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

06/04/2026

Ione Lenora Kern, age 90, of Cameron, WI passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026 at her son's home, with her loving dog, Goldie by her side.

Ione was born on November 5th, 1935 in Westfield, WI to Arthur Kohnke & Irene (Hillmer) Kohnke. Ione spent her entire childhood on the family farm in Montello, WI where she was very involved in the clothing and food projects in 4-H. Ione was baptized, confirmed and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westfield, WI.

Ione graduated from Westfield High School in May of 1953 and entered Nursing School in the Fall of 1953. Ione worked as an LPN in various places in Wisconsin. On June 7th, 1958, Ione married Edwin Kern of Almena, Wisconsin.

Due to Ed’s career in the Air Force they moved very frequently all over the United States. Ione took a long break from nursing during this time and used the skills she had learned as a seamstress and cake decorator.

In 1972 as Ed was retiring from a long career in the Air Force they made their final move, to Rice Lake, WI. where they started a successful lawn ornament business called Kern’s Lawn Ornaments. Ione was very skilled and was a free hand painter. Ione also went back to work again as an LPN, later in her life; working in several different nursing homes in the area. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Barron, WI.

Ione rarely missed an opportunity to give blood if there was a local blood drive in the area. She donated 80 gallons of blood in Barron County during her lifetime.

Ione was preceded in death by her parent’s, Arthur and Irene Kohnke, her brothers Donald and Raland Kohnke and her husband Edwin Kern. She is survived by sons, Donald & (Becky) of Rice Lake, WI, Douglas & (Lori) of Standish, Maine and Dean & (Melissa) of Cameron, WI. She is also survived by 5 granddaughters, 3 grandsons; 3 great granddaughters and a great grandson.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, with Rev. Jon Cluppert officiating. Visitation will be held from 9-11AM Tuesday at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals. Pallbearers are Jason Kern, Nathaniel Kern, Natasha Kern and Nevaeh Kern. Burial will take place at Wayside Cemetery in Barron, WI.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice and special friends that came to visit. They were a great support, gave their love and cared for Ione.

06/01/2026

John Edward Schroepfer passed away on May 31, 2026, at the age of 81 years old. He died peacefully with his partner, Pam Cobb, holding his hand—a quiet and loving moment that reflected the deep bond they shared.

John was born in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1945. From an early age, he demonstrated discipline and determination, becoming a wrestler as a child and building the foundation for a lifetime of strength—both physical and personal. He shared a special bond with his best friend and younger sibling, Tom Schroepfer, a relationship rooted in loyalty, laughter, and lifelong connection. John graduated from Antigo High School and later pursued higher education, earning a Master’s Degree in mechanical engineering from Stout University.

John dedicated his professional life to education and mentorship, teaching at multiple technical colleges throughout his career. He spent the last 30 years at WITC, now known as Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. There, he left a lasting impact on generations of students, not just through technical expertise, but by modeling discipline, integrity, and perseverance. He took great pride in helping others learn, grow, and succeed.

John was a man of remarkable accomplishments and passions. He was a three-time Mr. Universe bodybuilding champion, a testament to his incredible dedication, mental focus, and belief in pushing beyond limits. Even after retiring from bodybuilding in his 40s, John’s competitive spirit never faded—he made an inspiring comeback at 60 years old, placing first overall at a Midwest competition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. John also competed several times in the American Birkebeiner and he loved to compete in marathons and triathlons. His commitment to health, eating well, fitness, and personal excellence inspired those around him and remained a defining part of who he was.

Outside of competition and career, John found peace and joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing, valuing the quiet, reflective moments in nature just as much as the camaraderie shared with friends and family. John was mentally focused, health conscious, and someone people were naturally drawn to. He had a warm and social spirit, forming deep connections and surrounding himself with many cherished family members and friends. John also liked to travel. He’s been to Asia, Africa, South America, Central America, the Middle East, and Europe several times through his younger years and in retirement. John visited over 36 countries in retirement with his partner, Pam.

John is survived by his partner, Pam Cobb—his guardian angel through his passing—whose love and care meant the world to him. He is also survived by his three sons: Paul Schroepfer (Keegan Shoutz), Jonathan Schatz (Theresa Schatz), and David Schroepfer (Michael Weiss). His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren, Logan and Poppy, who brought him immense pride and joy. John also shared a close and meaningful relationship with his nephew, Brian Schroepfer, who held a special place in his heart; additional extended family members that John adored were: Lora, Courtney, and Kaci.

A man of deep faith, John was a devoted Roman Catholic who attended Mass weekly and lived his life with Jesus in his heart. His faith guided his actions and shaped the way he treated others—with kindness, humility, and respect. He believed in treating every person with dignity, and he carried that belief into every interaction.

John will be remembered as a man of strength, discipline, faith, and love—a teacher, a competitor, a father, a partner, and a friend. He leaves behind a legacy not only of accomplishments but of character, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dobie, WI, Father Adam Laski officiating, with interment in the church 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.

John would request donations, in lieu of flowers, to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dobie.

05/31/2026

Gary Danielson of Rice Lake, WI, went to be with his Lord and Savior, at the age of 83, on Friday, May 29, 2026 in Marshfield, WI. He was surrounded by love and family.

Gary was born January 24, 1943 to Lloyd and Helen Danielson in Turtle Lake, WI. He was raised in Clear Lake and graduated from Clear Lake High School, later obtaining an associates degree from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College.

In 1962, Gary met the love of his life, Sharon Lammers. They were married on April 18, 1964, recently celebrating 62 years together.

Gary was an active member of World Harvest Church where he served as an elder for many years. He loved to tell others about Jesus and shared his testimony with as many as he came in contact with, especially encouraging the younger generation in their walk with God.

A true entrepreneur and gifted salesman, Gary owned and operated Danco Suzuki in Cameron, Midwest Lubricants, and various other businesses throughout his career. In his later years, he found great enjoyment working for Home Sweet Home Caregiving Agency.

He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Sharon; sons, Mark (Jodi) and Brent (Melissa); daughter, Stacey (Scott); grandchildren, Kayla McDonald, Mckenzie Huebner (Casey), Carson Ackerman, Abigail Waters (Dylan), Alex Danielson, Olivia Danielson, Sydnie Danielson, Jacob Danielson, Ellie Jarrard (Ethan) and Hudson Danielson; great-grandchildren, Madilynn Huebner, Hadley Huebner, Chase Waters and Ava Waters; honorary granddaughters Abby and Natalie Parent; longtime friend, Dennis Pittman.

Gary was peacefully reunited with his parents Lloyd and Helen Danielson; father and mother-in-law Raphael and Alice Lammers; sisters Kathleen Holten and Debra Kasper (Dick); granddaughter Kara Danielson and great-granddaughter Ivy Waters.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Friday, June 5, 2026 at World Harvest Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Bob Pittman officiating, with interment in the Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held from 9AM-11AM Friday at the Church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the World Harvest Church in Rice Lake in memory of Gary.

05/30/2026

Shirley Jane Pociask

Age 94, of Rice Lake, WI, died peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026 in Rice Lake, WI.

She was born on November 6, 1931 in Ripon, WI to Lloyd and Verina (Wallner) Marsh. She was baptized, confirmed and married at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ripon. She was married to Robert Pociask on June 29, 1963. She and Robert traveled for 2 years, drilling oil wells out west. In 1965 they moved to Rice Lake where Bob was self-employed as a drywall contractor. Shirley worked for her brother, prior to marriage, as his dental assistant and at Patrick’s Dress Shop in Ripon. She also worked at the Hagen Motel as a night clerk, manager of the China Shoppe, Seiferts, The Vitamin Shop and Libbee’s Party Plus in Rice Lake.

Her family always came first and they were the love of her life. Shirley loved the Lord, all of nature, home decorating and her message to everyone was “love one another”.

She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Ann (Roger) Brundidge; her son, Matt Pociask; 4 grandchildren, Luke, Amber (Kevin), Nikki (Nick) and Josh (Shyla); 5 great grandchildren, Seth, Sawyer, Adela, Brooklyn and Jack; a “very special” Godson and nephew, Tony; nephews, Mark, Dan, Robb; nieces, Patricia, Constance and Rebecca. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Robert Pociask; her parents, Lloyd and Verina Marsh; a brother, Dr. Harlan Marsh; and a sister, Beverly Thomson.

God Bless All of You!!

Funeral Services will be held at 2PM Friday, June 26, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI.

05/30/2026

Allan Ray Gabriel

Age 76, of Rice Lake, WI, died suddenly on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 in Eagle River, WI.

He was born on October 7, 1949 in Rice Lake, WI to Maurice and Adeline (Mlejnek) Gabriel. Allan graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1967 and then drafted into the United States Army and was later Honorably Discharged. He was married to Cheryl Demers on December 12, 1970 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake. Allan was a dairy farmer for 10 years and then worked for Stanfold Township as a heavy equipment operator for over 32 years.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveled all over to go hunting, camping, waterskiing, gardening, golfing, baking kolaches, playing cards, and sitting around the campfire. Allan loved watching the Green Bay Packers.

He was a man that was a hard worker, loved to stay busy, a teaser, and very meticulous,

He loved his family dearly and they will miss him immensely.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Gabriel; 3 daughters, Michelle (Daniel) Serkowski, Lysa (Travis) Thoeny and Connie (Matt) Price; 6 grandchildren, Cole (Ellie), Ashton, Cadin, Haley (Mitchell), Zac and Krysta; his mother, Adeline Gabriel; a brother, Duane (Debbie) Gabriel; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Gabriel.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI.

05/27/2026

Timothy John Stach

Age 71, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, May 24, 2026 at his home.

He was born on December 18, 1954 in Waukesha, WI to Charles and Dorothy (Karrels) Stach. Tim graduated from the Mukwonago High School in 1973. He worked for the Pepsi Company in Oshkosh, WI, and then moved to Rice Lake in the late 1970’s. Tim worked for the Spur Gas Station in Rice Lake and then later he owned and operated the franchise for several years. They moved to Freeport, Illinois where he sold Insurance for 14 years and later in life he worked for the Rice Lake Airport and the Cumberland Airport. Tim was married to Renee Krause on May 17, 2022 in Rice Lake, but they have been together for 43 beautiful years.

Tim enjoyed fishing, painting and putzing around the house and yard. Tim loved to joke around, he was faithful and was just an overall good person.

He is survived by his wife, Renee Krause; 2 brothers, Steven (Kathy) Stach and Mike Stach; a sister, Laurie (Bill) Spencer; a sister in-law, Carol Cipra; a nephew, Cory (Jenni) Cipra; a niece, Stacy Cipra; 3 great nephews, Isaiah, Jackson and Elias; and special friends, Ted and Sonia Kotz. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Stach.

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

05/27/2026

Ruth Ann Sather
November 21, 1939 - May 22, 2026

Ruth “Ruthie” Sather passed away on May 22, 2026 at Brentwood Senior Living Community in Rice Lake, WI. At the time of her passing, she was comforted by family members as she took her final journey.

Ruth was born on November 21, 1939 to Pete Krostag and Sarah (Badman) Krostag in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She grew up in Cornell where she attended elementary, junior high, and high school. After graduation, Ruth attended U.W.- Eau Claire and received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught 3rd and 4th grade at Locust Lane Elementary school for over 10 years. Eventually, Ruth earned her Library Science Degree from U.W.- Stout and was an elementary media specialist for the Eau Claire School District for an additional 10 years. In 1981, Ruth’s career path changed when started working for Combase in St. Paul. There, Ruth was a content specialist in the development of computer based educational materials focusing on library science. In the late 1980’s, Ruth went from the corporate world back to the school setting as a media specialist at the Altoona School District until her retirement in 1996.

Ruth had a vibrant personality and enjoyed many activities. One of her favorite activities was shopping. She was proud of her three closets full of clothes in her Rice Lake apartment and her one huge closet of clothes in her Florida condo. Also, Ruth loved to spend time at her condo in Fort Myers where she would soak up the sun during the winter months. She enjoyed frequenting the local restaurants and shops on First Street. In addition, Ruth loved entertaining family and friends for cocktail and dinner parties. With this, Ruth loved to cook and was always trying new recipes. When Ruth had some spare time, she loved to travel. She and her husband Bob travelled to Europe, Alaska, Texas, Mexico, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, as well as other states and countries. After Bob’s passing in 2020, Ruth and her daughter, Tya, started taking cruises. One memorable cruise was through the Panama Canal. The last cruise they took together in November 2025 was a 14 day Southern Caribbean Cruise where Ruth relived her dancing days and became known as the “dancing queen” of the cruise ship. When Ruth was at her apartment at Brentwood, she enjoyed playing bingo, putting together puzzles, and having Saturday happy hour and cards with the girls.

Ruth is survived by her only child, Tya (Sather) Shomion of Rice Lake; son-in-law, Michael Shomion of Rice Lake; granddaughters: Lindsay Shomion of Rice Lake, Lauren Shomion and boyfriend Nick Guzman of Plymouth, MN; and great granddaughter, Ava Shomion of Rice Lake. She is further survived by a sister Irene (Krostag) Haller of Bloomer, a brother, Pete Krostag and his wife Cathy of Pensacola, Florida. She also leaves behind various brother and sister-in-law’s, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to thank the nurses and medical staff of Mayo in Barron, the staff at Brentwood Senior Living, and members of St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care for Ruth.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 1-2:30PM at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, with a service to begin at 2:30PM. Then her final toast of her favorites will be held at Lehman’s Supper Club in Rice Lake from 3-5:30.

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 .

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