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Bio: Popp, Nancy – New Granton School Administrator (2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Popp, Lindner, Jackson, Dieckman, Hasz, Kuchta

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 24 May 2023

The Granton Area School District has found someone to take the helm after this school year. Nancy Popp recently accepted the district administrator position at Granton. Popp is currently serving as the Loyal School District elementary principal.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, we want to wish Mrs. Popp congratulations and best wishes on her new endeavor,” an announcement on the Loyal School District website stated.

With Popp’s departure, the Loyal School Board decided to reassign current Middle/High School Principal Doug Dieckman as the 4K-12 principal and will seek to hire an assistant principal for the 4K-12 building.

Popp interviewed in April and was offered the job. She will finish summer school with Loyal and start her new position in Granton effective July 1.

“We’re delighted to have Mrs. Popp join the Granton school family,” said Granton School Board president Theresa Hasz. “She has experience in leadership and we’re looking forward to having her as part of the team. We had a good pool of candidates, but she definitely came out on top.”

Although she will be new to the Granton school, Popp is no stranger to the education world, having worked in a school setting for almost 30 years.

Popp earned her associate’s degree from the Richland Center two-year UW campus and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UW-Platteville. After graduating from college, she spent about five years long-term subbing and also went back to school to get her certification to teach high school English.

Popp has worked for the Loyal School District for the last 24 years. Initially she was hired to teach middle school applied language and some high school courses. Eventually, she transitioned to teaching all high school English courses. She was a longtime Forensics advisor and also helped with one-act plays frequently over the years.

The last five years, Popp has served as the Loyal Elementary School principal. For two of those years, she split her time between teaching English and serving as principal, and the last three years she’s been solely the principal.

When she entered the education field, Popp didn’t necessarily anticipate becoming a principal, much less a district administrator, but came to appreciate the opportunity to take on a leadership role within the school.

“You get to the point where you’re ready to try something different and look at experiences from a different perspective,” said Popp. “I still miss getting to connect with students in the classroom, as I love those connections with students. But, I am helping the staff get the things they need.”

In order to become a principal, Popp had to earn her master’s degree in educational leadership, which she received from Cardinal Stritch University in Fox Point. Two years ago, she earned her educational specialist (EdS) degree from UW-Superior, qualifying her to become a district administrator.

Popp was spurred on to get her EdS degree after then District Administrator Cale Jackson resigned in 2019. At that time, Chris Lindner was the 7-12 grade principal. “When Mr. Jackson left, both Mr. Lindner and I did coursework to get ready because, at that time, we didn’t know if we would be able to find someone else to fill that spot,” said Popp. While the school district ended up hiring Mark Lacke and later Lindner as the district administrator, Popp did not complete her coursework in vain. “In February I saw that the Granton position came open. I thought, ‘Maybe it’s time to spread my wings and see how this works. I know what the people are like; I know what the area is like,’” she said. That being said, “It’s going to be really hard leaving… I’m going to miss all the kids and the passion you see for education.” Over the years, Popp has enjoyed watching her students graduate and go off to do good things, and getting to continue a relationship with them by keeping up with their lives, including seeing some of their kids go to school in Loyal now.

She extended her sincere appreciation to the teachers, support staff members and school board members she’s worked with the last 24 years.

Now, she is aiming to finish well while anticipating what’s to come.

“I’m looking forward to learning about the community, building relationships with the staff and students, and helping Granton maintain its’ identity as a district. I want to find creative ways to maintain that identity and find new ways to draw people to Granton. They have a very good strategic plan, so I want to continue to build off that,” she said.

“I’m really excited about it. Granton has a lot of neat opportunities as a small school.”

Popp will take the place of Jim Kuchta, who is about to wrap up his third year at Granton school. He informed the school board in January that he did not intend to seek a contract beyond the 2022-23 school year.

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School: Abbotsford H.S. Graduation (2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Bloch, Arciniega, Scarcello

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 17 May 2023

Abbotsford High School will see 57 graduates from the class of 2023 receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 20. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in the North Gym.

Abbotsford High School proudly announces the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2023. The 2023 Valedictorian is Madison Bloch with a 4.0 GPA. Madison is the daughter of Lance and Jill Bloch. The 2023 Salutatorian is Liliana Arciniega, the daughter of Heidi Scarcello and Fransisco Javier Arciniega. Liliana has earned a 3.939 GPA throughout her high school career.

Bloch partook in numerous extracurricular and volunteer activities. Among Bloch’s accomplishments is the leadership role as the vice president of the senior class. She participated in National Honor Society, band, Jazz band, Choir, Show Choir, FBLA, Student Senate, Forensics, and Mathletes. She also participated in track and basketball all four years of high school.

Outside of school, Bloch has helped at Bible School at her church. She works at the concession stand for basketball games and softball games in Milan. She also helped the community by raking leaves and planting flowers. Bloch is planning to attend UW-Platteville for Civil Engineering. Arciniega participated in extracurricular and volunteer activities. Throughout high school, she participated in National Honor Society and Spanish Club at Abbotsford High School. During her freshman and sophomore school years in Arcadia, she participated in Yearbook and soccer. Arciniega translated for parents who speak Spanish at Parent-Teacher conferences. She is also helping a coworker learn English.

Arciniega is planning to go to North-Central Technical College for Nursing.

The class flower is the white rose and the class song is, “I’ll Always Remember You” by Miley Cyrus.

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Bio: Bloch, Madison – DAR Scholarship (2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Bloch

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 17 May 2023

The Wausau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution awarded their Good Citizen Scholarship to Madison Bloch on Thursday, May 4. Madison is from Abbotsford High School, holds a 4.0 GPA, takes classes at NTC, is involved in numerous activities in school and in the community.

The Good Citizen award recognizes area high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.

These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.

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Bio: Backus, Julia - Rising Star Award (2023)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Backaus, Gaier, Tavare, Beaton-Garcia

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/17/2023

Julia Backaus-Rising Star Award (2023)



Neillsville High and Middle School counselor, Julia Backaus (right), received the Rising Star Award from Chippewa Valley Technical College, accompanied by a $500 award to the School District of Neillsville. Submitted photo

By Edward DuBois

The President’s Award from Chippewa Valley technical College (CVTC) for 2023 was awarded to the “rising star” at Neillsville High School and middle school counselor, Julia Backaus.

The award itself also came with a $500 award to the School District of Neillsville to continue efforts to support this work.

“It was very generous of CVTC,” Backaus said.

“This year’s President Award is being awarded to someone who continuously strives to understand each of their students’ individual academic and career planning goals,” said John Gaier, district administrator for the School District of Neillsville. “They meet with every student for conferences and help them to map out their 4-year plan. They are persistent and not afraid to ask questions and find new and different opportunities.

“This partner works closely with CVTC to understand options for students utilizing all programs including transcript credit, Start College Now, CESA distance learning, high school academies, contracted courses and working with CVTC to secure spots for students interested in joining a full program while in high school.

“[Backaus] is focused on all students and reducing barriers for each one of them. She advocates for students in the region to provide rural educational opportunities, including students at risk of not graduating, and identifying alternative options for student success. She is a forward thinker considering any non-traditional route and innovative solutions. She has partnered with CVTC for the new [General Purpose Revenue] grant supporting the new CVTC Osseo Healthcare academy in the region. She listens to the needs of the employers in her community, advocates for programs to meet those needs, and helps connect students in high school to jobs and careers.

“As a member of our K12 advisory committee, [Backaus] looks for innovative solutions and opportunities for schools to work together with CVTC and expand access for all students.”

“Administrators, counselors, and high school teachers from throughout Chippewa Valley Technical College’s 11-county district met with the College’s instructors to celebrate offering college credits and degrees to high school students during an event on April 19,” CVTC wrote in a press release. “CVTC hosted the High School Partnership Awards Banquet and networking night to celebrate the success of the program.

“Students and families in 49 school districts throughout the college’s region saved $3.3 million in tuition and fees in the 2021-22 academic year.

“‘Every year we bring all our partners together to celebrate the amazing opportunities this program gives high school students,’ said Kristel Tavare, CVTC director of PreK-12 initiatives. ‘Students are able to earn college credit and even complete full college degrees in high school at no cost to the students or families.’

“High school students graduating with their business management associate degree, nursing assistant technical diploma, and welding certification shared their individual stories on how this opportunity provided them a jump start to enter the workforce sooner and find their passion.
“Sunem Beaton-Garcia, CVTC president, awarded the President's Rising Star Award to [Backaus], recognizing her intentional efforts to help each student with their academic career plans and connect them with college credit opportunities that transfer to programs at CVTC and other higher-learning institutions.

“High schools that partner with CVTC for college credit have the ability to offer it at their high school. Students are also welcome to take classes right at CVTC.

“‘Most students do a combination of high school and college classes in this program,” Tavare said.

“This allows students to complete their degrees faster and get into the workforce sooner. Employees in the region love it because it helps them meet their workforce needs sooner.’

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Bio: Kuhn, Gianna - May Junior Kiwanian (2023)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Kuhn

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/17/2023

Gianna Kuhn-May Junior Kiwanian (2023)



The Neillsville High School Kiwanis Club has named senior Gianna Kuhn as their May Junior Kiwanian for her multiple state medals in Solo Ensemble, volunteer work, working at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Clark County Human Society, and more. Submitted photo

As the 2022-2023 school year ends, at its May 8 meeting, the Neillsville Kiwanis Club was introduced to Gianna Kuhn as its Junior Kiwanian for the month of May. She is the daughter of Richard and Donna, and with a full resume of academic achievements, extra-curricular activities and volunteer work in the community, is very deserving of the honor.

Kuhn is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Show Choir and Concert Choir. She has held numerous officer positions in Student Council, FFA, and student government. Kuhn currently serves as class president. Additionally, Kuhn has competed in Solo Ensemble, earning 13 state medals, and this year she competed in the Legion Oratorical Competition. Sports activates include softball and Trap League.

Kuhn has volunteered at the Neillsville Food Pantry, St. Mary’s Parish, Adopt-a-Highway, Hannah House, and performed yard work and other chores for the elderly. She helped with voter assistance at the town of Washburn elections.

Part time employment has included working as a laborer for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and currently as a kennel worker at the Clark County Humane Society.

Following graduation, Kuhn will enroll in the audiology program at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.

Kuhn stands out as an example of a high-achieving Neillsville student who combines scholastic excellence, extensive volunteering in the community and numerous extracurricular activities. The community can take pride in her achievements throughout her high school career.

The Neillsville Kiwanis Club wishes Kuhn continued success as she enters the next step in her education and career pursuit.

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Obit: Davis, Dennis A. (1966 - 2023)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Davis, Kahl, Lombard, Olson, Childs, Ward, Yurske, Bennett, Rice, Wojner, Dale

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 5/18/2023

Davis, Dennis A. (6 May 1966 – 17 May 2023)

Dennis A. Davis, age 57, of Dorchester, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, peacefully at his home.

A private celebration will take place at a later date.

Dennis was born on May 6, 1966, the son of Walter and Audrey (Kahl) Davis in Madison. He was a jack of all trades and the master of none, but mostly worked as a truck driver for most of his life, recently at Weather Shield. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mowing grass, plowing snow, camping, gambling, auctions and car shows. He loved his children and grandchildren. No matter how much trouble his kids were in, especially the boys, he was there for them and loved them unconditionally. He was a very loving, caring, and sarcastic man.

Dennis is survived by his four children: Ashley (Cameron) Lombard of Wonewoc, Kayla (Andrew) Olson of Neillsville, Anthony Davis of Richland Center and Hunter Davis of Riplinger; his grandchildren: Hayden Childs, Daniel Ward, Connor Lombard, Hayden Lombard, Avah Lombard, Payton Olson, Elijah Yurske, Paxton Olson, Paisley Olson, Payson Olson, Blake Bennett, Kaelynn Rice and Kiara Davis his siblings: Sheila Schillinger of Colby, Kerry Davis of Milwaukee, Bonnie Garfoot of Dodgeville and Steve Davis of Dodgeville . He is further survived by his significant other, Jerri Wojner of Dorchester, and his best friend Stanley Dale of Abbotsford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Audrey; his brother, John Davis, and his infant brother, David Davis.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dennis, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree.

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Obit: Jacobs, Richard Charles, Sr. “Dick” (1950 - 2023)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Jacobs, Nimm, Przekurat, Luchterhand, Becker, Mondloch, Etlicher, Brookhart, Feit, Bukovec, Epstein, Krause, Pongratz, Frese, Rajaofera

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/18/2023

Jacobs, Richard Charles, Sr. “Dick” (17 July 1950 – 16 May 2023)

Richard C. "Dick" Jacobs, Sr., age 72, of Greenwood, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at his home in Greenwood.

Richard Charles Jacobs was born on July 17, 1950, in Arpin, to Christian J. and Barbara M. (Nimm) Jacobs Sr. He was raised and received his education in Arpin. On December 22, 1972, he was united in marriage to Mary E. Przekurat in Arpin. Richard worked various jobs before they moved to Greenwood in September of 1982 when they purchased a farm where they raised their family and he resided until the time of his death.

He had interests that included watching boxing, good ole western movies, farming, horse pulls that he did for many years passing the passion down to his children, great knowledge of horses and the grandkids always knew that grandpa would have a sucker or candy waiting for them when they came. He would always have a nickname of some sort for the grandkids. “Mouse” “Weasel”

Richard is survived by his children: Richard (Brenda) Jacobs Jr. of Willard, Tracy (Kelli) Jacobs of Arpin, Henry Jacobs of Greenwood, Dale (Tammy) Jacobs of Willard, Therese (Tim) Luchterhand of Granton, Lucas (Kyrah) Jacobs of Greenwood, Jesse Jacobs of Arpin, and Jeanne Jacobs (Doug Becker) of Granton; grandchildren: Brett Jacobs (Cheyanne Mondloch) of Spencer, and their son, Ashton, with another on the way in July, Erika Jacobs of Arpin, Koltin, Taelor and Sophia Luchterhand of Granton, Dustin, Desirah and Lane Jacobs of Willard, Anton, Alida and Atli Jacobs of Greenwood, Jolene Etlicher of Granton; his siblings: Arlene Brookhart, Kathleen (David Sr.) Feit, and Irene (Glenn) Bukovec; his mother-in-law: Carrie Przekurat; brothers-in-law: Randy (Tammy Przekurat), Gary (Jean) Przekurat, Robby Przekurat; sister-in-law: Susie Epstein; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; his father-in-law: Emil Przekurat; three sisters: Pauline Krause, Christine Pongratz, and Marlene Feit; one brother, Chris Jacobs Jr.; and two brothers-in-law, Edward Brookhart and Richard Pongratz Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, rural Greenwood. Rev. Asafa Rajaofera will officiate, and burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steve Feit, Kevin Frese, Brett Jacobs, Koltin Luchterhand, Taelor Luchterhand, and Tim Luchterhand. Visitation will be held at Cuddie Funeral Home in Greenwood, on Monday, May 22, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from 10 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday at the church.

We would like to give thanks to the nurses and aides at Compassus hospice that helped with dad’s wishes of being at home, and also a thank you to the Frese family.

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School: Unity - Educator Brian Collins (Honored - 2023)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Collins, Homayounpour, Heller, Kumferman, Winkel-Simmerman, Kohl, Underly

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/17/2023

Unity Educator Brian Collins (Honored - 2023)

Recipients honored for commitment to students, colleagues, school and community

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) announced May 11 that five educators from across the state have been named 2024 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year. The group received the honor for their dedication to the education profession and for the impact they have on their students as learners and individuals. The group was notified of their selection at separate, surprise ceremonies at their respective schools throughout the last two weeks.

Among the recipients is a teacher from Unity.

Brian Collins, biology teacher at Unity High School (Unity School District), has taught general biology, AP biology, environmental biology, human anatomy/physiology, ecology, zoology and ornithology at Unity for about 22 years. He has used the school forest for research and innovative learning opportunities, and even has his own collection of “birds on a stick” in his classroom. Collins has coached football and powerlifting at the schools, has been a participant of Unity’s Ojibwe Language Revitalization Club, and has chaired the Professional Staff Development Committee. He continues his passion for birds and photography every summer as a contract biologist working all over Wisconsin for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which he shares in his classroom.

The other teachers selected for the honor were Saghar Homayounpour, computer science teacher at New Berlin West High School (School District of New Berlin), Claudia Heller de Messer, an English as a second language teacher at Milwaukee Parkside School for the Arts (Milwaukee Public Schools), Rachel Kumferman, school social worker at McKinley Elementary School (Wauwatosa School District) and Katelyn Winkel-Simmerman, mathematics teacher at Cedar Grove-Belgium Middle School (Cedar Grove-Belgium School District).

The Teachers of the Year will interview with a committee that will select one of the five to represent Wisconsin in the National Teacher of the Year program. That individual will receive an additional $6,000 from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation.

“It has been an honor to travel across Wisconsin and celebrate these teachers,” Dr. Jill Underly said, state superintendent. “They exemplify what makes the teaching profession so rewarding and so impactful by engaging students in creative ways, creating inclusive classroom and school communities, and serving as leaders in their schools and beyond. The enthusiasm we saw from the students really shows the great work these teachers are doing, and I know that great work is happening in schools all over our state. Let me say a huge thank you to all our Wisconsin teachers! You make a difference every day, and we are grateful.”

More information on the Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Program can be found on the DPI’s website, www.dpi.wi.gov/teacher-year.

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Obit: Decker, Ronald A. “Ron” (1958 – 2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Decker, Stewart, Rogers, Wilfert, Lindner

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 24 May 2023

Decker, Ronald A. “Ron” (6 Jan 1958 – 11 May 2023)

Ronald A. “Ron” Decker, 65, Eau Claire, formerly of Greenwood, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. A Celebration of Life for Ron will be held at a later date.

Ronald Allen “Ron” Decker was born on Jan. 6, 1958, in Marshfield, the son of Donald L. and Mary Lou H. (Stewart) Decker. He was raised and received his education in Greenwood, graduating from Greenwood High School in 1976. In 1978, he enrolled at Trans American School of Broadcasting in Wausau. Ron later moved to Madison, where he worked for Rayovac Batteries. He returned to Greenwood and went to work at Teledyne, in Owen, making wood products. His last place of employment was with Arctic Insulation installing cold storage units, until a work injury forced him to retire. Ron moved to Marshfield, and then to Eau Claire, where he had resided for more than 31 years.

He had many interests, but especially enjoyed time spent with family, friends and even strangers (who would undoubtedly become fast friends after just a short conversation with him: Hebrews 13:2). He also never met a dog he didn’t like. It was pure joy for him to enjoy visits and companionship with them.

Life lived between the dash – he did that so extraordinarily well! Ron exemplified such joy with family. He always had kind words for anyone he came in contact with. He was a true angel among us, a man of great integrity, love, and devotion to everyone in his sphere of influence. What he did have, he would give to those in need, passing the blessing along. Ron was kind-hearted, joyful, loving of others, compassionate, genuine, courageous, prayerful and so very caring toward others that had crossed his pathway, despite his many life maladies. He had a contagious smile, a humongous heart, and a wish for you to be strong by praying for you. To others that met Ron in person, through his actions and words, they would observe kindness, just as Jesus showed kindness to him. He had the kindest heart. He would never blame and always made you feel better after meeting. Never a cross word and would always divert negative attention from anyone. He was quick to pray and even quicker with a kind word.

Ron will be missed, but due to March 23, 1973, we know where he is, and we will all join him someday. You see, that was the day that he received Jesus into his heart as his Savior and Lord. In confidence, we can surely be comforted by Psalm 30:5(b): “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Ron, your joy has come. We are so extremely happy and glad for you!

The last verses we read to our dear brother Ron from our sweet mom’s Bible were those of Psalm 23:1-6: “The Lord is my shepherd ... and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Yes, brother, forever in Heaven ... see you in a little while ... we love you!

In honor of Ron, please spread kindness and really listen. You never know what kind of hope you can give another with a smile and compassionate heart.

Ron is survived by six siblings: Don (Jill) of Corona, Calif., his fraternal twin brother by 11 minutes, Randy of Eau Claire, Duane (Jodi) of Vancouver, Wash., Linda (Ken) Rogers of Gainesville, Ga., Kim (Kevin) Wilfert of Germantown, and Jen (Rugg) Lindner of Greenwood; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sibling; his great-niece, Angel Sarah Rogers; and two great niece/nephews.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com  Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Obit: Zupanc, Berne (1928 –2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Zupanc, Podobnik

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 24 May 2023

Zupanc, Berne (28 Jan 1928 – 20 May 2023)

Berne Zupanc, 95, Baraboo, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Oak Park Place. She was born on Jan. 28, 1928, the daughter of Theresa and August Podobnik, in Willard. Berne was married to Tony Zupanc on May 19, 1952, and was a long-time resident of Loyal.

She is survived by her daughter, Terri Zupanc of Baraboo; two sons, Scott Zupanc of Baraboo and Tom Zupanc of Santa Fe, NM. She was simply the best. Private services will take place at a later date.

Baldwin Funeral Services, Baraboo, is assisting the family with arrangements.