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

Muriel Irene Sorby (Thiel)

Muriel Irene Sorby (Thiel), 82, of Winnebago, died Monday morning, June 30, 2008, in her home, after a lengthy illness. She was born June 20, 1926, to Esther Isabelle (Skofstad) Sorby and Emil Carl Sorby in Beloit.

Muriel attended schools in Cleveland, Ohio and Rockford, graduating from Rockford West High School in 1944. She earned her B.S. in education from the University of Minnesota in 1948 and taught at Abbott Junior High School in Elgin. In 1952, she received her degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder in guidance and counseling as well as in health education. Muriel was employed by The Boulder-Larimer County Health and Tuberculosis Association in Longmont, Colo., during which time the Boulder City-County Health Dept. was established. Upon her return to the midwest, she taught for the Winnebago Community Unit District 323 with the goal of establishing a K-12 guidance and counseling program. Muriel continued her education at Northern Illinois University and Rockford College obtaining certifications in administrative positions.

During her 30-year tenure with the schools, the district established exemplary programs in special education (prior to federal mandates); and programs in vocational education. While utilizing interdisciplinary skills, Title I and Chapter I programs provided for innovative teaching skills and programming, pre-school through high school. Public school early childhood classes were amount the first for state funding in Illinois. Muriel was a founder of Illinois Growth Enterprises, Inc., a sheltered workshop facility that has served thousands of handicapped persons in its 30+ year existence.

In addition to continuing to serve on the board she has been active with the Auxiliary serving in various capacities. In 1988, she was among 5 persons nominated for the Excelsior Award. For over 70 years she has been an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, having served on the Constitution Committee, Finance and Investment Committees, Church Council (president), Stephen Minister, and the fund raising committees for The Learning Center.

Muriel has been an active member of Zeta Chapter, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Since 1966, she has held many positions in the chapter, including the presidency from 2002-2004. The International organization in an honorary educational group which provides scholarships and grants to high school students as well as to educators, provides information regarding legislation affecting education and promotes professional and personal growth amount women educators. She was also active in organizations in northern Wisconsin, where for over 50 years the family spent summers. For several years Muriel served as president of the Women’s League, Nicolet Country Club and numerous occasions, served on the board of The Lake Lucerne Advancement Association.

Her hobbies and interests were diversified. Muriel was a collector, reader, lover of music and art, and she enjoyed needlework along with fishing, boating and golf; however, she was primarily a “people” person with creative skills. She was a friend to many.

Muriel is lovingly survived by her sister, Arlene Judith (Sorby) Rasmussen of Portage; nephews, William Carl Rasmussen of Oxford and John Edward (Christine) Rasmussen of Poynette; nieces, Judith L. (Andrew) Rasmussen Harrison of Sun Prairie and Marie Esther (Jeff Schoeneberg) Rasmussen of Arlington; grand-nephews, grand-nieces; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, William Nelson Rasmussen.

Service is at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2008 in Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. 1st Street in Rockford with visitation at 9:30 a.m. until service time with the Dr. Rev. Len Hoffmann and the Rev. Kathryn Whitney officiating. Burial is in Willwood Burial Park in Rockford. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008, in Genandt Funeral Home, 602 N. Elida St., Winnebago. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Illinois Growth Enterprises, Inc., Trinity Lutheran Church and Delta Kappa Gamma. To sign the guest book and give your condolences or light a candle, visit www.genandtfuneralhome.com.

Raymond “Junior” Gerarden

Raymond “Junior” Gerarden, age 76, of Crandon, formerly of De Pere, died unexpectedly Sunday, June 29, 2008. He was born April 4, 1932, to the late Raymond and Evelyn (Clark) Gerarden. On November 14, 1953, he married Shirley Keyser.

Ray retired from James River. He built his retirement home in Crandon in 1988. Ray was an avid outdoorsman, and was famous for his Fourth of July booyah’s. He enjoyed going to the Hodag festival every year. Ray’s family meant everything to him, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Laurie Gerarden and her special friend, Dave, Keith Gerarden, Scot (Christine) Gerarden, Eric (Laura) Gerarden, Connie (Steve) Vander Logt and Evelyn (Mike) Gilgenbach. Ray is further survived by his ten grandchildren, Christopher, Kyle, Danielle, Molly, Joshua, Alyssa, Kathryn, Samuel, Alana, Nicholas and Munchkin. Numerous nieces, nephews and relatives also survive him.

His parents and his sister, Gertrude Dixon preceded him in death.

Friends may call at Rya Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street in De Pere, from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. A family prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will continue after 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Nicolet Memorial Park & Mausoleum, 2770 Bay Settlement Road in Green Bay, until the time of the service at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Tim Shillcox O’Praem officiating. The family requests no flowers or plants. A memorial fund will be established. Go to www.ryanfh.com to express online condolences to the family.

Marvin “Marv” M. Giessel

Marvin “Marv” M. Giessel, age 72, of Argonne, passed away Monday, June 23, 2008 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander after a courageous battle with many illnesses.

Marv was born April 26, 1936 in Gillett, the son of the late Arlie and Ruby (Spiegel) Giessel.

On April 10, 1975 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Niagara, he married Donna Bryner. Marv had a great sense of humor and loved teasing his grandchildren. He was a huge Chicago Cubs Fan. Marv enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening and using the chainsaw. He was a very proud husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his family and his canine companion “Copper”.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Argonne; daughters, Jeanine (Pat) Quinnell of Ladysmith and Tina (John) Strong of Argonne; sons, Gary (Beth) Giessel of Rhinelander, Rusty (Marie) Bryner of Topeka, Kan., Guy (Sarah) Bryner of Appleton, Alan (Jodi) Giessel of Milwaukee and Gordon Bryner of Argonne; sisters, Geraldine (Glen) Votis of Hiles, Marilyn Pfeiffer of Hiles and Dawn (Eugene) Kalata of Argonne; brothers, Bruce (Sue) Giessel of Friendship and Jim Giessel of South Carolina; grandchildren, Jake, Renee, Nicole, Brock, Kara, Jeff, Kim, Ben, Kaylee, Zeb, Zac, Colton, Jordynn, Courtney, Dylan, Michael, Ashley, Meagan, Carmen and Brooke; and two great-granddaughters, Margeaux and Serra.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Bonnie Roberts and a son, Michael Bryner.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, June 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Weber-Hill Funeral Home in Crandon. Funeral mass was on Thursday, June 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Crandon with Father Ralph Gillis officiating. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery of Argonne.

Honorary pallbearers were Dillion and Michael Bryner. Active pallbearers were Zeb Bryner, Jeff Giessel, Colton Giessel, Brock Bryner, Jacob Bryner and Ben Quinnell.

William Donald “Bud” Crum

William Donald “Bud” Crum, age 80, of Crandon, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. Bud was born November 23, 1927 in the Town of Price the son of the late Will and Tamery (Arrowood) Crum.

When Bud was old enough he joined the U.S. Navy and served until his father’s illness at which time he returned home to run the family farm. After his return, he met Lydia “Billie” Gumm and on June 3, 1948 they were married.

Along with running the family farm, Bud, also did logging, bulldozing and hauled dirt. Bud’s favorite pastime during retirement was setting under the shade tree visiting with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting and was very proud of his family. Bud will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Lydia “Billie”; sons, Wayne (Patty) Crum of Crandon and Nick (Jeanne) Crum of Crandon; grandchildren, Patrick, Cassie, Kadie, Tony, Doug and Ross Crum; and great-grandchildren, Addison and Coleman William Crum.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Alpha Wilson.

Visitation was held on Monday, June 30, 2008 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Weber-Hill Funeral Home of Crandon. Funeral Service followed at 11 a.m. Pastor Bill Farr officiated. Interment was in the Crandon Lakeside Cemetery. Forest County Veterans Honor Guard provided military honors. Weber-Hill Funeral Home of Crandon assisted the family with the arrangements.

Margaret “Marge” L. Carter

Margaret “Marge” L. Carter, age 76, of Laona, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2008 at AGI Healthcare in Crandon after a long battle with cancer. She was born January 2, 1932 in Laona, the daughter of the late Phyllis (Barney) and Clarence Lemerande.

Margaret married John “Jack” L. Carter on January 2, 1951 at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Laona. She deeply loved her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a very important part of her life; they will miss her.

Margaret is survived by her husband, Jack; daughter, Jane (Alan) Schulz of Laona; three sons, John (Laurie) Carter of Crandon, Steve (Patti) Carter and Jim (Lisa) Carter both of Laona; two sisters, Therese Bouck and Ann (Allen) Trottier; brother, Bob (Gail) Lemerande; sisters-in-law, Erika Lemerande, Corrine Lemerande and Jayne Carter; and Aunt Marian Hansen.

She is further survived by nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, Kathy (David) Wetenkamp and their sons, Shawn and Noah, Karrie (Brian) Monczunski and their son, Tyler, Kristy (Travis) Kolodzik and their daughters, Carly and Kassidy, Kayla and Stephanie Carter, Mike (Trista) Carter and their sons, Austin and Logan, Jacki (Brad) Champine and their son, Carter, Jenni (George) VanZile and their children, Abey and Hunter, and Trevor James Carter.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; her mother and father-in-law, Agnes and Walter Carter; brothers, Ed and Bill Lemerande; and sisters, Dorothy and Ellen Belland.

Throughout life, Margaret “Marge” worked various jobs in Laona, Wabeno and the surrounding communities. She was known as a wonderful cook and baker, who catered numerous celebrations; sometimes for generations of families. Marge took great pride in her food and making sure, no one went away hungry. She was a lifetime member of St. Leonard’s Catholic Church, the Christian Mothers and the Laona Rescue Squad Auxiliary.

Honoring Margaret as pallbearers were Dick Krawze, Butch Krawze, Ward Leach, Frank Mohr, Pete Kevilus and John Gilligan.

Visitation was on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 9 a.m. to noon at the St. Leonard Catholic Church in Laona. Funeral Mass followed at noon with Father John Cerkas officiating. Interment was in the Laona Cemetery. Weber-Hill Funeral Home in Crandon (715) 478-2322, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank everyone at AGI Healthcare of Crandon for their care, compassion and friendship for the past five years; special nurses, Mary, Jean, Candi, Lisa, Arlene and LuAnn; a wonderful roommate, Hulda; and a great daughter-in-law, Lisa for her love and patience. They would also like to express their thanks to the Marshfield Clinic (Oncology), Dr. Stuart Tipping and Linda.

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