Gary Lee Retzlaff, 71, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by family, due to health complications on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Shawano.

Gary was born Dec. 30, 1953, to the late Roland (Butch) and Betty (Werbelow) Retzlaff. Born and raised in Belle Plaine, Gary was a lifetime member of St. Martin Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine where he was baptized and confirmed his faith. On July 23, 1977, Gary was united in marriage to Patty Gosz.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patrick Neil Patterson, a genuinely good guy to all who knew him, who left us unexpectedly Nov. 1, 2025, at the age of 66.

Gerald “Jerry” D. Kiedrowski, 83, of the Town of Wittenberg, died on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Jerry was born Feb. 28, 1942, in Wausau, the son of Chester and Lorraine (Bamke) Kiedrowski.

On Nov. 4, 1967, Jerry was united in marriage to Bernadine “Bernie” Ostrowski at St. Florian’s Catholic Church, Hatley.

Craig (Chuckle Butt) Ninham, age 74, passed away Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

Craig was born March 1, 1951, to the late Morris and Colleen (Bowman) Ninham. Craig was united in marriage to Shirley Metoxen. She preceded him in death on June 25, 2016.

Karen Daly Host passed away Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.

She was born Dec. 8, 1939, in Chicago, to Elizabeth “Betty” Selby (Bushnell) Host of Louisville, Kentucky, and Paul Anthony Host of La Crosse.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Katherine “Katie” (Willie) Saldana, and Karen’s grandchildren, Salem Podeszwa, Indigo Podeszwa and Kerryck Podeszwa.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

FRIDAY, NOV. 7

SURING: Recovery Talking Circle, 6-8 p.m. South Branch Community Center, W1281 County Road M.

SATURDAY, NOV. 8

NAVARINO: Art Fest, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Navarino Nature Center, W5646 Lindsten Road. Local arts and craft vendors, food, drink, bake sale, book sale. Admission $1.

CAROLINE: Craft and Vendor Fair, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hidden Valley Supper Club, W12704 County Road M.

As a teenager, Homer Stinson knew he wanted to join the Navy. On Oct. 12, 1982, just three months after graduating from Shawano High School, he enlisted for what would become a 30-year career.

“I enlisted at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Milwaukee,” Stinson said. “The next day, I celebrated the Navy’s 207th birthday by starting boot camp at Orlando, Florida.”

David Behrend, of Morgan, joined the Navy in 1971 while a sophomore in a Michigan high school. Immediately after graduation, he went to basic training in San Diego.

“When I was 16 years old, I talked with the Navy recruiter and joined while still in high school,” Behrend said. “I couldn’t get away from home fast enough, but I had to wait till after my graduation from Powers-Spalding High School before I attended basic training.”

“All over the planet.”

That’s where Dr. Robert Langsten said the U.S. Air Force sent him after the Tigerton native enlisted as a college student at the University of Minnesota in the 1980s.

Nearly 40 years later, he’s back in Tigerton and is currently the commander of American Legion Post 239.