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Appleyard's Home for Funerals, 19 W Messenger Street, Rice Lake, WI (2026)

03/16/2026

Edith Noemie Henriette Gauthier, age 80, passed away on March 15, 2026, in Barron, Wisconsin.

Edith was born on January 25, 1946, in Jupille, Belgium, to Edward Carl Gauthier and Madeleine Marie Demelenne. When Edith was eight years old, she traveled by ship with her parents and two siblings, Tom and Josette, to begin a new life in the United States.

As young children, Edith and her brother Tom shared a close bond and even attended school together for a time. The growing family adjusted to life in a new country where they eventually settled in Wisconsin.

Growing up in a busy farm household, Edith was part of a large family where daily life revolved around work, responsibility, and helping care for the younger children. Edith remained a steady presence in the background of family life.

Edith enjoyed walking the mile into town from the farm to spend time in the peace of the church and stopping by Barney’s to buy a pop and candy bar. She also found comfort in quieter routines such as crocheting, knitting, and sewing. There was always someone in the family receiving a blanket or other hand-crafted gift for their special occasion, made by Edith’s hands and thoughtful heart.

She spent her later years at Monroe Manor in Barron, WI, where she formed friendships and was cared for by staff, residents, and even other visitors who came to know her well. Her family extends their warm appreciation for the love and care she received while living at Monroe Manor.

Edith is survived by her siblings: Tom (Lucy) Gauthier; Albert (Beverly) Gauthier; Roger (Patty) Gauthier; Ivette Hecimovich (Rick); Randy (Gabrielle) Gauthier; and many, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Madeleine, and her siblings Josette, Ed Jr., and Ricky.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11AM-1PM at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited to gather and remember Edith’s life.

03/12/2026

LaVonne “Bonnie” VonBehren

Age 77, of Rice Lake, WI, died Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Rice Lake.

She was born on March 31, 1948 in Foston, MN to Clarence and Lillian (Thompson) Finseth. Bonnie graduated from Baraboo Senior High School in 1966. She was married on December 7, 1985 to Larry VonBehren at the Little Brown Church in Iowa. Bonnie worked and managed several restaurants all of her life and operated Baby Huey’s with her brother in Wisconsin Dells.

She enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, working on puzzles, loved having other kids around the house and being with her grandchildren.

She was very hard working, a social butterfly, giving, feisty and loved having a good debate.

She is survived by 4 children, Joseph Clayton (Julie) Schonasky, Michael (Danielle) Schonasky, Melissa (Bruce) Hatlan and Rick Schonasky; 9 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Marvin (Cheryl) Finseth, David (Sandy) Finseth, and Donald (Lori) Finseth; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Larry VonBehren; her parents, Clarence and Lillian Finseth; a sister, Janice Lyons; and a brother, Lyle Finseth.

A private family service will be held. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

03/11/2026

Richard Lee Wickware

Age 69, of Rice Lake, WI, died Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 19, 1956 in Illinois to Ronald and Violet (Butterfield) Wickware.

He was a loving husband, dad and grandfather. Richard was a family man; was a loving, stubborn and caring man.

He is survived by his wife, Stacy Wickware; 4 children, Jaynay (Corey) Miller, Ryne (Jacob) Lennon, Richard Jr (Wendy) Wickware and Allan Wickware; 6 grandchildren, Noel, Rosie, Tory, Serenity, Violet and Reezyn; 2 brothers, James Robert Gooch and Alan Wickware; a sister, Catheryn Wickware; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Ronald and Violet Wickware; a brother, Larry Wickware and a sister, Carol Lewis.

A private family celebration of his life will be held. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

03/11/2026

Joyce Ellen Fasig, born Joyce Ellen Young on June 22, 1942, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 8, 2026. Joyce was born in Lebanon, Indiana, and shortly afterward moved with her family to Martinsville, Illinois, where she grew up and attended school through high school. It was there, in those lively high‑school years, that she met John Fasig—the captain of the football team—while she herself shined on the sidelines as a spirited cheerleader. Their paths crossed under Friday‑night lights, and from those early moments, a quiet spark grew into a deep and lasting love. John would become, without question, the love of her life.
Joyce married John in 1960, just one day before her 18th birthday, beginning a partnership that would span 63 wonderful years. They started their life together in Sandwich, Illinois, where John worked for Caterpillar and the couple built the foundation of their young family. It was there that they welcomed their three children—Julie, Janice, and John—filling their home with the joy, energy, and love that would define their life together.
The family lived in Sandwich until John was transferred to the Caterpillar plant in Davenport, Iowa. They purchased a home in Eldridge, Iowa, where they lived until 1982, when John accepted an opportunity to work at the Caterpillar facility in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Joyce embraced life overseas and especially enjoyed the lifestyle and friendships it brought. While living in Jakarta, she was an active member of the American Club, where she made many close friends. She loved entertaining and was known for hosting gatherings, parties, and events, welcoming both longtime friends and visitors from home.
After their time in Jakarta, the couple lived in Bangalore, India, for two years before returning to the United States when John moved to Peoria to finish his career with Caterpillar.
Following John’s retirement, Joyce and John built a home in Martinsville, where they had both grown up. Their property became a gathering place for friends and family, hosting many reunions, bean suppers, and events. Joyce was always planning the next gathering and loved having people around.
Later in life, Joyce and John purchased a winter home at Green Gate Grove in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where they became active members of their community. Joyce served as the director of activities for several years and was well known around the park as the “queen” of the swimming pool and hot tub. She could often be found driving her golf cart around the neighborhood, waving and stopping to talk with everyone she saw. Joyce and John were even named King and Queen of the park and participated in the Rio Grande Valley parade, an experience that became one of the highlights of their time there.
As their health declined, Joyce and John eventually sold their property and downsized. They lived full-time in Texas until 2022, when they moved to Rice Lake, Wisconsin, to be closer to their grandchildren. They settled into Woodstone Senior Living, a wonderful assisted living community where they were happy and very well loved.
Joyce was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren: Jeremiah Costello, Jason Kennedy, Kyle Costello, Cameron Costello, Austin Millican, Jessica Letner, and June Fasig. She was also blessed with sixteen great-grandchildren.
Joyce loved Elvis, margaritas, and anything that brought her close to the water. She found joy in fishing, swimming, and cheering on her favorite basketball teams, and she was always eager for a road trip or ready to plan the next adventure. Her outgoing personality and natural gift for hosting made her the heart of every gathering, helping her build lasting friendships everywhere she lived.
Joyce will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of bringing people together, and the countless friendships she nurtured throughout her life.
A celebration of her life will be held at 3PM Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Woodstone Senior Living in Rice Lake, WI. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

03/10/2026

Raymond Albert Van Acker
Age 91, of Birchwood, WI, died Monday, March 9, 2026 at his home.
Ray was born February 12, 1935 in Elgin, Illinois to Anna (Hoornaenet) and Charles Van Acker. Ray graduated from Delavan High School 1952 and then enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict 1953 and was a medic and paratrooper until 1955. In the past he was a commander of American Legion Post 379 (Birchwood). He owned a cement and construction Company in Delavan and when he moved to Birchwood in 1970 he continued the business for many years. He also worked at American Excelsior until he retired in 1999. He was an avid outdoors man. He loved to snowmobile, fish, hunt, played baseball and soft ball. He was in the horseshoe league for 37 years, bowling league, and golf league. He loved coaching little league, men's and women's softball. He also belonged to the Birchwood divers club. In the Army he was a boxer and boxed in the Golden Gloves.

In a previous marriage, he had 7 children. In 1974, Ray met and married Rosemary Sauer and they had one son.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Van Acker; 8 children Kathy Murphy, Elberta AL, Kari Brennan (Kelly), Venice FL, Kent Van Acker Salem WI, Kelli Woodward (Chris), Clifton TN, Kristi Schuster (Mark) Black River Falls WI,Kirk Van Acker (Patti), Walworth WI,Kyle Van Acker (Judith), Spain and Raymond Van Acker Jr, Birchwood WI; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister, JoAnne Williams; nieces and nephews. Precedded by death: parents, Charles and Anna Van Acker; Sisters, Marie Siben, Leona Dickerson, Liz Archambault, Yvonne Amans, and brothers: Harold Van Acker and Bernard Van Acker. Ray loved his family and always had that special kind of smirk on his face.

Graveside Services will be held at 1PM Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI, where Full Military Rites will be accorded him by the Birchwood American Legion Post. A celebration of his life will be held from 2-5PM Friday, March 20 at the Birchwood American Legion Post. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank Marshfield Clinic Hospice and the nurse Jennifer for their thoughtful care and support. Also Jon from Appleyard's Home for Funerals in assisting and support to the family.

03/06/2026

Judith Kay Schnoor

Age 77, of Rice Lake, WI, died Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Marshfield, WI.

She was born on October 31, 1948 to Herman and Berdella (Fleuter) Schnoor. Judith graduated from Verona High School in 1966. She worked as a secretary for the State Fishing Game in Madison, WI, a director of the Chamber of Commerce in Minneapolis, Kansas and then a bookkeeper for H&R Block in Missouri and Idaho. Judith was married to Wesley Bryan on August 14, 2013 in Panama City, Florida.

She enjoyed painting and drawing. She was known as a sweet, kind, and loving woman.

She is survived by her husband, Wesley Bryan; a son, Bret Tylinski; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Betty, Jackie and Kathy; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Chad Tylinski; her parents, Herman and Berdella Schnoor; 2 brothers, Gary and Jim and 2 sisters, Peggy and Joyce.

A private family service will be held. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin is serving and assisting the family with the arrangements.

03/06/2026

Leone Olsen Kelly

Age 92, of Rice Lake, WI, died Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Rice Lake.

She was born on July 3, 1933 in Donnely, MN to George and Agnes (Ernest) Olsen. Leone attended school in Rochester, MN. She worked for Kahler Hotel in Rochester as a server in the dining room; they owned and operated Tamarack Lodge in Chetek for 4 years and then worked for Wright Products from 1975-1999.

She enjoyed painting pottery at the Senior Center, sewing, gardening and was very involved in taking care of her grandchildren. Leone was a strong, giving, unselfish and a loving woman. She was dedicated to her family and loved her dog, Molly.

She is survived by 7 children, Shannon Kelly, Erin Thigpen, K.C. Seal, Kerry (Dawn) Kelly, Mike (Tracy) Kelly, Quinn (Sharon) Kelly and Heather (Curt) Hoffmann; many grandchildren and great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Colleen Randall; 3 sons, Sean Kelly, Brent Kelly and Timothy Kelly; her parents; 3 sisters and 4 brothers.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Friday, March 13, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI, Father Adam Laski officiating, with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals.

03/03/2026

Rosemary Lavaliere

Age 77, of Rice Lake, WI, died Monday, March 2, 2026 in Eau Claire, WI.

She was born on October 5, 1948 in Cumberland, WI to George and Esther (Huehn) Miller. Rosemary graduated from Cumberland High School in 1966. She was married to James Lavaliere on June 17, 1967 in Rice Lake, WI. Rosemary worked for Cray Research, Wright Products and WalMart.

She enjoyed sewing, reading and being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rosemary was thoughtful, kind hearted, understanding, feisty and very loving. She was loved by everyone that knew her.

She is survived husband, James Lavaliere; 2 children, Jeff (Tracy) Lavaliere and Wendy (Robin) Myers; 3 grandchildren, Tabatha Myers (Dustin Williams), Kelsie (Derrick) Jenkins and Jacob Lavaliere; 5 grandchildren, Sadie, Remi, Ty, Jayce and Oaklyn; 2 sisters, Linda (Dennis) Ritchie and DeDe (Dave) Zappa; 2 brothers, Brian (Kathy) Miller and Tim Miller; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Esther Miller.

A celebration of her life will be held from 11AM-1PM Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, with interment in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.

03/02/2026

Kathryn Mae Sonnenberg

Age 75, of Weyerhaeuser, WI, died Monday, March 2, 2026 in Marshfield, WI.

She was born on August 12, 1950 in Black River Falls, WI to Ted and Gloria (Richman) Rapley. Kathryn was married to Ray Sonnenberg on July 20, 1973 in Barron, WI. She loved to work on crossword puzzles, knitting and to make dream catchers.

She is survived by a daughter, Rose Sieg; 4 sons, Fred O’Mally, Ed (Cassie) Sonnenberg, Eric Strong and Michael Strong; 17 grandchildren; a great granddaughter; 4 sisters, Ruth, Jane, Bonnie and Ethel; 4 brothers, Pearl, Ted, George and Chuck; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy; her parents, Ted and Gloria Rapley; and a sister, Gloria.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Friday, March 6, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals.

02/27/2026

Helen Tiffany Block

Age 101, of Rice Lake, WI, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at her home.

She was born on January 12, 1925 to Raymond and Margaret (Bell) Tiffany of Chetek. She graduated from Chetek High School in 1942. Helen attended the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis, and was later employed there as a legal secretary.

She married Armin Block in Bainbridge, Georgia on October 21, 1944, and upon his return from service in the South Pacific, they lived in Milwaukee while he earned his degree under the GI Bill. Following his graduation with a degree in education, they lived in a number of communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

In 1968 she began her college career at the newly formed Barron County Campus in Rice Lake, received her B.A. from Westmar College in Iowa, and subsequently a Masters Degree from UW Eau Claire. She taught English in Hinton, Iowa, Chippewa Falls and Barron, from which she retired in 1985.

After her retirement, Helen taught writing classes at WITC in Rice Lake - where she taught “writing your life story” for 20 years. She was one of the founding members of the Barron County Area Literacy council, served as president of the Barron County Retired Educators and of the Rice Lake Fortnightly Club in 1992. She was a long-time member of the Mary Circle at Bethany Lutheran Church. Her volunteer work included delivering Meals on Wheels until age 93, volunteering at elementary school aged children in the classroom; Rice Lake Kinship Program and the Pioneer Village Museum for many years. She directed many musicals while she was a teacher at the Barron High School.

Her interests included writing, quilting, gardening, bird watching, travel, live theatre, bridge and golf. During her lifetime she was a prolific writer, publishing several short stories. She contributed frequently to the St. Paul Pioneer Press articles of interest under the pseudonym of “Late Night Lady”.

Helen was a remarkable woman who personified grace, compassion for others, patience and the love of learning.

She is survived by a daughter, Priscilla (Don) Mahoney; a son, Eric (Hella) Block; eight grandchildren, Nicole (Ian) Campbell, Andy Kasimatis, Megan (Teddy) Singleton, Michelle Schnacky, Michael (Linda) Mahoney, Kevin (Polly) Mahoney, Brian (Audra) Mahoney, and Kathy (Dan) James; fourteen great grandchildren; a great great granddaughter; cousins, Rick Block, David Block and Jim (Marianne) Tiffany; two Goddaughters, Nancy DeMunck Malchow and Donna Brunner Sockness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Armin Block; her parents, Raymond and Margaret Tiffany; and a son, Brian Block.

A celebration of life will be held at 11AM Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Sue Eidahl officiating, with interment in Pine Grove Cemetery in Cameron, WI. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Barron Area Education Foundation - a scholarship in honor of Helen Block.

02/26/2026

Arlene May Hougas

Age 96 of Rice Lake, WI, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026 at the Cottages at Meadowlands in Oconto Falls, WI surrounded by her family.

Arlene May Hougas was born on December 29, 1929 to William and Mazzie Yackel in Sanborn, MN. After graduating high school in Sanborn, MN, Arlene worked at a telephone company as an operator. She met her husband, Frank, when he rented a room from her parents while he was working for Lampert Yards. They were married on April 16,1950 and were happily married for 68 years. Frank and Arlene moved from Sanborn to Sibley, Iowa and then to Rice Lake, WI while Frank continued his work for Lamperts. Arlene worked part time for Birchwood Manufacturing and Libby’s as well as being a housewife and mother to her two sons.

Arlene was very involved in the First United Methodist Church, The Red Hat Ladies, and Fortnightly. She also volunteered for Lakeside Medical Lifeline and delivered Meals on Wheels. She loved her time spent with friends having coffee at Hardees.

Arlene is survived by her children, Wayne (Marilyn) Hougas and Gary (Linda) Hougas. She has two granddaughters who she was so proud of and loved very much. Myriah (Joshua) Farrell and Amanda Hougas. Arlene also had three great-grandchildren, Madelyn, McKenzie and Thomas Farrell. She loved playing games with them and spoiling them any time she could. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her parents, Willliam and Mazzie Yackel and her brother Clinton Yackel.

Arlene spent her last four months at the Cottages at Meadowlands in Oconto Falls, WI where she could be closer to her son and daughter-in-law. She was very happy there and loved seeing her family so often. We want to thank the Director, and the entire staff at the Cottages for their excellent care and kindness, making her last months very special. Thank you also to the nurses and staff at Moments Hospice for their wonderful and thoughtful care.

A special thank you to Debbi Pacholke, Carli Wagester, and Austin Pacholke for their care and love they showed Arlene over the years. We could not have kept her in her apartment as long as we did without their help.

Funeral Services will be held at 1PM Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI, Rev. Jess De Los Santos officiating, with interment in the Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake, WI. Visitation will be held from 11AM-1PM Sunday, March 8 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI.

02/22/2026

Lee William Flora

Age 76, of Barron, WI, died Friday, February 20, 2026 in Eau Claire, WI.

He was born on January 21, 1950 in Menomonie, WI to Earl and Margaret (Reed) Flora. Lee graduated from Birchwood High School in 1968. He entered the United States Army and served for over 20 years and was Honorably Discharged as Sergeant E5. Lee also served in the Army National Guards for many years and retired in 1988.

He enjoyed going for walks, being outdoors, spending time with his family and reading his Bible. Lee was a loving, giving, happy, kind spirit, and a very honest man. He will be missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his ex wife - Sonja Johnson and her son, Jason Eric Flora; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his fiancée, Peggy LaVoy and her son, Jordon Hernstine; 3 brothers, Earl Flora, Noel Flora and Clint Flora; 6 sisters, Darda Flora, Ruth Flora, Jane Story, Mary Peters, Koneta Burchell and Christian Clough; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Margaret Flora; 3 brothers, Ray Flora, Samuel Flora and Randy Flora; and a sister, Lucy Strand.

Visitation will be held from 11AM-1PM Friday, February 27, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, with interment in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI, where Military Rites will be accorded him by the Rice Lake Veteran Center Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the family.

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