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This story appears in the April 18, 2024 print edition of The Brillion News. By David Nordby The Brillion News BRILLION – The sounds of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Carole King, will resound throughout the Endries Performing Arts Center this Friday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m., when Divas3 takes the stage in Brillion. The songs performed on Friday range from the 1960s through the 1990s, so the show has the tagline “three voices, four decades … all diva.” The show includes music from Houston, Dion, King, plus Cher, Dolly Parton, Donna Summer, ABBA, Aretha Franklin and others. “The beautiful thing about the show is it’s really showcasing female pop vocalists,” Charity Farrell, one of the three women who will perform in Brillion, said. “Oftentimes when you see a variety show, because they’re amazing, so many of the songs are male-heavy, but this particular show, it only focuses on the really famous female pop artists, which is an amazing thing to see.” Divas3 started in Las Vegas about 10 years ago. The performance branched out from Vegas to all over the country and on cruise ships. Farrell, 33, started touring with the group in March 2022. “It’s definitely more than I expected it to be,” Farrell said. “I didn’t anticipate so much freedom within the group because within the industry I was in before, musical theater and film, acting and things, you’re sort of told to stand on your spot, hit your mark and do the take and once they got it, they got it. That’s it. For this production, it’s much more involved with your personality and allowing yourself to sort of be free on stage and engage with the audience and make the songs your own.” Farrell will be on stage in Brillion with Crystal Garrett and Samantha Duval. The production has other performers in the rotation, but Farrell, Garrett and Duval are three of the main performers currently, which helps the cohesion of the show, Farrell said. All three have had unique paths to get to Divas3 with backgrounds in singing and acting. Garrett appeared in an episode of “Law and Order: Organized Crime” in February. Farrell has acted in TV shows, one which led to a recommendation to be a part of Divas3. Farrell says part of the beauty of performing with the group is meeting people from different cultural backgrounds, which is prominent when they’re on cruise ships. “We actually just finished up a tour on March 25, so it was like six weeks straight of just performing for a lot of the community concert associations in the Midwest. We spent quite a bit of time in Wisconsin actually, but it’s really amazing seeing all the different cultures and types of people and families, all the way up to older couples that are just out on a date night,” Farrell said. “There’s all kinds of different reactions but almost all of them are wildly positive. I’m so grateful to be in a show like that.” The show has been a fit for Farrell, an Ohio native who started out in musical theater when she was a child then branched out some into film. After the 2020 pandemic, she turned her focus back solely to singing. Farrell’s life is one that could be the envy of other artists. She’s lived in New York City, Los Angeles, currently has a travel trailer that keeps her on the move, and spends Christmas performing in Japan. “I do think there are certain cultural norms, which is maybe an unpopular thing to say right now,” Farrell said. “(The Japanese audience) is very respectful. It’s almost hard to get them to clap. They love the show but as an American, it’s really hard to see them sometimes not clapping.” Farrell says pockets of the United States are a bit more reserved, too. “Like the Bible Belt areas and places like that tend to be a lot more reserved and then there’s places like LA or New York that are a lot more boisterous, or Nashville,” Farrell said. The Friends of the Endries Performing Arts Center group that brings acts to Brillion each year have typically sought performers who will engage the audience. Divas3 will be the latest to fall into the high-energy category. “Not everybody likes to engage their audience too much during the show, but we really do. We love when people get up and dance or when they sing along with us. It makes the show so much better for us,” Farrell said. Farrell has performed with Divas3 about 500 times and says more energy from the audience enhances the production. “It does get a little bit monotonous if you don’t engage the crowd because that’s what makes live performance unique, right? It’s the unique people that are there that night.” Tickets are still available at endriespac.com and are priced at $35 or $45. Editor's note: The print version of this article incorrectly stated Farrell's name as Ferrell. We apologize for the error.

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Kristina N. Schwoerer, age 36, of Reedsville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 8, 2024. Kristina was born on December 31, 1987, daughter of Christopher Huebner and Lisa Zirbel-Schneider.  She attended Reedsville schools, graduating in 2006.  Kristina was an outgoing, fun, child, and always had beautiful eyes and soft smile.  Kristina met and fell in love with Ethan Keifenheim, and together they enjoyed many amazing times with their children and family.  Kristina was very artistic, loved animals, enjoyed the outdoors and beaches, listened to music, and was always up for fishing, taking a drive, and relaxing with her family. Kristina is survived by her love, Ethan; her children: Autumn, Easton, Jada, Eben, Ryder, Carson, and Scarlett; her mother: Lisa Zirbel-Schneider; her fathers: Christopher (Stefani) Huebner and Brian K. (Betty Jo) Schneider; her siblings: Travis (Nicole), Stephanie (Matthew), Troy (Heather), Kasondra, Harley, David, and Jeff; step-siblings: Brooke, Meadow, Zach, and Derrick; her grandparents: Robert & Janice Zirbel, Earl & Lu Ann Krueger, and Sharon Schneider; Ethan’s parents: Stephen & Donna Keifenheim; Ethan’s siblings: Eli (Rachel), Evan, and Emma (Devin); special aunt: Lisa Reed; step-mom: Michele Huebner; other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandpa: Gordon Schneider; family friend: Diana Genz; uncle: Joe Kline; and other relatives. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion.  Officiating will be Rev. Tom Pomeroy. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday morning from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be made www.pielhopwieting.com Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family.

Susan Konwal, age 68, a Brillion resident, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at her residence with her husband by her side. Susan was born on August 23, 1955 in Neenah, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Gerda Schmidt and Raymond Lamb. She was a graduate of Menasha High School, Class of 1973. Susan loved animals, music, gardening, but most of all the Lord. She was a member of Holy Family Parish in Brillion. She taught religion for many years and sang in the choir. On October 21, 1989 she married William Konwal at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenleaf. Survivors include her husband of 34 years, Bill; her son, Nicholas and daughter-in-law Darian; granddaughters: Aubree and Lauren; sister: Donna and brother-in-law Jeff; brother: Bill; brother-in-law: Jack Schedcik and family; brother: Gary (Margaret) Lamb and family; brother-in-law: Roger (Karen) Konwal; sister-in-law: Trish Hunt; nieces: Carrie (Jim) Seubert, Amy Friberg (Preston); nephew: Casey (Stephanie) Schmidt and children, Joshua (Amy) and children, Kelly Leary and family, Bobb (Amy) and family, Adam (Amy) Konwal and children, Jenny (Josh) Helm, Angela (Jeremy) Bortle, Heather (Jeff Reinsbach) Hunt, Amanda Hunt and children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerda Schmidt and Raymond Lamb; in-laws: Ray and Josie Konwal; three sisters: Rose Edmondson, Margrit Sphatt, Joan Schedcik; and one nephew: Strider Hunt. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brillion. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Tom Pomeroy. Inurnment will take place at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Brillion. The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at church from 4:00 p.m. until the time of a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. led by Deacon Greg Van Thiel. The visitation will continue on Thursday morning at church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to thank Thedacare Cancer Center and Froedtert Cancer Center. The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

This story appears in the April 11, 2024 print edition of The Brillion News. By David Nordby The Brillion News BRILLION – Who doesn’t love a good mystery? After the success of last year’s event, the Brillion Public Library is hosting its second murder mystery night – dubbed Murder in the Stacks – this Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m. The night includes mystery, drama, light hors d’oeuvres and laughs. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Brillion Public Library Reading Garden project. This year’s mystery theme will take place on a cruise ship and also have the expertise of Stephanie Maertz. Maertz is a choir and band teacher for the Reedsville School District who puts together the school’s annual plays. She also has been a part of murder mystery for years. “I actually had been doing murder mysteries like this since I was in high school,” Maertz said, recalling attending mystery-themed parties when she was 17. “We did them throughout high school and college even … It would be huge cosplay things like if we had a Renaissance theme, everyone went all out on their costumes, and it was just a fun way for them to kind of have friends and family over.” Maertz and her husband, Andrew, even threw one for her 30th birthday party. “I just know how they all get put together and I had a fun time last year and Tammy (Koehler) was like, ‘Can you please help put this together again,’” Maertz said. It was an easy answer for her to agree to do that. Good for a regular social party, last year’s murder mystery at the library also proved to be good for a fundraising effort for the Brillion’s library garden project. This year, the cruise ship will have attendees “cruising for murder.” “We’re going aboard a cruise ship and when you get there, there are going to be people that you’re going to be friendly towards and people that you maybe have it out for. You don’t know if you’re going to be murdered or if you’re the murderer until you open your envelopes that you receive when you get (to the library),” Maertz said. At the start of the event, each person will receive objectives in their envelope. The lights will go out and when they come back on, someone’s dead on the floor. “Then you have to spend the rest of the party figuring out whodunnit,” Maertz said. Maertz’s character was murdered during last year’s event. Attendees were unable to guess who the murderer was. Prior to this year’s event, only Maertz knows who will receive the packet that has them as the murderer. The company that puts together the mysteries makes it easy. They put together files and leave room for up to 80 people but must have at least 20. This Friday’s event already has 37 people signed up but space for more. “You can have fun making up names for these characters and putting your own spin on things,” Maertz said. “I’ve been busy trying to make sure everyone has a character name and a backstory and sending out emails telling them who they are and putting together the packets.” Maertz is working closely with the library board and library director Lydia Dill. Attendees are strongly encouraged to dress up to help set the theme of being aboard a cruise ship. Andrew will play the role of the captain of the ship. Attendees can go in a photo booth to commemorate the night. While the library is planning more activities for the youth in the summer, this event is recommended that participants are at least 13 years old. “This one kind of has some adult themes of drinking and having affairs and stuff like that so it’s a little bit more on the adult side,” Maertz said. The library will have plenty of more themes for mysteries in the future. “This year we’re getting even more people than we had last year signed up, we have returning people from last year … and bringing more friends with them. I think it’s a great way for the library to get a little bit of the spotlight being a small town but bringing in people from outside the community in,” Maertz said. People who want to attend the event can still sign up. Tickets to participate are $35 or $50 for two.

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Roger F. Riemer, age 89, of Hilbert, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 8, 2024 at St. Paul Home in Kaukauna. Roger was born on December 2, 1934 on the home farm in the town of Rantoul, son of the late Martin & Margaret (Schroeder) Riemer.  He was a graduate of Brillion High School, class of 1953.  Roger enlisted and served our country in the United States Army Airbourne Division in Special Unit.  On January 28, 1959, he married Delores “Blondie” Vosters at St. John Catholic Church in Little Chute. The couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary before Delores preceded him in death on February 18, 2014.  Roger worked at a number of places throughout his life while also owned and operated a dairy farm.  He started his career at the Canning Company in Brillion, worked fill in at Tecumseh, picked up shifts at Kasson Cheese, but mostly worked at the Brillion Iron Works on the BMD Shaker in Plant 2.  Roger was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert and Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 of Little Chute.  Roger enjoyed Packer games, cutting wood, playing cards, planting fields, side construction jobs, and spending time with his “Blondie.”  He was very precise and would always point out when a field row wasn’t quite straight.  But most of all, Roger loved spending time with his family. Roger is survived by his children:  Mary Kay (Bob) Rosin, Connie (Tom) Klotz, the late Sandy (Norb) Mangin, Sheri (Robert) Davidovich, Lynn (Troy) Stiefvater, Kelly (Sam) Schmitz, Tom (Kelly) Riemer, Mark (Michelle) Riemer, Kim (special friend Darrell Buss) Baer, Keith (Laura) Riemer, Joe Riemer, Mike (Rachel) Riemer; grandchildren: Nicole (fiance’ Dr. Christopher Cronsell) Rosin, Colette (Mark) Gage, Amber (Josh) Christensen, and Jason (Leeza) Rosin, Amanda (Brad) Bartosz, Brittany (Kevin) Skogg, Nicholas (Amber) Klotz, Maverick (Michelle) Klotz, and Jordan (fiancee’ Mada) Klotz, Brandon (Jenny) Mangin, Justin (Samantha) Mangin and Lauren (Bryce) Sanor, Dr. Ryan (Kenzie) Davidovich, Jared, Caleb, Gavin and Josie Stiefvater, Trevor and Shania Schmitz, Savanah (fiance’ Sam), Jaiden (fiance’ Paul), Kylie and Nevaeh Riemer, Dakotah, Kyle (fiancee’ Michelle) Yurek, Hunter and Kenley Riemer, Riley Baer, Kaitlyn Riemer, Ashlie (William) Cummings, Tyler (Stef), and Alexandria Riemer, Austin (Priscilla), Joshua, Andrew (Lydia), Brooklyn and Jacob Riemer; 29 great-grandchildren with two babies on the way; one brother: Douglas Riemer; one sister: Geraldine (Glen) Behnke; two sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law: Lillian (Robert) Tennessen and Joanie (Jerry) Ambrosius; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Martin and Margaret Riemer; his wife: Delores; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Peter and Minnie (Hermsen) Vosters; one daughter: Sandy Mangin; one great-granddaugher: Izzy Riemer; and in-laws: Jerome Vosters, Richard (Ruth) Vosters, baby twins: Urban and Evelyn Vosters, baby twins: Rita and Margaret Vosters, Dorothy Vosters, Ursula (Edward) Welhouse, Gordan and Urban Vosters, and Byron Meulemans. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert.  Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Michael Betley.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 of Little Chute.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert.  A Prayer Service will conclude the Sunday visitation, led by Diane Wickersheim.  Visitation will continue on Monday morning, April 15, 2024 at church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be made. The family would like to extend a special thank you to St. Paul Elder Care Services for taking such compassionate care of Dad. The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dr. Karl F. Gabler, of Hilton Head Island, passed away peacefully on the evening of April 1st at Friends of Caroline Hospice. Karl, son of Karl and Marie (Langer) Gabler, was born April 12, 1931, in Tuermitz-Aussig, Tschechien, formerly the Sudetenland, now the Czech Republic. At the end of WWII, when he was 14 years old, he was uprooted from his home and family and sent to East Germany. He survived two grueling years, mostly by his own initiative, before being reunited with his parents in West Germany. After completing high school Karl enrolled at the University of Aachen where he earned his PhD in metallurgy. Karl taught at the University for several years as an assistant professor before moving to industry where he managed a German foundry for five years. He then moved to Brillion, Wisconsin after accepting a position at the Brillion Iron Works. Here he held a number of distinguished positions, eventually becoming president and C.E.O. for over a decade. Karl was a true Renaissance Man. He was accomplished on the piano and accordion, skilled in woodworking and constructed an amazingly intricate Black Forest model railroad in his Port Royal Plantation home of 32 years. Karl was predeceased by his first wife Hildegard. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Hiltrud; by daughter, Ursula (Shane); two grandchildren, Tina (Jon) and Cody (Nicole); six great grandchildren; and, in Germany, a sister-in-law, niece and nephew. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by his family and those whose lives he touched. After cremation, Karl will be inurned at the St. Francis by the Sea Columbarium. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Islandfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either Friends of Caroline Hospice, Ridgeland, or the American Red Cross.

Sandra “Sandy” Belanger, age 82, of Brillion, went to join her Lord and Savior on April 1, 2024. She was born May 11, 1941 to Elmer and Bernice (Fischer) Piepenburg. She attended a one room schoolhouse and then Brillion High School, where she graduated in 1959. She attended beauty culture school and managed several salons. At the end of her career, she also worked as a Merle Norman beauty consultant. She married Warren Belanger, her high school sweetheart, on June 16, 1962. He preceded her in death on January 1, 2020. They were blessed with two children. She was active in many community projects and served as a Jaycette for many years. She was a faithful member of Faith United Methodist Church. She was always active in her church being a Sunday School teacher, a youth leader and a member of the choir. She also served on many committees. She enjoyed Bible studies and gospel music on the radio. She loved her family and friends, but loved her Lord even more. She enjoyed golfing, especially the golf getaways with Warren and their friends for many years. She and Warren then spent many years vacationing and playing golf with their snowbird friends in Florida. She was proud of her hole in one!! Her hobbies included working in the yard, playing piano, her miniature dollhouses, and painting. She enjoyed her monthly breakfast/lunch outings with her retired friends from The Hair Designers, and the Wednesday card games at Ethel’s. In recent years she loved her puppy and companion Bella. Sandy always made holidays special and put so much thought and humor into every gift. Survivors include her son: Bob (special friend Lori) of St. Nazianz; her daughter: Terri of Oshkosh; one sister-in-law: Marlene Piepenburg; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jane Belanger, Texas, Bruce (Marilyn) Belanger, Arizona, Ken (Karen) Belanger, Fredric, WI. Many nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Warren; her in-laws: Lawrence and Alma (Buboltz) Belanger; three brothers and one sister-in-law: Elliot Piepenburg, Roger Piepenburg; Ken (Arlene) Piepenburg and their son: Michael; and one brother-in-law: Eldred Belanger. Funeral services took place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Faith United Methodist Church in Brillion. Officiating at the service was the Rev. Dale Eggert with burial to follow at Brillion Community Cemetery. The family met with relatives and friends on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Faith United Methodist Church in Brillion from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The visitation continued Monday morning at church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be made. www.pielhopwieting.com The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all of the people that check in and cared for mom over the last year, especially Pastor Dale and Carla Zander.

Erwin A.E. Waack, age 91, of Valders, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at his home. Erwin was born on February 16, 1933 in Manitowoc, son of the late Emil and Bertha (Bubolz) Waack. Erwin was a lifelong member of St. John St. James Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsville, having attended the grade school and was confirmed in May of 1947.  He graduated from Reedsville High School, class of 1951.  Erwin enlisted and served our country in the United States Army.  Then, on February 15, 1958, he married the former Elaine B. Wordell at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brillion. She preceded him in death on March 26, 2019. He and Elaine farmed in the Town of Eaton. Erwin was employed at various family dairy farms in the area, worked at Ariens and Union Brass and Aluminum for a time.  He and Elaine bought and ran their own dairy farm in 1958, selling it in 1997.  Even until the day he passed away, he was always working, even having employment at Dairyland Seed where he started working in 1958.  Erwin’s hobbies included bowling, softball, antiquing, cutting firewood, maple syrup production, woodworking with his sister, Ida May, attending Army Buddy Reunions, playing cards, listening to polka music, shooting bean bags, and attending his children and grandchildrens’ events.  He truly loved and enjoyed spending time with his family. Survivors include his children: Cindy (Terry) Christianson of Valders, Randy (Sandy) Waack of Collins, Melanie (Todd) Hickmann of Branch, Angela (Todd) Behnke of Collins, Wendy (fiancée David Keehan) Linsmeier of Branch, Jon (Steph) Waack of Kiel; grandchildren: Chad Christianson, Sarah (Cory) Cornette, Alyssa Christianson, Austin (special friend Sandy T’eo) Waack, Lindsay Waack, Dereck Waack, Trent, Heather (special friend Jordan Balde), Kendra (special friend Roger Reilly), and Morgan Hickmann, Kate Linsmeier, Hunter and Gracyn Waack; great-grandchildren: Connor and Owen Cornette, and Emma Waack; one sister:  Ida May Krepline; two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law: Audrey Wordell and Norman (Caroline) Krahn and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Elaine; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Hubert and Gertrude Wordell; a son-in-law: Gregg Linsmeier; two brothers and two sisters-in-law: Harvey (Charmaine) Waack and Elroy (June) Waack; one sister: Betty Krahn; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Erhardt Wordell, Elroy (Diane) Wordell, LaVerne (Norbert) Treichel, Irene (Jim) Decker and Orville Krepline. Funeral Services were held at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at St. John-St. James Lutheran Church in Reedsville. Officiating at the service was the Rev. Darin Aden.  Military Rites will be accorded by the AmVets Post 1032 of Reedsville. The family met with relatives and friends on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at church from 9:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Online condolences may be made. The Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes of Reedsville and Brillion are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Click the link below to download a pdf version of the legal notices for this week.

Click the link below to download a pdf version of the legal notices for this week.