RIP – Baystock

Bill Strehle 1954 – 2023

Bill Strehle, age 69, of Deer Park, WI/Inver Grove Heights, MN, passed away on August 10, 2023, in the comfort of his own home.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Joseph and Eva Marja (Franaszek) Strehle.

Bill is survived by his wife, Deb; children, Grace Strehle and Jill (Michael) Chang; grandchildren, Wyatt, Camden and Mia; sister, Sarah “Bobbie” (Mark) Spieser; nephew, Aaron; niece, Mari; and close friends, Dan Estrem, Paul Picard, Dave Sager, Greg Johnson, Keith Hansen and Bud Uphoff; special friends up at Baystock.

Bill was born on April 6, 1954, in Great Lakes-Shields Township, IL, to Wilbur Joseph and Eva Marja (Franaszek) Strehle and later was raised in Milwaukee, WI.

He enjoyed playing his guitar and loved music, riding motocross in his younger days, and could fix anything and everything.

From Deb:

Bill’s life will be celebrated with a Send Off from 1-4 PM with a time of sharing starting at 2 PM, Saturday, October 28, 2023

We’re trying as much as possible to make BILLSTOCK’s RSVP’s as electronic as possible. I really do need a head count by end of September. Many invites have gone out already if I had a cell phone number or email address. If you are interested in coming and you haven’t received an invite yet, please contact me via email and I’ll make sure the email goes out. debbistrehle@yahoo.com

John Gray 1949 – 2022

John Dennis Gray, age 73, of Washburn passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland. He was born February 4, 1949 in Detroit, MI, the son of Bernard and Thelma (Bassett) Gray.

John graduated in 1967 from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL and continued his schooling at the University of Illinois. John was a luthier who owned and operated John Gray String Repair in Champaign, IL and later in Washburn.

John married Teresa (Hausback) Hammel on March 14, 2000 in Urbana, IL. The couple then moved and bought their home in Washburn in 2000.

John was a loving husband, proud father, wonderful brother, beloved son and a true friend. In the music community, his legacy will live on in the instruments he made, repaired and brought back to life. John was a member of the town Planning Commission in Champaign IL and later in Washburn WI. He was a safe harbor for those who knew him and his smile and generosity will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa; children, Matthew (Ashley) and Danielle (David), step-children, Dustin (Grace) and Jordy; grandchildren, Aubrey and Alexis; step-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Thomas and Preston; siblings, Bernard (Robin), Sharon (JC) and Andrea (David); and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Andrew.

A celebration of John’s life will begin 2:00 pm, Sunday, June 12, 2022 at the Snug in Washburn.

Arrangements are by Bratley Funeral Home of Washburn.

Visit the John Gray Guitars page on Facebook:

https://facebook.com/groups/80237286852/

Ric Gillman 2022

Richard William Gillman began his journey into the spirit world on April 6, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Ric worked in the field of mental health, both in Seattle and the Chequamegon Bay Area. He served as the Recreation Director in Washburn, and as the Charter Master at the Madeline Island Yacht Club. At the time of his passing, he was employed by the Town of La Pointe as the Zoning Administrator.

Music and history were the loves of Ric’s life. He was a talented performer, delighting audiences with both his skills on the guitar and his captivating story-telling abilities. He especially cherished his collaborations with Big Top Chautauqua greats Don Pavel, Ed Willet and Bruce Bowers. Ric organized and promoted numerous fund-raising events, produced the Madeline Island Radio Hour, wrote songs and performed for productions of Positivity Children’s Theater as well as those of the La Pointe School, and was always willing to lend sound reinforcement for community celebrations. When he wasn’t strumming, he loved reading history books. A celebration of Ric’s life was held on May 20, at Hansen Park in New Brighton, MN.

He is survived by his wife, Sheri Milburn, siblings Jeff (Rena) Gillman, Beth Gillman (Denny Olsen), Karen Gillman, children Casey Parkinson (Nathan), Bent-ley Gillman (Monica Walch), and eight grandchildren.

Many performers will be honoring Ric this summer at the Bell Street Gallery In La Pointe, where he frequently performed. Visit their web-site, www.bellstgallery.com or their Facebook page for details.

On August 11, as part of the La Pointe Center concert series, Ric’s band, The CharterKats, will be performing.

The family is establishing the Ric Gillman Scholarship/History Fund in his honor. The purpose is to provide funds for the activities of area music students and support for the Madeline Island Historical Preservation Association.

Contributions may be sent to Bentley Gillman, 1595 7th St. NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.

Pete Falconer 1958 – 2001

Peter (Pete) Alden Falconer died on the Fourth of July, 2021 in Washburn, Wisconsin. He was born on January 13,1958 in Greenfield Massachusetts and between these two pivotal dates lived a life filled with small and large pleasures which he brought to the many animals and people that crossed his path. As a small child of 8 he and his family moved to Kumasi Ghana where his parents taught and worked at the University of Science and Technology. He learned the basics of the local language, Twi and how to eat fufu and kenkey with the best of them. He found a way to fit into and adapt to whatever environment and circumstance he was in.

When his family and he returned to the United States 3 years later he found himself in middle school in University City Missouri, continued onto high school and then onto college where he figured out that he wasn’t really suited to the academic life. He then trained to be an EMT and worked out of the University City Fire Station as a paramedic for a number of years.

As the rest of his siblings slowly migrated to Northern Wisconsin he found himself compelled to do so as well and in the end, his whole family ended up on the Bayfield Peninsula. Pete worked at many things: bartender at the old Brokedown Palace; many many winters as a ski technician at Mt AshWaBay; a gardener and landscaper and probably his most cherished job, Keeper of the Buffalo at a farm above Bayfield. He was also very craft and art wise, seeing and creating beauty in many mediums. Rugged and capable, he could live outside the box and even inside a box from time to time. As a friend recently remarked, “Pete was fearlessly himself and no less.”

Pete died without fanfare or fuss but while sitting in his comfy chair outside enjoying a plate of mussels. He is and will be much missed by his remaining family and friends. A Memorial Gathering will be held at 2:00 PM on the 14th of August at 80110 Ave W. Washburn WI. Please join us, if so moved and share a story or two in love or humor or sadness in the memory of our brother Pete, now free. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Chequamegon Humane Association

Scott “Shorty” Carlson 1959 – 2014

Scott K. Carlson

BARNUM – Scott Carlson, 55, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 in Essentia Health St. Marys Medical Center, Duluth.

Gathering of family and friends: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014 in the Fireside Room of Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet.

Duluth News Tribune

Captain Dave 1952 – 2021

As many of you know, Captain Dave was a Baystock fixture, for several years. He kept us from hunger by feeding us during many years.

Skoro, David Haynes “Captain Dave” Age 68, of Bayfield, WI, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, MN, due to a brief illness. Captain Dave was an iconic figure in Bayfield and the surrounding area for decades. His influence, humor, personable nature, and expertise touched literally hundreds of people spreading far beyond the local confines of Bayfield.

Throughout his life Dave wore many caps of mastery from mechanical tinkering, photography, printmaking and knowledge of typography, to his outstanding skill as a sailor and teacher of sailing, working at various sailing businesses including Sailor’s World in Wayzata MN. He’d reached the official pinnacle of his seamanship acquiring the USCG 100-Ton Master’s License. The Lake Superior waters became his home. After retirement, Dave was honored as Captain Emeritus at Superior Charters, Bayfield WI, where he had worked as captain and teacher for the last 25 years.

Entrepreneurship was another skill set for Captain Dave, from a start-up printshop, an up-scale florist shop “Yantra,” a signage business, to several catering ventures which showcased his love of cooking. Captain Dave was also a licensed minister, marrying many couples in various settings including Puerto Rico!

Community was everything to Captain Dave. People who knew Dave remember him as helping whenever he could, never a bad word to others and giving his sage advice. Dave was a great storyteller and wanted the best for everyone. He assisted people throughout the area including helping a Native American teen to receive training toward his driver’s license. A proud moment for that teen, reflecting the gratitude many of us have had for having known the big-heartedness of Captain Dave.

David was born on July 20th 1952, attending St. Louis Park High School, graduating in the class of 1970. Dave is preceded in death by parents Donald & Allie Skoro, survived by brothers Steve (Jean, passing in 2016), Martin (Roselyn Rezac), Peter (Dede), and Robert (Molly) and nieces and nephews Robert (Ellen), Elizabeth, Stephanie, Thomas, Allie, John, and Chessa.

Memorials may be sent to: The Bayfield Area Food Pantry (corecr.org/…), P.O. Box 1530, Bayfield WI 54814. Sail on Captain Dave . . .

Published on April 11, 2021 – Star Tribune

Tony Rippel 1962 – 2020

So sorry to announce that we lost Tony Rippel to Cancer, last week.

We will surely miss him.

Anthony Rippel Jr., age 58, lost his battle with cancer on April 11, 2020, at his home with his sweetie Dianne of 12 years by his side. Tony was a very supportive son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by many.

His biggest joys in life were music, electronics and Lake Superior. Tony had many jobs in his life including repairing hearing aids, his favorite was working at a Game Farm, 1^st mate on his family’s charter fishing boat and worked as a local plumber for many years. Tony also a passion for fireworks. He was responsible for the amazing 4^th of July firework shows of Cornucopia and Madeline Island for many years. Most recently he was a self employed repair man, fixing everything from electrical to furnaces to hot tubs. He was there for anyone at anytime.

Survived by mother Roberta (Bobbi) Rippel, brothers Nick (Maryann) and John, nephew Zachary, Tony’s sweetie Dianne and her family including her 3 grandchildren which he enjoyed very much.

He was preceded in death by his father Anthony Sr., special aunt Bobbi and uncle Joe Nosko of South Carolina, several special friends.

No services will be held at this time, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

BRATLEY FUNERAL HOME

Tom Koch 1953 -2020

Dear friends and family of Welcome Drive,

We have suffered a great loss. On February 18th, our brother, band mate, and inspiration in all things musical and in life, Tom Koch, passed away.

We all knew this was coming, but that does nothing to soften the blow; the shock, pain and emptiness that we all feel.

Tom was our musical conscience in so many ways, and to the very end he always left us with one marching order: “Keep having fun!”

So this is for you, Tom. And for the rest of us, your music and inspiration will live on forever.

We love you.

We will never forget you.

Welcome Drive

Koch, Dr. Thomas J. March 25, 1953 to February 18, 2020 Husband, brother, uncle, son. Passionate educator for the Hopkins and Wayzata School districts and the University of St. Thomas. Talented guitarist and song writer.

Committed to the mission of NAMI of Minnesota. Survived by wife, Diann; brothers, Jim (Debbie), Mike, Bob (Marsha); sister, Nancy Bresnahan; and many nieces and nephews.

Private interment Lakewood Cemetery. A memorial concert will be held later this year. If interested in attending, email concertfortom@outlook.com to receive information as to date and venue. Memorials to NAMI of Minnesota, 1919 University Ave. West, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55104.

Star Tribune

Dave Fechter

On a really sad note, Dave Fechter died last week after a long fight with cancer.

When there was nothing left for them to do, Dave went to Cabo San Lucas to be with his parents, during his last days.

Dick Draheim 1957 – 2019

A message from Al:

“A good friend, Dick Draheim passed away earlier this year. He was a logger and an avid antique bottle hunter and collector. Dick had very close ties to Baystock. He was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Bayfield in 1978. He was at all the early Baystocks and did a lot of work. When Baystock moved from my house, Dick hosted Baystock at his farm on Stage Road for two years. During that time, we looked for a new place in the woods. Dick and I found Baystock land while cross country skiing in the spring. We knew as soon as we saw the bowl that this was the perfect place. So thank you, Dick. You are greatly missed.”

Richard “Dick” J. Draheim, age 61, of Cornucopia, WI, passed away at his home on April 9, 2019. Dick was born on August 21, 1957 in Marshfield, WI, the son of Wilmer and Ethelynn Draheim.

Dick is survived by his daughter Megan and her husband Nick Colberg; grandson Brody; many other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date in August.

BRATLEY FUNERAL HOME