http://www.maurinaschilling.com/

Maurina Schilling Funeral Homes, 203 N 4th Street, Abbotsford, WI (2025)

11/25/2025

Thomas William Venzke, age 91, of Athens, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Milan. Reverend Michael Mathey will officiate. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The honor of serving as pallbearers is held by his grandsons Kelby Lechleitner, Xavier Lechleitner, Brandon Venzke, Austin Weiler and sons-in-law Gary Lechleitner and Bruce Weiler. A burial will follow the service at the Bethlehem Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Colby VFW Post # 2227. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Thomas was born on January 29, 1934, the son of Henry and Elsie Venzke in the town of Holton. He attended the Town of Holton Barry School through eighth grade and then worked on the family farm. Tom served in the Air Force in 1952 through 1956, where he completed his GED and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 2016, Tom was a recipient of the Honor Flight with his grandson, Brandon, as his chaperone.

He was united in marriage to Dolores Schmidt on June 15, 1957 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens.

In 1956 Tom purchased his uncle’s farm in the Town of Johnson. He dairy farmed from 1956-1995 and crop farmed until 2019.

Tom took pleasure in planting and harvesting sweet corn to share with his family and friends. During the winter, Tom enjoyed logging his woods, where he befriended a partridge who would eat from his hand. This unique friendship lasted eight years.

For the next 22 years, he wintered in Yuma, Arizona, where he golfed and played water volleyball. Tom’s hobbies included bowling, fishing, and hunting, with many trips to Alaska and out west. Tom showed his dedication to his church by holding the roles of trustee, elder, and president along with serving on the finance committee.

Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Dolores, of 68 years; his five children: Brian Venzke of Milan, Jeff (Bonnie) Venzke of Palmer, Alaska, Brenda (Bruce) Weiler of Dorchester, Rick (Wanda) Venzke of Cumberland and Connie (Gary) Lechleitner of Edgar; twelve grandchildren: Jordan (Bryan) Dahms, Kendal (Nicholas) Blohm, Carly Venzke; April Weiler (fiancé Alex Solawetz), Amber Weiler, Austin (Jade) Weiler; Crystal (Andrew) Sargent, Brandon (Tami) Venzke; Kelby (Liz) Lechleitner, Cedric Lechleitner, Kia Lechleitner and Xavier (Taylor) Lechleitner; sixteen great-grandchildren: Landon, Tieghan, Adalyn, Raelyn Dahms; Piper, Braun, Sable Blohm; Beau Solawetz; Greylen, Nayvie, Maela Weiler; Madilyn Harder, Connor, Quinn Sargent; Ryker, Henry Venzke; with three more on the way. He is further survived by one sister-in-law, Nathlie Venzke and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elsie Venzke, infant brother, Walter Venzke, two brothers, Fred and Marvin Venzke, one sister, Luella Wegan, and one sister-in-law, Dorothy Venzke.

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

11/24/2025

Elaine Violet Tessmer, age 100 years, 5months, 3 days, of Dorchester, passed away peacefully at Compassus House of the Dove in Marshfield, on November 21, 2025, surrounded by her family..
A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 pm with a visitation from 2:00 until the time of service, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Maurina -Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Reverend Teri Hanson will officiate. Burial rites will be held at a later date at Dorchester South Memorial Cemetery. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.
Elaine was born to Bernard and Edna (Kalepp) Juedes in the township of Deer Creek, Taylor County on June 18, 1925. She attended Kreie School for 7 years, 8th grade at St. Peter Lutheran and graduated from Dorchester High School in 1943. Elaine married Donald Lawrence Tessmer on September 16, 1944. Together they were blessed with three children and nearly 70 years of marriage before Donald passed away in 2014. Elaine and Donald took over the family dairy farm, sold the farm and Elaine worked ten years at Memorial Hospital in Medford until her retirement.
Elaine was active in the Sewing Circle and Ladies Aid at St. Peter Lutheran Church and Hilltop Homemakers. She loved sewing, crocheting, baking, canning, gardening, fishing, bowling and playing cards at the Senior Center with friends. Above all, her greatest priority in her life was her family.
Elaine is survived by her son: Bruce (Sue) Tessmer; two grandsons: Brian (Ashley) Tessmer and Brent (Jeanna) Tessmer and four great-grandchildren: Gustice, Mattie, Isla and Dalea.
Elaine is also survived by her daughter: Bonnie (Myron) Saeger; one grandson: Nathan (Mary) Saeger; great-grandchildren: Mitchell, John and Everett; one granddaughter: Natalie (Michael) Ganoni and great-granddaughter: Stella.
Elaine is also survived by her daughter: Jean (David) Korntved; four step grandchildren: Andy(Roberta) Korntved, June Wells, Christine Christopher and Julie (Kent) Wittenberg and nine step great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers and sisters- in- law; Melvin (Ruth) Juedes, Donald (Audrey) Juedes and Raymond (Mildred) Juedes.
The family would like to thank the Marshfield Medical Center and Compassus House of Dove in Marshfield for the exceptional care given to our mother.

11/22/2025

Russell Lester Miller, age 76, of Abbotsford, entered his heavenly home Friday, November 21, 2025 after a lengthy battle with dementia. Under the tender care of Abbotsford Healthcare Center Staff.
The beloved son of Lester and Marcia (Gries) Miller, Russell was born on March 17, 1949 in Neenah, WI. Russell graduated from Abbotsford High School. As a child, Russell spent countless hours helping his father in the Miller family bakery – a calling that naturally followed him into adulthood.
Russell found joy in the outdoors, nurturing his vegetable gardens, biking and casting a line whenever he could. He was fondly remembered for his delightful homemade soups and his perfectly baked Spritz cookies. Russell was a lifelong dog lover, enjoyed crafting and video games. He had a special fondness for Shamrock Shakes. Russell’s playful and fun spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
Russell is survived by one sister; Sue (Todd) Buboltz, two nieces: Shannon and Andrea (Michael) Hanson, great niece; Eloise and great nephew; Emmett.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services will be held in the spring of 2026. Maurina-Schilling Funeral Homes are entrusted with arrangements.

11/21/2025

Mary Lynn “Onnie” Kiviko, 81, passed away peacefully in her home and was called to Heaven on November 13, 2025. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.
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.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

11/21/2025

Frank R. Olszewski, age 91, of Withee, entered his heavenly home Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Friday December 12, 2025 at Maurina Schilling Funeral Home in Owen. A Masonic Service will be held at 2:45 pm that all are welcome to attend. A visitation will also be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee from 9:30 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am. The Rev. Elizabeth Bier will officiate.
Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Withee. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Military Honors will be provided by the Lublin American Legion Post #547, Owen American Legion Post #123, Owen-Withee Vets Club and the Thorp VFW Post #9057. Masonic Services will be provided by Owen Masonic Lodge #317. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements.
The beloved son of Adam and Rose (Wojdak) Olszewski, Frank Robert was born on February 2, 1934 at home in Withee, WI. He graduated from Withee High School in 1952 and attended UW Eau Claire and UW Madison.
In 1955, as a 4-H Club leader Frank won a National 4-H Club Congress Trip to Chicago, where he would meet the love of his life, Louise. They united in marriage on June 23, 1962 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Phillips, WI. They were blessed with four children: Daniel, Jason, Katrina and Justin.
Frank proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959 and was stationed in Germany for 18 months in the Armored Infantry as company clerk and flag bearer. He was honorably discharged in 1959 and returned home to work for Mauel’s Dairy. He began work as a bank teller at the State Bank of Withee, retiring 34 years later as an Executive Vice President. During this time, Frank also held various positions with the Town of Hixon.
Frank was a devoted and active member of his community, generously giving his time and talents in many roles. For 25 years, he prepared the annual Corned Beef Dinner at The Masonic Lodge a tradition cherished by all who attended. As President of the Riverside Cemetery Board for 33 years, he was instrumental in guiding the collaboration and construction of the columbarium. Frank was also a member of Zor Shriner, Scottish Rite and was a Beef Project leader for Parks Happy 13 4-H club, and also organized the State Bank of Withee Adventure Club in 1992. A member of the Owen Masonic Lodge #317 since 1962, where he was voted Master twelve times. Frank remained an active member of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee since 1962.
Frank enjoyed making firewood and black walnut lumber. He had a deep love for gardening, horses, and raising Old English Sheepdogs, sheep, and Simmental beef cattle on the family farm. He was fond of Pepsi and as a true Wisconsinite, his support for the Packers and Badgers was unwavering. He also loved to laugh and tell a good joke. His passion for making maple syrup led to the construction of the Sugar Shack in 2011 where he enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Above all, Frank cherished and loved his family.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Louise; four children: Daniel (Kathryn) Olszewski of Middleton, WI, Jason(Julie) Olszewski of Singapore, Katrina ( Gene) Laube of Eagan, MN, Justin Olszewski (Deanna Giera) of Withee, WI; five grandchildren: Chris ( Renee) and Athena Olszewski, Joshua and Lukas Laube and Samantha (Dan) Craft (honorary). He is further survived by three honorary great grandchildren: Sydney, Lyndsey and Colton Craft.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Walter and Adam Olszewski; two sisters, Frances Hoeper and Helen Dombrowski. Two sisters-in-law: Anne Olszewski and Joan Olszewski; two brothers-in-law: Claude Hoeper and Frank Dombrowski. He is further preceded by a nephew Robert Hoeper; father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Mary Rasmussen.
The family would like to extend a special thank you for the exceptional care given to Frank during his stay at the Clark County Rehabilitation & Living Center by the caring 1 South staff.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests memorials be made to Nazareth Lutheran Church, Withee Public Library, Masonic Lodge #317 or O-W Vets Club or a charity of your choosing.

11/17/2025

Mass of Christian Burial; Carol M. Weber

11/16/2025

Featured Business of the Day is Steeple Gallery and Creative Center

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Steeple Gallery and Creative Center is committed to supporting area Wisconsin artists by providing a platform for their work. We host art workshops for anyone interested. We offer pottery, painting etc.
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11/15/2025

Celebration of Life; Lyle B. Johnson

11/14/2025

Sunday December 7, 20205 at 3:00pm for our annual Time of Remembrance. Join us in as we gather our hearts together celebrating and remembering all of your loved ones who we have lost this year. We welcome Reverend Ken Schmidt sharing this special service with us. We look forward to sharing this time with you and your family. To guide our planning, please RSVP today call 715.223.3872 or email: maurinaschillingfuneralhome@gamil.com

11/13/2025

It was with great joy that Carol’s life began on October 31st, 1940, in Marathon, WI. She was the first born of loving newlyweds Arnold and Loretta Blume. Arnold and Loretta were successful dairy farmers with many interests including making maple syrup. Their Catholic faith was central in the family as they were life-long members of St. Mary’s Church of Marathon.

Carol was blessed with 9 siblings; James, John (Claire), Larry (Betty), Jerome (Tina), Robert (Kelly), Rosanne (Eddie) Buchberger, Joan (Robert) Plant, Mary Kay (Denny) McCallum, Marilyn (Mike) Hall.

Carol attended St. Mary’s grade school, and would go on to graduate from Wausau Neumann High School. After high school, Carol studied to be a surgical assistant, and enjoyed this calling, residing in Wausau during this time of her life.

In 1963 Carol met James Weber of Colby on a “blind date.” Jim was the son of Lawrence and Verna Weber. Soon after, they were engaged and married. Jim and Carol operated a vibrant dairy farm in the town of Colby, while raising a family. They had six sons; Richard (Lauri), Peter (Jennifer), Kevin (Mary), Mark (Michelle), Neal (Shana) and David (Rachel). The Weber farm was a hub of excitement and fun times through the years, with Carol always welcoming so many friends and family.

On July 11, 1983, tragedy struck when James unexpectedly died. It was a heartbreaking loss, but Carol was incredibly strong and continued running the family farm while raising her boys. So many family and friends helped and that kindness was always appreciated.

Carol would later marry Richard Massop. They made their home in the town of Colby. In this marriage, Carol gained three children: Jim (Jayne) Massop, Shane (Jenny) Massop and Patty (Randy) Rau and nine grandchildren.

In 1996 her 1st grandchild was born, Taylor (Brynia) Weber, followed by Alex (Teressa) Kampmeyer, Callie (Eric English) Weber, Kaylee (Johan) Garcia, Garrett Weber, Emily Weber, Morgan Weber, Jake Weber, Cullen Weber, Jessica Weber, Heidi Weber and finally Luke Weber.

Throughout her life, Carol had an incredible work ethic, maintaining a large garden and spotless home. Like her parents she was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mary’s of Colby.

Carol’s love and kindness changed the world of those she touched. She was a most loving daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, grandma and friend to so many.

November 12, 2025 was a glorious day for Carol Weber as she entered eternal life. She was well prepared as her faith was strong.

She is survived by a large extended family, including children, step-children, husband Rich, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and so many friends and family.

Carol’s life here is over now, and she is with Jesus, her life’s goal. Joining Carol with Jesus are so many loved ones including including her parents, James Weber and his parents, brother Jim, sister Mary Kay, brothers-in-law Denny McCallum, Jerry Weber, Robert Berndt, Joe Massop, Henry Massop, John Massop and James Massop, and sister-in law JoAnn-Berndt.

The dear people at Colby Senior Care provided loving care and a home for Carol the last year of her life, and for that her family is forever grateful. As Carol neared the end of her life St. Croix Hospice provided additional loving care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025 at St. Mary Help of Christian Parish in Colby with Father Keith Kitzhaber and Monsignor Joe Diermeier officiating. Interment to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Colby. Family and friends are welcome from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 16 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford with the reciting of the Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and on Monday, November 17 at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church.

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

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