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Maurina Schilling Funeral Homes, Abbotsford, WI (2025)

07/23/2025

Christine K. Hager, age 82, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Colonial Health Services in Colby under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Family and friends are welcome from 11:00 until the time of service Friday at the funeral home.
Christine was born on February 10, 1943 in Marshfield, the daughter of Henry and Inga (Johnsrud) Halvorson. She was raised on a farm in Edgar and attended school in Fenwood. Christine was united in marriage to James R. Hager, Sr. on July 30, 1965 in Wausau. They moved to Indiana and had two children: Jim and Sara and moved to Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. They later divorced. She earned a degree in Accounting and passed her CPA exam. Christine worked as an accountant before venturing on her own.
Christine was a member of the Tall Clubs International, Sons of Norway and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and was a member of Mensa. She enjoyed knitting, especially Islandic Wool Sweaters, played trombone, cooking, baking her own bread, puzzles and traveling. Christine especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
Christine is survived by two children: James Hager, Jr. of Hopkins, MN and Sara (Bashir) Matin of Long Beach, CA; two granddaughters: Laila Zareen Matin and Sofia Christine Matin. She is further survived by two sisters: Elaine Langhoff, and Joanne Swanson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings: Arnold Halvorson, Melvin Halvorson, Helen (Lawrence) Neumar, Irving (Inez) Halvorson, Orvis Halvorson, Doris (Glen) Eugene, Betty Hoffman, Florence Halvorson.
The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.

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

07/14/2025

James “Jim” or “Joker” Robert Jakel, age 69, of Abbotsford passed away unexpectedly after a tractor accident on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Visitation will be held Friday evening, July 18, 2025, at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss with Deacon Darrel Diers officiating. Family and friends are welcome to the visitation at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the service begins. Interment will be at Pine Hill Cemetery immediately following the service with lunch to follow at the church.

Jim was born on August 11, 1955, in Marshfield, the son of Carl and Kathryn (Prohaska) Jakel of Curtiss. He attended Abbotsford Public Schools and graduated from Madison East High School. Jim was united in marriage to Jennifer Carlson on September 9, 1978. Jim was a Master Plumber and a Master Electrician, self-employed at Central Wisconsin Plumbing, Heating & Electrical in Abbotsford, WI.

Jim was unique in so many ways. Most of all he was a super grandpa and would do anything for his grandkids. Joker to some, but never to Jenny. He didn’t get gray hairs, he gave them. He loved to be busy, and working was his main hobby, but he loved finding a good deal, especially on antiques. Jim had a great eye for how things should be, taking a small, worn-down farm and turning it into a beautiful homestead. He was great at creating party spaces and enjoyed having friends stop in on the spur of the moment. He had many one-liners he would say and laugh, but if Jenny heard them once, she heard them 100 times.

Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jenny; two daughters, Sarah (Eric) Hackel and Julie (Ronnie) Butkus, both living in Tomahawk, WI along with two grandchildren, Dean and Margaret Hackel. He is further survived by two brothers and two sisters, Mike (Sandy) Jakel of Dorchester, Paul (Jean) Jakel of Abbotsford, Kathy (Steve) Katka of Albany, MN, Mary Beth “Buffy” Feddick of Abbotsford and one sister-in-law, Karen Jakel of New Lisbon along with many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Kathryn and his brothers, Chuck and Tom (Rhonda).

Jim leaves behind stories from school days through the present that friends and family will remember and laugh about, many unbelievable but they are all true.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to St. Paul’s Parking Lot Fund or Pine Hill Cemetery.

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

07/07/2025

Larry G. Neuenfeldt, age 89, of Dorchester, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 21, 2025 at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center under the tender care of Mary Mack and Heartland Hospice.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. A Celebration of life will be held following the committal at Pavilion #1 in the Dorchester Park. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Larry was born on June 3, 1935 the son of William and Frieda (Klein) Neuenfeldt in Rib Lake. The family moved to the Dorchester area when he was a toddler. On June 12, 1954, Larry was united in marriage to Arlene Graffunder at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Dorchester. She preceded him in death on April 20, 1995.

Larry drove cattle truck and farmed in Dorchester. He also drove for the Amish and Mennonite families. Larry was a collector of numerous memorabilia. He was an avid sportsman, including hunting and fishing.

Larry is survived by five children: Sue Bratton of Star City, AR, Donna (Bruce) Thums of Dorchester, Galen Neuenfeldt of Medford, Linda (Shannon) Pempek of Colby and Todd (Lizbeth) Neuenfeldt of Dorchester; 16 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three children: Randy, Rodney and Gloria Thieme; eight brothers and sisters: Raymond, Lester, Howard, LeRoy, Verna, Elvira, Violet and Dorothy; a son-in-law, Rickie Bratton, Sr. and a daughter-in-law, Kimberly Neuenfeldt.

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

07/04/2025

Sandra “Sandy” Margaret (Steinwand) Becken, age 88, went to her eternal resting place on July 1, 2025. She was born on November 8, 1936 to Herbert and Margaret (Will) Steinwand of Colby. Sandy had familial links to the Steinwand legacy of Colby Cheese. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, Colby High School and was a 1957 graduate of St. Joseph School of Nursing in Marshfield.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. A Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Colby.
Sandy married Halver “Sonny” Becken, also of Colby on July 13, 1957. They relocated to Milwaukee for employment and raised four children. During that period, Sandra worked as a Registered Nurse at Johnston Emergency Hospital until that facility no longer functioned as a hospital in 1975. From there until retirement, she worked for the City of Milwaukee Health Department. She loved nursing and her organizational skills were exceptional. Her favorite pastimes were reading, jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, camping, any kind of travel and most importantly, hosting Sunday dinners with family.
Sandy is survived by two daughters: Terri (Roy) Back of Egg Harbor and Deanne (Dennis) VanDaalwyk of Brookfield; one son, Todd (Kim) Becken of Custer; a daughter-in-law, Lynn Becken of Medford. She is also survived by five natural grandchildren: Kristen (Lahr), Jacob Becken, Joshua Becken, Kyle VanDaalwyk and Ryan VanDaalwyk and blended family grandchildren: Robin (Slamka), Lynn (Ewig), Christopher and Chad (Liske), Steven and Gregory (Quirk) and Mary Jane (Wymore). She has been blessed with four natural great-grandchildren: Peyton (5), Wyatt (3), Beau (3), Aubree (1), but through the beauty of her blended family, actually she is the matriarch of 20 great-grandchildren!
She is preceded in death by her husband, Halver; son Keith Becken; parents; a brother, Paul and a sister, Ann Pasholk.
Sandy was so very kind and giving. We will always carry that kindness in our memory and in our hearts until we’re all together again.
A special thank you to the caring staff of Dimensions Living Memory Care in Stevens Point and Interim Healthcare Hospice. Their kindness is greatly appreciated.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com

07/02/2025

Christine K. Hager, age 82, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Colonial Health Services in Colby under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Christine was born on February 10, 1943 in Marshfield, the daughter of Henry and Inga (Johnsrud) Halvorson. She was raised on a farm in Edgar and attended school in Fenwood. Christine was united in marriage to James R. Hager, Sr. on July 30, 1965 in Wausau. They moved to Indiana and had two children: Jim and Sara and moved to Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. They later divorced. She earned a degree in Accounting and passed her CPA exam. Christine worked as an accountant before venturing on her own.

Christine was a member of the Tall Clubs International, Sons of Norway and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and was a member of Mensa. She enjoyed knitting, especially Islandic Wool Sweaters, played trombone, cooking, baking her own bread, puzzles and traveling. Christine especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Christine is survived by two children: James Hager, Jr. of Hopkins, MN and Sara (Bashir) Matin of Long Beach, CA; two granddaughters: Laila Zareen Matin and Sofia Christine Matin. She is further survived by two sisters: Elaine Langhoff and Joanne Swanson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings: Arnold (Melba) Halvorson, Melvin Halvorson, Helen (Lawrence) Neumar, Irving (Inez) Halvorson, Orvis Halvorson, Doris (Glen) Eugene, Betty Hoffman, Florence Halvorson.

06/30/2025

See you all tonight!

06/30/2025

Virgil Lee Decker, 94, passed peacefully away June 28, 2025 at Colby Colonial Center under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice Services. Virgil was born on July 29, 1930 to Oscar and Anne (Neitzel) Decker in the Town of Little Black.
A Funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Interment to follow at the Colby Memorial Cemetery. A Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the church. The Reverend James Groleau will officiate. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.
He received his education at Brady School. Virgil worked various jobs throughout his life and ended his working career as an over-the-road-semi truck driver for Roehl Transport. He was most proud of earning the 3 Million Mile Safe Driving Award and was selected as Driver of the Month in 1987 by the Wisconsin Motor Carrier’s Association. He retired in 1995. Virgil was a loving father who was always willing to help anyone in need. He will be missed by many.

Virgil met the love of his life, Beatrice, when he was 17 years old. They were married September 6, 1952 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Holway. Together they raised five children: Gail (late Charles) Flick, Sheryl (Jeffrey) Welhouse, Linda (Gary) Meyer, Dennis (Ellen) Decker, and Scott (Julie) Decker. They were blessed with 13 grandchildren, Tim, Sara, Crystal, Nic, Courtney, Michelle, Ryan, Brock, Taylor, Melissa, Aaron, Megan, Michael, and 25 great grandchildren.

Virgil is survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife Beatrice; parents Oscar and Anne, and his sister, Norita (Vaughn) Krause.

The family would like to thank the Colby Colonial Center for their excellent care and St. Croix Hospice Services for the wonderful care they provided as well.

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

06/23/2025

Marian C. Haas, age 90, of rural Unity, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Vita Care Living in Abbotsford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Colby. Father Arockia Amirtha Raj Stanislaus and Deacon Mike Schaefer will officiate. A rosary will be lead at 9:15am for those wishing to pray with us. Family and friends are invited to the visitation from 9:30 am until time of service Saturday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.

Marian was born on April 10, 1935, the daughter of Wilfred and Isabelle (Meyer) Zimmer, in St. Michael, MN. She attended school and graduated from Elk River, High School and moved to rural Unity. Marian was united in marriage to William “Bill” Haas, Jr. on April 23, 1955 in Albertville, MN. Together they farmed in the Town of Hull until retiring in 1995. After 59 joyful years of marriage, Bill passed away on January 2, 2015.

Marian was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Christian Mother’s Organization. Marian’s passion was being a farm wife and mother who held many roles, milking cows and baling hay to feeding the hungry men during fieldwork time. She enjoyed mowing lawn, photography, gardening and baking. Marian was most proud of the many entertaining events with her family, no matter how big or small. Her cookie jar was always full for visits with family and friends.

Marian is survived by her two children, Ron (Julie) of Marshfield and Nancy (Bill) Bellendorf of Medford; one daughter-in-law: Colleen Haas of Unity; seven grandchildren: Andy (Jami) Haas, Samantha (Tim) Jutsum, Ethan Haas, Jackie Block, Jayna Block, Terry Bellendorf and Ashley Bellendorf; two great-grandsons: Ezra and Titus; one great granddaughter: Carolyn; two brothers: Kenneth and Dennis; two sisters: Bernadine and Margaret; two sisters-in-law: Maxine Haas and Doris Wussow; one brother-in-law: Bruce Wussow.

She is preceded in death by husband, William “Bill” Haas, Jr., her son: Larry Haas; her parents; four brothers: Harold, Allen, Leroy and Donald; three sisters: Dorothy, Catherine and Madeline; three step brothers: Melvin, Richard and Normie Zimmer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Colby or St. Croix Hospice.

Marian’s family wishes to thank the staff at Vita Care in Abbotsford, as well as St. Croix Hospice and all the family and friends who visited mom.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

06/20/2025

Joan Ann Denzin, age 81, formerly of Abbotsford, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Evergreen Park Assisted Living in Kronenwetter under the tender care of Interim Hospice.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Family and friends are welcome to greet the family starting at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral on Tuesday. Interment to follow at the Abbotsford Public Cemetery.

Joan was born on January 28, 1944, the daughter of Alvin and Evelyn Denzin in the Town of Holton. She attended Abbotsford Wright School until 5th grade and later attended a school for special needs for several years in Edgar.

Joan lived with her parents and brother on their family farm in the Town of Holton until 1998. She was a devoted helper, assisting with chores around the farm and later contributing to the family business, Denzin’s Green House. In 1998, she moved to Wausau with her mother, and in 2011, she transitioned to Evergreen Park Assisted Living in Kronenwetter, where she remained until her passing. Evergreen became her second family, and the love and care she received there were a testament to the deep bonds she formed.

Joan was born with an intellectual disability, but that never defined her. What truly defined Joan was her joyful spirit, her sense of humor, and the love she shared with everyone around her. She had a unique way of connecting with people—her smile could light up a room, and her loud, infectious laugh brought joy to all who heard it.

As a child, Joan spent countless hours outdoors, helping however she could—watering plants in the greenhouse, picking up sticks in the yard, and watching the daily activity on the farm. She especially loved the animals, with the farm cats being her favorite companions. She enjoyed riding her three-wheeled tricycle around the yard and often sat at the picnic table or in the car, simply taking in the world around her.

Joan had a creative side and loved doing arts and crafts, especially painting foam refrigerator magnets and pot holders. Summers were filled with cherished memories, including attending Camp Moon Beach in St. Germain with her nieces through United Church Camps. Joan learned the Pledge of Allegiance and shared it frequently with all those around her.

In her later years, Joan thrived at Evergreen Park Assisted Living. She deeply loved the women who cared for her, and the affection was clearly mutual. She also attended Aurora Adult Day Services for many years, where she especially enjoyed outings to local attractions around Wausau.

Joan may have had special needs, but more importantly, she was someone truly special to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her quick wit, often delivered in loud and funny remarks, made everyone laugh. Her presence was a gift, and her memory will continue to bring smiles to those who loved her.

She is survived by her brother; Gordon Denzin of Wausau; her favorite person/nephew, Scott Denzin of Wausau; 2 nieces Lisa (Derek Sant'Angelo) Denzin of New Jersey, and Keri (Chad) Semrau of Cedar Rapids, IA; and an aunt, Barbara Umnus of Wausau. She has also been blessed with 4 great-nieces, 2 great-nephews, as well as cousins, Aunts and Uncles and extended family.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Alvin and Evelyn as well as several extended family members.

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

06/18/2025

Bernice Audrey Kalepp, aged 90, of Medford, passed peacefully into eternal life at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, surrounded by family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford (W5334 Dassow Ave). Rev. Ralph Shorey will officiate. Family and friends are welcome for a visitation at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at the church. Interment to follow a lunch at Christ Lutheran Cemetery in Abbotsford. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Bernice was born on January 29th, 1935, the daughter of Clarence and Margaret (Bremer) Kalepp in Dorchester, WI. She attended and graduated from Abbotsford High School.

Bernice lived a life rooted in purpose, faith, and quiet strength. Her time was spent working on a family-owned fish farm that also tapped maple syrup in the winter and sold trees year-round. She embraced the rhythm of the seasons and never shied away from challenging work, whether it meant early mornings or long days outdoors.

She was known for her fierce independence, tireless work ethic, and steady devotion to her family, community, and faith.

A natural teacher, she shared her gifts with others in many ways—as a Girl Scout leader for several years, a music teacher and an instructor of guitar. Her love of music stayed with her throughout her life, and she sang in the church choir as a faithful and joyful act of worship.

Creative and hands-on, she found joy in gardening, crafting, and making wreaths—each project a reflection of her resourceful and artistic spirit. She was especially proud to be a Wisconsin Master Gardener, a title that reflected not only her expertise but also her deep connection to the land and her love for nurturing life. She also had a deep love for animals, treating them with gentleness and care, whether they were family pets or farm companions.

She had a strong appreciation for the outdoors and a competitive spirit to match. She loved to hunt with her father and became a Wisconsin Professional Archery Champion, earning trophies that stood as a testament to her focus, discipline, and skill. She carried that same strength and determination into every part of her life.

Bernice is survived by her four children: Tim (Jeannine) Paddock of Bakersfield, CA, Sandie Brooks of Medford, Sherilyn (Bryant) Clayton of Green Bay and Darwin (Sara) Paddock of Dorchester along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Bonnie Polzin; her brother, Lloyd Kalepp and an infant brother, Eugene.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

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