1

Bio: Batcher, William (Took Oath - 2023)

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

Surnames: Bratcher

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/9/2023

The Honorable Judge William Bratcher (Took Oath - 2023)



The Honorable Judge William Bratcher, elected April 4, officially took the oath of his judgeship Aug. 1, at the Clark County Courthouse in Neillsville

Edward DuBois/Clark County Press


2

BioM: Marriage Licenses (Aug - 2023)

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

Surnames: Wagler, Keim, Zeist, Shirk, Dorwaldt, Kulp, Vetter, Wegner, Weber, Kramer, Looker, Ehlers

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/9/2023

Marriage Licenses (Aug - 2023)

Melvin E. Wagler, Town of Warner, to Ella J. Keim, Town of Hixon, Aug. 16, at the Town of Hendren.

Noah M. Zeist, to Helen M. Shirk, both of Town of Hixon, Aug. 10, at the Town of Hoard.

Timothy A. Dorwaldt, to Queena R. Kulp, both of village of Spencer, Aug. 12, in Marathon County.

Aspen K. Vetter, to Allison K. Wegner, both of Garfield County, Colorado, Aug. 9, in Wood County.

Mark J. Weber, to Michelle R. Kramer, both of Colby, Aug. 12, at the Colby.

Jacob J. Looker, to Jordan N. Ehlers, both of Taylor County, Aug. 19, at the Township of Withee.


3

News: Chili - Street Dance Draws in a Crowd (2023)

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

Surnames: Montgomery, Vintage

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/9/2023

Chili Street Dance Draws on a Crowd (2023)



Bobby Vintage, a classic country-genre singer, performed for his fifth year at the Chili Street Dance.
L. B./Clark County Press

By L. B., reporter

The Chili Street Dance was hosted Aug. 5 by Bobby Vintage and the Spicy Tie Band, performers who got the town of Chili to dance in the streets. Along with the tradition of street dancing, a cornhole tournament, kiddie tractor pulls and much more took place.

The cornhole tournament started at 3 p.m. and lasted over two hours. Teams and solo players contested each other while friends and family watched and chattered on the sidelines.

At 4 p.m., bouncy houses opened for the children of Chili, and were in use for the rest of the night. The kiddie tractor pull started with the youngest contestants and ended with the oldest. Even the big kids had trouble moving the weight to the finish line.

During these events, the Make-A-Wish food tent was selling brats, burgers and more.

“It’s a fundraiser for a fundraiser,” Punk Montgomery said, organizer of the Make-A-Wish convoy. “We do this yearly; this is our seventh or eighth time. We make about $2,000, and each year, it goes up a little.”

A pie and ice cream sale ran alongside the Make-A-Wish tent. It sold apple, blueberry, pumpkin, peanut butter, cheesecake and more kinds of pies, as well as water, soda and ice cream.

When the kiddie tractor pull was done, the coin scramble began. The youngest kids piled into the sawdust pile and handed their parents the pennies they found. The older kids searched with more ferocity, but both age groups ended up coated in sawdust.

Bobby Vintage started performing at 5 p.m. He is a classical country singer who has been coming to this event for five years. He plays guitar and sings old country.

At 8:30 p.m., the Spicy Tie Band began performing and the streets of Chili were filled with dancing.


4

News: Neillsville - County Fairgrounds Updated (2023)

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

Surnames: Buchholz, Lowery

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/9/2023

Neillsville—County Fairgrounds Updated (2023)



A white fence was added around the perimeter of the rock beds to keep traffic off the area surrounding the livestock building. Nancy Curtin/Clark County Press

By Nancy Curtin

Alan Buchholz, president of 4-H Leaders Federation and manager of the food stand for the past 20 years, and Brittney Lowry, a “super volunteer,” member on the Clark County Revitalization Project Committee and 4-H leader for the Happy Valley 4-H, spoke about the recent improvements made to the Clark County Fairgrounds in Neillsville ahead of the 2023 Clark County Fair, kicking off this week.

After the 2022 Clark County Fair wrapped up, a few members of the 4-H Leaders Federation and Curtiss Lindner of the Clark County Forestry and Parks Department toured the fairgrounds to determine what needed to be upgraded in an effort to make the area more accessible and appealing for future fairs and events.

As the Clark County Forestry and Parks Department looked around the fairground, they saw a few other areas that needed upgrading to make the fairground handicap- and stroller-accessible. The Clark County Fairgrounds Revitalization Project Committee was formed a few years ago to tackle the other concerns and resulted in the new livestock barn in 2022.

Some of the remaining funds from the revitalization project were used along with funds made available from the forestry and parks department after Linder moved the budget around, providing a nice, green space for families to enjoy together along with a new band shell to provide a variety of entertainment. The green space has picnic tables with umbrellas and solar lights. The benches are equipped with USB chargers.

“How cool is that?” Lowry asked.

There are sidewalks from every area to the green space to help get guests safely to the green space. New sidewalks were put in going into the dairy show barn, eliminating the steps.

The Clark County Fairgrounds Revitalization Project Committee handled animals that had outgrown the barns onsite. Some barns needed major repairs and others had safety concerns. The new livestock barn allows the animals to be in the same building as the show ring, eliminating movement of animals between buildings, which had become a safety concern for many.

The whole barn’s inside has been cemented for easy accessibility. The dairy show ring and dining room were given a washing to make the area cleaner, brighter and more inviting. Water bottle fillers in the fine arts and dairy show ring buildings were added. Additional stations are being considered in other buildings.

There has been some new landscaping done to make it more eye appealing, as well.
Buchholz spoke regarding the dairy show barn.

“It was a good 12- to 16-inch step down when entering the building,” Buchholz said. “One of the most common complaints was group homes were having trouble bringing residents because several areas were becoming difficult for those in wheelchairs and scooters having a hard time accessing the buildings.”

A bridge was built over the drainage ditch along the green space and the sidewalk was extended, providing straight-shot access from the livestock barn to the dairy show barn.

A white fence was added around the perimeter of the rock beds to keep traffic off the area surrounding the livestock building.

Trees were planted in the green space to provide future shading.

Buchholz has spent the past week getting the food stand prepared.

“I’m amazed the number of people coming up here to walk and kids riding their bikes,” Buchholz said.


5

News: Neillsville - Marshfield Sports Hall of Fame Induction (2023)

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

Surnames: Hoeser, Zank

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/9/2023

Neillsville - Men Inducted into Marshfield Sports Hall of Fame (Hoeser/Zank - 2023)

By L. B., reporter

Larry Hoeser and Rich Zank are being inducted into the Marshfield Area Baseball and Softball Hall of Fame. Hoeser is being inducted for his years of sports broadcasting for Central Wisconsin Broadcasting (CWB).

“I’ve been with [CWB] in Neillsville now for 34 years,” Hoeser said. “I started full time in September of 1989. I was the continuity director at the time, and I did some broadcasting of games.

“A couple of years later, the sports director moved away, and I took on that job as well, and started doing most of the play-of-the-play for football, basketball, baseball and softball games in our area.
“I’ve covered a number of state championship games over the years in football, basketball, baseball and softball involving area schools like Neillsville, Greenwood, Loyal, Owen-Withee, Stanley-Boyd and Thorp. Play-by-play for sports has always been what I’ve wanted to do, and I don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon, especially now that my sons will be playing at the high school level.”

Rich Zank was a left-handed pitcher for his baseball career. He started playing in Neillsville with Little League for eight years and played baseball in high school all four years.

“I was drafted in 1965 by the Washington Senators and later in 1966 by the Cleveland Indians where I played with their minor league clubs for four years,” Zank said. “The years were split up among Reno, Nevada, Dubuque, Iowa, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Waterbury, Connecticut and Rock Hill, South Carolina. That was the end of my baseball career at the age of 22.

“Once I graduated from college in 1971, I taught mathematics in Red Wing, Minnesota for 33 years and then retired.”

Zank was surprised when he was notified that he would be inducted to the Marshfield Area Baseball and Softball Hall of Fame.

“I last played baseball 54 years ago,” Zank said. “Why, at the age of 76, did someone remember my name? I think someone may have remembered that I had struck out 30 batters in 12 innings in a game against Abbotsford in the Cloverbelt League.

“There were other highlights of my baseball life but that stands out as a game that wouldn’t end.”

The induction ceremony will be held at the Marshfield Eagles Club on Aug. 19.


6

Obit: Bravener, Danny (1954 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Bravener, Teter, Langreck, Symicek, Richard, Kane

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 8/10/2023

Bravener, Danny (22 July 1954 – 7 August 2023)

Danny Bravener, age 69, of Greenwood, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 7, 2023.

Visitation services will be held on Friday, August 18 from 3 p.m.-6.p.m. at Cuddie Funeral Home in Greenwood. A luncheon will follow from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at American Legion in Greenwood.

Danny Bravener was born on July 22, 1954, to Dell and Norma Jean (Teter) Bravener. He married Toni Langreck on June 21, 1978. He was raised and received his education in the Greenwood area. Danny began his 52 year career as an Inseminator for ABS Global receiving many awards and accolades for his outstanding service. He also started driving a cattle truck at the age of 17 and spent many years farming.

In his spare time, he spent many hours supporting Greenwood Schools as the Booster Club president for 21 years and more than two decades taking stats for the varsity football games and JV and Varsity Basketball games. Ten years ago he took on a new hobby of beekeeping.

Danny will be dearly missed by his wife of 45 years, Toni, of Greenwood; his children: Jeannie (Aaron) Symicek of Cottage Grove, MN, Jason Bravener of Marshfield, Kevin (Jenny) Bravener of Oregon; Grandchildren: Riley and Samantha Symicek; his siblings: Carol (Dan) Richard, Richard (Vicky) Bravener, Kenny (Karen) Bravener, Barb (Rich) Kane, Arnie (Brenda) Bravener; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother-in-law: Bernard Langreck.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in his name or volunteering your time for Greenwood athletic events.


7

Obit: Drinka, Abraham (2005 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Drinka

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/9/2023

Drinka, Abraham (4 March 2005 – 27 July 2023)


Abraham Drinka, age 18, of Neillsville, passed away July 27, 2023, after a car accident.


Abe Drinka was born on March 4th, 2005, to Brian and Melissa Drinka in Neillsville. He went to school at Neillsville High School where he had just graduated. He worked at Prince Building Systems in Neillsville, during this time he also became welding certified at Mid-state Technical College in Marshfield. Prior to the accident he was considering working as a welder, although he had found a strong work family with PBS.


Abe was always making people laugh, acting goofy, and doing this his own way (usually the hard way). He enjoyed hanging out with friends, hunting, welding, working on vehicles and driving anything. He cared deeply about everyone in his life. He considered everyone he was close to be part of his family and was always wanting to help. He will be remembered for his love of driving, infectious smile, quirky grin and love for others. In Abe's own words: "This is family."


Abe is survived by his parents, Brian and Melissa Drinka and his sibling, Skylar, Will and Laurna Drinka. He is remembered and missed by his family, his friends and his church and work families.


A Funeral will be held at Living Hope Church at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. also at the church. There will be a lunch immediately after the service. Everyone is also invited to Brian and Melissa Drinka's home to visit with the family following lunch.


Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Abe's family with funeral arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Abraham Drinka, please visit our flower store.


8

Obit: Gamble, Earl Joseph (1946- 2023)

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

Surnames: Gamble, Nys, Devries, Olson, White, Nielsen, Bauman, Smith, Dix, Baierl, Saylor

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 8/10/2023

Gamble, Earl Joseph (14 January 1946 – 8 August 2023) With Flag

Earl J. Gamble, age 77, of Marshfield, passed away in the evening hours of Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center.
Earl was born January 14, 1946, in West Allis to Edward and Adeline (Nys) Gamble. He was a graduate of Spencer High School and then attended Brown Institute of Broadcasting in Minneapolis, MN. Also during this time, he served his country in the Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1966 to 1972. On July 2, 1966, he was united in marriage to Sharon DeVries at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer. Life and family led him away from the broadcasting field, but Earl was a man of many skills; he was employed in various sales representative positions for several businesses early in his career. He eventually was drawn back to media work for radio station WMJA in Spencer, now known as WOSQ, as a radio DJ, studio host and play-by-play announcer. Led by his love for cars, he became a managing partner at Best Buy Auto in Marshfield for over a decade and then after semi-retirement, was on-site manager at the McMillan Court Apartments in Marshfield.

He was a lifetime member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer where he also served as a eucharistic minister, a lecturer, a CCD instructor and was a church choir member throughout the years. As a younger adult, he was also active in the Spencer Swamp Stompers Snowmobile Club, the Spencer Jaycees, and served briefly on the Spencer village board. He lived to entertain and make people laugh and was able to do that acting in many comedic productions around the area, including the Showcase Players in Colby, Campus Community Players in Marshfield, and several community/school productions in Spencer at the Tack Center. He was also well-known as the long-time PA announcer for the Spencer & now SC Rocket football program and other sports and was very proud to be formally honored as the “Voice of the Spencer Rockets” during halftime of one of the last games he was able to work. A “big kid” himself, Earl had a special ability to connect with children and was usually the uncle who’s silliness delighted the kids at large family gatherings. This eventually led to another favorite activity of his during the holidays, when he masterfully played the role of Santa Claus at many public events throughout the Spencer and Marshfield areas.

Earl enjoyed many hobbies in addition to his theater involvement, including fishing, boating, swimming, eagle watching, reading, and listening to big band music. He was both a World War II history and an old car buff, who eagerly attended many of the area classic cars shows. Most important to him, however, was simply getting to spend quality time with family and friends, which included playing cards, vacationing at lakefront cabins up north, and hanging out with his coffee clutch at the local YMCA.

Those who will cherish his memory include his loving wife of 57 years, Sharon; his sons, Kevin (Jackie Olson) Gamble of Chili, Dennis (Darcy) Gamble of Marshfield and Jim (Lorna) Gamble of Red Cliff; his daughter, Jennifer (John Jr) White of Marshfield; his grandchildren, Sydney (Jake) Nielsen, Christopher Gamble, Hannah Gamble, Hayden Bauman, and Isaac Gamble; his step-grandchildren, Cami White, Brittany (Alex) Smith, Ashley Dix, McKaila Olson, Mariah Olson, and Kaden Olson; and his great-granddaughter, Everleigh Nielsen. He is further survived by his siblings, Jerry (Mary) Gamble of Cambridge, Ontario, Rosalie Baierl of Wausau, Richard (Kathy) Gamble of Attleboro, Massachusetts, and David Gamble of Wausau along with many other relatives and friends.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Adeline Gamble; his brother, William Gamble; his sister-in-law, Rosemary Gamble and his brother-in-law, Arthur Baierl.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer with Rev. Barry Saylor officiating. He will be laid to rest in West Spencer Cemetery in the Town of Sherman with military honors. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer on Friday, August 18th from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. and again at the church on Saturday from 10 A.M. until time of services. The honor of pallbearer belongs to his grandsons, Christopher Gamble, Hayden Bauman, Isaac Gamble and Kaden Olson.

The family would like to thank the YMCA as well as the Marshfield Medical Center for their exceptional care.

If desired, memorials are being accepted by Earl’s family for either the Lucille Tack Center for the Arts or the Spencer Public Schools Athletic Department.

Earl’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Earl Gamble, please visit Tribute Store.


9

Obit: Lord, Patricia “Pat” (1938 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Lord, Juenemann, Dwyer, Barningham, Chamberlain, Groll, Haffenbredl, Hester, Kouraichi, Martinez, Schiefelbein, Szutkowaki, Wold, Komorowski, Kehoss

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/10/2023

Lord, Patricia “Pat” (30 June 1938 – 3 August 2023)

Patricia "Pat" Lord went to be with Jesus on August 3, 2023, at the Lord Farm in Willard.

Pat was born on June 30, 1938, in Milwaukee, to John and Marcella (nee Juenemann) Dwyer. She graduated from Pius XI Catholic High School in Milwaukee in 1956 and married the love of her life James "Jim" Lord in 1968. She spent many years working on the assembly line at Briggs and Stratton in Milwaukee during the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1977, Pat and Jim bought a farm in south Willard, where she lived until her death. Pat and Jim converted the farm from dairy to beef cattle in the 1990s, and she was an equal partner in all farm operations. After the dairy cattle were sold in 1990, Jim and Pat took their home-schooled daughter Jennifer on multiple month-long motorhome tours of the Western United States. Pat loved all her grandchildren and helped as a "gran-nanny" to her grandchildren Evangeline and Amin before they went to kindergarten. Pat loved Bible-reading, growing flowers, berry picking, traveling, knitting and crocheting.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim Lord. She is the beloved mother of Barb (Curt) Barmingham, Ted Lord, Craig (Denise) Lord, and Jennifer Lord. Further survived by grandchildren Sarah Barningham, Jacob Barningham, Jonathan Chamberlain, Rebecca Groll, Melissa (Tyler) Haffenbredl, Scout Hester, Amin Kouraichi, Evangeline Kouraichi, Ashley Lord, Elizabeth Lord, Courtney (Matheo) Lord-Martinez, Nathan Lord, Bailey Schiefelbein, Patience Szutkowaki, and Alex Wold and many great-grandchildren. Cherished sister of John "Jack" (Shirley) Dwyer of Jefferson, Texas, Valentine "Val" (Margaret) Dwyer of Oconomowoc, and brother-in-law Edward "Eddy" Komorowski of Franklin, and countless nieces and nephews across the country.

She was proceeded in death by her parents and sisters Marcella "Sally" Kehoss and Mary Komorowski. Visitation will be held on August 19th at Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service. Burial will be at the Town of Seif Cemetery.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Pat's family with funeral arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Patricia Lord, please visit our flower store.


10

Obit: Meyer, Ronnie D. (1936 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Meyer, Ehlers, McGuire, Ormond, Robeson

----Source: Buswell Funeral Home (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 8/10/2023

Meyer, Ronnie D. (19 August 1936 – 6 August 2023) With Flag

Ronnie D. Meyer of Black River Falls, Wisconsin died on August 6, 2023, at his home.

Ronnie was born to Arthur "Snowball" and Lillian (Ehlers) Meyer on August 19, 1936. He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1954. He spent the majority of his working years at Nelson Muffler in Neillsville before his retirement. Ronnie was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing his entire life. He also served in the Wisconsin National Guard.

Ronnie married Kathy McGuire in Black River Falls on December 31, 1988. She survives. Other survivors include sons Mark (Mary) Meyer of Owen; Matt (Dawn Ormond) Meyer of Neillsville; daughter Jane Robeson of Plymouth; stepsons Jared (Rebecca) McGuire of Arcadia, and Bobby McGuire of Fridley, MN; granddaughters Megan and Emma Robeson; step-grandsons Gage and Carson McGuire; and brother Dale (Mary Ann) Meyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepson Christopher McGuire; and son-in-law Bryan Robeson.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

No public service will be held.

The Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family, at 715-284-2231.


11

Obit: Polzin, Calvin Lee (1946- 2023)

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

Surnames: Polzin, Bucholz Schmidt, Zarnke, Wendt, McDonald, Williams, Vandeberg, Nelson, Schneider, Millerman, Wagner, Oldham, Sellhausen, Schultz, Bjerke

----Source: Rembs Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 8/10/2023

Polzin, Calvin Lee (27 October 1946 – 9 August 2023) With Flag

Calvin L. Polzin, age 76, of Marshfield, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center.

Calvin was born on October 27, 1946, in Neillsville, to Alvin H. and Lucille F. (Bucholz) Polzin. He was a 1965 graduate of Central High School in La Crosse. He was a veteran of the United States Army and chose to be stationed in Germany because of his German heritage, serving from April 11, 1968, until his honorable discharge on April 2, 1970. He married Marilyn Schmidt in 1980 and they later divorced.

Calvin was employed at Nelson Manufacturing, Marg’s Rendering Plant, and then at Pizza Hut for 27 years until his retirement.

He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, following the Packers, Brewers, and Bucks. He enjoyed hunting with his dad and brothers but most of all loved his children, who meant everything to him.

He is survived by his children, Justin (Jessica) Polzin, Holly Zarnke, Ashley (Chris) Polzin, Crystal Wendt and Ginger McDonald.

He is also survived by grandchildren, Brennan and Breeleigh Polzin, Emily Williams, Kylee and Logan Zarnke, Conner and Hailey Vandeberg, Carissa Wendt, Jeremiah Nelson, and Autumn Schneider. He is further survived by his siblings, Barbara (David) Millerman, Donna (Freddie) Wagner, Linda (Dennis) Oldham, Roger (Jackie) Polzin, Bonnie (Bill) Sellhausen, and Jerry (Kristi Schultz) Polzin. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Warren Polzin.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield, where the visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Rev. Doug Bjerke will officiate. The service will be streamed online at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneraIhomes.  Burial will be in Columbia Cemetery, Town of Hewett, Clark County, where military rites will be conducted.


12

Obit: Yonker, John A. (1945 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Yonker, Bowers, Hebert, Taylor, Jorgensen, Heiting, Bonitz

----Source: Life Tributes Funeral Home (Spencer, Clark Co., WI) 8/8/2023

Yonker, John A. (4 September 1945 – 30 July 2023) With Flag

John A. Yonker, 77, of Spencer, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Marshfield Medical Center.


John was born on September 4, 1945, in Pascagoula, Mississippi to Rev. Melford and Alma (Bowers) Yonker. He was a graduate of Spencer High School After graduation, he joined the United States Army in November of 1965, serving until November of 1967, as a Sergeant. On August 26, 1967, he was united in marriage to Karen Hebert at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spencer. They later divorced. He was employed at Wick Building Systems in Marshfield working on the floor and advanced his way up to Plant Superintendent.


He was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Marshfield. Also being a dedicated member of the church choir. One of Johns passions was singing and playing guitar. He played guitar with his brother David throughout his life, resulting in their Wormwood album by the Yonker Brothers. He was part of the New Covenant Group, a religious singing group that shared their time and talents with churches and residents of local nursing homes and other related groups in the area.


He loved to go hunting and fishing resulting in many travels to Canada and Michigan. His happiest place was his cabin and hunting land in Park Falls, known as Buppa’s Boonies. Everybody was always welcome with open arms whether it was to get away or to hunt.


He is survived by his 3 children, Kelly Taylor of Spencer, Sam Yonker of Spencer, and Messeana Jorgensen of Wayzata, Minnesota; his former son-in-law, Terry Taylor of Marshfield; his grandchildren Nathan (Alex Heiting) Taylor of Stratford and Dillon Taylor of Spencer; his great grandchildren, Tucker and Otto Taylor; his brother David Yonker of Marshfield; his sister Cindy Bonitz of Stevens Point; his sister June Yonker of Marshfield; his former brother-in-law Dennis Hebert of Spencer; many nieces and nephews. Including his trusted canine companions, Jax and Kooper.


John was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Melford and Alma Yonker; his former wife, Karen Yonker and his sister, Carol.
Special thanks to 8 North at Marshfield Medical Center for their care and compassion.


A celebration to honor John’s life will be held by family at a later date. John’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer.


To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.


13
School: NHS Class of 1993 Reunites (30 Year - 2023)

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

Surnames: Hagedorn, Peterson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/9/2023

NHS Class of 1993 Reunites (30 Year - 2023)



It was a great night to be a Warrior, as several members of the Neillsville High School’s Class of 1993 celebrated their 30-year class reunion the last weekend in July at the Neillsville American Legion Hall.

Chad Hagedorn, organizer of the event, was pleased at the great turnout. “It is always fun to catch up with everyone and also have some laughs about the past” shared Hagedorn. “Of course, every reunion that passes gets a little further away, so we are blessed to get together every five years. It was great seeing all of the classmates that took the time to come and sorry to those that wanted to be there but had scheduling conflicts. The Legion was a great place to host our event. The food was great, and the venue is perfect for a get-together.”

Hagedorn credited Clarissa Peterson for having all the contact information organized, sending out emails and updating the class booklets for each of their reunions. “She really is an amazing help in preparing for these reunions.” said Hagedorn. Contributed photo
 

 

 

 


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