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

05/22/2026

Michael “Mike” Erickson

Age 66, of Birchwood, WI, died Wednesday, May 20, 2026 in Birchwood.

He was born on December 18, 1959 in Racine, WI to Lyle and Hilda (Klossner) Erickson. Mike graduated from Birchwood High School in 1979. He worked for Schwan’s Food Company for over 30 years as a salesman. Mike loved all of his clients and they were like family to him.

He was growing in his faith, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and loved watching the Green Bay Packers and NASCAR. Mike enjoyed working on his own projects and being surrounded by his family and was very proud of his son, Brett.

He will be remembered for being a simple, caring, loving, respectful, supportive and a very level headed man. Mike was known for never complaining.

He is survived by a son, Brett (Makayla) Erickson; his mother, Hilda Erickson; 2 brothers, Mark (Wanda) Erickson and Dale Erickson; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Lyle Erickson.

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

05/21/2026

Brian Dale Rude

Age 82, of Rice Lake, WI, died peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026 in Rice Lake, WI.

He was born on November 21, 1943 in Pocahontas, IA to Theodore and Venus (Habermehl) Rude. Brian graduated from Neosho High School in Neosho, MO and then from the University of Missouri - Columbia with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in Music. Brian taught high school math and science for a few years before entering the United States Army. He was Honorably Discharged and returned to Mizzou to study for a Master’s degree in music. It was then that he met his future wife, Valerie Grant. The two were married on January 25, 1970 in Columbia, MO. Brian’s Master’s studies were paused so he could raise his and Valerie’s children, Kelley and Kerry, but his teaching years were not behind him. His love of music and passion for teaching enabled him to bring the joy of music to many through music lessons on a variety of instruments.

Brian was very musically inclined and could play any instrument he got his hands on. He created multiple music groups in a variety of genres from Irish to polka to western. He composed the pieces they played, recruited members, and organized rehearsals and performances. He especially enjoyed playing accordion for services at the Unitarian Universalist church he and Valerie were active in.

In May 2001, Brian earned a Masters Degree in Mathematics from South Dakota State University. His teaching career continued at South Dakota State University-Brookings before moving on to University of North Dakota-Fargo, St. Cloud State University, and then University of Wisconsin Barron County Campus in Rice Lake, WI.

Brian was a life-long learner and could be found reading books on any topic that piqued his interest. He could often be found in his office or in the garage tinkering on his newest invention or learning a new instrument.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie Rude; a son, Kelley Rude; and a daughter, Kerry Horton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Venus Rude; a brother, Owen Rude; and a sister, Linda Hoing.

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

In lieu of flowers, please donate to either the Rice Lake School District music program or your local music program through direct donation or patronage of their performances.

05/13/2026

Carol Marie Johnson

Age 83, of Rice Lake, WI, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at her home.

She was born on May 23, 1942 in Sarona, WI to Milton and Anna Mae (Randall) Semm. Carol attended West Sarona Grade School and graduated from Shell Lake High School in 1960. She was married to Lee Johnson on June 16, 1962 in Shell Lake, WI. Carol worked for Wright Products in Rice Lake and then they owned and operated Johnson Printing for many years.

Carol enjoyed golfing, softball and going to all of her children and grandchildren's activities. She loved taking care of her home and loved her family dearly. Carol was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a hand holder, always greeted you with a hug and was a Godly Woman.

She is survived by her 3 children, Jeff (Kim) Johnson, Jim (Stephanie) Johnson and Jane Johnson; 9 grandchildren, Matthew (Annie), Devan (Kyle), Joshua, Zachary (Casey), Samantha (Sean), Tiler, Darian (April), Jessie (Ben) and Claire (Chandler); 14 grandchildren, Cooper, Lane, Harper, Claire, Declan, James, Abigail, Adeline, Lincoln, Miller, Griffin, Alivia, Averie, and Levi; 3 sisters, Pat (Doug) Sweet, Sandy Chartrand and Janice (Larry) Sutherland; 2 brothers, Brad Semm and Rocky (Pat) Semm; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee “Skinny” Johnson; her parents, Milton and Anna Mae Semm.

Funeral Services will be held at Noon, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI, Rev. Jon Cluppert officiating, with interment in the Sarona Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10AM-Noon on Wednesday May 20 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals .

05/12/2026

Brentt Edward Wiese

Age 57, of Rice Lake, WI, died Sunday, May 10, 2026 in Barron, WI.

He was born on September 18, 1968 in Rice Lake to Larry and Linda (Johnson) Wiese. After graduating from High School he became a Computer Numerical Control Operator for many years. Brentt lived in Montana for many years. He, along with his dogs, loved rock hunting, fishing, hunting and woodworking.

He is survived by a son, Travis (Dakota) Wiese; a daughter, Rebecca Fiedler; 7 grandchildren, Re*****on, Max, Henry, Letti, Easton, Aubreanna and Abigail; a brother, Cory (Tami) Wiese; and nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Linda Wiese; and a brother, Craig Wiese.

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

05/12/2026

Anthony “Tony” Wayne Hullett

Age 55, of Rice Lake, WI, died Sunday, May 10, 2026 in Marshfield, WI.

He was born on December 3, 1970 in Eau Claire, WI. Tony graduated from Crosier High School in Onamia, MN in 1989. He worked at WalMart in Rice Lake for many years as an overnight stocker. Tony was a published author, an artist, enjoyed playing tennis and loved gaming (Dungeons and Dragons).

Tony was caring, loyal, compassionate, stoic, reliable and the backbone of the family. He excelled in everything that he started.

He is survived by his parents, Walter and Mary Klemencic; a brother, Joseph Klemencic; a sister, Andrea (Brian) Sagedal; nephews and nieces, Kari (Josh), Dinin, Tyler, Dakota and Gage; great nephews and great nieces, Amelia, Andres, Amaya and Rayden; many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by a sister, Heather Klemencic and his grandparents.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30AM Saturday, May 30, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, Father Phil Juza officiating, with interment in the Cedar Lake 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, WI is serving and assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the American Cancer Society.

05/12/2026

Thomas Walter Loyas
Age 83, of Sarona, WI and Leesburg, FL, died Saturday, May 2, 2026 at his sanctuary, in the land he effectually referred to as God’s country.
Born in Minneapolis on November 2, 1942 to Walter and Viola (Wille) Loyas. He is survived by his wife, Diane Loyas: a stepdaughter, Julie Decker (Joe), 3 step grandchildren: Sam, Micah, and Hannah (Joe) Kerkhof; a brother, Doug (Sharon) Loyas, 2 sisters, Mariann Ager and Karen (Tom) Swierczek, and many nieces and nephews.
Eagerly anticipating a heavenly reunification are parents, Walter and Viola Loyas, brother, Ron, and baby brother, Danny.
Everybody knows someone, that has the knack for throwing a great party or organizing a get together; and for everybody that knew him, that guy was Tom.
If you called him anything, you called him generous. This was true both in spirit, as well as, with material goods. Excepting with Tommy, there was never a sense of reciprocal obligation; he had the remarkable gift of giving you something, and leaving you feeling like you were doing him a favor. Some are recognized for giving you the shirt off their back. Not Tom, he leaves behind multiple tales of giving others the car he was driving - a car that was always nice. Simply put, he was a class act, and a cut above the rest.
Tommy was always listening. He made you feel like he had all the time in the world for you. There were no distractions, nor pings on a phone, you were always the most important person in the room. A rare guy that could command attention, without ever demanding it. In conversation, he could disagree while simultaneously making you feel accepted. He brought with him an energy that should be bottled up and sold with an Ivy league MBA.
A true practitioner of curiosity, he never stopped learning. Tom grew more interesting every year of life. It was always a privilege to commune with him, even in somber circumstances. He traveled wide and often, experienced the world, and enjoyed its fruits. Yet he clearly understood that the luxuries he earned were only luxurious because of the people he enjoyed them with.
One final testament to Tom’s legacy that must be noted is his rapport with dogs. And it wasn’t his love of dogs that is noteworthy, but their natural reverence for him. Humans can manipulate, sell, and misinform. However, something that cannot be declared, nor exaggerated is what Canine Americans know intuitively – we lost a great one.
Mourning Tom remains antithetical to how he lived. Thus, it is good and appropriate, if you’re of the means, to attend his final get together – the last party. Assisted of course by Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Starting with 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, WI with interment in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. Visitation will be held starting at 10 AM.
Tom will surely be listening.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Little Red Barn Dog Rescue in Rice Lake, WI, would be appreciated.

05/11/2026

Betty Juliet Granum

Age 95, of Rice Lake, WI, died Sunday, May 10, 2026 in Spooner, WI.

She was born on March 17, 1931 in Wheeler, WI to Henry and Haldis (Varnes) Rolstad. Betty graduated from Colfax High School in 1949. She was married to Russel Granum on February 14, 1952. Betty helped out her husband on the dairy farm in the Town of Sumner and worked for Birchwood Manufacturing for 13 years. She enjoyed her life for over 30 years at Red Cedar Village where she made so many friends.

She was a very active member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake where she had a strong faith. Betty loved going out for coffee with her friends, working on crossword puzzles, rosemaling, baking, cooking and her home was very perfect and immaculate. She had a great sense of humor, was very sweet, kind and loving. Her favorite saying was - “Don't get old.”

She is survived by a son, Jeffery Granum (Debbie Burden); a granddaughter, Erin (George) Bonin; 2 great grandchildren, Geo and Rosie Bonin; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Husband, Russel Granum; a son, Mark Granum; 3 sisters; and 2 brothers.

An intimate, simply graveside service will be held at the Pioneer Rest Cemetery in Rice Lake, WI for family and close friends. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank Dove Healthcare in Spooner and Moments Hospice for the wonderful love and care that they gave to Betty.

Thank you to all who loved her and have sent condolences. The family appreciates each and everyone of them. They are truly blessed.

05/08/2026

Larry Flynn

Age 86, of Rice Lake, WI, died Friday, May 8, 2026 in Spooner, WI.

He was born on December 19, 1939 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Larry graduated from Rice Lake High School and was married to Katherine “Kathy” Geisness for over 55 years. He was the first district manager of Holiday Village Grocery Stores and then he eventually owned and operated Flynn Foods in Rice Lake for many years. Larry drove school bus for the Rice Lake School District for 18 years.

He enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting, golfing, snowmobiling, playing dirty clubs, going out for coffee with his coffee clutch, going to the cabins - (the family cabin and the Hot Shot Gang Cabin), watching all sports and betting on football. Larry was a member of the Ouisconsin Fishing Club, Rice Lake Elk’s Lodge, the Rice Lake Loyal Order of the Moose and the Rice Lake Rod and Gun Club.

He was an energizer bunny that never stopped. Larry would help out any family member and friend. He was very accommodating and loved to socialize.

He is survived by his beautiful canine dog, Abby; a son, Jeff Flynn; 2 daughters, Julie (Chuck) Bell and Jill (Jeff) Tomesh; 4 grandchildren, Ashley Houston (Vito Meinking), Zach (Kiersten) Tomesh, Teague Tomesh (Sally Hickstein), and Jake Tomesh (Autumn Falk); 5 great grandchildren; Brekyn Meinking, Zaelynn Meinking, Enzley Meinking, Emerson Tomesh and Tatum Tomesh; many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine “Kathy” Flynn; and his parents, Frank and Atheda Fuller.

A celebration of his life will be held from 4-7PM Monday, May 18, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI, with interment in the Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Judes Children’s Hospital or the Shriners International.

05/05/2026

Joanne Pica Plumeri
Age 86, of Mendota Heights, MN, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026.
Born July 25, 1939, in Chicago, IL, to Louis and Anna (Perkiomaki) Pica, Joanne was raised in Chicago — a city she carried with her in pride and spirit throughout her life. Her deep roots there shaped her love of family, food, conversation, and the Chicago Cubs, whom she supported faithfully throughout her life — including being in the stands at the 1945 World Series when the Curse of the Billy Goat was placed — and who lived long enough to celebrate the joy of seeing it finally lifted.
Drawn later in life to Wisconsin’s Vacationland, Joanne followed her love of the Northwoods and a dream of raising her family surrounded by towering pines and open water. The Big Woods and Lake Gitche Gumee held her heart, with Bayfield, WI, always remaining one of her favorite places in the world. In Sarona, WI, she became the chef and owner of The Four Seasons Supper Club, where guests were welcomed not just with incredible food, but with warmth, kindness, and the unmistakable feeling that they belonged.
A true gastronome before the word was common, Joanne learned to cook at the side of her grandmother and aunts and carried that passion forward into a lifelong career. Cooking was her art and her language of love. With an extraordinary palate, she could taste a dish once, recreate it within a few attempts, and nearly always make it better. Italian and German cooking were among her specialties, and every plate she served reflected care, creativity, and pride.
Joanne lived much of her life in Mendota Heights, MN, where, before retirement, she loved being a chef at Southview Country Club, working alongside family and friends. Even beyond her professional kitchens, food remained at the center of her relationships. Conversations with Joanne often found their way back to recipes, techniques, and new flavors she was eager to explore, inspired by cultures she was endlessly curious about.
She also found joy beyond the kitchen — especially attending Neil Diamond concerts, where she sang along and felt young at heart once again, and spending long hours around the table playing cards with family and friends. Rummy 500, Pinochle, and Cribbage were among her favorites, and laughter was always close at hand.
Generous with both her talents and her time, Joanne volunteered widely, especially with food‑based organizations and with communities and families working to rebuild their lives. Caring for others was not something she set aside — it was simply who she was.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Anna Pica; her daughter Linda (Richard) Weber; her twin sister Jeannine Vivo; her brothers‑in‑law Michael Vivo and Frank Tortorella; and her beloved aunt, Anne Pica.
She is survived by her children James Plumeri (Donna Kelly), Diane (Daniel) Bonngard, Margaret Plumeri, and Julie Ann Plumeri; granddaughters Natalie Arthur, Toni Arthur, Stephanie Weber, Madeleine (Philip) Geraghty, and Alison Weber; great‑granddaughter Aydrian Arthur; her sister Margaret Tortorella; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, each holding a special place in her heart, bonded through long conversations shaped by her passion for food, shared stories, and lasting memories.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Haugen, WI, Father Phil Juza officiating, with interment in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Haugen. Visitation will be held from 9-11AM Thursday, May 14 at the Church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin is serving and assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to your local charity would be appreciated.

05/04/2026

LaVerne (Vern) Stanley Volovsek was called home to our Lord and Savior, surrounded by his wife and three daughters at Our House Memory Care on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Vern was born on April 29, 1947, to Stanley and Olga Volovsek. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1965. He attended UW-Eau Claire for 2 years of pre-pharmacy while playing basketball for the UWEC Blugolds. He graduated with a BS Pharmacy degree from UW-Madison in 1970, and practiced in various hospital and retail pharmacy locations until his retirement from Rusk County Memorial Hospital in Ladysmith.

Vern was known to be loving, kind, compassionate, and witty. Outside of work his interests included hunting, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

On June 17, 1967, Vern married Sharon Poehnelt at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Loyal, WI. For 58 ½ years, Vern and Sharon shared a marriage rooted in deep love, commitment, and steadfast faith, providing a beautiful model for their family. The most profound testament to this was Sharon’s devoted care to Vern throughout his journey with Alzheimer’s.

In addition to his parents, Vern is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Andrew Hable and brother-in-law, Duane Poehnelt. He is survived and cherished by his wife Sharon; daughters Wendy Hable, Jodi (Jeff) Arrowood, and Sara (Brendan) Fouts; 10 grandchildren: Alex Hable, Aselin Hable (Josh Pinion), Rachel (Gavin) Glass, Dominic Arrowood, Anna (Cameron) Krause, Justin Fouts (Brekken Maas), Caleb, Seth, Damien, and Monica Fouts; great-granddaughters Gracelynn Pinion and Avelynn Glass; siblings Jack (Sue) Volovsek and Peggy (Ed) Yurkovich; in-laws, Sandy Nestler, Renee Lebkicker, Jerry (Joan) Poehnelt, Dean Poehnelt, Pat (Ted) Zvolena, Mike (Tiki) Poehnelt, Bonnie Duda, Terri (Tony) Inhof, and Darla (Alan) Helvig, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM Friday, May 8, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, Father Ed Anderson officiating, with interment in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Dobie, WI. Visitation will be held from 4-7PM Thursday at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI and for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Our House Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice staff for the kindness and compassion shown to Vern while in their care.

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