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Maurina Schilling Funeral Homes, 203 N 4th Street, Abbotsford, WI (2026)

02/07/2026

Julie A. Schoelzel, age 67, formerly of Colby, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026 at her home in Merrillan.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Rev. Donald Bruce will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Julie was born on March 8, 1958 the daughter of Darnell and Janice (Gaetz) Schoelzel in Colby. She graduated from Colby High School. Julie worked at the Clark County Jail and Occupational Development Center.

Julie enjoyed making jewelry and sharing with her family. She also liked to go fishing. Julie especially loved children and especially her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Julie is survived by her mother, Janice; her brother, Duane (Rhonda) Schoelzel of Marathon; six nieces and nephews: Shannon (Brady) Salter, Ryan Schoelzel, Brooke (Ray) Krause, Britny (Riley) Knack, Stephanie (Adam) Lemmer and Shayne (Emily) Schoelzel; nine great-nieces and great-nephews: Trey, Brynleigh, Moutrie, Bode, Charles, Thaddeus, Oliver, Milton and Mason. She is further survived by two Aunts: Carol (Dennis) Kuehling of Unity and Sandy Hudak of Marshfield; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Darnell; two brothers, David and Donald “Shorty” Schoelzel; many Aunts and Uncles.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Beth Bryan and her family for the compassionate care Julie received these past few years and all of her caretakers that took great care of her over the years.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com

01/29/2026

Christopher Kim Grande, age 70, of Golden Valley, MN, a man of profound intellect, gentle strength, and simple living, passed away at home of natural causes, on January 24, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00pm at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Parish in Colby on Monday February 9, 2026. Father Yesu Prabhu Balraj will officiate assisted by Deacon Mike Schaefer. Interment to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Colby. Family and friends are welcome from 10:30am until time of service at the church. Live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.

Christopher was born on July 20, 1955, the son of Duane and Corrine (Mayer) Grande in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Christopher grew up in New Hope, MN where he attended school and graduated from Armstrong High School. Chris’s curious mind was evident from a very young age. He was a natural creator, spending his early years building model rockets and crafting his own telescopes to explore the cosmos. This passion for discovery continued throughout his life; He also had a love for high-fidelity sound, often found immersing himself in the complexities of jazz and classical music.

Chris brought that same intensity and dedication to his sports and hobbies. He had a special talent for baseball. He was a devastating left-handed pitcher who batted right-handed. In high school he became a great skater and lover of hockey. Chris also found joy in simple pleasures: baked apple pie, the unique flavor of pistachio almond ice cream, and a slice of pizza topped with green olives.

Chris was a man of deep faith, harboring a lifelong affinity for St. Francis of Assisi. He embodied the Franciscan spirit—living simply, content in his own world, and possessing a heart for the poor. He prayed the Prayer of St. Francis every day, often sharing this quiet devotion with his brother, Steve. Those who knew him understood his true nature: strong-willed, yet profoundly meek, humble, and generous. It was this unique combination of faith and tenacity that allowed Chris to navigate the many challenges life dealt him.
Above all, Chris cherished his relationship with his brother, Steve. They possessed a bond that was inseparable. Together they navigated life, caring for one another through thick and thin.
Chris’s last words of prayer with family were “Nothing is impossible for God’.

Christopher is dearly loved by his family and friends. He will be enormously missed by those he left behind: his brother Stephen Grande of Crystal, MN, his sister Deborah (Deacon Michael) Schaefer of Colby, WI, his sister Kathleen (Lorne) Rosand of Maplewood, MN, and brother Timothy (Batyah) Grande of Marshfield, WI; numerous nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Jody Grande, sister Sharon Grande and nephew Christopher Grahn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Chris to Operation Smile www.operationsmile.org or to Smile Train www.smiletrain.org (two of Chris’s favorite charities).

01/28/2026

Jill Louise Nyhus, age 49, originally of Abbotsford, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026 at the Marshfield Medical Center.

Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Father Yesu Prabhu Balraj will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the time of the service.

Jill was born May 9, 1976, the daughter of Allen and Karen (Frenzel) Wood in Marshfield. She graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1994. She proudly worked as a CNA in various nursing homes in Thorp, Marshfield, Wausau and Abbotsford.

Jill was a dedicated fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and a love for cats. Most importantly, she loved and cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, Jasper and Levi.

Jill is survived by her two children: Kaden Nyhus of Marshfield and Jaron (Dakota) Nyhus of Dorchester; two grandchildren: Jasper and Levi Nyhus. She is further survived by her mother: Karen Wood of Curtiss; three sisters: Mindy (Jon) Kapitz, Becky (Starkey) Wood, Connie Wood; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her daughter; Kassidy and her father.

Online condolences can be made to

01/24/2026

Karen K. Pohlman, age 80, of Owen, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Karen was born April 6, 1945, the daughter of Owen and Joyce (Furniss) Beckman in Monroe. She graduated from Juda High School. On June 8, 1963, Karen was united in marriage to Robert “Bubba” Pohlman in Juda. He preceded her in death on March 7, 2025. She worked as a CNA at the nursing home in Colby. Karen received a degree from Marshfield St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1985 and worked at Medford Nursing Home for 25 years.

Karen enjoyed crocheting, flowers, trying new recipes, birdwatching and cryptograms. She loved watching the Brewers and Packers and old westerns. Most importantly, she loved and cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her children: Curt (Mary) Pohlman of Loyal and Dawn (Kenny) Schmitt of Cadott; a daughter-in-law, Renee Pohlman of Marshfield and Kim (Dale) Williams of Stetsonville; 13 grandchildren: Rhonda (Christopher) Reinhart, Rosie (Josh) Zastrow, Rebecca Pohlman (Roger Hattamer), Jennifer Lewandowski, Travis (Camille) Lewandowski, Laura (Travis) Stibbe, Zech Lewandowski, Breanna Lewandowski, Mitchell (Emily) Pohlman, Kayla (Seth) Gale, Nick (Deanna) Schmitt, Kyle Schmitt and Devin (Tessa) Schmitt; 15 great-grandchildren: Kaitlynn, Michael, Koda, Bentley, Makenzie, McKayla (Kyle), Weston, Arhlen, Exzana, Marshall, Sawyer, Kinslee, Kaden, Carson and Weston; two great-great-grandchildren: Sterling and Alora. She is further survived by her four siblings: Vicki (Nate) Phillipps, Owen John Beckman (Janet Winters), Deb (Gary) Johnson and Denise (Rick) Ford; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Rodney; and a brother, Tom Beckman.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Interment followed at Pine Hill Cemetery in Curtiss. Rev. Teri Hanson officiated. Visitation was held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23 and from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Saturday all at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be made to www.maurinaschillingfuneralhome.com

01/23/2026

James Charles Schmutzler, age 86, of Riplinger, passed away peacefully at the North Shore Healthcare at Marshfield under the tender care of Heartland Hospice on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

James was born on August 4, 1939 in Colby, the son of Woodrow and Audrey (Hanne) Schmutzler, Sr. He attended Colby Grade School and in 1949 he moved to Riplinger and attended Soo Grove School as well as the Loyal Schools.

In his early years he worked as a mechanic for his father at Woody's Auto Repair in Riplinger. He also was employed at Zupanc Motors in Loyal, Jensen Motors in Spencer and Dahl Motors in Loyal. James worked on buses as well and was a bus driver for Coho, of Colby, transporting patients.

James was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Riplinger. He was also a long time member of the Rip Riders Snowmobile Club as well as the Tri County Car Club. Through the car club he enjoyed attending car shows and had many trophies displaying his successful years. He enjoyed spending time in the woods cutting down trees and collecting sap for maple syrup. Camping, snowmobiling, doing anything outdoors was where you could find James.

He married Sandra Sue Blank on November 7, 1959. Together they welcomed four children: Dawn, Scott, Deb and Tim. Sandra preceded James in death in 1994. On May 10, 1997, James married Elsie (Olson) Anderson and she preceded him in death in 2022.

James is survived by two daughters: Dawn Pagenkopf of Marshfield and Deb (John) Sterzinger of Colby; two sons: Scott (Sheryl) Schmutzler of Abbotsford and Tim (Marsha) Schmutzler of Riplinger; seven grandchildren: Eric Pagenkopf, Miranda Pagenkopf, Shalee Schmutzler, Megan Sterzinger, Lydia Sterzinger, Shayne Vetterkind and Dereck Vetterkind; two great-grandchildren: Jude Pagenkopf and Everlee Kronberger. He is further survived by one brother: Allen (Penny) Schmutzler of Riplinger; sister-in-law:Sherry Schmutzler

He is also survived by step-children and step-great-grandchildren, as well as other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his two wives and his siblings: Darlene Schmutzler (at infancy), Sally Bauer (in 2016), Woodrow Schmutzler, Jr. (in 2021); one son-in –law, Thomas Pagenkopf.

Per James’ request, there will be no services. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family

Special thank you to North Shore Healthcare at Marshfield, Heartland Hospice of Marshfield, especially Kristi for the tender care to James while under Hospice.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www. maurinaschilling.com

01/20/2026

Mary Lynn “Onnie” Kiviko, 81, passed away peacefully in her home and was called to Heaven on November 13, 2025.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen.

Born on November 24, 1943, in Stanley, Wisconsin, to Irene and Leonard Kiviko, Mary Lynn lived a life rich with purpose, curiosity, and conviction. Known affectionately by many as Onnie, she devoted her career to educating children in Fontana, nurturing young minds with patience, humor, and a genuine belief in the power of learning. Though she spent meaningful time in Milwaukee with family, Owen was always the place she called home.

Mary Lynn was a trailblazer ahead of her time—hunting alongside her father, earning her Bachelor of Science degree from UW–Eau Claire, and serving her community as an alderperson for the City of Owen. She is remembered as an independent thinker, a passionate political advocate, a lifelong champion of education, and an enthusiastic lover of cats. Her quick wit and understated humor brought warmth and laughter to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Irene (née Knight) and Leonard Kiviko; her sister:Betty Kiviko-Wyler.

She is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her nieces: Kymm (Brian) Stafford and Lynda Decristoforo; her great-nieces and nephew: Sarah (Jacob) Johnson, Chanda Decristoforo, and Skyler Decristoforo; and by many treasured family members and friends whose lives she touched.

Her legacy lives on in the countless people she inspired with her strength, wit, and unwavering sense of self.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com

01/17/2026

Funeral Service for Clara Tauchen

01/14/2026

Mass of Christian Burial for Sylvester Sterzinger
January 14, 2026

01/13/2026

Mr. Dale James Ackerman, 71, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on January 6, 2026, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the city where he was born and where his journey began.

Born on March 29, 1954, Dale grew up on his parents’ dairy farm outside of Curtiss. From an early age, he developed an appreciation for machinery and the outdoors—interests that would later shape his life.

Dale graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1972. He pursued further education with determination and focus, earning a certificate as a heavy equipment operator in South Carolina in 1974. Later on in life, when Dale lived in Grand Junction, Colorado, he completed a degree in Auto Mechanics at a technical college.

After working on the family farm and operating a grader for the Town of Hull, Dale ventured west to Wyoming. There, he spent several years working in coal mines—a demanding and rugged environment that suited his adventurous nature. In 1987, Dale faced a life-altering accident while driving a dump truck up from the mine. The incident resulted in the loss of his leg, but it never diminished his zest for life or his drive to keep moving forward.

True to form, Dale returned to one of his greatest passions: riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. He continued to travel across the United States on two wheels, embracing every opportunity for adventure. Whether parasailing over open waters, jet skiing across lakes, snowmobiling through winter trails, or simply exploring new roads on his bike—Dale lived life full throttle.

In 2004, he returned to Wisconsin to be closer to family. Even then, he remained active and engaged with the things he loved most. He was an avid NASCAR fan and found peace swimming for hours at a time—especially out on the lake where he felt most at home.

Dale’s resilience and adventurous spirit left an unforgettable mark on those who knew him. His ability to overcome adversity with courage and continue pursuing what brought him joy is a testament to his strength of his character.

Dale is survived by his daughter, Ginger (Tim) Kinyon), brothers Dennis, David, Dan, Dean, and Doug and sister Joann Raczykowski, grandson Samuel Kinyon, Goddaughter & niece Paris Ackerman, former wives Marjory Ackerman & Melody Moates, and several nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Jr. and Joyce, and his grandparents, John and Mae Wesneski and Joseph Sr. and Lillian Ackerman.

Dale’s family would like to thank Marshfield Medical Center and all of the amazing staff in Palliative Care who cared for Dale & his family with such compassion.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as an enduring reminder of a life lived boldly and without regret. A Celebration of Dale’s life will be held at a later date this summer. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

01/11/2026

Funeral Service for Patricia Kilty
Sunday January 11

01/09/2026

Sylvester H. Sterzinger, age 83, of Colby, passed away at Dana’s Tender Care Home in Marshfield on Thursday, January 9, 2026 under the tender care of Compassus Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Saint Mary Help of Christian Parish in Colby. Father Keith Kitzhaber and Jeffrey Hennes will officiate. Interment to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.

Sylvester was born on November 6, 1942, the son of Frank and Violet (Stumpf) Sterzinger in Colby. He attended Colby High School. Sylvester worked for Artcraft in Spencer, basket factory in Edgar, ODC, and retired from Stetsonville Hardwoods in 2002.

Sylvester enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, cooking, feeding and watching the birds and playing scratch off tickets. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family.

Sylvester is survived by his three brothers: James Sterzinger, Tony (Ruth) Sterzinger and Herbert Sterzinger; one half-brother, Bob Sterzinger; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Ann “Sis” (Donald) Uerling; an infant sister, Rosemary; a sister-in-law, Lavinia; two half-brothers: Ambrose (Eunice) Sterzinger, William (Lena) Sterzinger; a half-sister-in-law, Joanne Sterzinger and an infant half-brother, Oliver.

The family would like to thank the staff at Compassus Hospice, especially, Kayla, Chaz and Penny and Dana at Tender Hearts Home for their compassion and care both Sylvester and the family received.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

01/07/2026

Clara A. Tauchen, age 102, formerly of Dorchester, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center under the tender care of Heartland Hospice in Owen. Clara was born on December 22, 1923, the daughter of Charlotte (Westlake) and Joseph Dearth near Owen.

She grew up on a dairy farm and attended Owen schools. After graduating from Owen High School in 1942 and completing a correspondence course from the Chicago School of Nursing, she worked in as a nurse’s aide at the Legault’s Hospital and Clinic in Owen until it closed in 1950. She then worked other jobs until she met Marvin Tauchen at a dance in Owen. They were married on May 10, 1952, at the Alliance Church in Owen. She joined Peace Church in Dorchester and they bought the family farm north of Dorchester from Marvin’s mother, Emma. She was a hard worker helping Marvin with milking cows, feeding animals, driving tractor, along with being a homemaker, and tending a large garden. She loved flowers. She was a long-time member of Peace Church Evening Circle and Busy Bees Homemakers club.

Clara and Marvin raised their four children, Janice, Ronald, Nancy, and Donna. With lots of practice, she learned to cook meals, bake goodies, and can food for her family, specializing in homemade bread, buns, donuts, pies, and desserts. Clara and Marvin retired from dairy farming in 1987 and spent the following years bowling on a few local teams, and traveling several times to Branson to see shows plus other trips to Florida, California, Montana, and Hawaii. After Marvin died in 1997, Clara sold the family farm to live in an apartment until her new house in Dorchester was completed in 1998. She enjoyed decorating her house, reading, playing cards with other senior citizens, and visits with her children and grandchildren. She continued to bowl on a few teams until she was 90 years old. She enjoyed playing Rumikub with her grandchildren and could win some games when she was over 90 years old. She moved to The Waterford in Colby in 2019 then to the nursing home in Owen in 2021.

Clara is survived by her four children: Janice (Jim) Rau of Colby, Ronald (Beth) Tauchen of Sun Prairie, Nancy (Brian) Severson of Verona, and Donna (Tom) Berg of Madison; seven grandchildren: Amanda Rau (Andy Wilson), Tyler Rau, Sarah (Chad) Wuttke, Laura (Matt) Roddy, Philip (Jessica) Severson, Kyle (Wenxi Xiao) Severson, and Quinn Severson, seven great-grandchildren: Leo and Tessa Wuttke, Amelia and Rose Roddy, and Clark, Neil, and Luke Severson. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one grandson, Erik Severson; five brothers and two sisters and their spouses, and five siblings who died in infancy; several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at First United Church of Christ in Colby. Reverend Teri Hanson will be officiating. Interment to follow at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery North. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.

The family of Clara Tauchen would like to sincerely thank the staff at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center and Heartland Hospice for the care given to Clara during the past four plus years.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com

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