Maurina Schilling Funeral Homes

10/28/2025

We were honored to met SPF5 Verlyn Wittlinger as he returned from his Honor Flight. We are grateful for your service and proud to have you as part of our family. Thank you SPF5 Wittlinger for your service 🇺🇲 🇺🇲

10/27/2025

October 27, 2025: Harry G. Untied, Jr.
Mass of Christian Burial

10/22/2025

Harry George Untiedt, Jr., age 89, of Colby, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 22, 2025, at the Marshfield Medical Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025 at St. Mary Help of Christian Parish in Colby. Father Keith Kitzhaber will officiate. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Colby on Tuesday at 9 a.m.. Family and friends are welcome to greet the family from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26 at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford and from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at the church. Military Honors will be provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. Live stream will be available for those unable to attend on the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website. Serving as Harry’s pallbearers are Tony Untiedt, Keith Untiedt, Mark Reed, Paul Hein, Jason Stewart, Eric Stewart and Luis Good.

Harry was born on May 3, 1936, the son of Harry and Viola (Leonhard) Untiedt, Sr. in the Township of Green Grove. He graduated from Colby High School in 1954. Harry served in the US Army from 1955-57, stationed in Europe. He was united in marriage to Patricia Grell on Sept. 27, 1957, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby. Together they raised five children. In 1959, they moved to Milwaukee where he worked for American Motors and Lannan Stone Company. In 1974, they moved to Spring Grove, Ill where he worked in the construction business. After retirement, they moved back to Colby in 1998. Patricia preceded Harry in death in 2016.

Harry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby. He was a charter member of the Colby Lions Club and founding member of the Clark County Historical Society. Harry served his community in a variety of ways, including serving as an Alderman for many years. He also collected toy tractors and liked to hunt.

Harry is survived by his; five children, Susan Kelly of Abbotsford, Beth Schwantes of Stratford, Jeff Untiedt of Colby, Deborah Good of Fox Lake, Ill., and Jennifer Untiedt of Bristol; eight grandchildren, Eric (Pamela) Stewart, Krystal (Mark) Reed, Jason (Stephanie) Stewart, Michael Pedrosa, Randall Pedrosa, Elimary Good, Iris Good and Luis Good; and 21 great-grandchildren and one step-grandson, Josh (Amy) Schwantes and special family members: Jeanie and Ken Tesch. He is further survived by three sisters: Joan Petrykowski, Karen Dorazio and Geraldine Hein; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia; four brothers: Jerry, Lynn, Eugene, and John Untiedt; five sisters: Donna Scidmore, Beverly Untiedt, Patricia Untiedt, Cindy Singstock and Evelyn Arend; and a son-in-law, Randy Schwantes.

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

10/22/2025

David W. Ven Rooy, age 73, of Owen, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 20, 2025 at the Marshfield Medical Center.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee. The Rev. Elizabeth Bier will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. Interment to follow at St. Paul’s (Green Grove) Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Colby. 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. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements.
David was born on December 3, 1951, the son of Harold and Evelyn (Herrmann) Ven Rooy. He graduated from Colby High School in 1970. On October 28, 1978, David was united in marriage to Barbara Wittlinger in Wausau. They were blessed with two children: DaNel and Darin.
David worked for many years at Northwest Hardwoods but often took on side jobs to pursue his love of concrete work. He enjoyed building smaller wood projects, hunting, fishing, attending Brewer games, grilling, reading and playing with his dogs. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family.
David is survived by his loving wife of almost 47 years, Barb; two children: DaNel Ven Rooy of Marshfield and Darin (Rachel) Ven Rooy of Withee; two grandchildren: Tyler (Courtney) Ven Rooy and Archer Ven Rooy; two great-grandchildren: Kason Ven Rooy and Rhys Ven Rooy. He is further survived by three siblings: Karen (Wayne) Neuman of Colby, Diane (Daryl) Kulas of Colby and Kathy (Bill) Kuru of Fond du Lac; two sisters-in-law: Connie Ven Rooy of Colby and Darlene Wittlinger of Marshfield; brother-in-law, Verlyn (Judy) Wittlinger of Abbotsford; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Lyle and Kenneth, his nephew, Shayne Neuman; his niece, Renee Wittlinger; his brother-in-law, Vern Wittlinger, Jr. and his sister-in-law, Charlotte Wittlinger.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com

10/16/2025

Karen A. Bakke, age 83, of Abbotsford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Silverstone Memory Care in Appleton, under the tender care of Moments Hospice.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss, with Rev. Ken Schmidt officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with arrangements.

Karen was born on February 20, 1942, the daughter of Robert and Helen (Gierl) Weideman. She graduated from Owen-Withee High School and worked at Ripon Foods in Ripon, WI, from 1960 to 1964, where she developed many lifelong friendships.

On October 10, 1964, Karen married Robert Bakke at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss. Together, they raised a family and farmed in the Town of Hoard until 2005, later retiring to Abbotsford in 2015. Bob preceded her in death in February 2025.

Karen was an active and faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Curtiss. She had a deep love for animals and was especially fond of naming and caring for her dairy cows. Her compassion extended to all the beloved pets her family had over the years.

She served as a general leader for the Parks Happy 13 4-H Club and volunteered with the Owen-Withee FFA Alumni. Karen was also known for her homemade pies, tortes, and cakes, generously shared with family and friends. One of her proudest achievements was creating and maintaining cherished family photo albums that will be treasured for generations.

Above all, Karen adored her family. She faithfully attended her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities and celebrations, always offering her love and support.

Karen is survived by her four children: Danny (Karleen) Bakke, Lori (Robert) Nagel, Dennis (Sheila) Bakke and Debra (James) James; 15 grandchildren: Heather (Shawn) Sweeney, Ryan Bakke, Kyle Bakke, Sarah (Sam) Soderberg, John (fiance Aubree Schramski) Nagel, Ben Nagel, Isaac Nagel, Brooke (Ray) Krause, Britny (Riley) Knack, Serena (Lincoln) Klabon, Sierra Bakke, Kevin James, Sean James, Mallory James and Noelle James; seven great-grandchildren: Trey, Brynleigh, Sydney, Milton, Mason, Vivian and Walter.

She is also survived by her siblings: Jane Wisnefske Borchardt, Robert (Janice)Weideman, Rita (William) Mueller, Richard Weideman, Robin Weideman, Lana (Jeff) Fitzmaurice and Ronald Weideman; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert; her daughter, Lisa in infancy; one sister: Lois Lawrence; three brothers-in-law: George Borchardt, Leroy Wisnefske and Larry Lawrence.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Silverstone Memory Care, Moments Hospice, and Colonial Center in Colby for the compassion and care shown to Karen. Your kindness will always be remembered.

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

10/14/2025

Ralph A. Bloome, age 88, of Colby, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the Marshfield Medical Center.

Private Services will be held.

Ralph was born on October 27, 1936, the son of Henry and Louise
(Dodszuweit) Bloome in Maple Shade, NJ. He graduated from high school in Morris Town, NJ and received a degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering. On June 25, 1960, Ralph was united in marriage to Rosemary Schoff in South Milwaukee. He served in the US Army stationed in New Mexico and Italy.

Ralph worked for V & H Trucking in Marshfield. Ralph and Rosemary owned The Uptown Bar in Colby for four years and made many close friends. They enjoyed their fishing trips in Canada and bowling together. He was a member of the Lions Club and Boy Scouts. Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending flower garden, especially his rhododendrons, playing sheepshead and painting. He was a family man and loved and cherished his family.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosemary; his children: Jeffery (Deborah) Bloome, Steven (Loretta) Bloome and Michelle Bloome; five grandchildren: Jeffery (Tisha Ruechel) Bloome, Jr., Jimmy (Candi) Bloome, Nicolas (Maddie) Bloome, Aiyana (Nolan) Dettman and George Bloome; ten great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Else King; two sisters-in-law: Pat Schoff and Peggy Schoff; two brothers-in-law: Dale (Mary) Schoff and LaVern Schoff; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one sister: Dorothy (Robert) Troutman; two brothers: Walter (Joan) Bloome and Hank (Annie) Bloome; and a brother-in-law, Edward King.

10/09/2025

Samuel Eugene Mast 60, of Benton, OH passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Aultman Hospital on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 after battling cancer for 7 months.

He was born on May 15, 1965 to the late Eli and Darlene (Diller) Mast. On November 14, 1992 he married Catherine Keim who survives.

Samuel was an owner-operator truck driver for 25 years. He was known by many to be a man of few words, however by his nieces and nephews he was known as the uncle that liked to tease. Samuel attended Gospel Haven Mennonite Church in Benton. He felt and appreciated the many prayers and acts of kindness offered on his behalf during his cancer journey.

In addition to his wife Cathy he is survived by his two children, Sheri Mast (friend David Miller) and Trent Mast both of the home; brothers and sisters, Daniel (Beth) Mast of Shippensburg, PA, Rachel (Dervin) Druist of Spring Run, PA, Jewel (Daniel) Otto of Mechanicstown, OH, Saloma Mast of Unity, WI, Susanna (Christopher) Nierwienski of Spring Grove, PA, Joseph (Esther) Mast of Abbotsford, WI, Benjamin (Esther) Mast of LaMonte, MO, Keturah (Matthew) Burkholder of Guatemala, Mary (Titus) Peifer of Loyal, WI and Ruth (Justus) Christophel of Dillsburg, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Darlene (Diller) Mast.

Funeral services will be held at Gospel Haven Mennonite Church, 6871 SR 241, Millersburg, on Saturday, October 11, at 10:00 AM with Pastor Sam Yoder officiating. Burial will follow in the Gospel Haven Cemetery. Friends may call at Gospel Haven Mennonite Church from 2-4 and 5-8 PM on Friday.

Miller Funeral Care of Walnut Creek 330-893-CARE.

10/08/2025

Shirley May Gruhlke, age 71, of Abbotsford, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Abbotsford Health Care Center under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Colby Memorial Cemetery. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Shirley was born on October 24, 1954, the oldest of 12 children born to Clifford and Dorothy (Becker) Gruhlke in Medford, WI. She graduated from Medford High School.

Shirley worked for a bit at Black River Industries and she also worked with the carnival selling tickets at the Wausau and Medford fairs. She loved to play cards with her mom and loved to watch game shows, garage sales, puzzles and especially her cats.

Shirley is survived by seven brothers: Garry (Darla), Lester, Randy, Ronny, Leon, Terry and Clifford; two sisters: Dorothy Jo and Violet (Dan) Coons; a brother-in-law, Dean Kautzer; many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, June and a brother, Cory.

Family and friends may express condolences online at

Maurina-Schilling Funeral Homes provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding areas.

10/07/2025

Donald “Donny” Safemaster, age 62, of Unity, has taken his last ride and is off tuning up the engines of Heaven, where the beer is always cold and the jukebox never breaks.

A true Unity original, Donny spent his life elbow-deep in motors, grease, and good times. He spent most of his life wrenching on cars, trucks and tractors, with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. When he wasn’t tinkering, he was racing around in his side by side, hustling pool, dropping a fishing line, trying his luck at the slots or charming the ladies down at the bar (results may vary). Donny was the kind of guy who worked hard and played harder. He lived his life for the moment and that was all he ever really wanted.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Eileen (Edblom) Safemaster.

Donny is survived by his daughter, Desiree (Nick) Gay; his grandkids: Hailey, Ashley and Mason Gay; two brothers: Dennis (Diane) Safemaster and Terry (Sue) Safemaster; four sisters: Judith Krueger, Sandy Seiler, Sue (Denny) Erickson and Vicki (LeRoy) Oldham; many nieces, nephews and more friends than anyone could count; and probably a few story’s that will live on for many years!

Donny’s sendoff will be less of a goodbye and more of a “See you later you Goofy Fu****." A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Unity American Legion from 1:00 until 7:00 p.m., where tall tales and cold drinks are strongly encouraged.

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

10/06/2025

Irene Thea Ludwig, age 82, of Colby and formally of Germany, entered her Heavenly Home on October 2, 2025 at the Marshfield Medical Center.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Rev. Nancy Amacher will officiate. Family and friends are welcome for a visitation at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service.

The beloved daughter of Johan and Margit (Lhotsky) Schanan, Irene Thea Ludwig was born on February 25, 1943 in Reichenberg, Bohemia.

At the age of 23, Irene met the love of her life, Edwin. She moved to America from Germany to live their lives together. Irene and Edwin married January 28, 1967; together they were blessed with two children, Angela and Jeff. Together, they traveled to many memorable places, including fishing trips in Canada, relaxing vacations in Mexico, and heartfelt visits back to Irene’s home in Germany.

In her youth, she found happiness in fishing and camping. She was a member of the Jaycees Organization. She dedicated 20 years of her life working as a dough master at Pizza Hut, where she took great pride in her craft.

Irene had a green thumb and loved gardening, tending to both flowers and vegetables with care and joy. Her love for nature continued through bird watching, a peaceful pastime she truly enjoyed. Her favorite birds were swallows and hummingbirds. She loved when the hummingbirds would gather around her bleeding hearts. She expressed her creative side through quilting, crocheting, photograph and crafting seasonal wreaths.

Above all Irene cherished her family, her cats Mitzy and Twiggy and her Dog, Lucky. She will be greatly missed.

Irene is survived by her husband of 58 years, Edwin; two children: Angela Scherer and Jeff Ludwig (partner, Faye Neubaur), and one Grandson; Jared Scherer (partner Rianna Kubly). She is further survived by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

09/29/2025

Marlene Benjegerdes, age 93, passed away on September 26, 2025 at her daughter’s home, under Janine’s care with support of Hope Hospice.

Marlene Claire was born on August 8, 1932 to Levi Lemli (L.L.) and Florence (Graves) Sutton in Mason City, Iowa. She attended school in Plymouth, Iowa and graduated in 1950.

Marlene was united in marriage to Orville “Kent” Benjegerdes on December 20, 1952 at the United Methodist Church in Plymouth, Iowa. Together they farmed in Danville Co., Iowa until moving to Wisconsin in 1965, where they farmed in the town of Hull until retiring. They then bought a house on County N overlooking the dairy farm they had worked for many years. After 68 joyful years of marriage, Kent passed away September 4, 2020.

Marlene was an active member of the Colby United Methodist Church. Her passion was being a farm wife and mother who held many roles: baling hay and feeding calves to feeding the hungry men during field work time. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and strength that will forever be cherished.

Marlene enjoyed gardening, baking and canning her garden surplus. She collected depression glass and other antiques. Rides in the country on Sunday afternoons to observe nature were some of her favorites.

Marlene is survived by her two children: Joel (Karen) Benjegerdes of Gatesville, Texas and Janine Johnson of Owen; five grandchildren: Aimee (Travis) Haakenson of Medford, Tyler (Ailea) Johnson of Batesville, AK, Julie (Brian) Benjegerdes-Collins of Gatesville, TX, Katie (Garrett) Benjegerdes-Homan of Belton, TX and Megan (Wesley) Benjegerdes-Wiegreffe of Fort Worth, TX. She is further survived by seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, two sisters, one great-grandson, and son-in-law.

Per Marlene’s request there will be no formal service. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

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

09/26/2025

Kenneth Gene “ Redbone”Hackel, age 75, of Neillsville, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025 surrounded by his family under the tender care of Compassus Hospice.
A Funeral Service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Maurina- Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Please join the family for visitation at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Honorary casket bearers are: Tyler Robida, Trevor Robida, Noah Robida, Nathaniel Robida, Kadin Hackel-Doyen, Eric Ehlert, Dakota Ehlert, Logan Ehlert, Robert Voelker and Joshua Ewers. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
A Celebration of Life will also be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Unity Memorial Hall from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The beloved son of William and Helen (Bischop) Hackel, Ken was born on March 18, 1950 in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He graduated from Colby High School and went on to take over the family farm—a calling he embraced wholeheartedly.
Ken devoted his life to farming, nurturing both the land and the values passed down through generations. He especially enjoyed custom field work alongside his girlfriend; Pam. Ken also had a lifelong admiration for John Deere equipment.
A huntsman at heart, when not in the fields farming, you’d find Ken in the woods with his beloved hunting dogs and buddies, fishing or shooting pool. He had a deep passion for the outdoors and was an experienced hunter of fox, bear, deer, raccoon and coyote. Ken belonged to the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association.
Ken will be remembered as an easygoing, kind-hearted man who loved to joke and make people laugh. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ken is survived by his soul mate of 30 years, Pam Hass; five children: Kim (Kurt) Robida, Jeremy (Helen) Hackel, Sommer (Kerry) Weiland, Robert (Tami) Voelker, and Melissa (Brad) Carpenter. Sixteen grandchildren: Tyler, Trevor (Leesha), Noah (Carli), and Nathaniel Robida; Ezra Sanchez, Aaron (Erin) Galindo, Kadin Hackel-Doyen, Angel Bertolano, Kiersten (Dylan) Teumer; Jorja and Addisyn Weiland; Tiana and Jada Voelker; Eric, Dakota, and Logan Ehlert; seven great-grandchildren. He is further survived by six siblings; Imogene (Jean) Apfelbeck , Ronald Hackel, Eleanor (Dale) Chambers, Larry Hackel, Ralph Hackel, Dolly (Greg) Mertens and many nieces, nephews and hunting buddies.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and three sisters: Joseph Hackel, William Hackel, Marilyn Hackel, Naomi Smith, Bernard Hackel, Nancy Murray and Ervin Hackel; and several Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-Law.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com