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

Marion Soch - Correspondent

(Popple River News) - Oh, the beautiful, patriotic songs and hymns sung over the Memorial holiday; "America the Beautiful", "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "God Bless America" to name a few. And then we have "Taps" played at the cemetery Military Services to honor our fallen heroes who served us so well and fought for our freedom.

Records show that Julia Ward Howe's "Battle Hymn of the Republic" brought her a total of $5 when it was first published in 1862 in the "Atlantic Monthly". I wonder what she would think about her beautiful poem, how popular and loved it is, if she were alive today.

The Northwoods was bustling with activity for the holiday and many enjoyed fishing (which reports were very good on bluegills and crappies), ATV'ing, bike riding (highways were alive with them on Saturday), hiking and partying.

Jerry Hanson was an early arrival coming up on Wednesday from Oconto to plant a garden for the deer and work on his cabin. He also gave us some grave news that his step-granddaughter, Terri Motiff (wife of Steve Motiff) is seriously ill at a hospital in Neenah, and is need of all our prayers. She has ours, and I am sure of everyone who knows her and reads of this. She, Steve and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers.

The Konitzers are here doing some more work at their place and enjoying the weekend with their daughter Jodi, son AJ and friend Mike.

Lois and Russ Kemps had the pleasure of the company of their son, Dennis, who came for a short visit from Oklahoma after his duties for the season were over at the University. The visit was short, but very valued.

The Gerlikovskis were here for a long weekend at the cabin.

A large group of fishermen were at the Jeff Van Boxel cabin. The guys always get together on this big weekend and some stay for a few extra days.

Bill and Jan Lange had a wonderful time on their week-long vacation to Kansas City, MO visiting with their daughter Mary and husband Ken; son Art and friend Jeff came up this weekend for fishing fun and to visit Mom and Dad. And it was fun, because they caught a nice mess of crappies.

Lavern, DeVonna and Chuck Ecklor are spending time at the family cabin on Popple River Road. Perhaps this is Lavern's birthday visit, as his birthday is the 4th of June. Happy birthday Lavern.

Agnes Miller came for a few days to her cabin and to visit with friends here. She popped over to our house and we chatted over old times for a couple hours. Also caught up on all her jaunts over the winter and spring months about the countryside as far as the Atlantic Ocean and back. She went with daughter, Tracy and family, and husband, Joe's mom to see the patriotic places in Philadelphia, namely Ben Franklin's grave, Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell. Then onward to the Atlantic Ocean. This was a first visit East for Joe's mom, so she was very thrilled. How nice of them to do this for her.

There was activity at the Al Reinhard cabin and the cabin next door to him, the Sticka cabin with a large group and Gerry and Jan Noe's place, along with others.

Paul and Vergil Schultz came and had a visit with Paul's brother, Ed and Arlys on Saturday afternoon, also stopping by to visit with us.

Tom Van Boxel and Fred were to their place on Bluebird Road, along with Tom's son and a friend. They enjoyed fishing and the kids ATV'ing.

Larry Van Boxel and Lynn came again for several days and hope to get out fishing sometime soon. It sounds like a good idea...maybe we will try it soon, too.

The rain showers we had Sunday evening helped immensely with our dry conditions in the North. Up until bedtime, it hadn't rained a great deal, and we were thankful it was not severe storms here...only a wee bit of small hail when the rains first began.

We are hopeful for steady warm weather soon!

Happy days ahead.

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