Betty L. Baumgardt
Betty Lou Beasa, Canfield, Camp, Baumgardt, 99 (almost 100), a resident of Wausau, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024 of natural causes from a life well-lived. She was born April 26, 1924, in Wausau to Irene and Paul Beasa. Being raised on a farm with a hard-working attitude of “get it done”, she started working at Winkleman’s Department store in high school and after graduation from Wausau High School she worked for the local telephone company. Betty married her first husband Jerrid Canfield, a WWII veteran, from Antigo, WI. They lived in Wausau to raise their family of 5 children. She was involved in many community and professional organizations such as Welcome Wagon, Secretary of Parents & Teachers Association (Riverview Elementary School), served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA, became President of Wausau Women’s Business Professional Club, and the Zonta Women’s Club.
Betty studied and received her realtor’s license and became the first woman in Wausau to open her own real estate office near the Lake Wausau dam along Grand Avenue. It is the “best realty office by a damn site” as she was fond of saying for her Canfield Realty office. Years after the death of Jerrid Canfield (1975) she married Bud Camp who also became a business partner on the commercial side of the real estate business. After the unexpected death of Bud Camp, Betty sold her long-time Wausau home and Canfield Realty business and moved to Fort Pierce, FL. Being the fashionista and trend setter that she was, Betty even worked in retirement at an exclusive clothing boutique, Rosslows, in Fort Pierce. With a home in northern Wisconsin on the chain of lakes in Manitowish Waters and her condo in the sunny Florida climate, she became a “snowbird” and traveled back and forth between Florida and Wisconsin for years.
During one of her summers in Manitowish Waters, Betty became reacquainted with a high school friend-of-a-friend, Bud Baumgardt. Betty and Bud married late in life but lived many happy and fun-filled years together. They enjoyed traveling, visiting their friends in Florida and Manitowish Waters, going for pontoon boat rides on the Manitowish chain, seeing the lights on the Christmas boat parade in St. Lucie, FL and enjoying family visits to Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
After Betty’s husband (Bud Baumgardt) lost his battle to cancer in 2008, she stayed in Fort Pierce for almost 10 years before moving to Boulder, Colorado to be near her two daughters. But, missing her friends, Green Bay Packer games and her hometown of Wausau, she decided to move “back home” in 2020.
Betty’s four surviving children and their spouses are Geoff Canfield (Katherine Murray) of Lake Havasu, AZ; Tim (Helen) Canfield of St. Paul, MN; Scott (Ruth) Canfield of Blanchardville, WI and Lisa (Darrell) McConnell of Niwot, CO. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Eve Canfield (Jabe Hickey) of Longmont, CO. Her seven surviving grandchildren are Weed Canfield, Jesse Canfield, Anna Lise Skubal, Shaun Canfield, Paul Canfield, Elliot Canfield, and Molly Adams; plus, eight great-grandchildren Nevada, Ruby, Daisy, Hayzel, Evelyn, Katrina, Liam and Josephine.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Betty at a later date for family and friends.
Donald R. Sarenpa
Coffee black, cigarettes, start this day like all the rest.
That was Donny (71) of Schofield, WI. Don passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, from his battle with cancer. Don was born 10/18/1952, in Minneapolis, MN, to his late parents, Rudolph & Irene (Koskela) Sarenpa.
He married Barbara “Barb” Swedowski on September 17, 1976, in Wausau, WI.
Don was first a machinist, then got a job with Drake Plastering. He inherited the plastering business from Frank Drake. Don was a plaster mane for 40+ years. All 4 sons worked in the family business at some point.
Don was a fan of 50’s, 60’s, 70’s cars: especially Mercury’s, Ford’s, & Chevy’s. His love of cars was passed onto his sons. Hundreds of model cars were built at the kitchen table. He was a Packer fan except when they played the Vikings, then he was a Vikings fan. He was also a Badger football fan.
One of Don’s proudest moments was delivering his son Jamie in the car by the Rothschild Pavilion.
Donny loved having Blatz beer with “Ma” or “Honey” (Barb’s pet names) while listening to classic country music. Their song is “She and I”. His favorites were Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline & George Jones.
Don’s Bar was his sanctuary in the basement. Lots of good times were had with family & friends, drinking beer, shooting pool, playing foo, and talking B.S.
As a dog lover, Don had many dogs. Smokie was his last and passed away 2023.
Donny is survived by his wife, Barb of 47 years. Four sons: Brian, Jamie, Shawn (Angela), and Michael. Five grandchildren: Brianna, Wyatt, Caden, Elyse, and Olivia. Father-in-law: Raymond Swedowski. Donny is survived by many relatives and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents: Rudolph and Irene; brother: Randy; mother-in-law: Dolores Swedowski. Also preceded by many relatives and friends.
Celebrate Donny’s life with a Blatz and LET’S GET PLASTERED!
A private family service is being held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Don’s family wants to thank the Aspirus staff at the hospital, cancer center, and hospice care for the excellent care. Also, thank you Brainard Funeral Home.
A special thanks goes to Ellie, Janice, Rob, & Tricia for helping during the family’s time of need.
Sandra B. Slagoski
Sandra B. Slagoski 76, died Sunday, April 14th at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born January 6, 1948 in Wausau, daughter of the late Arthur and Isabelle Mesenberg. On May 28th, 1966 she married Thomas Slagoski at Saint James in Wausau WI.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and being with her dogs. Her family was very important to her and enjoyed when they came to their house to visit.
She is survived by her daughter Tracy Slagoski, son Chad Slagoski (Chanda), granddaughter Kaile Rohde (Derrick) and great grandson Bentley Rothmeyer.
She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Isabelle Mesenberg, and her husband Thomas Slagoski.
Celebration of her life will be held Saturday April 20, 2024 at 160532 River Hills Rd Wausau WI 54403, beginning at 2pm.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Emma Jo Singleton
Emma Jo Singleton was gathered up into her Heavenly Father’s arms on April 11, 2024, just days before she was set to join her Mama and Papa.
Emma is the daughter of Neal and Samantha Singleton of Wausau, WI. She brought a level of joy to her Mama and Papa’s hearts that cannot be accurately described with words. She loved to dance for joy when Mama had her favorite soda and was a true Daddy’s Girl. Wiggling and kicking whenever Papa would sing to her. While she was only able to be held in our arms for a short time, she’ll forever be held in our hearts.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Community Church on Friday, April 26th with visitation from 11:00 am-12:00 pm and a short service at 12:00 pm. Lunch will be served following the service for family members. Flowers in memorial can be sent to Christ Community Church.
Tommy G. Miller
Tommy G. Miller passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Survived by sisters and brothers; Susen (Allan) Uttech, Donna (Jeff Johns) Miller, Connie (Rick) Ceithamer, Sharon Prust, William (Linda) Miller , Nancy (Daniel) Last, Wilbur Miller, Vicki (Michael) Harshbarger and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He will enjoy eternal peace with his mother.
At this time there are no celebration of life plans.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Juliet A. Drews
Juliet Ann Drews, 85, went to her Heavenly home on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
She was born March 27, 1939 in Wausau, daughter of the late Arnold Sr. and Erna (Pagel) Drews.
Juliet graduated from Wausau East High School in 1957 and then went to work for the Marmet Corp., Wausau. She then began working for Hoffman, Trembath and Gullickson Lawn Firm. She became a paralegal and worked for both the Trembath Law Firm and Ruder Ware, retiring in 2003.
She enjoyed living and working on her hobby farm until 2011. Among her favorite pastimes, she liked gardening, tending to her flower beds and traveled to many destinations, including Canada, Colorado, Florida, Oklahoma and Hawaii. She was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Aniwa and a member of the Walther League.
Survivors include, her sister, Althea Drews; two sisters-in-law, Elaine Drews and Arlyce Drews; two nephews, Mark (Janine) Drews and Scott Drews; one niece, Cheryl (Robert) Phillips; three great nephews, Nick (Sarah) Drews, Chris Drews and Jarod (Jodi Stroad) Drews; and three great great nephews, Tyler, Mason and Carter Drews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Arnold Jr. and Warren Drews; one nephew, Darrin Drews; and one great niece, Chelsie Drews.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church, 238145 Star Road, Aniwa. Rev. Ryan Fehrmann will officiate. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, Aniwa.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care and support.
Thomas D. Gresen
Thomas Dean Gresen, a life-long member of the Wausau community, passed away on April 13, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on December 24, 1948, in Wausau, WI, Thomas was a paint contractor in the construction industry. He leaves behind cherished memories with his fiance’, his son and family.
Thomas was known for his love of fishing, golfing, racing, baseball, painting, and puzzles. A dedicated fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears, he found joy in every game. Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his fiance’, Patricia Nemke, his son, James Beese, his siblings, Otto (Diane) Gresen, Willis Gresen, Mary (Terry) Maddix, Birdie (Randy) Hintze, Holly (Jeff) Petroski, and Lane (Krin) Gresen and many nieces and nephews who will forever hold him close in memory.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents: Otto & Mabel Gresen.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday April 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Brainard Funeral Home (522 Adams Street Wausau WI 54401). Visitation from 10:00 AM until the hour of service at Brainard Funeral Home, where family and friends will gather to honor his life and share their memories. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park.
Thomas Dean Gresen will be remembered for his fiery spirit and feisty personality. May he rest in peace as his memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Margy L. Kersten
Margy Lynn [Olson] Kersten, 82, died Sunday, April 14, 2024 after a rich/full/happy life followed by a decade-long journey with Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was born November 16, 1941, in Milwaukee, WI, to Raymond and Helen [Hanson] Olson. Margy was a graduate of La Crosse Central High School and UW – La Crosse. She met her future husband, Michael Kersten, during high school and despite the fact he was from the rival town school (La Crosse Logan), they married on May 9, 1964, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI.
Margy was a lifelong learner and educator who took pride in her students’ learning. She taught social studies, English, and English-as-a-Second-Language in Appleton, Suring, and Wausau, WI until her retirement from Northcentral Technical College in 1998. An artist and an avid gardener, she loved the outdoors where she and Mike hunted, fished, canoed, and traveled extensively. She was a member of the Wausau-based group WaeGo (Women Actively Enjoying the Great Outdoors). During their retirement, Margy and Mike attended concerts, were regulars at the Jazz Festival in New Orleans, visited Norway, Hawaii, and Alaska, saw the polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada and still found happy times to spend with their grandchildren.
In 2018 Margy moved from Wausau to the Twin Cities to be near her family. Her independent lifestyle was shortened by the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease,
Margy is lovingly survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Britt and Matthew Worden of Minnetrista, MN; her two grandchildren, Anna and Seth Worden; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Neil Duresky and Sandra Walsh, of La Crosse, and Steve and Judy Kersten of Bradenton, FL; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Kris Duresky of La Crosse, WI.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible staff at Lake Minnetonka Shores in Spring Park, MN who cared for Margy over the past five years. You were the light for us throughout a challenging time.
Services will be held Friday, April 26 at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Mound, 2451 Fairview Lane, Mound, MN. (www.stjom.org) Visitation will begin at 10am, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11am. The service will be live-streamed (https://vimeo.com/event/4237704) and recorded for those who cannot attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to DC Everest Senior High School in Wausau, WI (please note “Michael and Margy Kersten Memorial Scholarship”) or to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Mound, MN, 55364.
Eugene A. Koehler
Eugene A. Koehler, 92, of Wausau beloved husband of the late Lois (Luedtke) Koehler, passed away on April 15, 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.
Eugene was born in the Town of Berlin on May 26, 1931 son of the late August and Verona (Prechel) Koehler. On February 27, 1954 he married Lois Joyce Luedtke at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Wausau. He loved sitting on the swing with his beloved Lois talking to his many cherished neighbors. He retired in 1994 after over 30 years of service with the City of Wausau as a Building Maintenance Supervisor. He and Lois enjoyed taking bus trips and traveling. In his spare time he enjoyed playing the guitar and concertina, fishing, hunting and going to the farm and driving the tractor. Eugene loved to spend time at the family cottage in Tomahawk where he created many memories with family and friends. Eugene was a charter member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
He is survived by two daughters: Barb (Rick) Krautkramer, Jane (Ross) Kroening, daughter-in-law, Kathy Koehler. Eugene leaves his grandchildren: Eric (Megan) Koehler, Emily (Evan) Thomas, Scott (Renee) Krautkramer, Jason (London Wandler) Krautkramer, Lisa (Brett Koeller) Krautkramer, and Sara (Eric) Edwardson, along with great grandchildren: Charlotte, Penelope, Douglas, Madison, Grace, and Alice. Eugene also leaves his siblings: Daniel (Joann) Koehler, August (Sandy) Koehler, Bertram (Gail) Koehler, Elmer (Nancy) Koehler, Marjorie (Charlie) Schwede, and Carol Wasmundt along with brother-in-law Lloyd (Lou) Luedtke, and sister-in-law Shirley (Edward) Schwede. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, god children, extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his son David, siblings: Gilbert (Eunice), Virgil, and Nancy (Donald) Hussong, Joyce (Elgard) Woller. In-laws: Thomas Wasmundt, Beverly Luedtke, Donald (Maryann) Luedtke, and Doris Schwede and nephews Russell Schwede and Jeff Luedtke.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 22nd from 9 AM – 12 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Road, Wausau. A funeral service will follow at 12 PM at the church with Rev. Richard Block officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Helke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Eugene’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services and his beloved neighbors for the wonderful care and concern given.
