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Obit: Barth, Freddrick Edward (1931 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Barth, Meier, Gardner, Stillman, DeBella, Hein, Holifelder, Much, Meyer, Mangiaracina, Beukema

----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 8/14/2023

Barth, Freddrick Edward (24 March 1931 – 9 August 2023) With Flag

Frederick E. Barth, 92, of Greenwood, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at his home.

Freddrick Edward Barth was born on March 24, 1931, in Greenwood, the son of Conrad and Gertrude (Meier) Barth. He was raised on the family farm and received his education at Maple Ridge School. Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950 and served in Korea until his discharge in 1953. Afterwards, he returned to Greenwood and purchased the farm from his Dad, where he worked until retiring in 2016. Fred was united in marriage to Nancy J. Gardner on August 15, 1970, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Thorp.

Fred had many interests, but especially enjoyed working in the woods and around the farm. He was a former member of the Rock Dam Rod & Gun Club.

He is survived by his three children: Michelle (Peter) Stillman DeBella, of Redwood, CA, Doreen Barth, of Rockford, IL, and Christopher (Marianne) Barth, of Greenwood; six grandchildren; two sisters: Donna Hein of Sun Prairie, Trudy Holifelder of Mt. Horeb; one brother: Edward (Kathie) Barth of Thorp; one sister-in-law: Esther Barth of Thorp; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nancy, three brothers: Leonard, Robert, and Conrad O. Barth; one sister: Ione Much; three brothers-in-law: Ralph Much, David Hein, and Roger Holifelder; two sisters-in-law: Lorraine Barth and Angie Barth.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Thorp Funeral Home. Rev. Phil Beukema will officiate, and burial will follow in Sylvan Cemetery, rural Thorp, with military rites conducted by Thorp American Legion Post #118. Pallbearers will be Chris Barth, Mathew Barth, Scott Barth, Ed Barth, Jason Meyer, and Tyler Mangiaracina. Visitation will be held on Friday, at the funeral home, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

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Obit: Kinnick, Jeanna (1978 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Kinnick, Holverson, Demers, Mattice

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/14/2023

Kinnick, Jeanne (5 August 1978 – 26 July 2023)

It is with great sadness that the family of Jeanna Kinnick announces her passing on July 26, 2023.

She was born in Waukegan, IL to Vernon and Clova Holverson. She graduated from Zion Benton Township High School and worked in the Customer Service area.

Jeanna was united in marriage to Ronald Kinnick on August 5, 1978, at the York Center United Methodist Church in Clark County. They lived in Appleton; Amberg; Iola, and Milladore, at the time of her passing.

Jeanna was dedicated to raising her family and being with her grandchildren. She enjoyed going to plays and making baby blankets, Christmas stockings and Christmas tree skirts for family and friends. As her children grew, she worked outside of the home throughout the years in Customer Service at Figi's Inc., Hershner’s Inc. and Sentry Insurance Co.

Jeanna will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ronald, her children: Matthew (Kimberly) Kinnick, Timothy (Sarah) Kinnick and Julia (Brian) Demers. She is the proud Grandma to six grandchildren and had great affection for her brothers, Thomas and Glen Holverson and her sister Kathryn Mattice, and many nieces and nephews. Jeanna is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Kenneth and Carl Holverson, one brother-in-law Tom (Kathryn) Mattice and one sister-in-law Diane (Kenneth) Holverson.

A private Christian burial service was held for family and friends.

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

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

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Bio: Leggate, Raymond (Retires - 2023)

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

Surnames: Leggate, Gross

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2023

Leggate, Raymond (Retires - 2023)



After 13 years, Raymond Leggate (middle left), Verizon cell phone sales associate, is “hanging it up” from the Gross Motors Verizon store in Neillsville. His last day was Aug. 4. Bidding him farewell were Dylan (left), Mike (middle right) and Waune Gross (right).

Submitted photo

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News: Clark Co - Concordia University Wisconsin (Honors - 2023)

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

Surnames: Horvath, Bottlemy

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2023

Clark Co – Concordia University (Honors - 2023)

Concordia University Wisconsin officials have released the Spring Honors List for the 2022-2023 academic year. To be eligible for the honor, students must achieve a minimum 3.60 grade-point average and complete at least 12 undergraduate credits.

Among the Clark County students named to the list were freshman Avrey Horvath, CS; software engineering from Greenwood and sophomore Grayce Bottlemy, finance from Withee.

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News: Clark Co. - Fair’s Fairest (2023)

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

Surnames: Mathis, Roman, Durrstein, Hinkelmann, Pongratz

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2023

Clark County Fair’s Fairest (2023)



The first day of the Clark County Fair ended with the Coronation of the Clark County Fairest of the Fair 2023-2034 Court Aug. 9. There were five contestants for Fairest of the Fair, but only one could be crowned “Fairest” and two as “Attendants.” Crowned were (front, l-r) Lyla, 1st Princess, Anita Mathis, Future Fairest of the Fair; Angelica Roman, 2nd Princess, (back) Amanda Durrstein, 1st Attendant, Devani Hinkelmann, Fairest of the Fair and Alexis Pongratz, 2nd Attendant.

Submitted photo

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News: Clark Co – UW-Eau Claire (Degrees - 2023)

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

Surnames: Hainz, Grape

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2023

Clark Co – UW-Eau Claire (Degrees - 2023)

The UW-Eau Claire has awarded 42 degrees in 2023.

Clark County students who received degrees and their fields of study wee Candice Hainz from Neillsville, arts and sciences, bachelor of ats, psychology and Megan Grape from Owen, nursing and health sciences, bachelor of science in nursing, nursing.

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News: Clark Co – UW-Madison (Grads - 2023)

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

Surnames: Minor, McQuade

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2023

Clark Co – UW-Madison (Grads - 2023)

A total of 8,625 students received degrees from the UW-Madison in 2023.

The graduates from Clark County were Tara Minor of Granton, school of nursing, bachelor of science-nursing, and Logan McQuade of Neillsville, college of agricultural and life sciences, bachelor of science, global health.

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News: Neillsville – New Storybook Trail (2023)

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

Surnames: Ferguson, Ziebell

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2023

Neillsville – New Storybook Trail (2023)

The Neillsville Public Library has announced that coming this month, they will unveil their new Storybook Trail being installed in Schuster Park along the walking path. There is no cost to walk the trail and it is open to the public during regular park hours. New books and stories will be installed seasonally.

The Neillsville Storybook Trail project was funded by a donation from the Cummins Filtration Community Development Grant Funds and was partnered with the Neillsville Public Library, City of Neillsville Parks and Recreation Department and committee.

The Storybook Trail features single pages from a children’s book, attached to weatherproof wooden frames which are installed along the paved walking path at Schuster Park. As people stroll down the path, there will be the next page in the story.

The trail begins at the south entrance of Schuster Park near the steam engine display and winds along, going north across the bridge that holds the old Grand Avenue Bridge replica and all the way to Willow Street on the north side of the park.

The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library with a mission to promote early literacy, physical activity and family time together in nature, according to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library’s website.

StoryWalks can be found in all 50 states and all over the world including Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Pakistan and South Korea, and there are some right here in southeast Wisconsin.
“We are so grateful to Cummins Filtration and the Neillsville Parks and Recreation Department who really made this new project possible,” said Janay Ziebell, Director of the Neillsville Public Library. “We plan to switch our featured books four times a year to encourage repeat visitors and provide incentive for children and families to keep coming back to read, exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery at Schuster Park. We look forward to a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, Aug. 25.
“I hope everyone will come out and enjoy this very special outdoor reading journey time and time again.

“Guided book walks, a bike giveaway and treats will highlight this family event as children of all ages experience the fun of reading while walking along the beautiful park path. The first 10 children who arrive at the event will also receive a free book.

“There will be a small ribbon cutting to open this exciting new program. The grand opening event gives us the opportunity to introduce this program to even more families while supporting literacy, family fun and outdoor adventure in our community.”

The ceremony will take place from 1–3 p.m.

More details about the ribbon cutting and grand opening will be released soon.

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Obit: Hayes, James E. (1940? - 2023)

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

Surnames: Hayes, Stovall, Zillner, Helman, Loeber, Moore, Tetzlaff, Eaton, Counts, Brown

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2023

Hayes, James E. (1940? – 5 August 2023) With Flag

James E. Hayes, 83, Sussex, passed to Eternal Life Saturday, August 5, 2023, age 83 years.

Beloved husband of the late Christine. Dear father of Jennifer Legate, James (Sheri), John, Joel, and Jesse (Amy) Hayes. Stepfather of Monique Stovall and Michael Zillner. Loving grandfather of Andrew and Alex Helman, Austin Legate, Adam, Sam, Mitchell, and Nathan Hayes, Emily Loeber, Levi Hayes, Chad Moore, Brett, Chase, Sydney, and Wyatt Hayes, Michaela and John Tetzlaff, and Samantha and Allison Zillner. Brother of Carol (the late Patrick) Eaton, Robert (Carol) Hayes, Patrick (Jackie), Daniel (the late Cindy) Hayes.

Preceded in death by siblings John and Thomas Hayes, Barbara Eaton, and Kathleen Counts. Brother-in-law of Kathy Brown. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Bevsek-Verbick Funeral Home – Muskego 10 A.M. until time of Funeral Service at 12 P.M. Private interment Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery.

Retired from State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections, former Brookfield Police Officer, former Chief of Police in Stanley, WI, Deputy Sheriff for Clark County, WI, and Pinellas County FL. Member of American Legion Post #73 - Neillsville, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) appreciated.

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

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Obit: Osowski, Laurencia Staron (1931 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Osowski, Ciolkosz, Staron, Loos, Neil, Haferman, Hayden, Stanford, Postler, Haefs, Akey, Klein, Alleshaski

----Source: Cuddies Funeral Home (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2023

Osowski, Laurencia Staron (1 January 1931 – 13 August 2023)

Laurencia Staron Osowski, 92, of Withee, passed away on Sunday August 13, 2023, at her home surrounded by loving family.

Laurie was born on January 1, 1931, on the family farm in Thorp. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Ciolkosz) Staron, who emigrated to the U.S. from southern Poland. Laurie attended the White Eagle School in nearby Junction, and afterward moved to Chicago to care for nieces and nephews, and was later employed in Chicago. She married Thomas Robert Osowski at St. Mary Czestochowa church near her family’s farm on June 1, 1952. Laurie and Tom raised 14 children on the land east of Thorp that they farmed together for over 45 years. Laurie felt their greatest accomplishment was encouraging the children to pursue their educations. Laurie enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and eventually great grandchildren, hosting lively gatherings at her home and traveling around the state and nation to celebrate weddings, baptisms, graduations and other family events. She visited her siblings in Chicago, and traveled with them around the U.S., Canada, and Poland. She loved reading, enjoyed her friends at Bunco, and became a quilt artist in her later years with the ladies in the Curtiss Corners Quilting Club, gifting many quilts to her family and to the needy in the area. Her many friends and devoted neighbors deeply enriched her life.

Laurie was a woman of faith, serving on the Parish School Board, the Parish Council, chairing the Ladies' Circle in her area. After retiring from these leadership roles, she attended bible study groups in Thorp and Withee, and often attended daily Mass.

Laurie is survived by 14 children: Cynthia (Kenneth) Loos, Loyal, Doreen (George) Neil, Williamsburg, VA; Gregory (Diane) Osowski, White Bear Lake, MN; Nancy (Mark) Haferman, Marshfield, Pamela (James) Hayden, Frisco, TX; Mark (Ann) Osowski, Mequon; Marie (Nancy Stanford) Osowski, Buchanan Dam, TX; Ken Osowski, Lino Lakes, MN; Jennifer (Dennis) Postler, Bonsall, CA; Michael (Janelle) Osowski, Hartland, Julie (Brian Haefs) Gumz, Onalaska; Bridget (Jason) Akey, River Falls; Keith (Kelly) Osowski, Beaverton, OR; and Kevin (AJ) Klein Osowski, Seattle, WA; by 31 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and by three brothers: Fred Staron of Berkeley, IL; Adam (Theresa) of Janesville; and Larry (Bonnie) Staron of Gainsville, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

Laurie is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Robert Osowski, one infant daughter, Mary Ann Osowski; her parents; five sisters; and four brothers.

The family deeply appreciates the care and guidance from Char Alleshaski and the Hospice team.

The family invites you to honor Laurie’s request that everyone wear joyful colors to her Celebration of Life. The Celebration will be offered Monday, August 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen, WI. Burial will follow in New St Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery in Thorp. Friends may call on Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen, WI. Visitation will conclude with the rosary at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Thorp Catholic School, Thorp, WI.

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School: NHS Class of 2003 Reunion Celebration (20 Year - 2023)

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

Surnames: Riley, Stalsberg, Zielke, Berres, Harder, Aderhold, Spiegel, Boon, Marine, Klimpke, Erickson, Boe, Raine, Kruschke, Stine, Vine, Glaza, Hull, Marg, McDermond Pyka, Strangfeld, Stehli, Opelt, Schwann, Schoen, Stanfley, Erickson, Becker, Plosczynski, Schnabel, Gudgeon, Smagacz, Gaier, Haas, Kuchenbecker, Brooks, Brunette Knoll, Schoen, Sampson, Keller, Potts, Glebke, Riddle, Blackdeer. Rauk, Shaw, Seliskar, Rudoll, Peterson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2023

NHS Class of 2003 Reunion Celebration (20 Year - 2023)



It isn’t a reunion without taking a class picture; pictured back row, (l-r) Tim Riley, Andrew Stalsburg, David Zielke, Jeff Berres, Luke Harder, Ryan Aderhold, Josh Spiegel, (middle row) Brad Boon, Karl Marine, Elizabeth Klimpke Erickson, Megan Roe, Andrea Raine Kruschke, Jessica Stine Vine, Karissa Glaza Hull, Autumn Marg, Kristina McDermond Pyka, Elizabeth Strangfeld Stehli, (front) Krista Opelt Schwann, Suzanne Schoen Stanfley, Ruth Opelt Erickson, Gina Becker Plosczynski, Dana Schnabel Gudgeon, Bryan Smagacz, Ashley Gaier Haas, Kuchenbecker Brooks and Molly Brunette Knoll. Absent from the photo are Robert Schoen, Danielle Sampson, Joseph Keller and Chad Potts. Submitted photo

It took well over a year of planning, but it was well worth it when members High School's Class of 2003 gathered for their 20 year reunion. There were 55 classmates in attendance as they came together on Saturday, August 5 at Luke Harder's 7 acre Neillsville estate.

Driving up, classmates were welcomed with a huge white canopy tent, a beautiful pond and a permanent bar Luke had built. The evening started with a social hour where classmates reunited, for some, the first time in 20 years. Many classmates currently reside in the Neillsville area and remain close friends to this day. Classmates got to enjoy and reminisce over yearbooks and photo albums provided by class representative and reunion organizer Krista Opelt Schwenn. The meal was catered by Darla Harder from Schmitty's On Main in Neillsville, and all enjoyed a picnic of hot beef, pork, summer salads, cheese/sausage and fruit trays. Desserts were cupcakes, and bars made from volunteered classmates. After the meal, Luke Harder booked a rock band "Tantric" to play for evening.

The class had 98 graduating classmates, and has lost 7 classmates, Cole Glebke, Daniel Riddle, Louella Blackdeer, Jesse Rauk, Nathan Shaw, Daniel Seliskar, Todd Rudoll and one classmate who has disappeared with whereabouts unknown, Jennifer Peterson.

Absent from photo: Robert Schoen, Danielle Sampson, Joseph Keller and Chad Potts.

It was announced that the next reunion will be held in 2033.