Obituaries

With a huge smile on her face, Mom is now singing with the angels, playing in the heavenly symphony and directing a majestic choir.

Alberta Carlene (Siewert) Doverspike passed on to be with her friend Jesus Christ on January 26, 2012. She was born July 22, 1916, in Wisconsin Rapids to the late Otto and Bertha (Lucht) Siewert. Her three older brothers, Otto, Donald, and Gilbert Siewert, and her half-sister Edith Siewert also preceded her in death. She attended school in Wisconsin Rapids, graduating from Lincoln H.S. in 1934. Along with taking summer school classes at UW Madison, she attended North Central College, Naperville, IL, getting her Bachelor of Music Education and minor in English and History in 1940.

Alberta married the late Franklin Wayne Doverspike in 1940 and moved to Johnstown, Pennsylvania to live on a small farm with her in-laws, the late Robert Royal and Anna Estelle (Hannenkrat) Doverspike. There they began raising their four sons: Wayne, Kim, Dennis, and Randy. In addition to caring for her family and running the farm, she had a very active musical career which included teaching piano and violin lessons, and singing in and directing the choirs at the Salix EUB Church. One of her favorite family traditions with her sons was baking thousands of Christmas cookies and giving them as presents to family and friends.

After moving back to Wisconsin in 1957, she continued her education throughout the next decade by attending many summer school classes through UW Madison, UW Oshkosh, Ripon College, and Lakeland College.

She started her teaching career in the Menasha school system, teaching grades 1-12 from 1957-58, then at both Menasha High and Butte des Morts Jr. High from 1958-63 and only at Butte des Morts Jr. High from 1963-66. In 1966 Alberta moved to Winneconne and taught vocal music at the Winneconne middle school and high school until 1974. Many of her students, madrigals, choirs, and other groups, would advance to the state level during solo and ensemble competitions. She was an excellent teacher, director, and accompanist and was loved by her students and other faculty.

After all these years working with the “older” kids she decided to go back to the elementary level to teach the “younger” kids the fundamentals of music. From 1974 until her retirement in 1981 she taught 1st-5th grade students the basics of music. She also started group and individual piano and violin lessons. She accumulated a dozen or so pianos with donations from people, groups, and various music stores in the valley and put them all in her classroom so she could give lessons to many students at one time. She also did this with her violin students. Many of those students went on to be fine accompanists and musicians in high school and beyond.

Alberta directed many church choirs in the area including the Congregational Church in Appleton, the First EUB Church in Neenah, and First Presbyterian Church in Winneconne. Whenever special music was needed at any kind of service, she would always be there to lend her talents. She also played her violin in the community symphonies of Appleton and Oshkosh

In 1984 she moved to Neshkoro to live with her oldest son, Wayne, on “The Farm.” There she could enjoy her other passions, mowing the lawn and working in the gardens. If she wasn't in the kitchen cooking, you could find her outside on her tractor or pushing the mower. She also continued her love of music by playing the organ and piano and singing in the choir at Zion United Methodist Church in Neshkoro where Wayne is still the choir director.

A decline in her health in 2004 required a move into Bethel Home in Oshkosh where she lived until she passed away. She always had a smile on her face and a reassuring word for everyone there. She made a lot of friends, and helped other residents get through their own troubles. Alberta's family would like to give a very sincere thank you to the staff at Bethel, especially to “the girls” who took such good care of her, Bob who kept her musically involved, and Laura who kept her active. Thank You!!

Surviving Alberta are her four sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Sarie, Neshkoro WI; Kim and Judy, Republic MO; Dennis and Darlene, South Bend IN; Randy and Pat, Winneconne, WI; grandchildren, Brian (Becky), Chad (Sara), Ty (Michelle), Amy Alberta, Heidi, Darin (Laura) Doverspike; Dawn (Cary) Vallery; and Amy Elizabeth (Bill) LaBelle; great-grandchildren, Brenna, Carlee, Ellie, Colton, Ryan, Angelisa, Trevor, Tisen, Mia Marie Doverspike, and Easton LaBelle; and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne on Thursday February 2, 2012, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday February 3, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Zion United Methodist Church in Neshkoro with Pastor Aaron Alfred officiating. A visitation time will be held on Friday at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Nekoosa.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is set up in Alberta's name.
Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main St., Winneconne, WI 54986, (920)582-4242. Please submit online condolences to www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.

Kenneth E. Driscoll, age 68 years, of Oxford was reunited in heaven with his parents and brother on January 28, 2012. Ken was born on August 8, 1943 in Chicago, IL the son of Gilbert Driscoll and Francis (Wilson) Rodger. Ken attended Oxford High School where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Karen Lindner. He was a lifetime resident of the Wisconsin Dells/Oxford area. Ken was an entrepreneur and had a passion for creating and starting many businesses, some of which include, Dells Taxi Cab Service, Happy Hollow Motel, Endeavor Laundromat and Post Office, Nice Ice and Designer Landscaping. He went on to open a restaurant, bait shop, gas station, bar and drive-in. Through Oxford Home Sales he developed many investment properties. Ken had a very soft heart, was known to be very charitable and had a great desire to see Oxford prosper. He was involved in the Wisconsin Dells Lions Club and was very proud to have served on the Oxford Library Board, Chamber of Commerce and the Oxford Village Board. Ken had many talents but was known for his love of flowers, animals, playing cards and finding “a good deal.” His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. He would be happiest being remembered by those who knew him, as a man who loved his family.

Survivors include his five children, Krishun (Olaf) Stanton, Boulder City, NV, Damon (Pricilla) Driscoll, Marshall, WI, Derek (Cindy) Driscoll, Oxford, Natasha Driscoll (Shannon Grant), Oxford and Bridget (Tim) O’Neill, Boulder City, NV; his grandchildren, Calandra, Karina and Gunnar Stanton, Hannah, Abigail and Bailey Driscoll, Zakarias, Noah and Olivia Driscoll, Taylor, Brandon, Camron and Evelyn Sever, Ariel and Madison O’Neill; a sister Aneta Rodger; brothers, Albert, Jerry and Mike Driscoll; niece and nephew’s, Samantha, Kevin, John and Aaron Jr. and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gilbert and the mother of his children, Karen Lindner.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:00 at the Oxford Presbyterian Church with Rev. Robert Bruinooge officiating. Burial will follow in the Oxford Village Cemetery. Friends may call at the Picha Funeral Home, Oxford on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Picha Funeral Home – Oxford; HYPERLINK "http://www.pichafuneralhome.com" www.pichafuneralhome.com

John R. Koceja, age 70 of Montello/Lake Puckaway passed away peacefully Monday evening at the Markesan Resident Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 3rd at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
A complete obituary will appear in next week’s edition of the Marquette County Tribune. Crawford Funeral Home of Montello is serving the family. HYPERLINK "http://www.CrawfordFH.com" www.CrawfordFH.com

John “Jack” Metcalf, age 88 of Montello passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, January 27, 2012 at the Montello Care Center. Jack was born in Montello on August 2, 1923 to John E. and Alice (O’Brien) Metcalf. He graduated from Montello High School in 1942. Jack married Evelyn Wismeth at St. John’s Catholic Church in Marshfield, WI on April 28, 1962; she preceded him death in November of 1998.
Jack was a lifelong farmer and member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Montello. He entertained many of friends and family with his storytelling and poems. Jack was a very giving person; he spent countless hours visiting shut-ins.

Jack leaves behind his daughter, Maureen Gunderson of Montello and his son, Mark of Boulder, CO as well as two grandsons: Dale and Jordon Gunderson. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren and his sister, Marge Schwartz of Germantown along with nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Evelyn and his sister, Kathryn.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello. Visitation was held from 9:30 am until the hour of service. Father Michael Richel presided and burial followed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Montello. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Marquette County Care and Share Food Bank, P.O. Box 405, Montello or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 277 E. Montello Street, Montello. Crawford Funeral Home of Montello is assisting the family with arrangements. HYPERLINK "http://www.CrawfordFH.com" www.CrawfordFH.com
A special thanks to the Montello Care Center and Hospice Hope for their kind and loving care.

Donald Earl Parks, age 91, of Brooks, Wisconsin died Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the Divine Savior Healthcare in Portage, Wisconsin.

Donald was born August 21, 1920 in Brooks, Wisconsin to Earl H. and Nellie (Noyes) Parks. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Army in the European Theater of War. He married Mary Ann (nee Wrobiski) Waite on November 13, 1948 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Adams, WI. Donald worked at Wallace and Susan McClyman’s farm, Faye Mills Farm in Endeavor, and the Brooks Pickle Station before working at Speed-Queen Manufacturing in Ripon, WI.

Donald enjoyed working on his hobby farm, growing and selling his hay, repairing washers and dryers, mowing yards, and plowing snow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donald’s memory may be directed to the St. Anne’s Catholic Church in c/o Adams County Food Pantry and Marquette County Food Pantry.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Earl H. and Nellie (Noyes) Parks; his wife of 63 years, Mary Ann Parks; two brothers: Ronald and Harold; and two sisters: Elizabeth and Dorothy.

Survivors include one brother, Lewis Parks of Brooks, WI; one sister, Evelyn Wandry of PA; two stepsons, Francis “Beep” Waite of Brooks, WI and Carl Waite of Florida. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the St. Anne's Catholic Church in Brooks, Wisconsin. Father James P. McNamee & Msgr. John Hebl officiated. Interment was at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Brooks, Wisconsin. Military Honors were presented by the Adams County Honor Guard.

Following the service there was a photo view and exchange at the Redneck Saloon, located at 345 County Road A Brooks, WI.
Roseberry's Funeral Home, 512 Main St. (PO Box 620), Friendship, WI 53934. HYPERLINK "http://www.roseberrys.com/"www.roseberrys.com

Mavis E. Semrow, age 90, of Coloma, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, Jan. 25, 2012, surrounded by her loving family at Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital.

She was born June 7, 1921 in the Town of Springfield, Marquette County, the daughter of Theodore and Helen (Kruger) Pockrandt. She married Clarence J. Semrow on June 27, 1943 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Town of Springfield, Marquette County. He preceded her in death on August 12, 2001.

Mavis and her late husband farmed and raised chickens for many years in the Town of Coloma. She loved her family, traveling, gardening, fishing, sewing, weaving, and quilting. Mavis was a faithful member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Coloma where she was a member and past president of the Church Council. She also sang in the choir and was active with the ladies WELCA of the church. Mavis was a member of the Coloma Fire Belles and served on the Coloma Election Board for many years. She was an active volunteer in the community and was a yearly presence at the Coloma Chicken Chew.

She is survived by five children, Ted Semrow, Westfield, Tom (Kathy) Semrow, Wautoma, Dan (Ann) Semrow, Westfield, Debbie (Randy) Kazmer, Lawrenceville, GA, Mike (Sarah) Semrow, Hancock; her daughter-in-law, Donna Semrow, Coloma; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; one sister, Edith Dunnett, Wautoma. She is further survived by four nephews, one niece, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to her husband, she joins her two sons, Terry and David in heaven along with her parents.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Coloma with Pastor Kelli Fisher officiating Burial was in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 100, Coloma, WI 54930

The Leikness Funeral Home of Wautoma assisted the family with arrangements. www.wautomafuneralhome.com

PORTAGE – Marcella Irene (Tiber) Stewart, age 92, died on Saturday, January 28, 201 at Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital, in Portage.

Marcella was born on November 20, 1919, in Oakdale, the daughter of Joseph and Amelia (Honish) Tiber. She graduated from Tomah High School. She went on to attend beauty school and practiced in the Tomah area. She married Neil Stewart on November 28, 1940, in Tomah. Marcella and Neil moved to a farm in Marquette County, where they raised seven children. They were active in 4H Club leadership, and the FFA organization. They moved to Portage in 1966 after Neil’s illness. Marcella worked at Divine Savior Hospital, Eulberg’s Men’s Store, and St. Mary’s School and church, before moving back out to “the country” in 1975. Marcella was active in the St. Mary’s Choir, and was a Communion Minister. She sewed Baptism Gowns for children going through St. Mary’s for over 30 years, as well as banners and Altar cloths. She was a great seamstress, enjoyed growing flowers, and worked with Meals on Wheels.

She is survived by her children, Kay (Tony) Tortorice, Tom Stewart, Jean (David) Kovalaske, Mark Stewart, and Karlene (Brian) Lynch; her grandchildren, Joseph (Kerri) Dunne, Cheryl (Mark) Deskins, Darlene Carter, Mike (Sally) Stewart, Matthew (Wendy) Kovalaske, Jennifer (Mitchell) Piotrowski, Heather Kovalaske, Melissa (Jeff) Romer, Nicholas Kovalaske, Fred (Trina) Cromwell, Dustin Lynch, and Fae Terpstra; 15 great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends. Marcella was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Neil, her son, Peter, her daughter, Carol, a granddaughter, Mary Dunne, and a grandson, Donnie Koenig.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding. Burial will take place in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Montello Township. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with a Scripture Service held at 4:45 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Friday, from 10:00 until the time of the Mass at the church.
www.pmmfh.com

Rachael Renee Streich, age 26, of Montello, WI is now walking the streets of gold up in heaven. She passed away January 24th, 2012 at UW Madison Hospital after courageously battling with melanoma.

Rachael was born on January 20th, 1986 in Portage, WI, the daughter of Dennis and Connie Streich of Montello. Rachael had a great love of music, working with children, going thrift store shopping (she always knew how to get the best deal), and was very competitive in playing board games and cards. Rachael has touched so many lives in her short time here. Wherever she went, she proclaimed God’s love to everyone.

She is survived by her boyfriend Truman Clark, of Ringle, WI, her parents Dennis and Connie Streich, sisters Michelle (Curt) Nummerdor, Mara Streich, God-daughter Isabelle Nummerdor, Grandparents Ervin and Lucille Streich, Grandfather Harry Curtis, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and all of her friends.

She is preceded in death by a Grandmother, Rhynelda Curtis.
A funeral service for Rachael was held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Budsin with Rev. Dale Boening officiating. Burial was in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Budsin. A visitation was held on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home, Westfield and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Westfield served the family. For online obituaries and condolences go to www.steinhaushollyfuneralhome.com