 4pm, service 4 – 5pm.  Thank you to all who have lifted up our parents with love and prayers during Bobs Parkinson’s years and Theresa’s trial with cancer!  Thank you again!

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Norman V. Thurs, 90, Athens, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, January 6, 2020 at Ascension Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston.  He was born September 17, 1929 in the Town of Hamburg, one of five sons to the late Gustave and Gertrude (Mueller) Thurs.  For 37 years, Norman worked as a manager for the Athens Co-Op, a job he truly loved.  He was a lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hamburg and a member of the Pomeranian German Club and the Hamburg Fire Department.  Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed fishing, working in the woods, spending time with his family at “The World’s Fair” in Athens, watching the Milwaukee Brewers and he loved his John Deere 420 tractor.  Most of all, Norman enjoyed helping family and friends when needed and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include two brothers, Harvey (Mavis) Thurs, Weston and Elgart Thurs, Hamburg; one sister-in-law, Alladine Thurs, Merrill; and many nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilmer Thurs and Orville Thurs; and two sisters-in-law, Iris Thurs and Shirley Thurs.

Visitation will be on Monday January 13, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Town of Hamburg.  Funeral service will be at Noon.  Rev. Philip Bogen will officiate.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ministry Home Care Hospice in Rhinelander.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ascension Saint Clare’s Hospital, Ministry Home Care Hospice and Bell Tower in Merrill for the outstanding care they provided.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com 

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Jack B. Broeren, age 87, of Merrill, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital with his loving family by his side.  He was born on October 27, 1932 to the late Theodore and Helen (Treat) Broeren in Medford, WI.  Jack attended and graduated from Merrill High School with the Class of 1950.  He went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy from July 19, 1950 until he was honorably discharged on October 26, 1953.  Jack was aboard the U.S. Casa Grande during the Korean War. He met the love of his life, Goldie Duranceau, and the two exchanged marriage vows on April 7, 1960, a union lasting almost 60 years. She survives.  Jack worked for the United States Postal Service for 32 years as a city mail carrier.  He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting big game in Wyoming, pheasant hunting in South Dakota and fishing with family in Canada.  Jack looked forward to time spent with family while making maple syrup at the hunting shack and spending the summers at Blue Lake in Minocqua.  He was able to go on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2014, something that meant a lot to him. Jack was a huge sports enthusiast, especially cheering on the Green Bay Packers!  Jack had a strong faith in God.  He was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Jack is remembered at being witty, kind-hearted and strong.  He loved his family and referred to his loving wife as “the best wife”.  Jack will be missed by all who knew him.

Jack is survived his wife: Goldie Broeren of Merrill, son: Michael (Larana) Broeren of Merrill, daughter: Brenda (Mike) Powell of Summerville, South Carolina, grandchildren: Adam, Taylor and Sarah, great grandchildren: Aiden and Keller, brother: Roy (Marian) Broeren, sister-in-law: Dottie Broeren and his honorary children: Carol, Linda and Sheila.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson: Andrew, sister: Carol and brother: James.

A memorial service for Jack will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill.  The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 9am until the time of the service, also at the church.  Military honors for Jack will be performed at the church immediately following the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s name may be directed to either the Kidney Foundation, Trinity Radio Broadcast fund or a charity of your choice.  Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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Irene M. Jourdan, age 96, passed away Jan. 10, 2020.  Visitation 9:30 AM, Funeral 11:00 AM Thursday, all at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home.

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Verdaine C. Mattson, age 93, of Merrill, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  She was born on January 2, 1927 to the late Arnold and Lucille (Yahnke) Wyland in Merrill.  Verdaine attended school at Schulz Spur.  She met Kenneth Mattson, and the two exchanged marriage vows on May 3, 1947 in Merrill.  Sadly, Kenneth preceded her in death on February 10, 2008.  In her younger years, Verdaine worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Factory, Badger Hotel, Merrill Distributing and seasonally worked for the Peterson-Latzig Evergreen.  Verdaine was a housewife, mother and homemaker for most of her adult life, farming and raising beef.  She was a fun lady that had an infectious laugh and liked to have fun!  Verdaine especially looked forward to auctions, rummage sales and having her “sister’s weekends”. Whether it was a family gathering, school shopping, or going down to the creek, everything was an adventurous and fun event.  Verdaine enjoyed bowling. She and Ken would often go out dancing or playing cards with friends. Verdaine was a member of the Women’s V.F.W. Auxillary, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and the “Snow Campers” snowmobile club.  Verdaine will be missed, but her happy personality will live on through those she loved.

Verdaine is survived by her children: Nick (Deborah) Mattson of Appleton, Todd (Cynthia) Mattson of Gleason, Brad (Theresa Grund) Mattson of Merrill and Gail Abegglen of Merrill, grandchildren: Jesse (Anna Fabishak), Brent (Jen), Clay (Becky), Isaac (Mandy) and Becky (Brady Goeks) Mattson, along with, Angela (Adam Rosek) Lom, Rachel (Jamie) Lane, Cody (Amanda Boyd), Clint (Trina) and Cassidy (Brianna) Rogers, Cali (Jesse) Gehrung, Chelsea and Jacob Grund and Paige (Mark) Sanders, 23 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, sisters: Delores Smith, Loretta Hulke and Sandra (Fran) Doering, brothers: Arnold (Carol) Wyland Jr. and Alan (Doris) Wyland and brother-in-law: Scott Stevenson.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Kenneth, sisters: Glorian (“Rusty”) Sukow, Patricia Stevenson, Emily (David) Streich and Pearl Waldburger, son-in-law: Dennis Abegglen, brother-in-laws: John Smith and Ronald Hulke and sister-in-law: Margaret Wyland.

The funeral service for Verdaine will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 11am at Waid Funeral Home.  Pastor Steven Hulke will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 from 10am until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.  Burial will immediately follow the service at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Verdaine’s name may be directed to the Pine Crest Special Care Unit.  Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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Anthony J. ‘Tony’ Voigt, 48, of Merrill, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020 at his home.   Tony was born March 21, 1971 in Merrill, son of Gene and Phyllis (Grund) Voigt.  Tony was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.  He had worked at several restaurants in Merrill and had also worked for eight years at Northern Wire.

Tony is survived by his parents, Gene and Phyllis Voigt of Merrill; brother, Jeremy Voigt of Merrill; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  Tony was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Ernestine Voigt; and maternal grandparents, Eugene and Delores Grund.

A private family service will be held at a later date.  Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.  Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

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Randall E. ‘Randy’ Ashton, 72, of Merrill, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020 at Tomahawk Health Services, Tomahawk.  Randy was born February 14, 1947, in Loves Park, Illinois, son of the late Everett and Emily (Jans) Ashton. He married Deborah ‘Debbie’ Smith on October 13, 1973. She preceded him in death on August 25, 2015. Randy graduated from Harlem High School in Loves Park, Illinois. After his first year of college, Randy was drafted into the United States Army. He served several tours of duty during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged.  Randy had worked for the Melville Corporation as a field auditor for many years. The company sold in 1995 and in 1996, Randy and his family moved to the Merrill area. Randy worked as a manager of Dollar Tree until his retirement. Randy enjoyed racing and hot rods, watching the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers, snowmobiling, and fishing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include his son, Ramcey (Victoria) Ashton of Merrill; granddaughter, Rhyle Ashton of Merrill; sister, Jean Boettcher of Florence, Wisconsin; brother, Richard (Vicki) Ashton of Loves Park, Illinois; brother-in-law, Jeff (Mary) Smith of Rhinelander; and several nieces and nephews. Randy was preceded in death by his wife, Deborah ‘Debbie’ Ashton; parents, Everett and Emily Ashton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wayne and Betty Smith; and brother-in-law, Mike Boettcher.

A private graveside service will take place at a later date. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

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Rodger Lee Luebke, 83, Sun City Center, FL, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at South Bay Hospital. Rodger was born September 23, 1936 in Oconto, to the late Elmer Luebke and Marie (Rudolph) Pecor. Roger married the love of his life, Patsy LaFortune on September 15, 1936. Rodger and Patsy were successful business owners throughout their lives. They worked side-by-side in businesses including Luebke’s Office Supply in Merrill and The Big Oak Motel in Lake Wales, FL. They worked hard throughout their lives and enjoyed the fruits of their labor with world travel, cruises, RV travel and boating.  With his wife, Rodger enjoyed camping, travel,  and spending time with his family. Rodger was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center, FL. Rodger was a role model for how to be a loving husband and father to his family. His family will miss him dearly.

Rodger is survived by his wife, Patsy Luebke, Sun City Center, FL; daughters Jean (Pat) Hall of Merrill, WI and Lynn (Dan) Crooks of Green Bay, WI, son, Rodger (Valerie) Luebke of Apollo Beach, FL, sister, Beverly (Eugene) Longsine of Kaukauna, WI, half brother Tom Pecor of Pensaukee, WI; seven grandchildren, Patrice Hell, Lee Hall, Jennifer Doles, Kathryn Cason, Jessica Crooks, Justin Crooks and Andrea Crooks, and six great grandchildren. Rodger was preceded in death by his parents: father, Elmer Luebke, mother, Marie (Rudolph) Pecor, step father Francis Pecor, a brother, Elmer “Buddy” and a half brother, Francis “Tanny” Pecor.

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on January 4, 2020 in Sun City Center, FL. Burial will be at St. Charles cemetery in Lena, WI.

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Ronald R. Nutter, 82, of Merrill, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.  Ron was born November 17, 1937, in Merrill, son of the late Roy and Marcella (Lemke) Nutter.  He married Kathleen J. Stebbins on July 28, 1956 in Pine City, Minnesota.  She survives.  Ron served as a member of the Wisconsin National Guard for six years.  He worked in commercial construction as a sprinkler fitter installing fire protection systems.  Ron was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill.  He enjoyed golfing and he was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  Ron was always lending a hand.  After he built his own home, Ron helped his children renovate their homes.  He also enjoyed volunteering at the School Forest and helping his neighbors.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Nutter of Merrill; sons, Keene (Dee) Nutter of Janesville and Steven (Amy) Nutter of Greendale; grandchildren, Christopher, Molly, Jon, Reese and Jeff Nutter, Melissa (Travis) Aarstad, and Lindsay (Dustin) Cole; great-grandchildren, Mackenna and Haidan Kelly, and Camdyn and Dexter Cole; sister, Marjorie Robl of Merrill; brother-in-law, Wayne (Julia) Stebbins of Jasper, Georgia; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Marcella Nutter; and a brother-in-law, Frank Robl.

The funeral service for Ron will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 24, 2020 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill.  The Rev. Patricia Schutz will officiate.  Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 A.M. Friday at church.  Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.   Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

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Robert “Rob” Oehlkers peacefully ended his earthly journey, the evening of Saturday, Dec. 14,2019, surrounded by his loved ones at Agrace HospiceCare. Robert was born in New Jersey and lived his childhood in Secaucus. He was the middle son of John and Elsie (Grip) Oehlkers of Secaucus, N.J. He married Meredith Engel on June 23, 1963, in Merrill, WI. Robert and Meredith were the parents of Dennis (Bobbi) Oehlkers and Jacquelyn Shelton. Subsequently with joy, they were grandparents to Rachel Hanson, Cassandra (Justin Cass) and Daniel Mattie and great-grandparents to Taylor and Carson Williamson, Isabel Hanson, Jaydin, Jordin and Alanna Cass. Robert is also survived by two brothers, William (Lois) Oehlkers of Rhode Island and Kenneth (Christina) Oehlkers of New York City; and brother-in-law, Peter (Carol) Engel. He was preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law, Harold Engel and mother-in-law, Hildegarde (Asmus) Engel of Merrill.  Robert graduated from Wm Dickinson High School in Jersey City, N.J. at age 15. Joined the U.S. Air Force at age 17, was trained as a technician and spent the majority of his time with the Armament & Electronics Maintenance Squadron of the Strategic Air Command in California. In 1963, he graduated from RCA Electronic School in N.Y., N.Y. and joined RCA in Hightstown, N.J. working on building and testing parts of Tiros and Nimbus Space Satellites. In 1967, he worked for the Space Science and Engineering Center of the UW-Madison which is the research and archival center for data obtained from satellites related to Meteorology. The systems developed there revolutionized the way we receive weather reports today. He was part of a team that built systems and trained maintenance staff at Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers and various Universities and organizations needing meteorology information in the United States, Spain, and Australia. He flew weather balloons in New Zealand and Ascension Islands. Over a span of 10 years he was a distance education student at UW-Platteville and obtained a BS degree in Business Administration. Then he received a Master of Science Degree in Continuing and Vocation Education in 1998 at University of Wisconsin-Madison while he continued to work at the Space Science and Engineering Center. He retired in 2002.

Robert was an avid Baseball fan and traveled the United States and Canada over period of five years with grandson, Daniel Mattie visiting every major league baseball stadium. Since then he has visited every new major league stadium; his last trip was in May of 2019 to Georgia for an Atlanta Braves game. He was a Yankee’s fan as a child, but was a Brewer’s fan of late. Rob and Meredith created many memories of vacations traveling in their retirement years by Amtrak train.  Rob will be greatly missed for his sense of family, his kindness. Interest in, encouragement of, and faith in others, and his sense of humor. He was always a faithful member of his church family.

A memorial service will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020, with a luncheon to follow at church. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, March 21, 2020Memorials may be gifted in Robert’s name to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Agrace HospiceCare or Lake Edge Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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Gerald Lloyd Storm, 87, of Onalaska, WI, passed away on January 16th 2020. He was born in Merrill, Wisconsin on October 7, 1932, the son of Edgar and Elsie (Borchardt) Storm, and raised on a farm in rural Corning Township. During 1952-1954, he served in the U. S. Army. He married Carol Dahl Guerin on December 26, 1959 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Berlin Township, Marathon County, WI.  He spent five years with the Illinois Natural History Survey as a Field Ecologist. He was a Wildlife Biologist with the U. S. Department of Interior (Fish and Wildlife Service; National Biological Service), and served as an Associate Professor of Wildlife Management with The Pennsylvania State University for 25 years, retiring in 1997, He was a member of The Wildlife Society for more than 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and, on December 15, 2013 by his wife Carol after 54 years of marriage, He is survived by two sons, Thomas G. and Timothy T. Storm, two grandsons, Ryan M. and Addison G. Storm, and one brother, Vernon E. Storm and Vernon’s wife Marilyn.

He was a member of the Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church, Onalaska, WI.  Memorial and burial internment will be at the family’s convenience.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Guerin and Storm Scholarship Fund through the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin at cfoncw.org.  Online condolences may be given at www.schumacher-kish.com

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Robert W. ‘Bob’ DeMesy, age 70, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Woodland Court, Merrill, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born June 6, 1949 in Merrill, son of the late William and Marion DeMesy. He married Judy Rajek on May 25, 1968. She survives. In 2018 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a surprise party hosted by their daughter. Bob worked in the field of road construction for over 40 years and was a proud member of Operating Engineers 139. Bob enjoyed playing both baseball and slow pitch in Antigo and the Gleason area. Bob and Judy enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Pelican Lake. In the 1970’s Bob’s strong passion for racing was seen. Whether it was a go-kart, or a snowmobile, you could find Bob doing what he loved. His number ‘44’ was passed down to his grandson Justin. Bob was very proud of his grandson Justin, both for graduating from Michigan Tech, and for Justin’s accomplishments in racing. Bob was an integral part of Justin’s ‘pit crew’. De-Mon Racing was truly a family affair, De- for DeMesy, Mon-for Mondeik. Bob was a member of the Gleason Community Club and was instrumental in planning many of their racing events. Bob was also very proud of his daughter Shelly and the many accomplishments she achieved in her career, earning her doctorate and becoming the President of Mid-State Technical College. Bob always supported his family no matter what. Bob had a special place in his heart for Hazel their special race dog and Tux the family cat.

Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy Demesy, Merrill; his daughter, Shelly (Peter) Mondeik, Gleason; his grandson, Justin Mondeik, Gleason; his step granddaughter, Ellen Mondeik, Wausau; four siblings, Jean Thom, Gleason, Jackie (Daniel) Wedler, Rockford, Illinois, Marilyn Shook, Defiance, Ohio, and Katie (John) Ronis, Gleason; several nieces and nephews; and numerous racing friends. Besides his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his in laws, Alfred and Edna Rajek; a grandson, Jordan; a sister, Joan Steger; a nephew, Steve Steger; two brothers in law; and a great niece. The funeral was January 29, 2020 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Burial followed in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com. The DeMesy Family would like to extend a special thank you to Missy, Darrel, and Debbie at Woodland Court for all they did for the family.

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Amber N. Schmidt, age 29, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born on March 17, 1990 to Brian Schmidt and Tia Raddatz in Merrill. Amber attended and graduated from Merrill High. She enjoyed learning and was currently enrolled at Stevens Point. Amber had a zest for life! She had a unique way of seeing everything in a positive light. Amber attended many MDA camps. She loved country music and listened to Taylor Swift. Amber had gone to Country Jam many times. She loved to travel and had visited the Grand Canyon, Florida, and Punta Cana. Amber liked to go fishing & hunting with her dad. She also enjoyed camping and sitting around campfires with her family & friends. She will be dearly missed.

Amber is survived by her parents: Brian (Mandi) Schmidt, Tia (Dan Bacher) Raddatz, both of Merrill, step sister: Katelyn Schmidt, grandparents; Mayward (Celina) Schmidt, Ken (Nancy) Raddatz, all of Merrill, great grandparents; Selma Weber & Lorraine Raddatz, both of Merrill, aunt: Kari (Paul Kleinschmidt) Raddatz, Merrill, uncle: Breck (Amy) Raddatz, Wausau, uncle: Duane (Jennifer Busch) Schmidt, Wausau, aunt: Denise (Teri) Witter, uncle’s; Matthew Schmidt, Chris (Tiffany Krenz) Schmidt all of Merrill, god daughter: Aurora, many other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her great grandparents & her beloved hedgehog: Hazel.

The funeral service for Amber was held on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Scott Gustafson officiated. Visitation was on Monday, January 27, 2020 Burial was in Snow Hill Cemetery following the service. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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Paulette Rothmeyer, age 71, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Pine Crest Nursing Home under Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.  She was born on April 14, 1948 to Paul H. and Betty A. (Peterson) Grefe in Merrill.  Paulette attended and graduated from Merrill High School and went to work as a CNA at Pine Crest and at the hospital in Merrill.  She met Dennis Rothmeyer and exchanged marriage vows on July 25, 1970 in Merrill.  He survives.  Paulette loved to go for car rides.  She enjoyed spending time with family, going to the cabin, and Easter egg hunts with the grandkids.  Paulette & Dennis would go on casino runs together.  She would bake the best Christmas cookies, which the grandchildren loved.  Paulette looked forward to her monthly lunch outings with her friends and she appreciated going to all the family gatherings.  She will be dearly missed.

Paulette is survived by her loving husband; Dennis, son; Anthony Rothmeyer, daughters; Danielle (Tim) Kurtz, Melissa (Brian) Krueger, all of Merrill, grandchildren; Riley Kurtz, Madelyn Kurtz, great grandchild: Beau Riley Gillhouse, siblings; Phillip (Mary) Grefe, Merrill, Bonnie (Phil) Stuckey, Antigo, David (Julie) Grefe, VanCover, WA, Mary (Chuck) Gorton, VanCover, WA, Peter (Amy) Grefe, Merrill, Matt (Beth) Grefe, Merrill, Angie Grefe, Wausau, Tom (Marsha) Peterson, Eagan, MN,  sisters & brother in laws; Sandy (Vern) Buchberger, Rhonda (George) Krautkramer, Sherri (Clinton) Wallis, Kevin (Jess) Rothmeyer, fur family member “Sasha”, many other relatives & friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and father and mother in law; Derold and Delores Rothmeyer.

The funeral service for Paulette will be held 11am on Friday, January 31, 2020 at Waid Funeral Home.   Pastor Lucas Williams and Pastor Mary Pat Campbell will co-officiate.  Visitation will be Thursday, January 30, 2020 from 4pm-7pm at Waid Funeral Home and again on Friday from 10am until the time of the service, at the funeral home.  Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.  Special thanks to: Pine Crest Nursing Home, Davita Dialysis Staff, Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services Staff, all family & friends who were able to help Paulette when needed, and George & MaryAnn Zinser.  Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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Delores “Toppy” K. Smith, age 84, a former Medford resident, passed away on January 20 at Azura Memory Care in Wausau where she had resided for the past two years. Delores was born in Merrill, Wisconsin on January 9, 1936 to the late Arnold and Lucille (Jahnke) Wyland. Delores attended Schultz Spur Grade School in Merrill and was a 1954 Graduate of Merrill High School. Delores married John “Jack” Kelley Smith on July 24, 1954 in Merrill, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death in 2007. Delores & Jack were 4-H Leaders for Lincoln County for a number of years. She and Jack resided in California until 1956, when her and Jack farmed in the Town of Merrill until 1968. The family then moved to Iron Ridge, Dodge County, Wisconsin and farmed there until 1972. From there, they then moved to the Medford area and farmed in the Town of Browning. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church; Ladies Aide. She cooked at Miracle Mile Diner and worked at Hurd Millwork until retirement. In her free time, Delores enjoyed cooking, gardening, dancing, playing cards, and socializing with family and friends.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, sisters – Glorian (Rusty) Sukow, Verdaine (Ken) Mattson, Patty (Scott) Stevenson, Emily (Dave) Streich & Pearl (Fred) Walburger & sons-in-law:  Ed Chariton and Karl Dehn. Delores is survived by siblings – Lorretta (Ron “Pudge”) Hulke, Allan (Doris) Wyland, Arnold “Butch” (Carol) Wyland and Sandy (Fran) Doering.  She is also survived by her 9 children – Kay (Rod) Newman, John Smith Jr.,  Jean Dehn, Beth Chariton, Judy Akey, Abe (Nathalie) Smith, Peter (Dawn) Smith, Mary (Jon) Heineman & Sally Smith; 23 grandchildren & great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service for Delores will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Hemer Funeral Home – Medford Chapel with Father Michael Hayden officiating. Visitation will held at Hemer Funeral Home from 11:30 AM until the time of services at 12:30 PM. Hemer Funeral Services of Medford and Rib Lake have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

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Richard “Dick” McCarthy , formerly of the town of Summit, Langalde County died Monday, January 27, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 89 years old. He was born on June 7, 1930, in Burlington, a son of John and Eva (Shields) McCarthy. He married Kathleen McCourt on October 29, 1955, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Burlington. She survives.  He graduated from Burlington High School in 1949 and attended Spencerean College in Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin at Madison.  He served in the United States Marine Corps Second Batallion, First Marines Fox Company, First Marine Division from September 19, 1951 to September 19, 1953 having been in combat in Korea as a communication lineman.  As a young man he worked for his father as a beer distributor and later purchased the business and operated it as White-Fox Distributing. As the industry changed he became a salesman in southeastern Wisconsin. For 23 years Dick was a volunteer on the Burlington Fire Department, Hose Company #1.  In 1978 he began a career as a salesman for Merrill Candy and Distributing having achieved the recognition as the first of their salesmen to reach the one million dollar mark in sales. His territory included Langlade, Lincoln and Oneida counties. He retired in 1995.  He will be remembered as a great story teller who enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cribbage.  As a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Elcho he lived out his faith daily. He was also a member of the American Legion Post in Burlington and a life member of the Gleason Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. In 2014 Dick was honored to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Survivors including his wife are four daughters, Colleen (Rick) Kist, Wausau, Karen (Michael) Bassi, Waukesha, Kay Dee (Russell) Lange, Gleason, Jan (Rich) Nisleit, Silver Cliff; eight grandchildren Brian (Amanda) Kist, Bridget (Ben) Condon, Michael A. “Mick” Bassi and finace Alex, Joseph Bassi and fiance Erika, Patrick (Rachael) Bassi, Kevin (Stephanie) Lange, Gregory Lange and finace Jamie, Kelsey (Brad) Beyer; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Block, Burlington, Edna (Wenzel) Smetana, LaCrosse; two brothers, William McCarthy, Oshkosh, Michael McCarthy, Oakland, Calif; two sisters-in-law, Theresa McCarthy, Burlington, Joan McCarthy, California.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, John R. and Thomas McCarthy; a brother-in-law, Jerry Block; two sisters-in-law, Mary Kay McCarthy, and Marise “Honey” McCarthy.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church 415 Sixth Ave, Antigo, with Rev. Mathew Simonar officiating. Burial will take place in spring at the Town of Summit Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted following services at the church.  Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Bradley Funeral Home, Antigo and conclude with reciting of the rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the funeral home from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678.  Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.

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Blanche “Bonnie” Marie Sandas, 95, died peacefully January 13, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 17, 1924 in Tomahawk WI. She is the daughter of the late Gustav Ristvedt and Elizabeth (Hughes). Ristvedt.   After Bonnie graduated from Merrill High School in 1941, she lived in Detroit, Michigan for several years. On return to Merrill she worked as a dental receptionist where she met her future husband. Bonnie and Edwin Sandas were married on Oct. 11, 1947 in Tomahawk WI. They lived in Merrill, WI for 70 years where Ed operated a mink ranch and Bonnie established her antique business, “Lilac Lane Antiques”. Bonnie had a passion for antiques especially primitive furniture. She became a master at refinishing. Bonnie was a successful dealer and sold at her own shop, “The Antique Mall of Merrill” as well as in Eau Claire, Wausau, Minocqua and Rhinelander.  Bonnie always put her family and faith first in her life. She was an active member of St Francis Xavier Church in Merrill. She served as president the Catholic Women’s Club and was a member of the Altar Society. She volunteered in the kitchen and participated in the annual Christmas Bazaar. She grew up in 4-H Club and passed on her skills as an adult leader. She was an avid reader and an expert at “Wheel of Fortune” and crossword puzzles. She loved gardening, canning, and making preserves. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress and homemaker.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gustav and Elizabeth Ristvedt: brother Victor (Ruby) Ristvedt; sister Victoria (Ralph) Heiss; and son Kevin (Roxy) Sandas.  Survivors include three children: Susan Sandas, Mary Beth (Alan) Sandas Appel and Eddie (Susan) Sandas; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three nieces and three nephews.

A Christian Mass of Burial will be held on April 25, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1708 E 10th St, Merrill, WI.  To send the family online condolences, please visit www.cremationsociety-wi.com.  Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting with family arrangements.

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Thomas G. Thompson, Sr., age 79, of Irma, WI, and longtime resident of the Tomahawk area, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Tom was born January 25, 1941, in Merrill, WI, to the late Clair “Rudy” and Beulah (Scofield) Thompson.  Tom grew up in the Merrill area where he attended school.  He joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he started work as a Union Insulator; retiring in 2003. Tom was a former President of the Local 127.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and drinking his beer. He also enjoyed all of the Labrador Retriever dogs he had by his side over the years. Tom loved all of the time he spent at Blue Lake.

Survivors include:   2 Sons, Thomas G. (Kris) Thompson, Jr., of Tomahawk, and David D. Thompson, of Wausau, WI; 1 Daughter, Jennifer L. Thompson, of Wausau; 1 Brother, Rodger (Donna) Thompson, of Merrill; his former Wife, Virginia Dorcey, of Wausau; and his Sister-in-Law, Joann Thompson, of Fort Myers, FL.  Tom is further survived by his 6 Grandchildren, Adam Brunette, Dakota Thompson, Kole Driscoll, Morgan Thompson, Joseph Thompson, and Joshua Thompson, and his Great-Grandchild, Bailey Brunette.  He was preceded in death by his Parents, Rudy and Beulah; an Infant Son, Tommy Lee; and a Brother, Clair “Terry” Thompson.

A Visitation for Thomas G. Thompson, Sr., will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Generations Funeral Home from 1:00 PM until the time of the Military Tribute beginning at 3:45 PM.  Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.  You may view Tom’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.

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Bruce N. Hass, 83, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2020 at his home under the care of his family and hospice.  Bruce was born September 17, 1936, in Merrill, son of the late Norman and Elsie (Thompson) Hass. He married Joyce C. Holl on February 15, 1958.  She preceded him in death on April 25, 2015.  Bruce enlisted in the United States Army on June 10, 1954 and was stationed in Korea.  He was honorably discharged on June 8, 1957.  Bruce was a proud veteran and had gone on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight last fall.  Bruce worked as a patrol man with the Merrill Police Department. After retiring from the police force Bruce drove semi-trucks for 13 years. Bruce enjoyed hunting and fishing, trips to the casino, and he was a Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. Bruce enjoyed flying remote controlled airplanes, and had built several of them. Most of all Bruce was a proud grandfather and enjoyed his grand kids.

Survivors include his daughter, Julie (Randy) Pierce of Hustisford, WI; sons, Michael ‘Mike’ (Bridgette) Hass and Gary (Sandy) Hass both of Merrill; grandchildren, Brett Pierce (Shannon Ward), Kayla Pierce (Matt Corcoran) and Jacob Hass; great-grandson, Jackson Pierce; sister, Sandra Grund of Merrill; and brother, James (Carol) Hass of Havasu, AZ.  Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Hass; parents, Norman and Elsie Hass; and brother, Norman Hass.

The funeral will be at 12:00 PM, Noon, Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. Lucas Williams will officiate.  Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery with graveside Military Rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard, Merrill.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Tuesday at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.

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