Susan M. Walls, 69, of Medford, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at Aspirus Care and Rehab while under the care of Hope Hospice.

She was born May 15, 1957 in Grayslake, Illinois to Donald and Evelyn (Motl) Heser. 

On January 19, 1974, Susan married Arthur Walls.  She was blessed to share 48 years of marriage with her beloved husband, the love of her life.  After Arthur’s passing in 2022, she missed him dearly, carrying his memory in heart each day.

While raising their four children, Susan also worked at her mother’s drycleaning business in Medford, “Towns Edge Drycleaners.”  When that closed, she worked at BRI until her retirement.

Susan leaves behind her four children, Lela Walls, Darla (Jonathan) Rief, Arthur III (Courtney) Walls, and Carla Walls; her mother, Evelyn Heser; grandchildren, Jakob (Madison) Rief, Keylan Walls, Ashlyn and James Walls, Blake Hinde, Camryn Schultz; siblings, John (Janine) Heser, Peggy (Wayne) Weaver, Michael Heser, Mary Heser, Ken Heser; sisters-in-law, Sandy (Dave) Mauer, Dawn (Darryl) Felzkowski; along with cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and other dear family members who hold her memory close.

She was preceded in death by her father; her husband; brothers/sisters-in-law, Marty (Brian) Vircks, Kathy Meyer, and Melody Walls.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford.

Donald Ian “Goose” Ogden, 28, unexpectedly went to the Heavenly Hunting Grounds on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Goose was born to Donald and Lori (Hanson) Ogden, who raised him with love and care.

Goose was known for being kind, friendly, and funny. He had a strong commitment to family and those he cared for. He was an extremely hard worker. Goose was passionate about the great outdoors, being a skilled hunter and fisherman. He loved animals, especially his dog, Athena.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Rosalie, whom he loved and cherished, with his partner, Liz Favata. He is further survived by his parents, Donald and Lori Ogden; his sisters, Nicole Ogden and Kendra (Evan) Friske; his nephew, Sterling; and nieces, Amberlee, Sabrina, and Sophia.

He is preceded in death with his grandparents on his paternal and maternal sides.

At the request of the family, there will be no service.

Goose will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Nancy J. Gavin, 86, of Stevens Point, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at her home, under the care of Aspirus Home Hospice.

A funeral mass for Nancy will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Medford Evergreen Cemetery 1 at a later date. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Nancy was born on June 1, 1940, in Medford to Arthur and Christine (Bach) Ross. She married Dave Baumgartner on February 28, 1960. On October 20, 2001, she married Jim Gavin, who survives her.

Nancy devoted much of her life to raising her five children as a homemaker. She also worked at Copps IGA in Medford and Stevens Point. She found joy in landscaping, gardening, and sewing and she generously gave her time to her community by serving as an election worker.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Jim Baumgartner , Ann Schield, and Linda (Craig) Czeshinski, all of Medford, and Jesse (Jolene) Baumgartner of Weston, and Jane Grewe of Colby; grandchildren, Amanda Schield, Emily (Jarod) Reimer, and Hannah (Anthony) Beaupre, Derek, Ashley, and Christine Czeshinski, Blaine (Krista) Baumgartner, Carly (Chase) Staszak, and Kyle Baumgartner, and Carter (Josephine) Grewe; great-grandchildren, Lucy Beaupre, Luella Staszak, Bryce Baumgartner, and 2 on the way; sisters, Karen (Ismal) Soto and Betty (Nick) Brackus. Nancy is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, first husband; grandson, Mason Grewe; siblings, Gene, Jim, Jerry, Carrol, William, Rita, Patty, and Marie.

Special thanks to her niece Natalie for the care she offered to Nancy.  The family is forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nancy’s name may be given to Holy Rosary Catholic School or Hope Hospice.

Claire "Butch" Frischman passed away peacefully under the care of Hope Hospice and ACR on Sunday Oct 11, 2026.

A memorial service for Butch will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Whittlesey, with Pastor Ralph Shorey III officiating. Burial will take place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Butch was born Sept 4, 1945 to Erwin and Lorraine (nee Fischer) Frischman. He graduated from Medford High School in 1963 and went off to the Army right after that. He worked in Colorado and Milwaukee returning to the Medford area.

He married Janyce Willner on Sept 25, 1971. They shared 55 years together and were blessed with 2 children Beth and Mark.

Butch was a good husband and father. He enjoyed taking his family on vacation, visiting many places. Later he and Jan traveled to places they wanted to see and explore. Their camping trip to Alaska was a high light for both of them.

Butch had many interests, hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation were his weekly reading subjects. Elk hunting was his favorite and never forgot the memorable trip to Utah. Good friends Quezzy and Jeff helped him get the trophy elk that capped all the hunts! Other memorable trips included his nephew, Rod and brother, Denny.  Town government was interesting to him. He was a supervisor in the town of Medford while living there and later town chairman for 16 years in the town of Chelsea.

His real passion was working the land, first as a farmer and was always proud of how his fields looked and produced. Later he returned to the Operating Engineers building roads and had a good eye for grade. He was an accomplished finish dozer operator. He could always tell you where he had worked on a road job.

He enjoyed figuring out how to build or fix equipment. Sometimes that included fabricating parts to make it all work.

As the years slowed him down, his main enjoyment was talking to people. He got to know each and every one he talked with and made many new friends.

He and Janyce were lifetime members of Trinity Lutheran Church. He knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was thankful God had blessed him in so many ways.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark. Parents, Lorraine and Erwin Frischman and his siblings, Jerene, Linda, Carol and Dennis.

He is survived by his wife Janyce, daughter Beth(Schanon), grandson Kody(fiancé Lexi) and granddaughter Naomi and 2 great granddaughters, Kali and Laci. Three sisters-in - law, Bonnie Michler, Sally(Michael) Jensen and Jean Frischman. Many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

He will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Butch’s name may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or Hope Hospice.

Charles J. “Chuck” Lechmaier, 69, of Merrill, formerly of Rib Lake, died Saturday, October 10, 2026 at home while under the care of Aspirus Hospice.

He was born November 8, 1956 to John and Hedwig (Rau) Lechmaier.  He graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1974.

Chuck was married to Yvonne C. “Charlene” Blankenship for 28 years until her passing in 2009.

Following high school, Chuck served in the U.S. Air Force for four years until his honorable discharge. 

He then earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering.  He worked as a maintenance supervisor and manager for many years at different companies, most recently at Harley-Davidson in Tomahawk and then at Marathon Cheese in Medford where he was currently employed at the time of his passing.

He was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed spending time in the woods, either on his four-wheeler or on his tractor, cutting wood or just enjoying the outdoors.  His most cherished time was spent with his family and his grandchildren.  He also loved taking trips up north, especially to the Duluth area.

He is survived by his four children, Marie DeCora of California, Natalie Lechmaier, Laura Lechmaier, both of Merrill, Charles “Chuck” Lechmaier Jr. of Mississippi; siblings Patricia House, Daniel Lechmaier, Gene (Cathy) Lechmaier, and John (Barb) Lechmaier; sisters-in-law, Deb and Philomenia Lechmaier; grandchildren. Danny, Joseph, Chloe, Malaika, Lorek, Arliss, Forrest, Garrett, Jada, Steven and Lyric; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Charlene; brothers, Jim and Ron Lechmaier; sisters-in-law, Jeanie Lechmaier and Trish Lechmaier; and brother-in-law, Archie House.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, October 16 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rib Lake with Fr. Thomas Kanna officiating.  Following the service, burial with military honors will take place at Historic St. Ann’s Cemetery, Rib Lake.

Visitation will be from 9 – 11 a.m., Friday, October 16 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford.  At 11 a.m., we will drive in procession to Good Shepherd Catholic Church for the mass at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to the family for later designation.

David Lawrence Burich, age 81, of Colby, passed away on Friday, October 9th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at the Marshfield Medical Center.

David was born on November 15, 1944 in Chippewa Falls. He is the son of Clarence and Helen (Melville) Burich. He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1962 and graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a degree in business in 1967. On September 4th, 1965, David was united in marriage to Bonnie Weix at St. Mary of Christian Help Parish in Colby, WI. He worked as an accountant for 30 years in the US Forestry Service Department in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Washington D.C., retiring in 2000.

After retirement, Dave and Bonnie moved back to Colby, WI. There they enjoyed canning, family gatherings, and gardening. Throughout the years, his love for road trips also took him across the country. While at home, Dave enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler, relaxing, doing puzzles, and watching sports and old westerns on T.V.

David was blessed with a large family. He cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. David was an avid fisherman and hunter and instilled his passion and knowledge to all the family. He was always finding ways to help his family, whether it was by working on projects for others or cheering on his children and grandchildren from the sidelines of sports fields. The importance of family and friends always were his priorities and his joy.

David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Bonnie (Weix) Burich; four children: Gary (JaLyn) Burich of Fortine, MT, Pamela (Ian) Sullivan of Eau Claire, WI, Michael (Shim) Burich of Milwaukee, WI, and Donna (Dave) Mertens of Eldorado, WI; 12 grandchildren: Gage, Rachel, Justin, Anna, Sarah, Catherine, Emily, Kayla, Cory, Nolan, Carter and Caleb; and eight great grandchildren. He is further survived by his three sisters and one brother: Joanne Cogswell, Betty Sinette, Tom Burich and Linda (Steve) Henning; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Isabelle.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00pm on Friday October 16th, 2026 at the Saint Mary of Christian Help Parish in Colby, Wisconsin. Father Keith Kitzhaber will officiate. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Friends may greet the family at the church, starting at 10:00am until the time of service. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbortsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

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

Bruce A. Heppner, 67, of Medford, passed away on Monday, October 5th, 2026, at his home related to ongoing health conditions.

A memorial service for Bruce will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, WI. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. A celebration of life with a meal to follow at P-Town Saloon in Perkinstown, WI starting at 1:00 PM. Family and friends are encouraged to bring a vintage/muscle car in remembrance of Bruce's lifetime hobby.

Bruce was born on April 12th, 1959, to Robert and Marlene (Lauer) Heppner in Chippewa Falls. Bruce worked at Phillips Plastics for over 30 years.

Bruce enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, and loved spending time listening to live music. He had an obsession with any kind of bird. He loved spending time with his family.

Bruce is survived by his daughter, Jamie (Shane) Schultz of Medford; 3 grandchildren, Korbyn, Mavery, and Milas; siblings, Debbie (Victor) Mae Offutt, Bernie (Jay) Jaquish, Brad (Giselle) White, Brian (Peggy) White, Brenda (Joe) Stangl, Bridget (Marv) Pehlke.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marlene; stepmother, Rhea Heppner and uncle, Wayne Lauer

Barbara Jeane Schief, 96, of Medford, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Our House Senior Living, under the care of St. Croix Hospice, surrounded by family.

A memorial service for Barbara will take place on Monday, October 12, 2026 at the Medford United Methodist Church with Pastor Deb Spira officiating. Burial will follow at Medford Evergreen I. Visitation will take place at the Methodist Church on Monday, October 12, 2026 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota October 2, 1930 to Mona (Butler) and Fred Speich. At the age of 3 her family moved to Ladysmith, Wisconsin.

Barbara graduated from Ladysmith High School in 1948 and then entered St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Marshfield, Wisconsin graduating in 1951.

A few weeks after graduating she married Gale Schief of Thorp, Wisconsin in the Ladysmith United Methodist Church. After he completed serving in the Army they resided in Mosinee for 8 years.

Their children Suzanne and David joined them while there.

In 1961 the family moved to Hales Corners, Wisconsin. While there Barbara and Gale were ordained elders in the Presbyterian Church. In 1980 the family moved to Big Bend, Wisconsin.

During her working years Barbara worked in a variety of nursing positions in the Milwaukee area.

Upon retirement in 1991 Barbara and Gale moved to Medford, Wisconsin. These years were rewarding through caring for their elderly parents, being active in the community and in the Medford United Methodist Church, Hope Hospice, Friends of the Library, and Taylor County Memorial Hospital.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Suzanne (Mike Braun of Wausau) of Medford; son David of Tampa, Florida; grandson Brian (Kimberly) of Tampa Florida; niece Cathy (David) Terril of Virginia and niece Connie Dennis of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, several grand nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat, Jordy.

Preceding her in death were her parents Mona and Fred Speich and her husband Gale, daughter-in-law, Shelby Schief, and brother, David (Barbara) Speich.

James “Jim” A. Klimeck, 71, of Rib Lake, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Rib Lake Health Services under the care of Northshore at Home.

Funeral services for Jim will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Rib Lake with Pastor Kenneth Bittorf officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery (same location).

Jim was born on July 2, 1955 in Medford to John Sr. and Ethel (Bartelt) Klimeck. He attended Rib Lake School District. After schooling, he drove milk truck for a period of time until buying the family farm. He owned and operated a cattle route "Klimeck Trucking" also. He married Sandy Niggemann on February 20, 1976; they were later divorced. After farming he then worked for Weather Shield a few years, then drove semi many years for EJ Peters and Timberline until ill health forced his retirement. Driving semi was his favorite job of all.

He could often be found trying his luck with the lottery, Powerball, and poker machines, or enjoying a drawing at Mohr’s Bar. He looked forward to Friday fish fries, hunting, and loved his 1973 Gran Torino he purchased brand new at a young age! Jim cherished the time he spent with his grandson, family, and longtime friends.

Jim is survived by his children, Sara (Brent) Polzin of Shawano, Stacey (Todd) Labrec of Westboro, Jace (Lacey) Klimeck of Madison, and Autumn Klimeck of Unity; 2 grandsons, Jacob Polzin and Jaxon Klimeck; sister, Penny (Kyle) Mannel. Jim is further survived by many other family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, John Klimeck Jr. and Marjean Denny.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Jim’s family for use at a later date.

Pearl Hale, 88, of Medford, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after a life of ceaseless Christian devotion and unconditional love for her family. Her faith and family were with her to the very end, as she passed away peacefully while holding her Rosary and hearing prayers recited to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. 

She was born on March 28, 1938, in Milwaukee to Bernard and Mabel (Wisnewski) Wayerski. Pearl attended St. Lawrence Grade School and St. Mary’s Academy, both in Milwaukee, and went on to earn her nursing degree from the School of Nursing at Marquette University. 

On November 27, 1965, she married Everett B. Hale at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milwaukee. They resided in Milwaukee, Manitowoc, Madison, Waukesha and Holmen before moving to Taylor County in 1982. 

Pearl was a devoted parishioner at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, attending Mass every week and was so proud to fill out the pew with her daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and other family whenever they came to visit her in Medford.  She loved to sing from the hymnal and especially cherished having her loved ones there at Christmas and Easter.  

At home, she never stopped being a nurse, caring for her husband, Everett, and her daughter, Linda, as they endured serious illnesses. Many others benefited from her abiding care over the years, whether in a hospital or in her living room. 

Her house on South Second Street in Medford was a source of joy and a precious sanctuary – home to countless family gatherings and immaculate meals served with love and meticulous attention to detail. Her flower gardens were part of her life’s work, displaying a beautiful array of colors every spring and summer, and when they were covered by snow, the house was lit up with Christmas lights that shone throughout the neighborhood. 

Pearl will be dearly missed by her children, Ann (Brian) Bergmann of Lindstrom, MN; Barbara (Matthew) Hale-Richlen of Menomonee Falls; Jennifer (Adam Derr) Hale of Ogema; son-in-law, Kevin O’Brien of Colby; and grandchildren: Lauren (Joseph) Linders of Lindstrom, MN; Alexander Bergmann of Maple Grove, MN; and Pierce, Grant and Ava Richlen, all of Menomonee Falls. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Everett on August 24, 2015; her daughter, Linda O’Brien, on December 8, 2023; and eight siblings: Sister Ethel Grace Wayerski, Caroline Roell, Delores Potts, Roman Wayerski, Jerome Wayerski, Alice Dube, Theresa (Terry) Malek and Florence Rogala. 

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Hemer Funeral Home, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery. 

Memorials may go to Hope Hospice or to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, both of which Pearl held close to her heart.

Lynette R. Jensen, 90, of Medford, died Friday, October 2, 2026 at Country Gardens in Medford while under the care of Hope Hospice.

She was born on August 8, 1936 in Unity to Ralph and Gertrude (Ewald) Reichert.  The family moved to Manchester, Iowa, then Dorchester before moving to Medford when Lynette was in the third grade.  She graduated from Medford High School in 1954.

Following high school, Lynette worked for Neuendorf Transport, and she stocked cards for American Greetings at Kmart.

On August 17, 1957, Lynette married LeRoy N. “Lee” Jensen.  They resided in Medford where Lynette raised their children and made their home.

She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford. She enjoyed needlepoint and other crafts, worked as a poll worker during elections, loved to feed and watch the hummingbirds, and doted on her beloved grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Tammy (Dale) Meyer of Medford, Todd (Heather) Jensen of Marshfield, and Chad (JeAnn) Jensen of Neillsville; grandchildren, Tyler Jensen of Auroa, CO, Ashlee (Richard) Sayre of Marshfield, Lisa (Mason) Burger of Medford, Christa (Jake) Kapfhamer of Wrightstown, Claire Jensen of Helena, MT, and Myles (Jessie) Jensen of Rochester, MN, and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Lee on December 6, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford with Rev. David Spaude officiating.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Hope Hospice of Medford.

Mary Lynn (Norton) Williams, 77, of Medford, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at The Waterford at Colby under the compassionate care of Memories Hospice.

Mary was born on July 8, 1949, in Phillips to Fred Sr. and Marilyn (Boheim) Norton. She graduated from Phillips High School in 1967 and went on to earn an associate degree from Taylor County Teacher’s College. She continued her education at UW-Stevens Point, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1974.

On July 27, 1968, Mary married the love of her life, Allen "Al" Williams. Together, they built a life centered around family, business, education, public service and an unwavering commitment to their community.

Mary began her professional career in education, teaching second grade for 18 years with the Medford Area Public School District. She also taught eighth-grade Junior Achievement for six years, helping young people develop an understanding of business, financial responsibility and the world around them.

Alongside Allen, Mary was a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur. Together, they co-owned and operated five Hardee’s restaurants and a Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor for 40 years. She also served as bookkeeper for Williams Construction and Al Williams Construction. Her dedication to both education and business reflected her strong belief in creating opportunities for others and strengthening the communities in which she lived and worked.

Mary’s commitment to public service was extensive and spanned decades. She served four years on the Taylor County Board of Supervisors, where she and Allen were one of only a couple of husband-and-wife teams to serve together on the board. During her time there, she served as chair of the Health Committee and Taylor County Library Committee and was a member of the Personnel Committee, Agriculture and UW Extension Committee and Land Conservation Committee. She also served as chairperson of the Health and Home Nursing Committee and continued her work with the Taylor County Health Committee and Taylor County Human Service Board.

In 2002, she won her first election to the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing District 87. She was inaugurated in 2003 and held that position until 2015. She was warmly known as “the Sunshine Lady.”   During her legislative career, she served on countless committees and held numerous leadership positions, including Chair of Rural Development; Vice Chair of Rural Affairs and Renewable Energy; Chair of Jobs, Economy and Mining; Chair of Jobs, the Economy and Small Business; and Chair of AB 29 RFIV Sale of Consumer Goods. She was especially proud of serving as State Assembly Majority Caucus Secretary for three years and Minority Caucus Secretary for one year.

Her public service also extended beyond the State Assembly. She was appointed by Governor Scott Walker to the Wisconsin State Technical College System Board. She served with the Wisconsin Association of County Extension Committees and was involved with numerous local, regional and statewide organizations dedicated to agriculture, conservation, education, economic development, tourism, public health, youth and community improvement.

Mary served as president of Restorative Justice of Taylor County, president of Pri-Ru-Ta, president of the Wisconsin Association of Resource Conservation and Development, and second vice president of North Central Resource Conservation and Development, which represented seven states. She was president of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Board and served as president and secretary of the Medford Public Library Board of Directors. She was secretary of the Taylor County Tourism Council, secretary of the Price Waterways Association and treasurer of the Taylor County Fair Board and served on the Juvenile Justice Committee.

Her community involvement was extensive and included the Taylor County Health Committee, Safe and Stable Families Committee, Solberg Lake Association, Price County Farm Bureau, Republican Party organizations in four counties, Chambers of Commerce in five cities, Dairy Breakfast Committee, ITBEC Full Board and Executive Committee, Assets Committee for the Medford Area School District, Friends of the Library, Taylor County Historical Society, Taylor County Town and Country Breakfast Committee, Taylor County Land Conservation Committee Member, Taylor County Health Planning Committee, Family Preservation and Support Steering Committee, City of Medford Election Board, Vacant Stores Committee, We Whittlesey Whizzers Snowmobile Club, Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Taylor County Dairy Promotion Committee, Medford Band Parents Association, Safe-T-Town Committee, Medford Youth Hockey Association, Education for Employment Council, Steering Committee for the Department of Public Instruction, Extension Education Committee, North Central Technical College Representative, Northwest Land Conservation Association, National Rifle Association, Taylor County Tavern League, Chequamegon Sportsmen’s Club, Farm Bureau, Knox Creek Heritage Association, Local Emergency Planning Committee, National Federation of Independent Business, Taylor County Cooperative Youth Fair, WEAC and NEA, Tobacco Coalition, Assets Vision Committee with the Medford Area School District, Animal Waste Advisory Committee and AMVETS of Price County.

Mary was also an integral part of starting the figure skating program at the Simek Recreation Center, providing another opportunity for area youth to learn, participate and grow.

Throughout her lifetime of service, Mary received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions. Among them were the State Bar of Wisconsin Scales of Justice Award for 2011-2012, the Wisconsin Forestry Council Distinguished Service Award in 2008, the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Hero Award, Wisconsin Builders Association Friend of Housing Award, Friend of Wisconsin Dairy Industry Award, WCCO Legislator of the Year 2003 and 2004, and the National MS Society Outstanding Volunteer Advocate Award in 2003. She was named the 1992 Woman of the Year by the Medford Business and Professional Women’s Organization, the first and only award of its kind ever presented by the organization. She was also named Dairy Promoter of the Year for Taylor County in 1993 and was awarded Franchisee of the Year honors by both Hardee’s and Happy Joe’s.

While Mary accomplished much throughout her professional and public life, her greatest pride and joy was her family. She and Allen raised three children: Michelle (Gerald) Wiskerchen of Wausau, Kimberly (John) Fechhelm of Medford, and Kris (Rebecca) Williams of Park City, Utah. She was a proud grandmother to Dakota (Morgan Piller) Wiskerchen, Marrol (Anthony Bonney) Wiskerchen, Evan and Brody Fechhelm, and a loving great-grandmother to Zayne, Asher, Savannah and Cooper.

She is also survived by her sister, Marjorie Salsbury of Minnesota, as well as many nieces and nephews, including Lisa Lowder, Chad Williams, Jessica Williams, Carole O’Brien, Gary Muelling, Tim Koslowski, Luke Norton, David Helander and Michael Helander.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Sr. and Marilyn Norton; her parents-in-law, Richard and Bernadine Williams; her husband Al on July 12, 2026; her siblings Judith Muelling, Fred Norton Jr. and Patrice Norton; brothers-in-law Ronald Williams, Ronald Muelling and Louis “Bud” Salsbury; sister-in-law Charlotte Norton; nephews Scott R. Williams and Sam Norton; and nieces Patrice Kearns and Shey Zimmerman.

Her legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren, the many organizations and communities she served, the students whose lives she touched, the businesses she helped build, and the countless people who benefited from her dedication and friendship.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2026 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Mary’s nephew, Tim Koslowski officiating.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

Following the services, please join the family for a celebration of Mary’s life from 3:30–7 p.m. at the Medford VFW.

The family requests that guests wear bright, colorful attire to all events in honor of Mary’s vibrant personality!  She especially loved red!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Moments Hospice of Stevens Point, 1209 Church St, Stevens Point, WI 54481, or to the Alzheimer’s Association to help find a cure, visit https://alzfdn.org/donate