055113, Clark County, Wisconsin History & Genealogy

Died, at the home of his son in Beaver Dam, Wis., where he had been spending the winter, George Jillson, on Tuesday, March 10, 1908, at the age of seventy-one years, seven months and nine days.

The deceased was one of the early pioneers of Dodge Co., Wis., and also one of its best. He was honorable and highly regarded by all who knew him. He was born in York Union Co., Ohio, July 21, 1836, son of Warren and Louvisa Jillson. His mother was a daughter of Samuel Adams, of Williamstown, Orange Co., Vermont, who was a cousin of Ex-president John Quincy Adams. He went to Lowell, Dodge Co., with his parents on October 19, 1847, and is the last of a family of thirteen children.

On June 18, 1961 he was married to Marian Alice Spooner, who died in Waterville, Minn., on Oct. 10, 1885. To them were born four children, Charles Ellsworth, who died in infancy, and three surviving, Mrs. E. C. Jillson, Frank W. Jillson and Mrs. E. R. McClanathan, all of Beaver Dam. On Dec. 24, 1893, he was married a second time to Mrs. Anna Eliza Connell of Beaver Dam, who mourns the loss of a good husband, as do the children mourn the departure of a good father.

He located on a farm near this village (Loyal, Clark County, Wis.) eight years ago and last December himself and wife went to Beaver Dam to spend the winter. He was soon after taken ill with the grippe, which affects various different weak organs and bronchitis set in, terminating his life.

When he died, full of years, and ready to be gathered to his fathers, the grief that was felt over the close of his long career was widespread and sincere. His best monument will be the ood report he has left behind him in the communities in which he has lived. A truly good man has gone to his reward.

The funeral was held at Beaver Dam on Friday, March 13th, under the auspices of the F & A.M. and buried in Lowell village.

1880 Federal Census, New London, Waupaca Co., Wisconsin, Sheet Letter D, Sheet Number 161,Volume 1

Head: H. K. Jillson; Age 29 yrs (1851), Ohio
Marital Status Married, Race White
Occupation Physician & Surgeon
Father's Birthplace Connecticut
Mother's Birthplace Ohio, United States

Wife: Eugenie F. Jillson, 26 yrs., New Hampshire
Daughter: Stella Jillson, 8 yrs., Wisconsin
Daughter: Jessy Jillson, 6 yrs., Wisconsin
Daughter: Maybel Jillson, 5 yrs., Wisconsin
Son Albert Jillson, 9 months, Wisconsin, United States

Hiram Keyes “HK” Jillson entered life on this earth, 6 Jun 1850 in Litchfield, Medina County, Ohio, USA. He was one of eight children born to Alfred W Jillson (1824–1894) & Emma Jillson (1828–1881). He married Eugenia Francis Bent. 11 Jun 1871 in Wisconsin. He practiced medicine and surgery in an office in the Commercial House in Colby, Wisconsin after relocating from New London, Wisconsin.

13 Oct 1901 at the young age of fifty-one, his body was laid to rest to await its resurrection in plot D109-54 in the Floral Hill Cemetery, New London, Waupaca County, Wisconsin.

Eugenia Francis Bent Jillson was born 16 Feb 1854 in Manchester, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, the daughter of Daniel Chandler Bent (1821–1903) and Arabella Rawson Holmes Bent (1824–1903). She married Hiram Keyes Jillson, 11 Jun 1871 in Wisconsin. She took her last breath 2 Jul 1932 at the age of seventy-eight and was buried in the Floral Hill Cemetery, New London, Waupaca County, Wisconsin.

Bio: Barski, Edward – Named Minnesota Ind. Arts Teacher of the Year (1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Barski

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 23 Oct 1975

Mr. Edward Barski, formerly of Thorp and a graduate of Thorp High School, was named the Minnesota Industrial Arts Teacher of the Year at the annual Teachers Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota October 16, 1975.

The award was presented at the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Industrial Arts Association.

Mr. Barski is teaching in Stillwater, Minnesota school system and has been an Industrial Arts Teacher and Coach in in Minnesota for thirty years. He is a graduate of Winona State College and the University of Minnesota.

Bio: Gau, Celine (Engagement – Oct 1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Gau, Danielewicz

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 23 Oct 1975

Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Gau, Wausau, Wisconsin, announce the engagement of their daughter, Celine, to Dale Danielewicz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Zigmund Danielewicz, Thorp.

The bride graduated in 1966 from Newman High School, Wausau, and is employed at Marathon Electric in the Engineering Department. He fiancé graduated in 1967 from Thorp High School, in 1969 from District 1 Vocational Technical Adult School in Eau Claire with an Associate Degree in the Applied Science of Marketing. He is employed at Wausau Homes, Inc.

A May 1, 1976 wedding is being planned.

Obit: Sobolewski, Eugene (1916? – 1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Sobolewski, Proney

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 23 Oct 1975

Sobolewski, Eugene (1916? – 7 Oct 1975)

Eugene L. Sobolewski, 59, a former Thorp resident, passed away suddenly October 7, 1975 in Chicago, where he was employed at Steinmitz High School as a custodian.

Eugene was the son of Margaret Sobolewski and the late Casmir.

He attended Pineland School in the town of Withee, where they resided.

He is survived by his mother, Margaret, two brothers, Ted and Louis, and a sister, Emily Proney, and 10 nieces and nephews, also an uncle, Anton Sobolewski, of Stanley.

Funeral services were held Saturday, October 11 at St. Hyancenth Church, with interment at Maryhill Cemetery.

Obit: Filipiak, John (1890 – 1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Filipiak, Gulcynski, Mansur, Ogurek, Maki, Kowalowski, Eastman

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 23 Oct 1975

Filipiak, John (7 May 1890 – 14 Oct 1975)

John Filipiak, age 85, resident of Stanley, died Tuesday morning, October 14, 1975 at Victory Memorial Hospital, Stanley.

He was born May 7, 1890 in Poland, the son of Stanley and Mary Filipiak. He came to the U.S. when he was two years old, and the family moved to the Thorp area when he was nine years old. He grew up there, and on July 22, 1913 was married to Eva Gulcynski at Junction in the Town of Thorp. They farmed in the Thorp and Stanley area for many years, and he was also a painter for many years, retiring in 1957. They moved to Stanley in 1963, where they have lived since. He was a member of the Pleasant Valley Pentecostal Church.

He is survived by his wife Eva of Stanley; three sons, Edwin of Glendale Heights, Illinois, John Jr. of Chicago, and Arthur of La Crosse; three daughters, Mrs. Arthur (Stella) Mansur of Viola, Wisconsin, Mrs. Mayland (Clara) Ogurek of Thorp, and Mrs. Tauno (Dorothy) Maki of Duluth, Minnesota; one brother, Peter, of Stanley; one sister, Mrs. Emily Kowalowski of Chetek; 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services were held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Plombon Funeral Home, Stanley, with the Rev. Richard Eastman officiating. Interment was made in the Oakland Cemetery, Stanley.

BioM: Witmer, Bonnie Lou (1975)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Witmer, Flashinski, Puerner, Larson, Behnke, Brumbaugh, Raeder

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., Wis.) 30 Oct 1975

Witmer, Bonnie Lou (18 Oct 1975)

St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Thorp, was the scene for the marriage of Bonnie Lou Witmer, Marshfield, and Peter Paul Flashinski, on Saturday, October 18, 1975. Rev. John Puerner performed the two p.m. ceremony. Organist was Miss Linda Larson, and vocalist was Mr. Ken Behnke.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Witmer, Platteville, and Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Flashinski Sr., Thorp.

The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a white satapeau gown with empire bodice. Venice lace trim, Victorian sleeves with satin ribbon and lace trim. Her full skirt also had satin ribbon and lace edging hemline. Matching lace edged her mantilla headpiece with long veil. She carried a colonial style bouquet of yellow and orange roses with baby’s breath.

Mrs. Gary Brumbaugh was her matron of honor, and bridesmaids were Mrs. Dennis Raeder and Mrs. Harry Witmer. They wore long gowns of powder blue poly-knit with navy trim, styled with A-line skirts, cape sleeves and cape collar. Each carried colonial style bouquets of orange roses and orange carnations and baby’s breath tinted blue.

Attending the groom was his brother, Roger Flashinski as best man, and groomsmen were Ken Behnke and Harry Witmer. Ushers were Paul Witmer Jr. and Louis Flashinski.

A dinner, reception and dance were held at the Quonset Hall, Thorp.

The bride is a 1969 graduate of Loyal High School, 1973 graduate of UW-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She is employed as a register nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield. The groom is a 1966 graduate of Thorp High School. He is self-employed in dairy production.

After their wedding trip they will make their home at Route 1, Thorp.

Obit: Gaetz, David Lee (1934 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Gaetz, Brown, Moen, Meacham, Becherer, Elder, Kuehling, Schoelzel, Laper, Hausman, Siegel

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 11/27/2023

Gaetz. David Lee (16 July 1934 – 26 November 2023) With Flag

David Lee Gaetz, age 89, of Riplinger, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at the Colonial Center in Colby under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice.

David was born on July 16, 1934, the son of William and Myrtle (Brown) Gaetz in the Town of Unity. He attended school in Riplinger. He served in the U. S. Army from 1955-1957, stationed in Korea. David was united in marriage to Mary Moen on August 10, 1963, in Bakerville.

David worked for Trailblazer, which became Wicks and also for Lester Bruesewitz Builders. He was a member of the Unity American Legion Post #358 for a few years. In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening and was a pitcher for his softball team. Later on he liked sitting in his lawn chair enjoying the sun and outdoors. David especially loved playing cards and visiting with family and friends.

David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary; five children: Jane (John) Meacham of Spencer, Randall Gaetz of Spencer, Jill (Loy) Becherer of Minong, Kevin Gaetz of Unity and Amy (Bryan) Elder of North Las Vegas, NV; 21 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two sisters, Carol (Dennis) Kuehling of Unity and Janice Schoelzel of Colby and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Laper of IL; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jeffrey; one brother, Ralph (Audris) Gaetz; two sisters: Mary (Ronald) Hausman and Joanne Laper; a brother-in-law, Darnell Schoelzel; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Riplinger. Rev. Jeff Siegel will officiate. Military Honors provided by the Unity American Legion Post #358 and Colby VFW Post #2227.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.

Obit: Grassman, Jerold Robert “Jerry” (1948 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Grassman, Schoenfeld, Johnson, Thundercloud, Parker, Hatleli

----Source: Torgerson Funeral Home (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 11/27/2023

Grassman, Jerold Robert “Jerry” (21 March 1948 – 19 November 2023)

Jerold Robert Grassman, age 75, of Black River Falls passed away at Edenbrook of Wisconsin Rapids on November 19, 2023.

Jerry was born on March 21, 1948, in Neillsville to Richard (Dick) and Edith Grassman. He was raised on his family’s farm with his brother, Jack, until he graduated from Granton High School as valedictorian of his class in 1966. Even though Jerry had a small class of less than 10 students, he was one of the most intelligent people that many knew. Jerry loved school and went on to graduate with a Masters in Pharmacy from UW-Wisconsin Madison. With this degree, he and wife Carol (Schoenfeld) bought a pharmacy/department store called Waarvik Drug that they had for over 30 years. If not found at his store, Jerry loved to spend his free time reading any book he could get his hands on or shooting trap.

On August 17, 1966, Jerry married the love of his life Carol. Together, the two welcomed daughters Carolyn (Johnson) and Jennifer (Johnson) and worked endlessly to provide for their family in the following years. When asked how long Jerry had been married to Carol, he would say, “Not long enough. I should have married her sooner”. Jerry and Carol made it to just about every single game or event their children or grandchildren were a part of, even sometimes getting to the hockey rink before their grandkids. Jerry was a caring and loving father, grandpa, brother, and friend to so many people throughout his life. While battling through the hardships of dementia, Jerry never seemed to forget the most important people in his life. Even until his very last days.

Jerry will live on through the sound of sporting clay being shattered, the sound of a basketball hitting a wooden gym floor, the delicious taste of a donut being eaten, and whenever The Hobbit is opened to help escape reality for a while. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends with so many things helping to remember him by. He inspires others to follow their dreams and to work hard for what they want.

Jerry is survived by his wife Carol Grassman; daughters Carolyn (Ryan) Johnson and Jennifer (Travis) Johnson; grandchildren Joshua (Chelsie) Thundercloud, Kaytlin (Elijah) Parker, and Nathan (Julia) Johnson; friends, and family from his sporting clay days. Jerry is preceded in death by parents Richard and Edith and brother Jack Grassman.

Funeral services for Jerry will take place Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jenny Hatleli will officiate. Family and friends are invited to visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

The Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-4321.

Obit: Klieforth, Doris M. (1933 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Klieforth, Hennlich, Fierke, Schauer, Koch, Harder, Petke, Heiar, Demulling, Loucks, Ridderbusch, Metz, Hayden

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI) 11/26/2023

Klieforth, Doris M. (24 January 1933 - 25 November 2023)

Doris M. Klieforth, age 90, of Abbotsford, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at The Waterford in Colby under the tender care of Interim HealthCare.

Doris was born on January 24, 1933, the daughter of Victor and Eleanor (Hennlich) Fierke in Taylor County. She attended St. Louis Catholic School and graduated from Dorchester High School. On August 3, 1951, Doris was united in marriage to Irve Klieforth at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Abbotsford. He preceded her in death on March 4, 2009.

Doris enjoyed gardening, playing cards, sewing and playing scrabble. She was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church where she was past president of the PCCW. Most importantly, Doris loved and cherished her family.

Doris is survived by her loving family including four children: Bruce (Barb), Randy (Dawn), Patty (Gary) Schauer and Scott (Melisia); 12 grandchildren: Chelsea Koch, Bailey (Jesse) Harder, Mike (Christy), Mitch (Brittney), Michelle (Ross) Petke, LaTara (Matt) Heiar, Christopher, Travis (Trisha) Schauer, Kelly (Corey) Demulling, Dustin (Ashley) Schauer, Tyler (Nicole) and Makenzie; 22 great-grandchildren: Hunter, Jaxson, Morgan, Braxton, Taylor, Dierks, Axel, Brody, Reese, Jordy, Kiercely, Kinsley, Maddox, Kash, Reed, Samantha, Dane, Max, Cal, Gavin, Trent and Sophia. She is further survived by her brother William (Nancy) Fierke; her sister-in-law, Helen Fierke; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her siblings: Elizabeth Loucks, Carol Ridderbusch, Donald Fierke and Marilyn Metz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Abbotsford. Father Michael Hayden will officiate. Interment will be held at Abbotsford Public Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 A.M. until time of service Wednesday at the church. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorials are preferred to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at The Waterford and Tim and his staff at Interim HealthCare for their compassionate care Doris received.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doris, please visit our floral store.

Obit: Mundt, Constance Doreen “Connie” (1942 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Mundt, Patraw, MacDowell, Holtan, Arens, Fallstrom, Boucher, Kolb, Hatfield, Bolinger, Hardy, Bailey

----Source: Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 11/27/2023

Mundt, Constance Doreen “Connie” (21 July 1942 – 20 November 2023)

Constance (Connie) Doreen Mundt, 81 years old of Spencer, passed away peacefully after fighting a long and courageous battle with C.O.P.D. on November 20, 2023.

Connie was born on July 21, 1942, to Jack & Helen Patraw in St. Paul, MN. She was later adopted by Robert and Cecilia MacDowell.

Connie was a mother of 4 children and survived by 3, Deborah Holtan Austin, MN, Sharon Arens (Todd Arens) Austin, MN and Shain Fallstrom Marshfield.

She has 6 grandchildren; Michael Boucher, Marshfield, Justin Kolb (Kristen Kolb) Sioux Falls, SD., Trevor Kolb, Colorado Springs, CO., Jennifer Hatfield, Austin, MN., Holly Bolinger (Josh Bolinger) Austin, MN., and Jamie Hardy, Austin, MN. She was also blessed with 9 great grandchildren.

Connie enjoyed traveling and on occasion a visit to the Casino. When her children were grown, she joined her husband, James Mundt as a team driver for JH Miller & Son's in Wisconsin Rapids.

Connie is preceded in death by her loving husband, James Mundt. Her son David Holtan, granddaughter Brandy Lee Hatfield, Parents Jack & Helen Patraw, Adoptive Parents Robert and Cecilia MacDowell, brothers; Russell, Gordan, Leroy, and Rodney Patra, and her sister Jacqueline Bailey.

Please send your condolences to: Shain Fallstrom, C/O Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home 1010 East Veterans Parkway, Marshfield, WI 54449.

Obit: Steen, Dorothy Mae (1931- 2023)

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

Surnames: Steen, Albright, Hoffeditz, Sopik, Pester, Duranceau, Walden, Tomter, Groleau

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Colby, Clark Co., WI) 11/27/2023

Steen, Dorothy Mae (22 March 1931 – 25 November 2023)

Dorothy May Steen, age 92, of Dorchester passed away Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Colby Senior Care, Colby, under hospice care. She was surrounded by family.

Dorothy was born March 22, 1931, to Charles and Leola (Albright) Hoffeditz in the Town of Ogema. Dorothy was united in marriage to Galen Steen on August 6, 1949, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford. She worked as an activity director at Abbotsford until the position was eliminated in 1976 due to funding. After which, she volunteered her time until she reached age 85. In earlier years she was a Sunday School coordinator for 10 years at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Dorothy and Galen also traveled in the summertime as volunteers with Laborers of Christ. She enjoyed her church family, her plants, coloring pictures, any type of games or puzzles, and knitting over 1300 hats for the troops.

Dorothy is survived by sons: Calvin Steen of Medford, Darrell (Cindy) Steen of Dorchester; daughter, Cheryl Steen (Ron Sopik) of Lecanto, FL, grandchildren: Jenny Steen (Jamie Pester), Corey (Lisa) Steen, Sara Steen, Shane (Sarah) Steen, Chad (Kasey) Steen, Justin (Nikki) Duranceau, Neil Duranceau and 19 great grandchildren. Dorothy is further survived by her sister, Shirley Walden, and a sister-in-law, Wanda Hoffeditz.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Galen Steen; her parents; her brother, Fred Hoffeditz; sister-in-law, Cora Hoffeditz; a sister, Rose (Harvey) Tomter; her son, Myron Steen in infancy; granddaughters, Stacy and Stephanie Steen in infancy; daughter-in-law, Barbara Steen; and grandsons, Shawn Steen and Jamie Steen.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Pastor James Groleau will officiate. The burial will follow the service at the Abbotsford Public Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dorothy's name may be given to Ronald McDonald House.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy, please visit our floral store.

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