The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Ruth M. Hansen

Ruth M. Hansen, age 99, formerly of Argonne, passed away peacefully with her son and family at her side on Sunday, December 30, 2007 at AGI Crandon Nursing Home.

Ruth was born in New Britain, Connecticut November 9, 1908, the daughter of George Marsh and Johanna “Joan” (Lawson) Mycroft Sr. She grew up in New Britain with her sister, Gladys and brother, George Jr. and graduated from New Britain High School in 1927. Following graduation Ruth began a long career working in administrative assistant roles. Her first job was as a secretary for the manufacturing company Landers, Frary and Clark in New Britain; a company that was once one of the best known and most prestigious in the housewares and hardware business. Ruth later moved to Washington D.C. and worked for the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Treasury Department. In 1941 she was one of the first people employed in the War Bond office. While working in Washington D.C. Ruth had the opportunity to attend the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was in Washington D. C. that Ruth met her future husband, Phillip T. Hansen. The couple wed February 6, 1943 in a small Methodist Church in Hearn, Texas.

The couple moved to Phil's hometown of Argonne, Wisconsin in 1944. Ruth stayed home for several years to raise her children, Carol and Craig. In 1954 Ruth returned to the work force as the deputy county clerk for Forest County and later was appointed County Clerk. Ruth also did court reporting for Forest County and was a crew leader for the 1960 census for Florence and Forest Counties. She was a secretary for Condors, the Northernaire and worked at the O'meila Law Firm in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. In 1965 Ruth was one of the first people employed at the Blackwell Job Corps. She worked there as a secretary until her retirement in 1975.

Ruth remained very active following her retirement. She and her Phil enjoyed traveling and fishing, and Ruth especially loved all the flowers that Phil had blooming in his beautiful gardens each summer. She was a life-long member of the Martha Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the United Methodist Church in Argonne and was the organist for many years. Ruth was an active Republican at the county and state level and served as the treasurer for Forest County. She was also a member of TOPS and volunteered at the Senior Snoop Shop in Crandon. Ruth loved doing cross-word puzzles, knitting, tatting and crocheting.

She was a big fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and enjoyed listening to their games on her radio. After Phil passed away in 1996, Ruth and her girlfriends spent many afternoons together dining out and visiting the casinos, enjoying life to the fullest. At the age of 97 Ruth reluctantly moved to the AGI Crandon Nursing Home but remained very active participating in their many activities until several weeks before her death.

She will be missed by her son, Craig “Archie” (Susan) Hansen of Stevens Point; grandchildren, Kathryn (Mike) Tumeo of Racine, Kerrie (Nathan) Smithberg of Chippewa Falls, Beth (Jeff) Brown of Pleasant Prairie and Corey (Lisa) Hansen of Plover; great-grandchildren, Ryan Dunk, Mark Tumeo, Caleb and Katie Sue Smithberg, Sara and Joshua Brown; nieces, Marilyn Collins and Cindy Sharko of Laona; and special cousins, Agnes Cowlam and Bea Donahue of Connecticut.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Phillip; her daughter, Carol; her parents; sister, Gladys; and brother, George Jr.

Visitation was held Saturday, January 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Argonne Methodist Church. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Weber-Hill Funeral Home in Crandon is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers a memorial in Ruth's name will be established at a later date.

Florence M. Ashbeck

Florence M. Ashbeck, age 96, of Crandon, passed away January 5, 2008 at the AGI Healthcare Center, Crandon. She was born in Tomahawk on July 1, 1911 the daughter of the late Anton and Ella (Jones) Kiefer.

Florence married Carl Ashbeck on April 15, 1940 in Iron Mountain, Michigan; he preceded her in death on November 21, 1969. Through life, Florence lived in the Crandon area, working as a telephone operator and later a nurse's aide. She loved animals and enjoyed her dogs; all which were named, Pete. She will be sadly missed.

She is survived by her son-in-law, Jim DeHart of Arvada, Colo.; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl; daughters, June and Ruby; son, Richard; sister, Mayme; brothers, John and Edward; and daughter-in-law, Nancy.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Weber-Hill Funeral Home. A Funeral Service followed. Pastor Eric Vertein officiated. Interment was in the Crandon Lakeside Cemetery. Weber-Hill Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Edward “Eddie” H. Bocek

Edward “Eddie” H. Bocek, age 86, of Crandon, passed away Sunday, January 6, 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander. He was born in Crandon on February 11, 1921 the son of the late Alois and Mary (Pilarski) Bocek.

Eddie spent his childhood in Crandon going to school and working on the farm. He then moved to Milwaukee and married Dolores (Schott) Bocek. They had two girls and four boys. After 25 years of marriage, they divorced. He then married Janice (Braun) Bocek, of Pickerel, together they had one daughter, Lynn. When he retired, he came back home to the Crandon area for 20 plus years. Eddie enjoyed his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all family and friends.

He had a little farm with horses on it. Eddie rode his horses well into his seventies. He loved to watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren ride them. Eddie liked to wheel and deal. He enjoyed hunting and fishing; especially ice fishing.

Eddie started his career at Champion International (A Geo Schultz) in Milwaukee and retired with the same company in Neenah, with 40 plus years of service. He will be sadly missed by everyone.

He is survived by his first wife, Dolores (Schott) Bocek; second wife, Janice (Braun) Bocek; children, Judith Bocek, Karen DeBaker, James Bocek, Robert (Lynn) Bocek, Paul (Jackie) Bocek, Mark Bocek and Lynn (Bob) Dryer; grandchildren, Shannon (Anthony, Sr.), Shane (Rick), Phillip, Kim (Brian), James, Jr. (Ginny), Robert, April, Gustave, Jr. (Tiffany), Zachary, Stephanie and Lydia; great-grandchildren, Chantelle, Anthony, Jr., Cody, Justin, Kaitlyn, Benjamin, Alexis, Lucas, Dayton and Danielle; sisters, Marie Peterson, Anna Letto, June Houle, and Marcella (John) Gretzinger; and brother, Jerry Bocek.

He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Alois and Mary; six brothers, Frank, Steve, Joe, George, Alois and Robert; son-in-law, Gus DeBaker; grandson, Craig (Kim) Ekker; and brothers-in-law, Ed Peterson, Fritz Letto and Norman Houle.

A gathering of friends will be on Saturday, January 12, 2008 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Praise Chapel Community Church. A Memorial Service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Bill Farr officiating. Weber-Hill Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Dad you will never be forgotten, you'll always be in our hearts. HAPPY TRAILS.

Love all of your family

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