Patricia A. Dykstra
Patricia Ann Dykstra (Bates) died peacefully at Garden Side in North Central Healthcare Center on June 16th, 2024 in Wausau Wisconsin at the age of 70.
Patricia (Pat) was born on January 11th, 1954 in Lincoln Illinois. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and was a Registered Nurse. She was engaged on her birthday in 1972, then married to Michael Dykstra in 1973. After moving to Bloomington Illinois, Pat began working for Brokaw Hospital as a CNA in Bloomington and concluded her career as a Registered Nurse Manager at North Central Healthcare Center in Wausau. Over the years, the couple welcomed 2 children into their lives. Her children remember her as a mom who was loving and devoted.
Pat was known for her huge caring heart. She was a generous individual who loved spending time and caring for others. She was passionate about volunteering at Wausau Bible Church and building relationships with all of those she came in contact with. She loved crafting and spending time with her kids and her grandkids. She had a great sense of humor. She lived her life to the fullest and will truly be missed.
Pat is survived by her son Paul Dykstra (Amy) of Wausau Wisconsin, daughter Nikki Houchen (Ben) of Hays Kansas, 6 grandchildren Aiden, Rylee, Justin, Taylor, Cynnan and Griffin. Her brother Mike Bates (Lin) of Bridgeton Missouri, brother Bill Bates (Jodi) of Springfield Illinois and her nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Michael Dykstra, brother Steve Bates, and her parents Robert and Doris Bates.
On Saturday August 3rd, 2024, a Visitation will be held from 1-3pm followed by a Celebration of Life from 3-3:30pm at Wausau Bible Church on 1300 Grand Ave in Wausau WI 54403.
The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at North Central Healthcare Center for the many years of caring for Pat while she was there working and living.
Franklin L. Raymond
Franklin (Porky) L. Raymond, 92, of Wakefield, MI, passed away peacefully at home in Athens, WI, early Sunday morning, June 23, 2024, with his family by his side after a 1-month battle with lung cancer.
He was born February 2, 1932, in Merriweather, Michigan, the son of the late Franklin Oliver Raymond and Vera (Cook) Raymond. On May 11, 1954, he married Ruth A. Minier in Michigan. She preceded him in death in 2005.
Porky worked at a variety of jobs throughout his lifetime including diamond driller in Washington State, logger and trucker (at one time owning his own company), mechanic, miner (White Pine Copper Mine) and carpenter.
His hobbies include playing horseshoes, fishing, hunting, making fishing lures (the “black plug” for walleye fishing & tying flies to fly fish for trout), gardening, making dandelion wine and woodworking (he could make anything you wanted from just a rough sketch). He loved telling jokes and had what seemed like an unlimited number of stories about fishing and hunting. If there was music playing (especially what he would call “good music”), you could find Porky out on the dance floor dancing up a storm!
Franklin proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Campaign Stars – the Army Occupation Medal (Japan) with 2 Overseas Bars – and a Unit Citation. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Geroux Post 11 in Wakefield, MI, and he was proud to serve with their Honor Guard. He was so excited when he was accepted to go on the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight Mission XI, September 21st, 2016, to Washington, D.C. to visit the Memorials that stand in honor of the veterans.
Survivors include his children, Ruthie Bird and Jeff (Kathy) Raymond; daughter-in-law, Cindy Raymond; 7 grandchildren: Angie, Frankie (Apryll), Tommy, Dean (BrynAnn), Bobbi Jo, J.J. and Jesse Ann; 17 great-grandchildren [A special acknowledgement to Summer (Ben) Poncek with whom he lived]; and 6 great-great-grandchildren [He especially loved spending time with Lillyanna, Jensen & Rosalee]. Also surviving are his siblings, Sally (Mike) Cooney, Gerald Raymond, Gary (Joan) Raymond and Peewee Kariainen. He is further survived by numerous sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sons, Joey, Franklin Jr. and an infant son, Thomas and his siblings, Verabelle (Walt) Johnson, Geraldine (Floyd) Sorenson, Delores/Tookie (Bill) Zwick, Dorothy (Ralph) Hemming and Chet Raymond.
Per my dad’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. We will have a celebration of life party/pig roast in his honor on Saturday, July 27th, 2024, starting between 1-2 p.m. – anyone that knew Porky is welcome to attend. Thank you to Porky’s nephew, Dennis (Theresa) Baldwin for hosting this at their home in Ironwood, MI (corner of Lake Rd & Beagle Club Rd.) and, just for being there with him!
We would like to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice for the care they gave our dad/grandpa during the past month!
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, WI, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Carolyn E. Bratz
Carolyn “Carrie” E. Bratz, 60, of the town of Hewitt, fell asleep with Jesus on Monday, June 24, 2024 at her home, with her husband, Randy, by her side.
She was born on June 5, 1964 in Mishicot to Robert and Karen (Peltier) Weichart. Carolyn graduated from Mishicot High School in 1982. She married Randy L. Bratz at Faith Lutheran Church in Valders on December 13, 1986.
Carolyn worked for CoVantage Credit Union until her early retirement two years ago. With their common interest in flowers and gardening, Carolyn and Randy completed the Master Gardener Program together. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a founding member of the Garden Club at Zion. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, and her horses.
Survivors include her husband, Randy; mother, Karen Weichart; brother, Lee Weichart; sister, Erica Weichart; and nieces, Courtney and also her long-distance garden buddy, Danielle.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert; and grand-nephew, Dominic.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church (Town of Easton), 238145 Star Road, Aniwa, with Rev. Ryan Fehrmann officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church.
Donald W. Voight
Donald “Don” Voight, 85, of Wausau, departed his earthly life unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 26th at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Donald was born on September 3, 1938 in Hayward, WI to the late Carl and Olive (Larson) Voight. He grew up on the family farm, which instilled in him his lifelong value of hard work. Work brought Don to Wausau, where he met his late wife, Sandi. Don and Sandi were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau on January 20, 1962 and spent 61 years together before her passing in June of last year. Don learned many trades over the years, with a career as a high-voltage electrician, truck driver, custodian at Mount Olive, and his favorite, carpenter and handyman. There was never a time where there wasn’t a room in the house under construction or a major project being done. After his second “retirement” from trucking, Don found a passion working at Mount Olive ‘part-time.’ He made priceless relationships over the years and was known to many by “Mr. Don.” He witnessed countless children grow up, often running into them years later, still referring to him as “Mr. Don,” which brought a huge smile to his face. After finally retiring full-time after his wife’s passing, he still never stopped working, but was able to focus on his favorite passion – being a master carpenter and remodeling his daughter’s house.
Don was always there when someone needed him, especially his family. And he was even more excited if that need included “swinging a hammer.” Don and Sandi were blessed with five children: Lorri (David) Hollander, Jordan (Jody) Voight, Dana (Mary) Voight, Robbi (Todd) Green, and Jami (Brandon) Olcott. Don also leaves behind his grandchildren: Jorica, Jayel, Renn (Kelly), Jared (Ciara), Zofia, Darren (Cassie), Evan, Jake, Peyton, McKenna, Braydyn, Josi, Brax, and his little Jexi, in addition to eight great grandchildren. He also leaves behind two brothers: Carl (Teri) Voight and Al (Marlys) Voight, including countless cousins, nieces, and nephews. Words cannot begin to express the number of lives he touched and how deeply missed he will be.
Rest in Peace, Dad. Give mom a hug. And we will continue the projects you left behind. Love You.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 5th from 9am-11am at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, with a service following at 11am. Entombment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Special thanks to the entire team in Aspirus CICU, but especially to a very special nurse, and guardian angel, Asha. Words cannot express our gratitude.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Fredric E. Kimball
Fredric “Fritz” E. Kimball, age 77, of Oshkosh, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024. Fritz was born in Wausau on March 27, 1947 to the late Fred and Dorothy (Clark) Kimball. Fritz was united in marriage to Paulette “Polly” Piehl on March 27, 1971 at St. Michael’s Church of Wausau and together raised three sons.
Fritz’s life was one marked by dedication and service. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a Seabee in both Antarctica and Vietnam.
He was actively engaged in his community, serving the Millers Bay Neighborhood Association, and his Parish Council at Most Blessed Sacrament.
Always ready for an adventure, Fritz enjoyed exploring the state on scenic drives and finding off the beaten path curiosities. Fritz was active in scouting with his three children leading to a lifelong love of camping. He especially treasured sharing summers with his sons and grandsons camping, hiking, and fishing.
He loved animals, both pets and wildlife, and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels followed by afternoon naps with a cat on his lap. Few things made him happier than a long afternoon grilling, a passion he honed throughout his life. His sense of humor was unmatched and brought joy and laughter to all those around him.
Fritz is survived by his wife, Polly Kimball; sons, Paul (Sarah) Kimball, Eden Prairie, MN, Scott (Melanie) Kimball, Milwaukee, WI, and Adam Kimball, Oshkosh, WI; grandchildren, Aidan and Connor of Eden Prairie, MN; brother David (Kathleen) Kimball, Arbor Vitae, WI; sister-in-law, Mary Kimball, Wausau, WI. He is further survived by nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Fritz was preceded in death by his brother Jim, mother-and-father-in-law, and sisters-and-brothers-in-law.
A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Fr. Jerome Pastors will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Peter site, 435 High Ave. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
Laci S. Batka
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Laci Spring Batka. Laci was born on May 13th, 2024. Within the five weeks that she was with us in this world, she brought a lifetime of love to everyone who met her. She was taken from us far too soon on the morning of Friday June 21st, 2024. It was sudden and unexpected.
Laci received endless amounts of snuggles. She was adored by her brothers and sisters and loved being in the middle of all the action and chaos. She would lay on her blanket at watch her other siblings play, and be so content and happy. She was mom and dad’s little “squeaker, little lace a base” full of little grunts and squeaks. Her favorite things were to be held and hugged and kissed. She was not a fan of diaper changes and bathes and she let you know it! Laci knew nothing but love her whole life. She will be forever missed and forever in our hearts. “There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on the world.”
She is survived by her parents, Christapher Batka, Ashley Batka (Hazuga) her five siblings: Bella, Cade, Emslee, Lilyanna, and Gage, and many more loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and relatives.
Visitation will be from 10 AM to 12 PM at John J Buettgen Funeral home 948 Grand Ave, Schofield WI, with celebration of life starting at 12 PM.
David W. Onesti
David W. Onesti, 81 of Town of Almon, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at his home.
David was born on April 24, 1943, on the farm in the Town of Almon, the son of William and Agnes (Pietz) Onesti.
On May 2, 1964, David was united in marriage to Leone Jones at St. Rose Catholic Church in Clintonville.
David grew up working on the family farm. After high school graduation, David left the farm to try out different jobs such as: welding, road construction, door to door sales and trucking, before returning to the farm when his dad retired in 1976. He ran the farm for over 10 years and then he went on to start his own business, Onesti Sand & Gravel where he built roads and cleared land until his “retirement” when his son, Justin took over the business.
David and Leone loved spending time together and with friends. They played cards, went bowling, etc. They also loved to travel with family and friends vacationing in such places as: Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, and other places. They spent many winters as snowbirds in Florida, Arizona, and California with their camper, and they also enjoyed camping locally. They took yearly fishing trips to Canada with their close friends and neighbors.
David was known for his direct, tell it like it is approach but yet was very caring and was willing to provide a helping hand to anyone. From cutting wood to welding, he was a handyman and a ‘jack of all trades’ and could fix just about anything. David cherished time spent with his family and loved taking his boys hunting and fishing.
David is survived by his wife, Leone; five children, Luke (Christine) Onesti, Paula (Steve) Hutchison, Charlene (Bruce) Milavitz, Jason (Nicole) Onesti and Justin (Natalie) Onesti; 15 grandchildren, Katelyn (Tanner) Stanley, Amanda (Mitchell) Herbel, Alexandra Hutchison, Nicholas Hutchison, Stephanie Milavitz, Sarah ( Brenad) Martin, Aaron (Amber) Milavitz, Hannah Milavitz, Marissa Milavitz, McKenna, Macey and Maddison Onesti, Liam, Christian and Isaac Onesti; six great-grandchildren, Weston, Myles, Grady, Bryce, Taylen and Nixon; siblings, Lonna (Jerry) Kluck, Janifer Empereur, Patricia (Wayne) Kautz, Veronica (Bradly) Grunniwaldt, Andrea (Christopher) Gunderson, Mark (Pam) Onesti and Valerie Kulas; sister-in-law, Lori (Dan) Bartz and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
David was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Nevaeh Onesti; mother and father-in-law, LeRoy and Evelyn Jones; brothers-in-law, Tony Empereur, Jeff Kulas and Jay Schaffer and sister-in-law, Lee Grace Jones.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Rev. Wes Jedras will officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday, from 10 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com
