1

Obit: Arneson, Claire I. (1929 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Arneson, Junkman, Smith, Laubenstein, Comstock, Bjerke, Larson, Scott

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/29/1985

Arneson, Claire I. (15 November 1929 -18 August 1985)

Claire I. Arneson, 55, formerly of Black River Falls area, died of cancer Sunday, August 18, in Clear View Nursing Home at Juneau, where he had resided for the past seven months.

He was born in Whitehall, November 15, 1929, the son of Dorothy (Junkman) Arneson. He married Edith Smith in Merrillan, and she died in 1972. He was employed as a highway construction worker.

Survivors include three sons, Randy, of Watertown; Jerry, of Beaver Dam; and Gordon of Juneau; three daughters, Nancy Laubenstein of Fredonia; Bonnie Comstock, of Merrillan, and Pamela Bjerke, of Jacksonville, N.C.; 16 grandchildren; a brother, Ross of Black River Falls; and a sister, Alice Larson, of Alma Center. He was preceded in death, in addition to his wife, by four brothers.

Services were held Thursday afternoon in the Merrillan United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Margaret Lynn Scott officiating, and burial was in Oakwood Cemetery at Merrillan. Jensen Funeral Home of Hixton was in charge of the arrangements.

2

Obit: Beede, Cecil W. (1910 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Beede, Haugen, Brummeyer

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/12/1985

Beede, Cecil W. (10 March 1910 – 5 September 1985) With Flag

Cecil W. Beede, 75, of Eau Claire, died Wednesday, September 5, at Sacred Heart Hospital.

He was born March 10, 1910, in Houghtonburg, Jackson County, to Waldo and Etta Beede. Moving to Merrillan as a child, he attended the Merrillan schools, graduating in 1929. A graduate of Whitewater State Teachers College, he received a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. A teacher at Melrose and Owen High Schools, he moved to Eau Claire in 1942, where he was an instructor and supervisor of business courses at the Vocational School. He was appointed director of the school in 1963. When the vocational schools were organized through districts in 1967, he was appointed district director. He held that position until his retirement in 1974.

He married Muriel Haugen on June 16, 1939, in Neillsville. He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Kay Brummeyer of Menomonie; a son, Gary, Harland; and a sister, Elgie Beede of Hatfield; and five grandchildren.

Services were held Saturday morning at Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, with burial in Neillsville City Cemetery. The Fuller Funeral Home of Eau Claire was in charge of the arrangements.

3

Obit: Francis, Merrill A. (1916 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Francis, Stoneburg, Helstad, Marvin, Dancker, Harycki, Warner, Buettner, Scott

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/12/1985

Francis, Merrill A. (3 April 1916 – 24 August 1985)

Merrill A. Francis, 69, of Merrillan and formerly of North Dakota, died Saturday, August 24, in the home of his sister, Lucille Marvin, in Merrillan.

He was born April 3, 1916, in Neillsvile to Fred and Charlotte (Stoneburg) Francis. For 45 years he lived in North Dakota, working as a heavy equipment operator. About a year ago, he returned to Wisconsin, and made his home with his sister.

Survivors include his wife, the former Agnes Helstad, of Rockford, Illinois; four brothers, Fred and J ack, both of Creswell, Oregon, Arthur, of Oak Creek, and Daniel, of South Milwaukee; six sisters, Lucille Marvin of Merrillan, Lila Dancker, of East Troy, Martha Harycki of Milwaukee, Marian Warner, of (blotch) Oregon, Olive Buettner of Clinton, and Jean Buettner of Hackensack, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by a sister and a brother.

Services were held Tuesday morning from the Merrillan United Methodist Church with the Rev. Margaret Lynn Scott officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery at Merrillan. The Jensen Funeral Home of Hixton was in charge of the arrangements.

4

Obit: Gorman, George Edward (1966 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Gorman, Stai, Sternitzky, Stokka

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/29/1985

Gorman, George Edward (28 October 1966 – 24 August 1985)

Committal services were held Monday, August 26, at Windfall Cemetery, Granton, for George Edward Gorman, 18, of Rt. 1 Granton. Missing since mid-May, he was found dead, on Saturday, August 24, in the Town of York. Rev. Maynard Stokka officiated at the services arranged Gilbertson Funeral Home, Granton.

Born October 28, 1966, at Neillsville, he received his education in Brighton, Michigan, and Granton High School.

Surviving him are his mother, Gloria Stai, Merrillan; his father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Gorman, Granton; adoptive parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gorman, Brighton, Michigan; one sister, Heidi Gorman, Granton; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. David Sternitzky, Granton; and Mr. and Mrs. George Sternitzky, Marshfield; several stepbrothers and stepsisters.

5

Obit: Hart, Idella M. (1891 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Hart, Northrup, Sweetland, Magelssen, Engel, Heath, Jefferson, Musil, Ott

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/22/1985

Hart, Idella M. (11 October 1909 – 12 August 1985)

Ninety-three year old Idella M. Hart passed away on Monday, August 12, at Neillsville Memorial Hospital. She had been ill for a brief time.

Born October 7, 1891, in Huntley, Illinois, she was the daughter of Lee and Daisy (Northrup) Sweetland. After her education she moved to the Neillsville area with her parents. She married George Hart in Neillsville on October 11, 1909, and for several years they resided in the Columbia area. In 1945, they moved to California where she worked as a housekeeper for prominent people. After her husband’s death on June 13, 1945, she remained in California. Due to failing health she moved back to Neillsville, in 1974, and resided at the Neillsville Memorial Home.

Surviving are two children, Bert Hart, Aurora, Missouri, and Mrs. Robert (Ruby) Magelssen, Burbank, California; three sisters, Maxine Engel, Wis. Rapids, Leone Heath, Prosperity, S.C., and Mrs. Harold (Birdean) Jefferson, San Diego, California; a brother, Lyle Sweetland, Peru, Illinois; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband; three sons, Jack, George “Buster”, and Byrl; four sisters and two brothers.

Visitation was at Gesche Funeral Home on Friday, August 16, 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Rev. Howard Ott officiated at the service and burial was made in the Columbia Cemetery. Iris Musil provided music. Pallbearers were relatives of the deceased.

6

Obit: Krantz, Rose E. (1904 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Krantz, Marx, Gassen, Resong, Svetlik, Dux, Burr, Opelt, Henseler

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/5/1985

Krantz, Rose E. (23 September 1904 – 31 August 1985)

Rose E. Krantz, 80, of 314 State Street, Neillsville, died Saturday, August 31, following a brief illness. Fr. Joseph Henseler officiated at the funeral rites held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neillsville, on Tuesday, September 3. Visitation was at Gesche Funeral Home Monday evening and Tuesday morning preceding the Ten O’clock service. St. Mary’s Choir with accompanist Virginia Gassen provided music. John and Joe Resong, Frank Svetlik, Ted Dux, Ray Burr, and Robert Opelt served as pallbearers. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Neillsville.

Born September 23, 1904, at Neillsville, she was the daughter of Mathew and Anna Marx. Following her education, she attended Business College in Milwaukee, later returning to Neillsville to hold various jobs. On May 3, 1941, she married Richard E. Krantz, at Neillsville. She was employed for many years by the Clark County Agency until her retirement.

Preceding her in death was her husband, on June 1, 1965; her parents; and a sister.

7

Obit: Keuer, Adeline (1907 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Keuer, Schier, Krause, Swenson, Dahl, Hillert, Garbisch, Wegner, Poehnlein, Christie, Nitschke, Stokka

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/5/1985

Keuer, Adeline (26 July 1907 – 1 September 1985)

Adeline Keuer, 417 E. 2nd St., Neillsville, passe3d away at Memorial Hospital on Sunday, September 1. She had been ill for a brief time.

She was born July 26, 1907, in the Town of Lynn, the daughter of August and Clara (Schier) Krause, and attended Mayflower School there. On October 28, 1925, she married Leslie L. Keuer, at Granton. They farmed much of their married life in the Town of Lynn, moving to Neillsville following their retirement in 1964. Her husband preceded her in death on December 1, 1972. She was a member of the American Lutheran Church Ladies aid, and Neillsville Grey Ladies.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Lloyd (Esther) Swenson, Caldonia, Illinois, and Mrs. Erlin (Irene) Dahl, Granton; three brothers, Harvey Krause, Neillsville, Alvin and Erwin Krause, both of Granton; nine grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Preceding her in death, besides her husband, were her parents and a great grandson.

Rev. Maynard Stokka officiated at the rites held September 4, at Zion American Lutheran Church, Granton. Soloist was Martin Hillert accompanied by Nancy Garbisch. Visitation was at Gesche Funeral Home on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning preceding services. Burial was made in the Zion American Lutheran Cemetery, at Granton. The pallbearers were Edward Wegner, Joe Poehnlein, Leland and Arthur Krause, Jerry Christie, and Arnold Nitschke.

8

Obit: McCarty, Fred (1911 - 1985)

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

Surnames: McCarty, Grey, Holub, Gall, Telega, Smagacz, Anderson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/29/1985

McCarty, Fred (29 March 1911 - 24 August 1985) With Flag

Rev. Wally Amderson officiated at funeral services held on Tuesday, August 27 for Fred McCarty, Rt. 2, Neillsville. Mr. McCarty, 74, passed away on Saturday, August 24, at Neillsville Memorial Hospital. He had been ill for a short time.

Visitation was Monday evening and Tuesday, until the time of services, at Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville. Burial was made at Dells Dam Cemetery, Town of Levis. Pallbearers were James and Scott Gall, Harold and Mike Holub, Jim Smagacz and Darrel Telega. Graveside military rites were provided by Hugen-Richmond American Legion Post 73, of which the deceased was a member.

Fred was born March 29, 1911, at Sinton, Texas, the son of Jessie and Mary (Grey) McCarty. After his education there, he worked in the Texas oilfields until entering the military service October 21, 1940.

As a sergeant in the United States Army, he served in the European theatre during World War II; and was decorated with many medals, including EAME campaign medal with four bronze stars.

On April 16, 1943, he married Lillian Holub, at Neillsville. After his discharge from the Army on June 30, 1945, he moved to Neillsville, where he worked for Svetlik Motors. For many years he owned and operated McCarty’s Bar, South of Neillsville on Highway 95. During this time he was also employed by L.G. Arnold Construction Company, of Eau Claire. Later, he worked at Badger Ordinance, at Baraboo, until his retirement in 1973.

Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. James (Mary Ann) Gall, Neillsville, and Mrs. Darrel (Darlene) Telega, West Allis; two brothers, Leaper McCarty and Ted McCarty, both of Corpus Christi, Texas; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Maggie Lea.

9

Obit: Mallory, Michael (1957 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Mallory, Moeller, Tichy, Howell, Troemner

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/12/1985

Mallory, Michael (12 February 1957 - 7 September 1985)

Michael Mallory, 28, of leaf River, Illinois, died Saturday, September 7, at Swedish American Hospital, Rockford, Illinois, following a lengthy illness.

Born in Neillsville, on February 12, 1957, he was the son of Marvin and Theresa (Moeller) Mallory, Leaf River, Illinois. During the past tent years he has resided in Leaf River, Illinois. A 1975 graduate of Byon High School, he was a member of the National Honor Society, wrestling team, and a school photographer.

In 1977 he received a degree in mechanical aviation engineering from the University of Illinois, Champaign. He was employed as an airplane mechanic at Hartzog Aviation, Rockford and as a mechanical engineer at J & K Corporation. Most recently he was a laborer at Quality Metals Finishing.

Surviving are his parents, two sisters, Mrs. Robert (Rochelle) Tichy, of Marshfield, and Mrs. John (Judith) Howell, of Maquoketa, Iowa; two brothers, Jack and Kenneth, of Rockford, Illinois; seven nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were handled by the Morrison Genandt Funeral Home, Byron, Illinois. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m., on Monday, September 9, in Sherwood Cemetery, Pittsville. Elder James O. Troemner, of the Latter Day Church of Friendship, officiated. A memorial is to be established.

10

Obit: Meier, Mary D. (1909 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Meier, Cranski, Boldt, Hainz, Gassen, Schoengarth, Wilsmann, Glinski, Henseler

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/15/1985

Meier, Mary D. (26 December 1909 – 10 August 1985)

Neillsville resident, Mary D. Meier, 75, died suddenly Saturday, August 10, at Neillsville Memorial Home. She had been a resident of area nursing homes since 1979.

She was born in Armenia, Wisconsin, on December 26, 1909, to John and Martha (Cranski) Boldt. Educated there, her family then moved to the Lindsey area. On November 26, 1929, she married Adolph “Ed” Meier in Neillsville, and the couple continued to reside there. For many years she was a cook at the “old” Neillsville Hospital. Later, she also cooked at the Lawrence Café in Neillsville. Her husband passed away on December 2, 1979; and due to failing health she became a nursing home resident.

Surviving are a son, Wayne Meier, and a daughter, Mrs. Edward (Florence) Hainz, both of Neillsville; a brother, John Boldt, Neillsville, ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Fr. Joseph Henseler officiated at funeral services held on Tuesday, August 13, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neillsville. Accompanist Virginia Gassen and St. Mary’s Choir provided music. Visitation was on Monday evening at Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville. Pallbearers were her grandchildren Steve Meier, Debra Schoengarth, Sharon Wilsmann, and Michael, Thomas and Daniel Glinski. Interment was in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

11

Obit: Milbreit, William G. (1892 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Milbreit, Wegner, Frozene, Stanley, Spangler, Opelt, Zank, Luchterhand, Pflughoeft, Embke, Mohr, Voll

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/15/1985

Milbreit, William G. (1 February 1892 – 8 August1985)

William G. Milbreit, 93, passed away Thursday, August 8, at Neillsville Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness. He had been a resident of Neillsville Memorial Home since 1983.

Born February 1, 1892, in Westfield, he was the son of August and Augusta (Wegner) Milbreit. After his education, he moved to Amherst, where he resided until 1916. On March 20, 1919, he married Elsie Frozene, at Coloma. Living in the Ton of Pine Valley, he farmed there until 1954 when he retri9ed and moved to the City of Neillsville. From 1957 to 1983, he resided on his son’s farm in the Town of York. His wife preceded him in death on March 12, 1982.

Surviving is one son, Harld Milbreit, of Neillsville. Others preceding him in death were his parents, and two brothers, Fred and John.

Visitation was Friday evening, August 10, and Saturday morning, August 11 at Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, at United Church of Christ with Rev. Mark Voll officiating. Vocalist Mrs. Marie Stanley and accompanist Deon Spangler provided music. Pallbearers were Robert Opelt, Frank Zank, Earl Luchterhand, Donald Pflughoeft, Harold Embke, and Albert Mohr. Burial was in the Neillsville City Cemetery.

12

Obit: Mortenson, Emily (1901 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Mortenson, Newburg, Kalas, Thomson, Anding, Zank, Wren, Voll

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/12/1985

Mortenson, Emily (24 January 1901 - 6 September 1985)

Neillsville Memorial Home resident, Emily Mortenson, died Friday, September 6, following a long illness.

Born on January 24, 1901, at Chicago, Illinois, she was the daughter of Anton and Josephine (Newburg) Kalas. On September 30, 1922, she married Ragnar N. Mortenson. She worked as a bookkeeper at a Chicago bank until 1932, when the couple moved to the Shortville area of the Town of Washburn. For forty-five they owned and operated the Shortville Store. For many years, she was treasurer for the Town of Washburn. Due to failing health she resided at the Neillsville Memorial Home for the past four years.

Surviving are two children, a son, Robert Mortenson, of Neillsville; and a daughter, Mrs. Donald (Gladys) Thomson, Elmhorst, Illinois; eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her husband on September 8, 1979; a brother, James; four sisters, Rose, Albie, Anna and Antonette.

Rev. Mark Voll officiated at the funeral rites held on Monday, September 9, at 1:30 p.m. Visitation was at the Gesche Funeral Home Sunday evening and Monday morning until time of the service. Accompanist Eileen Zank and vocalist Mrs. Lori Anding provided music. Internment was made in the Town of Levis Cemetery. Pallbearers were Thomas, Robert J., and Douglas Mortenson; Ronald and Ronnie Wren, all grandsons.

13

Obit: Stoddard, Wesley E., Sr. (1916 - 1985)

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

Surnames: Stoddard, Geisler, Osborne, Lowry

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/29/1985

Stoddard, Wesley, E., Sr. (15 February 1916 – 22 August 1985)

Wesley E. Stoddard, Sr., 69, formerly of Merrillan, died Thursday, August 22, in Pine View Nursing Home at Black River Falls. He had lived there for the past five years.

Born February 15, 1916, in Augusta to Albert and Emma Stoddard; he married Bernice Geisler on June 18, 1943, in Black River Falls. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II, and was employed by the Jackson Box Company, in Black River Falls, for 25 years until the company closed. He then worked at Hart Tie and Lumber Company in Black River Falls until his retirement.

Survivors include three sons, Larry, Robert and Wesley, Jr., all of Black River Falls; two brothers, Charles of Indianapolis, Indiana; and William of Ohio City, Ohio; 12 grandchildren, a great grandchild; a sister, Viola Osborne of Salem, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1978, and a daughter, three brothers and two sisters.

Services were held Monday afternoon, August 26, at the Jensen Funeral Home, Hixton, with Ernest Lowry officiating. Burial was made in Fairchild Cemetery, at Fairchild.