Obituaries
Heather N. Thiede, age 32 of Ironwood, MI passed away on Wednesday August 3rd, 2022, in Mellen, WI. Heather was born on April 12, 1990, in Ashland, WI, the daughter of Donna L. (Thiede) Contos. Heather work for numerous restaurants in the Ironwood and Mellen area. Heathers hobbies included the love for cooking, gardening, camping, and spending all her free time with the best and most important person, her daughter Jaycee.
Heather is survived by her daughter, Jaycee Tygard; Mother, Donna (Michael) Contos, half-brother, Mackenzy Lehto; stepsisters Amanda (Cody) Mattson, Melissa (Bill) Gerlach, & Dani Broullire; stepbrother Brian (Ashley) Contos; Aunts and Uncles Laurie (Alan) Schenk, Calin (Kathy) Thiede, John (Roberta) Young; Cousins Samantha (Cory) Casari, Joshua (Amber) Thiede, Curtis Young, a very special friend Amber, along with numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by Grandparents Norman and Yvonne Thiede, Uncle Curtiss Young.
A celebration of life for Heather will be held on September 4th at 1:00 pm at Beer Barrel, in Hurley WI. A private burial with the family will be planned at a later date.
Funeral arrangement has been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.
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Wayne D. Gardner, Jr., age 55 of Iron River, WI passed away Friday, Aug 5, 2022 at Essentia Health-Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. Wayne was born Nov 5, 1966 in Waukegan, IL the son of Wayne D. and Jean M. (LaPointe) Gardner.
Wayne was raised in Winthrop Harbor, IL and later made his home in the Delta, Iron River, WI area. He tended bar and worked at the family business, Pine Point Resort in Delta from 1985 to 2014. He always had a story or joke to share with his customers. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. He loved his black labs, Bear and Balou and rooting on the Chicago Bears.
Survivors include his siblings: Carol Gardner of Iron River, WI, Mary (Rick) Whited of Franksville, WI, Patricia Moore of Kenosha, WI and Eric (Kim) Gardner of Milwaukee, WI as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gail Espinosa and brothers, David & Joseph.
A Celebration of Wayne’s life will take place at the Pine Point Lodge in Delta, WI in September.
Interment will take place in Saint Agnes Cemetery, Ashland, WI at a later date.
The Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI is assisting Wayne’s family. Online condolences may be left at MountainFuneralHomes.com.
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Wallace T. Skerbeck, age 91 of Iron River, WI passed away Saturday, Aug 6, 2022 at Willow Manor in Iron River. Wally was born Dec 14, 1930 in Hughes, WI the son of Frank and Allegra (Welch) Skerbeck.
He was a US Army, Korean War Veteran serving from 1952 to 1955. On Apr 14, 1954 he was united in marriage to Hideko “Judy” A. Sasaki in Tokyo, Japan. After serving his country Wally went to work for United States Steel and retired as a foreman after 35 years of employment.
Survivors include his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Judy on Oct 13, 2015, brother and sisters.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Wally will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Aug 13, 2022 at Saint Michael Catholic Church in Iron River with Father Michael Crisp as Celebrant.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Church in Iron River and continue until the time of service.
Interment will take place in Saint Michael Cemetery, Iron River.
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.
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Robert E. Wartman, age 60, died July 28, 2022 in Barrington, IL. Robert was born October 31, 1961 in Ashland, WI to Carol (Erickson) and David Wartman.
He attended St. Agnes Grade School. Robert graduated from Ashland High School in 1980 and went on to Study at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and WITC- Superior, where he earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration. He was employed by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue in Madison as a Revenue Agent.
He is survived by a son, Brett, his parents, three brothers, Michael, Timothy (Brenda). John (Sheryl), one sister Connie Nelson (Jeff), 2 nephews David Wartman (Sara) and Joseph Nelson and 5 nieces, Charlene Wartman, Katherine Karsonovich (Torin), Kristyn Wartman, Katy Wartman, Kayla Wartman, and Brooke Wartman.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland with Father Jerome D’Souza as Celebrant.
A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., at the church and will continue until the hour of service.
Interment will take place following the Mass in Saint Agnes Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Lake School.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI. Online condolences for Robert’s family may be left at mountainfuneralhomes.com
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Helen B. Swanson, age 87 of Ashland, WI passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at her residence with her loving family at her side. Helen was born Oct 31, 1934 in Moquah, WI the daughter of John and Anna (Jurasko) Mihalek.
She was a graduate of Ondossagon High School and on May 28, 1955 she was united in marriage to T. Richard Swanson. She was a homemaker and did the books for Dick before his retirement from 7Up of Duluth. She enjoyed Bingo, watching the Packers, reading and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Dick, of Ashland; children: Thomas (Patti) of Hartland, WI, Joyce (Bob) Meliska of Washburn, WI, Robert (Katharine) of Ashland, WI and David (Rhonda) of Fairmont, MN; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and nine siblings.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Helen will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland with Father Jerome D’Souza as Celebrant.
Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the Church in Ashland and continue until the hour of service.
Interment will take place in Saint Agnes Cemetery, Ashland.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.
Online condolences for Helen’s family may be left at MountainFuneralHomes.com.
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Leonard “Chub” Jaeger, age 84 of Mellen, WI passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, WI. Chub was born May 21, 1938 in Highbridge, WI the son of Lawrence and Genevieve (Justice) Jaeger.
Chub was a graduate of Mellen High School and served in the U.S. Army, as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. On Apr 4, 1959 he was united in marriage to Donna R. Miller in Mellen. He worked at the paper mill in Ashland as a machine operator for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling and snowmobiling. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his children: Greg (Peggy), Mark (Julie), Kevin (Lori) Jaeger and Kris (Craig) Michel, all of Mellen; grandchildren: Lauren (Justin) Turney, Jessica (Adam) Winn and Shayla (Luis) Victoria; great-granddaughter: Elena; brothers: Roger (Susan) Jaeger & Gary (Bootsie) Jaeger of Mellen and Vernon (Marilyn) Jaeger of Washburn, WI as well as nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna “Bunny” on Aug 20, 2007 and brother, Lawrence.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Leonard will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mellen with Father Aloyius Anthony as Celebrant.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Church in Mellen and continue until the hour of service.
Interment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery, Highbridge, WI with Military Honors under the auspices of the Mellen VFW Post #2273.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Mellen and Ashland, WI.
Online condolences for Chub’s family may be left at MountainFuneralHomes.com.
Patricia K. Reas, age 93 of Mellen, WI passed away Sunday, July 10, 2022 at her residence. Pat was born July 14, 1928 in Ashland, WI the Daughter of Oviatt J. and Bernice (Movick) Guerin.
In 1949 Pat was united in marriage to Ted G. Boley in Mellen. Ted passed away Jan 20, 1966 in Mellen. In 1971 she was united in marriage to Earl B. Reas in Mellen. Earl passed away on Jan 1, 1988 in Mellen. Pat was a homemaker and together with Earl she operated Earl & Pat’s East End Tap in Mellen. She enjoyed going to the casino, bowling, playing pool and throwing darts. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and going to Mellen Expos baseball games.
Survivors include her sons: John Boley and Steve (Sue) Boley, all of Mellen; grandchildren: Jennifer, James (Krista), Teddy (Abby), Brooke (Jesse) and Breanna (Thomas); great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Evan, Olivia, Brady, Maggie, Hailey, Abigail & Eli; nephew: Dale (Laura) Guerin and nieces: Diane (Gary) Gilgen & Sue (Ron) Kuehn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; brother, William and sister-in-law, Marie.
A Funeral Service for Patricia will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2022 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Mellen with Reverend Donald Quigley officiating.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the Church in Mellen and continue until the hour of service.
Interment will take place in the Mellen Union Cemetery, Mellen.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Mellen and Ashland, WI.
Online condolences for Pat’s family may be left at MountainFuneralHomes.com.
Joyce C. Carlson, age 85 of Ashland, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 3, 2022 at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, WI. Joyce was born on September 2, 1936 in Ashland, the daughter of Nicholas P. and Loretta E. (Hruska) Kupczyk.
Joyce graduated from Depadua High School in Ashland. She was united in marriage to John “Yunko” Carlson on August 20, 1960 at the Saint Agnes Church in Ashland. Joyce worked in the lunch room at the Ellis School for many years. She was a long-time member of the Rod & Gun club and the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland. She volunteered a lot of her time to numerous organizations in the Ashland community. She enjoyed puzzles and gardening.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Yunko Carlson; daughter, Deb (Brian) Olson; son, Scott (Cindy) Carlson; brother, Peter Kupczyk; sister, Joan Ronning; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Carrie Suminski; sisters, Shirley “Perry” Kupczyk and Lois Croteau; brother, Donald Kupczyk; son-in-law, Steve Suminski.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2022 at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland with Father Jerome D’Souza officiating.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m., and continue until the hour of service at the church.
Interment will follow the Mass in the Saint Agnes Cemetery, in Ashland.
I lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church or the North Wisconsin Rod & Gun Club.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.
Roger N. Gima, age 80 of Ashland, WI passed away Saturday, July 2, 2022 at his residence with his loving family by his side. Roger was born Aug 11, 1941 in Ashland the son of Nicholas M. and Cecilia (Zembrycki) Gima.
Roger graduated from DePadua High School in Ashland in 1959. On Aug 18, 1962 he was united in marriage to Carol M. Nabozny in Ashland. He was employed at the paper mill in Ashland for over 33 years, retiring in 1996. He also worked as a truck driver and in the maintenance department at Northern Lights Health Care in Washburn. He was a very active member of the Ashland Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, golf, grilling out and spending time with family and friends was very important to him.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Carol, of Ashland; children: Nicholas Aaron (Cheryl), Russell Andrew (Annette), Matthew Adam (Tracy) and Denise Amy (Scott) Oliphant; grandchildren: Chase Gima, Stephanie, Lindsey (John), Sarah (Jordan), Joseph & Aaron Gima, Travis & Jocelyn Oliphant; step grandsons: Cory & Derek Marincel; great-grandchildren: Hailey, Mason, Madison & Lucas; sisters: Theresa (Al) Seabloom of Rhinelander and Janet Johnson of Loves Park, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Roger will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland with Father Jerome D’Souza as Celebrant.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the Church in Ashland and continue until the hour of service.
Interment will take place in Saint Agnes Cemetery, Ashland.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ashland Rod and Gun Club to be used for the Boys and Girls Fishing Event.
Online condolences for Roger’s family may be left at MountainFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.
Carla “2-C” Jo Crom age 60 of Glidden, WI passed away Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at her residence, with her loving family by her side. Carla was born Oct 28, 1961 in Ashland, WI the daughter of John R. and Verna (Fischer) Pohl.
Carla graduated from school in Glidden and on September 6, 1980 she was united in marriage to Jerald J. Crom in Glidden, WI. She worked at Park Manor in Park Falls as a certified nurse’s assistant for over 35 years. She loved riding her motorcycle, going camping with her family, riding on her “buggy” with all her beloved friends and family. She enjoyed scrapbooking in her free time and loved her Green Bay Packers.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Jerry of Glidden; children: Kelly (Kendra) Crom and Amy (G.J.) Crom all of Glidden; grandchildren: Kassidy, Kyle, Trevor and Jaylynn; brother: Randy (Marion) Pohl of Gildden; sister: Teri (Spud) BeBeau of Glidden; brother-in-law: Nick Straetz of Mapleton, Maine; nieces and nephews as well as her canine companion, Willy.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Janis Straetz.
A graveside service for Carla will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at Most Precious Blood Cemetery in Glidden. A celebration of her life will immediately follow the service at the Glidden VFW Post in Glidden.
The Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences for Carla’s family may be left at MountainFuneralHomes.com.
Ingrid P. Wysocki, age 80 of Cable, WI passed away peacefully on Wed, June 15, 2022 at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, WI. Ingrid was born on Dec, 23, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI the daughter of Bernard and Julia (Wescott) Larsen.
Ingrid was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy in life. She was an avid gardener and loved pyrotechnics.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard Wysocki; children, Debbie Wysocki, Steve Wysocki, Jackie (Jim) Felber, Kevin Wysocki, Jeff (Lori) Wysocki, and Oscar Wysocki; 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; brother, Ralph Peter Larsen; 2 nieces and a nephew; canine companion, snoops.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bernie and Glen.
No funeral service will be held at this time for Ingrid.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI. Online condolences for Ingrid’s family may be left at mountainfuneralhomes.com
Terry was united in marriage to Jean H. Turney on August 2, 1980 in Mellen, WI. His favorite pastime was family gatherings and cookouts. He was a devoted heavy equipment operator his entire life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing for trout, and riding around with his canine companion, Calli.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jean Matusiewicz of Mellen; son, Brant (Katie) Matusiewicz of Mellen; Theresa (Steve) Popovich of Mellen; grandchildren, Madelyn, Bennett, Johnae and Greyson; brother, Tim (Beth) Matusiewicz; sister, Julie (Gary) Nelmark; sister-in-law, Alison & brother-in-law and best friend, Peter Ellias; nieces and nephews, Shane, Natalie, Nathan, Nick, Roman; canine companion, Calli.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Matusiewicz; father & mother-in-law, Alec and Eileen Turney; many aunts and uncles.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Terry will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mellen, WI. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until the hour of service at the church.
Interment will follow the Mass in the Mellen Union Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI
Dakota Lynn Coleman, age 27, passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Dakota was born August 6, 1994 in Duluth, MN the daughter of Paul J. Farkas, Jr. and Kimberly D. Coleman. She graduated from Ashland High School.
Dakota loved animals, especially farm animals. Neighbors driving by the farm in Moquah would see her riding her grandpa’s Hereford cow, Babe. She would catch pigeons in the barn and trained them to come to her. Dakota was an active member of the Pine Creek 4-H club. She took many awards for her chickens, which were her favorite, geese, and pigeons at the county fair. She gave demonstrations with her birds at club meetings.
Dakota is survived by two children, Marley and Kolten, her father Paul Farkas, Jr., step mother Heidi, grandma Agnes Farkas, aunt Susie, Grandma Sandra Coleman, brother Craig Butler of Duluth, MN, sisters Sandie Burnes of Superior, WI, Tessa Burnes of Superior, WI, Samantha Pierson of Duluth, MN, and Patty Koepke of Abbotsford, WI.
Dakota was preceded in death by her grandpa Paul Sr., uncle Pat, mother Kim, and grandpa Dennis.
A private service will be held at Mountain Funeral Home in Ashland.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI. Online condolences for Dakota may be left at mountainfuneralhomes.com.
Maryann Judith Kollauf, 89, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2022 at Superior Rehabilitation Center in Superior, WI. Maryann suffered a stroke in December 2021. Later, she was admitted to the Memory Care unit at Superior Rehabilitation Center, bearing the cross of her Alzheimer’s dementia. Maryann was born on December 16, 1932, in Ashland, Wisconsin to her parents Peter and Anastasia Suminski. She attended Holy Family Catholic School and graduated from DePadua High School in Ashland. She married Robert Leo Kollauf on January 28, 1956. Together, they lived their 64 years of married life in Ashland with their two children, Lynn and Robert.
Maryann’s first job was as a telephone switchboard operator. As a mother, she took on part-time jobs as a playground supervisor at Bay City School and an enumerator for the U.S. census and city directory.
Maryann enjoyed playing cards and bingo and riding her exercise bike daily. In earlier years she also loved bowling, dancing the polka, and roller-skating. She was a member of Our Lady of the Lake parish in Ashland and regularly attended daily Mass.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at Superior Rehabilitation and the Essentia Hospice staff who provided her with outstanding compassionate care. We are also grateful to Fr. Adam Laski for leading our family in prayer at Maryann’s bedside and offering her Last Rites four days before her death.
She is survived by her daughter Lynn Tracy (Tom), son Robert, grandchildren James (Cassandra), Daniel, and Anne Tracy, and a special source of joy – her great-grandchild James T. Tracy IV (JT).
Maryann is preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert, her parents Peter and Anastasia Suminski, sisters Agnes Matyas and Margaret Shun, and brother Edward Suminski.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 10th at our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Jerome D’Souza presiding, assisted by Deacon Dan Tracy. Visitation will begin at 8:00 AM with Mass at 9:00 AM. A burial service is scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School in Ashland.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home of Ashland.