Obituaries from The Post Crescent, Appleton Wisconsin Saturday 08 April 2000 Roy C. Birch Age 93, formerly of 131 Brush Street, Fond du Lac, and a former resident of the Fond du Lac Lutheran Home, died Thursday, April 6, 2000, at VNA Residential Living, Neenah. He was born the son of George W. and Alice L. Payne Birch on April 16, 1906, in Milwaukee. He attended schools in North Fond du Lac and after school, he operated Birch's Grocery Store in North Fond du Lac until 1942 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II until being discharged in October 1945. He was employed at the Soo Line Railroad. Roy married Ramona J. Klemtz on October 27, 1945, in Fond du Lac. He was a member of St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac, and he volunteered his time to many local organizations, especially the Fond du Lac County Nutrition Program. He is survived by four nieces, Joan Cooper, Milwaukee; Jayne Otto, Neenah; Carol Stockburger, Utah; Karen Ulrich, Nevada; 19 great-nieces and nephews; 13 great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ramona Birch, on March 31, 1997. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2000, at St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church with the Reverend Jon N. Cox officiating. The visitation will be from 12 noon on Monday at church until the time of service. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Ledgeview Memorial Park. A memorial fund has been established in his name and memorials may be directed to the VNA Residential Living Community, Neenah. The family would like to thank the staff at VNA Residential Living, and Coral Court, for their exceptional facility and for all of the care and love given to Roy. Mach Funeral Chapel is serving the family. Dean A. Dickson Nichols Age 63, died Thursday evening, April 6, 2000, at Appleton Medical Center, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 27, 1936, in Shawano, son of the late Albert and Dorothy (Morrow) Dickson. On March 29, 1985, he was united in marriage to Lila Piechocki. He lived most of his life in Shawano before moving to Nichols. Dean was an Army Veteran, having served in Germany for 21/2 years. He worked at Wisconsin Tissue Mills, Neenah, for many years. He was a member of the Seymour United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Lila; four stepdaughters, Rhona (William) Anton, Appleton; Carol Scruton and husband, Michael Martell, Appleton; Barbara (Joseph) Holeton, Appleton; Connie Stellmacher, Seymour; two sisters, Janice Ford, Milwaukee; Darlene Phillips, Oconto Falls; two brothers, Adelbert, Two Rivers; Hilbert, Mission Viejo, California. He was preceded in death by five brothers and a sister. Friends may call at the Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, on Monday from 1 p.m. until services at 3 p.m. with the Reverend Franklin Block officiating. Military rites to follow. Burial in Dickson Cemetery, Advance. Loran H. Frazier Waupaca Age 87, passed away Friday, April 7, 2000 at Bethany Home in Waupaca with his loving family at this side following a 11/2-year battle with esophageal cancer. He was born on December 5, 1912, in Wild Rose, son of the late Harold and Laura (Handrich) Frazier. He married Evelyn M. Handrich on June 19, 1937, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manawa. She preceded him in death on May 2, 1998. Loran was a wonderful loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He was a truck driver and cheesemaker at the Manawa Creamery for over 20 years. He was a Waupaca County Traffic Officer for seven years. He became Waupaca County Sheriff from 1963 to 1974. He retired from the Sheriff's Department in 1975. He is survived by four loving children, Beverly (Dennis) Nieland, Waupaca; Ronald (Marion) Frazier, Pahrump, Nevada; Denis (Cindy) Frazier, Clintonville; Marilyn (Larry) Bauer, New London; twelve grandchildren, Steve (LaDona) Nieland, Timothy Frazier, Laura Frazier, Keith Frazier, Brett (Sheila) Kerst, Bradley (Susie) Kerst, Pennie (Brian) Kerr, Suzi (Gary) Williams, Cristi Frazier, Elizabeth Frazier, Jennifer (Mark) Moeller, Leanne (Doug) Selle; eleven great- grandchildren, Laura, Peyton, Brody, Amy, Lindsey, Johna, Grady, Colin, Clayton, Tyler and MaKenna; four sisters, Myrtle Jawort, Oshkosh; Doris Krinner, Greenfield; Ione (Elmer) Bartel, Scandinavia; Edna Wurth, Manawa; and a sister-in-law, Irene (Robert) Piotter, New London. Also survived by two special nieces, Jackie (Wesley) Byersdorf and Shelly Nations, both of Waupaca. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Evelyn M. (Handrich) Frazier; a granddaughter, Pamela Bauer, and a sister-in-law, Betty Krueger. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manawa on Monday, April 10, 2000, at 2 p.m. The Reverends H. Wm. Jordan and Carl Luedke will officiate. Visitation will be held at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca on Sunday, April 9, 2000, from 4 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Monday one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Little Wolf Cemetery in the Town of Little Wolf, Waupaca County, Wisconsin. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Crystal House and Bethany Home in Waupaca for the wonderful care and love given to Loran in this past year. A memorial fund has been established. HOLLY FUNERAL HOME Waupaca, Wisconsin 715-258-4020 David A. Gilsdorf W365 Highway 149, Kiel Age 70, died unexpectedly Thursday morning, April 6, 2000, at his home. He was born March 21, 1930, in Hilbert, Wisconsin, son of the late Othmar and Mathilda Gehl Gilsdorf. He attended school in Sherwood, Wisconsin. On June 17, 1953, he married Bernetta Rieth at St. Ann Catholic Church, St. Anna, Wisconsin. The couple farmed seven years in the Sherwood area before moving to Kiel. David was employed at Ameriquip, formerly Arps Corp., New Holstein, for over 30 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Kiel, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Holy Name Society and the Chilton Eagles Club. Survivors include his wife, Bernetta; his children, Karen and Warren Vandoske, Howards Grove; Eugene and Mary Gilsdorf, Kiel; Conrad and Judy Gilsdorf, Kiel; Kenneth and Paula Gilsdorf, Kiel; Christine and John Kubichka, Chilton; Steven and Donna Gilsdorf, Kiel; Michael and Lydia Gilsdorf, El Paso, Texas; Debra Gilsdorf, Manitowoc; Mary and Brian Andreas, Madison; Michelle and James Fleischman, New Holstein; Barry Gilsdorf and special friend Nissa Wydner, Kiel; Julie and Jamie Feucht, Fond du Lac. He is further survived by 24 grandchildren; three brothers, Fr. Gordon Gilsdorf, Little Suamico; Fr. Daniel Gilsdorf, Appleton; Rich and Lucy Gilsdorf, Sheboygan; a sister, Sr. Marita Gilsdorf, Hilbert; numerous nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in- law. He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Jean Gilsdorf; a son-in-law, Terry Schweitzer; and a nephew, Tom Gilsdorf. A concelebrated funeral mass will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 9, 2000, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Kiel with the Reverend Loren Nys, S.D.S., pastor, and the Reverend Gordon Gilsdorf and the Reverend Daniel Gilsdorf, brothers of David, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home, Kiel, on Sunday from 2 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. when brief family rites will be held. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name. Minnie E. Kratzke 38 N. Main St., Clintonville Age 97, formerly of Maize Street, died Friday morning, April 7, 2000, at the Behling Health Care Center. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home, Clintonville, is serving her family. Minnie was born January 29, 1903, in Jamestown, North Dakota, the daughter of the late Herman and Katherine (Hertel) Ahlert. She lived her early years in North Dakota where she was united in marriage to Erich Kratzke on December 13, 1930. In 1934 the couple moved to the Clintonville area where they lived for the remainder of their married life. Mr. Kratzke preceded his wife in death on February 21, 1951. Minnie worked seasonally at the Clintonville Canning Factory. She was a member of the Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville and the VFW Post 664 Auxiliary. Survivors include a daughter, Carol (Richard) Breaker, Neenah; a daughter-in-law, Mae Kratzke, Neenah; eight grandchildren, Sue (Rob) Edminster, Appleton; Barb (Mark) Bombinski, Neenah; Karen (Dick) Lippert, Neenah; Karla (Jeff) Klundt, Neenah; Connie (Davey) Buksyk, Neenah; Cindy (John) Hovland, Oshkosh; Kris (Tim) Barthel, Neenah; Kellie (Jeff) Bridges, Littleton, Colorado; 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a son, Gerald; two brothers, Herman and Ernest Ahlert. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2000, at the Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Reverend Willard Hager officiating. Interment will follow at the Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. Friends may call at the church only after 10 a.m. Monday until the time of the services. Alan J. McClone N9163 Navarino Road Shiocton Age 53, died unexpectedly Thursday evening April 6, 2000, at New London Family Medical Center. He was born June 30, 1946, in Appleton, son of the late Aloysious and Leona (Werner) McClone. On October 26, 1968, he was united in marriage to Linda Ourada in Navarino. Al was employed with Oscar Boldt Construction of Appleton, and was a member of Local 1056. Al also was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Navarino. He loved his family and his special grandson, the trailer in Eagle River, fishing, and the great outdoors were some of his favorite pastimes. Al was a hard worker and proud of it. Al is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Michael (Michelle), Fremont; Jill and special friend Troy Best, Isaar; and Cory, Idaho; a grandson, Hunter. Al is further survived by one brother, Glen (Carla) McClone, Seymour; a sister, Anita (Chuck) Durand, Idaho; father and mother-in-law, James and Phyllis Ourada, Black Creek. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Alan Jr. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Monday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Navarino, until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. with Fr. Paul Paider officiating and Sister Charolette Rebbe assisting. Burial in the Parish Cemetery. MUEHL-BOETTCHER Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements. Edward J. O'Rourke Clearwater, Florida Age 84, died Thursday, April 6, 2000. Edward was born in Chicago, Illinois. He is survived by Maxine O'Rourke and their four sons, the Reverend Michael K. O'Rourke, Pastor of St. Mary Church, Appleton; Richard O'Rourke, Clinton, Maryland; Robert O'Rourke, Thomaston, Georgia; Thomas O'Rourke, Decatur, Georgia; two daughters, Marilyn Downs, Clearwater, Florida, and Maureen O'Rourke, Boston, Massachusetts; two grandsons and four granddaughters. Funeral services will be at Espiritu Santo Church in Clearwater on Tuesday, April 11, 2000. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Church, Appleton, on Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, in care of St. Mary Parish, 312 S. State St., Appleton, Wisconsin 54911. Mathilde "Tillie" E. Pope Waupaca Age 86, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2000, at the Weyauwega Health Care Center. She was born April 28, 1913, in Tigerton, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Bertha (Krasin) Prahl. She married Alvin Pope on February 23, 1944, in Waupaca. He preceded her in death on October 13, 1990. Tillie and Al lived all their married life in Waupaca. Tillie was a great cook and loved to work in the garden and take care of her flowers. She is survived by a son, Donald (Sally) Prahl, Neenah; a brother, Wallace (Juanita) Prahl, Neenah; two sisters, Viola Palmer, Casselberry, Florida; Dorothy Schmidt, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Joanne (Greg) Schaller, Neenah; Donald (Nancy) Prahl II, Neenah; five great- grandchildren, Brian and Andrew Schaller, John (Christy) Prahl, Michael and Christopher Prahl; a sister-in-law, Gladys Prahl; a brother-in-law, Earl Schoenheide. She is further survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alvin (Al); two brothers, Harvey and Edward Prahl; five sisters, Helen White, Eleanor Schoenheide, Luella Guyette, Norma Prahl and Inez Timar. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2000, at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Town of Dayton, Waupaca County. The Reverend Ed Riddick will officiate. Friends may call on Monday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A memorial has been established. The family would like to thank the personnel at the Weyauwega Health Care Center for the loving and dedicated care of Tillie. You were wonderful to her and we all appreciate it very much. God Bless You All. Regina C. Vogel The Beverly Health Care Center Chilton Age 89, died on Friday, April 7, 2000. She was born on August 5, 1910, in Charlesburg, daughter of the late William and Mary (Portman) Melchoir. She married Frank U. Vogel on May 30, 1927 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chilton; he preceded her in death on November 17, 1969. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Chilton, the Christian Mothers and also the Quilting Club. She is survived by five children, Florian (Theresa) Vogel, Appleton; Robert (Dorothy) Vogel, Appleton; Jeanne Vogel, Kaukauna; James (Mary Jane) Vogel, Rollingstone, Minnesota; and Sandra Vogel, Green Bay; 25 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren. Three children, Thelma Mand, Marlene Vogel, and Donald Vogel, preceded her in death. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 10, 2000, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chilton with the Reverend Gary New, S.D.S., officiating. Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery. Friends may call at the church in Chilton from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Wieting Funeral Home of Chilton is assisting the family. Robert D. Walter Elgin, Illinois Age 84, formerly of Peoria passed away Thursday, April 6 in Sherman Hospital, Elgin. He was born August 9, 1915, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Robert F. and Martha Schaeffer Walter. He had been a resident of Peoria most of his life. He was a graduate of Peoria High School and attended the Illinois Military Academy of Abington, Illinois. He was a Veteran of World War II serving in the Army. He was employed by Prudential Insurance Co. for over 40 years before retiring. He then was employed by Putnam Electronics in Peoria and Diamond Tool & Abrasives in Elgin. He had been a resident of Elgin since 1985. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Jeanette Noble Walter; a daughter, Jan (John)) Thietje, Gilberts, Illinois; a son, Bob (Barb) Walter, Appleton, Wisconsin; four grandchildren; two great- grandchildren; a sister, June (Maynard) Carlson, Peoria; four nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents and a brother in infancy. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Laird Funeral Home, 120 S. Third St., West Dundee (Corner of S. Third and Oregon). Burial will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in Springdale Cemetery, Peoria. Visitation will be held Saturday from 4 p.m. until the time of the services in the Laird Funeral Home, West Dundee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Optimist Club of Peoria Scholarship Fund c/o Jack Ginther, 6016 N. Briarwood Lane, Peoria, Illinois 61614