Mrs. P. M. Agnew
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN) Monday, 26 June 1905; transcribed by FoFG mz
Funeral services over the remains of the late Mrs. P. M. Agnew will be held at the residence of her sons, Patrick and Henry Agnew, 1109 Banks avenue, at 4 o’clock this afternoon. Father Fardy of Sacred Heart church will conduct the services, after which the remains will be taken on the 5:47 Omaha train to Chippewa Falls for burial. Mrs. Agnew who was 62 years old, died of apoplexy at 4 o’clock Saturday morning.
John Baker
Source: Bloomer Advance (3 Jan. 1918)
John Baker, one of our highly esteemed pioneers, passed away last Thursday night at the ripe age of 84 years. He was in his usual good health up to within a few days of his death, and his sudden demise came as a shock to his family and friends.
The deceased was born in Bohemia in 1833. He came to America in middle life and for thirty five years he has lived on the farm in Cooks Valley.
The funeral was held at the Cooks Valley Catholic church on Monday morning, Rev. A. H. Rosenthal officiating. Interment was made in the church cemetery. We join in deepest sympathy to the sorrowing family in their bereavement.
Ann P. Below
Source: Chippewa Herald Telegram (Wednesday, 26 Aug. 1992) contributed by Ron Flink and transcribed by Marla Zwakman
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Ann P. Below, 95, formerly of Chippewa Falls, died Tuesday, August 25, 1992 in San Francisco.
She was born January 6, 1897 in Red Wing, Minn., to Mary (Eidem) and John Hagen.
Ann married Herman F. Below Sept. 21, 1921 in Chippewa Falls. They resided in Stanley and Neillsville before moving to Chippewa Falls in 1963. She had resided with her daughter in San Francisco for the past five years.
She had been an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls for many years.
Survivors include one daughter, Bonnie (Raymond) Lindahl of San Francisco; one son, Louis (Mary) Below of Lake San Marcos, Calif.; three sisters, Mena Thomas and Clara Bernier, both of Janesville, and Inga Kuss of Chippewa Falls; one brother, Ingvald Hagen of Cornell; and two granddaughters, Mona Lindahl Babcock of San Francisco and Paula Lindahl of Eureka, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her husband on May 10, 1983; her parents; four sisters, Gunda LaNou, Judy Redard, Hilda Lally, and Ann Hagen in infancy; three brothers, Helmer, Edwin, and Alfred Hagen; and one granddaughter,
Joan Below.
A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Skatrud officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.
Friends may call one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.
Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Elaine M. Berg
Elaine M. Berg, 80, of the Chippewa Manor Retirement Community, 756 Irvine St., Chippewa Falls, formerly of 616 Dwight Street, passed away Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at the Chippewa Manor Nursing Home.
She was born March 10, 1927, in Chippewa Falls to Mary Ann (Bergeron) and Albert King. She grew up in town of Eagle Point and attended Popple Lake School.
Elaine married Wallace Berg on May 10, 1947, in Chippewa Falls. She worked for J. C. Penney for 28 years until her retirement.
She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and had been active doing volunteer work for the church. She loved collecting butterflies and bird decorations, houseplants, and going to casinos with her friend, Pat Rust.
Survivors include: her daughter, Sandra Berg of Manitowoc; one sister, Arlene Conrad of Chippewa Falls; three brothers, Eugene (Margaret) King of Cadott, Gerald (Florence) King of Bloomer, Raymond (Janet) King of Chippewa Falls; a sister-in-law, Simone King of Tomah; numerous nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends that were so dear to her.
She was preceded in death by: her husband on Nov. 13, 1985; her parents; her son, Gary Berg; one sister, Elizabeth Materer; two brothers, Frederick and John King; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 14 at Christ Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mark Homp officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel in Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.
Memorials in Elaine’s memory may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church.
John R. Berg
John R. Berg, 48, of Chippewa Falls, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, at Lakeview Health Center in West Salem.
He was born Nov. 3, 1958, in Chippewa Falls to Clarice (Bergeron) and Robert D. Berg. He attended area schools.
Catherine Bowe
Source: Chippewa Herald-Telegram (Saturday, 10 July 1948 Edition)
Mrs. Joseph Bowe, of this city, a resident of Chippewa county for over 70 years, passed away at St. Joseph's hospital at six o'clock Thursday evening.
Mrs. Bowe was born Catherine Stoffel on January 2, 1862, in Belgium, and she came to the United States with her parents at the age of seven years. On January 9, 1883, she was married in Tilden to Joseph Bowe who preceded her in death on April 8, 1941 as did two daughters, Mary and Clara. Mrs. Bowe is survived by ten children, Albert of Hallie; Mrs. Sub (Anna) Schindler of Unity; Mrs. William (Leon) Boos of Elk Mound; Ferdinand Eagle Point; Givig of Tilden; Mrs. Ludvick (Hildagard) Zwiefelhofer, Tilden; Adolph of Wheaton; Arthur of Tilden and Mrs. Bernard (Lidvina) Butak, city. There are 82 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Smetana of Bloomer and Mrs. Peter Meinen of Cooks Valley surviving.
Mrs. Bowe was a member of the Sacred Heart Society of St. Charles church in this city, and of the Christian Mothers Society of Tilden. She had lived on a farm in Tilden until they retired 21 years ago and moved to the city.
The remains will lie in state at the LaFrania Funeral Home from this evening until the time of the funeral. Services will take place Monday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Peter's church in Tilden, with interment in the church cemetery.
Jerome L. Cohoon
557 E. Park Ave. Chippewa Falls, died suddenly Saturday April 10, 2004,at St. Joseph Hospital in Chippewa Falls.
He was born October 5, 1932 to Cathrine (Pregent) and Raymond A. Cohoon in Chippewa Falls where he lived all his life.
He married Judith Lekvin on July 19, 1952 and they had eight children.
He worked for C.T. Film where he became foreman and supervisor.
He was a extremely intelligent man and an artist.
He married Genevieve Hoeft Anderson on October 5, 1989.
He is survived by his wife, his first wife Judy Cohoon, his eight children, Connie (Dane) Zook, Sheila (Gary) Hansen, Allen Cohoon, Cheryl Zastrow, Kristi (George) Taylor, Clark Cohoon, Kevin (Wendy) Cohoon, and Dan (Mary Jo) Cohoon.
Five sisters Jeanette (Ray) Peterson, Nancy (Ron) Richardson, Kitty Vance, LaVonne Cohoon
Marian (Jim) Tremblay, a brother Raymond (Lorie) Cohoon, two step children Marilyn and John Anderson, 32 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by: his parents, a grandson Joey Cohoon, son in law Jeramie Zastrow and brother in law Jim Vance.
Winferd R. Cohoon
815 W. Park Ave. Chippewa Falls, died Sunday June 15,2003 at his residence.
He was born September 2,1942 In Chippewa falls to George and Florence(Pregent) Cohoon.
He was a custom mill worker in Savannah, Ga., where he restored historical buildings.
He married Patricia Cahill on December 22,1984 in Woodbine,Ga.
He served two periods of active duty in the U.S. Army and
two periods of active duty in the U.S. Navy.
He is survived by his wife,Patricia;One daughter Trudy Cohoon,
One sister Rita(Darrell) Hager, and three grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by: his parents and one sister DeAnn Kern.
Interment will be at Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery,Spooner.
Military rites will be conducted by the State Military Funeral Honors.
William Connell
Source: “Evening Independent” (Chippewa Falls) 25 Oct. 1915; submitted by Robert Connell
Demise of William Connell. William Connell, a resident of Lafayette Twnsp, WI for forty-five years passed away at his home on Sunday at the age of seventy-one years. Mr. Connell can well be termed a pioneer and as much was well known and highly respected. Deceased is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Doris McDougaland, Mrs. Wm. Jermyn; four sons, Elmer of Eau Claire, Wis., Edwin, Walter and Leslie, also a sister, Mrs. Mary Connell. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning, at Ten o'clock from St. Simeon's church, Rev. E. F. Hayward officiating
Evelyn Cudney
Source: Chippewa Herald Telegram (Wednesday, 26 Aug. 1992) contributed by Ron Flink and transcribed by Marla Zwakman
BLOOMER — Evelyn Cudney, Bloomer, died Wednesday, August 26, 1992, at Bloomer Memorial Hospital.
Arrangements are pending at Driscoll Funeral Home, Bloomer.
Lizzie Dover
Source: Decatur Illinois Newspaper (March 26, 1926) contributed by Pam
Miss Lizzie Dover of New Auburn, Wisconsin aged fifty-six years, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. S. W. Clark, 612 East Condit Street where she had been visiting for several months.
Miss Dover was born near Bloomfield, Indiana, October 3, 1869. For a long time she made her home in central Illinois, but for several years had been living in Wisconsin. She was a member of the Christian Church at Arthur and was well known there. She is survived by two sisters and two brothers; Mrs. S W Clark of Decatur, Mrs. R E Gibbon, Walter and Harmon Dover of New Auburn, Wisconsin
The body was removed to the Moran & Sons undertaking establishment an prepared for burial. Funeral services were held and the body was afterward taken to New Auburn, Wisconsin.
Joseph Adolph Dugal
Submitted by Clair Mercier
KILLED WHILE AT WORK
SAD FATE OF JOSEPH DUGAL OF SOUTH CHIPPEWA
HEAVY TIMBER CRUSHES HIM
While at Work on the Chippewa River Bridge Last Night He Meets Instant Death. Joseph Dugal, a member of last year's common council and a highly esteemed resident of this city, met instant death last night while employed on the repair work being done to the Chippewa River Bridge. It was but a few moments before quitting time the accident happened that so suddenly snuffed out a life. Dugal and Mike Gonyea were putting a needle beam in place beneath the bridge, intending to fasten it for the time being so that the jarring of the bridge at night would not shake it from its resting place. The timber was green and wet and it moved readily on the iron cleats which held it at either end. Dugal was attempting to drive a bolt through it and two similar beams. Perhaps the jar of the blows shook it down or its falling might have been due to other causes; at any rate neither Dugal nor Gonyea was aware that their position was so dangerous. Gonyea saw it fall and shouted to his co-worker to beware but the warning came too late. The timber struck the dead man on the temple and jammed his head in such a manner that the skull was badly fractured.
The coroner's jury last night elicited the information that no one could well be blamed for the accident. Mr. Arnold, who is superintendent of the work, said that eight sets of beams had been put up in the same manner and the one which the men were working last night, and Mr. Gonyea, who witnessed the accident, testified that he could not see that there was carelessness either on the part of the superintendent or employees.
Mr. Dugal was a member of the Catholic Knights in good standing. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock from Holy Ghost church.
EX-ALDERMAN DUGAL BURIED
CITY OFFICIAL TURN OUT TO HIS FUNERAL
The funeral of Ex - Alderman Dugal took place this morning from Holy Ghost church under the auspices of the Catholic Knights of which he was a member. The funeral procession was a very long one and among others who attended were Mayor Stanley, City Attorney Jenkins, City Clerk McCallum and a number of aldermen. The funeral services were long and impressive and the.....The church was packed with the friends of the unfortunate man.
Prudent Dugal
Submitted by Clair Mercier
90 YEARS OLD
Prudent Dugal Dies Sunday Night
at His Home on Main Street
Was the First Blacksmith in Chippewa Falls, a Veteran of the Mexican War
There lies dead in his coffin at his home, on Main street, South Side, Prudent Dugal, one of the very oldest residents of the city. His demise occurred Sunday evening at 7 o'clock.
Mr. Dugal was born in Three Rivers, Canada, in 1810, and came to Chippewa when there were but two or three white folks here. The city at that time was the only settlement in the Chippewa valley, and consisted of a blacksmith shop and one or two dwellings located where the farm of Patrick O'Neil now is, five miles north of where the city is located. He came on a visit to Jean Burnett, the oldest settler, and intended to return, but after remaining a year found that the country was destined to become more populated, and he remained. He was the leader of a large colony of Canadians who afterward settled and who were identified with the early settlement of the city. His mind was clear especially upon matters of long-gone history. He remembered very well the early days when he came up the river, and at times was characteristically reminiscent over events and people he knew who pioneered in the Chippewa county and noted with pleasure the changes that had occurred from the early days. Going back into his early career the old man used to talk of the days when he carried a chain and guided surveying parties through the primeval forest,--and he often remarked that he had a pathfinder on the very spot where he helped stake out the city and where he has spent his declining years.
Considering the long time that he has lived his health has been comparatively good to the last, and the evening of his days closed gently in after ninety years of existence. Death was due to the general wearing out of his system.
Mr. Dugal was the first blacksmith by trade who came up the Chippewa river. He was also distinguished as being the only surviving veteran of the Mexican war residing in the county.
NOTE: Prudent Dugal was married in 1863 to Louise McMartin (St. Martin). Four children are surviving members of the family.
NOTE: Prudent was married in 1853 to Louise St. Martin.
Claude Duggan
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN) Tuesday, 16 Mar. 1915; transcribed by FoFG mz
The body of Claude Duggan, who died at his home at 4407 Oneota street Sunday morning, yesterday was sent to Chippewa Falls, Wis., for burial. He was a member of West Duluth Homestead of the Brotherhood of American Yeoman.
Robert Hilary Friedeck
SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. — Robert “Bob” Hilary Friedeck, 87, peacefully passed away from pancreatic cancer Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at his home in Sun City West, Ariz., with his family at his side.
Bob was born July 17, 1920, to Martha (Kobinsky) and Hilary Friedeck in Chippewa Falls. He graduated from McDonell Memorial High School in 1937 and was united in marriage to DeLores Penor on Nov. 11, 1942, at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church.
For 50 years, Bob’s career as a Realtor and developer spanned from Chippewa Falls, where he owned Bob Friedeck Real Estate and was co-developer of Bluffview Estates and Tropicana City, to Scottsdale, Ariz., where in 1979 he joined Ranch Realty, Scottsdale. In 1984 he retired to Sun City West.
Bob was a member of the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, the Wisconsin and Arizona Board of Realtors, the Elks Country Club, and the Saints. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, a 40-year member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls, a member of both the Casa Franciscan Renewal Center in Paradise Valley, Ariz., and the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City West, and a member of the Briarwood Country Club, Sun City West.
Bob especially enjoyed golfing, dancing, and traveling with his beloved wife DeLores and their Maltese dogs, Mona and Lisa, to visit their children throughout the country.
He is survived by: his wife of 65 years, DeLores; their four wonderful children, Jeanne Ager, Scottsdale, Ariz., JuLee (Jim) Sievers, Forrest Island, B.C., Canada, Dr. James (Donna) Friedeck, Eau Claire and Jacque (Richard) Mason, Wimberley, Texas; their 11 grandchildren, John Ager, Andrea Ager Stegman, Stephanie and Vanessa Sievers, Jay, Justin, Troy and Lindsay Friedeck, Owen, Victor and Austin Mason; and their four great-grandchildren, Katrina and Matthew Ager and Kate and Molly Stegman.
Bob is preceded in death by: his grandson, Christopher Richard Mason; brothers, Richard and William Friedeck; sisters, Lillian Struve and Mary Deroiun; and son-in-law, Hans Ager.
Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 14 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Sun City West, Ariz.
Memorials can be made to: The Robert and DeLores Friedeck Family Memorial, McDonell Central High School, 1316 Bel Air Blvd, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
Joseph Gay
Source: Wisconsin Weekly Advocate (Milwaukee, Wis.) Thursday, 24 July 1902; transcribed by FoFG mz
Chippewa Falls, Wis., July 23. – Joseph Gay, aged 22 years, an inmate of the county asylum, dropped dead yesterday. He was stricken with apoplexy while walking in the asylum yard.
Dennis Geissler
Source: The Country Today (29 Sept. 2008)
Dennis Delvin Geissler, 68, of Chippewa Falls died Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.
He was born on July 4, 1940, in Bloomer, the son of Delvin and Bernice (Siverling) Geissler.
Dennis graduated from Bloomer High School in 1958 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the 320th Security Agency Battalion, traveling to Germany, Turkey and various countries until his honorable discharge on Feb. 15, 1962.
Dennis married Carol L. Prince on June 13, 1964, at St. John the Baptist Church in the town of Cooks Valley. She passed away Nov. 18, 2006.
Dennis spent more than 20 years working for Uniroyal as a tire builder. In his remaining years he worked at Hutchinson Technology Inc. in Eau Claire.
Survivors include his four children, Denise (Randy) Rubenzer of Tony, Wis., and their children, Derek and Ross; Kelly (Darrell) Davis of Seattle, Wash., and their children, Simone and Noel; Robin (Lonnie) Kopel of Olivia, Minn., and their children, Haley and Lauren; Mitchell (Elizabeth) Geissler of Manitowoc, Wis., and their children, Zachary and Clara; his mother, Bernice Geissler of Bloomer; brother, Ron (Jeanne) Geissler of Minnetonka, Minn.; two sisters, Evie Seidlitz of Cornell and Deon Dachel of Chippewa Falls; and nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his father, Delvin, and a brother, Lloyd.
A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at Church of Notre Dame in Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Brian J. Jazdzewski officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior services Tuesday at church. Burial with military honors will be held Tuesday afternoon at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services of Eau Claire is serving his family.
Laura Gordon
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN) Thursday, 3 Feb. 1910; transcribed by FoFG mz
Mrs. Laura Gordon, 314 ½ Baxter avenue, aged 32 years, died early yesterday morning at a local hospital. She is survived by her husband, a son and a sister, Mrs. Joseph Bren of Eau Claire. She had been a resident of this city for 10 years. The body is at La Sage’s mortuary and will be sent this afternoon to Chippewa Falls for internment.
Mrs. J. C. Hakes
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN) Sunday, 20 Sept. 1908; transcribed by FoFG mz
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis., Sept. 19. – Mrs. J. C. Hakes, 52 years old, died at a hospital here today as the result of injuries received in a runaway. She was hurled from a rig and sustained four broken ribs and internal injuries.
Anthony A. Hassemer
Source: Bloomer Advance (18 Feb. 2005) contributed by Friend of Free Genealogy
Anthony A. Hassemer, 78, of Bloomer passed away Thursday, February 17, 2005, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.
Tony was born in Bloomer on June 2, 1926, to Anton and Mary (Kramschuster) Hassemer. He married Rita Prince on May 13, 1948, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Cooks Valley, Wis. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He owned Hassemer’s Heating and Cooling for many years in Bloomer. He was a member of St. Paul?s Catholic Church, Bloomer American Legion and VFW.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rita Hassemer of Bloomer; sons, Earl (Bernie) of Bloomer, Wayne (Pat) of Bloomer, Neil (Cindy) of Abbotsford and Paul of Rapid City, S.D.; daughters, Cecelia (Doug) Leininger of Chetek, Ellen (Drew) Murphy of Madison, Julie (Dan) Blome of Madison and Rachel (Tony) Boehm of Madison; 13 grandchildren, Lisa (Lance) Ausing, Erin (Andy) Borofka, Amber Leininger, Christopher Hassemer, Carly (fianc), Joe Rubenzer) Leininger, Megan Hassemer, Kayla Hassemer, Michael Blome, Katherine Boehm, Ian Murphy, Matthew Blome, Simon and Roland Boehm; three great-grandchildren, Zachary, Lindsay and Larken Borofka; brothers, Edward (Verdine) of Bloomer, Bernard of Delaware; sister, Marguerite Smith of Armstrong, B.C.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Glen and Dale; sisters, Marie in infancy, Frances Bautz, Josephine Loew and Philomene Crooks.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 21, 2005, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Bloomer, with Father James Arthur officiating. Burial will be at St. Paul's North Catholic Cemetery, Bloomer, with military rites conducted by the Bloomer American Legion and VFW.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2005, and until the time of services on Monday, February 21, both at Schriver Funeral Chapel in Bloomer. There will be a 7:30 p.m. Christian wake service at the funeral chapel on Sunday.
Delbert H. Helland Sr.
Delbert Henry Helland Sr., of Cornell passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007.
Delbert was born May 2, 1940 the son of Henry and Beulah (Downer) Helland in Jim Falls. Delbert had worked for the Jim Falls Dairy for 15 years and then was a self-employed logger in Helland Logging until his retirement at age 65.
Alonzo Hines
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN) Friday, 19 Dec. 1919; transcribed by FoFG mz
EAU CLAIRE, Wis., Dec. 18. – Alonzo Hines, 78 years old of Howard, died Tuesday night in a Chippewa Falls hospital. He was born in Ohio and with the exception of eight years spent in Chippewa Falls, has lived in Howard since 1869. He served four years and three months in the Civil war and was a member of the G.A.R. and the Odd Fellows.
Emil E. Horner
Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., Wis.) Tuesday, 26 Nov. 1991; contributed by Ron Flink & transcribed by Marla Zwakman
CHIPPEWA FALLS – Emil E. Horner, 71, Chippewa Falls, formerly of rural Owen, town of Green Grove, died Monday at his home.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls, with the Rev. Robert Hoekstra officiating. Burial will be in Beaver Cemetery, Loyal.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today and until service time Wednesday at the funeral chapel.
He was born June 12, 1920, in the town of Green Grove, Clark County, to Edward E. and Martha M. (Witte) Horner. He grew up in the town of Green Grove.
He farmed and did custom farm work in the town of Green Grove until 1977. He was a volunteer driver for the Clark County Department of Social Services for 12 years. He moved to Chippewa Falls with his sister in 1989 and had resided there until the time of his death.
Survivors include his sister, Margaret Horner of Chippewa Falls; his brother, Orville Horner of Eau Claire; four nieces and nephews; and nine great-nieces and great-nephews.
Margaret M. Horner
Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood Co., Wis.) Tuesday, 20 Oct. 1992; contributed by Ron Flink & transcribed by Marla Zwakman
BEAVER – Margaret M. Horner, 67, Chippewa Falls, formerly of Owen, died Friday at her home.
Graveside services were Monday at Beaver Cemetery, Clark County. The Rev. Robert Hoekstra of the Chippewa Manor Nursing Home officiated.
Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls, handled arrangements.
She was born March 9, 1925, in the town of Green Grove, near Owen, to Edward E. and Martha M. (Witte) Horner. She grew up in the Owen area and lived on the family farm until she moved to Chippewa Falls in 1990.
She was employed at White Machine Works in Eau Claire for several years until 1964. She also worked as a nursing assistant at the Marshfield Hospital for 18 years and then at Chippewa Manor Nursing Home since 1991.
Survivors include one brother, Orville Horner of Eau Claire, two nieces, two nephews, and nine grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Elmer and Emil Horner.
Lena Hunz
Source: Chippewa Herald-Telegram (Thursday, 23 Jan. 1941 Edition)
Mrs. Peter Hunz., a former resident of Chippewa county, died Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock at her home in St. Paul.
Mrs. Hunz was born Lena Stoffel on September 4, 1869, in the town of Tilden. She was married there (at) St. Peter's church to Peter Hunz and 28 years ago they moved to Cornell where they resided until 10 years ago when they left for St. Paul. Her husband preceded her in death two years ago, and she is survived by the following children, Mrs. Edward Phelan, Ida and Ermine all of St. Paul, Caroline, Alphonse, Herman and Leon of Chicago, and Herbert of Chippewa Falls. Also surviving are two grandchildren.
The remains will arrive in Chippewa Falls Thursday morning at 10:40 o'clock and will be taken to the Bennett-LaFrania Funeral Home where they will lie in state until the hour of the funeral. Services will be held Friday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Peter's church in Tilden.
Lois Ann Joyce
EAU CLAIRE — Lois Ann Joyce, 74, of Eau Claire, passed away Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, at Dove Healthcare Center.
She was born July 12, 1933, in Eau Claire to John and Florence (nee Nederoski) Bleske. A graduate of Chippewa Falls High School, Lois then went to work for Uniroyal in Eau Claire for 40 years until the plant closed in 1992. In 1953, she married Lawrence Joyce and he preceded her in death in 1993.
She was a member of St. James the Greater Catholic Church and was a member and the first President of VFW Post 7232 Women’s Axillary.
Lois is survived by: mother, Florence E. Bleske of Eau Claire; a sister, Ladonna Stevens of Pleasant Prairie; a brother, Jack (Carolyn) Bleske of Elk Mound; her special, close friend, Lester G. Jenneman of Siren; and her lifetime friend, Charlotte Otto of Eau Claire; and other relatives and friends.
She is preceded by: her husband, Lawrence Joyce; her father, John F. Bleske; and a brother, Bill Bleske.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 12 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th Street, Eau Claire.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., on Wednesday at the church. Private interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated..
Condolences may be made care of Plombon’s All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Service, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI
Mary Bernice Lekvin
Died Tuesday January 23, 1990 at the Chippewa Manor Nursing Home.
She was born March 26, 1904 in Adams County to Myra (McFarlin) and Harvey Ayers.
She graduated from Chippewa Falls High School and from Eau Claire Normal School.
She taught school in New Richmond and than returned to Chippewa Falls
where she was employed by the telephone company.
She married Kahny Lekvin on September 24,1927.
She is survived by two daughters Judy A. Cohoon, and Muriel (Robert) Hayes.
One son Owen (Cora) Lekvin. 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one brother Stewart Ayers; one
great-grandson.
Interment will be in Prairie View Cemetery, Town of Hallie.
Joseph Magnan
Source: Wisconsin Weekly Advocate (Milwaukee, Wis.) Thursday, 20 Mar. 1902; transcribed by FoFG mz
Chippewa Falls, Wis., March 19. – Joseph Magnan dropped dead this morning at Nebagamon. His wife and eight children reside here.
Meinen Family Obituaries of Chippewa County Wisconsin
Agnes Edith Mercier
Submitted by Clair Mercier
Mrs. Agnes Edith Mercier, 88, Stanley died Monday night in Victory Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Mercier was born April 14, 1879, in the Town of Colburn, Chippewa County. When 16 years of age, she was married to Albert Mercier and they lived in Colburn until 1944, when they moved to the City of Stanley (117 4th Avenue, Stanley, Wisconsin).
Mrs. Mercier was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Stanley.
Surviving are four sons; Albert, Bay St. Louis, Miss., Henry, Colby, William, Boyd, and Clement, St. Paul, Minn.; three daughters, Sister Roselda, Belleville, Ill., Mrs. Willis Marsh, St. Paul, and Mrs. Arthur Long, Stanley; 30 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will be in St Joseph's Cemetery, Boyd. Friends may call at the Plombon Funeral Home in Stanley from noon today. The Rosary will be recited at 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Marie E. Miller
BLOOMER — Marie E. Miller, 84, passed away Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at Hetzel Care Center in Bloomer.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, at 7 p.m. at the Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer with Deacon Richard Kostner officiating.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Thursday. Committal services will be held on Friday, Sept. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn. with a visitation from 11 until the time of service at the chapel.
Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is in charge of arrangements.
Henry Myre
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN) Wednesday, 17 Feb. 1909; transcribed by FoFG mz
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis., Feb. 16. – Henry Myre, twelve years old, died here as a result of being run over by logging sleighs near Donald. He was trying to catch a ride while on his way to the camp to sell papers but slipped and fell.
Mary Pecha
Source: Bloomer Advance (9 Oct. 1941)
Miss Mary Pecha, aged 78, died at the home of her brother-in-law, John Yakish, in the city at 11:30 o'clock Monday morning.
Miss Pecha was born in Bohemia in 1863 and came to the United States with her parents in 1883 and the family settled in Cooks Valley, where she has since made her home. She is survived by her brother-in-law and by three nieces and three nephews.
Funeral services were held at St. John's Catholic church in Cooks Valley yesterday morning at 9:00 o'clock, with interment in the church cemetery. Rev. Father Eberhardy officiated.
James E. Pevan, Sr.
James E. Pevan, Sr., 72, of 807 Prentice St., Chippewa Falls, died Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, at the Chippewa Manor, Chippewa Falls.
He was born Aug. 12, 1935, in Kenosha, the son of Earl and Edwina (Raymond) Pevan.
He graduated from McDonell High School in 1953 and attended UWEC.
James served in the National Guard and then enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis.
He worked for 35 years for the city of Chippewa Falls, retiring as the assistant to the city engineer.
He married Carol Boettcher on April 27, 1963, at St. Charles Church, Chippewa Falls.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974, Rod & Gun Club and Notre Dame Church.
James loved gardening, the Packers, Brewers and Badgers.
He is survived by: his wife, Carol; three sons, James, Jr. of Chippewa Falls, Patrick (Katie) of Apple Valley, Minn. and Matthew (Stacey) Pevan of New Richmond; two daughters, Jackie (Barry Schaffner) of Hudson and Erin Pevan of Chippewa Falls; one brother, Pierre Pevan of Chippewa Falls; one cousin, Gale Miller of Chippewa Falls; four grandsons, Ryan, Jack, Max and Owen Pevan; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13 at Notre Dame Church, Chippewa Falls. Rev. James Weighner will be celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery, Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, and until 10 a.m. Thursday at the Horan Funeral Home, Chippewa Falls. There will be a Christian Vigil Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Prince Family Obituaries of Chippewa County Wisconsin
Charles Quinn
Source: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Clark County, Wis.) Thursday, 29 Nov. 1906; transcribed by Marla Zwakman
Stanley, Wis., Nov. 26 – Charles Quinn, a cigar salesman, was killed and Morris Schaecter of Chippewa Falls and James Hubbard of Eau Claire were probably fatally injured in a collision in the Wisconsin Central railway yards tonight. The men, with seven others, were returning from a hunting trip and were riding in the caboose of a freight train. While their train was standing in the yard another freight ran into it. The others in the party escaped unhurt.
Mrs. B. B. Richter
Source: Minneapolis Journal (MN) Friday, 8 Dec. 1899; transcribed by FoFG mz
Chippewa Falls, Wis., Dec. 8. – Mrs. B. R. Richter, wife of the manager of the Chippewa Valley Mercantile company, died last evening of heart disease. She was among the prominent women of this city and until two years ago resided in Milwaukee. She leaves a husband and four children.
G. W. Rossiter
Source: Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.) Friday, 27 Sept. 1889; transcribed by FoFG mz
G. W. Rossiter, a Chippewa Falls Boniface, aged 29, who died a few days ago leaving a young wife, carried insurance to the amount of $16,000 on his life. A $10, 000 policy was taken out only a few days since.
Noah John Rubenzer
Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (22 Feb. 1998) contributed by Friend of Free Genealogy
BLOOMER -- Noah John Rubenzer, son of Jerry and Betty (Prince) Rubenzer, was stillborn on Thursday, February 19, 1998, at The Bloomer Community Memorial Hospital.
He is survived by his parents; five brothers, Benjamin, Sam, Robert, Matthew and Troy; maternal grandfather, David Prince, Sr. and paternal grandparents Clarence and Eileen Rubenzer.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mary Prince.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 1998, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Cook's Valley with Father William Felix officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Catholic Church Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is in charge of arrangements.
Emmanuel J. Schwartz
ALTOONA — Emmanuel J. Schwartz, 86, of 9519 136th St., Chippewa Falls, town of Eagle Point, died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007, at the Oakwood Villa, Altoona.
He was born Nov. 7, 1920, in the town of Tilden, the son of John and Eva (Beaudette) Schwartz.
He married Angeline Swoboda on Nov. 18, 1941, at St. Charles Church in Chippewa Falls.
Emmanuel had farmed until his retirement in 1978 and also worked at Morrison’s Implement until 1998.
He was a member of St. Charles Church.
Emmanuel is survived by: one sister, Lucy Liedl of Chippewa Falls; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by: his wife, Angeline on Dec. 20, 2006; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13 at St. Charles Church, Chippewa Falls. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.
Friends may call one hour before the time of services Thursday, Sept. 13, at St. Charles Church, Chippewa Falls.
Horan Funeral Home, Chippewa Falls is in charge of arrangements.
Theresa Smetana
Source: Chippewa Falls Herald-Telegram (Tuesday, 3 Feb. 1953)
Funeral services for Mrs. Theresa Smetana were held at the Rock Funeral Home in Bloomer and at the St. Paul's Catholic church there at 9:30 o'clock this morning, with Msgr. Paschal Hirt officiating. Interment was in the South Catholic cemetery.
The deceased was born Theresa Smetana on May 17, 1875, in the town of Tilden. On May 19, 1903, she was married to Joseph Smetana at St. Peter's church in Tilden. She resided in the town of Woodmohr until her death at St. Joseph's hospital in this city on January 31st. Her husband preceded her in death in 1935.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Frank (Mary) Schneider of Tilden, and Mrs. Phillip (Lucille) Schneider of Wheaton; four sons, Raymond and Albert of New Auburn; Erwin of Bloomer, and Jerome of Hastings, Minn.; one sister, Mrs. Emily Meinen of Cooks Valley, and 14 grandchildren.
Pallbearers at the funeral this morning were James, Thomas and Wm. Smetana, Gilbert Meinen, and Theodore and Albert Stoffel. Relatives and friends from Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Stanley and Wisconsin Rapids attended the services.
Stoffel Family Obituaries of Chippewa County Wisconsin
Arnold Sumstad
Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (21 Apr. 2001) contributed by Friend of Free Genealogy
Arnold Sumstad, 79, of Colfax, died Friday, April 20, 2001 at his home in Colfax.
Arnold was born July 29, 1921 in Carryville, Wis., to Kornelius and Mary (Lindholm) Sumstad. He served his country in the Navy on a P.T. Boat during WWII in both the Pacific and Mediterranean Seas. On November 12, 1955 he married Patricia Prince. Arnold was employed with Northern States Power as a hydroelectric operator for 25 years. He was a member of the American Legion and the Colfax Catholic Community.
Survivors include his wife Patricia of Colfax; one son James (Shari Anderson) of Mound, Minn.; one brother John of San Antonio, Texas.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and one brother.
Funeral services for Arnold Sumstad will be Monday, April 23, at 11 a.m. from the United Methodist Church-Colfax Catholic Community. Father Hoerburger will officiate with burial in The Evergreen Cemetery in Colfax. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Sampson Funeral Chapel. There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Friends also may call one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
Theresa Swoboda
Source: Eau Claire Leader (9 Sept. 1923) page 7; submitted by Sue Balow Parker.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Theresa Swoboda, pioneer resident of the town of Tilden, were hed (sic) yesterday morning at the Bloomer Catholic church. She was 38 years old and grew to womanhood in Tilden. She was twice married, first to Joseph Rothbauer who died several years ago. Later she was married to James Swoboda, who survives with eight children. Mrs. Swoboda's maiden name was Theresa Rubenzer.
Annabelle M. Sykora
Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (24 Dec. 1994) contributed by Friend of Free Genealogy
Annabelle M. Sykora, age 72, of Chetek, died Thursday, December 22, 1994, at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, MN.
She was born August 26, 1922, in Cooks Valley to Michael J. and Maude (Bergeron) Prince. She attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and grade school, and graduated from Colfax High School. She married John Sykora, Jr. on July 1, 1941 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. She lived in Cooks Valley all of her life and moved to Chetek after retirement. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Bloomer VFW Auxiliary.
Survivors include her husband, John Sykora, Jr. of Chetek; nine sons, Thomas J. (Annette) of Chippewa Falls, Peter J. (Esther) of River Falls, WI, Raymond C. (Linda) of Deer Park, WI, Anthony F. (Patrice) of Bloomer, Theodore F. (Laura) of Milton, WI, Mark J. of Minneapolis, MN, Matthew R. (Mary) of Menomonie and Luke E. (Jeanne) Sykora of Prairie Du Chien; two daughters, Jeanette (Ron) Kirchner of Red Wing, MN and Kathleen (Gary) Spaeth of Chippewa Falls; one brother, David Prince of Cooks Valley and one sister, Sister Mary Roberta Prince of Wheeling, Ill. Also survived by 38 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, James, Frank and Robert Prince; one sister, Bernice Peterson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 26, 1994, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Cooks Valley with the Rev. William Felix officiating. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday, December 25, 1994, at the Schriver Funeral Home, Bloomer, and one hour before the mass at the church. There will be a Parish Council of Catholic Women Rosary at 7:30 p.m. followed by a 8:00 p.m. Wake service Sunday at the funeral homress Company.
John Sykora Jr.
Source: Chippewa Herald (19 May 2010) contributed by Friend of Free Genealogy
Obit: John Sykora, Jr., 89, of Bloomer passed away Monday, May 17, 2010, at Our House Memory Care in Chippewa Falls.
John was born on May 21, 1920, in Bloomer to John B. and Katherine (Borofka) Sykora. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, serving from 1942 to 1945. He married Annabelle Prince on July 1, 1941, at St. Johns Catholic Church, Cooks Valley. He was a member of St. Pauls Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Bloomer American Legion and Life Member of the Bloomer V.F.W.
John is survived by: sons, Thomas (Annette) of Chippewa Falls, Peter (Esther) of River Falls, Raymond (Linda) of Deer Park; Anthony (Patrice) of Altoona, John, III (Audrey) of Bloomer, Theodore (Laura) of Milton, Mark of Palm Springs, Calif.; Matthew (Mary) of Chippewa Falls and Luke (Jeanne) of Prairie Du Chien; daughters, Jeanette Kirchner of La Mesa, Calif. and Kathleen (Gary) Spaeth of Chippewa Falls; brother, Richard Sykora of Colorado; sisters, Agnes Procknow of Chippewa Falls, Anna (Raymond) Langman of Chetek, Regina Rogge of Bloomer, Rose (Dave) Quinlan of Kewaunee and Theresa (Clarence) Shakal of Bloomer; sister in law Eileen Sykora; 39 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews
He is preceded in death by: his parents; wife; brothers, Al, Ernest, Archie and Joe; sisters, Kristina Hagen, Sister Jane Sykora, Mary Prince and Helen Pecha; brothers-in-law, Irvin Hagen, David Prince, Richard Pecha, Delmar Rogge and Alvin Procknow; sisters-in-law, Esther and Mary Sykora; and son-in-law Ron Kirchner.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 21 at St. Johns Catholic Church, Cooks Valley, conducted by Father James Arthur. Burial will be at St. Johns Catholic Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Bloomer American Legion and V.F.W.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 20 at the Schriver Funeral Chapel, Bloomer, and one hour before the Mass at the church on Friday. There will be a 7:30 p.m. Christian Wake Service and Knights of Columbus Service at the Funeral Chapel on Thursday.
Harold M. Taylor
528 E. Summit Ave., Chippewa Falls died Monday May 2, 2005.
He was born February18, 1926 in the town of Bloomer to Frank and Orpha (Tallman) Taylor.
He married Joann Sneen on November 6, 1948 at Notre Dame Catholic Church.
He was employed as a butcher at Consumer's Co-op (Mega Foods).
He is survived by two daughters Ellen (Dennis) Baldeshwiler, Cindy (Rick) Turner, three sisters Rosa (Kenneth) Blake, Lillian (Floyd) Wilson, Ruby (Lawrence) Hakes, two brothers William (Jean) Taylor, and Richard (Ruby) Taylor.
Seven grandchildren Eric (Nicole) Turner, Christopher (Fiancee Ashley Nayes) Turner, Joseph, Andrew, Sara, Michael, and Anthony Baldeshwiler,
Great-grandson, Colton Turner, two brother in laws, Ronald Clark and William Kukuk and special nephew Lloyd Kukuk.
He was preceded in death by his wife on October 27, 1991, his parents, a sister Mary Jean Taylor, and two brothers, Alvin and Henry Taylor.
Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.
Mabel I. Taylor
Died Monday October 24, 2005 at the Maplewood in Bloomer.
She was born October 21, 1912 in the town of Sampson to Mr. and Mrs.Sam Davis.
She graduated from Bloomer High School.
She married Melvin F. Taylor in Wabasha Minnesota.
They farmed on the Taylor homestead until her husband’s death on January 14, 1976.
She is survived by one son Duane (Kathleen) Taylor, four grandchildren Dwight Taylor, Dean Taylor, Theresa Johnson, and Deanna Johnson, and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and two brothers Axel and Loren Davis.
Interment will be at Bloomer City Cemetery.
William Walsdorf
Source: The Minneapolis Journal (16 Nov. 1901) Sub. by a Friend of Free Genealogy
Chippewa Falls, Wis., Nov. 16 - William Walsdorf, employed in a logging camp on the Jump river, in this county, was shot and killed by a hunter yesterday.
A farmer named Martins, who came here last spring and settled on land, was shot by a stray bullet while sitting at a table in his home eating supper. The bullet entered one ear and came out the other. Death was instantaneous.
The woods are full of hunters and it is un-safe to travel on any, of. the old logging roads.
Leslie Wilson
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN) Friday, 7 Dec. 1906; transcribed by FoFG mz
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. Dec. 6. – Leslie Wilson, one of the pioneers of Chippewa Falls, and leading business man, died last night from enlargement of the heart. He had been ill several weeks. He was president and manager of the Chippewa Valley mercantile company, and president of the Progressive league.
Beatrice M. Woodford
Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram (9 Dec. 1996) contributed by Friend of Free Genealogy
Osseo - Beatrice M. Woodford, 84, of Osseo Nursing Home, died Sunday, December 8, 1996, at the home.
Beatrice was born April 38, 1912, in Cooks Valley, Chippewa County, to George amd Clara Prince.
She married Leslie B. Woodford Sept. 15, 19311, in Eau Claire. He preceded her in death March 18, 1993.
She was a resident of the Cleghorn area for 63 years, farming with her husband and working with him in the cattle business and at Woodford Auto Sales in Eau Claire in the early 1950's.
She is survived by a son, John Woodford of Osseo; a daughter Barbara Jean (Richard) Orlikowski of Emmett, Calif.; a cousin, Leila Emmerton of Bloomer; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Clarence.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Brackett with Father Paul Gitter officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Gardens Cemetery.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Schiefelbein Funeral Home in Osseo.
Yakesh or Yakish Family Obituaries of Chippewa County Wisconsin
Loyd Zook
Died Thursday July 23, 1992 at Fall Creek Nursing Home.
He was born November 9, 1917 in Jackson County.
He graduated from Augusta High School in 1936.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1940 and
was on active duty in Pearl Harbor on December 12,1941.
He married Mary Robertson in California on September 1, 1945.
He was also employed delivered milk for Land O' Lakes and was a carpenter for Lampert Yards in Augusta. He also was a member of Augusta American Legion and served on the Augusta City Council.
Survived by his wife Mary, Three daughters Jill Zook and Suzy (Bernie) Matysik,
and Jean (Joe) Traver, Three sons Dane (Connie) Zook, Dale (Cathrine) Zook, and Kent(Susan) Zook, 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Jason Zunker
January 4, 2008
Chippewa County Deputy Killed in the Line of Duty
A Chippewa County sheriff's deputy is dead after a car hit him near the scene of a semi fire. The State Patrol says 31-year-old Jason Zunker was setting up cones and flares on southbound Highway 53. That's when a driver hit Zunker outside his squad car - resulting in head injuries that turned fatal. The State Patrol says it all started around 9:30 Friday night. Troopers, along with Chippewa County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a semi, fully engulfed in flames near Milemarker 109. "Due to the traffic on 53, with the emergency response out of Tilden, it was decided by the State Patrol officer to close the highway down," said Chippewa County Sheriff James Kowalczyk. A stretch of Highway 53 at Highway 40 was shut down for hours overnight. But it was only a matter of minutes before an crash ended Deputy Jason Zunker's assignment. "Jason Zunker was assigned to detail traffic north of that intersection onto State Highway 40," Kowalczyk said. "And in the process of setting up flares and cones, the officer was struck by a southbound vehicle." Deputies say 21-year-old Erika Kressin hit Zunker while he was standing outside his squad car in the left lane. Doctors at Luther Hospital pronounced him dead shortly after Noon. "We're devastated," Kowalczyk said. "There's not enough words that I can say to the Zunker family to the members of our department, to the deputies that worked hand-in-hand with Jason. This is a loss that will never be replaced." Zunker had been working for the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department for four years - first, as a reserve deputy patrolling water, snowmobile and ATV trails before being hired full-time. "Jason was a deputy that always went above and beyond, always had a smile on his face," Kowalczyk said. Colleagues say the crash is a sad reminder of the dangers of the job. "It reminds us how difficult it is on these roadways, how all the people play such an important role - both those of us who enforce the laws and those who them themselves," said Lt. Jeff Lorentz, of the Wisconsin State Patrol. "You can't really let down your guard." Troopers say the driver of the semi and Kressin are both OK. Troopers say charges are possible, but Kressin is not under arrest. And they say she's a victim in this tragedy as well. A reconstruction team from the State Patrol has already started what could be a lengthy investigation.
