Obituaries are brought to you by Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center, with locations in Wausau and Weston.

Wausau area obituaries from Aug. 21 to Aug. 28, 2017:

Elizabeth Helen Bellas

Elizabeth Helen Bellas, 99 of Schofield, WI, passed away August 22, 2017 at Ministry St. Clare Hospital from complications relating to a recent fall. Family members were at her bedside in her final moments, just two days before her 100th birthday.

Elizabeth was born on August 24, 1917 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, to Arthur and Hattie Church who preceded her in death. Elizabeth was a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants. Her family ancestry has been traced back to Richard Warren, a Mayflower passenger and one of the signers of the Mayflower Compact. Her ancestral family members were early settlers of Hartford, Connecticut, with later migration west to the Wisconsin territory, settling in the Milwaukee area in the 1840’s. It was in this area that her parents met and married in 1912.

The family including two sisters and a brother moved to Whitewater from the Milwaukee area where she attended middle school and high school and then graduated from Whitewater State Teachers College (now UW-Whitewater) with a degree in Primary Education; she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Sorority. She taught 1st grade in Waukesha from 1938-41. Elizabeth married Harold Bellas on June 21, 1941, at the First Congregational Church in Whitewater. They moved to Bloomer where Harold taught business education until early 1942 when he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. He was stationed at Ladd Field in Fairbanks, AL, until 1945. Elizabeth spent the war years on the family farm near Whitewater with son James. Following Harold’s discharge from military service the family of three moved to Wausau where Harold began teaching in the Business Education Department at Wausau High School. Second son Gerald soon followed and Elizabeth then threw her energies into raising her two sons.

The family joined the First United Methodist Church in 1948 where Elizabeth and Harold were long-standing active members. Elizabeth was actively involved in Women’s Society events and activities for over 65 years. She was instrumental in organizing workshops that made decorations for fall bazaar sales, subsequent holiday events and other special church-related occasions. Her superb floral arrangements and imaginative table decorations always drew praise from church members and visitors alike. Over the years nearly every one of her masterfully hand-crafted table decorations were sold to benefit the church. The hours and hours of innovative and imaginative work behind the scenes, often involving Harold’s shop skills, were forever a joy to her with the collaborative results always being stunning. Elizabeth continued to make highly crafted multiples of unique Xmas ornaments until recently. In later years their Xmas tree was entirely covered with wonderful ornaments that she had hand crafted. Now hundreds of ornaments adorn extended family and friends’ holiday trees. Making and giving these ornaments as gifts always gave her great joy.

Elizabeth was also a long-time member of the Home Garden Club of Wausau where she won many blue ribbons and several best of show awards for her beautifully original floral arrangements at district garden club events. Her creative arrangements using various pine cones collected from travels around the country always received rave reviews and often special recognition. She was also a long-time member of the Wisconsin Retired Teachers Association.

She enjoyed and was very skilled at a variety of traditional hand crafts, including sewing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and patchwork quilting that she had learned from her mother. She made clothing, sewed curtains and drapes using both new and vintage fabrics, and did upholstery on chairs that Harold had refinished. Her hand stitching was of the highest quality. She also enjoyed watercolor painting, clay sculpture and wood carving.

She truly treasured long conversations with extended family and friends, and her life memory was exceptionally sharp up until the end, especially her recollection of family history. She was a remarkable, sharing person with wonderful creative insight. And, she was amazingly independent in the years following Harold’s death.

Elizabeth is survived by two sons, James (Jill), of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Gerald, of Cincinnati, Ohio, granddaughter Julie, also of West Chester, great grandchildren Drew Reading, Pa and Stacey (Luke Rogers) of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by three nephews and four nieces, as well as a large number of grandnieces and nephews. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her husband Harold, sisters Julia Hahn and Harriet Batchelet and brother Charles Church.

A Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Restlawn Memorial Park, 4710 N Troy St, Wausau. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at Restlawn. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the D.C. Everest Multi-Age Elementary School. Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gregory W. Streveler

Gregory William Streveler, 45, entered his eternal life after a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at home surrounded by loving family and friends.

Greg was born on March 19th 1972 in Wausau, Wisconsin to Bill and Pat (Stanke) Streveler. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a BA degree. He started out at the age of 15 cleaning out the shop for Olson Tire and Auto and worked his way up the ladder. He also worked at Sliwicki Tire and Auto in the front office.

After graduating from UWSP, he worked as a Software Engineer and Programmer Analyst at Wausau Financial Systems. He volunteered and worked at the YMCA and Camp Sturtevant. Greg was an active MS committee representative for the MS walks. He enjoyed being a member of the Central Wisconsin Road Knights car club. Greg loved camping and going to Bible studies. His passion was attending car shows, drag races with friends, and restoring cars with his father.
Greg leaves behind two beautiful daughters, Brooke and Paige Streveler, who he cherished, along with his loving mother, Pat Streveler, warm hearted sisters, Lori Streveler and Michelle Streveler (Dewald), sweet and kind niece, Aubry Dewald, and “mini Greg,” his nephew Evan Dewald. He was preceded in death by his father and mentor, Bill Streveler, and fun-loving, cigar-providing brother-in-law, David Dewald.

A Funeral Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson St., Weston. Rev. Ray Connor will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25, at Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center – Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Ct., Weston, and again on Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Marathon County.

Greg, a humble soul who unintentionally inspired everyone in his path just by being him – a goofy, unconditional loving father, and caring man.

Anthony F. LaCalamita

Anthony “Tony” F. LaCalamita was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 21, 1944 to Teresa (Misurelli) and Antonio LaCalamita, and is survived by his loving wife Florence (Petillo), sons Anthony, Vincent (and Jodi), granddaughters Hannah and Emily, sisters Grace (LaRossa) and Diana (Scarabino), brother Frank, and eight nephews and six nieces.

Tony grew up in a strong, loving, Italian, Catholic family and was always a playful, social person. He was proud of his Italian roots and being a native of Brooklyn.

After graduating from John Jay High School in 1962, he married his neighborhood sweetheart Flo on April 17, 1966. He was driven to be successful and provide for his family. To him, “la famiglia” was most important.

He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and was the co-owner of a successful motorcycle dealership in the 1970s before embarking on a long career as a sales executive, starting within the motorcycle and personal watercraft industries, then within the commercial bus industry. This involved moves to Connecticut, New Hampshire, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Florida.

Despite the ups and downs of the businesses he was involved in, Tony had an indefatigable attitude. He was always driven to do well and to lead others to success, whether with his business, sales team, his sons’ sports teams, parish committee, or family gathering. At every stop along the way he was able to cultivate meaningful relationships and long lasting friendships with people from work, neighborhood, and church.

Tony was a man that was always seeking to enjoy life with the people he cared about but also came to see the value in serving others in the community and the Church. He served in the Knights of Columbus in the Fourth Degree and as a Grand Knight in southeast Michigan. He also took on leadership roles with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, helping establish Thrift Store and St. Peter Claver Prison Ministry in central Florida.

Tony enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family for holidays and special events and promoted the importance of these gatherings. Tony was fun-loving and wanted people around him to have a good time, whether at the dinner table, meeting or golf course.

Tony’s zeal for life continued as he battled the symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy over these last few years of his life on this earth. He showed a remarkable patience and endurance, and was never one to complain about his condition. He fought the disease bravely until after 73 years of a good life, God called him home.

Tony lived fully alive and sought to see others be engaged with life to the fullest as well. He came to have a strong faith in God and one of his favorite prayers was “Jesus, I trust in You.” We are grateful for his zest for life and for people. We’ll miss you as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, but look forward to celebrating with you at the eternal banquet in Heaven. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 24, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Agnes Parish, 6101 Zinser Street, Weston, 54476. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of mass at the church. Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Knights of Columbus Wausau Chapter 4628, 113 W Kort Street, Rothschild, WI 54474.

The family would like to thank Aspirus Hospice House for their compassion while Anthony was in their care.

Connie L. Graminske

Connie L. Graminske, 60, of Rothschild, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Atrium Health in Weston, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 28, 2017, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau, with Rev. Gary Schultz officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

Theodore “Ted” Tellekson, Jr.

Theodore “Ted” Tellekson, 94, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017 at Rennes Health and Rehab.

Ted was born April 22, 1923 in Watertown, SD, to the late Theodore C. and Ruth (Buchholz) Tellekson Sr. He was baptized August 19, 1928 at Grace Lutheran Church, Watertown, SD and confirmed on March 21, 1937 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Oshkosh. On May 28, 1949 married Elaine Krueger at Trinity Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. In 1953, they moved to Wausau and have resided there ever since. They were married 66 years before her passing in 2016.

Ted served in the 8th Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 and was stationed in England.

He worked for Monroe Business Systems for 40 years before retiring in 1985. Over Ted’s many years in Wausau, he served on the Wausau City Council and Marathon County Board and was the vice-chairman and chairman of the County Board. He was a proud member of Montgomery Plant Post #10 of the American Legion and the Lutheran Layman League. As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau, Ted served on many boards, as an elder and as president of the congregation.

Ted deeply loved his family and loved being with people and having a good conversation. There was not a single person that he could not sit down with and enjoy their company. In his free time, Ted enjoyed shopping, going to the casino, reading and pastoral visits.

Survivors include his two sons, Jim (Deb) of Wisconsin Rapids, Mike (Betty) of Weston, four grandchildren, Shawn (Jenny) Tellekson of Merrill, Jody (Jason) Butterfield of Weston, Kristin (Nick) Larsen of Waconia, MN and Jason Tellekson of Wisconsin Rapids, six great grandchildren, Hailey, Landon, Jordan, Keira, Kaylin and Brecken; sister, Margaret Ashworth of Rochester, MN; brother, Richard Tellekson of Ripon and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Merle and Robert; and sister, Jean Krueger.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 25, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau. Reverend Zach Holdorf will officiate. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 24, 2017 at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau and at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran School, 510 Stewart Ave, Wausau.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Rennes Health and Rehab Center for their compassionate care.

Richard A. “Dick” Hintze

Richard “Dick” Hintze, 73, passed away Sunday, August 20th at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Weston. He was born November 12, 1943 in Wausau to Roy and Ruth (LeSage) Hintze. On September 12, 1964, he married his wife Mary Margaret (Peggy) Schield at St James Catholic Church in Wausau. Together they had five children: Rich (Beth Johnson) Hintze, Brooklyn, NY, Meg Hintze, Schofield, Rebecca (Douglas) Konkol, Madison, Jennifer (Andreas) Salzman, Creswell, OR and Nicky (Curt) Wolfgram, Schofield. He is survived by his wife and children, as well as his twelve grandchildren: Claire Johnson, Jack Hintze, Ben Konkol, Madalen (Ken) Schillo, Madeline Salzman (Ross McIntire), Olivia (Joshua) Coon, Amelia Salzman, Noah Wolfgram (Kelsee Balk-Yaatenen), Isaac Wolfgram, Patrick Wolfgram, Rose Wolfgram, Samuel Wolfgram and two great-granddaughters, Kolette and Liberty Schillo. He is further survived by his brothers David (Ed Engebretson) Hintze, Plover and Tim (Linda) Hintze, Schofield, as well as his sisters in-law, Dora Schield, Cleveland, OH and Kathy Gess, Baton Rouge, LA. He is also survived by his many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Walter and Delores Schield, granddaughter Grace Wolfgram, sisters in-law Vicki Hintze and Ruth Schield, brothers in-law Paul Schield, Klein Schield, Al Fistler and Tom Gess, niece Mary Feldhausen and nephew Mark Fistler-Gess.

Dick graduated from Newman High School in 1961. He went on to complete a plumbing apprenticeship and become a journeyman plumber. He was an active member of UA Local 557, and later UA Local 434 Plumbers and Steamfitters. He was very proud of the work he did for the union, whether it was working with tools, running jobs or his last position as Business Manager. He also served as Vice President of the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association. During his tenure, he worked to unite the various locals and ensure equal wages and benefits for all members. He also helped to establish training centers in Mosinee, La Crosse and Eau Claire.

Dick was an avid outdoorsman and to that end became involved in Boy Scouts with his son, Rich. He was assistant scoutmaster of Troop 439 in Weston from 1978-1980 and then assumed the role of Scoutmaster from 1980-1986. He took a broken troop of six boys and developed it into one of the largest and finest troops in the council. Dick’s tenure produced many Eagle Scouts, the top honor a scout can earn.

Dick also had a love of hunting. When he was younger, he went deer hunting annually with his uncles and later with his kids. He also loved to go bird hunting. He made several trips to North Dakota and Canada to hunt duck and geese with his beloved dog, Sparky.

A special thank you to his second family at the Log Cabin, who have provided much love and support. The family would also like to thank the staff at St. Clare’s Hospital for their care of Dick over the last few years and Rennes Health and Rehab Center, especially his physical therapist, Sue Cody, without whose assistance he would not have been able to remain at home.

The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. The Very Reverend Allan Slowiak will officiate. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you make a donation to Stable Hands Equine Therapy Center, Wausau, an organization that he strongly believed in, as he saw how much the program benefited his grandson, Sam.

Joyce E. Olson

Joyce E. Olson, 87, Wausau died Friday, August 25, 2017 at St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.

She was born December 13, 1929 in Wausau to the late Anton and Emma (Baronsky) Berna. On May 7, 1949, she married Bennie Olson at Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Wausau. He preceded her in death on July 8, 1992.

Joyce and her husband owned and operated Olson Sanitation and Joyce helped with the family business. Among her favorite pastimes, Joyce enjoyed word search puzzles, reading library books and she especially loved to go shopping.

Joyce was a long time member of Holy Name Catholic Church and School and had many different involvements which included being a teacher’s aide, serving as librarian, volunteer for the annual Senior Dinner and the Summer Fun Dinner and also being a three year member of the Helpers Club.

Survivors include her daughters Brenda (John) Pierschalla, Irma, Peggy Heil, Edgar, Tammy (Jay) Zastrow, Wausau; grandchildren Jessica Pierschalla, Shawn (Carrie) Pierschalla, Brent (Trudee) Heil, Heather (Kevin) Iczkowski, Amber Heil, Matthew Heil, Dustin (Lisa) Zastrow and Tiffany (Tyler) Tesch; 13 great-grandchildren and brother Ronald Berna.
Besides her husband and parents, Joyce was preceded in death by and infant son, Earl, an infant brother and sister-in-law Mary Berna.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:00 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.

Lucille A. LaFave

On Sunday, August 20, 2017, Lucille A. LaFave peacefully left her family behind as she answered the call of her Lord and Savior to join Him in His eternal home while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She had resided at Cedar Ridge Assisted Living for the past three years. She was born on October 11, 1922 in the Town of Reid to the late Paul and Frances (Zabrowski) Prince. On June 20, 1942 she married Raymond LaFave at St. Therese Catholic Church in Rothschild. He preceded her in death on December 14, 1977.

She was a member of the Little Flower Council at St. Therese and a member of the VFW Auxiliary, serving as part of their Color Guard for many years. Lucille also volunteered at the Marathon County Health Care Center for over 15 years where she played pool with the residents and worked in the Canteen. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo and bowling with a group of her “lady friends.” She was a very devoted fan of Milwaukee Baseball, first the Braves (whom she never forgave for moving to Atlanta) and then the Brewers. Every spring and summer she cheered for the Brewers (although at times it was trying) and woe to anyone who interrupted a game she was watching. One of her highlights was watching them play in person with her grandson Perry. She also loved to travel, especially out West and to Minnesota to the horse races. She also liked to move frequently – at least 15 different houses in the Wausau area, always putting her personal touches in every room. She worked as a pastry chef at the Mint Café and the Wausau Country Club. She will always be remembered for her superior baking abilities and, in particular, her sweet breads and cookies at the holidays.

She is survived by her son, David of Hamburg, and two daughters, LaVonne (John) Bennett of Madison and Claire (Garry) Foltz of Eau Claire. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Perry (Jill) Plano, Penny (Joel) Bruss, Darrin (Barb) Bush, Curt Bush, Devin (Lisa) Bush and Nicole LaFave as well as 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter and a brother, John Prince, as well as a very dear niece and nephew, Ona Mae and Dennis Fuller in Wyoming and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, an infant son, a granddaughter, Sharon Bush, and grandson, Paul Plano as well as 4 sisters and 7 brothers.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday August 28, 2017 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Louis Britto will preside. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Therese Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Cedar Ridge for their compassionate care of Lucille.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Alice F. Tryba

Alice Francis Tryba passed away at home on August 23, 2017 at the age of 86, under the care of Interim Hospice. She was born on November 23, 1930 in Bevent. She was the youngest child of Leo and Martha (Kedrowski) Modrzejewski. Alice married William Tryba on October 16, 1948 at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church in Bevent. William survives

Alice is also survived by three daughters, Marlene (David) Zoromski, Hatley, Elaine (Donald) Haas, Kronenwetter, and Cynthia (Kenneth) Milbeck, Rib Mountain. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Kevin (Kristy) Zoromski, Sara, Benjamin, and Matthew Zoromski, Gregory (Rebecca) and Daniel (Jessica) Tryba and Leah and Ryan Milbeck, 7 step grandchildren, Rebecca (Eric) Koss, Jessica Tamminga, Kim Hebel, Sunny Darling, Heidi (Matthew) Henke, Rachel and Thomas Helgeson, two daughter in-laws Joanie Tryba and Judy Tryba, 7 great-grandchildren and 8 step-great grandchildren. Her sister Mary (Ernest) Goytowski also survives.

Besides her parents, Alice was preceded in death by two sons, Kenneth and Jerome, her siblings and their spouses, Ernest (Helen) Modrzejewski, and Regina (Nick) Kurszewski. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws Felix and Mary Tryba, two grandsons, Scott and Jason Zoromski, one step granddaughter, Victoria Ladwig, and one daughter-in-law Susan Tryba.

Alice attended grade school at St. Ladislaus Parochial School in Bevent until eighth grade. After marriage, she and William farmed in Rosholt until they moved to Wausau in 1956. Alice was a homemaker. She enjoyed taking care of her home and family more than anything. She enjoyed baking, cooking, sewing, knitting and gardening. Her blueberry cheesecake, rolled buns, pierogies, potato salad and chicken dumpling soup were just some of the family’s favorites. When it came to sewing, there was nothing she could not make. She also worked with William helping him remodel homes. The flowers that she grew and that adorned the living room windows for years, thrived from their monthly drink of beer. Alice liked to dance and sing and spent many hours in prayer.

In their earlier years, when the children were still of school age, Alice and William took them on long vacations every summer. Many fun weekends were also spent at the family cottage near Crandon.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 28, 2017 at The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The family wishes to thank the team of excellent caregivers from Interim Hospice.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and very dear.”

We will miss you forever Mom.

Carl “Bud” A. Doepke, Jr.

Carl “Bud” A. Doepke Jr., 87, Wausau, died Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born April 18, 1930 in Wausau, son of the late Carl Sr. and Viola (Tesch) Doepke. On November 20, 1954, he married Catherine McClean at the St. Mary Rectory in Wausau. She preceded him in death on January 25, 2002.

Carl was a veteran of the United States Navy and a member of the Wausau Amvets Post No. 3929. For many years, he worked for the former American Can/James River Corp. in Wausau until his retirement. He was a member of the Eagles Club, Wausau and a member of the Church of St. Anne, where he was an usher and enjoyed calling bingo at church events.

Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, listening to country music and sitting on his patio at night watching the stars. Carl was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and Milwaukee Brewers fan and also liked to watch a good wrestling match.

He will be remembered for his generosity, his sense of humor, his love for animals, especially his dogs and many special times spent with family and friends.

Survivors include, two daughters, Denise (David Sliwicki) Bauman and Karen (Scott) Andreas, both of Wausau; four grandchildren, Lindsay Bauman, Neillsville, Matthew Bauman, Wausau, Jonathon (Heather) Andreas, Weston and Melissa Gutowski, Wausau; two great-grandchildren, Michael and Shania-Lynn; one brother, Gerald (Doris) Doepke, Rib Mountain; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, Catherine, he was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Clayton Gutowski; and four siblings, Pearl Schoepke, Alice Crochiere, Dale Doepke and Arnette Lang.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 28, 2017 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Burns Post No. 388, Wausau and the Wausau Amvets. Friends may call on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Robert George Upton

Robert George Upton 71 of Weston passed away on August 23, 2017 with his loving family at his bedside. He was born to LaVerne and Mildred (Burmeister) on October 21, 1945.

He is survived by his loving wife LouAnn, two daughters; Judy (Michael) Johnson, Weston, Jean (Scott) Laffin, Weston, three brothers; Tom (Theresa) Upton, PA, Bill (Diane) Upton, Madison, Richard (Billie) Upton, Platteville, six grandchildren; Dustin, Rachel Johnson, Chris, Casey, Carson and Carter Laffin.

Robert was an outdoorsman and loved fishing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling and bicycling. He enjoyed nature to the fullest. He loved to watch the Packer games and his greatest passion was spending time with his loving family and grandchildren. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He will be deeply missed by all.

Services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church on Saturday, August 26, 2017 with Visitation at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00. Father Louis Britto will be officiating. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com

Eugene A. Tushkowski

Eugene `Gene’ Tushkowski, 81, of Schofield passed away on August 22, 2017.

He was born in Chicago on September 9, 1935 to parents Ben and Esther (Swedowski) Tushkowski. Gene is survived by two children; Lori (Todd) Rome of Watertown and Mark Tushkowski of Weston. He is also survived by five sisters; Delores Loskot of Wausau, Shirley Ostroski of Schofield, Carol Tushkowski of Wausau, Karen (Matt) Stevenson of Wausau, Christine (Wayne) Leitermann of Rothschild; and one grandchild, Ashley Rome. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Joan Pliskie.

Gene served two years as a Military Police Officer in the Army and worked at Drott Manufacturing for over 37 years.

He enjoyed traveling, following his favorite sports teams, gardening, reading, and spending time with his family. He was a generous person with a bright smile, bringing happiness to those around him.

Services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church on Thursday, August 31, 2017 with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Father Louis Britto will be officiating. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com.

Alfred P. Feifarek

Alfred Paul Feifarek, 83, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully Monday, August 21, 2017 at Arborview Court in Wisconsin Rapids. Alfred was born June 9, 1934, in Oconto to the late Charles and Geraldine (Brabant) Feifarek. Al married Dolores Jensen on May 26, 1995, in Door County. She preceded him in death on August 19, 2009. Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, August 25, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Pastor Michelle Nickodemus will officiate. Burial will be at Brooklawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Marshfield, WI. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 at Grace Lutheran Church.

Alfred is survived by his two daughters, Tami (Mike) Plonka of Grayslake, IL and Diana (Kirk) Schneider, Appleton, WI. Step-daughters Lori (Keith) Greenawalt, Springfield, IL; Vicki (Mark) Ziegahn, Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Brenda (Keith Gasch), Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Michelle (Rick) Kehrberg, Wisconsin Rapids, WI and one step-son, Jack (Sylvia) Jensen of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Two brothers, Elmer Feifarek, Appleton, WI and Bernard (Ruth) Feifarek, Oconto, WI; one sister Harriet Newbury, Oconto, WI; and one sister-in-law Nan Feifarek. Grandchildren Max Kovach, Veronica Kovach, Lindsey Ziegahn, Kimberly Ziegahn, Chelsea Krause, Brittany Krause, Taylor Krause, Alex Hallinan and Lee Greenawalt. Four great grandchildren, Ella and Bryce Ziegahn, Quinten Adkins and Carter Hallinan. Al will also be missed by his cat Sassy who he loved very much.

Alfred is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Geraldine Feifarek, his wife, Dee Feifarek, one sister, Deloris Lynch-Rudolph, two brothers, Glen and Chuck Feifarek and sister-in-law Maggie Feifarek.

Al started his employment with the Biron Mill in 1957 as a coaterman on the paper machines. He then entered the US Army for six months, returning to the coaterman position during that same year. Al left again to serve in the military in 1961 and was reinstated in 1962 as a fourth hand on the No. 21 paper machine, where he also was third hand, backtender and machine tender. In 1987, he moved to the No. 26 paper machine, beginning as fourth hand and progressing to third hand in 1987. Al retired from the Biron Mill in 1992.

Al’s greatest joy came from some of life’s simplest things. Al and his wife Dee loved spending sunny days together fishing and time up north in Minocqua at The Beacons. Together they traveled to several different states, always bringing back a souvenir spoon to hang on their display rack. It was not an unusual sight to see Dee and Al sitting outside on a nice day, listening to music and just enjoying each other’s company. Gardening was another outdoor activity Al was very fond of. I’m not sure what exactly he used on that garden but he could have supplied tomatoes to his entire neighborhood, they seemed to never stop growing! Al was famous for his chicken wings and we looked forward to having them at every get together. Children amazed Al and he could sit for hours just watching them play. You never saw a bigger smile on his face then when he was around a child. Getting together to play a couple games of Yahtzee was always a good time, especially when Mark shook a yahtzee and Al had the “pleasure” of watching him do his “Yahtzee Dance”. Al’s face would look both amused and terrified at the same time; you would have to see the dance to understand! As Al’s dementia progressed and he was unable to do some of these things, he still enjoyed people and being around others. Even if it was just going to the Dairy Queen, getting a Mint Oreo blizzard, and taking a drive past places he used to go. Once Al was unable to walk, he loved when we took him outside for a walk and the feel of the sun on his face. A new side of Al came out along the way; this shy, quiet man had become quite the flirt as the ladies at Arborview Court can attest to!

When asked, “Who is Al to you?” my answer would be “someone I was very blessed to have in my life”. And I have a feeling that would be the answer of anyone who knew him. Al, thank you for all the good times; you were loved dearly and will be missed by all who knew you.

The family would like to thank the staff at Arborview Court for their care over the years. We would also like to thank Steve and Darnell Ziegahn, words cannot express what your act of kindness means to us all. And a special thank you to Josh, Paige and Jen at Heartland Hospice for caring enough about Al to make his next journey as peaceful as you did.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com

David A. Paszek

David A. Paszek, 74 of Rothschild passed away at home on August 18, 2017. He was born to Harry and Dorothy (Knetter) Paszek on September 12, 1942. He is survived by one daughter Michelle (Mike) Alstrin, Sussex, WI, one son Mark Paszek, Seattle, WA, two sisters Elaine (Ronald) Kraft, North Carolina, Irene (Jerr) Melbinger, Madison, WI, friends, Pam Huffman, Brother-in-law Mutch and Sister-in-law Judy Owen and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Sharon, and two brothers Randy and Darwin.

David loved to golf but he was an avid sports fan of all kinds. He was a loving and faithful member of his church. He will be deeply missed by all.

Services will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church on Thursday, August 24, 2017. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Service at 12:00 p.m. Deacon Patrick McKeough will be officiating. Burial will be held at All Saints Mausoleum Cemetery in Kenosha at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2017. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. On line condolences can be made at www.HonorOne.com

Galen R. Schoepke

Galen Ray Schoepke, 88, Birnamwood, died Sunday, August 27, 2017 at his home under the care of his family and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

He was born on October 16, 1928 in St. Paul, MN, the son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Brettin) Schoepke.

On January 7, 1967, Galen was united in marriage to Kathleen Vogel at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. She survives.

The couple lived in Wausau until the mid 1990’s when they moved to the Birnamwood area. Galen worked at the former Drott JI Case until his retirement in 1990.
Galen was a true sportsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Known as a jack of all trades, Galen could build just about anything. He enjoyed motorcycles and spending time at Wildlife Campground but most important was the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Galen is survived by his wife, Kathy Schoepke of Birnamwood; children, Michael (Linda) Schoepke of Wausau, Randy (fiancé Diane Fandrey) Schoepke of Winter, Todd (Michelle) Schoepke of Birnamwood, Toby Schoepke of Wausau and Forest (special friend Connie Bricco) Schoepke of Birnamwood; 23 grandchildren; many great-grand children and great-great-grandchildren and his special dog, Abby.

Galen was preceded in death by his parents; a son Errol; a daughter Linda; two grandchildren, Christie and Jason and two brothers, Clifford and LeRoy.

A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Aniwa. Vicar Betty Wyatt will officiate. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Aniwa. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9AM until the time of service at the church.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.

The family would like to thank the nurse’s and CNA’s of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice for their genuine care and compassion during Galen’s final days.

Regina Koskey

Regina Koskey, 107, Pike Lake, died on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Evergreen Park Assisted Living, Kronenwetter.

She was born on August 3, 1910 in Rosholt, the daughter of the late Theophil (Charlie) and Helen (Cwiklinski) Hoppa. On May 16, 1933, Regina was united in marriage to Joseph Koskey in Bevent. He preceded her in death on December 24, 1977.

Regina was a homemaker and took pride in taking care of her property. She enjoyed raking leaves and mowing lawn. She was a member of St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent.

Survivors include two sons, Joseph (Margie) Koskey, Menomonee Falls, Elroy (Betty) Koskey, Pike Lake; adopted daughter, Beverly (Gary) Rubow, Wausau; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two grandchildren Allan and David, whom she raised; and two brothers, Dominic Hoppa, Kronenwetter, and Richard Hoppa, Weston.
Regina was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 12 brothers and sisters, four daughters, Beverly Wedde, Henrietta Zingler, Christine Koskey, and Marion.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Monday, August 28, 2017 at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. Fr. Augustine Bentil will officiate. Interment will be in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 10AM until the time of Mass at the church.  A Rosary will be recited at 10:10AM.  Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and also at Schmidt & Schulta on Facebook.

Dona Mae Groves

Dona Mae Groves, 84, Birnamwood, died on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Cloverleaf Terrace, Birnamwood, under the care of LeRoyer Hospice.

She was born on July 25, 1933 in Ladysmith, the daughter of the late Alva and Laura (Jones) Clark.

On February 27, 1952, Dona was united in marriage to Orlo Groves in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on March 7, 2013.

Dona was a homemaker and was also a truck driver with her husband for Princl and Lund Trucking. She was a member of Lighthouse Pentecostal Church, Wausau. Dona enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, playing cards, scrabble, crossword puzzles and crocheting.

Survivors include six children, Dean (Cindy) Groves of Hudson, Karen (Friend Paul) Dobbe, Trego, Loralee (Terry Coates) Groves, Coral (Lowell) Boreen all of Wittenberg, Julie (Mick Mathy) Groves of Portage and Jill (Chuck) Davis of Lake Villa, IL; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and four siblings, Don Clark and Carolee Lembke both of Waukesha, Keith (Dawn) Clark of Gilman and Bob (Gerri) Clark of Belle Plaine, MN.

The funeral service will be held at 3PM on Friday, August 25, 2017 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood. Rev. Derrald Hilderbrand will officiate. Visitation will be on Friday from 1PM until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com and at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.