Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.
Wausau area obituaries from July 17 to July 24, 2017:
Gloria D. Lewis
Gloria D. Lewis, 66, Weston, died Tuesday, July 18, 2017. There will be a Celebration of Life at 4:00 pm on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, WI.
Edna Fletcher
Edna (Braatz) Fletcher, 84, Birnamwood, went into the presence of the Lord on Monday, July 17, 2017. She was at home surrounded by her loving family.
Edna was born at her family homestead in the Town of Stettin on December 7, 1932 to the late Emil and Elizabeth (Wolter) Braatz. She married the love of her life, Dalbert Fletcher, on September 24, 1955 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Wausau. The two of them created many cherished memories over their 61 years of marriage. She was lovingly referred to as his “Tweety”.
Edna was a stay-at-home mother of six children. She was active in Mother’s Club at St. Paul’s Church for many years, where she formed many precious and lasting friendships. It was there that she regularly displayed her servant’s heart. Edna enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, baking, flowers, music, fishing up north (as long as Dalbert baited the hook) and most of all – her family. She was an excellent cook and showed her love to her family by preparing dinner at the farm every Sunday for any of her children and grandchildren that could be present.
She will be forever remembered and missed by her husband, Dalbert; her children: Steve (Diane) Fletcher of Hudson, WI; Al (Sandy) Fletcher; Shelley (Randy) Wimmer; Bette (Dave) Arends all of Wausau, WI; Scott (Angie) Fletcher of Birnamwood, WI and James (Amy) Fletcher of Mosinee, WI.
Edna was blessed with 16 grandchildren and her first great-grandchild who were all near and dear to her heart: Kyle (Alison) Fletcher, Molly Fletcher, Haley (Sam) Wakefield, Amber (Matthew) Busacker, Shawn Fletcher, Cody Wimmer, Luke Wimmer, Matthew Arends, Hannah Arends, Jacob Arends, Claire Arends, Sunni Fletcher, Olivia Fletcher, Noah Fletcher, AJ (Hanna) Fletcher, Ben Fletcher and William Busacker.
Edna is further survived by her brothers Walter Braatz, Emil (Verona) Braatz and Richard (Betty) Braatz; and one sister Erna Prosser. She has numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Elizabeth; her sisters Elsie Osterbrink and Elizabeth Braatz; and her brother Paul Braatz.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 21, 2017 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 426 Washington Street, Wausau, WI. Rev. Philip Schneider will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, WI and again on Friday, July 21, from 10:00 – 11:00 am at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Open Door, an outreach program at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.
Judith A. Morey
Judie Ann (Newman) Morey, 71, of Athens, passed away on July 17, 2017.
Judie is survived by her husband, Rodney; her two sons, Lorne Morey of Wheatland, WI and Chris Morey of Pleasant Prairie, WI; one daughter, Glenda Morey of Paddock Lake, WI; along with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Irene (Dziewiatkowski) Newman.
A private service will be held at a later date. Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center – Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Robert Plisch
Robert Plisch, 96, passed away July 16, 2017 at Stone Crest Residence. He was born June 16, 1921 to the late Walter and Eleanor (Braun) Plisch and grew up on a farm in the Town of Rib Falls. He attended Athens High School and 1st University of Wisconsin Extension classes, held at Horace Mann and staffed by traveling University professors. He went on to attend the University of Madison. Bob was drafted into the Army during WWII and served in the Counter Intelligence Corps in Europe. He later worked at Wausau Papers for 42 years, having traveled all over the U.S. as the Quality Control Director at the time of his retirement.
Bob married Mildred Hahn in 1945 and had 2 children, 5 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He enjoyed camping in their trailer when the children were growing up-mostly in Northern Wisconsin. The family also took long camping trips through the Western states and Canada. They also took trips to North Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and New York to visit relatives.
After the children left home, and into his retirement, Mildred and Bob liked to bowl, golf, cross country ski, and travel. Most memorably, they traveled to Europe 3 times to visit friends and relatives and go on tours. They also traveled to the Bahamas, Hawaii and Mexico and toured the New England and Western states.
Bob was very active and would run 3-5 miles daily until he reached the age of 70. Later in life, he exercised daily, doing some light weight training and water exercise in swimming pools to keep his arthritis under control. Bob spent several years being a fulltime caregiver for Mildred, who passed January 11, 2005. Over the years, he taught Sunday School, served on Church Council, was a Cub Scout leader, Asst. Scout Master, was active in PTA, and was a Member of Golden Kiwanis Club- having helped with the United Way drive, mailings for the UW Extension, bell-ringing for Salvation Army, an annual picnic for the mentally disabled and a New Year’s Eve bingo party at Mount View Nursing Home. He enjoyed volunteering at Adult Day Care center and loved the participants and excellent staff.
Bob graduated from the School for Lay Ministry and assisted the church with services and visited shut-ins. He loved to listen to music, especially oldies from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, as well as jazz and classical music. He enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time on the computer. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially their school activities baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and scouting activities. He also enjoyed spending time with his great-grandchildren, taking pictures of them with a digital camera and then printing those photos.
Bob is survived by his children; Suzanne (Frank) Koerten, Wausau; David Plisch, Weston; 5 grandchildren; Sarah (Terry) Brown, Wausau; Ryan Plisch, Wausau; Matthew (Annette) Koerten, Wauwatosa; Christie (Nat) Gill Haiku, HI; Luke (Betsy) Koerten, Helena, MN; and 7 great-grandchildren Patrick, Elise, Anna Brown, Ireland Plisch, Julien Koerten, Sam Gill, Oliver Koerten. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mildred, parents, and sister, Carol Henninger.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 709 Weston Avenue, Wausau. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center – Wausau Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Pilgrim Lutheran Church and Homme Home/Stone Crest Residence.
Bob loved his family very much and was so proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a sweet, kind, and caring person who loved life. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him!
The family would like to thank all the CNA’s, nurses, and hospice nurses who cared for Bob, especially the staff at Stonecrest Residence for their heartfelt care and compassion.
Calvin “Butch” Lynn Nass
Calvin “Butch” Lynn Nass, 64, of the town of Marathon, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, July 18, 2017. After 25 years of medical challenges, the Lord came and took him home to heaven.
He was born on May 4, 1953, in Wausau, to the late Rueben and Diana (Voigt) Nass. Calvin attended local schools and was a 1972 graduate of Wausau East High School. Following graduation Calvin entered the military.
The military was an important part of Calvin’s life as he served in the United States Navy. Beginning in 1972 until 1975 Calvin was a part of the Naval Construction Battalion also referred to as the Seabees. He was stationed in several locations including Japan, the Philippines, and Diego Garcia. In April of this year he was able to travel with the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and he was honored to make the trip.
He met the former Debra Beilke on a blind date and they were later married on October 8, 1976 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Wausau and spent over 40 years together.
Calvin was a devoted husband and father to his family. He had a great sense of humor through all his medical challenges that he faced in his lifetime. He enjoyed watching the Packers, NASCAR, the Brewers, Star Trek, and old movies. He also loved his Doggie Daycare for his Grandpaws. There was always a dog around as a companion. He took many memorable family trips to Florida, the Smokey Mountains, Dollywood, Branson, Missouri, and Canada. Calvin was a member of the American Legion Alois Dreikson Post #469 in Marathon for over 40 years.
Survivors include his wife, Debbie of Marathon; children, Jeremy (Linda) Nass of Wausau and Jamie (Jacob) Heil of Wausau; brother and sisters, Nancy Parker of Kenosha, Carolyn (Wally) Zernicke of Wisconsin Rapids, Dale (Barbara) Nass of Wausau, Chris (Tony) Shebenik of Wisconsin Rapids, and Deborah Nass of Irving, TX; brothers-in-law, Randy Beilke of Marathon, Rusty (Lenore) Beilke of Appleton, and Ron (Nancy) Beilke of Marathon; sister-in-law, Denise Beilke of Milwaukee; father and mother-in-law, Stanley and Bettye Beilke of Marathon; many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews; his dog, Buddy; and grandpaws, Bernie and Budda.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Marvin Long; and his grandparents.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2017 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 426 Washington St., Wausau, with Rev. Philip Schneider officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, and again at the church on Monday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, village of Maine, with military honors provided by the American Legion Alois Dreikson Post #469.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Memorials can be directed to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Sunday School.
The family would like to thank the Marshfield Medical Center for the kind and caring services they provided throughout the years to Calvin. We would like to personally thank, Dr. S. Gilbert, Pulmonary, and nurse Dawn for all their many years of great service.
The family would also like to thank everyone involved in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight for getting Calvin on the April 24th flight. It was a memory of a lifetime for him.
Margaret Wayka
Margaret Rose Wayka, 73, of Wausau passed away at her home on Thursday, July 20, 2017 surrounded by her family.
She was born June 13, 1944 in Keshena to the late George and Jane (Waupoose) Wayka. Maggie grew up on the Menominee Reservation and was a graduate of Oconto High School. She was veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the U.S. Army. Maggie married Robert Hochstetler in Wausau. He preceded her in death in 1994. Before retiring, Maggie worked in the Eastbay Distribution Center. She was a proud member of the Menominee Nation and was past president of ICON. She loved listening to the music of Johnny Cash and Elvis. Maggie enjoyed playing board games, cards and dice. Whether it was camping or sitting around the campfire, she always loved being around her family. Maggie will be remembered for always being punctual and conducted her business at 10:30 a.m. sharp.
Survivors include her son, Shawndel (Brenda Scheffler) Schanandore, three daughters, Crystal (Scott) Whitcraft, Jane (Christopher) Heldt and Annmarie Schanandore all of Wausau, seven grandchildren, Ryan, Tiffany and Kyle Whitcraft, Desseraie, Savana and Robert Heldt, Shawn Orlikowski, three great grandchildren, Jordan, Aaron and Leo, two brothers, John Notinokey of Green Bay, Joseph (Jessica) Notinokey Jr. of Neopit, and four sisters, Patsy Notinokey of Wausau, Barbara Warrington, Rose Wayka and Georgiana Tucker all of Keshena.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Wayka and Jane Notinokey, husband, Robert, son, Brian Schanandore, grandson, Halen Gorski, brother, Robert Wayka and sister, Mary Jane Crowe.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 24, 2017 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Neopit. Father Joel Jores will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military rites provided by the Veterans of Menominee Nation. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau and at the church on Monday from Noon until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
Robert Fleischman
Rob was born September 4, 1966 to Floyd and Iona Fleischman. Rob served in the Army 82nd Airborne. He enjoyed bow hunting, fishing with his grandsons, cheering for the Packers, especially in Lambeau, cooking for his family, he was the grill master, spending time with his dog Sadie, his best friend and wife Cindy, and their family. He will be remembered as an incredible husband, amazing father, exceptional grandfather- P-Pa, loving son, brother, and uncle.
Rob is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 13 years, Cindy Fleischman; son, CJ Fleischman; nine very loved step-children and their spouses, Darcie (Eric) Burtch, Nathan Buhse, Brittany (Wesley) Knox, Lindsey (Todd) Childs, Angus Buhse, Ashley (Justice) Latzig, Chelsey Buhse, Shonda Buhse, and Brianna Buhse; and 10 of his pride and joy grandchildren, Kayla, Malachi, Brooklyn, Chad, Isabele, Isaac, Cartter, Kaydence, Grayson, and Lilyann will grace our family in October. Also survived by his hearts, his mother, Iona Forster Fleischman; mother-in-law, Esther Hartig; friend and brother-in-law, Paul Hartig; sister, Linda (Jim) Fox; brother, Floyd Fleischman Jr.; sister, Judy Damp; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Rob is preceded in death by his father, Floyd Fleischman Sr.; sister, Geraldine Fleischman; nephew, Jesse Fleischman; grandparents, Albert and Minnie and John and Mary Fleischman.
The celebration of Rob’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau. Visitation will be held from 3-8 PM. The family does encourage you to wear Packers and/or Camo, as a tribute to a couple of Rob’s favorite things.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for family and friends to bring plants as a way to help keep Rob’s memory alive.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart”
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Gerald “Jerry” E. Schreier
Allen “Al” Schepp
He was born on May 8, 1957 in Wausau, the son of the late Gerald Schepp and Rosella (Johnson) Schepp of Wausau.
On August 24, 1991, Al was united in marriage to Julie Luechau at the Eau Claire Dells. She survives.
Al was a graduate of Wausau East High School. He most recently was employed at Granite Valley Forest Products. An avid outdoorsman, Al enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, softball and hockey. He raised pigs and cherished showing them with his family at the Wisconsin Valley Fair. Al was also an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed playing cards and was very social. Family was very important to him and he loved spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Schepp of Wausau; his mother, Rose Schepp; two daughters, Jenny (Mike) Trzebiatowski and Tara Schepp; two grandchildren, Reese and Grey; two sisters, Jamie (Tom) Landwehr and Julie (Mark) Allar; father-in-law, Arnold Luechau; sister-in-law, Carla (Bill) Staszak; 7 nieces; 5 nephews and other relatives and friends.
Al was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Schepp; mother-in-law, Janet Luechau and brother-in-law, Tim Luechau.
The funeral service will be held at 9:30AM, Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Gary Schultz will officiate. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be on Friday from 4PM to 7PM and again on Saturday from 8:30AM until the time of service ALL AT THE CHURCH.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
The family wishes to thank, Aspirus Hospital, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and the staff and physicians at the Aspirus Cancer Center for the compassionate care given to Al.
Donna is survived by her daughter Taylor, her parents Terry and Sandy Pauls, and her favorite brother Dan Marmes, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Donna graduated from D.C. Everest High School and ITT Technical Institute with an Associate Degree in Accounting. She worked at Aspirus Hospital, and most recently at UMR Insurance.
A special thank you to the medical care team at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, including those in the ICU, for all the love and support Donna received. A special thank you is also extended to the registered nurse, Skye, for her compassionate care of Donna during her final hours.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Gordon (Gordie) Christiansen of Wausau, WI passed away at his home on Monday, July 17, 2017, at the age of 81.
He leaves his wife of 58 years, Anne (Kita); his children Craig (Barb) Christiansen, Wausau; Carrie (Jerry) Wood, Hilton Head Island, SC; Brian (Vikki) Christiansen, Schofield, and Brenda (Rod) Niemuth, Kronenwetter; four grandchildren: Matthew (Julie), Lucas (fiancé Diana Holzberger), Laura, and Megan; and one great-grandchild, Elijah.
Gordie was born on April 22, 1936 to the late Jacob and Margaret (Gribowski) Christiansen. He married Anne Kita at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Galloway, WI on November 22, 1959.After attending D.C. Everest High School, Gordie enlisted in the army in 1955. He was assigned to the Beale Air Force Base in CA. On Dec. 25, 1955, the levee on the Feather River collapsed and a wall of water 4,000 feet wide and 21 feet high cascaded into Sutter County. Yuba City, CA was flooded. The flooding resulted in 38 deaths and destruction of homes, businesses and farmland across 100,000 acres of Sutter County. Gordie and his platoon assisted with the rescue and clean-up, and Gordie received a Medal for Outstanding Duty.
He was then stationed in LaRochelle, France as a dispatcher and staff car driver. He loved his job there, and was able to see much of the country. His favorite places to visit were the Castle at Mount Saint Michelle, Normandy Beach and Omaha Beach, with all of the crosses. “That was something to see.”
Gordie worked at Marathon Electric Corp. for over 41 years, where he was a computer lathe operator. He was also involved in the IBEW Union, where he held many positions including Union Steward, Union Executive, Board Member, Executive Chairman, VP, and Financial Secretary. He retired in 1999.
Gordie loved spending time with his wife, family and friends at the cabin named Lily Pad, on Burrows Lake, where he was a long-time member of the Burrows Lake Sports Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and made many fishing trips to Canada with family and friends.
He loved gardening, and always had a greenhouse full of plants and seedlings. He also enjoyed outdoor activities like snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, and making firewood for the house and cottage.
His last big trip was a flight to Washington, D.C. as part of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. On Sept 28, 2015, Gordie was part of Mission #21, and flew to see the memorials that stand in the honor of Veterans in Washington D.C.
Gordie is survived by one brother, David (Bonnie) Christiansen, Ringle; four sisters, Joan (Ronald) Dombrowski, Weston; Faye (George) Mosher, Wausau; Judy (Elverne) Schickert, Erie, CO, and Marlyn Moratti, Watertown; five brothers-in-law, Myron Albrent, Dennis Kita, Frank Lorbiecki, James Windsor, Warren Prinz, and three sisters-in-law, Betty Christiansen, Gladys Siggelkow, and Alice Prinz.
Gordie was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Margaret Christiansen, two brothers, Reuben Christiansen and Ronald Christiansen, two sisters, Bernadine Christiansen, Shirley Albrent, sisters-in-law, Ruth Christiansen, Victoria Lorbiecki, Christine Windsor, Mary Oldham, Bonnie Kita; brother-in-laws, Joe Moratti, Fred Oldham, Charles Siggelkow.
A service will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church located at 229 S 28th Ave, Wausau, WI 54401 on Friday, July 21, 2017 with a Visitation from 9:00am-11:00am followed by Mass at 11:00am. Father Bob Thorn will be officiating. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com.
William Franklin
William C. Franklin, 67, died Friday, July 21, 2017, at Cedar Ridge Elder Services, Schofield.
He was born Jan. 30, 1950, the son of Eleonore (Breitenlohner) and the late Charles Edward Franklin. William was born in Munich Germany and moved to the United States during his childhood. He spent over 4 decades of his life as a baker in central Wisconsin. He had a lifetime passion for music that was shared with everyone around him. This love for music was apparent throughout his entire life. He had an infectious smile and lighthearted humor that would raise the spirits of those who were blessed to know and care for him.
Survivors, besides his mother, Eleonore, include his four children, Krista (Randy Furger) Salzman, Rothschild, Kari (Jon) Durst, Mosinee, Katrina (Jason) Pasholk, Mosinee, and William (Cheryl) Franklin, Weston; and a brother, Charles Franklin. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Edward, and a brother, Frank.
A Service of Comfort will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 27, 2017, at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. The Rev. Jeff Mahnke will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Family will receive friends from 9:00 am until time of services, Thursday, all at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com
Glen Schroeder
Glen A. Schroeder, 62, died Monday, July 17, 2017, at Ministry St. Clares Hospital, Weston.
He was born Sept. 8, 1954, the son of the late Rev. Alfred and Arline (Bliese) Schroeder. He married Judy Mogenson on Aug. 5, 1978, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau. She survives.
Glen was a family man who loved his time with his grandkids and attending their sporting events. He loved his job! Enjoyed cutting wood, shooting guns, working hard and when done, relaxing with a smoke and a cold beer. Glen also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson.
Survivors besides his wife, Judy, include his children, Joseph (Tami) Schroeder, and Angela Harris, both of Mosinee; six grandchildren, Nolan, Wyatt, Olivia, Rudy, Maxwell, and Sophia; a brother, Roger Schroeder; three sisters, Carol (Bill) Diekelman, Lois (David) Hudak, and LuAnne (Robert) Roman; many nephews and nieces. Glen is at rest and reunited with his beloved dog Snoopy.
Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. The Rev. David Hudak and the Rev. William Diekelman will officiate. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until time of services, Saturday, all at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com
