John Paul Aldridge passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at the age of 65 after losing his battle to liver disease. John was born in Laurium, Michigan, on Oct. 4, 1952, the son of James D. and Cordie Aldridge.

He is survived by his immediate family, wife, Joy Aldridge, son, Matt Aldridge, and twin granddaughters, Madeline and Josephine Aldridge; Steve Aldridge and family, and Jay Aldridge and family.

John enjoyed life and engaging people. His loves were his family, friends, his dogs, boating, and four-wheeling.

John honored his co-workers and thought of them as family.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held Saturday, May 12, 2018, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage. John requested to be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be made in John’s name to be dispersed to different humane societies.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family.

On Dec. 28, 2017, Gloria Peetz peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family from complications of a severe stroke. Born Gloria Kulhanek to Gordon and Evelyn (Wondrash) Kulhanek on Dec. 6, 1941. As a child, she loved to wander the woods and hills with her Grandfather John.

With her husband Jim (deceased), they had four children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was a kind, gentle spirit who loved flowers and animals. She had a smile for everyone and could talk to anyone.

Preceded in death by two brothers, Gordy and Jackie.

Gloria is survived by Donald (brother) and Coreen Kulhanek; Patti (daughter) and Anthony Lenz of Suring and their children, Anthony (Hayley), Katlyn (Shawn) Glover, Jacquelyn, Gracelyn; Suzi (daughter) and Scott Herning of Suring and their children, Cole (Danielle), Tyler, Jerid; Shirley (daughter) and Chris Smith of Green Bay; James (son) of Madison. She also had four great-grandchildren, Grainger and Markley Lenz, and Brantlee and Lenzee Glover.

She will be missed deeply by her family and friends.

Memorial service will be held Friday, May 25, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 11005 County Road M, Suring, WI 54174. Visitation starts at 2 p.m. with service at 4 p.m.

Celebration gathering at Red Maple Country Club, 501 Golf Course Road, Suring, WI 54174, Friday, May 25, after memorial services.

Thomas J. Elbe, 91, of Mountain, passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2018. Thomas was born on June 22, 1926, in Gillett to the late Gustav and Rozina (Fuchs) Elbe. The family moved to Mountain in 1933 where he went to Holt Spur School until the eighth grade, when he left school to help his folks on the farm. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in LST Group 6, making landings from the tip of New Guinea all along the North Coast up until August 1945 at the north end of the Philippines.

On March 31, 1948, Thomas married Marjorie Krueger, during which time he worked at the Kohler Co. On April 11, 1949, the couple purchased his parents’ farm and they farmed until 1979. At that time, Thomas then worked in the timber industry with his sons until his retirement at age 80. One of his greatest enjoyments was hunting here and in Wyoming, along with fishing trips to Canada and many Navy reunions. Thomas was a member of VFW Post 2119 in Mountain and was accompanied on an Honor Flight by his grandson, Jeffrey.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie; six children, Jim (special friend Sharon), Maellen (Dan), Rick (Wendy), Tom (Gail), Scott (LoAnn), and Cindy (Randy); 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon; grandson, Matthew; daughter-in-law, Yvonne; four brothers, Rheinhold, Wally, Robert and Paul; four sisters, Esther, Ruth, Rose Marie and Dona.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 13, 2018, at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation continues on Monday, May 14, 2018, at Tabor Lutheran Church in Mountain from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Paul Scheunemann officiating. Thomas will be interred in Mountain Cemetery.

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

The family wishes to express a sincere word of thanks to the staff of Woodland Village Nursing Home in Suring for the excellent care and compassion offered to Thomas and his family during their time of need.

Harry Walter Kasten, 90, a longtime resident of Cecil, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on May 15, 2018. Harry was born in Gillett on Aug. 13, 1927, to Harris and Evelyn Brown Kasten. After his mother’s passing shortly after his birth, Harry was raised for his first six years by his aunt Nora Kasten Larsen and her husband, Warner, of Gillett, before returning home to work the family farm in the Town of Gillett. He graduated from Gillett High School in 1946 and married Ora Fuller of Oconto Falls in 1950, having four sons. In 1978, he married Nancy Strassburg Rogge, of Gillett, and enjoyed an adventurous, loving 40-year marriage.

Harry was employed in trucking and sales throughout his working life, starting as a driver for the old Oconto Brewery and then as an OTR driver, delivering military aircraft wing panels from a production plant in Upper Michigan to California. For many years, he owned Kasten Oil Company of Gillett, a Mobil Oil distributorship, and later leased trucks to lumber mills in Suring and Long Lake and to the then-Country Gardens canning company of Gillett.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, roaming the corn fields of Oconto County and the forests of Florence and Forest counties for over 50 years. Harry was also an enthusiastic backer of the World Champion Green Bay Packers. He was deeply involved in his community, including the Gillett Sportsman’s Club, the Gillett City Choir, and the Gillett Parent Teachers Association. For 11 years, he was scoutmaster for Gillett’s Troop 35, Boy Scouts of America. Five young men achieved Eagle Scout while he was their leader. Harry also served as chair of the city of Gillett Board of Public Works and mayor of the city of Gillett for five terms. He was elected to the Oconto County Board of Supervisors and for many years served as undersheriff for Oconto County. For five years, he was president of the Oconto County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

Following his retirement, Harry and Nancy began journeying south to Wagon City North Park in Mission, Texas, during the cold Wisconsin winters, and for 29 years enjoyed warm Texas winters and warm Wisconsin summers. While in Texas each winter, he again became involved in his park community, serving as activity director, vice president, and then president of their subdivision governing body.

Harry is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; their beloved dog, Calli; three sons, Ronald (Chris) of Eagle River, Alaska, Dean (Judy) and children and grandchildren, of Verona, and Bruce, of Dodgeville; sisters, Velma Yancy, of Kiel, Leola Schneider, of Gillett, and Lynn Seiltz, of Greenleaf; brother George Kasten, of Columbus, Kansas; sister-in-law, Marge Kasten, of Gillett; and a host of cousins, and generations of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Norman; brothers, Ernest and David; brothers-in-law, Bud Yancy, Kenneth Schneider, and John Seiltz; and sisters-in-law, Carol and Kathy.

Harry’s family wishes to thank the many family and friends who came to sit, talk and keep them company, as well as the staff at ThedaCare At Home hospice for keeping him at home. We would also like to thank Gruetzmacher Funeral Home of Suring for their care and compassion.

Harry was a lifelong member of the former Immanual Lutheran Church, Town of Gillett, and a current member of the Faith United Lutheran Church of Gillett, where he loved singing in the choir. Visitation was held Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Faith United Church from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at noon with Pastor John Laatsch officiating.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Faith United Lutheran Church building fund in Harry’s name are requested.

Karen and Dennis Fry of Lena died Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Karen is the daughter of the late Joseph and Betty Beschta of Lena. Dennis is the son of Karen Breed-Fry and the late Antone J. Fry of Oconto Falls. Karen and Dennis were married on Aug. 12, 1995, at the former St. Charles Catholic Church in Lena. They loved each other every day of their married life. Karen and Dennis truly enjoyed spending time with their nieces and nephews.

They were loved and will be missed by all their family – Joe (Mary Pat), Oshkosh, Jim (Mary), Oconto Falls, Bill (Kathie), Lena, Kathy (Mike), Green Bay, John (Dianna), Manitowoc, Mary Jane (Paul), Wrightstown, Betty, Lena, Bob (Pam), Lena, Susie, Lena, Rose (Jason), Oconto Falls, Toby (Anna), Kelly Lake; and all their nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by their parents Joseph and Betty Beschta and Antone J. Fry, and their sister Patricia.

Visitation at St. Anthony Church, 253 N. Franklin St., Oconto Falls, was Monday, May 21, from 9-11 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. Joel Sember officiating. Burial will be at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery in Lena. Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home-Lena is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com.

David R. Anderson, 71, passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018. Son of the late Walter and Virginia (Dederich) Anderson was born July 3, 1946, in Racine.

Dave graduated from Marquette University in 1968. Dave and Mary Rypel were married June 22, 1968, at St. Gerard Church in Milwaukee.

He was a tax accountant for many years.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Mary, children: David P. (Michelle) and their son, James; Erik (Connie) Anderson and their children: Molly, Grant and Phoebe.

To honor Dave’s wishes, no funeral services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation (Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016) or Restoring Hope Transplant house (7457 Terrance Ave., Middleton, WI 53562).

Online condolences can be expressed to the Anderson family at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Glenn George Harris, “Jack,” 88, a wonderful husband and father, passed away peacefully at Serenity Gardens in Gillett on Monday, May 21, 2018, surrounded by loving family, caregivers and friends.

Jack was born in Kohler on Feb. 4, 1930, and was a middle child in a large family of 10 children. They later moved to LaFarge, where Jack graduated from LaFarge High School. He then went on to serve his country building airstrips as a Civil Engineer, stationed in Suwan, South Korea, during the Korean War.

After returning from the war, he married his first love, Colleen Emogene (Stoikes) Harris, and they farmed in Reedstown, later moving to Hales Corners where they raised their two daughters. Jack worked for Milwaukee Tallow for 20 years as their Maintenance Supervisor and Boiler Engineer.

At age 50 and after Colleen’s passing, Jack decided that it was time to move to his beloved cottage near Anderson Lake in Suring, where his family had spent many weekends and summers of fun. It was there that he met his second love, Joan Lillian (Bowman) Harris, and they built a wonderful life together. Jack worked for Nu-Line Industries in Suring for the next 12 years until his retirement at age 62.

Jack loved the outdoors, and camping and fishing were some of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed being alone in the forest, cutting wood and was often found out in his garage or woodshop, puttering for hours. He was truly a “Jack” of all trades and always ready to lend a hand. He had a wry sense of humor, a ready laugh, and could always be seen with his pipe. He will truly be missed.

Jack is survived by his sister, Margaret Pantoja; daughters, Debra (Richard) Harris Watson and Cynthia (Martin) Sutton; stepchildren, Jack (Michele) Smith, Leslie (David) Brown, Lisa (Larry) Behrend, Bernard (Darcy) Smith, and Lanita (Larry) Mauritz; grandchildren Matthew King, Jeremy (Emily) King, Kathryn (Malton) Prifti, Elizabeth (fiancé Jeff) King, and Richard Watson; great-grandson, Dexter King, and many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

Jack is preceded in death by two wonderful wives, Colleen and Joan; his loving parents, Glenn and Nellie Harris; 8eight brothers and sisters.

Our family would like to say a special thank you to the amazing owners and staff at Serenity Gardens, who with their loving generosity and spirit truly feel like family, and we would also like to thank Unity Hospice for all their wonderful caregivers and staff who helped make Jack’s last two years so comfortable and happy. We would like to express further thanks to Clayton Keene of Prevea Mountain Health Center for his compassionate care of Jack over the years. He was surrounded by love.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring from 1 p.m. until the memorial service at 3 p.m. with Pastor Bill Krauss officiating. Jack will be interred at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee at a later date. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

Charmaine (Braun) Stewart, Sun Prairie, passed away on May 22, 2018, at the age of 72. Daughter of Walter and Nora Braun; graduated from Gillett High School.

Charmaine will be sadly missed by her daughter, Jody Kleven; grandson, Casey Kleven; and sisters, Lulabelle Drath, Muriel Wilke (Jim) and Charitee McKenna (Joe). Charmaine will also be forever remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

She was predeceased by parents, Walter and Nora Braun; brothers, Harold Braun, Llewellyn Braun, and Walter Braun Jr.; sisters Virginia Patzer, Arbutus Braun and Norvellus Braun; brothers-in-law Leon Drath and Ed Patzer; and sister-in-law Eleanor Braun.

A memorial service will be held in memory of Charmaine on Saturday, June 2, with visitation 1-2 p.m., service at 2 p.m. and luncheon to follow. Memorial service to be held at Hillside Assembly of God, 5890 State Highway 22 W, Gillett, by Pastor Paul Carlson.

Norman (Stormin) Buhrandt, 68, of Suring, passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at St. Vincent Hospital. Norman was born on Nov. 20, 1949, in Oconto Falls to Ernst and Lydia (Pfeiffer) Buhrandt. He graduated from Suring High School in 1968. On Aug. 30, 1975, he married Paula Frank. After high school, he stayed right on the farm where he lived his whole life. He farmed until March 1996 when the cows were sold. After selling the cows, he was employed at Suring Milling Co. until his retirement. He enjoyed shaking dice with the grandkids, watering Hoss’s steers, bowling, yelling at the TV when the Brewers lost, socializing and making people laugh with his inappropriate jokes and his witty one-liner comebacks.

Norman is survived by his wife of 42 years, Paula, and their three sons, Paul (Hoss) Buhrandt and his significant other Angela Roberts and their daughter Peyton, Kurt Buhrandt and his wife JoAnna (Beschta) Buhrandt and their daughter Sage and their son Max, Mark Buhrandt and his wife Sarah (Reint) Buhrandt and their daughters Zoey and Frankie of Faribault, Minn.; brothers, Wallace (Genny) Buhrandt, August (Joy) Buhrandt, Ray (Shirley) Buhrandt; sisters, Alice (Edgar) Jaeger, Pat (Howard) Jossie, Carol Thompson, Nancy (Jim) Jossie; sisters-in-law, Judy Buhrandt and Darlene Buhrandt of Suring. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Gordon, Alvin, Lawrence, and Donny; and three sisters, Mary, Margie, and Doris.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church, Hayes, (8905 St. John’s Road, Suring) from 1 p.m. until the funeral service at 4 p.m. with Pastor Nick Buchholz officiating. Norman will be interred at St. John Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

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

Paul R. Berntson, 73, of Grindle Lake, passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Paul was born on March 18, 1945, in Milwaukee to the late Burnett and Thelma (Fenney) Berntson. He served his country in the United States Army for three years, from 1965 to 1968. Paul married Darleen Wilson on March 18, 1967. For many years, Paul and Darleen lived in West Allis before retiring to Grindle Lake. Paul was a talented wood carver. He greatly enjoyed camping, traveling, playing dominoes and cards, spending time with his grandchildren, and watching birds. Paul was a member of Tabor Lutheran Church, the Crooked Lake-Mountain Lions Club for 15 years, and the GLALA.

Paul is survived by his wife of 51 years, Darleen; two sons, Bob Berntson and Bret (Nichole) Berntson; five grandchildren, Shea, Megan, Ciera, Ryan and Britney (Jason); two great-grandchildren, Torin and Teagan; a sister, Ann (Ken) Johnson; and an aunt; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Carolyn and Kristine; and mother- and father-in-law.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at Tabor Lutheran Church in Mountain from 10 a.m. until the memorial service at noon with Pastor Paul Scheunemann officiating. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

Special thanks to Unity Hospice and their staff for the care and compassion offered to Paul and his family during their time of need, as well as “My Guys” who were always there when he needed them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated.

Donald D. Kroening, 84, of Gillett, passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2018. Donald was born on Nov. 17, 1933, to the late Hilbert and Ellsie Kraning. Donald married Barbara Krause on June 3, 1960. He served his country honorably in the United States Army. Donald worked on his parents’ farm for a few years before working at Seneca Foods in Gillett and the Gillett Feed Mill for many years. He was a member of Whitetails Unlimited, the Northern Gardener’s Club and Faith United Lutheran Church in Gillett. Donald greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, and was also an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs.

Donald is survived by his wife, Barb; son, Scott (Stephanie) Kroening; daughter, Debbie (Chris) Powley; two grandchildren, Taeler (Zach) Klitzka, Morgan (Max) Loberger and their children Evangeline Lu and Easton; a sister, Ardella; two half-sisters; sister-in-law, Ann Kroening; five very special friends, Donnie (Becky) Pockat, Glenn Rosenlund and Brett (Debra) Zahn. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilbert and Ellsie Kraning; his brother, Robert Kroening.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Faith United Lutheran Church in Gillett from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor John Laatsch officiating. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. Genadi Maltinski for the many years of care offered to Donald, and also thank you to Atrium Post Acute Care of Oconto Falls and Heartland Hospice for the compassion offered to Donald and his family.

Clara (Wasmund) Druckrey, 100, of Oconto Falls, passed away on Thursday, May 31, at Atrium Post Acute Care of Oconto Falls with her family by her side. Clara was born on Jan. 28, 1918, to the late William and Wilhemina Wasmund in the town of Washington. On Aug. 31, 1935, Clara married Wilbert Druckrey. Clara greatly enjoyed playing cards, watching the birds and playing the organ.

Clara is survived by her six children, Clyde Druckrey, Randy (Karen) Druckrey, Keith (Sherry) Druckrey, Karen (Steve Schmidt) Page, Karla (Jeff) Miller and Kandice (Jeff) Bero; two daughters-in-law, Donna Druckrey and Ruth (Francis) Theys; 35 grandchildren; 70 great-grandchildren; 25 great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert, in 1983; two sons, James Druckrey and Rod Druckrey; a daughter, Sandra; a daughter-in-law, MaryAnn.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at noon with Pastor Nick Buchholz officiating. Clara will be interred in St. John Lutheran Cemetery beside her husband. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Atrium Post Acute Care of Oconto Falls for the care offered to Clara.

In lieu of flowers, all donations will be given to Clara’s favorite charities.

Leonard F. Wirkus, 98, Gillett, formerly of Oak Creek, died Thursday morning, May 31, 2018. The oldest of three children was born Oct. 6, 1919, in Milwaukee County to Joseph and Helen Wirkus.

On May 12, 1945, he married Ruth Wolter in Milwaukee. The couple lived in the Oak Creek area for most of their married lives where Leonard worked as a fleet maintenance supervisor in the Milwaukee area until his retirement. They moved to Gillett 14 years ago, and Leonard was a member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls.

Survivors are his three children, Susan (Ron) Willes, Gillett; Wayne (Jayne) Wirkus, Wind Lake; Keith (Sharon) Wirkus, Shawano; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Beatrice Hareng, Franklin; Grace (Lawrence) Marsch, Caledonia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth in 2014, brother-in-law Norman Hareng and other relatives.

Visitation was held after 10 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2018, at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls until the time of service. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. Matthew Arnold officiating. Burial will be in Wanderers Rest Cemetery, Gillett. Jones Funeral Service is serving the Wirkus family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls.

Dixie K. (McCarthy) Gard, 80, Lena, was called home to Heaven on the evening of Corpus Christi Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Bellin Hospital surrounded by her husband and family with repeated prayers of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, her favorite prayer.

Dixie was born on Jan. 30, 1938, in Oconto Falls to John and Ethel (Gallagher) McCarthy. She moved to Milwaukee as a child and graduated from Shorewood High School.

Dixie was a shining example of a person who chose to overcome many obstacles and live a life of joy, compassion and kindness, always putting everyone else first. Mom’s devotion to her Catholic Faith and God’s Love gave her great strength.

On Aug. 19, 1961, Dixie married the love of her life, Herbert Gard, in Milwaukee. Together they lived in the Milwaukee area until buying a dairy farm and moving to Lena in December 1969. Dixie and Herb raised their eight children on their farm.

Dixie loved being with her family, whether it was playing cards or board games, sharing meals or baking anything she could for them. She loved her grandkids and could never see them enough. Mom had a special love for Wisconsin Badgers basketball that brought her great joy.

Survivors include her husband, Herb; eight children, Kathy (Tom) Delwiche, John (Cate) Gard, Joe (Karen) Gard, Fred (Julie) Gard, Marie (Thad) Rezin, Ed (Michelle) Gard, Paul (Debbie) Gard and Deacon Peter (Sarah) Gard. Dixie had 19 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one brother, Patrick (Jean), and many nieces and nephews.

Dixie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ethel McCarthy.

Visitation will be held at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, 438 W. Main St., Lena, from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Lena on Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until time of service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday morning at the church with Fr. Celestine Byekwaso officiating with numerous priests concelebrating and the assistance of her son Deacon Peter Gard. Burial will take place at St. Charles Cemetery in Lena. Please visit RhodesCharapata.com to express online condolences.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask memorials be offered to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

The family would like to thank Dr. Cynthia Lasecki and Dr. Saied Assef for their many years of exceptional love and care. In addition, the family is grateful to the Bellin team and Dr. Michael Swift and RN Daniel Campos who provided such loving and gentle care for Dixie on her final journey.

Faye L. Anderson, 94, Oconto Falls, died Thursday evening, June 7, 2018, at Bellin Hospital. She was born July 21, 1923, in Oconto Falls to Arthur and Florence (Gilbertson) Rice. Faye grew up in the Oconto Falls area where she attended school, graduating high school with the class of 1941.

On Aug. 25, 1945, she married Merlin “Chet” Anderson and would have celebrated 73 years together. Over the years, Faye worked at Falls Paper & Pulp in Oconto Falls, Baldwin Plywood in Gillett, Coleman Canning in Coleman and Friday Canning in Gillett. As members of the Motor-Coach Club, the couple traveled from California to the East Coast and Florida, where they were snowbirds for 10 years. They also traveled to Sweden to visit Chet’s relatives as well as Norway and Mexico. Grandma Anderson, as she was affectionately known by her grandkids and great-grandkids, just loved being with them whenever she was able. Faye also enjoyed bowling, sewing, knitting, crocheting afghans for everyone, camping, fishing, playing cards and going to the casino.

Survivors are her husband, Merlin “Chet” Anderson, Oconto Falls; two sons, Danny (Leola) Anderson, Suring; Wade (Carol) Anderson, Janesville; one daughter, Jeanne Ashley, Green Bay; grandchildren, Darilyn Anderson, Danny Anderson Jr., Jodi (special friend Chuck) Anderson, Dawn (Brad) Gruszczynski, Jaime Ashley and Kelly (William) Schmidt; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Elaine Anderson, Helen Anderson and Alyce Ankerson; one brother-in-law, Arnold (Viola) Anderson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Rodney Anderson, four brothers, Mike (Monica) Rice, Gerald (Charlotte) Rice, Merle (Bette) Rice and Maynard (Carol) Rice, her in-laws, Anton and Astrid Anderson, five brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Clarence (Meta) Anderson, Robert Anderson, Clifford Anderson, Anton (Delores) Anderson Jr. and Robert Ankerson.

Visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. Visitation will continue after 9 a.m. Thursday, June 14, 2018, at the funeral home until the time of service. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Gary R. Olson officiating. Burial to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls.

Juel E. Kamke, 71, passed away at her home in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday June 8, 2018. She was born in 1946, the youngest daughter of Betty and Earl Kamke of rural Lena; the family moved to rural Oconto Falls in 1950. Juel graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 1964 and attended UW-Eau Claire before transferring to UW-Madison, where she graduated with a B.A. in art and certified in secondary education.

Her first job was in Burlington, Vermont, as an art teacher; in 1978 she joined the Peace Corps where she served in El Salvador. Upon her return to the States, she worked for many years in Florida, using her fluency in Spanish to work with immigrants from South and Central America.

Juel is survived by her two sisters: Diane Nichols (Lyle), Oconto, and Nathalie Gehrke, Seattle; niece, Lara Nichols-Timm, Oconto, and nephews, Brett Nichols, Oconto, and Adam Gehrke, Seattle. She was preceded in death by both parents and a brother-in-law.

According to her wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.

Sylvester “Todd” Montour, 83, of Suring, passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Todd was born on April 15, 1935, to the late William and Calista (Harvey) Montour at home in Shawano County. On Feb. 14, 1966, Todd married Carol Gray of Fulton County, Illinois. For over 30 years, Todd worked as a semi-truck driver. After his retirement from truck driving, Todd worked as a mechanic in Janesville for Trucks Inc. Todd and Carol moved to the Suring area in May 1996. Todd enjoyed working with his hands, woodworking, hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes, playing cards, bowling, camping and spending time with his family. He was a jack of all trades.

Todd is survived by his wife, Carol; five children, Beverly (Tim) Barr of Beloit, Michael (Sharon) Montour of Gillett, Sheryl (Chris) Gorniak of Janesville, William (Denise) Montour of Philadelphia, and Jeffrey (Renee Smith) Montour of Janesville; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 10 brothers and sisters.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring from noon until the funeral service at 1 p.m. Todd will be interred at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Suring. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

Special thanks to Unity Hospice and their staff for the compassionate care offered to Todd and his family.

Gary L. Leayman, 71, Oconto Falls, died early Thursday morning, June 7, 2018, at home with his family present, following a three-year illness with acute myeloid leukemia. He was born Sept. 21, 1946, in Winfield, Kansas, to Glenroy and Marjorie (Kunkel) Leayman. Gary grew up in the area where he attended schools, graduating from Douglas High School with the class of 1964. Following graduation, he attended Cowley County College where he earned an associate degree. Gary then entered the U.S. Air Force and served for four years during the Vietnam War.

On Nov. 30, 1968, he married Mary Larson in St. Ignace, Michigan. The couple lived in St. Ignace for many years where Gary worked as a machinist. In 1984, they and their young family moved to Oconto Falls where Gary worked for Magna-Graphics for 12 years, before retiring from Liebert Machines in Green Bay. After retirement, he managed RV Horizons Mobile Home Park in Oconto Falls. Gary’s greatest enjoyment in life was helping others.

Survivors are his wife of 50 years, Mary Leayman, Oconto Falls; their daughter, Marci (Jim) English, Illinois; his siblings, Cindy (Larry) Hibbard, Jean (Dale) Steward and Ron (Shirley) Leayman, all of Kansas; his very good friends, the Don Koebach family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son Jamie in 2003.

There will be no visitation or funeral service. Private burial will take place. Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls is serving the Leayman family.

Luella Whiting, 75, died peacefully Wednesday evening, June 13, 2018, at Care Partners in Oconto. She was born Nov. 24, 1942, in the Town of Breed to Edgar and Marjorie (Hansen) Farrar. Luella grew up on the family farm in rural Oconto where she attended school and graduated high school.
On Dec. 3, 1960, she married Ronald C. Whiting at the Oconto United Methodist Church, and the couple lived in the Town of Stiles for most of their married lives. Luella once drove school bus for the Lena School District and worked at the Ben Franklin Store in Oconto Falls. For many years, she was employed at the USDA Farm Services Agency in Oconto. She was a member of the Oconto Falls United Methodist Church.
Survivors are her two daughters, Penny (James “Stew”) Stewart, Germantown; Tammy (James Sr.) Naliborski, Oconto Falls; six grandchildren, James Jr. “Michael” (Marisa) Stewart and Danielle (Tyler Becker) Stewart; twins Jessica (Sean Schersing) Minten and Jami (Casey) Grams, Cassey (fiancé Ryan Knutson) and James Naliborski Jr.; three great-grandchildren and number four coming in August, James Stewart III, Lindsey and Lillian Grams; two sisters, Marvel Kuentz, Pound; Leila (Dawly) Gartshore, McHenry, Illinois; four brothers, Roland Farrar, New Buffalo, Michigan; Kenrick Farrar, Oconto; Randy Farrar, Illinois; Terry Farrar, Oconto Falls; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ron in 2012, and sister Dawn Brown.
Visitation was held at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls from 4-8 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2018, and continued at the Oconto Falls United Methodist Church after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018, until the time of service. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church with Pastor David Henke officiating. Burial will take place in the Town of Stiles Cemetery.
Luella will fondly be remembered as a person who always tried to be there for others to help in any way she could, whether it was family, friend or neighbor, they would and did turn to.

Arlan J. Tetzlaff, 87, of Mountain, passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2018, with his family by his side. Arlie was born on March 18, 1931, to the late Emil and Pauline (Kirsch) Tetzlaff in the Town of Bagley. On Sept. 1, 1951, Arlie married Donna Suring in Milwaukee. For many years, Arlie was a self-employed bricklayer and home builder. In retirement, Arlie and his wife operated a portable sawmill. Arlie was the last surviving member of a family of 11 brothers and two sisters. Arlie was a member of Tabor Lutheran Church in Mountain.
Arlie is survived by Donna, his wife of 66 years; three children, Dale (Deb) Tetzlaff, Sandy (Cliff) Hammond, and Clyde (Wanda) Tetzlaff; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five sisters-in-law. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 11 brothers; two sisters.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at Tabor Lutheran Church in Mountain from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at noon with Pastor Paul Scheunemann officiating. Arlie will be interred in Mountain Cemetery. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.