Joan M. Tamboli

Joan M. (Brannan) Tamboli passed away suddenly on Feb. 6, 2010 with her family by her side at the age of 45.

She was the loving wife and soul mate of Bryan; caring and devoted mom of Kyle and Kevin; beloved daughter of Jim and Sandy Brannan; wonderful sister of Jimmy (Jo) Brannan, Dan (Stacey) Brannan and Jane Brannan Tamboli; sister-in-law of Mike Tamboli; and cherished daughter-in-law of Jerome Tamboli and Donna Tamboli. Joan is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, co-workers and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, W204 N11940 Goldendale Rd., Germantown, from 3 p.m. until time of Memorial Mass at 6 p.m.

Joan was an avid volunteer for Boy Scouts of America (Potawatomi District); her highest volunteer position was the Advancement Chair Eagle Scout Board of Review. She also volunteered for numerous positions at St. Boniface Catholic Church, including teaching religious education and food drives. Joan served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves to include a combat tour in Afghanistan. In lieu of flowers, memorials to begin a college fund for her sons, Kyle and Kevin, are greatly appreciated.

Dewey L. Lannigan

Dewey Leroy Lannigan, 75, of Merrill, passed away Friday, February 5, 2010, at Pinecrest Nursing Home, surrounded by his family.

Dewey was born in Fifield, WI on May 5, 1934 to the late Dewey and Marjorie (Giblin) Lannigan. He married Donna (Ernst) February 26, 1955 in Park Falls, WI.

Dewey owned and operated his own logging/trucking company for many years. He was also an avid carpenter, licensed machinist and fishing guide in his earlier years. Dewey was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed the outdoors including fishing, hunting, camping and trips out west. His hobbies include building bird houses, making wood canes,bingo, puzzles, collecting rocks and going to casinos. He also loved dancing to country music and polkas. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife: Donna; 6 children: Dena (Michael) Steckling Wausau, Darlene (Mark) Fandrey, Birnamwood, Debra Lannigan (Brian Myers), Wausau, Dewey (Kathy) Lannigan, Aniwa, Dale (Teresa) Lannigan, Las Vegas, and Daniel (Susan) Lannigan, Wausau;

9 Grandchildren: Kristin (Brian), Talia, Hunter, Lauren, David, April (Rick),Christopher, Matthew and Beth. 

2 great grandchildren: Anthony and Calianna

2 brothers: Thomas, and David (Sue) Lannigan,

Sister: Patricia (Richard) Mitchell,

Several nieces and nephews.

Dewey was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gene.

Visitation will be Thursday February 11, at 11 am until the time of the service at 12:30 pm at Waid Funeral Home.

Pastor Joel Danner will officiate. Burial will be at Forest Home Cemetery in Fifield. The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com

Clifford A. Sabatke

Clifford A. Sabatke, 84, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2010, under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice.

Cliff was born in Merrill on February 22, 1925 to the late Leslie and Ella (Jaeger) Sabatke Sr. He married Shirley Porath on September 26, 1953 at Zion Lutheran Church in Merrill.

While Clifford was a young man, he worked on the family farm. He also worked as a logger in Michigan. He served in the Army from 1950 – 1953. Cliff worked at Anson & Gilkey for 32 years as a window and door manufacturer. He then worked at Semco for 8 years, also manufacturing windows and doors. Cliff was an Elder at Trinity Lutheran Church where he was a member for over 50 years. He served as Chaplain for the District and the Local VFW Post 1638 where he was a VFW Honor Guard Member for over 20 years. In his spare time, Cliff enjoyed carpentry, building barns for his grandchildren, spending time at his camper up north, gardening, and playing dart ball. He was also an avid fan of the Packers and Brewers. Cliff was very involved with the VFW Post 1638 and the local Eagles Club and was also a member of the Disabled Veterans of America.

Survivors include his wife: Shirley; 3 children: Keith (Sue Ann) Sabatke, Wausau, Yvonne (Pat) Woller, Merrill, and LuAnn (Steve) Steger, Gleason; 10 grandchildren: Shawn (Sarah) Sabatke, Jason (Jammie) Woller, Nicole (Pete Berna) Woller, Jacob (Amanda) Sabatke, Michele Steger, Amy Woller, Sara Steger, Rebecca Liss, Nicole(Bill) Kelch, T.J. (Brenda) Liss; 19 great grandchildren, 2 sisters: Phyllis Schlueter and Mary Ann (Don) Forester; 3 brothers: LaVern (Diane Huston) Sabatke, Les (Pearl) Sabatke Jr., Larry (Lois) Sabatke, brother-in-law: Lylas Berndt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son: Dwight Sabatke; sister: Bernice Berndt; brother: Jack Sabatke and brother-in-law: Ray Schlueter.

Services will be held Monday, February 8, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Friends may call Sunday, February 7 from 4-8 PM at Waid Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by Local VFW Post 1638. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Trinity Church Radio Ministry or the Local VFW Post 1638. Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

Arnold L. Gennrich

Arnold L. Gennrich, age 93, of Merrill, died Monday, February 1, 2010, at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill.

Arnold was born May 27, 1916, in Merrill, son of the late William and Louise (Hanneman) Gennrich.  He married Dorothy Reinke on June 28, 1947, in Merrill.  She survives.  Arnold was a veteran of World War II, honorably serving in the United States Army.  He served stateside and was stationed in San Francisco, Texas, and Philadelphia.  Arnold retired as Superintendent of Mails at the Merrill Post Office, after 24 years of service.  Arnold was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill, where he was the former church treasurer and served on the board of finance.  He enjoyed reading, and watching sports on television; especially the Chicago Cubs. 

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Gennrich, of Merrill; one son, Arnold W. ‘Bud’ Gennrich, of Merrill; and nieces and nephews.  Arnold was preceded in death by five sisters, Gertrude Muschinske, Margaret Buesing, Ruth Heldt, Beata Buesing, and Dorchen Gennrich; and one brother, William Gennrich. 

The Funeral Service will be at 12:00 P.M., Noon, Friday, February 5, 2010, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.  The Rev. Kelly Leary will officiate.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Friday at the church.  The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

The family has requested memorials be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

Mitchell G. Rylko, Sr.

Mitchell G. "Mitch" Rylko, Sr., age 89, of Merrill, Wisconsin, formerly of Gilbert, Illinois, died Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.

Mitch was born February 29, 1920, in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late Frank and Mary (Habdasch) Rylko, Sr. He was a veteran of World War II, honorably serving in the U.S. Army. He then married Helen Malinowski on May 20, 1944, in Chicago. She preceded him in death on February 7, 2001, in Elgin, Illinois. Mitch had been a school bus driver while living in Gilbert, Illinois. He moved to the Gleason, Wisconsin area in August of 2001 to be near his daughter. Mitch was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bloomville, Wisconsin.

Survivors include his daughter, Maryann Stroinski, of Gleason, WI; four sons, Mitchell Rylko, Jr. of Hampshire, IL, Michael Rylko of Buyck, Minnesota, Martin (Betty) Rylko of Elgin, IL, and Marvin (Amy) Rylko of Genoa, IL; 7 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and one brother, Frank (Eleanor) Rylko, Jr. of Chicago, IL. Mitch is preceded in death by one grandson, Daniel Rylko; one son in law, Ronald Stroinski; one sister, Jean Habdasch; three brothers, Joseph, Walter, and John; and one stepbrother, John Rylko.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 29, 2010, in the Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. Father Ronald Serrao will be the celebrant. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Friday at Holy Cross Chapel/Bell Tower Residence.

Visitation will continue on Monday, February 1, 2010, from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Fredrick Funeral Home, Hampshire, Illinois. Interment will follow in Dundee Township Cemetery East, Dundee, IL, with graveside military rites.

The family has requested memorials be given to the Bell Tower Residence Building Fund, Merrill, Wisconsin.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

Jess C. Humphrey

Jess C. Humphrey, age 65, of Merrill, died Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.

Jess was born June 3, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, son of Marie (Pultz) Prete.  He married Jean ‘Jeanne’ Ellenbecker on September 3, 1966.  She survives.  Jess worked as a diesel mechanic for the City of Merrill Street Department for 30 years.  He was very proud of his job and the Union he belonged to.  Jess was a longtime member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Merrill.  He enjoyed football and baseball, especially the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs.  He loved wagering on any game.  He also enjoyed visiting the dog track and the horse track.  Jess liked trout fishing.  

Survivors include his wife, Jean Humphrey, of Merrill; his mother, Marie Prete, of Merrill; three sons, John (Beth) Humphrey, James (Denise) Humphrey, and Jason (Laurie) Humphrey, all of Merrill; six grandchildren, Matt and Erin Bahlow, Logan, Sierra, and Alicia Humphrey, and Brandon Humphrey; two sisters, Jenny Johnson, of Homewood, Illinois, and Diane (David) Belter, of Merrill; one brother, Dr. James (Mary) Prete, of San Antonio, Texas; six sisters-in-law, Harriet Ellenbecker, of Tennessee, Kathleen ‘Kitty’ Daverman, Doris Ellenbecker, Carol Ellenbecker, Judy (Bill) Bialecki, and Carol (Steve) Willis, all of Merrill; three brothers-in-law, Pete Ellenbecker and Tony Ellenbecker, both of Merrill, and Joe Ellenbecker, of Irma; and many nieces and nephews.  Jess was preceded in death by one brother, William C. Daverman IV; one sister-in-law, Nancy Ellenbecker; and three brothers-in-law, Melvin Ellenbecker, Jr., Louie Ellenbecker, and Dennis Ellenbecker.

The Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 P.M., Noon, Monday, February 1, 2010, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Merrill.  The Father James Horath will officiate.  Entombment will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum.  Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Sunday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home and again after 11:00 A.M. Monday at the church.  The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

Isadore L. Schmitt

Isadore "Stubby" L. Schmitt, 90, Medford, died Sunday, Jan. 24 at Memorial Nursing & Rehab Center, Medford, where he had resided for the past 3 months.

He was born Aug. 8, 1919 at Colby, to Robert and Lena (Ohlinger) Schmitt. He attended Riverside elementary school, township of Hull, Marathon County. He married Lorraine Millikin on Sept. 15, 1947 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford.

After his education he served in the CCC Camp in Alvin, WI. Then he drove logging truck for a period of time. He was an US Army Air Corp. veteran of WW II serving from June 1942 to October 1945 serving in the China-Burma-India Campaign. He also served in the National Guard during 2 intervals. After the service, he worked as a mechanic for Brunners Service Station in Medford and later the Farmers Union garage in Medford until his retirement in 1982. In his retirement, he enjoyed camping & did woodworking, specializing in small furniture items.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford; and life member and past commander of Klossner-Dietzler VFW #5729, Medford.

Isadore is survived by his wife, Lorraine Schmitt, Medford; children, David (Mary Ann) Schmitt, Hawkins, Joan (Robert) Mogensen, Lake Nebagamon, Michael (Cathy) Schmitt, Phillips, and Debra Chamberlain, Merrill; grandchildren, Cory, Kimberly, Steven, Traci, Tonya, Misty, Amanda, Jessica, Jeremy and Cassandra; great-grandchildren, Darien, Mathew, Colton, Maya, Jayden, Hunter, Annah; and sister, Genevieve Schmitt, Abbotsford. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Raymond and Larry Schmitt; and sisters Agnes Schmitt and Henrietta Jungwirth.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Medford, with military rites performed by the Medford Military Honors Team. Father Gerard Willger and Deacon Joe Stefancin officiated. The family will receive friends Friday, Jan. 29 from 4-8 p.m. at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford, where there will be a 7 p.m. Catholic prayer service held that evening and also from 9-10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

Serving as pallbearers will be his nephews, Bruce and Russell Jari, Dan and Robert Paff, Gary Millikin and Dominic Langteau. Burial is in Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford.

Hemer Funeral Home, Medford, served the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Julie A. Hall

Julie A. Hall, age 46, of Merrill, died Tuesday, January 19, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield.

Julie was born April 29, 1963, in Merrill, daughter of the late Walter and Jane (Hamsing) Erickson.  She married John Hall on April 28, 1988, at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill.  He survives.  Julie was a legal secretary at Nienow Law Office, Merrill.  Prior to that, she worked at the Lincoln County Department of Social Services.  Julie was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill.  She enjoyed gardening and canning, flower gardening, and cooking.  When her children were younger, Julie made all their Halloween costumes by hand.  While her husband was in Kuwait serving his country, Julie was involved in the Military Family Support Program. 

Survivors include her husband, John Hall, of Merrill; two daughters, Danielle Hall, of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, and Briana Hall, at home; one step-daughter, Nikki Hall, of the University of Wisconsin - Madison; one sister, Joyce (Gary) Reist, of Merrill; one brother, Wayne Erickson, of Merrill; her mother in law, Margaret Hall, Merrill; seven sisters-in-law, Donna Michalski, of Tomahawk, Barb (Gary) Zimmerman, of Merrill, Mary Tessmer, of Merrill, Jeanne (Mike) Brock, of Geason, Julie (Allan) Kanitz, of Merrill, Cammy (Mike) Westerdahl, of River Falls, and Yvonne (Will) Sorby, of Hortonville; and six brothers-in-law, Everett ‘Phil’ (Irene Blaskowski) Hall, of Wausau, Tom Hall, of Clearwater, Florida, Dan (Nancy Theilman) Hall, of Merrill, Pat (Jean) Hall, of Merrill, Chuck Hall, of Merrill, and Peter (Kim) Hall, of Merrill.  Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Jane Erickson; her father in-law, Everett Hall; one sister-in-law, Theresa Hall; and one brother-in-law, Doug Hall.

The Memorial Service will be at 11:00 A.M., Friday, January 22, 2010, at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill.  The Rev. Scott Hawker will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home and again after 10:00 A.M. Friday at the church.  The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

Howard Junior Grefe

Howard Junior Grefe, 76, of Merrill, died Friday, January 15, 2010 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston.

He was born January 13, 1934 to the late Howard and Marguerite (Demmin) Grefe.

After high school graduation, Junior joined the U.S. Army on March 6, 1957. He served as a meat cutter and received the Good Conduct medal for marksman. He was honorably discharged in March of 1963. He did meat cutting and sausage making in Merrill and then moved to do work in the Phillips and Ogema area.He enjoyed cutting baughs. After retirement, he moved back to Merrill and lived in Park Place. Junior truly enjoyed all the friends he made there. He liked doing crossword puzzles and cooking and baking for his friends.

Survivors include two brothers; William (Judy) Grefe and Dennis (LuAnn) Grefe and 2 sisters-in-law; Dorothy and Mary Grefe all of Merrill, along with many nieces and nephews. Junior was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, George and Robert and an infant sister.

At Junior’s request, there will be no visitation and a private service will be held at a later date. Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to the Merrill Senior High School Athletic Department.

Darla R. Heinz

Darla R. Heinz, age 69, of Merrill, died Friday, January 15, 2010, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Darla was born October 4, 1940, in Bancroft, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Ray and Audrey (Scantlin) Pichelman.  She married Dale Heinz on June 29, 1963, in Center City, Minnesota.  He survives.  Darla worked at the former Security Bank, Wausau, as branch manager.  She then worked part-time at Semco, Merrill.  Darla was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.  She enjoyed sewing, knitting, cross stitch, cross word puzzles, antiques, and collecting Indian sculptures.  She also enjoyed flowers and gardening. Darla was very involved in the Relay for Life.  Darla and Dale treasured their time ‘up north’ at their campsite in Sure-Wood Forest. 

Survivors include her husband, Dale Heinz, of Merrill; two sons, Darren Heinz, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Dean (Sara) Heinz, of Billings, Montana; one sister, Paula ‘Sis’ Stickler, of Merrill; five sisters-in-law, Diane Pichelman, of Merrill, Annette (Terry) Lach, of Wausau, Sandra Ryan, of Schofield, Joyce (Al) Goetsch, of Wausau, and Mary Ann Wimmer, of Brokaw; two brothers, Burl ‘Stub’ (Gail) Scantlin, and Robbin ‘Rob’ (Shirley) Pichelman, both of Merrill; one brother-in-law, Milton (Marlene) Heinz, of Wausau; and her dear friends, Ruth Wood, of Wausau, and “The Birthday Club Girls.”  Darla was preceded in death by one sister, Gloria ‘Squeaky’ Neumann; and one brother, Rodney ‘Rod’ Pichelman. 

The funeral will be at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 19, 2010, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.  The Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Visitation will begin at 12:00 P.M., Noon, Tuesday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, Wisconsin, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

Harland "Harley" L. Westfall, 82, Athens, died Friday, January 15, 2010 at his home.
He was born September 28, 1927 in Athens, son of the late Louis and Edith (Reynolds) Westfall. On March 15, 1981 he married Geraldine Hopperdietzel in Las Vegas, Nev. She survives.
Harley served his country in the United States Army as a sergeant of the topographic unit during World War II and the Korean War. He worked at Minnesota Mining Company, Merrill Iron and Steel, Urban Steel and most recently was self employed as a ginseng farmer. He also operated several bars including the Rib Falls Bar, Owls Club and Moonlight Bar. His greatest joy was trapping fox but he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, especially apple trees. Some of his other hobbies included playing cards, playing cribbage, making homemade wine and reading.
Survivors include his wife, Geraldine, Athens; children, Steve (Sherryl) Westfall, Gleason, Julie (Dean) Tousignant, Mosinee, Lori (Dave) Zielazowski, Merrill, Marsha (Bruce) Broeking, Merrill, Clark Westfall, Hamburg and Diane (Kirk) Johnstone, Calif.; 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; mother-in-law, Delores Hopperdietzel, Athens; two sisters-in-law, Carol (Melvin) Roesler, Merrill and Bernice Hopperdietzel, Athens; one brother-in-law, Byron Hopperdietzel, Athens, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dores, three brothers, Earl, Roy and Eugene and three sisters, Bernice, Marjorie and Dorothy.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at Community Hall, Athens. The Rev. Carl Busse will officiate. Burial will be in Athens Village Cemetery, Athens. Friends may call Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at Community Hall.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com