As we come to the third week of Advent, we pause to remember that joy is not a fleeting feeling but a deep assurance that God is at work even when we cannot see it clearly. This candle reminds us to look for the quiet, steady signs of hope in our lives and in our world. May this season open our hearts to receive joy with humility, gratitude, and trust in the One who is drawing near.
Cathedral Church of the Episcopal Diocese of Eau Claire, WI
Cathedral Church of the Episcopal Diocese of Eau Claire, WI
News
Renee Marie (Sweeney) Larson
February 6, 1962 ~ November 29, 2025
Renee M. Larson, 63, of Township of Washington, passed away, Saturday, November 29, 2025 at her residence.
Renee was a beautiful soul; both inside and out, and will forever be missed. She had the ability to make anyone she met feel loved and seen. Whether that be; raising her kids, caring for her family and friends, her many volunteering projects, or helping out a stranger; deeply loving and caring for others was one of the greatest joys of her life. Those who had the privilege of ever attending a party, event, or holiday will tell you her ability to host was unmatched. Everything was carefully thought thru down to the smallest of details (such as her signature bowls of candy and snacks spread throughout the house). Her beauty and radiant smile could light up any room, and her kindness and laughter could brighten even the hardest of times. She taught us so much, and we feel comfort in knowing the best parts of her will live on forever.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
John Steven Taft
January 27, 1955 ~ November 29, 2025
John Steven Taft, age 70, of Altoona, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 29, 2025, with his family lovingly by his side. Born on January 27, 1955, in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of the late Donald and Helen Taft.
John lived a life defined by devotion-devotion to the people he loved, to the passions that energized him, and to the values that guided him. His family was the heart of everything he did. He was never happier than when cheering from the sidelines, watching his children compete, or sharing quiet, joy-filled moments with his grandchildren. His presence-warm, steady, and always encouraging-was a constant source of strength for those who knew and loved him.
Sports were woven into John's life from an early age. His passion for sports ran deeper than the games themselves; he believed wholeheartedly in the lessons they offered-discipline, teamwork, perseverance, humility, and the grit it takes to rise after a fall. His love for race cars, passed down from his father and brothers, fueled countless memories and conversations.
Whether golfing, fishing, attending Formula 1 Grand Prix with his son, watching MMA, hiking, biking, participating in the Burrito Union Triathlon in Duluth, MN, or playing in basketball and softball leagues, he embraced every moment with determination and a full heart, giving everything he had on every field, trail, and path he rode, and in every life he touched.
His dedication to athletics extended far beyond his own pursuits. John was especially proud to have played a role alongside other parents in supporting and helping establish a high school girls hockey team, ensuring that young women in the community had opportunities to learn, compete, and discover their own strength through the game they loved.
Professionally, John built a respected career as a sales manager in the heavy-duty trucking industry. He retired in 2025 from Mountain West Truck Center in Utah, where he served with dedication and pride. Known for his integrity, humor, and genuine care for others, he formed relationships that transcended business and became lifelong friendships. His work reflected the same principles that shaped his life: loyalty, perseverance, and the belief that people matter most.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Brittany; his children, Alexander (Ashley Fryk), Zachary, Ana (Maxwell) Sebesta, and Sophia (Hunter) Beachler; and his cherished grandchildren-Scarlett, Brooklyn, Hendrix, Noa, Zoe, and Miley John, his namesake-each of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his brothers, Ken (Kathy) and Don (Nancy); his mother-in-law, Susan Reichard (Al Johnson); his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Steve (Shelley) Reichard, Stacey (Lynn) Zook, and Brett (Malissa Dampier) Reichard; and nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly: Ken Jr., Sasha, Lauren, Ben, Bizzy, Mallory, Marcy, Chasity, Josh, Charlie, Russell, Otto, and 11 great-nieces and nephews. His love extended to all his nieces and nephews, including those from his previous marriage, each of whom he held dear. John is also survived by his former spouse, Donna Taft, mother of his children Alexander and Zachary, and her husband, Paul Donnelly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Donna Kay Taft, his father-in-law Gary Reichard, and his nephew Derek Taft.
Repose of the Soul Service for Mark Nelson ~ December 21, 2024 at 10 AM
On December 21st, as we continue our journey through Advent, we will gather at Christ Church Cathedral to remember and honor our dear friend, Mark Nelson, on what would have been his birthday. In this season of waiting and hope, we come together to commend Mark’s soul to God’s eternal care.
At 10:00 AM, Fr. George Stamm will celebrate a Repose of the Soul service, offering prayers of remembrance and thanksgiving for Mark’s life, his kindness, and the impact he had on all who knew him. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the hope we share in Christ—that death is not the end, but a transition into eternal life with God.
In this sacred time, as we prepare for the coming of Christ, we find comfort in knowing that Mark now rests in peace, surrounded by the light of God’s love. Please join us as we gather in prayer, finding solace in the assurance of eternal life.
Join us for the Rite II Holy Eucharist Service with The Very Reverend Brother Tyler C. Richards, OCS, at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral, or watch this service livestream via Zoom (instructions & link below) or on our Facebook page (to find us on Facebook type in @cathedralec).
There is a link embedded in the middle of the invitation. To use this link, you have to download the free "Zoom" app to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you have that app on your device, all you have to do is click the link on the email and you will automatically connect. (Be sure to allow the app to access your camera and microphone, if requested.
If you don't want to use the app, or are using a device that can't download the app, you can go to the website for Zoom: https://zoom.us On the upper right hand side of your screen, there will be a tab titled "Join a Meeting." Click on that tab and you will be prompted to enter a "Meeting ID or Personal Link Name." The "Meeting ID" can be found toward the bottom of the invitation. I've highlighted it in red to be easier to find. In the case of this meeting, the ID is: 924 746 7996. Just enter those digits without a space or dashes and click enter. From there, you'll be prompted to allow access to your camera/microphone.
If you don't have access to a smartphone/tablet/computer with a camera and microphone and want to join the meeting as a phone call, there is a number listed just above the Meeting ID that you can call. That will connect you to the meeting with audio only. Those numbers are in red in the invitation. For this meeting, the best number is: 1 312 626 6799
Join Zoom Meeting
click here to join the meeting https://zoom.us/j/9247467996
Meeting ID: 924 746 7996
Password: 814057
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,9247467996# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,9247467996# US (New York)
Meeting ID: 924 746 7996
Password: 814057
Find your local number: click here
Service Schedule
Sunday
Rite II with Eucharist service – 9:00 AM;
In person, Zoom and Facebook live.
Click here to join Sunday morning Zoom service
Holy Days – Eucharist as announced in the Weekly Update
