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Melodie Wardecke

Melodie J. (Tousey) Wardecke, 83, of Suring, passed away in the home where she grew up Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, with her family by her side.

She was born June 10, 1942, to the late Gordon and Ethel (Kopitzke) Tousey in Oconto Falls Hospital. In her early years, Melodie was a free spirit; there were never enough recesses for her. She graduated from Suring High School in 1960 and went on to earn her CNA license from Hinsdale Hospital.

Rose Gilbert

Rose Marie Gilbert (née Kucksdorf Morey), 94, passed away March 2, 2026, peacefully while she slept in the thoughts of her family and loved ones.

She was born Jan. 12, 1932, near Wittenberg, to Floyd and Lillian Morey. When she was 12 years old, they moved to Iola, and she attended school there and graduated in 1949 as her high school class salutatorian.

Gladys Pleshek

Gladys Pleshek, 101, of the Wisconsin Veterans Home, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.

She was born in Gresham on March 21, 1924, to the late William and Lena (Neumeier) Otto. On Nov. 9, 1946, she married Joseph Pleshek; he preceded her in death Oct. 28, 2016. She enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gladys was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Weyauwega.

Karen F. McKenna

Karen F. McKenna, of Shawano, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026, in Appleton.

Charlotte Lewis

Charlotte Ruth Lewis, 84, passed away peacefully March 2, 2026, in Oconto Falls.

She was born Jan. 31, 1942, in Detroit to the late Kleber and Eva Jane (Frye) Andre. On July 30, 1959, Charlotte married the love of her life, Harold Lewis, in Milwaukee. He later preceded her in death March 7, 2024.

Fire damages stacker building at Menominee Tribal Enterprises

A fire in the early morning of March 3 resulted in the total destruction of the Menominee Tribal Enterprises stacker building and its contents.

In addition, some lumber inventory was damaged in the fire, according to a news release from MTE.

There were no reported injuries related to the incident.

Distinguished Citizen of the Year

Wendy Crawford’s list of volunteer activities and service to the Shawano community is long and varied.

Business of the Year


It’s been nearly six years since Stubborn Brothers Brewery officially opened its doors to the Shawano community. Since then, it’s been a two-way street for the business and local nonprofits.

Chamber celebrates 100 years

Area community and business leaders gathered Feb. 26 for the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet, an extra special event this year as the chamber is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The black-tie affair was held at the Menominee Casino Resort, where members honored top individuals and businesses for 2025.

Service Business of the Year


Cavities, root canals and braces are just part of the job for Shawano dentist Rebecca Stevens.

So is community service and that’s one of the reasons her practice, Shawano Family Dentistry, was named Service Business of the Year for 2025. The Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce recognized Stevens and her staff Feb. 26 at the chamber’s annual banquet at the Menominee Casino Resort Convention Center in Keshena.

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