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Appleyard's Home for Funerals, 19 W Messenger Street, Rice Lake, WI (2025)

10/08/2025

Harold Blonk

Age 89, of Rice Lake, WI, died Monday, October 6, 2025 in Eau Claire, WI.

He was born on January 22, 1936 in Barron, WI to Carl and Martha (Krause) Blonk. Harold attended high school in Cumberland, WI and was drafted into the United States Army and was later Honorably Discharged. He was married to Carla Lande on September 21, 1963 in Birchwood, WI. Harold worked for Mastercraft Industries in Rice Lake for over 40 years and also was a beef farmer in the Town of Stanley for many years.

Harold loved farm work, being outside on his land, being with the animals, enjoyed racing cars, working on tractors and riding on airplanes. He was very active in the Hungry Hollow Steam and Gas Engine Club. Harold was very proud of his children and grandchildren for all of their accomplishments.

Harold was hard working, determined, loyal, and very social. He was very proud of his German heritage, dressing nice and going out for coffee.

He is survived by his 3 children, Brenda (Jerry) Hagen, David (Cindy) Blonk and Sarah (Aaron) Buck; 6 grandchildren, Katrina (Brent) Potter, Helen (John) Narlock, Audi Blonk (Jordan Berg), Spencer Blonk (Taylor Erickson), Julia Buck and Madelyn Buck (Trevor Kramer); a sister-in-law, Ruth Gerland; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carla Blonk; his parents, Carl and Martha Blonk; 3 brothers, Ewald, Walter and Willie Blonk; 2 sisters, Erica Severson and Leila Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Sue Eidahl officiating, with interment in the Wayside Cemetery in Barron, WI, where Military Rites will be accorded him by the Rice Lake Veteran Center Honor Guards. Visitation will be held from 9AM-11AM Saturday, October 18 at Bethany Lutheran 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 Prairie Pointe Memory Care of Altoona and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care and love that they all gave to Harold.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Bethany Lutheran Church.

10/01/2025

JoAnn Marie Forward

Age 81, of Sarona, WI, died Saturday, September 27, 2025 in River Falls, WI.

She was born on March 27, 1944 in California to Amos and Fern Martinson. JoAnn graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1962. She was married to Gale Forward in March 1964 in Long Lake, WI. JoAnn was a registrar for the Boy Scouts of America for 39 years.

She enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, traveling and being with her family and loved ones.

JoAnn was very thoughtful, caring and had a big heart for others.

She is survived by a son, Eric (Elise) Forward; 2 granddaughters, Hannah and Amelia; 2 sisters, Darlene Martinson and Mary Fromenthal; a sister-in-law, Dorie Forward; 2 brothers-in-law, Eugene (Arlene) Forward and Greg (Carol) Forward; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gale Forward; parents, Amos and Fern Martinson; a brother, DuWayne Martinson; 4 brothers-in-law, Will Fromenthal, Curt Forward, Chris Zercher and Rudy Hoff; a sister-in-law, Gertrude Hoff; a nephew, Thomas Forward.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Long Lake Lutheran Church in Sarona, WI, Rev. Rodger Prois officiating, with interment in the Long Lake Cemetery. 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.

09/30/2025

Milton Roger Maki

Age 79, of Rice Lake, WI, died Monday, September 29, 2025 in Rice Lake.

He was born on June 21, 1946 in Virginia, MN to Swen and Gilka (Luzaich) Maki. Milton graduated from Hibbing High School in 1964; Hibbing Junior College in 1972; Mankato State in 1974, with a degree in Parks and Recreation; and Bemidji State in 2003 with a degree in Social Studies Education.

Milton served in the United States Navy from 1964-1968 with a total of 26 months of service in Vietnam. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 stars, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and the The Conduct Medal. Milton married Debra K. Brustad and on December 19, 1970. They had two children, Melinda Dee and Adam Derek.

He started his government career with the State of MN DNR as one of the original developers of theTaconite Trail in MN. He joined the Federal Government in 1975, serving as a United States Customs/Border Patrol Officer 1975 to 1981, stationed in Pembina, ND and International Falls, MN. He served as a Special Agent with the Defense Investigative Service and the Defense Security Service from 1981 to 1984 and 1986 to 1996 with duty stations in Denver, Co, Duluth, MN and Bisbee, AZ. From 1984 to 1986 he served as an US Customs Inspector in Neche, ND. After retiring from the federal government in 1996, he went back to college and received his teaching degree and taught school in Philips, WI, Indus, MN, Warwick and White Shield, ND. After moving to Rice Lake, he continued to substitute teach in Rice Lake and Bruce.

After retiring, he kept busy with garage sales, auctions, any place he could find treasures to stock his booths at the Flea Market in Rice Lake. He also loved hunting pheasants and grouse, every year with his son, Adam, their friend Ken, and would make their yearly fall trip to North Dakota to hunt.

Milton is survived by his wife, Debra; daughter, Melinda (James) Franzel and their children, Kaylee and Lukas Franzel; and Adam (Dee) Maki and their daughters, Taylor and Taryn Maki; cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Gilka and Swen Maki; 2 brothers, Rodney and Byron Maki.

Graveside Services and Military Rites will be held at 2PM Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

09/30/2025

Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Figueroa-Gallagher

Age 80, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, September 27, 2025 in Rice Lake.

She was born on February 4, 1945 in Calumet City, Illinois to Melvin and Theresa (Bigess) Gallagher. Kathy graduated from Calumet City High School in 1963 and then graduated from Mount Senario College in Ladysmith, WI with a degree in Social Work. She was a case manager for a counseling center in Ladysmith for many years.

She loved listening to music and talk radio, dancing, and mystical creatures. Kathy had a great sense of humor, enjoyed to laugh and would lighten up a room when she entered it.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Tracy Figueroa and Amber Gardner (Joey Downing); 2 sons, William (Sue) Figueroa and Ricky Figueroa; Exhusband, Edgardo Figueroa (Melissa); 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; a niece and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Theresa Gallagher; a daughter, Wendy Denny; and a brother, Bill Gallagher.

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

09/30/2025

Thomas “Tom” Charles Hall

Age 61, of Cameron, WI, died Sunday, September 28, 2025 in Rice Lake surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on November 1, 1963 in Osceola, WI to Charles and Marla (Bayer) Hall. Tom graduated from Cameron High School in 1981. He worked at Kohel Implement, was a farm hand, and worked for 21st Century Genetics. He has been the Rusk County Ambulance Director and the Emergency Management Director for the last 15 years. Tom was married to Geri (Smith) Myers on March 25, 1988.

Tom taught First Responders and the EMT Program at WITC for over 20 years. He was on the Cameron Fire Department, was a Cameron First Responder and Village President for Cameron for many years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Tom tried to make as many memories as he possibly could with his family and friends. Tom would do anything for anyone and could fix anything. He was a kind, loving, supportive, devoted, patient, and overall, a great man.

He is survived by his wife, Geri Hall; 3 daughters, Belinda Roff (Jeff Partridge), Heather (Jeremy) Burr and Lacy (Ryan) Otto; 14 grandchildren, Abby, Ryley, Brayden, Gabi, Coleman, Jakob, Esmé, Rachael, Ethan, Gavin, Everleigh, Brielle, Elliot, and Griffin; a great granddaughter, Willow; 3 brothers, Joel (Chris) Hall, David (Cara) Hall and Mark (Hollie) Hall; 2 sisters, Chari Hall and Charla (Steve) Kucko; a sister-in-law, Joan Hall; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marla Hall; a brother, Roland Hall; and a sister, Charlene Dischinger.

A private family funeral service will be held.

A public celebration of his life will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 1-5PM at the Fire Away Roadhouse and Rest Camp - 1190 25th St., Cameron, WI 54822.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

09/29/2025

Clifford “Cliff” Nelson Bolin

Age 92, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, September 27, 2025 in Rice Lake.

He was born on September 19, 1933 in Barron, WI to Emil and Beatrice (Amundson) Bolin. After attending high school he entered the United States Air Force and was a crew chief on the B52 bombers and was Honorably Discharged. He owned and operated The Car Shop in South St. Paul, MN for many years as a mechanic.

He enjoyed racing, working on race cars and all of his customers' cars.

Cliff was kind, generous, giving and had the biggest heart.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bolin; 2 sons, Kevin Bolin and Brandon Bolin; a daughter, Debbie (Dave) Greschke; 2 grandchildren, Jayce Sanchez and Symone Bolin; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Beatrice Bolin; and his siblings, 5 brothers Bruce, Jack, Jim, Gene and Dale Bolin; a sister, Joann Rhode.

Graveside Services and Military Rites will be held at 1PM, Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

09/27/2025

Stanley Bogacz, 78 of Rice Lake, WI
It is with great sadness that the family of Stanley Bogacz announces his passing on September 24, 2025.
Stanley was born to Walter and Sophie (Masnicki) Bogacz on September 3, 1947 in the Displaced Persons Camp located in Reckenfeld, Germany. He immigrated with his parents through Ellis Island in October 3,1949 where they located to Rice Lake. He graduated from Rice Lake High school in 1965 and went on to receive his BS in Comprehensive Business Management from UW-Superior in 1979.
Stanley served his country in the US Army as a Military Policeman stationed in South Korea. Upon his honorable discharge he went on to have an extensive career working withBurlington Northern Railroad in Superior and Jerome Foods in Barron. After relocating to FL, he changed industries moving into Software Engineering and Quality Assurance where he was employed by the likes of Perot Systems, Dell and Fiserv beforeretiring.
Stanley loved going to the beach, swimming in his pool, going on cruises with his beloved wife Karen and playing with his cats. He also frequently enjoyed going to movies with his family.
He volunteered for many years with the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, Leukemia Society through the Disney Marathon and gave to members in his community often.
Stanley is survived by his mother Sophie Bogacz of Rice Lake, WI; his two sons, Brian Bogacz of Orange City, FL and Jason Bogacz of Deltona, FL; His siblings Terrie Bogacz of Rice Lake, WI; Mary Zahler of Rice Lake, WI and Robert Bogacz of Rice Lake, WI.
He was preceded in death by his father Walter Bogacz, his Wife Karen Bogacz (Meyer) and his brother Stephen Bogacz
Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Monday, October 13, 2025 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Father Ed Anderson officiating, with interment in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI where Full Military Rites will be accorded him by the Rice Lake Veteran Honor Guard. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals.

09/26/2025

Robert “Bob” Chester Dulian

Age 72, of Sarona, WI, died Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Bob was born on April 5, 1953 in Rice Lake, WI to Chester “Chet” and Ann (Karpowicz) Dulian. He graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1971. Bob co-owned and operated Long Lake Roofing and Construction for many years. He was a hardworking and simple man who found joy in the little things, especially spending time with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and making memorable fishing trips to Canada.

He is survived by 2 daughters, Leslee (Matt) Fletcher and Jodi (Curt) Caverly; 4 grandchildren, Quinn and Bode Fletcher and Hudson and Piper Caverly; 3 brothers, Dave Dulian, Steve (Chris) Dulian and Tom (Tracey) Dulian; 2 sisters, Lindy Schnacky and Sue (Larry) Zilverberg; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester “Chet” and Ann Dulian; and a brother-in-law, Mark Schnacky.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the V & M Bar in Rice Lake from Noon-3PM. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

09/25/2025

Richard A. Sonnenshein

Age 90, of San Francisco, California, died Sunday, September 14, 2025 in California.

He was born on March 23, 1935 in Milwaukee, WI to Adolph and Mary Sonnenshein.

He is survived by a sister, Nancy Radtke; 2 nephews, David (Michaelyn) Radtke and Steven Radtke; a niece, Elizabeth Radtke; a great nephew and a great niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Mary Sonnenshein and a brother, David Sonnenshein.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM Monday, October 20, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, WI, Father Phil Juza officiating, with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rice Lake. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

09/25/2025

Dixie Plowman, age 70, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, passed away on September 21, 2025, in Rice Lake, WI.
Dixie was born on September 12, 1955, in Wisconsin Rapids to Myron and Jean (Berg) Kruger.
She worked as a bookkeeper at various locations, including her favorite, Faith Reformed Church. She went on to retire from there in 2011. After retiring, she was an avid volunteer for the Birchwood Area Food Pantry.
Dixie had a deep love for fishing and always made sure she caught the very first fish whenever she and her husband went out on the water. She also enjoyed boat rides and spending time up north at the cabin with her family. She was extremely proud of her family and cherished every moment with them. She especially loved watching her grandchildren, cheering them on at their sporting events.
She had a passion for shopping and traveling, and she and Randy enjoyed riding ATVs together. Daily walks with her husband were what she looked forward to, whether it was early in the morning or late evening after work. Every May, her husband even delighted her with a May Day basket, a tradition that spoke to their thoughtfulness and love.
She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, and a proud grandmother who brought joy, laughter, and love to all those around her. Even toward the end, she found joy in simply going for rides in the car, savoring the time spent with her loved ones.
As her family reflects on her life, they take comfort in hearing her words in their hearts:
“I’m fine.” “Good to go.” “Love you too.”
Dixie is survived by her husband, Randy Plowman; children, Andrew (Ann) Hoogesteger, Charlie (Mandy) Hoogesteger; step-children, Alesha (Mike) Zolinski, Travis Plowman (Jordan Leher); grandchildren, Ethan (Mataya) and Owen Hoogesteger, Brynnley, Blake, and Eva Hoogesteger, step grandchildren, Lincoln, Ruby, and Harrison Zolinski, and Penelope Mason and Elijah Plowman; siblings, Kathy Kruger, Tammy (Gary) Florence, and Michael “Mick” Kruger; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Jean (Berg) Kruger, stepfather Ron Schlenz, and late husband, Dirk Hoogesteger.
A memorial service will be held Friday October 3, 2025, at 10:30am at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:30am until the time of service. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.
The family would like to thank the staff at Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake and Marshfield Medical Center- Rice Lake Home Health and Hospice
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Dixies name to be established by her family.

09/23/2025

Gerald Carl Christofferson, also known as "Kris" or "Jerry" of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, age 91, passed away on September 13, 2025, after being hospitalized for a brief illness.

Gerald was born on July 30, 1934 in Madison, WI. His parents, Herman and Ruth (Young) Christofferson raised he and his two brothers Richard and Wayne on Welch Avenue on the shores of Lake Monona. It was in a boat on that lake and under the bridge at Starkweather Creek that Gerald caught many a bluegill and walleye and a love of the sport of fishing that would last a lifetime.

When Gerald attended Madison East High School his art teachers noticed that he had real talent. He took art classes in painting, drawing and sculpting and discovered a second passion that would bring him joy and sustenance throughout his life. His favorite things to paint were fish and wildlife of all kinds.

Gerald served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea from 1953-1955. On leave he married his sweetheart Beverly Ann Kearney on April 20, 1954. Together they would raise 3 children, Jessica, Eric and Jennifer.

After the service Gerald worked for the State of Wisconsin Highway Department for 17 years before starting a sign painting business. He could pursue his artistic passion while making an income. He was very successful, designing and painting thousands of business signs, vehicles, portraits, and home decor items over the years. In 1978 he and Beverly moved to the southwest where he spent a number of years living and working in New Mexico and then Arizona. In 2000 he moved back to Wisconsin and settled in Mikana and then Rice Lake. As a young man he had brought his family to nearby Red Cedar Lake to fish and camp many times. Being in his home state rekindled his passion for painting wildlife and fish.

When he wasn't doing artwork, you could find Gerald fishing or visiting with his friends at the local watering hole. Over the last few years he was prolific and produced many more paintings that are cherished by family, friend and north woods art lovers.

Gerald still painted up until just a few months ago. In his last year he was cared for by his youngest daughter Jennifer who came to live with him in Rice Lake. The family is eternally grateful for her help.

Gerald will be so missed; not just for his artistic talent, but for his quick wit and famously ornery charm. He loved to tell stories and he had a lot of them – too many to list here.

Gerald is survived by his children: Jessica Christofferson (Craig Mueller) of Bradenton, FL; Eric Christofferson (Mary) of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and Jennifer Acosta of Rice Lake, WI; his grandchildren: Shannon Nelson, Duncan Stelzer, Marianna Christofferson, Ryan Acosta, Brandon Acosta, and Hunter Johnstone; his great grandchildren Marshall Nelson, Kayden Acosta, Addilyn Acosta, and Everleigh Acosta. He is also survived by his older brother Richard Christofferson of Stoughton, WI.

Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife ex-wife, Beverly Christofferson (died in 2014), his wife, Mary Brock Christofferson (died in 2018), his parents (Herman and Ruth Christofferson), his brother, Wayne Christofferson and his grandson, Maris Christofferson.

A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Cedar Lake Grill in Mikana, WI from 2-5PM.

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

09/22/2025

Francis “Frank” William Bernard

Age 86, of Rice Lake, WI, died Sunday, September 21, 2025 in Rice Lake.

He was born on August 26, 1939 in Duluth, MN to. Henry and Catherine (Eagan). Frank graduated from Cathedral High School in Duluth and then graduated from North Dakota School of Science with a degree in diesel mechanics. He married Gayle Breitbach on June 16, 1962 in Duluth. Frank sailed out of the Great Lakes working on the steam engines for 4 years and then later on he received a boiler degree. He worked for Minnesota Power and Light for over 31 years and retired as a Chief Operating Engineer. They moved to Rice Lake in 1995 where he was active in the Rice Lake Kiwanis. He enjoyed working on the petunias, and going to Music in the Park.

He loved watching dirt track racing, he enjoyed his cars and restoring them, traveling, finances and gardening. Frank was compassionate, had a good work ethic and would help out his family and loved them dearly.

He is survived by a son, Tim (Karen) Bernard; a daughter, Deb (Bret) Haugen; 2 grandchildren, Katie (Gavin) Quinn and Kerri Haugen; 2 great grandchildren, Enzo and Ace; 2 step grandchildren, Tim (Crystal) Marshall and ReAnne (Connor) Robish; 5 step great grandchildren, Aubrey, Madison, Nolan, Kate and Porter; a step great grandchildren, Oaklynn; a brother, Paul Bernard. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Bernard; his parents, Henry and Catherine Bernard; and a sister, Veronica Kilpela.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM Monday, September 29, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, Father Phil Juza, with interment in the Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the Church on Monday. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

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