Church: St. Joseph Catholic - Fairview - 150th Anniversary (Plus One - 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Thelen, Bourke, Duranso, Scheffer, Eisberner, Traczek, Matalas, Elfering, Kaufman, Baugher, Janke, Dimmitt, Kutchera

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/28/2021

St. Joseph Catholic Church - Fairview 150th Anniversary Celebration (plus One)

By Lori Johnson

150th (plus one) Anniversary Celebration held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church-Fairview!

Celebrating 150 years is special no matter how you look at it. But for the parishioners of St. Joseph Church-Fairview who have been waiting to celebrate since last year’s COVID restrictions forced them to postpone, finally being able to hold the event made it an answer to prayers.

July 17, 2021, was the day and began with a special Mass celebrated by Father Daniel Thelen, assisted by Deacon John Bourke, and visiting seminarian John Duranso. Others who participated in this historic Mass were servers Doug Scheffer and Greg Eisberner, lector Rozanne Traczek and beginning speaker C Eisberner, who read a detailed history of the church. About a hundred people filled the church for Mass.

A special dinner, catered by The Wildcat of Neillsville and served by the Humbird Ladies’ Auxiliary and included grilled chicken cooked by the Knights of Columbus.

Place photo of ladies by a table of desserts here.

Delayed for a year, the planners and volunteers worked together to host the anniversary celebration this summer.

There was a shaded place for around 200 people to enjoy their meal thanks to a tent donated for the day by the Fairchild Fun Day Committee. Jan Matalas donated beautiful cakes for the occasion.

There was also a “history room” to check out to bring back memories. Church members had been asked to contribute photos and information about events held at the church over the years. DVDs were available as well.

Committee members - Chairman Jan Elfering, Fr Dan Thelen, Dawn and Katie Kaufman, Marci Baugher, Jolene Janke and Rozanne Traczek spent well over a year, planning this successful event. Committee Chair Jan Elfering commented “We are so grateful for the community involvement which helped make this special anniversary a success.”

Which brings us to 2021 adding current names to include in this parish history. Joining Father Dan are staff members Dawn Kaufman, Parish Secretary and Bookkeeper, Jolene Janke, Music Director, and Dave Kaufman, Groundskeeper. Church Council members are Rick Dimmitt, Dennis Elfering, Jan Elfering, Jolene Janke, Sheila Kutchera and Fr. Dan. There are over 70 families (more than 120 members) belonging to St. Joseph’s and they are proud to be a part of this historic parish.

Yes, July 17, 2021, was a day when faith was rewarded, and prayers were answered. The 150th (plus one) year anniversary was joyously celebrated. Parishioners, now and in the past with a connection to this beautiful church, had many chances to reminisce, enjoying feeling a part of a long and colorful history.

Words from Father Dan when the day came to a close: "It was such a joy to see our parish family come together to celebrate our anniversary. We pray for many more years of faith and future blessings."

Oldest and Youngest Attendees


Geraldine Kaufman was honored as bring the most senior guest to the celebration.


Little Sarah Janke was the youngest guest attending the 150th anniversary event.