Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Wausau area obituaries from July 10 to July 17, 2017:
David A. Raab
David Andrew Raab, 82, of Wausau, passed away on July 11, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on July 18, 1934 to the late Alfred and Grace (Milhans) Raab. He married Susan Doescher on October 15, 1976 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Wausau. Together they shared 40 years of marriage.
Dave graduated from Wausau High in 1954 and was voted “best looking in his class”. As a competitive golfer, he went to the University of North Texas on a golf scholarship. He served in the Army for two years following college. Dave took a unique path through life with various business ventures, and as an entrepreneur, he established a real estate company, Raab Investments. He was very proud of the business he built. Dave had many interests, but he is mostly remembered for his golf game. He won multiple championships, held numerous course records, and carded two holes-in-one. He shared his love for the game and taught his family to play. He adored his two dogs, Louie and Tucker, and often took them to the dog park. He loved the Packers, and spoke fondly of going to the Ice Bowl in 1967. He also enjoyed playing Sheepshead, bowling, traveling, gardening, and going to the casino.
He will be remembered and missed by his wife, Sue, children, Steve Raab, Christopher Dougherty, Anthony Raab and Rebecca Raab, and grandson, Tyler Raab. He is further survived by his sister, Jackie Barnard; and many nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Marlin Doescher, and brother-in-law, Bob Barnard.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00pm on Thursday, July 20 at St Paul’s United Church of Christ. Rev. Philip C. Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be at 4:30pm until time of service at the church. Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.brainardfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Church, the ICU Family Support Fund at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
Dave’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the excellent care.
Louis Carter
Louis Carter, 92, of Weston, passed away July 10, 2017 at Pride TLC surrounded by his children.
Louie was born on August 4, 1924 at his family homestead in Kronenwetter, WI. Louie was one of nine children of John and Mary Karter.
Louie served in the U.S. Army/Air Force during World War II as a mechanic in England, France, and Germany. He told stories of his motorcycle in France and loading and unloading airplanes as they flew missions to Normandy. He recalled painting invasion stripes on the planes in preparation for D-Day.
He was married to Lillian Betty Kurth, who preceded him in death in 1986. Together they owned and operated Carter’s Grocery, Carter’s Restaurant, Carter’s Implement, Carter’s Red Brick Bar, and Carter’s Real Estate. Louie was a self-made man who could fix and build anything to run the family businesses.
Louie spent his retirement years enjoying family events, going to the casino, at his cottage up north, in Lehigh Acres in Florida, and following all his favorite sport teams, and NASCAR events.
One of his accomplishments was the donation of the property for Redeemer Lutheran Church in Weston and leading the church construction. He was a charter member of Redeemer Church. Louie was an active member of the Schofield Lions Club for over 57 years serving in different offices. He was an active member in the VFW Post 8895 and American Legion Post 0492. He served as assessor for the Town of Weston.
Louie is survived by his four children, Louis “Mike” (Linda) Carter, Weston, WI, Louann (Paul) Biddick, Fond du Lac, WI, Roxann (Michael) Johnson, Eagan, MN, Cathy (Timothy) Holmes, Foley, AL; his grandchildren Loralei (Jim) Kachel, Laena (Keith) Klinger, Louis “Jim” (Tonia) Carter, Brian Biddick, Daniel (Meghan) Biddick, Andrew Biddick, Becca Biddick, Molly (Bruce) Morgan, Emily Johnson, Bethany (Billy) Marshall, Tricia (Ladd) Hammond, Jonathon (Lindsey) Holmes, and William (Jenny) Misek; and his great-grandchildren Jordyn (Dan), Zak, Taylor, Tayvia, Caiden, Jackson, Landon, Dawson, Emma, Caitlynn, Carter, Lillian, Hooper, Whitfield, Warren and David. He is survived by a brother, Chester and sister, Emily. He is survived by his sister-in-law Violette (Jim) Clark, sister-in-law Susie Kurth and sister-in-law Millie Kwarciany. He is also survived by his special friend of many years, Helen Busha and her family.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Lillian, daughter Cheryl “Sheri” Levickis, brothers Walter, Joseph, Leonard, and Leon and sisters Sophie and Esther.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 10am at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6404 Old Costa Lane, Weston, WI. Pastor Andrew Franzo will preside. Visitation will be held Monday, July 17 from 4pm-8pm at the church and again from 8am until the time of service on Tuesday. Burial will follow at Forestville Cemetery, Easton.
Memorials can be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church or WI Lions Foundation.
Special thanks to Pride TLC and Aspirus Hospice, and visitation from Pastors Franzo, Mahnke, and Davidson.
Erna Loomis
Erna Loomis passed into the arms of the Lord on July 4, 2017 at Sylvan Crossings in Wausau, WI. She was born May 8, 1936 to Otto and Marie Diestelhorst in Rib Lake, WI.
Erna married Donald Loomis on June 2, 1956. He preceded her in death on October 3, 2000. Erna was a loving wife and mother of 7 children. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, camping, polkas and being surrounded by her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Robert (Lynn) Loomis, Park Falls; Daniel Loomis, Orfordville; Kathleen Waupekenay, Wausau; Patrick (Barb) Loomis, DePere; Kevin (Lucy) Loomis, South Milwaukee; Michael (Paula) Loomis, Schofield and Donna (Glenn Yusten) Loomis, Mosinee. She is further survived by her 19 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, her brothers, Leonard (Janet) Diestelhorst; Vern (Joanne) Diestelhorst; sisters, Alice (Vern) Nutting; Marian (Dennis) Shaver; Leona (Marty) Leopoldt; Linda (Ed) Palechek; brother in law, James Loomis and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, a brother in law, 2 sisters in law, a son in law, Henry, and a nephew.
A memorial service will be held at Peace United Church of Christ in Schofield, WI on Saturday, July 22, 2017. Visitation will be from 1-3 pm and Services will be at 3 pm. Pastor Gloria Van Houten and Pastor Larry Treece will officiate the service.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sylvan Crossings for all their help and compassionate care during our mother’s residence and Aspirus Hospice Care.
Memorials may be directed towards the family.
Jan T. Wentz
Jan T. Wentz, 66, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 in the arms of his wife and surrounded by family. He was born October 9, 1950 in Lock Haven, PA, the son of the late Edward Ellsworth Wentz and Jeanetta (Teah) Wentz. On August 12, 1972 he married Karen Wilt in Lock Haven, PA at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Jan attended Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA where he earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He continued his studies at Northern Illinois University where he graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy.
Jan was currently employed at Capella University where he enjoyed teaching and writing courses for Philosophy. For the majority of his career he worked as an Information Technology manager for both Wausau Insurance in Wausau and Dean Health Plan in Madison.
He was a mentor to many, known for his patience, supportive style, and the way he brought people together. He was a man of character who was appreciated for his kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor. Jan had a strong work ethic. He cherished everything he was given and looked for every opportunity.
Jan loved being outdoors. He was a passionate landscaper, gardener, and bird watcher. He was an avid reader and life-long learner. He enjoyed being part of a breakfast group of retirees and challenged them to think more deeply about how the daily events of politics or local controversy were more complicated than first thought.
Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was a very supportive father of his children’s many activities and encouraged them to follow their dreams and be even better than the best they thought they could be. He was always there to offer guidance and make the impossible seem possible
In the community he was involved in starting girls’ soccer at the high school level. He supported the Wausau East Ski Team as a parent, and coached for the Wausau Area Youth Soccer Association.
Jan is survived by his loving wife, Karen, Wausau; three children, Meridith (Kevin) Drazakowski, Menomonie, WI, Matthew (Leah Celler) Wentz, Denver, CO, and Christian (fiancée Amanda Baker) Providence, RI; three brothers, Edward Jr. (Jill) Wentz, Holmdel, NJ, Theodore (Mary Lee) Wentz, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA and David (Noi) Wentz, North Hollywood, CA.
The family would like to thank Jan’s doctors and nurses in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their excellent, compassionate, and loving care.
A celebration of Jan’s life will be held at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 504 Grant Street in Wausau, Saturday, July 22nd at 4:00 pm. with visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Friends are invited to gather at the Wentz residence, 1028 East Hill Place, Wausau, after the celebration.
Jan passed away from complications from ALS. This is a disease that currently has no cure. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jan’s name to the ALS Therapy Development Institute—https://www.als.net/donate/.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Ron worked at Wausau Papers in Brokaw for many years. In 1982 he moved out to Cody, Wyoming and ran the White Buffalo Motel and Restaurant. While there he also worked for the sanitation department. Ron later moved back to Tomahawk and went to work for Northern Wire in Merrill until his retirement.
Alice Sattler
She was born April 13, 1930, in Schofield, daughter of the late Leo and Mary (Pospychalla) Kordus. On January 28, 1950, she married Leonard Sattler. He preceded her in death June 9, 1976.
Alice retired from Wausau Insurance/Nationwide after several years of employment. She loved her church, St. Mark Parish in Rothschild of which she was a Charter Member. She was the Chairman of their first Fall Festival, a member of St. Christopher Circle, a Home and School Board member, a bereavement member and a Sacristan. She was also a childcare volunteer for Newman Catholic Schools at St. Therese.
Alice was an avid walker. After retirement, Alice was a regular member of the exercise class the “Movers and Shakers”. Their friendship always lifted her spirits. Flower gardening was a favorite pastime and she also enjoyed golfing and traveling.
Survivors include her children, Cathy (Dale) Burnett, Rothschild, Sally (Morgan) Holzapfel, Nashville, Tenn., Peggy (Scott) Smith, Schofield, Ron Sattler, Bloomington, Minn., and Joel Sattler, Rothschild; three grandchildren, Lori (Scott) Heitkamp, Andrew (Melissa) Burnett and Brian (Brenda) Burnett; eight great grandchildren, Zachary & Brenden Heitkamp, Melanie, Trevor & Carter Burnett and Devin, Dexter & Miranda Burnett; one sister, Phyllis Spaude, Greenville.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by 10 siblings, Emeric, Ervin, Leo, Edward, Mark, Louis and John Kordus and Vi Manecke, Dorothy Derby and Mary Ann Rozmairck.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday July 14, 2017 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. A memorial fund is being established in Alice’s name.
Alice was most grateful for the loving care and companionship given to her by the staff of the Hospice House. She was also thankful and grateful to all her friends and relatives that took the time to stop and visit her. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the Hospice House for providing their mother with an atmosphere of care, love and respect.
Jon L. Larson
Jon L. Larson, 78, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at Benedictine Living Community of Wausau surrounded by his loving family.
Jon was born on September 5, 1938, in Chester, SD, to the late Ludvig and Clara (Drager) Larson. He graduated from Chester H.S. and furthered his education at Augustana College graduating with a Business Degree. Jon married Loretta Larsen on June 22, 1958 in Wentworth, SD. He served his country in the Navy as a Petty Officer 3rd Class from September 1956 to September 1959. Prior to moving to Wausau, the Larson family lived in Sioux Falls, SD, Mankato, MN, Jamestown, ND, and Atlantic, IA, where he was vice president of two retail drug store chains. From 1976 – 1982 Jon and Loretta owned Jon Larson’s OK Hardware in Schofield, WI. In 1982 he began his 32 year career in the financial services industry. He worked with Piper Jaffary & Hopwood and First Union Securities, before establishing Larson Financial Group, in 2002. Jon retired in 2014.
Jon was active in the community having served on the Board of Directors for the Wausau Country Club, Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce, Wausau Boys and Girls Club and once President of the Golden K Kiwanis Club. He also served for over ten years as an ambassador for the Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the South Area Business Association, the Everest Optimist Club. He was an active member of the Wausau Elks Club for over 50 years.
Jon is survived by his wife, Loretta; four children, David (Nancy Blaskowski) of Wausau, WI, Pamela (Keith) Maynard of Palmdale, CA, Julie of Watertown and Michael (Amy Opelt) of Mosinee; together with nine grandchildren, Olivia, Nicole, Shannon, Crystal, Sid, Jonathon, Sarah, Ellie, and Jack; three great-grandchildren, Julia, Violet and Gabriella; and many close friends.
The funeral service for Jon will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 17, 2017 at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Rib Mountain. Pastor Craig Swenson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Jon will be entombed at Restlawn Mausoleum, Town of Texas. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Family would like to extend a special Thank you to the staff at the Atrium Acute Care Center for the wonderful care they gave Darla.
Per Darla wishes no services will be held at this time. On line condolnces can be made at www.HonorOne.com
George Million
George Million, age 80 years and 8 months, died of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis peacefully at his home under the care of family and Aspirus Hospice and Comfort Care on July 7, 2017. He was born on November 7, 1936 in Shelbyville, Indiana, the third son of the late Rev. Paul E. Million Sr. and Golda (Higdon) Million. Educated in the public schools of Crawfordsville, Indiana, he received a B.A. from Wabash College with honors and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Over the next several years he attended Yale University and obtained an MDIV from Yale Divinity School and a MPH from Yale Medical School. He married his wife, Linda Doyle Million on January 12, 1974.
He was an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, serving churches in Connecticut and Massachusetts. In 1973 after receiving his MPH, he was hired by the Mayor of Sommerville, MA to work as Community Outreach Director and later worked for Tufts University. Marathon County hired Million to fill the newly established position of County Health Officer and merge the City of Wausau Health Department and County Environmental Services and Public Health Nursing Services. He retired from this position in early 2002 leaving behind outstanding staffs, who were also his friends.
Million was a lifetime member of the Wisconsin Public Health Association and the American Public Health Association. He attended over two dozen State and National conferences and was active at the state level as President of the Wisconsin Public Health Officers Association. At the local level, he was active in various United Way matters, most notably as the first Chairman of the Community Planning Council. At different times he was named Public Employee of the year by the Wisconsin Maternal and Child Health Association Coalition and by the Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce. He served as Chair of the Federal Health Planning Certificate of Need Committee. In addition to his Health Officer activities, he served as Executive Director of CWAN (Central Wisconsin AIDS Network) for eight years and two – six month assignments as Human Resource Director for Marathon County and City of Wausau. He was proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the Wausau Area Family Planning and Health Services for nearly 30 years and was awarded the Agency’s Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2013.
Volunteer activities included: Wausau Area Mobile Meals, Wausau Lyric Choir, Wausau Community Theater, Aspirus Volunteers, and was active in the Leadership of the Wausau Area CROP WALK for over 30 years. He also served as Treasurer of Grace United Church of Christ for seven years and sang with his wife in the church choir until his lungs would no longer allow him one of his joys in life.
As a goal late in life, he delighted in his two grandchildren, Emory, 3 3/4 and Vera 22 months and was so proud of his daughters, Rohann, (Aron Cherek) Edwards, CO and Carrie (Jason Massie), Atlantic Mine, MI. He is survived by them and the love of his life, wife and partner, Linda (Doyle) Million to who he owed more than he’d ever be able to acknowledge. (“Unless you’ve been there you don’t know what I’m talking about.”). He is also survived by mother- in- law, Florence Doyle, Myersville, MD. Brother in laws, Emory Doyle (Mary), Roanoke, VA, David Doyle (Pam) Myersville, MD, sister in laws, Debbie Wolf (Lee) Myersville, MD, Jo Million, St Louis, MO and by many nieces and nephews. George was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Paul (Martha) and Robert.
Service of Christian worship and celebration will be held at Grace United Church of Christ, 535 South 3rd Avenue, Wausau, WI on August 5, 2017. The family will begin greeting guests at 9:30. Service will begin at 11 o’clock. Charitable contributions may be made to Wausau Area Mobile Meals, 609 Scott St, Wausau, 54403.
The family wishes to express their thanks to the loving and dedicated staff of Aspirus Hospice and Comfort Care, Dr. Thomas Wald, Dr. Erik Anderson and Jane Dolan, APNP-BC, the “Friday night Mint Café Gang” who brought us fish every Friday night since February, Laura Frost who made a meal for us every week, and all of our family and friends who gave support in words, prayers and food.
“Be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, tolerant of the weak, because someday in your life you will be all of these.” George Washington Carver
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve you name on hearts, not marble.” Charles Spurgeon
He received his Bachelors of Science degree in 1950, served his country in the Navy with the Aviation Radioman 3rd Class and was discharged in 1946. He was a basketball coach & teacher in Strafford. He was a member of the team that won the conference championship in 1943. He was a foreman at Stratford Canning Factory, Commander of Legion Post. He Mayor of the City of Loyal and belonged to American Legion and Knights of Columbus in Loyal, and a faithful member of St. Marys Church in Marathon City.
Services will be held that the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, N2665 County. Road QQ, King, WI 54946 on Thursday, July 13, 2017 with Visitation at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00. Father Joe Diermeier will be officiating. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com
