Delores H. Burrack, 86, of Suring, passed away at home on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, surrounded by her family. Delores was born on April 18, 1932, to the late LeRoy and Herta (Koelber) Waskow in Arlington, Iowa. She was baptized on May 30, 1932, and confirmed in the Lutheran faith on June 16, 1946, at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein, Iowa. Delores graduated from Arlington High School in 1949. In her younger years, she worked as a waitress and bookkeeper in Oelwein, Iowa. On Aug. 24, 1950, Delores married Harold Burrack at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. After their marriage, Delores and Harold lived in Iowa before moving to rural Suring in November 1957 with their sons. Together, they ran a dairy farm in the Town of How where Delores was a mother, homemaker and farmer.

Delores was a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Suring where she was active in the LWML and various church duties. She enjoyed card club, bowling, camping, quilting, reading, attending music festivals, traveling, participating in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and her “Cookie Ladies” group. Delores and Harold enjoyed many trips with friends and visits with family. Her greatest joy was being with her family, including her four sons and grandchildren. She hosted monthly “dinners on the farm” while the grandchildren were growing up.

Delores is survived by her husband of 68 years, Harold; four sons, Harold Jr. (Linda) Burrack of Shawano, Loren (Bonnie Meyer) Burrack of Suring, Larry (Amy) Burrack of Suring, and Lance (Robin) Burrack of Kewaunee; seven grandchildren, Janna Redding, Hannah (Tasos Papaioannou) Burrack, Richard Burrack, Andrew (Shantel Schroeder) Burrack, Adam (Kristina) Burrack, Jessica Burrack and Kyle Burrack; nine great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Rafe, Rosemary, Luna, Owen, Lily, Macy, Britta and David; two sisters, Lenore (Ramon) Trachta and Marlene (Richard) Bucholtz; two sisters-in-laws, Dorothy (Virgil) Boynton and Cindy Waskow. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; great-grandson, Jude Redding; four brothers, Erwin Waskow, Ronald Waskow, Paul Waskow and Dennis Waskow; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Enno and Jenny Burrack; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Riley and Eva Burrack; two brothers-in-law, Alfred Burrack and Pete Riley.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Michael Paholke officiating. Delores will be interred in Mount Olive Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family gratefully acknowledges the excellent care offered to Delores at Atrium Post Acute Care in Oconto Falls and the exceptional nurses and staff from Unity Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Unity Hospice, the Suring Area Library or the charity of your choice.

“May her memory be blessed.”

Robert “Bob” Lee Hicks, 88, Gillett, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, of natural causes at Atrium Post Acute Care of Oconto Falls. He was born Feb. 7, 1930, in Oconto Falls to the late William and Muriel (Coopman) Hicks. On April 15, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Mae Joann Olson, in Crown Point, Indiana.

Robert enlisted and was called into active duty in the Army of the United States on Nov. 10, 1952. He served in the Korean War, in field artillery as an E5 Sergeant, until 1954 when he was Honorably Discharged and then was on active reserves until 1964. He graduated from Lincoln Chiropractic College in Indianapolis with a degree of Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), working in that capacity in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He later moved back to his hometown in Gillett and started Oconto Company Inc., Abstract and Title business, with his wife and later his son, John, until retirement.

Bob was very active in the Boy Scouts as a leader. He was one of the original startup members of the Gillett Ambulance and also served on the City of Gillett Fire Department and was a member of the Gillett Civic Club for many years. He served one term as Coroner for Oconto County as well as the chairperson of the Republican Party of Oconto County. He was a very active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett, where he served in many capacities throughout his years.

Bob and Mae and the family loved to go camping. He also loved to go to his hunting cabin with his boys and extended family. Bob cherished the times going out west hunting and up to Canada fishing with loved ones.

Robert was a Master Mason of Mason-Woods Lodge No. 368 of Cecil. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in May 1961 and was an active member for 58 years. He also was very involved in the Shriners of Wisconsin.

Robert is survived by his three sons, Wayne (Laura) Hicks, Kurt (Keri) Hicks, and John (Denise) Hicks; six grandchildren, Amy (Steve) Everard, Abby (Clint) Gardebrecht, Kassie (Josh) Bainie, Benjamin (Thea) Hicks, Blair Hicks, Brady Hicks; nine great-grandchildren: Austin and Ava, Daylen, Croix, and Nyah, Asher and Aiva, Talulah and Bianca. He was preceded in death by his wife Mae, his parents William and Muriel, his brother Ronnie, and his sister Rosie.

Memorial visitation will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 101 W. Main St., Gillett, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, from 9-11 a.m. with funeral services held in the church at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kent Wallace. Masonic Rights will be held at Church, and burial with military rights will be at Wanderer’s Rest Cemetery after the service.

Darlene L. (Reince) Kroll, 48, Oconto, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. She was born on Aug. 3, 1970, in Green Bay to William “Bill” and Carol (Edges) Reince.

Darlene is survived by her husband, Timothy F. Kroll; two daughters, Heather Reince (Ben Johnson), and Stephanie Kuffel; grandchildren, Calvin, Roran and Riley; her father, Bill and Linda Reince; her siblings, Debbie (Tim) Stevens, Dean (Tina) Reince, Ricci (Patty) Mann, Cory (Elizabeth) Mann; nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Carol Reince.

Visitation will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1301 S. Ridge Road, Green Bay, from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, followed by the funeral service at 4 p.m. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Darlene’s family extends a special thank you to the staff of Unity Hospice.

Mabel Rose Thompson, 82, Oconto Falls, went to her heavenly home Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. She was born March 6, 1936, in Oconto Falls to John and Emma (Gallagher) Messinger. Mabel grew up in Oconto Falls where she attended public school, graduating from high school with the class of 1954.

On June 2, 1956, she married Gunder Thompson at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls. The couple lived in Oconto Falls for most of their married lives where they raised three daughters. They also had a cottage at Pine Lake in Hiles for many years where they hosted many family and friends for many fun winter and summer activities. Mabel will be fondly remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who enjoyed baking and cooking for all. As a good listener, her wisdom and counsel where often sought by those who knew her. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Just two years ago, Mabel decided to buy a small home in Bonita Springs, Florida, and enjoyed her winters there, making many new friends.

Survivors are her three daughters, Kim (Brian) Paal, Bonita Springs, Florida/Marenisco, Michigan ; Julie Thompson (Glen Gaertig), Gillett; Sara Thompson (Patrick Moynihan Jr.), Ashwaubenon; seven grandchildren, Jenelle (Jake) Paal, Terra (Andrew) Paal, Glenn Thompson, Katie Caelwaerts, Rachel (Chad) Wilcox, Emily (Jesse) Wozniak, Kyle (Lindsey) De Starkey; four step-grandchildren, Jackie (Scott) Coron, Joey (Katey) Gaertig, Christopher (Ami) Gaertig, Patrick Moynihan III; 11 great-grandchildren: Jacob and Jon, Gunder and Julia, Olivia and Aubree, Walker and Willa, Weston, Korbin and Patrick IV; three nieces, Diane (Paul) Marquardt, Debra (Kim) Nocker and Tamia (Darry) Koski; very special cousin, Joan (Swede) Peterson; very special friend, Beryl Meyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gunder on Feb. 8, 2016, one brother Robert (Marian) Messinger, and mother-in-law, Dorothy Thompson.

Visitation with the urn present will be held after 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls until the time of service. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at the church with Pastor Gary R. Olson officiating. Burial will take place in Volk Family Cemetery, Oconto Falls. Jones Funeral Service is serving the Thompson family.

Esther Kebschull, 94, of Oconto, went home to be with her Jesus and Savior on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. Esther was born to the late William and Martha (Jevorutsky) Pusich on March 11, 1924, at Oconto Falls. She married Ervin Kebschull on Nov. 15, 1941, in Suring. Several years after their marriage, they moved to Illinois where they raised their family. The couple returned to Wisconsin upon retiring in December 1979. Ervin preceded Esther in death Feb. 19, 2009. Esther enjoyed shopping, gardening, flowers and spending time with her family. She was a member of Hillside Assembly of God Church, Gillett.

Surviving are one son, Gary Kebschull, Suring; two daughters, Nancy (Kenneth) Gordon and Patty (Edward) Quandt, both of Oconto Falls; five grandchildren, Daryn Pruett, Tennessee; Cary (Kim) Pruett, Tennessee; Todd Leisner, Green Bay; Tracy (Ruben) Mamann, Los Angeles; Blake (Kim) Leisner, Pound; many great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth (Theresa) Pusich, Suring; three sisters, Carol (John) Kanz, Crivitz; Margie Rakowski, Pound; and Jeanne Leisner, Milwaukee.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Judith Ann; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Kebschull; three brothers, Chester, Edward and Harry Pusich; three sisters, Stella Sprout, Emma Jashinsky and Olga Kopatz.

The family will greet relatives and friends Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at Hillside Assembly of God Church, Gillett, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Paul Carlson officiating. Esther will be placed to rest at Breed Union Cemetery.

Please visit RhodesCharapata.com to express online condolences.

The family would like to especially thank her caregivers, Joan Hubacker and the staff at Care Partners for being like family to her as well as Unity Hospice.

Bonnie Ilene Elseth, 88, passed away on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019.

Bonnie was born, along with her twin sister Nona, on May 21, 1930, to Ray and Hannah Merdink in Stephen, Minnesota. She graduated high school in Stephen and went on to teacher’s college in Bemidji, Minnesota. After teaching in Albert Lea, Minnesota, she and Nona moved to California. Bonnie married Robert Strack in 1953. They had two children, Jeff and Debbie. After Bonnie’s return to Stephen, she married Orville Elseth in 1963. They resided in Newfolden, Minnesota, and had one daughter, Susan.

Bonnie and Orville settled in Oconto Falls in 1971. Bonnie worked at the local hospital as a nurse’s aide and as a ward clerk until retirement. She was active at Grace Lutheran Church in many capacities but most notably she loved to sing in the choir. Bonnie and Orv enjoyed traveling, attending concerts and plays, and spending time with family. After Orville’s death in 2005, Bonnie moved to Prior Lake, Minnesota, to be closer to family.

Bonnie was preceded in death by husband, Orville; mother and father, Ray and Hannah; brothers, Allan, Bert and Bill; sisters, Joyce, Lois and Nona.

She is survived by her children, Jeff (Janet) Strack of Grants Pass, Oregon, and Debra Trudell of Edina, Minnesota; and Sue (Bill) Leibnitz of Prior Lake, Minnesota; grandchildren, Ian (Christina), Sean, Rose, Brianna and Erik; great-grandchildren, Olive and Ivy; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Bethania Church in Newfolden, Minnesota, this summer, date yet to be determined.

Dean Peitersen, 76, of Oconto Falls, beloved husband of 57 years to Diane (Grenke) Peitersen, departed this life peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. Dean was born on Feb. 14, 1942, to Ervin Sr. and Eleanor (Rhode) in Oconto Falls.

He grew up on his family farm in the town of Morgan where his love of farming was kindled. After graduating from Oconto Falls High School in 1960, he began his plumbing career which would last 51 years. Dean and Diane owned and operated United Plumbing and Heating from 1974 up until 2011. At this time they sold the plumbing business to his son, David and daughter-in-law, Lisa. Dean continued to work part-time as his health and time permitted.

Dean was an avid outdoorsman who loved to shoot trap, hunt, fish and adventure out West to fulfil his passion. He lived for the days of cutting, raking and baling hay with his family. After a long hot summer day you would find him seated on his porch with a cold beer in hand admiring the fruits of his labor. He loved his Harleys and touring with his wife, family and friends. Dean’s neverending attraction to motors was evident in so many ways – from riding or repairing old cars, snowmobiles, ATVs, lawnmowers, chainsaws, tractors and golf carts. We all knew that if it was broke, Dean could fix it! Camping, country music festivals and making wood were also favorite pastimes.

Dean is survived by his loving wife, Diane; children, David (Lisa) Peitersen and Danna (Duane) Magnin; along with four very special granddaughters, Stephanie and Hailey Peitersen and Ally and Emmie Magnin. He is also further survived by one brother, Ervin “Bob” (Joan) Peitersen; one sister, Cheryl (Pat) Kelly; and one brother-in-law, Roger (Dawn) Grenke, along with many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Julius and Lillian Grenke.

The Peitersen family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Green Bay Oncology with special thanks for Dr. Michael Volk and Dr. Ruth Warren for their loving care, the entire staff of Heartland Hospice, and the many special friends and neighbors who showed their love and support throughout this difficult time.

A memorial service took place on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls.

Miranda Marie (Sexton) Schwartzenberger, 30, Allouez, formerly of Gillett, passed away suddenly on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019.

She was born in Oconto Falls on Dec. 28, 1988. Miranda married Stephen Schwartzenberger on Sept. 10, 2011. Her greatest joy was spending time with family. She will be sadly missed.

Miranda leaves her husband, Stephen; her mother, Jannette Sexton; and her father, Wayne (Jennifer Hass) Hruska. Miranda also leaves her brothers, DJ Micik, Kristopher Sexton, Brandon Sexton and Garrett Hruska; her sisters, Melaya Sexton, Melinda Micik, Makayla Micik, Marissa Micik and Maya Swearingen. Further survived by aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Friends and relatives called on the family on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Legacy Funeral Chapels, 108 E. Main St., Gillett. A funeral service followed at 1 p.m. Final rest will be private.

For more information, please visit www.legacyfuneralchapels.com or call 920-855-2144.

Joseph Kempke Jr., 81, Pound, passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, at a local nursing facility.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simplycremationgb.com.

Evalene G. Kalous, 99. Gillett, died early Sunday morning, Feb. 10, 2019, at the Woodlands of Gillett. She was born Dec. 19, 1919, in Thurmont, Maryland, to Charles and Bessie (Wastler) Recker. As a small child, Evalene moved with her family to Iowa, where she attended public schools, graduating from Yale High School with the class of 1939.

On June 3, 1939, she married Muryl Kalous in Perry, Iowa. The couple lived in Yale for a short time before moving to Montana. In 1948, the family moved to the Gillett area where they raised four children. Evalene cooked at the Underhill Elementary School and later in the custodial department of the Gillett High School until retiring in 1982. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett where she was active in the mission quilting group, making 769 in just eight years. Evalene also belonged to the Gillett VFW Auxiliary and the Underhill Homemakers. Her husband did woodworking and together they enjoyed attending craft shows where they could display the handiwork. Music was also a big part of Evalene’s life and she was a founding member and sang in the praise band, Thurmont Ridge, named in honor of where she was born.

Survivors are her four children, Ron (Kathy) Kalous, Suring; David (Kathy) Kalous, Lakewood; Sharon Raatz, Nancy (Mike) Stark, all of Gillett; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Betty (Robert) Carper, Irene Winters, all of Boone, Iowa; one brother-in-law, Duane Bandy; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Muryl in 2005, an infant son Thomas, one sister, Audrey Bandy, and son-in-law Mel Raatz on Jan. 18, 2019.

Visitation will be held after 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett until the time of service. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at the church with Pastor Kent Wallace officiating. Burial will be in Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Hintz. Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls is serving the Kalous family.

James R. Charapata, 80, passed away unexpectedly at home on Feb. 9, 2019. Born Nov. 1, 1938, he was the son of the late Cecelia (Hylok) and Joseph Charapata being the youngest of 16 children. He graduated from Coleman High School in 1957 where he excelled in basketball.

James joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in Oconto at the age of 17, Company B 2nd Battalion Mechanized 127th Infantry, 32nd Infantry Brigade. This became his lifetime career of 42 years. He married the love of his life, Cynthia Burg, on Sept. 7, 1963. They shared 55 years together, having four children, Nick and Kelly Charapata, Theresa and Mark Fuerst, Dale and Angel Charapata, and Lisa and Ryan Walters. He enjoyed spending his time with his nine grandchildren, Alexa and Zach, James, Briannia and Alex, Donnie, Michael, Alyssa, Corinne, Owen and Joe, and one great-granddaughter, Rylee.

He enjoyed playing softball with the National Guard team, playing cards, cutting and splitting all the wood he cut down, reading, watching all the old westerns on TV, picking mushrooms every fall, and spending all his time with his faithful dog Lily. He loved deer hunting and watching the Packers on TV and all the sports his grandchildren played.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, sisters, Dorothy Faila, Barbara Bellart and Carol Caruso, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by seven sisters, Helen, Pauline, Rose, Betty, Irene, Cecelia and Mary, and five brothers, Anthony, Peter, Joseph, Paul and Frank.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 6051 Noble St., Sobieski, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian burial at noon with the Rev. Antonio de los Santos officiating. James will be placed to rest at St. John Cantius Cemetery where military honors will be given. Please visit RhodesCharapata.com to express online condolences.

Kenneth “Ken or Kenny” Haddon, 80, 13-year resident of Kelly Lake, formerly of Homewood, Illinois, died Saturday morning, Feb. 9, 2019, at Bellin Hospital ICU following a short illness. He was lovingly attended to in his passing by his wife and five children. The third child of eight was born Nov. 3, 1938, in Winchester, Tennessee, to William H. and Mollie E. (Woosley) Haddon. At age 9, Ken received the Abbott and Costello Award for Bravery after saving the lives of his sisters in a fire. He graduated from Thornton Township High School with the class of 1957 in Harvey, Illinois.

On May 14, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia “Ginny” Walenga, at Ascension Catholic Church in Harvey, Illinois, and were blessed with five children. The couple lived in the Homewood area for most of their married lives and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Ken was a 39-year steelworker and member of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1053. Over the course of his lifetime, Ken was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and performed landscaping and yard maintenance, routinely working multiple career paths simultaneously in support of the education and advancement of his family. The couple retired to Kelly Lake in 2006 permanently and attended St. Anthony Catholic Church in Oconto Falls.

Survivors are his loving wife of 58 years; their five children, Laura L. (Michael) Herman; Steven M. (Mary) Haddon; Terese A. (Kirk) Ongman; Thomas K. (Amy) Haddon; Julie A. (Brett) Haddon-Cook; 14 grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud, Matthew A. Maples, Kelly M. Maples and Melissa L. (Brian) Plugge, Joshua S. Haddon, Benjamin C. Haddon, Eliza R. Haddon, Hailey M. Ongman, Hannah T. Ongman, Jo H. Ongman and Grace E. Ongman, Mason T. Haddon and Emma J. Haddon, Kyla M. Haddon-Cook and Quinlynn A. Haddon-Cook; one great-granddaughter, Mila L. Plugge; two brothers, Jimmie (Joanne) Haddon and George (Laquita) Haddon; two sisters, Lana (John) Holt and Alice Buchaus; two sisters-in-law, Carol Haddon and Marilyn Wajda; one brother-in-law, Wayne Smith; and many nieces and nephews. In addition, Ken’s loyal and loving Aussiedoodle, Izzie, was the joy of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William Hulon Haddon and Billy Joe Haddon; one sister, Katie Smith; and two brothers-in-law, William Buchaus and Frank Wajda.

Ken will forever be missed by his devoted and loving family.

Visitation will be held after 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls until the time of service. Prayer services will be held 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Joel Sember officiating.

Visitation will also take place from 3-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 S. Harlem Ave. Tinley Park, Illinois. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at St. George Catholic Church, 6707 W. 175th St. Tinley Park, Illinois, with the Rev. Ken Fleck officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, Illinois.

In lieu of other expressions sympathy, a memorial fund will be established.

Marcella “Sally” VandenBush, 97, St. Germain, formerly Oconto Falls, died Sunday evening, Feb. 17, 2019, at Atrium Post Acute Care in Oconto Falls. She was born Nov. 27, 1921, in Oconto Falls to Arthur and Agnes (Birr) Krause. Sally grew up in Oconto Falls where she attended South Morgan Elementary School and later graduated from Oconto Falls High School with the class of 1939.

On June 14, 1941, she married Harley “Joe” VandenBush in Oconto Falls and raised nine children. The couple lived in Oconto Falls, Sheboygan and Green Bay before moving back to Oconto Falls. While living in Oconto Falls, Sally worked as a typesetter for the Times Herald and the De Pere Journal Democrat as well as a nurse’s aide in the original hospital. She was active as a Girl and Cub Scout leader and held longtime membership in Grace Lutheran Church. In 2013, Sally moved to the St. Germain area to live near family.

Our Mom believed that there was a reason for everything – God’s Master Plan, if you will. Love to her was reaching out and giving of herself. She was our support system. Devoting her life to us was a selfless act, and she was a beautiful wife and mother because of it. We watched, we listened, we learned. Thank you, Mom, for teaching us the most valuable lesson – that you can love someone with everything and expect nothing in return. There will be rejoicing in heaven as she enters those pearly gates. May the smile of God light your way!

Survivors include her children, Judy (Ed) Beyer, Sharon Steiner, all of Oconto Falls; Lois (George) Ruediger, St. Germain; Terry (Scott) Decker, Casco; Jo Nelle (Kelly) Linjer, Manawa; Jay Vanden Bush, Green Bay; 32 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe in 2004, three daughters, Connie Vanden Bush, Bonnie Close and LuAnn Newton; one brother, Kenneth (Jean) Krause, three sisters, Arlene (Art) Jaeger, Delores (Jake) VanLaarHoven and Betty (Gary) Hudson; three grandchildren, Randy Beyer, Rick Beyer and Teda Schneider; two great-grandchildren Parker and Shawn Wendricks; and son-in-law, Jim Steiner.

Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. Visitation will continue at St. John’s Church in Morgan after 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, until the time of service. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the church with Pastor Lloyd Luedeman officiating. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls.

Joseph J. Fonferek, 92, of Breed, passed away at home on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Joseph was born on Nov. 3, 1926, to the late Frank and Pearl (Peterson) Fonferek in Green Bay. On June 13, 1953, Joe married Audrey Johnvin at Tabor Lutheran Church in Mountain.

Joe began his career as a mechanic at Dieck’s Ford Garage in 1945. He enlisted in the United States Army on Aug. 17, 1948, as a vehicle mechanic and was discharged on May 17, 1952. Joe was awarded the Korean Service Medal with four bronze service stars and a Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon. After his service, he continued his mechanic career before retiring in 1988 after 30 years at Ehlinger’s Garage.

After his retirement, he worked for several local farmers. Joe served as the Suring village treasurer for eight years. He was a member of the Suring American Legion Post 283. Joe retired as co-assistant chief of the Suring Volunteer Fire Department after 35 years of service. He was a longtime member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church, where he served in many capacities.

Joe was a longtime deer hunter. In his retirement, he enjoyed several trips to Wyoming and fishing trips to Canada. He also enjoyed ice fishing and making firewood. Joe was an especially proud grandpa and great-grandpa. He loved to give rides on the tractors and ATV.

Joe is survived by his wife of 65 years, Audrey; four children, Kay DePoy, Lola (Daniel) Becker, Amy (Larry) Burrack and Jim (Denise) Fonferek; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Michael) Storts, Kristin (Pete) Jensen, Stacey (Jerry) Vincent, Rachel Stoddard, Richard Burrack, Andy (Shantel Schroeder) Burrack, and Amanda Jo (Shawn Morris) Fonferek; 16 great-grandchildren, James Storts, Mya Storts, Madelyn Storts, Juliette Storts, Zander Jensen, Hadley Jensen, Harper Jensen, Madden Jensen, Ava Vincent, Drea Vincent, Paige Stoddard, Piper Stoddard, Owen Burrack, Lillian Burrack, Macy Burrack, and Britta Burrack; sister-in-law, Jean Marshall; and special friend of the family, April Herzog. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Ruby (Floyd) Mehrwerth, Ruth (Douglas) Harmer, Lorraine (Richard) Blaszczak and Mavis (Donald) Fawley; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Phillip and Elsie Johnvin; sister-in-law, Bess (Roger) Gardebrecht; brother-in-law, Clifford Marshall; and son-in-law, Paul DePoy.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Michael Paholke officiating. Joseph will be interred in Breed Union Cemetery.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staff of ThedaCare at Home Hospice, especially Nurse Holly, for the care and compassion offered to Joseph and his family in their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, the village of Suring Fire Department, or to a place of your choosing in Joseph’s name.

Terry L. Westphal, 45, of Coleman, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Terry was born on April 21, 1973, to John and Charlotte (Payette) Westphal in Oconto Falls. He graduated from Suring High School. Terry previously worked for Oconto County Lumber as a delivery driver. He greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Terry is survived by his parents, John and Charlotte; a son, Marcus, and his two sons, Anthony and Liam; a daughter, Kendra and her two sons, Michael and Eli; two brothers, John Westphal and Kevin Westphal; a sister, Shannon Westphal; grandmother, Velda Payette. He is further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring from 3 p.m. until the funeral service at 6 p.m. with Pastor Paul Scheunemann.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

Darrel G. Pagel, 72, of Little Suamico, passed away unexpectedly from an aortic aneurysm, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. The oldest son of Arlington and Adella (Berth) Pagel, he was born May 18, 1946. On April 14, 1973, he married Sandy Hansen.

Darrel was a lifelong farmer and loved every aspect of it. He was Oconto County Board supervisor, Little Suamico Sanitary District commissioner and on various church boards at Calvary Lutheran Church in Abrams. His faith was very important to him, and he instilled this into his children. He enjoyed road tripping all over the United States with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren go-carting, four-wheeling and attending their sporting events. He loved watching NFL football games and taking care of his dog, Gizmo.

He will deeply be missed by his wife of 45 years, Sandy; his four daughters, Lori (Brad) Luepke, Bonduel, Lisa (Robert) Shallow, Coleman, Lana (Luke) Vandervest, Luxemburg, and Lois (Justin) Ullmer, Howard. Further survived by 12 grandchildren, Sydney and Reed Luepke, Samantha, Taryn, Grant, Garret and Kyla Shallow, Wiley, Lola and Bronson Vandervest, and Dane and Miles Ullmer. Also survived by a brother, Ken (Sue) Pagel; sister-in law, Karen (Allen) Peterson; brother-in-law, Allen (Mary) Hansen; his mother-in-law, Edna Hansen; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlington and Adella and his father-in-law, Nelsen Hansen.

Visitation will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, 5716 Main St., Abrams, Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, from 9 to 11 a.m. Funeral service will follow, Pastor Matthew Stuebs officiating. Entombment will be at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum, Green Bay. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.NewcomerGreenBay.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent Hospital Child Life Department in memory of Darrel.

The family would like to thank St. Luke’s Hospital, seventh floor ICU, for the great care they gave Darrel and our family.

James Meyers, 50, died Sunday evening, Feb. 17, 2019, as the result of a snowmobile accident in Bayfield County. The oldest of four children, James was born December 18, 1968 to Ken and Yvonne (Luisier) Meyers in Oconto Falls. James grew up in the Town of Spruce where he attended elementary school at the Spruce School House until the fifth grade and then attended Washington Middle School in Oconto Falls. He graduated from Oconto Falls High School with the class of 1987. While growing up, James worked in the family well drilling business.

On July 18, 1987, he married Stephanie Parsons at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls. The couple has lived in Oconto Falls their entire married lives where they have owned and operated Luisier Drilling Inc. as third-generation family owners since 2003. James will be fondly remembered for his zest for life while boating, snowmobiling, golfing, riding his Harley and following all Wisconsin sports teams, especially the Packers as a season ticket holder. He was a longtime member of River Island Golf Club in Oconto Falls, where he sponsored his own league team and volunteered equipment and his time to improve the course. James enjoyed his six-day-a-week Bod-e Bootcamp in Howard to stay in shape, and being a part of the Bod-e Bootcamp Family. Providing for his family meant a lot to James as well as vacationing with his wife, Stephanie.

Survivors are his wife Stephanie Meyers, Oconto Falls; their two children, Gregory (Stacey) Meyers, West De Pere; Morgan Meyers, Oconto Falls; his two granddaughters who he dearly loved, Stella James Bailey and Macy Janelle Meyers; his parents, Ken and Yvonne Meyers, Spruce; his siblings, Chris (Sarah) Meyers, Madison; Suzanne (Ryan) Verhagen and Megan (Zach) Jensen, all of Spruce; his mother-in-law, Rosalind Parsons, Pontiac, Illinois; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sue (Bill) Elliott, Saunemin, Illinois; Chuck Parsons, Green Bay; Blake (Lisa) Parsons, Pontiac, Illinois; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Charles Parsons.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church, 501 S. Main St. Oconto Falls. Visitation will continue at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at the church until the time of service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Gary Olson officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery in the Town of Spruce.

At the families’ request, casual attire is encouraged.

Nancy A. Currie, age 72, of Oconto Falls, passed away peacefully, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, with her loving daughter at her side. She was born June 24, 1946, in Green Bay, daughter of the late Victor and Doris (Ferrington) Seidel and was a graduate of Green Bay West High School, Class of 1965.

Nancy met Gary Currie in July 1965, and they were married three months later on Nov. 19, 1965. The couple shared 51 loving years of marriage before Gary passed away in 2017. Nancy worked as a dietary aide in Oconto Falls, a job that she truly loved, as it allowed her to be a caretaker to all she encountered. First and foremost, Nancy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker extraordinaire, famous for her pancake breakfasts she made for the grandkids.

Nancy was a gifted cook and loved camping, visiting and drinking coffee with her girlfriends and sitting at the campfire listening to Gary play his guitar. She was there for anyone that needed her and always put others before herself. Nancy had a soft spot in her heart for animals and adored her two canine companions, Jack and Flash. Her loving, generous nature and kind heart will be dearly missed by those she leave behind.

Nancy is survived by her five children: Joe (Joy Purseglove) Morrow, of Sault St. Marie, Michigan; Sherry (Salvatore) Scimemi and Gary (Becky) Currie, both of Stiles; Marsha (Rudy) LeRoy, of Suring; and Jason Currie, of Butternut; 15 grandchildren: Dorothy Bell, Tom, Joey and Trent Morrow, Sara, Eric and Joey Scimemi, Samantha Woodside, Brandon and Taylor Currie, Alex and Zack Kuss, Brandon and Nick Rasmussen and Raeann LeRoy; 19 great-grandchildren; two siblings, Sally (Bob) Kulhanek and Victor Seidel, both of Stiles, and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Currie and Stella Currie, both of Hessel, Michigan. She is further survived by special best friend and cousin, Judy (Eddie) Wolf, of Suring, and special best friend and aunt, Pat Funk of Green Bay.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gary, in-laws, Rose and Roy Currie, and an infant granddaughter, Leanne LeRoy.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer-Green Bay Chapel, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, Friday, March 1, 2019, from 1-3 p.m. A service will follow at 3 p.m. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.NewcomerGreenBay.com.

Nancy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the team at Green Bay Oncology, especially Dr. Volk, the staff at Odd Fellow Home, especially Colleen and Unity Hospice for their excellent care and support.

Eugene R. Bellow, 61, of Stiles, passed away at his home Feb. 22, 2019. He was born to the late Alvin and Helen (Kushava) Bellow on Nov. 20, 1957, in Oconto Falls.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and snowmobiling.

Surviving are two brothers, Melvin (Pat) Bellow, Kenosha; Gerry (Wanda) Bellow, Covington, Tennessee; three sisters, Darlene Williams, Minnesota; Diane (Jerry) Pusich, Conover; LouAnn (Peter Sr.) Herlache, Lena; brother-in-law Ray Sittner, Illinois; two aunts, Lillian Bellow, Hazelhurst; Leona Belongia, Oconto: special friend Sandy, and many nieces and nephews.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Alfred and Sylvester, a sister Helen Jane Sittner and brother-in-law Pastor Ron Williams.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Stiles on Friday, March 1, 2019, from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Father Joel Sember officiating. Eugene will be placed to rest at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Stiles. Please visit RhodesCharapata.com to express online condolences.

James David Wilke, 84, of Gillett, passed away on Feb. 22, 2019.

Jim was born in Gillett, Wisconsin, to William and Edna Wilke on Jan. 25, 1935. He married Muriel Braun on May 6, 1967, in Shawano. He was a third generation dairy farmer on the original family homestead. For 20 years, Jim hauled milk for Boerst’s Washington Cheese Factor when milk was still hauled in cans. He was a volunteer fireman in the Underhill Fire Department for over 30 years and was actively involved at Christ Lutheran Church, including as an usher and member of the finance committee.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna, as well as his older brother, Billy.

Jim is survived by his wife, Muriel; his sons, Kevin (Mary), Jeff (Trinitie) and Troy (Sharon); siblings, Allan (Delores and Sandy) and Marilyn (Lyle); grandchildren, Melissa, James, Stephanie, Jarren, Tressa. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Hintz. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Michael Paholke officiating. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family of Jim Wilke wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Evergreen Nursing Home and its staff, ThedaCare Hospice and its staff, (particularly social worker Michelle) and Pastor Mike Paholke.