Archives D-F
These archives include the obituaries of the individuals we’ve been privileged to serve since January 1, 2008. We would appreciate your notifying us of any error that you may find, so that it may be corrected. If you are searching for the obituary of someone who died prior to January 1, 2008, please contact us and we will do what we can to provide that record for you. You may also want to check the ‘Resource’ page of our web site for other avenues of biographic or genealogical information.
Catherine Emma Mary Dahl, age 95, of Ashland, Wisconsin, died on Friday, February 5, 2010, at the Court Manor -Golden Living Center Nursing Home, in Ashland.
Catherine was born, on December 8, 1914, in Ashland, the daughter of Carl George and Margaret (Eastman) Runkel. She graduated from Northland College and had a long teaching career in Mississippi and Minnesota and in Wisconsin: the Saxon, Hurley, and Ashland School Districts.
Catherine is survived by her three children: Thomas H. Dahl, Linda Dahl and Nancy Casperson, all of Ashland. She is also survived by her grandchildren, who include: Catie Casperson, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Hilton T. Dahl, of Ashland; and Jennifer Brunette and her husband, Ted, of DePere, Wisconsin. Survivors also include three great grandchildren:, nieces, nephews, her beloved grand pups and her very special angel niece, Jill Runkel.
Catherine was preceded in death by: her husband, Hilton; two brothers: Tom and Carl Rungel; and her son in law, John Casperson.
Formal memorialization will take place at a later time.
Memorials may be directed to: the Chequamegon Humane Association, 405 Old Airport Road, Ashland, Wisconsin 54806; the Presbyterian Congregational Church, 214 Vaughn Avenue, Ashland, Wisconsin 54806; or the charity of your choice.
Our Ashland Chapel will be assisting Catherine’s family with her memorialization.
Messages of condolence, for Catherine‘s family, may be left at the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. In your message, please include: Catherine’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to her family; and your name, so that her family will know from whom it came.
Fifty year old: mother, wife, ecologist and community leader, Karen Danielsen, passed away, at her home near Mason, on Wednesday, October 14, 2009.
Karen was born, in Santa Monica, California, on October 24, 1958, to Berne and Jean (McNee) Danielsen. She grew up in nearby Pacific Palisades, California.
A keen interest in the natural world spurred Karen into higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, from the University of California and a master’s degrees in biology, from California State University.
She and Dale A. Thomas were united in marriage, in Malibu, California, on June 3, 1989.
She first applied her passion for ecological protection in California, working for Channel Islands National Park, Los Padres National Forest and other agencies, before moving to northern Wisconsin, with her husband Dale Thomas and son, Sean.
As a forest ecologist/botanist (evoking the nickname ‘Slash’), for more than eleven years, for the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, she proved to be an influential advocate for the Ojibwe, infusing traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary resource management.
Karen also shared her gifts and skills beyond the workplace, helping launch progressive organizations like: the Northern Native Plants Project and the Bad River Watershed Association, for which she served as a founding board member and past president. Committed to quality public education, she was elected to the Board of the Drummond Area School District and has served as its vice-president since 2005.
An avid reader and lover of writing, Karen was a regular contributor to the Mazina’igan: A Chronicle of the Lake Superior Ojibwe, in which she shared detailed insights about traditional uses of wild plants.
Fortified with intelligence, compassion, energy and a strong sense of humor, she drew friends wherever she went.
Faced with a difficult melanoma cancer diagnosis, early in 2009, she led her family through this, her final challenge, with grace, strength and spirit.
Karen is survived by: Dale, he husband of twenty years; her son, Sean; her parents, Berne and Jean Danielsen, of Santa Maria, California; her older sister, Laurie Mayorga, of Santa Maria; and her younger sister, Patrice Beebe, of Los Angeles, California.
A memorial service and potluck dinner will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2009, one day after Karen’s fifty-first birthday, at Cross-woods Camp, located on the Drummond Road.
Memorials may directed, in lieu of flowers or gifts, to Sean’s college fund, at the M&I Bank, 100 Main Street East, Ashland, Wisconsin 54806.
Our Ashland Chapel will be assisting Karen’s family with her memorialization, although the details have not yet been finalized.
Messages of condolence, for Karen‘s family, may be left at the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. In your message, please include: Karen’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to her family; and your name, so that her family will know from whom it came.
James L. ‘Slip’ DeBriyn, age 81 of 2701 Junction Road, Ashland, Wisconsin, died Saturday, August 2, 2008, at the Appleton Medical Center in Appleton, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born, on May 29, 1927, in Ashland, the son of Louis and Hilda (Windl) DeBriyn. He was a U.S. Navy, WWII Veteran. On May 8, 1947, he was united in marriage to Geraldine B. Erickson, in Ashland. He worked at the Garnish Hardware Company, in Ashland and later at Pamida, in Ashland, until his retirement, in 1987. He was a very active member of the United Chequamegon Area Veterans. He was an avid Packer fan; he enjoyed woodworking and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he loved very much.
Survivors include: Geraldine, his wife of 61 years, of Ashland; three daughters, Diane Ahlquist and her husband, Kal, of Appleton, Wisconsin; Charlene Nelson and her husband, Alan, of Chesterton, Indiana; and JoAnne Toman and her husband, George, of Ellsworth, Wisconsin; and his daughter-in-law, Alice DeBriyn, of Ashland. He is also survived by: 11 grandchildren, Garrett, Jarrod, Nicole, Eric, Aaron, Tim, Luke, Amiee, Joshua, Jacob and Taylor; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Laverne McDougall of Tampa, Florida; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Richard; brothers: Leonard and Louie and his best friend, dog Spike.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2008, at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland, and continue until the hour of service.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2008, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland. Father Henry V. Willenborg, O.F.M. will be the celebrant. Casket bearers will include: Aaron DeBriyn, Tim DeBriyn, Garrett Kohler, Jarrod Kohler, Josph Zepczyk, Jake Zepczyk, Luke DeBriyn and Eric Purdy.
Interment will take place in the Saint Agnes Cemetery, in Ashland. Military honors will be provided by the United Chequamegon Area Veterans.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a fund established at the Associated Bank in Ashland for medical expenses.
Service details have been entrusted to our Ashland Chapel.
Condolences may be left, for Slip’s family, by going to the ‘Contact Us’ page of this web site. Within your message, please include: Slip’s full name, so that we may correctly direct your message to his family and your name, so that they may know from whom the message came.
Sgt. Major, John E. Delfield, USMC, Ret., age 86, of 26155 Highway 118, Ashland, Wisconsin, died Thursday, 5 March 2009, at the Ashland Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Ashland, Wisconsin.
John was born, 1 February 1923, in Ashland, Wisconsin, the son of Frank and Katherine (MacDonald) Delfield. He attended Depadua High School, in Ashland.
On 24 April 1941, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country for 30 years and 6 days. He achieved the rank of Sgt. Major, the ninth and highest enlisted rank.
A Sgt. Major is kind of a rare bird, revered by all marines and valued as the right hand of a good officer commanding marine expeditionary units, regiments, divisions and the Corps itself.
There is no such thing as an ex-marine. Once the commitment is made, a marine will live forever by the values and ethics of the Corps: Honor, Courage, Commitment.
During WWII, John fought in the battle of Tarawa and kept the peace in North China. He found himself at war again during the Korean conflict and served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War.
He received: the Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct 6th Citation, China Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Defense Medal, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 5 Stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After retiring from the USMC, on 30 April 1971, he and his family settled back in the Ashland area. He enjoyed a second career, raising beef cattle and draft horses, and attended Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Institute programs, in welding and auto mechanics.
He was a member of: the NRA, the VFW, Ashland Rod and Gun Club, Fleet Marine Force, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and St. Peter’s Catholic Church, in Dauby, Wisconsin.
On 18 July 1947, he was married to Catherine Dymesich, in a civil ceremony, in Bessemer, Michigan. They were later married again, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, in Providence, Rhode Island.
John and Catherine loved to take road trips together. They made countless trips, to the Western United States, where they visited national parks, state fairs and relatives. They enjoyed fall and spring trips to draft horse sales in: Waverly, Iowa; Princeton, Minnesota; and Neillsville, Wisconsin, along with many of their friends. They bought and sold several teams of draft horses and a team of mules over the years.
John showed infinite patience with his grandsons. He taught them how to shoot a BB gun at pop cans; he helped them get ready for and transport supplies to the Bayfield County Fair for many years; he encouraged them at sporting events and took them to swimming lessons. He rode and drove his draft horses and ATV with them. He let them have all the pop and candy they wanted. He restored Mark’s Honda 70, so they could ride it around the fields.
He loved polka music, picking berries, going with his family to Scenic Drive for hamburgers, to Lulich’s every Saturday morning for breakfast and summer evenings for hot dogs over a campfire, and to Mark’s Castle on the White River.
John is survived by: his wife, of 61 years, Catherine; his daughter, Diane Lulich and her husband, George, of Benoit, Wisconsin; grandsons: Tyler Lulich, of West Lafayette, Indiana; Cody Lulich; and Sean Lulich of Benoit, Wisconsin; sisters: Therese Sporich of Buhl, Minnesota; and Jane Ann Anderson of Crownsville, Maryland; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by: his beloved son, Mark, in 1989; his parents; his sister, Mary Beiersdorff; and his brothers Mike, Ed, Albert, and twin brother Hugh.
John’s family is proud of and thankful for his service to his country. He was a great man, a loving husband, and a wonderful dad and grandpa. He was a respected member of his community. He was patient and smart and generous. He had a quick wit. His passing leaves an empty space, but many happy memories. Semper Fi, Pop.
His visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2009, at St. Peter Catholic Church, in Dauby, Wisconsin and continue until the hour of the service.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2009. Father Frank Folino, O.F.M., will be the celebrant. Casket bearers will include: George Lulich, Tyler Lulich, Cody Lulich, Sean Lulich, James Olski and Donald Dymesich.
Interment, in the Saint Peter Cemetery, Dauby, will follow the Mass. Military honors will be provided by the Inspector and Instructors Staff, Minneapolis.
Our Ashland Chapel has been entrusted with the privilege of assisting his family with their desires for his memorialization.
Messages of condolence, for John’s family, may be made by going to the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. Please include in your message: John’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to his family; and your name, so that they may know from whom your message came.
Adella B. ‘Della’ Denk, age 92 of Ashland, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at the Memorial Medical Center, in Ashland.
Della was born, on August 18, 1917, in Ashland, the daughter of Hubert and Charlotte M. (Cardoni) Hassel. She was a graduate of the DePadua High School, in Ashland. She and Richard B. Denk were united in marriage, in Ashland, on June 6, 1941. She was a homemaker and, for over 35 years, worked, as a dietician, at the Ashland Nursing Home. She retired in 1983. She enjoyed doing Word Search and was an avid game show watcher.
Survivors include: her three daughters: Charlotte Hansen and her husband, Peter, of Racine, Wisconsin; Margaret Wold, of Elk River, Minnesota; and Mary Gierczic and her husband, Rick, of Ashland; and her two sons: Richard Denk and his wife, Janet, of Mendota, Illinois; and Paul Denk, of Rockton, Illinois. Della is also survived by: 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson; her brother, Paul Hassel, of Ashland; her sister, Sister Margaret Hassel, of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Richard, on October 18, 1968; two brothers: Charles Hassel and Anthony Hassel and her sister, Mary Burich.
A visitation, for family and friends, will be held at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland, beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 2, 2010, and continuing until the hour of service.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Adella will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, January 2, 2010, at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland. Father Paul Pare, O.F.M., will be the celebrant. The casket bearers will include: Richard Gierczic, Ricky Gierczic, Rick Denk, Jim Nelson, Chris Pellin, and Roy Roettger. Interment, in Saint Agnes Cemetery, in Ashland, will follow the mass.
The family prefers that memorials be directed to the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland.
Our Ashland Chapel will be assisting Adella’s family with her memorialization.
Messages of condolence, for Adella‘s family, may be left at the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. In your message, please include: Adella’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to her family; and your name, so that her family will know from whom it came.
Francis R. ‘Bucky’ Deragon, age 73, of Red Cliff, Wisconsin, died suddenly, Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at the Memorial Medical Center, in Ashland, Wisconsin, after a recent diagnosis of lung cancer.
Bucky, the eldest son born to Robert and Ethel Deragon, was born, on July 25, 1935. He was an: avid golfer, Packer fan, NASCAR fan, athlete and lover of most sports. After attending Bayfield High School, he entered the Unites States Air Force. He married Gertrude Gordon, on February 11, 1961, in Red Cliff.
Bucky was a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. He was employed by the Isle Vista Casino. He had also worked, for many years, for the Red Cliff Tribe as a Game Warden, had also been a commercial fisherman and an employee of Alwoods in Bayfield. Bucky was a past Chief of the Red Cliff Volunteer Fire Department.
Bucky is survived by: his wife of 48 years, Gertrude; four daughters: Carol Newago and her husband, George; Kay Cadotte and her husband, Mike; Veronica Wilcox and her husband, Dave;and Mary (Dave) Hinrichsen. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Crystal, James, Susan, Tina, Dana, Justin, Brandon, Mandi, Shyanna and eleven great grandchildren: Destiny, Joslyn, Tyrone Jr., Koresa, Tyrah, Alivia, Kylie, Teegan, Nakodan, Braden and (arriving soon) Amira. He is also survived by his ten siblings: William and his partner, Len; Kenneth and his wife, Bonita; Lawrence Sr. and his wife, Alice; James and his wife, Tamara; Missy Soulier and her husband, William; Patricia Navarro and her husband, Greg; Susan, Walter Sherman and his wife, Patricia; Nancy Peterson and her husband, Duane; Donna Holt and her husband, Phillip; sister in law, Alice May and special friends: Bootin Soulier, Tom Polaski and Fran Codotte, in addition to other friends and relatives.
Bucky was preceded in death by: his parents, his sister, Grace and his brother, Michael.
The visitation for Bucky Deragon will begin at 5 p.m., Monday, June 8, 2009, at the Red Cliff Elderly Center, Red Cliff and continue until 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2009, the time of prayers before leaving for Mass at Church. There will be a prayer service at the Elderly Center at 5 p.m. Monday.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Bucky Deragon will be held at 11 am., Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at Saint Francis Catholic Church, in Red Cliff. There will be a police and fire department escort from the Elderly Center to the Church. Father Jeff Holtman, O.F.M., will officiate at the Mass. Kevin Soulier will provide the music. The casket bearers will include: Justin Newago, James Deragon, Brandon Bildeau, David Wilcox, Marty Duffy, and George P. Newago. Military honors by Duwayne Soulier Memorial VFW Post 8239 ~ Bayfield, Wisconsin will follow.
The interment will be private.
Our Ashland Chapel has been entrusted with the honor of assisting the family with the details of Bucky’s services.
Messages of condolence, for Bucky’s family, may be made by going to the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. Please include in your message: Bucky’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to his family; and your name, so that they may know from whom your message came.
Grace Marie Deragon; Neeyoweeway-way-demook, walked on Sunday, October 5, 2008, at her home in Washburn, surrounded by loved ones.
Grace was born on July 9, 1933, at the Indian Hospital in Hayward, Wisconsin, the first born child of Ethel (Girley) Gordon Deragon, and Robert (Chi-wabin) Deragon. Grace is a proud member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. She is of the Loon Clan and a direct descendent of Great Chief Bezhike, and Principal Chief White Crane, the father of Equaysayway, whose Christian name became Madeleine, after whom the Island of Madeline was named.
Grace attended the Bayfield School to the 9th grade. Times got really tough for the family. An extra hand was needed at home to assist with the younger children. At the time, some people thought that education wasn’t as important for girls as it was for boys, so it was Grace that left school. She loved school and learning and this hurt her very deeply.
When Grace was 19, her mother, Ethel, died and Grace was given the additional responsibility of watching over her siblings, which included caring for her 18 month old sister, Missy.
Grace was 20 when she married Gale Pratt and moved with him to the fully sustaining family farm in the Belanger Settlement Area known as Happy Hollow. She had become a ‘Farmer’s Wife’. Together, with the other Pratt Children and some of Grace’s brothers, they worked on the farm. After a few years, she and Gale ran their own family dairy farm. There were many grand times, memorable occasions, trials, tribulations and hardships, but so many lasting and wonderful memories. Anyone who remembers the Pratt farm, has at least one story to tell.
When the new government regulations made it impossible to continue to operate the farm, Grace went to work at the All Wood lumber plant in Bayfield. She, like most of the other workers there, became proficient at identifying the various kinds of wood. On her own time, Grace crafted some very nice game boards as Christmas gifts for her children. Seeing her expert craftsmanship, the company owners commissioned Grace to make some of those special products for their preferred customers.
Grace never lost her love for education and learning. It was at this time that she accepted a voluntary position on the community advisory board for the teachers corps program at the Bayfield School and enrolled in the GED program. She was always an avid reader, reading absolutely anything she could get her hands on. When there were no other books in the house, she would read the dictionary, the thesaurus and the encyclopedias. When All Wood closed, Grace enrolled in college. Her youngest daughter, Judy, was one of her classmates. In 1985, she graduated Cum Laude, with a double major in History and Social Work and a minor in Native American Studies. She worked for a short time with the State Department of Corrections before being recruited to serve as a social worker by the Bayfield County Department of Human Services. Until her retirement in 1998, Grace provided valuable services, throughout the County, to the elderly, children and families in need.
Grace was a published poet, formed many very wonderful friendships and enjoyed a variety of experiences in her life. She moved to Forest Lake, Minnesota, traveled to Florida by airplane, went to plays, dinner theaters and the Grand Casino and Keno in Hinkley, Minnesota. She enjoyed playing (and winning) games such as trivial pursuit (It was always nice to be on the team). She belonged to two exclusive groups: The Poker Club and the W/H/ine Club. In the last years, she liked watching the Travel Channel, History Channel and Discovery Channel on television and especially enjoyed the “Ace of Cakes”, Andrew Zimmern, Anthony Bordain and the Iron Chef-Japan.
In late November, Grace was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and began a brave battle that bought her extra time with the people who loved her dearly. She made it her goal to make it to fall so that she could see the new episodes of her favorite television shows. Her ‘bucket list’ included all the cliff hangers left from last season. She nearly accomplished the entire list.
Grace is survived by Dianne Heapy, who she joined together in ceremony as her chosen companion and partner, on June 16, 2007. Dianne’s children also survive: John Heapy, Karris and Beth. They came to love Grace as a second Mother.
Grace is also survived by her six children and their father, Gale A. Pratt of Red Cliff, with whom she shared 41 years of her life. Her four sons are: Robert Pratt and his wife, Marcia, of Washburn; Jay Pratt and his wife, Fonda, of Washburn; Arthur Pratt and his wife, Cara; and John Pratt of Red Cliff. Her two daughters are: Lynne Basina and her husband, Kenneth, Jr., of Red Cliff and Judy Pratt Shelley and her husband, Adam, of Red Cliff.
Grace is also survived by her grandchildren: Christie Lee Lozano-Gilberts and her husband, Carlos, III; Melissa Jean Pratt, Ruby Ann Basina, Kenneth C. Basina III, Nicholas Thomas Pratt, Arthur Jay Pratt, Jr., Dillon Axel Pratt-Shelley, Eva Marie Pratt-Shelley, Brady Scott Pratt, Mason Charles Pratt and Emma Rose Basina. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren, most of the Red Cliff, Bayfield and Washburn area.
Other survivors include six brothers and six sisters: Francis ‘Bucky’ Deragon and his wife, Gertrude ‘Puddud’, of Red Cliff; William Deragon and his partner, Leonard Erickson, of Red Cliff; Lawrence Deragon and his wife, Alice Fay, of Red Cliff; Kenneth Deragon and his wife, Bonita, of Red Cliff; James Deragon and his wife, Tamara, of Red Cliff; Ethel “Missy” Soulier and her husband, William, of Red Cliff; Patricia Deragon and her husband, Gregory Nevarro, of Red Cliff; Susan Deragon, of Bayfield, Nancy Peterson and her husband, Duane, of Bayfield, Walter Sherman and his wife, Patty, Town of Russell, Alice May, of Washburn and Donna Holt and her husband, Phillip, of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunties, uncles, cousins and very special friends.
Loved ancestors preceding Grace on this journey include: her mothers, Ethel and Dorothy ‘Shig’; her father, Robert; grandparents: Elizabeth Cadotte Gordon, James Michael Gordon, Francis Gordon, Michael Deragon, Margret Belanger Deragon; special protector, ‘Chum’; her brother, Michael Joseph Deragon; her nephew, Ron Jon; aunties; uncles; cousins and friends.
A gathering to honor Grace’s life will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday October 9, 2008, at the Red Cliff Elderly Center.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, at the Elderly Center. Michelle Gordon will officiate.
Our Ashland Chapel was entrusted with assisting the family with services arrangements.
Condolences may be left, for Grace’s family, by going to the ‘Contact Us’ page of this web site. Within your message, please include: Grace’s full name, so that we may correctly direct your message to her family and your name, so that they may know from whom the message came.
Mary E. Dewey, age 84, of 47414 State Highway 112, Ashland, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, July 2, 2008, in the Saint Luke’s Medical Center, in Duluth, Minnesota.
Mary was born, on April 4, 1924, in Mankato, Minnesota, the daughter of William and Regina (Materne) Hartung. She grew up on the family farm in the town of Kelly, Wisconsin. She was united in marriage, to Gaylord M. Dewey, on February 4 ,1942, in Ashland. After Gaylord returned from the war, they started their family and a farm, in Mason, Wisconsin. After a time, Mary, Gaylord and family bought the family grocery store (Hartung’s Store) on Sanborn Avenue, south of Ashland. After building a home and a new market, they operated Dewey’s Super-Ette, until her retirement, in 1983. Mary loved gardening, flowers and all of nature. Her true gift was painting scenes, especially on old saws and saw blades. Watching the new born fawns play on the lawn, in the spring, brought her great joy, just as the young grandchildren and great grandchildren did. She was a member of the Ladies Birthday Club.
Survivors include: Gaylord, her husband of 66 years; their six children: Yvonne Bizub and her husband, George, of Mason; Linda Leach and her husband, John, of Inverness, Florida; Donna Anderson and her husband, Oscar, of Ashland; Connie Richardson and her husband, Robert, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Roger Dewey and his wife, Pam, of Ashland and Gina Pearce and her husband William, of Ashland. Mary is also survived by: 17 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; three brothers: Raymond Hartung and his wife, Ethel, of Centerfield, Utah; Felix Hartung and his wife, Barbara, of Waukesha, Wisconsin and Jerome Hartung and his wife, Janet, of Campbellsport, Wisconsin; one sister, Linnea Barrette, of Janesville, Wisconsin; many nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by: her parents, William and Regina; one brother, William Hartung, Jr.; three grandsons: Gregory Bizub, Kevin Dewey and Joshua Pearce and her brother in law, Robert Barrette.
A visitation, from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday July 6, 2008, at the Mountain Funeral Home, in Ashland, will feature a 7:30 p.m. prayer service.
A Mass of Christian Burial, for Mary E. Dewey, will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 7, 2008, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland. Father Henry V. Willenborg, O.F.M., will be the Celebrant. Casket bearers will include: Michael Skinnes, Byron Anderson, Jason Richardson, Tyler Pearce, Derek Hare and Warren Benson.
Interment, in the Saint Agnes Cemetery, Ashland, will follow the Mass.
Our Ashland Chapel has been entrusted with the privilege of assisting her family with their desires for these memorialization events.
Messages of condolence, for Mary’s family, may be made by going to the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. Please include in your message: Mary’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to her family; and your name, so that they may know from whom your message came.
Marie E. ‘Betty’ Drolson, age 84, of Ashland, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at the Memorial Medical Center in Ashland.
Betty was born, on January 19, 1926, in Blueberry, Wisconsin, the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (DeRosia) Dalbec. Betty attended Cathedral High School, in Superior, Wisconsin, and graduated in 1944. She attended nursing school in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated as a Cadet Nurse. She and John P. Drolson were united in marriage, on May 20, 1950, in Ashland. She first worked at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Ashland. Betty was the plant nurse at American Can/James River in Ashland from 1969 until her retirement in 1987. Betty was a member of the Memorial Medical Center Nurses Association, the Saint Joseph’s Nursing Alumni, a long time trustee of the WFLA Lodge 126, a volunteer at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and the Memorial Medical Center Thrift Shop. She was an avid Packer and Brewers fan and enjoyed gardening, especially her rose and strawberry gardens. Betty was an ever loving, care giving wife & mother.
Survivors include: John, her husband of 60 years, of Ashland; her son, Mark (Cathy) Drolson, of Ashland; her daughter, Kim (Karl) Drolson of Ashland; grandchildren: Chad (Liz) Hurrell, Jasmine, Jeremiah Koskey and Desiree Drolson; her brothers: Gerald (Julie) Dalbec and Robert (Jan) Dalbec, all of Superior; Ronnie, Daniel and Hubert Dalbec, all of Maple, Wisconsin; many nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by: one son, Peter; her parents; and one brother, Kenneth.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland and continue until the hour of service.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial, for Betty, will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2010, at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland. Father Paul Pare’, O.F.M. will be the Celebrant. Special Music will include ‘How Great Thou Art’. The Honorary Bearers will include: Lloyd Dalbec, Tracy Johnson, Edmund Salawater, Jim Belsky, Karl Kookey and Chad Hurrell.
Interment, in Saint Agnes Cemetery, Ashland, will follow the Mass.
Memorials are preferred, in lieu of flowers, to the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, of Ashland.
Our Ashland Chapel will be assisting Betty’s family with her memorialization.
Messages of condolence, for Betty‘s family, may be left at the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. In your message, please include: Betty’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to her family; and your name, so that her family will know from whom it came.
James Douglas ‘Jim’ Durand, age 56, of Mason, Wisconsin, formerly of Ashland, Wisconsin, died Saturday, May 10, 2008, in his home.
Jim was born, on July 23, 1951, in Ashland, the son of Douglas J. and Elaine B. (Johnson) Durand. He graduated, from Ashland High School, with the class of 1969. He graduated, from Ashland County Teachers College, in 1971. He and Cheryl A. Kmetz were united in marriage, on July 19, 1980, in Moquah, Wisconsin. From 1967 until 1974, he worked, as a detail draftsman, for Scott Taylor Company. He also worked, for a short time, at Continental Forest Products. He moved to Boulder Colorado and, from June 1974 to October 1975, managed a 7-11 grocery store. He moved back to the Mason area to partner, from October 1975 to November 1996, with his uncle, on the family dairy farm. From 1995 to 2007, he worked, as a saw operator, for Larson Juhl Picture Frame Company. He was a very active member and treasurer of the Bayfield County N.F.O., a twenty three year member of the Mason Volunteer Fire Department, and a life-long member of Saron Lutheran Church, in Ashland. He enjoyed throwing darts for the Faith Moland Lutheran Church dart team, loved the out of doors, hunting in Wisconsin and Montana and spending time with family, friends and co-workers of Larson Juhl. The best times of his life involved his children in sports, especially Ashland Youth Hockey and High School Hockey.
Jim is survived by: Cheryl, his loving wife of 28 years and their two children: Robert and Whitney. Other survivors include: his four sisters: Susan Anderson and her husband, Donald, of Mason; Sharon Duthie, of Ashland; Sandra Agre and her husband, James, of Pillager, Minnesota and Sally Durand, of Cable, Wisconsin; his father and mother in law, Robert and Mary Ann Kmetz, of Moquah; his sister in law, Deb Kmetz and her friend, Brian Eid, of Ashland; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by: his parents, Douglas and Elaine Durand; his uncle, Earl Johnson and his grandparents.
The visitation, from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at the Mountain Funeral Home, in Ashland, will feature a 7:30 p.m. prayer service. The visitation will resume, at the Church, at 10 a.m., Wednesday, and continue until the hour of the service.
Funeral services, for Jim Durand, will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Saron Lutheran Church, in Ashland. Reverend Dale Chesley will officiate. Music will include ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’. Casket bearers will include: Bob Durand, Tyler Augustine, Bob Wedlund, Bob Miller, Brian Eid and Don Mattson.
Interment, in the Mason Cemetery, Mason, will take place on a day and at a time that have yet to be determined.
Our Ashland Chapel has been entrusted with the privilege of assisting his family with their desires for these memorialization events.
Messages of condolence, for Jim’s family, may be made by going to the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. Please include in your message: Jim’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to his family; and your name, so that they may know from whom your message came.
Ina Elvira Eilo, age 93, of Mellen, Wisconsin, went to her eternal rest on Friday, January 25, 2008, at the Mellen Manor, in Mellen.
Ina was born, on August 22, 1914, in Iron Belt, Wisconsin, the eighth child of Nick and Ida M. (Lahti) Eilo. She attended the Iron Belt K-12 school. Except for a short time of residence in Milwaukee, she lived almost her entire life in the family home in Iron Belt. She worked at Peerless Laundry, in Iron Belt, for many years. She was a loving sister and aunt to her extended family. She will be fondly remembered for her: soft speech, shyness, welcoming personality, friendliness and helpfulness to all, pride in her heritage and for her steadfast faith. A devout Lutheran, in her last years she was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Mellen.
Survivors include: her sister, Ivy Krankkala, of Iron Belt and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Ina was preceded in death by: her parents; four brothers, Nestor, Oscar, Sulo and Verner; six sisters: Impi Johnson, Ilona Krankkala, Irene Levra, Ida Vanderschaegen, Irga Juntti and Inga Morello.
A private family memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at the Mountain Funeral Home, in Mellen. Revered Shawn W. Andersen will officiate.
Interment, in the Iron Belt Cemetery, will take place, in the spring of 2008, on a day and at a time that have yet to be determined.
A gathering , for family and friends, will begin at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at the Funeral Home, in Mellen, and continue until the hours of the service.
The family requests memorial gifts in lieu of flowers.
Our Mellen Chapel has been entrusted with the privilege of assisting her family with their desires for these memorialization events.
Messages of condolence, for Ina’s family, may be made by going to the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. Please include in your message: Ina’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to her family; and your name, so that they may know from whom your message came.
Michael J. ‘Litz’ Ellias, age 57, of Mellen, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at Saint Luke’s Medical Center, in Duluth, Minnesota.
Litz was born, on August 28, 1951, in Ashland, Wisconsin, the son of Alec and Betty (Leichtman) Ellias. He was a 1969 graduate of Mellen High School. He spent one year at WITC and worked as a gandy for the Soo Line Railroad. He also worked at the Minocqua Country Club and, most recently, for North Country Lumber. He enjoyed fishing, but his best catch was ‘bottle bass’.
Survivors include: two sisters: Marlene Sederholm and her husband, Darryl, of Grafton, Wisconsin and Mary Carol Hedrick and her husband, Dennis, of Greenfield, Wisconsin; 4 nieces, 1 nephew and several cousins.
Litz was preceded in death by his parents, Alec and Betty Ellias.
Friends may gather, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Mellen, from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2009.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2009, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Mellen. Father Michael McLain will be the celebrant.
Interment in the Mellen Union Cemetery will take place at 4 p.m., Wednesday, August 5, 2009.
Our Ashland Chapel has been entrusted with the privilege of assisting his family with their desires for these memorialization events.
Messages of condolence, for Litz’s family, may be made by going to the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. Please include in your message: Michael’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to his family; and your name, so that they may know from whom your message came.
Marjorie H. Elliott, age 66, of 215 Washington Avenue, Mellen, Wisconsin, died, in her home, on Wednesday, March 4, 2009.
Marjorie was born, on October 5, 1942, in Hancock, Michigan, the daughter of Fannie Ylitalo. She was raised in South Range, Michigan and graduated, with the class of 1960, from Jeffers High School, in Painesdale, Michigan. Marjorie attended Suomi College, for two years, and, in 1964, graduated, with a degree in elementary education, from Northern Michigan University.
Marjorie taught in: the Manitowoc, Wisconsin, School System and the South Range, Michigan, School System. She was also, for many years, a substitute teacher, in the Mellen, Wisconsin, School System.
On December 26, 1964, she was united in marriage to David C. Elliott, in South Range, Michigan.
She was always an avid reader and enjoyed: gardening; dogs; feeding and watching birds. She was: an avid Green Bay Packer fan and supporter of the University of Michigan college sports teams. All of her family and friends will miss her dearly.
Survivors include: her husband, of 44 years, Dave, of Mellen, Wisconsin; one son, Bruce Elliott and his wife, Dawn, of Marengo, Illinois; one daughter, Kelly Parker and her husband, Jason, of New London, Wisconsin; three grandchildren, Myles Parker, Andrew Parker and Evan Elliott; three step-grandchildren, Ryan, Brittany and Brooklyn; one sister, Mary Ann Forrester and her husband, John, of Damascus, Virginia; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents and one sister, Karen.
A visitation, at the Congregational United Church of Christ, in Mellen, will begin at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2009, and continue until the hour of service.
Funeral Services, for Marjorie Elliott, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2009, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Mellen. Reverend James Imse will officiate.
Interment, in the Cayuga Cemetery, Cayuga, Wisconsin, will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 17, 2009.
In lieu of flowers, memorials, in Marjorie’s name, may be made to: the Cancer and Diabetes Fund, c/o the Superior Choice Credit Union, 117 South Main Street, Mellen, Wisconsin 54546.
Our Mellen Chapel has been entrusted with the privilege of assisting her family carry out these memorialization events.
You may leave a message of condolence for Marjorie’s family by going to the ‘Contact Us’ page of this web site. Within your message, please include: Marjorie’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to her family, and your name, so that they will know from whom it came.
Betty Jane Engen, age 77, of Ashland, Wisconsin, died on Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Golden Living Center-Court Manor, in Ashland.
Betty was born, on September 3, 1932, in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Lon C. and Elsie M. (Bovee) Shanrock. She and Richard I. Engen were united in marriage, in Ashland, on November 8, 1952. Betty was a home maker and, for many years, a retail clerk at the Bargain Hut, in Ashland. She enjoyed spending time with her family, whom she loved very much.
Survivors include: her five daughters; Yvonne Morrison and her husband, Ron, of Ashland; Vickie Butler and her husband, Don, of Aurora, Colorado; Terri Engen and her husband, Tim Braun, of Loyal, Wisconsin; Debra Griesbach and her husband, Joe Kleutsch, of Medford, Wisconsin; and Barbara Barnes and her husband, John, of Washburn, Wisconsin; and her son, Richard I. Engen Jr. and his wife, Corinne, of Madison, Wisconsin. Betty is also survived by: twenty-nine grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; her brother, Duane Anderson and his wife, Karin, of Superior, Wisconsin; a special friend, Joyce Pufall, of Ashland; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, Lon and Elsie Shanrock; her husband, Richard (on Aug 17, 1997), her sister and four brothers.
A Celebration of Betty Jane’s life will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, February 6, 2010, at the United Chequamegon Area Veterans Hall, at 220 East Main Street, in Ashland.
Her interment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery, Ashland, at 10 a.m., Monday, May 10, 2010.
Our Ashland Chapel will be assisting Betty Jane’s family with her memorialization.
Messages of condolence, for Betty Jane‘s family, may be left at the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. In your message, please include: Betty Jane’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to her family; and your name, so that her family will know from whom it came.
Michael P. Emmer, age 20, of Mellen, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, October 31, 2008, in Mellen.
Mike was born on March 7, 1988, in Ashland, Wisconsin, the son of Paul L. and Jane T. (Katka) Emmer. He worked in the lumber industry and was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Survivors include: his father, Paul Emmer, of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin; his mother, Jane Katka, of Cable, Wisconsin; his paternal grandparents, Robert and Rosalie Emmer, of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin; his maternal grandparents, Wayne and Margaret Katka, of Mellen, Wisconsin; his great-grandmother, Theresa Landry, of Mellen, Wisconsin; numerous: aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the Mountain Funeral Home in Mellen, Wisconsin.
Interment will take place in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, on a day and at a time that have yet to be determined.
Service arrangements have been entrusted to our Mellen Chapel.
Condolences may be left, for Michael’s family, by going to the ‘Contact Us’ page of this web site. Within your message, please include: Michael’s full name, so that we may correctly direct your message to his family and your name, so that they may know from whom the message came.
Ronald Dean Erickson, age 65, of 717 7th Avenue East, Ashland, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at the Ashland Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Ashland.
Ron was born, on March 27, 1943, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Roy Clifford and Lela Bertha (Koelln) Erickson. He graduated from Edison High School in Minneapolis, attended the University of Minnesota, and graduated from Bimidji State College.
In 1968, Ron was united in marriage, to Susan Gustafson, in Worthington, Minnesota.
Ron served with the United States Navy and later, the U. S. Coast Guard reserve. His active duty service with the Coast Guard included two years, in the Carolinas, as a recruiter.
His career as an educator included teaching Math and physics at: a public school in New Zealand; a school for American children in Hong Kong and a Navajo school in New Mexico.
Ron and his family moved to Madeline Island, near Bayfield, Wisconsin, in 1973, where he ran a hardware store and later a sail repair business.
Ron recently moved to Cloquet, Minnesota, where he worked as a driver for Halverson Trucking.
In declining health, Ron moved to Ashland, in October of 2008.
Ron was a fervent Baptist. He enjoyed reading, but loved to travel.
Ron is survived by: his daughter, Tyra Vernon and her husband, Todd, of Ashland; his son, Thor ‘Woody’ Erickson, of Ashland; their mother, Susan Truchon and her husband, Robert, Sr., of Ashland; one grandson, Colten Vernon; two brothers: Leroy Erickson and his wife, Carol, of Blaine, Minnesota; Robert Erickson and his wife, Diane, of Brainerd, Minnesota, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services for Ronald Erickson will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the Salem Baptist Church, in Ashland. Pastor Rodney Larson will officiate.
The Military honors, which will follow the service, will be performed by the United Chequamegon Area Veterans, of Ashland.
The interment will be private.
Our Ashland Chapel is honored to be assisting his family with these service details.
Condolences may be left, for Ronald’s family, by going to the ‘Contact Us’ page of this web site. Within your message, please include: Ronald’s full name, so that we may correctly direct your message to his family and your name, so that they may know from whom the message came.
Reubin F. Fehrmann, age 88, of Port Wing, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at the Northern Lights Health Care Center, in Washburn, Wisconsin.
Reubin was born, on May 26, 1921, in Marshall, Wisconsin, the son of Frank F. and Minnie (Becker) Fehrmann. He was a U.S. Navy WWII veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart. He served on board the U.S.S. Enterprise for practically every battle the “Big E” fought, surviving over 300 submarine attacks during the war. Reubin had a long and very fulfilling career in law enforcement. He was a member of the D.A.V.; Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Veterans; The American Legion; International Association of Chiefs of Police; The National Association of Chiefs of Police; National Association of Police Hall of Fame; Wisconsin Professional Police Association; The Zor Shrine Temple, of Madison, Wisconsin; Scottish Rite; Elks Club, of Ashland; the N.R.A.; the Lions Club; Kiwanis Club; the Superior Moose Club; just to mention a few!
Survivors include: his sons: Stephen (Vicky), of Port Clinton, Ohio; Michael (Maryann) of Cottontown, Tennessee; and Jeffrey, of Toledo, Ohio; daughters: Roxanne Sherlin, of Lutz, Florida; and Michele Martineau, of Port Wing, WI; several grand and great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; his brother, Eugene; three sisters: Elsie Pintar, Edna Anton and Marcella Arreazola.
A visitation, for family and friends will be held at the Mountain Funeral Home, in Ashland, from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 25, 2010. Military honors will be performed by the United Chequamegon Area Veterans, of Ashland at 7:15 P.m. A prayer service will follow at 7:30.
Funeral Services, for Reubin, will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 26, 2010, at the Mountain Funeral Home in Ashland. Father Walter Dolan, O.F.M. will officiate.
Interment will take place in the Medina Cemetery, Marshall, Wisconsin, at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 28, 2010, with full military honors.
Our Ashland Chapel will be assisting Reubin’s family with his memorialization.
Messages of condolence, for Reubin ‘s family, may be left at the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. In your message, please include: Reubin’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to his family; and your name, so that his family will know from whom it came.
Leroy S. ‘Bud’ Ferkovich, age 87, of Mellen, Wisconsin, died on Monday, December 28, 2009, at the Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, Wisconsin.
Bud was born, on July 5, 1922, in Mellen, the son of Steven and Leona (Utter) Ferkovich. His father owned Steve’s Hotel, in Mellen. Bud played basketball while attending Mellen High School, and was a member of the 1938 team that played in the State championship tournament.
Bud served, for 21 years, with the U.S. Navy. Bud’s decorations for heroism included: the Silver Star, the Navy Cross and two Bronze Stars, to name but a few. During World War II, he and his submarine shipmates penetrated Tokyo harbor, lay in wait (for two weeks) for a Japanese ship to be launched. They torpedoed and sank the ship and exited the harbor without detection. Bud served on submarines for 15 years of his naval career, seeing duty on five separate boats. He was a Navy Recruiter in his final years with the Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer.
After serving his country, he worked as an electrician in the building industry. While living in Buhl, Minnesota, he joined a curling team. He was often teased by his family that it was the only time he ever picked up a broom, even though their team won two state championships.
While on leave from the Navy (early 1940’s), Bud came back to town to marry Dolores ‘Dolly’ Evanson, of Cayuga. Dolly died in 1990, after 46 years of marriage. Together, they raised five daughters: Lola Haag, of Ojai, California; Marisue Casha, of Orange, California; Nancy Becker, of Mellen; Donna Bedard, of Fullerton, California; and Diane Ferkovich of Orange.
Bud and Stephanie (Ellias) Matusiewicz, of Mellen, were united in marriage, on September 27, 1997.
Survivors include: his wife, Stephanie, of Mellen; his five daughters: Lola Haag and her husband, John, of Ojai, California; Marisue Casha, of Orange, California; Nancy Becker and her husband, Rick, of Mellen; Donna Bedard, of Fullerton, California; and Diane Ferkovich of Orange and a step son, Stephen Matusiewicz and his wife, LeAnna, of Rochester, Minnesota. Bud is also survived by: 14 grandchildren: Cory Cascia, Stephanie Becker, Matt Haag, Kyle Becker, Angela Haag (Wolcott), Rachel Bedard, Brian Becker, Erin Bedard, Neil, Bedard, Ragina Lumpkin, Kirsten Cascia, Jake Kozup, Nathan Matusiewicz and Brandon Matusiewicz; 12 great-grandchildren; his sister, Elizabeth Donais, of El Cajon, California; and his brother, Ronald of San Diego, California. Other survivors include: his brothers and sisters in law: Michael and Peggy Ellias, Peter and Nancy Ellias, Charles and Ramona Ellias, and Rose Brown, all of Mellen; Pauline Hanson, of Superior, and Evie Ferkovich, of San Diego, California; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Bud was preceded in death by: his parents; his first wife, Dolores Evansen; two sisters, Florence and Mary Lou; and his brother James.
Bud loved both of his wives, his ‘girls’, the Navy, playing golf at the Mellen Golf Course and (in his younger days) tipping the perfect Manhattan - or two. He especially enjoyed hanging out with his grandkids, who lovingly called him ‘Grumpa’ because of his gruff outward expression that would break into a wry grin.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Mellen, in the spring of 2010. Interment,with military honors, will also take place this coming spring, in the Veterans’ section of the Mellen Union Cemetery.
Anchor’s aweigh: Bud, sailor, grumpa. You will be missed more than you ever realized.
Our Mellen Chapel will be assisting Leroy’s family with his memorialization, although the details have not yet been finalized.
Messages of condolence, for Leroy‘s family, may be left at the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. In your message, please include: Leroy’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to his family; and your name, so that his family will know from whom it came.
Stephanie Ellias – Matusiewicz – Ferkovich, age 81, of Mellen, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, January 2, 2010, at the Mellen Manor Nursing Home, in Mellen.
Stephanie was born, on August 14, 1928, in Mellen, the daughter of Alexander and Anna (Mesko) Ellias. She and Virgil F. Matusiewicz were united in marriage, in Mellen, on July 27, 1946. Virgil preceded her in death, on May 22, 1990. She and Leroy S. Ferkovich were united in marriage, on September 27, 1997. For over 28 years, Stephanie worked as a quality grader, at the Veneer Mill, in Mellen. She was a very active member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Mellen. Stephanie enjoyed: being a member of the Red Hat Society, singing in the community choir and marching, with the Grannies marching troop, in the Fourth of July parade and volunteering at the Thrift Shop, in Mellen, every week. The apples of her eye were her grandsons, whom she loved very much.
Survivors include: her son, Stephen Matusiewicz and his wife, LeAnna, of Rochester, Minnesota; and her two grandsons: Nathan P. Matusiewicz and his wife, Ruby, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Brandon S. Matusiewicz and his wife, Molly, of Rochester. Stephanie is also survived by: her two sisters: Pauline Hanson, of Superior, Wisconsin; and Rose Brown, of Mellen; and three brothers: Peter Ellias and his wife, Nancy; Michael Ellias and his wife, Peggy; and Charles Ellias and his wife, Romona, all of Mellen. Other survivors include: her five step-daughters: Lola Haag and her husband, John, of Ojai, California; Marisue Casha, of Orange, California; Nancy Becker, of Mellen; Donna Bedard, of Fullerton, California and Diane Ferkovich of Orange; many nieces and nephews.
Stephanie was preceded in death by: her parents; her first husband, Virgil; her second husband, Leroy, on December 28, 2009; three brothers: George Ellias, Alec Ellias and John Ellias; and three sisters: Ann Clement, Mary Polencheck and Helen Toldness.
A visitation, for family and friends, will be held at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Mellen, beginning at 10 a.m., Thursday, January 7, 2010, and continuing until the hour of service.
A Mass of Christian Burial, for Stephanie, will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 7, 2010, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Mellen. Father Michael McLain will be the celebrant. Her casket bearers will include: Nathan Matusiewicz, Brandon Matusiewicz, Peter Ellias, Patrick Ellias, John Brown, and Charles Clement.
Her interment, in Mellen Union Cemetery, Mellen, will immediately follow the mass.
Our Mellen Chapel will be assisting Stephanie’s family with her memorialization.
Messages of condolence, for Stephanie‘s family, may be left at the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. In your message, please include: Stephanie’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to her family; and your name, so that her family will know from whom it came.
Leonard D. ‘Pops’ Flood, age 84 years, of 53504 Bear Trap Road, Ashland, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, December 23, 2008, at the Memorial Medical Center, in Ashland.
Leonard was born, on October 2, 1924, in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Theodore and Elsie (Morley) Flood. He was a pattern maker for an aircraft manufacturing company, for over 30 years.
Survivors include: two daughters, Christine Pillinger and her husband, Mike, of Whitehall, Michigan and Tamey Hmielewski and her husband, Rob, of Ashland; four sons: Edwin Flood; Eugene Flood and his wife, Betty Ann; Lesly Flood; and William Flood, all of Michigan; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Pops was preceded in death by: his parents, Theodore and Elsie Flood; his wife, Leah; one son, Leonard Flood, Jr. and five brothers.
Memorial Services for Leonard “Pops” Flood will take place, in Michigan, at a later time.
Our Ashland Chapel will be assisting Leonard’s family with his memorialization.
Condolences may be left, for Pops’s family, by going to the ‘Contact Us’ page of this web site. Within your message, please include: Pops’s full name, so that we may correctly direct your message to his family and your name, so that they may know from whom the message came.
Thomas Foris, age 90, of Ashland, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2010, at Golden Living Center-Court Manor in Ashland, with his family near his side.
Tom was born, on December 18, 1919, in Ashland, the son of John and Mary (Frisco) Foris. He attended the Ashland School System and was a life-long resident of Ashland. He and June R. Morris were united in marriage, on November 10, 1945, at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, in Ashland. He sailed on the Great Lakes, for Columbia Transportation, a Division of Oglebay Norton Company, for over 40 years, working his way up from deckhand to captain. He enjoyed his “shipmates.” He served in the U.S. Navy, during WWII, as an armed guard on a U.S. Merchant Marine oil tanker, in the South Pacific. He was a member of the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland, where he served as an usher, for several years, and worked at bingo. He was also a member of: the Knights of Columbus and the Marine Engineers Benefit Association. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His favorite fishing was “bobbing.” His hobbies included: making ice sleds and doing wood carving of fish and seagulls. He enjoyed blueberry picking.
Survivors include: June, his wife of 64 years, of Ashland; their sons: David (Joan) of Colfax, Wisconsin; and Richard (Mary Jo Pfankuch) of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin; their daughter, Ann (Daryl) Iverson of Menomonie, Wisconsin. Tom is also survived by his grandsons: Vince (Tanya) and Andy (Elizabeth) Foris and Tony (Jamie) Iverson; great-grandchildren: Jenna, Landyn and Kenzie; many nieces and nephews and a very special friend, Wayne ‘Barney’ Larson.
Tom was preceded in death by: his parents; nine brothers: John, Michael, Andrew, Frank, Joseph, Stephen, Louis, Edward and George; two sisters: Ann Chingo Carlson and Margaret Boutin; one granddaughter, Katie Rose Iverson; and a special friend, Wayne Fresacher.
A visitation, for family and friends, will be held at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland. It will begin at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, March 25, 2010, and continue until the hour of service.
A Mass of Christian Burial, for Tom, will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 25, 2010, at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland. Father Paul Pare’, O.F.M., will be the celebrant. Special music will include: ‘Harbor Lights’, ‘Be Not Afraid’, ‘Hail Mary, Gentle Woman’, and ‘The Prayer of Saint Francis’. Casket bearers will include: Tony Iverson, David Foris, Rick Foris, Daryl Iverson, Vince Foris, Andy Foris, John Gregor, Billy Chingo and Wayne Larson.
Interment, in the Saint Agnes Cemetery, Ashland, will take place at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 12, 2010.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church “Raise the Roof Fund”; Our Lady of the Lake School; the Franciscan Missionary Union; or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Our Ashland Chapel will be assisting Tom’s family with his memorialization.
Messages of condolence, for Tom‘s family, may be left at the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. In your message, please include: Tom’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to his family; and your name, so that his family will know from whom it came.
William ‘Bill’ Frankie, age 83, died, at his home, in Sun City, Arizona, on Tuesday, January 8, 2008. He was born in Tripp Township, Bayfield County, Wisconsin, on November 22, 1924. His parents were Charles G. and Mary S. (Kappela) Frankie. He attended grade school in Tripp and graduated from Iron River High School.
Bill worked on the family farm and became the shipping clerk for Gateway Foods, in Superior, Wisconsin. He served on the Tripp Town Board and the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors. He was a board member of Tri County Town Mutual Insurance Company and the Iron River Co-Op. Bill served as a volunteer for the RSVP program.
Bill married Agnes (Flock) Brost, at Saint Michael Catholic Church, in Iron River, Wisconsin, on August 23, 1997. They spent winters in Arizona, living there year round since 1999.
Survivors include: his wife, Agnes; eight step children: Louis Brost, Jr. and his wife, Ann, of Port Wing, Wisconsin; Marie Mills and her husband, David, of Cameron, Wisconsin; Anne Brost, of Phoenix, Arizona; Frank Brost, Jane Molberg and her husband, Vince, Mike Brost and Joe Brost, all of Iron River; and Julie Tyler, of Trempealeau, Wisconsin. Bill is also survived by: thirteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one sister in law, Norma Frankie, of Phoenix; several nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by: his parents; two brothers: Victor Frankie and Oscar Frankie; one sister and one step son, Pat Brost.
A visitation, for family and friends, will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2008 at the Saint Michael Catholic Church, in Iron River, and continue until the hour of the service.
Funeral services, for Bill Frankie, will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, January 14, 2008, at Saint Michael Catholic Church, in Iron River. Father Michael Crisp will officiate. The casket bearers will include: Louis Brost, Jr., Frank Brost, Glen Lahti, Archie Lahti, David Mills and Vincent Molberg.
Interment, in the Saint Michael Cemetery, in Iron River, will follow the church service.
Our Ashland Chapel has been entrusted with the privilege of assisting his family with their desires for these memorialization events.
Messages of condolence, for Bill’s family, may be made by going to the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. Please include in your message: Bill’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to his family; and your name, so that they may know from whom your message came.
Ronald Francis Frostman, Jr., age 48, of Iron River, Wisconsin, passed away, Thursday, March 12, 2009, at the Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, Wisconsin.
Ron was born on June 11, 1960, in South Bend, Indiana, the son of Ronald F. Frostman, Sr. and Janelle (Watters) Armbruster. He attended South Shore High School and graduated from Slinger High School, Slinger, Wisconsin.
For many years, Ron was employed by Northern Clearing, of Ashland. He was, more recently, an independent logger. Ron lived to hunt and fish.
Ron is survived by: his father, Ron Frostman, Sr. and his wife, Joy, of Forsyth, Missouri; Janelle Armbruster and her husband, Robert, of Iron River; his sister, Charryl Bowling and her husband, Richard, of Loxley, Alabama; nieces, Autumn and Amy Bowling; one great nephew, Landen Crim; several aunts and uncles; many cousins, including two that were very special to Ron, Andy and Debbie Frostman; a very close friend, Chloe Munz, of Brule, Wisconsin; and his faithful canine companion, Maggie.
Ron was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Francis and Eleanor Frostman, and Lloyd and Judy Watters.
Memorial services for Ron Frostman will be 3 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iron River, Wisconsin. Pastor Kristina Jensen will officiate.The organnist will be Rosaline Wilcox. The vocalist will be Bill Kangas. Musical selections will include: ‘Precious Lord, Take My Hand’ and ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’. Congregational songs will include: ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘On Eagle’s Wings’. Lunch, in the Church social hall, will immediately follos the service.
Interment, in the Iron River Cemetery, Iron River, will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2009.
Our Ashland Chapel has been given the privilege of assisting the family with the details of their services.
Messages of condolence, for Ron, may be made by going to the ’Contact Us’ page of this web site. Please include in your message, Ron’s full name, so that we may accurately direct your message to his family; and your name, so that they may know from whom your message came.
