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

Robert J. Flannery

Robert J. Flannery of Chicago passed away Nov. 17, 2008 at Northwestern Hospital. He was born Aug. 29, 1942 to Clifford and Mabel (Kornely) Flannery and graduated from Elcho High in 1961. He served his country in the U.S. Armed Services and returned to the Chicago area to enjoy a long and successful career in real estate.

Robert was an active member of the Democratic Party and chosen as a delegate to the 1984 National Convention. He served his St. Ita’s Catholic Church as lector and eucharistic minister and minister of care to Sheridan Shores Nursing Home. Throughout his life he reached out to those in need.

Along with his parents, Robert was preceded in death by brothers, Wade and Joseph; and sisters, Alice Conn and Mary Gilley.

He is survived by brothers, Melvin, James and Alan Flannery; sisters, Betty Rhodes, Sally Pyka, Joan Marsalli, Karen Guth, Linda Offner and Cynthia Matheny; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation and mass took place at St. Ita’s Catholic Church followed by a reception on Nov. 20. His funeral mass was graced with renowned voice of Irish singer Catherine O’Connell and his many, many friends and family members. Interment was in Chicago’s Historic Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Northwestern Memorial Hospice, 676 N. St. Claire St., ste 720, Chicago, IL 60611.

Remona Jewell Barker (Gravitter)

Remona Jewell Barker (Gravitter), age 75, of Antigo, formerly of Crandon, departed to her new home to be with our eternal Lord on Nov. 26, 2008, after a long enduring battle with multiple medical complications at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born Oct. 25, 1933 in Forest County to the Rev. Estill and Bessie Barker. She was joined in marriage to Charles Gustav Gravitter of Pearson, who preceded her death in 2000. Remona was a resident at Eastview Medical & Rehabilitation Center located in Antigo.

Remona left behind a long legacy of love and precious memories that follow through many generations. She was truly loved by all and will be greatly missed by those she has come in contact with. She touched their lives with the ever-loving message of the Saving Grace of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ.

Preceding her in death was the once known Old Time Preacher and father, Rev. Estill Barker and her lovely mother Bessie Barker; and brothers, Kenny and Denver Barker.

She is survived by her brothers and sisters who will miss her very much, Lena “Pug” (Chester) Gilbert of Argonne, Estill “Junior” (Jean) Barker of Crandon, Virginia “Tootsie” (the late Marvin) Hanson of Post Lake, William (Bill) Barker of Crandon and Joseph “Jim” (Lynn) Barker of Crandon; her children, who will carry on her legacy and desire to tell the wonderful message of Jesus to all who will listen, Charlesetta (Doreen) (Gary) Jaje of Antigo, Charles, Jr. (Lori) Gravitter of Pearson, Richard (Kaia) Gravitter of Pearson, Vicki Gravitter of Antigo and Annette (Steven) Price of Rhinelander, and many nieces and nephews. She is further survived by 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Remona’s greatest first love, outside of her immediate family and going fishing, was her love for Jesus and the church (currently known as the “Living Faith Church of God” that was founded and established by her father Rev. Estill Barker, but not limited to just that church). The love she had for all the brothers and sisters in the Lord are too numerous to tell. She loved to sing bluegrass and gospel music, play the guitar, community events, nursing home ministry, prayer meetings, Bible studies, ladies ministry and family gatherings. She loved to be surrounded by all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many family and friends. No man was ever excluded from her realm of friendship whether known, unknown, strangers or acquaintances. Remona taught many how to love people unconditionally and to let God do His perfect work in their lives. She was eager to participate or help and she dedicated her whole heart to everything she did never once looking for something in return.

To share a much-cherished moment that will ring on in our hearts and hopefully the lives of many others is a question that was asked while standing around the bedside of our mother. A granddaughter turned to her aunt while weeping at the bedside of her grandmother and ever so gently asked the question, “Is it wrong to want granny’s heart?” We all understood that this was not in the physical way, but what she had truly asked was “I want to love like her.”

So this is just a special note to be recorded down in history to - Mom, Mother, Grandma, Gramm’s, Granny, Grandma Grandma, Sister, Auntie, Mona, Monie or Remona from her family, friends, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, “You really knew how to love” and may our Father in Heaven love you as you have loved us all and may He in all His grace and mercy give us a small portion of the same heart He gave you so we will reflect the same compassion that you shared with us to others.

Remona requested that a special message be given to a very special friend “Judy McGeshick and her family,” she said to tell you “I will see you there!” Love Mona

Visitation was on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Living Faith Church of God in Crandon. Funeral Service followed at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ed Leiskau officiating. Interment was in the Crandon Lakeside Cemetery. Weber-Hill Funeral Home of Crandon is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Special thanks to Eastview staff for the caring support and relationships that meant so much to her and her family.

Martha Irene Buchholz

Martha Irene Buchholz, age 72, of New Hebron, Miss. passed away on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 at home with her family.

She was born Jan. 23, 1936 in Crandon, the daughter of the late John and Mae (Johnson) Conley. Martha attended Mole Lake Grade School and then Crandon High School where she graduated.

She married Edward Buchholz and a few years later, they moved to New Hebron, Miss. Martha always remembered her family on birthdays and holidays and visited every summer. She will be sadly missed by them and her many friends.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her brothers, Marion and Andrew; and baby sister, Mildred.

Martha is survived by her husband, Edward Buchholz of New Hebron; two daughters, Jeanne Whelan of Long Beach and Debra Buchholz of New Hebron; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Rachel Fry of Richland Center; four brothers, John (Lucille) Conley of L’Anse, Mich., Jim (Wanda) Conley, Tim Conley, Paul (Sandy) Conley, all of Crandon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held Monday, Nov. 10 at Old Hebron Cemetery in New Hebron with Rev. Dan Ainsworth officiating.

Richard M. Kaufmann

Richard M. Kaufmann, age 74, of 10508 Coraggio Court, Argonne, entered into eternal life on Wednesday Nov. 26, 2008 at the Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. Richard was born Nov. 25, 1934 in Manitowoc to the late Raymond and Clara Skwor Kaufmann. He was a 1953 graduate of the Mishicot High School, and also a graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering where he received his degree in engineering. He worked as an engineer for both Johnson Controls, and the Rockford Memorial Hospital in Rockford, Ill. Richard served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict, and was a member of the VFW Post #2377 in Glendale Heights, Ill.

Survivors include one daughter, Dr. Kira Kaufmann of Dania Beach, Fla.; one son, Craig Kaufmann of Warrenville, Ill.; one grandson, Dillan Gould of Fla. and a forthcoming grandson. He is further survived by the mother of his children, Jane Kaufmann of Warrenville, Ill.; three sisters, Eileen Wolodkiewicz of Dayton, Ohio, Phyllis Mott of Mishicot and Karen Anthony of Arizonia; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Kaufmann of Two Rivers; and by his nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Roger and Karl Kaufmann.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot with the Reverend Paul Paider officiating. There was no Sunday evening visitation. Military rites were accorded by the Mishicot VFW Kempen-Staudinger-Terens Post #7753 following the Mass, with burial in the Holy Cross Parish Cemetery. The Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is assisting the Kaufmann family with funeral arrangements.

Billy Gene Fannin

Billy Gene Fannin, age 73, of Argonne, passed away at Taylor Park Nursing Home in Rhinelander on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice. Billy was born Sept. 24, 1935 in Bigstone, Kent., the son of the late William P. and Lucy (Fraley) Fannin.

Billy served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean Conflict. He was very proud of his work, especially the pioneering of ice roads in Alaska. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and looking for ginseng.

He is survived by daughter, Sharon (Ward) Stern of Huntsville, Ala.; sons, Karl Fannin of Trapper Creek, Alaska and Allen (Jeannie) Fannin of Argonne; grandchildren, Jason Dodd, Megan Marks, Kasey Dodd, Anthony Dodd, Lee Fannin, Jeff Fannin and Amanda Fannin; and great-grandchildren, Tyrell and Caitlyn Dodd.

She was preceded in death by parents, William and Lucy; and two sisters, Nadene Martin-Lewis and Pauline Sipple.

Visitation was on Monday, Dec. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Weber-Hill Funeral Home in Crandon. Funeral services followed at 11 a.m. Tuesday, with Pastor Eric Vertein officiating. Inurnment was at Crandon Lakeside Cemetery.

Patricia “Patty” Dawn (Stranz) Wagner

Patricia “Patty” Dawn (nee Stranz) Wagner, age 56, of Brown Deer passed away peacefully after a difficult and courageous battle with cancer on Monday, Nov. 24, 2008.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 35 years, David Wagner. She was the caring and devoted mother of Dan (Carrie), Bart (Amy), Chris (Katlin) and Tim Wagner; cherished grandma of Alex, Ben, the late Emily, Josh, the late Emma, Katherine Zoe, Lily and Sydney; loving daughter of Allan and Jeanne Stranz; beloved sister of Allan III (Jan) Stranz, John (Lois) Stranz, Shelley (Jeff) Zahm, Steve (Gail) Stranz, Karen (Ken) Behnke and the late Jerry Stranz; loving daughter-in-law of Jeanette Wagner; and sister-in-law of Ann McCormack and John Wagner. She will also be remembered by innumerable nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Patty was the granddaughter of Frank Sr. (Hank) and Alice Sturzl, and Judge Allan and Leota Stranz.

Visitation was held Friday, Nov. 28 at Shoreland Community Church in Brown Deer from 1 to 3 p.m. Funeral service was celebrated at 3 p.m. A private burial was held in Neenah. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Teen Challenge of Wisconsin.

Patty enjoyed spending many summers in Crandon visiting relatives, friends and lots of cousins. She lived her life for others, starting with her family and extending to her church and community: Evangel Assembly of God, Royal Rangers, Sunday school, Brown Deer schools, Brown Deer Historical Society and hosting foreign exchange students.

Ruby Lucille (Anderson) Gostisha

Ruby Lucille (Anderson) Gostisha, age 83, of Goodman, passed away Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008 at Hoffman's Paradise in Armstrong Creek. She was born on Jan. 30, 1925 in Goodman, to Harvey and Ella (Parette) Anderson.

She graduated from Goodman High School in 1943 and trained as a pediatric nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Chicago, Ill., where she worked until her marriage. She married Jacob Gostisha at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Goodman on June 5, 1948 in a double wedding ceremony with her twin sister Ruth and Anthony Laurich.

Ruby worked part-time as a nurse at the Goodman Hospital and worked 22 years at the Goodman Mill, retiring in 1990. Ruby was a life-long member of St. Joan of Arc Church and the Christian Mothers Society, belonged to the Goodman-Armstrong Creek Rescue Squad, American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed singing in the Church Choir.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, baking, going to senior lunch, playing cards and most of all, her family.

Ruby is survived by eight children, Ella Newman (Dennis Engel) of Goodman, Jack (Kelly) of Wausau, Rick (Debbie) of Westchester, Ohio, Laura (Bo) Klescewski of Armstrong Creek, Mary Lou (Dennis) Weden of East Troy, Mike (Anita) of Appleton, Carla (Jim) Lachapell of Goodman and Steve (Kelly) of Goodman; 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Laurich of Goodman and Shirley (Hank) Klinger of Mt. Prospect, Ill.; and one brother, Jim Anderson of Iron Mountain, Mich.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jake; sisters, Dorothy and Thelma; brother, Wallace; her parents and parents-in-law, Jacob and Katherine Gostisha.

Visitation was on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008 at St. Joan of Arc Church in Goodman from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. David Schmidt officiating. Interment will be at Glenwood Cemetery in Goodman.

The family would like to thank Karen, Carol, Vicky, Sandy and Cindy of Hoffman's Paradise of Armstrong Creek for the loving care given to Ruby during the last six weeks of her life, and Ministry Home Care Hospice of Rhinelander.

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