Obituaries
KENNETH L. DURST
Kenneth Durst, 75, of Neillsville, WI, passed away peacefully at his home sur-rounded by family Saturday, March 22, 2025.
There will be a celebration of life July 12 at 12 p.m. at Snyder Park in Neillsville.
LEONA M. SIMMONS AND EUGENE F. SIMMONS
Leona Simmons, 88, of Neillsville, WI, passed on to her heavenly home Friday, Jan. 23, 2025, at the Riverside Assisted Living facility in Neillsville, WI.
Eugene Simmons, 91, of Neillsville, WI, died Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at the Riverside...
LOIS KREN
Lois Kren, 95, of Neillsville, WI, died Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Riverside Assisted Living Facility in Neillsville.
Lois Pauline Bemis was born, June 26, 1929 in Black River Falls, WI, the daughter of Earl and Julia (Zimmerman) Bemis. She and her family lived in Humbird,...
DIANE STAVES
Diane Staves, 74, of Eau Claire, passed away at Dove West June 16, 2025.
Diane was born Oct. 12, 1950, to George and Mildred Staves. She was raised the majority of her life by her mother after her father passed when she was nine. She graduated from Alma Center High School...
LELAND “LEE” J. APPLEYARD
Leland “Lee” J. Appleyard, 92, of Sparta passed away Friday, June 13, 2025, at Morrow Memorial Home, Sparta. He was born Feb. 18, 1933, to Fred and Lillian (Thoma) Appleyard in Neillsville, WI. He grew up there and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1951.
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RUTH L. MEIHAK
Ruth L. Meihak, 92, of Neillsville, WI, passed to eternal peace with her family by her side Wednesday, June 18, at the Riverside Assisted Living Facility in Neillsville.
Ruth Lorraine Spaete was born Jan. 14, 1933, in the township of Washburn, WI, the daughter of Carl and...
JOAN LORAINE FITZMAURICE
Joan Loraine Fitzmaurice, 91, passed away in Footville, WI, June 11, 2025. Joan was born May 18, 1934, in Neillsville, WI, the daughter of Jacob and Veronica (Ziglinski) Langreck. She married Dale Duane Fitzmaurice Aug. 25, 1955. They resided in Marshfield, WI, until...
DONALD LEE HEIDEMANN
Donald Lee Heidemann, 53, of Forest City, IA, died May 13, 2025 in his home after a struggle with mental illness. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, generosity, and deep devotion to his family, faith and community.
A gathering of friends and family was held from 4 to 7...
DAVID “HOOT” DUANE BENDER
David “Hoot” Duane Bender, 86, of Arpin, WI, passed away peacefully June 8, 2025, in Marshfield with family at his side. A beloved father, grandfather, outdoorsman and storyteller, Dave lived a life rich in curiosity, craftsmanship and connection to nature and family...
ANDREW J. NICHOLS
Andrew J. Nichols, 69, of Gilman, died Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Private services will be held.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.






