Obituaries - Vilas County News-Review

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Nancy L. Cavitt

Nancy L. Cavitt (née Stevens) peacefully passed away on June 28, 2018, at Country Terrace Assisted Living in Rhinelander, Wis.
She was born Jan. 3, 1929, the only child of Richard and Ida Marion Stevens of Elgin, Ill.
She was a graduate of Elgin High School and worked as a telephone operator when she met Byford E. Cavitt, whom she married on June 16, 1951.
Thereafter, Nancy worked many years as a switchboard operator for the Joseph Spiess Department Store and Answering Kane County. She was later employed by First Card for nearly 10 years before she and Byford retired to the North Woods in 1988.
After living in Sayner, Wis., for eight years, they
Gloria Henkel

Gloria Henkel (née Eberle) went to her Heavenly home Saturday, July 7, 2018, at the age of 92.

Gloria was a resident of Eagle River, Wis., for 38 years before moving to Menomonee Falls, Wis., after the death of her beloved husband, William.

She enjoyed snow skiing in winter, paddle boating and hiking in summer.

Dear mother of Barbara Himmelman, Judith (Gary) Krafcheck and Bonnie (Robert) Blum.

She is survived by six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by
Donald R. Krueger

Donald R. Krueger, age 92, passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2018, at St. Lucas Care Center, Faribault, Minn.
Donald was born March 1, 1926, in Merrill, Wis., son of the late Reinhard and Ella (Pruesser) Krueger.
He married Betty J. Emanuel on May 15, 1948, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. She preceded him in death on Sept. 9, 2016.
Donald had owned and operated Krueger’s Place in Doering, Lincoln County, Wis., for 14 years. While operating the tavern, Donald managed to maintain two baseball diamonds and up to five baseball teams every year.
Prior to operating the tavern, Donald
Penelope M. Luethy

Penelope M. (Scott) Luethy joined the Lord and her father, George Sr., along with her brother, George Jr., on Saturday, June 30, 2018.
She was sent off by her loving husband, Gregg Luethy; his children and their families; and her children, Heather Fletcher, Eric, Kate, Kaleena and Micah Stoddard.
As a mother, wife, sister to Camey (Scott) Fischer and Randi Scott, daughter of Alice Scott, and grandmother to Hayley, Hadley, Cade, Oren, Lyric and Cole, she shared her love for nature and good tea, good food and good conversation, at any time, any day.
She was known as
Ann Gertrude Oerichbauer

Ann Gertrude Oerichbauer, a lifelong area resident, died Sunday, July 1, 2018, at Milestone Senior Living in Eagle River. She was 94.

Mrs. Oerichbauer was born July 29, 1923, in Conover to George and Ann Wierichs.

She attended Conover Graded School and Eagle River Union High School.

She married William “Bill” Oerichbauer Jan. 14, 1941.

Mrs. Oerichbauer served as a 4-H leader while her children were growing up. She also was a member of the Phelps Senior Center for many years where she
Jennifer A. Pfannerstill

Jennifer A. Pfannerstill, 45, of Wilmette, Ill., lost her battle with cancer on July 2, 2018.
Born in a small northern Wisconsin town, she was destined to spread her wings and broke barriers to make the world a more beautiful place, but never forgot her roots.
Jen was an accomplished scholar. She graduated from Northland Pines High School in Eagle River, Wis., studied biology at UW-Green Bay where she graduated with honors, obtained a master’s degree in education from Olivet-Nazarene and had just been accepted into a doctoral program for biology.
She was
Genevieve Sobolik

Genevieve (Gene) Sobolik, age 94, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., passed away on Friday, June 22.

Gene was born on Sept. 22, 1923, in Chicago, Ill., to Henry and Bess Hovorka.

She grew up in Chicago and graduated from Morton East High School.

She wed “the boy across the street,” Roy Sobolik, in 1948, and remained married until Roy’s death in 2013.

They raised their two girls in Berwyn, Ill., until 1968, when the family moved to their summer home on Long Lake in Clearwater Lake.

While living in the Northwoods, Gene was
Glenn M. Schmolze

Glenn M. Schmolze of St. Germain, Wis., returned to his heavenly home on July 6, 2018, after a valiant battle with a long illness.
His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Glenn was born to the late Marvin and Amalia Schmolze (Krumm) on Sept. 12, 1937, in Sheboygan, Wis.
Glenn went to North High School where he met the love of his life and soulmate, Audrey Jean Thorsby. They married on June 29, 1957, and were blessed with a large and loving family.
While in high school, Glenn was working as
Carol M. Schultz

Heaven received another angel on Sunday, July 1, 2018, Carol M. Schultz (née Crass), 86, of Port Washington, Wis.
She was born on Oct. 1, 1931, to the late Arthur and Marida (née Aurig) Crass in Fillmore, Wis. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Martin’s Church in Fillmore.
She fell in love with Paul Schultz at a community picnic. They were united in marriage on Jan. 8, 1949. Together they raised four children.
Carol worked many jobs over the years, but her main vocation was to her husband and family. She volunteered as a hospice caregiver.
She loved
Jeffrey P. Briggs

Jeffrey P. Briggs, age 67, of Monico, Wis., passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, in Three Lakes, Wis., while doing what he enjoyed, which was scrapping.
Jeffrey was born in Monico on Jan. 14, 1951, the son of Russell L. and Bernadine F. (Rice) Briggs.
Jeff grew up in Monico and was a 1969 graduate of Three Lakes High School. He then attended UW-Stevens Point for a few years.
He moved to Waukesha, Wis., and was employed for 17 years with Miller Brewery.
He met Carlene A. Blavat and on Nov. 1, 1980, the couple was
Virginia Hope Denler

Virginia Hope Denler, of Clearwater Lake, died Monday, June 25, 2018, at Heartwood Lodge in Spring Lake, Mich. She was 95.

Ms. Denler was born March 17, 1923, in Duluth, Minn., to Arnold and Lucille (née Moses) Denler Sr.

She was a graduate of Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, Minn., and attended Madison College in Madison, Tenn.

Ms. Denler was employed by manufacturing companies for many years.

She enjoyed playing the piano and was an active member of Clearwater Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church in Eagle River, where she taught Sabbath School and
James A. Smith

James A. Smith, age 36, of Pioneer, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at his home from natural causes.
James was a diesel technician for Meyer Brothers Trucking in Pioneer and had previously worked at Maneval’s in Bryan, Ohio, and Hornish Brothers Trucking in Defiance, Ohio.
He was a 2001 graduate of Watersmeet (Michigan) High School and a 2004 graduate of the University of Northwest Ohio.
James also served in the Ohio Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer from 2000-2006. While in the National Guard, he served two tours of active duty in Kuwait and
Lucile ‘Lucy’ Matson Campbell

Lucile Matson Campbell passed away gracefully and in peace June 17, 2018.
Lucile was born to Charles and Ellen Matson Aug. 24, 1919, in Sac City, Iowa.
She grew up on a farm until she was 10 years old, then had to move to Sioux City, Iowa, with her younger sister, Vivian, and brother, Don, due to losing their farm during the Great Depression.
Lucy loved growing up on the farm and had many stories of swinging in the hayloft with her sister, riding on her father’s back up the rickety stairs to her bedroom and
Miss Maggie Ann Houg

“Dearest baby, please know that our greatest blessing was having you.”

Miss Maggie brightened this world on April 12, 2018; she gained her angel wings on June 16, 2018.

Maggie brought so much joy and happiness to everyone she touched in her two months with us.

Maggie is the cherished and loved daughter of Lexi Vinnedge and Jim Houg; and her beloved sister, Audrey Vinnedge.

She was loved also by her grandparents, Jackie Vinnedge and Ben Ives, and Bob and Hope Houg; maternal great-grandparents, James Sr. and Marjorie Houg; her aunts, Haley and
Ella May Christison

Ella May Christison passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus at her home in Eagle River, Wis., at the age of 951⁄2, on Saturday, June 23, 2018, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Omaha, Neb., on Dec. 13, 1922.

She is survived by a sister, Elaine Denson Marsh; and a brother, Kenneth Denson; four children, Robert E. English and wife, Susan, of Wales, Maine, Marcia English-Pluess of Eagle River, Mary English-Lochte and her husband, William, of Eagle River, and Deborah English-Patterson and her husband, Heinz, of Glenwood, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; and
John R. Cooper

John R. Cooper, age 73, a longtime resident of Sugar Camp, Wis., passed away on Monday, June 11, 2018, at his home.
John was born Aug. 21, 1944, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Melvin and Clara (Chambers) Cooper.
John and his parents moved to Sugar Camp in 1946. John attended Sugar Camp School and graduated in 1963 from Three Lakes High School.
He learned his trade working with his dad at Mel’s Mobil in Sugar Camp.
John moved to Illinois in 1966, and worked as a mechanic for the Goodyear Service Center in Hillside, Ill.
He married
John J. Penn

John J. Penn, of St. Paul, Minn., died Thursday,?June 7, 2018. He was 59.
Mr. Penn was born Dec. 13, 1969, to Dr. Paul and Merilyn (neé Carter) Penn.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Mr. Penn is survived by his mother; four sisters, Ellen (Bud) Swanson of Prescott, Ariz., Laurie (Dave) Kirby of Three Lakes, Amy (Jim) Berndt of Westfield, Ind., and Paula Penn of Prospect Heights. Ill.; seven nephews; and three nieces.
Robert L. ‘Bob’ Spehr

Robert L. “Bob” Spehr of Grafton, formerly of Thiensville and Three Lakes, died Tuesday, June 19, 2018. He was 89.

Mr. Spehr was preceded in death by his wife, Grace (née Gobbi).

He is survived by two sons, Greg (Michelle), and Jim (Rhonda); one brother, David (Margo); three grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Private interment was held at Wisconsin Memorial Park.

A happy hour commemorating Mr. Spehr’s life will be held
Sam Cardella

Sam Cardella, 73, of St. Germain, Wis., was born on July 23, 1944, and passed away on June 11, 2018.
He was the loving husband of Carol for 52 years; beloved brother of John (Liz) Cardella, the late Frank (Georgia) Cardella, and the late Anthony Cardella; uncle of Dave Cardella, Phillip (Sherri) Cardella, Matthew (Kiyomi) Cardella, and Rita (Omar) Bouzoubaa; nephew of Carol (the late John) Krach and Agnes (the late Don) Moore; cousin of Sue, Steve, Ellen, the late Arlene, Tom, Mary, Mike, Patrick and Bob.
Sam loved to fish and it led him and Carol to own and manage a resort for 47 successful seasons.
While not having children of their own, Sam was
John Ross Cooper

John Ross Cooper, a resident of Sugar Camp, died Monday, June 11, 2018, at his home. He was 73.
A memorial service was held June 16. Memorials to Our Savior Lutheran Church are appreciated by the family.
A complete obituary will appear in next week’s paper.
Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River is serving the family.
Dona Q. Holtey

Dona Q. Holtey, age 88, a resident of Eagle River, Wis., and formerly of Three Lakes, Wis. and Rockford, Ill., died on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at her home with family and friends.
She was born on Aug. 27, 1929, to Frank “Wally” and Elin Kask.
She was a summer visitor to the Northwoods since 1945, purchased property in 1964, moved to Three Lakes in 1980, and then to Eagle River in 2009.
She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary Post 431 and the Women’s Club of Three Lakes. She was formerly a member of the Union Congregational Church in
George E. Newkirk

George Newkirk, of Milwaukee and a long-time seasonal resident of Eagle River, died Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Milwaukee. He was 93.

Mr. Newkirk was born Dec. 22, 1924.

He served in the U.S. Army and was awarded a Bronze Star in World War II.

He owned Newkirk’s Towing and Service Station in Milwaukee.

He and his brother, Bill, built a cottage on Catfish Lake in Eagle River in 1958, and he enjoyed vacationing there with his wife and children.

Mr. Newkirk’s hobbies included
Jeremy M. Sullivan

Jeremy M Sullivan was born July 6, 1977, in Eagle River Wis., to Michael and Cynthia Sullivan.

He died unexpectedly June 6, 2018, in Florida.

He is survived by his mother, Cynthia; brother, Christopher; nephew, Michael of Eagle River; son, Maric; granddaughter, Hazel of Rhinelander, Wis., and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A private memorial service is being planned.

PAID OBITUARY
Lenton ‘Len’ Williams

Lenton “Len” Williams, age 97, of Phelps, Wis., passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Avanti Health & Rehabilitation Center in Minocqua, Wis.
Len was born at home on Aug. 9, 1920, in Oak Park, Ill., the son of Lenton Booker Sr. and Louise Tracey (Borst) Williams.
He graduated from Oak Park High School in Illinois. He was apprenticed to become a Photo Engraver.
One day after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and was stationed on Cape Cod for submarine patrol, volunteered for hazardous duty and was trained in armaments, for deployment to the China India Burma Theatre.
He served on
John Ross Cooper

John Ross Cooper, a resident of Sugar Camp, died Monday, June 11, 2018, at his home. He was 73.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 16, at 11 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Eagle River. Visitation will be Friday, June 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River and one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorials to Our Savior Lutheran Church are appreciated by the family.
A complete obituary will appear in next week’s edition.
Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River is serving the family.
Kathleen Eleanor Holbrook

Kathleen Eleanor Holbrook, 71, died Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff, Wis.
Kathleen was an adventurous, loving, loyal mother, wife, and friend in her 71 years on this earth. She was born on Jan. 11, 1947, to Russell and Josephine (Wiesman) Wunsch.
She depended on her strong belief in God and her love for both her immediate and extended family.
She is survived by her son, John Holbrook; brother, Roger (Sherry) Wunsch; sister, Carol (Ken) Kropp; and her significant other, Barry Vandertie.
She was preceded in death by
Al Urban Jr.

Al Urban Jr., a resident of St. Germain, died Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff. He was 72.

Mr. Urban was born July 23, 1945, in Garden City, Kan., to Alvin Sr. and Marjorie Urban.

He was married to Lynn April 1, 1989.

He worked at Walmart in Minocqua for 10 years. Mr. Urban also owned and operated A and L Remodeling in St. Germain.

He enjoyed fishing, shooting, camping and snowmobiling. He was an animal lover who especially loved his many dogs.

Mr. Urban was preceded in death by
Frank Uthe

A memorial service for Frank Uthe, formerly of Eagle River, Wis., will be held Saturday, June 16, 2018, in Boulder Junction.
Mr. Uthe died Oct. 5, 2017, in Sebring, Fla.
He was born Oct. 3, 1926, in Chicago, Ill., and moved to Eagle River in 1954.
He and his wife operated an upholstery and draping business.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (née Jone) Uthe.
He is survived by
Kristopher Wade Gwyn

Kristopher Wade Gwyn, age 29, of Land O’ Lakes, Wis., passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Kristopher was born on Oct. 24, 1988, in Ontario, Canada, to John and Ann (Walters) Gwyn.
Kristopher spent the majority of his life working in the construction field. He enjoyed working outdoors, motorsports and working with heavy machinery.
Kris will be dearly missed.
Kristopher was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sandy McKinnon.
Kris is
Lois M. Jacob

Lois M. Jacob, age 83, of Rothschild, Wis., formerly of Franksville, Wis., passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Weston, Wis., with her family by her side.
Lois was born on March 8, 1935, in Racine, Wis., to Elmer and Effie (Osinga) Zimmerman.
She was educated in Racine area schools and graduated from Racine Lutheran High in 1953.
She married Alvin Jacob on Nov. 28, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Caledonia, Wis., and they later divorced.
Lois enjoyed
Kenneth J. Mason

Kenneth J. Mason passed away on March 12, 2018.

He was born on Nov. 17, 1922, in Tigerton, Wis., to Frank and Christena (Senn) Mason.

He spent his childhood in Rhinelander, graduating from Rhinelander High School.

He volunteered for service in the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving in the European Theatre on a B-24 “Liberator” bomber as a radioman and top gunner. He flew 33 missions over Europe including D-Day and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He completed his service at Truax Field in Madison, Wis., as
Mary Alice ‘Sally’ Krier

Mary Alice “Sally” Krier, age 95, a resident of Sugar Camp, Wis., and formerly of Belgium, Pickerel, Merrill, and Rhinelander, Wis., passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2018, at the Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau, Wis.
Sally was born on Dec. 29, 1922, in Wausau, to Louis and Catherine Podruch. She was nicknamed “Sally” by her brothers.
She was a proud graduate of Mount Mary College in 1944, with a degree in Home Economics. She taught home economics and grade school in Green Bay Vocational School, Belgium, Wabeno, Wis., and adult sewing classes at Port Washington Vocational School.
Sally was
Judy Neihous

Judy Neihous, age 75, a 27-year resident of Three Lakes, Wis., and formerly a 49-year resident of Milwaukee, Wis., passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018, at her home.
Judy was born on Nov. 26, 1942, in Milwaukee, to Edward and Alma Leidy.
She was a stay-at-home mother of five for the early part of her life. She worked as a waitress in different restaurants starting in her early 30s.
Judy was an avid decorative painter when she moved to Three Lakes in 1991. She was a member of the Lakeland Art League and Northern Wisconsin Decorative
LaVerne Kringel Penoyer

LaVerne Kringel Penoyer died at home Sunday, April 15, 2018. She was 93.

Mrs. Penoyer, the oldest of six siblings, was born July 18, 1924, in Eagle River to Hubert and Elsie (nee Wilson) Kringel.

She met Carl Penoyer in northern Wisconsin and they were married Jan. 25, 1947, in Eagle River. The couple then moved to Central Square, N.Y. They had three sons.

The family owned horses which they rode in parades and town events. Mrs. Penoyer enjoyed boating and played golf on a ladies’ league, where her crowning achievement was
Donald R. Wick

Donald R. Wick of Eagle River died Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Ascension Eagle River Hospital. He was 80.
Simply Cremation through Hildebrand Funeral Home in Rhinelander is serving the family.
Anissa Marie Widule

On May 26, 2018, Anissa Marie Widule, age 49 years and four days, was granted her angel wings and soared to a higher plane, finally finding peace.
Five plus years of diminishing health due to ALS and chronic Lyme disease did not dim her personality. Her wit, good listening skills and genuine interest in everyone she encountered enlarged her circle of friends to the very end.
Anissa was born in Rhinelander, Wis., attended Sugar Camp Elementary School, Three Lakes High School where she excelled in athletics, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and ultimately earned several degrees from Nicolet College.
She was
Philip D. Tienhaara

Philip D. Tienhaara, a resident of Hudson, Fla., died unexpectedly at his home Tuesday, May 22, 2018. He was 46.

Mr. Tienhaara was born Oct. 18, 1971, in Rhinelander to Donald and Linda Tienhaara.

After graduating from Northland Pines High School in Eagle River, he entered the U.S. Air Force and was trained as an Intelligence Operations specialist. He served in The Gulf War in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

After leaving the Air Force, Mr. Tienhaara moved to Florida where he continued to work in computer programming.

He is survived by
Leonore M. Whitton

Leonore M. Whitton, a three-year resident of Three Lakes, and formerly of Waukegan, Ill., died Friday, May 25, 2018, at her home. She was 70.
Mrs. Whitton was born April 10, 1948, in Chicago, Ill., to Leonard and Adelaide Polinski.
She worked as a census taker and volunteered at Demmer Memorial Library in Three Lakes.
She enjoyed the nature in her yard, especially the deer. She was an active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Three Lakes.
Mrs. Whitton is survived by her mother, Adele Keepper of Zion, Ill.; one daughter, Jennifer (Jeff) Goza of Waukegan, Ill.; one son, Jason of Chandler, Ariz.; one brother, Charles (Jennette) of
Charlotte Federspiel

Charlotte Federspiel, age 84, a resident of Eagle River, Wis., passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Diane’s Home in the Northwoods.
Charlotte was born on Sept. 22, 1933, in Eagle River, to Albert and Florence Fields.
Charlotte ran a children’s daycare for many years in Eagle River.
She was a member of the Pioneer Lake Lutheran Church in Conover, Wis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis “Louie” Federspiel; her parents; sisters, Lorraine Carie and Edith Buckley; and brother, LeRoy Fields.
She is survived by
Rita Ann Garton

Rita Ann Garton, an Eagle River resident, died Monday, April 16, 2018, at Marshfield Medical Center. She was 68.
She moved to Eagle River in 2013 and enjoyed hiking woodsy trails with her dog, Daisy.
Ms. Garton was preceded in death by her parents; and one daughter, Genevieve M. Lurz.
She is survived by one daughter, Jessica Lurz-Brown; one sister, Margie Trumbull; three grandchildren; two nieces; and two nephews.
A private memorial gathering will be held by her family at a later time.
Darlene F. Mursett

Darlene F. Mursett of St. Germain died Thursday, March 8, 2018. She was 80.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 26, at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Sayner.
Visitation will start at 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Generations Funeral Home in Tomahawk is serving the family.
Michael C. Zinecker

Michael C. Zinecker, age 79, passed away at home on Saturday, May 19, 2018.
He was born to Raymond and Loraine Zinecker on Nov. 8, 1938.
Mike graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1956, and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years.
On April 29, 1961, he married the love of his life, Mary Ellen (Lord) Zinecker, at Zion Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, Wis.
Mike was employed by Oshkosh Manufacturing Co. and Mercury Marine prior to owning and operating The Odd Jobs People, LLC.
He was an