Eugene "Gene" L. Bartel Eugene "Gene" Leonard Bartel, age 87, went to his heavenly home on December 7, 2024. He was born October 27, 1937 in the Town of Lind to Leonard and Hazel Bartel. He married Priscilla Paschke and they recently celebrated 60 years together. They were blessed with three children, Steve, Scott, and Stacey. Gene acquired his nickname "Scrooge" in grade school and it stuck with him. He was a life-long member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed, married and served in various positions in both church and school throughout his life. After graduating from Weyauwega High School, he enlisted in the Army Reserves, and also was a substitute mail carrier for 11 years. He served as a volunteer fire fighter for the Town of Lind and was on the town board there. Gene spent his life farming with his family and was very proud of his Red & White Holsteins. He was the 4-H Market Animal Leader and was active in many farming organizations. Some of his happiest hours were spent enjoying nature while hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his grand daughters and great grandchildren, making their events his priority. He sometimes made-up games as he went along like "Ball In the Bucket" which was one of their favorites. Eugene is survived by his wife Priscilla; children: Steve (Debi), Scott (Stacy), and Stacey (Larry) Glick; granddaughters: Miranda Bestul and Lakkin (Justin) Zielke; great grandchildren: Kameron, Carson, Ellaina, Lukas along with step grandchildren: Becca, Jake, Rudy, Ashtyn and Lyndon; sister Karen (Darrell) Koehler; brother-in-law: Robin (Leea) Paschke. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and father and mother-in law Roland and June Paschke, and daughter-in-law Mary Bartel. The Christian Memorial Service for Gene will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Weyauwega with Rev. Aaron Kristopeit officiating. Burial will be in Lind Center cemetery, Town of Lind. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church or School. To my family, I have reached at last the promised land. God be with you 'til we meet again. Hon, I will hold you in my heart until I can hold you in heaven.

The holiday season is a time of giving, and our local community is stepping up to ensure families in need can celebrate with joy and warmth. Several establishments in Weyauwega and Fremont have partnered to host Giving Trees , adorned with ornaments representing specific needs for local families. Each ornament on the trees displays a suggested gift or item that can help brighten the holidays for one of five families identified this year. Whether it’s a toy for a child, clothing, or essentials, every contribution makes a difference. Here’s How You Can Help: Grab a Tag : Visit one of the participating businesses, such as Premier Bank Weyauwega, Weyauwega Star Dairy, Picklebellies Pub, T's Corner Bar, or Haufschildt's Brewhaus. Simply take one or more tags from the tree. Give Generously : Either purchase the listed item or give a monetary donation. If you prefer, hand the tag and donation to a staff member at the business, and they’ll handle the shopping for you. Support Meal Donations : Monetary contributions are also being accepted to help provide meals for these families. Premier Bank in Weyauwega already has their tree up, and Weyauwega Star Dairy is preparing to decorate theirs soon. As more trees are completed, updates and photos will be shared to guide donors to participating locations. “This is a wonderful way for the community to come together and ensure no one is left behind during the holidays,” said organizer De Anna VanLyssel Volz. Let’s show our community’s heart this season and make a real difference for families in need. 📩 Have an event or story to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

This holiday season, St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Fremont is inviting everyone to experience the true meaning of Christmas with their special Drive Through Bethlehem event. 🌟 Join us on December 21st starting at 4pm at 8580 37th Ave, Fremont, WI , for an unforgettable journey through a recreated Bethlehem, bringing the story of Jesus’ birth to life. As you drive through, you’ll be transported back in time to the humble scene of Christ’s birth, surrounded by beautiful displays and reminders of the season’s truth and hope. This free event is open to all, and no reservations are needed. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus and reflect on the joy and peace of the holiday season with your family and friends, all from the comfort of your car. 🎄 “We hope this event will be a meaningful experience for all who come through,” said an organizer from St. John’s Church. “It’s a chance to pause during the busy season and focus on the true reason for Christmas.” The Drive Through Bethlehem will run for three hours, so feel free to drop by at any time during the event. Everyone is welcome! This is a FREE event for all ages, so bring your loved ones and let the spirit of Christmas fill your heart. ❤️ 📩 Have an event or story to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com ! #ChristmasInBethlehem #CelebrateTheSeason #WeyauwegaFremontNews

Get into the holiday spirit at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Fremont with a special Free Gift Wrapping event! On Saturday, December 14th , from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM , after you finish your Christmas shopping, bring your gifts to the church and let their wonderful volunteers wrap them for you—all at no charge! 🎁🎄 While your gifts are being wrapped, enjoy live Christmas music played by talented musicians, including dulcimers, handchimes, viola, cello, flute, and more! 🎶 This event is the perfect way to check off your holiday to-do list while soaking in the festive atmosphere. The members of St. John's Church invite everyone to join them in sharing the joy and warmth of the Christmas season. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the area, this event promises to bring a little extra holiday cheer. Date : Saturday, December 14th Time : 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Location : St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 8580 37th Ave, Fremont, WI This is a FREE event, so bring your gifts and enjoy the music, company, and holiday spirit! 📩 Have an event or story to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com ! #HolidayCheer #ChristmasMusic #GiftWrapping #WeyauwegaFremontNews

The Vintage Snowmobile Show is coming to Fort Fremont this Saturday, December 14th ! ❄️ Whether you're showing off your classic sled or just attending to enjoy the sights, this event is sure to be a blast for all snowmobile fans. 🏆 Awards will be given to the Top Four sleds , and the winners will be voted on by the public. Don’t forget to check out the raffle —open to everyone and offering great prizes! There will also be special deals throughout the day, including: ✨ 10% off snow pants and jackets ✨ 20% off Klim snow boots ✨ 20% off Klim balaclavas and socks ✨ BOGO 30% off winter hats ✨ Sled participants get 10% off purchases (excluding major unit sales) Please note : The sales are only valid on December 14th , so be sure to stop in and take advantage of these great discounts! If you're planning to bring a vintage snowmobile, be sure to sign up by calling (920) 446-3220 or emailing sage@fortfremont.com with your sled info. And if you're just coming to enjoy the show, don't forget to wear your vintage gear for a chance to win Best Vintage Gear ! Mark your calendars and join in the fun this Saturday! 📍 Location : Fort Fremont 🗓 Date : Saturday, December 14th ⏰ Time : 10AM - 1PM 📩 Have an event or story to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com ! #VintageSnowmobiles #FortFremont #SnowmobileShow #WeyauwegaFremontNews #WinterGearSale

This holiday season, the Lind Center Beavers 4-H Club demonstrated the true spirit of giving by coming together to support a local family in need. The club members thoughtfully selected and purchased gifts to ensure the family could enjoy a joyful and memorable Christmas. The effort reflects the club’s commitment to community service and highlights the values of kindness and compassion shared by its young members. Their actions are a reminder of the impact small gestures can have, especially during the holiday season. Lind Center Beaver's 4H Club seen here posing for Christmas! Do you have a story about community kindness or an upcoming event to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

Winter has arrived, and Fremont is buzzing with ice fishing activity! From reeling in bluegills to gearing up for a community tournament, there’s something for everyone. Ice Fishing Report : Bayou near Clemins Resort : Good ice and great bluegill action reported! Anchor Point : Ice is solid for walking, and the fishing is promising. Pine Grove Resort : Templeton Bayou access opens tomorrow—$5 per vehicle. The ramp is ready, but please respect the private property of the owners by staying courteous and following the posted guidelines. Partridge Crop : Good ice for walking, with a $4 access fee. Blue Top Resort : Ice is setting up nicely! Stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates on when lake access will open. ⚠️ Safety Reminder : No ice is ever completely safe! Be cautious and avoid using four-wheelers for now. Don’t Miss the 5th Annual Frenzy in Fremont Ice Fishing Tournament! Date : Saturday, February 22nd Location : Clemins Resort, 209 Doty St, Fremont, WI Time : Starts at 6 AM 🎟️ Tickets : $25 per adult Includes tournament entry, entertainment, and all raffles. 🎉 Event Highlights : Prizes for the biggest fish (Grand Prize valued at $8,300!) Basket raffles, live music by Borderline Reckless, food, beer & soda. A cozy bonfire and fun for the whole family! Whether you're a seasoned angler or just love a good winter event, this is the perfect way to enjoy Fremont's winter charm. 📞 For more details, contact Clemins Resort at (920) 446-3161. ❄️ Share your fishing updates with us, and let us know how the ice is treating you! Have an event or story to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

The Fremont-Wolf River Fire Department has reached an exciting milestone by officially opening its new primary station at 600 W State Road 110 in Fremont . This modern facility is now the department's main hub for emergency response, offering enhanced access to better serve Fremont and the surrounding communities. New Fire Department Sign The new station, referred to as Station 1 , provides the fire department with improved infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population and an expanding fleet. The strategic location ensures faster response times, which are critical in emergencies. While Station 1 will be the department's primary facility, the original station on Waupaca Street will continue to play an important role by housing secondary units and specialized equipment. This dual-station setup enables the department to respond flexibly and efficiently to a wide range of situations. "We're thrilled to start using this new space," said a representative from the fire department. "It's a big step forward for our team, and we’re grateful for all the community support that has made it possible. This new station is a solution that will serve us well for years to come." The Fremont-Wolf River Fire Department extends its thanks to the Fremont community for their continued encouragement and contributions toward improving local emergency services. This new station marks another chapter in the department’s mission to protect and serve with excellence. For updates and more about their work, follow the department’s Facebook page . Have a story or event to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com .

Get ready for an exciting week packed with concerts, basketball, and wrestling action! Here’s what’s happening: Weyauwega Fremont Schedule 📅 Monday, December 9th 🎶 HS Concerts 6:00 PM: Band 7:00 PM: Choir 📍 Location: WF PAC 🏀 MS Boys Basketball 4:00 PM: vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood (Home) 📅 Tuesday, December 10th 🏀 HS Girls Basketball 5:45 PM: JV 7:00 PM: Varsity @ Wittenberg-Birnamwood 📅 Wednesday, December 11th A midweek break to recharge for more events! 📅 Thursday, December 12th 🎶 Fremont Elementary Winter Concert 1:30 PM 📍 WF PAC 🏀 MS Boys Basketball 5:00 PM @ Shiocton 🤼 HS Boys Wrestling 5:00 PM @ Shiocton 🏀 HS Boys Basketball 5:45 PM: JV2 & JV 7:00 PM: Varsity @ Iola-Scandinavia 📅 Friday, December 13th 🎶 Wega Elementary Winter Concert 12:30 PM: Grades 3-5 2:00 PM: Grades K-2 📍 WF PAC 🏀 HS Girls Basketball 5:45 PM: JV2 & JV 7:00 PM: Varsity vs. Iola-Scandinavia (Home) 📅 Saturday, December 14th 🤼 HS Boys Wrestling 9:30 AM (Home) Come out and show your support for our talented students and athletes! 🎉 Let’s make it a week to remember in Weyauwega-Fremont!

This past Friday, December 6th, The Invaders of Fremont gathered at The Nauti Turtle to celebrate their 57th Annual Christmas Party . This cherished tradition kicks off the start of winter and the holiday season for a club deeply woven into Fremont's identity. The club’s origins are the stuff of local legend, dating back to the late 1960s. It all began with a group of friends from Fremont heading to Weyauwega for dinner. Upon arriving at Weyauwega Lake, they lined up side-by-side and raced across the ice to the restaurant. As they walked in, the bartender joked that it felt like the town was being invaded by Fremontians. And just like that, The Invaders  were born. What started as a group of friends with a shared love for snowmobiling and adventure has grown into a cornerstone of Fremont’s community, boasting over 50 active and 200 total members—nearly one-third of Fremont’s population! But The Invaders are far more than a social club. A Club That Gives Back The Invaders take pride in their stewardship of Fremont’s beautiful trails, managing 13 miles of some of the highest-traffic routes in Waupaca County. These trails are vital for snowmobilers, especially as they provide one the only crossing over the Wolf River in the area. Club members work to mark and maintain these trails, ensuring they are clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Beyond the trails, The Invaders have made an indelible mark on Fremont by giving back to the community. A shining example is their contribution to the Fremont American Legion, where they donated their time, talents, and funds to help build a new pavilion. They also support the Legion in various projects and maintain the Fremont Nature Trail. A Tradition of Togetherness For The Invaders, their annual Christmas party is more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of the friendships, the stories, and the shared love for the community that bind everyone together. It’s a moment to reflect on their history, celebrate their accomplishments, and look ahead to another year of riding the trails, helping the community, and carrying on the Invader legacy. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, the Invaders invite you to come to their monthly meetings at the Fremont American Legion, held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 PM. Here’s to 57 years of memories and making a difference! Here's to The Fremont Invaders. Have an event or story to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com !

Thomas E. Diedrich, 61, of Weyauwega, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly at home on December 4, 2024. He was born on March 24, 1963, in Milwaukee to the late Raymond and Shirley (Laubheimer) Diedrich. Tom was a simple man who enjoyed gambling and spending time with his family and pets. He was never afraid to lend a helping hand to those who needed it. He is survived by his fiancee: Carrie, Wilson, Children: Dustin Diedrich. Joshua (Erica) Diedrich, Sierra (Nick) Abrhamson and Dylan Wilson; Two Grandchildren: Ilijah Diedrich and Elizabeth Abrahamson. Two Brothers: Kevin Diedrich and Dan Diedrich. He was preceded in death by his Son: Tyler Diedrich. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. It was Thomas's wish that no service will be held. The family like to thank the first responders who came and tried to save him.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7th , and join Cub Scout Pack 3621 at the Wega Community Center for their delicious Chili Supper & Bake Sale  during the Weyauwega Holiday Festival! From 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM , enjoy a warm bowl of chili—choose from White Chicken  or Regular/Red —served with crackers, milk, and cornbread. Plus, they’ll have Spaghetti O's  available for the little ones! 📍 Location:  Wega Community Center 💲 Cost:  $8 for Adults | $5 for Children (12 and under) 📦 Dine-In or Carryout Available  (Call 920-505-8412 for orders!) Keep an eye out for the Cub Scouts in the holiday parade earlier in the day, then swing by to support their efforts and enjoy a hearty meal. Don’t forget to check out the bake sale for some festive treats! 📧 Have an event to share? Email us at Events@WeyauwegaFremontNews.com ! 4o