Heroes from Home - Marshfield Now! News
LaVerne A. Neve, 99, Remembered for a Life of Service and Dedication to Community
Marshfield, WI — LaVerne A. Neve, a beloved community member, veteran, and public servant, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 99 at Stoney River Living in Marshfield.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Marshfield. A Knights of Columbus rosary service will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by visitation until the time of service. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post 54 and Taps performed by great-niece, Ensign Natashia Neve, USN. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Born on April 15, 1926, in Magnolia, Wisconsin, Neve grew up on a dairy farm in Cary Township as the eldest of seven siblings. After graduating from Pittsville High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a military career that spanned three major conflicts—World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam Era. He retired from the Army in 1970 and continued serving his community as a member of the Marshfield Police Department until 1988.
Following retirement, Neve remained deeply involved in civic life. He taught senior driving courses and motorcycle safety classes throughout Central Wisconsin and was active in numerous organizations, including the VFW, American Legion, DAV, Knights of Columbus, and the Republican Committee of Wood County. Known for his love of conversation, he was a regular at local spots affectionately called “Coffee 1” and “Coffee 2.”
LaVerne is survived by his children Ronald Neve (Portland, OR), Linda Majors (Fountain Inn, SC), and Susanna Ramey (Marshfield); four grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and siblings Edward, Larry, and Caroline. He is also remembered fondly by his close friend MaryAnn Burr.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Christine, his parents, and several siblings.
LaVerne Neve's story of service and commitment can be viewed on Marshfield Broadcasting – Marshfield Now! Channel 990 and online at www.marshfieldbroadcasting.com.

Marshfield Now! News - by David Ballerstein
Story filmed and edited by Tom Loucks - Marshfield Broadcasting
Elsa the Bobcat Becomes the New Star of Wildwood Zoo
Marshfield, WI — A new resident at Wildwood Zoo is stealing hearts and turning heads: meet Elsa, a nine-month-old bobcat with a story as captivating as her piercing gaze.
Elsa was found in the woods of lower Michigan when she was just a day or two old—her eyes still closed and her future uncertain. A couple stumbled upon the tiny feline and, mistaking her for a domestic kitten, took her in. Feeding her lamb formula from a baby bottle, they nurtured her for six weeks until a visit to the veterinarian revealed a wild surprise: Elsa wasn’t a house cat, but a bobcat.
Following the discovery, Elsa was turned over to Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and later raised by a wildlife rehabilitator. Today, she resides at Marshfield’s Wildwood Zoo, under the watchful care of zoo manager Kyle Kirk, who joined the facility just five months ago.
“She acts a lot like a house cat,” Kirk shared, “but she certainly isn’t.” Now weighing around 20 pounds, Elsa is only halfway to her expected adult size of 40–45 pounds. Despite her wild roots, Elsa is adapting well to her new environment and has quickly become a favorite among staff and visitors alike.
Elsa’s name, a nod to the icy heroine of Frozen, feels fitting. “We thought Elsa really fit her because she’s our little ice queen,” Kirk said with a smile, hinting that a future companion named Olaf might be in the cards.
While currently enjoying some behind-the-scenes time to protect her from pneumonia and other weather-related issues, there are plans to potentially train Elsa as an ambassador animal. If she remains tame, she could one day visit schools and community events, helping educate the public about bobcats and wildlife conservation.
Wildwood Zoo also has a unique opportunity to house both a lynx and a bobcat together. “They’re essentially the same animal adapted to different environments,” Kirk explained. Seeing the two side by side allows visitors to observe the subtle but distinct differences between the species.
As Elsa continues to settle into her new home, her presence at Wildwood Zoo serves as both an educational opportunity and a heartwarming tale of second chances. From the forests of Michigan to the snowy scenes of Marshfield, Elsa truly reigns as the Queen of Wildwood.
You can view the Video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzXVgESgg3s

​Marshfield Now! News
By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!
Marshfield Celebrates History Month This May with Tours, Exhibits, and Community Events
Marshfield, WI – April 21, 2025 — As spring blooms in Marshfield, so too does a renewed celebration of the city’s rich history. The Historic Preservation Commission, alongside local organizations like the North Wood County Historical Society and the Historic Preservation Association of Marshfield, is gearing up for a full slate of activities during May — officially recognized as History Month in Marshfield.
During a recent broadcast of Marshfield Now on Marshfield Broadcasting, Ken and Chris from the Historic Preservation Committee joined host David Ballerstein to share details about the upcoming events and ongoing preservation efforts across the city.
Historic District Tours and Signage
Throughout May, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore Marshfield’s historic districts. Volunteers will place identifying signs on select properties across five main districts, including Fifth and Sixth Street on the west side, Pleasant Hill, the Upham District, and Park Street. These signs help showcase the city’s historic architecture and notable past residents. Free maps for self-guided walking or driving tours are available at local institutions such as the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, the public library, and area hotels.
Events at the Upham Mansion
One of the major highlights of History Month is the lineup of events at the historic Upham Mansion. On Thursday, May 1st at 5:30 p.m., the mansion will host a reception to unveil the “Timeless Treasures” exhibit — a collection of antique American clocks and memorabilia from local merchants.
Tours of the mansion will be available every Wednesday and Saturday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Third graders from the Marshfield School District will also enjoy special educational visits throughout the month. History Month festivities culminate in the 46th Annual Pie and Ice Cream Social on May 31st, part of Dairy Fest. The community is invited to enjoy live music, self-guided tours, raffle baskets, and a silent auction to support the mansion’s upkeep.
Cemetery Reenactments and Educational Programs
On May 23rd, the public is invited to a unique historical reenactment at a local cemetery, where volunteers portray key figures from Marshfield’s past — including Civil War veteran Gabriel Dolph Lupien and the spirited Mrs. Connor. These live portrayals, traditionally attended by third-grade students, offer engaging lessons in local and national history.
Library and Museum Exhibits
The Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library and the lower-level Interactive Heritage Museum are also joining the celebration. The library will host a student art showcase, including the middle school’s “Past, Present, and Future” history exhibit and a third-grade coloring contest honoring historian Ken Wood. Meanwhile, the museum’s exhibits, including a military tribute titled “Lest We Forget,” will be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Preserving the Past for the Future
Ken and Chris emphasized the importance of preserving historical structures and artifacts — from city landmarks like the Columbia Park Bandshell to smaller treasures like letters from World War I, recently discovered during an estate sale.
“We’re always looking for volunteers,” said Chris. “Whether it’s baking a pie, planting flowers, or helping catalog artifacts, there’s a place for everyone who wants to help preserve Marshfield’s story.”
All events are either free or donation-based, supporting the continued efforts of Marshfield’s historical organizations.
For more information or to get involved, residents are encouraged to visit the Historic Preservation Committee’s page on the city’s website or contact the North Wood County Historical Society directly.