Henry James Waupekenay, “Hammerin’ Hank,” 55, of Keshena began his journey home on Tuesday, July 15, 2014. He was born Oct. 22, 1958, in Keshena, son of the late Joseph and Cecelia (Neconish) Waupekenay.

On Dec. 21, 1995, Henry was united in marriage to Kathi Loomis. Henry really loved hanging out with his family and friends. In his free time he enjoyed many things, including playing slots, fishing, hunting, fixing cars, watching wrestling, shooting pool and the occasional game of cribbage with his brother-in-law.

Henry is survived by his wife, Kathi; six sons, James (Jennifer) Waupekenay, Nathan Waupekenay, Daniel Loomis, Andrew (Jolene) Waupekenay, Hank Waupekenay and Hunter Peters; two daughters, Christine Waupekenay and Vicki (Rick) Waupekenay; four sisters, Shelby (Leslie) Kaquatosh, Catherine Waukau, Mary (Eugene) Jorgenson and Janet (Rosalio) Vital; four brothers, Gordon Waupekenay, David (Beth) Waupekenay, Theodore (Terry) Waupekenay and Steve (Kathy ) Waupekenay; and his 11 greatly loved grandchildren. He was looked up to by his many nieces and nephews and will be deeply missed by all, including those on the Quarter bus.

He is preceded in death by his parents; twin brothers, Robert and Bernard; a brother, Joseph; a sister, Patricia; and a great- nephew, Gerhardt Enno.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2014, at the Waupekenay residence, 1444 Hickory St., in Middle Village with the Rev. David Barrett officiating. Visitation was held Wednesday, July 16, 2014, after 5 p.m. and will continue until time of services on Friday.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

Stephen J. Kupsky, “Tailgunner Papa,” 58, of Gresham, died on Saturday, July 12, 2014. Born on Sept. 29, 1955, in Shawano, he was the son of the late Eldon and Inez (Gebert) Kupsky.

Stephen grew up in the Bonduel area and graduated from Bonduel High School in 1973. Steve served in the Vietnam era as a weapons mechanic for the United States Air Force. On Dec. 31, 1977, Steve was united in marriage to Mary Zoglman. He worked as a truck driver as well as a truck driver instructor who owned and operated his own truck. In his free time he enjoyed watching NASCAR and the Green Bay Packers, and was a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bonduel.

Steve is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Lorin (Rodney) Ketchum, of Gresham, and Bridget (James LeHouiller III) Kupsky; sons, Scott (Cassandra) Kupsky, of Green Bay, Jonathan Kupsky, of Gresham, and Kyle (Briana) Kupsky, of Green Bay; “extra son,” Les Welch; six grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rayna, Lorelei, James, Elia and Evelina. He is further survived by his siblings, Carol (Walt) Matzek, Susan Kupsky, William (Kathy) Kupsky; a sister-in-law, Mary K. Kupsky; and his best friend, Jim “Ace” Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Mike Kupsky.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2014, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bonduel. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. Saturday until time of service.

Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

The family requests any truck driver who would like to honor a lifelong driver who loved his trade to join in a convoy rolling past St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bonduel at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2014, “horns a blowin’.”

During visitation and after the service, there will be a video camera set up. The family would like to ask visitors to please share some of your memories of Steve, so that they are never lost and can be always shared with his grand babies.

Per request of the family, no latex balloons.

June M. DuFrane, 87, of Clintonville, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at Bethany Home, Waupaca. She was born on June 23, 1927, in the town of Pella, Shawano County, the daughter of the late Paul C. and Adelia (Dordel) Gruetzmacher Sr.

June was raised in the Embarrass area. On April 18, 1953, June married Edward DuFrane at the United Methodist Church, Clintonville. The couple had lived in Clintonville all of their married life. June worked at Thimke Jewelers and later Bohl Jewelers until retirement. Mr. DuFrane preceded his wife in death on May 21, 1980, after 27 years of marriage.

June’s hobbies included traveling, socializing at the local casinos and supporting nonprofit organizations, including the Marion Lions Club, by selling their raffle tickets. All with her companion, Verlyn Scheider, for many years. She also was a member of the VFW Post 664 Auxiliary of Clintonville and the United Methodist Church, Clintonville.

Survivors include her special friend and companion, Verlyn Scheider, Waupaca; sister, Velda Olson, Embarrass; brother, Paul (Marie) Gruetzmacher Jr., Clintonville; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, Adalia Olson and Barbara Sawall, Clintonville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edward, her sister, Duaine, and her brothers, Vilas and Melvin Gruetzmacher.

Graveside memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2014, at the Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville, with the Rev. Vilas Mazemke officiating.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville, is assisting her family with the arrangements.

An online guest book may be signed at www.eberhardtstevenson.com.

Mary Lorenz Burns, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2014, at Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

Born in Shawano, she had lived in Cranford, New Jersey, for many years before moving to Yardley, Pennsylvania, seven years ago.

Mary received a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked as a sweater designer for Oak Hill in New York. In more recent years, she had her own sweater business, Real Wear, which had a very large group of loyal customers whom she was very fond of. For 30 years, Mary enjoyed singing and performing with the Copper Penny Players.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Thelma Lorenz.

She is survived by her three children, Liza Burns, Kathy Rittwage and John Burns Jr. She is also survived by her four beloved grandchildren, Billy, Tommy and Rachel Rittwage and Tracy Landon, and her former husband, John R. Burns.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2014, at the Charcoal restaurant in Yardley.

Arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood, New Jersey.

Memorial gifts in Mary’s memory may be made to Center for Hope Hospice, 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.

For additional information or to express condolences, please visit www.fanwoodmemorial.com.

Mary K. Evans, 72, of Shawano, died Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at ManorCare Health Services in Appleton.

Arrangements are pending with Cremation Society of Wisconsin.

Arlene M. Anderson, 82, of Shawano, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, July 17, 2014, at Birch Hill Care Center in Shawano.

Arlene had been at Birch Hill rehabilitating from a recent injury.

Funeral service arrangements are pending and will be announced Saturday.

Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with the service arrangements.

www.schroedermickelsonfuneralservice.com

Sonja J. Stewart, 75, of Tigerton, passed away July 18, 2014, after a courageous battle with gastric cancer and end-stage liver disease. She was able to remain at home, cared for by her children, till the time of her death.

Sonja was born at home in the town of Fairbanks, Shawano County, on Jan. 27, 1939, the youngest of twin girls born to the late Charles and Gertrude (Bernarde) Butts. Each of the twins weighed over 7 pounds at birth. Sonja graduated from Tigerton High School in 1956, and attended Green Bay Badger Business College. Her first job was with Zwickey & Zwickey Attorneys at Law and Spearbreaker Insurance.

Sonja was united in marriage to Robert J. Stewart Sr. on Aug. 6, 1960, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Tigerton. After living in Whitcomb and Ladysmith for a short time, they eventually settled on the farm where Sonja was born and would raise seven children, as well as beef cattle. During that time, she was a 4-H leader for 17 years, and as the children got older, she was employed as an insurance agent with Clabough Insurance for 31 years. When the children were grown, she became a Hospice volunteer and gave end-of-life care to others for 24 years.

Sonja was a lifelong member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, where she served on the parish council, was a CCD teacher, worked confirmation retreats for eight years, participated in Koinonia retreats and belonged to the Catholic Council of Women serving funeral dinners. She was currently serving on the finance council, and was a volunteer at the Homme Home for Catholic Mass each Friday. She was also a member of the Tigerton Historical Society. In 2009, she was inducted into the Tigerton High School Alumni Wall of Fame for Preserving School History/Community Service. Her interests included her family, raising beef, dancing, playing cards, deer hunting, genealogy and local sporting events.

She will be lovingly missed by a daughter, Susan (Roger) Blumreich, of Shawano; sons, William (Amy), of Bonduel, Daniel (Julie), of Bevent, Robert Jr. (Dawn), of Dubuque, Iowa, Edward (Heather), of Tigerton, Paul (Kris), of Tigerton, and Peter (fiancée Shannon Rosenow), of Birnamwood. There are 19 grandchildren: Brian (Laura), Christa, Jeffrey, Travis, Bryce, Jacey, Jack, Simon, John, Kit, Jessica, Stephanie, Ashley, Trevor, Teagon, Tyler, Jacob, Allison and Caitlin. There are three stepgrandchildren, Brittany Bodart, Cassie and Cayla Rosenow. and one great-grandson, Austin Blumreich. Sonja is also survived by her twin sister, Sandra Jones, of Shawano.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert (Bob), on Feb. 24, 1986; a brother, Charles (Buddy); a sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Roger Meisner; and a brother-in-law, William Jones.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 22, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Tigerton. The Rev. Patrick Lloyd will officiate and burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Tigerton. Friends may call on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the church with Rosary at 8 p.m. The visitation will continue on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at the church.

The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton, is assisting the family.

Arlene M. Anderson, 82, of Shawano, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, July 17, 2014, at Birch Hill Care Center in Shawano, where she had been rehabilitating from a recent injury.

Arlene was born Jan. 17, 1932, in Milwaukee, a daughter of the late Andrew and Sophie (Wesolowski) Patoka. Arlene attended St. Ignatius Catholic Grade School and later Mercy High School in Milwaukee.

Arlene had been employed at Advanced Salvage in Milwaukee for several years and later became the business manager at Transport Truck in Milwaukee.

Arlene was united in marriage to Kermit “Kurt” Anderson on April 8, 1970, in Milwaukee. Following their marriage, the couple split their time between Milwaukee and Shawano. They eventually moved to Shawano permanently in 1980. Her husband, Kurt, preceded her in death on July 18, 2005.

She loved visiting with her family and friends, knitting and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, especially Brett Favre.

She is survived by her brother, Edward (Pat) Patoka, of Hartford, and a sister, Marceda (Jim) Stellmacher, of Markesan. She is further survived by her loving nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Patrick Patoka.

A gathering of relatives and friends to remember and celebrate the life of Arlene Anderson will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 1-2:30 p.m. at Mickelson Funeral Service of Shawano.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.

Charles P. Smith, 88, of Madison, who served five terms as state treasurer, died July 12, 2014, in Madison.

Smith was born in Chicago, lived with his family in Oconto and moved to Madison in 1940. He enrolled in the United States Marines after graduating from Madison West High School in 1944 and served in the South Pacific and Okinawa, where he was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Smith became involved in politics during the 1960s, working with the Dane County Democratic Committee. He ran for state treasurer in 1968 before winning the race in 1970. He served as state treasurer until 1991. He was defeated for a sixth term in November 1990 by then-Republican northeastern Wisconsin state Assemblywoman Cathy (Cate) Zeuske, a Clintonville native and Shawano High School graduate.

Smith remains today as the longest serving leader of the Wisconsin Treasury in state history.

Smith was active in the Democratic Party for many years, serving as a delegate at the 1972 Democratic National Convention for George McGovern, in 1980 for Ted Kennedy and in 1984 for Gary Hart.

He served on the board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Madison and the Wisconsin Special Olympics.

Smith is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bernadette (Carroll) Smith, whom he married in Milwaukee; and three children, Steven Smith, Megan Smith and Haley Smith. A son, Charles P. Smith Jr., died in September 2006.

A funeral Mass will be held at noon Tuesday, July 22, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison.

Skip Anderson, 78, of Shawano, finished his earthly journey on Sunday, July 20, 2014.

Skip was born July 28, 1935, in Shawano to the late George “Pat” Anderson and Edna (Sperberg) Anderson. On Dec. 27, 1958, he was united in marriage to Sharon Jones. He served in the military from 1959 to 1961 with a stay in Germany. Skip worked for Phoenix Door from 1965 to 1994 when he transferred with Co-pay Door, where he worked until retirement in 1997.

Skip enjoyed the simple things in life, including his dogs, Max and Sadie, NASCAR, fishing, hunting and word circles. He was also an avid puzzle maker. His handyman skills were a help to his family and many others in the Shawano area. Skip also enjoyed making outdoor furniture for his family. Skip will be remembered as a giving man who always put his family first and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love for Christmas, family functions and generous spirit will live on with the family he leaves behind. Skip’s devout faith in Jesus gave him the strength to endure his illness, knowing he would begin a new heavenly journey.

Skip is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 56 years, Sharon; three children, Bobbie (Tony) Rasmussen, Kim (Mike) Ihrcke and Pat (Jodi) Anderson; seven grandchildren, Eric Ihrcke, Jonni Rasmussen, Nicole Anderson Weinberger, Sari Ihrcke Brady, Patrick Anderson Tuma, Olivia Anderson and Jesse Rasmussen; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by two sisters, Gwen Zippel and Barbara Kardules, and four sisters-in-law.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the River Valley Church, located at 5th and Franklin streets, Shawano, with the Rev. Dan Taylor officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the church by Shawano American Legion Post 117. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for SAFPARC and the River Valley Church Community Outreach Programs.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Richard Sarnwick of Riverside Clinic, Dr. Mindy Frimodig of ThedaCare, Shawano Community Hospice, with a special thank you to Betsy, and to Evergreen Nursing Home. Your care for Skip was above and beyond.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

John D. Stears, 96, of Shawano, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014.

John was born on Jan. 28, 1918, to the late Trevor and Nellie (Woodruff) Stears in Cadillac, Michigan. He married Geraldine Stewart on March 21, 1964. John served in the U.S. military for 33 years, retiring from the U.S. Army Reserves on Jan. 28, 1978. He was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge in La Crosse, Ocala, Florida, and Mason Woods Lodge 368, Cecil. While living in Florida he joined the Scottish Rite and the Shriners.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Stears, of Shawano; a son, John (Rheta) Stears, of Wabasha, Minnesota; two daughters, Pam (Bill) Weil, of De Forest, and Sandi (Jim) Beitzel, of Shawano; four grandchildren, Kristen Maule, Erin Keeley, Bill Weil and Eric Weil; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sally Workinger.

He was preceded in death by two sisters.

Memorial services will be held in the near future at Mason Woods, Cecil.

Zastrow Funeral Home in Cecil is assisting the family.

Family requests memorials please be given to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.

www.zastrowfuneralhome.com

Alvin W. Christ, 96, of Gresham, passed away July 21, 2014, in Shawano. He was born in Gresham on Sept. 26, 1917, to the late Arthur and Anna (Stuebs) Christ.

In April of 1942, Alvin enlisted in the Army, where he served in Normandy, northern France and Central Europe, and was trained in bomb disposal. On Oct. 20, 1948, Alvin was united in marriage to Jeannette Hildebrandt. They made their life together in Gresham, where he worked at Gresham Utilities for over 50 years. Alvin was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Gresham and the Gresham American Legion Post 390.

Alvin is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Pat) Gallenberger, of Appleton; his son, Bruce (Nicole) Christ, of Gresham; his grandchild, Patrick M. (Sara) Christ; his great-grandchildren, Anthony, Ciarra and Nathanial; his sister, Gladys Christ, of Apalachin, New York.

Alvin is preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette, on May 4, 2014, his parents; his brothers, Art Jr., Harvey and Kenneth; and his sisters, Lorraine, Irene and Vi.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 25, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Gresham with the Rev. John C. Eyer officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by Gresham American Legion Post 390. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Gresham on Thursday, July 24, 2014, from 4-8 p.m. and again Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

Violet E. Tucker, 75, of Neopit passed away Sunday, July 20, 2014, in Green Bay.

Violet was born in Keshena on Feb. 21, 1939, to the late Mary Jane (Askenette) and Dennison James Sr. On Feb. 2, 1957, she was united in marriage to Robert J. Tucker. Violet loved spending time with her family, especially at the “James Gang” lake lot. In her free time she enjoyed fishing, trips to the Menominee Casino and Resort, gambling, riding in the woods, relaxing on her deck and camping. She was in a sewing circle in Neopit and was a talented seamstress who made blankets for all of her beloved grandchildren. Violet was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend who will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Robert J. Tucker; her children, Robert (Marissa) Tucker, of Cecil, Kevin (Jana) Tucker, of Shawano, Roberta “Sister” (Edward) Reiter, of Neopit, Danny (Sue Ellen) Tucker, of North Dakota, Shannon (Rose) Tucker, of Middle Village; her grandchildren, Dallas, Ryan, Allen, Lucas, LeAsah, Reinlyn, Keri, Jennifer, Kevin, Kristofer, April, Jonathan, Manihsaeh, LeTisha, Violet, Mariah, LaToya, Corey Jr., Danny Jr., Todd-Michael, Brian, Omaha, Calvin, Walker, Shanica, Kaylee, Jade, Jenna, Brandi, Jared, Shannon Jr.; 45 great-grandchildren; her brothers and sisters, Karen (Cliff) Wilber, of Shawano, Melvin “Mousie” (Sherry) James, of Keshena, Gordon (Leona) James, of Keshena, Robert “Bobby” (Ruth) James, of Oshkosh, Anthony “Smelly” James, of Shawano, Diane (John “Lunchie”) Boivin, of Neopit, David (Bridgette) James, of De Forest, Stanely “Bull” (Patricia “Patty”) James, of South Branch, and Glenda (Dale) Kaquatosh, of Keshena.

She is also survived by her foster children, Michelle Waukau, Wendell Corn, Leslie Corn, Bridgette Peters, Gaynelle Peters, Deedee Lyons, Darnelle Lyons and Josh Madosh.

She was preceded in death by her son, Corey Tucker Sr.; her parents; brothers, Dennison “Tonto” James, Marvin “Joe Brown” James and Richard James; as well as her mother-in-law, Aurelia (nee Dodge) Husek; and a nephew, Joe James.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit with the Rev. David Barrett officiating. Visitation began at the Tucker residence, W6542 River St., in Neopit on Monday, July 21, 2014, at 6 p.m. and continues until the procession leaves for the church on Wednesday. Burial will be in the St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all staff at St. Vincent Hospital and Maple Lane Healthcare Center for all they did for Violet.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

Lorraine A. Grosskopf, 93, of Shawano, passed away Monday morning, July 21, 2014, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.

Funeral service arrangements are pending and will be announced later.

Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with the service arrangements.

www.mickelsonfs.com

Mildred “Mickie” Blum, 85, formerly of Cecil, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2014, in Shawano.

Mildred was born on April 28, 1929, to the late Frank and Cecilia (Kaufman) Kloewer in Harlan, Iowa. On Feb. 7, 1950, she married Albert J. Blum in West Phalia, Iowa. He preceded her in death July 2009. Mildred was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church in Cecil. Her greatest love was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and being able to go to watch them participate in their activities. She enjoyed quilting, growing flowers and playing cards with family and friends. Mickie always enjoyed driving for the Amish. She loved watching on TV the Brewers, the Cardinals and the Milwaukee Bucks.

She is survived by her eight children, Gary (Diane) Blum, Cecil, Cynthia (Lenny) Herm, Green Bay, Martha (Dave) Whorrall, New Holstein, Edward (Gale) Blum, Bonduel, Mary (John) DeBauch, Cecil, Karen (Jerry) Patenaude, Green Bay, Diane (Randy) Lohff, Shawano, and Ronald Blum, Green Bay; 22 grandchildren, Scott (Angela) Blum, Chris (Ainsley) Blum, Deana Blum, Derek (Samantha) Blum, Annie Herm (Mario Charles), Joe Herm (fiancee, Marie), Kim (Todd) Singleton, Erin (Jose) Rodriguez, Jamie (Kris) Walta, Pamela (Mikel) Lauber, Matt (Rachel) Blum, Joseph (Alysa) Blum, Andy (Marin) DeBauch, Adam, Ashley and Aaron DeBauch, Greg (Kari) Patenaude, Becca (Taylor) Brown, Melissa (Luke) Wojcik, Kevin (Mindy) Lohff, Katherine and Daniel Lohff; 18 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Morgan, Jamison, Lexi, Chris, Finn, Rory Mae, Noah, Eliza, Abigail, Natali, Nora, Maggie, Avery, Levi, Myra, Henry and Brody; and she was waiting for the arrival of three new great-grandchildren.

She is further survived by her sisters, Marlene Eggerling, Colorado, Judy (Carl) Peters, Iowa, Joyce Schaben (friend, Joe Wageman), Nebraska; brothers, Richard (Alice) Kloewer, Colorado, and Duane (Linda) Kloewer, Alabama; and sister-in-law, Bernice Rauterkus, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Al; a great grandson, Dominic; a sister, Irene Blum; in-laws, Herbert (Marie) Blum, Antilla (Fritz) Winger, Esther Blum and Leonard Rauterkus.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. Martin Catholic Church in Cecil with the Rev. Luke Ferris officiating. Family and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will be held at Sacred Heart Mausoleum in Shawano.

Zastrow Funeral Home is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank Kindred Hearts in Shawano and ThedaCare Hospice for the wonderful care of Mom.

Mitchell “Ed” Edward Elm, 72, entered into the spirit world on July 8, 2014.

Born on March 12, 1942, in Red Springs to Bertha Elm (McGee) and Mitchell Elm Jr., Mitchell lived in Northern California for the past few decades and passed away in Ukiah, California. Although he left this world through the taking of his own life, he is a survivor—having fought a long battle with a brain disease (bipolar disorder) and living much longer than most who have this condition.

He was loved by many people and animals and known for his humor, fun-loving spirit, compassion, wisdom, generosity and suspender-wearing. He loved playing the guitar and making people laugh.

He will be missed by his favorite niece, Jessica LePak; his surviving siblings, Patsy Delgado, Lawrence Elm, Valerie Vallejo, Richard Elm, Ivan Elm, Raymond Elm, Jeff Elm, Mary Elm, Howard Elm and his baby sister and conservator, Frances “Fran Pan” Elm; as well as his children, Lori Ann Sura, Bill Elm, Tracie Winston and Michelle Gerolaga; multiple in-laws, including caregiver Senia Bruno; grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Judy.

Mitchell will rest in love and peace next to his mother, Bertha Elm, and his nephew, T.J. Elm, in the Oneida Methodist Church Cemetery in De Pere. An intimate service will be held on July 26, 2014, at 1 p.m. at the church cemetery.

In Mitchell’s honor, it is asked that you please consider your views on homelessness and mental health by giving a dollar to or talking with a homeless person without judgment and reading or listening to the books “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts” and “An Unquiet Mind.”

Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.

The Ryan Funeral Home of De Pere is assisting the family locally.

Shirley Ann Welcing, 79, of Bonduel, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2014.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2014, at the St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cecil with the Rev. Luke Ferris officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, July 25, 2014, from 9 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in the St. Martin’s Catholic parish cemetery.

Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

Elliott T. West, 31, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 18, 2014. He was born on Dec. 25, 1982, in Appleton, to Michael and Gloria (Gwost) West.

Elliott graduated from Appleton North High School in 2001, and went on to attend and graduate from Humboldt University in 2006.

As a child, Elliott was full of joy and energy. He was a trendsetter and known for his outgoing personality. Elliott was a brilliant young man with the unique ability to remember trivia in a variety of disciplines. Although Elliott struggled with addiction, he continued to be the caring, generous and loving young man that his family knew and loved.

In recent years, Elliott’s true passion was working as a dog trainer and caretaker. He also worked at DuTriRun as an operations assistant. He could communicate with dogs in a way that was unique to Elliott. Whether it was with his own dogs, Neo and River, or a dog at the park, Elliott developed a bond.

Elliott had an incredible gift of memory. He used this gift to memorize sports statistics, lines from movies and hold on to memories from years past. Elliott enjoyed music, dancing and disc golfing.

Although not religious, Elliott was deeply spiritual. He maintained a special connection with the land and the world around him. He never hesitated to challenge the status quo, but always embraced and accepted the thoughts and beliefs of others.

Elliott was always there for those he loved. He always said “I love you” and gave the most comforting hugs. His gentle and thoughtful affection and his smile touched the lives of friends and family.

Elliott is survived by his parents, Michael (Mark) Eugene West, of Appleton; Gloria (Gary Youso) Anne West, of De Pere; his daughter; siblings, Jeremy (Erin) West, of Chanhassen, Minnesota, and Ben (Erin) West along with their unborn child, of Appleton; step siblings, Scott (Abigale VanDam) Veith and Tessa (Mitch) Loewe, along with their children, Dylan and Amiah, of Sherwood; paternal grandfather, Arvin Schrank, of Shawano; maternal aunts and uncles, Doug (Mary Lou) Gwost, Darlene (William) Starr, James (Jo) Gwost, Kevin (Marlene) Gwost, Alan (Lori) Gwost, Reggie Gwost, Mary (Steven) Spaulding, Martin Gwost, Chrissy (Daniel) Haggerty; paternal aunt and uncle, Deb (Steve) Olufs; many cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Patricia (West) Schrank and Ralph West, and Doris and Walter Gwost; niece, Estella West; and uncle, Robert Gwost.

A memorial service for Elliott will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2600 E. Philip Lane, Appleton. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society or the Morrison County Humane Society.

Also, please consider participating in the Rethink Addiction Run/Walk in Oshkosh on Sept. 13. Information may be found at www.dutrirun.com. In celebration of his favorite color (pink), we ask that those who chose to celebrate his life with us to wear pink.

Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.

William M. Pyawasay Sr., 89, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2014, in Keshena.

William was born in Keshena on Nov. 27, 1924, to the late Mitchell and Pauline (LaFrambois) Pyawasay. William enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II on the U.S.S Harrison. William was united in marriage to Jacqualine M. Menore on June 13, 1946. In 1957, they moved the family to Milwaukee, where they lived until retirement in 1980, when they moved back to Keshena. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, crossword puzzles and reading, especially westerns. William was an extremely smart man and talented artist and has a painting hanging in the Milwaukee Museum.

William is survived by his daughters, Elaine (Greg) Martinez, Donna R. (Tony) Alvarez, Shelley (Russell) Conjurski, Twila (Jarvis) Pyawasay, Debbie (Mark) Sopa, Dawn (Chris) Pyawasay, Dawn M. Lawe and Mona Pyawasay; and his sons, Clayton (Twila) Neconish, Arvin (Vera) Pyawasay, Nash J. “Menot” Pyawasay and Donald Fonds. He is further survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, including special great-great-grandchild Evan.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqualine; his parents; two sons, Preston and William Jr.; a brother, Earl Wescott; and a sister, JoAnne Pyawasay.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2014, at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Neopit with the Rev. David McElroy, O. Praem, officiating. Burial will be in the Rest Haven Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Menominee Veterans. Visitation will held at the Pyawasay residence, N897 Knote Road, Keshena, after 4 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2014, until the funeral procession leaves for the church at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano is assisting the family with the arrangements.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

Eugene L. Peterson, 89, of Lunds, passed away Friday morning, July 25, 2014, at Sheridan Health and Rehabilitation Center in Kenosha.

Funeral service arrangements are pending and will be announced next week.

Mickelson Funeral &Cremation Service Inc. of Shawano is assisting the Peterson family with the service arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.