Appleyard's Home for Funerals

04/23/2026

Dorothy "Bonnie" Richter, age 80, of Rice Lake, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 19, 1945, to Walter and Helen Johnson, Bonnie was raised with a deep love for her family, a passion for teaching, gardening, canning, a lifelong joy for the outdoors and the world of agriculture. On February 8, 1964, she was united in marriage to Donald "Sonny" Richter, beginning a beautiful partnership of over 62 years built on mutual devotion and hard work.
While Bonnie began her professional life in the classroom as a teacher, she spent the majority of her years as a farmer, working side-by-side with her family. Her passion for the agricultural way of life led her to a meaningful career with the Barron County Extension Agency, where she worked closely with 4-H children and programs. A pillar in the agriculture community, Bonnie was a fixture at the Barron County Fair and a founding member of the livestock committee,which served for many years. She took immense pride in working alongside leadership in 4-H, FFA, and the farm community to mentor the next generation.
Beyond agriculture, Bonnie was known for having a competitive spirit. She was her sons’ greatest advocate and most loyal fan, never missing a chance to watch them play youth, high school, and college hockey. She brought that same energy to the racetrack, where she took great joy in watching Kori and Chad compete. Whether it was celebrating her family’s accomplishments in the livestock barn or cheering from the stands, Bonnie’s pride in her children and grandchildren was the cornerstone of her life.
Bonnie is survived by her devoted husband, Donald "Sonny" Richter; and her three sons, Brent (Donna) Richter, Kori (Penny) Richter, and Chad (Jackie) Richter. She also leaves behind ten grandchildren who were her greatest pride: MacKenzie, Amber, Brittany, Piper, Carson, Braiden, Tori, Jocelyn, Riley, and Jordan; 2 great grandchildren, David and Colter; a brother, Duane (Lenore) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Helen Johnson. Her legacy of leadership, hard work, and love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends which she served so well.
Private Family Services will be held at 2PM Friday, May 8, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, with interment in the Pioneer Rest Cemetery.
A public celebration of her life will be held from 4-7 PM Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Rice Lake Elk’s Lodge.

04/23/2026

Kim Ritchie, 71 of Rice Lake, died Thursday, April 16, 2026. Born October 1, 1954, to Gordon and Naomi Ritchie of Rice Lake. He graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1972 and married Yvonne Paulsen in 1978.

Always busy with his hands, Kim renovated and built many workshops and garages, along with an earth-sheltered home and a cabin. In all of his projects, he enjoyed the company and help of his many friends and was always quick to volunteer for the next adventure. He loved the outdoors, the Gordon hunting camp, local history, boats, automobiles, dirt-track racing, and much more.

Most of all, Kim loved music and fellow musicians. Whether singing and playing guitar by the campfire, at family gatherings, in church, or to his granddaughters, Kim loved to share a song with others. His gift for music grew from playing local open-mic nights into a collective band, Squirrel Cage, with many talented musicians, with whom he loved organizing concerts and events. In his family, work life, and hobbies, he valued friendship and community and sought to include others and bring people together.

Kim was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Naomi; a brother, Jack Ritchie; a brother-in-law, Arlen Rivard; a niece, Michelle Klatt; a nephew, Jack Ritchie; and in-laws, Jerry and Charlotte Paulsen. He is survived by his wife, Vonnie Ritchie, 2 sons, Jacob Ritchie and Dylan (Rae) Ritchie, and granddaughters, Lydia and Maisie. Four sisters: Jill Rivard, Polly (Ron) Giese, Wendy (Bruce) Sockness, and Melody (Kurt) Christiansen. Two brothers, Chris Ritchie and Lance (Susan) Ritchie. Sisters-in-law Sue (Jim) Boettcher, Pat (Phil) Awker, Cindy (Mike) Bever, Sandra (Dave) Nichols, and Pam Donohoe. Brothers-in-law Jerry (Brenda) Paulsen Jr, and Dan (Robyn) Paulsen. Many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Barron, WI, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 12:00 pm, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 am. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family, who will donate to Kim’s favorite local organizations, The Ceska Opera House in Haugen, and the Park Center in Hayward.

04/22/2026

John Peter Czarnecki, age 81, of Exeland, WI, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, March 19th, 2026. He was born on December 1st, 1944 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Papa John is survived by his son, Wolfgang, daughter-in-law, Leanne and their 7 Children, Ryan, Jamie, Sara, Jonah, Julia, Anna, and John (Johnny).
John is also survived by his sister Mary and her children, Dean, Clyde, and Lisa; His brother George’s wife Jeannine (Ginger) and their children Mark, Kimberly, and James; And his brother Art‘s daughter Sherry.
John was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Lorraine, his brother Art, his wife Laverne and their son Michael, his brother George, and his brother Raymond.
John was drafted in the Army during Vietnam and honorably discharged with the rank SP5. He returned to Germany, where he had been stationed and worked as a mechanic as he was working on getting a VISA for his wife Monika and son Wolfgang. They returned to the Milwaukee area in 1970. He went back to what he knew and worked as a mechanic till he got a job as Highway Superintendent for the city of Saint Francis. He became an over the road trucker while he was building his home in Exeland. He retired as the Road Patrol Superintendent of Sawyer County.
During retirement he enjoyed driving his Harley Trike and golfing when he was not working on restoring “Sara” his 1956 Ford Sunliner. John was a member of the Crown Victoria Association since 1994 and always liked talking to other car buffs about his car.
A funeral service will be held at St John's Catholic Church 408 S Main St, Birchwood, WI 54817 on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11am followed by a fellowship lunch at the church and Full Military Rites at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family, who will honor his memory by planting trees.

04/22/2026

Robert Keith Ostrander

Age 88, of Rice Lake, WI, died Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Duluth, MN.

He was born on April 11, 1938 in Lodi, Wisconsin to William and Dollie (Loper) Ostrander. Robert had many jobs during his life including - CocaCola, a bowling alley, mowing lawns, a newspaper route and Barron Development Center. He moved to Rice Lake in 1999 and lived with Stephen and Buffi Mitchell in their group home.

He is survived by his ex wife, Suzy Schumacher; his dear friends, Stephen and Buffi Mitchell and family; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by a son, James Keith Ostrander; his parents, WIlliam and Dollie Ostrander; and 4 brothers, Caryl “Bud”, Guy, Charles and Burl Ostrander.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30PM Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, with interment in the Garden Bluff Cemetery in Lodi, Wisconsin.

04/16/2026

04/14/2026

Katelyn Elizabeth Spanner

Age 23, of Clayton, WI, died Saturday, April 11, 2026 in Amery, WI.

She was born on April 26, 2002 in Marshall, MN to Joseph Spanner and Stacy Castona. Katelyn graduated from Clayton High School in 2020 and was a beautiful, understanding, intelligent and loving woman who had a deep care of nature and animals.

Katelyn enjoyed playing games, gardening and listening to music. She was an educated, kind soul, always caring deeply for the ones she loved in life. She took pleasure in reading poetry and fiction however unlike many of her peers, she did not have a Facebook account. Katelyn’s presence will be missed by all who knew her for her honest, caring nature. She was an advocate for natural/organic products.

Katelyn worked for several years running and managing a pizza franchise in southern Wisconsin. She had a fondness for baking and loved trying out new recipes.

Katelyn loved her sister, enjoyed spending time with her and was her greatest protector. Katelyn was loved by everyone that knew her and lit up the room when she entered. She will be missed forever and will never be forgotten because of her beautiful soul.

She is survived by mother, Stacy (Brett) Kuffel; father, Joseph Spanner; stepfather, Dale Ostenson; 2 sisters, Sarah Kuffel (Pat Pierce) and Raeanna; 2 brothers, Sam Martino and Toby Kuffel; a niece, Keslah; grandparents, Rose Castona, Lee Harris, Rick and Cathy Kuffel, Nina Outwater, Phil Spanner, Randy and Loris Ostenston; a great grandfather, Richard Wakefield; several aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, friends and cousins.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 12-4PM at Cedar Lake Bar and Grill in Mikana, WI. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin is serving and assisting the family with the arrangements.

04/14/2026

James “Jim” Robert Czerwonka

Age 91, of Chetek, WI, died Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Eau Claire, WI.

He was born on March 18, 1935 in Chetek, WI to Nicholas and Irene (Koenig) Czerwonka. Jim graduated from Chetek High School in 1953 and after High School he worked for Lampert Yards and later Inland Lumber and then a lumber yard and later managed the remodeling department. He was married to Ardyce “Ardie” Solie on March 2, 1957 in Chetek. Jim owned and operated Beloit Building and Remodeling for 8 years, they owned and operated Jim and Ardie’s Liquor Store in Cameron for 23 years and planted over 100,000 Christmas trees on the farm. He owned and operated Jim and Ardie’s Tree Farm for over 40 years and at the age of 75 he cut 100 cords of popple.

He served on the Board at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Chetek, served as secretary of the Civic Club for 23 years, he was on the Barron Hospital Board for 20 years, and on the Barron County Woodland Association for 20 years. He started his family museum in his shed for years which he called “Before Electricity and Tractors” and then moved everything to the Barron County Pioneer Village Museum in Cameron. He volunteered through the age of 90 at the Barron County Pioneer Village Museum.

Jim enjoyed the outdoors, dancing, playing cards - especially cribbage. He enjoyed date night with Ardie for years. Jim was determined, an inventor, innovative, a planner, organized, and a true builder. Jim was a legend and a great role model.

He is survived by his wife, Ardyce “Ardie” Czerwonka; 4 children, Vicki Melgaard, Valerie (Jeff) Radecki, Deanna (Dean) LaMont and Brad (Susan) Czerwonka; 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a brother, Norman (Shirley) Czerwonka; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son, James; an infant daughter, Cheryl; his parents, Nicholas and Irene Czerwonka; and a sister, Delores Shaurette.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, WI, Father Ed Anderson officiating, with interment in St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Chetek, WI. 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.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Barron County Pioneer Village Museum in Cameron.

His favorite line was - “You name it and I’ve done it.”

04/11/2026

Donald LeRoy Fuller, age 93, of Altoona, Wisconsin, formerly of Birchwood, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2026, in Altoona, surrounded by his loving family and nursing staff.
Donald was born March 16, 1933, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, to William and Betty (Muehe) Fuller. He graduated from high school and entered the United States Army, serving as a Military Police Officer during the Korean Conflict. After completing his four-year military term, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he married Joan Carlson and worked as a Chicago Police Officer for nine years. He later relocated with his family to Birchwood, Wisconsin, where he served as a Washburn County Sheriff’s Deputy for 14 years before being elected Sheriff of Washburn County in 1984, a position he held until his retirement in 1990.
Donald and his wife Joan enjoyed the following 30 years of their retirement traveling throughout the United States in their RV and spending time with friends, family and grandchildren. He also cherished his time being outdoors in the Birchwood area, where he loved fishing, campfires, deer hunting, and relaxing at his cabin on Nice Lake. Donald took great joy in oil painting and had a unique passion for carefully crafting model trains and airplanes.
Throughout his life, Donald quietly shaped the lives of those around him. He will be remembered for his steady, practical way of facing life’s challenges, his unmistakable sense of humor, and a kindness that was felt by all who knew him.
Donald is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joan Fuller; three daughters, Susan (Jay) Bohner of San Antonio, Texas, Dawn (John) Verkuilen of Cameron, Wisconsin, and Patricia (Gary) Wathke of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Brent, Brandon, Brittany, Meagan, and Garrett; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Betty Fuller; and two brothers, William Fuller and Claude Fuller.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Birchwood, Wisconsin, with Rev. Dan Tabor officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Birchwood, where full military rites will be held by the Birchwood American Legion Post. Visitation is from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the church.
Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, is serving and assisting the family with arrangements.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you for the love, support, and compassion Donald received from the nurses and staff at St. Croix Hospice and Prairie Point in Altoona.

04/11/2026

M. Joan Murphy passed peacefully at home on April 9, 2026, surrounded by her family-just as she had wished.

She was born on May 7, 1929, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Mark and Madeline Ratajczyk. From an early age, Joan's energy and enthusiasm were unmistakable. She loved roller skating and spent so many hours on her skates that she wore the wheels down, often needing her father to replace them. She kept her skate key throughout her life, a small but meaningful reminder of those joyful early years. She also delighted in playing jacks, practicing so often that she wore a hole in the side of her shoe. Swimming was another lifelong joy, and she embraced every opportunity to be in the water. As a young woman, she was actively involved in both the marching band and city band during her high school years.

Joan graduated from St. Mary High School in 1947 and went on to become a registered nurse, earning her diploma from St. Catherine's School of Nursing in Omaha, in 1950. Her calling to care for others would remain a defining part of her life.
In April 1953, she married Charles "Chuck" Murphy, beginning a devoted partnership and a growing family. As Chuck's career took them to many different states, Joan continued her work as a registered nurse, often working the evening shift so she could be home during the day to care for her children in their early years. Her life was marked by quiet sacrifice, deep love, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring her family always felt supported and connected.

In 1995, Joan and Chuck retired to Rice Lake, Wisconsin, where they found great joy in their home and community. Their property became a gathering place filled with laughter and tradition-hosting annual Fourth of July parades, family reunions, their 50th wedding anniversary, and countless visits from friends and loved ones. Together, they embraced their community and devoted themselves to volunteer work.
Joan lived a life centered on service. In her later years, she generously gave her time to St. Joseph's Church, St. Vincent, and Rice Lake Hospice, continuing her lifelong dedication to caring for others.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Tom (Jo), Kathleen, Bridget (Aaron), Pat (Kate), Eileen (Dan), and Joann; her precious "littles" nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; her sister, Rosemary, and nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Chuck; and her daughter, Maureen.

One of Joan's favorite sayings was, "Every day is a learning experience." Today, we begin learning how to live without her-carrying forward her lessons, her strength, and her enduring love.

Those wishing to honor Joan's life may consider a memorial gift to St. Joseph Catholic School 128 W. Humbird St. Rice Lake, 54868 or the Maureen Murphy Memorial Fund serving women's health needs at Northeastern Rural Health Clinics, 1850 Spring Ridge Dr. Susanville, CA 96130

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, WI, Father Ed Anderson officiating, with a luncheon following the service, with interment in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. Visitation will be held from 4-6PM Monday, April 20, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

04/10/2026

Sheila Ann Bungartz

Age 61, of Rice Lake, WI, died Thursday, April 2, 2026 in Marshfield, WI.

She was born on March 22, 1965 in Thief River Falls, MN to Helmer and Lois (Rolf) Gulbranson. Sheila graduated from High School in 1983 and was married to Dennis Bungartz on April 25, 1987 in Barron, WI. She received a degree in Office Support Specialist, Medical Administrative Specialist and Medical Coding Specialist. Sheila worked at Wright Products, Cray Research, Rands Bowling Lanes, First Lutheran Preschool, Rice Lake Area School District, Brentwood Senior Living and the Rice Lake Elk’s Lodge.

She is survived by her husband of almost 39 years, Dennis Bungartz; a daughter, Sydney Bungartz; a brother, Mark Gulbranson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helmer and Lois Gulbranson; and a brother Lydell Gulbranson.

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

04/08/2026

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.

04/08/2026

Allan “Shultzie” Shultz

Age 74, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, April 4, 2026 at his home in Rice Lake.

He was born on July 22, 1951 in Rice Lake to Levi and Martha (Roatch) Shultz. Shultzie attended school in Rice Lake. He worked for Amundson Livestock, Bud Epp Livestock, Nuto Farm Supply, Rice Lake Township and NAPA.

He enjoyed stock car racing #504, trained trotter race horses and loved helping out the neighbors. He was a member of the Rice Lake Racing Association.

He is survived by his dog, Buddy; 2 brothers, Gary Shultz and Donald Shultz; 4 sisters, Edna Henderson, Fern Michaels, Kathy Crenshaw and Judy Shultz; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Martha Shultz; 4 brothers, Edward Shultz, David Shultz, Bill Shultz and Carl Shultz; and 2 sisters Nancy Marie Shultz and Clara Jane Shultz.

Funeral Services will be held at 7PM Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 5-7PM Thursday at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals. A private family burial will be held at the Long Lake Lutheran Cemetery.