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

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.

02/20/2026

Gustav “Gus” Carl Moltzan Jr

Age 96, of Birchwood, WI, died Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Eau Claire, WI.

He was born on February 27, 1929 in Cook County, Illinois to Gustav Sr and Elizabeth (Rosenberger) Moltzan. Gus graduated from High School in Chicago and then entered the United States Army and was later Honorably Discharged. He was married to Joan Bothke on June 29, 1957. Gus owned and operated a sporting goods store in Chicago and an outboard motor store. Gus was known as the “fuller brush guy” - a door to door salesman. He owned and operated Hemlock Canoe Company in Birchwood, WI for many years.

He loved hockey and scrimmaged in his youth against the Chicago Black Hawks, was a hockey coach, enjoyed bowling and golfing, going fishing, camping and going to the boundary waters. Joan and Gus enjoyed going to the Mabel Tainter Theatre in Menomonie and the Birchwood Senior Center.

He is survived by 5 children, Kerry (Elaine) Moltzan, Dan Moltzan, Kyle Moltzan, Kim Moltzan and Greg Moltzan; 8 grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; a brother, Herbert (Jan) Moltzan; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Moltzan; a son, Fritz Moltzan; a great granddaughter, Macy Bystrom; his parents, Gustav and Elizabeth Moltzan; a brother, Edward (Rita) Moltzan; a sister, Mary Moltzan.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Saturday, March 7, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. John Erickson officiating, with interment in the Cedar Lake Cemetery, where Military Rites will be accorded him by the Rice Lake Veteran Center Honor Guard. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

02/20/2026

Connie May Thompson

Age 63, of Rice Lake, WI, died Thursday, February 19, 2026 at her home.

She was born on July 8, 1962 in Menomonie, WI to Howard and Joyce (Alden) Heller. Connie graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1980. She was married to Perry Thompson on June 20, 1981 in Rice Lake.

She loved doing arts and crafts, made afghans, worked on puzzles, crocheted doilies and blankets, watched the Gospel channel on TV and read her Bible.

She was lovable, tender hearted, intelligent, and had a beautiful soul.

She is survived by her husband, Perry Thompson; 2 daughters, Maria (Gonzalo) Benitez and Elizabeth Thompson; 3 sisters, Joyce (Randy) Kniss, Laurie Heller and Lois Heller; a brother, John Heller; a niece, Rachel; 3 nephews, Nathan, Michael and Jonathan; several great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Joyce Heller.

A celebration of her life will be held from 11AM-1PM Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

02/20/2026

Joan Eleanor Moltzan

Age 88, of Birchwood, WI, died Thursday, February 12, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 27, 1937 in Rice Lake to Fritz and Cecile (Corbin) Bothke. Joan graduated from Rice Lake High School and was married to Gustav “Gus” Moltzan on June 29, 1957. She worked for McCain Foods in Rice Lake for over 30 years.

She was a big thrifter and loved looking for the best deals; enjoyed going to the Mabel Tainter Theatre in Menomonie and going to the Birchwood Senior Center. Her family was the most important part of her life.

She is survived by her husband, Gus Moltzan; 5 children, Kerry (Elaine) Moltzan, Dan Moltzan, Kyle Moltzan, Kim Moltzan and Greg Moltzan; 8 grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Fritz Moltzan; a great granddaughter, Macy Bystrom; her parents, Fritz and Cecile Bothke; a sister, Joyce (Kenny) Swenson; and 2 brothers, Dick (Delores) Ward and Melvin (Susan) Bothke.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:30PM Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Rice Lake. There will be an hour of visitation prior to the Funeral Service. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

02/20/2026

Klaas VanderBent Jr.

Age 63, of Barron, WI, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the University of Minnesota after a long and hard fought battle post heart transplant.

He was born on August 3, 1962 in Coates, Minnesota to Klaas Sr and Jannetje (Hasenoot) VanderBent. Klaas graduated from Osceola High School, Osceola, WI. He was married to Theresa Slack from Rice Lake, WI in 1988 and she preceded him in death in 1995. Klaas later married Mary Jonns on August 24, 1997 in Range, WI. He worked for the St. Croix Casino in Turtle Lake, WI, Paradise Landing in Balsam Lake, WI, and at Lake Country Dairy in Turtle Lake, WI as a cheese maker where he worked his way up to Research and Development and production supervisor.

As everyone knows, he cherished his job at Lake Country Dairy and was proud of the work he did with them every day. His strong work ethic paid off while with them. They have received many awards as a result of his hard work and dedication to the art of cheese making. No one went without cheese when they were with him. Like his boss said, "Klaas valued his family and friends to the utmost level everyday, but from a professional relationship with Klaas, he always put LCD first, and did everything in his power to unsure LDC met the needs and demands of our customers and Schuman Cheese. Klaas forever left an impression with his work ethic and his true friendship we had."

Anyone who knew Klaas knew that he was always brutally honest, full of wisdom, and was very loving and caring with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, making homemade wine, and enjoying being by his pool he worked so hard on. He was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan and was a man of many, many hobbies.

All of that aside, Klaas was a true family man. He held his family the closest. He loved, cared for, and respected every member of his family. No one can compare to his dedication as husband and dad. He welcomed so many family members into his life with open arms and they were able to call him dad, brother, grandpa, uncle, and more. His grandchildren meant more to him than anything and they had him wrapped around their fingers.

He is survived by his wife, Mary VanderBent; 3 children, Tianneke (Matthew) Gilbertson, Jimi Hacken (Maggie Mazel), and Kate Graber; 12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 4 brothers, Arend (Susan) VanderBent, Dirk (Susan) VanderBent, Cornelis (Teresa) VanderBent and Johannes (Sara) VanderBent; 2 sisters, Anneke Amis and Jannetje (Craig) Gustafson; as well as so many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Ben Jonns; wife, Theresa VanderBent; infant sister; his parents, Klaas Sr and Jannetje VanderBent.

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

02/16/2026

Brenda L. (Tiegs) Lindstrom

Age 78, of Barron, WI, died Saturday, February 14, 2026 in Eau Claire, WI from a very aggressive cancer. She left us way too soon.

Brenda was born to Paul and Charlotte (Young) Tiegs on April 2, 1947 in Ladysmith, WI. She was married to Rick Lindstrom in 1966. They had 3 daughters whom she loved very much.

Brenda loved going to garage sales and antique stores and thrift stores looking for things she just had to have. She was an avid sewer and made clothes for her girls when they were little. Brenda also loved to craft and loved collecting chickens. Her favorite was to make Santa’s. She also remembered everyone’s birthday. One thing she hated was having her picture taken. We are sad that we have very few pictures to remember how beautiful she was. Brenda loved her family and extended family so much.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband, Rick of Barron, WI; daughters, Kim (John) Barney of North Branch, MN, Kerri (Jon) Chartraw of Cumberland, WI and Kelly (Chris) Musil of Rice Lake, WI; 9 grandchildren, Josh and Jessica Barney, Jordan and Austin Fry, Hayleigh and Brody Chartraw, Morgan, Brady and Connor Musil; 3 great grandchildren, Ryder and Bella King and Sawyer Fry; 4 sisters, Fern (Milton) Schreiner of Mondovi, WI, Jenea (Roger) Nitsch of Chadron, NE, Terry (Lex) Rose of Tacoma, WA and Connie McCarty of Eyota, MN; 4 brothers, Richard Tiegs of Chetek, WI, Rod Tiegs of Arland, WI, Jeff (Mary) Tiegs of Chetek, WI and Tim Tiegs of Rice Lake; 2 sisters-in-law, Kat Kelly of Rice Lake and Barb Moser of Barron; brother-in-law, Kenny Lindstrom of Barron; a many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her furry companion, Sophie. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Hope Grace Chartraw; 2 great grandsons, Aiden and Parker King; her parents; a brother, Robert Tiegs; an infant brother; brother-in-law, Bill Lindstrom and Wayne McCarty; sisters-in-law, Kit Silvers and Meredith Birkett; and many other relatives.

Brenda will be very missed by everyone who loved her. She was very special to us all. She always had a hug or kiss and an “I love you” ready for us.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Hope Community Church in Cumberland, WI, Rev. Paul Green officiating, with interment in Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake, WI. Visitation will be held from 4-6 Monday, February 23 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI and for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the church.

02/15/2026

Eileen LaVar Edwards

Age 96, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, February 14, 2026 in Rice Lake.

She was born on March 3, 1929 to Harry and Lilly Miller in Dallas, WI. She attended a rural grade school, a two year High School in Dallas, WI and graduated from Barron High School. In 1950 she married Freeman Leach and together they raised 3 children until his death in 1972. Her longest employment was 25 years at Wright Products until retirement at 65. In 1978 she married Jerry Edwards and their mutual interest in genealogy led to some travels for family history. Eileen’s First trip to Europe with her 2 daughters and later with Jerry to Scandinavian Countries. There they met and stayed with distant cousins.

Eileen is survived by her husband, Jerry Edwards; a son, Gregory (Lisa) Leach; 2 daughters, LaVar (Jim) Lashmett and Rebecca (Terry) Sadowski; stepdaughter, Theresa Wardell; 7 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; several great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; a sister, Cathy (Larry) Wohlk; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Freeman Leach; her parents, Harry and Lilly Miler; 2 sisters, Beulah (Ted) Curts) and Lois (Richard) Schultz; 2 brothers, Loren (Joanne) Miller and Earl Miller (Carole) Miller; and a step son, Dennis Kuhrt.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church in Cameron, Jane Snowden officiating, with interment in Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the Church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Heart Association, St. Judes Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital or American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

02/13/2026

Wanda J Olson, age 95, passed away Wednesday, 2/11/26 after a brief illness. She died at the Cumberland Care and Rehab facility.
She was born 12/31/30 in Pierce County, WI, near the village of Rock Elm, to parents Irvin and Evelyn Ingli. She was the oldest of 5 girls born to the Ingli family.When she was a little girl, the very old man who picked her up for Sunday School in a horse-drawn sleigh, was a friend of Abraham Lincoln.
When Wanda was in grade school, her father purchased a farm in Pierce County near the Town of El Paso. It was there; while attending the El Paso School, she met her future husband, Harold Olson.
Wanda graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1948.
She took a job with an implement dealer in Ellsworth and helped her aunt, Dorothy Oftedahl, take care of her newborn twins while she lived with the Oftedahl family.
When Harold got out of the Air Force, they married in 1949 at the old Our Saviors Lutheran Church near El Paso. A year later they had their first daughter, Jo Ellen. Harold decided he should go to college using the G. I. Bill. He moved his family to River Falls, where he graduated to become a teacher from what would later be called UW-River Falls. Harold took a job teaching in Rice Lake, WI, moving his family there in 1954. Up until that time most of Wanda’s 24-year-old life had been lived in Pierce County. About a year after moving to Rice Lake, the Olson family had their 2nd daughter, Beth. Wanda lived in Rice Lake until 2007, and returned there to live with her daughter and son-in law in 2015.
Wanda was an expert budgeter, and taught her children at a very young age the difference between needs and wants She budgeted so well, it allowed her to pay her tithes and offerings to the Lord.
Wanda was an avid reader, and spent many hours reading to her girls. She passed her love of reading to them. Many nights at the Olson home were spent with the tv off and all 4 people sitting by a lamp reading a book. Later, after her girls had left home, Wanda taught several young children how to read while volunteering at the Abundant Life School between Cameron and Barron, WI. Wanda spent much of her reading time devouring the Word of God. Jesus was the most important person in her life. She often thanked God about the long life she had been granted, yet was still looking forward to the day when she could meet her Savior face to face.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and many older relatives and friends, her husband, Harold “Ted”, 2 sisters and 3 brothers-in-law: Shirley and husband Jim Brown, Joan and husband Ralph Ducklow, and recently, brother-in-law, Dean Roe. She was also preceded in death recently by son-in-law, Tim Broetzmann, and great grandchild, Carter Callow.
Wanda is survived by 2 sisters and 1 brother-in-law: Colleen Roe, and Rita (Wayne) Hojem. She is also survived by her 2 daughters, and a son-in-law: Jo Ellen Broetzmann, and Beth (Wesley) Callow, 4 grandchildren Rebekah Peterson, Andrew (Tillie) Callow, Joshua (Livia) Callow, and Daniel (Lisa) Callow; 10 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; and 4 great-great grandchildren and 1 on the way.
Wanda will be buried with her husband, Harold at the Northern WI Veteran’s Cemetery near Spooner, WI
A private family memory time will be held at a future date. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin is serving and assisting the family with the arrangements.

02/11/2026

Dwight W Johnson, age 98, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Rice Lake, WI.
Dwight was born in Rice Lake to Oliver and Marion (Goodrich) Johnson on April 1st, 1927.
Dwight graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1945, then enlisted in the United States Navy. After his term in the Navy, Dwight enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, graduating in 1951. Dwight was employed by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors and worked in Janesville, Minneapolis, and Sioux Falls, SD until his retirement.
Dwight moved back to Rice Lake in 1992, built a new home, and began serving his church and community for many years. Dwight was actively involved in Rotary, Kiwanis (Golden K), and church men’s groups.
Dwight led an adventurous life through his love of travel, visiting numerous countries throughout the world. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing with his Dad, brother, and friends.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Marion (Goodrich) Johnson; brothers Harold (Betty) Johnson, John (Alice) Johnson, and Russel Johnson; a sister, Judith Johnson; and a nephew, Bruce Johnson.
He is survived by nieces and nephews, Cheryl (Ron) Smith, Don (Connie) Johnson, Becky Palmgren, Nancy (John) Ge**er, Susan (Patrick) Smith, Diane (James) Stauffer, Sandra (Jed) Riten Johnson, Barbara (Steven) Watrud, Jim (Nancy) Johnson, Kris Rogne, Julie (Steve) Boe, Hoyt Johnson, and sister-in-law Goldie Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30AM Friday, April 17, 2026 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, WI, Rev. Sue Eidahl officiating, 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. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the Church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

02/10/2026

Margaret “Marge” Schmidt

Age 97, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, February 7, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on April 16, 1928 in Haugen, WI to Frank and Stella (Schultz) Musil and attended school in Haugen. Marge went on a train and moved to Chicago, Illinois for 6 months and lived with her aunt. She moved back to Haugen and worked at a dime store and as a house keeper in Rice Lake. Marge was married to Kenneth Schmidt on June 15, 1948 in Haugen, WI. They dairy farmed at Lone Pine Dairy Farm in the Township of Rice Lake for many years.

Marge was very active at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake where she was in charge as the Funeral Lunch Coordinator and also volunteered at St. Joseph School for many years. She was known as Grandma Marge. Marge was also a volunteer at Lakeview Medical Center/Marshfield Medical Center in Rice Lake.

She enjoyed cooking, baking, and socializing with her family, friends and neighbors. She always had a smile on her face, very uplifting and encouraging to everyone that she met.
Her home was open to anyone and everyone to enjoy a cup of coffee and something freshly baked.

Marge loved being with her family. Marge’s family meant the world to her and her home was where all the gatherings were held. Her home was always filled with food, love and laughter.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Gordie) Novinska; 2 sons, Gerald (Amy) Schmidt and Bruce (Jill) Schmidt; 8 grandchildren, Josh (Alissa), Colten, Chase, Cory (Cris), Kody (Abby), Jannette, Stephanie (Tommy) and Ryan (Kassidy); 10 great grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Elaine Musil and Germaine (Sherman) Paulson; a brother-in-law, Bud Livingston; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Schmidt; her parents, Frank and Stella Musil; 2 sisters, Betty Livingston and Jeanette Heinbuch; and a brother, Bernie Musil.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon, Friday February 13, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, Bishop James Powers and Father Phil Juza officiating, with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held from 9AM-Noon Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank - Home Sweet Home and Marshfield Medical Center Rice Lake Hospice for all the love and care that was given to Marge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Joseph Catholic School or Church.

02/09/2026

Jonathan Craig Wiese
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Jonathan Craig Wiese was suddenly called home to be with his Lord and Savior.
Jon was born in Rice Lake on April 17, 1988, to parents Lori (Johnson) and Craig Wiese. He was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church and lived in the Rice Lake and Cameron area until his family moved to Menomonie and then later to Roberts WI. In 2004 he moved with his mother back to Rice Lake after the death of his father and most recently moved to a lakeside cabin in Cumberland.
During his school years he was very active in sports including basketball, baseball and especially football,where he excelled.
Jon was joined in Marriage to Whitney Schultz on October 1, 2011, and from their union his beloved children Cameron and Kendall were born. They divorced in 2017 and Jon later fathered his beloved son Jacob.
Jon worked at multiple area manufacturing industries during his work career, primarily in Maintenance.He was known as a hard worker; great work ethics and good at what he did. He took multiple classes to further excel in his field.
Jon’s passions in his life were his children and family, loved watching the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks, fishing, golfing, and enjoyed being outside and working with his hands. His family and friends will remember him for his humor and wit, caring and kindness.
Jon was preceded in death by his father Craig Wiese and father-in-law Mitch Schultz, as well as grandparents Fred Johnson and Larry and Linda Wiese.
He is survived by his children Cameron 17, Kendall 9 and Jacob 5. His mother and step-father Lori and Brian Masters of Estero, FL, sister Sara Wiese of Independence, MO and ex-wife Whitney Schultz of Chetek. Grandparents Gladys and Roger Roux of Birchwood and Deborah Johnson of Anoka, MN. In addition to multiple aunts and uncles, cousins, nephews and niece, and a multitude of friends.
Funeral services for Jonathan will be held at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Visitation will be held from 12-2pm with service at 2pm with Lay Minister John Brunclik officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the family.

02/08/2026

Betty Lou Donatell

Age 80, of Rice Lake, WI, died Thursday, February 5, 2026 in Duluth, MN.

She was born on April 15, 1945 in Spooner, WI to George and Betty (Pauley) Donatell. Betty Lou graduated from Spooner High School in 1963. She was married to Raymond Shimek and they later divorced. Betty Lou worked as a secretary in the Twin Cities, and for Falcon Drill in Cumberland for many years.

She loved going for walks, watching TV and movies and going horseback riding.

She is survived by a sister, Barb Gove; a brother, Al Donatell; and many nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Betty Donatell; a sister, Norma Jean Donatell; 2 brothers, Chuck Donatell and Bill Donatell and a nephew, Tony Donatell.

Graveside Services will be held at Sarona Cemetery in Sarona, WI. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

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