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News: Greenwood - American Legion Celebrated Veterans Day (2023)

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

Surnames: Greisen, Denk, Hinker, Krultz

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023

Greenwood American Legion Celebrated Veterans Day (2023)



Veterans and members of the Greenwood Community congregated in the Greenwood American Legion for a Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 11. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs and much more was served by volunteers from the community.

By L.B., reporter

The Greenwood American Legion hosted a Veterans Day breakfast to celebrate the holiday.

Members of the Greenwood community volunteered to serve food for the veterans of the Legion. The volunteers served bacon, sausage, hash browns, toast, pancakes, eggs in a variety of forms and drinks.

There were over 60 attendees at the breakfast.

“There’s a lot of county workers here,” Aaron Greisen said, Clark County Veterans Services Officer. “Mary Denk, registrar of deeds and Lisa Hinker, a judicial assistant, and I’d like to give a super big thanks to the Krultz family, who’s all here today. I’d also like to thank the Greenwood FFA Alumni because they donated the pancake mix and the griddle.”

The proceeds will go to the veterans’ health and future in the form of gift cards and donations to their medical transportation and care needs.

These members of the Greenwood community were happy to serve their veterans.


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News: Greenwood - St. Ann’s Harvest Sale (2023)

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

Surnames: Adler, Moseley Lindner, Rondorf

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023

Greenwood-St. Ann’s Harvest Sale (- 2023)



Colleen Adler (front), one of the first organizers of the St. Ann’s Society Harves Sale, and Shirley Lindner (background) wait for ladies to pay for their items. June Thompson/Clark County Press

By June Thompson

For 46 years, St. Ann’s Society at St Mary’s Catholic Parish in Greenwood has held their annual harvest sale and luncheon to raise funds for the church’s needs Oct. 28.

Several lady parishioners have participated in the harvest sale for years, but only a few ladies still remain who have been involved since its inception.

Colleen Adler and Nancy Moseley started this harvest sale over four decades ago. They, and other organizers, Pat Lindner and Bonnie Lindner, met at Adler’s home to make craft items.

“It’s come a long way,” Adler said. “The first years, we sold girdles.”

Through the years, different crafts have been made by hand. Whether the crafter used wood, sews, paints or recyclable materials, something unusual can be made and sold.

Many of those fall craft items were displayed for guests: aprons, pumpkins, raffle baskets and an unusual Christmas tree. The harvest sale offered a glimpse into the ladies’ dedication to making the annual harvest sale a success every year.

“The baskets are a big draw,” Adler said. “And Grandma’s Attic is used items. Everything is donated.”
Alder said her favorite part of organizing the annual St. Ann’s Harvest Sale is working together with the ladies.

Another organizer, Joyce Rondorf, was busy helping with the luncheon. She is president of St. Mary’s Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW).

“All the ladies of the church belong to the St. Ann’s Society,” Rondorf said. “[Organizing the harvest sale] goes on all year round. The paddle raffle is really popular. The basket raffle is a large part of [harvest sale].

“Grandma’s Attic are used items for resale—things that you might find in your attic. People will sit here all day to participate in the raffles.”

The ladies of St. Ann’s Society have spent years dedicating their time, energy and monetary resources to making this annual fundraiser a success. Their fundraising proceeds give support to the church and local community.

“The Harvest Sale is used to support the church activities charities and food banks,” said Rondorf. “Whatever St. Mary’s Parish needs, we’re there to help.”

Catholic Financial Life (life insurance and financial services) matches a certain amount of the proceeds.

Rondorf has been involved with the Harvest Sale for many years.

“I love it,” Rondorf said. “I stay active and I enjoying doing it—so long as I can do it, I will.”


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News: Loyal - FFA Members Awarded National American FFA Degree (2023)

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

Surnames: Hinkelmann, Jakobi,

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023

Loyal FFA Members Awarded National American FFA Degree (2023)



Loyal FFA Chapter members (l-r) Brandon Jakobi and Devani Hinkelmann were awarded the American FFA Degree Nov. 4 at the 96th National FFA Convention. Submitted photo

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year, over 4,400 American FFA Degrees were awarded.

Devani Hinkelmann and Brandon Jakobi, members of the Loyal FFA chapter, were awarded the American FFA Degree Nov. 4 at the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo.

Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, Elanco Animal Health and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000, or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hours outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which the members own their own business, hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research.

Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities. Less than 1% of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information, people can visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.


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News: Neillsville - Auxiliary Donates Book to Library (2023)

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

Surnames: Chadwick, Oliver, Wells, Raven, Wagner, Ziebell, Clark

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023

Neillsville Auxiliary Donates Book to Library (2023)



The Neillsville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 (l-r) County Commander, Neillsville Post Adjutant Chip Chadwick, a 31-year retired Navy Veteran; Sergeant at Arms Auxiliary member Carol Oliver; and Auxiliary president Susan Wells donated the book “America’s White Table” by Margot Raven to Cathy Wagner of the Neillsville Public Library Nov, &, hoping to raise awareness with children and head of Veteran’s Day about service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice or have otherwise not come home. Not pictured are Janay Ziebell, library director, and Ann Clark, Auxiliary chaplain and member, who Wells said was instrumental in putting this program together. Submitted photo

The Neillsville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 donated a special children’s book to the local library.

“America’s White Table” by Margot Raven was written, in a way that children can understand, to explain the U.S. military’s solemn ceremony of setting an empty place at a table in honor of a fallen, missing or imprisoned service member.

In this formal ceremony, each item put on the table had a significant meaning and was placed there with the utmost dignity and respect.

By donating “America’s White Table,” the Auxiliary hopes to accomplish an emphasis on the importance of honoring and remembering military members; help children and adults remember the sacrifices military personnel and their families have given in the line of duty and realize the costs they have paid for America’s freedom; that setting America’s White Table on any day of significance (Veteran’s or Memorial Day, a holiday or birthday) will become a tradition in all households; remind Americans that there are still veterans from past wars who have not come home and every single day of freedom has been paid for by that person who is not sitting at the table.

If a person would like more information about the Neillsville American Legion Auxiliary, they can contact Susan Wells at 715-743-6316 or turtledov6411@gmail.com.


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News: Neillsville FFA - Collecting Food Over Candy (2023)

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

Surnames: Strangfeld, Moen, Hahn, Walk, Uptergrove, Canfield, Byrne

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023

Neillsville FFA Collecting Food Over Candy (2023)



Neillsville FFA members (l-r) Lucas Strangfeld, Addison Moen, Olivia Hahn, Morgan Strangfeld, Shylah Walk, Tyla Uptergrove and Klarissa Canfield collected not candy this Halloween, but canned goods. “We are proud to report that we collected 270 pounds just during trick-or-treating hours,” said Carla Byrne, Neillsville High School agriculture instructor and FFA advisor. “This is something we hope to continue doing each year.” All items were taken to the food pantry Halloween night.

 

Submitted photo


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News: Neillsville - Honors Veterans and Active Military (2023)

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

Surnames: Gaier, Kuhn, Thoma, Koepp, Decatur

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023

Neillsville Honors Veterans and Active Military (2023)



Superintendent John Gaier welcomes the audience to the Neillsville High School Fieldhouse and thanks the veterans for attending the Nov. 11 Veterans Day Program. Nancy Curtin/Clark County Press photos

By Nancy Curtin

Last Thursday, the entire Neillsville student body, faculty and staff, along with the public, were invited to Neillsville High School Fieldhouse for the annual Veterans Day program.

The event began with the Neillsville American Legion and VFW Color Guard marching in and taking their position on both sides of the presentation area.

Superintendent John Gaier invited the fifth grade class to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the high school choir singing the Star Spangled Banner and the high school band playing “Armed Forces on Parade.”

“This day is a very important day in our nation,” Gaier said. “This is the day each year when we take time to honor and thank our military veterans for their service and sacrifices for their communities and our country. Today we celebrate Veterans Day.”

Gaier went on to present a little history of this holiday.

“Veterans Day originated as ‘Armistice Day’ on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I,” Gaier said.

In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a National holiday in 1938.

“Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans […] but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country with honor and bravery during wartime and peacetime,” said Gaier.

The nation celebrates Veterans Day on Nov. 11 every year in honor of the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 that signaled the end of World War I, formerly known as Armistice Day.

Upon the conclusion of Gaier’s opening speech, the high school band played a medley of the various tunes designated to the military branches, which included “The Army Goes Rolling Along” (Army), “Marines' Hymn” (Marines), “Anchors Away” (Navy), “The U.S. Air Force Song” (Air Force) and “Semper Paratus” (Coast Guard).



Veteran Wendell Kuhn addresses the audience from the podium and expressed the importance of educating the younger generations on the meaning and significance of Veterans Day.

Following the musical tribute, Gaier introduced Veteran and American Legion member, Wendell Kuhn, to address the audience. Kuhn thanked the students, faculty, administration and the public for attending. He went on to remind the audience the importance of educating the younger generation and why Veterans Day exists.

Kuhn then invited veterans Chip Chadwick and Rick Kuhn to demonstrate the proper folding of the American flag. Thoma’s granddaughter, Abby Koepp, was invited to assist.

While Koepp and Thoma conducted the demonstration, Kuhn shared the significance of each fold of the flag.

The first fold is a symbol of life; the second signifies America’s belief in eternal life; the third is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing the ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the country’s defense to attain peace; the fourth exemplifies America’s weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him Americans turn for His divine guidance; the fifth is an acknowledgement to America, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong;” the sixth is for where America’s heart lies. It is with America’s heart that Americans pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all; the seventh is a tribute to America’s armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that Americans protect their country and their flag against all enemies; the eighth is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that others might see the light of day, and to honor American mothers, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day; the ninth is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded; the 10th fold is a tribute to fatherhood, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of America since he or she was first-born; the 11th, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost; and in the last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding Americans of their national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Once the flag was properly folded, Koepp and Thoma embraced for a moment between family.
Guest veterans of the Color Guard were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and share which branch they served and which war(s) they fought in.

The high school band and choir performed for the audience with a medley of patriotic songs starting with “Our America” and ending with Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an American.”

As the program drew to an end, “Taps” was performed. “Taps” is the sounding of a bugle call to signal “lights out” at the end of a military day and during patriotic memorial ceremonies and military funerals.
Chadwick retired the Color Guard and as those members exited the Fieldhouse the Elementary Student Council presented each one with a little treat bag and thanked them.

Gaier gave his closing remarks.

“True freedom in our country comes with huge responsibility for all of us,” Gaier said. “On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our promise to fulfill our obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.

“Thank you for taking the time to honor our veterans with me today.”


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News: Owen - Prevail Bank Donates to Holway Sluggers Ball Club (2023)

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

Surnames: Larson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/15/2023

Owen – Prevail Bank Donates to Holway Sluggers Ball Club ($2,500 - 2023)



Amber Larson, Holway Sluggers Ball Club President (far right), along with club board members and youth players (all in uniform), accepted a $2,500 donation from assorted Prevail Bank professionals. Submitted photo.

Prevail Bank donated $2,500 to help the Holway Sluggers Ball Club in Owen improve their ball field. Planned improvements include field sand and gravel, an electronic scoreboard, a grandstand with bleachers, yellow fence guards and caps, and softball equipment for players.

This organization welcomes everyone to play, no matter their talent or disability. Twelve percent of their youth are special needs.

Amber Larson, Holway Sluggers Ball Club president along with Club Board members and youth players accepted the check from assorted Prevail Bank professionals.

The funds provided were part of Prevail Bank’s Charitable Contributions program. The program is available for local non-profits that help local people in need, especially those with low-to-moderate incomes; stimulate communities financially; and/or enhances the standard of living of those less fortunate.

If an organization is interested in applying for funds for a major initiative, visit Prevail.bank/resources/community.


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Obit: Becker, Marjorie Ann (1940 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Becker, Boldt, Hainz, Cunningham, Kamees, Tomac, Horswell, Gies, Pergande

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 11/18/2023

Becker, Marjorie Ann (15 February 1940 – 16 November 2023)

MOUNT PLEASANT – Marjorie Ann Becker (Hainz) died peacefully on November 16th, 2023, after fighting a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Marjorie was born February 15th (her father’s birthday), 1940 in Grant Township, to the late Edward and Florence (Boldt) Hainz. She attended a one room schoolhouse thru 6th grade and then St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1958. Marge then went on to nursing school and graduated in 1961 from St Joseph’s School of Nursing in Marshfield.

Marge married Conrad J Becker on September 15, 1962, and was married for 44 years until Conrad’s passing in 2007. Together they lived in Kenosha and after raising their daughters Brenda and Sally, moved to Neillsville in 1989. Marge moved to Mount Pleasant in 2013.

Marge worked as a registered nurse at Kenosha Memorial Hospital, Woodstock Nursing Home, St Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, and Elizabeth Gardens Assisted Living in Racine WI. Her career as a nurse expanded 41 years and included being a member Kenosha District Nurses Assoc. for several years.

While raising their daughters, Marge and Conrad enjoyed vacations that included tent camping, RVing thru the United States, and eventually taking getaways to their cabin on 5 wooded acres outside of Neillsville.

Being an active 4H member in her youth, Marge supported 4-H as an adult and started and led the “St. Therese TNT 4H Club” while her daughters attended St Therese Catholic School. Through 4-H, Marge shared her sewing talent and taught her daughters how to sew. She enjoyed sewing and making fashion clothing for herself, family, and friends. Her sewing portfolio included matching dresses for herself and daughters, a wedding dress for her sister Janet, several flower girl dresses and even drapes.

Marge had a passion for decorating and crafting. At St Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville and St Lucy’s Catholic Church in Racine, she led and was actively involved in the liturgical decorating committees. She made sure the church was at its finest for each liturgical season. She also decorated other places of worship, venues, and banquet halls for weddings.

Marge enjoyed singing and was a member of the choirs at St Mary’s and St Lucys.

Marge enjoyed getting her hands dirty in her garden with her kitty by her side. She reached her goal of seeing her garden in full bloom this past summer. “Her birds” will miss her.

Christmas was her favorite and most treasured holiday. Marge enjoyed decorating her home for the holiday season and for hosting family parties. Not a wall or space was spared. This year Marge was called to her true home for Christmas.

Marge will be missed by her daughters Brenda (Kevin) Cunningham and Sally Becker (Gary Kamees); her siblings, Jean (Greg) Tomac, Larry Hainz, Janet (Jerry) Horswell: her brother and sister in-laws Yvonne (James) Gies, Diann (Don) Pergande, Sister Mary Becker FSPA, Al (Carol) Becker, Harry (Rose) Becker and many nieces and nephews.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband Conrad J Becker; her parents Edward and Florence Hainz; father and mother in-law Arthur and Viola Becker and brother and sister in-law, Donald and Barbara Becker.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, for a visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will follow at 6:00 p.m.

The celebration of her Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1813 Black River Road Neillsville, WI) on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a visitation at church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Her interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Gesche Funeral Home & Cremation Service are handling the arrangements in Neillsville (715-743-3322) https://www.geschefh.com/.


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Obit: Johnson, LeRoy Arnold (1947 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Johnson, Murphy, Volland, Simek, Ziegler, Steltenpohl, Reiter, Auman

----Source: Gesche Funeral Home (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 11/18/2023

Johnson, LeRoy Arnold (15 September 1947 – 17 November 2023) With Flag

LeRoy Johnson, age 76, of Neillsville, died Friday, November 17, 2023, at his home.

LeRoy Arnold Johnson was born on September 15, 1947, in Marshfield, the son of Nels Arnold and Gertrude Isabelle (Murphy) Johnson. He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1965, and served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970, stationed in Germany. On August 5, 1972, he was united in marriage to Barbara Volland. LeRoy farmed in Neillsville and worked at the Nelson Muffler factory. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening.

LeRoy's family would like to give a special thanks to ProMedica Hospice nurses, Jason, Beth and Jackie for the excellent care they provided.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, six children, Andrew (Julie Simek) Johnson of Neillsville, Peter Johnson of Eau Claire, Sally (Michael) Johnson of Oconomowoc, Mary Johnson of Neillsville, Steven (Mindy) Johnson of Neillsville, and Kenny (Tiffany) Johnson of Neillsville, 15 grandchildren, five siblings, Gary Johnson of Dubois, Wyoming, Charles (Judy) Johnson of Neillsville, Marcia (Rick) Ziegler of Neillsville, Diane (Jerry) Steltenpohl of Marquette, MI, and Kathy Reiter of Waverly, IA. LeRoy is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Gertrude Johnson, his father-in-law, William Volland, mother-in-law, Bernice Volland, an infant son, and brothers-in-law, Thomas Volland and Charles Aumann.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting LeRoy's family.

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


10

Obit: Schwarze, Gilbert “Gil” (1934 - 2023)

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

Surnames: Schwarze, Kopp, Hanson, Schlinsog, Conner, Hardinger, Smith, Kuhlka, Eisle

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 11/18/2023

Schwarze, Gilbert “Gil” (8 October 1934 - ? 2023) With Flag

Gil was born on the Kopp family farm in Neillsville, Wisconsin on October 8, 1934, to Theodore "Ted" and Hattie Schwarze (Kopp), in the same room his mother was born in. Gil fondly recalled spending the next few years bringing home small fish for his mother to fry, spending time and helping with Grandma Kopp's beautiful vegetable and flower gardens, and the many fun times he had fishing with his mom and dad.

As a licensed cheesemaker, Gil's father's skills were needed by cheese houses around Wisconsin and Illinois, and the family moved many times. Gil assisted in cheesemaking, and deliveries. When Gil was 11 his family welcomed his new baby sister, Judy. The family then settled down in Marshfield, Wisconsin and Gil went to school there through his high school years.

Gil's father urged him not to "waste valuable time" with college and get right to work as a cheesemaker or trucker, but Gil's friends saw his potential, and urged him on to university. Gil enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and put himself through college. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1958, and his father was among the proudest.

In 1957, Gil was drafted into the Army. Just prior to this, Gil interviewed with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. They informed him they would have a job as a Chemist waiting for him when he returned from duty, something that is most likely unheard of today. Gil spent the next 30 years there, retiring in 1990.

Immediately after college in 1957, Gil married Roberta (nee Hanson) and then promptly fulfilled his duty to the army and was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood and then to Fort Riley, Kansas for his two years of duty. Gil fondly looked back at those days and managed to make that time seem like "Hogan's Heroes" episodes. He always made the best of everything. While stationed at Fort Riley, he and his wife had Jay and Jan. In 1960 they moved to Madison, Wisconsin and had two more children, Jill and Jane, in the next couple years. They were later divorced.

Gil always loved cars, especially vintage Buicks. Gradually he bought them all up (or so it seemed at times by Cathy!) and started a business, "Buick for Love or Money". He belonged to various car clubs and in the early '80s became one of the first members of the Rock Valley Chapter of the Buick Club of America, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Traveling by Buicks around the country for car shows and swap meets became a big part of his life. For their first date, Gil invited Cathy to a car club breakfast. Gil and Cathy forged many priceless, lifelong friendships through the Buick club.

Gil and Cathy met through their employment through the State of Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation, and in 1991 began their life together in Deerfield, Wisconsin on a 5-acre farmette for the next 12 years raising and rescuing all kinds of farm animals. They celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary this year.

In 2004, the mountains of Montana called, and Gil and Cathy moved to Livingston in 2004. Gil continued with his Buick interests, but also branched out a bit with his activities because there "Just aren't as many Buicks here," so he and Cathy baked and sold their coffee and bakery items at Farmers Markets in Livingston and in neighboring Bozeman for several years. In addition, they became foster care providers and for 8 years they brought in over 20 children, ranging from ages 2 to 18, to share their life. They were able to take some of their longer-term placements as they travelled and were able to meet Gil and Cathy's families.

Gil loved playing basketball and watching College sports. He enjoyed watching Duke Basketball and life ground to a halt during "March Madness" each year.

On October 19, 2019, Gil became a baptized member of Jehovah's Witnesses, and he was so proud of that achievement. So many wonderful friends were made there, and Cathy would like to thank them for their support and friendship through Gil's illness.

Surviving are Gil's wife Cathy, his children Jay, Jan, Jill and Jane, his sister, Judy Schlinsog of Marshfield, Wisconsin, and Cathy's sister Lori (Craig) Conner of Madison, Wisconsin. Also surviving are nieces Tammy (Tom) Hardinger of Pittsville, Wisconsin, Tracy (Brad) Smith of Denver, Colorado, Amy (Dustin) Kuhlka of Hewitt, Wisconsin, along with great-nieces and nephews, Luke, Katie, Sam, Will and Jake Hardinger of Pittsville; Jonah and Eleanor Smith of Denver; and Hattie, Cash and Mayla Kuhlka of Hewitt. In addition, (foster) son Ryan Eisele of Bozeman, Montana survives, and we want to thank him for being such a wonderful support and that he continues to share his life with us.

Preceding him in death are his father Ted in 1962, his mother Hattie and brother-in-law Darwin Schlinsog in 2019, along with his grandparents Ferdinand and Amalia Kopp; and Edward and Ella Schwarze.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm on December 2nd at Quivey's Grove, 6261 Nesbitt Road in Madison.

For online condolences visit www.franzen-davis.com.

  

 

 

 

 


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